Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, storylines, or objects that you recognize from this story, J.K. Rowling does. I did however, create some of the new characters that will appear in this fanfic.
Author's Note: And here is the second chapter! This chapter will introduce you to some of the other wizarding schools participating in the worldwide quidditch tournament, and will bring in our Half-Blood Prince. I hope you enjoy, and I always like constructive criticism and reviews (I read each and every single one of them). To clarify a few things- Harry is the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, and the reason behind Harry and Daphne's contract will be further explored in this chapter. Also, this story should become more and more uncliched as it goes along. ;)
Daphne followed Harry to the Headmaster's Office, as it appeared that he knew where he was going. This didn't surprise Daphne though, as she knew that Professor Dumbledore was fond of Gryffindor's "Golden Boy", and they had probably met in there before. Harry had taken her to the second floor, around the corner from the second-floor corridor, into the Gargoyle Corridor, and stopped in front of one of the gargoyles, which was obviously guarding the entrance to the office.
"This is it," Harry stopped, turning towards Daphne, "Dumbledore's Office."
"Yes Potter," Daphne snarked, "I figured that out. What's the password to get in?"
Suddenly, Albus Dumbledore strode into the corridor, his eyes shining with minor surprise at the sight of Harry and Daphne waiting outside of his office. "Harry," Dumbledore started, "Miss Greengrass, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Er," Harry began, "We have a few questions to ask you."
"Well then," Dumbledore said, "Let us not further prolong these questions, and instead bring forth answers." Dumbledore walked towards the gargoyle, uttered the password (which was Acid Pops), and entered, quickly followed by Harry and Daphne.
The three of them stepped onto a moving spiral stone staircase, so that they were carried in smooth circles up to the door with the brass knocker that led to Dumbledore's office. Daphne peered around, taking note of the office's appearance.
The circular office looked just like Harry had described to her in their walk here; the delicate silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, puffing smoke and whirring; portraits of previous headmasters and headmistresses dozed in their frames, and Dumbledore's magnificent phoenix, Fawkes, stood on his perch behind the door, watching Harry and Daphne with bright interest.
Dumbledore walked behind his desk and took a seat, motioning for Harry and Daphne to do the same. "Would you care for a lemon drop?" Dumbledore asked. Harry politely accepted while Daphne politely declined.
"So Harry, Daphne," Dumbledore began, his voice sounding more businesslike, "What brings you together here, to ask me these questions?" Harry opened his mouth, about to answer, but Daphne quickly beat him to it.
"You already know," Daphne said quickly, "Don't you- sir?" Dumbledore gazed at Daphne for a few seconds, as if he was studying her. Finally, Dumbledore sighed and nodded his head.
"I shall be blunt. I take it that you two have discovered your marriage contract," Dumbledore said, "I presume you two are hoping that I know a way out of it?"
"Yes sir," Harry said, furiously nodding his head, "Is there anything you know that can help us… nullify this contract?" Yet again, Dumbledore sighed and leaned back a little bit.
"I'm sorry Harry," Dumbledore answered, "It seems that you and Miss Greengrass are well, for lack of better word, stuck in this together." At the same time, Harry and Daphne sighed and leaned back in their chairs, clearly crestfallen.
"I must ask though," Dumbledore continued, "How did you two find out about the contract?"
Harry and Daphne glanced at each other, before Daphne began to list her experience.
(Open Flashback)
"WHAT?" Daphne Greengrass loudly asked her parents, shocked at the recent news. Her pale blond hair hair seemed to bring out the intensity in her blue-gray eyes, and she looked furious. "A marriage contract? With whom? Why? How? Can I back out?"
Froviar and Lena Greengrass glanced at each other, before looking back at their eldest daughter.
"Daphne dear," Lena started, "You are betrothed, even before you were born. Your grandfather urged us to enter a marriage contract with another highly influential family that would help both families, especially with the Dark Lord on the rise. Our family wished to stay neutral and protected from both wars, but also wanted to continue being a powerful family. This contract somewhat appeared to ensure this back then, but not now. An no, you cannot back out of this contract, I've looked into this myself."
