LOVE GAME
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vol one — losing game

˗ˏˋ CHAPTER ONE — MAD-EYE MAYBE 'ˎ˗

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          "Dannie!" Mickenna called out as she walked around her aunts house, "Dannie! Where are you we have to go!" The sudden meow from her orange cat made her smile, "There you are!" Mickenna picked Dannie up with a smile as she ran out to the car where Marjorie and their aunt Jerlyn were currently waiting for them.

Mickenna quickly got into the backseat with a huff, "Sorry! Dannie wanted to play hide and seek." Mickenna said softly, "It's fine, Mickey we're not running late it's okay." Jerlyn said with a chuckle as she started to drive her nieces to Kings Cross. "You girls got everything right? Wand? Quill? Parchment? Robes?" Jerlyn went down the short list quickly as he got closer the Kings Cross. The girls laughed "Yes, aunt Jer." The two said in unison, both holding up their wands.

          "Just have to make sure, my owl takes longer here than when we lived next door to the Weasleys." Jerlyn and her nieces moved to Cotswold Village just after Mickenna ended her second year at Hogwarts, thought it was safer to live farther away from other wizarding families, she had nothing agains the Weasleys and loved them dearly, but other families she didn't trust.

          "And remember if you need anything-" Jerlyn began but was cut off by Marjorie, "Stay calm, and go straight to Aunt Minnie- I mean Professor McGonagall." McGonagall was extremely close to the Grier sisters and their aunt, who would always come visit during the summer for Marjorie's birthday, to the point the girls would call her Aunt Minnie when they were with her in private. "And if you can get to her you go to your head of houses like you're technically supposed to." Jerlyn added with a laugh.

          Soon the Griers arrived at Kings Cross and through the platform, Jerlyn was saying her last goodbyes before the sisters got on the train for Hogwarts, "Send me an owl the second you guys get to Hogwarts." Jerlyn pleaded, "Of course, aunt Jerlyn, but we really need to get on the train!" Mickenna said with a laugh as she waited for Jerlyn to let her and Marjorie go, Mickenna was never the one to break a hug first, she always let the other person do so because she never knows how much someone truly needs one, so she lets them go when they're ready.

          "I know, oh I'm going to miss you girls, Marj, stay out of trouble." Jerlyn said letting go of her nieces and pointing a stern finger at the oldest, "And Mick, be careful playing quidditch, you have a tendency to fly too fast." Jerlyn said with the same stern pointed finger, the girls laughed kissing their aunt on both of her cheeks before getting on the train, Mickenna kissed Dannie before putting her in her carrier to be stored with the other pets due to the fact Dannie likes to run off and roam the train. "You going to go look for Elora?" Marjorie asked as they walked through the compartments, "Try too but if she's with Neville I'll leave her be, those two have the cutest crush on one another, they went to a garden a few weeks ago Elora told me all about it, it was the cutest thing ever." Mickenna responded with a sweet smile at the thought of her two friends, "What about Mattheo? You two wrote to each other all summer, what's that all about?"

          Mattheo and Mickenna had been sending owls almost everyday since he slide into the seat beside her at the end of third year, Mickenna thought is was something innocent aside from the subtle flirting from Mattheo but Mickenna was oblivious and just thought he was being friendly until Marjorie read one of the letters over Mickenna's shoulder and told her the boy wasn't being the friendly Mickenna thought. "I'm not sure, but he's sweet and fun to talk to, nothing to worry about Marj." Mickenna said just as she spotted the Weasley twins. "Since we're on the topic, what's going on between you and Fred?" Mickenna asked as she grabbed her sister's hand with both of hers and gave her sister a look. "If this area wasn't too crowded I'd tell you, but I'll tell you before we go to our common rooms, I promise, but you go find Elora or Mattheo I'll wait for you outside the Great Hall like always, I love you." Marjorie said, Mickenna nodded, "I love you too." The younger Grier responded and smiled as Marjorie kissed Mickenna on the cheek before she weaved through the crowd and joined the twins making Mickenna giggle.

