Ink and Parchment ~ blood and bone

26

She and Tom exchanged glances.

So it seemed she wasn't the only one to have suspicions about Moody after all.

The others continued to witter on until Mr Crouch cleared his throat.

"The first task is designed to test your daring. We will not be telling you what it is as courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality for any wizard"

Eliza rolled her eyes discretely, Snape seemed to have seen though judging by his muffled snort

"The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth in front of the students and the judges. You will only be permitted your wands and no outside help. That is all"

Eliza and Tom walked out of the door together.

"So this was your plan then Tom?" Eliza asked. It was a smart plan, she could give him that. Voldemort would steal her away in the final task and Tom would simply just follow her. Using his own plans against himself and finally reuinite his soul. Although all that would depend on Eliza even making it to the third task in the first place.

"I doubt you'll get to Voldemort if I die before the third task" she reiterated her thoughts to him as they stopped in the entrance hall.

"Oh darling" Tom murmured possessively, the moonlight from the window the only thing illuminating his features, his burning gaze.

"I'll never let you die" he crooned.

Sometimes Eliza wished they could say goodbye like normal people.

It was with great trepidation that she walked down towards the Slytherin commons. She knew an oath was all that would be needed to convince them, Slytherins held lady magic in high regard after all. No it was what she might be walking in on that worried her the most.

The second she stepped through the door she was immediately assaulted with loud angry raised voices.

'that traitorous bitch'

'shut your dirty mouth Carrow'

'About time someone fucking took her down'

That was only some of what she could hear as she stepped into the room, her court were standing by the door – obviously waiting for her despite their argument earlier on.

"Oh there she is" one of the Carrow's jeered "the traitor queen herself"

Someone tried to shoot a jinx at her but Daphne threw a shield up around all of them instantly. Sending Daphne a relieved smile Eliza took a step forward, casting a sonorous charm on herself so everyone could hear.

"I swear on my magic that I did not put my name in the goblet nor did I ask anyone else too on my behalf. So I say, so mote it be"

A flash echoed her words and Eliza cast her gaze upon the crowd of Slytherins, the betrayal they had felt now mollified by her words until-

"See the bitch won't even cast a spell, she lied-

Carrow was struck down by a nasty ear shrivelling curse and Eliza silenced her before she could bother them with her screams.

Sometimes the best way to handle things was simply to handle them quickly.

"Carrow didn't seem to inclined to listen so I hope the rest of you are" Eliza spoke dangerously "I didn't place my name in the goblet which obviously means someone is targeting me. I did not do this and I certainly didn't wish to betray you nor undermine you even though you may feel that way" Eliza said silkily staring out into the now calm crowd.