The first few days of term weren't the greatest I had at Hogwarts. Herbology had us milking plants for pus, Care of Magical Creatures introduced the Blast Ended Skrewts , which blew fire out of their back ends.. Had a stinger and tended to bite. Potions and Divination were dreadful as ever. The only ray of hope came in Professor Moody's class we were going to have Thursday. First Fred and George raved about how interesting their class with him was. Then he turned Malfoy into a White Ferret when he tried to attack Harry behind his back. That was a memory worth preserving.
When we walked into that classroom on Thursday Professor Moody grunted "Put your books away, you won't be needing them." This got our hopes up, starting off with a practical lesson was one of the reasons we had taken a liking to Professor Lupin last year. He however soured our moods a little when he mentioned he was only staying the one year as a favor to Professor Dumbledore. But he returned to being interesting when he brought up teaching us what curses were so we could defend ourselves from them.
He then asked "Who can tell me which curses are most heavily punished by wizarding law." Hermione's hand shot in the sky, and mine slowly followed, being able to think of one spell I knew there was a zero tolerance for. Ron's hand surprisingly also was raised, so Moody picked him. "My father told me of one.. The Imperious Curse or something.." Moody nodded "Ahh yes, your father would know that one, gave the Ministry quite a lot of trouble at one time." He then pulled out a rather large spider and pointed his wand at it "Imperio!" the spider then began to dance and do tricks. This lead to all of us laughing in amusement (Another thing both Lupin and Moody's first class had in common.) However that ended up being cut short when Moody growled "Think its funny do you? You'd like it would you.. If I did it to you?!" We all stopped laughing. He then said "Total control, I could make it throw itself out the window, drown itself, have it jump down one of your throats. Years back, there were a lot of witches and wizards being controlled by the Imperius curse. Quite the job for the Ministry to try and figure out which ones were being forced to act, and which ones would act of free will.." My mind wandered for a second.. Could.. Could my father have been a spy for Dumbledore because Dumbledore used the Imperius curse on him? Now the Imperious Curse can be fought, and I'll be teaching you how, but it requires strength of character, and not everyone's got it. CONSTANT VILIGANCE! Now who can tell me another one."
Neville's hand was next to go into the air, and Moody picked him. Neville then said in small voice "There's one.. The Cruciatus Curse." Moody was silent for a whole before asking "You're name's Longbottom?" Neville nodded. Moody then enlarged the spider and growled "Crucio!" The spider started to wreath in pain, a small high pitch scream could be heard. I noticed Neville's face drain of color, but Moody continued to torture the poor creature (The spider, not Neville) Hermione then yelled "Stop it! Please!" Moody glanced at her before stopping the spell. "Pain.. You don't need thumbscrews or knifes if you can perform the cruciatus curse. This one was very popular once too.."
He then said "Who can tell me the last one." I reluctantly put my hand in the air after Hermione did, Moody looked at me and asked "Shuter right? Dumbledore told me about you. I ran into your father a few times back in the day. Ernest Moore was quite the talented wizard. Turns out he was a spy all along. Fooled us all that one did... I believe you know this last one" I was aware of the whispers "Shuter is Moore's son?" "David's father was a death eater?" "David witnessed his fathers death?" I sighed and then said "Avada Kadavra.. The killing curse" Moody nodded and pointed his wand at the spider. A moment of Silence, then he roared "AVADA KADAVRA!" a blinding flash of Green light, and the spider curled up, dead. I squeezed my eyes shut and looked down. I tried not to think of the dream.. My father falling to the ground after a flash of green light. Moody then said "Not nice. Not pleasant.. And there is no counter curse, no blocking it. Only one person is known to survive it, and he is sitting right in front of me." And that concluded out first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson. Definitely informative.. And definitely scarring.
The scholastic pressures had definitely increased this year. Not only was Moody intense, but all our professors seems intent on making our lives a misery. They wished to prepare us for our Ordinary Wizarding Exams.. Which were almost 2 years away. Professor McGonagall was stricter than ever, and Snape was insufferable. He even was threatening to poison us to test our antidotes, something I was sure went against some school guidelines... of course Moody himself was putting us under unforgivable curses so we could learn to fight them off, so what did I know?
