The Goblet of Fire

"And onto some more important business..."

Eirina was sure to make sure that the crowd, after a bit of down time to talk and gossip about their champions, was now all eyes on her. She'd have to be sure that everyone was aware of the schedule for this year's Triwizard Tournament.

"The Yule Ball will be held this upcoming friday. Please be sure that you all attend. There will be music, food, drink, and dancing. Champions are required to have dates, and everyone else is strongly encouraged. In the past 40 years I have not seen anyone without a date, so please keep that in mind as well. The first task will start shortly after the Yule Ball is complete."

She looked around at the crowd, before nodding her head.

"Everyone is now dismissed to their own business."

Still shocked by his name being called from the Goblet, Vincent kept a dazed look on his face. He didn't really think that his name would be chosen. Now that it had he didn't know what he would do. Of coarse he was scared. Who wouldn't be. Now he didn't know what he would do.

The room hushed as the headmistress spoke, all students eager to know their champions. Jett was sitting among them, just as buzzed as the rest. It was all very exciting. When Vincent was named for Beauxbatons he cheered just as loud as the students from his old school and louder than anyone else from Hogwarts. He knew Vincent would do splendidly, perhaps even win. Jett made a note in his mind to congratulate his friend as soon as he could. The Durmstrang champion was unknown to him and of little importance. Next came Eleanie's name and Jett couldn't hold back a smile. He hoped this would be good for her.

Headmistress Naer went on with her announcements and at the mention of the Yule Ball Jett quickly scanned the room. He wanted to take Ella, of course. His mind began to hatch a plan to ask her that very night. It wouldn't do to have her attend with someone else; Jett's heart would surely shatter.

Eleanie was not paying attention to the Headmistress as she twirled her wand around and around, making infinite circles in the air. She hardly notice the beauxbaton champion being called out. Her sights were looming out the nearest window, which was pitch black. She could hardly make out one shadow from another. The Durmstrang champion was named, Adalrik Eklof, she scanned the faces of those who attended. It was Rollie Pollie Sugar Plum. Bile slither up her throat, ready to puck. Her brow furrowed in disgust as she watch the smug look slide into place on his face.

All she did was glare at him that she almost missed it. The headmistress, like a gong in the silence of anticipation, called out clearly, "Eleanie Carr," and there was all but silence in the Hall. Not even one person clapped or applauded. Even Eleanie was shocked as she turn to look at the Headmistress standing in the glow of the now dying Goblet of Fire. Than it suddenly came clear to her what she needed to do. All those wicked plans came into the forefront of her mind. Revenge was bitter sweet, bring a gleaming smile to her lips. Sugar Plum would get his, she was sure of it more than ever.

She was about to slip away and leave in silence, when Headmistress started on the Yule Ball, telling each of the Champions they needed to have a date. it brought a sinking feeling of doom and despair as she ponder what this entailed. Her eyes scan the Hall seeing no one she thought worthy enough. She was getting desperate. This was extremely awkward for her, but the longer she waited the more insufferable the agony will grow. As she walked away down the length of the Gryffindor table with a look of despair she saw him with a corgal smile on his face and her heart sank than beat faster. On a whim, she asked Jett, "Will you go to the Ball with me?" Even she was shocked of what she blurted out in front of all those peoples. It was his Veela magic, in combination of his ivory eyes that made her unlike herself. She would hate herself later, after she was alone but right now she was lost in his dreamy stare.

When Adalrik heard his name called from the front of the Great Hall he was not particularly surprised. It was his goal to win, anyway, so this was expected. Now all he had to do was beat the competition. Looking at the boy from Beauxbatons Adalrik huffed in laughter. There was no need to worry about that one, he looked like a pretty boy who would fall to pieces the moment something didn't go his way.

As the name was called for Hogwarts Adalrik looked about, trying to spot this Eleanie girl. His eyes followed everyone gaze and landed on a familiar face. It was the Little Kitten from the lake. A smirk crawled its way onto his face as he imagined competing against her. She talked tough but how would she fare in the events? Not too well, he judged. She would not be so bold and forthright with her words when Adalrik got his hands on her. He would make her cry like the baby she was.

The Headmistress's speech was over and Adalrik had only caught snippets of her last words. Something about a ball that he was required to have a date for? No thank you. Adarlik would sooner smash his head into the wall. Still, if he needed to play their little game to win this tournament he would. He turned to his head to search the room for Erika, hoping she would see the irony in this and be his 'date.'

Jett's attention was elsewhere as Eleanie approached. He was too busy watching the others in the room squirm or smile at the notion of finding a date for the ball. He carefully mussed his hair with a smooth skinned hand as he grinned.

When he heard a voice by his side he turned and found himself looking into Eleanie's smoldering eyes. Did he hear her correctly? No, he must have be mistaken. This girl had only recently threatened to hex him, tried to kick him, and generally been nothing but rude. But his ears did not deceive him. There she was, standing rigidly before him, expecting an answer. What was she playing at?

For once Jett was speechless. Could this be another one of her tricks, set to humiliate him as she seemed so found of doing to others? Or was it a genuine proposal on her part? Jett had been kind to her in the face of her taunting and he was almost certain most others were not.

It might devastate her to be turned down in front of so many people, causing a backlash of anger focused on him. Of course he had no intention of going to the ball with her even with the threat of violence looming, but how could he graciously let her down? Jett put on his most gentle smile and let his eyes soften until they gave off the impression of moss.

“Eleanie,” he started in a soothing voice, “I am flattered you would think of me so quickly. I'm afraid I must decline your generous offer. Though I would be more than happy to set aside a dance for you at the ball. I am sure you will look ravishing and find a more suitable companion to accompany you. I simply would not live up to the honor of being your date.”

Jett really hoped his lavish and kind words would prevent Eleanie from having any hurt feelings. On one hand he was certain this was the right move, who knew what kind of mood swings she would go through at the Yule Ball and he did not want to be subjected to that, but on the other he was worried for her. What if she wasn't able to find a date? Jett did not want to have to regret his actions.

Miron was not pleased in the slightest as it turned out, he knew all the Champions that had been named, the most important being Durmstrang. With Adalrik as Champion, where did that leave him? Damn goblet must have been broken. He wouldn't be wishing his friend luck today, and probably not tomorrow or next week. He was on his own.

He had a change of heart, however, as he heard his cousin's name being called, and suddenly this tournament was starting to look a lot less appealing than it did before Miron got off the ship. He knew Vincent wouldn't hesitate to rub it in his face later, and what if he won? Forget it, Miron would rather die than see his good for nothing cousin claim the glory. There was nothing he could do though, just wait and watch.

"This is bullshit." He stated bluntly, sitting only a few seats away from Adalrik and Erika. He swiftly got up and walked off, out of the room going who knows where. He knew what the other two would assume, but he didn't care.

Jett watched as Eleaine gave him a death glare and stormed off. His heart sank, bothered by what he had to do. If only he could just be with everyone, everyone would be happy. There just wasn't enough of him to go around, it seemed.

Turning to the girl who was crying a few seats down from him he gave her a small smile. It was terrible to see a girl cry but she had been very rude. She may not have deserved the harshness of Eleanie's words but she did deserve to be reprimanded. It was completely uncalled for to mock the Gryffindor like she had.

"I would not take what Eleanie said to heart, miss. But please refrain from such taunts in the future. It does not become a lovely girl such as yourself." With that said Jett pushed his chair back and stood up. The Great Hall was suddenly too crowded for him.