Why? Oh why did this have to happen to ME? –part 20

As promised this one is twice as long. I'm actually a little excited since I've been waiting for this part. I already have the tasks all thought out. I also know who makes it through the tasks and so forth. I hope all of you enjoy it. I worked really hard to make these chapters the most interesting. Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews and for your continued support. Oh, and for those who like Ephraim, I would just like to say that it makes me happy to hear that. Ephraim had started as a minor character but he has grown on me over time. Anyways enjoy!

lil' ninj

: I always wondered the same thing. I've also heard the expression 'pretty please with a cherry on top' and i hate cherries. I also love her food issues. Whenever i pictured someone with Remus that wasn't Tonks i pictured her as childish with a few weird quirks here and there. Do not get me wrong i love Tonks. She is definitely one of the most awesome female characters of all time.

atsari

: you have no idea how happy it makes me feel that you like my story. I know i take a while to update and i'm really sorry about that.

Echo Uchiha

: THANKS a million for your continued support!

matt-hardy-lover-101

: I'm glad you like it i hope you like this chapter more than the last.

Thank you all for your continued support. :)

…

Have you ever been in love?

Horrible isn't it?

It makes you vulnerable.

It opens up your chest and it opens up your heart.

It means someone can break down your walls.

Making it possible for someone to come in and break you.

Neil Gaiman

…

Ephraim and Emily

"You're immature," his words were directed towards her. They sounded more like an observation than an insult. Nonetheless she still felt insulted.

"…," she refused to give in to his little game. She knew where this was going and she didn't like how it usually ended. He was trying to get her into a verbal spat but she refused. She may not be as smart as him, but she wasn't going to prove that she was a moron, by opening her mouth.

"A moron," she could feel a vein begin to throb. "Too short, too average," it was getting quite difficult to ignore his insults. "Clumsy, accident prone," every word he said just made her angrier. "Foolish," that's it she snapped.

"Enough! Are you done? I know that already I don't need you of all people to point it out." Her cheeks were bright red. She was angry. Her hands were balled up into tight fists.

He on the other hand, didn't seem perturbed, in the slightest by her angry expression. On the contrary he was completely ignoring her outburst like she hadn't spoken. "Loud," brows furrowed he continued, "persistent, naïve."

She just couldn't take it anymore. She stood up and turned to face him. "Look I get, I'm not as smart or as pretty or as whatever else you might have to say but I'm fine with that. I don't care. I'm happy with who I am. I understand that you don't like me to the point that you hate me. I wanted to be your friend but I get it. You hate me and that's not going to change. Now, if you have nothing better to do than to insult me. I suggest you leave. Better yet I'll leave," with quick footsteps she stomped away in the direction of her house unaware of the pair of gray eyes that followed her.

"And slow. Foolish girl if I hated you I wouldn't bother speaking to you. You can't even tell the difference between someone who hates you and someone who can't stop thinking about you." His fists clenched at his sides. "Why? Of all the people in the world why did it have to be someone as naïve as you." In his mind a flash of her smiling face invaded his thoughts. He had grown tired of trying to rid himself of such images. In the end he had given into it. He had let his mind become corrupted by her in every sense. To think someone as great as him had been reduced to a love sick teen.

…

Emily's POV

Her eyes darted from side to side in an attempt to capture the images in front of her. She was fascinated by what was going on around her. She had woken up to the sound of clashing metal.

There were sounds that seemed to be coming from outside. As quickly as she could she got dressed and headed outside. She was more than just a little curious of the sounds. She was running so fast that she accidentally missed a step. On instinct her eyes closed preparing for the impact that would mostly likely hurt worse than a smack on the head. Instead of feeling the hard, cold stone steps, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist that prevented her from falling. She let out a small yelp in surprise before turning to her savior.

"Thanks that was too close-." Her words died in her throat as her eyes landed on her savior. There standing like the world belonged to him stood the one person she had hoped to avoid at all cost.

"You've always been quite clumsy. You should be more careful." He gave her his trade mark smirk before walking away. She stood there dumbfounded for who knows how long before shaking her head and continuing her decent down the stairs.

