Hey, hey hey!

None of them were quite recovered from the unwanted confrontation and Ron was obviously very upset up till the point where he almost wanted to return to the tent. It didn't help either when he saw that Circe wasn't affected at all instead she seemed very at peace and was chatting gaily with Fred and Charlie. He moaned and sulked when Charlie laughed loudly at something she had said.

"What is she really doing here anyway?" Ron groaned and he folded his hands. "Why doesn't she just go to the Malfoys?"

"She isn't very welcome there either, Ron." Harry said helplessly. "C'mon, don't let your anger out on her."

"I don't care! Who does she thinks she is, barging into my family and acting like we're related? Did you see the nerve she has, telling that not all Gryffindors are good people."

"Well, technically, she's right." Hermione said quietly.

"Don't get started, Hermione." Ron said, darting an angry stare at her.

"Ron, Circe does have a point. I mean, take Pettigrew for example, isn't he in Gryffindor and look what he's done." Said Harry with a serious look on his face. "And she look straight at me when she said that. It's almost as if..."

"Almost as if what, Harry?" asked Hermione.

"Like she's reminding me." Said Harry. "But let's not talk about this. How long more before the game starts?"

"Dunno. A coupla' seconds, I guess." Ron shrugged.

"Hey...is that...Dobby?" Hermione said as she pointed at a scared, little house elf with a tea towel draped across it like a toga, sitting behind them.

Suddenly, it lifted its head up as though acknowledging his name. "Did miss just call me Dobby?"

When Harry heard the squeaky voice, he knew it wasn't him. "Sorry, we thought you were someone we knew."

"But I is a knowing Dobby too, sir." She said earnestly. Her eyes widened when they rested on his scar, partially covered by his wild fringe. "You is Harry Potter! Dobby is talking a lot about you, sir. My name is Winky."

"Is he doing well?" Harry asked. "How's freedom suiting him?"

Someone laughed and when they both looked up, Circe was coming towards them.

"Oh, miss, this seat is taken!" Winky cried out before Circe could settle next to her. she looked at her with a frown.

"By who?"

"My master, miss." Winky moaned.

"Your master?"

"Yes, miss." She moaned and then turning to Harry again. "I is unlike Dobby. He is wanting work with pay! He is wanting holidays and all!" she said with horror and shame. "Winky is afraid of heighst but my master is telling Winky to save seat for him so Winky is following orders like a true house-elf." She said proudly with her arms folded.

Circe smirked and Harry couldn't tell whether she was belittling the elf. "Dobby is happy, Winky. You should see him, the way he serves me those late night snacks, he's truly happy."

"He's working in Hogwarts?" Harry said incredulously.

"Oh, yea." Circe nodded. "Almost six months now."

"Winky is so shameful for Dobby!" the house elf moaned as she hide her face with the tea towel.

"Well, you gotta see the way he grins when he gets his pay check. Grinning away like it's no one's business." Circe smirked and walked back to her seat and just then, Bagman announced that the Quidditch World Cup was about to began and everyone should be settling in their seat.

"Don't tell mom that we've been gambling, all right?" Fred said as he was counting the money Bagman had given to him and George. "Or she'll go absolutely berserk."

"And we've got big plans for this money." Said George. "We don't want it confiscated."

"What plans?" Circe asked curiously as they were walking back to the tent.

"Tsk, tsk...Big, big plans." Muttered Fred as he was concentrating on separating the coins with the help of his brother. "Remember the joke shop we were talking about before?"

"You're gonna open a joke shop?" Circe said with doubt.

"We're not joking." Said George. "Why do you think we weren't bothered so much about our O.?"

Circe frowned. "How did you know Ireland will win but Bulgaria would get the golden ball?"

"Snitch, Silent One, snitch." Said Fred. "Basic instinct, if you're a good Quidditch player, you can tell what the weakness of a team and each of their individual. Ireland has more talented players but Bulgaria has got the best Seeker in the world. Obviously Bagman missed that."

