Belladonna

The Triwizard Tournament

Ugh! I know! I'm late, and I'm so very, very sorry about that. I wish I could say it won't happen again, but...it probably will. This is a very busy time in retail, and I work in retail, fun fun fun... So I'm finding I don't have as much down time or mental time to write as quickly as before. And this week, for all those in America, is Thanksgiving and I will be having family arriving on Wednesday and staying until Saturday. So I likely won't be posting anything else for like a week. I'm sorry.

On the bright side (yes there is a bright side to all this,) this chapter includes a bit of Ana and Harry, a tiny bit of Ana and Sev, then there's Ana having fun with the girls and flirting with boys, and lastly, but certainly not the least, there's some Ana and Fred. I do hope you enjoy!

And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am so very, very thankful to all of you who read and/or leave comments. You guys make my day and rock my world!

Belladonna 33

The Triwizard Tournament

18 September 1994

The Triwizard Tournament is a showcase of skill and excellence between the three European schools. A champion from each school is selected to compete. One from Hogwarts, one from Beauxbatons Academy, and one from Durmstrang Institute. Delegates from the other two schools were set to arrive late October, just in time for the official start of the tournament.

But Ana had no time to think about that. It was the start of her OWL year, as Sev thoughtfully pointed out, and she was already swarmed with homework and assignments. For about one whole hour, she was actually glad she didn't have to worry about keeping up with Quidditch practice. Then she wished she was a beater so she could beat the daylights out of the next person who said how important their OWLs were in determining their future.

Between classwork, homework, potion work—there was no social work—it was mid-September before Ana found time for a little breather. However, it was in the owlery.

"Oh!" Ana wasn't the only one seeking a bit of refuge. "Hi."

"Hey," Harry replied. He looked as surprised to see her as she was to see him. "Are—are you sending a letter?"

"No," she replied dryly. "I come here for the fresh air."

Harry dropped his head to his chest and his owl ruffled her feathers in protest.

"Sorry, that was..."

"It was a stupid question. I deserved that," Harry said with a grin.

"Yes, well, you're a Gryffindor. No one ever accused your lot of being clever."

"Don't tell Hermione that; she'll do whatever it takes to prove you wrong."

"Whatever it takes, huh? How very... Slytherin of her."

Harry gave her a sideways look and Ana laughed.

"Truthfully, though, I didn't come here to deliver a letter.

"Don't tell me you really did come here for the freshness."

"No, it's a potion not a letter, but I need a good strong owl. These all look....weak." Ana scrunched up her nose. Hedwig hooted and shuffled her feet.