Author's Note:
Sorry for the long wait. Only got time to write after the Easter weekend. I do have a day job so its going a little slow. I thought long and hard about whether I should make my OC a champion or not, and decided to go this route. Krum and Durmstrang wern't given much character development in Goblet of Fire and even in Deathly Hallows during Bill and Fleur's wedding, he was just there as Hermione's ex-boyfriend and to give some exposition about Grindelwald. Anyway Let me know what you think in the reviews
Hogwarts October 31 2003
"How the fuck did that insolent prat Potter get his name into the Goblet of Fire?!" screamed Malfoy. After a hasty announcement that there will be an update in the morning about what would happen, Dumbledore had dismissed the school and the Slytherins had returned to their common room. Malfoy was beside himself with fury. As far as he was concerned, Potter was nothing but a glory hound who upstaged him at almost every turn. He charmed his way into the seeker position on the Gryffindor team and even though Slytherin had rightfully won the house cup in both their first and second years. Dumbledore had seen it fit to award Potter and his accomplices more house points and snatch that victory away from them! It just wasn't fair!
"Really think he would have done it himself Draco?" asked Aaron lounging in a chair while Malfoy furiously paced up and down. "Dumbledore probably put it in himself and acted all surprised when it came out! It's obvious he favors Saint Potter!" spat Malfoy rounding on Aaron.
"An interesting hypothesis" mused Aaron. "But why? What's the payoff? Why risk getting the tournament canceled just to have Potter compete in it?"
"No fucking idea. Maybe he thinks Potter hasn't got enough fame and attention as it is!" snarled Malfoy as he threw himself into a chair and grabbed a bottle of butterbeer.
"Jealousy is unbecoming of you Draco. Look past your own fucking ego for once and think rationally" said Aaron coldly as Malfoy took a large swig of butterbeer and glowered at the fireplace. "Assuming that the tournament isn't canceled after tonight's events, and Potter is allowed to compete. Where does that lead? It's obvious that he's going to be at a disadvantage, the other three champions are at NEWT level and will definitely have a better chance at completing or even winning the three tasks."
"The past three years have taught me the hard way to never underestimate Potter's resourcefulness and ability to get out of sticky situations" snorted Malfoy. "I'll bet he'll actually be able to win this stupid thing."
"Care to share why you think so Draco?" asked Aaron
"Lets see" said Malfoy counting off on his hand. "First year, he and his friends got past a Cerberus, a Devil's snare, an enchanted chessboard, a troll and the Dark Lord himself who was possessing Quirrel's body. Second year, he drove a flying car into the whomping willow, killed a basilisk, destroyed one of the Dark Lord's artifacts that my father had planted on the Weasley girl, freed my house elf and got my father sacked from the board of school governors. And of course you know as well as I do what happened last year"
Aaron was silent as he let these events sink in. While the chamber of secretes was not Dumbledore's fault. Keeping the Philosopher's stone in Hogwarts and bringing all those dangerous enchantments seemed pretty pointless if a trio of first year students could get past them so easily. The fact that Voldemort was involved in both incidents was interesting. Perhaps these were more to lure Voldemort into the open than to actually protect the Stone? If that was true, it was still a major risk. If Potter failed to stop him, he would have returned to full power. "That's probably it" Aaron mused. "Dumbledore is using Potter as bait for Voldemort. By putting him in the tournament he's giving Voldemort a chance to have a go at Potter again. Or maybe it is the other way around, give Potter a chance to face Voldemort again"
"That's insane!" gasped Malfoy "He wants Potter either defeat the Dark Lord or be killed by the Dark Lord? Why? Dumbledore's the only one the Dark Lord ever feared!"
Aaron snorted "20 years ago maybe he was. But now I doubt Dumbledore can go up against a fully powered Voldemort. That's probably why he's trying to put Potter in as much danger as he can get away with. To toughen him up to defeat Voldemort when he comes back."
