I hated it. Every second of being in that stupid place made my skin crawl and my head ache. Lupin had, of course, scolded me about doing things I shouldn't in dangerous situations given what had happened at the Quidditch game. When he found out I'd fought a Death Eater, he'd spent the morning in our tent shouting until Sirius had managed to get him to calm down. He'd left in a huff then to give us both a break and I had to deal with Sirius trying to explain to me why he was so upset.

After that, we had both calmed down and eventually made our way to the Ministry. That was the last place I wanted to be. I only went in the hopes they'd never call me back for something like this again. Sirius and Lupin both came with me as my current guardians and upon announcing ourselves, were brought into the Minister of all people. The man, of course, was stubborn as all get out and after asking me for a fifth time what I'd seen, they'd finally offered to either check my memory—which I was very against—or let me scan through known Death Eater pictures. When I didn't find the person, Lupin mentioned they hadn't shown me all the photos.

They'd left out the dead. The Minister grumbled about it, but with Lupin and Sirius backing me, he begrudgingly got them as well. That's when I saw him. The second I pointed him out though, the trio went quiet and pale.

"You're certain?"

I nodded, touching the small, moving portrait of the young man as he licked his lip. "Yes. This is him."

"You're lying," the Minister argued, still pale and looking a bit angry now. "That's impossible. He was dead."

I frowned, uncertain why he was so convinced I was lying just because of who I picked, only for Sirius to speak up.

"He could have faked it. Barty Crouch Sr., when he went to visit with his wife. That was an ample opportunity."

"Y-You—Do you understand what you're saying!"

The adults ended up bickering for a while before I cut in and asked if I could leave. Everyone was frustrated, but I knew it would turn out like this. Whether it was that Crouch guy's son or not, it was my word tying him to what happened at the match. My word as a vampire pointing fingers at a wizard in front of the Minister of Magic. Nothing will come of it. Nothing ever does. Lupin had enough arguing too and we all ended up leaving, returning home where he and Sirius stewed on what happened for a while longer. Eventually, they calmed down and stopped mentioning it as it was nearing the time when I'd be returning to Hogwarts.

We got my books and things for attending and added in a few more spars and pranking tricks should the Slytherins try anything this year. They would, no doubt, but at this point, I could handle them. I was still overly sensitive to things and that would only be my advantage should they try to sneak up on me. On the crowded train station though, it made me feel sick to my stomach. Lupin attempted to offer some sort of goodbye and apology for how my last week with them had been, but I waved him off, accepting the apology as quickly as I could to get onto the train. Once tucked away in a compartment, I closed the curtains and took a steadying breath, calming myself.

It took a moment, but once I was done, I had some time to relax by myself before Harry and the others ducked in, muttering to each other about something they'd overheard; from their parents, siblings, and Malfoy in the compartment next door.

"So, he thinks Durmstrang would have suited him, does he?" Hermione huffed angrily when she returned from closing the door. "I wish he had gone, then we wouldn't have to put up with him."

"Durmstrang's another wizarding school?" Harry asked.

"Yes, and it's got a horrible reputation. According to An Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe, it puts a lot of emphasis on the Dark Arts."

I wasn't sure why the Dark Arts were so feared. I simply sighed softly and continued to try and focus my mind while they chatted about other schools. The rain outside grew heavier, lulling me into a light daze while people came and went, talking about Quidditch or whatever else. Then, of course, my peaceful time was interrupted by a snarky blonde.

"Look at this!" Malfoy mocked, holding up the robes Ron had covered his bird's cage with. "Weasley, you weren't thinking of wearing these, were you? I mean, they were very fashionable in about eighteen ninety—"

My wand was out in a second, tired of his ranting and I jerked the robe from his hand, knocking him out of the compartment and into his two lackeys with a frown.

"You bast—"

My wand snapped out and shut his mouth easily, making his eyes widen as he pawed at his mouth when he couldn't open his mouth to speak.

"I'm tired," I said simply, eyes narrowed in annoyance. "I would appreciate it if you kept your voice down or stayed out of our compartment in general."

