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Disclaimer
I own nothing of the Harry Potter franchise.
Glad to clear that up
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Chapter 10
The celebration at the Slytherin common room was a success, going through until dinner time. By then, Hadriana went for a shower and change, intent on showing up at the party by the lakeside, taking her friends with her. Much to their surprise, Snape came into the common room and despite raising an eyebrow to a ravenclaw's presence in the snake's common room, he extended his congratulations to Hadriana for a job well done and communicated the entire house the Durmstrang students were inviting Hogwarts and Beauxbatons students for a party at the lakeside, something to do with the amount of food they had available.
Once again, everyone flinched, not sure if they were interested in the party.
"Of course, after what we saw today, the headmaster was reticent in allowing our students to attend but he decided to allow the seventh years only to attend."
Some of the younger years complained, quickly silenced by their head of house's glare.
"This is not up to debate." Snape informed them with a scowl "You should also know that the only reason the seventh years are being allowed to attend is because they are all adults. Do not bring shame upon our school or our house."
"Understood, professor Snape." Hadriana replied, not hiding her satisfaction.
She dressed herself with jeans and a triple layer of sweaters, the outermost being black, covering herself with a black casual robe. Her hair was loose in her back and she took some time staring at her reflection.
She was a pretty girl, no one denied it but she had never cared much about her looks beyond a certain point. That evening, however, she was quite self conscious about her hair, her makeup, clothes or even zits.
"Are you're trying to look hot for Ragnos?" asked Ursula and Hadriana flinched.
"Don't be ridiculous, he's just a friend." Hadriana replied.
"An impressive and amazing friend?" Eliza taunted with a chuckle.
"I never meant it like that." she replied, feeling a slight blush.
"Then why?" Ursula decided to add "You certainly spend time with Ragnos and it wouldn't be beyond anyone to think you two are becoming closer."
"We are becoming good friends, that's it." Hadriana replied, leaving the mirror behind and sitting on her bed "There's nothing else between us."
"Do you want there's something between you?" asked Eliza in a taunt.
"I don't know." replied Hadriana, much to the two girl's surprise, who expected a denial from their friend.
Hadriana, guided the several seventh years who decided to attend the party through the corridors, leaving the gate of the castle after being told by a sneering Filch to respect the curfew.
"Unpleasant squib." Warrington complained, walking forward to Hadriana "Tell me, Hadriana, would you like to be my date for this so called party?"
"No." was her dry reply, ignoring him the rest of the way, walking towards the orange glow that was seen from the gates of the castle.
When they reached the lakeshore, they saw a huge fire pit with gratings over it, flames burning the metal. Next to the fire pit, there was a huge table with several piles of steaks and several wooden barrels and bottles. Around it, there were several people talking and having fun and they were able to realize the Beauxbatons students had all come.
"Well, it definitively doesn't seem much." Warrington commented with a sneer but Hadriana was already walking towards them.
"Viktor!" Hadriana called the moment she noticed the Bulgarian, who was on his way to a group of Beauxbatons students.
"Hadriana." he replied, waving around "Velcome. Fire iz almozt redy for meat. Haf a drink and haf fun. That'z butterbeer, mead, beer, vodka and everyone can cast spell for vater. " Viktor explained, pointing at each casket "Katia and Kris are around."
"Thank you." she replied "Wait, what about Markus?"
"Hez at lakeshore." Viktor replied "There vas problem vith highmaster."
"What kind of problem?" she asked, rising an eyebrow.
"The kind Markus was really angry at him." Karia replied, joining the conversation "Nothing serious. Good evening. What are you all standing around for? I trust Viktor told you where you can find drinks?"
"Yes, but what about food?" asked Eliza and Katia pointed to the piles of steaks.
"Pick one and grill it." some of the English purebloods were shocked at the notion they had to cook for themselves but others took it with amusement.
"Come with me." Katia asked Hadriana, guiding her to one of the barrels, filling two cups with a golden liquid, handling one to the raven haired girl "A toast to your performance. You have an extraordinary skill. Not one we see very often."
"You saw it on Markus, though." Hadriana replied, drinking the cup as Katia did, finding it sweet and warm at the throat.
"True, and that's it." Katia replied with a smile "He doesn't use it very often."
