Story: Blossoming Heart
Second Entry: Big-Head in MY Life
Author: Miyoko

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Diary,
I'm back after a year. That sounds so like me. I never really wanted to write in you but I think I need to now of all the times. I'm so depressed now. You might think me crazy but if you hear what happened, you will take it back; that is, if you can.

It was my fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I thought it would be as normal as the last year but I was so wrong. An announcement by Dumbledore changed it all. . .

Candles floated above the students' heads as they all chatted away on the busy night of Halloween. Students of all houses were gathered in the Great Hall of the magnificent castle cum school of Hogwarts. Earlier that morning, a notice was put up in all the common rooms. The notice requested the mandatory presence of the students as well as the staff for an announcement which was termed as important.

Nervous and excited chatters were heard from the students' section while questioning glances were thrown at each other at the staff table. Harry and his two best friends, Neville, also called Nev, and Ginny were seated at the far end of the Gryffindor table, eagerly waiting for the announcement.

Silence fell in the hall spontaneously as the headmaster of the famed school walked up to the podium. He was an old man by name Albus Dumbledore but he was the perfect example given for the saying, "Age is just a number."

Headmaster Dumbledore was wearing a purple long robe which was adorned with glittering star symbols. He also wore a pointed purple hat and half moon spectacles. His blue eyes twinkled madly as they landed on almost every student and staff present in the hall. He even winked at Harry when it landed on their group of friends.

"Greetings! A very delightful evening to one and all! I must thank you for being present on the request of an old man," Dumbledore said. Several small chuckles were heard and Harry tried his best not to grin when Ginny's merry eyes met his. "Let's get to the topic as I am in an hurry to taste the wonderful treacle tart made by our hard-working house elves," this again caused several people to look amused, including some of the staff. Snape however was frowning. "I once heard of the tale of treacle tart. It seems that an oaf, a banshee and a werewolf visited a pub at Hogsmeade. They wanted a gi-" Dumbledore was cut off by Professor McGonagall clearing her throat. "Ah, I must have got carried away. Anyways, let's get back to it in a jiffy. I am very pleased to announce that Hogwarts will play host to the Inter-school Pranking Competition!" He announced, causing several students as well as the staff to open their mouth in surprise. Harry himself found his eyebrows raising.

"You're joking!" Fred and George, Ginny's elder twin brothers shouted, their voice echoing throughout the awestruck hall.

"As a matter of fact, I am, Mr Weasley and Mr Weasley!" Dumbledore joked. Everyone in the hall either erupted into light chuckles or rolled their eyes. Harry saw Ginny and Nev laugh and he joined in as well. On the other end, Ginny's elder brother Ron was laughing as well but his friend Hermione Granger and her friends, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil were rolling their eyes. The twins, on the other hand, looked dejected. The staff had the same reactions though instead of laughing, they were smiling. Professor McGonagall was glaring at the merry Headmaster and Snape had his usual frown. Harry caught his father shaking his head with a huge 'Potter smirk' on his face. His father had signed up as the DADA teacher at Hogwarts after Professor Lupin left because of his status as a werewolf. Harry was saddened by Remus resigning nevertheless he was glad that it was his father who replaced him. However, this caused a bit of issues between their relationship and Harry did not wish to talk about that to anyone.

"Hogwarts will play host to an interesting and challenging tournament called The Triwizard Tournament. This tournament will have a set of three tough and life threatening challenges and only those worthy of it will be selected to represent the school as a champion. There will be three renowned magical schools taking part and one champion will be picked from each of the school. The winner of the tournament will gain not only a thousand galleons but also eternal glory to the school and himself or herself. Fret not if Hogwarts doesn't win for it is active participation that matters over successful victory. There is no age limit for entering the tournament but remember, an impartial judge will select the champions and once entered, you will not be allowed to back out of the competition. Now, I want to conclude this announcement with the introduction of," Dumbledore announced. He pointed his wand at an object covered with a white cloth and the cloth disappeared to reveal a silver magnificent goblet. It was completely breathtaking with the whitish blue flames that were alive, originating from inside it. "The goblet of fire."

Harry looked at his friends and found a determined glint in Neville's eyes. Perhaps his best friend was going to enter. Harry had no wish to enter and he might get a chance to support Neville if Neville were to be selected by this enchanted goblet.

"Tarry not for the food to rot. Let the feast begin," with that, the announcement ended and everyone was abuzz with excited chatters about the Triwizard Tournament.

