Hi! Chapter 2! Hope you enjoy! If you want, let me know what you think. I'll be eternally grateful! :D
Chapter Two- First Impressions
Days turned to weeks as I spent all my time studying, revising and learning. You would think, being a Harry Potter fan and all, I'd be fine just dropping in half way through. But there is so much I don't know. Of course I've got to remember that not everything they do is mentioned otherwise each movie would be an entire year!
Before I knew it, it was the 31st of August, the day before I would leave for Hogwarts. After doing one last check that I had everything I needed for school before settling into bed. However I knew there was no way I would be able to sleep. Tomorrow I would meet Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger... I wonder if they'll like me.
What if they don't! That could ruin the whole mission! How am I supposed to save the Wizarding world if I wasn't even friends with Harry Potter? Supposed 'hero' of the Wizarding world. Well I won't get far with that attitude. He always did just want to be 'just Harry'. So I'll have to just be easy and fun around them all. Just be yourself...
~o!o~
The next morning I woke early after a restless sleep. I rolled over and looked out the window at the large clock. 6:30. Why so early?! Knowing I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep I got up out of bed. After putting on a pair of ripped jeans, a dark blue top and a pair of trainers I made the bed and went downstairs for breakfast.
After buying all the things I needed for school I also had to exchange some Galleons for Pounds and go and buy, a small, but a whole new wardrobe.
I had a full English breakfast and a nice conversation with Tom before heading back upstairs.
I folded all my things and placed them into my trunk, but left out my book, my wand, my robes, my ticket and my Hogwarts letter which I placed into my small blue rucksack.
After placing a featherweight charm on my trunk (I could do magic since I was in a magical building) I slowly made my way downstairs.
Tom and a few other customers that were already downstairs waved goodbye and wished me luck. By this time it was 8:00 so I wasn't worried about being late for when the train leaves at 11. However I knew that Harry and Hermione were at the Burrow so they would all be cutting it fine. At least I could save them a compartment.
After travelling to Kings Cross I found platforms 9 and 10. This was the moment for me. Running through the barrier. I'm pretty sure every Harry Potter fan imagines doing it at least once. I checked for anyone watching first although I'm pretty sure they put some sort of 'Notice me not' charm around the wall.
After a few deep breaths I took a couple of steps back, gave myself a run up and closed my eyes. I ran right into the barrier but didn't feel a thing. I opened my eyes to see a scarlet train slowly pulling into the station. I'm guessing they didn't expect anyone to be here this early.
As the train came to a stop I climbed aboard. Suddenly Professor Flitwick came out of the train.
'Are you Melanie Williams? Professor Dumbledore asked me to ride on the train this time just to make sure everyone got on safely. Do you have your ticket?' he asked.
'Oh yes sir sorry. I am Melanie Williams though I prefer to be called Mel. Here's my ticket.' I pulled my ticket out of my rucksack and gave it to him before climbing aboard the train. I chose a compartment near to the front of the train and sat down. After closing the door and pulling the blind down I sat down to read. I didn't want anyone coming in and filling up the compartment. And if the golden trio are my first friends there's more of a chance that they won't abandon me.
~o!o~
The train's loud whistle pulled me from my book and I looked out the window. I saw a swarm of red heads rushing towards the train. After secretly watching Mrs Weasley say a long goodbye and hurrying them all onto the train I jumped up and went to the door. I pulled up the blind and stuck my head out the door to see Harry, Ron and Hermione looking for a compartment, Fred, George and Ginny gone off to find their friends.
'Hey. You three, do you want to share this compartment?' I asked. I watched as they glanced at each other before following me in. I helped them put their trunks away before sitting down at looking at them properly.
Harry looked exactly the same as Daniel Radcliff; they really had gone the perfect actor for Harry.
Ron was really tall, bright hair and loads of freckles, but slightly more attractive than Rupert Grint was in Goblet of Fire.
Hermione's hair wasn't as bushy as it's always said and her teeth really weren't that big. She was even more beautiful that I imagined though, how it took the boys until fourth year to realise she was a girl astounded me.
'Errr. Hi.' Said Hermione with a small wave. They were all staring at me as if I was mental. Guess I was staring.
