Chapter 4: Triwizard Tournament

Madeline sunk into her seat at the Slytherin table with a long pained groan, eyes still half shut as she slumped over her plate. She ignored the curious stares of her housemates, letting her forehead hit the table with a dull thud.

"Good morning to you too," Theo teased, halfway through his breakfast, "Rough night?"

"Just pass me the coffee," Madeline mumbled grumpily, eagerly grabbing the steaming cup of black liquid, murmuring into the mug, "Come here you beautiful, beautiful creature."

Daphne raised her eyebrow at the girl, barely suppressing a smile, "Never would've guessed you felt that way about our Theodore."

Madeline took a large swig of the liquid, draining half the cup. She sighed happily, turning to her friends, "Someone hexed my mattress into jelly. I basically had to sleep on a large, wobbly pudding."

"That doesn't sound like a bad thing," Theo pointed out as he tore a chunk out of his bread roll.

"It is when you suffer from sea sickness," Madeline groaned, "I had to sneak into the common room and sleep on the couches, which by the way, I don't recommend."

"Looks like you've made some enemies," Daphne smirked, "It was probably Pansy. She's been in love with Draco since first year. I bet you anything he set her up to it. I'll help you change your bed back if you want."

"Please," Madeline sighed, downing the rest of the coffee before refilling the mug, "I'm not spending another night on that couch, no way."

Before the trio could continue their conversation, the hall fell into silence. Dumbledore had taken his place at the podium, his arms spread to call the attention of everyone. Madeline sleepily blinked her eyes up to the Headmaster, sipping from her mug.

"Good morning everyone," the elderly man began, his voice booming in the silent hall, "I trust you've all had a wonderful few weeks back, both old and new students."

"After much deliberation with the Ministry of Magic and the staff, we have made a few exciting decisions about this school year. To begin with, it is my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."

Shocked gasps echoed through the hall. The Gryffindor table seemed to be in quiet uproar, Madeline spotting the Weasley twins with identical gaping expressions, slamming their goblets down in outrage. It looked like they were seconds away from starting a riot.

"This-" Dumbledore continued loudly, calling all attention back to him,"-is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy - but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely."

"Fat chance," a boy to Madeline's left muttered, who she recognised as the Slytherin beater.

"We are to have the grand honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century," Dumbledore beamed, "It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year!"

"You're JOKING!"

All eyes fell on Fred Weasley, who was halfway off his seat with wide eyes and a jolly look on his face. Most people chuckled, including Dumbledore himself.

"I am not joking, Mr. Weasley," he replied, "Though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar-"

He was interrupted by Professor McGonagall, who cleared her throat pointedly.

"But maybe this is not the time," continued Dumbledore, "Now, where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament! Some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely."

"The Triwizard Tournament 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 it in 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."

Madeline had been half asleep during the explanation, her arm holding her head upright. She was startled back into attention with Daphne's hushed whisper of "Death toll?!", turning her attention back to the Headmaster.

"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."

"That's reassuring," Madeline joked.

"The heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed 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."

Madeline froze.

Beauxbatons is coming to Hogwarts?

"What did he just say?!" Madeline hissed to her friends, "You're telling me the schools are coming here?!"

"Yeah, he's said it like twice," Daphne replied.

Madeline felt a cold shiver ripple through her body, startling her awake.

"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts," Dumbledore continued, "The heads of 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."

Immediately, commotion broke out in the Great Hall. Some Slytherins threw their napkins down in defiance, loudly announcing their frustrations. Even Daphne chimed in with the commotion, much to Madeline's surprise.

"This!" Dumbledore roared loudly, bringing the room back to silence once more, "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."

"This is mental!" Daphne exclaimed to her two friends, "Have you guys ever heard of anything like this happening in Hogwarts?!"

"Obviously not," Madeline replied pointedly.

"You know what I mean," Daphne rolled her eyes.

"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year," Dumbledore finished, "I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your wholehearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected. But now, I believe you have a day of classes ahead. Please ensure the Triwizard Tournament does not interfere with your studies!"

"Fat chance of that," Theo pointed out as the room fell back into an excited chatter, "I wonder who the Hogwarts champion might be?"

"I reckon we get Adrian Pucey to enter," Daphne smirked, "He's the team Chaser, so he won't have anything to do this year, and it would be the biggest brag of the century to have a Slytherin win. Ooh, or Terence Higgs!"

