Foreboding

"I can't believe it, Death Eaters in this day in age?! The bloody gall of those spineless, skull and snake-worshipping bastards to launch a raid on a muggle camp and then summon the Dark Mark!" Molly Weasley howled as she paced back and forth in front of the fire her eyes wide and unfocused clearly caught in memories of a much darker time, "And of course, they all got away, though what would it matter? That idiot Fudge would let them all get off on the Imperious loophole with only a slight slap on the wrist." 

Ron sighed as he watched his mother tie herself into a knot, "Well there goes any chance of me getting out of the house until school starts." 

A few feet away Ginny mirrored her mother's pacing though instead of outrage there was a distant haunted look in her eyes, "S-should we tell someone about what happened?" 

Reaching out Rose placed a firm hand on Ginny's shoulder, "We'll talk to Thane and Daphne, but no one else can know. You understand that, right?" 

Ginny glanced up into Rose's eyes and found an unwavering determination and fierce loyalty that somehow calmed her racing mind, "Y-yeah, I can keep my mouth shut. No need to worry about me." 

In the blink of an eye, Luna wrapped Ginny up in a hug, "Don't worry, everything is going to be alright. You're just in shock right now...though if you're still hearing their screams by the end of the week make sure you say something. I've been working on a spell that could prove useful for PTSD."

Despite the dark subject matter, Ginny couldn't help by laugh as she returned Luna's hug, "You got it, healer's orders." 

Rose let out a silent exhale as she realized that Ginny wouldn't be as big of a liability as she feared, 'Even more reason to bring her into the family.' 

Rose looked back down at her two embracing friends and for a moment the terrified faces stuck in her mind faded. Rose had often wondered how she would feel after her first kill, wondering if she would hesitate, cry, throw up, or feel nothing at all. 

Now in the aftermath of it all Rose realized that she wasn't a cold-blooded killer despite what her weapons and magic may suggest. But Rose didn't regret what she did and was proud of the fact that she hadn't hesitated. There had been a threat to those she cared about and Rose had taken care of it. 

A hand settled on Rose's shoulder making her flinch, but the familiar warmth and presence quickly washed away any lingering tension in her body. Looking up Rose stared into Thane's emerald eyes which seemed to read her very thoughts at just a glance. 

Wordlessly Rose leaned back against Thane and closed her eyes, letting him temporarily take on her worries and stress. 

Walking up next to them Daphne took one look at Rose and seemed to instantly understand or at least get a vague idea of what had occurred, "I'll make sure she and the girls are settled later tonight...how are we going to handle the fallout?" 

Thane was silent for a moment as he thought, "Release a statement that Fae Inc. will be offering free healing services to any injured by the Death Eaters and that we will be providing every member of the Department of Magical Law enforcement with Fae Mirrors. I have a strong feeling that this isn't going to be an isolated instance, in the worst case scenario another piece of Voldemort's soul had reunited with his followers." 

Daphne's lips twitched in a barely perceivable frown, "If that's the case, do you think he targeted Rose and Ginny on purpose? To get back at you?" 

"Most likely not," Thane replied as he squeezed Rose's shoulder, "The chances that this fragment of his soul is even aware of our previous conflicts is slim." 

"But not none," Daphne countered and Thane couldn't bring himself to dismiss her concerns, "For the foreseeable future I would like it if we approach all decisions as if Voldemort is targeting you and our family." 

Thane didn't hesitate to nod in agreement, "Very well then, it's a good thing that I'll be attending Hogwarts this year. After all the dark wizard seems to have an unhealthy obsession with the school." 

"Maybe a conversation with Dumbledore might prove fruitful," Daphne suggested only for Thane to shake his head slightly, "That would implicate me if any problem were to arise. I will interfere only if it's absolutely necessary, I'm going for my dissertation and certifications, nothing more, nothing less. A quick break before I resume my experiments that will hopefully prevent the end of magic." 

Daphne reached over and rubbed Thane's arm consoling him, "I'm sure that nothing will arise that needs your direct involvement. And even then you can always rely on me and the girls to help you." 

"I'd rather not think about it at all, to begin with," Thane muttered, "There's no proof that jinxes are actual magic, but at this point, I'm not taking any chances." 

Daphne smirked, "Now you're just being paranoid." 

---

"Welcome all to the start of another year!" Dumbledore spoke as he stood up quieting the dining hall which was still a buzz after the results of the sorting ceremony, "However this is not just another year, not only do we have the famed Auror Alastor Moody, serving as our Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts but I am proud to announce that Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard Tournament after two hundred years of discontinuance!" 

The announcement was met with an immediate uproar, which was mostly confusion as people looked towards their friends for an explanation. Fortunately, Dumbledore was quick to offer one. 

"For those unaware the Triwizard Tournament is a magical contest between the three largest magical schools in Europe, Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and of course Hogwarts. Each school is represented by a Champion who is randomly chosen from those who choose to submit their name to the Goblet of Fire." Dumbledore then waved his hand causing a pedestal to appear in front of the professor's table displaying a grand wooden goblet that contained a blue-white fire within its cup. 

"The Tournament consists of three trials designed to test magical ability, intelligence, and courage. The Champions' performance in each trial will be judged by a panel consisting of myself and the other Headmasters. The Champion with the highest score at the end will forever be immortalized with one of the greatest honors a student can receive, as well as receive the Triwizard Cup for their school and a personal reward of one thousand galleons." Dumbledore announced which only elicited even more of a response as people began to whisper among themselves excitedly. 

Dumbledore then raised his hand to quiet the swell of voice, "However due to the high mortality rate in the past many new restrictions will be implemented to ensure the utmost safety. One of which is that only students above the age of seventeen will be allowed to participate." 

Several boos and disgruntled sighs arose which Dumbledore took in stride, "I know I know, however, do not fret all students are invited to attend the customary Yule Ball which will be hosted on Christmas Night. Now all prospective Champions will have the next week to submit their names to the Goblet of Fire, before our foreign counterparts arrive...that is all!" 

Dumbledore sat back down which opened the floodgates as everyone started to converse excitedly. Everyone except Thane, who sighed already imagining how crowded and chaotic the school would be throughout the year. 

"Still believe I was being paranoid?" Thane asked Daphne who sat to his left purposely not looking at him, "Well you don't have to participate in the tournament or even view the trials." 

"You say that now, but this is only bound to cause more problems," Thane muttered before letting the matter drop and returning to his food.