Chapter Ten: The Triwizard Tournament
Saturday morning Cassandra threw a pillow at Hermione and awoke her.
"What did you do that for?" Hermione asked grumpily.
"McGonagall told me to wake anyone who was still asleep, and I decided to throw a pillow at you."
"Why would McGonagall wake us up at – FIVE – in the morning on a Saturday, I'd like to know," Hermione said.
"Well, whatever it is, it must be something important," Cassandra told her.
"Why on Earth were you already up?" Hermione asked.
"I never went to bed, I don't think I did, anyway. Draco and me had a gay time – hehe – yesterday night, after the party, that is. Luckily the Fat Lady was playing cards with Violet from another painting, so she let me in," Cassandra explained.
"I don't believe it! You get away with everything!" Hermione exclaimed.
"It takes skill, I'll tell you that much," Cassandra replied.
"Well, let me shower, and put something on. Then we can walk to the Great Hall for whatever this big thing is," Hermione said grumpily.
She took a quick shower and blow-dried her hair. She put butterfly clips all around her hair, a white ruffled tube top with a polo tee over it, unbuttoned. Then she put on a pair of blue jean shorts, Doc Martens, and a silver chain around her neck.
"Which robe should I wear?" Cassandra said out loud.
"I'm wearing my navy blue silk one," Hermione said.
"I'll wear my green one," Cassandra decided.
"Not your parrot green one, I hope," Hermione said narrowing her eyes.
"Nope, my forest green one. I save that parrot green one for days we have Potions!" Cassandra exclaimed.
Hermione rolled her eyes quickly and slipped on her robe, keeping it untied, and left with Cassandra for the Great Hall.
She was late! Almost the whole school was already in the Great Hall, they were all groggy eyed, but still up. Marcus Longbottom was still in his pajamas, and Ron kept falling asleep on Harry's shoulder.
Cassandra and Hermione joined them.
"Hey you guys," Cassandra whispered.
"What's this about?" Hermione asked.
Harry and Ron waved and then Harry spoke in a half-awake tone.
"Huh? Oh, Hagrid give me message to come early – tell people too. So, I do, then come here," Harry said.
"Oh gosh Harry. It's not that early!" Hermione scolded.
Harry leaned on Hermione's shoulder.
"Yes it is," he said, leaning even closer.
Even though it was morning, Hermione could still smell his soft, cinnamon, and ice cool breath.
"Harry, stop, McGonagall is just a few feet away," Hermione whispered.
Harry straightened up and Ron and Cassandra burst into giggles.
Dumbledore took his place at the high table and put a spoon to a glass, silencing everyone. His twinkling eyes looked out to them, from the half moon spectacles.
"I know most of you are probably wondering why I have called you at such an early time. It is a very important matter, that most of you will not know about. Some of you, I'm sure will know exactly what I'm talking about," Dumbledore said, glancing at Harry with another twinkle of his eyes.
Harry decided to forget about what was going on, completely, and like Dumbledore while he gave the speech.
"A few years ago, three to be precise, Hogwarts held a tournament, it was called the Triwizard Tournament. In this competition, three students from three different schools participated. It was hosted at our very own school. Now, last year there were many complications, which I do not wish to speak about, at this moment anyway. Many of you will find out eventually, I dare say. Back to the main point, yes, one of the men who thought up the idea for this is growing old now. He wants to have it every year from now on, and normally it is only held every five years," Dumbledore went on.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked at each other. They suddenly remembered all the events of their strange fourth year. The year when there were no Quidditch games, except that there was this Triwizard tournament. This tournament in which Harry did play a very important part. [Readers, please do not continue if you have not read the fourth book. I don't want to give anything away from it, so please read the book before you read the rest of this story, and my other stories from now on, because I will be using many facts and other material from the fourth book, and other books as well. I only say this, so that you do not have the fourth chapter spoiled for you. That is my only intention, and also, if you were to go on reading, I do not want you to think that I spoiled it for you. Get the fourth book today and start reading so that you can read the rest of my stories. Thanks!]
Suddenly Harry remembered everything from his year before. How his new Defense Teacher pretended to help him, but was really trying to get the Dark Lord's attention. He remembered also, that Dumbledore was so nice to him. Then he remembered how the Goblet of Fire spit out his name, and that the FAKE Mad-Eye Moody had put his name in there, under a different school, and everything was flashing back so quick, he could hardly believe that he would – just possible – be participating in this event again. This time he was of proper age to enter, so he would gladly do so, but last time, he wasn't allowed to, and somehow, he got in, somehow, from the FAKE Mad-Eye Moody. Harry remembered everything and began to listen with rapt attention. He put his arm around Hermione who was trembling with fear, remembering everything, just as well as Harry did. Her summer romance with Krum was good, but right now she knew that she loved Harry.
And that Harry loved her back.
"Students, students. As I was saying! From now on, we are to have it every year, and students that are in their sixth or seventh year are allowed to enter. That means that anyone in the first, second, third, so forth years will have their chance in upcoming years," Dumbledore said to groans and cat calls.
Dennis Creevy, Collin Creevy's brother was looking upset. Collin on the other hand was smiling brightly. Dennis was only a fourth year, but in two more years – as his brother reminded him – he would get to enter his name.