"I can imagine."
"Can you?" the blonde asked.
"He told me about his parents..." Katia rose an eyebrow "How they died. And he pretty much told it again to the dragon."
"Then you know why he reacted like that against the dragon..." Katia nodded, taking another swig.
"Was it the first time?" asked Hadriana "That he... slaughtered a dragon?"
"That I know of..."
"And his wandless magic?"
"Not my place to explain." Katia replied, looking at the raven haired girl "He probably likes you." Hadriana choked on the drink and almost spitted it out, coughing to recover, much to Katia's amusement.
"What do you mean?" Katia shrugged.
"Small things, like how much he told you about himself." Katia replied thoughtful "Look, I know Markus doesn't need anyone taking care of him but he's my brother and I love him... I don't know about your own feelings about him but don't lead him into deeper things if you don't want it yourself."
"You lost me." Hadriana replied, confused.
"Don't make him like you if all you want is sex." Katia replied bluntly and Hadriana blushed.
"What? No. Not that's any of your business, but I'm still virgin."
"Oh..." Katia whispered "Well, my warning remains."
"We're friends." Hadriana blurted and Katia only nodded.
"So were me and Kris." replied Katia with a loving smile "Look at us, now."
"I heard my name." Kris spoke, hugging Katia from behind.
"We were bad mouthing you." Katia replied with a smile before kissing his cheek.
"As usual." he taunted with a smirk "Good evening, Hadriana."
"Good evening."
"How is he?" asked Katia.
"He's fine." Kris chuckled and Hadriana rose an eyebrow at that "Blowing up against Karkaroff eased his mind on his problem."
"Markus?"Hadriana asked.
"Yes." Kris replied with a smirk "I went to check on him by the lakeside."
"What was his problem?" Hadriana asked genuinely concerned and Kris hid a chuckle.
"Nothing serious, don't worry." he replied, turning to his wife "I won't tell you."
"Can you at least tell me why he blew up against Karkaroff?" asked Hadriana.
"Because Karkaroff knew about the dragons."
"Markus told me he had asked Karkaroff not to tell him anything about the task."
"Dragons are the exception with Markus." Kris replied "I know him for what, ten years now and if there is something he hates more than kin slayers and blood traitors, it's dragons."
"I can imagine." Hadriana replied, looking thoughtful.
"I suspect you might, after your task. Congratulations, by the way." Kris extended.
"Thanks but I thought it was unfair for Dumbledore to score Markus like that." Hadriana replied.
"Definitively but Markus can still recover and the last task is all that counts, right?" replied Katia and Hadriana nodded. According with the rules, the first two tasks provided points to be used as an advantage on the third task.
"Still, what he did was amazing and not many people alive would be able to pull those spells to kill a dragon."
"Old magic is far more powerful than today's." Kris replied, leaving Katia and filling a cup with the same liquid the girls were drinking.
"What's this, by the way?" Hadriana asked, appreciating the sweetness in her mouth.
"Mead from Ragnos-Drumyozov Brewery. One of our finest brews, if I may say so myself." Katia laughed and Hadriana took another sip with a smile. She liked it.
"Good evening." Markus said as he arrived near Hadriana.
"Where have you been?" she demanded promptly, catching Markus of guard. Only then did she looked at him, dressed casual with a simple black sweater and jeans... if they didn't know any better, they would thing they had matched in purpose. Markus gaze took some time more in Hadriana as well, appreciating her looks.
"By the lake..." he replied "Why?"
Hadriana just grunted something and filled a cup with a jug from the table, extending it to Markus, who rose an eyebrow.
"You can have a drink with me and keep me company." she replied, a bit forcefully "It's mead."
"Ah, the good stuff. I guess you like it." he chuckled, accepting the cup.
"True. How do you say cheers back in Norway?" Hadriana asked, presenting her cup.
" Skål." he replied, presenting his.
" Skål." she repeated and both drank "Now, why were you at the lake? May I remind you that you invited me to this party?"
"What, aren't you having fun?" he teased and she snorted.