Malfoy shook his head. "I always thought Dumbledore was mad. But this goes beyond insane. He's gonna get Potter killed!"
"Like you said earlier" said Aaron "Don't underestimate Potter's resourcefulness or his ability to get out of sticky situations."
Malfoy looked at Aaron and the burst out laughing as the stress and worry evaporated away from him. "You're right." he said as he got up to go to bed "Potter will be just fine"
Hogwarts November 1 2003
"May I have your attention please" said Dumbledore as the great hall went silent. "After our discussions last night. It has been decided that there will be two champions representing each school. Representing Hogwarts is Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter." Dumbledore swallowed nervously. He hadn't expected Karkaroff to propose the outlandish idea of throwing open a second position to all 5th year and below students in Hogwarts, much less for Madame Maxim, Crouch and Bagman to actually agree with him. Even Sirius and Amelia seemed alright with the idea!
"Given the time constraints and the age difference between the Hogwarts champions who were selected by the Goblet of fire. The other judges have decided to hold an open application for all Ravenclaw and Slytherin students of fifth year and below. If you wish to compete, you may submit your names to either Professor Karkaroff or Madame Maxim. Doing so makes you an exchange student to either Beauxbatons or Durmstrang. You have until tomorrow morning to submit your application. The selections for the applicants will be done over the week at the discretion of Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxim. Good luck to you all"
"Well Draco, here's your chance to get back at Potter" smirked Aaron as the breakfast plates filled with food. Malfoy snorted. "And make a fool of myself in front of him and the rest of the school? Thanks but no thanks. I'd rather be a spectator"
"Vise decision" said Krum who was sitting beside them. "Karkaroff said he vill have a dueling contest to select the second champion"
"What about you Aaron? He did throw it open to fifth year and below, thinking of competing?" asked Daphne
"Nah, too much of a headache." said Aaron as he helped himself to bacon and eggs.
"Well it is a dueling contest for selection. And we all know you can wipe the floor with anyone when it comes to that" said Malfoy. "Come on Aaron! You'll be an awesome champion"
"A champion for Durmstrang" reminded Aaron. "Even if I did give my name to Karkaroff you have your own champions to support."
"Not quite" said Astoria. "Didn't you hear Dumbledore? He's basically drawn battle lines between all four houses by letting only Ravenclaw and Slytherin give names" She took Aaron's hand. "Please My Lord. Represent Slytherin and Durmstrang"
"Your friends think very highly of you Aaron" observed Krum. "I vood be honored to compete vith you if you are chosen"
Aaron looked around. Even the older Slytherins and the other Durmstrang students were giving him nods of approval.
"Very well" he sighed. "I'll apply. But no promises on whether I'm chosen"
The Slytherin table erupted into cheers startling the other three houses and Dumbledore on the staff table.
Durmstrang ship November 2 2003
Karkaroff scowled as he fingered the slip of parchment with Aaron's name on it. So far, he was the only student who had applied. While Viktor had vouched for the young Slytherin, he would have liked at least a bit more choice. At first he thought it was a brilliant idea to use Hogwarts students as representatives. It would foster a spirit of much needed cooperation between the three schools and give younger students a chance at sharing in the price and glory, not to mention get a little more intelligence on Dumbledore by seeing how well trained in combat his best students would be. But with Aaron Zakhrov as the only applicant, holding a dueling tournament seemed pointless. With a sigh he got up from his desk and joined his students as they trudged up towards Hogwarts for dinner.
Hogwarts November 2 2003
"I heard at least twenty Ravenclaws have applied to represent Beauxbatons" said Daphne as Krum and his Durmstrang friends took their seats on the Slytherin table. "Ve haff not been so lucky" said Krum gloomily. "I think the only von who applied is Aaron"
Aaron's jaw dropped. "You can't be serious" he said
"I am afraid he is young man" said Karkaroff looking around the table. "Which one of you is Aaron Zakhrov?"