"You'd have to be stupid to enter," Madeline rolled her eyes, "Although the money doesn't sound bad…"

"Your mum taught in Beauxbatons, right?" Daphne asked excitedly, "Does that mean you know anyone in the school?"

Madeline tenses, but shrugged nonchalantly, "Maybe. We'll see."

Defence Against The Dark Arts began with everyone's excited chattering, the room buzzing with the news of the Triwizard Tournament. Madeline had kept her seat by Neville, looking at him expectantly when he didn't join in with the chatter.

"What, not excited for the Tournament?" Madeline asked, Neville's head turning to look at her with wide eyes.

"N-Not really," he stumbled back, eyes now cast onto the table, "I can't enter anyway, so-"

"Not that you should, Longbottom!" Draco Malfoy called from the back of the room, causing the Slytherins to erupt into laughter.

"Oh shut it Malfoy you grimy git," Madeline called back, "Or do you want another round of pumpkin juice on your face? I reckon it'll make you look better, mate."

Before Draco could retort, the classroom door swung open, much like it had during their first lesson. The room fell silent as Professor Moody walked in, making his way straight to the blackboard.

"You won't need your quills today," Moody informed the class, turning to face everyone, "Instead, I'll be teaching you to fend off the Imperius curse. You'll come up one by one and attempt to fight against it as I cast it on you."

Madeline's eyes widened. But surely-

"But surely that's illegal, Professor?" Hermione Granger pointed out, echoing Madeline's thoughts, "You said - to use it against another human was -"

"Dumbledore wants you taught what it feels like," said Moody, his magical eye swivelling onto Hermione eerily, "If you'd rather learn the hard way - when someone's putting it on you so they can control you completely - fine by me. Now, clear your desks to the side of the room."

The class did just that without a second warning, leaving a large empty space in the middle of the classroom. Moody's eyes scanned each student, beckoning none other than Theodore Nott forwards.

And to Madeline's great surprise, Moody immediately cast the curse on him, making him tap dance his way around the classroom in an uncharacteristically jolly way. She barely contained her laughter as he shuffle-hopped in circles, Daphne loudly cackling when Moody eventually broke the curse and caused Theo to crumple onto the floor, exhausted.

"Greengrass, you're next," Moody decided, "Since you found the show so amusing."

Theo made his way over by Madeline's side, muttering a "Not a word" under his breath. She could barely contain her laughter.

Daphne had jumped around the room imitating a unicorn (which she seemed far too happy to comply with. In Madeline's opinion, she didn't need the Imperius curse). Next was a Gryffindor named Dean Thomas, who hopped three times around the room, singing the national anthem. Another Gryffindor named Lavender Brown imitated a squirrel, ignoring Daphne's annoyed hiss of "lucky". Neville seemed rather terrified when he stepped up, but ended up performing astonishing gymnastics he would certainly not have been capable of in his normal state.

No one could fight off the curse, not even Pansy Parkinson, who was made to do a handstand for over three minutes. Her feet came back on the ground shakily, her face bright red. She'd barely rejoined the other students before Moody called the next person up.

"Bisset, you're up."

Madeline stepped up to the centre of the room, Pansy bumping her shoulder against hers as she stomped past her. Madeline rolled her eyes, but stood in front of Moody. He raised his wand, and shouted "Imperio!"

And nothing happened.

Sure, she felt a little floaty, like one would in a bathtub, but she didn't feel the need to do anything. It stayed like that for a few moments, before she felt a very light nagging sensation to perform an opera. The sensation really wasn't very strong, and she easily ignored it. Was this really what she was meant to try and fend off?

The moment Moody's wand dropped, it felt like her stomach had turned into a brick, causing her to stumble forwards and nearly lose her balance.

"Very impressive, Bisset," Moody complimented, "Incredible control. You should all learn from her. Someone might think you've had some practice with this curse, Bisset."

"I assure you Professor, I have not," Madeline huffed, hands on her knees as she attempted to catch her breath.

"We'll try that again later, but for now, we'll have Potter next," Moody decided, Madeline making her way over to her two friends, who stared at her with wide eyes.

"That was amazing!" Daphne hissed, "How'd you do that?"

Madeline shrugged, whispering, "It really didn't feel all that powerful. Maybe he cast it wrong?"