Without Quidditch as a buffer, the first two months of school turned out to be very boring. Aside from learning magic, which even I had to admit didn't hold the novelty it did in first year, lessons were hard and tiresome. I still applied myself and did my homework (Since I had my rivalry for house points with Hermione) but I began to yearn for some excitement. Luckily my prayers were answered when word went around that the selected candidates from the other two magic schools would arrive. This was set to be an interesting occasion. I still knew very little about wizarding culture outside of Hogwarts, and this would give me the glimpse further into this world.
Once we had seen the sign confirming that the other schools would arrive that Friday evening Harry smiled "Brilliant, Snape won't have time to poison all of us." Ernie Macmillian was nearby and he said "A week away? I wonder if Cedric knows.. I should go tell him" Ron then asked "Cedric?" I then said "Diggory most like. Maybe he wants to enter the tournement" Ron then had a sickened look on his face "That Idiot? He can't be Hogwarts Champion" Hermione looked disaproving as she said "He's not an idiot, You only don't like him because he beat Gryffindor at Qudditch. I hear he is a very good student.. And a prefect." Ron then looked at her and said in a scathing tone "You only like him because he's handsome." Hermione looked offended "Excuse me? I don't like because because they are handsome" I smirked at Ron and said "She's friends with you after all, isn't she" He rolled his eyes and fake coughed "Lockhart" I laughed and side glanced at Hermione "He's got a point Hermione. However I am sure you have learned that sometimes good looks and brains don't go hand in hand." She shrugged "And sometimes they do." I was left to wonder what she really meant by that.
The week long wait for the visiting guests from other schools was far from dull. Teachers were obviously stressed with appearance, ensure the students could perform the charms they should be able to at this point in their education. It made sense since they would not want to appear in adequate at their job in front of their peers from other schools. Although I thought they could ease up a bit. Hermione also had not stopped her crusade to bring justice for House Elves with The Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare like we had hoped. She seemed to want to bring further awareness to the fact Hogwarts had house Elfs. It seemed SPEW was only the beginning.
Finally the evening of the 30th came arround and we gathered in the front courtyard to welcome our guests. "How do you think they are coming? The train?" Ron asked. I shook my head "I doubt it, I don't think the Express goes that far. Perhaps on Broomsticks.. Although that would be a long flight... the chaffing alone.." I shivered at the thought. Harry then speculated "Maybe a portkey?" Ron nodded "Or maybe they can appeared.. Maybe its legal under 17 where they are from." Hermione sighed "You can't apperate inside Hogwarts grounds.. How many times do I have to tell you that?" I nodded "Besides Ron, even if they could in their country.. When you travel to other countries, you abide by their laws. Something my mom always had to tell my Aunt when she would travel from the States to Canada." Hermione gave me an approving look with a smile. I smiled back.
People became antzy until Dumbledore said "Ah I believe the delegation from Beauxbatons is arriving." We looked wildly to find what he meant. Then I saw it..6 Winged horses were pulling a carriage through the skies. The horses.. Were huge. I smiled, this truely was a magical moment to which I had not experienced since I first set foot into the Great hall over 3 years ago. Flying.. Horses. I watched in awe as they landed on the cobbled stone. The door of the carriage opened and out stepped the tallest woman I had ever seen in my life.. She was even taller than Hagrid. After her followed a bunch of students in light blue uniforms. Mostly female students.. But there were a few males. Dumbledore escorted the Beauxbatons crew inside and we were left to wait and speculate about how the Durmstrang students were going to arrive.
We scanned the skies for any other horse drawn carriages, until finally Lee Jordan yelled "The Lake! Look at the Lake" We all ran to look and saw as a mast emerged from the Lake.. And then a full Galleon. An underwater ship.. Now that blew the carriage out of the water for coolness. We watched as a group of heavily cloaked students left the ship, lead by a man with silver hair and cloak. Who seemed to go by the name of Professor Karkaroff. However a more interesting man had exited the ship.. None other than the famous Bulgarian Seeker.. Viktor Krum.
