Dear Mum (and Dad if you're there when I send this),

I have some interesting news to tell you! Do you know about the Triwizard Tournament? Assuming that you already know what it is, Hogwarts is hosting it this year! Apparently, it was discontinued years ago because it was dangerous and people died, I think—anyways, it's back now! Two other schools will be participating in the tournament, and they will stay here with us until the end of the school year. There will be three tasks throughout the duration of the tournament; no one knows what they are yet, but word around the halls is that they're really dangerous. In addition, three champions will be picked, each representing their own school. Aunt Sera's school is here, and that school Uncle Lu wanted to send Draco to, is here too.

The kids from Durmstrang are nice—did you know that Viktor Krum is still a student! We saw him at the World Cup, do you remember? He always sits across from me during meals. It's because he says that I make him laugh! Anyways, there is this cup called "the Goblet of Fire" that is in charge of choosing the champions that will represent their school in the tournament—Viktor was picked for Durmstrang!

Some girl named Fleur Delacour was chosen to be Beauxbatons' champion. It was funny—the girls who didn't get to be chosen began crying, and some of the boys looked kind of relieved. You know, I don't really understand how Aunt Sera managed to survive seven years in that school. Some of the boys are nice, they'll smile at you if you catch their eye, but the girls are just so mean. They have this look about their faces, as if they think they're better than everyone else. It's worse if you're a girl because they'll just scrutinize you, and then turn around and talk in French—it's really frustrating knowing that they're making fun of the way you look, but not knowing exactly what they're saying about you.

The only good thing about them is that they came to the school in a horse-drawn carriage, but not just any horses were pulling their carriage—they were flying horses! They were so pretty, mum! Hagrid let me pet one the other day. He says that they are called Abraxans. Draco was with me when Hagrid let me pet them, but he didn't want to go near them. He didn't want to risk getting his hand chewed off—silly Draco. I asked him for an Abraxan for Christmas, just to see what he'd say, but he said that he'd rather buy me a little pony and conjure butterfly wings on it. He says it would be safer, since the Abraxans are like, the size of an elephant!

OH! Before I forget, the Headmistress of Beauxbatons is a half-giant…ess. "Giantess", is that the correct term? Anyways, that woman has some big feet! They looked like the size of that sled I had when I was little—and of course Uncle Sev heard me say that, which resulted in a whack behind the head. OH! And she's got this really thick French accent! Instead of saying "Dumbledore", she says "Dumbly-dorr". Merlin, you should hear Draco's impression of her! It's so spot on! You'd die of laughter, you would!

Moving on, Hogwarts' champion is a Hufflepuff named Cedric Diggory. He seems to look smart, so hopefully he won't let us down.

That is not all, though—the cup chose a fourth champion. I couldn't believe it, since the cup was only supposed to chose three people from each school. I'm sure Uncle Sev already sent you a letter regarding this, but I wanted to tell you too—IT'S HARRY POTTER! Somehow, a lot of people weren't surprised by this—Draco even expected it. He said that it was only a matter of time before Harry did something… I kind of have to agree with him. Do you think he's cursed, mum? Everything seems to happen to him.

I talked with Hermione, and she says that Harry didn't enter his name in the cup. As it were, Ron is now not talking to Harry, because Ron is convinced that Harry put his name in the cup, and he's angry that he wasn't informed about it. Hermione says that Ron is just jealous of Harry for getting all the attention—I kind of agree with her. Ron may deny it all he wants, but he's got that look in his eyes that says he's jealous.

I managed to talk to Harry for a bit during passing period, he says that he didn't put his name into the cup. He says that Professor Moody says that someone probably put his name into the cup to try to kill him—You-Know-Who, mum! Who else could it be?!

By any chance, have you heard from Aunt Sera… or Uncle Sirius? No reason in me asking, but I'm just curious…

Anyways, classes are going good. Professor Moody leaves me alone during Defense, but he's always got that creepy eye on me. I've seen the way he looks at Uncle Sev too, like if Uncle Sev was going to kill him—Professor Moody is just really paranoid, I think. He even looks at Headmaster Karkaroff weird (he's the Headmaster of Durmstrang!).