"In the fifteen minutes I've been here, I was asked by three Beauxbatons students if you and I were related because of the parseltongue, I was stalked by one of my own schoolmates who did nothing but complain about how he needed to cook his own food, I've been giggled at by Fleur and her friends for some reason I'm not sure yet, everyone not Durmstrang seems nervous and Katia and Kris seem to be strangely amused about something. The good thing is that Alistair and Ursula seem closer, playing with each other while cooking the meat with Brian and Eliza."
Markus listened attentively to her rant, holding a sigh concerning Katia and Kris.
"How much have you drank?" he asked and Hadriana looked at him, surprised and confused with his question.
"Not much, why?"
"You're ranting." he replied and Hadriana huffed "And no, we're not related."
"That's what I told them but they started with distant relations..." she replied "Anyway, Kris and Katia told me you had a fallout with Karkaroff?" Markus nodded.
"Nothing serious and I did ask him not to tell me anything about the task. He did as I asked and I know he wanted to tell me but..." he shrugged "dragons."
"Not to mention powerful wandless magic." Hadriana replied and Markus snorted.
"Yes, I can do wandless magic. Don't tell me you only realized that today." he replied with a taunt and she snorted.
"AHAH, Ragnos. AHAH." she shot back, remembering very well their first meeting by the lake "Although, if you can cast those spells wandlessly, can you cast everything wandless?"
"Yes." Markus replied, seeing her amazed look "I was used to do wandless before I even got a wand."
"And does anyone know about it?" she asked and he nodded.
"In Durmstrang, everyone knows. It's part of my mystic as the wolf king. Sorry, Durmstrang leader."
"Wolf king?" she asked, nodding "I like it. Why Wolf King?"
"The wolf is both Durmstrang's coat of arms and mine. That and what I told you before about my family."
"Understandable..." she replied "What about..."
"Now just a moment. You asked me two questions about me and I asked you nothing." Hadriana raised an eyebrow.
"Are you suggesting playing to twenty questions?"
"Ten would be enough."
"Fine, ask away." Hadriana replied with a smirk, taking another sip from her cup.
"What was that commotion today outside the champion's tent after the task?" Markus asked.
"My grandmother and my uncles came to see me and my "parents" decided to show up as well. My uncle is not satisfied with my parents and James disagrees with their thoughts on him."
"Very well, how did you became the leader of your house?" asked Markus and Hadriana chuckled.
"I proved my worth with grades, leadership skills, parseltongue and power. By my fourth year, I was respected enough to become the leader of the house. The fact that it became known Lilly was a descendant of Slytherin only sweetened the deal, although I knew it for some time already."
"Very well. Your turn, then." Markus nodded, taking a sip.
"You said everyone in Durmstrang knows about your wandless. Doesn't that mean everyone's family know as well?"
"I am known as a prodigy back home... and something of a celebrity in Scandinavian Countries with whom Magical Norway has close ties to. The students know best than speak openly about Durmstrang secrets... and the rest of the Europe believes I am just a prodigy in the junior duelling leagues."
"Not England, though, although I am not surprised with that."
"British arrogance, I believe. Your pureblood policy made you too isolationists."
"True, although we do have close ties with western European countries."
"Have you ever enjoyed the fame? Or have you ever made use of the fame your family gained that night?" Hadriana looked insulted but controlled her feelings.
"Every time anyone speaks about that night, all I think is my brother Harry. What do you think?"
"That you didn't." he replied "Good."
"I know you were European junior champion several times and this summer you became Scandinavian champion. Why didn't you compete in the European championship and did you ever used wandless in your matches?"
"Those are two questions. I didn't compete because I had important business to attend. I barely managed to be at the World Cup and the tournament was after the World Cup. And no, the rules specifically mention the use of wands." he replied and Hadriana chuckled.
"I happen to know that some of Voldemort followers' children are Slytherins. Did you have problems with them?"
"Maybe at first but it became obvious I disliked my family and I was left alone after the first weeks."
"What did they do to you?" he asked, his face becoming cold. Hadriana shrugged.
"They ignored me, abandoned me in the castle, sabotaged me, cursed me once or twice... One day I fought back in the common room and expressed my dislike of the so called saviour and my family. After that, they left me alone and some even became supportive.
"Fine. Your question?"
"I saw you looking at me during the world Cup. Why were you?" Hadriana asked and she almost blushed for asking that.
