"It's not who you are born as, it's who you grow up to be."
The war ended and serenity returned for almost fourteen years in the wizard world. Everyone knew the name Harry Potter, praised it even. He had defeated Voldemort and that was that. Thoug...
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". . 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 chosen–"
Suddenly Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker slammed the doors open, and started running up the center aisle, limping a bit with his right leg. Some students laughed while others rolled their eyes, wanting to hear what Dumbledore had to say. Filch whispered to the headmaster before turning and running away in the same ridiculous fashion. Honora laughed to herself this time, hoping that he wasn't one of her professors. And if he was, she was hoping the other professors weren't as weird as he seemed to be. Though she knew Dumbledore – as great a wizard he was – was a bit mad himself so she didn't have high expectations for her other teachers.
". .Ahem yes." He cleared his throat. "So, Hogwarts has been choosen to host a legendary event. The Tri-Wizard tournament!"
Honora's eyes started to dart between the many exciting conversations that broke out around her. She wasn't at all surprised as he'd told her about the tournament when they had chatted before-but every student here had clearly been in the dark. The two boys across from her seemed to immediately start betting on which twin would get in and which one wouldn't, they both disagreed, making them bicker. Dumbledore raised his hand and quieted down the chattery hall.
". .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 one contestant is selected to compete. Now let me be clear, if chosen 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!"
The Beauxbatons girls had appeared almost out of no where, as Honora turned, they were already at the back of the hall, waiting for their cue. The girls all ran forward in one unanimous motion, like they have had practiced a million times before. When they arrived halfway they all stopped slowly, releasing butterflies into the air. Then proceeded to the front lining up with their headmistress who trailed behind them.
Madame Maxine must have been at least ten feet tall, for when she walked past Honora she was looking at her knees. "That's one big woman huh?" One of the twins leaned forward and whispered to her, gaining a nod and chuckle in agreement. Honora was amazed by seeing them in real life, never meeting any other schools students before. Ilvermony had no neighboring schools, that's why they hadn't been selected for the Tournament. Hogwarts was more of a central location with at least three schools in travelable distance.
". . And now our friends from the north, please welcome the proud sons of Durmstrang and the high master Igor Karkaroff!"
The large doors swung open suddenly, making Honora jump at the loud noise. A series of boys entered the hall, brandishing bo staffs as they walked down the aisle. They twirled the staffs and slammed them into the ground with a spark of light erupting each time they did. Honora noticed Viktor Krum amongst the group and followed him with her eyes. She had no idea he went to Durmstrang or would be attending Hogwarts this year either. She couldn't help but watch him, not only was he famous but very attractive as well and most girls around her were doing the same. Once both were finished, applause struck throughout the cafeteria, welcoming the fellow schools. Honora clapped along but was soon lost in her own thoughts about the evening, hardly thinking about the upcoming Tournament. She hoped that with everything going on, no one would even pay attention to her.
"I would just like to say. ." Dumbledore started to speak yet waited for the room to quiet. ". .Eternal glory. That is what awaits the student who wins the Tri-Wizard tournament. But to do this, that student will have to survive three tasks. Three very dangerous tasks."
"Wicked." The boy who had whispered to Honora chimed with his twin as Dumbledore continued on about the competition.
"For this reason the ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain this we have the head of international magic cooperation, Mister Bartimus Crouch -"
Thunder roared overhead and screams broke out as rain started to come through cracks in the ceiling. A stream of light from someone's wand stitched the ceiling back in place and peace was quickly restored in the hall. Honora's eyes wondered to the man who had cast the spell, he was an older man with one eye and another that was fake and spinning in its socket. He bore terrible scars all over face and it seemed as if his leg was fake as well. He limped his way over to the front table shaking Dumbledores hand. It took her a moment but recognized the man as Alastor Moody, how she could've forgotten was beyond her as he had such an unforgettable look. But she also thought that he probably didn't look as gruesome when she met him years ago.
She wondered what other plans Dumbledore had upcoming and if he had made any vows with anyone else besides her. Honora tried not to wonder about the Headmaster of her school putting other students in harms way but she couldn't help but think about it. She pondered for a moment before coming to the conclusion that she was just in an unfortunate situation. What other student would he ask anyway? It's not like many students had Death Eaters for parents anymore. They were mostly locked up to her knowledge. Besides her cousin. Honora looked to Draco who had a scowl on his face and occasionally whispered to the large boy on the left of him. However, there was no way in hell that Dumbledore had asked him for help. Draco was just as prickly and unpleasant as his father. She quickly looked away as Draco met eyes with her.
After a few moments of Dumbledore conversing with Moody, Barty Crouch stepped forward to the podium, clearing his throat in almost a nervous way.
"After much deliberation the ministry has concluded, for your own safety, that 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 crowd became unsettled, many started to boo Crouch and the decision, as this had ruled out most of the students to enter. Honora knew it was only because the games had been proven deadly in the past but she was somewhat disappointed as well. It's not like she would enter, she didn't want to brag but honestly she probably would've gotten chosen for it if she could enter. Only because she was years ahead of the students here, even the seventh years at Hogwarts. She'd been in school since she was seven, Ilvermonys starting age, which she thought was better than starting at eleven. Honora frowned to herself and cursed that she had to take fourth and fifth year classes this year.
"That's rubbish!" The set of twins hollered in her ears making her wince a bit.
"Silence!"
The room immediately quieted at Dumbledores booming voice and attention was on him again. He took a few paces down the steps and to a large black box. Dumbledore waved his wand over the box, all students staring in awe as it melted like golden lava into the Goblet of Fire.
"The Goblet of Fire. Anyone wishing to submit themselves for 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."