"I am sir" said Aaron raising his hand. Karkaroff's eyes widened. This boy looked even younger than Harry Potter! Definitely no more than twelve or thirteen! "Viktor spoke quite highly of you Mr. Zakhrov. While it's pointless to hold a dueling competition, I still need to test if you will have the necessary skills needed to compete in the tournament."
"I propose a sparring match Professor" said Krum. "If ve have to vork as a team, ve should know vot ve can do"
"An excellent idea Viktor. I'll give the two of you both till the sixth of November to prepare, and then we'll have ourselves a little sparring contest." said Karkaroff and grinning like a teenager, he went to join the staff table.
Durmstrang Ship November 6 2003
Krum and Aaron circled each other in on the main deck of the ship. Karkaroff and the other Durmstrang students stood watching apprehensively on the bridge.
"On three" shouted Karkaroff "One. Two. Three!"
Spells and curses blasted across the ship's main deck as Krum and Aaron sent progressively more powerful spells at each other while trying to block and dodge.
Krum was the best opponent Aaron had dueled so far and for the first time, felt himself challenged.
Krum was amazed at the skill and speed Aaron had already developed. He was barely able to keep up with the younger boy.
Finally after five minutes Karkaroff called a halt. The spell fire died down as Aaron and Krum faced each other, sweaty and bleeding, their robes torn and smoldering in various places.
"That was, the most amazing duel I have ever seen!" boomed Karkaroff. "Without a doubt. You two will make a killer team. Welcome to Durmstrang Mr. Zakhrov!" he beamed as the other Durmstrang students cheered.
Hogwarts November 6 2003
"I do not know what you are playing at Albus! You claim to abhor the dark arts and violence but after that duel I saw. I'm more than certain now you have your own private army here!" growled Karkaroff as he, Dumbledore and Snape made their way to the great hall for the evening feast.
"Don't be ridiculous Igor, how can I possibly have a private army? Half my students have never seen a wizards duel!" snapped Dumbledore.
Karkaroff seethed in rage. "Then explain how one of your second year students managed to duel Viktor Krum to a standstill!" he hissed
Dumbledore stopped in his tracks. "Who?" he asked fearing the worst.
"Aaron Zakhrov" Karkaroff spat. "And if all your second years are anything like him, I shudder to think what your seventh years a capable of!"
Snape smirked enjoying the fear in both men's eyes. "I assure you Igor, Aaron Zakhrov is not a proper comparison point for estimating Hogwarts students. He is quite the accomplished fighter and a very intelligent young man. Professor Dumbledore trembles each time someone mentions his name. He seems to believe that young Zakhrov is a new Dark Lord in the making." he said smoothly
"That's enough Severus" snarled Dumbledore. "Yes, Mr Zakhrov has shown some skill beyond his level but he is the exception and not the rule" he growled at Karkaroff. "And why was he dueling Mr. Krum? Surely you are not considering him as a representative?" he asked as they reached the staff table.
Karkaroff said nothing as the rest of the students and staff members filed in and took their seats. Once everyone had settled, Dumbledore stood up. "Tonight the second champions from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be announced. All selected champions, please go to the chamber off the hall and wait there for you to receive your instructions for the first task."
Harry, Cedric, Krum and Fleur rose and left for the chamber. Madame Maxim and Karkaroff handed Dumbledore sealed envelopes containing the names of their second champions.
Dumbledore opened the envelope from Madame Maxim, pulled out the parchment inside and held it out at arms length.
"The second champion for Beauxbatons is Cho Chang!" he announced as the Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers and Cho left to join the other champions.
With trembling fingers he opened Karkaroff's envelope, took out the parchment and unfolded it. The name he saw nearly made him faint. No this couldn't be! That brat should not be allowed near Harry or anyone in the tournament! With a massive effort he pulled himself together. "The second champion for Durmstrang" he announced "is Aaron Zakhrov!"
