The words “eternal glory” kept echoing in Draco Malfoy’s mind as he stared at the glowing cornflower blue object. The term began a week ago and everyone was still adjusting to the accommodations made for both new schools who now called Hogwarts their temporary home. The blond haired Slytherin was sitting in the Great Hall where not too many others were fluttering around. Since it was a Saturday, most were outside or killing time elsewhere while trying to enjoy the easiest part of the term. His work had already been done and for now, that left him with plenty of time to think. Crabbe and Goyle were off doing something that for the love of god, Draco couldn’t bother to recall.

When Draco first got his letter four years ago, his father was hardly surprised, nor pleased. It was expected and Draco knew that his time spent at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had to be more than expected. He needed to carve his own path and make his own name for himself. And when word reached him that Harry Potter would be in his same year, Draco had to pounce on the opportunity to befriend the legendary Boy Who Lived. Much to his disgust and slight shame, Draco was refused in lieu of a Weasley. It was outrageous and appalling. It took the boy several weeks to accept Potter’s logic.And even now, it still baffled him when he saw the Golden Trio romp around the school.

Having struggled to find his proper place as he envisioned, Draco Malfoy felt like his chances were slipping between his fingers. He and his father barely spoke and when he was at school, the only joy he found was teasing Potter and his rubbish mates. Now that he was about halfway through his education, he felt as though his time had been wasted so far. What could he do to stand out? He was on the Quidditch team but that wasn’t making much of a difference. Eyeing the glowing treasure, it slowly dawned on him that the solution was staring at him right in the face. Of course! How could he be so daft? Draco grabbed his messenger bag and fished out a scrap of parchment.

It made sense in his mind.

Now whether or not it would work or go unnoticed were other matters that didn’t concern him.

If he entered the Tri-Wizard Tournament and won, then his father would finally have recognize his worth as a son and as an heir. And of course everyone at school would also have to commend him for his bravery, skill and promise as a wizard. As he wrote down his name and folded it once, he took another look around. No one seemed to be around and he thought, foolishly upon future contemplation, his attempt would prove not only successful but also vallant. He stepped forward and looked at the area where he knew the Headmaster had made his own enchantment to ensure no one underage would be able to submit their own name. He reached over and felt a cold thin hand tighten around his wrist.

“Mister Malfoy, I am shocked and bewildered by your act of stupidity.” A long drawl reached his ears and he knew it was his Head of House, Professor Snape. A moment of red sheepishness cross his cheeks before he turned around and wrenched his hand free of Snape’s grasp. “I expected something from Potter but not you.” His dark eyes narrowed. Draco could detect hints of annoyance as well as disappointment in the Potions Master’s voice despite the monotone sound filling his ears. The greasy haired teacher and Draco had developed a charming rapport over the years and Draco was a bit troubled by the teacher’s lecture. Usually Draco could get away with most things.

And there wasn’t anyone around either.

Draco was confused and the man took the opportunity to snatch the now crumpled up paper from Draco’s fist. Snape was dealing with enough stress this year with new students and handling the returning of the Dark Lord, he didn’t need to add Draco the list of things to juggle. “I do not have the time nor patience for this.” He said as he released Draco and began to walk off. Draco grabbed his things and tagged behind the man, both their dark robes billowing behind them. Once out and in the main foyer of the castle, Snape began to consider what punishment would suit Draco’s insolence. His eyes settled upon Luna Lovegood who was a quirky sort of Ravenclaw who didn’t fit in very well.

She reminded him of his own youth.

Snape shook his head and turned to Draco. “If I recall, a few days ago, Miss Luna Lovegood was given the chance to start a Hogwarts Newsletter to cover the Tournament and to keep all three schools informed of events. It seems like a fitting place for you to go.” He concluded abruptly and walked over to the girl who was scribbling something down by the door of the Great Hall. “Miss Lovegood...Mister Malfoy is interested in not only joining, but contributing to your Newsletter.” He said. “I trust you will find a suitable place for him as he has a very...keen interest in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. If you have any problems with him, notify me at once please.” He said and then wandered off.

Draco let out a breath that he had been holding close to his chest. He was not at all pleased with the outcome of his actions. He hadn’t expected Professor Snape to discipline him, let alone in such a troublesome manner. Though Luna was a weird girl who most people taunted, Draco had yet to find a real reason to dislike her, as opposed to Potter and his friends. Still, he wasn’t thrilled to be working with her but he had a feeling if he didn’t comply, Snape would surely write to his parents who would likely balk at his feeble attempt to enter the dangerous but honorable tournament. “What do I need to do?” He finally huffed, trying not sound as ill as he felt at the moment. He hoped he could do some funny advice column under some anonymous name or perhaps cover and interview those involved with the tournament. 

