A/N: Briefly, I want to thank my faithful reviewers, and all of you who are reading my story.
Ariane Derault did point out that the scene changes are sometimes hard to pick out, and I have tried several things without success, (Wordperfect and Microsoft Word do not mesh very well,) that I've inserted an asterix between scene changes to make them more obvious. I do hope this helps.
Also, Harriet commented on how well I can write and update so quickly. The truth is that I cannot. I have already written the entire story over a period of three to four months. I am posting them at the rate of one per day, so that I can do last minute proofing, and make changes as needed. (See note above.) I have tried previously to write stories and post them as I've finished the chapters, but I end up discovering things that should have been included in earlier chapters, and the stories suffer as a result. Also, reviewers will occasionally point something out that I missed, forcing me to edit later chapters.
I wish I could be confident enough to post chapters as they are finished, but one effects of that would have been that Malcolm never receives a dead mouse. I think the story is better because of that, and I know Hedwig appreciated it.
Thanks again - HiBob
"I'm cold," Malcolm said to no one in particular. He was stuck in the back of the crowd of students, right next to the teachers, but wasn't really annoyed about it
"So am I," EJ said, "but I don't want to miss this. I can't wait for them to get here."
"Let me know when that happens," Malcolm said, changing into an owl. He surveyed the crowd in the waning light, and when Professor McGonagall held out her arm, Malcolm perched there, happy for the better view.
[It's a lot warmer as an owl, and the view is a lot better, too. The students from Durmstrang and Beauxbaton were scheduled to arrive at six o'clock to take part in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. They're late.]
Malcolm heard the horses before he saw them, and called out. Albus Dumbledore heard his hooting and followed his line of sight. He raised his voice, and said to the gathered students, "Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches."
Malcolm looked over to see the Headmaster wink at him. Then he noticed Professor McGonagall watching him, with a wistful smile on her face. He pecked affectionately at her ear, and turned to watch the proceedings.
[Professor McGonagall turned out to be a really cool teacher. It's not that she's nicer to me now. It's that we know each other more. The weird thing is, she
still doesn't cut me any slack. She just puts me down in real nice words. Personally, I liked it better when she yelled at me.]
*
"Yeah, that was something," Malcolm said, in between bites. "I really liked it when that ship came out of the lake."
"What about the Goblet of Fire?" EJ asked, as he grabbed another roll, "I wonder who will enter?"
"Malcolm, are you going to try and enter," Ginny asked, while she and EJ adopted identical grins.
"No Way," Malcolm said, "I might get picked. I don't want to take the chance."
EJ's grin widened as he said, "I believe him."
"I don't want to change the subject," Ginny said, looking down the table "but my brother is drooling over that Veela again. Ron is so pathetic at times."
"Veela?" Malcolm asked.
"They cast an illusion spell on men," Ginny explained. "Men, and BOYS, only think she looks beautiful"
"I've known prettier girls," Neville said, and smiled when Ginny looked at him.
"He's talking about you," Dewey said, popping out from under the table.
[I would swear he wasn't there a minute ago. I have to find out how he does that.]
Ginny blushed at Dewey's remark, and everyone laughed. To change the subject, Malcolm asked his brother if he was coming to the school for Hallowe'en.
"Mom won't let me," Dewey complained, "She says I have to go trick or treating, and that Reese has to take me."
[My parents do that every year. All of us have to go out, and stay out as long as possible. Do you know when Dewey was born? July 31. Do you know why that is a significant date? It's exactly nine months after Hallowe'en.]
"Too bad you couldn't bring Reese here," Ginny said jokingly, "We're having another feast, tomorrow night."
"That's a great idea," Dewey said, happily, as everyone around the table paled.
*
"They're at it again," Ginny said, nodding at the Twins.
"What are they up to?" EJ asked, knowing already.
"They want to enter the Tournament, but they're too young," she said. "I think Fred and George are working on an aging spell. They think they can put their names in the Goblet of Fire."
