One-Hundred-Nineteen: Tournaments and Torture

Tournaments and Treasures

I was at peace Belong Togetherace with myself once again. The world was mine for the taking. The once empty space that consisted of loneliness and dread now was full with love and trust. Who would’ve know that I, Tanya Delacour, would be defeated? I didn’t have control anymore, and I love it. I long for it. I crave it.

Halloween was approaching rapidly. It was almost time the Hogwarts Fall Festival. I always looked foward to this event because this was the one that out of the year that I could dress up in costume, and forget about my veela powers. I haven’t gone shopping for my costume yet, and I guess time is running out

“We have so much to catching up to do!” I said swinging Zeke’s hands as we walked to class.

“I know! I don’t think now is the right time. I’ve missed so much school this semester. I don’t want to fall behind. We will catch up later. Promise.” Zeke kissed me. “I’ll see you later, okay?” Zeke then got lost into the sea of students going in Hogwarts A History. This was the only class I didn’t have with him. Lonely again.

“Hey Tanya!” A cold hand grabbed my arm. “I have to so much to tell you!”

“Kaden! I know! I don’t have anything to do right now!” I said excitedly. “What happened on your grand adventure?” I continued sitting on a nearby bench.

“These people kept on following me. I was trying to start wiht Anastasia, ya know? I thoguht we had a family. Then I noticed, she was changing. Eventually, she told me the truth…the baby wasn’t mine, or even Zeke’s. She was going behind my back and seeing another vampire clan. They wanted me dead. She told them I was holding her captive. I never once held her against her will.” Kaden sighed. “Eventually, they kept multiplying and I couldn’t fend them off to myself. My only hope was to send an OWL to Zeke. He’s the only family I have…” Kaden stopped. “Without him, I wouldn’t be here. Tanya….do you want to know something?” Kaden asked troubled. i nodded and he continued. “I thought of you out there. When life was fading into darkness, I would close my eyes and I’d think of you. I don’t know why.”

I embraced him tightly.”You’re so sweet. I was so worried about you!” I said, not letting him go. “You’re my best-friend.”

“So what happened with you?” He questioned, changing the subject.

I suddenly felt ashamed. I allowed my lips and words of love to be with Harry while Zeke was gone saving his brother. I looked down to the floor. I had to leave that part out. “Well….I had an encoutner with a past relative who was a banshee. I got chosen to be in some stupid tournament.” I sighed and shifted my body to face him. “Oh my gosh, I missed you guys so much!” I was thrilled they were back in my sight.

Harry passed by in the hallway and waved, sadly. I smiled back at him. My heart sank. “See you at the tournament ball.” I blurted out. “You shoulda won today. I’m sorry you didn’t.” I jumped up and patted him on the back. I truly meant that.

“Thanks Tawnie, It means a lot. Save me a dance at the ball?”

“Always,” I smiled. I had a sudden change of feelings. My Harry, so down. Kaden cluthes his fist in his other hand. Harry walked out frowning.

“His sportmanship was pretty bad. So out of character too.” Kaden blurted out. “But I know he’s your friend and it’s not my scene to talk about people anyhow.” shrugged. “You ready for your tournament”

“I guess….” I said, worrying about Harry.

Day One of Tournament

I stood on the podium while Dumbledore gave an introduction and a warning to us girls. He didn’t want to see any display or bad sportmanship like “previous” participants. I wanted to yell at him to leave Harry alone, but I didn’t. In fact, I didn’t evne want to be here.

“Today, you females will engage in a puzzle. It is a life-sized rubik cube. When the time begins, the colors will be unscrambled and you will have 3 hours to get the cube back into its original state. Once complete, a door will open inside the cube and there will be a maze. The first one to retrive their House flag and return it to me is the winner.” Dumbledore explained. “Good luck ladies! Time starts now!”

I didn’t want to partipciate in this. Hermione and Luna ran over to their cubes while I gracefully walked and winked at Zeke in the audience. I could tell he wanted to hurry me along but he winked back. I loved that about him; he didn’t care what mood I was in, he could mold to fit mine. Kaden on the other hand couldn’t control his excitement. My own personal cheerleader. I giggled as I finally made it to the cube. Zeke must have gotten caught up in the excitement of the game because I could hear him.

“Go Tawnie! You can do this! Take your time!” I could make out distinct voices sometimes. Zeke, Kaden, even Colin. I listened attentively for Harry but he probably was cheering Hermione on. I wanted him to support me so bad.

I moved the pieces around and tried and tried to put the colors back in order. I was growing bored and tiresome of this task. Hermione seemed to have most of hers complete, and Luna was almost caught up with her. I hardly had even started on mine. I could hear Draco in the background.

“I thought Ravenclaws were supposed to be smart. Your sister is…”

“Shut up Draco! Go Tanya!” Alana screamed. I continued to laugh and work on my puzzle.

Two Hours Later

I finally completed my puzzle but it took me a long time to find my flag. It was dark by the time I was finished. Luna and Hermione were done long ago. I coul

d sense the students growing impatient with me.

“Good job ladies. I would like to congratulate Ms. Hermione Granger on her quick puzzle solving skills. Ms. Luna, you missed it by a hare.” He pointed. “Ms. Delacour….you didn’t give up when most would. We will resume the tournament tomorrow. Ladies, you’re up in the morning this time and boys right after.”

Wonderful. I had to get up early. Tsk tsk.