Chapter 3

The rest of the week was a blur, trying to keep up on homework, remembering the right way to go for classes! It was hard work, I cannot remember any of the other school being this challenging. I was beyond thankful for creating a study partner with Hermione, she kept me motivated to keep up my homework.

'One more day guys and it's the weekend.' I grumble taking a seat by Ginny and Neville for dinner.

'Thankfully! Although today everyone is curious about the drawing of the names for the tournament.' Ginny responds

'I know.'

Helping myself to some of the shepherd's pie and a salad I watched as people started taking bets for who would get picked to represent Hogwarts. Seamus and Cormac were arguing about Quidditch next to me and I couldn't help but only roll my eyes.

'Sit down please! Now is the moment you've al been waiting for, the champions selection!' Dumbledore begins while walking up to the Goblet.

Once he is standing next to it the once blue flame now turns red. Bursting forth from the Goblet's center is a piece of paper. Everyone leans forward in anticipation to hear the first name.

'The Durmstrang champion is… Viktor Krum!' Dumbledore shouts after reading the paper.

The kids from Durmstrang shout in enthusiasm but soon quiet down and the flames turn red and another small sheet is ejected for Dumbledore to catch.

'The champion from Beauxbatons… Fleur Delacour.' Dumbledore shouts and the girls from Beauxbatons cheer happily.

Both Fleur and Viktor have gotten up from their seats and left the hall by a side door. I gaze back at the Goblet as it turns red once more. Here it is… I wonder who it will be from Hogwarts.

Dumbledore reaches up a grabs the paper and each class I glance about and watch as everyone were leaning in… maybe not even breathing.

'The Hogwarts champion… Cedric Diggory!'

I cheered along the rest of the school, celebrating Cedric's accomplishment of making it into the tournament. However, we began to notice how the Goblet of Fire continued to burst with flames.

'Is that normal?' I whisper to Ginny

'I- I dunno.'

Glancing back, Dumbledore had caught the piece of paper that has also been ejected from the goblet. My stomach dropped just watching the fury that graced Dumbledore's face.

'Harry. Harry Potter!' Dumbledore shouts

What the-! Everyone in the halls glances at Harry. He looked very upset. I thought there was an age restriction on the Goblet of Fire?

'Go on Harry!' Hermione urges pushing Harry to go

As he stood up people began to whisper angrily. They seemed to all be under the impression that he was able to cheat and get his name in the goblet. It seemed like a crazy thing to do but I wasn't sure what to believe. Once Harry walked out of the room we were all dismissed to go back to our dormitory, at once I turned to our group slightly confused on what exactly just happened.

'I can't believe this!' Ron exclaimed before storming off

'Quite the dirty trick if ye ask me.' Seamus comments darkly glancing about at us before leaving.

I shrug my shoulders and tag along with Lavender and Parvati as they head back to the common rooms. Most Gryffindor's were still too shocked to want to talk and we all trailed up to our dorms. Upon getting the Fat Lady to finally stop singing and opening the door, I headed straight to bed to write my parents and crash.

….

'Why is it that I always find your head deep in a book Edwards?' a familiar voice called from behind me

'Maybe it's because I have so much homework, much like you do I'm sure.' I retort closing the book to find Draco hovering above me

'It's a shame that you were sorted into Gryffindor.' Draco continues leaning against the tree, 'You would have found better company in Slytherin.'

'Why, so you would be able to annoy me more often.' I remark realizing that he wasn't going to let me get back to me homework. 'Was there something you wanted?''

'What do you think of my new pin?' Draco states with a grin, moving his uniform so I could read it.

It was a circle button that had a Potter stinks circling and then support for Cedric for the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

'The whole school is basically against Potter…. Seeing as he cheated.' Draco continued

'He said he didn't do it, and I believe he's telling the truth.' I admit shrugging up at him, 'You must be desperate for attention that you're coming to me to bad mouth Harry. When already you know, I don't argue with you.'

