Chapter Twelve: The Tri-Wizard Tournament
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters that belong to J.K. Rowling, only my OC's.
Author's Note: I am SO sorry for not updating in a long time. I realize it's been almost a month since I last did, and I apologize once again for my tardiness. This one's a little shorter than normal, and quite honestly, it's been the hardest one for me to write. But anyway, here's Chapter 12!
Anna P.O.V.
I didn't let my horrible date with Bryan get in the way of me having an amazing week. There were times when I'd pass by him, but he didn't seem to have the same cockiness or arrogance about him. There was definitely something different. I couldn't quite place my finger on it. What I did know was that Marietta Edgecomb was his new flavour. I couldn't help but chuckle, but it was bound to happen soon. Sure, I still felt somewhat cheated and played. But what Cedric said to me stuck in my mind.
That Monday, Cedric and I had to brew our potion again after we screwed up the first time. I was surprised at how considerate Snape was being. We went to his classroom that night after dinner. Snape told us that he had an important meeting to attend to with Dumbledore, so he'd check on our potion in an hour. When we asked him what it was about, he said we'd find out soon enough.
"Now you add the rose thorns," I told Cedric, chuckling, remembering how eager he was to put them in the first time.
"I know, it's my fault we have to do this all over again," he said sarcastically.
"It sure is. I'm glad you see that," I smiled at him, stirring the potion.
We stayed quiet for the rest of the time, completely focussed on brewing the potion. We didn't want to mess up again. Plus, the chances of Snape giving us another chance was slim to none. We both needed to perfect it. Cedric spoke up after a while, as I stirred the potion for the second time.
"So, you're attracted to vanilla, cinnamon, and watermelon," he said teasingly.
I laughed. "I didn't think you'd remember. That class was more than a week ago."
"Of course I remember. How could I forget when you mentioned watermelons?" He smiled at me.
"Yes, well, everyone thought it was weird. Not the vanilla and cinnamon, the watermelon, I mean."
"Obviously they thought it was weird! That's not exactly a scent many people are attracted to."
"Shut it, Diggory. You know exactly why I like watermelons," I gave him a slight push.
"I know the reason, I just like teasing you," he smirked.
"Yeah yeah." I blushed slightly in embarrassment.
We continued brewing the potion and my mind flashed back to a memory of mine. I smiled at the thought of it. Cedric was probably looking at me like I was an idiot, but I didn't care. I was too caught up in remembering to be aware of my surroundings.
"Anna, what the hell are you doing?" a curious Cedric asked as he looked at me, confusion evident on his face. It was during our second year, and we were sitting in our favourite spot on a sunny spring day.
"Well, what does it look like? I'm eating a bowl of watermelon," I replied, as if it were an obvious answer.
"I can see that, but I mean why? We've been studying for almost an hour for this Potions test, and all you've been doing is eating!"
"For your information, it's not just eating. I'm actually preparing for this test."
He laughed. "Preparing? How is that even possible?" I could picture him smiling.
"Well, you see, it's kind of something I do before every test. I've never exactly told anyone because it's kind of embarrassing."
"Come on, Anna. I'm your best friend. Sure, you're a little weird at times, but hey, we all have our downfalls," he chuckled. I managed to give him a good whack on the arm. In response to his cries of pain, I smiled triumphantly.
"Fine, I'll tell you. But if you so much as tell even Nearly Headless Nick, I'll have your head before you can even raise your wand, Diggory."
Cedric chuckled at my threat. "I promise, Anna. I won't tell a soul."
I took a deep breath before beginning. "Good. Okay, here goes…When I was younger, as in four or five years old, my Kindergarten teacher would have me read the poems I wrote in front of my school. She thought I had talent and where I'm from, adults think it's cute to embarrass little children. I'd cry every single night leading up to the day when I'd have to read the poem. It got to the point where I'd throw up through the night and not sleep. My parents and even Garrett tried everything: reading me stories before bed, giving me more at dinnertime, even talking to our family doctor. But nothing worked. It's safe to say that they pretty much gave up on me and my outrageous nerves.
