Chapter 4

The Triwizard Tournament

The next morning everyone rushed to finish getting ready to leave for Hogwarts. Ron had been complaining about the dress robes his mother had gotten him. Apparently, they had lace on them. I found this quite hilarious.

Just before we were able to leave, Mr. Wesley had received an emergency message from the Ministry. He had a conversation with Amos Diggory, whose head popped into the fireplace, about a man called Mad-Eye. Curiously, I stepped closer to listen.

"He didn't attack anyone, did he?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"I can guarantee he fired curses, but no proof, no one died." Mr. Diggory said.

"Right, I'm on my way." Mr. Wesley rushed upstairs to finish getting ready.

"Sorry about this Molly," Mr. Diggory's head said a little more calmly. He promptly said good-bye and popped back out of the fireplace.

"Have a good term," Mr. Wesley said hurriedly before bolting out the door. "Good-bye Molly!"

"Who's Mad-Eye?" I asked curiously to Mrs. Weasley.

"An auror," answered Bill. "A dark wizard catcher." He explained at my confused face.

"Well the taxis should be here soon." Mrs. Weasley said. "Let's wait for them outside."

As we waited in the cold pouring rain, three taxi cars drove up to the Burrow. I watch intently as they struggled to fit all our school trunks and screeching owls into the cars. It was very clear that these muggle drivers had no experience with owls. I laughed to myself as I stepped into one of the cars after Harry.

"What's so funny?" Harry asked curiously.

"Nothing," I said as I stopped laughing.

It was about an hour before we reach King's Cross Station, where the barrier to Platform 9 ¾ was hidden. I have been through the platform many times, so this time I didn't hesitate as I ran forward straight through the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. As I emerged on the side of the barrier I saw the Hogwarts Express, a gleaming scarlet steam engine, clouds of steam billowing from it. In comparison the other parents and students looked like little black dots scattered around the platform.

Harry, Hermione, Ron, and I boarded the train after a short farewell to look for a compartment. We found one about halfway down the train. We took turns putting away our trunks and then sat down.

"What do you think Charlie meant when he said he would be seeing us very soon?" Hermione asked after we all sat down. During our farewell Charlie had mentioned he could very well being seeing us soon.

"Who knows," Ron said "He did say it was classified information from the Ministry."

"I suppose we'll just have to wait and see." I said as I relaxed into my seat. "Mrs. Weasley did say we would find out tonight."

"Shh," Hermione said suddenly pointing towards the slightly open door of our compartment. We all stopped talking to hear.. His voice drift into our compartment.

My heart rate increased slightly as we listened to was Draco was saying. "Father actually considered sending me to Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts you know. He knows the headmaster you see; you know his opinion of Dumbledore. The man is such a mudblood lover, the headmaster at Durmstrang doesn't allow those kinds of people. But mother couldn't stand the thought of me being so far away. Father also says they handle the Dark Arts differently. They actually learn them instead of the defense rubbish we learn."

Hermione stood up and shut the compartment door. With it closed I could no longer hear the voice of my ex-bestfriend. Slightly put out, I sighed as I re-relaxed in my seat.

"Too bad he didn't go to Durmstrang," Ron said, his face slightly red. "Then we wouldn't have to deal with his snobby attitude."

I wasn't too sure how I felt if Draco never came to Hogwarts. I wouldn't have met him, I wouldn't have had him as a best friend. He was one of the few people I could be myself around. He understood my need to feel like the most important, how easily I got jealous of my brother's fame, how everyone thought I was a bad person.

I shook my head trying to get the thoughts of Draco out of my head. A new school year was about to start, and thinking of him would only make it harder on myself. I sat in silence for the rest of the train ride to Hogwarts, trying to keep my mind clear.

Soon Hogwarts came into view, I could see the dim lights from the window of the train. The rain was pouring from the sky as the stopped at the station. Harry, Ron, Hermione and I ran for the horse-less carriages, trying to avoid getting wet. As soon as we arrived at the castle we hurried to the Entrance Hall.

"I'm drenched!" complained Ron as he shook his head. Just then a balloon fell from the sky, landing right on Ron's head. "Oy!" He yelled in shock. I looked up to see Peeves, and he was already throwing a water balloon at me.

"Hey!" I said angrily. I lifted my arms to protect my head and ran into the Great Hall. I got away just as I heard Professor McGonagall screaming at Peeves.

I looked around the Great Hall, which was decorated for the start of term feast. Many candles were floating over the tables, lighting up the golden plates set on the five long tables, four house tables and one staff tables.