"Harry..David.. It's him its Viktor Krum!" Ron exclaimed. Hermione rolled her eyes "For Heavens sake Ron, He's only a Quidditch Player" Ron looked at her in complete shock, and I too was shocked at first, but I found myself grateful that she wasn't swooning over him like the other girls in the crowd were, although it did mean Quidditch Prowess didn't win her affection.. So I would have to really lean into my studies this year if I wanted her to like me back.. Ron then said "I want to get his autograph, David you have to have a Quill on you!" I shook my head "No, they are all up in the tower Ron. However perhaps you can ask one of those girls to borrow their lipstck" I smirked at him. Harry and Hermione chuckled. Ron looked defeated "I'll wait until later.." and with that we made our way back into the castle for the feast.
When Inside the Beauxbatons students sat with the Ravenclaw's and the Durmstrang students sat with the Slytherins, something Malfoy looked completely smug over. Once the feast had began a large assortment of food appeared on the table, and it seemed the kitchens had been super busy with dished that were from the other school's homelands. I was hesitant seeing as I did not know what was in the food, as it could have something that would aggravate my allergies. At one point a girl from Beauxbatons came over and asked for some of our french food, Ron seemed to turn a completely new shade of purple as he handed it over. He then said after she left "She's a Veela!" Hermione looked apprehensive as she said "Don't be ridiculous Ron. I don't see anyone else gapping at her like an idiot." She of course was wrong as I noticed multiple heads turn as the girl walked past them. "I'm telling you, thats not a normal girl. They don't make them like that at Hogwarts." Harry seemed distracted but then said "They make them OK at Hogwarts." I quickly glanced at Hermione before adding "Okay is for sure an understatment." I was unsure if Hermione had seen me.
Two new faces joined the staff table as we talked.. Barty Crouch and Ludo Bagman from the Ministry of Magic. Probably there to see the start of the Tournement. Soon the plates had been emptied and Dumbledore stood up "The moment has come. The Triwizard Tournement is about to begin, however before we bring in the casket, just to clarify the procedure which we will be following this year..." He first introduced Bagman and Crouch who would be joining him and the other headmasters on the judges table. The casket was then brought in, which looked extremely old and ready to fall apart. Dumbledore continued "The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have been examined by Mr Crouch and Mr Bagman and they have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be 3 tasks spaced throughout the school year and they will test the champions in many different ways. Their Magical Prowess, their daring, their powers of deduction and of course, their abilities to cope with danger. As you know 3 champions compete in the Tournement, one from each participating school. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the three tasks and the champion with the highest total after the three tasks are complete will win the Triwizard cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector. The Goblet of Fire
Dumbledore pulled out his wand and unlocked the casket. Out he pulled a wooden goblet.. That had blue fire protruding from the top. It. Was. Awesome. It would have been cooler if it was larger and made of gold or something, however it made sense considering it was hundreds of years old. Dumbledore then continued "Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champions must write their name and school on a piece of parchment and place it into the goblet. Aspiring Champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow Knight, Halloween, the Goblet will return the names of the three it has judged as most worthy to represent their schools. The goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete. To ensure no underage student yields to temptation. I will be drawing an age line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of 17 will be able to cross this line. Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this Tournament is not to be entered lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the Tournement through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constituted a binding magical contract, which as many of you well know.. Is unbreakable. So be sure you are whole heartedly prepared to play before you submit your name. Now Goodnight to you all." with that we all got up and started to make our way to our dorms.
On the way Fred said "An Age Line? Well that should be fooled by a simple aging potion. Once our names are in the Goblet we're laughing!" Hermione scoffed "I don't think anyone under the age of 17 stand a chance.. We just haven't learned enough." George shook his head "Speak for yourself. You'll try and get in won't ya Harry? How about you David? The two of you have done things even Viktor Krum wouldn't make it through. This would be a piece of cake for you both!" Harry looked off, obviously considering it. I then said "Honestly I have had enough excitement that past few years. You two saw the way my mother reacted to learning Quidditch was dangerous. Imagine if I told her I hoodwinked a magical barrier drawn up by Professor Dumbledore himself, then participated in a series of extremely dangerous tasks voluntarily that has killed students in the past. I would never be able to come back to Hogwarts. No this year, I will be just another bystander enjoying the festivities." Fred rolled his eyes "Lame." Hermione shook her head "Its actually very Mature of him, something the two of you should learn before you have to face the harsh reality of the real world." They scoffed and walked off. I smiled at Hermione, who smiled back.
