Year Four: The Goblet of Fire
The three magical schools of Europe compete for eternal glory in the form of the Triwizard Tournament. Death Eaters are rising, gathering followers to join Voldemort. Dark times are approaching, threatening everything Marie loves. It's time for bravery. To be the light in terrible darkness...
Chapter Five-Alastor Moody
The figure of Marie tossed and turned in her four poster bed, emerald sheets tangling around her legs. Sweat beaded her skin while her breathing shallowed, brow furrowing as her body tried to force her into consciousness.
"My Lord..."
Wormtail knelt before the large winged back chair, the sitting figure out of Marie's line of vision. She shuffled closer, peering around the edge of the door frame so to stay out of sight. Wormtail, properly known as Peter Pettigrew, looked just as she remembered. Beady eyes that always seemed to water, wisps of what once was blonde hair and a pointed nose that only implied to his Animagus form of a rat. There was a large fire place crackling away and yet Marie felt frozen inside.
"You continue to doubt me, Wormtail?" The voice was so chilled the girl's teeth dared to chatter, the higher pitch of malice ringing in her ears. Peter dropped to his knees to display his apology, sweat dripping from the tip of his nose and splashing against the marble floor.
"O-of course not, your Lordship, i-it is just the risk of obtaining Harry Potter that worries me," he explained. "He is so well protected-"
"No, leave Harry alone!" but the words were silent as they left her lips as she dared to step further into the room, protective rage swelling within her chest. She would not let him hurt her brother. She would not allow it. They would have to go through her first. "You leave him alone-he spared your life, Peter Pettigrew!"
Her sisterly rage went unnoticed by the two wizards.
"It is true that I may use another wizard, but I have already explained to you that it will be the boy. I have waited thirteen years-" Peter couldn't keep the words from flying from his mouth, unable to stand the chastising.
"My Lord, there is another Potter!"
Green eyes widened, color leaving her face entirely as she shrieked, "NO! You can't tell him-!"
The room suddenly went mind numbingly cold as the figure in the chair turned to look at her. The candles blew out, fire place suddenly snuffed, and it was as if heat never existed in the room. Blood red eyes stared at her from sunken sockets and she released a hair raising scream, heart beating so hard that it hurt-
With a pronounced THUNK, Marie found herself on the floor of the fourth year girl's dormitory, having rolled out of bed and dragged half of the covers down with her. Chest heaving, it took her a moment to gather herself. Glassy eyes flickered back and forth, trying to determine that she was indeed safe within the walls of Hogwarts, secured in the Slytherin dungeons. Slowly, she sat up and rubbed the back of her head as her heart rate finally started to return to normal. The dormitory was still quiet with the soft breathing of her classmates, which meant that no one was alerted by her fall. Thank goodness. As noiselessly as she could, she crept back into bed and didn't bother to correct her blanket.
She closed her eyes with a heavy sigh, thankful that she couldn't recall the dream that had frightened her so badly. Pulse now steady, it only took a few moments for the girl to fall back asleep, the nightmare lost and nothing more than dreamless fog.
The storm had blown over by the next morning, leaving the sky grey in over cast but dry nonetheless. The lack of rain was good news for the Slytherins as they had Care of Magical Creatures outside after their Transfiguration lesson with the Ravenclaws. Following lunch Marie had double Ancient Runes, which she was excited for this year. Well, she excited for all of her fourth year level classes which was apparently weird as Pansy teased her about her work ethic. At least it wasn't going to be anything like last year, Marie noted with relief. No time travel, no extra classes, and no Divination or Arithmancy.
She had dropped the fortune telling course as well as Arithmancy so not to overload her work load this year. She didn't particularly care for Divination as taught by Professor Sybill Trelawney, a rather eccentric teacher who taught up in the attic of the north tower. The subject was too much guesswork and imaginative liberty, and while she had nothing against those who were truly gifted with the Sight, it simply wasn't her area of interest. She did keep the textbook as a reference, as it went against her belief to throw out a book of any kind. Arithmancy was dropped as well so to open up her schedule and to allow for some flexibility. Arithmancy was predicting the future by using the magical properties of numbers and numerology, taught by Professor Septima Vector. The two were similar classes in a sense, perhaps that was why Marie didn't take a particular shine to either one. She wasn't interested in learning of what may be in the future. If she wanted to be prepared for what was to come, she believed that she needed a firm understanding of the past and the present. Contrary to popular student opinion, Marie enjoyed the subject History of Magic though Professor Binns, the teaching ghost, was indeed a bore with his droning voice.
