***Hiya! Okay, this fic I am really excited about, it's about one of my absolute FAVORITE pairings, who are not at all shipped enough. This is actually quite compliant with the books, set in GoF, and I'm shipping (if you didn't already guess) Draco Malfoy and Viktor Krum. This story begins a little slowly (as you'll see in this chapter) but the pace picks up and builds as the story grows and events progress. Are you still reading? Even I've lost patience by now! ON WITH THE STORY! :D
P.S – Credit to the Queen for her wonderful setting and characters.***
He watched as the giant ship rose from the whirlpool, it was truly magnificent in its size and structure, yet something about it looked oddly eerie. But to Draco, this was no detrimental effect.
The students filed out and the Headmasters exchanged pleasantries he did not care to hear. His keen eyes were searching among the students, trying to find one who was sure to be in their midst...
There! He walked forwards on the command of Karkaroff, a strong build, deep set eyes and thick black brow. The Hogwarts students whispered excitedly amongst themselves "It's Krum! … Look, that's Victor Krum... He's that Bulgaria Quiditch player, isn't he?..."
As the rest milled about, Draco beckoned Crabbe and Goyle to hurry up, knowing if he could get this right he would be set for the year. His father wouldn't let him live it down if the Durmstrang students sat at the Gryffindor table.
It seemed as if most of the Slytherin's had caught on to make space whilst the other tables were being rowdy. Yes! He motioned to Krum, who decided to join him. Trying not to look to smug, he greeted the Seeker as he had been taught. Offered a seat, introduced himself then struck up conversation about a topic the subject was interested in but didn't constantly get asked about. Quiditch was off the list.
Krum looked around at the other tables, so Draco decided to pick up on this. "We're divided into four houses when we arrive – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin – depending on our values and attributes." He explained smoothly, inviting the thus inevitable question, which would draw his focus to their conversation.
"Vhat is this house zen?"
"Slytherin. We usually have ambition, determination to win and value our family and ancestors." That Slytherin revolved around purity of blood wasn't strictly true. Mostly, but not completely.
"The others?" Krum asked, slipping off his cloak and heavy furs. Draco couldn't help noticing how well built he was, despite still being shrouded in thick robes.
"Ravenclaw value intelligence, they aren't to bad. Gryffindor call themselves brave but usually just seek attention by acting reckless. Hufflepuff is for anyone else, so they're pretty humble." He added with a smirk.
Krum nodded, and looked up at the starry ceiling. "The ceiling is impressive" he noted.
Draco nodded once. "It's enchanted to look like the sky outside."
Just then Dumbledore called for their attention, waffling on about how he hoped the guests would enjoy their stay and something about the Tournament being opened at the end of the feast. The dishes filled with food, this time including French and what he thought were Russian dishes.
He added to his plate, then saw Victor eyeing a dish "Pelmeni?" Draco asked, offering it to him.
The Durmstrang nodded muttered a thanks. "You know these dishes?" He seemed, perhaps not impressed, but vaguely interested.
"Father has always catered to a variety of guests – Karkaroff has came to stay a few times; the two are good friends." But at this Krums face darkened and he turned to the Durmstrang students, slipping back into his native tongue, obviously unaware that Draco could himself speak and understand the language.
He watched Krum. He was essentially handsome; tall, muscular and dark... there was almost a predatorial nature within him.
A girl who must have been part Veela approached him. "Are you done with the Blancmange?" She asked smiling. He wasn't fooled; the Beuxbatons students were only seeking the attention of the others, and usually the friends of those who had been asked. He passed it to her wordlessly and watched her leave, attracting the envious glances of those around him, especially after her alluring thanks.
Their charm never seemed to affect him much. Anyway, his grandmother was part Veela and she was vicious enough to put anyone off their type.
Draco was about to turn his attention back to Viktor when their plates were wiped clean and Dumbledore began speaking. He introduced Crouch and Bagman, neither of whom Draco liked, and then called for the squib to bring out the casket. It wasn't shabby at least, and encrusted with jewels.
When the cup was brought out, however, it looked entirely unremarkable other than the fire dancing round its brim. Dumbledore carried on talking about the Tournament; Draco already knew its ins and outs having heard his father talking about it. The Age Line was an annoyance – Draco could have secured Bagmans high score, as the fool was in debt trouble and easily susceptible to bribes, and Karkaroffs, due to his fear of Dracos father.
Draco could have probably even gotten over the age injunction through a variety of ways, but the problem was Dumbledore and Moody. They would sanction another raid of his home in retaliation and probably try to expel him. It wasn't worth the risk.
Dumbledore finally finished speaking and they rose. Standing close, Draco realised him and Krum were almost the same height and, although muscular, he was still rather lean. "Are you sleeping in the castle or the ship?" He enquired.
"I vould like to stay in the castle, but Karkaroff..." He trailed off, the look of annoyance when Draco had mentioned Karkaroff resurfaced.
"He likes his privacy, right?" Draco asked, all implications of the word intoned. "Speak of the devil."
Krum nodded once. And sure enough, the Durmstrang headmaster was making his way to them, asking of Krum's well-being, had he eaten enough, would he like some mulled wine? Krum shrugged him off and slipped further back into the throng of students and beside Draco. He admired the blonde's ability holding a good conversation without talking endlessly of Quiditch and trying to seduce a friendship with him through unabashed flattery.
There was also something about his immaculate appearance and well-spoken tongue which was attractively intriguing.
For some reason no-one seemed to be moving, despite being in a wide, crowded doorway. Draco swore under his breath.
"Vhat is the hold up?"
"Potter and Karkaroff." Both boys looked annoyed.
"What's the dorms in the ship like?" Draco asked.
"Zey are bearable. Ve could do with something more than the basics, but anything luxury is kept in Karkaroffs orvice." Then with another thought, "How is yours in the castle?"
Perfectly timed, Moody got the crowd moving, there was no time to describe them. As if it were a spontaneous decision, Draco told Krum to meet him at lunch and he would show him the Slytherin common room.
As the handsome quiditch star strode away, Draco couldn't help looking forward to catching him as a powerful ally.
.*.*.*.
***Did you like it? This is just setting the scene, the next chapter is better (and longer), but I want 5 reviews before I upload it. And please, please please help me out with the name! I'm so stuck :/ Thanks for reading, and extra thanks if you leave a review :) ***