Ever since Harry was made the fourth champion of the Triwizard Tournament, there had been backlash going around the castle because of that, especially from the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins. Derek was very uncomfortable about all of it, especially since they knew how it came to be. Someone wants Harry dead.
While on his way toward Transfiguration, he saw tensions running high in the nearby courtyard. He saw Harry and Malfoy going at it. He saw them firing spells at each other and they began ricocheting off of the spells.
"What the!? What's going on!?" Derek yelled while hiding behind a wall to prevent any of the spells from hitting him.
'Looks like a skirmish was happening between them. Best stay out of this one.' Plutonia suggested.
'No need to tell me twice.' He thought before he crawled onto the ground so he can safely make his way around the courtyard.
Just then, he saw Snape coming with a bit of a run when all the commotion finally halted.
"Mr. Night, what is going on?" Snape asked.
"Well…" Derek said while taking a peek at the outcome of the skirmish. "I think two rivals clashed, though I think Malfoy there started it, and it had a not-so-happy result." He finished while seeing one of the Slytherins named Goyle beginning to have boils spread throughout his body, and Hermione's teeth grew in length. "Right, I will see you in class tomorrow." He said before speeding off to not get involved any longer.
Just as he made it to Transfiguration, he looked back in the direction where the fight broke out. He couldn't help but feel that nothing is gonna end well with them, especially Harry.
'I wonder how that rivalry started with Harry and Malfoy. I bet it was something that got under their skins in their first year.' He thought.
'Maybe, but it's best not to think about it more. The less you get involved with their hatred, the better. And besides, you still need to be in top shape since you have a role to play in the Triwizard Tournament.' Plutonia said.
When November arrived at Hogwarts, Derek was out on the grounds by the Stone Circle while practicing some new spells he has learned so far as of that point in the year. His personal favorites are the Freezing Charm and the Disarming Charm. This was made very useful for getting a few ingredients for Potions as well.
'All right, ready to give it another try?' Plutonia asked while Derek eyed a dummy that resembled a bully while aiming a stick at him.
'Yeah. This time, I'm going to try to catch it.' He thought while getting ready. He aimed his wand at the stick. "EXPELLIARMUS!" He shouted.
A bright scarlet light shot out of the wand and shot the stick out of the hand and into the air. Derek, with his free hand, reached out and caught it just above his head.
'YES!' Plutonia shouted happily.
"That's how it's done." Derek said with a big grin while putting his wand away and throwing the stick away. Just then, a loud shriek came from above. Orphelia flew towards him and landed on his shoulder with a letter. "Hey, girl. Thank you." He said while taking it and giving her an owl treat.
He opened the letter and saw that it was from Barty Crouch.
Mr. Night,
As you know, you are to play a great role with us for the three tasks for the Triwizard Tournament. You are already aware of the tasks with the Black Lake and a gigantic maze, but those are the second and third tasks. We will need to discuss the first task and show you what to expect.
The first task will be taking place on the 24th of this month. Juan and I will collect you the Saturday before to present you with the objective and the obstacle the champions will need to take. Please keep this to yourself and don't let anyone, not even the champions, know of this. To ensure your safety in and out of the Forbidden Forest at the time, we will have Aurors escort you back to your Common Room.
See you then,
Barty Crouch Sr. Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation
"Well, this is…crazy. I'm going to see what the first task is all about." Derek whispered to himself while putting the letter away.
'I wonder what it will be. Maybe something rare and valuable that will be somewhere deep in the forest?' Plutonia wondered.
'Well…guess we'll find out.' He thought.
He and Ophelia made their way back to the Ravenclaw Common Room. Along the way, he noticed that some Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students were looking towards him and whispering among them. He noticed that some girls were chuckling while looking quickly looking away.
'Looks like you are continuing to get more popular, perhaps?' Plutonia wondered.
'I wish people would just see me as just another second-year student here. What's next? Me finding a way to kill a Dementor once and for all with this magic?' He thought. Just then, he felt a nibble on his ear coming from Orphelia. "He-hey! Silly girl!" He said before scratching her chin a bit.
'Careful what you wish for. You just might get it.' She warned him.
When that Saturday arrived, Derek went with Barty and Juan down to the grounds toward the Forbidden Forest. They had their wands at the ready. When they entered, they saw Hagrid along with Madam Maxine.
"STUPEFY!" Multiple wizards and witches shouted as several red magic blasted onto dragons.
