"Awe, why is he here!" I complain as the professors come in. "Professor, why is he here? Mother Why is he here?"
"Hush Bellatrix." Aunt Cissy snaps "We're trying to figure this out."
"How long will that take?"
"Let Headmaster Dumbledore think." Mother sighs.
"Well now we're never getting out of here. And my pals were throwing a party for whoever was the schools champion before we went all hunger games on these people."
"Bellatrix, that's enough." Uncle Xander orders.
"Fine." I huff and go back to my inventing.
"Extraordinary!" Ludo Bagman mutters, squeezing Harry's arm. "Absolutely extraordinary! Ladies and Gentlemen," he addresses us. "May I introduce—incredible though it may seem—the fifth Triwizard champion?"
"WHAT! Oh come on! Why does everything always happen to him! Can't he take a break from being in danger? Can't you take a break from being in danger?" I demand from him.
"I didn't put my name in."
"I don't really care what you do actually. I just like saying what everyone else thinks."
Fleur apparently thinks it's a joke and laughs, "Zat is a vairy funny joke, Meester Bagman."
"Joke?" Bagman repeats in bewilderment. "No, no, not at all! Harry's name just came out of the Goblet of Fire!"
Krum's thick eyebrows contract slightly. Cedric still looks politely bewildered. Fleur frowned. "But evidently zair 'as been a mistake," she says contemptuously to Bagman. "E cannot compete. 'E is too young."
"Hello! I'm not much older than him." I state but I'm ignored.
"Well… it is amazing," says Bagman, rubbing his smooth chin and smiling down at Harry. "But, as you know, the age restriction was only imposed this year as an extra safety measure. And as his name's come out of the goblet… I mean, I don't think there can be any ducking out at this stage… It's down in the rules, you're obliged… Harry will just have to do the best he—" Bagman is cut off by Madame Maxime.
"What is ze meaning of zis, Dumbly-dorr?" she says imperiously.
"I'd rather like to know that myself, Dumbledore," says Professor Karkaroff. He is wearing a steely smile, and his blue eyes were like chips of ice. "Two Hogwarts champions? I don't remember anyone telling me the host school is allowed two champions - or have I not read the rules carefully enough?" He gives a short and nasty laugh.
"C'est impossible," says Madame Maxime, whose enormous hand with its many superb opals was resting upon Fleur's shoulder. "Ogwarts cannot 'ave two champions. It is most injust."
"We were under the impression that your Age Line would keep out younger contestants, Dumbledore," says Karkaroff, his steely smile still in place, though his eyes were colder than ever. "Otherwise, we would, of course, have brought along a wider selection of candidates from our own schools."
"It's no one's fault but Potter's, Karkaroff," says Snape softly. His black eyes were alight with malice. "Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Potter's determination to break rules. He has been crossing lines ever since he arrived here -"
"Thank you, Severus," says Dumbledore firmly, and Snape goes quiet, though his eyes still glint malevolently through his curtain of greasy black hair.
Professor Dumbledore is now looking down at Harry, who looks right back at him, trying to discern the expression of the eyes behind the half-moon spectacles.
"Did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire, Harry?" he asked calmly.
"No," says Harry. He is very aware of everybody watching him closely. Snape makes a soft noise of impatient disbelief in the shadows.
"Here here, professor!" I grin at Snape.
"Did you ask an older student to put it into the Goblet of Fire for you?" says Professor Dumbledore, ignoring Snape.
"No," said Harry vehemently.
"Ah, but of course 'e is lying!" cries Madame Maxime. Snape is now shaking his head, his lip curling.
"He could not have crossed the Age Line," says Professor McGonagall sharply. "I am sure we are all agreed on that -"
"Dumbly-dorr must 'ave made a mistake wiz ze line," says Madame Maxime, shrugging.
"It is possible, of course," says Dumbledore politely.
"Dumbledore, you know perfectly well you did not make a mistake!" Professor McGonagall states angrily. "Really, what nonsense! Harry could not have crossed the line himself, and as Professor Dumbledore believes that he did not persuade an older student to do it for him, I'm sure that should be good enough for everybody else!"