My grandmother, Grace, she was my mom's mother, but she passed away when I was ten. Anyway, one night when she stopped by our house for dinner, I told her about my 'anxiety problem'. She told me she knew exactly what would help me. Right then and there, she told me to put on my jacket. Together, we walked to the grocery store a block from my house. She purchased three large watermelons. I remember laughing and asking her, 'Gran, what exactly are these for?' She only smiled and said, 'You'll see, Annie.'
When we got home, she began slicing each watermelon. I was still confused as to how they were going to help me. She told me to get changed for bed and then come back downstairs when I was done. I did as I was told, and when I ran back downstairs, I found three bowls sitting on the dining room table, each holding perfectly sliced pieces of watermelon. My grandmother was sitting in one of the chairs and motioned me to sit beside her. She told me, 'I want you to eat a piece of watermelon.' I did as she said and popped one of the pieces in my mouth. I can still remember its juicy flavour. I also remember having to spit out two seeds. My grandmother chuckled at me when she saw I came across the seeds. She told me, 'You see, Annie? These watermelons have seeds. In fact, all watermelons have seeds. You know why?' I replied, 'Because that's how things grow.'"
I looked into Cedric's grey eyes and saw that he was listening very attentively. He smiled at me, clearly entertained by my story. After a moment's silence, he looked at me again, his eyes full of anticipation and excitement. "Please continue, Anna." I smiled and nodded.
"'Exactly, because that's how things grow.' That was her response. I, being a stubborn four-year-old still didn't understand the point of this whole watermelon thing. 'But Gran,' I protested, 'what does this have to do with my problem?' She took me onto her lap and began stroking my long, wavy brown hair. 'Annie, think of life itself as a watermelon. You're always going to come across those seeds every once in a while. Just like you said yourself, the seeds will help you to grow, no matter how difficult they may be to get through. But you can't let them get the better of you. So, you have to do exactly what you just did: spit them out and move on to the next piece of watermelon.' I thought about what she said for a while. 'I see now, Gran. I've been overthinking it this whole time. Thank you for helping me.' I gave her a hug and we ended up eating the rest of the watermelon. And I have to say, for all the other times I had to read poems in front of the school, I no longer had any problems. I did, however, ask my parents to buy me a watermelon to eat every night before. Same went for tests and the like. Once I started applying what my grandmother said to every 'seed' in my life, it's helped me get through them with more ease every time."
Cedric stayed quiet for some time, thinking about what I had said. He looked up at me again before speaking. "So, that's helped you for every single test, quiz, exam?"
"Yes. Any important event really." I grinned at him.
"Interesting. And I'm guessing you have this infinite love of watermelons or something?" he grinned back.
"You're absolutely right."
Cedric's voice stirred me from my thoughts. "Anna! Anna, come on, the potion's done. I finished brewing it after you spaced out on me." He sounded a little annoyed with my lack of assistance, but it's about time he starts doing his fair share of the work.
"Sorry Ced, I was just thinking about something."
"It's all good. I think I got it right this time."
I walked over to the cauldron and peaked at the boiling substance. It was the perfect shade of pink. "Looks like you've perfected it, though I think it's about time," I teased him.
He began jumping and dancing around the classroom like a little girl. I started laughing and he joined in. Between laughs, I managed to say, "Cedric, stop! Snape will be back soon and we can't have him thinking we've been partying this whole time!"
"Screw Snape! The way I see it, the potion's done and that's the only reason we came here, right? I don't see a problem with having a little fun." With that, he ran over to me, grabbed both my hands, and began dancing. Pretty soon, we were both dancing like maniacs, still hand in hand. Both of us were smiling and laughing so much our sides ached. Neither of us seemed to hear the sound of the classroom door opening and closing.
"What is going on in here?" I could recognize Snape's nasal voice from a mile away.
Cedric was quick to respond when he saw that I was at a loss for words. "Well Professor Snape, we finished brewing the potion just like you asked. We decided to have a little fun is all."
"I see. You both know that you should receive a detention for this plus a deduction of points from both your houses. But," he walked over to our cauldron, "judging by your brew of Amortentia, I see that that will be unnecessary. Consider yourselves lucky, but next time, there will surely be consequences. Do I make myself clear Mr. Diggory, Miss Summers?"
