The Diary

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Chapter 30*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Wands at the Ready*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Diary~

~Hogwarts, Kali Lupin's Private Quarters~

"What about Granger and the Weasel?"

"I don't think Ginny would approve of you referring to her brother as 'the Weasel. In fact, I think she would give you a good thrashing."

"We are not here to discuss my girlfriend thrashing me. We are he to discuss why you are wearing a frown. So come on what's wrong in the world of Potter and Lupin?"

"Ron and Hermione are Harry's whole world and there doesn't seem to be any room for me. I just get so frustrated! This is not how I imagined it would be like. Did you know that he drums his fingers... constantly? I don't think he realizes it but sometimes it is just annoying."

"Ginny, likes to play with her hair and, according to her, I take far to long getting ready to go out," Draco said as he unceremoniously, dumped all her books and papers on the floor.

"Draco, why did you have to do that?" She slid off the bed and began picking up all of the carelessly discarded papers. "You know I hate messes." Kali placed the newly organized papers on her vanity.

"I think you moved your brush a quarter inch to the right." Kali look at the brush moved it then moved it back "I can't believe you checked it for a quarter of and inch!"

"I can't help it. Everything has its place and that's how I like it, perfect."

~Hogwarts, Harry Potter's Private Quarters~

It had been a week since Draco and Kali had talked. She felt better after talking about it but it still gnawed at her. Right now she and Harry were studying for a particularly difficult Potions exam. "Kali, what are Jabberknoll feathers used for?"

"Truth serums," she answered. Tum, tum, tum, thump. Kali looked up from her book to find Harry pouring over his book and drumming his fingers. She sighed. "Can you please stop drumming your fingers?"

"Ok," he said.

Five minutes later, the rhythmic thumping of drumming fingers filled the silence. "Harry, please stop," Kali sighed exasperatedly.

"Ok, Kali."

Kali slammed her book shut. "Don't talk to me like that, Harry."

"Like what?" he asked wearily.

"With that tone."

"With what tone, Kali?"

"That tone!" She crossed her arms over her chest.

Harry sighed as he closed his book. "What's the real problem, Kali?"

"Why am I never first and always second or lower? There's always Ron and Hermione or Sirius or... or something and I am tired of it."

"Kali, you can't always be first."

"Harry, I am never first! Do you realize that you haven't taken me out on a date in over two months?"

"We went to Hogsmeade together..."

Kali was fuming. "We went with Ron and Hermione. I felt like a fourth wheel on a tricycle!"

"Tricycles only have three wheels."

"Exactly!"

"Kali, you knew that getting involved with me was going to be difficult."

"Nasty articles that make me sound like a harlot, constantly receiving owls and howlers, being in public eye; that I can handle. Being ignored by my boyfriend unless he needs help with homework, that's another and I am not going to put up with it anymore. Goodbye!"

Kali grabbed her things and began to head out the portrait hole. "Kali, wait." With seeker honed reflexes, Harry got up and grabbed her arm. She turned around and shot daggers at him. "We need to finish talking."

A stray tear trailed down her cheek. "We are finished, Potter." She shook his grip off and left.

~Slytherin Common Room~

Wiping her eyes one final time, Kali stepped out from behind the portrait that guarded her room. Upon looking up she noticed that everyone in the Slytherin common room was crowding around the notice board. Tapping the shoulder of an anxious first year she asked, "Why is everyone trying to get a look at the notice board?"

"The Tri-Wizard Dueling competition of course," he exclaimed.

"Er, yes, of course." Knowing that she could not get to the board anytime soon she called out, "All right everyone back to homework now. Let other people see the board." When no one moved she added, "Now, before I start deducting house points!"

Kali walked up to the notice board and read, "Tri-Wizard Dueling competition... Apply for approval to you Head of House."

"You know, it's not appropriate to use your authority like that."

"Oh shut it, Draco. I just did what you wish you did." She turned to face him and asked, "So what's this competition thing about?"

