"I've never seen this many witches and wizards in one place before," Saiph said as she spun around trying to take in everything. Tents stretched far over the grassy plains and fields outside of the massive stadium.

"Nothing brings wizards together like Quidditch," Viktor said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her. He placed a kiss softly on her neck before resting his head on her shoulder. Saiph was nearly as tall as Viktor at seventeen and when she chose to, looked every bit the miniature of her mother. To avoid complications or potential situations of mistaken identity, she usually kept her hair a bright crimson red and straight as a board. Her eyes often changed color based on her mood, but never once did they take their original violet hue. Viktor hadn't grown much since their fifth year - only a few inches, which still made him taller than just about everyone, but he had put on even more muscle, and his black hair was more interesting than usual. He still had his buzz cut but it came to a point at the front before growing wider and then falling back to a point at the nape of his neck.

"C'mon kids, the Princess and Saiph want to see the camp before we have to get back to training," Draco said as he came up next to them. The blond boy folded his arms across his chest as he looked over the camp. The blond teen had celebrated his magical maturity two months earlier with a win over England. His blond hair was short and slicked back with enough gel that a rainstorm couldn't put it of place, and his gray eyes glinted with amusement as Saiph glared at him.

"Shut it man-whore," Fleur Delacour snapped and unexpectedly shoved the much larger teen. Draco was now six feet tall and quite muscular but since Harry's foot just happen to be in front of his, the blond went tumbling down the hill they were standing on.

"Merci," Fleur said giving Harry a soft smile.

"Anytime," Harry said, firing his trademark Potter grin at the love of his life (a fact she was mercifully unaware of). The black haired boy still had the same haircut, but without the ravens cut into it. He and Draco shared the same build though Draco never let Harry forget he was an inch shorter.

"You bloody ponce!" Draco shouted from the bottom of the hill trying rid his shirt of grass stains. "Are you coming or not?"

"We should join him before he summons us down there," Viktor said with a laugh as they started off down the hill.

Harry and Fleur walked side by side, though their hands kept apart though. They had shared many owls over the previous year, discussing everything from classes to Quidditch to the many boys at Beauxbatons that never left her alone. It took everything in Harry not use Hermes to flame to the French school and show them the Durmstrang way of solving disputes. Fleur, though, didn't quite understand why Harry never mentioned any dates of his own - until the beginning of summer. Saiph had let slip that Harry did not - in fact – date at all over the course of their sixth year, and instead turned his focus almost entirely to his studies and quidditch, having been allowed to start his mastery under Professor Boddason. She had known that, but was confused as he'd always seemed to find time for girls.

"Finally. You'd think you need a cane." Draco said as they reached him. He punched Harry in the arm for good measure.

"Whatever you impatient git," Harry snarked back shoving him. Viktor let go of Saiph's hand and grabbed both his brother and cousin by their shirts and pushed them apart.

"Enough," Viktor barked before turning to the girls. "Where would you like to go first?"

"Such a gentleman," Saiph said with a smile before sticking her tongue out at Draco and Harry. The two boys rolled their eyes while Fleur giggled at their expense.

"We need some Bulgaria merchandise for the game," Fleur suggested.

"We head right according to that sign," Harry said pointing at the wooden post with arrows pointing off. "Merchandise is in the middle of the camp." He walked forward only to step in a puddle. "Ahh." Harry muttered, "I hate this country. Really why did it have to be England?" Harry asked the other four.

"Yes, France would have been much better," Fleur said a bit snobbishly.

"And she's at it again.." Draco muttered after her.

"Enough you two," Saiph rolled her eyes at the blonds. "You're like an old married couple."

"Ick." Both teens shuddered at the thought.

"Let's go before the two of 'em puke," Harry said laughing, earning himself a flick to the ear from Fleur. They walked through tent city dodging fireworks, children and adults alike on brooms, and people mounting moving posters of their teams.

"Hey! You're the Black Line!" A ten year old shouted at them and ran up. He thrust a piece of parchment at them. "Can I have your autographs?" He was bouncing and shouting in a decidedly annoying manner, to Draco anyways. The boys stopped and signed his parchment, after which the lad promptly fainted.

"This is going to get old fast," Draco muttered as he pulled his wand out. He pointed at Viktor first and changed his hair to blond, his eyes blue, and added a goatee to his brother.

"Not really a fan of the facial hair," Saiph said looking him over. In response Viktor pulled her close and nuzzled her neck.

She pushed him away laughing, "That itches you brute." Viktor grinned at her and grabbed her hand again. They looked to see a new Draco with brown hair, green eyes and a rather bushy set of eyebrows.

"Nice, Drake," They said laughing – and even Fleur was chuckling. Harry, meanwhile, looked like a carbon copy of Bob Marley.

Harry transfigured a twig into a mirror and looked himself over, "Do you think Aunt Cissy would let me keep the dreads?"

"Not a chance," It was Fleur who answered, doubled over in laughter. Harry pouted before cracking a smile. Thankfully, due to Draco's masterful transfiguration, they continued on to the souvenir area without being stopped. They struggled to contain their laughter as a few of the older pure-bloods glared at the odd group - especially Fleur. Harry stepped closer to her and returned the glares.