At remembering the small encounter the corner of her lips twisted into a deep frown. Before she could ponder on Ephraim's weird behavior any further, she decided to turn her attention to what had made her come out in the first place. There only a few feet away stood a boy and a girl facing each other. They stood there with swords drawn neither batting an eye. In the next moment they both lunged and the clashing of metal began. From an observer's perspective it looked to be an intricate dance between two warriors. Their style's seemed flawless, every movement flowed into another. The performance was nothing less than spectacular. Suddenly both swords hit the ground at the same time their bodies did. I'm not exactly sure what happened next but the next thing a saw was bright sparks coming from opposite directions. Wands flew in one direction and bodies in another. Before any of us could move the girl began to stir.

"You give up yet?" She had a smug smile on her face even though she looked like she was about to pass out.

"To a girl, never!" Her smirk was replaced by a scowl.

"You little-." She didn't get to finish her sentence before a loud ring interrupted her.

"Times up!" I looked up to see one of the other students from the warrior school come between them. "You both lose." It was then I noticed that every student from the warrior school had red hair. I wondered if it was natural or colored on as a type of uniform. I honestly hoped it wasn't the first because that would mean they choose their student by looks (specifically red hair). Shrugging my shoulders I turned away in search of Remus.

I had gone off in search of both Remus and where the breakfast was being held (author: *shakes head in disdain*/ Emily: What? Don't judge me. I haven't eaten anything. I'm starving/ author: *rolls eyes*). Right before turning the next corner I suddenly get pulled into a small bush but before I could yell a hand is placed over my mouth, muffling my scream.

"shhh." It didn't take me long before I realized that it was only Sirius. I let out a small breath out of relief.

"Why are we hiding," I whispered.

"Why else do you think? She wants me to wear matching rings with her." He gagged at the mere thought of wearing anything that would remotely connect them as a couple, in any way. I couldn't help it I laughed.

"Is there a reason why you two are hiding inside a bush?" We both jumped at our unexpected guest.

"How in the blazes did you find us Moony." I turned to see him casually leaning on a pillar, watching us with blue eyes filled with hidden amusement. My heart thumped at the sight of him. I could even feel my cheeks turn bright red as his smile turned into a playful one.

"I was simply walking along when I noticed two very familiar wizards trying to hide behind a small bush. You know you probably would have a better chance of trying to blend into the crowd. At least then you wouldn't be drawing so much attention to yourself."

I could see Sirius glare at Remus from the corner of my eyes. Before I could register my actions I jumped out of the bushes and straight in Remus's arms. He reacted immediately like he had been expecting it. He gave me a chaste kiss before turning back to Sirius.

"You know Padfoot she's just going to wait for you at the breakfast table. I wouldn't bother trying to hide besides I have a feeling you enjoy being controlled by her." I turned to see Sirius's horrified expression morph into one filled with mortification and indignation.

"I do not! Why in the love of Merlin, would I enjoy being harassed by a conceited, spoiled little brat?"

"Because she's another version of you." It was James. I hadn't even noticed him until he had spoken.

"What was that Prongs!" - Sirius

"You heard me. Don't pretend like I'm crazy." - James

"Show me proof." – Sirius

I could see James rolling his eyes at Sirius's predictability.

"One: She thinks she is Merlin's gift to wizards, last week you said almost the exact same thing." - James

"Almost." – Sirius (the only difference was that he said he was Merlin's gift to witches.)

"Two: She's stubborn and she won't admit she's wrong even though she knows she is. Much like someone I know." – James

"I'm never wrong." – Sirius

James snorted at his response but continued nonetheless.

"Three: She always takes everything without a care about anyone else. You do that every time we go to Honey Dukes."

"In my defense Emily does the same thing." He pointed an accusing finger at me which I promptly smacked away.

"Four: she's always got that air of superiority about her just like you." - James

"Those are unfounded besides I said show me not tell me!" – Sirius

"My point is you like her!"

"WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON?" Sirius bellowed.

"There you are." I turned to find Elizabeth and in her small hands she held a small box. We all turned to where Sirius was only to find his place occupied by thin air. He was actually quite good at making his little disappearing act.

Soon everyone started to head towards the great hall. Eventually, it was just Remus and I. Just as we were about to head in the same direction as everyone else, our path was cut by the very person I hated most.

There standing there like he owned the place with his trade mark smirk was none other than the evil wizard himself, Ephraim. I could feel Remus become stiff at my side. His playful mood had been sucked right out of him. Deciding that someone needed to break the awkward silence I opened my mouth to speak but was cut off.