The fresh air felt great against her skin as she and the other Slytherins left the Transfiguration classroom and stepped outside for their next class. McGonagall's class wasn't too pressing, it was quite a bit of review so to get them warmed up for the upcoming year. They had to practice the Draconifors spell to show where they stood after the summer holiday. Marie had been sure to tie her hair back into a quick bun as last year she had been grazed by Vincent Crabbe's attempt, hair nearly catching on fire. Draconifors was the incantation that would transfigure an object into a dragon of the equivalent size. It was quite exciting magic. McGonagall seemed almost pleased with how hers turned out, but she was never too sure. McGonagall and Snape were both very limited with their praise, hardly admitting openly. So she was content with a small nod of the head in regards to her work.
Professor Hagrid was waiting outside of his house for his class, one hand gripping the collar of his oversized black boarhound, Fang. Several open crates littered the ground before him and Marie couldn't help but be excited by what they were going to be shown. The Gryffindors were already down and waiting on the Slytherins for the lesson. They must have come from Herbology to arrive so quickly.
"What do you think are in the crates?" asked Millie. Marie shrugged and gave a smile.
"No idea, but I can't wait to find out!" There was a groan and she looked over her shoulder to stick her tongue out at the blonde who was mocking her. Draco returned the gesture, shoving his hands into his pockets as he followed her down to the class.
"I don't see why you're so excited. It's just going to be another stupid lesson," he griped. She raised a brow pointedly and he asked, "What're you giving me that look for?"
"I hope you pay attention this year," she informed him plainly.
"What're you talking about? I had top marks last year!" he defended, increasing his stride so to be even with her, the two leading the rest of their classmates. He looked rightly ruffled so she bumped her shoulder with his and lowered her voice.
"Last year you didn't listen and you were attacked by the hippogriff, so I'm saying that you ought to really listen," she explained. "You know I'm not doubting your intelligence, Draco." He held his tongue and bumped her shoulder back in understanding.
Their understanding was short lived when they stepped up to nearest crate and simultaneously stepped back due to the powerful smell of rotting fish. Noses covered with the sleeves of their robes, they dared to move closer so to get a better look at what exactly was in the containers. Roughly a hundred of the creatures were inside, maybe six inches in length as the crawled over one another. They didn't look right, more along the lines of deformed, shell-less lobsters, disgustingly pale and slimy in appearance as their legs stood out from very strange angles and there seem to be no visible head.
"Blast-Ended Skrewts!" announced Professor Hagrid proudly. "On'y jus' hatched, so yeh'll be able to raise 'em yerselves! Thought we'd make a bit of a project of it!"
While that was a very interesting thought and lovely idea, Marie wasn't too sure how willing she was to put her hand inside the crate. With the term "blast" in their name, it implied that they would be dangerous to some degree.
"And why would we want to raise them?" spoke up Draco. The girl rolled her eyes. That snark certainly didn't take long, but the question was a valid one nontheless. Unfortunately Hagrid looked confused by the statement. Perhaps they weren't as much of a threat to him, Marie reasoned. She'd wager hardly any creature frightened him.
So Draco continued. "I mean, what do they do? What is the point of them?"
It took a moment but Hagrid did have an answer, his tone rough. "Tha's next lesson, Malfoy. Yer jus' feedin' 'em today. Now, yeh'll wan' ter try try 'em on a few diff'rent things-I've never had 'em before, not sure what they'll go fer-I got ant eggs an' frog livers an' a bit o' grass snake-just try 'em out with a bit of each."
Instructions given, Marie set her jaw as she scooped up a handful of frog liver and slowly lowered them into the crate. Pansy was about to throw a fit she was so disgusted by them and Millie was apprehensive as she brough a grass snake into the mix. Marie could feel their shell-less bodies brush up against her skin, tender and unprotected flesh that left a shine of mucus on her exposed skin as they scuttle about her hands to try and inspect the new food.
After a relatively peaceful ten minutes or so, Dean Thomas gave a sharp, "Ouch!" To which Hagrid hurried over anxiously, no doubt remembering last year with Draco and Buckbeak.
"Its end exploded!" explained Dean, showing the new burn on his hand. Marie looked down with wide eyes at her hands that held the food and now dozens of Skrewts. She remained as still as possible.
"Ah, yeah, that can happen when they blast off," said Hagrid, nodding. The two Slytherin girls exchanged a wide eyed glance, obviously concerned for their hands.
"Yuck!" squealed Lavender Brown. "Yuck, Hagrid, what's that pointy thing on it?"
"Ah, some of 'em have got stings," Hagrid announced enthusiastically. Millie promptly removed her hands from the box. Marie still had some moving over her hands. "I reckon they're the males...The females've got sorta sucker things on their bellies...I think they might be ter suck blood."
"Well, I can certainly see why we're trying to keep them alive," Draco spoke up again, sarcasm dripping from every word. "Who wouldn't want pets that can burn, sting, and bite all at once?" Marie had managed to free her right hand of Skrewts and was now trying to wiggle her left free.