           Suddenly a compartment door opened, "I knew I recognized that laugh." Mattheo's voiced filled Mickenna's ears and she smiled, "Hey!" she said cheerfully, "Come sit with us." Mattheo said while grabbing her hand and gently tugging her into the compartment where himself, Theodore, and Lorenzo also sat, "Since when do you three sit in the compartments, don't you guy usually sit up there with Draco?" Mickenna questioned as she smiled at the three, "Nothing wrong with changing it up." Theodore said making Mickenna nodded in agreement, "How's was your summer?" Mattheo asked as he sat her beside him, their legs brushing against each other, "It was great! My aunt had a lot of people over majority of it so I was with Elora a lot." Mickenna answered, Mattheo nodded, a small smile decorating his face, "That explains to change of owl." Mattheo concluded, when they'd write the more was two owls he'd see and they'd changed multiple times.

          The four continued to talk and joke around, the three finding comfort in Mickenna's laugh and smile, Mattheo more than the others, the group felt the guilt building up, but pushed it aside, Mattheo had a bet to win, and he'd be damned if he'd let an angelic laugh, perfect smile, and sweet girl ruin his chances of winning.

           But boy was this girl going to make it hard for him. Lorenzo had warned the Riddle about Mickenna's enchanting nature, would tell him how she could even make Snape crack a visible smile, not a smirk. But Mattheo would just laugh and remind him that he had it in the bag, making Mickenna fall in love with him would be easy, that he'd barely have to try to win the girl. But Pansy picked her for a reason, she didn't know the girl well but witches and wizards talk, and her name left a sweet taste in everyone's mouths.

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               The four didn't even realize the train had stopped and it was time to get off, Mattheo grabbed ahold of Mickenna's bag for her and smiled, "I got it." The boy said with a smile, Mickenna mimicked his smile, "Thank you." The two boys behind them shared a look before the exited with them.

               Above, Mickenna sees four flying horses flying through the air pulling a carriage coming in to land at Hogwarts. She was immediately intrigued as she stared at them, nearly bumping into Mattheo in the process. "Merlin." Mickenna said in amazement as she watch the carriage land, living in a muggle neighborhood she didn't really get the luxury of seeing magic from day to day like many other families, even born as a pureblood witch, magic never ceased to amaze her.

          Mattheo turned upon hearing her voice, a stared at her as she watched the horses, knowing it was taking everything in her not to dart towards them, "Mickenna." Mattheo said hoping to gain the girl's attention, a low huff left his lips when she didn't respond or look his way, "Mickenna." Mattheo said a little louder, this time gaining the girl's attention, "We're falling behind, come on." Mattheo said in amusement, Mickenna's eyes widened slightly before jogging to meet up with Mattheo who put his hand at the small of her back to keep her with him.                            

           Mickenna soon saw Harry, Hermione, and Ron and smiled brightly at the three once they saw her but the smiles seemed to slightly fade once's that say Mattheo with her, especially seeing his hand at the small of her back keeping her close, the trio decided to not bring it up, at least not with the Riddle around, "Well there's something you don't see every day." Harry said referring to the horses just as a large ship emerges from under the water and approaches the castle. "Isn't it amazing!" Mickenna exclaimed, Mattheo cracked a smile at her excitement, almost finding it adorable how easily amazed she was.

"Come on, I know your sister is probably waiting for you." Mattheo said grabbing ahold of Mickenna's hand whilst sending a glare Harry's way. Mickenna nodded and bid the trio goodbye as she let Mattheo pull her through the crowd, everyone parting when they saw the Riddle boy, though Mickenna thought nothing of it, she never did.

Once they got inside Mattheo put her bag beside Dannie's carrier, not one dropping Mickenna's hand, "Thank you." Mickenna said with a sweet smile, Mattheo smirked, "Not a problem, princess." Mickenna blushed a bright pink, Mattheo noticed, he already started to have her right where he needed her, he was going to win the bet, and he knew it. The two started making their way towards the Great Hall, Mattheo's arm placed around Mickenna's waist, the crowd parted as the two walked some whispered about the two in shock a few in distaste and the rest in slight worry and confusion.