That was just the announcement. You don't know what I went through when the goblet spat my name out of the fire as the champion of Hogwarts even though I did not enter my name. Everything that happened is a blur in my mind and hence I cannot jot it down but I remember my father's expression when that tiny piece of blasted parchment came out of the blue flames. It was anger and disbelief. I can never forget that expression.

Ever since dad started his job at Hogwarts, he became overprotective of me. He has always had a watchful eye on me but even then he discourages me in DADA knowing all too well that it is my favorite subject. It's hard to handle my own father going against me for God knows what reason! Nev and Ginny tried to comfort me but I refused their help. I don't want to see those pitiful looks from my best friends!

I think I ranted enough.

The champion of Beauxbatons school was a seventeen year old beautiful girl, Fleur Delacour. She is somewhat. . .weird. The first time she walked into the room, all the male population eyed her with interest. I had to snap out of that or else it would have been a nightmare seeing as Ginny was seated right in front of me and was eyeing both Neville and myself with disgust.

The champion of Durmstrang is Viktor Krum, a quidditch star. Several girls even fawned over him for that and I can't believe Ginny eyed him too! That bighead, that nasty piece of a seeker!!! I would be far more better!

The paper is going to tear now. That's how furiously I'm writing. That was all fine too but do you know what that Krum did?! He walked up to me after the first task and that was where it started.

The loud cheers which erupted from the stands as soon as Harry lifted the golden egg in the air was deafening. Harry was impressed by all the cheers he was getting as he hurriedly walked back to the tent which was set up for the champions. When he opened the fold of the tent, he was greeted by a pleasant surprise. A mass of fiery red hair hit his cheek as a pair of tiny yet strong arms gripped him by his shoulder. Harry knew he was probably as red as Ginny's hair yet he enjoyed the hug, which was small yet very sweet to him, initiated by Ginny. She usually never hugged anyone - besides her family - often and when she did hug him, he would find the monster in his chest pur in delight and his breath turned ragged.

"You idiot! What were you thinking?! Flying that close to a dragon! And it was an Hungarian Horntail at that!! The most deadliest one of the lot!" she scolded as she backed away. Her face was all sweaty and red, though Harry did not know if it was because of the heat or her run from the stands to greet him or their hug. Her expression then softened. Neville chose that moment to interrupt.

"That was epic flying mate, I'm sure you'd beat even me!" Neville said, happily. He was the chaser of the Gryffindor team and therefore, was a pretty good flyer. Harry grinned back. He looked at the other champions.

Fleur sat on a small red chair, looking as nervous as she did before the start of the task. Nevertheless, she gave him a congratulatory smiled which he returned. Krum on the other hand was approaching him with his usual stern mask.

"'Arry, very vell done," he said, showing off his accent. Harry nodded. His face showed nothing of gratitude as Krum eyed his redheaded best friend standing beside him.

"You too," Harry said but Krum did not respond in kind. Instead he held his hand to Ginny. She raised her eyebrows then hesitantly took it. Harry as well as Neville had their eyes widened when Krum brought it to his lips and kissed the palm of her tiny hand. The monster in Harry's chest roared in anger as he tried his best not to retaliate physically against the Bulgarian Seeker.

"Greetings, lovely lady. May I know vot is your name?" Krum asked. Harry sneered as he remembered the way Ginny would reply when asked what her name was without telling theirs. She'd usually say, 'It's rude to ask others' names without telling yours, no matter how popular or smart you are'. That was what Harry expected but what he witnessed utterly shocked the living daylights out of him.

"I'm Ginny, Ginny Weasley. . ." She replied, looking down. Her freckled face was adorned in a tint of pink. Harry felt himself breaking as she smiled at Krum.

"Nice name, 'inny," he said. Ginny looked confused then shrugged. "Do yuh wish to give me a tour 'round this magnifico castle?" he asked. Harry was shaking his head but apparently Ginny and Krum had forgotten about his and Neville's presence.

"Sure, Mr Krum," Ginny replied, nodding with a smile. Krum gave her an odd smile.

"Call me Viktor," he said. Ginny nodded and was about to tell something when Ludo Bagman, the person who coordinated the event, arrived along with the headmasters and headmistress of the respective schools. Harry felt himself warm up and had no idea why it felt like it did. He pushed it aside and tried to focus on whatever Bagman was saying but his gaze kept faltering to Ginny who was standing far away from him with Neville.

That was a nightmare. I could have rather taken that Dragon on instead of watching Krum err. . . it's disgusting to even write that so I decided to not write it. The next day was pretty much. . . I don't know what to say about it. Let me tell the incident instead.