"Mum, what do you mean?" Daphne frantically asked. "Just tell me who I'm betrothed to! It's not Draco Malfoy, is it?"
"Daphne!" Froviar sharply exclaimed. "You know we do not approve of that family and it's connection with the Dark Lord. You have been promised to another boy, and I do not believe that he himself is aware of the contract."
"Why are you telling this to me now?" Daphne asked, curiosity taking over.
"Because we wanted you to enjoy your childhood and spend time with whomever you wanted," Lena said honestly, "But you are now a young lady who deserves to know."
"Daphne," Froviar said, "You are betrothed to the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter."
(End of Flashback)
Daphne finished telling her story, which Harry took as his cue to mention how he learned of it. "Greengrass pulled me into a compartment and told me the news," Harry said, "I didn't believe it at first, but I now do." Dumbledore took note of Harry referring to Daphne by her last name, showing that the two weren't especially close.
"Well Daphne," Dumbledore said, peering at her, "I hope you're fine with me calling you by your first name?"
"Of course Professor," Daphne politely answered, "That's fine."
"Daphne," Dumbledore said, "It seems as if you have been misinformed as to why you and Harry are betrothed to each other."
"Are you saying that my parents lied to me?" Daphne asked, clearly offended.
"No," Dumbledore said, lightly chuckling, "I believe that your father and mother have also been misled."
"Sir," Daphne said, evidently curious, "What do you mean?"
"Forgive me for a lack of modesty," Dumbledore began, "But I have used my sharp intellect to gather information on some of the oldest families- which include the Greengrass and Potter families. Your families are strongly connected starting from 1920, when Dorea Potter was born. Dorea was the wife of Charlus Potter and the daughter of Cygnus Black II and Violetta Bulstrode. She was also a member of the House of Black. Dorea was sorted in Slytherin in her days at Hogwarts, and was good friends of Lydia Greengrass. The two of them actually considered making a marriage contract for their children, but talks broke down."
Daphne and Harry were listening to Dumbledore very intently, transfixed by the information.
"Harry, you had a grandfather named Fleamont Potter," Dumbledore continued, "He was actually the one in your family who ended up agreeing to a marriage contract. He also was inherited the Cloak of Invisibility from his father Henry Potter, who was a distant descendant of Ignotus Peverell."
"Really?" Daphne asked, looking at Harry, who nodded, looking slightly annoyed that Dumbledore trusted Daphne enough to give her that information.
"Fleamont was friends with Davies Greengrass," Dumbledore said, "Which is obviously Daphne's grandfather. Davies was in Ravenclaw, a very smart and convincing man who was obsessed with his family's reputation. Daphne, as you know, the Greengrass family are currently regarded as a "neutral" family, but with their heavy association with Slytherin, quite a few people don't trust them. Davies wanted to change that, and decided that he wanted to associate his family with a "light" family- and who better than his friend's family- the Potters? Davies convinced Fleamont and his wife Euphemia that both families would be aided financially and politically with a marriage contract, and the Greengrass family would be trusted by more people. Fleamont was eager to help his friend out, but couldn't bear to bond his son James Potter to a marriage contract- as James was already in love with Lily Evans at this time. So Fleamont proposed that his eldest grandson would be married to Davies' eldest granddaughter, and the deal was accepted and sealed. Fleamont and Davies never told anyone the true reason the contract was made, except for me, as I had befriended Fleamont."
"So," Daphne said, "My father was also misled as to why the contract was made."
"Correct," Dumbledore approvingly said, "Of course, to learn more, you must ask Davies some questions, as I myself do not know of all the circumstances surrounding the contract. Unfortunately, Fleamont passed away quite some time ago, so he is not available for questioning."
"Sir," Harry began, appearing to be rather perturbed, and was busting to ask this question, "Why didn't you tell me about this contract earlier- if you knew?" Dumbledore looked at Harry, clearly expecting this question.
"What good would it have done?" Dumbledore said. "You had so much going on in your life, and were so young. I didn't want to add something else to an already full plate."
"Well next time," Harry said, clearly angered, "Tell me, because I'm sick and tired of not being told many things. Don't you believe that I'm old enough? Ready?"