          "Merlin, I was starting to think you got stuck on the train." Marjorie said as she spotted her little sister just before spotting the Riddle beside her, "Thanks for getting her here safe, Riddle." Marjorie said with a small smile as she took Mickenna's hand. "It's no problem. I enjoy her company." Mattheo said smiling at Mickenna. "I see, well I can tell you Mickenna feels the same, smiled everytime she saw your owl." Mickenna's eyes widen and the blush deepened as Mattheo nodded with a sly smirk, "Well as much fun as this was we best get inside before our head of houses has our heads." Marjorie said with a laugh, the two fourth years chuckled with her, "I'll never walk you to the entrance of your common room." Mattheo said.

"I'd like that." With that the three walked into the Great Hall and went to their respective tables, Mickenna found herself comfortably between one of her roommates, Susan Bones, and her close friend Cedric Diggory who was starting his seventh year. Cedric had helped train Mickenna who had just become a Seeker for the Hufflepuff quidditch team during her second year, she didn't play much until her third year but she was a very skilled player and Cedric admired her incredibly for her skills in quidditch as well as her ability to throw a party.

The sorting ceremony soon started, Mickenna enjoyed seeing the first years get excited when they got sorted, it always brought her joy Mickenna like to put faces to names of the first years when she got the chance to talk to them, it was easier for her to get to know the other Hufflepuffs who she'd welcome immediately upon seeing them in the common room, "Mickey, I saw you with Riddle, what's that all about?" Cedric whispered to her gaining her attention, "What do you mean?" Mickenna asked confused by his tone. "I mean it was odd enough at breakfast before we left last year but I saw you with him from the train all the way to the entrance of the Great Hall, he's bad news, Mick." Cedric said, concern laced in his voice.

"He's sweet, Ced. And if you thinks he's only bad news because of his name you know how I feel about the name thing." Mickenna said in a hushed tone, Mickenna never called anyone other than professors and adults by their last names, she felt as though first names were more personal, something that separated them from family namesakes. She noticed in her first year people judged each other immediately based on their last names, the names that identified family not them as their own people. She liked to get to knew people by who they are not what their last name would make them. She wants fro know Mattheo as Mattheo, not Riddle. Mickenna saw it as no one was their parents, She and Majorie weren't their parents, Draco wasn't his parents, Harry wasn't his parents, and so on.

"It's not just that, he's a player, I don't want him to hurt you. I'm just looking out for you, Mickey." Cedric said wrapping his arm around her shoulder pulling her in to a slightly awkward hug, but Mickenna loved affection especially hugs, and the girl quickly wrapped her arm around him and didn't let go until she felt him pull away, something the boy quickly figured out when he took her under his wing. "I appreciate it, Ced."

          Before Mickenna could add more Dumbledore stepped to the podium, "Now we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement. This castle will not only be your home this year but home to some very special guests as well. You see Hogwarts has been choosen..." Dumbledore trailed off as a man runs up the aisle limping in a comical way, he whispers something to Dumbledore and leaves in the same fashion.

          Student whispered and giggled as the man disappeared, Dumbledore's booming voice halts all conversations immediately, "So Hogwarts has been choosen to host a legendary event. The Tri-Wizard tournament. Now for those of you who do not know, the tri-wizard tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school a single contestant is selected to compete. Now let me be clear, if choosen you stand alone. And trust me when I say these contests are not for the faint hearted, but more of that later. For now please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of magic and their headmistress Madam Maxime." Upon hearing the familiar school name Mickennas eyes danced with joy, as she quickly glanced over towards the Ravenclaw table making eye contact with Elora and Marjorie who had the same joyful expressions.

            A group of girls dressed in blue dance up the aisle and release butterflies into the air. They bow and everyone applauds. Mickenna immediately spotted Fleur hoping to catch her as soon as they're released from the Great Hall.

           "And now our friends from the north, please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang and the high master Igor Karkaroff." Dumbledore announced as a series of older boys walk up the aisle brandishing bo staffs, twirling them around and periodically stabbing them into the ground with a spark effect. Mickenna was immediately impressed as the walked by, she wasn't fawning over them like she noticed most girls started the second the walked through, especially when people took notice that Viktor Krum was one of the boys that had come.

            "Albus!" Igor exclaims once she gets closer to Dumbledore who smiles at the man, "Igor." Dumbledore gives the same excited tone as the two embrace, Mickenna smiles brightly, "Old friends no doubt." Cedric said lowly, "How'd you figure?" Mickenna remarked with a laugh, Cedric giving the girl a gently shove. Across the Great Hall at the Slytherin table, Mattheo barely pays attention to anything or anyone around him as he watches Mickenna, her bright smile and angelic laugh was worth watching more than the events around him.