"Just because they aren't very pretty, it doesn't mean they're not useful," snapped Hermione Granger. "Dragon blood's amazingly magical, but you wouldn't want a dragon for a pet, would you?"
Draco had to scowl at the remark, as it was a reminder of how he almost proved that Hagrid was harboring a dragon back in their first year. There was one Skrewt left on Marie's hand and she gasped as the once pale pink skin near the end of its body started to shift to a bold red color. Before she could shake her wrist there was a brief blast followed by the sharp pain of a fresh burn. With a yelp, she pulled her hand out of the crate and held it to her chest. Looking down, her wrist now sported a shiny new burn.
"Yeah, bloody useful," grumbled Draco. He gave the Skrewts an extra glare after noticing her wrist. "I say we stamp the whole lot before they kill us."
The lesson ended soon enough and Marie gathered her bag quickly and darted away from her friends as well as side stepping the other students as she made her way over to Hagrid's towering form. Fang bounded over to her and she had to struggle to keep her balance while she gave him a pat on the head.
"Excuse me, professor?" she called. Hagrid seemed to jump, not at all used to students staying back to ask questions.
"Er-yes? Get off 'er, Fang," he instructed, pulling the large hound back. "Yes, Marie?"
She began to fiddle with the edge of her sleeve, a bit sheepish now. "I have a question- not related to the lesson, I'm afraid-but about Magical Creatures, if you have a moment?" she asked. He gave a smile through his bushy beard, eyes lighting up at their topic.
"O' course, how can I help?" he encouraged. Marie glanced back at the retreating figures of the other students, debating now. Hagrid waited patiently as she bit her lip and thought about her question, whether or not she wanted to ask it. She had forgotten to ask last year, with the drama of Draco and the hippogriff, it was understandable. Though she had time as it was lunch and she wouldn't run late for a class.
"Professor, what pulls the carriages?" she finally asked, her words a bit rushed. "Are there creatures or is it just a spell? Because I swear, I've seen something pulling it along but my friends haven't, so am I wrong or seeing things?"
"Ah, that'd be th' Thestrals," answered Hagrid with a nod. He gave her a sad sort of look that made her shift with discomfort. She didn't like that look. It was the sad, pitying look that followed her by those who knew her connection to Tess.
She cleared her throat. "So, how come no one else can see the Thestrals? Is there a spell or a type of glamour on them?"
"No, I'm 'fraid not," he sighed. "Ya see, Thestrals can only be seen by those who've witnessed death. Gives 'em a bad reputation, but they're quite gentle really and darn smart."
"Oh." Marie looked away from the teacher and the sad look he continued to give her. "Well, that makes sense, I guess. I mean, I only noticed them last year."
"Now, it's nothin' to be ashamed of," chided Hagrid, making her look back up at him in surprise. "Not too many students can see them, thankfully, but it's no' a bad thing tha' you can. In fact, it's jus' another skill fer yer pocket I say."
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. That was a very positive outlook on a very grim ability.
"Thank you, professor. I really appreciate that." On that note, she tossed her bag over shoulder and gave a wave as she made her way back up to the castle.
The afternoon went smoothly enough with double Ancient Runes and, thankfully, no homework for the first day to Marie's relief. She needed to simply pace herself this year and try not to become overwhelmed like last year where she was working herself ragged trying to maintain her high marks while forfeiting sleep and proper meals. She had just made it down to the entrance hall, her bag remarkably light with only a single textbook when she noticed that a type of huddle had formed in the queue leading into the Great Hall for dinner. Stepping around a few people to get a better look, she paled when she saw the back of Draco, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, and that they were in some sort of confrontation with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. A Gryffindor-Slytherin conflict.
Harry and Hermione were holding Ron back, his anger obvious as he strained against their hold. Moving closer so to perhaps hear their debate and gain a better visual, she could see that Draco was equally riled up, the Daily Prophet crumpled in his fist while there were bright pink patches coloring his cheeks.
"Don't you dare insult my mother, Potter," hissed Draco, his flush deepening. Harry's green gaze met his in an even glare, the dislike rolling off the two in waves.
"Keep your fat mouth shut then," said Harry, his tone final. On that note, the Gryffindors started to turn away, leaving the argument behind.
Peace was short lived as Marie witnessed Draco pulling his wand from within his robe. It was as if everything had slowed down and she drew a sharp breath as the Malfoy heir threw a spell at her brother's back. She didn't even recognize her own voice as his name ripped itself from her in a warning.
"Harry!"
BANG!
Some people screamed but Marie's focus was locked on Harry as he had turned his head in hearing his name, the spell managing to miss him by a breath. He found her in the crowd and she couldn't make herself look away. It was as if the guilt was painted across her face. Yes, she was the one who had tried to help him. Her, the Slytherin. She didn't know how she should feel about it, and he wasn't the only person who noticed. Hermione's brown eyes had found her as well. Before she could dwell on the thought a second longer, there was another loud BANG, followed by a roar that shook the entrance hall.