"I saw a beautiful girl and that spiked my interest. It was a shame we couldn't meet back then." Markus replied after a moment "Don't try to sound innocent, I noticed you looking at us as well. Care to share why?"
"I liked Katia and found her and Kris curious. When you arrived, when I saw how you acted. Then I saw your eyes and... YOUR EYES! Why are your eyes golden?"
"Family magic and that is all I will say about it." Hadriana scoffed but accepted it.
"Your thoughts about me after we truly met, then?"
"We didn't truly met until after we had our conversation on November first but apart arrogant, enigmatic and a wild card, I thought you were interesting. What about you?"
"At first, I believed you to be a beautiful girl, as I suspected. Then, the day after our meeting, I believed you were arrogant with more bark than bite, one of the things I hate in people. In the end, I came to realize there is much more about you, that you are a strong, intelligent, capable, proud and perseverant young woman." Hadriana blushed deep as a tomato, hiding it by taking a sip from her cup.
"Will I ever find out the truth from you? Know the real you without lies or half truths, no matter how amusing the banter is?" she asked and Markus became surprised. He didn't smile, he didn't smirk, he didn't taunt her. He just stared at her.
"I don't know. Do you want to?" Hadriana nodded and Markus looked up to the cloud sky, thinking.
"You don't want to tell me, do you?" Hadriana asked, hurt in her voice, although there was some amusement as well. They were in the middle of the party, everyone was talking, although she could feel everyone's eyes on them but she still felt alone. She looked down and smiled sadly.
"I only share the truth with the people I trust and care about, Hadriana." Markus sighed, speaking in a whisper and Hadriana felt her heart torn with his words "My name is Markus Magnusson Ragnos." he spoke again and she looked wide eyed at him, disbelief clear in her face over what was happening, of what he was doing... after what he had just said "Of the most Legendary and Revered house of Ragnos, which can be traced back nearly two thousand years. I am the Jarl of Ulvengard and The Silver Fjords, current Duellist Grand-Champion of Magical Scandinavia, Junior European Duellist Champion for four years, a close friend of the dwarves of Nidavellir and a member of Allfather Odin's Circle of Runemancers. I am the closest thing to Royalty there is in Magical Norway, I'm the sixtieth person in line for the Norwegian muggle crown, TriWizard Tournament Champion representing Durmstrang Institute, a decent businessman, the most desired bachelor for several years straight, not that's something to be proud of and..." he hesitated, looking to a baffled Hadriana, who was gaping at what she had just heard "I'm the Overlord's direct descendant and heir."
Hadriana said nothing.
"Hadriana, say something, please." Markus asked with a sigh "Now you know and from now on, everything will change, won't it?" he snorted "Pity. I enjoyed your attitude."
"I don't know what to say." she whispered, heard by him "And I'm not sure I understand all you said."
"Go search the answers you need and then let me know of your decisions." Markus replied softly, turning away from her "Enjoy the rest of the party."
Hadriana's legs couldn't move. She was shocked but not in a bad way. She was shocked that Markus chose to reveal the truth to her after what he had just said. "I only share the truth with the people I trust and care about, Hadriana." . Then he told her everything. And finally left.
She rose from her stupor and looked around, not seeing Markus anywhere. She ignored everyone else, those looking at her or approaching her. She tried to find him but he had just vanished from sight. She went to the lake shore but he wasn't there either. Dejected, Hadriana went back to the party and ate a sandwich, ignoring everyone, returning to Hogwarts shortly after, carrying a heavy heart. Once in her room, she dressed her pyjamas and laid on her bed, picking Harry's picture from inside the DADA's book, looking at her brother's sad eyes and feeling her own getting wet..
"Harry, I think I like Markus... and I think I screwed up everything."
Markus Ragnos sat under a tree on the opposite side of the lake, having evaded Hadriana just in time. He sat on the ground, watching the orange glow of the fire pit and listening the music on the opposite shore, thinking on what had just happened.
"Why did I tell her? GODS! WHY?" he ranted, massaging his temples after shouting at the skies "Damn that girl, why does she have this effect on me? Why her, of all people?" he grunted "She had to be beautiful, she had to be powerful, she had to be interesting, she had to be all she is... and I had to be an idiot to fall for her, of all people. Of all women in the world, it had to be her." He rose from the ground and threw his arm to the left, casting a cutter that cut three trees.