           "Worried you got yourself competition?" Pansy's voice broke Mattheo's trance, the Riddle looked over to Pansy who was seated beside him, "With Diggory? Not a chance. No one can compete with me. Besides I already have her right where I need her." Mattheo smirked, Pansy rolled her eyes before they all turned their attention back towards Dumbledore, Your attention please! I would like to say a few words. Eternal glory, that is what awaits the student who wins the tri-wizard tournament. But to do this that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks." Mickenna had chills run down her spine at the seriousness in the headmaster's voice. "For this reason the ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain all this we have the head of the department of international magic cooperation Mister Bartimus Crouch."

               Upon Dumbledore speaking the man's name thunder roars overhead, rain begins leaking through the roof and screams break out, Mickenna gasped as she felt the cold rain hit her. A strange man stands in the doorway, he casts some magic upwards and seals the roof. Mickenna looked over immediately recognizing Alastor Moody, a friend of the Grier sisters and their aunt, the man who was the one who filled nearly half the cells of Azkaban

Mickenna watches with curiosity as he begins walking, his limp noticeable as he breaths heavily, but there was something off about the man Mickenna had known since she was ten years old, he wasn't the same man she met on the unfortunate night.

           "My dear old friend, thanks for coming." Dumbledore said with a smile as Moody grumbled as he walked up the stairs, "That stupid roof." He says as he takes a drink of what Mickenna hopes is only pumpkin juice.

Soon Crouch takes over for a moment, "After much deliberation the ministry has concluded that for their own safety no student under the age of seventeen shall be allowed to put forth their name for the tri-wizard tournament. This decision is final." The man states and the crowd of students begin to boo and yell in distaste, "That's rubbish! You don't know what you're doing!" Mickenna heard George from the Gryffindor table yell, making her laugh.

          "Silence!" Dumbledore casts magic over a box which melds into a goblet containing a blue flame. "Magic is so amazing." Mickenna says in awe, "You don't see things like this often do you?" Susan asks as she looks at her roommate, "We live in a muggle neighborhood, it's not common outside the house, though my aunt doesn't entirely use it in the house either." Mickenna explained, when the two moved in with their aunt the woman immediately moved them in a muggle neighborhood so it would be easier for them to blend in, appreciate muggle life, and live safer, especially with the darkness that had surrounded the two for most of their lives.

          "The goblet of fire. Anyone wishing to submit themselves for the tournament merely write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it in the flame before this hour on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly, if choosen there's no turning back. As from this moment the tri-wizard tournament has begun." Everything about the tournament made Mickenna nervous, she was thankful for the rule that was placed but she still was uneasy about the older student participating, Mickenna looked to Cedric seeing a certain glint in his eyes, "You're going too aren't you?"

Cedric nodded, "Of course I am! And I hope I'll have a certain Hufflepuff Princess in my corner? I'd love to have my little sister cheering me on." Cedric said sweetly, the two had a very close older brother, little sister relationship, one Majorie was extremely grateful for.

"Of course, Ced. Just be careful, I don't want you getting hurt."

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Soon the students were released to their common rooms for the night, Mickenna immediately made her way to Marjorie and Elora who were talking to Fleur. "It's be too long!" Mickenna exclaimed as she reached the trio, Fleur smiled brightly, "Too long, chérie Mickenna." Fleur said hugging the girl tightly. Jerlyn was close the Fleur's parents when she transferred to Beaudoux for her last year of school after she was disowned by the Grier family.

Soon the two pulled away and Mickenna spotted Mattheo by a pillar near the exit of the Great Hall, waiting for her. "Mattheo's waiting for me but I'll see you guys in the morning!" Elora smirked while Fleur only nodded and smiled, Majorie stopped her sister before she got to far, "Did you notice something different about Alastor?" Majorie asked in a hushed tone, "He did seem a little off but we haven't seen him since I was in second year maybe something happened in those two years? They do call him Mad-Eye Moody, it's rude but they do." Mickenna said in the same hushed tone.

"More like, Mad-Eye Maybe. He's not the same man who saved us five years ago."