The Goblet's choice
The Goblet shone with bright blue flames, ready to reveal the name of the Hogwarts champion.
A piece of parchment rose from the Goblet and Dumbledore snatched it out of thin air.
Opening it, he moved to read the name
In another world the words ‘Cedric Diggory’ would resonate through the Great Hall, closely followed by cheers and clapping.
In another world the Goblet senses Cedric’s determination to be the perfect son his father wanted him to be and chooses a black and yellow champion.
But in this world the Goblet watches as the names are placed in and while considering them, another name catches its attention. A name full of ambition and cunning, a name that comes from the House of resourceful and clever people.
Someone who wants to WIN.
And it chooses him.
In this world what Dumbledore reads outloud is
“Cassius Warrington”
And the Great Hall descends into chaos.
Slytherins cheer, Gryffindors boo and Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs whisper between themselves, some following the red-clad table’s lead, the guest students starting to clap politely but trailing off when they see the others’ reactions.
In the middle of all of this, Cassius Warrington gets to his feet.
He walks, more like strolls, towards the Head Table, ignoring the whispers and the shouts coming from other tables.
“We don’t want a Slytherin champion!” shouts a Gryffindor, but Cassius doesn’t pay them any mind, focusing on his Head of House, who gives him a nod of approval.
He ears a Ravenclaw asking for the names to be placed in once again, give it another try.
But Cassius is a Slytherin, he doesn’t care.
First years who join their House are booed at the Sorting, insults are thrown their way in the corridors and everyone treats them like they all have the Dark Mark on their forearm.
He’s used to it.
So Cassius ignores everyone’s reaction, focuses on the cheers coming from his House (his family, because Slytherins protect their own) and enters the backroom, shaking hands with Krum and bowing politely to Miss Delacour.
He catches the glimmer in both their eyes and internally smirks.
This is going to be a challenge.
But Cassius’ a Slytherin (he’s ambitious, not evil).
He plays to win.