"Now, the other two schools that will be in the competition are Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. They will be arriving soon, tonight in fact, and I would like all of you to make a very good impression. There will be a new headmaster at Durmstrang, not the one that many of you, I'm sure, will remember. Anyone who wishes to enter will write their name onto a slip of paper and slip it in to the Goblet of Fire, the impartial selector of who our school champion will be to compete against the other two students. I warn you, if you try and get in, you will be punished, and also, I have put age barriers surrounding the Goblet of Fire. If you try to get in, something horrible will happen to you. I must warn you again, that if you take age increasing potions, it will be able to tell, please do not. Now I will be giving a further explanation of the Tournament, I hope those of you that already know all about it already will forgive me for giving a short explanation, very short. Now, the Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago. It was as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry. They are Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected from each school. They 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 tied between the young withches and wizards from different nationalities. Then the death toll increased to such a number that we could no longer continue."
"Death toll?" Cassandra whispered, looking excited.
"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament. None have been successful. However, our very own departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided that we shall try again. Like three years ago, many preparations have been taken, and we will try hard to make sure that no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger. The heads of the schools, along with their students, should be arriving tonight, infact. The Goblet of Fire is our impartial judge that will decide who the champion is for each school. The winner will earn the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons as prize money. That is all. You are dismissed to the rest of your Saturday," Dumbledore finished with a wave of his hand.
"He woke us up that early to say that! He could have waited!" Ron exclaimed.
"What's it matter? Are you guys going to enter your name in this goblet?" Cassandra asked eagerly.
"What's the point, we know who will win," Ron said.
"I didn't mean that in a snotty way," Ron added looking at Harry's eyes.
"Oh yeah. I forgot. Might as well forget about me then, hehe, silly me," Cassandra said laughing.
"Well, I want to do something important. And I think I know what I'll do," Cassandra added.
She marched off.
"I wonder what she's up to," Hermione said looking after Cassandra until she was a speck of something running around the fields.
"Who knows. With Cassi, it can be anything," Harry said.
He sat down under a large Oak Tree.
Hermione and Ron got next to him, Hermione obviously closer than Ron would ever get.
"I want to know what Cassi's doing. She's been gone for ages now," Hermione said.
"She'll be here soon enough," Ron said.
"Yep, there she is right now," Harry replied.
They all looked up and saw Cassandra running breathlessly towards them.
"What did you do Cassi?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Oh, I ran all over the school trying to find Draco, so I could dump him. I felt like doing something," Cassandra said laughing, once she caught her breath.
"Good for you! Uh – don't you want to take a shower or something?" Hermione asked.
"Sure, in a bit. But I've got to ask Ron something first," Cassandra said pushing up her sleeves.
"Okay," Hermione said.
Cassandra walked over to Ron who was suddenly very interested in Hermione's Warlock's book that she still took outside. He was blushing brightly as Cassandra began to whisper things into his ear. Hermione nudged Harry to look at the two of them. He turned around just in time to see Cassandra kiss Ron on the forehead, which was now as red as a beet.
Hermione began to applaud quietly.
"Oh you," Cassandra said.
"So, are you guys going out now?" Hermione asked.
"Of course," Cassandra replied.
"How do you do that?" Hermione asked.
"Do what?" Cassandra asked.
"Walk up to a guy, kiss them, ask them out, you know," Hermione told her.
"It's simple, and – it takes skill," Cassandra added.
They laughed loudly and sat down with Harry and Ron.
"You know... The Thong song is getting a bit old, I think I'm switching to Faith Hill's Breathe now," Cassandra said.
"Okay, that's cool," Hermione said happily. "It's much better then some one saying Thong, thong, thong, thong, thong."
"Well, I guess it can be song number two on the list," Cassandra said, fake sighing.
She grabbed Ron's long arm and made him put his arm around her shoulder.
Suddenly Malfoy came up.
"So, the Weasel gets Cassandra now, huh? It seems like you get everything second hand, clothes, books, and now you've got Cassandra, and she's been used before too," Draco said laughing. He quickly ran off.
"What did that mean?" Hermione asked angrily.
"He's an idiot. We did nothing. He's just mad because I told him that he should dye his hair red to look more like Ron," Cassandra replied nonchalantly.
"Bet he didn't like that," Hermione said.
"Not one bit," Cassandra replied as a smile broke her face.
Hermione grinned back.
"I guess he was cute enough, but if he keeps bullying my friends, well, that's no fun," Cassandra insisted.
"Now I can really say friends forever," Hermione replied.
"Am I missing something?" Cassandra asked.
"Only something that started before you arrived," Hermione told her.
Hermione looked at Harry and played with his messy hair.
"Want to go enter your name in the Goblet now?" Hermione asked him softly.
"Yeah, I guess. I'd better do it soon, the Goblet of Fire tells us tomorrow who gets picked. The other students will have arrived by then," Harry replied.
He stood up and brushed his robe down. He grabbed Hermione, pulled her close, and walked to the Great Hall.
Once inside, Harry took a piece of parchment from his bags, borrowed a quill from Hermione, and put his name down on a slip of paper. He threw the parchment into the Goblet of Fire. Then he saw Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle coming up from behind them.
"That was a rude thing to say to Ron," Hermione suddenly told Malfoy.
"What do you know Granger? You'll never be used anyway," he replied sharply.
"I'm glad Cassandra finally saw you for the piece of scum that you are!" Hermione exclaimed.
Harry put his hand over hers, calming her quickly.
"Now your little boy friend's here to save you, but whenever you're alone, you'll be sorry Mud Blood!" Malfoy exclaimed.
He threw his parchment in and stalked off. Harry and Hermione were standing in the lonely Great Hall.
"Do you want to go talk to Dobby or something?" Harry offered.
"Yeah, why not. I think that might cheer me up," Hermione replied.
