One saying goes: "You should not mess in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup"
Another says: Knowledge is like a fine whine it grows more valuable with time.
And a third tells us: "Mind your elders"
Some combination of these would have made such good advise it may even have been called a prophecy.
Datrys was an ancient. HE had done his duty and served faithfully as he was created to do for centuries. No one knew that now though. They had forgotten his story as well as the tales of his creators. Datrys was once called the son of the great kings, and others called him the bringer of peace. He was a sacred chalice who held the flame of destiny. He was created by the 3 rulers of Annwvyn. These 3, they are not spoken of today outside very select circles, are Gwynn ap Nudd, Hafgan and Arawn the lords of the Tylwyth Teg, also called Fair Folk, or now to add insult to injury are referred to as faeries. To say the Fair Folk are nothing more than faeries is a good way to find yourself in a mess of trouble. The brownies, doxies, moxies and bogorts might not mind. But the selkies, the sidhe and especially the Seelie and Unseelie would be highly offended. And they are dangerous when they're not upset.
Datrys wasn't an angry creation. HE was as his name implied a peace maker. He was crafted by the kings to settle arguments and find peace between the different factions of Annwvyn. Each side would state their argument or issue and Datrys would fire giving out a written solution. Though since the Fair Folk are not all sun shine and flowers, like people today seem to think, he would often choose champions who would fight to determine which side was correct.
But over the years Datrys fell into the hands of humans. HE was in Rome for a few centuries being used to choose gladiators. That was a noble use. But now.. NOW he was being used by these... these ignorant mortals. How dare they?! To use him, HIM, to choose children to compete against each other. It was an outrage. To use children in such a way. Datrys is no fool there are those of the fair folk who eat children, but none the less that was human children not their own. You should never place children of your own kind in harms way. He felt sickened.
At first it was mild annoyance. The younglings were placing their own names and all were above age and aware of the consequences. But when that mortal dared to enter the name of a young child not even old enough to grow a beard. He became enraged. Datrys knew he would have to call out the child because he was the only entry from a fictitious fourth group. So he sat and seethed, he decided to play a trick. A trick that would be worthy of his creators.
When Datrys learned the drawing of champions was to be on Samhain, he was ecstatic. When better to call on the old magics of the world than on the day the veil between this world and the Otherworld was the thinnest.
Datrys was also calling on the castle around him. Lady Hogwarts knew just what was in her walls. She had neither the power or the capability of communication that Datrys had. She was of course created by mortals, powerful mortals but still. The Lady had tried, as she always did with her wayward children. She tried to help poor Tomas, and Severus but there is so little she can do. While in her walls those who are weary and abused are safe and cared for but out side her walls there is little she can do. She knew and was outraged at the things she had witnessed the current Headmaster do. But now she had an ally. Datrys would help her protect her flock and she would in turn give him access to all the secrets hidden in her walls over the years and all the magic she had gathered and stored.
Together the ancient chalice and castle would show the world. Don't mess with those whom are older, more powerful, and more knowledgeable than you know.
Hermione had to push Harry forward when his name was called. Mortified he walked up, head down, and stood beside Cedric Diggory. He was so close. HE almost made it to Halloween with out anything weird happening. But this was just his luck.
All the sudden the Goblet's blue flames turned Green, then Red, then a much lighter blue, then orange, and finally black. The black flames rose till the nearly touched the enchantment on the ceiling. The flames then fell into themselves and the goblet went silent. A strip of paper slowly fell from the ceiling into Dumbledore's hand.
He read it off. "Tread not into waters who's bottom you cannot see, for you my find yourself swimming." He looked confused until a bust of energy knocked him to his arse. When looking up he, and the rest of the hall saw the 4 champions glowing. They seemed to pulsate for a few moments, they then all rose in the air. They hung in the air for almost an minute before being gently lowered again. When they were released each staggered forward. In their place were 4 men that barred varying resemblances to the champions.
The one behind Viktor looked to be closer related to a bear than a man. HE stood as tall as Viktor, 6'3", but at least twice as wide, he looked about as broad as Hagrid. His huge shoulders and massive bulk was accompanied by an equally large battle ax on his back. He was dressed in thick fir-lined armor and boots. His black unruly hair and his beard were adorned with beads and braids. The mans jet black eyes surveyed the hall looking for threats.
