This was written for the Triwizard Tournament in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

My prompts were 3 tarot cards, and I had to write over 600 words (this is 624 long).

CARD 1: THE DEVIL (REVERSED) - The Devil appears when you are feeling trapped by things such as unhealthy or co-dependent relationships, financial debt, unproductive careers, unhealthy lifestyles or addictions, or consumerism and materialism. When the Devil is reversed, it indicates a growing awareness that you are currently in this state and you desire freedom from these harmful bonds. You may now be more willing and able to accept changes in your life and you may be more open to taking on new perspectives. However, it is not going to be an easy journey. You will need to battle your inner fears and anxieties to free yourself from the chains that bind you to your unhealthy habits. You need to conduct an audit of your life and eliminate those things that you know are harmful to you and your inner psyche. It may be about creating a healthier diet, watching less television, quitting smoking, spending more time with your loved ones, or focusing more clearly on your goals. Take this opportunity to bring about positive change in your life by providing yourself with ongoing encouragement and motivation. You must remain faithful to your goal of freedom.

CARD 2: THE HIEROPHANT (UPRIGHT) - The Hierophant is very conventional and this Tarot card suggests that you have a desire to follow due process and to stay within the conventional bounds of what is typically an orthodox approach. Instead of being innovative, you will need to adapt to the existing set of beliefs and systems that are already in place. You will need to do what is expected of you. The appearance of the Hierophant in a Tarot reading indicates that this is certainly not a time to challenge the status quo! The Hierophant Tarot card suggests that you may be wise to follow established social structures and traditions. You may be involved in some sort of ritual, ceremony, or the trappings of religion. There is also a need to honour some tradition in your life, or maybe start some traditions of your own if you have none. Consider also exploring your spiritual or religious heritage.

CARD 3: THE EMPEROR (UPRIGHT) - The Emperor is the father figure of the Tarot deck. He is the 'provider' and protects and defends his loved ones. He has established a solid family line and is often seen as the patriarch of a wide network of family members. He offers guidance, advice and wisdom to others and in doing so, demonstrates authority and grounding. His wisdom is obtained through worldly, life experience. He has 'been there, done that', and has the battle armour to prove it. He takes what he has learned, and passes it on to the next generation, so someday they can be as wise and powerful as he is. He brings security and comfort to those around him. The Emperor is also representative of structure and stability. He is able to create order out of chaos by carefully categorising his thoughts and mapping out what needs to be done to solve the problem. He is a systematic and strategic thinker and is highly organised and coordinated in his approach. He sticks to a plan and ensures he sees it out until the end. Thus, this card indicates that you have a strong desire to see your ideas manifested on the physical plane in the form of material gain or accomplishment. An opportunity will arrive that could be the foundation of a very successful future.

Also, thanks to Shane (NightmarePrince) for making me ship Dramione.

After All, Opposites Attract

She couldn't stay like this – with him.

Oh god, how much she loved him. But it was like fire, and he burned up everything in his path. She was ice, and even pretending to be his ideal match made her melt.

Everyone always said that opposites attract, but since when had they ever said that it could kill you?

"You really feel that strongly towards him?"

She nodded, drinking her coffee down and wincing at the taste that it carried without sugar to sweeten. But it gave her an edge, and that's what she needed more than a nice-tasting drink right now.

"'Mione," Hermione flinched at the nickname that she had always hated. "You can't go on like this."

"I have to!" Hermione flushed, bringing her lips to the mug's rim again. "I really have to. You don't know how strict my parents are about this kind of thing."

"What is it with you and following traditions?" Ginny sighed, leaning backwards, her head hitting the headrest of the seat with a muted thump. "And why have you come to me, of all people?"

"You got out of three relationships." Hermione sighed, running a hand through her frizzy hair. "How… How did you do it? I feel bad when I wake up and see him next to me, and even worse when I get home and Ron and Harry don't suspect a thing. What would they say?"

Ginny watched her friend for a second, pity evident in her eyes. She swung her right leg over her left and rested her head on her hand. "Your parents would want you to pursue an actual concrete relationship with Malf- Draco."

Hermione nodded in return, dropping her gaze down to her coffee and swirling the dregs around with her pinkie finger. "What do I do?"

"Have you talked to Draco about it?"

Hermione laughed derisively, with a deft shake of the head. "Who do you take me for? He wants a fuck buddy Gin, nothing more. He's pissed about his engagement to Astoria Greengrass. Feelings and talking don't come into the equation."

"Please, Hermione." At least she could bring herself to use my proper name this time. "Just talk to Malfoy- Draco, I mean. He must like you at least a little to come to this… This arrangement with you. He can't just… Snub you! Or throw you off!"

Who does she think we're talking about? Harry? If she were in this position with Harry, then Harry would do whatever she asked. It isn't this simple.

Hermione bit her tongue. "He could if he wanted to." She said curtly, finishing up the coffee. "And as soon as he's married, these little... Rendezvous won't happen anymore."

"You really love him, don't you?"

Hermione swallowed down a sob, and nodded, looking down once more, studying the patterns in the carpet. "I thought a long time ago that I loved Ron." She admitted, gesturing a little with her hands. "But then I realised that we were just friends, and that's all it could ever be without getting weird. I was more than happy to accept Draco's proposal. When he asked me, but it got…" It went too far.

The sofa sagged a little more as Ginny sat next to her friend, and an arm wrapped around Hermione's shoulders. "You're going to tell Harry and Ron." She said quietly. "You're going to walk out of this room, and tell them everything. Then we're all going to Flourish and Blotts, and you are going to tell Draco Malfoy how you feel about him. Okay?"

"I can't." Hermione answered hopelessly. "I can't see him anymore."

"Don't be stupid." Ginny said sharply, in the manner of her mother. "Hermione Jean Granger, go. Now!"