Sunny November 24

Harry's selection as a champion had caused quite a stir at Hogwarts. Many students believed he had cheated, including Ron. Some Slytherins had even gone so far as to create obnoxious badges that flashed "Potter Stinks" whenever Harry walked by.

"What a stupid idea," Joey muttered, glaring at the Slytherins who proudly wore the badges. "Didn't you deal with Malfoy the other day? At least he's not wearing one anymore!" She yanked a badge off a nearby Slytherin's chest.

Joey had beaten Draco's lackeys to a pulp, but she hadn't laid a finger on her cousin. "I don't want him to turn into a lunatic like Shafiq or end up as a Death Eater. That boy's too cowardly to survive as one," she said bluntly.

"No one ends well as a Death Eater," Fred added, his tone serious. "But don't worry, I'll keep an eye on your cousin. George and I have been working on something." He held up one of the badges. "We're going to change the words to 'Potter, I Love You' and add a heart effect. What do you think? Should we make Malfoy wear it?"

Joey imagined the scene and shook her head. "That's too ridiculous. He'd never agree. But…" She grinned mischievously. "I'll find a way to make him wear it."

Fred chuckled. "That's my girl."

Meanwhile, Harry was struggling. After Hagrid had shown him the dragons for the first task, he'd been too nauseated to eat. Hermione, however, was relentless, shoving food at him. "You need to eat, Harry! How else will you have the energy to practice spells?"

"I'll throw up, Hermione. I can't eat!" Harry protested, pushing the plate away.

Ron, sitting with Dean and others, glanced over and sneered. Harry caught the look and glared back. The two boys turned away from each other, their feud still unresolved.

"You two still haven't made up?" Joey asked Harry, surprised. She'd thought their fight wouldn't last more than a few days.

"We're not like you and Fred," Harry grumbled. "Ron's being an idiot."

"Agreed," Fred and George chimed in. "He's not the brightest."

Ron, unaware of his brothers' criticism, was busy arguing with Dean. "Even if Harry put his name in, it's not cheating. He's just better than Fred and George."

Dean scoffed. "Weren't you the one calling him a cheat earlier?"

Ron muttered something under his breath and stormed off, leaving Hermione to pack food for him in a beaded bag. Joey watched with amusement. "Hermione, you're too good to him."

Hermione blushed but ignored the teasing, focusing on stuffing a roast goose into the bag.

Fred smirked. "Joey's just messing with you. She has no idea about your feelings for Ron."

Joey blinked. "Feelings? What feelings?"

Fred laughed. "See? Told you."

Hermione's face turned even redder, and she hurried off, leaving Harry to process what had just been revealed.

Later, Harry waited for Cedric, determined to warn him about the dragons. When Cedric finally appeared, Harry pulled him aside and explained everything. Cedric feigned surprise, though he already knew. He couldn't help but admire Harry's integrity.

---

On November 24th, the day of the first task, the stadium was packed. Sirius, as a major Ministry donor, had secured a seat next to Joey and Fred. He was visibly anxious, muttering about Moody's flying spell and the dangers of the dragons.

"If Moody's spell doesn't work, I'll rip out his fake eye," Sirius growled.

Fred groaned. "Can't you sit somewhere else? We don't need a third wheel."

Sirius ignored him, his attention fixed on Harry, who stunned the crowd with his flying skills and quick thinking. Sirius leapt to his feet, shouting, "That's my godson!"

Joey, caught up in the excitement, nearly tumbled into the arena, but Fred caught her just in time. "Draco's going to have to wear that 'Harry Potter I Love You' badge tomorrow!" she laughed. "He'll have to replace all the Slytherin badges too!"

Fred, unable to resist her enthusiasm, lifted her onto the steps behind them and kissed her passionately. Sirius rolled his eyes, but no one else paid much attention—there were plenty of couples celebrating Harry's success.

---

Meanwhile, a photographer named August was snapping pictures of the event. His colleague, Perry, noticed him staring at Joey and Fred. "Nostalgic, isn't it? Reminds me of my school days," Perry said with a laugh.

August forced a smile. "Yes, youth is enviable." But his expression darkened as he watched Joey and Fred. Suddenly, he clutched his stomach. "I think the cream I ate this morning was bad. I need to find a bathroom!"

Perry watched him hurry off, shaking his head.

---

Later, Joey and Fred were making their way through the castle when Peeves appeared, startling a group of Hufflepuff girls. "Miss Joey! Peeves has something to show you!" the poltergeist cackled, leading them to Myrtle's bathroom.

Inside, they found a few photos scattered near the sink. One was a perfect shot of Joey and Fred kissing. Joey loved it immediately. "Who took this? It's amazing!"

Fred, however, was drawn to another photo—a small golden cup sitting atop a pile of gold coins. On the back, someone had written, "Horcrux has been taken."

"Someone wants us to tell Dumbledore," Fred said, his expression serious.

Joey nodded. "Looks like it's time for another visit to the headmaster's office."