"Will it work?" EJ asked, laughing.
"I doubt it," Malcolm said, "I think the magic around the cup knows how old you are, not just how old you look."
*
It was late, and no one else was awake. Malcolm slipped on his robes and made his way to the common room. It was empty, to his relief, and he made his way out, and headed for the Great Hall. He walked into the Great Hall and up to the golden ring that had been drawn around the Goblet of Fire. He saw someone familiar standing inside the age line.
"Hi, Hermione," he said.
Hermione jumped at the sound. "Malcolm, did you have to sneak up on me," she said with a nervous laugh. "Did you follow me, or are you here on your own?"
"I came on my own," Malcolm said. "I ate so much, that I couldn't sleep." He approached the edge of the age line, pulled out his wand, and whispered a spell. He crossed the line and walked up to Hermione. "Did you put your name in?" he asked.
"No," Hermione said. "I don't plan to, either," she added, "I only wanted to see if I could get past the age line. Are you putting your name in?"
"Not mine," Malcolm said, as he showed her a piece of paper. He reached over and dropped it into the goblet. The paper flared as it fell into the cup. "I thought Mrs. Norris would like the honor of representing the school."
"Malcolm, you are truly hopeless," Hermione said, laughing.
"And the two of you are truly amazing," Albus Dumbledore said from behind them. As they turned around, startled, he added, "I find it interesting that the only two students to bypass the safeguards around the goblet, are perhaps the only two students unwilling to take advantage of that fact. But I think it is time the two of you headed back to your house."
Dutifully the two students followed the headmaster as he led the way back to the Gryffindor common room. As the sounds of their footsteps faded, a figure
stepped out of the shadows and approached the Goblet, dropped in a name, and left quickly, making sure that no one was around to see what had occurred.
*
"I'm curious," Hermione asked, "what kind of spell did you use?"
"A spell of misdirection," Malcolm answered, "When I entered the circle, I left the impression that I was walking the other way. Is that what you did?"
"Nothing that fancy," Hermione said, "I like to keep things simple. I used a reversal spell. Instead of being noticed, I was being not noticed. It was easier, I think, than your spell."
"My congratulations to both of you," Dumbledore said, "The two of you concentrated on the key facet of the spell, instead of the minor point of judging your age. If the spell doesn't know you are there, it can't do anything. I'd give you each ten points, but I'd have to take them back because you were out of your rooms, after hours." With a chuckle, he gave the password to the Fat Lady, and ushered the two students inside.
"Malcolm," Hermione said, "When you tell them what you did, please don't mention that I was there. I don't want to get a reputation for being a know-it-all, again."
"I'm not telling anybody," Malcolm said with a smile, "I realized that if anyone finds out, they'll all be after me to put their names in, or tell them how I did it."
"Malcolm isn't going to brag?" Hermione asked. "That IS a new twist. I think you're finally growing up. Tell me how it feels, thinking about the consequences of your actions?"
"I've always thought about the consequences," Malcolm said, "I just never cared about them, before."
"I was right, Malcolm. You are hopeless." With that remark, Hermione went off to bed.
*
"Malcolm," Ginny said, "did you sleep in that chair all night?"
"No, only half the night," Malcolm said, "I spent the other half trying to sleep."
"I told you," Ginny said. "You ate too much."
"Well, I never get food like this at home," Malcolm said, "My mom even has six layer casserole every Thursday. Everything left over from the past week is put in one big bowl. In bad weeks, the six layer casserole has seven layers."
"Thank you, Malcolm. I am no longer in the mood for breakfast," Ginny said, as she slumped into the chair next to Malcolm. "Do you think Dewey will show up tonight?"
"If he does, he'll bring Reese with him," Malcolm said. "I'm hoping that happens, because it will be my best chance to find out how he gets here."
*
"We're going to be late," Dewey complained to Reese, "I don't want to miss out on this because of you."
"Like you can do anything about it," Reese said, sarcastically. "I may not want to go."