She shoots a very angry look at Professor Snape.
"Mr. Crouch… Mr. Bagman," says Karkaroff, his voice unctuous once more, "you are our - er - objective judges. Surely you will agree that this is most irregular?"
Bagman wipes his round, boyish face with his handkerchief and looks at Mr. Crouch, who is standing outside the circle of the firelight, his face half hidden in shadow. He looks slightly eerie, the half-darkness making him look much older, giving him an almost skull-like appearance. When he speaks, however, it is in his usual curt voice.
"We must follow the rules, and the rules state clearly that those people whose names come out of the Goblet of Fire are bound to compete in the tournament."
"Well, Barty knows the rule book back to front," shrugs Bagman, beaming and turning back to Karkaroff and Madame Maxime, as though the matter was now closed.
"I insist upon resubmitting the names of the rest of my students," Karkaroff demands. He has dropped his unctuous tone and his smile now. His face wore a very ugly look indeed. "You will set up the Goblet of Fire once more, and we will continue adding names until each school has two champions. It's only fair, Dumbledore."
"But Karkaroff, it doesn't work like that," Bagman explains. "The Goblet of Fire's just gone out - it won't reignite until the start of the next tournament -"
"- in which Durmstrang will most certainly not be competing!" Karkaroff explodes. "After all our meetings and negotiations and compromises, I little expected something of this nature to occur! I have half a mind to leave now!"
"Empty threat, Karkaroff," growled a voice from near the door. "You can't leave your champion now. He's got to compete. They've all got to compete. Binding magical contract, like Dumbledore said. Convenient, eh?"
Moody has just entered the room. He limps toward the fire, and with every right step he took, there was a loud clunk.
"Convenient?" says Karkaroff. "I'm afraid I don't understand you, Moody."
"Don't you?" said Moody quietly. "It's very simple, Karkaroff. Someone put Potter's name in that goblet knowing he'd have to compete if it came out."
"Evidently, someone 'oo wished to give 'Ogwarts two bites at ze apple!" Madame Maxime snaps angrily.
"I quite agree, Madame Maxime," Karkaroff agrees with a bow to her. "I shall be lodging complaints with the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards -"
"If anyone's got reason to complain, it's Potter," growls Moody, "but… funny thing… I don't hear him saying a word…"
"Why should 'e complain?" burst out Fleur Delacour, stamping her foot. "E 'as ze chance to compete, 'asn't 'e? We 'ave all been 'oping to be chosen for weeks and weeks! Ze honor for our schools! A thousand Galleons in prize money - zis is a chance many would die for!"
"Maybe someone's hoping Potter is going to die for it," said Moody, with the merest trace of a growl.
An extremely tense silence followed these words. Ludo Bagman, who was looking very anxious indeed, bounced nervously up and down on his feet and said, "Moody, old man… what a thing to say!"
"We all know Professor Moody considers the morning wasted if he hasn't discovered six plots to murder him before lunchtime," said Karkaroff loudly. "Apparently he is now teaching his students to fear assassination too. An odd quality in a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dumbledore, but no doubt you had your reasons."
"Imagining things, am I?" growled Moody. "Seeing things, eh? It was a skilled witch or wizard who put the boy's name in that goblet…
"Ah, what evidence is zere of zat?" said Madame Maxime, throwing up her huge hands.
"Because they hoodwinked a very powerful magical object!" said Moody. "It would have needed an exceptionally strong Confundus Charm to bamboozle that goblet into forgetting that only three schools compete in the tournament… I'm guessing they submitted Potter's name under a fifth school, to make sure he was the only one in his category…"
"You seem to have given this a great deal of thought, Moody," said Karkaroff coldly, "and a very ingenious theory it is - though of course, I heard you recently got it into your head that one of your birthday presents contained a cunningly disguised basilisk egg, and smashed it to pieces before realizing it was a carriage clock. So you'll understand if we don't take you entirely seriously…"
"There are those who'll turn innocent occasions to their advantage," Moody retorted in a menacing voice. "It's my job to think the way Dark wizards do, Karkaroff - as you ought to remember…"
"Alastor!" said Dumbledore warningly.