He glared as Crabbe and Goyle lifted him up onto his feet and started to hurry off as I shook my head and moved back into the room where the others were looking pleased.

"You really don't take any more bullying from them, do you?" Harry noted and I shrugged, handing Ron back his robe.

"I've learned how to deal with them at this point. Sirius taught me a few tricks as well, and Lupin has expanded the number of spells I can do. I'm very…" I tipped my head, thinking of the word. "...sensitive right now, so it's easier for me to tell when people are around. They won't be able to sneak up on me this year."

They drifted back into mild chatter until it came time to dawn our robes and brave the stormy weather outside. No one wanted to be a first-year this year, given the boats could easily sink with the torrent of rain hammering down on us. Once inside the castle, it wasn't much better with Peeves chucking water balloons at the others. I was exempt, given my friendliness with the Bloody Baron, though McGonagall was quick to save anyone else from his pranks.

Already though, as more students filtered in, I could feel a hint of the hunger clawing its way up. I smothered it down as quickly as I noticed it, taking a breath as I emptied my mind like I was taught and tried to focus on things other than the number of hearts gathering and pumping blood around me. Thankfully, there was enough grumbling about the weather to cover up a lot of the noise, and once seated at the Slytherin table, I was fine. Even the small distance between tables eased it, letting me relax slightly as we waited for the first years to show.

Once they did, one couldn't help but wonder if they swam to the castle. All were soaked to the bone and one even had Hagrid's coat over his shoulders. They were sorted soon enough though, adding a few more snakes to the nest, before food was delivered and I let out a sigh of relief at the blood-filled goblet. I was quick to finish it, knowing that waiting would risk my goblet getting tipped, but surprisingly there were no spells cast this evening.

I was ready should they try anything, but the table was calm. Malfoy and his lackeys kept to themselves, probably because of what I'd done on the train, but the rest of the house was the same. It made me wonder if they'd finally understood that I was someone they shouldn't mess with. If my message had gotten across. Still, I wasn't about to let my guard down until I was absolutely certain. Then, Dumbledore stood for his speech, drawing all eyes to him.

"So, now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices."

He rattled on about banned items Filch had demanded not be used and the Forbidden Forest being out of bounds—both things people rarely listened to. Then, something different that put people on edge. The Quidditch games were being canceled this term. That didn't matter much to me, given I didn't play and rarely attended games, but it caught my attention because that meant something new was happening. Yet, just when Dumbledore went to announce what it was, the doors slammed open.

A man hobbled in, leaning on a walking stick with a strange mechanical eye that whirled around in all directions. Everyone watched as he dripped water on the floor while he stomped his way up to the head table, scarred face and sharp eyes telling of the experience and terrors he'd seen in his life when lightning flashed across the artificial sky above. He shook Dumbledore's hand and was pointed toward the empty seat at the head table, letting the school know who he was.

"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Professor Moody," Dumbledore announced and got no applause for the first time since I'd started school.

The only ones who did were the Headmaster himself and Hagrid, who might have known the man. I might have clapped myself if there wasn't a quiet nagging feeling at the back of my mind about him. The smallest hint of danger, much like I'd gotten from Lupin. Except with him, it was because he was a werewolf. This man looks like he fights werewolves. I pushed aside the biased thought for now though, since Dumbledore was going back to his big announcement.

"As I was saying, we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

"You're joking!" Fred yelled, loud enough to be heard by everyone and breaking the tension that had settled over the room with Moody's arrival.

"I am not joking, Mr. Weasley." The Headmaster smiled, getting distracted for a moment until McGonagall put him back on track. "The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions 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 ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities—until, that is, the death toll mounted so high that the tournament was discontinued.

"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament. None of which has been very successful. However, our own departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger.

"The heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Halloween. An impartial judge will decide which students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money."

People grew more excited when the mention of the prize was given, but the amount of risk involved in the tournament had me immediately losing interest. I might watch simply out of curiosity's sake, but I was going to keep well out of the way of participating. I risk my life enough just surviving. Dying in some multi-school game isn't worth my time.