"Well," he began nonchalantly, "you would have known all about it if you had the decency of coming down to dinner."

Kali crossed her arms and glared at her smirking, and rather pompous, friend. "I was busy."

"Yes, crying your eyes out over that braggart Potter is quite time consuming. I have no first hand experience though. Malfoys don't cry over such things."

"I always thought you were a heartless bas..."

"Be nice, Kali," Draco warned.

"I am being nice. You, on the other hand, are being evil. So, are you going to explain this thing or what?"

"Obviously, it is a dueling tournament against Durmstrang and Beauxbaton."

"And how does one enter this tournament thing?"

"Talk to Snape," he answered.

"And that's it?" Kali asked.

"Of course not. After you get Snape's approval you have to get Dumbledore's then your parents' permission."

"Ah, I see. Then what? Surely, all those people are not going to participate in the competition tournament thingy."

"There is going to be a month long preliminary tournament to decide who the two representatives of Hogwarts will be. Those two will then go to Durmstrang for a week long competition during Christmas holiday."

"Durmstrang?" she sighed, "That's like sending Hogwarts students into the heart of evil."

"So are you going to apply?"

"Of course."

"Are you sure? I'd hate to cause you embarrassment after I defeat you," Draco explained in mock sympathy.

"Oh that's all right, Draco," she replied in same tone, "If I were you, I'd worry about my own ego." Just then the portrait opened and in walked non other than the Head Boy. "Oh Merlin. Draco, tell him to leave." With that said, Kali ran across the room. "Semper et Eternum!" she called out. The portrait opened and she ran in.

She sank to the floor and whispered to the back of the portrait, "Don't let him in. Don't let Harry in."

Clear as a bell, she heard him say the password. "Semper et Eternum." She also heard the snake hiss angrily. "Semper et Eternum! Open you blasted snake." There was a moment of silence, then a shout. "You can't hide forever, Kali! Please, I just want to talk. I even brought you some dinner."

Kali didn't know what to do. Should she respond? Should she just sit there doing nothing?

"Give up, Potty. She doesn't want to talk to you."

"Leave me alone Malfoy. This doesn't concern you. Kali... please. I'm sorry you've been unhappy. Kali, I still love you please. WE have to talk!"

"Leave now, Potter. Stop embarrassing yourself. She'll talk to you when she wants to."

"Fine, just give this to her."

Kali waited for what felt like hours, but not a single sound filled the silent void that is till Draco spoke. "Kali, can I come in?"

Kali stood and told the portrait to open. Without looking at Draco, she walked over to her bed and curled up into a little ball under the green covers, leaving only the top of her head and her eyes visible. Draco walked to her desk and pulled a chair over to her bed. "How did he look?" she asked quietly.

"Do you want the truth?" She nodded, at least that's what Draco assumed the slight movement was. "Well," he began, "he didn't look perfect. He seemed... tired."

"Tired?"

"Yeah, tired." Suddenly remembering the container he held in his hand. "Here." He shoved the plastic box towards her watery eyes. When she didn't reach for it, he shook it impatiently.

Sighing, she grabbed it and sat up. She opened it and smiled after taking a big whiff from the contents of the container. "Shepherd's Pie, my favorite. I am so hungry." She started eating. Draco coughed slightly. "What is it, Draco?"

"We didn't have Shepherd's Pie for dinner," he informed her.

"Then," she said as her brow furrowed in thought, "How did Harry get it?"

After a moment, Kali quickly closed the container and got out of bed. "Where are you going?"

"To get answers from Ron."

~Great Hall, Hogwarts, Next Day~

"Morning everyone," Kali greeted cheerfully the next morning at breakfast as she took her seat next to Kay.

"Well you seem chipper today." Kay turned and looked at Draco who sat in front of her. "Don't you agree Draco?"

"Yes, almost abnormally so, don't you agree, Kay?"

"Why yes Draco. I do find Kali abnormally chipper," she smiled.

