HOLY F*** IT'S BEEN TEN MONTHS SINCE I'VE ADDED TO THIS FIC

(A/N: In canon, some of the teachers are related to various students. This is not the case unless explicitly stated. So please don't get in a big to do about it because Otis is a teacher and doesn't really acknowledge Alya. Thanks)

Please see the bottom for more notes! They're important

Chapter 8: Unintentional Eavesdropping

The train pulled into Hogwarts Station exactly nine minutes and forty-five seconds after sundown. The students piled off in their various friend groups, chatting amiably and wandering towards the carriages, except for the first years who were nervously shuffling towards a hefty man who was calling out for them.

"First years over here please!" The man shouted.

"Professor Otis!" Nino shouted, waving. Otis Mitchell peered through the crowd and spotted the trio waving and he grinned, waving back, before returning his attention to the new arrivals who barely came up to his waist.

"I wonder how he can see them through that scruffy beard." Alya chuckled.

"Magic." Nino said sagely.

"Oh shush." Alya responded, playfully punching his shoulder. "It's still weird these are pulled by nothing." She commented, staring at the space between the carriage they had chosen and the one in front of them.

"Maaagic." Nino said again, wiggling his fingers. Alya rolled her eyes.

"Yes thank you." She said dryly.

They hopped in the carriage, and before too long, another two people climbed in.

"The inseparables!" One said happily.

"Nice to see you too Aurora." Marinette laughed. The blonde grinned at her unabashedly. "How was your summer?"

"Oh it was a party." Aurora replied, rolling her eyes. "But at least Mylene got to visit a few times." The girl next to her giggled.

"You act like you were held captive." Marinette replied, a small smile on her face.

"Might as well have been. Downsides to be muggleborn, they want to keep a super close eye on you, and they can't help me with my homework." Aurora said, sighing dramatically.

"Amen." Marinette agreed.

"How was your summer?" Mylene asked the trio.

"Pretty great actually." Marinette replied, grinning.

"Spectacular." Nino added.

"Fantastic." Alya beamed.

Aurora stared at them suspiciously. "You went to the world cup didn't you?" She asked.

"Hell yeah we did!" Nino shouted, high fiving Marinette.

"Lucky!" Mylene said, envious.

"You have no idea." Marinette said happily. The carriage jerked and finally began moving, heading up to the castle. Nino used the opportunity to launch into a description of the match, which Marinette enjoyed listening to, up until Alya brought up her favorite topic.

"Marinette has a crush on Agreste." She announced. Marinette promptly turned pink.

"No way!" Mylene said, grinning.

"You have romance in that head of yours?" Aurora asked, trying to fight off the smile that was creeping onto her face.

"I hate all of you." Mari moaned, burying her head in her hands.

"No but this is good!" Mylene said, beaming.

"That's what I said!" Alya said victoriously.

"Besides! The hot frenchies are coming so you'll get your pick!" Aurora said, throwing in a wink.

"The what?" The trio asked.

"You don't know?" Aurora asked, bemused, before a delighted grin spread over her face. "Oh I get to spoil it?"

"Spoil what?" Alya asked, practically begging for new information.

"We're hosting the Triwizard Tournament!" Nino and Alya's mouths fell open, while Marinette simply looked bemused.

"I thought that was cancelled centuries ago!" Alya exclaimed.

"It was, but they're giving it another shot." Aurora said, grinning.

"Oh my god that is fantastic." Nino breathed.

"I know right?" Mylene gushed.

"Well I don't." Marinette interjected. "Could someone please explain? I get the three wizard tournament thing but beyond that?"

Aurora looked surprised, but began to explain. "Basically there are three schools that participate. There's Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and us. There's a method used to select a champion from each school. The champions have to perform three tasks which will determine who wins, and the winner gets a cash prize as well as a big-ass trophy with their name on it."

"What are the tasks?" Marinette asked.

"Nobody knows. That's half of the fun!" Mylene said with a grin.

"Yeah and the other half is probably run ins with death." Marinette muttered.

"Well to be fair, the tournament does have a history of participants dying." Nino pointed out helpfully.

Marinette just sighed. "So I will NOT be signing up." She said.

"Pretty much." Alya said, patting Marinette on the back. "You don't need more excuses to get yourself killed."

"Thanks Alya." Marinette grumbled, as everyone laughed. "Real big help."

"I'm excited to see you in quidditch again." Mylene said, as the carriage began to near the castle.

Aurora perked up. "Ooh yes!" She said. "Though it is hard to watch sometimes."

"How so?" Marinette asked, confused.