"Emily, I'm sure you must be starving by now. Why don't you head inside while I introduce myself to your friend here?" Remus's hand tightened around mine at Ephraim's quite demand. I also didn't like how he said the word friend. Even though I never really introduced him to Remus, I would have thought he would have figured it out by now. Before I could open my mouth to object, my stomach made a large rumble that pierced the silence. I felt both betrayed and humiliated by my stomach. There was no doubt in my mind that my cheeks were bright red.

Next to me Remus relaxed a bit at my stomach's antics before lowering his head. He placed a small kiss on my cheek before telling me to go one ahead, "It's okay go on ahead I'll catch up in a bit." I was unsure of what to do. I didn't want to argue while Ephraim was there but at the same time I didn't want to leave him.

Very gently he removed my hand from his before pushing me in the direction of the hall. Before I could reach the door I was stopped by Ephraim, "it's nice to see you Emily." I wasn't sure why but his words scared me more than I would every let anyone know. I practically ran towards the double doors without looking back.

Remus's POV
"Emily, I'm sure you must be starving by now. Why don't you head inside while I introduce myself to your friend here?" My body became stiff at his words. It was hard not to notice the way he seemed to be comfortable speaking to her in such a familiar manner. I also didn't like his implication of me being just her friend. If there was one thing I could ever pride myself of it would be that I am in no way stupid. He and I both knew what he meant by his words. Even though I agreed with what he said. There was just no way, I would let him get the upper hand. Subconsciously I tightened my grip on her hand.

That was when her stomach rumbled and I was forced to remember that she did in fact need to eat (authors note: fat-ass lol). Reluctantly I relaxed my posture before placing a small kiss on her cheek. "It's okay go on ahead I'll catch up in a bit," I said.

It made me happy; to see that she was reluctant to leave my side. At the same time I knew it would be best that she wasn't here, to hear the unpleasant conversation; that was most likely to occur.

I almost lost it when I saw him holding her back. There was nothing more I wanted than to wipe that smirk right off his face. I couldn't hear what he said but that didn't mean it didn't irritate me. I tried to calm myself down by reminding myself that she is in love with me and nothing is going to change that. I saw him follow her with his gaze until she disappeared behind the wooden doors. It was difficult not saying anything. I was sure that he was just waiting for me to react. Right away I could tell that he was definitely someone I should be worried about.

Author's POV

Gray eyes turned lazily until facing a pair of blue eyes. Gray watched with a calculating gaze. None spoke for what seemed like hours when in actuality only a few minutes passed. The boy with gray eyes watched with amusement and interest.

While a pair of blue eyes stayed blank and calm. Remus was known for his patience. He wasn't considered intelligent for no nothing. He liked to assess the situation before acting unlike the other Marauders.

As for Ephraim he was simply waiting for the appropriate time. Unlike Remus he was brought up as a leader. He made the first move. He never waited for his opponent to get the upper hand but that didn't mean he was a fool either. He wasn't called a prodigy for nothing. He was known as being the best of everything and he never denied it. On the contrary he embraced and used his skills to obtain what he wanted. At the moment there was nothing more he wanted but Emily.

"You must be Remus Lupin." Gray eyes watched closely waiting for any sort of change.

Remus knew he was being watched. He also knew what he was trying to do; it was the first time someone was able to play mind games with him. It wasn't the thought of losing that scared him rather it was thought of who the prize might be that made him hesitant. He gave a small nod in response to his earlier question/statement.

"You're not as talkative as I thought you would be. Considering how incredibly social Emily is I would have thought-."

"Is there something you wanted to discuss?" Ephraim smirked at his sudden response. Remus on the other didn't even bat an eyelash before continuing. "If you don't; I would much prefer spending my time wit my girlfriend." Now it was Remus's turn to feel smug at getting a reaction from the other male. The moment the word girlfriend had left his lips the other male's smug look had been wiped clean off his face.

As quickly as his discomfort came it disappeared instead it was replaced with a look of absolute boredom.

"I guess you're not the type to beat around the bush are you?" Seeing no reaction from the younger guy he continued. "I'll only say this once." He made sure that he had his full attention before finishing. "She will become mine."

Remus turned his hands into tight fists. Blue eyes turned cold. If looks could kill Ephraim would have died a horrible death. "I don't think that's something you can decide for yourself." It was true as long as Emily wanted him he would make sure guys like him couldn't get any where near her. With that said he began to walk towards the hall with complete confidence. He wasn't even sure why he had wasted his time on this arrogant brat in the first place.

"You're right but that doesn't mean I can't win her over." That stopped him from walking any further. "Why don't we compete man to man?"