"You want to go," Lois said, coming into the room. "This is one of the few days your father and I can plan on being alone. You either go to this party, or you can take your brother trick or treating for the next eight hours. You decide."
"I'm ready for a party," Reese said with enthusiasm.
"Oh Dewey, you're wearing your costume," Lois said, "He looks so cute. Doesn't he, Hal?"
"That's a clever costume, son," Hal said, "are you going to be a wizard, just like your big brother."
"Daaad," Dewey whined, pulling out a black helmet and face mask, "I'm Darth Vader. Dressing up like a wizard is for weenies."
*
"Time to go," EJ told Malcolm, "The feast will be starting soon."
"Reese might be coming," Malcolm said.
"I've got my wand," EJ said, "I can handle it."
"Dewey will be there."
"I'll be sitting with the Ravenclaws. I can handle that, too."
The two walked downstairs into the crowded common room. "Fred and George shaved," EJ said, "They looked good in white beards."
"How many students got tripped up by that aging line?" Malcolm asked.
"I think six was the final total," EJ said, "but the twins had the best facial hair."
*
"Okay, we're here Dewey," Reese said, "Now get lost." Shoving his brother out of the way, he walked into the Great Hall and looked around. "These are some
cool decorations," he said, staring at the flying bats and floating pumpkins. Walking up to a table he grabbed what looked like cookies, eating one and putting
the rest in his shirt pocket. Then he spotted a familiar face, and walked over to the Slytherin table.
*
"I was trying to be polite," Draco Malfoy said to the Durmstrang student, Menchkov. "After all, we are on the same side."
"We don't object to what you are said," Menchkov told him, "It is your effort to act as an equal that we find annoying. If you did share our views, you would be going to our school. Instead you are here, mocking us." The visitor smiled as Draco fumed in anger. He then turned his head, when Draco looked up and over his shoulder.
"Drakster, My Man," Reese said, loudly, "And who's your friend." He patted the Durmstrang student on the back and said, "I couldn't help hearing your annoying little lecture. I liked the big words, but I'm kind off a simple guy, if you know what I mean. Back to Basics, that kind of thing."
"And your point is?" Menchkov said.
"It's easy," Reese said, leaning into him, "We'll decide who's better by a simple contest. You will try and cast any kind of spell you want at me, and I'll try to rearrange your face without using magic. Do you agree?" he asked, raising his fist.
"You are crude in your manners, to say the least," the student said, eyeing Reese's fist.
"Hey," Reese said in a happy voice, "Crude! I know that word. And I learned a new word too. Effective! So, do you want to play with me?" Reese punctuated his last sentence with a couple of light punches to the student's shoulder. "Huh, how about it. It's easy to mouth off when you don't think anyone will do anything. Say something now."
The student stared at Reese with a mixture of anger and confusion. He looked around and saw his fellow students preparing to fight the Slytherins, and the Slytherins more than willing to fight back. Reese continued to smile as though nothing was going on. A small touch of fear was added to the mixture.
"I taught Draco a new phrase over the summer," Reese said, with a touch of menace, "Are you Ready to Rumble? I learned that from TV. And how about this phrase? Put up or Shut up. You talk big, but you don't act it, WIMP." Reese let go of the Durmstrang student, adding, "If you won't defend your remarks, don't make them. Understand?" With that, Reese walked away. Looking back, he said, "Drakster, you need to get better friends."
The Durmstrang student was standing now, with his wand drawn. "I've decided to accept your challenge after all." He raised his wand, and began to cast a spell.
Reese smiled. He was in his element, and had been threatened by Draco enough times to know what was coming. He crumbled the cookies he had taken out of his pocket and tossed them at the red-robed student who startled at the surprise assault. In three quick steps, Reese grabbed the wand, and broke it in half, as applause broke out around him.
