After this small meeting of the prefects, we could join our friends, on the condition that we make a round or two through the train to see if everything is going well and remind the others at the end to change into their uniforms.
Looking for Marie's compartment, I pass in front of the trio's compartment — though they're no longer really a trio, since Hermione is only with them because they're too clueless to manage on their own.
"What do you think he meant?"
"Hey, did something happen?"
"Yeah, Malfoy mentioned an event his parents told him about — and my mum and brother knew about it too."
"Could it be the Triwizard Tournament, by any chance?"
"What's that?"
Both of them looked puzzled, with question marks practically floating above their heads, and Hermione seemed a little confused — but I think she more or less knows what I'm talking about.
"It's a tournament involving three schools: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. Each school will have a champion who will face several trials to win the Triwizard Cup and bring glory to their school."
"This sounds amazing. Why don't we talk more about this tournament?"
"Because in the past, it caused too many deaths, and the tournament was abandoned a century and a half ago. It was later decided that only those who have reached the age of majority for wizards can participate."
"What's wrong with that?"
Harry and Ron reacted just like Hermione, who let out a huge sigh along with me, wondering how they could still be alive with such a lack of common sense.
"Do you really think you could defeat five adult mountain trolls all by yourself, while keeping an eye on a whole crowd at the same time?"
"Trolls are stupid, so beating them should be easy."
Are they suicidal or what?
"First of all, focusing on multiple enemies at once is extremely difficult."
(author: "I forgot that they didn't defeat the troll in first year, but that it was the teachers with Evelyn's idea who did.")
"You're really stupid. Do you seriously believe you have all the knowledge and skills to succeed at something even adults struggle with?"
Even Hermione decided to jump into the conversation.
"I'd like to remind you that we got through the tests protecting the Philosopher's Stone."
"Yes, you did — but apart from the Cerberus and the giant chessboard, the rest wasn't that difficult. And let's not forget, you didn't even have to fight the adult troll — one that was stronger than the one from Halloween, which was already tough for someone your age, though not impossible."
I think I may have scared them a bit by telling them the truth.
"The last time this tournament was held, the champions had to fight a dark wizard in a duel to the death. He killed all of them — before finally being killed by the staff and the tournament organizers. You may have defeated Voldy in your first year, but let me remind you it was your mother's protection that saved you. You're not strong enough to beat him on your own."
I remember that some people said Professor Snape called Potter arrogant — and that may be true, but I think he's more suicidal than arrogant.
"I'll leave you before Marie drags me to hell for ignoring her."
I had to leave them, because I could feel my nerves were about to snap. I'm sorry for Hermione, but she's managed just fine for the past two and a half years — she'll survive.
I had to walk through the entire train before I finally found Marie, along with Neville, Ginny, and Luna.