"Yes Professor Snape," we said in unison.
"Very well. You will both receive an O for this potion. Back to your common rooms immediately."
Cedric and I hurried out without another moment's hesitation. It's like lying on a bed of nails when you're with Snape. I accepted Cedric's offer of walking me back to the Ravenclaw Tower. He said he had Prefect duties to attend to anyway. On our walk, he was quick to strike up a conversation.
"That was…interesting to say the least," he chuckled.
"I think any time with Snape can be considered interesting."
"My thoughts exactly," he replied and smiled. "I'm going to predict you smelled watermelons when you smelled the finished potion?" Cedric said teasingly. I shoved him lightly as we continued walking.
"Obviously I smelled watermelons, among vanilla and cinnamon of course. But the real question is what did Cedric Diggory smell?" I smiled at him coyly.
"That is absolutely none of your business," he said as he stuck his nose high up in the air. I scoffed.
"Oh please. When is our friendship ever going to be fair? I tell you about my watermelons and you're scared to tell me what scents you're attracted to?"
He seemed to think about this for a moment as his pace began to slow down. "Fine, if you're dying to find out, I smelled your mom's raisin bread, Quidditch, and strawberry cream." He looked embarrassed about it all, seeing as though he was blushing, especially towards the end.
"That's nothing to be ashamed of, Ced." I kept quiet when I realized that he was attracted to strawberry cream. That scent had been my perfume for the past seven years. Surely it was a coincidence.
Cedric noticed that I was being silent. "What?"
"What?" I tried to sound innocent.
"Well, why are you so quiet all of a sudden? Do you not approve of the scents I'm attracted to?"
I laughed and he mirrored it. "Of course not. I just found it a coincidence that you like strawberry cream and that happens to be my perfume. That's all." I was concerned that I was being too forward with my thoughts, but Cedric's my best friend. If anyone would understand me, it'd be him.
He laughed awkwardly. "It sure is quite the coincidence."
The walk after that was mainly quiet. I truly hated these kinds of awkward silences. When we reached the portrait, I turned around to face Cedric. "So, do you have any ideas as to what the important matter was Snape had to see Dumbledore about?"
"No clue. But he did say that we'd find out soon. I'm sure there's going to be a big announcement within the next week."
"Probably. Anyway, goodnight Ced. Have fun with your little Prefect duties," I teased him.
"Goodnight, Anna." He gave me a smile before I answered the riddle and walked through the portrait.
I woke up nice and early the next day after being greeted with a relaxing night's sleep. I guess receiving an "O" on the potion really did brighten my mood. I took a quick shower and got changed into my school robes before heading down to the Great Hall. Seeing as though there was a lack of a girl's body in her bed, I assumed Cho was already at breakfast. With Cedric no doubt.
When I entered the Great Hall, it was abuzz. There was chatter in every corner of the room. Perhaps I was being delusional, considering it was always loud at meal times. But still, something seemed different. I walked over to where Cho and Cedric were sitting. However, I noticed they weren't talking. Something's definitely up. They looked up immediately when they heard me coming. Cedric gave me a half-smile and Cho a somewhat frown. I was going to ask about the gloomy behaviour, but I decided against it. After all, it was their relationship. It was none of my business whatever the hell was wrong in their love lives together.
I sat down next to Cedric. Even though neither of them seemed to be "in the mood", Cedric's welcome seemed a bit more convincing. I immediately began loading my plate with food and stuffing my face with sausage. It was a while before either one of us spoke up. I would've sooner, but I was clearly in the middle of eating my breakfast.
"I hear the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor will be arriving tonight," Cedric said passively.
This interested me. Defense Against the Dark Arts had always been one of my favourite classes in school. Since I missed a whole three years of it, I was excited to hear the news of a new professor teaching it. I was more than depressed when I saw there was an empty seat for it at the Welcoming Feast.
After swallowing a piece of sausage, I joined in the conversation. "That's great news! It's about time if you ask me. I mean, a whole year without DADA? I'd go mad!"