Not that it ended up mattering in the end. There was an age limit forbidding anyone under seventeen from entering, which immediately had people complaining and thinking up ways to cheat the system. Fred and George were going to be at the head of that, I knew but didn't think about it any longer as we were dismissed to our dorms. With everyone's attention on the tournament, it was too easy to walk into the dungeons and grab my things before slipping out to the Room of Requirement. Ambushes or not, I wasn't going to risk waking up in a house full of snakes.

Time passed surprisingly peacefully after that first big announcement. It was almost worse for me to not have been attacked in the hall at some point that first week. Yet, no one did. The other houses had stopped last year, given my companions in Gryffindor, but I expected some retaliation from the Slytherins. It was as if they couldn't be bothered though.

The upperclassmen were too busy chattering about the tournament they weren't allowed into or the testing they had to do at the end of the year. Those in my year were talking about Hogsmeade trips coming up later on, and those younger had yet to grow the courage to question why I seemed to be more isolated from the others. That and their inexperience would make them useless against me. Still, the paranoia was there, egging me on in the back of my mind like the hunger.

I was doing surprisingly well with that, though I ate a lot of my meals in areas other than the Great Hall when I could. When we had larger classes too, it liked to creep up and cause me trouble. It wouldn't be so bad if—like before—it went away or quieted but it was near-constant in my mind and despite the added distraction of taking notes or doing classwork, I was very aware of it all the time. When someone got hurt though, I had to step out.

Despite training and preparing myself for such a thing, I needed to remove myself from the room and get away from the smell to feel safe. Getting away from the smell and the noises and distractions in the room allowed me a chance to work on clearing my mind and calm myself. It hadn't happened often, thankfully, and if anyone noticed my timely manner of leaving the second there was blood, no one said anything.

Other than that though, things were going well. I enjoyed my new classes. Arithmancy and Ancient Runes were both interesting topics that provided a challenge I enjoyed. Ginny had pleasantly decided to be my partner in the second class as well, the two of us working through it together in class and when we needed to partner up for things. It was a welcome relief from the usual forced pairings I typically ended up with. More than once she had to remind me I wasn't doing it on my own, since that was what I was used to.

Care of Magical Creatures was entertaining as well. I was quick to pick up on things regarding the creatures Hagrid would show us. Some I'd seen before in the forest near the coven while others I'd only read about. Given my experience with wild creatures and vampires though, I handled them better than many of the others. The only downside was the few creatures who could tell what I was, causing them to shy away. This was again, where Ginny came in, teasing and joking around about their reaction to me and thankfully keeping anyone from catching on.

So, the first week was rather calm and even after that, things were going well… except one thing. Defense Against the Dark Arts. The professor, Moody, was certainly different. The man seemed eager to terrify and amaze people. His class was both exciting and tense. The students always talked about his class and he was quick to become popular. Except, with me.

The first lesson was the first time I'd noticed it. He would talk and be addressing everyone, that eye of his zooming across every face in the room, but his actual eye was on me the entire time. I ignored it at first, assuming there was something strange about me that he'd noticed and I hadn't. Maybe my robe had a stick in it from the tree outside or there was a leaf in my hair or grass stains on my face. Then, it happened at dinner. Then, in the hall and the following class and every class after that.

None of the other students said a word. We were with Hufflepuffs in that lesson and the man himself was intimidating enough that no one would question him. A ballsy Gryffindor, maybe, a snarky Slytherin, perhaps, if it wasn't about me. Because it was just me though, no one said a thing; just murmured about it after class and adding to the mysterious rumor mill surrounding me. I actually went up after a lesson and asked him myself once only to get an odd response.

"I don't like you."

It wasn't something I'd heard before. Yes, the Slytherins had hated me and attacked me most of my time here. Sure, there were people who would undoubtedly never become friends with me, and of course, people would talk behind my back, but no one had ever just declared that they didn't like me. He had nothing else to say either. No reason or response. I was left with nothing else to do but nod and leave for my next lesson. Which was why I didn't understand his sudden vendetta against me after that.

