They arrived at Hogwarts without Mia paying any attention to the conversation going on, be that on the train or the horseless carriages. Her mind was simply elsewhere. In fact the only time she was brought back to reality was when everyone was stood outside around the courtyard, cramming themselves into the tiny spaces that resembled glassless windows. . She was with a group of 12 Slytherins, and watched amazed as a carriage pulled by six flying horses appeared in the sky, nearly running Hagrid over as it landed, who had to dive out of the way at the last minute. Why it was so strange to see was anyone's guess, magic was a daily thing after all, but it was still her first time at seeing a flying horse. Most people around laughed, including herself, yet it died away changing into more amazement as a ship became visible from the lake nearby. Well, at first it was just a mast with one person stood on it, then a huge ship rose up out of the water. It was magnificent, made of an old rich dark wood, sections painted red and an unfamiliar crest in the sail that presumably represented its school. At least she guessed it was a school, knowing Hogwarts, it could be anything.
Eventually after much ushering from professor Flittwick, who may be small but sure new how to kick shins of people not moving quick enough, everyone went inside to the great hall, taking seats at their house table and watching the sorting ceremony. The newly made 4th year didn't pay much attention to that either, the whole thing becoming far too familiar, and only snapped out of her dream like state when Dumbledore began speaking.
"Now we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement, this castle will not only be your home this year, but also to some very special guests." Filch running, or rather limping in cut him off however, the squib muttering something to the headmaster before going back town the tables, exiting the hall. Several people laughed at the sight, though she managed to keep a straight face at least. "So, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event, the triwizard tournament-" Mia glanced up at Draco; who was at next to her, but he didn't seem very interested, unlike the twins who were looking at the head teacher with awe clear on their identical faces. "For those of you who do not know, the triwizard tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school a single student is selected". So that's who had been in the carriage and boat. To show this Dumbledore held up one finger. "Now, let me be clear, chosen, you stand alone. Trust me when I say, these contests are not for the faint hearted. But for now, please join me in welcoming these lovely ladies from Beaux Batons academy of magic!." All eyes turned towards the doors just in time to see 20 or so girls all dressed in light blue dresses reaching just below their knees, sauntering up to the front. They were in perfect lines of 4 and stopped after every few steps to lean towards the side, mainly where any boys were sitting, birds fluttering out from their sleeves and around their heads. Mia wanted to be sick. Once they had made their way up to the front- one girl dressed in a red and silver leotard doing flips, they bowed together, walking off to sit down. Their headmistress was a giant. Literally, easily taller than Hagrid, who looked away shyly when she smiled. Dumbledore holding up his hands cut off the applause and cheering that had broken out (mostly from the males).
"Now, for our friends from the north, please meet the proud sons from Durmstrang and their high master; Egor Karkaroff." All heads turned once more, this time to the loud thumping of sticks banging rhythmically on the floor. There were sparks each time one collided, and the Mia found herself on the verge of standing up to get a better view. Suddenly, as if bored with the banging, they all sprinted forward down the hall, several doing flips of kicks, as if just to show off their athletic ability. It wasn't like it was already obvious from their obvious muscles. But her attention was drawn back to the double doors as who she could guess was their headmaster, dressed in a white Norwegian styled coat and Victor Krum strided in. Fire was blown at the front, several gasps being heard from Hogwarts students who couldn't believe what the new year was holding, and the 4th year didn't know where to look, instead waiting for Krum to join his school and everyone be seated again.
The meal passed quickly, most of the hall talking excitedly about the tri wizard tournament, and stories they'd heard from years ago about it when it was still running. Apparently this was the first time in over 100 years that it had been brought back, the previous one being deemed as 'too dangerous'. Or at least that's what Blaze was saying one seat across, whilst stuffing his face on a chicken leg. Mia didn't eat much however, nor did she really join in with the conversation, only saying a few words here and there. Instead she was watching Draco- subtly of course, noticing that he too wasn't eating or talking much either. Something must really be on his mind.