Cedric chuckled lightly and Cho gave a small smile. "Yes well, others aren't as cheery as you, Anna. It's a difficult class, not to mention a physical and mental stresser. Some people are afraid of the class actually," he said. I agreed with what Cedric said though. Defense Against the Dark Arts wasn't a class for just anybody. If you weren't interested within the first couple weeks you started it, you could say it was going to be the living hell of your term.
"I agree, I think the class is quite intimidating. The part that I think gets everyone on edge is the fact that dark magic really does exist in the world. We're taught at such a young age on how to defend ourselves, yet most of us haven't even conjured the courage to produce a patronus. It's all a little ridiculous. I just hope the new professor can bring a new light to the class." Cedric nodded the whole while I spoke, but Cho just sat there, playing around with her untouched food. I felt guilty about not including her earlier on, but she really did look down. Perhaps it worked to all of our advantages if neither Cedric nor I bothered her.
"Of course you like the class. That's because you were the first one to produce a patronus charm in our year! You know how hard it is for a third year to do that?"
"It's challenging, that's for sure. But don't send all the flattery my way. I've heard that Harry Potter produced a patronus charm last year. He was in third year, too, just like I was."
"You're right. Nice bloke, that Harry Potter. I met him this past summer at the Quidditch World Cup. It's a shame really what's happened to him."
Before I could even say anything, I heard Cho cough across from me. She stood up and picked up her bag. "I'm going to head to class now. I'll, um, see you guys later." With that, she left. I was surprised by her behaviour, but by the way Cedric was trying to avoid eye contact with her, I assume he wasn't the least bit surprised. Again, I was going to ask about what's going on between the two of them, but I decided not to pry. Instead, I carried on with the conversation, like Cho was never even there in the first place.
"I felt like life was over when I lost Garrett, but losing your parents…that has to be rough. Not only that, it's the way it happened. And now, everyone acts weird around him. I pity him for having to cope with a terrible loss and being bombarded with society because of it. But at least he's got the Weasley boy and Hermoine Granger."
Cedric sighed. "I met them, too. They seem nice. It's good that he has them as real friends."
"So it seems like you've met quite the bunch this past summer," I teased him and he smiled.
"Yes, and I saw one person you'd be particularly interested in. Viktor Krum."
I gasped loudly. I felt like the first years sitting near us could hear me. "Are you serious? You met THE Viktor Krum?! You know he's like my hero. Ever since I started playing Quidditch, he's been my idol!" I started getting giddy, thinking of the handsome Bulgarian.
"Yeah yeah. I'd rather eat my breakfast and not have you giggle like a four-year-old because of Viktor Krum," Cedric said in rather annoyance, before shoving a piece of toast into his mouth.
"I'll meet him someday. Don't you worry. But classes are starting in ten minutes. We should head to Potions. I doubt Snape will continue to be the considerate person he has been as of late," I said, standing up and gathering my books together.
"You're right," Cedric replied, doing the same. "It is Snape after all. Expect a lecture at the beginning of class, regardless of whether or not we're late."
Throughout the day, Cho wasn't much happier than she was at breakfast. Whenever I tried talking to her or when I said something funny, she would give me the same small smile that was not persuasive in any way. Whatever it was that happened between her and Cedric was sure eating her up. We were in the common room finishing up homework before dinner. We'd been working for two straight hours, and I never got a peep out of her. It got to the point where I had about enough.
"Okay, what happened between you and Cedric? And I want to know now. You're quiet, but you're never this quiet. What's going on, Cho?"
She looked down at the parchment she had been writing on and sighed heavily. "After you left on Saturday at the Three Broomsticks, Cedric and Bryan…well, they got into a little fight."
This caught me. "What do you mean 'little fight'?"
"Bryan said some more things about you, hurtful things, and Cedric jumped on him and began punching him. Over and over again. I was able to stop Cedric after some time, but Bryan looked pretty beat up. When he left, Cedric and I got into our own somewhat fight. Since then, we haven't talked much. I think he wants to break up with me…" and then she began crying.