"Whoa!" Derek yelled when the dragons came into view. They were huge and very ferocious. One was green and skinny, one was blue-grey and more scaley, one was red and angrier, and one was black and yellow with a very sharp tail and body. "This…is what they're facing!?" He yelled while shaking in fear.
"Best not get too close there kid. That Horntail can fire flames at forty feet." A man that looked like an older Ron Weasley approached them. "You must be Derek. I'm Charlie Weasley, the guy who helped bring these beauties here. We have a Common Welsh Green, a Swedish Short-snout, a Chinese Fireball, and the Hungarian Horntail." He said while showing him each one.
"Is'n it beautiful?" Hagrid asked.
"Can we get closer?" Maxine asked.
Derek continued to look at the dragon until he felt a familiar presence nearby. He looked in the direction of a couple of trees nearby and saw the aura of the person.
"Excuse me." He said while going towards the trees.
"Where are you going?" Juan asked him.
"To the other side to see the other dragons." He half lied. Just as he got to see the other dragons, he stopped right behind the invisible aura. He slowly looked towards it. "You can't hide from me." He said before slamming into it and slamming into the tree.
"Gah! What the!?" It was Harry's voice. He quickly revealed his head from underneath an Invisibility Cloak. "How'd you know where I was, and what are you doing here?" He asked.
"First question: my eyes have many aspects and seeing your life energy is one of them. Second question: I could be asking you the same thing." Derek answered.
"Hagrid brought me here, but now I've seen enough. I got to get out of here." Harry said while slipping back underneath the cloak.
"Keep your friends close, Harry." Derek said before going back to the others. 'Should I alert them that Harry saw the dragons?' He asked Plutonia.
'If Hagrid brought him here, it seemed like he had his reasons. Probably not.' She said.
"Come on. We're getting you back to the castle." Barty said as a few Aurors arrived to collect Derek. "Shacklebolt, Dawlish, I entrust you in his care to return him back to Hogwarts." He said to them.
"Come on Derek. We're out of here." Shacklebolt said while he and Dawlish took him back to Hogwarts.
"Best foot forward now. You'll best be ready to deal with the first task soon enough. Though I'm not sure why they had a child handle with such madness." Dawlish said.
"I know I'm playing a role in the tasks, but they never truly specify what I'm doing…what is going on?" Derek asked while feeling his heartbeat increase.
"All you'll be doing is spectating with judges and higher-ups to make sure that things go smoothly." Dawlish said.
"And using my magic to intervene if things get ugly." Derek said as if adding on to more of what he was being told.
"That's questionable, according to Minister Fudge. We plan on not using it for profit or personal gain." Shacklebolt assured him.
Derek saw that not only were they telling the truth, but how calming Shacklebolt's voice was towards him made him feel a bit more at ease.
"Then let's get started." Derek said while looking at Hogwarts.
When the day came for the first task, Derek was having breakfast with a few Ravenclaws, but he was growing more nervous as the event was mere hours away. He played a bit with his food while his feelings did a complete 180 from when he saw the dragons to that morning when he was nervous, scared, and slightly felt being used.
"You look unwell. Is it because of the task? Or is it because someone put something in your cup?" Luna asked while sitting next to him.
"Don't tease him, Luna. I'm just as nervous to see the champions on the field. Who knows what they'll do? Also, no one put anything in his cup." Cho said while sitting in front of them.
"It's just…I feel like I'm only gonna be used, and the world will only use that over the fact of them seeing me as a normal wizard. Maybe I shouldn't have found that cure, then I could live a normal life again as a regular wizard." Derek said with a bit of shame in his voice.
'Derek!' Plutonia yelled a bit out of shock.
"Why would you say that!? You're rivaling Harry Potter's reputation to the world. Don't ever think or say something like that!" Cho demanded while holding his wrist.
"But-" "Derek? It's time." Professor McGonagall interrupted him as she arrived in a bit of a hurry toward him.
"Oh…okay. I'll…see you all at the first task." Derek said before getting up and leaving with McGonagall out of the Great Hall.
"Derek…?" Cho asked while she and several others watched him leave.
Derek went along the grounds where Juan waited for them. He left with him while McGonagall went back inside. The both of them went into a tent near an arena. He met up with a few other staff members and ministry members. He also saw the respected heads of the visiting schools along with Dumbledore that will be acting as judges for the task.