Aurora and Mylene shot each other a wary glance. "Well you're so wonderful but the rest of the slytherin team is… Well…"

"Constantly trying to get me thrown off of the team even though I earned that spot fair and square? Several times?" Marinette asked.

"I was going to say a bunch of pricks but that works too." Aurora laughed.

"I'm used to it." Mari said. "Besides, it's not like I can do anything about which house I'm in."

"I still don't understand how you got put in there." Alya said, shaking her head. Nino and Mylene nodded emphatically, while Aurora looked thoughtful.

"It's probably her ambition." She mused. "After all, it's not like every Slytherin is evil. You're an obvious testament to that."

"Funny that's exactly what the Sorting Hat said." Marinette commented. "Though it did take a while to decide."

"That was the most awkward three minutes ever." Nino chuckled. "Everyone just awkwardly staring at you, waiting for the hat to make a decision."

"What can I say?" Marinette said dramatically. "I'm just an enigma." Alya scoffed but Mylene was nodding in agreement.

"Well you are!" Mylene protested when Mari shot her a curious look. "You're the first muggleborn to be sorted there in who knows how long! Nobody knows why."

Marinette simply shrugged. "Well it hardly matters. The majority of my house effectively hates me or has a stalker like interest in me." The other occupants grimaced.

"You don't think he'll keep it up do you?" Nino asked. Mari sighed.

"I honestly don't know. I certainly hope not. The threat of Alya is usually enough." Everyone laughed, and conversation returned to more enjoyable topics.

The carriage rumbled along, and it was soon pulling to a stop outside of the castle's front door. The five people in the carriage all piled out, collecting their luggage as they got off.

The minute they got within a few feet of the castle doors, they were swarmed by house elves, who collected their luggage and apparated away with them, taking the bags to the students dorms.

"I will never get used to that." Marinette muttered to Nino.

Nino laughed. "If you aren't used to it, it feels like you're being accosted."

"Just a bit." Marinette agreed. The group entered the castle and made their way towards the Great Hall. Half of the school was already there, and a pleasant buzz of conversation was heard throughout the large room. "I'll see you later yeah?" She asked the group.

Mylene and Aurora nodded and split off, heading for the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables respectively. Nino muttered a quick "good luck" and hurried after Mylene. Alya gave the Slytherin table a scathing look.

"If you need me to jinx someone.." She let the threat hang there and Marinette just laughed.

"They aren't all bad. The younger ones are nice for the most part. But I'll let you know. I appreciate the sentiment." The two hugged before separating and heading to opposite ends of the hall. Marinette sighed as she saw that Chloe was already there. She glanced around for the person she'd been hoping to avoid. Alya had dubbed him He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. She didn't see him, and she heaved a sigh of relief, before plopping down between two third years who she was sociable with. She made mindless conversation with the group as the tables filled up. Ten minutes later, the teachers filed into the room.

She quickly spotted the new professor, the man who'd stopped by on the train. She also had the luck of catching the eye of the transfiguration professor, Caline Bustier. She waved, and was graced with a small smile from the usually stern woman. She also spotted her least favorite professor, Verena Mendeliev. It was unfortunate that she was their Head of House, because she did not seem to like Marinette at all.

She finally spotted the headmaster, who had a small smile on his face, as he always did. Marinette liked the headmaster. They had only spoken in person a few times, but she had enjoyed every moment of them.

The headmaster stepped up to the large podium of a golden eagle and raised his hands. The conversation in the room immediately stopped. He flicked one of his hands and the doors to the great hall opened. Professor Vincent, the charms professor, walked in, with a large group of first years trailing behind him.

Marinette watched them all walk by, wondering which would be sorted into her house. Calien brought out the sorting hat and placed it in front of the first years, who watched it in abject fascination. Then, as it did every year, it began to sing.

Oh you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see.

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor

Where dwell the brave at heart.

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry,

Set Gryffindor's apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a real mind.

Where those of wit and learning

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends.

Their cunning ways and slight of hand

Helps them achieve their ends.

Let it be said I do not lie

You might not like your mind.

But I assure each one of you,

I've sorted every kind.

In times of dread, You must have trust,

And here is where you'll fly

Catch each other safely

Or else you'll say goodbye

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a thinking cap!

Marinette stared at the hat in bemusement and applauded with the rest of the school. What was with that warning? Was the school in danger? She couldn't help but wonder what the hat meant throughout the sorting ceremony, and thus was completely disinterested in the ceremony. It took only half an hour, which considering the size of the group, was very impressive.

