For the past month it has felt like I have been on a merry-go-round (
from what I learned from Hermionie that is the thing I see at muggle carnivals, with the animals that go around in circles)
As I spin I see a blur of Fred, Harry, Hermionie, Draco and Marcus.

It has taken one month for Draco to even talk to me. I wanted to think he was doing some soul searching but he really had no excuse,
"I just don't talk to Gryffindors.. Besides Marcus told me he would just tell me what's going on."

Whatever to him! Marcus finally heard back from not only Draco's parents, but mine as well.
He wanted me with him when he read it, so I snuck away from Hermionie.
(Who was so happy to finally have another girl hanging out with the group, since Ginny has started to hang out with other people)
I met him in an abandoned looking hallway.

Draco's parents wanted Marcus to keep his nose out of places it doesn't belong.
The news from my parents both shocked me.
"Let me see that again?" I snatched the letter from his hands.

"Dear Marcus, she is on a mission, but will you do us a kind favor and keep an eye on her? IF she is really doing what you say she is,
just make sure she remembers her true course. Don't let them fall in love… that could pose a problem..."
I paused to glare at Marcus, "Fall in love with WHOM?"

He looked smug, "I told them how you have basically been wrapped around that Fred Weasley ever since you sat by him at the feast."

My cheeks turned bright red. It was true, since the day Fred took me on that tour, he and I have never been a stone throw away from each other.
Rumors about us have apparently been started, by George of all people.
(This in a way is good because most people just assume he is joking.)
However Fred and I have not talked about these rumors. In fact our relationship has never been defined…
My best guess is that we just feel comfortable around each other and right now that is all either of us needs.

"So you don't deny having feelings for him?" Marcus sounded angry and hurt.

I shrugged, "This is my first time making friends on my own… Normally I have my parents forcing me to hang out with others like us.
Maybe the mission they have for me is completely off balance… they didn't really think of the effects it could have on my mind!"

Marcus sat down, "As long as you remember who the true master is, there should be no affect!"

I shook my head, "You don't understand… Those people I have to 'pretend' to be friends with are amazing. They actually care about me—"

"Listen to you! You are forgetting who the enemy is!"

Marcus cutting me off almost proved my point that the others actually care. They listen. "Ok well now that you know my mission…"

"And I can't believe they sent you in alone!" Marcus was still worked up, "if they didn't want you to have feelings for someone, they should have sent someone to keep an eye on you!"

I raised my eyebrows and scanned the letters again. There was no mention to the fact that Snape knows some of the plan and Professor Moody is indeed Barty Crouch Jr.
Strange… "Well I guess that is why my parents told you to. Which is another matter, why do they want you to keep an eye on me? What would me dating Fred ruin?"

This time his cheeks turned red, "That is not my place to announce. Just know that now that I have permission, I will be using that authority."

I watched him carefully, what could possibly be going on? Aren't I on the mission, so shouldn't I know everything going on?
"Ok. Whatever just don't ruin my friendships. This trust is important!"

Just then Professor McGonagall voice came floating down the halls,
"All students report to the front lawn, our guests will be arriving soon!"

It was mad chaos sorting through the great hall traffic as we all piled out the front doors. I was trying to get away from Marcus and stay clear of Hermionie.
(because I always feel extremely horrible, seeing how she is muggle-born AND Harry's best friend).
In fact the only person I was happy to see was the six one guy pushing people in front of me, "Hey ya Fred!"

"Oh there you are! You missed half of dinner! Come on, I've been trying to get through this crowd. George made it out with Lee before the announcement came."

"Why weren't you with them?" I asked and took his hand so we wouldn't be separated.

I felt his hand go instantly warm, which meant he was blushing, "well I stayed back a minute to see if maybe you were sitting with the Ron and them…"

My heart quickened, so he was looking for me. I kept calm and followed close behind him.
Eventually everyone came to a stop and Fred and I were able to find George and Lee.

"Oh hey Cali! There you are! So which school do you think will show up first?" Lee Jordan asked.
I think being the Quidditch commentator has made him quick to gamble, "Winner does the potions homework!"

I thought about it for a minute, "Ok, well I know Madam Maxime hates being late to anything… And she is never second best, my bet is on Beauxbatons."

"You're on!" Lee said.

George laughed, "Lee you should stop betting Cali, you already owe her five sickles and a neck message!"

We all laughed. That was when I noticed Fred was being quiet. I glanced at him, he was looking at me.
OH YEAH! We were still holding hands. I smiled weakly and went to let go but Fred held on.

I tried to act natural. Fred can not start to like me, not right now! Marcus has just been issued (basically) a warrant to murder me if I fall for Fred.
However, this did feel right, so I squeezed his hand and he smiled.

"What are you two--- Well look at what we have here Lee! The two little school children have finally held hands!"
George gave Fred a pat on the back. "See I knew those rumors would help you two come around!"

I glared happily (Is that possible?) at George. Fred looked as if he was going to say something but the crowd fell silent as the sound of wings came out of the dark sky.
I smirked over at Lee, "That is definitely Madam Maxime; she does not travel far without her coach!"

