Disclaimer--If you like it, assume I don't own it. The Potterverse belongs to JKR, Steve Klowes, Scholastic and WB. Fanon belongs to the multitude...I'm simply paying homage with the sincerest form of flattery. Most of this scene is from GoF by JK Rowling. No copyright infringement is intended, and no money is being made.
Author's Notes-- Progress has been a lot slower in this work. I hope you're still willing to stick with me anyway. As you all know, I may not own it, but I work hard, and I love it, so if you read it and enjoy it, please review it! Please don't print or post this elsewhere without my knowledge.
JamieBell--Thanks! I think it's great you noticed the limitations of George's gallantry. I've known very few guys that age that weren't obsessed with food! *laughs*
Raiining-- You make a very good point about that sentence--it's not very clear. Even though Ginny thinks most of the other students would assume the first years have nothing to be afraid of, she thinks there are a lot of things to be afraid of in life at Hogwarts--or anywhere else. :-) I hope class went well. Thanks for reviewing!
J. Rhaye--I know you'll get here eventually, so thanks for reading. ;-) *hugs*
EEDOE--You have a point, but comedy or not, Peeves isn't so great if you have to live with him! *grins* The twins can be terrors, but I think they're intensely loyal and--if you know how to read between their jokes--supportive, which makes them wonderful men. Thanks. I didn't consciously plan it, but now I love the parallel and the way the two balance out. *grins sheepishly* You're wonderful! ;-) *hugs*
Bill--Do people say that a lot about Harry? It makes sense...I hadn't really thought of it, let alone of Bion and Luna that way, but it's a great (and fairly accurate) idea. *grins* I do think Bion fancies Ginny to some degree though Ginny hasn't really noticed. On the other hand, I don't think he's ready to do anything about it...and he does spend a lot of time with Luna...As for Lee Jordan...that is indeed an interesting front...I like your analysis of the way Ginny appears to the guys at Hogwarts. *grins impishly* Wow...your enthusiasm about the Hat has me taking that little paragraph more seriously! *laughs* Now that you mention it, Ginny does get a lot of support in 19...that wasn't an intentional statement at the time, either, but now I realize it's another parallel/balance between her and Harry, who doesn't receive much support from Ron in GoF, and is unwilling to ask for support in OotP. *muses* I wonder what else is banging around my subconscious? It was nice to see Ginny's school friends again, wasn't it? *hugs*
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"That didn't sound like lightning!" Ginny gasped, already resigned to the loss of dignity.
"Cause it wasn't," Fred said cheerfully.
Ginny stared into space...or, more accurately, directly into Lee's face. He shrugged. "Hermione knocked her goblet over," he explained, pointing.
Ginny looked down the length of the table. Hermione's goblet was indeed over on its side, surrounded by a widening splash of orange Harry dabbed at surreptiously with his napkin. Hermione didn't seem to notice. She was leaning toward Nearly Headless Nick as if hanging on his every word, saying something with such animation her waving hands nearly hit poor Neville.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Offhand, I would say it's something about House-elves," George said, shrugging.
Immediately, Ginny knew he was probably right. "What makes you say that?"
"Been unusually aerated on the subject lately, has Hermione," Fred said.
Lee looked rather nonplussed. "WHY?"
Chuckling, Fred and George began to relate the story of Winky.
"She means well," Ginny scolded them through a mouthful of chocolate gateau.
On either side, her brother stopped and gave her a strange look. "Course she does," George agreed easily. "Whoever said she didn't?" Fred asked. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"So," Professor Dumbledore smiled, "Now that we are all fed and watered, I must ask once more for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, 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 four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it." The twins smirked as Lee rubbed his hands together and winked.
"As ever, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below Third Year." Mum had taken care of their school supplies, so Ginny hadn't even seen the permission slip. Of course, she'd known her brothers had all made trips to Hogsmeade, but she hadn't really stopped to think about the fact that she could too now that she was starting her third year.
She was so distracted, she hardly heard what Dumbledore said next, and was left absolutely at a loss for the cause of Harry's sudden "What?" That made her heart stop in her chest. He was staring at Fred and George as if willing them to tell him he hadn't heard correctly. Ginny couldn't recall the last time she had seen their mouths move with nothing coming out. Once again, she turned to Lee for an explanation. He looked Stupified. "Quidditch," he gasped as if on his last breath. She tipped her head to the side and raised an eyebrow slightly. Yeah, what about it? "He's cancelled--"
Ginny whipped her head around toward Dumbledore so fast it gave her whiplash. "-event that will be starting in October and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy-but I am sure you all will enjoy it immensely."
