The morning had come earlier than Astraea would've liked. Dark bags hung under her eyes that stayed glaring in front of her. As expected, students were wise to stay out of her way. Astraea's body hurt all over from the incident from the night before. Part of her wanted to mark her attempt as a failure from her near capture by Dumbledore and his accomplice. However, another part of her acknowledged the information she acquired. The Triwizard Tournament was coming to Hogwarts and it was bringing the Ministry of Magic with it.
Astraea walked down the steps toward the Great Hall, her eyes narrowing. Keeping her steps light, her eyes trained in front of her. There weren't many students down her but Astraea didn't dare let guard down. Especially not now. Her mind raced back to the months of research she'd compiled of the movements of the few remaining Death Eaters. Their movement had been slow but increasing through the months until they exploded onto the scene with their last attack at the Quidditch World Cup. Coincidentally, Potter and company had been there. A frown appeared on Astraea's lips. They were becoming bolder. Astraea knew something was stirring in the dark and it was heading right for Hogwarts.
Astraea blinked when she heard whispers from around the corner. She quietly pressed herself closer to the wall and listened.
"The students of the other wizarding schools are coming today…"
"What schools are they again?"
"Beauxbatons and Durmstrang I believe…"
Astraea's eyes trailed the two Hufflepuff prefects as they walked past. She frowned and pressed herself off the wall. So it was starting already, Astraea frowned. She would have to move quicker than she thought.
"Miss Glass," a voice grumbled from behind her.
Astraea felt her body tense but she trained herself to stay calm. She turned to see none other than Dumbledore's accomplice from the night before. She kept her face as blank as paper as she looked into his dark eyes. Astraea knew she could be in hot water so she would be careful to watch her steps. The professor looked at the girl with a dark glare that rivaled her own.
"I do believe you were supposed to report to the Dining Hall 10 minutes ago," he drawled on, "I wonder what has kept you…"
Astraea hadn't realized her thoughts had taken that much time. Still, she didn't like that her presence was being noticed.
"My apologies, professor..." Astraea defiantly stared into his eyes.
"Professor Snape, Head of Slytherin," His eyes narrowed as he leaned forward ever so slightly, "it would be wise to remember the Head of your own house, Miss Glass."
Astraea frowned but nodded.
"If you don't want to waste any more of Slytherin's points, I suggest not being late to such events," and with that, the brooding professor past her, his cloak twirling behind him.
It was in the moment that Astraea felt it. That familiar twinge in her stomach that made her blood run cold. Astraea quickly turned and watched the professor turn the corner. Her eyes narrowed into a heated glare. He bore the Dark Mark, Astraea held no doubts. Did Dumbledore know? He had to of known the head of the Slytherin house was a former Death Eater. Astraea finally willed herself to move as she continued her trek toward the dining hall.
Astraea slipped into the dining hall, noticing the full attendance. She quickly made her way to the Slytherin table, feeling eyes on her back. Astraea ignored their stares as she took a seat on the bench. Some of her fellow housemates sent her quick glances before tearing their eyes away. She could hear their whispers of her as if they were leaning into her ear. And yet, she pushed them away. Astraea knew what kind of position she had put herself in. A student coming into the school in the fourth year was a bit strange. Astraea's looks wouldn't help her mission either, but there was nothing she could do about it. The eyes and the gloves stayed.
Astraea's eyes cast up to the professor's table, her eyes immediately catching on the tall case standing in the center of the stage. She took a minute to look at the many engravings and details etched into the case. Astraea didn't have to guess twice what was inside. Astraea glanced over to Dumbledore who had stood from his seat of the table, making his way toward the head of the stage.
"Now that we are all sorted, I'd like to make an announcement!" His voice echoed through the hall.
The voices of the students quickly quieted as he continued.
"This castle will not only be your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well," Dumbledore said, "you see, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event. The Triwizard Tournament!"
Whispers spread through the room like wildfire.
"What's this, something interesting is actually going to happen at Hogwarts?" A few of the Slytherins cackled.
"Now, for those of you who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests," Dumbledore said, "from each school, one single student is selected to become the champion and to represent their own school.
"Let me be clear! If chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say that these contests are not for the faint of heart. But for now, please join me in welcoming the wonderful ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and their Headmistress, Madame Maxine!"
