Without Further Adieu

Goodbyes are always miserable at the end of winter break. The holidays are such a cheerful time and the family is all gathered together. This year was especially difficult, because I had to say bye to my sweet baby nephew(and who knows how long he will be sweet with who his father is). Babies grow so much during their first months of their lives. As I got teary eyed kissing his little cheeks, Ella promised to send pictures frequently. Kevin also reminded me that I would get a break from my grandmum and her husband lectures; a definite positive to leaving.

It is my last semester at Hogwarts, which causes me much anxiety. My school has become so much more that to me, and I shall miss it dearly. To never see the castle again after graduation is going to be terribly sad. I keep reminding myself to make the best of this year along with studying for NEWTS.

..

Arriving back to school was much the same as the many trips before. As usual the semester gave way to routine and the time passed much too quickly. I found myself undecided about qudditich. I missed it so much, but doubted I would have had time for practices in my busy schedule. I also continued to become more fond of my time spent at the hospital wing. Madam Pomphrey was extending my knowledge of simple healing, and I found I had a natural talent for it.

Attending classes, homework, and really beginning to study for my NEWT exams took up a huge chunk of my week. More often than not, I found Michael to be the exemplary study partner I needed. We were both feeling the pressure to do well on our end of the year exams, and having someone to be miserable with made the long hours in the library more bearable. I was also thinking hours spent with the most gorgeous guy ever just might help me to get over Oliver..

I found myself loving the time I could spend with friends and couldn't wait till meals and weekends to have fun with them. I had never felt as close with them as I did this year. We had always been close friends because of qudditich. Now we had more time to have fun together around the castle creating memories.

Although, once I made the mistake of trying to get the twins to study in the library with me. I'm not sure how I ever thought that would be a good idea. After 15 shushes from Madam Prince, a spilled drink, 2 snacks, countless glares, and an explosion, I gave up after 45 minutes. We gathered everyone up and went to the common room to play exploding snap with the whole gang.

...

As per our usual routine, I do not pick up the paper until the twins came down to breakfast. Fred or George always pick it up, and lightly burn the spaces with articles about Oliver and his girlfriend. I decided last week that I can't read the prophet till I know it's safe. Usually there's not much, but sometimes there is a substantial amount of burnt paper. I'm thankful the twins thought of this, but I shouldn't expect anything less. They are usually the first to think of some brilliant idea.

As I wait for George to finish, I pick up a letter that was just delivered. My correspondence with Kevin, Ella, Grandmum, Father, and Grandfather have been more numerous than previous years, but none more so than Grandmum. I can only imagine what is in this letter.

Kathryn,

I have been worried about your safety as I have written previously . I know you are a beautiful young woman, and would enjoy a Valentine's date in Hogsmead. I must beg you not to leave the castle. As much as I hate to admit it, Dumbledore has done wonderful things on Hogwarts security. I am convinced your staying within the castle will lower my anxiety on this whole affair. Your Grandfather is convinced that I am becoming old and senile, and I'm sure you are tired of hearing my words of caution. All I can tell you, is that a mother's intuition is never wrong. I will never forgive myself for not acting differently before your mother passed away, and will not let history repeat itself. Even if you make the decision to simply humor your old, crazy Grandmum, please consider what I ask of you. Also this is not interfering with finding you a husband, because he is not at school.

Love You Always,

Grandmum

I roll my eyes at the letter and toss it down on the breakfast table. The most alarming thing is, my Grandmum doesn't sound like herself in over half the lines of the letter. Once I am less annoyed, I will respond to put her mind at ease. I wasn't planning on leaving the castle anyways.

The one thing that confuses me the most in the letter is that Grandmum says my future husband is not at school? Cedric is here, and I could have sworn that was her pick for me. George set the paper down in front of me and I pick it up to begin to read the news.

...

"FREDRICK WEAAAAASSSLEY!" Angelina yelled angrily as we took cover. We had just left Hagrid's hut after a great visit with our favorite professor, when snow balls were raining down on us.

I hid behind a tree and began to make snowballs. After I had a small stash, I looked over to find my two best friends doing exactly the same thing with excited smiles on their faces. It was cold out, but not so much as to not have a little fun before dinner.

I looked over at them once again. Angelina narrowed her eyes. Alicia peaked nervously around her tree, while I magically put up a shield nonverbally. I nodded to them, and they understood. We had calculated a plan last week after the guys destroyed us during the last snow ball fight. It wouldn't last long, but the boys might not notice at first.