"You know," Kali said as she grabbed a piece of toast, "it is not nice to talk about people while they are in hearing distance. Traditionally, you are suppose to wait till I am gone. Then I secretly eavesdrop on the entire conversation. That is how it is suppose to go."

"That's only concerning superficial friends," Kay commented, "True friends, like Draco and I, stab you in the front."

Draco helped himself to another piece of toast. "Yes, we are very honorable. So what did the Weasel say? Obviously it was good."

"Oh, Harry went to the kitchen and had the elves make me dinner," Kali smiled.

"And why was that such grand news?"

"Honestly Draco, I feel sorry for Ginny sometimes. You are so oblivious to romance."

"I'll have you know," Draco defended, "that Ginny finds me very romantic."

"I'm sure she does." Kay turned to Kali. "So what are you going to do Kali? Are you going to reclaim Mister Potter or not?"

"I am not going to do anything," Kali answered curtly and she buttered another slice of toast.

"What?" exclaimed Kay, "Why not? Kali, this isn't just anyone. This is Harry bloody Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived!"

"Well thank you Kay for finally clearing that up for me! All this time I thought I was dating this bloke named Harold Rettop, but now that I know that it was the famous Harry Potter I should beg for his forgiveness and hope that he takes me back."

Draco covered his mouth with his hand hoping that he would not get in trouble for his snickering. Kay merely looked indignant. But I thought you loved him."

Caught off guard, Kali dropped her toast and blinked her eyes a moment too long. Licking her lips, she said, "I'm... I'm seventeen. I'm too young to know what I want in life and to know if I'm in love with someone."

"So, are you saying that you don't love him?" Draco asked.

"I DON'T KNOW!" Half of Slytherin table, and part of the Ravenclaw table as well, looked at her and wondered what her sudden outburst had been about. Suddenly feeling very embarrassed and self-conscious, Kali mumbled apologizes as she fixed her gaze at the plate in front of her.

Everyone went back to their own conversations as the morning post arrived. Hedwig swooped in and landed in front of the still blushing Kali.

"Hi girl," Kali said as she petted the snowy owls head, "got a letter for me from Harry?" The bird seemed to nod and stuck out her leg. Kali quickly untied the folded parchment, gave Hedwig some bacon and sent her on her way. Kali unfolded the letter and scanned the few lines of text. "Oh my god."

"What?" Draco asked.

"It's a poem from Harry."

"Oh! Read it aloud to us," Kay practically begged.

Slytherins are green

Gryffindors are red

You are so wonderful

That I cannot get you out of my head

"It was beautiful," Kay said dreamily. It reminded Kali of that odd Ravenclaw... Loony Luna Lovegood.

"Are you kidding me? It was rubbish, absolute rubbish!" Kali stated.

Kay seemed to ignore Kali. "I wish someone would send me love poems."

~Lunch, Same Day~

Just as Kali was about to take her first bite, Hedwig flew in and landed in front of her with a letter tied to her leg.

"Oh no," Kali lamented, "please let it not be another." She unfolded the letter and groaned.

With each passing day

I cannot advert my view

And when I see your face

I know that I'm still in love with you

Kay sighed when Kali finished reciting.

Kali stared angrily at her friend. "Oh shut up!"

~Dinner, Same Day~

Just like every other meal that day, Harry's snowy owl landed in front of Kali with a letter tied to her leg. Only this time, Kali untied the letter and handed it to her friend, Kay.

I know I may sound pathetic

"Duh," Kali mumbled.

But I'll do anything to get you back

I'd sing, I'd dance and I'll keep writing poems

Because without you my happiness lacks

Kay sighed when she was done and assumed that dreamy look that Kali was beginning to hate so much.

~Breakfast, Next Day~

Fearing another poem, Kali sat nervously keeping an eye out for Hedwig, but she never came. After about ten minutes she began to relax then came the morning post. Her own owl, Hecate, flew down with a letter. Kali assumed it was from her father. She opened her letter and found, to her horror, another poem from Harry.