Harry grabbed her hand and walked to the Fruit Portrait. He tickled the pear and then the portrait hole opened. He climbed inside and let Hermione follow after him.
A loud squeak came – followed by, "Dobby!" "Dobby see sir!"
"Hey Dobby!" Harry said cheerfully.
"Dobby see sir. Dobby has not talked to sir for many days," Dobby said.
"Well, you see, we've been very busy. They're doing another Triwizard Tournament, do you know?" Hermione asked.
"No, Dobby did not know that sir. May Dobby ask when the other schools are coming?" Dobby asked.
"They're coming tonight, actually," Harry replied.
Dobby was the house-elf that Harry had freed many years ago. Now he was working at Hogwarts.
"Very good sir. The house-elfs will cook up something very good sir."
"I can't wait to eat it," Harry told him. Hermione rolled her eyes, but finally decided that S.P.E.W. had gone on, long enough.
"Yeah Dobby. Anything you make will be great, I'm sure!" Hermione exclaimed, to soothe the house-elf's feelings.
"Look sir. I is wearing the socks you gave me for Christmas. I know that they are the same color, very wrong sir, but still, I would hate to hurt your feelings sir."
Harry laughed. "Good Dobby. I'm glad you liked them."
Dobby's favorite piece of clothing was the sock. He liked wearing his socks differently though, a green one and a red one, for example. According to Dobby, the shopkeeper had made a mistake when Harry gave Dobby socks of the same color for Christmas.
"Is Winky still here?" Hermione asked.
"Yes sir. She is still here. Very quiet now sir. Cries sometimes sir."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and laughed at the thought or Hermione being a sir. They didn't want to mention it to Dobby though, they knew he'd start banging his head against the brick fireplace.
"Well, I'm proud of you Dobby. You have a real job. Dumbledore's a good man, that he's paying you and all. We've got to go now though," Hermione said.
"Yeah Dobby, we'll see you around. We promise to come back again," Harry said.
They walked back to Gryffindor common room.
"I think I'm going to go take a shower now, or something," Harry said.
"Okay. I want to hang around with Cassandra for a while anyway," Hermione replied.
Harry kissed her on the forehead and walked off before Hermione could whisper a dazed, "Bye."
Harry went to the Prefect bathroom that he had only used once before. That was to crack open the secrets of the Golden Egg in the last Triwizard Tournament. He thought it would be okay to use it again, since he was Head Boy and all. The Head Boy's were allowed to use the Prefect bathroom, but he had never gone in, with the exception of when Cedric Diggory passed him that clue. He took of his bathrobes and slid into the swimming pool sized bath. Instantly he began playing with all the knobs covered in jewels. Out of one a lucious tooti frooti bubble bath started pouring out. Another one was the sweet smell of the forest. One was as soft as Harry's breath that Hermione was so fond of. He began relaxing in the pool. Then, from behind the bath he heard some noises. It sounded like muffled laughing.
"Who's there?" he called out.
It was Moaning Myrtle
"Myrtle! What are you doing here again?" Harry groaned.
"Same thing I always do," she croaked.
"What? Looking at the prefects take their baths? You've got a sick mind for someone so young!" Harry exclaimed angrily.
He sunk beneath the bath so that Myrtle couldn't see anything except for his shoulders and head.
"You haven't been visiting me anymore, you've made me awfully lonely," Myrtle crooned.
"Well, I've been really busy. There's another one of those Triwizard Tournaments coming up, the guests are arriving tonight, and I was just getting back in the gear of it all. Then out of nowhere, you come back and start gaping at me. You really shouldn't do that Myrtle," Harry scolded pointing a finger annoyingly at her.
"I've been so lonely though. It's almost as if you forgot about me, then again – everyone forgets about me," Myrtle said breaking into tears.
"Oh, I – I'm sorry Myrtle. Look – don't cry. I'll go visit you, some day. I just was really busy – honest," Harry told her, lying quickly.
"So you haven't forgotten about me?" Myrtle said anxiously.
"No – not quite," Harry replied queasily.
"Okay," Myrtle said depressingly.
Harry turned off all the knobs and then looked at Myrtle.
"Close your eyes! I'm getting out now!" Harry commanded.
She shut them tight.
"Myrtle, don't come in here anymore, okay? You shouldn't, it's not a good thing to do. It's a nasty, horrid idea. What do the others say?" Harry asked slipping into his robes.
"I don't talk to them. I hide from them. You're the only one I talk to," Myrtle crooned again.
"Well, don't be looking at them. Don't be looking at me either. Go back to your toilet Myrtle. I'm going back to Gryffindor Common Room," Harry said.
"Well, don't leave yet. I think you're awfully special. I was hoping you had died in your second year, you could have joined me at my toilet. Although I don't think ghosts could really have kids..."
"I've got to go Myrtle. Go back to your toilet, I – I might try to visit you, but I've been told off for going in there, and I figured I'd better stop – and well – I've got to go now." So he left.
"What took you so long Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I was busy – taking a long bath," Harry replied.
"Oh. I'm getting ready. Do you know that Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour are coming today as well?" Hermione asked.
"Why's that?" Harry asked.
"Well, they were the champions from last year, you're entering again, so you weren't told about it, and Cedric – well, we all know what happened to Cedric." Hermione said the last part very quietly.
Harry groaned. Cedric died in his fourth year, when they were trying to win the Triwizard cup together, they ended up fighting Voldemort, but Cedric died. Voldemort killed him.
"Yeah, we all know what happened to Cedric, like we'd ever forget," Harry replied.