Headmaster Fu stood and returned to the podium, a wide smile on his face. "Hello all! Welcome back to all of those returning, and welcome to those who are here for the very first time. The feast will begin in a moment, but for now, I have a few announcements. First, I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. Armand D'Argencourt." The school applauded, many happy to see a new face after the prior year's fiasco. The new professor stood and waved his hand. He sat back down and Fu resumed.

"This year, Hogwarts will be hosting an international event. For those of you who do not know, we will be hosting the Tri-Wizard Tournament." Many students gasped and the buzz of conversation returned. "Come late October," Fu continued, after the noise had died down, "Two more schools will arrive. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. We will revisit this again before they come, but in the meantime, let the feast begin!"

Mari grinned as the plates in front of them were instantly filled with food. Everyone quickly filled their plates with food, ravenous after the several hours without food. Marinette cheerfully made idle chat with the two new first years who had joined their little group.

She was telling them about the vanishing steps in various staircases when somebody tapped her shoulder. She glanced up, and much to her surprise, found Professor Mendeliev staring at her.

"Ms. Dupain-Cheng." Her head of house greeted. "Are you planning on signing up for quidditch this term?"

Marinette stared at her suspiciously, wary of a trap. The professor had never liked her, even though she often led the house in grades, as well as being their star quidditch player. "I was, professor."

Her professor nodded to herself before smirking. "Very good. I would expect nothing less." With that, she walked away.

Marinette blinked. "Did she just compliment me?" She asked Alexandra, the girl next to her.

Alexandra looked just as bemused. "I.. Think she did? That's not like her. Be afraid Marinette. Very Afraid."

Marinette laughed. "I always am, but I end up in ridiculous situations anyway." Those around her laughed, except for the first years, who looked confused.

"You'll catch on kiddos." A passing sixth year said. "Marinette always ends up in at least two life threatening situations per year. She has this weird habit of following her beliefs even though it could kill her."

"Oi!" Marinette protested. "Last year wasn't my fault!"

The sixth year just laughed and kept walking.

"Is there a pool on how many times I almost die this term?" Marinette asked Alexandra.

Alexandra snorted. "There's four I think." She refilled her plate with turkey and looked thoughtful. "There's the full year bid. Then there's one for the first term, and a separate for the second term. And then there's one concerning the various ways you could die. I put down five galleons on one of the Acromantulas in the forest."

The first years were now staring at Marinette with mixtures of horror and awe on their faces. Marinette just shrugged helplessly at them. "I have really terrible luck sometimes." She informed them. Five minutes later, one of the first years knocked over one of their drinks and spilled it onto her. "As I was saying." She said dryly, as Alexandra roared with laughter. The first year was in the midst of apologizing profusely, but Marinette was already waving her off, reassuring her that it was completely fine.

It was at that moment that Alya walked over. "Hello ladies and gentleman." She greeted. "I'm here for the girl with pumpkin juice all over her."

Marinette pulled out her wand, glaring at her friend. "Evanesco." She muttered, and the spilled juice disappeared.

"You ready?" Alya asked.

Marinette stood and nodded. "See you later Alex." Marinette said. "Bye guys." She said to the first years who had been too shy to say their names.

"Bye Marinette." The two first years chimed in unison.

Alex's mouth dropped. "That was the cutest thing I've ever seen." Marinette and Alya laughed and headed out the door to the great hall.

"I wonder where Fu went." Alya mused. "He doesn't usually leave during the middle of the feast."

"He left?" Marinette asked, surprised. The pair rounded a corner, headed for the steps that they would separate at. "I hadn't notic-" Marinette squeaked as Alya yanked her back around the corner, finger to her lips. The two poked their heads around the corner, and were greeted to the sight of the professor they'd met on the train. He was walking purposefully towards Headmaster Fu, who was bidding a few seventh years goodnight.

"Headmaster Fu." The spindly man greeted.

Fu turned around, smiling warmly. "Armand, we've discussed this, simply Fu will do fine. Only in formal situations is that necessary. Otherwise I might be forced to call you Ex-Auror D'Argencourt." The professor merely shook his head. "Have you reached a decision regarding the.. Other matter?"

D'argencourt sighed. "Unfortunately yes. I've agreed to sign on, Merlin knows what's making me do this." D'Argencourt muttered the last part, pulling on his mustache.

Fu beamed. "Excellent. Now you are aware of what you will be doing alongside your teaching duties yes?" Fu asked, but the professor was already waving him off.

"Yes, yes. The tournament and all that. Won't be a problem. But I did have a question about one thing in your letter."

"And what was that?" Fu asked innocently.

"Well it was about the-"

"Headmaster!" Professor Bustier shouted.