Everyone goes quiet then I lean forward and say "Wait a minute!" I point at Moody "I thought his first name was Mad-eye! You redcoats are so confusing!
"You're British too!" exclaims Mother, Aunt Cissy and Uncle Xander.
"Also if you want to know what school he's in under look at the paper his name is on. All of ours says our school name." I state while completely ignoring the previous statement. I go over to Harry and take his piece of paper. "There see. Salem Witches Academy… wait what? OOAAAHHHH! Dang Potter, I didn't know you was a woman!"
"I'm not!" Harry exclaims.
"Mmhmm!" I state in disbelief.
"How this situation arose, we do not know—" Dumbledore says gravely.
"I just told you!"
"It seems to me, however, that we have no choice but to accept it. Both Cedric and Harry have been chosen to compete in the Tournament. This, therefore, they will do…"
"See I told you everything happens to you! All I get is dirty looks and people telling me to Shut up." I state to Harry. "Now do we get instructions to the first task or what?"
"Right!" Dumbledore says while rubbing his hands together and smiling around the room. "Barty, want to do the honors?"
Mr. Crouch seemed to come out of a deep reverie. "Yes," he said, "instructions. Yes… the first task…"
He moved forward and we all come into a circle which means I have to put my incomplete guitar down in my chair.
"The first task is designed to test your daring," he tells us, "so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard… very important."
"The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges.
"The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests."
Mr. Crouch turns to look at Dumbledore.
"I think that's all, is it, Albus?"
"I think so," said Dumbledore, who was looking at Mr. Crouch with mild concern. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"
"No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry," said Mr. Crouch. "It is a very busy, very difficult time at the moment… I've left young Weatherby in charge… Very enthusiastic… a little overenthusiastic, if truth be told…"
"You'll come and have a drink before you go, at least?" said Dumbledore.
"Come on, Barry, I'm staying!" said Bagman brightly. "It's all happening at Hogwarts now, you know, much more exciting here than at the office!"
"I think not, Ludo," said Crouch with a touch of his old impatience.
"Professor Karkaroff - Madame Maxime - a nightcap?" said Dumbledore.
But Madame Maxime had already put her arm around Fleur's shoulders and was leading her swiftly out of the room. And I hear them both talking very fast in French as they went off into the Great Hall but I have no idea what they're saying. Karkaroff beckons to Krum, and they, too, exited, though in silence.
"Harry, Cedric, I suggest you go up to bed," said Dumbledore, smiling at both of them. "I am sure Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are waiting to celebrate with you, and it would be a shame to deprive them of this excellent excuse to make a great deal of mess and noise."
"Bellatrix, Come with me." Mother says.
"Why would I? you abandoned me."
"Narcissa is coming as well."
"Fine. But my father will hear about this." I drawl sounding very much like the pureblood I am. I grab my guitar and walk passed Mother to follow Aunt Cissy.
We go up the stairs to Aunt Cissy's room where Meda and Cissa are. They pull me into a hug both with tears in their eyes. "Don't Do it Trixie!" They cry.
"Do what?"
"Don't compete! Please!" Meda begs. "please don't! I don't want you to get hurt!"
"I won't get hurt. I know what I'm doing. Now stop crying." I sigh while trying to pull them off of me but they don't budge.
"B-b-but the contest is too dangerous! Please don't do it."
"I can handle it. I'm doing this for father. Both of you need to stop. You are too old to be crying like infants."
"What if one of the other champions try to hurt you!?" Cissa demands. "What if they try to hurt me or Meda?"
"Then I'll kill them." I state simply.
"No you won't."
"I will. I'll use the killing curse if anyone lays a hand on you. Or I'll cut off their hand."
"With what knife?"
"This one." I pull out a large knife that I bought out of a dark store in the Magic Market in New York.