"Not," Ginny ground out through clenched teeth, "as much as Quidditch." Lee, Fred, and George applauded and stamped their feet, but without much energy, and she was glad. She wouldn't want Dumbledore to think they were cheering the omission.
"I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts--"
The doors to the Great Hall thundered open, drowning out not only Dumbledore, but the storm in the enchanted ceiling above him.
A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff in a manner that seemed almost...menacing.
He lowered his hood, shaking out a long, scraggly mane of hair that reminded Ginny of posters of Sirius Black, and started toward the teachers' table, clunking loudly with every other step. Ginny shuddered without knowing why.
The ceiling flashed with lightning, illuminating the man's face. It was heavily scarred, rough and grizzled, like a house that hadn't been painted in years. The man's nose undulated as if it were a slice of melon that had been partially eaten, and his mouth looked like the barb of lightning. Even stranger, he had one small beady eye that reminded Ginny of the gnomes in the family garden, and one that was larger than a snitch, round and flat, and impossibly, unnaturally blue. It moved randomly in every direction so that watching it made her feel vaguely sick, as if she were on the Leviathan. The hand he offered to Dumbledore was equally battered and beaten, but Dumbledore took it without hesitation, and Ginny's stomach settled a bit.
The odd-looking stranger sat down, sniffed a platter of sausages suspiciously and began to eat, blue eye still staring at the students. "May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" Dumbledore said as if this sort of thing happened every year, if not every day. Ginny scowled. She hated the reminder that the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, her beloved Professor Lupin, wasn't returning to Hogwarts this year. She knew that had been his choice, and she shouldn't hold it against Moody, but she just wasn't sure she could manage not to.
A good many students-as well as staff-must have felt the same. It was only polite to applaud, but no one did. Except Dumbledore, and dear, loyal, Hagrid. The sound echoed in the Hall's expanse, and they stopped abruptly.
"Moody," George said ruminatively. "The one dad went to help?"
"Yeah, he must be-I guess," Fred said, a bit non-plussed.
"I don't think we've ever seen him before, have we?"
"Probably not...we'd remember that face."
Moody ignored the silence and the low speculative murmur that replaced it. He was swigging cheerfully out of a silver flask he'd pulled from a pocket, and Ginny wondered if he was getting drunk and whether or not anyone would be able to tell the difference. This year was not going at all as expected.
"As I was saying," Dumbledore continued, and even he sounded a bit off-balance, "We are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event 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."
"You're JOKING!" Fred shouted.
The Hall exploded with much-needed laughter. "I am not joking, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore chuckled.
"Though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar..."
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, reminding Ginny of Hermione.
"Er-but maybe this is not the time...no..." Dumbledore agreed. "Where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament...well, some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do will forgive for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely. The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardy: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The schools took it 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."
Ginny whistled under her breath. //So that's what everyone kept hinting about-they're right, this I want to see.// But along with the curiosity and excitement came a heavy tension that weighted down her stomach. The Triwizard Tournament sounded almost as big as the World Cup, and look what had happened at that. The idea of the Tournament being dangerous didn't bother her, but what if the Dark Mark appeared...or worse?
"I'm going for it," Fred hissed excitedly, and she realized she was the only one who was worried. She hated being different, hated being afraid, hating seeing danger when everyone else saw only fun. Surely if the Tournament weren't safe, Dumbledore would never allow it. She needed to just relax and act her age. She took a deep breath and forced it slowly through her nose.
"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts," continued Dumbledore, "the heads of 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 seventeen years or older-will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration."
"Oh," groaned Lee, "come on!" Fred and George were growling.
"This is a measure we feel is necessary," Dumbledore said firmly, "Given that the Tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them." Ginny nodded. She thought he sounded very reasonable. Fred, George, and Lee were still glowering. "I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion. I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen."
Ginny shrugged and leaned back as much as she could on the bench. "Fine by me," she said, and meant it. She'd had more than enough danger and excitement to last her a lifetime. For once, she'd be glad to watch someone else deal with them instead. And, in spite of her determination not to loose her youth to fear, she was just as glad that someone would not be Harry.
"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October, and remaining with us for the greater part of this year," Dumbledore said. "I know you will extend every courtesy to our foreign guests 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 it is to all of you to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop chop!" Without further ado, Dumbledore sat down to talk to Professor Moody.