'Oh sorry. Yeah hi! I'm Mel. Well my real name is Melanie Williams but I hate the name. I prefer Mel. You are?' I said trying to recover from my stumble. Keep calm Mel. Keep your cool.
'I'm Hermione Granger. This is Ron Weasley and Harry Potter...'
'Nice to meet you all.' I said trying not to overreact. I so wanted to say 'I know who you are!' but I didn't want to make them feel uncomfortable. Especially Harry.
'So I'm guessing you're new here since we haven't seen you before. How old are you? What year are you going to be in?' Hermione asked enthusiastically.
'Yeah I'm new. I was home schooled but...my parents said I had to go to school and so after finally getting in contact with Dumbledore I applied for a place. I'm fourteen so I'm going to be in Fourth Year.' I said looking at the boys. They hadn't said much, didn't they like me?
'Really? We're in Fourth year as well! What electives are you taking?'
'I'm taking Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. I hope the teachers are nice.' I said. Finally Ron spoke up.
'The Care of Magical Creatures teacher is really nice. He's our friend, his named Hagrid. Or Professor Hagrid but we just normally call him Hagrid. Do you like Quidditch?' he asked. I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing. I knew the question would come.
'I've never flown actually. My parents thought it was too dangerous without a professional supervising. I love the idea of flying though, I do run though. I love sports and reading. Those are my main hobbies.' Ron jaw dropped when he heard I hadn't flown before.
I looked over at Harry. He was sitting with his head against the window not saying anything. He looked deep in thought.
'Harry?' I asked and he spun around, 'Sorry to break you from your thoughts. Are you alright? What's going on?'
He sighed before answering, 'What do you know about Voldemort?' Straight into it. Ignoring Ron and Hermione flinching I turned back and answered.
'I know he is..um was an evil wizard who was obsessed with power. I know the only wizard he fears is Albus Dumbledore. I know he has followers called Death Eaters. And I know that he killed your parents.' I said with a sad voice. 'I'm sorry.'
'Don't be. I'm glad you know so much, even if it could be dangerous. One thing you should know is that I'm a danger to be around and if you hang out with us you might even get killed.' He said looking me straight in the eyes.
Emerald eyes met sapphire as I stared him in the face. I could see the surprise on his face as I wasn't scared or worried. I had the look on my face of someone ready for revenge.
'That is absolute crap. No-one and I mean no-one should think themselves a danger. Especially not you. From what I've heard you have done nothing wrong and trouble just seems to find you! You shouldn't be worried about this sort of thing anyway. You're only kid. All of us are! What's the rush to grow up anyway!'
'Well when you've got a murderous madman after you it's kind of hard just to act like everything's alright and just act like a kid.' Harry said turning back to the window.
Hermione looked over at me and mouthed 'later' as if she would explain everything to me later. I hoped that I would be in Gryffindor. It would all go down the drain otherwise.
After a few rounds of Exploding Snap (in which I jumped out my seat several times),
changing into our robes and reading another few chapters of my book we slowly rolled into the station.
We left all our stuff on the train and walked out towards the carriages. After a pretty uneventful journey we dodged Peeves throwing water balloons and made our way towards the Great Hall. I was just about to follow the others in when Professor McGonagall pulled me away from the crowd.
'Melanie Williams?'
I cringed, 'Yes Professor?'
'You're going to be sorted after the First years so could you wait here with me please.' I waved goodbye to the others and went over to stand behind the soaking wet First Years.
As the large door swung open my jaw hit the floor. Movie magic is great but it can't even begin to compare to the real Great Hall. The ceiling rose higher than I could ever imagine and was a perfect reflection of the night sky. Candles hovered above the tables but no wax dripped down. The head table rose above the room with Dumbledore looking graceful and proud above the other teachers.
McGonagall placed the sorting hat on top of the stool and I watched as the brim in the hat opened.
A thousand years or more ago,
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
Whose names are still well known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fin.
They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,
They hatched a daring plan
To educate young sorcerers,
Thus Hogwarts School began.
Now each of these four founders,
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues,
In the ones they had to teach.