"I do Harry," Dumbledore said, "But-"
"But what?" Harry said, surprising Daphne by interrupting Dumbledore.
"Sit down Harry," Dumbledore sharply said, suddenly more stern, "If you're taking the news like this now, how do you think you would have taken it if you had found out at a younger age?" This seemed to satisfy Harry a bit, as he nodded his head and muttered a quick "sorry" to Dumbledore, realizing why he wasn't told earlier.
"I understand that both you and Daphne are surprised by the news," Dumbledore said, "But you two may find it easy to adjust." Harry and Daphne both were now looking directly at Dumbledore, confused by his comment.
"It's getting late now," Dumbledore finished, "You two should go back to bed- Harry, will you kindly accompany Daphne to her common room? That invisibility cloak of yours will come in handy." Dumbledore then stood up, his eyes twinkling.
"Of course sir," Harry said, "Have a good night." Daphne echoed Harry, and then exited Dumbledore's office together.
"How do you put up with that boy?" asked a soft voice from one of the portraits on the wall, and Phineas Nigellus Black, Sirius's great-great-grandfather, raised his head from his arms where he had appeared to be sleeping.
"Well Phineas," Dumbledore said, "I find him to be rather good company. I think those two will get along just fine."
Once Harry and Daphne stepped outside, Harry took out his Invisibility Cloak and looked at Daphne. "Um," Harry said, "You're going have to come rather close to me." Daphne looked at Harry, before sighing and coming under the cloak. Harry guided Daphne through the hallways, making sure that they avoided Filch and Mrs. Norris. He took her straight to the Slytherin Dungeon, making Daphne wonder how Potter knew where it was.
"Er," Harry began, "I'd appreciate if you didn't mention the Invisibility Cloak to anyone. Not too many people know."
"Malfoy does, I've heard him go on about it before, " Daphne said, "But I won't talk about this."
"Thank you," Harry said, surprised that she listened to him.
"Well," Daphne stiffly said, "Good night."
"Yeah," Harry responded, "Goodnight to you too."
The next morning, Harry joined Ron and Hermione as they walked to the Great Hall for breakfast. "Are you alright Harry?" Hermione asked. "You look as if you barely slept last night- is there anything wrong?"
"Nah,there's nothing wrong," Harry said, "I'm just a bit tired." It was obvious that Hermione didn't believe this at all, but Ron appeared to be satisfied by Harry's answer, as he quickly began stuffing himself with food.
After they had eaten, they remained in their places, awaiting Professor McGonagall's descent from the staff table. The distribution of class schedules was more complicated than usual, as Professor McGonagall needed first to confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T.s.
Hermione was immediately cleared to continue with Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Herbology, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Potions, and shot off to a first period Ancient Runes class without further ado. Neville took a little longer to sort out; his round face was anxious as Professor McGonagall looked down his application and then consulted his O.W.L. results.
"Take Charms," said Professor McGonagall, "and I shall drop Augusta a line reminding her that just because she failed her Charms O.W.L., the subject is not necessarily worthless." Smiling slightly at the look of delighted incredulity on Neville's face, Professor McGonagall tapped a blank schedule with the tip of her wand and handed it, now carrying details of his new classes, to Neville. Harry continued waiting, until it was finally his turn.
"So, Potter, Potter . . ." said Professor McGonagall, consulting her notes as she turned to Harry. "Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Transfiguration . . . all fine. I must say, I was pleased with your Transfiguration mark, Potter, very pleased. Now, why haven't you applied to continue with Potions? I thought it was your ambition to become an Auror?"
"It was, but you told me I had to get an 'Outstanding' in my O.W.L., Professor."
"And so you did when Professor Snape was teaching the subject. Professor Slughorn, however, is perfectly happy to accept N.E.W.T students with 'Exceeds Expectations' at O.W.L. Do you wish to proceed with Potions?"