We did Boggarts, of course, and he'd sent me up first. No explanation on what to do or anything. Just a quick, "You first," and a shove forward. Thanks to the extra lessons with Lupin, I knew how to deal with the bloody, vampiric version of me as I transformed it into a bat in a familiar sunhat. I expected the students to catch on to what I was after that, but my fear of losing control was just taken as a fear of becoming a vampire. It saved me a trip to Dumbledore's office, but it was only the beginning of Moody's… well, moods.

I had to stay on top of my studies in this class more than any of my others. He often assaulted me with questions about the creatures or spells we were learning, some of which weren't ever explained in the books we had. If I was wrong or did not know, I was then forced to demonstrate what said spells did without defending myself. If I didn't know a fact about a creature, he'd find some curse to put on me to make things difficult. I was once transfigured into a hedgehog for a lesson and struggled to take notes until he changed me back.

It seemed that after my first few blunders in class, the attacks in the halls started up again. It was different this time around though. I never saw who cast the spell. The spells were often things I didn't expect from my usual tormentors. The Slytherins had obviously spread word that Moody didn't like me, but that was as far as they'd gone. These attacks weren't them. They were hardly the cause of the Hufflepuffs from our class either. Once the rumor had gotten around as well, I expected attacks to escalate but they didn't. It set me on edge though. As if my paranoia wasn't bad enough.

Between the attacks in the halls and the added pressure of having to study for any and all questions Moody would demand of me, it wasn't a surprise that I drifted away from the trio as well as Luna and Ginny. Ginny had been the first to notice my twitching paranoia and the dark circles under my eyes since she was the one friend I had in my year and my classes. It wasn't until I'd gotten detention for falling asleep in Transfiguration that anything was mentioned.

McGonagall had given me a stern lecture about proper rest and when she'd realized my pale skin and twitchy fingers weren't because of just lack of sleep she'd finally asked me to sit and explain. I did, though hesitantly. I knew she wouldn't be able to do anything either way. I didn't know who was attacking me in the halls and neither did she. I defended myself well enough anyway, but it was the randomness of the attacks that kept me on edge. I never knew where or when they were coming.

When she questioned why I wasn't sleeping well though, I wasn't sure what to say. The teachers were allowed to teach their own ways. She wouldn't be able to interfere with how Moody taught and it was my own fault for not knowing what I should do. So I offered her a partial truth. I was studying during my breaks instead of sleeping and sleeping at night was—as always—difficult. She gave me a warning about studying too hard and suggested I visit Madam Pomfrey if I was having trouble sleeping. She knew there was something more going on though, repeating an offer to speak with her when I was comfortable before giving me something to do for detention.

Then, finally, a moment to relax. It was lunchtime on the day the other schools would show up and it was Ginny who'd stormed over before I could retreat to the library. She grabbed me by the arm and tugged me through the halls and out of the school without much effort on my part to stop her. It would've been easy, too. If I dug my feet in it would easily force us both to a stop and I could walk the other way even if she used her full weight to try and haul me around. I didn't bother though. I was exhausted after double lessons with Moody.

We passed the trees of the Forbidden Forest and I was soon standing in the wooded clearing with her and Luna, who'd been waiting.

"I brought him," Ginny grumbled, glaring at me before pushing me down to the ground. "Sit."

I did, sagging against a tree and relaxing for a moment before a bush rustled. I was on high alert in a second—wand already in hand—but it was just a Thestral. I calmed my racing heart for a moment before flinching as a warm hand brushed my cheek.

"You look tired," Luna said simply, sitting on the ground beside me and patting her lap. "You should sleep."

"Can't," I muttered, though everything in me wanted to and my body was dropping to lay my head on her legs easily.

"Why not?"

I let out a sigh as her fingers carded through my hair and my eyes slid closed. "Attacks in the halls."

"Slytherins again?" Ginny complained, frowning as she dropped down as well and dug through a packed lunch. "Tell me who and I'll get Fred and George to show them."

