Izzy arrived at Hogwarts just as the Hogwarts Express was pulling into the station. She Apparated to a spot just outside the platform, causing a few startled first-years to jump back in surprise as they peered through the windows. She couldn't help but smile at their wide-eyed expressions, remembering her own first day at Hogwarts.
With the familiar warmth of nostalgia and anticipation in her heart, she headed towards the carriages. This year, she could clearly see the Thestrals pulling them—a grim reminder of the lives she had taken over the summer. The Thestrals, skeletal and eerie, gazed at her with their penetrating eyes as she approached them.
"Hello there," Izzy murmured, reaching out to pet one of the Thestrals. Its leathery hide felt cool under her fingers, and she found a strange comfort in the creature's presence. They were misunderstood, much like herself, and their solemn, patient demeanor was a soothing counterpoint to the chaos of her thoughts.
She waited by the carriages, watching as students began to disembark from the train. Her eyes scanned the crowd for familiar faces, particularly Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the twins. The excitement of the returning students was infectious, and despite the dark times they were in, the energy of Hogwarts' start-of-term filled the air with a buzz of hope and possibility.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione emerged from the train, engaged in animated conversation. Harry spotted her first and waved, a broad smile lighting up his face. Izzy waved back, feeling a warm sense of belonging.
Fred and George were not far behind, their eyes twinkling with mischief as they caught sight of her. "Oi, Izzy!" Fred called, weaving through the crowd towards her. "Planning any grand entrances this year?"
"Or maybe a few pranks of your own?" George added, winking.
Izzy chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll leave the grand entrances to you two. I'm just here to make sure you don't get into too much trouble."
The group gathered around the Thestrals, with Ron eyeing the creatures warily. "I still can't believe you can see these things," he muttered.
"They're not so bad," Izzy said gently, still petting the Thestral. "They just need a bit of understanding."
Hermione looked thoughtful. "It's fascinating how different our perspectives can be, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Harry agreed, looking at the Thestrals with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "They remind us of what we've been through."
As they climbed into the carriage, Izzy felt a mix of emotions. She was glad to be back at Hogwarts, but the weight of her responsibilities and the knowledge of what she had done over the summer lingered in her mind. The Thestrals pulled the carriage smoothly, their silent strength a comforting presence.
Izzy glanced around at her friends, their faces reflecting the same blend of excitement and apprehension that she felt. They had all grown so much over the past year, and she knew that the coming term would bring its own set of challenges and triumphs.
As the castle loomed closer, its towers and turrets bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, Izzy took a deep breath. She was ready for whatever lay ahead, determined to make her mark and to support her friends in the battles to come. The path she had chosen was fraught with danger, but she faced it with the unwavering resolve that had come to define her.
They arrived at the castle, the warm glow of the Great Hall spilling out into the courtyard. Izzy led the way inside, her thoughts turning to the new term and the plans she had made. There was much to do, and she was ready to face it all with the strength and determination that had carried her through so much already.
The Great Hall was abuzz with excitement as students from all four houses gathered for the start-of-term feast. The enchanted ceiling reflected the stormy night sky outside, with flashes of lightning illuminating the dark clouds. The long tables were laden with delicious food, but the real anticipation was for the announcements that would set the tone for the year ahead.
Izzy sat with her fellow Slytherins, her eyes scanning the room. The buzz of conversation was punctuated by bursts of laughter and excited whispers. She noticed Harry, Ron, and Hermione at the Gryffindor table, their heads close together as they talked animatedly. Fred and George were further down, already plotting their next prank, no doubt.
The chatter died down as Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat at the head table, his presence commanding immediate attention. He looked out over the assembled students, his eyes twinkling with a mix of wisdom and mischief.
"Good evening, everyone," Dumbledore began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the hall. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Before we begin our feast, I have a few announcements to make."
A hush fell over the hall, every eye fixed on the headmaster.
"First, I am pleased to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody."
There was a ripple of murmurs and whispers as a grizzled, scarred man with a magical eye that swiveled in its socket stood up. He gave a curt nod, and Izzy could feel the intensity of his gaze even from across the hall. She had heard stories about Mad-Eye Moody, and his reputation as a formidable Auror preceded him.
Dumbledore continued, "Professor Moody brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our school, and I trust you will all learn a great deal from him."
Moody sat down, his magical eye still roving over the students, making many of them shift uncomfortably in their seats.
"And now," Dumbledore said, a note of excitement creeping into his voice, "I have an announcement that I am sure will generate considerable interest. This year, Hogwarts will be hosting a very special event—the Triwizard Tournament."
The Great Hall erupted in a chorus of gasps and exclamations. Izzy felt a thrill of excitement shoot through her. The Triwizard Tournament was legendary, a competition that tested the courage, intelligence, and magical prowess of its participants.
Dumbledore raised a hand to calm the students. "For those of you who may not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools—Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang—in a series of magical contests. Each school will select a champion to compete in these tasks, which are designed to test the champions to their limits."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "The selection of the champions will be overseen by the impartial Goblet of Fire. Only those who are of age—seventeen or older—will be eligible to put their names forward for consideration."
A wave of murmurs swept through the hall, with younger students expressing their disappointment and older students exchanging excited glances.
"The Tournament is a dangerous undertaking," Dumbledore continued, his tone serious. "But it is also a chance for glory and honor. I urge all those who wish to participate to think carefully before putting their names forward. The tasks ahead will be challenging, but they will also offer the opportunity for great personal growth."
With that, he raised his goblet. "To a year of excitement, learning, and camaraderie. Let the feast begin!"
The plates on the tables magically filled with food, and the hall erupted into conversation once more. Izzy glanced around, her mind racing with the possibilities. The Triwizard Tournament was a rare and prestigious event, and she was eager to see who would be chosen as Hogwarts' champion.
As the feast continued, Izzy's thoughts turned to her own ambitions and the challenges that lay ahead. She was determined to make this year count, to push her limits and prove herself in ways that would leave a lasting mark. The Triwizard Tournament was just the beginning, and she was ready for whatever came next.
Later that night, as the castle settled into a quiet hum of activity, Izzy made her way to the Great Hall again. The enchanted sky now displayed a serene, starry night, a stark contrast to the stormy weather earlier. The hall was mostly empty, save for a few stragglers and the ever-watchful staff.
She approached the Goblet of Fire, its blue flames dancing and casting an ethereal glow. Izzy took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She had barely met the age requirement, but she was confident in her abilities. This was her chance to shine, to prove herself beyond the shadows of her family's past.
Just as she was about to drop her name into the goblet, she noticed Cedric Diggory approaching. He looked up, spotting her, and gave a friendly nod.
"Izzy," he greeted, his tone warm. "Thinking of entering?"
She nodded, a determined look in her eyes. "Yes, Cedric. I think it's time for me to step into the spotlight."
Cedric smiled, though there was a hint of resignation in his expression. "Well, best of luck. I'm sure you'll do great."
Izzy appreciated his support, though she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. She knew Cedric had a strong chance of being chosen as well. "Thank you, Cedric. And good luck to you too."
With a final glance at the Goblet of Fire, she dropped her name into the flames, watching as it was consumed and accepted. The decision had been made, and now all that was left was to wait.