Year Four: The Goblet of Fire

The three magical schools of Europe compete for eternal glory in the form of the Triwizard Tournament. Death Eaters are rising, gathering followers to join Voldemort. Dark times are approaching, threatening everything Marie loves. It's time for bravery. To be the light in terrible darkness...

Chapter One-France and Bulgaria

There was a sudden flash of green light and the fourteen year old girl woke up with a start. Her labored breathing sounded especially loud in the quiet house, the rest of the residing family still asleep. She looked about, trying to recognize where she was, skittish and still disoriented. Sweat drenched her and she tugged off her sweater, she had fallen asleep with it on again, and tossed it to the end of her bed. Her heart was still pounding, threatening to beat out of her chest.

She couldn't remember much of the dream, only that there was an old man screaming, a giant snake, and that terrible green light. She doubled over, her head pounding and burning all at once.

"...As for the protection surrounding Harry Potter, I believe my plan will be effective. All that is needed is a little courage from you, Wormtail, courage you will find unless you wish to feel the full extent of Lord Voldemort's wrath..."

Scrambling, she ran to the bathroom and dropped to her knees in front of the toilet, gagging. After a few moments of nothing, she tried to calm down, body clammy and shaking. Using the nearby counter as support, she pulled herself upright and stared hard at her reflection, doing her best to settle her strangely frayed nerves.

Marie Rogue's image looked back at her. Distinctively bright green eyes stared, able to be seen despite her long black hair that was a right fright due to her sleeping. Unruly waves and curls, bangs sticking up at weird parts as well as sticking to her skin thanks to the sweat. She was still a thin, petite girl as always, but her angles weren't as sharp, rounding out. Narcissa Malfoy was diligent on making sure the girl was eating at meal times, which was a fair concern to have. Marie had a terrible knack for ignoring her body's needs when she got caught up with school work or whatever trouble she managed to get into that year. No doubt that Draco told his mother, and she was thankful.

The Malfoy family took her in after the trauma that had occurred last summer. She had been hidden at the scene, her guardians fighting. Remus Lupin had missed his potion and transformed into a werewolf without his sense of self. Tess Andrews, Head of the Auror Office of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (commonly called the Captain, the Head of Defense), she had been fighting back, trying to subdue him without seriously hurting him. Unfortunately, their encounter had taken too long and she had taken too many critical hits. Tess managed to bind Remus, but lost her life in the process, securing Marie's safety within the pantry by placing her failing body as a block in front of the door. Instead of being sent to some home, or pawned off on Tess' Muggle family, the Malfoys stepped in, taking her under their wing.

She truly was grateful.

The sun was coming up, the faint light filtering into the bathroom. Splashing some water on her face to wash away the lingering terror from the dream she took a deep breath and decided to get ready for her day.

Now, it was the summer holiday and as much as Marie liked the Malfoy family, she couldn't help it. She was bored. They were very formal, orderly, and everything had its place. It was a strange kind of quiet living. With Tess, she usually had some strange training she would run through with the girl, such as hiking, obstacles, or other odd events the Captain would promise to be useful later in life. Then with Remus, she worked at the robe shop for a little spare money. Against Draco's protest, she had returned to her post at Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions in Diagon Alley. She loved the hustle and bustle of the wizarding shops, the people that were about and the things she would see.

"I think I would like to run a shop when I'm older," spoke up Marie, sweeping by the door as she glanced out the shop window.

"Really now?" smiled Madame Malkin, dressed in her usual mauve. "And just what would you sell?"

She pondered for a moment, sweeping an already clean spot absently. "I'm not sure. Books? Maybe tea?"

"That sounds lovely. I'll be sure to visit if you ever open a book-tea shop," she promised. The two shared a laugh, the store currently empty. They weren't exactly as busy as the rest of the Alley. Wisecacre's Wizarding Equipment was especially busy as everyone prepared for the Quidditch World Cup that was playing the next day.

"Are you going to watch the World Cup?" asked Madame Malkin, straightening the robes with a smart flick of her wand. "My son's taking his two boys and they've been camping at the site all week."