"What would father say?" he wondered, only to snort the moment after, recalling his father's advice on women "If by any chance you manage to find a woman you come to like, admire, respect and feel completed when you are with her, there is only one thing you need to do. Marry her as soon as possible."
Thanks, father. he thought, rolling his eyes but not hiding a small chuckle. His attention turned back to a noise he heard from behind and as he turned back, he saw a acromantula walking out of the forest line towards him. Markus smirked as he rose his hand towards it. Some exercise always helped him to relax.
As Hadriana entered the great hall in the following morning, her attention went to the man sat at the wolf throne. She gulped and walked to him.
"Good morning." she said, attracting the wolves attention "Can we talk?"
"Have a seat." replied Markus and Viktor stepped one seat to his left, allowing Hadriana to sit next to Markus.
"Do you want to talk here or in private?" she asked and Markus only shrugged. Hadriana looked to the three wolves and noticed their questioning look, deciding to ignore them for now.
"About last night..." she started and she noticed she had their attention "What you told me..."
"Do you have your answer?" asked Markus.
"No, but I thought about it after you disappeared."
"And?"
"I'm sorry for forcing you to tell me." she said, looking down "You didn't want to do it, did you?" Markus sighed and the others looked to each other, not understanding what they were talking.
"I didn't want anything to change." he replied "Things change when I become honest with people."
"You still did it." she replied in a whisper.
"And I told you why." he replied and she blushed.
"I don't care, Markus." she replied, looking at him "I don't care you're all you told me... I don't care if you're the earl of ... I don't remember the name..."
"Jarl of Ulvengard and the Silver Fjords." Markus replied with a chuckle.
"Ah." Kris pronounced himself, making the two turn to him "I wasn't sure I understood what you were taking about. Now I know. You told her the truth, right?" Markus and Hadriana both nodded. Katia smirked.
"Please, carry on." she asked and Markus rose an eyebrow at her.
"Anyway." Hadriana said, resuming the conversation "I don't care about any of that. All I care is you're Markus Ragnos and you're my friend." she said, ignoring the amused looks from the three wolves "Well, that's not all true, I am mad at you for dumping me last night instead of giving me a chance to talk. I left the party shortly after that."
"Then where was Markus?" asked Katia to Markus.
"I'm sorry?" asked Hadriana, confused.
"I thought you two were together, somewhere..." she replied and the true meaning of her words was not lost in both of them "If you weren't together, where were you?"
"Brooding by the lakeshore." Markus replied promptly and Katia looked affronted.
"Idiot." was all she said, making Kris snort. Viktor just smirked.
"Really?" Hadriana asked and Markus turned his attention to her.
"Yes, I thought everything would change."
"Some things change for the best, don't they?" Hadriana asked and Markus nodded softly.
"You have to make it up to Hadriana." Katia declared.
"I am suddenly regretting not raising any silence wards or leaving the hall for this conversation." Markus said and Hadriana smirked, interested in Katia's words.
"You must take Hadriana on a date. At least that." the blond replied with a stern look "I do believe a Hogsmeade weekend or whatever it's called is coming and that means the students are allowed to leave the castle." Hadriana blushed and Markus scowled at Katia.
"I'm not about asking Hadriana on a date because you want me to." he replied and Katia glared at him.
"Markus, I love you, you know that but you were an idiot and you have to make it right. Besides, I know you like her." Katia spoke in norwegian and Markus was surprised, glaring at Kris, who just chuckled. Viktor actually laughed.
"Anything I should know?" Hadriana asked and Markus just shook his head.
"No, but Katia is right." he replied, turning to her "Would you like to go out with me?"
"I think I would." she replied softly and both of them smirked. Their amusement was cut short by the great halls doors opening with a bang and Hagrid entering the hall running, shouting for the headmaster.
"Headmaster, the acromantulas nest..." he shouted, scaring everyone who heard him. The man took a moment to recover his breath and for everyone's surprise, he started crying "It was destroyed. All of them are dead, even the young."
Dumbledore, who had been paying attention to Hadriana Potter since she sat among the Durmstrang students rose immediately from his chair, accompanied by his deputy, who looked rather happy, if not surprised about the news.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't that be good news?" Markus asked thoughtfully, seeing Dumbledore guiding the sobbing giant man out of the hall.