Ginny glanced at her brothers, but they didn't seem interested in moving. Shrugging, she left by herself, more than ready for the day to end. It had been far too exciting.
Author's Notes-- Progress has been a lot slower in this work. I hope you're still willing to stick with me anyway. As you all know, I may not own it, but I work hard, and I love it, so if you read it and enjoy it, please review it! Please don't print or post this elsewhere without my knowledge.
JamieBell--Thanks! I think it's great you noticed the limitations of George's gallantry. I've known very few guys that age that weren't obsessed with food! *laughs*
Raiining-- You make a very good point about that sentence--it's not very clear. Even though Ginny thinks most of the other students would assume the first years have nothing to be afraid of, she thinks there are a lot of things to be afraid of in life at Hogwarts--or anywhere else. :-) I hope class went well. Thanks for reviewing!
J. Rhaye--I know you'll get here eventually, so thanks for reading. ;-) *hugs*
EEDOE--You have a point, but comedy or not, Peeves isn't so great if you have to live with him! *grins* The twins can be terrors, but I think they're intensely loyal and--if you know how to read between their jokes--supportive, which makes them wonderful men. Thanks. I didn't consciously plan it, but now I love the parallel and the way the two balance out. *grins sheepishly* You're wonderful! ;-) *hugs*
Bill--Do people say that a lot about Harry? It makes sense...I hadn't really thought of it, let alone of Bion and Luna that way, but it's a great (and fairly accurate) idea. *grins* I do think Bion fancies Ginny to some degree though Ginny hasn't really noticed. On the other hand, I don't think he's ready to do anything about it...and he does spend a lot of time with Luna...As for Lee Jordan...that is indeed an interesting front...I like your analysis of the way Ginny appears to the guys at Hogwarts. *grins impishly* Wow...your enthusiasm about the Hat has me taking that little paragraph more seriously! *laughs* Now that you mention it, Ginny does get a lot of support in 19...that wasn't an intentional statement at the time, either, but now I realize it's another parallel/balance between her and Harry, who doesn't receive much support from Ron in GoF, and is unwilling to ask for support in OotP. *muses* I wonder what else is banging around my subconscious? It was nice to see Ginny's school friends again, wasn't it? *hugs*
****************************************************************************************************************************
"That didn't sound like lightning!" Ginny gasped, already resigned to the loss of dignity.
"Cause it wasn't," Fred said cheerfully.
Ginny stared into space...or, more accurately, directly into Lee's face. He shrugged. "Hermione knocked her goblet over," he explained, pointing.
Ginny looked down the length of the table. Hermione's goblet was indeed over on its side, surrounded by a widening splash of orange Harry dabbed at surreptiously with his napkin. Hermione didn't seem to notice. She was leaning toward Nearly Headless Nick as if hanging on his every word, saying something with such animation her waving hands nearly hit poor Neville.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Offhand, I would say it's something about House-elves," George said, shrugging.
Immediately, Ginny knew he was probably right. "What makes you say that?"
"Been unusually aerated on the subject lately, has Hermione," Fred said.
Lee looked rather nonplussed. "WHY?"
Chuckling, Fred and George began to relate the story of Winky.
"She means well," Ginny scolded them through a mouthful of chocolate gateau.
On either side, her brother stopped and gave her a strange look. "Course she does," George agreed easily. "Whoever said she didn't?" Fred asked. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"So," Professor Dumbledore smiled, "Now that we are all fed and watered, I must ask once more for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, 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 four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it." The twins smirked as Lee rubbed his hands together and winked.
"As ever, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below Third Year." Mum had taken care of their school supplies, so Ginny hadn't even seen the permission slip. Of course, she'd known her brothers had all made trips to Hogsmeade, but she hadn't really stopped to think about the fact that she could too now that she was starting her third year.
She was so distracted, she hardly heard what Dumbledore said next, and was left absolutely at a loss for the cause of Harry's sudden "What?" That made her heart stop in her chest. He was staring at Fred and George as if willing them to tell him he hadn't heard correctly. Ginny couldn't recall the last time she had seen their mouths move with nothing coming out. Once again, she turned to Lee for an explanation. He looked Stupified. "Quidditch," he gasped as if on his last breath. She tipped her head to the side and raised an eyebrow slightly. Yeah, what about it? "He's cancelled--"
Ginny whipped her head around toward Dumbledore so fast it gave her whiplash. "-event that will be starting in October and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy-but I am sure you all will enjoy it immensely."