The next day dragged on. We ended up spending the day at Hagrids, who was wearing his best (And totally terrible) brown suit. We later found out it was because he fancied Madam Maxime, which made sense considering she was probably the only woman in existence that wasn't a midget compared to him. Finally it was time for the Halloween feast, I for one could barely eat, mostly because it was our second day in a row of having feasts, so I was still partially full from the day before. We spent the meal speculating who would be the Hogwarts Champion. "I hear Warrington put his name in" Harry said. I groaned and shook my head "That buffoon? Hogwarts Champion? Not a chance. Angelina put her name in.. It has to be her." Ron then said "Yeah, she would be loads better than pretty boy Diggory." I rolled my eyes.
Finally the plates were clean and Dumbledore stood up and announced "It is almost time. I caculate the Goblet only needs one more minute. So I will take this time to tell you, if your name has the fortune to be called, please proceed into the adjoining corridor behind me and wait to receive your first instruction." We then waited in silence, watching the goblet intently. Finally the flames burned a bright red and the first piece of parchment was shot into the sky. Dumbledore caught it and read it. He then announced "The Durmstrang Champions is Mr Viktor Krum!" The Slytherin table erupted in applause. "No surprise there!" Ron said as he applauded too. I nodded and watched as Krum made his way out of the Great Hall.
The Goblet's fire intensified again and another piece of parchment shot into the air and Dumbledore caught it "The Beauxbatons, is Fleur Delacour!" The Ravenclaw table erupted in applause and Harry said "Look, Its her Ron!" I chuckled "It's the future Mrs Weasley!" Ron turned a deep shade of red and offered no retort, making me believe he wished that were true. Hermione scoffed and then said "Oh look, they are all disapointed!" Which was an understatment, multiple Beauxbatons girls were sobbing into their arms. The Veela girl also left the Hall. Which then turned silent, anticipating who our Champion would be.
The Goblet burned red hot for the last time and another piece of parchment flew into the air. Dumbledore then said "And the Hogwarts Champion is... Cedric Diggory!" Ron then yelled "NO!" But no one heard him as the Hufflepuff table started screaming and applauding louder than everyone else. I also clapped my hands, seeing as Diggory did not seem like such a bad guy. Dumbledore then said "Excellent! We have our three Champions! I hope all of you, including the remaining Durmstrang and Beaxbatons students, can be counted on to cheer on your champion! By supporting them you will still contribute in a real-"
He was cut off as the Goblet sputtered again, glowing and even sharper red. Everyone was confused. Finally a rather larger piece of parchment flew up into the air. Dumbledore caught it and stared at it for a solid 10 seconds. He then yelled out "Harry Potter... and David Shuter!" Harry and I looked at eachother "I didn't.." I started, he shook his head "Me niether.." I could see the Gryffindor table staring at the two of us "We didn't.. You know we didn't.." I said. But they still stared accusingly at us. Harry and I sunk down a little further until Dumbledore called out again "Harry Potter and David Shuter! Up here, if you would please?" There was no applause as Harry and I slowly made our way up to the front. Dumbledore than said "Well.. Into the back." No smile on his face.
Once we were in the back, the three champions looked at us "Do zey want us back in ze hall?" Fleur asked. I shook my head, speechless. They didn't... expect us to compete.. Did they? Very soon a flock of teachers, accomanied by Mr Crouch and Bagman, entered the room. Mr Bagman said cheerfully "As astonishing as it is, may I introduce the... fourth and fifth champion of the Triwizard tournement!" I gapped, shaking my head. Krum said "Ahh, funny joke Meester Bagman." Mr Bagman shook his head "No joke at all, Harry and David's name just came out of the Goblet of Fire." Fleur then said "well evidently 'hare haz been a miztake. Zey cannot compete, for zey are too younge!" Bagman shook his head "No mistake.. As you know the age restriction was only implemented this year.. And Both their names came out of the Goblet.. Although it is weird the Goblet mistook another student's name as a... fourth school, the rules are quite clear, Harry and David will just have to do the best they can." That was when the door opened up again and Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Karkoroff, Madam Maxime and Mr Crouch came into the room. Harry and I exchanged a look, wondering what kind of trouble we were about to get into.
