Different

voices

Claire heard the Weasley twins protest as they were only sixteen, but she was almost glad that they couldn't compete. She couldn't imagine how horrible it would be if only one was chosen, especially if one of them died and the other didn't. She also didn't mind the rule because it meant Harry couldn't compete, and he seemed to enjoy doing things that could lead to death.

"Now, further rules will be posted on-"

Dumbledore was interrupted by a crash of thunder as the doors were slammed open. A heavily scarred man started walking through the room, one of his eyes obviously fake as it spun around in every direction. It landed on Claire and seemed to stay there for way too long, making a shiver run through her body. The man seemed to smirk and look away as he made his way to the head table.

"Ah, everyone welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Moody," Dumbledore introduced. A few of the students clapped, but everyone seemed weary of the man, especially the professors. Professor Mcgonagall seemed horrified to have to teach with the man who Claire knew to be basically insane from all the years he spend as an auror. Moody just drank from his flask and ignored his lack of a greeting.

"Well, it seems as if that is enough excitement for one day," Dumbledore decided. "Everyone off to bed."

The Great Hall was filled with excitement as the students conversed about the tournament. Claire was worried and upset with Dumbledore for allowing the tournament to be help at Hogwarts, especially with Harry being here and the events over the summer. It didn't seem safe and Claire could only imagine that Harry will somehow end up involved.

"So, are you excited?" Draco asked as he came to walk next to Claire.

"I thought your father didn't want you to talk to me," Claire said, a slight hint of worry to her voice. She knew that Lucius Malfoy was far from nice, and she didn't want Draco to get in trouble for her.

"I convinced Pansy that I forgot my wand in the Great Hall so she went ahead with Crabbe and Goyle," Draco explained with a shrug.

"And them?" Claire asked, gently nodding her head to where Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini were walking slightly behind them. The two boys were in the same year as them, and Draco seemed to be friends with them.

"What, us?" Theodore asked with a snort. Claire looked a little ashamed because she didn't expect them to be able to hear her, but the boys didn't seem to be offended.

"I helped you, remember?" Blaise asked kindly. Claire blushed a little as the boys stopped walking and looked amused at her. Claire knew that without Blaise she probably would've gone down way too far, but she had always been too scared to thank him properly.

"They're my friends....real friends," Draco explained. Blaise grinned and ruffled Draco's hair as Theodore pretended to vomit behind them. Most of the students were already back in their dorms so the four Slytherins were free to stand and talk.

"Ignore him," Blaise said with an eye roll. "And we hate Lucius as much as Draco does, so we won't say anything."

"Well, thank you," Claire said softly.

"Good job with Pukey earlier," Theodore told her, a disgusted look on his face.

"He's angry," Draco warned. "You need to watch out."

"I've been watching out for myself all these years," Claire defended herself. Draco rolled his eyes and threw an arm over her shoulder as be guided the group to start walking again.

"Pucey has a lot of friends seeing as he's the quidditch captain," Theodore explained. "We'll let you know if we hear anything, but I agree with Draco."