"Are you still mad about the Cho thing, not the recent one, but you know, in our fourth year?" Hermione asked.
"No. I don't like Cho," Harry replied.
"Okay, sorry, I didn't think – well, I've got to go change," Hermione said.
She stood up from her cozy chair and headed for the girl's dorms. She flopped down on her bed and turned to one side, seeing Cassandra lying down.
"What are you doing?" she asked Cassandra.
"Nothing much. I was just really tired, that's all," Cassandra replied.
"Me too. Something is bugging Harry. He seems all worried about the Tournament," Hermione admitted.
"Why?" Cassandra asked.
Of course she didn't know. She wasn't at Hogwarts when everything else happened.
"Well, it's a long story," Hermione said.
"I've got time," Cassandra replied.
Hermione walked over to Cassandra's bed. Then she sat down and told Cassandra all about her fourth year.
"You didn't have Quidditch? That must have been horrible!" Cassandra exclaimed after listening to the whole story.
"That's all you can think about," Hermione replied laughing.
"No. I can also – hey, I've got other interests," Cassandra said.
"Oh really?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah. Like what I'm going to be when I grow up," Cassandra replied.
"Oh. And what is that?" Hermione asked smiling.
"Well, I was majoring in Divination in the USA, but I know you don't like it. Just in case I really didn't want to do Divination I got a second choice behind it. I want to teach here, I want to be a Charms teacher," Cassandra admitted.
"Divination! That's so yuck! Sorry, I think Divination is a bunch of guess work, don't mind me, but really, do you want to teach here?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, more than anything!" Cassandra exclaimed.
"But what about your family in the Americas?" Hermione asked.
"My family – what are you playing with? I hate my family! My dad's in jail – of course he's doing real good right now, minimum security – my mom's dating a million different guys at the same time, and she could care less about me knowing magic. She's a Muggle, go figure. I don't have any siblings. Oh yeah, I've got a huge dog, a St. Brenard. That's my family."
Hermione was shocked. She had a good family. She was an only child, with a pet cat, Crookshanks, and had a lot of family. Both of her parents were Dentists, and they were respected people. Still, Hermione knew better than to judge Cassandra, now she knew why Cassandra acted so weird. It didn't matter! Cassandra was a good friend!
"Wow! I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. This is a good year. Like I said, Dad's only got minimum security. He didn't do anything horrible. Just went insane and tried to steal from his-own apartment. It's not too big of a deal. Mom's always partying till hours in the morning that even I don't know too often. I think she's dating my best-friend's dad right now. My best-friend in New York that is. His name is Donavon. His dad's a bit of a player, just like my mom. I think they've gone out and broken up again six different times. They won't be going out for long though. I'll make sure that my mom doesn't end up marrying Donavon's dad. I wouldn't want to be Donavon's step sister. No way! That would be too weird. I haven't seen Donavon in ages anyway. I probably won't ever see him again, since I'll be living here from now on. My parents wouldn't care, just like I said."
"Oh. My original career idea was to be the Minister of Magic, which I'm sure I could pull off. Lately though, I think that I've wanted to be the Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts, more than anything, really." Hermione was thinking about everything that had been going on with Harry and Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore, Lupin, the whole crew. It was then that she realized how important Hogwarts was to her, and she really wanted to live on with the school.
"That sounds like fun. You sure do dream big Hermione. The Minister of Magic!" Cassandra exclaimed.
"Well, I must admit that the role is a hard one. Everyone wanted Dumbledore for the job, but he's getting old right now. So is Cornelius Fudge. I'd like to take over his post. But if that isn't going to work, then I'd want to teach Transfiguration like Professor McGonagall. Transfiguration is definitely my favorite subject. I thought you'd want to go join Ron's brother's and run a Joke Shop or something."
"Ron has brothers?"
"More than you'd want to believe. You already know about Ginny. Then he's got two twin brothers, and three others after that."
"Wow! That's a lot compared to me!"
"Yeah. I've known most of Ron's family forever."
"He's so sweet! I'm going to get him something awesome for Christmas. What are you getting Harry?"
Hermione gasped. She hadn't even thought about it. Christmas was coming up pretty quick. She always got him something silly, but this year she just HAD to get him something good.
"I don't know! I have to get him something nice! Well, I got him something awesome once, yeah, that brook servicing kit. But what can I get him this time? Oh no!"
"Don't worry. Why don't you give him earrings?"
"Cassi! Harry doesn't have his ears pierced, thank goodness for that."
"Does Ron?"
"No way!"
"That can't be good. Well, I've got to think of something new to get him now."
"I know what I'm getting Ron, as he isn't my boyfriend or anything. I'll get him a large supply of Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. I'll throw in Mince Pies and Cockroach Clusters. Whatever I feel like adding. I guess I could get a picture taken of myself and Harry, and then – I've got it! I'll buy a really nice frame and give it to him!"
"Sounds like a great idea. Mind if I use it too?"
"Well, don't you think they'd like it if we did different things Cassi?"
"Good point."
And then – "I know what I'll get Ron! A broom servicing kit. You've already given Harry one. Then I'll give him tons of stuff from Honeydukes and bottles of Butter Beer from the Three Broom Sticks!"
"Good plan. Don't tell them though!" Hermione stood up.
"Now I need to get changed," Hermione said.
"So do I," Cassandra agreed.
They both slipped on blue jean shorts. Then Cassandra put a baby blue shirt on. There was a silvery star to one side, and to another it said Old Navy Trademark.
Hermione put on a Tommy shirt that had four small pictures across her chest, and then under it, Tommy was written with lines under it. They both put on Doc Martens, and left the room.