'Will you sit down or something?! I'm tired of having to strain my neck trying to talk to you. Or, are you too embarrassed to be seen openly getting along with a Gryffindor?' I challenge him

'No need to flatter yourself Edwards. I was just leaving.' Draco smirks before walking away

Shaking my head, I needed to stop getting on friendly terms with him. No matter how nice he might seem to be to me, he was rude and a git to everyone else here. It didn't matter how cute he was…. wait- no you can't even start that!

'Shall I go after him for bothering you?'

Looking up I smile, 'Hello Dean. No don't worry about him. Taking a break?' I greet him as he takes a seat next to me.

'Are you sure Eva?' He asked and seeing no response moves on, 'Yes, my brain feels like mush after Professor Binn's class.'

'Yes! While it could be fascinating to learn about the History of Magic, especially since it's the British version not the American one I'm used to learning. Yet, he just puts you right to sleep!' I state smiling slightly

'What do you think about the additional students here?' Dean remarks making conversation

'It's great! It's cool to see all of us under one roof, although I haven't yet talked to many of them yet. However, a few come up and talk when they realize I'm an American.'

'Yes, I could see them being just as curious about you as the rest of us.' Dean remarks glancing at me shyly before looking away

'I suppose so.'

We spent the rest of break between classes before heading off for Charms. The class flew by fast and lunch was great; talking with everyone and enjoying a break from yet another class. However, it was short lived when we had to make our way to the dungeons to have Potions with Slytherins.

I was thankfully enough partnered with Hermione and we could get through the potion with no problems. We watched as Neville's cauldron started to sputter liquid and Snape hurrying over to investigate.

'5 points from Gryffindor for not following basic instructions.' Snape growled glaring at Neville. Earning chuckling from the Slytherins.

I learned fast that Snape hated Gryffindor's and favored his house but especially Draco. Nothing the kid would do would be punished, making Potions a very miserable time. Friday's meant double potions so after everyone turned in a vial of their potion we moved on to lecture.

'What a long week!' I huffed collapsing in a couch in the common room that was tucked in the corner by the window

'You can say that. It's only the first week and they've already piled on the homework!' Ron moaned along in the chair next to me

'Really Ron, you say this every year.' Hermione huffed from her table stacked with books

They began to bicker a bit about Hermione was not going to help this year with his homework if he didn't put more of an effort into starting them. He was continuing to ignore Harry because he also believed that Harry put his name in the Goblet of Fire himself.

Shaking my head, I left the two to do more school ready up in my bed without having distractions.

…

Mother,

I am still shocked that three months have gone by and I hardly even noticed. The school work is hard, more challenging then at Ilvermorny. In a few weeks, it will be the first test for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. No one has said what it will be. I feel bad for Harry Potter, most of the school still believe that he really did put his name in the Goblet. Halloween was very exciting here and a lot of fun. I hope father and you are doing well and staying busy without me. Has there been a change on if I can come home for Winter Break?

Love, Eva

Folding up the letter I attached it to Barry's leg, 'Send this to my mother okay?' I tell the owl before watching him nod and fly off. Turing, I run right into someone.

'Ugh! Sorry!' I begin as the stranger pulls their hands away from my waist after steadying me.

'If I didn't know any better Edwards, I would start to guess that you run into me on purpose.'

Looking up I groan that it would be my luck to be the one who runs right into Draco Malfoy…. For a second time. It was a bit unnerving to look up at him; he had at least a foot on me if not more. Besides the fact that his grey eyes always seemed to get right to your very soul.

'Don't be flattering yourself Draco.' I state taking a step back for more space between us. 'I would argue you were trying to sneak up on me. What were you doing that close to me anyway?'

'Tsk, tsk, a Malfoy doesn't have to search for flattery.' Malfoy begins

'If that's what you tell yourself at night.' I reply, watching as he walked over to what must be his owl.

Attaching a letter and making sure the bird disappears Draco finally turns his attention back to me, 'Still hanging around? You should be careful wouldn't want any of those friends yours finding out your hanging around me.'

'You made it seem like you had more to say. It doesn't matter what they assume; it's not like we are best friends.' I remark crossing my hands over my chest

'Sorry to disappoint you.' Draco drawled out glancing at me oddly before heading to the door

'Oh no you don't!' I state in a huff, chasing after him, 'I'm sick of you just randomly showing up and walking away…all proud of yourself for having the last word.'