"Give me that!" Mother exclaims but I put it away and step back.
"Don't touch me, you bloodtraitor!" I exclaim in horror while using my body to keep my sisters back. "Why did you want me here? And why did you bring my sisters here?"
"I need to tell you something. It's about Bellatrix… my sister."
"Aunt Bella."
"She's a—"
"Death Eater. The Dark Lords second in command."
"How—"
"I have an eidetic memory and Dumbledore didn't bother to obliviate me because he thought I would just forget. I can't forget. That's how I found Meda." I state. "Is that all you wanted?"
"I want to know when you hear from her. it's very important."
"Why?"
"Because she sent Narcissa a letter that is very concerning and we think she might try to escape soon."
"Really? Amazing! I hope she brings father with her. now if you'll excuse me, my sisters seem vary stressed and we have a party to get to. Goodnight, Aunt Narcissa." Then to our mother I sneer. "Bloodtraitor." Before pulling my sisters out the room.
"Why did you talk to her like that?"
"Because she betrayed her own flesh and blood, Meda. She let that old goat take us away from where we belong and we didn't get to meet Cissa until yesterday."
"You wouldn't really kill someone, would you?"
"Not someone with magic unless I had to."
"But muggles?"
"If I had to." I state while still walking swiftly. Suddenly I stop us and I turn to face them. "Listen. I lost you both once I will never allow that to happen again. You are my sisters. I am the eldest which means it's my job to protect you. I'm doing this for the both of you… so neither of you were chosen."
"I'm a Hogwarts student and a second year. I couldn't be chosen."
"Harry Potter is fourteen and he was chosen. Trust me it's just better this way." I sigh and turn to lead them down to the Slytherin common room. I allow Cissa and Meda a little time to enjoy the party before I make them go to bed as the older students bring in alcohol. That was my first time trying firewiskey.
Our party is wild and lasts until 2 a.m. then we all go for some sleep before school the next morning. I just get finished getting ready for bed, my head is still spinning then I hear a rustle of the sheets on Cissa's bed. "Trixie?" I turn and almost fall over.
"Oh damn. Ouff." I stumble over to her bed. "What do you need?"
"Will you stay here with me? I had a bad dream." I look over to Meda whose sleeping then I nod.
"Yeah." I crawl over her to the other side of the bed then I wrap around her. "Gunigh'." I mutter before passing out.
I'm woken up in the morning by a click and a flash. I sit up and see my aunt Cissy standing there with a camera. She holds a finger to her lips then points to the bed where both Cissa and Meda are curled up. I smile then turn to see the picture. I nod and give it a thumbs up before I carefully climb out of the bed and follow aunt Cissy out of there. "I need your help." She mutters.
"With what?"
"I need you to go see what Bella meant by this. I need you to talk to her."
"If it involves the Dark Lord she won't tell me anything." I say.
"You must try. It could be important."
"I have school, Aunt Cissy, and what about my sisters. They will worry."
"Wake them and tell them you have some business to attend to with me and you'll see them later. I'll talk to Xander and meet you in the entrance hall." I nod and go back into the room. I go into my trunk to get dressed and clumsily pull on a pair of black jeans with zippers and chains everywhere, a T-Shirt that says The Sex Pistols on it, a pair of boots, and my dragon hide full length trench coat that goes to the bottom of my ankles. The trench coat has a hood along with multiple metal clasps.
I climb out and go over to the bed to wake my sisters. "Meda! Cissa! Wake up." They open their eyes slowly "I have some things I have to outside the castle and I must go but I shall see you later."
"Can we go?"
"No. I need you both to stay and do well in all of your classes."
"Alright." They sigh then roll over to go back to sleep.
I go up to meet Aunt Cissy in the Entrance hall and I see Mother standing there. "What is she doing here?"
"She is going so she can talk to her daughter to see if she's heard anything from the prisoners."
"Her daughter?"
"Nymphadora. She's an Auror."
"My filthy half-breed older sister?" I ask blankly.