By Gryffindor, the bravest were,
Prized far beyond the rest;
For Ravenclaw, the cleverest,
Would always be the best;
For Hufflepuff, hard workers were,
Most worthy of admission;
And power-hungry Slytherin,
Loved those of great ambition.
While still alive they did divide,
Their favourites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones,
When they were dead and gone?
'Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me,
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind,
And tell where you belong!
As I clapped along with everyone else the sorting had already begun. I didn't pay attention though as I was too busy watching Ron, Harry and Hermione. They weren't really talking but Hermione occasionally reaching over to tell the boys to be quiet.
And finally as 'Whitby Kevin' was sorted into Hufflepuff and only I was left I looked at Dumbledore. By this time I could tell everyone in the Hall was leaning over to get a look at me so I gave them a little wave before looking back at a rather amused Dumbledore.
'Now, this year, we have a new student joining our fourth years. Melanie Williams, if you could come to be sorted please.'
The moment had come, I walked towards the sorting hat and before I knew it I was sitting on the tiny stool designed for first years with a giant hat on my head.
'Hhmmm. Melanie... Wasn't expecting to ever sort someone like you... A different dimension ay? No matter. So, smart, witty, rather sarcastic... 'Please Gryffindor, Please Gryffindor.' Gryffindor aye? No I'm pretty sure you'd be better suited in Ravenclaw. 'Maybe that's so and if I was here because I was really magic I would love to be a Ravenclaw but for what I'm here for, I need to be in Gryffindor. Please!' Hmm persuasive. Fine, better be...
'GRYFFINDOR!'
I was greeted by a round of applause, mainly from the Gryffindor table as I removed the hat and walked towards the Red and Gold table. Hermione moved over slightly to make room as I sat between Hermione and Lavender.
After the biggest meal of my life everyone was quiet for Dumbledore as he stood up.
"So!" said Dumbledore, smiling around at them all. "Now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices.
"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it."
The corners of Dumbledore's mouth twitched. He continued, "As ever, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year.
"It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."
"What?" Harry gasped. He looked around at Fred and George, his fellow members of the Quidditch team. They were mouthing soundlessly at Dumbledore, apparently too appalled to speak. Dumbledore went on, "This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy - but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts -"
But at that moment, there was a deafening rumble of thunder and the doors of the Great Hall banged open.
A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff, shrouded in a black travelling cloak. Every head in the Great Hall swivelled toward the stranger, suddenly brightly illuminated by a fork of lightning that flashed across the ceiling. He lowered his hood, shook out a long mane of grizzled, dark gray hair, and then began to walk up toward the teachers' table.
A dull clunk echoed through the Hall on his every other step. He reached the end of the top table, turned right, and limped heavily toward Dumbledore. Another flash of lightning crossed the ceiling. Hermione gasped.
The lightning had thrown the man's face into sharp relief, and it was a face unlike any Harry had ever seen. It looked as though it had been carved out of weathered wood by someone who had only the vaguest idea of what human faces are supposed to look like, and was none too skilled with a chisel. Every inch of skin seemed to be scarred. The mouth looked like a diagonal gash, and a large chunk of the nose was missing. But it was the man's eyes that made him frightening.
One of them was small, dark, and beady. The other was large, round as a coin, and a vivid, electric blue. The blue eye was moving ceaselessly, without blinking, and was rolling up, down, and from side to side, quite independently of the normal eye - and then it rolled right over, pointing into the back of the man's head, so that all they could see was whiteness.
The stranger reached Dumbledore. He stretched out a hand that was as badly scarred
as his face, and Dumbledore shook it, muttering words Harry couldn't hear. He seemed to be making some inquiry of the stranger, who shook his head unsmilingly and replied in an undertone. Dumbledore nodded and gestured the man to the empty seat on his right-hand side.
The stranger sat down, shook his mane of dark gray hair out of his face, pulled a plate of sausages toward him, raised it to what was left of his nose, and sniffed it. He then took a small knife out of his pocket, speared a sausage on the end of it, and began to eat. His normal eye was fixed upon the sausages, but the blue eye was still darting restlessly around in its socket, taking in the Hall and the students.
"May I introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher?" said Dumbledore brightly into the silence. "Professor Moody."
