Beauxbatons and Durmstrang

DADA lessons didn't get any easier after their first encounter with Mad-Eye-Moody. The insane man announced that he'd be placing each and every student under the Imperius Curse, to demonstrate its power and see whether they could resist its effects. Hermione was the first one against it. She'd protested endlessly that it was illegal and a Professor certainly shouldn't be performing it on a student. Lavender surprisingly backed Hermione up on her argument, suggesting they hand in an extremely detailed twenty-thousand word essay instead.
"Dumbledore wants you taught what it feels like." Was Professor Moody's answer, much to everyone's dismay. "If you'd rather learn the hard way, when someone's putting it on you so they can control you completely, fine by me. You're excused, off you go."
Jessica watched Hermione, suspiciously. A part of her almost expected her friend to get up from her seat and leave the classroom. She was quite disappointed when Hermione remained seated and buried her head in defeat. Jessica glanced back at Professor Moody and frowned. There was no way she was going to do this. So, perhaps it was a good idea to know what it felt like, in case it ever happened, but with everything that's happened recently, she didn't want anything to do with the curses. Without thinking her actions through, she stood from her spot, earning a glare from Professor Moody, who was in mid speech, and set off toward the door.
"If you wish to go to the toilet, Miss Selwyn, you should ask first." Professor Moody said, slightly irritated.
"Sorry, Professor, but I refuse to sit through this lesson."

Jessica didn't have to be a genius to figure out she'd be in trouble later, but she decided to test her luck and headed toward Dumbledore's office – and Professor McGonagall happened to be just outside.
"Shouldn't you be in lesson, Miss Selwyn?" McGonagall asked, as she stopped before the entrance.
"I wanted to talk to Professor Dumbledore." Jessica said, flatly.
"Does it have anything to do with why you're not in lesson?" McGonagall asked, raising an eyebrow. Jessica scratched her head nervously and looked anywhere but towards the elder witch.
"I may have, kind of, possibly, walked out on my DADA lesson just now."
"Why?" McGonagall pressed.
"Professor..." Jessica took a deep breath and before she knew it, she was babbling everything out for Professor McGonagall to hear. "I don't want to be put under the Imperius Curse, even if it is just so I know what it feels like. I'll know what it feels like if it ever happens. I'll handle it when it does. It's not like I'll forcefully remember any basic training when I'm out there fighting against evil. It'll come naturally. I'll be too nervous to think anything through – I don't even think things through normally! I just can't sit there and feel what my mother must've felt when she served You-Know-Who, and-"
"Jessica, I would like you to calm down and head over to the library." Professor McGonagall sighed. "Research a few topics about the Imperius Curse; write down everything you can until your lessons over. I have you for my next lesson; you can give it to me then."
Was that it? She wasn't in trouble for walking out on a lesson? She half expected detention with Snape – in fact, she was fully prepared for it. Without pressing her luck any further, Jessica did as she was told and headed off to the library. She was determined to get a lot done, just to show Professor Moody that certain practical lessons weren't necessary.

Surely enough, Jessica handed in '50 reasons why the Imperius Curse cannot be taught' and Professor McGonagall seemed quite impressed with her work. She wasn't sure how she managed in less than forty-five minutes, but she felt good about it nonetheless.
"Where were you? Are you in trouble?" Hermione asked, as soon as she sat down.
"Don't worry; I've sorted it with Professor McGonagall." Jessica grinned.
"Next time, don't walk out." Hermione scolded.