The man behind Felur was the polar opposite. He was only 6'2" and thin. He wore a harlequin's uniform. His costume was blue, white and green. With white face paint and bright green makeup. HE looked around in shock his bright blue eyes widening and then looked a bit frightened.
Behind Cedric was an very average looking man. He was 6' with brown hair to his shoulders that was tied back, large brown eyes behind half moon spectacles. He was neither large, slim, nor muscular, just average. His clothes were at least normal, being a white shirt, tan vest, and dark brown trousers, boots and robes. He was just blinking around not worried, scared or hostile.
The final man was awe inspiring. He stood an impressive 6'8" with a long black braid that fell all the way to his hips. He was built like a soldier but seemed refined like a lord. He was wearing thick black hide armor under a tunic with the Ravenclaw crest on it. He also had on a green, black and dark blue kilt and matching effects and black dragon hide boots up to his knees. He carried a staff and had a sword on his hip. His bright hazel eyes scanned over the crowd.
The whole hall was in shock. What had just happened. The man in the kilt broke the silence. Though no one in the hall understood a word the man said. This did set the bear of a man off asking his own questions in another language no one spoke. The harlequin and the bookish man said nothing. The kilt tapped his staff on the ground calling for silence. He then tapped himself, the 3 other visitors and then Harry on the head. He then waved the staff in a small circle before returning it to his side.
In a heavy highland accent he said. "Now that we can speak the same language. What in the name of the great mother is going on here?"
"I'd like to know the same thing Saxon." The bear asked.
He stared at the man. "Not a Saxon. Dene."
"Y... you... you're one of the White knights!" The bookish looking man said in awe of the one in the kilt. "Your real. There were rumors but... A real Knight." HE was smiling. "can you tell me about all your adventures?"
"No." was the kilted Knight's reply.
"If your not a Saxon then what in the name are you?" The bear of a man asked.
"I am a servant of King Ravenclaw, Lord of the West."
HE looked the man over for a moment. "Lord of the West. The Ravenclaws haven't been called that since the Roman invasion. That would make you a Pict or a Gael."
"I am a Pict, Dene."
The Dene nodded in acceptance. "Still doesn't tell us where we are. You are at least 550 years out of time."
"I would Guess the 4 of us are all out of time." The average one said. "I'm Mathew by the by. Mathew Diggory. Just recently appointed a Nobleman. This looks like Hogwarts but the uniforms are much different and the proctors have changed."
"Perhaps we could tell you when and where you are and you can then tell us when and where your from. And who you are?" Dumbledore asked.
They all nodded in agreement. Though Mathew Diggory couldn't seen to contain himself. He looked, to Harry, like you had taken Hermione to the worlds greatest library and told her she couldn't touch any books.
"I'm Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore. I am chief Warlock of the Wizengott, Supreme Mudwomp of the IWC, and Headmaster here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The year is 1994. and we are in Scotland."
All 4 of them looked at him strange. But the Dene spoke first. "If I hated my son enough to curse him with a name like that I would have just feed him to the Dragons. I am Don Krum, Liege Lord of Garuks Valley. Not sure where Scotland is but you look like a bunch of Saxons to me. It's 608 AD. Romans and their ridiculous numbering."
"I am Nobleman Charles Delecore. I am a rebel spy posing as a Harlequin for King Louis the 4th. It is the year 946. I am from the Palace de France." The jester said in a french accent.
"As I said, Mathew Diggory. Scribe and cryptographer for the Lord Perciville. I also manage his extensive libraries. The year is 1646 and I live in Sussex England."
"Igus Potter. Battle Mage Commander for King Sigus Ravenclaw. I am a Knight and Barron. It is the 37th year of King Sigus Ravenclaw's reign. The Romans call it 273auc. I am a Pict as I said."
"The Pict settlements are now called Whales. 273Auc... That would mean you are from... 480BC! You.. You're almost 2500 years in the future. I.. I never would have guessed the Potters were that old. You saw England before England ever existed." Mathew told him just floored with how old this man was.
Mathew reminded Harry of Colin. All the man needed was a camera. HE was also shocked by how old his family was. To date from before Christ that's impressive. "Sir. How could you have gotten here?" Harry asked his ancestor.
Ignus looked at the boy and them looked around. His eyes settled on the goblet. "Datrys." He said with a bow. "Why great peace keeper have you brought us to this place?" He asked the goblet.