They were soon caught up in the crowds now flooding out of the stadium and back to their campsite. Raucous singing was borne towards them on the night air as they retraced their steps along the lantern-lit path.

"Well, I've got to go." Circe said. "I'll see you at school, okay?"

"What?" said George, looking up from the coins in the cup of his palms.

"I mean, it's late and I better go back." Circe said with a face as though she was stating the obvious.

"You're not spending the night with us?" said Fred, surprised.

"Me staying a night with the Weasleys?" said Circe before breaking into a laugh. "Are you serious?"

"Well, we're not that bad and mom wouldn't be please if she knew you went back in the middle of the night." Said George. "She'd probably have us haul you back."

"Silent One, we know you're uncomfortable getting close with people but couldn't you just give us a chance?" said Fred with his puppy dog face. "I promise mom would cook us the best breakfast you'd ever have."

Circe shrugged as she watched the other campers laughing and returning to their tent while many others were drunk and dancing with fire whiskey in the hands. The rowdy groups suddenly threw it into a small fire and there was a small explosion and louder singing and shouting.

"You know what?" Circe shrugged and smiled casually, turning back to the twins. "I think I'll stay."

"Great!" George beamed. "Because mom already prepared an extra bunk and it would be insulting if you just skipped back to school."

When everybody reached the tent, nobody was in the mood to sleep but instead, they gathered in front of the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate and talking over and over again about the match. They even had a small Quidditch game among the boys while the girls watched. It wasn't until midnight Mr Weasley finally decided that it was time to turn in. Circe shared the same room with Hermione and Ginny, who surprisingly, was getting on well with her.

"I bet dad is glad that he's not on duty." Said Ginny while they were changing. "I know I wouldn't want to be the one telling the Irish that they should stop celebrating."

"I just hope things don't get to rowdy." Muttered Hermione as she clambered into bed. "Imagine the mess tomorrow morning."

Suddenly, there was a loud pecking and hooting at the window.

"What's that?" cried out Ginny.

Circe shoved her blanket aside and walked towards the window. "It's a letter from a friend of mine." She said with a smile.

"You've been receiving a lot of letters." Murmured Ginny as she watched her untying the letter.

Circe grinned. "I've got a lot of fans. I'll tilt the light down while I read this okay? Goodnight."

It was clear to them that she didn't want to be disturbed so Ginny and Hermione bid her goodnight and slept. It was another letter from Remus and Circe opened it with excitement.

Dear Circe,

Well, surprise, surprise! Someone likes Quidditch. What happened to you? From your last letter, you seemed different. First off, I thought you would try to get into the tournament and you have never showed any interest in the opposite sex. Did you eat something wrong? Are you sure you weren't on drugs while writing your last letter?

Anyway, I'm having a week off since my students are having their holidays so I'm taking a short holiday in Nice with a friend, yes, it is the same friend I mentioned in the last letter. Funny how you can always figure things out but I have nothing to hide, I am seeing someone. In fact, we have been friends for a long time. I'm not going to tell you her name though I'm sure you'd find out soon but if you do, pray don't go teasing her or telling things to her about me.

Yes, the foreign students will stay in Hogwarts throughout the tournament and I daresay you will make all sorts of friends but please, not the wrong ones. If you do not know, Durmstrang is highly recognized for their aptitude in the Dark Arts so I really, really, really hope you stay out of trouble. Don't go showing how good you are in that field, Durmstrangs are very competitive students and the headmaster was once a Death Eater but he gave a few names of Death Eaters in exchange for freedom. Long story but the point is, I don't want you to get hurt.

The tasks are decided by the three headmasters though only those who are involved in the tasks know and they swore to secrecy. Though it isn't a secret that some information had been leaked out before so I wouldn't be surprised if the same thing happens again.

Bertha is indeed in the Department of Magical Games and Sport, though she had been in other departments before due to her short attention span and increasing forgetfulness. I suppose after the World Cup, the ministry might spare a few people to go looking for her or they might portray the wrong attitude to the Wizarding world.

