Chapter 4

The Triwizard Tournament

The next morning everyone rushed to finish getting ready to leave for Hogwarts. Ron had been complaining about the dress robes his mother had gotten him. Apparently they had lace on them. I found this quite hilarious.

We were heading down for a quick breakfast when Mr. Weasley received an emergency message from the Ministry. He rushed over to the fireplace where a head had popped up. The head belonged to Amos Diggory. Mr. Diggory said something about a man called Mad-Eye. I didn't really pay much attention to what they were saying. Something about exploding dust bins.

"Right, I'm on my way." Mr. Weasley rushed out of the room.

"Sorry about this Molly," Mr. Diggory's head said after Mr. Weasley left. Mrs. Weasley offered him a piece of toast before he left. He said good-bye and popped back out of the fireplace.

About five minutes later Mr. Weasley was back in the room. "I need to go, have a good term," Mr. Weasley said to us. He prepared himself to disapparate but before he did he made sure Molly was okay getting all of us to Kings Cross.

"Who's Mad-Eye?" I asked curiously to Mrs. Weasley after Mr. Weasley was gone.

"An auror," answered Bill. "A dark wizard catcher." He explained when he saw my confused face. "What's he been up to now?" He asked his mom.

"Says he's been attacked," Mrs. Weasley answered.

"Mad-Eye Moody," said George thoughtfully. "Isn't he that nutter?"

"Your father thinks very highly of Moody," Mrs. Weasley replied before leaving the room.

"Moody was a great wizard in his time," said Bill.

"He's an old friend of Dumbledore, isn't he?" Charlie asked.

"Dumbledore is not what you'd exactly call normal," said Fred. "I know he's a genius and everything."

"Half the cells in Azkaban are filled because of him," said Bill. Clearly he thought Mad-Eye was an amazing wizard. "I also heard he is getting paranoid in his old age. Doesn't trust anyone anymore. Sees dark wizards everywhere."

"Well, the taxis should be here soon." Mrs. Weasley said shortly after she returned to the kitchen. "Let's wait for them outside."

As we waited in the cold pouring rain, three taxi cars drove up to the Burrow. I watched intently as they struggled to fit all our school trunks and screeching owls into the cars. It was very clear that these muggle drivers had no experience with owls. I chuckled quietly to myself as I stepped into one of the cars after Harry.

"What's so funny?" Harry asked curiously.

"Nothing," I said as I stopped laughing.

It was about an hour before we reached King's Cross Station, where the barrier to Platform 9 ¾ was hidden. I have been through the platform a few times now, so this time I didn't hesitate as I ran forward straight through the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. As I emerged on the side of the barrier I saw the Hogwarts Express, a gleaming scarlet steam engine, clouds of steam billowing from it. In comparison the other parents and students looked like little black dots scattered around the platform.

Harry, Hermione, Ron, and I boarded the train and we looked for a compartment. We found one about halfway down the train. We took turns putting away our trunks and then went back out to the platform to say goodbye to Mrs. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie.

"I might be seeing you all sooner than you think," said Charlie as he hugged Ginny.

"Why?" asked Fred.

"You'll see," answered Charlie. "Just don't tell Percy I mentioned it. 'It's classified information until the Ministry sees fit to release it' after all."

"Yeah, I sort of wish I was back at Hogwarts this year," said Bill. He had his hands in his pockets and was looking wistfully at the train.

"Why?" asked George, repeating his twin's question.

"You're going to have an interesting year," said Bill, his eyes twinkling. "I might even get some time off to watch a bit of it."

"A bit of what?" Ron asked.

Just then the last-call whistle rang from the train and Mrs. Weasley rushed us into the train. We waved goodbye as the train left the station. As soon as Mrs. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie were out of sight, we headed back to the compartment we put our luggage in.

"What do you think Charlie meant when he said he would be seeing us very soon?" Hermione asked after we all sat down.

"Who knows," Ron said "He did say it was classified information from the Ministry."

"I suppose we'll just have to wait and see." I said as I relaxed into my seat. "Mrs. Weasley did say we would find out tonight."

"Shh," Hermione said suddenly, pointing towards the slightly open door of our compartment. We all stopped talking to hear.. His voice drifted into our compartment.