The October full moon went relatively good. Uncle Sev let me stay in his sitting room while he spent the night grading papers. I didn't even need Wolfsbane! Isn't that good, mum? I was all calm and stuff… but I kind of snapped at Pansy the following morning…

Before I forget, the first task is supposed to take place on the 24th, I think. I asked Uncle Sev, and he says that people outside of the school can come and watch so long as they buy a ticket or something. Will you and dad be coming?

Well, I've got to get going, I asked Uncle Sev for some after class help on the research on antidotes he's got us working on, and I really don't want to be late for that. He'll probably lock me out of the classroom like last time…

Love,

Talia

PS: Hermione started a little club; I've included a few badges along, per Hermione's request, along with a leaflet that explains what the club is about. S-P-E-W stands for "the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare." It cost two sickles to join, which also buys you a badge, but Hermione says that you and dad can have these for free!

Uh… Draco pointed out that I'm being a hypocrite for joining Hermione's little club, since we have Widget and we don't pay her and all… Just—shh…

My Dearest Talia,

Well, you've certainly been a busy bee, I hope that you're not overwhelmed, I know I would be.

Yes, I know what the Triwizard Tournament is, and yes, your Uncle Sev most certainly sent me a letter telling me all the happenings of that event. I was quite surprised when I found out that Harry was chosen to represent Hogwarts, but things happen for a reason, I suppose. Don't listen to Moody, though—I'm sure it has nothing to do with You-Know-Who. That man is just so paranoid.

Moving on, I have no idea how your Aunt Sera managed to survive Beauxbatons; that school focuses more on looks and manners and all those things—all of which your aunt could care less about. She was nearly expelled when she refused to take a mandatory class on household spells! Your Aunt Sera is just that good, I suppose. She could always find the funny side of things…

Viktor Krum is still a student—well, this is news to me; I was sure that he'd already graduated. It is nice that you are making friends outside of your little circle, keep that up. You never know when those friendships might come in handy.

Thank Merlin that your full moon passed nicely. I heard that you had a bit of trouble with the moon in September, but it is good to hear that you're getting a handle on things. If you should ever need me to stop by, don't hesitate to let your Uncle Sev know. He's already been informed that should you need it, his Floo connection is always open to you.

You should know that your Uncle Sev sends me monthly updates about how your school work is going, and I see that you're doing exceptionally well in all your classes—except for Defense. Your grade in that class is average, Talia. I know that you could do better! You shouldn't hold yourself back because of Moody. I know that what he did to you will never leave you, but you need to move on; don't let that incident prevent you from being all that you can be. Show him that you are better than that! Should that man give you (and Draco) any trouble, you let your Uncle Sev know immediately!

Now, in regards to your Aunt Sera and Uncle Sirius—they told you, didn't they? Talia, you need more delicacy when digging for information. Nevertheless, you probably know more than I do, that's all I'm telling you.

Anyways, yes, your Uncle Sev informed me that the first task of the tournament will be this month, on the 24th. Seeing as I am "Mrs. Snape", I have a special invite to show up alongside your uncle, so you will see me there. As for your father, he will be there as well, though he will not be seated in the professors' box along with us. I'll try to speak to Albus about it though, to see if I can manage to get your father a seat with us, since he was a former professor and all. I make no promises, though!

This S-P-E-W business—it sounds interesting—and no, you are not a hypocrite! It's not your fault that Widget does not want to accept money. I have a hard enough time telling her to take Sundays off as it is! She does accept clothes though, so I guess you could say we pay her in little outfits. The other day I dug up some of your baby clothes and I found a little dress that fit Widget rather nicely; she hasn't stopped thanking me since then. Anyways, send Hermione my thanks. Your father and I will wear our badges with pride! Although, do remind her that it is in a house-elves' nature to serve—they enjoy it. It is something ingrained in their heads, just as the need to reach the ocean is ingrained in the little minds of sea turtles when they break free from their eggs.

You let Harry know that he has your father and mine's support, and that should he need anything that he can count on us. We are just an owl away.

I hope that things will keep going smoothly for you, and do be careful when going to see the Abraxans. I'm familiar with those horses, and Draco's fear of getting his hand chewed off is a valid fear. Those horses need a rough hand when being handled. Also, do make sure that Draco doesn't say anything that'll get him in trouble, I'm sure his impersonation of Madame Maxime is hilarious… but tell him to keep it in the common room!

Lots of love,

Mum (and dad)