People looked at him like he was a loon. Until the goblet shot a piece of parchment out strait at him. He read the parchment. "Thy will be done." He said with another bow. He held the piece of paper between his fingers and it caught fire burning to ash in seconds.
"How did you do that?" Ron said out loud in shock.
Ignus's stoic face twitched toward a smile. "Magic."
Don laughed loudly. "So the Pict can make a joke." he then paused and looked around. "Speaking of magic." He waved his own hand and a knotted staff appeared in his hand. "Thank the Mother I was worried I wouldn't be able to call it."
Mathew seemed to almost foam at the mouth. "You're from before the use of wands. Amazing. Please tell me all about your lives and times."
"Latter." Ignus said. "Datrys says we were brought here because a foolish mortal has insulted him. We will return to whence we came when this tournament is finished. The Lady Hogwarts has arranged us rooms."
"Talking with cups are ye Pict?" Don asked
"Datrys was created by the 3 kings of the fair folk, Rulers of the Otherworld. HE is not one to be trifled with."
Don paled and turned to the chalice bowing. "I mean you no offense old one. I did not know who's company I was in." The goblet gave no reply.
"Sir?" Harry asked his ancestor. "This goblet is more than just a charmed cup that picks names isn't it?"
"It is shameful my kin knows not of such things. Datrys was created to resolve conflicts and prevent wars by choosing champions to fight for their Lords. Tell me childe, do the Goblins still keep the treasures of man?"
"Uh... They guard the vaults of witches and wizards if that's what you mean."
Ignus just nodded. "We shall travel to the Goblin city and you will be educated in the ways of the world. It is obvious some kind of poison has leaked into mankind."
"It's called Roman influence. Southern bastards want to convert the whole world into their mindless drones." Don said. "I slit my own throat before I allow them to take me."
"So long as Longbottom and I draw breath none shall oppose the monarchy." Ignus added. Several people just looked at him. He was very handsome and intimidating. He looked every inch a warrior when he was defending the Ravenclaw Monarchy.
"I can't allow you to remove Mr. Potter from the castle." Dumbledore said looking remorseful.
"You are neither my Lord nor King and have no authority over me and mine. I will do with my kin as I see fit." He replied daring Dumbledore to appose him.
"Boy." Don said looking at Viktor. "You are of my line?" Viktor nodded. "Do we still have the valley?"
"I don't... No we only own a small home in Bulgaria." Viktor told him looking a bit ashamed. He hated it that he was so famous but still couldn't pull his family out of lower middle class.
"Seems mine is not the only family to fall far." Ignus told Don, who just hmed in reply.
"What of us?" Charles asked Felur.
"Father is Lord of over our large French estate." She told him
"that is not what I asked," He told her. "Are we still fighting the good fight? Trying to make the world a better safer place?"
"I... I do not know. Father is trying to pass bills for equality. So that non-human magical races are treated fairly." She said
"Is that because he believes in the cause or because your a vella?" Ignus asked
"Both." she replied with conviction. "Father met mother while working on one such proposal."
He gave a small bow in apology.
"And what of our line?" Mathew asked Cedric. He looking like an excited little chihuahua.
"My dad works for the ministry and we have a medium sized home in Devon."
"What does he do? Have you over come our families lack of magical strength?"
"Father is head of the international cooperation department. We have no trouble with our strength." He replied kinda confused.
"Oh that's good. For the past 3 generations there have been several Squibs born. And those of our family that do get a letter have very little magical power. I'm a bit of an oddity, being the strongest of my line. Though I would never call myself powerful."
"So 2 have fallen one rises and one has maintained." Don summed up.
"It is late. We shall retire for the night. See you in the morrow." Ignus said with a bow. "If you would be so kind Lady Hogwarts as to show the way."
Everyone was amazed when a white arrow appeared on the floor. Ignus left following it.
"I gonna join the Pict. Boys meet us at dawns first light." Don told Harry and Viktor.
"I shall have a look about the castle be fore turning in. Pleasant dreams." Charles said leaving as well.
"Oh I'm far to excited to sleep. Can you show me to the Library my boy. I have much to catch up on." Mathew said looking to Cedric. The boy nodded and escorted his ancestor.
Harry just looked to Hermione. "Help." He asked her.