My heart rate increased slightly as we listened to what Draco was saying. "Father actually considered sending me to Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts, you know. He knows the headmaster you see. You know his opinion of Dumbledore isn't a good one. The man is such a mudblood lover, the headmaster at Durmstrang doesn't allow those kinds of people. But mother couldn't stand the thought of me being so far away. Father also says they handle the Dark Arts differently. They actually learn them instead of the defense rubbish we learn."

Hermione stood up and shut the compartment door. With it closed I could no longer hear the voice of my ex-best friend. Slightly put out, I sighed as I re-relaxed in my seat.

"Too bad he didn't go to Durmstrang," Ron said, his face slightly red. "Then we wouldn't have to deal with his snobby attitude."

I wasn't too sure how I felt at the thought of Draco never coming to Hogwarts. I wouldn't have met him, I wouldn't have had him as a best friend. He was one of the few people I could be myself around. He understood my need to feel like the most important person, how easily I got jealous of my brother's fame, and how everyone thought I was a bad person.

I shook my head trying to get the thoughts of Draco out of my head. A new school year was about to start, and thinking of him would only make it harder on myself. I sat in silence for the rest of the train ride to Hogwarts, trying to keep my mind clear.

Soon Hogwarts came into view, I could see the dim lights from the window of the train. The rain was pouring from the sky as the train stopped at the station. Harry, Ron, Hermione and I ran for the horseless carriages, trying to avoid getting wet. We were unsuccessful at staying dry. As soon as we arrived at the castle we hurried to the Entrance Hall.

"I'm drenched!" complained Ron as he shook his head. Just then a balloon fell from the sky, landing right on Ron's head. "Oy!" He yelled in shock. I looked up to see Peeves, and he was already preparing to throw a water balloon at me.

"Hey!" I said angrily. I lifted my arms to protect my head and ran into the Great Hall. I got away just as I heard Professor McGonagall screaming at Peeves. Peeves was roaring with laughter, clutching his sides. I rolled my eyes, and headed to the Great Hall

I looked around the Great Hall, which was decorated for the start of term feast. Many candles were floating over the tables, lighting up the golden plates set on the five long tables, four house tables and one staff table. A lot of students had already taken their seats at their respective Houses.

I waved goodbye to my brother and headed towards the Slytherin table. I glanced up and down, looking for Pansy or Zabini. I spotted the pair halfway down the table sitting next to Draco. Groaning to myself, I walked over.

"Hey Pansy." I said sitting between her and Zabini. "How was your summer?"

"Oh, it was alright. Spent the holiday with my family in Germany." Pansy responded with a smile. "Yours?"

"Same old, same old." I said with a sigh. "Did you go to the Quidditch World Cup?"

"I couldn't, out of the country. Did you? I heard there was a lot of excitement after the game." She must have been referring to the Death Eaters and the Dark Mark, she would think those were exciting.

"I did," I said, glancing at her. "I was stuck with the Weasleys, so not much excitement for me other than the game."

"How was that? Hanging out with blood traitors?" She asked with a sneer.

I paused, considering my answer. I didn't mind the Weasleys, and they liked me well enough. However, I knew Pansy would be looking for me to put them down.

"You mean hanging out with Ron for the last few weeks of the holiday? Ridiculous. You know I don't like him." I responded. I truly didn't like Ron very much, and put up with him for my brother. We've only recently have been able to have civil conversations. Even then, almost everything that came out of his mouth annoyed me.

Pansy gave a chuckle and turned to watch the Sorting, which was just starting. I sat in silence, staring at the golden plate in front of me. I was very conscious that Draco was sitting on the other side of Pansy. It took a lot of effort to not look or talk to him.

I could hear what the Sorting Hat was saying, but didn't really pay much attention. It sang about the four founders and who they wanted to start a school. It continued to explain which attributes the four houses looked for. As soon as the Sorting ended, and everyone stopped clapping, Dumbledore stood to make a welcoming speech. I looked up to listen to him.

"I have only two words to say to you." He said in his deep voice. "Tuck in."

Chuckling, I turned and saw that food had magically appeared on the dishes in front of us. I happily scooped up mashed potatoes and some grilled chicken. Soon our bellies were full of food, and then desserts filled the dishes.

