I was happy that I could avoid him for the whole week until Friday. I even called in sick on Monday to get my own work done. If or if not the reason for that was Crouch Jr I would never admit, not even to myself. As I already knew the specifics of the first task as well as the fact which dragons would be used, the work he gave me shouldn't be so difficult. Therefore I researched a bit about these types of dragons and wrote some weaknesses and strategies down.

The only point I wasn't sure about was how everything took place the first time. There had been a lot of rumours at the time. Especially with the first task there had been a lot of discussions who had let the information slip that they had to conquer dragons. My best guess was that it was Ron as his brother worked for the place the dragons came from. However, he and Harry had a fight about the same time so maybe not? Maybe it had been Hagrid directly who had warned him? But wasn't he under the rules of the tournament as well like all the teachers? Shaking my head I decided not to worry about that. Barty surely had a plan. But I could help with the second task and tip off Diggory about the functioning's of the egg.

Packing away my belongings, I take a few of the books I had checked out from the library and left for the outside. Carefully not to be spotted I rushed through the corridors until I finally took a step on the lawn behind the castle. Without stopping I ran down the hill towards the forest. There had always been a place where I felt especially safe and I always had loved learning there alone. No one dared to go even near the forbitten forest most of the time, so it was perfect.
The entrance I used was obscured by dense bushes. I didn't have to walk far in to where some half-high and crooked trees stood with deep branches. I could still see the edge of the forest, but no one would see me from the outside. Shouldering the bag with the books I began to climb. I had done this a million times the steps secure and fast until I reached the point where the branches of the trees crossed, so close together that they formed a secure sitting space. A pillow was nestled between them on which I sank down and made myself comfortable. Back on the trunk, feet dangling in the air and the bag hung up on another branch.

Taking the first book out, I began to read. It was a compact edition of the first war against Voldemort. As always there weren't too many exclusive facts and descriptions. Already at the beginning I could tell that it sounded more like one of those horror stories you read to deter children. Scoffing I skipped through the pages. The only unaltered facts in here were probably the dates, everything else seemed exaggerated, over the top and completely biased. What was that saying the muggles liked to use? Ah yes! History is always written by the victors. It seemed like the wizarding world was no exception. Not that I ever doubted that... You only had to read these scandalous newspaper articles where not even half of it was the truth.

It seemed like I had to ask the people who actually witnessed everything, if I wanted to paint me my own picture. My thoughts flickered to my mother. Urgh... No not her, never her! But I couldn't ignore her forever... Not now. She would get suspicious if I would go from heeling her every move to cutting her out. There was as well the fact, that I had to spend a part of my christmas holidays with her. How I dreaded those days...

Banging my head against the trunk of the tree I groaned. If I had to go there I could at least use the time useful. I knew that our family had a private library with a lot of forbitten and old tomes, maybe I could find out more stuff there. In addition, I could try to sound interested in her life, get her to talk about the glorious times and get important information. Taking notes in my special notebook I distracted myself again and continued my research. This time I took out a book about cursed and magical objects. I had a feeling that someday in the near future I would need all the knowledge I could muster.

It was late afternoon when I decided that it would be enough for today and hopped down the tree. The sun had already begun to set when I sneaked into the castle again. It was easy enough to get unnoticed to our common room and from there on, nobody was interested in me anyway.

When dinner time came, I jumped at the opportunity of food as I hadn't eaten since breakfast. However as soon as I stepped foot in the great hall, I could feel the burning of a gaze on me. Looking around it was easy to spot the person it belonged to. Moodys magical eye was drilling imaginary holes in me. Quickly I glanced away. That was not something I wanted to deal with right now. Concentrating on my food and the table that slowly filled, I relaxed. Thinking about the next letter I would write to my Dad, I didn't notice the figure standing behind the doors when I left the hall. So I startled when a big hand was settling on my shoulder. However, as it was in the middle of the hallway and there was only one person bold enough, I wasn't overcome by fear this time. Sighting I turned around. "Is there anything I can do for you professor?", I asked politely.
His face was serious but didn't let on what he wanted this time from me.
Running his weird eye up and down on me he spoke up. "You weren't in class today. I just wanted to see if there was a specific reason for it."
Letting my tense shoulders relax I shrugged. "I didn't feel well today so I decided to call in sick. But I found some time for your extra homework. It will be ready by friday if that's alright." That was close enough to the truth.

He let go of me and stepped back. Gruffly he acknowledged this. "Alright, get better soon. I will await you friday on the dot."
Before walking past me, limping in the direction of his office.
I did the same, walking up to the Ravenclawtower as if nothing had happened.