Their attention turned back to Harry, however, when he too fought the curse. That is, until he smashed headlong into a desk. Madeline hissed sympathetically, but at least he'd fought the curse.

"That's more like it!" Moody boomed, "Two students who can sufficiently fight off the Imperius curse, although Potter might need some more immediate practice. Again!"

The rest of Madeline's classes passed by in a hazy, sleep-deprived blur. Snape had seemed pleased with her essay, and insisted that the class should do further research into antidotes, as he heavily hinted that he may be poisoning some of them soon. Professor Flitwick added to his workload for the students and asked them to read three more books in preparation for their lesson on Summoning Charms (this made Daphne very, very upset).

Divination was perhaps Madeline's favourite lesson of the day. Although most of her classmates refused to believe in its magical properties, Madeline believed that even such a form of predictive magic must have some truth to it. Although she did often find the lesson boring, the Professors knack for oddity was at least, somewhat, entertaining. She had nearly fallen asleep in History of Magic, but luckily Theodore had been there to nudge her back awake.

She could barely keep her eyes open again on her way to the Great Hall, Daphne animatedly explaining how she wholeheartedly believed Professor Flitwick hated her and her alone based on his assignments. They were interrupted, however, by a large group of students all huddled around a large sign pinned to the right of the Great Hall entrance. Madeline furrowed her eyebrows.

"Can anyone see what it says?" Madeline asked her two friends, both who shook their heads. She looked around the large group until she spotted a familiar head of brown hair up ahead. Bingo.

"I'll be back," Madeline decided, pushing through the hoard of students until she was behind the boy. She tapped his shoulder politely, causing the Hufflepuff to beam at her.

"Hey! Madeline, right?" Cedric grinned, "No owl post disruptions yet?"

"No strikes to my knowledge," Madeline shrugged, "What's everyone kicking up a fuss about?"

Cedric grinned, stepping aside, "Have a look, Bisset."

TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT

THE DELEGATIONS FROM BEAUXBATONS AND DURMSTRANG WILL BE ARRIVING AT 6 O'CLOCK ON FRIDAY THE 30TH OF OCTOBER. LESSONS WILL END HALF AN HOUR EARLY, AND STUDENTS WILL RETURN THEIR BAGS AND BOOKS TO THEIR DORMITORIES AND ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE TO GREET OUR GUESTS BEFORE THE WELCOMING FEAST.

"30th of October?" Madeline wondered aloud, "How is the impartial judge meant to decide who the champions are going to be by Halloween? That's less than 24 hours."

"Magic, of course," Cedric teased, "Are you going to enter?"

Madeline scoffed, "I'm not old enough, and only an idiot would enter. I've heard the death tolls are more impressive than the ones in Azkaban."

Cedric grinned once more, walking away cheekily, "Guess that makes me an idiot then!"

The boy was pulled away by his housemates, leaving a wide-eyed Madeline calling after him, "No way Diggory, you're joking!"

"Who's joking?"

Madeline turned to find Harry Potter stood next to her, his friends by his side. His eyes were glued to the sign, "Half an hour early? Wicked!"

"Yeah, except for the fact that some idiot is most definitely going to get themselves killed in the tournament," Madeline huffed, "Cedric Diggory is entering. Quidditch captain?"

"That guy, Hogwarts champion?" Ron Weasley huffed, the first words he'd spoken to Madeline in over a week, "No way."

"He's not all that bad, and you just don't like him because he beat Gryffindor at Quidditch last year," Hermione pointed out, "I've heard he's a really good student - and he's a prefect, so he must be sensible-"

"Please Hermione, you're a girl! You only like him because he's handsome," Ron scathingly replied.

"Excuse me?!" both Madeline and Hermione replied, the latter continuing, "I don't like people just because they're handsome!"

Ron and Hermione continued their bickering as they walked away into the Great Hall, Harry turning to Madeline sheepishly, "This is exciting, huh?"

"Sure," Madeline rolled her eyes playfully, "Go to your friends, Potter."

"You're not excited?"

"I mean, its my first year here, you know?" Madeline explained, "I don't know Hogwarts to be any different to what it's been in the last few days."

"Huh," Harry hummed, "I hadn't thought about it like that."

Madeline clicked her tongue, crossing her arms and walking past him playfully, "See you later, Potter."