"It is for everyone else." Hadriana replied, somewhat surprised, noticing the talking in the hall "But Hagrid loves dangerous beasts and it is rumoured that the acromantula colony was started by one of his pets. Personally, I think good riddance."
The rustle of feathers was heard and the owls entered the hall, bringing the mail and the Daily Prophet. One landed in front of Hadriana and the girl drew a couple of knuts, putting them in the small money pouch at the owl's leg. The owl gave her the paper and left, leaving Hadriana to read it.
TriWizard Tournament
The First Task
by Rita Skeeter
(for a detailed account of the task by each champion, check page 3)
We all expected an outstanding performance, especially by Hogwarts Champion, Hadriana Potter. What he got instead surpassed ourexpectations.
We saw Hadriana Potter tame a dragon using parseltongue, a trait of the Slytherin family we all are aware Lilly Potter being a descendent of and an outstanding command of transfiguration magic. The Hogwarts champion provided no insight on the conversation with the dragon so we can only speculate on what happened in the ring. Nonetheless, Ms. Hadriana Potter proved to be very well prepared, earning the expectations everyone has placed in her.
The Beauxbatons champion, Mademoiselle Fleur Delacour proved herself not least impressive, making use of her inherent bloodline abilities as a Veela to charm and make the dragon fall asleep (More on Veela on page five). While not least impressive, concerned parents have made known their opinions on the effect a Veela's allure on young and impressionable children.
Finally, Markus Ragnos. We all read the interview with the young champion and I myself will admit it, I didn't believe much of the Durmstrang champion. That's why I was baffled with his performance at the first task. Young Mr. Ragnos proved me and everyone else wrong, as he proved to be a parselmouth, having a short and what seemed to be an angry conversation with the dragon assigned to him, proceeding to kill the dragon. Yes, you read right, kill the dragon. No one actually understood what happened, the only thing seen was Mr. Ragnos performing an outstanding display of wandless magic, casting one single spell that brought down an enraged Dragon. Then, after trading some more words with the beast, Mr. Ragnos cast one second spell, smashing the dragon's head and killing it.
One has to ask, who exactly is Markus Ragnos? What is he hiding? How dark is he if he knows spells that can cause this type of devastation? Is it safe for our young children to be around him?
I, for one, don't know but rest assured that truth will always be my objective.
Hadriana frown as Rita Skeeter displayed Markus but she gasped as she saw the following headline:
Markus Ragnos - The real him.
by Rita Skeeter
After the first task, we can wonder who exactly is Markus Ragnos? Well, after being fortunate enough to have access to some private information, I have now some answers to that question.
Markus Ragnos, full name Markus Magnusson Ragnos is the head of House Ragnos, a Norwegian very ancient family, predating even the founders themselves. According with the same information, Lord Ragnos title is that of the Jarl, which would be the equivalent of an Earl, of a Norwegian Region called Ulvengard and The Silver Fjords. Not much is known about this region because there has been no reply from Norwegian ministry and media.
Jarl Ragnos is also the current Duellist Grand-Champion of Magical Scandinavia, a Junior European Duellist Champion for four years in ICW sponsored events, a runemancer and get ready for this, all single ladies out there, he is considered Royalty in Magical Norway, having being named the most desired bachelor for several years straight
Among these informations, another was also made known, one that raises several questions but having heard it, I wonder what it means: Jarl Ragnos is the Overlord's direct descendant and heir. Who is this Overlord? Is it some kind of a dark lord? How meaningful is this information and what does it mean?
He is also a parselmouth and one must wonder is he is related with the Slytherin family.
I don't have answers for all this questions but rest assured I will investigate.
Hadriana gasped and refused to believe what she read. She paled and looked to Markus, who was reading a newspaper of his own.
"Ingrid went overboard with my performance again. I wonder if she was around yesterday..."
"You know she likes to go around incognito to see the reactions of the people." Katia replied "She was probably among the audience in the stands."
"Or ar'ou sad she didn't zay 'ello?" Viktor taunted and Markus scoffed, making the others laugh.
"Is there anything wrong, Hadriana?" asked Markus, noticing her scared looks.
Hadriana looked to him and nodded.