Sure enough, about five minutes later a blue coach was spotted. People started pointing and waving.
I on the other hand stayed silent and watched the coach with the familiar coat-of-arms painted on the side
(two crossed wands shooting sparks) and sighed. I wonder who was chosen to come over, surely people older then me but I might know a few since there were no 'houses' at the school.
I doubt any of the Death eaters' children would be on that coach, with all death eaters knowing something is going to happen.

Smart parents! This makes me wonder why my parents have no problem sending me to the front of the line!

"How is it you know the out come of every bet?!" Lee was disappointed. We all just laughed at him.

Dumbledore and the professors stood in the front as Madam Maxime stepped out of the carriage, followed by quite a few girls.

Everyone cheered respectfully as Dumbledore talked to the girls and head mistress.

"My gosh! I can see how she scares you!" Fred leaned over to whisper.

I smiled, "Yeah and her bite is worse then her bark, she seems nice but oh boy you cross her!"

"Is it like crossing you?" Fred teased.

I had no comeback, so as I often do when I can't think of anything, I punched his arm.

"I think by the end of this year my arm will be swollen!"

"I give you by the end of next month!" I smiled.

Soon the excitement of Beauxbatons passed, and we stood in anticipation waiting for the next school: Durmstrang.

Over all I think I enjoyed Durmstrang's entrance a bit better. It was a bit more impressive to see a gigantic ship popping randomly out of the lake then it was to see a flying coach.

Eventually everyone was present so Dumbledore ushered us back into the great hall.

I was not surprised to see Beauxbatons choose Ravenclaw to sit with. Intelligence is in high regard at that school, and Ravenclaw in my opinion held the brains of our school.

I figured Durmstrang chose Slytherin because of the head master…
I watched Snape's reaction as Kakaroff came into the room. I wonder about Snape sometimes, why didn't the others want him in on the plan?
I don't think he even knows that Barty Crouch is sitting twenty feet away from him…

After Dumbledore said his daily announcements, he brought out the Tri-Wizard cup, said a few fancy spells and made it magically fly to the middle of the room.
"The tables will be cleared out tomorrow, giving everyone enough room to put their name in the goblet.
Classes will resume as scheduled so you all can stop spreading the rumor that they will be canceled. That is all, have a good night!"

We were dismissed. That night Harry, Ron, Fred and George all threw around some ideas about how they could get across the aging line.
It was Hermionie, not me, who kept ruining their fun. "Dumbledore drew that line himself."

Fred rolled his eyes, "and what is that supposed to mean? There are exceptions to every rule!"

By the time they were done arguing, Fred and George were off to brew some aging potion and everyone else was off to bed.

I've gotten used to Barty pretending to be my teacher. He doesn't look at me as much as he used to, and he doesn't call on me constantly anymore.
Today however, class was very interesting.

"It is time I teach you exactly what is in the real world." Was Moody's opening line.

I came in a bit late, and the last seat was by a guy called Cedric Diggory. From what I gathered he was a pretty good seeker for Hufflepuff, and he seems very nice; but we haven't talked that much.
He gave me a polite smile as I sat down.

"It is time you see exactly what the Unforgivable Curses do." Students started whispering as Moody opened a jar and pulled out a spider.

"Who can tell me all three curses? …. Carslon! You were late, why don't you give me them. One at a time please." His eyes showed teasing.

I sighed, seeing these curses will not have as much of an effect on me then on my classmates. None of them are familiar with Dark Magic.. (as much as they say they are). "Sure thing…Professor… There is imperio."

"Ah yes, and who can tell me what this does?" Moody's glass eye sped around the classroom. I figured no one wanted to talk about it.

To my surprise, Cedric raised his hand, "The Imperius curse causes the victim to obey the caster's every wish, no questions asked."

"Very good Diggory! Now, everyone watch closely." I heard some girls gasp. I smirked, so he was really going to show all the curses?

First Moody took the spider, made it grow, and then pointed his wand at it, "IMPERIO"

Everyone was transfixed on the spider as Moody made it build a web then jump off of it and start going from one head to another.
"Now, this is all fun and games… but what should I have it do next? I can make it drown itself… Or bite any or all of you. That is not so pleasant."
He flicked his wand and the spider helplessly jumped back onto his hand.

"How about the next one, Ms. Carlson?" All the students turned to face me.

"The Cruciatus Curse." I stated simply.

"Mr. Diggory, can you tell me what this one does?"

Cedric coughed, "sure.. It inflicts excruciating pain on someone."

"Or something," Moody said before adding, "CRUCIO!"

Hearing spiders scream is almost worse then hearing people scream. Only because spiders are not supposed to make any noise.
I heard some girls let out a gasp and some cried.

"SIR!" I shouted from the back of the class. Moody was watching the spider obsessively.
I was a bit scared, it was as if Barty Crouch Jr. forgot he was being Moody.

He growled and whipped his wand away. "Yes of course. Quickly Carlson, the next curse."

