Simply Falling: A Hogwarts Fanfiction

Chapter 2

        "Oh it feels so good to be back," I said as I took my usual seat at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Fred and George to my left, Harry to my right, and Hermione, Ron and Ginny across from me. "I'm ready for a calm, uneventful year, where all I have to worry about are the end of the year exams."

Harry grinned. "Oh, me too," he said.

        The sorting seemed to take forever. I was sure the Great Hall was able to hear my stomach growling. I had forgotten to eat anything on the train here, and I had only nibbled at my breakfast. I needed to write to my dad. My dreams were occurring more frequently, and becoming more realistic and intense. I had started finishing people's  sentences in my head. I couldn't even look at the night sky anymore, without being overcome with a terrible feeling. 

        During the meal, Hermione learned that Hogwarts has a team of house elves in the kitchens who supply the meals, and promptly quit eating in protest.

        "Hermione," I said as I swallowed a huge bite of potatoes. "You've only had experiences with slightly mad house elves."

        Her eyes narrowed at me.

        "I'm telling you, most house elves love being in service, and the majority are treated with kindness. I don't quite understand, but you before you decide something is wrong, you have to look at it from all sides." I continued. Hermione simply pushed her plate away in response and turned to talk to Ginny.

        After everyone had finished eating, and the plates and goblets were empty once again, Dumbledore rose to make the start of term announcements. As soon as he mentioned there would be no Quidditch this year, the Hall erupted into a sea of surprise and anger. Fred and George were unintelligible with their shouting, and all I could do was sit there with my mouth open in shock. I had been training all Summer, hoping to finally make the team this year, and now I wouldn't even have a chance to try out.

        Once the hall was quiet again, Dumbledore explained that Hogwarts would be hosting the Tri-Wizard Tournament this year, but not before the new Defense Against the Arts teacher burst into the Hall and was introduced as professor Allastor Moody. I knew him as Mad-Eye Moody though, from my Dad's stories.

        Professor Dumbledore introduced Crouch, whom we had all met during the game, who announced some more unwelcome news. No one under the age of 17 would be able to enter the contest. As soon as Crouch said this there was another round of yelling throughout the Great Hall. I put my hand on Fred's shoulder to try and calm him down and he shrugged it off, so I sat back down. Harry put his hand on my shoulder with an apologetic look on his face.

        Dumbledore once again, had to quiet the perplexed students before him. He mentioned that two other schools will be arriving at the end of October, and they will be competing against Hogwarts to win the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

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        "You guys don't seriously think you'llbe able to dupe Professor Dumbledore and enter the Tournament," I said as I sat with Fred and George in the common room.

        "We have to enter that tournament. Do you have any idea how much$1000 Galleons will help us with our business?" Fred said, the excitement practically glowing from his skin. 

        "Fred, I know what this business means to you. I want you and George to be successful, and I can't explain why, but I know it will happen for you guys. I just don't think breaking this particular rule is a good idea. This tournament is dangerous, it's not a game.  I don't have a good feeling about it. For once, I want nothing to do with this scheme, okay?" I told them.