You still ignore my advances

So I sent this poem with Hecate

I won't ever stop not till I have you back

So please, please talk to me

Kali glared at her owl. "Traitor." Hecate just hooted happily and flew away.

~End Diary~

~Professor Kay Covington's Quarters~

"Why not?" Harry asked.

"Because it would not be in the correct timeframe," she answered. He was obviously a little bit frustrated. "Harry, this is hard for me. It's easier if I tell you all this in chronological order, so maybe you should hold your questions till I am done."

"Alright," he replied as he sat back in the armchair.

"Well, right after I was activated, I was immediately assigned to go with a group of Death Eaters to terrorize a witch who had married a muggle on the out skirts of London. I think her name was... Megan Jones-Owens. My job was to kill the child, but I... I couldn't do it. I couldn't kill an innocent child. I snuck him out. I told the others that I had blown him up. After everyone left I took him to a Wizarding orphanage and told him not to tell anyone what I had done."

"What happened to him?"

Kay smiled slightly. "Andrew Owens is now Drew Entwhistle, the pride and joy of Kevin and Lisa Entwhistle. He's a sixth year Ravenclaw Prefect. He doesn't know it was me, but it is nice to know that I did not save him in vain." Kay sobered up and her smile disappeared. "I worked like that till the final battle. Trying to save those I could without others finding out. I was there you know. I was at the final battle. I saw everything."

"What do you mean by everything?" Harry asked.

Kay looked him straight in the eye. "I know that you did not kill Voldemort."

~The Diary~

I was approved to enter the contest and, after much heated debate, my dad gave me permission. The preliminaries were tough. There are a surprisingly high number of competent duelers amongst the student body. Regrettably, I did not get to eliminate Draco. Granger took care of that. The look on Draco's face was priceless after the match. Then again, he was just as shocked to find out that I was one of the final two. One of the students that was going to represent Hogwarts at the tournament at Durmstrang Institute. The other was, of course, Harry Potter.

I still was not talking to him or even acknowledging his presence. He still sent me notes, love letters and bloody awful poems from him, but not as frequently. Thank Merlin.

According to the rules of the competition, Hogwarts must classify which of the two representatives is the number one contender from our school. To make this decision, Dumbledore had Harry and I duel.

~Flashback~

The Great Hall was set up with the same dueling stage from the dueling club Lockhart once ran. In the center of the platform stood Headmaster Dumbledore trying to quiet the crowd."Today we will determine who will be the number one contender from Hogwarts." The crowd of students cheered. "Our duelers are Harry Potter of Gryffindor," he announced. The cheering was deafening. "And Kali Lupin of Slytherin." There were a few scattered cheers but more booing than anything else.

Harry and Kali walked to the center of the strip and waited as Dumbledore made his way down.

"Ignore them," Harry whispered.

"Don't give me advice, Harry," she snapped.

"Duelers, salute!" Dumbledore commanded.

Harry and Kali both raised their wands to salute. "Good luck, Kali."

"Don't go easy on me."

They lowered their wands and walked to their respective positions. "Wands at the ready!" They got into their dueling stances and froze. "Go!" Dumbledore shouted.

Neither did anything. Then, all at once, they both began spells.

"Inver..." Kali began.

But Harry was a bit quicker. "Expelliarmus!"

Kali's wand flew out of her hand and the force of the spell knocked her a good few feet. She landed on her back with a resounding 'thud.' The crowd began to cheer and chant 'Potter', some even laughed. In frustration, Kali slammed her fist against the floor and sighed, "Bloody hell."

"Harry Potter is the winner," Dumbledore announced, "And her will be the first contender and Kali Lupin shall be our second."

She sat up and shook out the cobwebs that seemed to have formed in her mind. "Are you alright, Kali?" Harry asked, concerned, as he approached. "Here, let me help you up." He offered her his hand.

She shoved his hand away and stood up. She smoothed the front of her robes and tossed her pony tail over her shoulder. "I'm fine, Potter. I don't need your help. Just leave me alone!"