x.x

All the fourth years had noticed an increase in the amount of homework they were given this term. According to Professor McGonagall, it was because they were entering their most important phase of their magical education. Jessica immediately thought about their O.W.L's. The pressure was on now – her father, sister and brother all received outstanding marks, in everything. She doubted they would accept anything less. Her Transfiguration had improved since she first started Hogwarts. She still wasn't as brilliant as Hermione, but she could always get something done after five or six tries. It wasn't her strongest subject, but she was working around it. She wasn't too fond of Herbology, simply because they had to deal with strange creatures from time to time, but she was also enduring things well. The only reason she still put up with Care of Magical Creatures was because of Hagrid. She didn't have the heart to abandon Hagrid's lesson, but it definitely wasn't the most enjoyable of classes. One thing she definitely discovered a passion and talent for, despite the teacher being insufferable, was Potions. She always found the subject reasonably interesting, but now she would actually get excited for a lesson – and being excited to see Snape wasn't exactly considered normal. For Potions homework, Professor Snape was having them research antidotes. He even hinted he'd be poisoning someone before Christmas, just so everyone would take it seriously. Jessica wondered if he'd actually go through with it.

Meanwhile, Professor Binns had them writing weekly essays on the goblin rebellions of the eighteenth century. Jessica was quite intrigued when she discovered that one of her ancestors, Phillip Selwyn IV, and his wife Elizabeth Reynolds were involved in the peace-making of said rebellion. Whenever she discovered something new about her ancestors, she couldn't help but wonder if any of them were Heirs of Slytherin, or part of the main branch. She always considered staying behind after a lesson and questioning Professor Binns about it, but never had the courage to do so. She assumed the ghost knew about her heritage, but always kept it to himself. Professor Flitwick had asked them to read three extra books in preparation for their lesson on Summoning Charms. Even Hagrid was adding to their workload. The Blast-Ended Skrewts were growing at a remarkable pace, given that nobody yet discovered what they ate.

As another day ended, and the Gryffindor's headed back to the castle, they found themselves unable to proceed any further than the entrance, due to the large crowd of students congregated there.
"Looks like there's a sign of some sort." Ron said, as he tiptoed to look over the mass of heads.
"Can you read it from here?" Harry asked, curiously.
"Hang on..."

TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT

THE DELEGATIONS FROM BEAUXBATONS AND DURMSTRANG WILL ARRIVE AT 6 O'CLOCK ON FRIDAY THE 30TH OF OCTOBER. LESSONS WILL END HALF AN HOUR EARLY –

"Thank goodness. We have less time with Snape on Friday." Harry grinned. Ron snorted, before looking back over to finish reading the large sign.

STUDENTS WILL RETURN THEIR BAGS AND BOOKS TO THEIR DORMITORIES AND ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE TO GREET OUR GUESTS BEFORE THE WELCOMING FEAST.

"Only one week away!" Ernie Macmillan, of Hufflepuff, chimed. "I wonder if Cedric knows? I think I'll go tell him!"
Jessica watched him curiously, as he dragged two of his friends along with him.
"Just can't get over Cedric, can you?" Hermione grinned.
"Oh, shut it." Jessica said, rolling her eyes. She gave Hermione a smile, just to assure her friend that she wasn't really angry.

During the following week, there seemed to be only one topic of conversation, no matter where they went: the Triwizard Tournament. Rumours were flying everywhere. Who would be the Hogwarts champion? What would be involved in the tournament? How nice were the foreigners going to be? The quartet also noticed that the castle seemed to be undergoing an extra thorough cleaning. Filch was constantly watching where everyone stepped, and would create the biggest fuss if anyone messed up his floor.
"I wonder if he'll be like this all year." Ron sighed, as he watched Filch yelling at a couple of first years.
"When is he not touchy about his things?" Harry wondered, with a smirk.
"All I know is that I can't wait to meet everyone." Hermione grinned, as she continued to walk down the hallway, making the remaining three follow. "International Magical Cooperation!"
"Why do you have to make everything sound so complicated?" Ron huffed.
"This year's going to be great!" Hermione grinned, ignoring Ron's comment.