The Headmasters of the other schools began to complain about Hogwarts have 3 champions, wanting to put their own students names back in, and when that wasn't an option, they began to blame Dumbledores's age line. That was when Snape chimed in "It's no one's fault but Potter and Shuter's. Don't blame Dumbledore for their determination to break the rules. Those two have been crossing lines since they got here-" Dumbledore cut him off "Thank you Severus" He then looked at the two of us. His blue eyes boring deep into our souls, he then asked, as calm as can be "Harry, David.. Did you put your names in the Goblet of Fire?" Harry then said firmly "No." Dumbledore looked at me and asked "Did one of you ask an older student to do it for you?" I blinked "Wait that would have worked? Er.. I mean.. No. Of course not. I can say with absolute certainty I do NOT want to participate in a deadly competition with way more powerful wizards and witches." Madam Maxime said "But o'course ze zis lyin'!" McGonagall then stepped in "They could not have crossed the age line, I think we have all agreed on this." Maxime then said "Dumbly-dore must 'ave made a mistake wit ze line!" Dumbledore then nodded politely "It is possible." McGonagall got angry "Dumbledore you know perfectly well you did not make a mistake. Harry nor David could have crossed the line themselves, and we have established Professor Dumbledore believes they did not ask an older student to do so for them. So that should be good enough for everyone else."
There was some more bickering, at that time Professor Moody came in, speculating that someone put our names in the Goblet of Fire.. A very powerful witch or wizard, which would want us to die in the tournement. A scary thought.. Who.. At Hogwarts, wanted us dead? Well the answer was simple.. Snape. We cost him his order of merlin and freed one of his arch-nemisis from when he was a student at Hogwarts.. However even he wouldn't be willing to kill us in front of Dumbledore. So the WHO was still a mystery. Finally it was decided Harry and I had no choice but to compete. Then Mr Crouch gave us details on the first task. "The First task is designed to test your daring. So we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is a very important quality in a wizard.. Very important. It will take place on Novemeber the twenty fourth in front of the panel of judges and your fellow students. The Champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help from any teacher. The Champions will face the task armed only with their wands and will receive details on the second task after the first is complete. Also due to the demanding nature of the Tournement, all Champions are excused from end of the year exams." Well that would be fantastic.. If I had any chance of living until exams. Dumbledore then smiled and said "David, Harry, Cedric, I suggest you return to your common rooms. I suspect Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are waiting to celebrate with you, and who am I to deprive them of the excuse to make a great deal of mess and noise" With that we left.
On the way up to the tower we exchanged a few words with Cedric, but when he left Harry and I looked at eachother. "If I didn't put our names in.. And you didn't put our names in.. Could Moody be right?" I asked. Harry shook his head "I don't know. Moody is a little intense.. Perhaps someone thought it would be a funny joke?" I shook my head back at him "No joke. We are stuck risking our lives, no chance of winning.. Plus it cost us the ability to tour Europe together next summer." Harry raised an eyebrow "What do you mean?" I sighed and said "I have made the same promise to my mother since I started at Hogwarts. Don't do anything dangerous. I broke that promise every year. This year mom said if I kept it we would spend the summer traveling Europe and bring you with us, saving you from your horrible Aunt and Uncle. But here I am.. Worrying her again." Harry smiled slightly "That would have been amazing... the Dursleys never brought me on trips. Maybe you should Zeus to your mother, letting her know what happened. As long as she is like Dumbledore and believes you, maybe she will still take us." I nodded "I will do that first thing in the morning. But I guess we have to endure this party..." With that we entered the common room.