Following him down the stairs to head back inside the castle I was fuming. 'Why do you keep doing that?!' I state in frustration knowing already he would just give me some smart response.

He kept his cool façade and only raised an eyebrow before stating, 'If you haven't noticed Edwards I like to rile people up for the fun of it.'

'Ugh!' I exclaim, too annoyed to find a better response

'As much fun as this has been Edwards I'll see you around.' Draco states as we near the castle doors

'Yeah, yeah.' I mumble to him shaking my head. He was beyond a doubt, the most confusing person I had ever met.

I watched as he continued to walk a head of me and disappear in the sea of students. I head in the other direction that would take me to the Gryffindor common room. I was supposed to hang out with Lavender this afternoon.

'Hello Eva, enjoying you Sunday before classes?' Dean greets as I walk into the Common Room

'Very much and you?' I reply with a smile, nodding at people who waved hello when I walked past them to take seat next to Dean and Seamus, 'How are you doing Seamus?'

'Very well thanks.' Seamus replies before letting Dean respond

'As good as I can be. Sundays always seem to turn out depressing since it the day before classes start up again.' Dean grins sheepishly

'True. I'm just glad I could put something down for the essay Snape assigned for homework. I wasn't sure I would be able to finish it.' I state noticing that they were had their Potions books sprawled out on the table.

'Want to give any pointers?' Seamus states with a grin that could melt a girl's heart.

Giving him my best grin I shake my head, 'Nope. I'll be lucky if he tells me I get a passing grade on it. Plus, shouldn't I be the one asking the two of you. Seeing as you've been here longer than I?'

'I'm sure you'll get a passing grade, especially since you had Hermione as a partner.' Dean replies

'Well, maybe but I wouldn't want to get my hopes up until I find out what he puts down as a grade. I'll see you guys later though, I'm supposed to be meeting Lavender.'

Giving me farewells and a last hopeful wish that I would let them copy my essay, I left them at the table to try and find Lavender.

'Ah there you are! Where have you been?' Lavender exclaimed when I walk into our dorms.

She was a nice girl even if she was a bit ditzy. She was currently dumping cosmetics on her bed with a huge grin on her face

'Sorry I got delayed. I ran into Dr-Malfoy in the Owlery; and then Seamus and Dean wanted to talk to me in the Common Room.' I reply thankfully remembering not to say Draco. Everyone always called him Malfoy because they disliked him so much.

'Malfoy? He seems to be making a habit of running into you.' Lavender teased pulling me onto her bed. 'I think he might have a thing for you… seeing as he conveniently knows when to find you alone.'

'I hardly think he does, seeing as he is always trying to annoy me.' I retort in a huff. Ha! Draco Malfoy like me! She was crazier than I thought.

'What, don't be fooled. Everyone might not like him but he is still considered on the list of the most attractive boys in our grade. Do you realize how many girls would kill you if they found out he's been cornering you alone. Pansy would strangle you, she's been pinning for Malfoy since first year, and she in his house!' Lavender ranted on making me blush in embarrassment

'Can we drop the Malfoy thing? What is all of this stuff anyway?' I remark trying to get her to move on.

'Well….'

…

'Here he comes!' I shouting grabbing onto Dean's arm in nerves.

We were all currently bundled up in the stands. It was the first task for the Tri-Wizard Tournament and Harry was the last of the four to go.

'Harry! Harry! Harry!' Everyone in on the Gryffindor side cheered when he stepped out into the arena.

I twisted my hands together nervously as I watched as he spotted the Dragon Egg, alone in the center of the rocky enclosure. I screamed with the rest and ducked at the Dragon came out and started spraying fire towards Harry.

'Oh god!' I whispered as Dean and I shared nervous looks after the Dragon almost killed Harry

He hides behind a boulder while Hermione kept screaming at him, 'Your wand Harry! Your wand!' Finally comprehending, Harry uses his wand to bring his Firebolt to him. I shudder and latch on to Dean, burying my face in his arm.

I couldn't watch any more. The chain around the dragon's neck snapped loose! It was now chasing Harry who had left the arena trying to stay alive. Oh god… he's going to die, isn't he?