But for some reason, Jessica couldn't agree. Something in the back of her mind was telling her things were wrong. This year wasn't going to be great. There was nothing good about it so far, and she couldn't help but feel it would only get worse.
"Jess, are you feeling alright?" Harry asked, worriedly.
She suddenly felt like the world was spinning too fast. It was making her dizzy. She tried to answer Harry, just so he'd stop looking at her as though she was a fragile doll, ready to break, but she lost her senses as soon as she tried.
"Jess?"
Was that Hermione? It surely sounded like Hermione, but she couldn't see. She felt her body falling forwards ever so slightly. She wasn't sure how she hadn't hit the ground just yet. It was like she was floating in mid air. It would've been great, if only her head was pounding with so much pain. She began feeling queasy – and then everything went black.

x.x

"Officials found the bodies not too long after you left. You two cut it close. You should've told me where you were running off to, Anna! You have no idea how worried you had me." Charlie frowned.
"Sorry..." Anna said, sheepishly. Charlie had grown to be quite overprotective after she spent some time with him in Romania.
"What did they do about Pius, though?" Ethan asked, as he choked down Mrs. Weasley's delicious chicken and vegetable pie.
"Pius?" Bill asked, curiously.
"Pius Thicknesse." Ethan said, raising an eyebrow. "You know... The wizard who was there, looking as though he'd injected himself with something."
"I know who Thicknesse is, but he wasn't there." Bill said, worriedly.
"What do you mean he wasn't there?" Anna said, jumping to her feet. "We left him exactly where we found him. He was under the Imperius Curse, judging by the looks of it. He couldn't have snapped out of it before the Russian muggles got there!"
"Well, he obviously did, Anna." Ethan frowned.
"No... You're right... It takes a while for the senses to return properly. He couldn't have done it." Charlie said, also frowning.
"We need to find out where he went." Anna said, fully determined to set out on the hunt once again.

"Shoo! Shoo! Get out of here you filthy gnome!" Anna and Ethan both froze their movements as soon as their heard Mrs. Weasley's voice outside.

"Great, mum's back." Charlie sighed.
"You two need to get out of here, now. We'll meet at Point B in one hour." Bill ordered.
"Can't I take some pie?" Ethan pleaded.
"Take what's on your plate and let's go." Anna smiled. "One hour. Don't be late."
"We won't." Bill and Charlie answered in unison, just as Ethan and Anna disapparated from their kitchen.

"Boys, couldn't you please come help me with these gnomes?" Mrs. Weasley said, as she walked into the house, already out of breath.
"Sorry mum, but we've got some urgent business to take care of. We'll be back in time for dinner, promise." Bill smiled.
"Unless Uncle Gilbert's coming over, then I'd rather eat somewhere else." Charlie grinned, mischievously.
"You will be back for dinner; otherwise I'll come get you myself!" Mrs. Weasley said, glaring at her son. Charlie chuckled and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek before heading out.
"Don't work too hard, mum. I'll deal with those gnomes tomorrow." Bill smiled.

x.x

"Have you been eating properly, young lady?" Madam Pomfrey asked, as soon as Jessica opened her eyes. "Eating disorder is a very serious thing! You cannot skip meals, otherwise something like this happens."
"I don't have an eating disorder." Jessica mumbled.
"Well your friend seems to disagree." Madam Pomfrey huffed, before walking off in another direction.
"Sorry, Jess. It was the only thing I could think off. She wouldn't accept 'she just fainted' for an answer." Hermione said, looking guilty. "Though, to be fair, your eating and sleeping habits are appalling."
"Yes, yes, thanks for that." Jessica groaned, as she sat up slowly.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"You went really pale and you were shivering. Your eyes weren't focused at all, it was like your soul was being dragged somewhere else, but your body remained here." Hermione said, worriedly.
"I thought we agreed we weren't going to use that explanation, because it sounds weird." Ron frowned.
"It's okay..." Jessica said, faintly. "But I don't know what happened."
"Professor McGonagall told us to come get her once you were awake." Hermione said.
"I'm fine now, I promise." Jessica said, with a silly grin.
"You and Ron go. I'll stay here." Harry said. Surprisingly enough neither argued with Harry and the two ran out of the Hospital wing. With a sigh, Harry turned back to stare at his friend. Jessica still looked rather pale, but he believed that she was feeling loads better. He couldn't help but feel curious, though. "Are you going to try to explain what happened?"
"I'll let you know when I do." Jessica smiled.
"Maybe you should talk to Dumbledore – or send a letter to your dad... You've been acting strange for a while now." Harry said worriedly. He already knew her answer, but he figured he'd give it a try.
"Worrying my dad about this will be pointless. You've seen how he gets. I also don't think it's of any use to tell Dumbledore either. I just felt sick, that's all. It must've been something I ate." Jessica replied, stubborn as ever. Harry sighed and decided not to say anything more. He'd ask Sirius about it – perhaps he could shed some light on Jessica's behaviour.