"OH NO YOU DON'T, LADDIE!"
Looking about, Professor Moody came into focus, hobbling down the marble staircase with the aid of his large walking staff, wand out. There was a small squeak and Marie clapped her hands over her mouth in shock. Where Draco had once been standing, a white ferret was shivering on the marble floor in his place.
No one made a sound, too terrified to say anything as Moody made his way over to the scene. He turned his attention to Harry first.
"Did he get you?" he growled. His voice was low and gravelly, it was the first time she heard the professor speak actually. Harry shook his head. Meanwhile, Crabbe was inching closer toward the transfigured Draco.
"No. Missed," Harry answered, looking back over at Marie. She avoided eye contact immediately.
"LEAVE IT!" shouted Moody, making the students jump.
"Leave-what?" asked Harry, bewildered by the outburst.
"Not you-him!" Moody turned about and focused on Crabbe, his ever moving eye was apparently magical in property and capable of seeing through the back of his own head. The retired Auror started to limp toward the three Slytherins and Crabbe and Goyle froze where they were while Draco, on the other hand, looked about and found Marie. Draco gave a terrified squeak and bolted for her familiarity. She reached out for him, almost scooping him up-
"I don't think so!" Moody roared again, wand locked on the blonde. Before Draco could reach her, Moody's magic had him flying ten feet into the air and then bounced against the floor, heading upward once more.
"I don't like people who attack when their opponent's back's turned," the teacher growled. "Stinking, cowardly, scummy thing to do..."
Marie could only watch on in horror as the ferret bounced higher and higher, squealing in pain. She would call for a teacher, but Moody was a teacher. Oh where was Professor Dumbledore?
"Never-do-that-again," scolded Moody, each word emphasized with bounce.
"Professor Moody!"
To Marie's utmost relief, Professor McGonagall was coming down the staircase at that time, her arms heavy with books. There, McGonagall could handle the situation.
"Hello, Professor McGonagall," Moody greeted calmly as the ferret bounced higher. As if it was a normal day. McGonagall regarded the scene with a suspicious look.
"What-what are you doing?" she asked, eyes following the ferret.
"Teaching," he answered easily.
"Teach-Moody, is that a student?" shrieked McGonagall, the books dropping to the ground. Draco squeaked loudly again.
"Technically, it's a ferret."
"No!" The Head of Gryffindor ran down the stairs and drew her wand. A moment later, after a sharp snapping noise, Draco Malfoy was restored and lying in a heap on the floor with his hair all over the place and face vibrantly pink. He got to his feet, wincing with the effort. Marie pushed past the other students and made to stand beside the blonde.
"Moody, we never use transfiguration as a punishment!" reprimanded McGonagall. "Surely Professor Dumbledore told you that?"
"He might've mentioned it, yeah," said Moody while scratching his chin, unconcerned. With his line of work, turning a person into an animal was hardly worth a second thought or worry. "But I though a good sharp shock-"
"We give detentions, Moody! Or speak to the offender's Head of House!"
"I'll do that, then," he decided, looking back at Draco with great dislike. Draco shuffled closer to Marie, as if her good record would cover him as a shield. His grey eyes were still watering with pain and his muttered a weak threat about his father hearing about the mistreatment. Moody seemed excited by the meager warning.
"Oh yeah?" he asked, the dull clunk of his bad leg audible in the hall. "Well, I know your father of old, boy...You tell him Moody's keeping a close eye on his son...you tell him that for me...Now, your Head of House'll be Snape, will it?"
"Yes," answered Draco quietly.
"Another old friend," he growled. "I've been looking forward to a chat with old Snape...Come on you..."
He seized Draco by his upper arm, tearing him away from Marie's side. In that brief moment, she could have sworn that the electric blue eye was eerily focused on her even as he marched the blonde down the hall and toward the dungeons.
REVIEW! Your thoughts would be lovely as always, my gorgeous readers (ideas/wants/pairings/Yule dates etc)! Heading back to university tomorrow and I'm so sorry for the lack of writing (or lack of anything, I really wasn't on the computer much). But I'm hoping, like always, that maybe I'll get a solid writing schedule again, like I did for the end of PoA/beginning GoF? That would be awesome! (crosses fingers) And here's to hoping that the snow goes away. I like the cold but the snow is becoming an inconvenience honestly.
So, some fun classes and the always popular Draco-ferret moment! Interesting things, my readers, Marie's dreams-that-aren't-dreams but she has no recollection of ever having them, and why Moody's focus?
Next time: a flashback to first year, perhaps a Neville moment, and the beginning of the Triwizard Tournament draws near!
Hope you enjoyed!