"Not Slytherins," I explained. "I don't see them at all. The attacks are random and… experienced."

Ginny frowned, confused about what that meant but Luna understood.

"An upper classmate then? Or a teacher?"

"A teacher? Why would a teacher be attacking students?"

I thought immediately about Moody and opened my eyes with a frown, unable to push the silent accusation away. Luna noticed and tipped her head.

"You have an idea?"

I hummed, though it was more of a grumble. "Moody doesn't like me."

"What?" Ginny questioned. "Professor Moody doesn't like you? I mean, I've heard the rumors of him not liking a Slytherin but I didn't know it was you. You're like… the most likable one if anything."

"Did he do anything?" Luna asked, curiously while I'd expected a question more along the lines of what I did.

"He… picks me a lot. To answer questions."

"That's not so bad," Ginny said as I continued.

"They are questions we haven't learned yet and aren't in the books for the class. I've been looking for answers in the library."

"You don't have to go that far. Can't you just tell him you don't know?"

"If I don't know, he casts a spell on me for the rest of class."

"What?" Ginny frowned. "He can't do that, can he?"

Even Luna looked a bit uneasy and I felt bad for upsetting her, getting up from her lap.

"Sorry. It's nothing really. I should know the answers. It's my own fault for not knowing and the spells are helpful if I know how to counter them."

"But if he's casting spells on you just for not knowing something—"

"Sven."

I looked hesitantly over at Luna when she cut off the irate Ginny. She stood up and offered me a hand that I took to get on my feet as Ginny frowned and scrambled to put her lunch away.

"Do you know where the Headmaster's office is?"

I wasn't sure what she was getting at but nodded as she took my hand.

"Can you show me?"

I nodded again and started leading her to the familiar gargoyle that stood in its usual crevice. Once there, I stopped and looked back at Luna, already uneasy being in the castle again and tense for another attack.

"I… I don't know the password."

"That's okay," Luna said, letting my hand go momentarily before moving to a portrait nearby that was watching us. "Could you let the Headmaster know I wish to speak with him?"

The man in the frame sighed but nodded and vanished from his frame. Not a moment later he returned.

"The password is chocolate truffles."

"Thank you," Luna smiled at him and returned to my side to take my hand as she said the password.

The gargoyle moved away from the hidden stairs and Ginny said she should go check in with her brothers before wishing us luck and leaving. Luna again lightly tugged on my hand and I trailed after her up the stairs, more than confused as to why she was taking me with her into Dumbledore's office. The man himself looked rather pleased and amused when we stepped in, his hands folded under his chin and tea already waiting.

"Hello, Miss Lovegood, Mr. Rydell. To what do I owe the pleasure of this impromptu visit?"

I wasn't sure myself and looked to Luna for answers only to be stunned by what she said.

"I believe Professor Moody is going out of his way to torment Sven for personal reasons."

My eyes widened and I took a hesitant step back, looking briefly at Dumbledore and back at her as her hand tightened around mine.

"L-Luna—"

"Please tell him what you told us, Sven," she cut me off; tone as calm as ever but a hidden sort of anger within it making me begrudgingly glance at Dumbledore as he waited patiently for me to explain.

"I… I really don't think he can—"

"Sven," Dumbledore said seriously. "As headmaster, it is my duty to ensure that every student is being taught fairly. As it is a friend's duty to ensure their friend is not being taken advantage of by the adults around them."

I hesitated once more before begrudgingly explaining what had been happening in class and my suspicions about the professor possibly attacking me in the halls as well.

"You're certain it's not other students," he tried to clarify.

"The spells are more advanced and… and I usually see at least something in the halls. A robe or a shoe. The portraits haven't said who it is either…" I muttered, awkwardly shuffling given Luna had yet to release my hand. "It's probably nothing. I've been defending myself properly. They've not been causing me harm and the professor is only just—"

He held up a hand to stop me and I went quiet as he settled back in his chair with a soft sigh. "Unfortunately, it appears Miss Lovegood was correct in bringing you here. I'm sure you would have had many more sleepless afternoons if you hadn't brought this to my attention. I will speak with Alastor myself about his conduct in class. As it is, he's already caused trouble by revealing forbidden curses to the fourth years and turning young Mr. Malfoy into a ferret for attempting to jinx someone in the halls."