It was usual for new staff members to be greeted with applause, but none of the staff or students clapped except Dumbledore and Hagrid, who both put their hands together and applauded, but the sound echoed dismally into the silence, and they stopped fairly quickly. Everyone else seemed too transfixed by Moody's bizarre appearance to do more than stare at him.
"Moody?" Harry muttered to Ron. "Mad-Eye Moody? The one your dad went to help this morning?"
"Must be," said Ron in a low, awed voice.
"What happened to him?" Hermione whispered. "What happened to his face?"
"Dunno," Ron whispered back, watching Moody with fascination.
Moody seemed totally indifferent to his less-than-warm welcome. Ignoring the jug of pumpkin juice in front of him, he reached again into his travelling cloak, pulled out a hip flask, and took a long draught from it. As he lifted his arm to drink, his cloak was pulled a few inches from the ground, and Harry saw, below the table, several inches of carved wooden leg, ending in a clawed foot.
Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"As I was saying," he said, smiling at the sea of students before him, all of whom were still gazing transfixed at Mad-Eye Moody, "we are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."
"You're JOKING!" said Fred Weasley loudly.
The tension that had filled the Hall ever since Moody's arrival suddenly broke. Nearly
everyone laughed, and Dumbledore chuckled appreciatively. "I am not joking, Mr. Weasley," he said, "though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.
"Er - but maybe this is not the time.. . no. . ." said Dumbledore, "where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament. . . well, some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely.
"The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The schools took it in turns to host the tournament once every five years, and it was generally agreed to be a most excellent way of establishing ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities -until, that is, the death toll mounted so high that the tournament was discontinued."
"Death toll?" Hermione whispered, looking alarmed. But her anxiety did not seem to be shared by the majority of students in the Hall; many of them were whispering excitedly to one another, and Harry himself was far more interested in hearing about the tournament than in worrying about deaths that had happened hundreds of years ago.
"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament," Dumbledore continued, "none of which has been very successful. However, our own departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger.
"The heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Halloween. An impartial judge will decide which students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money."
"I'm going for it!" Fred Weasley hissed down the table, his face lit with enthusiasm at the prospect of such glory and riches. He was not the only person who seemed to be visualizing himself as the Hogwarts champion. At every House table, Harry could see people either gazing raptly at Dumbledore, or else whispering fervently to their neighbours. But then Dumbledore spoke again, and the Hall quieted once more.
"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts," he said,
"The heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on contenders this year. Only students who are of age - that is to say, seventeen years or older - will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration. This" - Dumbledore raised his voice slightly, for several people had made noises of outrage at these words, and the Weasley twins were suddenly looking furious - "is a measure we feel is necessary, given that the tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them. I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion." His light blue eyes twinkled as they flickered over Fred's and George's mutinous faces. "I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen.
"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your whole-hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected. And now, it is late, and I know how important it is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop chop!"
Once Dumbledore had finished speaking everyone filed out of the hall. A few fourth years Gryffindor's patted me on the back and congratulated me.
'So what's the fuss with the Triwizard tournament?' I asked, knowing exactly what the fuss was about.
'The Triwizard Tournament is a magical contest held between the three largest Wizarding schools in Europe: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, each school being represented by one Champion.' Said Hermione, 'Selected Champions compete in three tasks – traditionally judged by the Headmasters or Headmistresses of the competing schools-designed to test magical ability, intelligence and courage. Champions compete for the honour and glory of winning the Tournament and for the Triwizard Cup and a prize of a thousand galleons. The first Tournament was held in 1294. The Tournament is known for being extremely dangerous so it was discontinued after 1792.'
'Wow! It sounds pretty dangerous. I wouldn't think of entering if I were you Ron.'
'Why not! 1000 galleons is a lot of money. We need that kind of money!' Ron said back to me.
'Would you rather die?! It sound pretty serious to me if there is a death toll! A thousand galleons isn't worth death!' I said as we reached the common room. 'Just think about it ok?'
'Fine.'
We all said goodnight as Hermione led me upstairs to where another bed had been added to the girl's dormitory. It had been a long and exciting day, I couldn't wait for tomorrow.