We attacked while yelling warrior cries. We didn't get hit once by their snow balls because the shield was just tall enough to through snow over, but then blocked their offense. After we had thrown all of our ammunition we hurried up to the castle to defrost in the kitchens with hot coco until dinner. We all knew it was better to quit while you were ahead with the Weasley twins!

The twins were not far behind us, and we burst into laughter as the snow covered boys made their way into the kitchen. "That was very sneaky of you 3." Fred said in a low voice.

"You remember how you guys cheated next time we pull a prank." George said in a pompous voice.

Alicia frowned, "That wasn't cheating! It was strategy!"

Lee just shook his head, "Man why didn't we think of that?"

..

Valentine's day came suddenly, and I tried to forget it was happening. I wasn't over Oliver, so I couldn't continue to lead Michael on with dates beyond our studying. When he asked me to go to Hogsmead with him, I told him my family didn't want me leaving the castle. I encouraged him to still go, and even ask someone else if he wanted. As a foreigner he doesn't get the chance to enjoy Hogsmead often.

The rumors surrounding Harry's entrance into the tournament continued to cause of much debate between my grandparents and their friends. The rumors have become more exaggerated over time, especially after following the World Cup game disaster so closely. The possibility of dark magic to enter another champion was alarming my Grandmum who has been a suspicious person since the first war.

Therefore I stayed in the common room and worked on my mountains of NEWT assignments along with a few other 7th years. I could tell Alicia, Ang, George, and Gred felt guilty going without me, but I was thrilled that the 4 went on a double date. I hoped someone would have a love life since mine was so pathetic. Mine included trying not to think of the date Oliver had planned for his girl friend.

...

Before I knew it, the date was February 24th and the 2nd task was upon us. The school had been a buzz with rumors as to what danger would be next for the champions. Most of the rumors were fueled by the twins, so they were quite imaginative.

I couldn't hold back my confusion as Madam Pomphrey led me to the black lake a little later than most of the crowds. We had some last minute supplies to bring. What could the champions possible be doing in there? Fight the giant squid?

Ludo Bagman stood on the constructed dock beaming with excitement, "Well, all our champions are ready for the second task, which will start on my whistle. They have precisely an hour to recover what has been taken from them!"

The whistle sounds and I can't quite comprehend what he means. Recover what has been taken? I hear the professors talking quietly about the merpeople's village, and am even more shocked. We have merpeople in the black lake? Since when? Huh, I really shouldn't have only skimmed Hogwart's A History.

I notice as the 4 champions dive in the water; Cedric and Fleur use a bubble head charm, while Harry seems to be eating something. I'm not sure what Krum did, but he disappeared under the water before it took effect. I realized it had become very quiet. No one could see what was happening under the surface, but I found myself hoping Harry and Cedric were alright.

The time passed slowly, as we all waited anxiously. Everyone was speculating as to what was happening under the water, but no one had any idea. Suddenly with 20 minutes left on the clock, Fluer came to the surface. She was brought straight to the healing tent for care after a grindylow attack. Nothing major, but the stands were abuzz with the first champion to fail.

With only one minute left Cedric came up to the surface with Cho Chang. Next was Viktor Krum with Hermione Granger?! WAS HIS HEAD A SHARK RIGHT AS HE CAME UP? Last Harry came to the surface with Ron Weasley and Gabrielle Delacour. It all happened so quickly, I'm not sure how much time passed in between or how it will affect the scoring. The other 3 champions and guests only had very minor cuts or bruises. Madam Pomphrey and I went to each of them healing, drying, giving a blanket, and casting a warming spell. Nothing too difficult, which I was glad to see. Although.. I thought I was going to have to slap Ron Weasley after Fleur kissed him in thanks. He looked so dazed I was worried we was going to topple back into the water.

During my job Dumbledore was talking with one of the Merpeople in a very strange language. Then talked with the judges. Everyone was waiting in suspense to see the scores. Cedric received 47 points. Harry scored 45 points for outstanding morale character. Krum scored 40 points, and Fleur only scored 25 points. After a second I realized that Harry and Cedric were tied for first! Both of the Hogwarts champions! I was secretly rooting for Harry since he is so much younger, in my house, and the underdog. Plus, what is there that Harry can't do? I am friends with Cedric and want him to do well, but I'd ALWAYS bet on Harry! I've seen his persevere on the qudditich field. The common room was going to be a huge party tonight! What fun!

Okay get reviewing! Next chapter is BIG. When I get reviews, I'll update!

~Grace