The doors creaked open and two lines of beautiful girls streamed into the room, adorned in blue satin dresses and matching hats. The smiles on their faces reminded Astraea she would never survive Beauxbatons. Every few steps, the girls would stop, let out an over dramatic sigh and keep on walking, illuminescent butterflies following them. One of the butterflies flew in front of Astraea's face, landing itself on her nose. She stared slightly interested in the glowing wings before it fluttered away.
Astraea's gaze was returned to the giant woman who strode down the aisle with two other girls. The room went into applause, however, it was mostly the hormonal boys applauding. Dumbledore ascended the steps and approached the Headmistresses, planting a kiss on her hand, before stepping up the steps again.
"Now, please welcome the proud sons of Durmstrang and their high master, Igor Karkaroff!" Dumbledore announced.
Astraea's eyes narrowed. Karkaroff, she knew that name well. Igor Karkaroff, former Death Eater who only escaped his time from Azkaban by ratting out other Death Eaters after the war. He was a strange, unpredictable man Astraea knew she'd have to stay away from.
The Durmstrang boys stomped down the aisle, their staffs creating sparks on the aged stone floors. In a split second, the boys sprinted down the aisle to the front of the room, not forgetting to do some eccentric flips. But Astraea wasn't interested in that. Her eyes returned to the towering doors as Karkaroff stalked into the room, his prodigy student by his side. Astraea remembered this was the boy that played for the Bulgarian Quidditch team, Viktor Krum.
Astraea watched like a hawk as Karkaroff embraced Dumbledore and the two went to their seats. Astraea's eyes cast over the table, noticing an empty seat. Her brow furrowed as she tried to figure who could possibly be missing. Before her mind could go any deeper, dinner had begun.
The dinner had gone by slow for Astraea as she picked at her food. She never had a large appetite, especially when there was so much on her mind. She couldn't piece together how the Tournament and the recent activity of the Death Eaters were related. Astraea had watched the many trials and scandals emerging from Hogwarts, though hardly covered in the papers, and most had made sense to her. It wasn't hard to piece together that most of what challenged the school was linked to Potter, but this time was difficult. There were too many things left in play to connect to Potter. Astraea frowned. She'd have to keep a careful eye on the boy.
"Attention students!" Dumbledore's voice rumbled through the room once again.
Astraea's eyes cast up to the front of the room again. She had been so consumed in her thoughts she hadn't realized he had stood up. Dumbledore brushed his hands upon the tall case.
"I'd' like to say a few words," he said, "eternal glory! That is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament, but to do this the student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks.
"Because of this, the Ministry saw fit to install a new rule," Dumbledore said.
Astraea's eyes flicked to the door adjacent to the professor's table. She watched as a man hobbled out from the shadows, his fake leg pounding with every step. Her eyes washed over his appearance, noting his baggy trench coat, scraggly hair and bulging fake eye. Astraea's eyes narrowed at the newcomer.
"To explain all this, the Ministry has sent the head of the department of the International Magical Incorporation, Mister Bartemius Crouch," Dumbledore announced.
Astraea's eyes tore away from the unknown man to watch the Ministry man walk to front of the stage, a tight smile on his face. However, before Crouch could approach Dumbledore, the illusion of a sky let out a roar of thunder and a flash of lightning. The students began to panic, some even screamed, but Astraea sat still and watched as the sky flashed. But just as soon as the storm appeared, it was gone by the flick of a wand.
Astraea gazed at the unknown man as he stuffed his wand back into his jacket. All eyes were on him as he approached Dumbledore. Whispers floated through the room.
"Who's that loonie?" A third-year from said.
"That's Alastor Moody, better known as Mad Eye Moody," a sixth year said.
Astraea struggled to remember the name. She had known he was once apart of the Order of the Phoenix but now worked as an auror. His presence puzzled her, as did the many other things. Dumbledore embraced Moody before returning next to Crouch.
"After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that for their own safety, no student under the age of 17 should enter into the games," Crouch said.
Immediately, the room went into disrest as the students protested, silencing Crouch.
"Silence!" Dumbledore shouted over the chaos.
The room went quiet again as Astraea looked over to the Gryffindor table. A part of her felt relieved. At least now she wouldn't have to worry about Potter being in the games. Unknowing to them, the Ministry had just made her mission a lot easier.
Dumbledore waved his wand over the tall case and watched as it melted away, revealing a giant goblet. In a flash, a blue flame appeared within the goblet.
"The Goblet of Fire," Dumbledore said, "anyone who wishes to participate in the games shall put a slip of parchment into the cup before this hour on Thursday night. The champions shall be randomly selected. If chosen, there is no turning back. As of this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun."