"Don't call her that." Mother snaps.
"You left my father for that thing and her mudblood father. I will call them whatever the hell I want." I scowl. We glare at each other to see could hold it longer. I won.
"The point is she's going as well. Let's go." And I stumble along behind them to the Village.
"You need to take her hand."
"Aunt Cissy, I don't want to touch her." I scrunch my nose in disgust.
"I understand, however in situations like this it's necessary." She informs me. I scowl as I take Aunt Cissy's hand then slowly reach over and wrap a hand around Mother's wrist where her sleeve covers all the skin. Finding this acceptable Aunt Cissy apperates us to the point by the docks. The three of us put up hoods and climb into the shabby old boat. I sit across from them and I study Andromeda's movements as if planning something. "Don't do it, dear."
"Do what?"
"She can swim so pushing her into the water is pointless." Narcissa states. I frown and look away.
Finally we get to shore and walk inside. "My niece and I are here to see Bellatrix Lestrange and Ryan Drake."
"Right. And you?"
"I'm here to see my daughter Auror Tonks." I narrow my eyes at her. The way she spoke showed how proud she is of her daughter.
"Tonks!" the Auror calls into a room. Tonks comes out with bright Pink hair.
"What?"
"Your mother is here and these two need to see Lestrange and Drake." Tonks nods and turns to us.
"Wands please. And hoods down so I can see your face." Aunt Cissa and mother lower their hoods and turn in their wands silently then everyone looks at me expectantly.
"Like I need mine." I say while handing in my wand. I lower my hood. "I can do wandless magic. Can you do wandless magic?"
"No I can't."
"Hmm. Then why is she proud of you? I am much better than you are." I drawl.
"Let me guess." Nymphadora looks at her mother. "This is my sister Trixie." Andromeda nods.
"I am not your sister. You will never be my sister." I snap. "Lead the way Mud-thing." Tonks scowls and stomps ahead of us while I follow with a smug expression.
"Don't antagonize her please. She's not feeling well." Andromeda tells me.
"It's probably all the mud in her blood. I could find a purification ritual but I doubt it would help." I smirk. I see the girls fist clench on her wand and her hair goes bright red. "See now she looks like a Weasley. She has no shame what so ever." I laugh. Andromeda huffs and speeds up to catch up with the mud-creature.
"Was that necessary? She is going to help us find out what Bella's up to."
"I'm going to do that much better than she is." I say then I stumble right into Narcissa and she has to catch me. I giggle… I GIGGLE? I must still be drunk. "What time is it?"
"3:30. I woke you half an hour ago."
"I must still be drunk." I laugh louder than I meant to as we come to a stop in front of where we should be. "That was one hellova party though. Those Snake know what a good time is. I've never been drunk before but that Firewiskey seemed fancy." I giggle again as I lean on the wall between Bella and my father and slide to the ground. "Hello, Aunt Bella!" I say while still laughing.
"You look very worn out."
"Spent all night dancing and drinking. Guess what." I say while holding out a chocolate bar to her. I accept the sobering potion from Aunt Cissa.
"What?" Aunt Bella asks with a chunk of Chocolate in her mouth. I finish the potion and hand the vial back to my aunt.
"I'm in the Tri-Wizard tournament. Are you proud of me?" I ask.
"Of course I am! You will bring honor and dignity back to your line in the Black family. You will correct the wrong that your mother has done."
"You know what that woman did when we got here? She practically admitted that she's more proud of that mudchild than of me! Has that thing ever competed in a deadly competition where every move made is life or death? At fourteen no less! What does she have that I don't?"
"Don't be jealous of that creature, darling. Your mother is blinded." She tells me while drawing my head as close to her as the bars would allow.
"I wish you were my mother, Aunt Bella. I always have." I sigh.
"I know."
We're silent for a moment then I lean back and look into the empty cell on her right. "Where's my father?"
"They've taken him for some experiment on his brain to see what is wrong with him." Bella laughs.
"Other than being obsessed with my mother there's nothing wrong with him." I agree.