The Slytherin table erupted in cheers as Aaron left to join the others. He looked up at the staff table, Dumbledore was looking very pale, Madame Maxim was examining her fingernails clearly indifferent, Snape and Karkaroff were both smirking. He turned towards the door the other champions had gone through and entered.
Krum grinned at him as Aaron entered the chamber, Cedric and Harry barley noticed him as they stared open mouthed at Fleur and Cho. Aaron returned Krum's grin. Cedric finally found his voice. "Co- Congratulations Cho." he said. "I didn't really think we'd be competing against each other." Cho smiled and blushed. "Thanks Cedric" she said quietly. The door burst open and the judges came in. Bagman was positively ecstatic. "Well the gang's all here!" he boomed. "Lets get cracking shall we?
The first task is to test your daring. So we won't be telling you what it is. Only wands are allowed. You have till the fourth of December to prepare for it. Now I am not really clear on whether you will be facing it individually or as a team.."
"Individually" said Dumbledore.
"What?" exclaimed Karkaroff "Dumbledore the whole point of this was for them to face the tasks as a team of two!"
"You didn't mention that point when you first discussed it Igor. And I most certainly didn't assume as much!" snarled Dumbledore. "I agreed to have two champions on each school to balance the fairness. I did not agree to have them pair off as teams of two!"
"But Dumbly-dorr eet eez zee most logical option!" cried Madame Maxim "You do not expect zeez younger students to cope wiv zee tasks azz well azz zee older wunz!"
"Madame Maxim that is exactly what I expect!" said Dumbledore coldly. They are now your responsibility. I suggest you train them." he glared at both Maxim and Karkaroff, fury radiating from him. "Accuse me of tampering with the Goblet of Fire? Accuse me of raising my own private army? Insinuate that I am putting my personal quest for glory over the safety of my students? Let's see how your own bile tastes!" he spat
"Let's… Let's take a vote on it shall we?" asked Bagman timidly, the others nodded in agreement. "All in favor of a team?" He asked.
Karkaroff raised his wand along with Madame Maxim.
Bagman looked a little flustered. "Well I'm afraid it's individuals then" he said. "Alright! Champions cannot take help from teachers although the can from students of the same school. That means Ms. Chang can take help from Beauxbatons students and Mr Zakhrov can take help from Durmstrang students. Harry and Cedric can take help from Hogwarts students but not from Hogwarts teachers.
Right I think that covers everything. Any questions?"
"No sir" said Aaron
"Right then" said Dumbledore. "Harry, Cedric. I suggest you get back to your dormitories. Ms Chang, Mr Zakhrov. As of this moment you are now Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students. Therefore you will accompany your teachers back to their sleeping quarters" With that he turned on his heel and strode out of the room.
Aaron, Krum and Karkaroff made their way across the sloping lawns and towards the Durmstrang ship. Aaron was feeling miserable. He had brought the problems that Dumbledore had with him to these people! "I'm sorry. I should have warned you Professor. Dumbledore doesn't like me much" he said as the stepped up the gangway. "I'm afraid I brought whatever conflict he has with me upon you. I shouldn't have applied for this."
Karkaroff placed a comforting hand on Aaron's shoulder. "Do no blame yourself for that old man's actions Aaron. There was plenty of blame and anger to go around back there. It was my idea to use Hogwarts students as extra champions in the first place. If I hadn't pushed for that demand, this would never have happened. Anyway what's done is done. Although watching you and Viktor work as a team would have been splendid, I'm actually quite confident that you would be able to handle the tasks by yourself."
"I agree Professor" said Krum. "Vile ve may not be vorking together ve can still not vork against each other. Either von of us can and vill bring viktory to Durmstrang"
"Well said Viktor" replied Karkaroff. "Aaron this is your cabin" he said opening a hatch. "Make yourself at home. I shall see you in the morning"