"Yes," chirped Marie, excitement obvious. "We're leaving early tomorrow. It should be a good match, I think. Ireland's Chasers are very impressive, so I can't wait to see them play in person-and I've heard the only proper way to see their plays is by Omnioculars, when you can slow down their speed!" The older woman gave a soft laugh at her enthusiasm, tucking a white strand of hair away from her eyes. Fishing a delicate watch from her pocket, she opened it with a press of a knob and sighed at the time.

"Well, Marie, I believe that's enough for today," she decided. "We're not very busy, so you may leave." Taking off her apron and placing it on its proper hook, she pulled her messenger body across her body.

"Would you like me to get you a drink or anything, Madame? I'm going over to Flourish and Blotts for a bit, so it wouldn't be any trouble, really," she offered. She smiled at the girl who was growing up to be a young lady. She remembered when she was so small, barely able to reach across the counter, and now she was going into her fourth year at Hogwarts, almost a properly licensed witch.

"That would be lovely, dear. A tea would be fine," she accepted. With a chime of the door's bell, she set out to retrieve the beverage.

It didn't take too long for the errand to be complete and Marie was on her way to the bookstore. She took her time, stopping by other store windows and waving to people she recognized. The noise and chatter of Diagon Alley was always something she enjoyed. She appreciated quiet, living with Remus it was impossible to not appreciate a good quiet spell, but then there was Tess and Diagon Alley, the opposite end of the spectrum. It was gorgeous colors, mismatched awnings, and everyone talked to everyone as if they knew them. She just loved the atmosphere, the warmth. Of course, it got a little out of hand as anything does, but even that couldn't tamper with her fondness.

Flourish and Blotts was the main book shop in Diagon Alley. Marie spent a great deal of time wandering through the mazes of book after she finished working at Madame Malkin's. The door rang a small bell as she stepped inside, waving to the manager who noticed her. She began her usual stroll, fingertips trailing across the spines. Sidestepping a tower of books on the floor, she moved toward the center of the store where they had a display set up for all to see of a newly released book. Curious, Marie picked up the scarlet book, gold ink dashing the cover.

The Captain:

A Biography of Tess Andrews

Stunned, she almost dropped the book due to her surprise. Upon opening the cover, she was presented with a young photograph of Tess dressed in her usual pinstripe slacks and wearing her oddly heavy Auror coat. It was her proper picture from the Ministry. She was carefully neutral, hands behind her back, shoulders squared and feet stanced apart. Though there was a certain shine to her blue eyes. That she was not to be trifled with. Forgetting how to breathe, she closed the cover to look for the author's name.

Written by: Mei Fang

"E-excuse me," stammered Marie, looking about the display. She found a nearby table where a woman was writing, her head down. "Excuse me, but do you know anything about this author, um, Mei Fang?"

The woman looked up and gave a small smile. She had long ink black hair that fell like silk around her shoulders. Part of it was tied up in a messy, yet exact, bun where a silver pin seemed to keep everything in place. She was a gorgeous oriental woman who regarded her with cool light brown eyes. Marie was suddenly very self conscious of her own rebellious hair.

"Zat would be me," she answered, French accent slipping into her English, "'ow may I 'elp you?"

"Oh, sorry," apologized Marie, cheeks burning pink. "I-I had just noticed your book on the display, and I wanted to ask how you knew Tess?" She arched a brow at the informal title and studied the girl for a moment longer. Soon, a smile graced her features.

"Ah yes, I know exactly who you are," she said. "You are Marie Rogue, yes?"

Marie looked about quickly to see if anyone was noticing the strange event that was occurring. She looked back at the woman, now holding the book to her chest, a little wary.

"Yes, that's me," she answered slowly. "How do you know who I am?" She gave a delicate laugh. With a wave of her hand, she summoned a chair for Marie's side of the table.

"Sit. I suspect we 'ave much to discuss," she offered. Gingerly, Marie took the seat. "I know who you are as Tess spoke of you often. Your eyes are very distinctive."

"She spoke to you about me?" Marie asked, confusion evident. "Did you work together?"

She laughed again, though not impolite. "No, no. We did not work together. We met through ze Tournament, back when we were in school. We 'ave kept in touch since zen, of course." The girl's face betrayed her confusion. Mei Fang looked mildly concerned.

"Did she not tell you of ze Tournament?" she asked. Marie shook her head.