"So what is with the visit? Should you not be at school?"
"I wished to share with you my news. Other than being in the Triwizard tournament I have been successful in finding Meda. Aunt Cissy, do you have a copy of the picture?" she nods and hand me the picture of the three of us. I hand it to Bella and watch her reaction.
She is silent for a long moment and I see Tonks and Andromeda turn from their conversation to watch as well. "I-I—My sisters and I would fall asleep like this all the time. exactly like this. I would always be closer to the door though and they got angry at me for laying on top of them but…" she trails off with tears in her eyes.
"But they didn't realize that you were just protecting them. You shielded them with your body because you were afraid that someone would burst in and attack the three of you." I finish for her. Aunt Bella nods in agreement.
"Yes. That's why I did it. I wanted to protect them. Still do… even the traitor."
"Aunt Bella… what did you mean in your letter? You said something was going to happen. What will happen?" I ask softly.
She looks over at the Auror and her sisters before beckoning me closer. "Come here." I lean closer and allow her to whisper in my ear. "He's coming. The Dark Lord will rise soon. You need to get Potter to the cup. You have to." I lean away and look into her wide eyes and nod letting her know that I will.
"It will happen." I promise. "I must go now. I love you."
"I love you too, Little Warrior." She reaches through the bars and strokes my face before I have to stand up.
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye." She replies with watery eyes. We start to walk away. "Bellatrix." I turn to her. "Don't hate Nymphadora. It's not her fault for what her father did." She tells me. I don't understand but I nod. It must be important.
Half way down the many stairs we are crossed by several guards escorting a familiar man and Andromeda gasps and turns away with her hood up so he doesn't see her face. "Father?"
"Bellatrix!" He says but he's forced away from me.
"Father, I'll visit again! I promise!" I call after him.
Down the stairs we get to the empty hall where there aren't any cells and I stop and turn to Tonks "Well, Mudchild, this is it. I'll see you whenever I see you and I hope its not any time soon." I grin but It sounds more joking rather than Malicious. Then my smile fades and I look around. Mother and aunt Cissa stand a few feet away trying to make it look like they're not listening. I pull something out of my pocket and show it to her. "Will you give these to my father? I was going to but he wasn't there."
"I'll get them to him."
We're silent for a moment then I hand her something else. A phone number. "In case… well… if you need anything. I got a magical Cellphone and I'm a good listener when it's important. Just don't tell my sis—our… our sisters. Don't tell them."
"I won't." she grins.
We stand there for another moment just staring at each other. "She's proud of you too. She's just scared. You're a lot like Your Aunt Bella. That scares her."
"It shouldn't."
"Considering where we are do you not see why she is?"
I look around then nod. "I understand. But she still chose you over me. She gave me and Meda up because she couldn't handle having children then she went home to you."
"She spent two years in St Mungo's to heal her mind." Nymphadora tells me. "She regretted giving you up every day since it happened. She had just given birth, quite painfully because her youngest was suffocating and had to be cut out of her, and Dumbledore didn't give her a chance to think clearly." I look over and see mother looking at me. She looks away quickly but I saw the love in her eyes. "She told me about you. How you're brave, unafraid to speak your mind. You're loyal and unselfish for your family. You're smart and love to learn. You're Cunning and Ambitious. She said you would be well suited in any of the houses which makes you even more unpredictable then Aunt Bellatrix. She loves you."
I think… "She still betrayed me. She left and she let me be taken. She didn't try to find me."
"She had no idea where to start." Tonks sighs and looks at the time. "You should probably go now. It's almost breakfast at Hogwarts." I nod and turn to talk away.
We get almost to the door then I stop. "What is it dear?" Narcissa asks. I turn around, walk back to Tonks, and silently wrap my arms around her.
"I'm sorry." I mutter to her before going and getting my wand from Aunt Narcissa. I turn and wave at her before we go get back on the boat with our hoods up.
When we get to shore I grab Cissa's hand… then slowly take mother's hand as well and we disappear.