"Avada Kedavra."

Diggory immediately continued, "The Killing curse."

Without explanation, Moody pointed his wand at the spider for the third time, "Avada Kedavra."
The spider instantly stopped moving. Moody brushed it off his desk into a trash bin that I now noticed had other spiders from the other classes.

"Who can tell me why they are unforgivable?" Moody broke the dead silence.

A girl near the front raised her hand, "Because they are forbidden by the ministry."

"Precisely. Another thing to remember is for any of these curses to work, you have to mean it."
Moody took a step near the class; I could tell everyone was holding their breath.
"For the next four weeks we will be working on throwing off the Imperius curse. Class is over."

One would have thought there had been an actual murder. Cedric and I almost got trampled as everyone pushed their way out.
Some girl hit my books and they fell to the ground. I rolled my eyes and started picking them up.
Soon it was just Cedric, me and Moody in the classroom.

"He is off his rocker a bit." Cedric whispered. He bent down and helped me pick up my books.

I laughed, "You don't know the half of it." I knew that Moody could hear us.

"Yeah I hear your mom works in the ministry. So you know Moody well?"

I nodded, "Good family friend. Anyways thanks, I have to meet up with Fred for lunch. See you next class!"

"ok yeah.. Hey are you putting your name in the Goblet?"

"Oh no, I am not seventeen yet… My birthday is in May."

"I see… Man I must be the only seventeen sixth year.. Anyways I am putting my name in. Wouldn't that be cool? Being the Tri-wizard champion?"

"A dream come true!" I smiled. He laughed. Eventually our paths went different ways, mine down to the great hall and his to wherever the Hufflepuff common room is.

"How was class?" Fred asked, giving me a hug.

"It was fine, how was yours?"

"Boring… But next class is History of Magic, so it won't be that bad because you will be in there! Anyways I am glad you are here, it is time for George and I to put our names in!"

I shook my head, "You are crazy Mr. Weasley."

"that is my father." He teased and took my hand. George was waiting for us by the goblet.

I took a seat by Hermionie, who was reading a book. "So what are the odds—"

"It isn't going to work.. Being Fred's girl friend you should probably stop him…" She smiled at me but then went back to her book.

"I don't think even I could… And wait who told you that?"

"Oh it is obvious Cali. Whenever I have you or Fred alone all you talk about is each other. Then I saw that little blush as he took your hand and hugged you."

I laughed, "It is more complicated then a crush Hermionie…"

Once again my trying to explain was interrupted. Fred and George crossed the line, nothing happened. They winked at me and dropped their names in.

"Oh…my.." I started. Even Hermionie looked impressed; right up until there was a cracking sound, a bang and poof, before anyone knew it Fred and George were laying on the ground.
I jumped up, "Are you ok?!" As I approached them I could see what was happening.
Their hair was turning silver and they were growing a beard. I could barely contain my laughter, "I guess I can call you Mr. Weasley now?"

They stood up, faces bright red. "Oh shush!" Fred tried to smirk, "George doesn't look quite bad, I knew at some point he would hit puberty…
He has been trying to grow a beard since we were twelve!"

Even his jokes sounded shaky. "Oh just come with me!" I took both their arms and dragged them to the hospital wing.
Everyone we passed started busting up laughing.

"Didn't Professor Dumbledore tell you not to cross that line?" Madam Pumfrey asked. She was the only one not laughing.

"Well, Fred and George don't know the meaning of rules." I pointed out as I sat them down on a bed.

"Ah so maybe I should make them keep these beards for a week, to teach a lesson?"

I laughed. I had to hand it to Dumbledore, he is quite amazing. "ok you two old farts, I'll be back ok? I have another class.. Plus I want to see a friend of mine drop her name in!"

I saw Fleur get off the coach and sit in Ravenclaw. Her little sister, I have never met, but Fleur and I had a few classes together last year.

Luckily I made it back in time because when Fleur entered, so did many of her followers. (all men) I smiled, she probably didn't tell anyone she was part Veela.

"Cali Carlson? Is that you darling?" Fleur asked as she came closer.

"Yes! Hi! How are you?" She gave me a hug.

"I am voing really vell. Ave you come to vatch me put my name in the goblet?" She asked. All the boys behind her watched our every move.

"That is what I am doing here! And I see you brought your sister?" I nodded down to the girl who was attached to Fleur.

"Ah yes, this is my sister Gabrielle! Gabby, say hello to Cali. I told you about her last summer! I was very sad to see you move away! And I am very sorry you had to come here!"

I smiled, Fleur has not changed. The gloomy hallways of Hogwarts were not as welcoming as the fire lit golden hallways of Beaubaxons…
I was happy to be away from them, they seemed too happy to be a school. Maybe I would like them now, since I have been doing some soul searching….

(K sorry guys I can't really write French accents very well, that is why Cali talks as if she were straight English..
When in fact depending on her mood she has a French, Romanian or Australian accent…
She actually has a "US English" accent when she doesn't watch herself.)