I felt horrible. It's my entire fault the fight started. It could've very well been avoided if I hadn't gone crazy and decided to publicly humiliate Bryan Chase. Now, Bryan could've gotten a broken nose, Cho feels as though Cedric hates her, and Cedric, well, he doesn't seem to be affected. But I could tell by the way he acted at breakfast that he's still not cleared things up with Cho. However, Cho needs to stop crying like this. It's not healthy. The part that annoyed me the most was that it was like she didn't even trust Cedric. He knows what he's doing. She has to be able to see that without worrying so much.
I walked over to where Cho was sitting and sat beside her. "Cho, don't even think like that. Cedric thinks the world of you."
"How do you know? Did he actually downright tell you?" she asked through sobs.
"Well no, but I can see the way he looks at you. There's only one thing in his eyes: love. I remember the first time he gave you that look back in fourth year. That's when I knew how he felt about you." The words stung a bit, as I remembered how sad I was when I found out he fancied Cho, not me.
"You really think so, Anna? I mean, I surely can't be the only one to notice that he's gotten distant."
"Just give him some time and he'll come around. He always does," I said as I stood up again. "But if you want a word of advice, I'd stop worrying about him. He can handle himself, Cho."
She nodded and wiped her face again. "Thanks Anna. I'm glad I have you to talk to about these things." She smiled and I did too.
"No problem. Come on, we better head down to dinner now. I'm starving and this Transfiguration homework isn't helping much." She laughed and I knew she was already feeling better.
Dinner went as per usual that night. But, when Dumbledore stood up, signalling that he was about to make an announcement, all the chatter that filled the Great Hall stopped. I stole a glance from where Cedric was sitting at the Hufflepuff table. He gave me a look that seemed to confirm my wondering if this was the important matter Snape was talking about the day before.
"Good evening, students. I hope you have all enjoyed your first couple weeks of classes this year." The hall was suddenly filled with groans, mostly from the sixth and seventh year students. The first years remained quiet, not quite used to the work to come.
"Yes, well, moving on. I regret to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not be taking place this year." Many gasps were released at this particular news. I looked over at Cedric who seemed just as upset as me. But Dumbledore continued on. "This is due to a very important, very exciting event that will be held this year starting in October. I am proud to announce that-," but he was suddenly cut off by a loud clap of thunder that echoed through the Great Hall.
Everyone immediately looked to the doors of the hall and saw a hooded man. Nobody could really tell what he looked like because of the dark lighting above the doors. He started walking, or should I say limping, towards Dumbledore who stood at the front of the room. It was then that I was able to get a good glimpse of what this man looked like: wild hair, rough skin, scarred face, messed up nose, and messed up eyes. His eyes were really the revolting part if you ask me. I mean, one was normal-looking, but the other was…weird. It was relatively large, round, and a sharp blue colour. It stuck out of its socket as the blue dot shifted rapidly until it rolled into the back of his head. Disgusting, I thought. And by the looks of it, I wasn't the only one who was thinking that.
The mysterious man eventually limped his way up to Dumbledore who already had a hand outstretched ready to greet him. He pulled out his own battered one from his cloak pocket and shook the headmaster's roughly. Dumbledore whispered something to him and then motioned for the man to sit in a seat off to his right. He instantly began piling up food on his plate and wolfing it all down. Turning back to face the students, Dumbledore said, "May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher: Professor Moody." Oh no. This can't be him. I surely shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but is this the best Hogwarts could do? Definitely not. I'm sure there are many other worthy professors that could be successful in teaching the class. I guess he hasn't exactly taught me yet, but just by looking at him, I can tell it's not going to go as smoothly as I'd hoped. I didn't join in the applause for the new professor, though not many other students seemed to either.
Dumbledore's booming voice filled the room once again. "Now where was I? Oh yes. I am proud to announce that this year, Hogwarts will be hosting the Tri-Wizard Tournament."
Chatter immediately ensued, mostly out of excitement and whatnot. But it was an exciting event. I've only heard a little bit about it from Mr. Diggory, so I was all for Dumbledore continuing to talk.
"For those of you that do not know what this event is, it is a competition between individuals of three different schools. But only one student is chosen from each school. These will be selected out of the Goblet of Fire. Hogwarts will be competing against the schools of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Furthermore, the competition will consist of three tasks. I'm sure you're all very excited, but you should know that these tasks are set to test you. They can be dangerous, and even life-threatening, as was in past years."