I waved goodbye to my brother and headed towards the Slytherin table. I glanced up and down, looking for Pansy or Zabini. I spotted the pair halfway down the table sitting next to Draco. Groaning to myself, I walked over.

"Hey Pansy." I said sitting between her and Zabini. "How was your summer?"

"Oh, it was alright. Spent the holiday with my family in Germany." Pansy responded with a smile. "Yours?"

"Same old, same old." I said with a sigh. "Did you go to the Quidditch World Cup?"

"I couldn't, out of the country. Did you? I heard there was a lot of excitement after the game." She must have been referring to the Death Eaters and the Dark Mark, she would think those were exciting.

"I did," I said glancing at her. "I was stuck with the Weasleys, so not much excitement for me other than the game."

"How was that? Hanging out with blood traitors?" She asked with a sneer.

I paused, considering my answer. I didn't mind the Weasleys, and they liked me well enough. However, I knew Pansy would be looking for me to put them down.

"You mean hanging out with Ron for the last few weeks of the holiday? Ridiculous. You know I don't like him." I responded. I truly didn't like Ron very much, and put up with him for my brother. We've only recently have been able to have civil conversations.

Pansy gave a chuckle and turned to watch the rest of the Sorting. I sat in silence, staring at the golden plate in front of me. I was very conscious that Draco was sitting on the other side of Pansy. It took a lot of effort to not look or talk to him.

As soon as the Sorting ended, Dumbledore stood to make a welcoming speech. I looked up to listen to him.

"I have only two words to say to you." He said in his deep voice. "Tuck in."

Chuckling I turned and saw that food had magically appeared on the dishes in front of us. I happily scooped up mashed potatoes and some grilled chicken. Soon after our bellies were full of food, desserts filled the dishes.

"Pudding, my favorite." I heard Pansy say to Draco.

"Yeah, everyone can tell Pansy." He teased back. Blushing furiously Pansy turned to me.

"Did you hear him? He just called me fat!" She whispered in my ear.

"Well, to be completely honest, you have gained a little bit of weight Pansy." I shrugged. "I'm sure he didn't mean it in a bad way."

"Didn't mean it in a bad way? Are you joking?" She started to sound upset. "I need to look good for him. I want to look good for him."

I wasn't surprised that Pansy wanted to look good for Draco, she has had a crush on him for forever, but I couldn't quite understand why she should change for him.

"You should look good for yourself." I said simply. I turned away, realizing Draco was listening in, and grabbed three large scoops of pudding.

After dessert ended Dumbledore stood up again. The hall quieted down at once.

"So, now that we are all fed and watered. I must ask once more for your attention while I give out a few notices. Mr. Flitch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include: screaming yo-yos, fanged frisbees, and ever-bashing boomerangs. The full list comprises some 437 items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Flitch's office if anybody would like to check it. As ever, I would like to remined you all that the forest on the grounds is out of bounds to students; as is the village of Hogsmead to all below third year. It is also my painful duty to inform you that the inter-house quidditch cup will not take place this year." The hall burst into loud chatter.

"This is due to an event that will be starting in October and continuing through out the school year. Taking up much the teacher's time and energy. But I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts…"

Dumbledore was interrupted by a large man entering the Great Hall. He walked into the hall, a loud clunk following him. He was leaning on a long staff and was covered in a black traveling cloak. He lowered his hood and revealed a long mane of dark gray hair.

He walked up to the teacher's table. A flash of lightning and his face was revealed. I gasped. It seemed like every inch of his face was covered by scars. His mouth looked like a diagonal gash, and a large chunk of his nose was missing. Then his eyes. He had one normal looking dark brown eye. However, his other one was large and electric blue. This eye did not stay still; it moved from side to side, rolling around his head like a marble.

"Who is he?" I whispered to Pansy.

"He looks like he's…" She started to whisper back but was cut off by Draco.

"Mad-eye Moody. He's an ex-auror." His voice was filled with either hate or fear, I couldn't quite tell.

"May I introduce the new Defense of Dark Arts teacher?" Dumbledore asked with a bright smile on his face. "Professor Moody."

"I think I've heard that name before." I whispered to Pansy as Dumbledore and Hagrid clapped.

"He's famous for catching dark wizards." Pansy said while staring at Moody. Her expression seemed to be made of both awe and fear. I thought for a moment and the remembered. He was the one Mr. Weasley went to help early this morning. If he caught dark wizards for a living it would make sense why Draco sounded like he hated/feared him; Moody would have been trying to take down Voldemort and in turn his followers.

"As I was saying, we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an eve 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." Dumbledore continued as if there was not an interruption.

"Are you JOKING?" Fred or George Weasley yelled at Dumbledore in surprise.