"Derek, thank you for showing up. Please allow us to inform you of what will be happening. As you know, the champions will be facing against dragons. They will need to collect a golden egg they will be guarding. Your objective is to intervene with your magic if the situation gets too out of hand. I assure you, we are not using you for anything against your will." Dumbledore said.
"I hope so. I feel like I have a bigger head than ever because of this. But I'll still do what I can to help…wait a minute! What am I really needed for this anyway?" Derek asked.
"Remember when we went to your vault for the first time and you incapacitated that dragon?" Juan asked as he sat by him.
"Oh…yeah that. Remember that was the first time I ever used it, and I had no idea what I was doing." Derek said while recalling that crazy memory last year.
"Don't worry. You're not alone in this." Juan said while other Aurors arrived to ask as an emergency backup.
"Right-o! Should I stick around for the champions?" Derek asked.
"That will not be necessary. Instead, you'll be going with them. Oh, and keep an eye on Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. He's been a bit more…jumpy than normal. I guess PTSD has really gotten the worst on him." Juan said.
"Ok. I'll head up there now." Derek said as he left with the other Aurors, one of them being Shacklebolt, whom he took a bit of a liking to.
They made their way toward the arena where the champions will face off against their dragon. Derek was given a front-row seat with a few other Aurors.
Nearby, he sensed something that was almost distracting him. He looked over and saw a man, whose face looked like it was carved by a person whom they believed to be what a face should be like, making him believe that the face was scarred. He also saw a large eyeball on his right socket that was looking in all directions. He had a wooden leg and a long walking stick. He was heavily dressed and began drinking out of a flask, which made him shudder and coughed a bit.
'Something tells me that is Moody.' Derek thought.
'Sure seems like it…you sense it too?' Plutonia asked.
'Yeah. Best keep your eyes on him. We can't tell Dumbledore or anyone about that unless we have proof of it.' He thought.
Soon enough, the whole school, as well as the visiting schools arrived at the arena. After everyone was seated, the judges arrived and sat down.
"Welcome to the first task of the Triwizard Tournament! The champions will be facing a dragon to retrieve a very special item: a golden egg! These tasks will involve great danger to both them and all of you. Henceforth, I must ask all of you to remain in your seats and away from the ledges at all times! The Hogwarts Champion Cedric Diggory will be first! Fleur Delacour, Beauxbaton's Champion will follow. Viktor Krum, the champion of Durmstrang is third. And Harry Potter will be the fourth and final. Good luck, and Godspeed!" Dumbledore announced while the first golden egg is placed, and the arena cheered.
Just then, a whistle blew, signaling the start of the task. The Swedish Short-Snout arrived to protect her eggs. Cedric slowly arrived looking rather green but determined. The dragon saw him and prepared to strike. Cedric drew out his wand and charged in.
Derek kept his eyes on the dragon at all times to make sure that she doesn't go too far with Cedric and even the viewers. What caught his eye was that he transfigured a rock into a dog. The dragon got distracted by it while Cedric attempted to go for the egg. Unfortunately, while still distracted, the dragon looked towards Derek.
"Oh…bloody hell!" Derek yelled as fear began to consume him as she prepared to breathe fire.
"LOOK OUT!" He heard Hermione scream at the top of her lungs while others screamed in fright.
Derek's eyes quickly glowed brightly, and he grew angry.
"PRISMATIC PULSE!" He screamed just as the dragon shot flames at him, and Derek's signature attack blasted out of his eyes.
The flames and the magic met, stopping the flames from getting him, but he did feel the burning heat coming toward him. Just as Cedric grabbed the golden egg, the dragon stopped the attack, as did Derek, and fired a blast of flames at him, barely burning his face and arm. Cedric escaped, the dragon was incapacitated, and Derek laid on his back while calming down…and chuckled a bit.
"Derek! Are you okay!?" Juan yelled while he and a few others went to him, only to look at him with confusion as he laughed a bit harder.
'Uh…Derek!? Are you okay!?' Plutonia asked him.
"FINE! AHAHAHAHAAAA!" He screamed to the point where he was guffawing. Juan sat him up and smacked him hard on the back of the head. "OW! Thank you…I needed that." He said while rubbing his head and calming down.
"All right, Charlie! Bring in the next dragon!" Derek heard Ludo Bagman call out.
After the Swedish Short-Snout was taken away, the next dragon, the Welsh Green came out. The large green dragon became protective of the eggs, including the golden egg before Fleur entered.