We endured the party, but excused ourselves early. We did not feel like partying. I for one was terrified. No one seemed to believe us except for Dumbledore.. And also the small fact that we were for sure going to die. At least Harry and I were in this together (Yes technically competing against eachother, but considering neither of us had a chance of winning we had to work together to survive.) Once we were back up in our dormitory Ron was already in his bed. "Hullo. Congratulations you two." He was acting weird.. Like he was holding back something. Harry sat on his bed and asked "What do you mean, congratulations?" Ron looked at us "Well no one else made it across the age line. How did you do it anyways? The Cloak? Disillusionment charm?" I looked at him in shock "The cloak wouldn't have gotten us across that line.. Nor would the charm. They make us invisible not non-existant." Ron nodded slowly "Right.. Because you could have cast the charm on all three of us.. Or we could have all fit under the cloak.. So how did you do it. David you're pretty smart.. Did you find some aging spell Dumbledore overlook?" Harry sighed and said "Listen, David and I did not put our names in the Goblet of fire" Ron raised his eyebrows "I understand not wanting anyone else to know, but you can tell me. I don't know why you are bothering to lie about it. You didn't get in trouble, the Fat lady's friend Violet said Dumbledore is letting you enter. A thousand galleons prize money.. And you don't need to take the end of the year exams too.." I pursed my lips "We didn't put our names in the stupid Goblet Ron! Hear the words coming out of our lips!" Ron shook his head "But Harry said we would do it last night, and you could have pretended to not be interested so people wouldn't suspect you. I'm not stupid you know." My hand curled into a fist, but Harry was the one who snapped back "You are doing a very good impression of it though. You had me fooled." Ron yanked the curtains around his bed closed. Harry and I took one look at eachother and shook our heads, closing our curtains too.
The next morning I woke up early, having barely slept. Ron and I exchanged a look but said nothing. I then decided the best thing to do was to begin my letter to my mom. I pulled out a quill and parchment and began writing
Dear Mom,
I hope you are doing well. I miss you a ton. I also hope you are sitting down for this, if you aren't you should be. I'm sorry mom, but I am going to be breaking my promise again. I'm not sure if Mrs Weasley has told you about the Triwizard Tournament, but to sum it up, it is a dangerous competition between students from wizarding schools. Usually there are only three.. However somehow Mine and Harry's names were chosen to compete under non-existent schools. I want to be clear Harry and I DID NOT ENTER OUR NAMES. We don't know who did. Our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher suspects it was a powerful wizard, skilled enough to trick the magical Goblet into thinking there were more schools... Probably someone who wants us dead. I don't know who or why they singled out Harry and I. But Unfortunately we have to compete. Apparently Magical contracts are quite unbreakable. I don't want you to worry.. Harry and I are going to do everything we can to make it through these tasks. I'm sure Harry will be writing to Sirius to get any help he can give us to prepare...However I wanted you to know.. And know if I had it any other way I would be a spectator. I am sorry..-David
I had just finished my letter when Harry woke up. I looked at him "We missed breakfast." He nodded "I'm not very hungry." I gestured to my letter. "I finished it...Want to come with me to the Owlrey to mail it?" He nodded. We got dressed and went down to the Common Room, where we found Hermione waiting with some toast for us. "Shall we go for a walk." I smiled slightly "Gladly."
We left the castle and took a walk across the grounds. Harry and I told her about the previous nights events after our names had been called. Hermione did not argue with us, and in fact agreed "Well I knew you didn't put your names in. The looks on your faces when your names were called.. And David you had been so adamant you wanted a normal year at Hogwarts. The Question remains however, who did it? Because I think Moody is right, no student would be powerful enough to trick the Goblet or fool Dumbledore's line." I then said "Tell that to Ron." She sighed "I have.. And I think he believes you too, just deep down." Harry then said moodily "He has a funny way of showing it." I nodded "He's supposed to be our friend.. Someone who trusts us as we trust him. You being a perfect example of that Hermione. He thinks we went behind his back and robbed him of potential glory of getting his name pulled. Trust me, if it was possible to switch places with him I would." Hermione held up her hands "I know David.. I know. But it's it obvious. He's Jealous. Its always Harry getting the attention, and Ron has put up with it.. But I think this time it was just too much." Harry then snapped "You think I want attention? That I want to be famous. To have someone gawking at my forehead every time I see them?!" I shook my head "No one thinks that Harry. But Hermione you are forgetting something.. He is mad at me too!" Hermione nodded "Well you have been getting more attention the past couple of years being on the Gryffindor Qudditch team.. But more importantly I think he feels you and Harry are closer than he and Harry is.. And Harry is his best friend. You did meet eachother first.. And you live on the same street.. Both on the Quidditch team..And it appears your paths have been intertwined since birth. Now you are Champions together.. Leaving him out." I scoffed "That preposterous. Yes Harry and I are best friends.. But so are Ron and Harry.. And you and Harry.. And you and me. I mean you don't feel that way do you?" She didn't quite meet my gaze "Well it does seem like when something happens it is always you two.. And Ron and I are left to the side.." I looked at her and said softly "Trust me.. You are far from being left to the side Hermione. I need you. And.. You know.. If you wanted to do more stuff just the two of us... I mean.. We could.. I wouldn't.. You know.. Be opposed to it at all.." I trailed off suddenly becoming very nervous.
