AN: I use actual writing from the 'Goblet of Fire', so I just want you to know that some credit of this (Dumbledore's dialogue, mainly) goes to J.K Rowling. I'm only using it, to go along with my story!
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"You watch the game, Wood?" I take my time, strutting to catch up with Oliver Wood. He smiles and falls back in step with me.
"Of course," He nods.
"Too bad about Bulgaria, though. I thought they had it." I shake my head.
Ever so sweetly, I play with my hair and pretend to be shy. Fortunately, Oliver takes up the bate.
"Must be because they don't have you on their team," He flirts. I laugh and push my hair behind my ear as we enter the Great Hall.
"One day, they'll be lucky enough to have the both of us," I flirt back, giving him a charming smile before heading over to my side of the room, towards the other Slytherins.
My best friend, Skye, just shakes her head with a smile. I take a seat beside her, pretending not to notice her and my other friends staring at me, amusement written all over their face.
"I thought your Oliver Wood stage had passed," Skye rolls her eyes.
I look over my shoulder to the Gryffindor table, where Oliver sits down next to his good friend and teammate, Amelie Brinks. I hope I have a class with her this year... Anything to get closer to Oliver.
"Apparently not," Melony snickers.
I just smile coyly and turn around.
"He's the best Quidditch player at this school," Behind me, of course, I mentally add, "And, he's handsome. What else do I need?" I shrug.
Ever since last year I've fancied Oliver. If I didn't have to keep up this innocent part, I'd have him by now.
"But, he's a Gryffindor," Nicoletta crinkles her nose.
"Come on, guys. Are you really judging a person by which house their in?" I say, all saint-like, when in reality, I didn't care for anyone that wasn't in Slytherin, except for Oliver. His talent over-shined his Gryffindor pride.
"You are too cute, Florence," My best friend, Fallon, says, ruffling my hair as he takes his usual spot next to me.
Fallon Avix and I have been best friends since year one. He's seen the real me, a part that I've never let anyone at this school see. And, if my parents found out how much I shared with Fallon, they'd be furious; my mother especially. I told him that I have to act sweet, for the plan my father has for me. He understands and goes along with my little act.
Fallon's parents go to the same meetings my father does. I've seen them around the house sometimes. I asked Fallon what he knew about the meetings, but he knows as much as I do.
"Fallon!" I exclaim, and embrace him in a tight hug. He laughs and hugs me back as well.
I didn't see him over the summer as much as I usually do, unfortunately. I forgot how much I've missed his crooked nose and two different colored eyes. They really give me a sense of getting back to school.
"How was your summer?" I ask him, turning away from the others. I can still hear them talking about how silly my facination with Oliver Wood is. I refrain from pulling my wand out from my robe pocket.
"It was-" Fallon starts, but gets interrupted by Dumbledore taking his stand at the podium in front of the Great Hall.
"Welcome to Hogwarts!" He makes his big speech as McGonagall gets out the sorting hat. I turn back to Fallon, it's not as if we haven't heard this for six years in a row now.
"It was boring, except for the Quidditch cup. Blimey, did you see that game?" He speaks to me with enthusiasm, "And might I add that my Irish blew your bloody Bulgarians out of the water," He rubs it in.
"I knew this would come up sooner or later," I roll my eyes. People around us shoot us looks to be quiet, including Elliot, who's further down the table, by the other 7th years. "This debate isn't over," I warn him, turning my attention to Dumbledore again.
I watch excited first years get sorted into their houses. I clap for everyone, even though most of the Slytherins only clap for our fellow Slytherins. I can almost predict the Slytherins before the Sorting Hat has time to get settled on it's head. They all have a look of determination and competitiveness. They want to be better than the other kids; they want to stand out.
I remember my first day at Hogwarts. I bounded in, all excited, a huge smile on my face. As my name was called, I made my way up to the stool, with a bounce in my step. I think I even giggled as the Sorting Hat was placed on my head. I was probably over-playing the cuteness factor.