The dragon roared loudly before approaching the French champion. Fleur waved her wand and a powerful wave of blue light shot toward her. The dragon got drowsy very quickly and nodded off. Fleur saw this to her advantage, but there was one major drawback. The dragon snored loudly, and a jet of flames shot at her igniting her skirt a bit.
"GAH! AQUAMENTI!" She shouted as water shot out of her wand and doused the flame. She then scurried over to the golden egg and escaped.
"And there you go! Ms. Delacour got passed her dragon and retrieved her egg!" Bagman yelled over the screaming crowd.
Everyone watched as the Welsh Green was being taken away, and the large, scarlet-scaled, and big-horned Chinese Fireball was brought out. It roared loudly and a large fireball was shot into the air from its nostrils. Derek ended up getting a bit further away to prep himself if this powerhouse notices him like the Swedish Short-Snout
Krum entered the arena with a glare. The dragon glared back at him, ready to eat him. She fired a large ball of fire at Krum, which he quickly dodged and began to run around the arena. Krum saw an opening and aimed his wand at her.
A burst of pink light shot out from his wand and hit the dragon right in the eyes. It roared angrily as the curse blinded her and she began to stagger about.
"What a remarkable display of the Conjunctivitis Curse by Mr. Krum!" Ludo yelled while Krum was making a break for the egg. In the process, the dragon crushed a few of her own eggs. "And he has collected the golden egg, but a loss of a few real eggs could cost him!" He yelled when Krum escaped.
As the Chinese Fireball was being taken away, the Hungarian Horntail came out with her new eggs and the golden egg. Derek knew that Harry was next, and he can assume that he was just as pale, and nervous as ever.
Harry then raised his wand upwards.
"Accio Firebolt!" He yelled.
The Horntail charged in and attempted to impale him with her tail, but Harry was able to dodge them just in time while waiting for the Firebolt. Just then, the broom began to make its descent onto him from above.
"Great Scott! He's summoning his broomstick!" Ludo yelled while Harry got to it and kicked off the ground. "Are you watching this, Mr. Krum?" He asked the champion.
"A great flyer indeed." Krum said.
Harry began to dive for the golden egg. The Horntail fired a jet of flames at Harry, only for him to dodge it just in time. He flew upwards again, this time he was trying to get the dragon to follow him, but she was too protective. She fired another jet of flames, this time just barely hitting her target's arm.
'Come on, Harry!' Derek thought while Harry was trying to do the same method again.
The dragon outstretched her body and expanded her wings as if she were going to take flight. Unfortunately for her, Harry saw the opening and dove underneath her, and seized the golden egg.
"Unbelievable! The youngest champion is the quickest to retrieve the egg! This should even the odds out for Mr. Potter!" Ludo yelled over the cheers of the crowd.
After some time, all of the champions returned after getting patched up and healed. Harry was with Ron and Hermione, who was in tears while holding her best friends. They saw the results go up from the judges. Harry and Krum were tied for first place. The champions went off to the tent once again, and the rest of the crowd began to leave. Derek left with them and was heading back to the castle.
When Derek returned to the Common Room, he heard gossiping about the whole task and the overall performance.
"Well…things look like they are finally calming down for the time being." He said to himself while sitting by the window.
'It still makes me wonder who would go so far as to put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire. This has to be an enemy of such.' Plutonia said.
'Yeah, and obviously wants him dead. I think the real question is not just who, but…why?' He thought.
A couple of weeks passed since the first task. Christmas was fast approaching, and the grounds were having some white patches of snow. Derek just finished up a Potions essay and was finally ready to enjoy that weekend.
As he was doing that, he began to hear strange talk around the common room, and even throughout the castle.
"Hey, Michael!" Derek called out to a tall fourth-year boy, who immediately looked at him. "What's all this talk throughout the school?" He asked.
"Not long after the first task, the Yule Ball was announced. It's a tradition for the Triwizard Tournament. It's…a dance. Unfortunately, it's technically for fourth years and up, so it's of no concern to you unless you are invited by someone of age." Michael answered.
"A dance? So that explains a few things." Derek said.
"I wouldn't get your hopes up for going, even though you are apparently important with the staff and judges of the tournament. Now if you'll excuse me, I got a date to find. See ya." Michael said before leaving the common room.
'Well…that's sad. I've always wanted to go to a dance. Problem was…I was isolated for being a wizard at the orphanage.' Derek thought while looking back at some memories of him watching as Christmas and other holiday parties took place at the orphanage where he would watch from a distance since Emily refrained him from attending most events.