"Yes," said Harry, "but I didn't buy the books or any ingredients or anything —"
"I'm sure Professor Slughorn will be able to lend you some," said Professor McGonagall. "Very well, Potter, here is your schedule. Oh, by the way — twenty hopefuls have already put down their names for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I shall pass the list to you in due course and you can fix up trials at your leisure. Furthermore, I have to request that you stay further, as Madam Hooch will be talking to all four House captains about the upcoming worldwide quidditch tournament. You will unfortunately be forced to miss your first class- Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"That won't be a problem professor," Harry quickly said, noticing that there was a slight smile on her face, "I'll wait here until I'm told about the quidditch meeting."
Meanwhile, over at the Slytherin table, Daphne was talking to Snape about her schedule.
"So Miss Greengrass," Snape softly said, "It appears that you've taken Arithmancy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Transfiguration. It's curious that you didn't take Potions, you were one of my best students."
"Oh," Daphne said, trying to make an excuse for not taking Potions- the real reason that she had left was because she wanted to avoid Professor Snape, "I didn't think that I would be ready for Potions at the N.E.W.T. level."
"I assure you," Snape said, "You certainly are ready."
"Well then," Daphne said, deciding to get on Snape's good side, as she would have him as a teacher no matter what, "I'll take out Herbology for Potions. I've already learned enough from my first five years."
"Here is your schedule Miss Greengrass," Snape said, "Have a good day." Daphne nodded before walking away with Tracey Davis.
"But Daph," Tracey began, "You don't even have the Potions textbook! What are you going to do?"
"I'll just buy one for myself," Daphne responded, "Besides, I'm sure Professor Slughorn will be more than happy to lend a textbook to a member of the 'Slug Club'."
"So," Tracey began, grinning, "You never told me about your talk with Dumbledore and-"
"Not now," Daphne interrupted, causing Tracey's grin to enlarge, "I'm trying to not think of my betrothal to the 'Chosen One'."
Harry waited at the Great Hall, until there was exactly one person sitting at every single table. Obviously, the four people still sitting at the tables were the four House Captains. Harry himself was the Gryffindor captain. He saw that Marco Urquhart was the Slytherin captain- which was strange as that was Urquhart's first season on the Slytherin House Team- he apparently played Chaser. Urquhart had pale skin and light brown hair. The Ravenclaw captain was named Duncan Inglebee, a strong, buff, boy, who was a great Beater. Duncan had jet-black hair and dark-colored skin. Finally, The Hufflepuff captain was Gordon Cadwallader, another big and burly boy who had decided to switch positions from Chaser to Beater. Gordon had light blonde hair and blue eyes- Harry had heard some girls talk about how good looking he was.
Suddenly, Madam Hooch burst into the Great Hall, and motioned for the four captains to follow her. Obediently, all four of the students got up and followed her through the hallways. Madam Hooch led them directly to a room Harry had never been before, but it looked to be her office.
"Sit down everyone," Madam Hooch said, motioning, "I have a lot to go through with you all." The four captains all sat down in individual chairs, far away from each other.
"As you all know," Madam Hooch said, "The Inter-House Quidditch Cup will have special significance this year, as the winning team's captain will also be the captain of our school team in the upcoming Worldwide School Quidditch Tournament, which I'll now refer to as the WSQT." Harry nodded, unsurprised, as Dumbledore had already told them this information.
"The WSQT will have 64 teams participating," Madam Hooch said, "8 of these schools are part of the 'Classic 11', which are the older and larger schools. The remaining 53 schools are rather new and smaller. The WSQT tournament has a format similar to the Muggle Soccer World Cup- there is a group stage and a knockout stage. Teams will be randomly put into 8 groups of 8, and after a series of matches, the bottom four teams in each group will be eliminated, setting the stage for a 32-team knockout stage, in which you must win every game to advance to the next round. Here is a paper with the list of all 64 schools participating." Madam Hooch waved her wand, and a piece of paper appeared in front of each captain.
(A/N: If that was confusing, I'll elaborate more later.)
Harry eagerly snatched the paper, which was hovering right in front of him. He took a look at it, reading the names of all 64 schools, which were ranked by skills of their quidditch teams.