"I'm not interested in playing your little games. Emily is not some prize. I'm not going anywhere until she chooses differently. As long as she wants me there is nothing that can prevent me from staying by her side much less someone like you."

"Brave words from a werewolf." To say he was shocked by his words would be an understatement. "Relax I'm sure you've told Emily about your little problem. Even if you didn't I'm not the type to resort to such cheap tricks. Still I propose a challenge. If you think you deserve her then prove it. Try out for the Triwizarding Tournament."

…

I have been issued a challenge.

…

I shall win at all cost.

…

Not for the sake of honor, nor my pride, but…for the one I love.

Emily's POV

"Today is the day we mark the beginning of one of the most spectacular events of history. Many brave wizards and witches shall rise but only a few shall be deemed worthy enough. The tasks shall not only challenge your strength and your intelligence but they shall also test your will. Only one of you shall have the honor of being named our champion. I present to you the Triwizarding Cup."

Everything went silent as everyone waited for the results. The cup had been left there since yesterday. I knew that James would definitely get picked he had been waiting for this moment for a while. There was a sudden burst of blue flames when a small ball of fire shot out. In large letters it spelled out the name, Raven in bold letters. There were cheers coming from the warrior school.

"Well done my boy. It's no surprise that one of my top students has been chosen." It was then I noticed that he was the boy from earlier that had been fighting with that girl. The boy rubbed the back of the head before lifting his chin in a proud manner. He then stood at the top of the steps waiting for the other challengers to be called.

It didn't take long before another flame shot out forming similar words. The fire spelled out Nichole, a girl with blond hair made her way up. Loud cheers came from the Taranis School the same school Ephraim belonged to. She walked to the top with grace. She too stood next to Raven awaiting the next contester. Soon a third flame shot forth creating the name, James. We all jumped up each giving James a pat on the back in congratulations. More names began getting called out soon there were only three names left to be announced.

So far…

Natalie and Heather from Beauxbators Academy of Magic – both girls

Rebecca from Calypso – girl

Alexis and Raven from Jehanna – girl and boy

Ian and Seth both from Durmstrang – both boys

Nichole from Taranis – girl

James from Hogwarts – guy (obviously)

There were three names yet to be called; one from Calypso, Taranis and Hogwarts. I knew there was no way it was going to be Peter or Remus. Peter would never put himself in that position and Remus was not the type to compete for something as ridiculous as this. There was a possibility it could be Sirius seeing as how Sirius tended to change his mind often.

Everyone held their breath in anticipation. Gasps were let out when another spark flew out forming the words Mathew. Cheers were heard from the Calypso school. It seemed like he would be competing along with his sister Rebecca. There were whistling being directed in the direction of both the male and female contestants. Another spark shot forth quickly spelling out the second name, Ephraim. He stood up slowly like he had been expecting for his name to be called forth. It was easy to see that most of the females in the room found him attractive. There was doubt that he was definitely a favorite to win the trophy.

I was more interested in the last contestant. I just couldn't see anyone else from Hogwarts competing.

To her the best wizards had always been the Marauders. She wondered who would be as competitive as James.

The final flame burst out slowly scrawling a name in the air for all to see. You could hear everyone take in a deep breath in anticipation. The fire slowly spelled out Remus. I felt my heart plummet to the pit of my stomach. My breath had stopped short and I couldn't hear the sound of cheers over the beating of my own heart. My hands began to shake.

Remus he wouldn't…would he?

I hadn't even registered him standing up until my own hands had taken a hold of his sleeves. He turned slowly towards me and gave me his trademark smile that could turn my legs into jelly; before bending down to give me a chaste kiss on the forehead. My grip relaxed allowing him to slip out of my grasp and join the rest. I was probably the only not cheering. My eyes wouldn't leave Remus even after the ceremony came to an end.

"Everyone lets give our champions a huge round of applause. From this point on all of you will be competing against one another. You will have only but yourself to trust. You must rely on your strength, intelligence and skill to make it through. Cheating shall not be tolerated. Every champion shall only be allowed their wand and nothing more. I wish all of you luck. Let the Tournament commence!"

…

When faced with impending doom…

Our will to survive becomes present but…

Only the strong willed can survive…

…Shall you be the coward or the brave?

Is it enough…

Shall bravery suffice…?

…your strength?

Or will you cower when the time comes?

Ps: please review the first task shall be in the next chapter. I really hope you all like it. If anyone is confused please message me.