Saturday morning Cassandra threw a pillow at Hermione and awoke her.
"What did you do that for?" Hermione asked grumpily.
"McGonagall told me to wake anyone who was still asleep, and I decided to throw a pillow at you."
"Why would McGonagall wake us up at – FIVE – in the morning on a Saturday, I'd like to know," Hermione said.
"Well, whatever it is, it must be something important," Cassandra told her.
"Why on Earth were you already up?" Hermione asked.
"I never went to bed, I don't think I did, anyway. Draco and me had a gay time – hehe – yesterday night, after the party, that is. Luckily the Fat Lady was playing cards with Violet from another painting, so she let me in," Cassandra explained.
"I don't believe it! You get away with everything!" Hermione exclaimed.
"It takes skill, I'll tell you that much," Cassandra replied.
"Well, let me shower, and put something on. Then we can walk to the Great Hall for whatever this big thing is," Hermione said grumpily.
She took a quick shower and blow-dried her hair. She put butterfly clips all around her hair, a white ruffled tube top with a polo tee over it, unbuttoned. Then she put on a pair of blue jean shorts, Doc Martens, and a silver chain around her neck.
"Which robe should I wear?" Cassandra said out loud.
"I'm wearing my navy blue silk one," Hermione said.
"I'll wear my green one," Cassandra decided.
"Not your parrot green one, I hope," Hermione said narrowing her eyes.
"Nope, my forest green one. I save that parrot green one for days we have Potions!" Cassandra exclaimed.
Hermione rolled her eyes quickly and slipped on her robe, keeping it untied, and left with Cassandra for the Great Hall.
She was late! Almost the whole school was already in the Great Hall, they were all groggy eyed, but still up. Marcus Longbottom was still in his pajamas, and Ron kept falling asleep on Harry's shoulder.
Cassandra and Hermione joined them.
"Hey you guys," Cassandra whispered.
"What's this about?" Hermione asked.
Harry and Ron waved and then Harry spoke in a half-awake tone.
"Huh? Oh, Hagrid give me message to come early – tell people too. So, I do, then come here," Harry said.
"Oh gosh Harry. It's not that early!" Hermione scolded.
Harry leaned on Hermione's shoulder.
"Yes it is," he said, leaning even closer.
Even though it was morning, Hermione could still smell his soft, cinnamon, and ice cool breath.
"Harry, stop, McGonagall is just a few feet away," Hermione whispered.
Harry straightened up and Ron and Cassandra burst into giggles.
Dumbledore took his place at the high table and put a spoon to a glass, silencing everyone. His twinkling eyes looked out to them, from the half moon spectacles.
"I know most of you are probably wondering why I have called you at such an early time. It is a very important matter, that most of you will not know about. Some of you, I'm sure will know exactly what I'm talking about," Dumbledore said, glancing at Harry with another twinkle of his eyes.
Harry decided to forget about what was going on, completely, and like Dumbledore while he gave the speech.
"A few years ago, three to be precise, Hogwarts held a tournament, it was called the Triwizard Tournament. In this competition, three students from three different schools participated. It was hosted at our very own school. Now, last year there were many complications, which I do not wish to speak about, at this moment anyway. Many of you will find out eventually, I dare say. Back to the main point, yes, one of the men who thought up the idea for this is growing old now. He wants to have it every year from now on, and normally it is only held every five years," Dumbledore went on.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked at each other. They suddenly remembered all the events of their strange fourth year. The year when there were no Quidditch games, except that there was this Triwizard tournament. This tournament in which Harry did play a very important part. [Readers, please do not continue if you have not read the fourth book. I don't want to give anything away from it, so please read the book before you read the rest of this story, and my other stories from now on, because I will be using many facts and other material from the fourth book, and other books as well. I only say this, so that you do not have the fourth chapter spoiled for you. That is my only intention, and also, if you were to go on reading, I do not want you to think that I spoiled it for you. Get the fourth book today and start reading so that you can read the rest of my stories. Thanks!]
Suddenly Harry remembered everything from his year before. How his new Defense Teacher pretended to help him, but was really trying to get the Dark Lord's attention. He remembered also, that Dumbledore was so nice to him. Then he remembered how the Goblet of Fire spit out his name, and that the FAKE Mad-Eye Moody had put his name in there, under a different school, and everything was flashing back so quick, he could hardly believe that he would – just possible – be participating in this event again. This time he was of proper age to enter, so he would gladly do so, but last time, he wasn't allowed to, and somehow, he got in, somehow, from the FAKE Mad-Eye Moody. Harry remembered everything and began to listen with rapt attention. He put his arm around Hermione who was trembling with fear, remembering everything, just as well as Harry did. Her summer romance with Krum was good, but right now she knew that she loved Harry.
And that Harry loved her back.
"Students, students. As I was saying! From now on, we are to have it every year, and students that are in their sixth or seventh year are allowed to enter. That means that anyone in the first, second, third, so forth years will have their chance in upcoming years," Dumbledore said to groans and cat calls.
Dennis Creevy, Collin Creevy's brother was looking upset. Collin on the other hand was smiling brightly. Dennis was only a fourth year, but in two more years – as his brother reminded him – he would get to enter his name.