'There is still hope though. I'm sure that a fourth year will be able to take you, as long as you follow the strict rules. Also, I do hate these memories you have. It makes me feel heartbroken, despite only being a conscience.' Plutonia said.
"Hmm…but what would I wear!?" He asked himself loudly.
That night, he sent a letter to Winston to prepare a pair of dress robes for him just in case he does get invited to the Yule Ball that night. He laid down on his bed while thinking more about what to expect on how beautiful the event will be. As he drifted into a slumber, he smiled while getting excited for the event coming on Christmas Day.
When he woke up the next morning, he saw a suit hanging by his bed.
"Hello!" Winston said when he awoke.
"Winston! Morning buddy. Thanks for the suit." Derek said happily.
"Of course, Master Derek. Winston lives to help the Night family." Winston said.
"It's a good thing you didn't get involved with that S.P.E.W thing that Hermione is doing." He said.
"Winston was told by several elves in the kitchens that they see it as an insult. They are happy to work in the kitchens. Winston was told by Dobby that many kept their distance from him and another named Winky, the Crouch Family's freed House Elf." Winston explained while sitting on his bed.
"Poor them. Ah well, it's not like we can do anything for them at this point. Anyway, what are you gonna do for the time being?" Derek asked.
"Winston has a part-time job here in the kitchens as a helper and to keep an eye on things." He said.
"Neat! That'll be helpful. Also…try to keep your distance from Hermione. She can be…persuasive." Derek warned him.
"Yes, master." Winston said before snapping his finger and disappearing from a loud crack.
Derek got dressed for the day. As he was leaving, he saw a letter on the ground by the door. He picked it up and saw that it was for him. He raised an eyebrow while opening it and saw a message inside.
Hey Derek
The Yule Ball is vastly approaching, and it would be great if you would tag along with me as my date. Meet me by the fireplace so we can talk about it.
Marietta Edgecombe
"Oh…sweet. Looks like a fifth year is taking me." He said while putting the letter away.
'Aww. We got to know her rather well. She seems like a great woman to go with, just as long you behave yourself. Wouldn't want me to discipline you now, would you?' Plutonia asked him.
'I do know that she can be a bit angsty against those she doesn't trust. So…why not?' He asked before leaving the dormitory. She saw Marietta by the fireplace looking at it. "Hey, Marietta. Got your message." He said while sitting across from her.
"So? You wanna tag along, Mr. Bigshot?" She asked with a loving smile.
"Sure, I don't mind." He said.
"Great. The thing starts at eight sharp on Christmas Day. We best be prepared at least half an hour beforehand. Hope your dress robes are up to snuff." Marietta said.
"Actually, my house elf got it prepped just in case. I think it'll be up to standards." Derek said.
Marietta smiled wider when he said that. She then winked at him and left. Derek watched as she left towards the dormitory.
When Christmas Day finally arrived, Derek had gotten into his dress robes. It consists of sapphire colored button-up shirt and pants. Over the shirt is a long sleeve coat that stretched down towards his legs almost like a cape with patches of silver and deep pockets. He had a black bowtie, and he also wore black skinny gloves.
As he began to leave, he was heading for the Great Hall. He saw many people dressed for the occasion and were already socializing. He was looking for Marietta, but he didn't see her. He constantly looked around but didn't see her.
That was…until someone tabbed him on the shoulder, and he turned around.
"Hey, Derek." It was indeed Marietta.
"Whoa…" Derek whispered while inspecting her.
She wore an elegant single-strap dress with lavender, purple, and a darker purple as solid colors from top to bottom. A slit was present that revealed her leg, which showed that she was wearing black thigh-length stockings and red heels. She had her hair in a French braid and had a necklace and bracelets with patches of gems shining on them.
"Well, what do you think?" She asked.
"You look great. Then I guess let's get this show on the road." Derek said as she took his arm, and they made their way to the Great Hall to join the others.
When they entered, they joined the rest in the Great Hall, and they were amazed at how festive they made for this special occasion. Just then, the champions arrived, and everyone applauded their arrival. Harry was with Parvati Patil, Cedric was with Cho, Viktor was with Hermione, and Fleur was with Roger Davies.