Sirius, maybe you should talk to Jess's dad... She's going to be quite mad once she finds out that I wrote to you, but she's been acting strange lately. It almost feels like she's trying to shut us all out, even though we're quite aware of what's going on. It seems like it just got worse after Rita Skeeter's article. And tonight she froze. Literally froze. She got really pale and it looked as though she wasn't even with us – and then she fainted.
I'm really worried Sirius, I just know there's something she's not telling me. Any ideas on what it could be?
Harry

x.x

"Of course!" Sirius exclaimed as he read Harry's letter. However, the triumphant grin that spread across his face was soon replaced with a frown.
"What is it, Sirius?" Remus asked, looking up from his book.
"Harry says Jessica has been acting strange." Sirius said, as if it were something normal. He heard Remus sigh and turned to look at his best friend, expectantly. "Do you know why that is?"
"You were here, Sirius, you know exactly what's going on." Remus frowned.
"Yes, you're right, but there's more." Sirius grinned. "Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not happy by it or anything, but this just proves what James and I were always certain about."
"What exactly would that be?" Remus asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Graham only married our Athos because of heritage!" Sirius beamed – but soon replaced his excitement with a serious expression. "Again, I'm not happy about my conclusion."

"Could've fooled me."

Sirius spun round at the sound of his friend's voice. He watched cautiously as Athos casually walked into the room, as if nothing had happened.
"I've already heard from Dumbledore, Sirius, I know what happened." Athos said, nonchalantly.
"You're not going to tell us, are you?" Sirius frowned.
"Tell us what?" Remus asked, not following the train of thought.
"I don't really see why I need to. You've seemed to figure things out on your own." Athos smirked. Remus stared at his two friends, confused.
"Oh come on, don't be a prat!" Sirius huffed. "It's real, isn't it?"
"Remus, I might have a job for you, if you're up for it." Athos said, ignoring Sirius completely, making the eldest of the three growl.
"I suppose a little extra money couldn't hurt." Remus grinned.
"Athos Andrew Selwyn!" Sirius groaned. "She's the Heir, isn't she? Jessica's the Heir of Slytherin!"

Remus, who was reaching out to grab the piece of parchment from Athos, froze. His wide and surprised eyes stared at Athos's calm ones. He knew the Selwyn's descended from Salazar Slytherin, he also knew that his friend happened to be part of the so called 'main branch' or 'direct descendant'. However, he'd never been one to believe the entire story of Salazar Slytherin having Heirs. Especially not centuries after his death.
"Don't look so shocked, Remus. We always knew our Athos would do great things. Even create another Heir." Sirius smirked. For a moment, Remus almost thought it was James speaking.
"You make it sound weird." Athos said, rolling his eyes. "Yes, Sirius, she is... And she knows it. No one else does, though, and it's going to stay that way until she's ready to tell them."
"Wait – what does this have to do with her acting strange?" Remus asked, confused. Athos furrowed his eyebrows and looked over to Sirius. He only heard that she felt a little sick, not that she was acting strange.
"Harry's words, not mine." Sirius shrugged. Athos sighed.
"Tell Harry not to worry. She's just getting used to certain things; it's nothing to worry about."