As of right now, Dumbledore is thinking of ways to instil more discipline in you. You should be expecting, perhaps Severus to come and get you back to school where you belong. It's not good to keep intentionally breaking the school rules, Circe. I know you'd probably throw this letter into the fire by the time you get to this part but just bear with me for awhile, one day you will become a mother and until then, you will never understand how hard it is to take care of a child. Really, Circe, aren't you grateful for the care and attention given to you? I know things must have been hard for you in the beginning but is this really the way to show rebellion? But I won't lecture you long, maybe you have already burnt this letter and if I pester any longer, it would just be a waste of time.

Sincerely,

Remus

Ps, Durmstrang boys are not 'hot'.

Circe read it again and again and again and still found it hilarious when she came to the nagging part. She wasn't angry or annoyed nor did she throw the letter into the fire but rather, she found him rather amusing, especially the part where he indicate that she'll be a mother someday. She had to stifle a giggle when she pictured herself with a wailing child, in case it woke Hermione and Ginny.

Dipping her black quill in the inkwell, her mind racked hard, thinking of a reply. As her quill hovered over the empty parchment, a drop of ink splattered on the blank letter. There were faint sounds of people singing and shouting outside the window. Clearly the ministry people had failed to keep the peace tonight and Circe wouldn't blame the Irish for wanting to celebrate hard all night until the sun rises. They deserved it. It was a good game but she didn't dare to admit it to Fred, who would positively gloat about her and possibly drag her to every Quidditch match from then on.

Dear Remus,

Of course I knew you were dating someone, give me a week or two and I will with no difficulties produce a girl's name. Just you wait and see! Oh and I have another surprise for you, I'm spending the night with the Weasleys. Harry and Hermione are with them too. Fancy that, Circe Grace making friends with the people. You must be right; there is something wrong with me.

Durmstrang's headmaster was a Death Eater? This is probably the most delicious information you have ever fed me with! Hahaha, to think another ex-Death Eater in Hogwarts! Do you think Snape will hate to have him around? I mean, he was once a Death Eater to, wasn't he? This is going to be sooo good! Just imagine the drama!

But it wasn't what Circe was so excited about. She already knew one of the task in the Triwizard Tournament would be tampered with and the Cup would be involved, leading Harry and somehow Cedric Diggory to a cemetery. Not to mentioned that the headmasters were the ones who will determine the tasks. As soon as Remus mentioned the Durmstrang headmaster was a Death Eater, she was sure he had something to do with it. Only one thing disturbed her, bailing on your fellow friends to escape from Azkaban isn't exactly the way to show loyalty to your master. Still, this headmaster was already deeply etched in the back of her mind.

Guess what? Ludo Bagman gave me a ticket to the Top Box! Apparently, I'm quite famous in the ministry since that whole duel exam incidence. Anyway, he said something interesting about Bertha Jorkins, that she wasn't always forgetful before. In fact, she was once quite a competent secretary for someone in the Department of Magical Transportation. But Bagman remembered that it was around sometime when she was sent to Bartemius Crouch's house for him to sign some important papers that she began to become very forgetful. I know a few things about Bagman; he's like a boisterous little boy in a body of a man who had too many late night snacks, still he's a nice person. Though, I can't figure out much about this Crouch man, seems like a sneaky man who's up to no good. Did you know he sent his house-elf (I forgot her name but if there wasn't anyone around, I'd probably smack her. She's annoying as hell) up at the Top Box to save his seat but he didn't come up? Not that I care about the squeaking creature but it's good to show that man's attitude.

The noise outside grew louder and rowdier. She tried to shut the noise out as she wrote but there was something odd. When Circe froze to listen to the noise, she realised that the merry singing and drunken rackets were not what she was listening to. She immediately got off her chair and walked towards the window and opened it. The noise was clearer now; it was screams, frightening screams. She could see people running amok and there was large cloud of thick, grey smoke rising up in the sky. There was a strange bright orange glow in a distance as though something was on fire. Suddenly, there was an explosion and louder screams and then another explosion. It wasn't until something a flash of green light flew past her window and struck down a passer-by did she jolt away from the window.