"Now, the other two schools that will be in the competition are Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. They will be arriving soon, tonight in fact, and I would like all of you to make a very good impression. There will be a new headmaster at Durmstrang, not the one that many of you, I'm sure, will remember. Anyone who wishes to enter will write their name onto a slip of paper and slip it in to the Goblet of Fire, the impartial selector of who our school champion will be to compete against the other two students. I warn you, if you try and get in, you will be punished, and also, I have put age barriers surrounding the Goblet of Fire. If you try to get in, something horrible will happen to you. I must warn you again, that if you take age increasing potions, it will be able to tell, please do not. Now I will be giving a further explanation of the Tournament, I hope those of you that already know all about it already will forgive me for giving a short explanation, very short. Now, the Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago. It was as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry. They are Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected from each school. They 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 tied between the young withches and wizards from different nationalities. Then the death toll increased to such a number that we could no longer continue."
"Death toll?" Cassandra whispered, looking excited.
"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament. None have been successful. However, our very own departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided that we shall try again. Like three years ago, many preparations have been taken, and we will try hard to make sure that no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger. The heads of the schools, along with their students, should be arriving tonight, infact. The Goblet of Fire is our impartial judge that will decide who the champion is for each school. The winner will earn the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons as prize money. That is all. You are dismissed to the rest of your Saturday," Dumbledore finished with a wave of his hand.
"He woke us up that early to say that! He could have waited!" Ron exclaimed.
"What's it matter? Are you guys going to enter your name in this goblet?" Cassandra asked eagerly.
"What's the point, we know who will win," Ron said.
"I didn't mean that in a snotty way," Ron added looking at Harry's eyes.
"Oh yeah. I forgot. Might as well forget about me then, hehe, silly me," Cassandra said laughing.
"Well, I want to do something important. And I think I know what I'll do," Cassandra added.
She marched off.
"I wonder what she's up to," Hermione said looking after Cassandra until she was a speck of something running around the fields.
"Who knows. With Cassi, it can be anything," Harry said.
He sat down under a large Oak Tree.
Hermione and Ron got next to him, Hermione obviously closer than Ron would ever get.
"I want to know what Cassi's doing. She's been gone for ages now," Hermione said.
"She'll be here soon enough," Ron said.
"Yep, there she is right now," Harry replied.
They all looked up and saw Cassandra running breathlessly towards them.
"What did you do Cassi?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Oh, I ran all over the school trying to find Draco, so I could dump him. I felt like doing something," Cassandra said laughing, once she caught her breath.
"Good for you! Uh – don't you want to take a shower or something?" Hermione asked.
"Sure, in a bit. But I've got to ask Ron something first," Cassandra said pushing up her sleeves.
"Okay," Hermione said.
Cassandra walked over to Ron who was suddenly very interested in Hermione's Warlock's book that she still took outside. He was blushing brightly as Cassandra began to whisper things into his ear. Hermione nudged Harry to look at the two of them. He turned around just in time to see Cassandra kiss Ron on the forehead, which was now as red as a beet.
Hermione began to applaud quietly.
"Oh you," Cassandra said.
"So, are you guys going out now?" Hermione asked.
"Of course," Cassandra replied.
"How do you do that?" Hermione asked.
"Do what?" Cassandra asked.
"Walk up to a guy, kiss them, ask them out, you know," Hermione told her.
"It's simple, and – it takes skill," Cassandra added.
They laughed loudly and sat down with Harry and Ron.
"You know... The Thong song is getting a bit old, I think I'm switching to Faith Hill's Breathe now," Cassandra said.
"Okay, that's cool," Hermione said happily. "It's much better then some one saying Thong, thong, thong, thong, thong."
"Well, I guess it can be song number two on the list," Cassandra said, fake sighing.
She grabbed Ron's long arm and made him put his arm around her shoulder.
Suddenly Malfoy came up.
"So, the Weasel gets Cassandra now, huh? It seems like you get everything second hand, clothes, books, and now you've got Cassandra, and she's been used before too," Draco said laughing. He quickly ran off.
"What did that mean?" Hermione asked angrily.
"He's an idiot. We did nothing. He's just mad because I told him that he should dye his hair red to look more like Ron," Cassandra replied nonchalantly.
"Bet he didn't like that," Hermione said.
"Not one bit," Cassandra replied as a smile broke her face.
Hermione grinned back.
"I guess he was cute enough, but if he keeps bullying my friends, well, that's no fun," Cassandra insisted.
"Now I can really say friends forever," Hermione replied.
"Am I missing something?" Cassandra asked.
"Only something that started before you arrived," Hermione told her.
Hermione looked at Harry and played with his messy hair.
"Want to go enter your name in the Goblet now?" Hermione asked him softly.
"Yeah, I guess. I'd better do it soon, the Goblet of Fire tells us tomorrow who gets picked. The other students will have arrived by then," Harry replied.
He stood up and brushed his robe down. He grabbed Hermione, pulled her close, and walked to the Great Hall.
Once inside, Harry took a piece of parchment from his bags, borrowed a quill from Hermione, and put his name down on a slip of paper. He threw the parchment into the Goblet of Fire. Then he saw Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle coming up from behind them.
"That was a rude thing to say to Ron," Hermione suddenly told Malfoy.
"What do you know Granger? You'll never be used anyway," he replied sharply.
"I'm glad Cassandra finally saw you for the piece of scum that you are!" Hermione exclaimed.
Harry put his hand over hers, calming her quickly.
"Now your little boy friend's here to save you, but whenever you're alone, you'll be sorry Mud Blood!" Malfoy exclaimed.
He threw his parchment in and stalked off. Harry and Hermione were standing in the lonely Great Hall.
"Do you want to go talk to Dobby or something?" Harry offered.
"Yeah, why not. I think that might cheer me up," Hermione replied.