Cho looked towards Derek and Marietta, and her smile widen more, happy that her closest friends made it. She waved at them before disappearing with the crowd. She and Cedric, along with the other champions, and their dates went to a large round table where the judges were sitting. Meanwhile, Derek and the rest of the students and visitors went to other tables around the Great Hall,
Just then, pork chops appeared on their plates, along with lots of other food choices. Derek, Marietta, and their table mates picked some up and began to enjoy a delicious meal.
"Well, well, well, Derek. I'm actually surprised you made it." It was Michael Corner in front of him on the other side of the table.
"Well, what can I say? Life is like a box of chocolates." Derek said.
"And you'll never know what you'll get. I learned that from Muggles Studies. Sometimes, that kind of knowledge can come in handy." Marietta said while getting into some goulash.
"Think you'll share a dance with Derek this evening?" Terry Boot asked her.
"Maybe…provided if he knows how to dance." She said with a teasing grin.
"Uh…" Derek was trying to say but was having a hard time and he was even blushing.
'Shall I take over?' Plutonia asked him while also teasing him.
'No, no, no no no!' He yelled in his mind. "Maybe a slow dance. That should be easy…right?" He asked.
"Relax. I'm just here to enjoy the show." Marietta said, making him breathe a sigh of relief.
After the food was consumed, everyone joined together while the champions took the center of the hall. Just then, Dumbledore waved his wand, and a set of musical instruments appeared nearby. Loud cheering and screaming happened mere seconds later as a group of rockstars calling themselves the Weird Sisters entered. They collected their instruments and began to play a slow, mournful tune.
The champions began to dance. Derek and Marietta were mainly watching Cho and Cedric dance over the others. Derek was watching their movements carefully so he could try to mimic their movements if he was gonna dance later. Soon many began to join them.
After some time, the music stopped, and people stopped dancing to socialize. A new type of music began to play, which was faster. A few couples, like Fred Weasley and Angelina Johnson, the Chaser of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, continued to dance.
"Do you mind if I go talk to some people for a while?" Marietta asked Derek.
"That's fine. Enjoy the night." He said before she thanked him and walked off. He went to a corner and watched as the Yule Ball continued rather smoothly. 'Not a bad turnout.' He thought.
'It's a shame you and Marietta didn't dance. I think you would've done all right.' Plutonia said.
While Derek was talking with Plutonia, someone tabbed him on the shoulder. He looked over, and he saw Cho standing close to him.
"Hey, Derek. Do you mind if we share a little dance?" She asked.
'Plot twist!' Plutonia sang.
"Oh! Uh…well…um…I-is Cedric okay with it?" Derek asked while feeling his heartbeat increase a bit.
"Don't worry. I told him that I trust you with my life, and how much of a great person you are, despite the fame and publicity you have." She said.
"Well…okay. Just so know you, this is a first. I've never danced before." He said while feeling embarrassed.
"This'll be easy. Come on." She said while taking his wrist and tugging him a bit.
They went onto the dance floor, and they faced each other. Cho took his hand and took his other hand and wrapped it around her waist. Derek flinched a bit when she did that and froze stiff when she had her other hand on his shoulder.
Finally, they slightly swayed their bodies a bit.
"See? This isn't so bad, right?" Cho asked him.
"Yeah…" He was saying while trying to focus while looking at Cho in the eyes, not the people that are watching.
While they continued to dance, Derek was finally beginning to calm down and he was starting to get the hang of it. He was to give Cho a twirl, making her giggle in the process. After she did that, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and Derek had his hands on her hips. She then leaned her head onto his shoulder while the song was coming to an end. He blushed when she did that but smiled a bit.
Just when the song ended, Cho gestured to him to head outside. They went outside and they saw the view.
"Thank you. That was wonderful. Pity your first dance wasn't Marietta, the one who invited you." Cho said.
"Yeah. But you know, that was fun. Pity, it's almost over." He said.
"Been meaning to ask you something." Cho said. while facing him. "Have you ever considered joining the Ravenclaw Quidditch team?" She asked
"Uh, yes! I was actually thinking of going for Chaser!" He yelled a bit while smiling bigger.
"You'd make a great Chaser." She said. She then began to shiver a bit. "Hey…do you mind if I…borrow some of your warmth?" She asked.
"Of course." He said. Cho wrapped her arms around him inside his dress robes and he held her. Just then, his eyes reacted a bit, making him sense someone nearby. "Who's there?" He asked while looking behind him.
"Derek? What's wrong?" Cho asked.
"My eyes are detecting someone…or something nearby." He said while his eyes glowed brighter. He then pulled out his wand. "Someone is spying on us." He said.