She hopped off the platform and began to make her way towards the entranceway. "Aw, did the little Slytherin her arse kicked? Does your little ego hurt?"

Kali stopped and just stared at Seamus Finnegan, trying desperately to keep her tears from spilling.

"Is the little Slytherin going to cry?"

Kali turned and ran out of the hall. Seamus laughed till he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Hey Harry, good show!" Seamus congratulated.

Harry reached back and punched his dorm mate square in the face. He shook his hand in an attempt to siphon the pain. "Don't you ever talk about her like that again."

~Durmstrang Institute~

Kali and Harry walked into the barely warmer Entrance Hall of Durmstrang. They had been warned that it would be cold, but weren't expecting the freezing temperatures that were outside.

"Ah, you have finally arrived," greeted the tall black haired woman in front of them. She looked the complete opposite from the picture her voice portrayed. Where her voice was friendly and feminine, her physique portrayed a stern, strict looking woman who was anything but feminine.

"Are we late?" Kali asked as she put her bag down.

"No, but you are the last to come," she explained, "Please follow me. You may leave your bags here. A house elf will take them to your rooms."

They followed her to a room decorated in black and navy blue. It looked like a common room. She ushered them in then closed the door without walking in herself. Kali looked around the room, she and Harry were still not on speaking terms, and noticed four other people in the room.

"Allo, qui es-tu?," the blonde laughed slightly, "Excuse me. When I am excited I slip into French. My name is Estella Aria, first contender from Beauxbaton Academy and your roommate."

"Kali Lupin, second contender from Hogwarts," Kali introduced as she shook Aria's hand, "and your roommate I suppose."

"We girls 'ave to stick together."

"So, I am going to assume that the rest of the duelers are male."

"Maisoui. Some better than others," she smiled at one of the boys who was leaning up against the wall. She pulled Kali's arm towards him. "Here let me introduce you to everyone."

"Er, alright." As she passed Harry, she grabbed him and dragged him along for the ride.

"Zis is Angelo Martinez, also from Beauxbaton and zis is Kali Lupin," Estella paused as she saw Harry.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Kali began, "This is Harry Potter, the first contender from Hogwarts."

Estella's stance wavered slightly and Angelo's jaw dropped. "Ze 'ArryPotter?"

"The very same," Kali smiled.

"An honor to meet you," Angelo greeted as he shook his hand enthusiastically.

"Vhat are you getting so excited about Martinez? Harry Potter is nothing but an egomaniac."

They all turned to see who had spoken. It was a tall boy with short black hair and an imposing aura.

"But his companion on the other hand," he grabbed Kali's hand and kissed it, "is a rare vinterblossom. Pietor Gregoroff, Durmstang's first contender."

Kali pulled her hand back in anger. "Kali Lupin of Hogwarts and I think you need to take a shower unless you think girls find sewage intoxicating."

With a flurry of his robes that would make even Snape jealous, he retreated to a dark corner to brood by himself.

Just then, a shaggy haired boy spoke, "I must apologize for Gregoroff. He can be rather..."

"Forward? Egotistical?Idiotic?" Kali listed.

"I was going to say rude, but if the shoe fits," he laughed. "Alex Riken." He extended his hand.

"Kali Lupin, your accent..."

"Is English, I know, I am from Britain, Sheffield area to be precise. My parents make me go here. I'd much rather be attending Hogwarts, especially if all girls are as lovely as you."

Kali smiled sweetly and blushed slightly.

"Harry Potter," he butted in.

"Hello, Riken, Alex Riken."

Just then, the same woman who escorted Harry and Kali to the room was back. "Everyone, please take a seat." They all complied. "Velcome to the first Tri-Wizard Dueling Competition. You have all proved to be exceptional duelers to make it this far." She smiled. "Now for the rules, every night you each vill receive a timetable of the next day's matches and/or events. You must participate in all matches, till you are eliminated, and all events." They nodded. "The competition is a double elimination style tournament, meaning that you must lose two matches to be eliminated. Understood?"