Harry grabbed her hand and walked to the Fruit Portrait. He tickled the pear and then the portrait hole opened. He climbed inside and let Hermione follow after him.
A loud squeak came – followed by, "Dobby!" "Dobby see sir!"
"Hey Dobby!" Harry said cheerfully.
"Dobby see sir. Dobby has not talked to sir for many days," Dobby said.
"Well, you see, we've been very busy. They're doing another Triwizard Tournament, do you know?" Hermione asked.
"No, Dobby did not know that sir. May Dobby ask when the other schools are coming?" Dobby asked.
"They're coming tonight, actually," Harry replied.
Dobby was the house-elf that Harry had freed many years ago. Now he was working at Hogwarts.
"Very good sir. The house-elfs will cook up something very good sir."
"I can't wait to eat it," Harry told him. Hermione rolled her eyes, but finally decided that S.P.E.W. had gone on, long enough.
"Yeah Dobby. Anything you make will be great, I'm sure!" Hermione exclaimed, to soothe the house-elf's feelings.
"Look sir. I is wearing the socks you gave me for Christmas. I know that they are the same color, very wrong sir, but still, I would hate to hurt your feelings sir."
Harry laughed. "Good Dobby. I'm glad you liked them."
Dobby's favorite piece of clothing was the sock. He liked wearing his socks differently though, a green one and a red one, for example. According to Dobby, the shopkeeper had made a mistake when Harry gave Dobby socks of the same color for Christmas.
"Is Winky still here?" Hermione asked.
"Yes sir. She is still here. Very quiet now sir. Cries sometimes sir."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and laughed at the thought or Hermione being a sir. They didn't want to mention it to Dobby though, they knew he'd start banging his head against the brick fireplace.
"Well, I'm proud of you Dobby. You have a real job. Dumbledore's a good man, that he's paying you and all. We've got to go now though," Hermione said.
"Yeah Dobby, we'll see you around. We promise to come back again," Harry said.
They walked back to Gryffindor common room.
"I think I'm going to go take a shower now, or something," Harry said.
"Okay. I want to hang around with Cassandra for a while anyway," Hermione replied.
Harry kissed her on the forehead and walked off before Hermione could whisper a dazed, "Bye."
Harry went to the Prefect bathroom that he had only used once before. That was to crack open the secrets of the Golden Egg in the last Triwizard Tournament. He thought it would be okay to use it again, since he was Head Boy and all. The Head Boy's were allowed to use the Prefect bathroom, but he had never gone in, with the exception of when Cedric Diggory passed him that clue. He took of his bathrobes and slid into the swimming pool sized bath. Instantly he began playing with all the knobs covered in jewels. Out of one a lucious tooti frooti bubble bath started pouring out. Another one was the sweet smell of the forest. One was as soft as Harry's breath that Hermione was so fond of. He began relaxing in the pool. Then, from behind the bath he heard some noises. It sounded like muffled laughing.
"Who's there?" he called out.
It was Moaning Myrtle
"Myrtle! What are you doing here again?" Harry groaned.
"Same thing I always do," she croaked.
"What? Looking at the prefects take their baths? You've got a sick mind for someone so young!" Harry exclaimed angrily.
He sunk beneath the bath so that Myrtle couldn't see anything except for his shoulders and head.
"You haven't been visiting me anymore, you've made me awfully lonely," Myrtle crooned.
"Well, I've been really busy. There's another one of those Triwizard Tournaments coming up, the guests are arriving tonight, and I was just getting back in the gear of it all. Then out of nowhere, you come back and start gaping at me. You really shouldn't do that Myrtle," Harry scolded pointing a finger annoyingly at her.
"I've been so lonely though. It's almost as if you forgot about me, then again – everyone forgets about me," Myrtle said breaking into tears.
"Oh, I – I'm sorry Myrtle. Look – don't cry. I'll go visit you, some day. I just was really busy – honest," Harry told her, lying quickly.
"So you haven't forgotten about me?" Myrtle said anxiously.
"No – not quite," Harry replied queasily.
"Okay," Myrtle said depressingly.
Harry turned off all the knobs and then looked at Myrtle.
"Close your eyes! I'm getting out now!" Harry commanded.
She shut them tight.
"Myrtle, don't come in here anymore, okay? You shouldn't, it's not a good thing to do. It's a nasty, horrid idea. What do the others say?" Harry asked slipping into his robes.
"I don't talk to them. I hide from them. You're the only one I talk to," Myrtle crooned again.
"Well, don't be looking at them. Don't be looking at me either. Go back to your toilet Myrtle. I'm going back to Gryffindor Common Room," Harry said.
"Well, don't leave yet. I think you're awfully special. I was hoping you had died in your second year, you could have joined me at my toilet. Although I don't think ghosts could really have kids..."
"I've got to go Myrtle. Go back to your toilet, I – I might try to visit you, but I've been told off for going in there, and I figured I'd better stop – and well – I've got to go now." So he left.
"What took you so long Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I was busy – taking a long bath," Harry replied.
"Oh. I'm getting ready. Do you know that Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour are coming today as well?" Hermione asked.
"Why's that?" Harry asked.
"Well, they were the champions from last year, you're entering again, so you weren't told about it, and Cedric – well, we all know what happened to Cedric." Hermione said the last part very quietly.
Harry groaned. Cedric died in his fourth year, when they were trying to win the Triwizard cup together, they ended up fighting Voldemort, but Cedric died. Voldemort killed him.
"Yeah, we all know what happened to Cedric, like we'd ever forget," Harry replied.
"Are you still mad about the Cho thing, not the recent one, but you know, in our fourth year?" Hermione asked.