I hadn't known about either of these events given my own self-isolation, immediately concerned for the trio and their involvement.

"As for the attacks in the halls, I am unable to really do much, given the perpetrator is unknown and my limited ability to protect one singular student. No harm has come to you yet?"

I shook my head, though I felt Luna tense at my side. She didn't speak, just exchanged a silent glance with Dumbledore that the man understood better than I did.

"I see. While no actual harm is coming towards you, it is still a concern given that it is highly unlikely the cause of a student. I can understand why you would assume it is Professor Moody, though my own knowledge of the man opposes the fact that he would go out of his way to harm a student in the halls. For now, I will alert the portraits to keep a better eye out as well as the castle ghosts and your Head of House. Given your unique situation, it wouldn't do to have you too wound up."

I wasn't thrilled Snape would be let in on this but nodded as he offered a small smile.

"Now, I have a few more questions, if I might pull him away from you for a moment, Miss Lovegood. I promise, no harm will come to him from me. Physically or otherwise."

She didn't look pleased—something that was rarely seen by even me—but her expression eased as she turned to me and gave my hand a squeeze.

"I'll see you in a bit, Sven."

I nodded and watched her as she left before looking back to Dumbledore as he smiled fondly.

"Ah, young love," he hummed, making me frown lightly in confusion before he asked his questions. "How is your situation going other than the hallway attacks and Professor Moody's fixation? Any trouble since the summer?"

"I…" I thought about it for a minute, knowing that my troublesome situation with Moody had distracted me from really paying much attention to smaller details of my condition. "I had trouble in Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology but only when someone else was hurt. I needed to excuse myself to focus."

He frowned slightly. "And if you hadn't?"

"Mm, it would have taken longer to control. I might have appeared strange to others. I'm… not sure exactly what actions or expressions I make that people find odd, so I'm not certain. I do not believe it would have gotten worse though. The injuries were small and those in the class were calm and few."

He was quick to understand my warning. "So, should the injury be more extensive, should students be more panicked or more were around…"

I bowed my head solemnly. "Then, perhaps I would have needed to remove myself far more quickly."

"I see. And increasing your feeding would have no effect on changing this." He sighed softly. "I must say, while I praise your courage and stubbornness in not drinking human blood, it has certainly put a limit on what we can do to assist."

I shuffled my feet awkwardly with a frown. I knew I wasn't helping matters by refusing the blood but thus far the situation didn't call for it. I was simply in school and learning. I wasn't too big of a danger to anyone and the few things I was doing to train myself were helping, if only a small bit. Still, much like Dumbledore, I could see this situation getting out of hand easily.

"If… If it gets worse… If I have no other option, I… I will do what's needed to keep others… my friends, safe," I admitted begrudgingly, knowing that at some point that's what it may come to.

He nodded with soft understanding before arranging some papers on his desk. "Well, I would like to schedule a private lesson with me for the moment. Your occlumency has shown to be somewhat helpful but I shall like to improve it further and test your skills with legimency as well. Just out of curiosity." He smiled. "Would tomorrow evening work for you? Just after supper?"

I nodded in agreement and stood, seeing the dismissal.

"Ah, and Sven?"

I paused in the doorway and looked back at him over my shoulders.

"Do apologize to Miss Lovegood for me. I did not mean to earn her ire by letting things with Professor Moody get out of hand."

I nodded again and stepped out, feeling a hint of relief as I started to head through the halls for the lesson that would be starting next. Distracted though I was, I still somehow managed to avoid the blasting spell that was fired at me not a moment later. I do hope he stops this soon before I'm not the only one getting hit by these spells.