Hermione's lips twitched but Harry said "Well you know what, you can tell Ron that I am more than willing to switch with him at any time, he can do the dangerous stuff while I sit on the sidelines!" Hermione turned to him and said "I'm not telling him, you can tell him yourself. It is the only way to sort anything of this out." Harry shook his head "I'm not running around after him trying to make him grow up! Maybe he will believe we're not having a great time of it when one of our necks are snapped!" Hermione shivered "Thats not funny Harry! That's not funny at all." I then said quietly "Its not a joke Hermione.. We tried talking to him. He wouldn't listen.. The selfish..git.. Couldn't tell that Harry and I are absolutely terrified. We are not prepared for this.. We are not ready for this. We could very well die.." I looked away, ashamed that I was afraid.. And upset that Ron couldn't see it in what was supposed to be his best friends.
Hermione then said "Well you know what we have to do.. Write Sirius. He will know how to help. Besides at the very least he would want to know. Its bound to make the Daily Prophet sooner or later and I think he would rather hear it from you." I nodded to Harry "I'm letting my mother know, something you suggested.. Its only right you let your godfather know." Harry shook his head "If he learns both of us are in danger he's liable to burst right into the castle. He came all the way back to this country because my scar hurt after all." I shook my head "I think you aren't giving Sirius enough credit. He is a fully capable adult.. Something we both need right now.. Besides he's snuck in and out of the castle before, that stuff is like riding a bike right?" I cracked a small smile. Hermione smiled as well which helped my mood a little.
Finally Harry cracked "All right. But which owl will I use? Sirius said not to use Hedwig again.." Hermione craftfully said "Well you could ask Ron.." Harry cut her off with a look "I'm not asking Ron for anything!" I then said "You can use Zeus, I will send Hedwig to my mom instead." Harry nodded "Thanks Mate." He wrote his letter in the Owlry, where Hedwig and Zeus flew down to us. I lightly petted Zeus's feathers and said "Harry's going to use you, alright Zeus? I'll send you to Mom next time." Zeus hooted softled and nibbled my fingers before sticking his leg out towards Harry. Harry on the other hand didn't have as good a time with Hedwig "I can't use you alright?" She hooted and flew off his shoulder. I whistled and called "Hedwig!" She looked at me, before looked back at Harry and then flying over to me. I then tied my letter to her leg and said 'Can you take this to my mom Hedwig? I'm sure if you are good she will give you some owl treats from my room. Just uh.. Try to make sure she doesn't go crazy when she reads this, okay?" Hedwig hooted, before giving Harry one last look and ruffling her feathers at him before taking off, as if to say 'see, this boy appreciates me'
As we were heading back to the castle Hermione broke the silence saying "I know you two are scared.. It's a scary thing even if you are prepared for it.." Harry nodded "I know I was saying it would be cool to enter before.. But not having a choice in the matter.. Knowing I have to go in alone.." I then added "Even though both of us are in the same boat.. We are technically against each other. The only reason I made it through half the stuff we have gone through in the past 3 years is because I knew one of you two.. you know.. Had my back. That I wasn't alone." Hermione then stood in front of us, stopping us. "Both of you are amazing Wizards and have accomplished more in the past 3 years than Cedric Diggory or that Fleur Delacour has accomplished in their whole lives combined. So what if Krum is a Quidditch player? So are the two of you! The only thing that they have on you is magical knowledge. An EASY remedy. All you have to do is open a book, study, learn, practice! You both will make it though this, and I for one am going to do everything in my power to help you do it!" Harry and I took one look at each other and I couldn't help feeling a little more emboldened by Hermione's speech. I felt my lips pull into a full smile as I looked at her gratefully. Perhaps...very unlikely, but still... perhaps.. Harry and I would make it through this after all!