Official List of WSQT Teams
Ranked from Best to Worst
(Note 1: Rankings are Subject to Change)
(Note 2: All city locations aren't fully known of by Hogwarts)
1. Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (part of the 'Classic 11'); Location: Massachusetts, USA
2. Academy of Broom Flying; Location: London, England
3. Mahoutokoro School of Magic (part of the 'Classic 11'); Location: Minami Iwo Jima, Japan
4. Uagadou School of Magic (part of the 'Classic 11'); Location: Mountains of the Moon, Uganda
5. Durmstrang Institute (part of the 'Classic 11'); Location: Norway
6. Serma School of Magic; Location: Seattle, USA
7. Castelobruxo (part of the 'Classic 11'); Location: Amazon rainforest, Brazil
8. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (part of the 'Classic 11'); Location: Highlands, Scotland
9. Koldovstoretz (part of the 'Classic 11'); Location: Russia
10. Briva Academy; Location: Unknown
11. Austravivan School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Sydney, Australia
12. Grazia Herbachs; Location: Germany
13. Magyk Academy; Location: Argentina
14. Beauxbatons Academy of Magic (part of the 'Classic 11'); Location: Pyrenees, France
15. Alonsovera Academy of Wizardry; Location: Vienna, Austria
16. Linquo Academy; Location: Shanghai, China
17. Gozan School; Location: Unknown
18. Antarctica Academy of Magic; Location: Antarctica
19. Ronaldo Academy of Magic; Location: Porto, Portugal
20. Mexico City School of Magic; Location: Mexico City, Mexico
21. Pawila Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Mumbai, India
22. Kennedy School of Magic; Location: Denver, USA
23. Dorebajo Academy; Location: Madrid, Spain
24. Vorezance Academy of Magic; Location: Vancouver, Canada
25. Framptonesta School; Location: Moscow, Russia
26. Houshwern School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Cape Town, South Africa
27. Rikashoun School of Wizardry; Location: Seoul, South Korea
28. Mairobi School; Location: Nairobi, Kenya
29. Reahjisbi; Location: Unknown
30. Iran School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Iran
31. Kinsarebobi Academy; Location: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
32. Babarequo School; Location: Ghana
33. Johannesburg School of Magic; Location: South Africa
34. Bay Area Magic School; Location: Oakland, USA
35. Hojen Mar School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Guangzhou, China
36. Hojen Mar Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Hangzhou, China
37. Rico School of Magic; Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
38. Ausjubilent; Location: Unknown
39. Rolesal Academy of Magic; Location: Panama City, Panama
40. Hollandlal School of Magic; Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
41. Melbourne Academy; Location: Melbourne, Australia
42. Moba; Location: Lagos, Nigeria
43. Oceania Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Auckland, New Zealand
44. Craxazubeima Academy; Location: Unknown
45. Gaworberia School; Location: Greenland
46. Indonesia Academy of Magic; Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
47. Leoux Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
48. Panstormdevilla School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
49. Yaxleybruxo Academy; Location: Leiden, Netherlands
50. Gatevilla School; Location: Rivera, Uruguay
51. Chenairela School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Bangladesh
52. Alutervale Academy; Location: Unknown
53. Louside Ville Jade; Location: Mexico
54. Reedfeather Academy of Magic; Location: Santiago, Chile
55. New Delhi Academy of Magic; Location: New Delhi, India
56. Layesfeather Acadmey of Magic; Location: Arica, Chile
57. Wrackspurt School; Location: Unknown
58. Ogwarts Academy of Magic; Location: Liverpool, England
59. Zerebobia Academy; Location: Unknown
60. Qure School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Location: Quebec, Canada
61. Birming Bay Academy; Location: Olympia, USA
62. Larson Academy; Location: Unknown
63. Lowe Academy; Location: Unknown
64. Brack Academy; Location: Unknown
"Madam Hooch," Harry heard Duncan Inglebee speak, "How come only 8 of the 'Classic 11' schools are participating in the tournament? What happened to the other 3?"
"Those three schools," Madam Hooch began, "Have appeared to be drifting towards the Dark Arts. They've grown distant from the rest of the 'Classic 11', and are not to be spoken of. Anyway, the rest of the period will be given for you all to set up your house team trials. Don't let Hogwarts down- we're all counting on you." Madam Hooch left the room, leaving behind four very confused captains.