"It is not a joke Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore answered with a smile. "The Triwizard Tournament, as some of you may already know, 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 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."

"A death toll too high?" I heard Draco scoff. It seemed like many of the other students didn't care too much about a high death toll either. They all started whispering excitedly to one another.

"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament," Dumbledore continued, "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 shortlisted 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." Dumbledore took a small break before continuing.

"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts, the Heads for the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on contenders this year. Only students who are of age – that is to say, seventeen years or older – will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration." Dumbledore needed to raise his voice as the Great Hall erupted with noise. "This is a measure we feel is necessary, given that the tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them. I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion." I thought I saw Dumbledore looking at the Weasley twins. "I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen.

The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guest while they are with us, and will give your whole=hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected. And now, it is late, and I know how important is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop, chop!"

Student began to talk loudly and excitedly to one another as they stood to leave the Great Hall. I glanced at Pansy as we stood to follow the rest of the Slytherins to the common room. I heard her talking animatedly to Draco as we walked.

"One thousand Galleons!" She exclaimed. "If only I could enter, I would show those stupid Gryffindors what house is the best."

"There's a reason for the age limit Pansy. It's so ignorant children, like yourself, don't enter and get themselves killed." Draco sneered at Pansy. Pansy pouted, her face flushing.

"Oh? So, you wouldn't enter if you could then?" She spat back at him.

"Sure I would, I'd have my father teach me few tricks. I could win. I would win." He responded with confidence.

Shaking my head, I whispered to Pansy that I'd meet her in the common room in a bit. I quickly located my brother, Ron, and Hermione and set off to talk with them. After shoving my way through the hoard of students I reached their sides just as they exited the Great Hall.

"So, what do you guys think?" I asked as I calmed my breath.

"Think about what?" Ron asked with a glance at me.

"The tournament!" I exclaimed with exasperation.

"Interesting. I think this will be good for the schools. Particularly to make relations with foreign wizards and witches our own age." Hermione answered thoughtfully.

"Chloe, shouldn't you be getting to your dorm?" Harry asked.

"Don't want to see me anymore?" I asked sarcastically.

"It's not that. Just that," he gestured about fifteen feet ahead of us. There was Draco, and it looked like he was waiting for me. "I'm not sure if you want to talk to him, but it seems like he's waiting for you. Maybe you should head around him and get to your dorm before he can stop to talk to you."

I scoffed, of course Harry would want me to avoid talking to Draco. But maybe he had a point. I hadn't talked to him since the end of our first year at Hogwarts. What could he want to say to me now? Sure we had mutual friends, but if we managed two years without exchanging more than a few words due to those mutual friends why change that now?

"I'm not going to run and hide from him." I finally told Harry after contemplating what to do in my head. "If he has something to say, then he can say it. But I'm not going to keep avoiding him." I walked away, leaving my brother with his mouth hanging slightly open.

I didn't look at Draco as I walked towards the entrance to the dungeons. Running my hand through my hair, I strode as confidently as I could towards him. The closer I got, the harder my heart started beating. My stomach started twisting, and it felt like my heart was going to explode. However, I held my head high and continued walking.

When I finally reached Draco, I had already decided that I wasn't going to stop, if he really wanted to talk he could stop me and ask. Much to my surprise, he didn't. He didn't even glance at me. I walked passed him and stopped about five feet away. I was confused, and to be frank a little upset. Why would he just stand and stare at me if he didn't want to talk? Maybe his nerve gave out and he decided to not talk. Whatever the case, I felt hurt. Again.

Sighing to myself, I started to walk again. I reached the entrance into the Slytherin common room. The green light from the lake above shone on my face, making my skin look pale and green. I stood there for a moment before realizing I didn't know the password to get in.

"Need some help?" Said a voice from behind me. Turning around, I saw that it was Draco. I stared at him, not knowing if I should respond.

"Chloe? I asked you a question." He said again, this time taking a step closer to me. I looked into his stormy grey eyes. The tension I felt earlier came back, this time I felt nauseous.

"I don't know the password." My voice sound harsher than I intended it to sound.

Draco sighed slightly then said, "Polyjuice." The door to the common room swung open and he stepped inside without another glance at me.

For a moment, I reached out to grab his hand, I wanted to talk to him. Then the moment was gone. Shaking my head, I walked into the common room.

"Let the school year begin." I said softly to myself.

AN: My goodness. It has been awhile. So sorry for the delay, but chapter 4 is here! I hope you all enjoy reading this, and the future chapters to come! Please leave me a review if you have any questions, suggestions, or just comments! I do enjoy constructive criticism.