That evening, the Heads of House ushered everyone onto the chilly grounds to wait for the arrival of the two schools that would be joining us until the end of term. I hardly noticed the cold, though some of the first-year Slytherins had started to shiver and were struggling to not sniffle and give away how chilled they were. One boy just in front of me looked almost as though he were vibrating in place and I finally sighed, unable to keep from getting involved as he sniffed as softly as he could.

I drew my wand and waved it over his robe from behind, being certain to keep the action hidden from Snape and any of the upperclassmen who didn't like me. He stiffened in surprise as my heating charm warmed him and he hesitantly peered over his shoulder to see me bring a finger to my lips. I got a small nod in return, the closest thing to thanks any Slytherin would give as a thought came to mind.

Given that the Slytherins have stopped attacking me, is it possible for some of the first years to not know I'm different? One would think the rumor of me being the only possible Mudblood would have spread even to new people but I've found more and more first years—even in other houses—looking curious. I tipped my head slightly in thought. I'll have to ask Fred, George, and the ghosts and portraits what rumors of me are still going around. Perhaps I might even be liked by a lot of people if the rumor goes away.

The thought was a surprisingly pleasant one that curled my lip up ever so slightly just in time for someone to point out the Pegasus-drawn carriage flying through the sky towards us. The carriage landed loudly and deposited a single young boy who dropped down a small set of steps for a giant of a woman to use as she exited the carriage. Even I had to stare in mild surprise as the woman towered over not only Dumbledore but Hagrid as well. After a scattering of applause, she approached Dumbledore who bent to kiss her hand.

"My dear, Madame Maxime. Welcome to Hogwarts."

"Dumbly-dort. I 'ope I find you well?"

"In excellent form, I thank you."

More people exited the carriage, a few I recognized from the Quidditch World Cup. I realized now that the person they'd been looking for at the time was the giant of a woman standing before us. The few who noticed me offered shaky smiles and bobs of their head, more focused and getting inside and warm than giving any more greetings. This left the Hogwarts students outside for a while longer as we waited for the next school to show up. Not from the air this time, but from the lake.

Durmstrang emerged from the lake in a giant ship whose form was almost ghost-like with its torn sails and tattered lines. It sailed the small distance from the center of the lake to the shore before dropping anchor and setting up a plank for the students and Headmaster to depart.

"Dumbledore!" The man called out, decked in furs like the students who trailed after him. "How are you, my dear fellow? How are you?"

"Blooming, thank you, Professor Karkaroff," Dumbledore greeted amicably.

It wasn't until they started to head inside that murmurs echoed through the students. Apparently, the sole boy being escorted by the Headmaster was someone famous. For Quidditch, if my ears didn't deceive me. Still, while my robes were warm and I wasn't as bothered by the chill outside, the growing number of people had started to present a problem. I needed blood, and soon.

Thankfully, with the arrival of Durmstrang, we returned to the Great Hall where the Beauxbaton students had already settled at the Ravenclaw table. Durmstang, for some reason, settled at ours and I stiffened when Malfoy shoved the girl next to me further down the table to steal her seat. The famous boy had chosen to sit across from me, after all. I had a hand on my wand instantly but resisted every urge to use it given how well-behaved we were supposed to be with these new guests. When it was apparent that Malfoy wasn't even paying attention to me, I relaxed.

There was a hint of giggles from the Hogwarts students when the Beauxbatons stood for their Headmaster until she sat, making me tip my head in confusion at what was so funny before I rubbed at my temple with a slightly shaky hand. I would appreciate it if they moved a little faster. I can't excuse myself like this but I'm reaching my limit with even more people here.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and—most particularly—guests," Dumbledore greeted. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable. The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!"

Food and drink appeared, some dishes I hadn't seen before as well, but I grabbed my goblet first and fought to keep from downing it all in one gulp. It was hard enough to remain unsuspecting with just my House and other students from our school, but with the two added schools, it would be more difficult. I've only just gotten used to the particulars of English students. Now, I have French and Bulgarian as well. Anything I do could come off as suspicious. I resisted the urge to sigh as I finished my goblet and it refilled with pumpkin juice. I'll just need to keep my head down.