I can still remember the surprise on everyone's faces as the hat called out, "SLYTHERIN!". Even the Slytherins looked around and whispered to each other. But, since I was Elliot Lopp's younger sister, they welcomed me warmly.
After the last boy gets sorted into Hufflepuff, Dumbledore stands up again,
"I have only two words to say to you: Tuck in," He announces and the food appears. The first years gasp and dig in.
I gladly help myself, feeling hungry after the long train ride. I watch in disgust as Elliot stuffs his face like some sort of animal. He sees me staring and flashes me a smile, spilling some of his food out of his mouth. I crinkle my nose and look away, pretending I'm not related to that.
"So, how was your summer, Florence?" Melony asks me. I open my mouth to answer, but Skye holds up her finger before cutting me off,
"But, please, for the sake of all of us, do not go on an hour-long rant about Quidditch. You had to have done something else beside watch, play or practice Quidditch." She warns me.
The others at the table laugh and my cheeks turn pink. That's actually the only thing I did... But, I wasn't going to let them know that.
"Actually, I went to Paris with my family." I state, proudly.
"And what did you do there?" Nicoletta asks, interested. I bite my lip. It was a family vacation, but as everyone else was sightseeing, I was playing Quidditch with my cousins.
"Oh, you know.... sightseeing," I shrug.
"And by sightseeing, you mean playing Quidditch?" Fallon teases. My face turns even redder.
"Of course not," I lie, putting food into my mouth to hide my lie. Sure, could lie about my entire personality, but I can't even lie about what I did over the summer? I am, officially, pathetic.
"You are a piece of work," Skye groans, placing her face into her hands, laughing.
I listen quietly as everyone tells the stories of their normal summers; visiting family, lazying around, going camping. I couldn't help but to think about how not normal my family is.
Sure, we went to France this summer, but my parents were in and out of meetings the entire time. And, I was stuck with my Mother's family, who only speak french. I speak french fluently, but they would purposely speak too fast for me to understand.
My Mother's family think that I am too boyish. They were always fussing over my hair and clothes. So, our family vacation didn't feel like a family vacation, at all.
We all finish our food, clearing our plates. My stomach feels bloated and I regret eating all of that desert. Nicoletta finishes up her story about this boy she met at the beach, when Dumbledore stands up again..
"So!" said Dumbledore, smiling around at us all, "Now that we are all fed and watered, I must one more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices.
"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it."
I can hear Elliot and his friends already scheming up some dumb prank to pull on the Gryffindors. As childish as they sound, I can't help but to feel jealous. They sounds like they're having so much... fun. I wish I could just join in, just once. Maybe, after this year, I can?
"As ever, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year.
"It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."
"Are you barking mad?" I shout as everyone breaks out in loud whispers. Fallon shoots me a warning look, to contain myself. But, the others around me just laugh at my misery.
"Looks like you have nothing to live for," Skye leans over and teases me. I pout; I'm not thatover-dramatic. But, this is ridiculous. Taking away the Quidditch cup from me? That's outrageous! I was looking forward to finally beating Gryffindor.
Dumbledore goes on, "This 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. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts-"
Dumbledore gets cut off by the doors of the Great Hall flying open. Everything gets quiet as someone walks in, the room getting dark. I get to my feet, curious to who's the late arriver. I lean against Fallon as I strain to see.
The figure hobbles very awkwardly, looking very disfigured. A loud knock rings out with each step he takes, as if he has a peg-leg. Frustration heats up in my fingertips as the person hides his face. A bright lightning bolt jolts across the ceiling, lighting up the entire room. In that instant, I see his face and I can't help but to gasp along with everyone else.
I quicky sit back down, looking down at my lap. The man is one of the most strangest looking man I've ever seen. On his face, he has scars stretching all over the place. But, that's not the scariest thing about the man. One of his eyes is normal, but the other is held in place by a metal contraption tied around his head. It moves in all directions and doesn't match his other eye at all.
The man slumps over to Dumbledore who shakes his hand and speaks quietly to him, obviously recognizing the man. He points the man to a seat at the teachers table.
He takes his seat and digs into the food. Nobody has said a word yet, we all just watch him in fear.