"I'm sorry, Markus. It wasn't me." she mumbled and Markus checked the paper, her eyes widening on the article.
"Well, it's not that bad..." he replied and Hadriana rose an eyebrow "Offensive and an attack to my integrity, but not that bad."
"Really?" she asked "Rita Skeeter must have heard you, somehow..."
"What are you talking about?" he asked, pointing at one of the articles in the page. Hadriana widened her eyes in surprise:
Romance at the TriWizard Tournament?
by Rita Skeeter
It is known who the champions of the three schools are. What it isn't known is the interactions between the Hogwarts Champion and the Durmstrang Champion.
In truth, one could almost miss it but for the trained eye of a reporter, such is not the case. Small interactions, small gestures, a lost gaze, a concern over the other... that's what has been seen between Hadriana Potter and Markus Ragnos.
We do, however, wonder if it is real of a plot from the Durmstrang Champion to emotionally destabilize Ms. Potter and achieve the win, or an attempt to seduce the daughter of an ancient and noble house, his intentions unknown.
It could also be that the young Jarl finally met his equal and intends to make Ms. Potter his bride? Opinions diverge on this, although some claim that in the celebratory party offered by Durmstrang students the night after the first task, both young champions were seen together and having fun until the both of them disappeared for parts unknown. Rumours also have it that Markus Ragnos jumped to Ms. Potter's defence against her family, when her parents invaded the champions tent and antagonized her.
Whatever it is, we will know soon, for sure.
Hadriana gaped, widening her eyes and feeling herself blushing, trying to mumble something unsuccessfully. She couldn't believe Rita Skeeter had gone to such lengths... the audacity of the woman. How dared her?
She recovered her control over her emotions, although she was unable to look at Markus, pointing to the other article.
"I meant this one." she replied, pointing to the article she had meant and Markus, who was previously amused with her reaction, read the article, his amusement slowly disappearing, giving place to anger and frustration.
"I hate reporters." he whispered, clenching his fist in anger. Hadriana placed her hand on his fist and Markus turned to her.
"It wasn't me, Markus. I would never betray your trust like that." she whispered and he nodded.
"I know." he replied softly, noticing the other three wolves looking at them "It's on the paper. From now on, everyone who reads this will know my titles."
"Any idea how they found out?" asked Kris, picking the paper.
"Markus told me last night... someone must have heard it." she looked to Markus "We didn't raise wards or silencing spells to prevent others from hearing it."
"True, and this is the price." Markus scowled himself for such a basic mistake.
"I'm sorry." Hadriana insisted "If I hadn't pressured you..."
"The good thing in all this..." Markus replied, looking at Hadriana "Is that you know the truth."
Hadriana couldn't help a small smile, eating an apple.
"How do you think people will react to know you're nobility and rich?" she asked and Markus glared at her.
"I retract my statement." he replied, looking at her and she widened her eyes with Markus's sudden change "You're responsible for this so you'll help me. Your job is to keep fan girls away. Do that and I'll forgive you."
First, Hadriana was shocked, then surprised and finally amused. She laughed, accompanied by the three wolves.
"Fine, you big baby. I'll protect you from the mean fan girls." she laughed, pleased how everything was fine.
Throughout the day Hadriana noticed several girls glaring at her or sighing lovingly at Markus. She also noticed some boys glaring at him but those didn't have the courage to do it in his face, especially after his performance in the first task. Hadriana simply ignored everyone, choosing to focus on her classes. The fact she sat with Markus in most of those classes had no underlying meaning as many wanted to believe, feeling rather disgusted as McGonagall chose to single out Markus and reprimand him for his actions in the task. Markus ignored the woman's rant and it pleased Hadriana when the old gryffindork almost popped a vein for the disrespect.
On Ancient Runes class, professor Babbling decided to single out Markus and test his so called knowledge. The two went back and forward with their knowledge of Runes and the professor was impressed with the knowledge the young man possessed, even if most of it was on the Norse Runes. However, what the boy lacked in variety, he had in insight, understanding and innovation. Such was his knowledge that he didn't need other runic alphabet to compensate the holes in his works. He only worked with Norse Runes and he was damned good at it. Professor Babbling couldn't help but to feel jealous and impressed. She had worked most of her life to gain a mastery in each of the runic alphabets she taught and the young man knew more about one of them than she would know in her life. So, naturally, she put Markus teaching the class and took his seat, taking diligent notes of Markus' every word.