"Not," Ginny ground out through clenched teeth, "as much as Quidditch." Lee, Fred, and George applauded and stamped their feet, but without much energy, and she was glad. She wouldn't want Dumbledore to think they were cheering the omission.
"I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts--"
The doors to the Great Hall thundered open, drowning out not only Dumbledore, but the storm in the enchanted ceiling above him.
A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff in a manner that seemed almost...menacing.
He lowered his hood, shaking out a long, scraggly mane of hair that reminded Ginny of posters of Sirius Black, and started toward the teachers' table, clunking loudly with every other step. Ginny shuddered without knowing why.
The ceiling flashed with lightning, illuminating the man's face. It was heavily scarred, rough and grizzled, like a house that hadn't been painted in years. The man's nose undulated as if it were a slice of melon that had been partially eaten, and his mouth looked like the barb of lightning. Even stranger, he had one small beady eye that reminded Ginny of the gnomes in the family garden, and one that was larger than a snitch, round and flat, and impossibly, unnaturally blue. It moved randomly in every direction so that watching it made her feel vaguely sick, as if she were on the Leviathan. The hand he offered to Dumbledore was equally battered and beaten, but Dumbledore took it without hesitation, and Ginny's stomach settled a bit.
The odd-looking stranger sat down, sniffed a platter of sausages suspiciously and began to eat, blue eye still staring at the students. "May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" Dumbledore said as if this sort of thing happened every year, if not every day. Ginny scowled. She hated the reminder that the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, her beloved Professor Lupin, wasn't returning to Hogwarts this year. She knew that had been his choice, and she shouldn't hold it against Moody, but she just wasn't sure she could manage not to.
A good many students-as well as staff-must have felt the same. It was only polite to applaud, but no one did. Except Dumbledore, and dear, loyal, Hagrid. The sound echoed in the Hall's expanse, and they stopped abruptly.
"Moody," George said ruminatively. "The one dad went to help?"
"Yeah, he must be-I guess," Fred said, a bit non-plussed.
"I don't think we've ever seen him before, have we?"
"Probably not...we'd remember that face."
Moody ignored the silence and the low speculative murmur that replaced it. He was swigging cheerfully out of a silver flask he'd pulled from a pocket, and Ginny wondered if he was getting drunk and whether or not anyone would be able to tell the difference. This year was not going at all as expected.
"As I was saying," Dumbledore continued, and even he sounded a bit off-balance, "We are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event 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."
"You're JOKING!" Fred shouted.
The Hall exploded with much-needed laughter. "I am not joking, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore chuckled.
"Though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar..."
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, reminding Ginny of Hermione.
"Er-but maybe this is not the time...no..." Dumbledore agreed. "Where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament...well, some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do will forgive for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely. The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardy: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The schools took it 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."
Ginny whistled under her breath. //So that's what everyone kept hinting about-they're right, this I want to see.// But along with the curiosity and excitement came a heavy tension that weighted down her stomach. The Triwizard Tournament sounded almost as big as the World Cup, and look what had happened at that. The idea of the Tournament being dangerous didn't bother her, but what if the Dark Mark appeared...or worse?
"I'm going for it," Fred hissed excitedly, and she realized she was the only one who was worried. She hated being different, hated being afraid, hating seeing danger when everyone else saw only fun. Surely if the Tournament weren't safe, Dumbledore would never allow it. She needed to just relax and act her age. She took a deep breath and forced it slowly through her nose.
"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts," continued Dumbledore, "the heads of 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 seventeen years or older-will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration."
"Oh," groaned Lee, "come on!" Fred and George were growling.
"This is a measure we feel is necessary," Dumbledore said firmly, "Given that the Tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them." Ginny nodded. She thought he sounded very reasonable. Fred, George, and Lee were still glowering. "I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion. I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen."
Ginny shrugged and leaned back as much as she could on the bench. "Fine by me," she said, and meant it. She'd had more than enough danger and excitement to last her a lifetime. For once, she'd be glad to watch someone else deal with them instead. And, in spite of her determination not to loose her youth to fear, she was just as glad that someone would not be Harry.
"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October, and remaining with us for the greater part of this year," Dumbledore said. "I know you will extend every courtesy to our foreign guests 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 it is to all of you to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop chop!" Without further ado, Dumbledore sat down to talk to Professor Moody.
Ginny glanced at her brothers, but they didn't seem interested in moving. Shrugging, she left by herself, more than ready for the day to end. It had been far too exciting.