There was a faint chorus of 'yes.'

"Ok, here are your timetables now off to bed." She handed them their timetables and left.

~Girls' Room, Later~

"'Ave you seen zetimetable for ze competition tomorrow?" Estella asked as she fluffed her pillow in preparation for bed.

"Yes, I've got Gregoroff right from the off. You?"

"Monsieur Riken. 'E is very cute, no?"

"Very," Kali giggled.

"'E seemed verytaken with you, but 'Arry seemed jealous. Are you two..." she let the question fade.

"We dated for awhile but not anymore."

"I see 'e still loves you."

"I know," Kali said quietly.

~Daily Prophet Coverage of Tri-Wizard Dueling Competition~

Round One-

Harry Potter of Hogwarts [age 17] won his first match easily against Angelo Martinez of Beauxbaton [age 18] with a powerful Expelliarmus spell in one minute forty-five seconds.

In the second match, Alex Riken of Durmstrang [age 18] defeated Estella Aria of Beauxbaton [age 16]. After a fifteen minute battle of skill, Riken cast a stupefy to win.

Finally, in the last match of the day, Pietor Gregoroff of Durmstrang [age 17] dominated Kali Lupin of Hogwarts [age 17]. This five minute match was merely a show of Gregoroff showing his competence at dueling. A simple Petrificus Totalus won him an easy victory.

~Duelers' Common Room~

"I can't believe I lost so badly," Kali said as she threw the paper down. "It was embarrassing."

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Kali. I am sure you'll win tomorrow," Harry comforted.

"Thank you, Harry," Angelo said.

"Sorry Angelo, I forgot she was facing you in the morning."

"It is alright, my friend, I do not expect to see the rest of the tournament."

~Daily Prophet Coverage of Tri-Wizard Dueling Competition~

Round Two-

In another stunning show of skill, Harry Potter once again over came his competition, this time Alex Riken, for a victory.

Perhaps fueled by the embarrassing match from yesterday, Kali Lupin defeated Angelo Martinez with an Expelliarmus. Martinez is the first dueler to be eliminated from the tournament.

In the final match of the evening, Estella Aria beat Pietor Gregoroff in a dramatic upset.

Round Three-

In a surprising turn of events, Aria and Gregoroff were again matched against each other. This time the outcome was much different. Gregoroff defeated Aria after a quick six minute match. Estella Aria is now eliminated making Beauxbaton Academy the first school to be eliminated.

Keeping with the surprises, Lupin versus Riken was anything but normal. After twenty minutes, no victor was announced. Then, Lupin shouted a stunning spell and Riken cast a disarming charm. Riken became stunned just as Lupin dropped her wand. The match was announced as a tie and neither competitors received a loss.

Due to the odd number of competitors, Harry Potter of Hogwarts Schoolwas given a pass due to his current perfect record in the tournament.

~Duelers' Common Room~

"Finally up I see."

"Shut up Harry, this is the first and only day we get to sleep in and I wanted to take full advantage of it."

"Here here, Kali!"

"Thank you, Alex."

"So, izeveryone ready to face ze press for our interview today?" Estella asked after closing her book.

"I think I am going back to bed," Kali announced.

"I do not think so chica. If we have to do this we shall do it together," Angelo stated.

"Vell, let's get this circus on the road," Pietor sneered as he passed them all.

They all rolled their eyes and followed.

~Antechamber in Durmstrang~

After an exhausting photo shoot, all they had left was an interview with a Daily Prophet reporter.

"Thank you for meeting with me this afternoon," said an older woman with blue grey hair.

"It is of no problem Ms. Harrison," Estella told her, "Ze Daily Prophet is a very prestigious paper and we are all 'onored that it would like to interview us."

"We are ready for any question you and your readers might have," Kali said.

"Ok, first off Angelo, Estella, how do you feel after being eliminated?"