However, Athos couldn't help but worry. Something didn't feel right...

x.x

Jessica stood with her three friends, waiting somewhat patiently for the foreigners to arrive. She tried to get as excited as everyone else or at least tried to look it, even though she wasn't really feeling it. She caught a glimpse of Cedric within the crowd, and strangely enough, he was talking to her brother. She furrowed her eyebrows at the pair, but decided to question her brother later. She was soon pulled out of her own thoughts when Professor McGonagall walked past her, straightening her hat. She silently wished she didn't have to wear it, but apparently they all had to look their best when representing Hogwarts. She watched as McGonagall anxiously adjusted each and every student – including Draco Malfoy's hair. She saw him roll his eyes as soon as McGonagall passed him and his ruffled his hair back to its original state as soon as the Professor was far away. Draco actually liked people touching his hair, but it depended on the circumstances.
"Alright, follow me, please. First years in front and no pushing. Heads please stay at the back and prefects in the middle." McGonagall ordered.
Jessica grabbed Josh by the arm as soon as she saw him. He was a prefect, so technically he was standing right where he was supposed to be.

"Feeling better, Munchkin?" Josh asked, quietly.
"Why were you talking to Cedric?" Jessica asked, suspiciously.
"You'd be surprised at how nice he is." Josh said, in a mocking tone of voice.
"Joshua-"
"He asked me if you were alright, because he saw Harry dragging you to the Hospital wing the other day, and because he's also noticed you've been quiet and moody lately. I thought we agreed we'd remain normal." Josh said, raising an eyebrow.
"I am normal." Jessica said, puffing out her cheeks.
"Yeah, of course you are." Josh said, rolling his eyes.

"What is she, exactly?" Lila asked, as she locked arms with Jessica, on her other side. She had pushed past a few fifth year Hufflepuffs, making them complain slightly.
"She claims to be normal, but I beg to differ." Josh teased.
"Have you heard from Anna?" Jessica asked, ignoring the pair.
"I've already told you not to worry about Anna." Josh sighed.
"Jess, trust him on this one, okay? Keep your head focused on your studies because you'll be surprised at how much fourth year stuff will be on your O.W.L's next year. Anna's a big girl and can handle herself. As for everything with your mum, I suggest you both actually listen to your father this time and stay out of it." Lila said, giving Josh a slight glare. "And I mean it, Joshua."
"Alright, alright." Joshua grinned, holding his arms up.

They stopped talking as they filed down the steps and lined up in front of the castle. Jessica stood with Lila and Josh on either side, Harry and Ron behind her, and Hermione in front.
"Look at their excitement. It's so adorable." Hermione whispered, as she watched the first years giggle with anticipation. Jessica silently watched Dennis Creevey, as he looked amongst the crowd, hoping to find his brother. She chuckled to herself. Dennis and Collin were two extraordinary people. Nothing could ever bring those two down.
"Ah-ha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!" Dumbledore exclaimed, suddenly, making all the chatter die down in an instant.
"I don't see anything!" One of the students chirped.
"There!" One of the seventh years exclaimed.
Something large, much larger than a broomstick – or a hundred broomsticks – was hurtling across the deep blue sky, and headed toward the castle.
"It's a dragon!" Dennis Creevey shrieked, with an excited expression that won over everyone else's.
"I don't think it's a dragon, Den." One of his classmates said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"It takes so little to amaze these kids." Lila smirked.
Everyone watched in complete awe as the gigantic black shape skimmed over the treetops of the Forbidden Forest and the lights shining from the castle windows hit it. That's when everyone realised it was a powder-blue horse drawn carriage, the size of a large house. It was pulled through the air by a dozen winged horses, all palominos, and each the size of an elephant. The carriage soon landed, making the first few rows of students jump backwards.