"And that's about offensive wards." Markus said within five minutes of ending the lesson "Any questions?"
"Are you willing to take apprentices?" asked professor Babbling and everyone turned to her in surprise.
"I apologize, professor, not at this time. I can arrange for some information to be sent your way."
"I would be delighted." the woman replied.
"Any more questions?" asked Markus.
"Are you related to the Slytherin line?" one of the Gryffindor seventh years asked and Hadriana scowled as Markus sighed.
"At one time, our families were probably connected somehow but no, I am not related to the Slytherin line."
"How can you be so sure?" the same Gryffindor asked arrogantly.
"How is that relevant for the class?" rose Hadriana with a scowl.
"Do you believe Slytherin is the only family that can produce parselmouths?" asked Markus in a cold tone, ignoring Hadriana's outburst "Are you that arrogant, girl, to think only British can produce someone with that trait?" the girl flinched and many believed they felt the temperature go down "You people will never let go of this, will you? Will some proof convince you that we're not related? A blood test, for example?"
"You can do that?" Hadriana asked, surprised "I know the goblins can but... dwarves?" Markus nodded as Hadriana reached her conclusions. Everyone was amazed "What do you need?"
"Some drops of your blood, some drops of mine, a runic array and some minutes."
"Any requirements for the array?" Hadriana asked, trying to hide the fact she was curious. Even the Kris, the only other wolf who took runes, was curious with the results.
"None. I can use parchment and ink. It's for one use only, after all."
Not even the professor said anything as Hadriana extended a piece of scroll to Markus. With one wave of his hand, three quills flew to his hands and went into the inkwell, starting to draw patterns in the parchment. Everyone leaned in, wanting to see something. Hadriana and professor Babbling were next to Markus.
"I'm going to make it in a way that it will tell us if we're related in, I don't know, the last five centuries?"
"Can you make it ten? Five centuries proves nothing and Slytherin started his family one thousand years ago. And how do you do that?" Hadriana asked and Kris took the opportunity to start to explain the use of runic time arrays into a runic construction. When he was done, Hadriana was amazed to know Markus could do it "That's impressive."
"Are you a runemancer was well, Mr. Drumyozov?" asked the professor and Kriss nodded.
"I dabble..."
"He joined my classes when we met." Markus felt the need to intervene, feeling his friend's gaze upon his shoulder, ignoring the whispers "All done." he replied, attracting everyone's baffled attention.
"Already?" asked Hadriana,
"Master Runemancer?" joked Kris.
"Master Runemancer." Markus replied with a grin, waving at his finger and drawing blood. He let a drip of blood fall on the array and it glowed golden "Hadriana, please drop a drip of blood on the array." Hadriana did it, waving her wand to her finger and mimicking Markus. The array glowed golden again and this time, the glow remained.
"Now we wait." Markus replied "Should there be any relation between the two families in the past ten centuries, we will know."
"That's impossible, it requires too much magic." a ravenclaw boy replied with a hollier than though attitude.
Markus and Kris both looked at him and scoffed.
"Ye of little faith." both young men replied at the same time, sharing a laugh. Hadriana raised an eyebrow, not understanding the joke. Clearly a private one. Everyone stayed put, waiting for the glow to vanish.
"How long will it take?" asked Hadriana and Markus frowned.
"Between five minutes to an hour." he replied and everyone gasped.
"That long?" someone asked.
"Markus, Master Thorgrim was a special case." Kris said and Markus nodded.
"True and it was the longest it ever took."
"Or it could be done." professor Babbling remarked and everyone noticed that the glow had vanished. In the array, a second parchment had appeared, with writing on it.
"Kris, care to tell us what it says?" Markus requested and Kris picked the scroll, reading it attentively.
"Nothing." he announced, showing them the parchment "There is no connection between the two of you in the past one thousand years."
"Does that ease everyone's mind about the two of us being related?" no one remarked.
"With your permission, I would like to study the array." the professor remarked and Markus nodded "Fantastic. In that case, off you go. We are already late for lunch."
Kris noticed how Markus seemed happier after that class.