"Bad," the Spanish boy told her.

"But with such competitors as zese people, I feel 'onored just to have faced them."

"Kail."

"Yes?"

"After a rather embarrassing first round match, how did you pull yourself together?"

"Well, the media didn't help. I was always being reminded, but I was able to push all that away and concentrate on my next match."

"Harry, how do you feel about being the favorite to win the competition?"

"Honestly, I don't feel that I am. Everyone else is just as good as I am."

"Says the guy with a perfect record," Kali smirked. Everyone laughed a little, except for Pietor.

"Pietor and Alex, how do you think Durmstrang is doing in the competition?"

Alex answered first, "I think we are doing very well. Going into this tournament Pietor and I were ranked as second and third favorites, respectively, to win."

"I vill win," Gregoroff said simply.

Ms. Harrison jotted down something. "That is very bold."

"It is merely confidence in my abilities."

The room was quiet, save for the scratching sounds of the quill on parchment.

"Harry and Kali, how do you two feel about being in a competition where you could possibly face your significant other? Are either you afraid of a possible confrontation?"

Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Erm," he mumbled, not knowing how to answer.

"Well," Kali began, "we are not a couple anymore. We broke up several weeks ago and no, I am not afraid of facing Harry. In fact, I look forward to it. He walloped me in the Hogwarts preliminaries so I am anxious for a bit of payback."

"Hopefully she won't kill me," Harry chuckled slightly.

"One final question, tonight there is a ball in honor of the competition, who is everyone going with?"

"I will be attending with Miss Aria," Alex smiled.

"I shall be going by myself," answered Angelo.

"My girlfriend will be with me," Pietor said.

"Harry and I decided that we would go together to show school unity."

"Very good, thank you for taking time to sit with me," the old witch thanked.

"It was our pleasure," Riken told her.

~Duelers' Common Room~

Kali walked down the stairs that led up to the room she had been staying in. She was wearing sapphire blue robes that shimmered when the light hit it. It had a drooping neckline, much lower than she had ever had before, but it was still decent. "You look nice Harry," she complimented as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

Harry stood frozen in his black dress robes. "So... so do you," he managed to say. "Shall we?" He offered her his arm.

She accepted. "We shall."

They danced the night away. Kali even enjoyed herself and Harry felt as if the whole 'break up' never happened.

"Kali?" Harry asked as they slow danced to some new song.

"Hmm?"

"Do you... do you think we can give our relationship another go?"

Kali tensed slightly. "I don't know Harry."

"I miss you, Kali," he whispered.

She closed her eyes and leaned closer to him. "I... I miss you too. Maybe we can give it another go."

Kali yawned into Harry's shoulder. "I think it's time we get to bed."

"Yeah, I got to face Alex again tomorrow and you have to face Gregoroff. He's tough one."

"Let me worry about the prat."

~Daily Prophet Coverage of Tri-Wizard Dueling Competition~

Round Four-

In a rematch, Alex Riken faced Kali Lupin. Their last match ended in a draw. This time, however, Lupin was able to pull off a stunning victory. Alexander Riken of Durmstrang is now eliminated.

In the second and final match of the day, the Harry Potter dueled Pietor Gregoroff. In grueling hour long match, the two favorites of the competition battled fiercely to prove who was the best. In the end, Potter upheld his perfect tournament record by defeating Gregoroff, thus eliminating him and Durmstrang Institute from the tournament.

The final match of the Tri-Wizard Dueling Competition will be between Harry Potter and Kali Lupin [both from Hogwarts School].

~Durmstrang Institute, Great Hall~

"Today's match will determine the winner of the first ever Tri-Wizard Dueling Tournament," spoke the announcer. "And to present the final pair of duelers. On the left is Harry Potter, first contender from Hogwarts School." Harry climbed on top of the platform as the crowds cheered. "On the right, Kali Lupin, second contender also from Hogwarts School."Kali climbed on top of the platform as some polite cheers echoed in the hall.

They walked to the center of the platform and waited.