"Well done," Professor Snape said evenly, as he walked up to the table, "an excellent demonstration of defense against a magical attack. Remember, students, that magic is not always the only solution." He smiled at all of the students who were now watching him. He picked up the broken wand and handed it to the Durmstrang student. "What a terrible accident," Snape said tonelessly, "It will hamper you if you are chosen as school champion, but I don't think you will have to worry about that."
"Can I still hit him?" Reese asked.
"Sadly, no," Snape said, "but I do admire your initiative . . . Reese?"
"Yeah," Reese said, "I'm Malcolm's brother. You know, Bird Boy."
"There was never any doubt," Snape said calmly.
"Is there a problem?" a new voice said.
"Professor Karkaroff," Snape said, "One of your students had an accident with his wand."
Reese turned around, and saw the Durmstrang Professor and someone else. "Viktor Krum!" he shouted, as Malfoy, Snape, and Krum rolled their eyes. "I saw you play Ireland. You were great. You were robbed in that game."
"I remember your voice," Krum said, as he shook Reese's hand. "You ver shouting, 'Get It. Get It. You got it, Babe."
"You heard me?" Reese asked in amazement, as he shook Viktor's hand, "I'll never wash this hand again. I've got to tell my brother."
"What a curious student," Karkaroff said as Reese took off.
*
"Malcolm, guess who I met," Reese said, "Viktor Krum. He even shook my hand."
"?" said Malcolm, while everyone around him politely laughed.
"Try thinking the Michael Jordan of Quidditch," Reese said in disgust, "If you're so smart, how come you don't know anything?"
"Who's Michael Jordan?" Ginny asked.
Reese started to give her his lecture on the history of basketball, when Draco Malfoy walked up. "Hello, Love," Draco said to Ginny, as he interrupted.
"Do you have to call me that?" Ginny asked brusquely.
"Sorry, Love," Draco said, smiling "It won't happen again." He turned to Reese, and asked, "would you like to join the Slytherins at our table? You made a very positive impression on everyone, well, everyone that matters, and it would help to put the Durmstrang students in their place."
"I'd love to," Reese said, happily, "Do you hear that, Malcolm? I get to spend the evening with Viktor Krum."
"I didn't know you were into Quidditch," Draco said.
"I'm new to the sport," Reese said, "but I've picked up a lot already. Did you know that these kids didn't know what I was talking about? They don't even know who Michael Jordan is. Bunch of losers."
"I'm not surprised at their ignorance," Draco said as they walked away, then glanced back at Malcolm with a questioning look as he mouthed the word 'Jordan.'
Malcolm shrugged his shoulders, and said nothing.
"That was a strange conversation," EJ said.
"For Reese that was an intelligent conversation," Neville told him. "At least Malfoy took Reese with him."
Malcolm laughed and said, "And you thought the Slytherins weren't good for anything."
"Malcolm," Ginny said, "Where's Dewey?"
"Over there," Amber Dowling said, pointing to the Ravenclaw table. Malcolm looked over and saw Dewey talking to the Veela. He said something, and the girl laughed, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then he showed her his Darth Vader mask, and pointed at the Gryffindor table. The girl and some of her friends looked directly at Malcolm and scowled.
[I bet Dewey told them I made him bring that mask. I hate when that little runt does that. They always believe him.]
Malcolm watched as the Beauxbaton students made room for Dewey to join them. Happily, he turned back to his friends and said, "That's great. We got rid of Dewey as well."
"But he's such a cute little boy," Amber said, "How can you be so cruel to him?"
"He is not a cute little boy," Malcolm and Ginny said together.
*
Albus Dumbledore called everyone to order. He then went to the Goblet of Fire and caught the paper that came out. He read the name 'Viktor Krum' and Reese could be heard loudest among those at the Slytherin table. An embarrassed Viktor walked up and was lead to another room. Then another name was read, Fleur Delacour, and Malcolm looked over to the Ravenclaw table. A couple of the Beauxbaton students were actually crying that they were not chosen. Meanwhile Fleur, the veela girl, gave Dewey a big hug, then got up and followed Viktor Krum. The third name was called, and the Hufflepuff table went wild. Their Quidditch team captain, Cedric Diggory stood up and went to join the other two students.