A boy, in pale blue robes, jumped down from the carriage, bent forward, fumbled with something on the carriage floor, and unfolded a set of golden steps. He sprang back respectfully as a shiny, black, high heeled shoe – a shoe the size of a child's sled – appeared. It was followed shortly by the largest woman anyone had ever seen. The size of the carriage and its horses was immediately explained.
"Blimey, she's huge!" Seamus whispered.
"I wonder if she's bigger than Hagrid." Dean whispered back.
"Of course she is, I mean... Just look at her!" Neville added.
As she stepped into the light, she was revealed to have a handsome, olive skinned face; large, black, liquid looking eyes; and a rather beaky nose. Her hair was drawn back in a shining knob at the base of her neck. She was dressed from to foot in black satin, and many magnificent opals gleamed at her throat and on her thick fingers. Her face relaxed into a gracious smile, as Dumbledore started to clap – the students following, and soon breaking into applause.
"My dear Madame Maxime, welcome to Hogwarts!" Dumbledore said, excitedly.
"Dumbly-dorr." Madame Maxime said, in a deep voice. "I 'ope I find you well?"
"In excellent form, thank you." Dumbledore said.
"My pupils." Madam Maxime said, waving one of her enormous hands carelessly behind her. Everyone turned their attention toward the group of boys and girls, all who looked to be in their late teens, emerged from the carriage. "As Karkaroff arrived yet?"
"He should be here any moment." Dumbledore nodded. "Would you like to wait here and greet him or would you prefer to step inside and warm up?"

Jessica watched the Beauxbatons' students curiously. One or two didn't seem as eager to be there, but the majority were almost just as excited as the Hogwarts' students.
"They all look too royal to take on the Triwizard Tournament." Josh smirked.
"Never judge a book by its cover, remember?" Lila smirked back.
As the Beauxbatons' students headed off, Hogwarts remained outside, waiting for their final arrivals. Jessica was about to comment on the pretty hats the Beauxbatons' girls got to wear, but she was suddenly interrupted by Lee Jordan's voice.
"The lake!" He exclaimed, excitedly. "Look at the lake!"
From their position at the top of the lawns, they had a clear view of the smooth surface of the water – except that some disturbance was taking place deep in the centre; great bubbles were forming on the once smooth surface, waves were now washing over the muddy banks. Then, out of the very middle of the lake, a whirlpool appeared, as if a giant plug had just been pulled out of the lake's floor. What seemed to be a long, black pole began to rise slowly out of the heart of the whirlpool.
"It's a mast!" Hermione beamed.
Slowly, magnificently, the ship rose out of the water, gleaming in the moonlight. It had a strange skeletal look about it, as though it were a resurrected wreck, and the dim, misty lights shimmering at its portholes looked like ghostly eyes. Finally, with a great sloshing noise, the ship emerged entirely, bobbing on the turbulent water, and began to glide toward the bank. A few moments later, they heard the splash of an anchor being thrown down in the shallows, and the thud of a plank being lowered onto the bank.

"Igor Karkaroff's the Headmaster." Joshua whispered to his sister, taking advantage of the fact that Lila was excitedly talking to one of her friends.
"Is that supposed to mean anything?" Jessica asked, curiously.
"It means he might be willing to confirm certain things, as long as I ask nicely." Joshua smirked. Jessica sighed and continued to watch as the Durmstrang students walked up the hill, dressed in long, thick fur coats.
"Dumbledore!" A man called out. "How are you, my dear fellow, how are you?"
"Blooming, thank you, Professor Karkaroof." Dumbledore replied. Jessica could already sense Josh's smirk growing on his face. Karkaroff had a fruity, unctuous voice; when he stepped into the light, they could all see that he was tall and thin, like Dumbledore. His hair wasn't entirely white, and it was short. He had a goatee, which finished in a small curl.
"Dear old Hogwarts." He said, looking up at the castle and smiling. His teeth were rather yellow, and even though he smiled, his eyes remained cold and shrewd. "How good it is to be here, how good... Viktor, come along, into the warmth. You don't mind, Dumbledore? Viktor has a slight head cold."
It was now Jessica's turn to smirk. She knew she's spotted a familiar face within the students, but she'd been able to point him out until just now. She turned to face Ron, ready to break the news, but it looked as though he'd already realised.
"I can't believe it!" Ron managed to choke out. "It's Viktor Krum!"