"Duelers, salute!"

They saluted each other and mouthed 'good luck.' They put their wands down and walked to their respective sides then turned to face each other.

"Duelers, wands at the ready! Go!"

"Expelliarmus!" Harry shouted.

Kali cast a quick shielding charm. Then shot out another spell "Rictusempra!"

Harry managed to dodge. "Petrificus Totalus!"

She ducked as the curse whizzed by over her head. "Accio Harry's glasses!"

The well known black circle rimmed glasses flew into Kali's outstretched hand.

Harry shot off a Jelly-Legs jinx but it came no where close to actually hitting Kali.

Smirking, she shouted, "Expelliarmus!"

Harry's wand flew out of his hand and the match was over.

"Kali Lupin of Hogwarts is the Dueling champion!"

~Wizard Wireless Interview~

Reporter: "Welcome everyone. Tonight, I have the honor of interviewing Kali Lupin, the winner of the first Tri-Wizard Dueling competition, and Harry Potter, the runner-up. First I'd like to congratulate you, Miss Lupin, on winning the competition."

Lupin: "Please call me Kali and thank you. I am still in a bit of a shock about it myself."

Reporter: "Your Accio spell was an ingenious move. Whatever made you think of it?"

Lupin: "Well, when I took Harry out for his seventeenth birthday I had tried on his glasses. For anyone who is actually curious, Harry's eyesight is horrendous! I doubt he could see a Hippogriff charging him with out his glasses.

Potter: "I am not that blind."

Lupin: "Yes, you are. Anyway, I knew that he could not see properly then he could not hex me nor could he block properly. I saw it as my best option."

Reporter: "And it was. Kali, Harry, is there anything you'd like to comment on concerning the competition?"

Potter: "Everyone at Durmstrang has been really great. Estella, Alex, Angelo and Pietorare all fantastic duelers and I feel honored to have faced them in the tournament."

Lupin: "I agree with Harry. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as the other contenders is very flattering."

Reporter: "You both look very at ease with each other. Have either of you regretted the decision to part ways romantically?"

Potter: "I was wondering when this subject was going to be brought up. But I must say that we no longer regret the decisions seeing that we have decided to give our relationship another chance."

Reporter: "That is wonderful news though I dare say that many girls are heartbroken yet again."

Potter: "I love Kali very much and I can't imagine anyone else I'd rather be with."

Lupin: "You are such a suck up, a very good one."

Reporter: "Our time is almost up. Any final comments?"

Potter: "I can't believe I lost to my girlfriend. I hope I am not teased too much when we return home."

Reporter: "And Kali?"

Lupin: "I'd like to dedicate my victory to my dad, Remus Lupin. I love you, Dad and I can't wait to see you."

Reporter: "Well, thank you for allowing this interview."

Potter: "No problem."

Lupin: "It's been a pleasure."

~End Diary~

~Professor Covington's Quarters~

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked.

Kay took a deep breath. "I know you did not kill Voldemort. After you and your Aurors left I checked. He was still alive, barely but still alive. Other Death Eaters had gathered around to hear his final words."

"What did he say?"

"'I may have lost here today, but I shall live on forever in my heir. They will continue my legacy as well as Salazar Slytherin. Serve them as you have served me,'" she repeated. "Then he died. He was buried in a small cemetery by the Riddle house. They felt he would be safest there."

"Do you know who the heir is?"

"No, none of us knew at the time. He had been very secretive about the identity of the heir, but we all had our suspicions. The most popular theory was that he was able to convince Kali to join our side. It explained why I was not punished for her death."

"Do you think she is the heir?"

"Honestly? No, from what I've heard about her, I don't think anything could have persuaded her, but I do think she is alive. She is out there somewhere. I just don't know why or how or where for that matter."

Kay seemed to be deep in thought as was Harry. After moments of silence Harry spoke, "I think that is enough for tonight. Same time tomorrow?"

"Yes," she agreed, "I think that would be for the best."