"HERMIONE! GINNY! GET UP!" she shouted as she shook them by their shoulders hard. "C'MON!"

When they finally opened their eyes and looked around groggily, Circe ran out of the tent, ignoring the fact that she was only in a grey tank top and mini shorts. Everything was in chaos. The roaring fire of burning tents were loud and crackling cruelly while people were running into the woods, fleeing from something that was emitting odd flashes of light and noises like gunfire. Loud jeering and shouts of taunting were drifting in the air. As Circe slowly walked further away from the tent, she saw what made her so disgusted.

With the roaring flames, she could see a crowd of hooded wizards with mask, moving forward in tight packs and their wands pointing outwards. Above them, Circe could see clearly now, were four struggling figures flouting in the air and contorted into grotesque shapes as though the masked wizards on the ground were puppeteers and the people above them were marionettes operated by invisible strings. Two of the figures were only children; they were screaming and their face red with fear and crying.

"Circe!"

And she found Fred suddenly by her side and the rest of the Weasleys including Harry and Hermione were behind her. Their faces were struck with horror as they were frozen for a moment by the horrific scene before them.

"That's Mr Roberts, the campsite manager!" Fred said loudly by her ear, trying to fight with the shouts and screams.

One of the marchers now flipped Mrs Roberts upside-down with his wand and her nightdress fell down, revealing her voluminous drawers. She struggled to cover herself as the crowd below her screeched and hooted with glee.

"That's sick." Ron muttered, watching as one of the Muggle children was now spinning like a top, his head limping from side to side. "That is really sick..."

"Alright, children!" Mr Weasley suddenly spoke loudly, taking charge. "We're going to help the Ministry." He said seriously, eyeing Bill, Charlie and Percy. "I told your mother to disapparated already for her own safety while the rest of you lot get into the woods and stick together. I'll come and fetch you when we've sort this out!"

"C'mon, Circe! You heard what dad said." Urged Fred as he grabbed hold of her elbow.

But Circe wriggled out of his grasp. "I'm coming with you!" she said to Mr Weasley with a voice that demanded attention. "You know I can do a lot."

"Circe, I know what you are capable of but these are very dangerous people and –"

"Well, then you should also know that I'm a very dangerous person as well." And with that, she sprinted away towards the oncoming marchers.

"Circe, wait!" cried Fred, running after her only to be blocked off my Bill. "I'm going with her!"

"You will put yourself in danger, Fred!" Bill shouted. "Go and get the rest to safety, I'm counting on you! Go!"

"C'mon, Fred!" cried George, pulling him brother away. "We have to get Ginny away from here!"

Fred turned to look at his sister, whose face was streaming with tears, terrified of the riot. "C'mon, let's go!" he finally said, grabbing his sister's hand, pulling her close and they ran into the woods. Harry, Ron, Hermione and George followed behind.

Circe ran past a mother hugging her child tightly as she fled the area. The marchers broke into smaller packs as they attacked another Muggle running away and some burnt down the Muggles' hut as they went along. A group of Ministry people were already trying to bring down the Roberts but with great difficulty as though they were afraid something might happened and they would fall sixty-feet to the ground. Circe left them be and turned around the corner, targeting on a smaller group of the rioters.

"Circe, we stay together!" Charlie hissed at her neck when he caught up with her. But Circe pretended that she didn't hear him and rushed behind the opposite tent, her eyes never leaving the five wizards tormenting an old man.

"Scared now are you, you old geezer!" one of them said and then there was a scream, followed by cruel laughter.

"Hello." said Circe softly enough to attract their attention as she stepped out from the shadows, revealing herself in the light. "Condolesco!"

And their hands immediately wrapped around their heads and they crawled on the ground writhing in pain. Circe stopped in front of them as Charlie went for the old man, casting a calming spell on him. Soon, he was dozing away.

"Are you nuts?" he shouted. "That was incredibly dangerous!"

"I know." Circe smiled at the five wizards, now unconscious from the pain. "It's all part of the excitement and it increases the level of satisfaction when we actually succeed."