"What Tournament?" She gave huffed, as if she was not too thrown by the lack of information.

"Of course, after ze years she still keeps 'er success to 'erself," she tutted. "Are you aware of ze Triwizard Tournament? Of what it is?" Marie thought for a moment, trying to rack her brain for information. Maybe she had heard it in passing somewhere? A reference in one of her books?

"Maybe?" the Slytherin tried. "I think so, but isn't that from ages ago? I thought it was discontinued?" There was a sneaky glint to her brown eyes as she leaned forward, hands clasped nicely on the table.

"It was. Zey started to bring it back as it was a very popular event, but zey needed a trial to see if it was safe enough to bring back. A Tournament took place during our time at school where Tess and I were two of ze three Champions, ze selected student to represent our school. Tess for 'Ogwarts, and myself for Beauxbaton," she explained. "Ours took place at Durmstrang, the previous victor of ze Tournament. I have not been back since. I cannot stand ze cold."

"I hope you are not putting bad things in your book about Dumstrang, Mei." A low voice rumbled, startling the two. Marie looked up to see a a large man with very broad shoulders towering over them. Despite his fearful voice, a smile could be seen which diffused the alarm the girl first felt. Mei rose from her seat gracefully and hugged the man, looking like a mere breath of a thing next to him.

"I did not know you were 'ere!" gasped Mei. "I zought you were still in Bulgaria?"

His chuckle rumbled again, making Marie smile in response. "I vas here on Quidditch business. Our match is tomorrow, you know. I suspect victory for Bulgaria, of course." He had his own accent, very heavy but it suited his appearance well.

"That's if they can outscore Ireland," Marie heard herself speak out. The two adults looked at her and she blushed, embarrassed by her outburst. The man's close trimmed beard twitched before he gave a guffaw of a laugh.

"Very true! You are right, I'm afraid. Hopefully Victor Krum vill be fast enough for us." He held out his large paw of a hand and she jumped to her feet before shaking in a proper introduction.

"My name is Aleksander Bolokov," he said. Mei quickly added on to his title.

"And he was ze Champion for Durmstrang during our Tournament."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Bolokov. I'm Marie Rogue," she said, fingers numb from his grip. He looked at her for a moment, stunned. He glanced back at Mei, who nodded to his unasked question.

"You are Tess' daughter then?" he asked. Marie blushed a new shade of pink. People usually addressed her as the Captain's "girl". Daughter was a title she rarely received.

"Yes sir." She couldn't help but notice that he look very sad at the fact. There was a certain way he said the Captain's name. Softer.

"I was just explaining ze Tournament to 'er," informed Mei, smoothing out her deep violet dress. "Tess never told 'er. You know 'ow she is."

He agreed, giving a groan. "Tess vas too modest for her own good. Vas never one for too much focus. Do you remember? Reporters could not get her to talk much." Mei gave a laugh at the memory.

"Yes, and it wasn't a problem since you did all ze talking if I remember," she teased.

Marie couldn't help but smile as she listened to the two chat and banter. These were some of Tess' friends, outside of her Marauder group, the beautiful Mei Fang and the burly Aleksander Bolokov. Such differences, it wasn't strange as to why Tess kept in contact. Though it was very odd that Marie never heard of them before. Well, if she really thought about it, she actually didn't know too much about Tess. Her personal life. Any romantic relationships. Had Tess been in love with anyone before?

"Here you are," spoke up Mei, returning her copy now officially signed. "No charge."

"Oh, thank you," she said, looking at the elegant script inside. Aleksander turned his focus to her, making her stand up straighter.

"Are you going to the Vorld Cup?" he asked. She nodded, eyes brightening.

"Absolutely!" He grinned and shook her hand once more.

"Vell then, I vish you luck for your team and apologies vhen Bulgaria is victorious," he teased. She laughed at his jest, holding the book close.

"We'll see about that," she promised.


REVIEW!

Yes, first chapter is typed! We get a little variety and a blast from Tess' past! So much to do, my head is spinning, yikes!

Your input would be lovely, thoughts, opinions on pairings, the usual fun stuff. Please review!

The Quidditch World Cup is up next!

I hope you enjoy The Goblet of Fire!