"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" says Dumbledore brightly into the silence. "Professor Moody."
He's a teacher here? Great. I can barely look at him without getting the shivers; how am I supposed to sit through a whole class with him?
The only two people who applaud his presence is Dumbledore and Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Hagrid. But, as they realize they are alone, they stop quickly. I didn't want to be rude, but honestly, he frightens me.
We watch him take out a flask of pumpkin juice from his robes and drink it hastily. I get the body shivers and elbow Fallon, giving him a worried look. He looks just as fearful as me.
"As I was saying," Dumbledore clears his throat, smiling at the sea of students before him, all of still gazing at Professor Moody, "We are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held of over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."
"You're JOKING!" Fred Weasley shouts loudly.
I can't help but to laugh with the other students, as the trouble-making Weasley brakes the uncomfortable tension.
I've heard many stories about how dangerous and exciting the Triwizard Tournament is. Actually, Elliot and Fallon were talking about it over the summer. I wonder if they knew about it...
"I am notjoking, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore says, "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 starts to say, but McGonagall clears her throat rather loudly. A small laugh leaves my lips, along with the others.
"Er- but maybe this is not the time... no..." Dumbledore mumbles, "Where was I? Ah, yes, the Triwizard Tournament... Well, 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."
I look down the table at Elliot, an excited grin on my face. He looks in my eyes with excitement as well. It would be so much fun to be in this. I just have to push Dumbledore's mention of a death toll to the back of my mind. I'm sure they were all freak-accidents. I can't wait to tell my Father about this!
"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament," Dumbledore continues, "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.
See, exactly. I doubt that Dumbledore would let anything go on in this school, that has the potential of harming his students.
"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."
A glaze look comes across many of the faces at our table. I can see everyone's bigest wishes coming true within their heads; Fame and riches. What more do you need? I can just picture my face being put up on paintings throughout the school. I'd become a legend.
I just hope this doesn't interfere with Father's 'Master Plan', because if it does, I don't know how much longer I'll be able to follow this 'plan'. I just want to break free and do whatever I like. Especially this year, I feel the rebellious side inside of me growing stronger.
"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts," Dumbledore starts again, "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. This-" Dumbledore raises his voice slightly, due to majority of the student body breaking out in a frustrated murmur. I see the shoulders of my friends all slump. We're only sixteen. But, my heart races. I'll be sixteen on the second of October. Just in time for the entry!
"This 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 students hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion." He look over to the Weasley twins, who must not be old enough to enter the Tournament.
"I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen." He says, knowing how many students he's disappointing.
I quick take a glance over to Elliot, and he's talking excitedly with his friends. I didn't doubt that he'd enter as well.
"Lucky you," Fallon leans over and whispers to me. He stares at me with jealousy. I just give him a charming smile and shrug. "Are you going to do it?" He asks.
"Dunno," I mumble, as Dumbledore starts up again. I don't want to miss any bit of information about this.
"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and will be remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your whole-hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected." He explains.
"And now it is late, and I know how important it is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop chop!" He dismisses us, taking a seat to talk with Professor Moody.
This definitely makes up for the loss of the Quidditch cup!
"So, you thinking about entering?" Skye asks me, as we make our way to the girl's dormitory, in the Slytherin dungeon.
Did I dare tell her that I'll enter no matter what?
"Dunno, I s'pose?" I shrug, as if it's no big deal. She lets out a laugh.
"Come on, if I were you, I'd be waiting outside of Dumbledore's office, with my entry in hand." She gives me a shove. I just laugh, even though that does sound tempting.
"I probably will, though I doubt anyone would pick me to enter." I admit, self-consciously.
It's the truth, from what people know about me, I'm the innocent girl that is nothing like her brother. The only way people can remember me, is by my fire-red hair, that is never neat or combed. Otherwise, I'm fairly forgettable.
"Don't let that stop you from entering. I think you'd be perfect for it," She smiles as she slips into her pajamas.
I smile to myself, getting into a warm flannel pair myself. I couldn't help but to agree with her.