The triwizard cup
“Can you believe it, Karl?” George demanded after Professor McGonagall went through the Triwizard tournament briefing. George was still pissed off after getting rudely told by the Gryffindor year head, and also newly appointed principal about how underaged seventh years like him can’t participate.
“Well, you’re turning 18 in half a month. I bet by the time the tournament comes around, you’d be able to participate. Even if you don’t, I’m sure Professor Flickwit would find a way to make it possible.” Karl said, a bright smile on his face.
George never gets how his best friend can find something positive out of everything. Just being the house prefect isn’t a good enough reason to convince flickwit that he deserves to participate and represent the school. It’s a century old tradition even if they did have to make a few rearrangements after the last incident..
“Well, I heard the last time the tournament was held, someone died. A hufflepuff I think. And Harry Potter almost died too.” Karl whispered into George’s ears and George shuddered. He heard that somewhere before too. And it’s probably true anyhow.
“That’s why they changed the tournament rules idiot. Now, they allow partners. Two students from each house will participate, they’ll pair up and compete against the other two teams. I dunno how that’ll make it safer, but it’ll surely make everything more competitive.”
“McGonagall said it was about giving more opportunities-”
“We both know that’s bs. They just don’t want more people hexing each other this time. That and also house favoritism. My dad got me a ‘Support cedric diggory and potter stinks badge’ from his time in school, bet the teachers were against it so that’s why they don’t want students from the same school fighting one another.”
“Well, are you signing up? I could put your name in for you if you want. You’ll be of age when the triwizard cup picks the competitors, so it’s not like they could say anything.” Karl offered and George thought about it.
“We’ll probably get in loads of trouble for it if the teacher’s do the maths though.”
“It’s not like you’re gonna have a high chance of getting chosen anyways. There are hundreds of students from three school districts participating.” Karl pointed out as he scribbled both their names onto the piece of paper and tossed them into the burning blue cup.
The paper went up in a swoosh of flames, and George swallowed. He has a bad feeling about this…