Dumbledore began to speak when a fourth piece of paper came out. In a surprised voice, he read the name, 'Harry Potter'. Malcolm looked over at Potter and saw his surprised look. He then caught Hermione's eye, giving her a questioning look. She shook her head. She hadn't put anyone's name in the Goblet.
After some confusion, Harry got up and joined the rest of the 'champions'. The Hallowe'en feast began with everyone talking about the last addition to the tournament.
"How did he do it?" EJ asked first among their group.
"He didn't," Malcolm said, "I know I didn't put his name in, and Hermione didn't either. Someone else must have."
[Good going, Malcolm. So much for not telling anybody.]
"You, and Hermione?" Ginny asked. "What do you mean by that?"
"What do you think he meant?" Neville said, "they are the two smartest students in the school."
"Did the two of you put your names in?" Amber asked. When Malcolm shook his head, she added, "Why Not?"
"The tournament is dangerous enough for seventh years," Neville answered, again, "I told you, they ARE the two smartest students in the school."
"Why didn't you say anything before?" Ginny asked Malcolm.
"I didn't want to show off," Malcolm said, humbly.
After everyone stopped laughing, Ginny asked, "Seriously, why didn't you say anything?"
You see? No one believes me when I tell them the truth.
"He told you the truth," Dennis Creevey said from behind Malcolm, causing the older boy to jump.
[Why do they always sneak up on me like that?]
"Malcolm," Dennis asked, "Colin thought you would know what happened, about Harry. If you want, I'll tell him you did put his name in. Then he'll like you again."
"Dennis, your brother doesn't want to like me. He doesn't even like the lessons I'm giving you."
"You're giving Dennis lessons?" Ginny asked.
"He's teaching me to be an animagus," Dennis said, "He already taught me that I'm not a natural at it like he is. I guess he's going to be giving me lessons for a long time."
"Malcolm," Ginny said, smiling, "That's wonderful. You're finally developing a mature attitude."
"Look, I'm tired of this," Malcolm said, snapping, "Ever since the year started, people have been telling me that I'm finally growing up, that I'm finally becoming an adult, that I'm finally developing a mature attitude. I haven't changed. I'm still me. I DO NOT HAVE A MATURE ATTITUDE."
"I stand corrected," Ginny said, as everyone laughed at the now red-faced Malcolm.
[I HATE when I do that.]
"Reese, can I talk to you," Malcolm said, as he walked up to the Slytherin table.
"Make it quick," Reese replied.
"I just wanted to know how you got here," Malcolm said.
"I have no idea," Reese said, turning back to the girl he was talking to.
"Wait a minute. How can you have no idea how you got here. Were you asleep or something?"
"Malcolm, I'm trying to have an intelligent conversation," Reese said, turning around to look at his brother, "I got here by magic, okay. If you want to know more about it, go ask Dewey's friend . . . or the old guy." He turned back and said to the Durmstrang girl, "Yeah, ours is one of the oldest families in the States, but we're taught not to brag about it."
The girl smiled avariciously at Reese, then gave Malcolm a 'get lost' look.
Malcolm walked back to his table, and the conversation about Harry Potter died down. Everyone turned an expectant face to Malcolm, but he merely shrugged his shoulders. "I asked Reese, but he doesn't know. He did say to ask Peeves the Poltergeist, or Dumbledore."
"I didn't think he would know Dumbledore's name," EJ said sarcastically.
"He doesn't even know Peeves' name. His exact words were ' ask Dewey's friend or the old guy.' All he knows is he got here by magic."
"Malcolm," Neville asked, "I know you're a . . . special . . . person, but why does Dumbledore bring your brother to the school all the time?"
Malcolm sighed, "I have no idea, but I bet if I ask him he won't tell me."