No matter what he did, he was smart enough to know that he needed to be approachable and not as sour as he felt like acting. Draco knew his attitude needed to in check or he would feel even more miserable in a week’s time. Being put on a newsletter wasn’t the way he wanted to make his name but he supposed, or rather conceded that it was better than nothing or being stuck in detention. The more he thought about it, the more unsure he was that his writing skills would be very exceptional but he knew he had to make it work somehow. He considered whether or not to tell the blond witch that this was against his will but figured she might already know or not care. Either way, Draco had to keep his wits about him.

Meanwhile, Hermione and Harry were situated in the library. As expected, her homework was already done and she ensured Harry and Ron had theirs done as well. Hermione had looked back fondly at her three years at Hogwarts but considered that maybe this fourth year might be less hectic and emotional. But with the reveal of the tournament, the brown haired bookworm wasn’t sure how smoothly their year may go. Of course she was hopeful that with the age restriction, no one they knew would get roped into the high risk situation. And maybe that meant they could focus on their studies. That was of course was something she was hoping for but she was sure Harry and Ron would much rather focus on Quidditch or chess.

Their red headed companion was off with his sister, likely outside enjoying the last few rays of sun before the autumn chill settled in for the long months ahead. Hermione heard about Luna Lovegood’s interest in starting a newsletter and of course she jumped at the chance to help the quirky younger student. Hermione enjoyed helping people and while she only saw Luna as an acquaintance, she was sure that they’d be good friends in quick time. Her summer spent back home had been very productive. She got to spend time with her parents as well as continue to study for school as it got closer and closer.

The girl got up from her seat and began to pace through the narrow rows of books. She slowed down when she arrived at the window and looked out over the grassy hillside which fed down into the lake. She saw many students were mingling and playing around. Though her third year at the school had been hectic, it had been her own choice. But now she was beginning to consider that such a life wasn’t one she ought to be living. Hermione glanced over her shoulder at Harry. She knew things weren’t getting easier for his life at home but she hoped with him aware of Sirius, that he might be able find some solace there. She knew he was living with his awful blood relatives and had only met them once when she paid Harry a visit between their second and third year over the summer.

While she considered it being safer for him to be with blood, she had seen the bond form between him and Sirius and she sincerely hoped that Harry would be able to feel more safe and accepted with someone such as Sirius but his life was up in the air, so to speak. Hermione was sure that someday soon, the two would be able to find comfort in one another and make their future much brighter. For now, they were back at school and so far, things were looking to be an exciting but not too eventful year where the tree of them were concerned. Hermione found her mind wander as she watched Ron and his siblings joke around while she and harry were inside. Of course they wanted to be there. She had mentioned the project to Ron a few days ago and he scoffed at the notion of doing extra work that didn't matter to anyone. While the newsletter would be revolutionary she also tried to assure him that it would impress future employers.

That of course didn't interest him either so she dropped the topic.

Much to her delight though, Harry seemed interested enough to tag along. She strode back over to the small circular table they were at and took her seat beside him. Lunch had ended about an hour and a half ago but everyone had been granted free time for the rest of the day so the new students could acquaint themselves with the complex layout of the castle and its grounds. "Thanks for tagging along." She told Harry, smiling as she looked down as the massive red leather bound book between them. As soon as the girl found out about the event, she did as much reading as she could. From her understanding it began in 1294 but then ceased in 1792 but now it was being revitalized. It worried her considering the risks didn't outweigh the rewards, at least from her perspective. "Hogwarts has had 63 victors." She commented as she was trying to recall what she had read about over the past few days, her fingers drumming against the cover lightly.

"The Goblet seems to select the very best candidate deemed worthy and suitable for competition." She continued. "They are bound by a magical contract to stand alone without help and claim victory...the number of deaths is pretty high because of this...it's no wonder it was discontinued for so long." She said gravely and looked to Harry. "I am sure whoever represents Hogwarts will be alright though." She tried to assure him. While none of their friends were in the upper tier of the school, she knew she would love to find a way to cheer and participate in the historic event. "I hope this year can be quiet for us...we have O.W.Ls to look forward to and in a way, we're already half way through our education. I can't hardly believe it..." Her voice trailed off. "I remember meeting you and Ron on the train." She smiled, leaning back in her chair. "That feels like so long ago, doesn't it...?"