The next day, everyone was obsessing about the Goblet of Fire. Fred and George Weasley hated the age rule so much that they decided to try and put their names on the Goblet, no matter what it took to succeed.

They had put some kind of spell on it that morning and tested it out in front of a large group of students. At first, they tried just jumping inside the blue glowing circle that surrounded the Goblet of Fire. However, the twins were knocked right out. Next, they each drank an aging potion… which didn't end well. Fred and George had long, white beards and looked like old men. Everyone in the room started laughing at the sight.

Greta saw Cedric place his name into the Goblet and she summoned him over when he had finished.

"I didn't know you were seventeen," Greta said with curiosity.

Cedric laughed. "Yep, I sure am! I'm hoping that I'll be selected."

"I bet you will. You seem like the type of person who can take on any challenge."

"Thank you."

From the corner of her eye, Greta could've sworn she had seen Malfoy staring at her.

What is the deal with these guys? Greta thought to herself. It's just Cedric. Sheesh!

Time Skip

The rest of the day went well (besides all the snarky comments from Malfoy), which made Greta feel really relieved. Usually, she had bad days depending on the moods of her professors. She couldn't help but smile as she sat down in the Hogwarts dining hall with all the Gryffindor students. Dumbledore was going to announce the participants of the Triwizard Tournament and Greta was excited.

She waited anxiously as Dumbledore slowly walked up to the Goblet of Fire. She was keeping her fingers crossed for Cedric Diggory, hoping that the Goblet would select him.

"Students of Hogwarts, Drumstang, and Beauxbatons! I am here to announce who the Goblet of Fire has selected to participate in the Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore stated.

The Goblet spat blue flames up in the air, sizzled, and burned until a charred piece of paper floated or of the Goblet. Dumbledore snatched the paper and read it. "From Drumstang… we have Viktor Krum!"

Everyone clapped and cheered.

Another piece of paper flew out of the Goblet.

"From Beauxbatons… Fleur Delacour!"

More clapping followed.

"Lastly, from Hogwarts…" Dumbledore began. Yet another paper floated into Dumbledore's hand. "Cedric Diggory!"

Greta was cheering the loudest out of everyone in the room. She couldn't believe Cedric had been nominated. She was so happy for him.

However, before Dumbledore could say anything else, the Goblet of Fire spat out a fourth small piece of paper. Dumbledore looked dumbfounded as he grabbed the paper and read it. Suddenly, he became furious.

"HARRY POTTER!" he shouted.

Most of the students jumped, including Greta. She had never seen Dumbledore so angry before. It scared her. Harry especially seemed shocked by the sudden outburst. It was as if he didn't understand what was going on. Dumbledore and the rest of the professors jumped out of their seats and took Harry away. Harry looked frightened; truly frightened. In a couple of minutes, everyone started to eat finally, but they were whispering about Harry. For some reason, Ron looked annoyed.

"I bet he put his name in the Goblet of Fire just for attention," Ron muttered. "He must think half the rules in this school don't apply to him or something."

"Don't be like that, Ron," Hermione scolded. "He couldn't have possibly put his name in there by himself. You saw what happened to Fred and George."

"Something just seems fishy about this, that's all," Ron said.

Time Skip

After dinner, Greta walked by herself to the Gryffindor common room, clutching her books in her arms. She preferred to make time for thinking, so she often walked alone. Unfortunately, that doesn't last long.

Malfoy snuck up behind Greta quietly and made her jump with a loud, "BOO!"

Greta dropped her books out of surprise.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" she hissed as she bent down to retrieve her books.

"Dunno. Just wanted to say hi," Malfoy smirked. He examined Greta closely before laughing. "Huh… I didn't realize you were so short. How tall are you?"

"Five foot, two inches," Greta mumbled. "Why does that matter to you anyway?"

Malfoy snatched Greta's books out of her hands.

"I can do this now," Malfoy cackled as he held the books high above his head.

"Hey, give those back," Greta said, trying to reach where her belongings were.

"You can try all you want, Shorty, but it won't work," Malfoy taunted.

Greta's cheeks flushed. "Don't call me Shorty! It's not my fault that you're so tall," she pouted.

She clenched her fists in annoyance. She was tired of the names Malfoy gave her.

"What was that, Shorty? I couldn't hear you. You're all the way down there."

"Enough, Malfoy. Give them back to me." Greta was on the verge of crying. She couldn't take it anymore. However, she had to keep her cool in front of Malfoy. She couldn't risk embarrassing herself.

"Hey, you!" a familiar voice said. "Give Greta her books back." Greta turned and saw Cedric marching up towards Malfoy.

"That's not how you treat a lady, Malfoy," Cedric ordered. "Now, return her books."

"Fine, Diggory," Malfoy grunted. He let Greta grab her books. "My father will hear about this. You shouldn't be getting into other people's affairs."

Malfoy stalked away grumpily.

"Thank you, Cedric," Greta smiled.

"No problem, cutie," Cedric grinned. "Do you always walk alone? It always seems like you do."

"Oh, um, not all the time," Greta protested. "I just like to think sometimes. Being alone in a quiet area makes it easier for me."

"So you're a thinker, huh?" Cedric asked. "That's how I like women."

Greta's cheeks burned. "Oh, really? Um, thank you… so much. I-I don't know what to say."

"I'll walk you to your common room, ok?" Cedric chuckled.

Greta nodded.

After Greta and Cedric parted ways, Hermione had immediately demanded to know where Greta was. Greta said it was nothing and that she was too tired to talk.

As soon as Greta had changed and flopped down onto her bed, she thought to herself, I'm not short. Malfoy's just taller than me… like most people…

Greta repositioned herself, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. Was she really that short? Sure, some people were shorter than Greta, but the majority we're taller, even by an inch or two.

Ugh! I hate Malfoy! Greta thought. He doesn't need to bully me constantly. I wish he would just leave me alone.

She repositioned herself again.

Then, her mind flashed back to noticing Malfoy's smile in Potions. She hit her face with her pillow, her cheeks flushing.

"Ugh! Not again!"

Suddenly, she heard a chirping mew coming from the other side of her bed. It was her calico cat, Lucky Charm. Greta quickly sat up, her eyes sparking and a wide smile on her face.

"Lucky! Come here, girl, come here," she called.

Lucky Charm obeyed and lay down on Greta's lap, purring.

Greta scratched Lucky Charm's ear.

"Good girl," she cooed.

After a few minutes of petting Lucky Charm, Greta decided to go to sleep. She carefully removed Lucky Charm from her lap, got comfortable, and stared adoringly at Lucky Charm (who decided to groom herself).

"Goodnight, Lucky," Greta said tiredly. As she fell asleep, her mind filled itself with thoughts of Cedric.

Word Count: 1249