"Pudding, my favorite." I heard Pansy say to Draco.

"Yeah, everyone can tell Pansy." He teased back. Blushing furiously, Pansy turned to me.

"Did you hear him? He just called me fat!" She whispered in my ear.

"Well, to be completely honest, you have gained a little bit of weight Pansy." I shrugged. "I'm sure he didn't mean it in a bad way."

"Didn't mean it in a bad way? Are you joking?" She started to sound upset. I remembered then that Pansy's mom put a lot of pressure on Pansy to look her best all of the time.

"If it makes you feel better, I don't think you look fat. Just because you've gained some weight doesn't mean it's a bad thing." I said, trying to reassure her. "Honestly, you were kind of too skinny last year."

"You think so?" Pansy asked, giving me a look that said she needed more reassurance.

"Absolutely," I smiled at her. "You look great." She gave me a grateful smile and ate her pudding with renewed vigor. After dessert ended Dumbledore stood up again. The hall quieted down at once, all eyes turning towards him.

"So, now that we are all fed and watered. I must ask once more for your attention while I give out a few notices. Mr. Flitch, 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 437 items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office if anybody would like to check it.

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. It is also my painful duty to inform you that the inter-house quidditch cup will not take place this year." The Hall burst into loud chatter. I could hear the Weasley twins' discontentment from across the Hall.

"This is due to an event that will be starting in October and continuing throughout the school year. Taking up much of the teacher's time and energy. But I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts…"

Dumbledore was interrupted by loud thunder and the doors to the Great Hall being slammed open. A large man stood in the doorway. He was leaning on a long staff and was covered in a black traveling cloak. He lowered his hood and revealed a long mane of dark gray hair. He walked into the hall, a loud clunk following him.

He walked up to the teacher's table. A flash of lightning and his face was revealed. I gasped. It seemed like every inch of his face was covered by scars. His mouth looked like a diagonal gash, and a large chunk of his nose was missing. Then his eyes. He had one normal looking dark brown eye. His other one, however, was large and electric blue. This eye did not stay still; it moved from side to side, rolling around his head like a marble.

"Who is he?" I whispered to Pansy as the strange man greeted Dumbledore.

"He looks like he's…" She started to whisper back but was cut off by Draco.

"Mad-eye Moody. He's an ex-auror." His voice was filled with either hate or fear, I couldn't quite tell. Moody sat down at the staff table and began to eat some sausages.

"May I introduce the new Defense of Dark Arts teacher?" Dumbledore asked with a bright smile on his face. "Professor Moody."

"I think I heard that name earlier today." I whispered to Pansy. Dumbledore and Hagrid were the only two people in the Hall clapping.

"He's famous for catching dark wizards." Pansy said while staring at Moody. Her expression seemed to be made of both awe and fear. I thought for a moment and then remembered. He was the one Mr. Weasley went to help early this morning. If he caught dark wizards for a living it would make sense why Draco sounded like he hated/feared him; Moody would have been trying to take down Voldemort and in turn his followers.

"As I was saying, we are to have the honor 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." Dumbledore continued as if there was not an interruption.

"You're joking!" Fred or George Weasley yelled at Dumbledore in surprise.

"It is not a joke Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore answered with a smile. "The Triwizard Tournament, as some of you may already know, was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The schools took 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."

"A death toll too high?" I heard Draco scoff. It seemed like many of the other students didn't care too much about a high death toll either. They all started whispering excitedly to one another.

"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament," Dumbledore continued, "none of which has been very successful. However, our own Departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger.

"The Heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their shortlisted contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Halloween. An impartial judge will decide which students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money." Dumbledore took a small break before continuing.

"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts, the Heads for 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 to say, seventeen years or older – will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration." Dumbledore needed to raise his voice as the Great Hall erupted with noise. "This is a measure we feel is necessary, given that the tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them. I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion." I thought I saw Dumbledore looking at the Weasley twins. "I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen.

"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guest 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 you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop, chop!"

Students began to talk loudly and excitedly to one another as they stood to leave the Great Hall. I glanced at Pansy as we stood to follow the rest of the Slytherins to the common room. I heard her talking animatedly to Draco as we walked.