"You are nuts." Charlie said, shaking his head. Laying the elderly man on the ground, he examined his body. "No broken bones, I think it's safe to leave him here for awhile. C'mon, let's go help the others."

He turned back but Circe was gone.

Circe had never felt so much excitement before. She was actually duelling with the real thing and not just with another student for the sake of exams. She could feel the adrenaline rush and enjoyed every minute of it like an addict. Scouring the fields for any other unfortunate victims, Circe smelt the charred woods and other burnt objects. Soon, she was covered with dust, ashes and sweat. Most of the fires have died down by itself or the Ministry people whom Circe thought, was doing a very bad job.

Spotting two hooded wizards taunting a woman, she quietly quickened her pace to the scene. From a distant, she could still hear faint sounds of jeering and shouts demanding help and assistance.

The two wizards throwing jinxes at the woman, who was trying her very, best to outrun them but there was an extra limbs protruding at her sides, causing her to trip and fall down.

"Terra Assurectus!" Circe cried out, causing the wizards to turn around, shifting their attention to her instead. Slowly, large columns of soil rose from the ground, slowly spinning in spirals upwards.

One of them cackled. "And what is a young witch like you doing out here? Aren't you supposed to be with your mommy?" he mimicked a child's voice as they walked slowly towards her. "And what's this fancy charm of yours? I've never heard it before." He carried on teasing her, looking at the pillars of soil on their left and right.

Circe grinned. "For your information, my mother committed suicide when I was twelve." And with a loud swish of her wand, the large columns of soil overthrew them to the ground and muffled their cries. "Try breathing with mud in your mouth." Circe said, cocking her head to aside as she watched them gasping for air.

Suddenly, there was a loud blast and she felt herself being catapulted into the air before landing hard and painfully on the ground. It took awhile before she could open her eyes again but they stung and moistened immediately with the ashes and dust in the air. Her body was covered with heavy cuts and bruises. Her left hand was stinging with pain and she realised she suffered a burn wound on the back of her left palm. There wasn't anyone around as she scouted the area while moving away from the explosion. Feeling dizzy, she cursed for not changing into something that covered more skin.

And then, just a distance away, there was a scrawny figure, standing directly in front of her. But with the glaring fire, she couldn't see his face. But something snapped inside her; she was attacked. She, Circe Riddle, was attacked and it wasn't just a friendly attack, it was an attack meant to cause severe injury. She could have died!

Gripping her wand, she slowly walked towards him, ignoring the pain and bleeding. As she was nearing him, she saw that he wasn't wearing a hood or a mask but still, the distant and the dust in the air obscure his face. The man seemed to know she was coming towards him but made no move. It was like a dare and Circe took it without another thought.

"Relashio!" she screamed, channelling whatever pain she felt to the tip of her wand. A large gust of fire shot out from her wand. She kept the energy strong and going until she allowed it to died down. Ahead, she saw him sprinting away and without losing a moment, she chased after him. They ran for awhile when he stop abruptly and turned behind. A flash of blue sparks came her away but she managed to side-tracked it with her wand and continued the chase.

"Depesius!" she cried but the man ducked to aside and she missed. And cursed.

They were already quite far away from the campsite when suddenly, he stopped, causing Circe to froze too. Slowly, he turned to look at her. The darkness made it impossible to have a good look but Circe swore he was staring straight at her. Her heart beat like a drum as she focused, ready for a counter-curse. But instead, he slowly lifted his wand up, not towards her as she suspected, but towards the night sky.

"MORSMORDRE!" the incantation was loud and clear and Circe stood transfixed when something vast, green and glittering erupted from the patch of darkness in the sky. It took a few seconds for Circe to realised that it was forming a colossal skull, with emeralds for eyes and a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. It rose higher and higher and throughout the field, Circe could hear loud screams and yelling, as though the skull in the sky was widely accept as an omen of death.

She looked ahead for the man who conjured the mark but he was gone. She ran forward anyway.

If you noticed, I'm off the story line a bit. Hope you don't mind. So, what'dya think?

lOVE, Wildreams