"If this is a joke, this isn't funny!" Cho yelled angrily while looking around.
Just then, they saw a strange beetle crawling on a wall by them. That was the source of what Derek was sensing. Then, he pieced the puzzle together.
"An Animagus. Guess they need a fresh one." Derek growled while quickly aiming his wand at it. "IMMOBULUS!" He shouted the incantation just as the beetle was trying to get away.
A flash of blue light shot out of his wand and hit the beetle. The beetle froze in midair, making it impossible for it to escape.
Cho pulled out her wand and waved it in the air.
"Accio jar!" She yelled. Just then, a jar with a lid magically appeared in her hand. She trapped it in the jar and closed it tight. "Gotcha!" She said.
"Well, well, well. Time to see who you really are." Derek said while he put his wand away and they left with the trapped beetle.
They went towards one of the ministry's representatives attending the Yule Ball. To Derek's confusion, he saw Percy Weasley, a member of the Department of International Magical Co-operation.
"Is there a problem?" Percy asked them.
"You wouldn't happen to know someone that can help us with a potential unregistered Animagus?" Cho asked while showing him the beetle.
Percy looked towards the beetle for a moment, until he blinked a few times.
"That beetle looks very familiar. I will have to get Juan Shafiq for this one as he is part of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement office." He said.
"Sweet." Derek said before looking at the beetle. "You're in trouble." He said.
When Juan arrived to inspect the situation, he saw the beetle. He decided to pull out his wand and prepared for the reveal.
"Time to find out the truth." He said before shooting a jet of blue light out of his wand, hitting the beetle.
Smoke began to form around the beetle, and it transformed. It assumed the form of a woman with blonde curly hair with jeweled glasses. She wore magenta robes and had on tight pants and heels.
Just as the woman appeared, many saw her with a look of disgust. Several even aimed their wands at her.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't Rita Skeeter. You're not supposed to be here." Juan said.
"Well…this is quite the unfortunate circumstance. I'm sure if we just sat down and talk about this…" Rita said while trying to stand up.
"Shut up!" Derek snapped at her.
"Okay then." She said with fear in her voice.
"Rita Skeeter, you're under arrest for trespassing, illegal magical enchantment, and multiple felonies of eavesdropping and spreading false information." Juan said while binding her and taking her away.
As everyone watched as the journalist was being taken away, many cheered as the one that wrote a lot of slander in the Daily Prophet about many lies and personal stories about others. Some, like Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were displeased about it.
Cho and Marietta approached Derek.
"You know, if you keep finding out more surprising things like this, your head's gonna grow even bigger." Cho said.
"It's not my fault that these things happen at the wrong time at the right place. But, if there is one thing I can say about this; Rita Skeeter has been bugged out!" Derek yelled a bit, making several people laugh. "Well, I'm pooped. That's enough fun and excitement for me tonight. I'm gonna head on back to the Common Room." He said.
"Mind if we tag along? We're still gonna come back here for a bit longer." Marietta asked.
"Sure." He said.
They were making their way back to the Common Room and they talked a bit along the way regarding what went down during the Yule Ball. When they just reached the entrance, the three of them stopped.
"Well, that was fun. Thank you for coming with me." Marietta said.
"And thank you for letting me attend." Derek said.
"Well, good night, Derek" Cho said before she held him a bit.
"Good night, Cho." He said before holding her as well. Just as they broke it, Cho gently kissed his cheek. "Ah!? Wha-!?" He yelled in shock as his face blushed.
"Don't take it the wrong way. I'm actually a little torn between Cedric and Harry. I don't need a third. Although, you are kinda cute." Cho said before winking at him and the two of them went back to the Yule Ball.
"Uh…" Derek was still in shock at what just happened. When he went into the Common Room and flopped onto a couch, he just stared at the ceiling. "Not sure how I wanted to end the evening." He said to himself.
'If it makes you feel any better, I was not expecting that.' Plutonia said.
'Both she and Marietta are pretty cool, but…do you really think I'm even ready to consider having…a girlfriend?' He asked her.
'Maybe. We'll give it a bit more time. Now off to bed you.' She said.
Derek got out of his dress robes and got ready for bed. With the Yule Ball reaching its conclusion, everyone can continue with the year. Little did Derek realize that he was going to be in the true test of what his magic is capable of. What new peril will Derek have to both witness and endure? Find out more next time as the story continues.