"One thousand Galleons!" she exclaimed. "If only I could enter, I would show those stupid Gryffindors what house is the best."

"There's a reason for the age limit Pansy. It's so ignorant children, like yourself, don't enter and get themselves killed." Draco sneered at Pansy. Pansy pouted, her face flushing.

"Oh? So, you wouldn't enter if you could then?" She spat back at him.

"Sure I would, I'd have my father teach me a few tricks. I could win. I would win." He responded with confidence.

Shaking my head, I whispered to Pansy that I'd meet her in the common room in a bit. I quickly located my brother, Ron, and Hermione and set off to talk with them. While shoving my way through the hoard of students I accidentally bumped into someone.

"Sorry," I mumbled, rubbing the shoulder I bumped.

"Oh," said a voice I recognized. "It's you, Potter." I looked up to find myself face to face with Cedric Diggory. He looked at me with his brown eyes, and I felt a blush creep up my face.

"Diggory," I greeted. "Didn't mean to bump into you, just trying to get through." He stepped aside and gestured with his hand for me to pass him. I muttered a thank you and then hurried past him.

I was able to reach Harry, Ron, and Hermione's sides just as they exited the Great Hall.

"So, what do you guys think?" I asked as I caught my breath.

"Think about what?" Ron asked with a glance at me.

"The Tournament!" I exclaimed with exasperation. Seriously, what else would I be talking about?

"Interesting. I think this will be good for the schools. Particularly to make relations with foreign wizards and witches our own age." Hermione answered thoughtfully.

"Chloe, shouldn't you be getting to your dorm?" Harry asked.

"Don't want to see me anymore?" I asked sarcastically.

"It's not that. Just that," he gestured about fifteen feet ahead of us. There was Draco, and it looked like he was waiting for someone. "I'm not sure if you want to talk to him, but it seems like he's waiting for you. Maybe you should head around him and get to your dorm before he can stop to talk to you."

I scoffed, of course Harry would want me to avoid talking to Draco. But maybe he had a point. I hadn't talked to him since the end of our first year at Hogwarts. What could he want to say to me now? Sure we had mutual friends, but if we managed two years without exchanging more than a few words due to those mutual friends, why change that now?

"I'm not going to run and hide from him." I finally told Harry after contemplating what to do. "If he has something to say, then he can say it. But I'm not going to keep avoiding him." I walked away, leaving my brother with his mouth hanging slightly open.

I didn't look at Draco as I walked towards the entrance to the dungeons. Running my hand through my hair, I strode as confidently as I could towards him. The closer I got, the harder my heart started beating. My stomach started twisting, and it felt like my heart was going to explode. However, I held my head high and continued walking.

When I finally reached Draco, I had already decided that I wasn't going to stop, if he really wanted to talk he could stop me from walking past him. Much to my surprise, he didn't. He didn't even glance at me. I walked past him and stopped about five feet away. I was confused, and to be frank a little upset. Why would he just stand and stare at me if he didn't want to talk? Maybe his nerve gave out and he decided to not talk. Whatever the case, I felt hurt. Again.

Sighing to myself, I started to walk again. I reached the entrance into the Slytherin common room. The green light from the lake above shone on my face, making my skin look pale and green. I stood there for a moment before realizing I didn't know the password to get in.

"Need some help?" said a voice from behind me. Turning around, I saw that it was Draco. I stared at him, not knowing if I should respond.

"Chloe? I asked you a question." He said, this time taking a step closer to me. I looked into his stormy gray eyes. The tension I felt earlier came back, this time I felt nauseous.

"I don't know the password." My voice sounded harsher than I intended it to sound.

Draco sighed slightly then said, "Polyjuice." The door to the common room swung open and he stepped inside without another glance at me.

For a moment, I reached out to grab his hand. I wanted to talk to him. Then the moment was gone. Shaking my head, I walked into the common room.

"Let the school year begin." I said softly to myself.

AN: My goodness. It has been awhile. So sorry for the delay, but chapter 4 is here! I hope you all enjoy reading this, and the future chapters to come! Please leave me a review if you have any questions, suggestions, or just comments! I do enjoy constructive criticism.