Which was easier said than done given the star student of Durmstrang leaned forward slightly and chose to speak with me and not Malfoy.

"I've heard you have a large library."

I blinked, giving a fuming Malfoy a glance as the blonde cut in.

"Who cares about some boring old library? You should see our Quidditch pitch. Maybe we can fly a bit later and—"

Krum didn't even look in his direction, surprising me as he continued as though Malfoy hadn't interrupted. "Ours is rather small. The books limited to dark arts text."

I realized that this was just how he was going to be and begrudgingly responded. "It's rather large, though some books are restricted to younger students. Others you need teacher's permission to check out."

Krum seemed surprised, thinking it over. "Your year?"

I pointed at myself in question before answering. "Third."

He hummed and simply started eating as though the conversation hadn't happened. I was fine with this, given the glare Malfoy was giving me as he started trying to talk to Krum again. He didn't make a sound after that, frustrating Malfoy, but there was another commotion as one of the Beauxbaton girls walked over. I ignored said commotion, starting to feel the hunger edging up again and wondering if I could somehow signal to Dumbledore that I might need a second goblet of blood if this gathering of students took much longer. Then, a soft rap on my shoulder.

I turned in surprise to find her standing behind me, and set my utensils down to speak to her. "Oui? Puis-je vous aider?" (Yes? Can I help you?)

She nodded offering a small curtesy. "Je voulais vous remercier pour votre aide avant." (I wanted to thank you for your help before.)

I waved a hand. "Non, non. Je n'ai rien fait." (No, no. I did not do anything.)

"Votre français est très bon. Vous avez aidé les autres étudiants à ne pas paniquer. Madame Maxime voulait vous remercier." (Your French is very good. You helped the other students not to panic. Madame Maxime wanted to thank you.)

I wasn't sure what else to really say. It wasn't often someone came to me to thank me for something. I remembered something Luna told me though, for when I wasn't sure what to do if someone said thanks.

"Alors, vous êtes le bienvenu. Je ne sais pas quoi dire d'autre…" (Then, you're welcome. I don't know what else to say…)

She smiled lightly though, bowing her head. "Ensuite, je retournerai à mon siège. Puis-je vous demander votre nom? Je suis Fleur Delacour." (Then, I will return to my seat. Can I ask you for your name? I am Fleur Delacour.)

"Ah… Sven Rydell," I replied easily enough.

"J'espère vous voir plus nombreux alors, Sven." (Hope to see more of you then, Sven.)

I hummed as she stepped away, turning back to my plate only to pause with my fork part way to my mouth. A number of the students around me—mostly males—were completely fixated on Fleur, and when she'd returned to the Ravenclaw table, many of those eyes whipped to me. They weren't exactly kind, either, and I worried I'd somehow upset people; not knowing exactly what I'd done to get such looks. Nothing happened at the table thankfully, but sensing I'd messed up some unknown social cue, I again checked that I had my wand within reach and grabbed my goblet in relief. It'd been switched out with more blood and a quick glance at the head table earned a subtle wink from Dumbledore.

Said man waited until everyone was full before standing, having at some point been joined by two other men; Ludo Bagman and Mr. Crouch. My lip twitched into a slight frown at Mr. Crouch, but there was no point in being concerned with him given he was just here for the tournament. Both men were introduced as fellow judges for said tournament before Filch brought in a wooden chest.

I watched curiously like all the others as Dumbledore explained a bit more of the tournament. The three challenges to test them and that there would be a champion from each school selected. The selection process, however, would be done by the Goblet of Fire. The artifact was interesting to see as Dumbledore opened the chest and pulled out a wooden cup with blue flames filling its bowl. It was placed on top of the closed chest in full view of everyone as he continued to explain things.

"Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet. Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Halloween, the goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools. The goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete. To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation, I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line."

There was a bit of complaining again at that, though I spotted Fred and George growing even more eager at the idea of thwarting the inscription Dumbledore would put up.

"Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this tournament is not to be entered into lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet. Now, I think it is time for bed. Good night to you all."

At least this has nothing to do with me.