"He's flirting with you."

"Is not."

"Is too!"

"I agree with Theodore on this one," Madeline chimed in as the three friends lounged in the Slytherin dungeon, "He's definitely flirting with you, but only because you did it first."

Daphne groaned, throwing her head over the side of the couch and letting her potions essay fall to the ground. Not that there was much of an essay written yet anyway, "Terence Higgs is most definitely not flirting with me, thank you very much."

Theodore rolled his eyes, crossing his legs, "Alright, explain what happened again."

Daphne straightened up, "I made a sly joke on the way to Divination that he should put himself forwards for the Tournament-"

"You told him he had the physique for it-"

"-And he invited me to study with him in the library," Daphne concluded, satisfied with herself, "That is not flirting; us three go to the library together all the time, and I definitely don't want to snog either of you."

Theodore rolled his eyes, glancing at Madeline, who grinned back at him. He leant forwards, "You do realise he's in sixth year, right?"

Daphne shrugged, "Yeah, so?"

"So," Madeline continued for him, "There is literally no reason for him to study with you, unless he wants to spend more time with you, meaning he's flirting."

Daphne sat in silence for a few moments, an unreadable expression on her face. Eventually, she groaned loudly, burying her face in a plush green cushion.

Madeline laughed, "What's the problem? He's not bad looking, and if you don't like him, just don't go."

"It's not that simple," Daphne sighed, which made Madeline frown.

"Yes it is," she continued, "Make your feelings clear from the beginning, and you'll have no misunderstandings."

"That's it; enough about me," Daphne announced dramatically, spinning and crossing her legs so she was completely facing her friend, "What about you Bisset?"

"What about me?"

"Oh come on; look at you!" Daphne exclaimed, "You must have a boyfriend, surely! Come on; anything? Ooh! Maybe a tragically induced long-distance relationship!"

"Nope. I've never even had a boyfriend."

Both her friends froze, "Wait, what?"

Madeline shrugged, "Sure, I had suitors. But no one I was interested in."

"Suitors?" Theodore asked with a snort, leaning forwards.

"Well yeah," Madeline continued, treading lightly, "I was homeschooled, so there was never really a dating pool. I danced with a few people at some events, but none of them interested me."

"And you called them suitors?"

"Okay, but what about now?" Daphne asked, leaning forwards in interest, "Surely there's someone in Hogwarts that's caught your eye!"

Madeline scoffed, shaking her head, "Honestly? I haven't really thought about it all that much."

"I still think you and Malfoy would make a cute couple," Daphne teased, barely dodging the pillow Madeline threw her way, "What?! Chemistry is chemistry!"

"Get back to work Greengrass," Madeline shook her head, laughing at herself.

She stared at the parchment in her lap, thinking to herself. Sure, she could appreciate how some of the boys in Hogwarts weren't exactly ugly, but she'd never been someone who put much importance to romance. She'd probably marry some day, and probably someone of her grandmothers choosing, but she wasn't about to throw her life away for some short-lived school romance.

And besides; she was in Hogwarts for a reason, something she seemed to be forgetting already. Her mother had insisted on sending her here for her own protection, and she couldn't let some foolish idea of love interfere with that.

Madeline Bisset swore to herself that she was most definitely not going to fall in love in Hogwarts.

Okay, so Daphne though that Terrence Higgs was hot. Scratch that, he was almost a greek god.

He was charming, and most certainly not bad looking. He was a talented Quidditch player, and he had a knack for leaving Daphne speechless. Not to mention, he came from a great family, and Daphne couldn't ignore that fact as a Greengrass.

But… He didn't stir anything in her. Sure, she got butterflies when he smiled at her in the corridors, but she was sure that even Theo got nervous when he was around the older boy. She fancied him, but she wasn't taken by him.

And their conversations were great, really. They had a lot in common. Sure, she didn't have as much insight into the wonderful world of Quidditch as he did, and he'd never heard of The Dirigible Plums, nor did he have any intention of listening to their music. But those were little things, and surely they didn't amount to much in the grand scheme of things.

But she convinced herself to give it a go. She'd meet with him in the library, even if it was just out of curiosity. She'd study with him, laugh with him, and even flirt with him a little if she wanted to.

Because that's what she was supposed to do… Right?

Chapter reviewed and updated: 29/10/22