"Your attention please" Dumbledore called, and it was only then that she noticed a strange statue being strange statue had been appeared at the front of the hall, obviously being carried in when she'd been preoccupied. "I'd like to say a few words," he paused, waiting for the hall to fall into silence. "Eternal glory. That is what awaits the student that survives three tasks, extremely dangerous tasks." The word 'survived' didn't really fill Mia with much confidence. "For this reason, the ministry has seen fit to put in a new rule, of which Mr Bartimus Crouch will explain". A middle aged man, with receding, greying hair and a thick moustache made his way to the front, but ducked as lightning and thunder started to crash over the enchanted ceiling. Mia ducked as well, more from instinct than fear though, not feeling the need to scream like half the girls in the hall suddenly were- Pansy included. She wanted to slap her silly. Thankfully someone shot a spell up, the sky returning back to normal, and everyone swivelled around the back once more. A man, she was sure had been on the daily prophet at some point was now walking towards Dumbledore, a stick- that looked more like a tree branch, under his right arm to help him walk. The hall broke out in sudden whispers, and the brunette caught the name 'mad eye moody' from a boy sitting several seats down who was failing at keeping his voice low. Even all the teachers were staring. Moody gripped Dumbledore's arm, mostly friendly w, when he reached him, muttering something about the ceiling, then going to stand in the corner. That's when Barty Crouch decided to take back control, speaking loudly.
"The ministry had decided that for their own safety, no student under the age of 17 shall be allowed to put fourth their name." At least half the hall exploded into up roar, mostly led by Fred and George yelling 'Rubbish' at the top of their lungs. Dumbledore shouting
"SILENCE!" Cut everyone off however, everyone now watching him without a word. With one swift movement, the head master pressed his wand against the statue, which seemed to sink in on itself, leaving a dark brown, almost rusty looking goblet in its place, bright blue flames shooting out of it. "The goblet of fire" he started to explain, Mia wanting to commend it on the imaginative name. "Anyone wishing to enter the tournament merely write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it into the flame before this hour on Thursday night. But do not do so lightly, if chosen, there's no turning back. As from this moment, the triwizard tournament has begun!"
ZNZNZN
Mia could hear the twins still complaining as they all finally exited the great hall, after looking at the goblet for a full five minutes. She slowed down, letting the Slytherin's carry on without her and dropped into step with the twins. Ginny was slightly behind glaring at her back.
"You two got a plan?" the brunette guessed, looking up at the twin who was closest- George for a change, though Fred was soon on her other side.
"Of course Lestrange" she elbowed Fred, wishing he'd use her fist name for a change. He pretended to be hurt, but a grin broke out seconds after.
"We have many plans" the other said, jumping onto a staircase and waiting for it to move, Fred nodded leaning in closer to her,
"And some even involve you" he said, the grin widening as he joined his brother, the staircase moving up. Worry and slight panic shot through her at that, just the thought of being involved in onr of their crazy plans enough to give her nightmares.
Turning, her hands sinking into the pockets of her robe, Mia walked down to the dungeons alone. The chill was horrid, and certainly not something she had missed over the holiday, so she quickly mumbled the password once she'd reached the common room entrance, running up the stairs to Draco's room and knocking once on the door. She sat down on the bed, her eyes scanning the room. There was no music playing this year, and if it hadn't been for her trunk visible at the end of the bed, she would've thought it was the wrong room. Draco was nowhere to be found. Mia stayed sat on the bed, grabbing a book off the side and began reading, determined to stay up until the blonde returned, much like a child on Christmas eve waiting for Santa. But Santa didn't come. At least not whilst she could hold out from sleep.
A/N: 2 more reviews and I've reached 100! Woow! Whoever posts the 100th review will be sent part of a later chapter (providing they want it of course, just add that in with it), with some interesting twists just for them to know, at least for a few months. :P Even if you miss the 100th, still leave a comment! Z-Nugget xx