"No. I don't like Cho," Harry replied.
"Okay, sorry, I didn't think – well, I've got to go change," Hermione said.
She stood up from her cozy chair and headed for the girl's dorms. She flopped down on her bed and turned to one side, seeing Cassandra lying down.
"What are you doing?" she asked Cassandra.
"Nothing much. I was just really tired, that's all," Cassandra replied.
"Me too. Something is bugging Harry. He seems all worried about the Tournament," Hermione admitted.
"Why?" Cassandra asked.
Of course she didn't know. She wasn't at Hogwarts when everything else happened.
"Well, it's a long story," Hermione said.
"I've got time," Cassandra replied.
Hermione walked over to Cassandra's bed. Then she sat down and told Cassandra all about her fourth year.
"You didn't have Quidditch? That must have been horrible!" Cassandra exclaimed after listening to the whole story.
"That's all you can think about," Hermione replied laughing.
"No. I can also – hey, I've got other interests," Cassandra said.
"Oh really?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah. Like what I'm going to be when I grow up," Cassandra replied.
"Oh. And what is that?" Hermione asked smiling.
"Well, I was majoring in Divination in the USA, but I know you don't like it. Just in case I really didn't want to do Divination I got a second choice behind it. I want to teach here, I want to be a Charms teacher," Cassandra admitted.
"Divination! That's so yuck! Sorry, I think Divination is a bunch of guess work, don't mind me, but really, do you want to teach here?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, more than anything!" Cassandra exclaimed.
"But what about your family in the Americas?" Hermione asked.
"My family – what are you playing with? I hate my family! My dad's in jail – of course he's doing real good right now, minimum security – my mom's dating a million different guys at the same time, and she could care less about me knowing magic. She's a Muggle, go figure. I don't have any siblings. Oh yeah, I've got a huge dog, a St. Brenard. That's my family."
Hermione was shocked. She had a good family. She was an only child, with a pet cat, Crookshanks, and had a lot of family. Both of her parents were Dentists, and they were respected people. Still, Hermione knew better than to judge Cassandra, now she knew why Cassandra acted so weird. It didn't matter! Cassandra was a good friend!
"Wow! I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. This is a good year. Like I said, Dad's only got minimum security. He didn't do anything horrible. Just went insane and tried to steal from his-own apartment. It's not too big of a deal. Mom's always partying till hours in the morning that even I don't know too often. I think she's dating my best-friend's dad right now. My best-friend in New York that is. His name is Donavon. His dad's a bit of a player, just like my mom. I think they've gone out and broken up again six different times. They won't be going out for long though. I'll make sure that my mom doesn't end up marrying Donavon's dad. I wouldn't want to be Donavon's step sister. No way! That would be too weird. I haven't seen Donavon in ages anyway. I probably won't ever see him again, since I'll be living here from now on. My parents wouldn't care, just like I said."
"Oh. My original career idea was to be the Minister of Magic, which I'm sure I could pull off. Lately though, I think that I've wanted to be the Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts, more than anything, really." Hermione was thinking about everything that had been going on with Harry and Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore, Lupin, the whole crew. It was then that she realized how important Hogwarts was to her, and she really wanted to live on with the school.
"That sounds like fun. You sure do dream big Hermione. The Minister of Magic!" Cassandra exclaimed.
"Well, I must admit that the role is a hard one. Everyone wanted Dumbledore for the job, but he's getting old right now. So is Cornelius Fudge. I'd like to take over his post. But if that isn't going to work, then I'd want to teach Transfiguration like Professor McGonagall. Transfiguration is definitely my favorite subject. I thought you'd want to go join Ron's brother's and run a Joke Shop or something."
"Ron has brothers?"
"More than you'd want to believe. You already know about Ginny. Then he's got two twin brothers, and three others after that."
"Wow! That's a lot compared to me!"
"Yeah. I've known most of Ron's family forever."
"He's so sweet! I'm going to get him something awesome for Christmas. What are you getting Harry?"
Hermione gasped. She hadn't even thought about it. Christmas was coming up pretty quick. She always got him something silly, but this year she just HAD to get him something good.
"I don't know! I have to get him something nice! Well, I got him something awesome once, yeah, that brook servicing kit. But what can I get him this time? Oh no!"
"Don't worry. Why don't you give him earrings?"
"Cassi! Harry doesn't have his ears pierced, thank goodness for that."
"Does Ron?"
"No way!"
"That can't be good. Well, I've got to think of something new to get him now."
"I know what I'm getting Ron, as he isn't my boyfriend or anything. I'll get him a large supply of Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. I'll throw in Mince Pies and Cockroach Clusters. Whatever I feel like adding. I guess I could get a picture taken of myself and Harry, and then – I've got it! I'll buy a really nice frame and give it to him!"
"Sounds like a great idea. Mind if I use it too?"
"Well, don't you think they'd like it if we did different things Cassi?"
"Good point."
And then – "I know what I'll get Ron! A broom servicing kit. You've already given Harry one. Then I'll give him tons of stuff from Honeydukes and bottles of Butter Beer from the Three Broom Sticks!"
"Good plan. Don't tell them though!" Hermione stood up.
"Now I need to get changed," Hermione said.
"So do I," Cassandra agreed.
They both slipped on blue jean shorts. Then Cassandra put a baby blue shirt on. There was a silvery star to one side, and to another it said Old Navy Trademark.
Hermione put on a Tommy shirt that had four small pictures across her chest, and then under it, Tommy was written with lines under it. They both put on Doc Martens, and left the room.