Cold. Freezing cold. That was what Harry woke up to. Freezing cold water. He splashed around, trying to get out of the nightmare he was apparently experiencing but it did not work. He gulped for air and that was when he was pulled out thanks to some lifesaver. Harry spat the water out and took deep, desperate breaths of fresh oxygen as he tried to get out of the water. He wiped his soaking face using his hands and blinked open his eyes. The first thing he looked was Ginny sitting in front of him with big concerned eyes. She let out a sigh of relief and extended her hand to him. He gratefully took her hand and was pulled out of the freezing waters.

"Thank Merlin," a voice was heard. Harry turned back and found Neville standing, half submerged in the pool. He was soaking wet as well. Before Harry could register what was happening or where he was, he was pushed down to the ground, rather he was made to bend his head. A towel was wrapped around him. Ginny was using a towel to dry his wet, messy hair as he flailed around, trying to get Ginny to stop drying his hair so harshly. He heard the sound of moving in water and wet footsteps.

"I'll just change and be right back, Ginny. It's too cold," Neville said.

"Okay, use a drying charm if you need."

He heard more wet footsteps, this time walking away from him. Ginny finally stopped drying his hair and sighed. He turned around to face her and found her kneeling behind him, the towel still in her hands. Harry tried to talk but found that he could not. His throat was dry and he felt his body sore. Ginny hastily hushed him when she saw him trying to talk.

"You have dragon fever, Harry. You caught it when you got a bruise from that dragon's spine. It's symptoms include high fever, soreness, loss of voice and taste and mental. . .issues," she said gently. Harry nodded. So that was why he felt warm back then in the tent. He had accidentally bruised himself on the dragon's sharp spine when he was flying. He looked at his arm and found a bruise. It looked fresh and red, but it was not bleeding. Harry looked up at Ginny with another questioning look, hoping that she would understand what he meant.

"Neville got to know first. He heard you mumble Mrs Potter's name and he was still not asleep. He checked on you and found that you were boiling hot. He sent me an emergency letter. Thankfully I was up, planning the tour with Viktor," -Harry tried his best not to snort at that- "And I could come up with the remedy. Charlie mentioned once or twice that dragon fevers don't cure immediately but to reduce their effects for, say twelve hours, the victim must be submerged completely underwater. We brought you to the prefects' bathroom. How do we know the password?" she asked as Harry gave her another questioning glance. He nodded lightly as he felt his neck numb. "Heard Percy muttering that when I was on my way to DADA. It's 'pinefresh'."

Harry nodded again and his heart skipped a beat as he realized how worried Ginny sounded. She was picking something from the towel but his eyes were on her. She had never really given any hint of any indication if she liked him the way he did and even the slightest hint would make his heart skip a beat. Ginny looked up at him and smiled lightly. He smiled back, with as much energy as he could muster. Their eyes were trained on the other's. Harry felt his heart trying to leap out of the ribcage it was encrusted in as he looked into the deep chocolate pools of her eyes. His lips were turning up in a goofy smile.

Neville took this perfect moment to walk in and interrupt whatever was going on in between them. Harry silently cursed Neville then sighed as Ginny stood up as well. The two of them helped Harry to his feet and they retreated back to the common room. All the while Harry was being supported by his two best friends, being unable to even stand steadily.

As soon as he was in his bed, he felt his eyelids become heavy. The last thing he saw, or rather felt was Ginny tucking him in and he fell into a world of pleasant dreams.

Do you call that cute? If you do, you're an oblivious idiot. The next day Ginny went on the 'tour' with that big-head Krum and I know, for a fact, that she enjoyed it. I saw the happy glint in her brown eyes when she returned. Oh why does it feel so hard to forget that?!

There is something else too. The school is hosting a ball of sorts, three days from now and we are supposed to bring a date along. As a champion, I should have long since got one but here I am, without a date. I thought and thought of inviting Ginny but it seems so hard. Whenever I even approach her, I feel hot. Really hot. It might be the dragon fever too, Godric knows, I'm a poor man at this. I feel like I don't deserve her and I think that is caused by that mental issues part of the dragon fever as well. I try keeping that as an excuse to my sudden red face but of course, the ever snickering Neville knows what is going on!

I don't know what I am gonna do now, diary, I really don't.

H.J.P
21st December, 1994

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Hey guys!
I made a mistake with the year in the last chapter. It is 1993, not 1995. I hope you liked this chapter.

Edit: Corrected several typos and grammatical mistakes on 03.03.2022.

Thank you for reading!

Love,
Miyoko x