Chapter 28: Reflections Across the Veil and the Goblet of Fire
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The final leaves of October danced across the spires and grounds of Hogwarts, tinged gold and crimson by the chill winds of the changing season. Inside the ancient stone corridors of the school, warmth crackled in fireplaces and excitement buzzed in the air. For Harrison Strange Potter, now a sixth-year and unofficial guardian of many secrets, the week held both the mundane and the extraordinary.
Mirrors of Connection
At the sprawling ancestral estate of the Potters, Penelope Clearwater sat in the castle library, a tome of ancient magical law in her lap. Her serene concentration was broken by the flutter of owl wings as a delivery arrived.
A familiar tawny owl landed on the window ledge with two packages. One bore Harry's name and the other was marked for Harrison, Clarissa, and Penelope. They opened their parcels simultaneously—two elegant, rune-inscribed hand mirrors, encased in dragonhide and bespelled with secure communication enchantments.
A note from Sirius Black accompanied them:
> "These mirrors were originally used by the Marauders during our school years, but I've upgraded them. The first is a two-way mirror between Harry and me, and the second is a trio link between you three—Harrison, Clarissa, and Penelope. Use them well. Keep each other safe. –Sirius."
When Penelope activated hers, it shimmered before Harrison and Clarissa's mirrors lit up in Hogwarts.
"Harrison," Penelope smiled from her side, "I miss you both already."
"We miss you too," Clarissa answered warmly, her red eyes softening.
"Don't let the library consume you," Harrison teased, though his own eyes reflected a glint of relief at hearing her voice.
This new means of staying connected was more than convenient—it was comfort.
An Arrival Like No Other
The night before Halloween was always special, but this year it promised even more as Hogwarts prepared for the arrival of foreign guests. Banners were strung, torches lit, and the students buzzed with rumors and bets.
Around mid-afternoon, the sound of hooves against air heralded the Beauxbatons carriage—a giant palomino-drawn masterpiece, descending onto the Hogwarts grounds like a royal procession. From within stepped Madame Maxime and her elegantly dressed students, all graceful and poised.
Only minutes later, the Great Lake began to churn violently. A ship emerged, ethereal and sleek, propelled by old magic. Durmstrang had arrived. Leading them was the formidable Professor Karkaroff, flanked by his stern students.
Among the Durmstrang party were several duelists from the under-17 European Dueling Tournament—some still bore minor scars from their defeat by Harrison.
Viktor Taranov, tall and stoic, exchanged a respectful nod with Harrison. Fleur Delacour, still salty from her loss, glanced over with a flippant toss of her silver hair. The tension between them remained tangible.
Inside the Entrance Hall, Harry was amazed by the grandeur of the arrivals.
"Looks like they brought an army," Ron muttered.
"I'm more interested in that ship," Hermione said, wide-eyed. "How is it even afloat?"
Fred elbowed George. "Hope they don't mistake us for part of the feast."
"Speak for yourself," George winked. "I plan to impress a Beauxbatons girl tonight."
The entire student body was ushered into the Great Hall, where four house tables had been pushed to the sides, replaced by a single, long table at the center—uniting Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons.
The Goblet of Fire
After a grand meal that rivaled any in the school's history, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore rose from his place at the central dais. His presence immediately commanded silence.
"As many of you now know," he began, "Hogwarts has the distinct honor of hosting the Triwizard Tournament."
Excited whispers rippled through the hall.
Dumbledore gestured toward a simple stone pedestal that had been placed before the staff table. Resting upon it was an age-old wooden cup, glowing with a gentle blue flame.
"This," he said, "is the Goblet of Fire. For the next 24 hours, it will accept the names of those who wish to compete. Only those over the age of seventeen may apply. The Goblet itself will judge who is most worthy to represent each school."
The blue flames flickered higher for a moment, casting dancing shadows on the faces of the students.
Clarissa leaned toward Harrison. "Are you going to put your name in?"
Harrison chuckled softly. "I've already had my fill of tournaments for now."
From across the room, Fleur sent him a glare as though she'd heard that.
"I wonder who will be chosen," Daphne whispered to Harry.
"Hopefully not someone I have to duel," Harry murmured.
The excitement was palpable. Older students immediately began whispering strategies, some plotting elaborate methods to bypass the age line. Harrison watched with quiet amusement.
At the Ravenclaw table, Cho Chang and Penelope's younger sister Cassia were already taking bets.
"I think Viktor's a shoo-in," said Seamus Finnigan.
"Nah," said Lee Jordan from Gryffindor. "Bet you Taranov's going to have a problem with some of the Beauxbatons guys."
And indeed, the air around the Goblet shimmered with potential.
As the feast concluded, Dumbledore raised his hand once more.
"Tomorrow evening, the Goblet will make its selection. Until then, let wisdom guide your choices."
Unspoken Words
That night in the Gryffindor common room, Harry stared at the mirror Sirius had sent. It shimmered once and he saw his godfather's grinning face.
"Hey, kid," Sirius said. "Big year, huh?"
"Yeah," Harry admitted. "Something tells me it's going to get crazier."
"You've got this. And if you ever need me—just call."
Harry smiled and whispered, "Thanks, Sirius."
In another part of the castle, Harrison, Clarissa, and Penelope spoke quietly through their mirror.
"I miss being with you," Penelope whispered.
"You're still with us," Clarissa said.
Harrison nodded. "Always."
Outside, the stars glimmered above the castle turrets, and inside, the flames of hope, competition, and quiet longing danced within the hearts of Hogwarts' most remarkable students.
And somewhere, beyond the veil of fire, destiny waited.