"Ah wait one moment please." Fu said before walking over to the other professor and quickly discussed something with her. He bid her goodbye and returned. "Now what were you saying?"

"About that girl you mentioned. I've already met her, but what was her name? Dupain-Cheng?" Alya gasped. It was quiet, but to Marinette it sounded like a gunshot. The two men continued their conversation without incident. "You said to watch her carefully?" Fu nodded. "May I ask why?"

Fu smiled. "Ahhh that would ruin the surprise my old friend."

Armand through his hands up in the air in frustration. "Of course it would." He said rolling his eyes, but with a slight smile nonetheless. "You and your secrets. What year is she in?"

"Her fifth. I will tell you this though. I can't help but feel as though she was… A mistake." Marinette was about to take offense but then D'Argencourt spoke.

"Like… The hat? That kind of mistake?" Fu nodded in response. "Then she's the eighth one! If what you say is true-"

"I know what the prophecy says." Fu said wearily. "I hope I'm wrong." he added as an afterthought. Armand snorted.

"When are you ever wrong? Are you preparing?"

"Discreetly. No need to get everyone in a big to-do for no reason." Fu said wisely.

Armand sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Probably for the best. Do you need me to do anything?"

"Nothing as of yet." Fu said reassuringly. "Just be on standby."

"Always." The former auror muttered.

Fu chuckled. "Yes you are. Now if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment with a lovely young man who is waiting for me in my office. Have a good night Armand."

The two men separated and disappeared off to different areas of the castle. Marinette slumped down onto the floor, trying to process what she'd just heard. Alya was staring at Marinette in disbelief.

"A prophecy?" Alya asked, stunned.

"Alya.."

"A prophecy?" Alya asked again, disbelief becoming more and more pronounced by the second.

"Alya don't-"

"A PROPHECY?" Alya shrieked.

"Alya shut up!" Marinette hissed, putting a hand over her best friends mouth, in hopes of shutting her up.

Alya pushed the hand away and stared at her. "But.. This is important! You need to know right?"

Marinette shook her head vehemently. "I don't want to know. Hopefully I will go my entire life without knowing. I don't want to believe that everything is preordained. Besides. We both know the vast majority of Divination is crap."

Alya looked uncertain. "Even still.."

Marinette took a deep breath and stared her best friend in the eyes. "I don't. Want to know." She reiterated firmly.

Alya put her hands up in defeat. "Alright, alright." She said, conceding defeat. "So much for a quiet year though." She said, looking somewhat resigned.

Marinette sighed. "Look. As long as I stay out of that god-forsaken tournament, I'll be fine. Right?"

Alya looked unconvinced. "You can't tell me that there isn't a good to fair chance that you'll end up in it no matter what happens. Especially after last year's fiasco."

Marinette put her hands on her hips. "That was entirely your fault Miss 'Oh what's over here, something suspicious? Let's go investigate!"

Alya smirked. "Well we got him didn't we?"

Marinette sighed. "We almost died Alya."

"But we didn't!" Alya said, grinning widely. "And that's the important thing. Now let's go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow yeah?"

"Obviously." Marinette said. "Great hall at 8?"

"Sounds good. I'll find Nino and let him know. Sleep well girl!" Alya said, waving as she walked away.

"Sweet dreams Alya." Marinette watched her friend disappear around the corner and sighed, turning to face the stairs that led down into the dungeons, and thus the Slytherin common room. "Into the abyss." She muttered to herself. She jogged down the stairs, hoping that her relationship with her yearmates wouldn't be nearly as bad as it had been the year prior.

A/N: Okay so I am back with this AU! Happiness. If you're wondering what I'm alluding to when I talk about Marinette's terrible luck, there will be some manner of flashbacks later on so don't worry.

Also can you guess who Fu has the meeting with? If you can I'll... Idk. Post another chapter this week. So yeah! Now, concerning some sturf.

One! I am considering putting this on Archive of Our Own now, but I'm hesitating for one reason. I really want art to go along with it. Would you be interested in seeing that?

Two! I am probably going to go through previous chapters and edit them so that they aren't as terrible, like I did with Broken Facade.

Three! I currently have FIVE fics running concurrently right now (not to mention the oneshots I work on periodically), which means updates per story will be infrequent af. I don't know how or why this happened. Maybe it's because my brain is obnoxious and keeps spitting out new ideas.

So if (whoops) WHEN (please) you comment, please also tell me which story I should direct my focus on the most! It would be very, very, very VERY helpful

Love you all,

You're the best,

Until Next Time!

~Nebilas~