I was definitely more interested now. Whether it was positive or negative interest though, I wasn't sure. Yes, I was excited that something like this was going to happen at Hogwarts, especially since it's my last year, but the "dangerous" and "life-threatening" part of it didn't sit well with me. I could only imagine what kind of tasks Dumbledore was referring to when he said that. I looked over at Cedric who appeared to be anything but concerned. He seemed to be one of those students that just shrugged off the whole "death" thing the headmaster said.
"Though I understand many of you will want to put your names forth into the Goblet of Fire, the Ministry of Magic, as well as heads of the participating schools, have imposed an age restriction this year. Only students who are of seventeen years or older will be allowed to put forward their names into the Goblet." The hall erupted with cries of protest and rage, but Dumbledore continued, this time with more volume. "It is something we thought was necessary to institute, as the tasks will be very dangerous. The likelihood of students below sixth and seventh year being able to handle the tournament's challenges is very low. Those of you underage students who think you can somehow cheat your way in to becoming the Hogwarts Champion, I suggest you do not waste your time. I, myself, will be making sure this does not happen. However, you must also remember, once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet.
"Those from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October. I strongly ask all of you to extend a special welcome to them and treat them with the utmost hospitality during their stay. I know that Hogwarts will be a great home for them for as long as they are with us. Now, seeing as though I've talked enough, enjoy your dinner!" Dumbledore sat back down and began eating his own dinner.
As the other students continued eating, I was still trying to process everything that Dumbledore had said. This tournament seemed to be a pretty big deal, and the fact that they had enforced an age limit meant that the tournament would prove to be challenging. Dumbledore said it himself. I told myself I'd read up on the history of the Tri-Wizard Tournament later in the library to get a better idea. I did know one thing though: I definitely wasn't going to enter my name. Sure, I was of age. But entering your name was almost like writing your life away on a piece of paper. Then again, what are the chances of you getting picked? It sounded like the champions that are chosen are chosen because of their qualities. I don't mean to sound negative, but I know for a fact that I'm not exactly an outstanding person who would be deserving of being a Tri-Wizard Champion.
But Cedric… if Cedric entered his name, he would surely be a worthy candidate. He's got the best qualities in all of Hogwarts, in my opinion. He always has. But that was what scared me the most. I looked at where he was sitting at the Hufflepuff table, and just as I feared, he looked happy, excited. I braced myself for the conversation to come later.
"Absolutely not," I said firmly. Cedric and I were sitting in the library together. He asked me my opinion on him entering the tournament.
"Why not Anna? I mean, I'll be of age when the time comes!" Cedric exclaimed, clearly disappointed by my disapproval.
"I don't care if you'll be of age, Ced! Hell, I'm of age and I'm not thinking of entering my name. You heard what Dumbledore said at dinner. So many people have died in the past."
"Yeah, but can you imagine what it would feel like to win? Just being chosen as a champion is reward enough," Cedric said as he smiled, thinking of what it would be like.
"So, you're willing to die? I see how it is, I'll start making your grave stone. Would you like me to include your middle name on it?" Cedric laughed, but I didn't find it very funny. I was actually being dead serious.
"Anna, I'm not going to die."
"If you enter your name, it's a guarantee."
"You act like you have no faith in me."
I frowned slightly. "It's not that I don't believe in you, Cedric. It's just that… well, I don't want to see my best friend get hurt, that's all. I couldn't live with myself after if something bad happened to you." I could feel tears begin to prick at the corner of my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. I was stronger than that.
Cedric smiled gently and covered my hand, which had been on the table, with his. "I'm not going to get hurt, Anna. And if it makes you sleep better at night, then I won't enter my name, no matter how much I really, really want to." I knew he was trying to guilt me into changing my mind, especially with that little face he was wearing. But nothing that he did or said would've swayed me.
"Good then. I'm glad to know you're not going to enter," I said grinning at him. "Promise me you won't put your name in the goblet."
"I promise," he replied, returning the grin.
Hope you liked Chapter 12! It took me such a long time to write, but I hope it paid off. Review and I'll update! That's how it works peepsles!