"Step right up, step right up," Vendors were shouting all around them. "Get yer' authentic Irish gear here!"

"Bulgarian Lion gear of the finest quality!"

"Signed posters, Quaffles, Snitches, Beater-bats and more!"

"Well we certainly don't need anything signed. I could just steal your assignments for that," Saiph said, grinning at the three boys.

"Yes. I'm sure our potions essays will be big sellers," Draco said drily.

"Well I'm sure if we sold them to other students they might," Saiph grinned. She smirked as she added, "Well except Harry's anyways."

"Potions are for people who can't do practical magic," Harry added his own snarky comment to the mix. Draco flipped him off.

"Pardon me! There are children around!" They were interrupted by a plump, red-headed women shouting at them. She was gesturing to five younger teens following her. One was a gangly boy who had red hair like the mother, only his was shaggy and nearly covered his eyes, he had a Bulgarian hat on. He was with two other boys, a tall black boy and shorter pale boy decked in Irish gear. There were two girls with them as well, one with bushy brown hair and another whose red hair identified her as the woman's daughter.

Draco rolled his eyes at the woman, "Yes, because that little lot behind you have never flipped someone the bird. You must be daft if you believe that."

"You watch your language, and don't you roll your eyes at me young man!" She was getting exponentially louder, and her comments seemed to be drawing a crowd to them.

"I'll roll my eyes at whoever I damn well please." Draco snapped at the woman.

"Hey! Don't talk to my mother like that!" The gangly red head said from behind them. Draco's glare was cold as ice as he looked at the family. He knew he could get away with almost anything with his transfigured looks and he flipped his wand out of its holster.

Fleur saw it and stepped in front of them all, "Sorry madam. Eet won't 'appen again." She laid her accent on thickly hoping, to somewhat distract the woman from Draco. It worked but all three boys with the woman started staring dumbly at her. The gangly red-headed one even started drooling. He stepped forward towards Fleur mumbling, and she quickly stepped back into Harry.

Harry moved Fleur behind him and snapped his fingers in the boys' faces. "Excuse us," Harry's words were sharp as he glared at the younger boys. "We're leaving." He took Fleur's hand in his and pushed between the red-head's group, with Draco following them, throwing one last sneer to the woman. The boys looked as though they were about to say something, but Viktor pushed his way through with Saiph and none of them wanted to face off against the devious looking dyed, they assumed,red-head and the walking man-mountain that was Viktor.

Harry led the group into a Bulgarian merch tent and started to look around. They over-heard the red-headed boy say that he wasn't supporting Bulgaria any more, and Harry, Viktor, and Draco shared a smirk.

"Here Fleur," Draco called holding up a replica of his own jersey, "You should wear this one. It's your size and everything." He was mocking her and they all knew it.

Fleur turned her chin up and sneered, "Like I would ever wear something of that ponce's!" She said it loud enough for the entire shop to hear. There were snickers throughout the shop and Draco glared back at her.

Harry stepped up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from saying anything. Harry was laughing loudly as he leaned close to Draco, "She got you good that time." Draco punched him in the stomach. Harry kept on laughing but held up his own jersey to Fleur, "What about this one?"

Fleur smiled teasingly and looked at Draco again saying, "A real man's jersey. I think it will do."

Draco rolled his eyes as she came over and took it out of Harry's hands. "Bloody bird," Draco muttered only for Harry to grip his shoulder painfully tight. "I meant bird as in girl, easy there mate." Draco said speedily.

"Mmhmm," Harry muttered and went over to the counter slipping his own money on it before Fleur could put hers down. He grinned pushing it into the cashier's hand as Fleur protested.

"You didn't have to do that," Fleur told him quietly as she took her bag.

"I know, but I wanted to." Harry said grinning.

"Come on guys," Saiph called to them. "I want to get ice cream before you lot disappear." They nodded to the cashier before rejoining their friends. Draco was still pouting at Fleur's comeback but he led the way to the ice cream. None of them noticed a few pure-blood men eyeing Fleur with disdain and attraction at the same time.


"Welcome to the Quidditch World Cup of 1994!" Ludo Bagman's voice rang out through the stadium. Harry, Draco, and Viktor could hear it all the way beneath the pitch in their locker room. The three seventeen year olds were focused on their coach, rather than Bagman though.

Coach Bonev and Assistant Coach Levski stood at a blackboard while the Bulgarian players were sitting in front of their individual lockers, their brooms behind them. "Alright gents. We're in for the toughest game we've played in two years. The Irish are the easy favorite to win tonight," the Bulgarian players grumbled. "Good you don't believe it either." Coach Bonev said with a grin. His players cheered at his words. The two beaters Ivan Volkov and Pytor Vulchanov, burly twenty-eight year olds, beat the benches they were sitting on. "We will win this! Our beaters are stronger!" The two men whistled their agreement. "Our Seeker is faster!" Krassimir Chapkanov, the twenty year old blond raised his fist in agreement. "Our Keeper is stalwart!" Lev Zograf was the oldest member of the team at thirty three. "And our chasers," Coach Bonev paused looking at the three seventeen year olds. He grinned, "are more than a match for the infamous chaser trio of the Irish!" The three boys grinned and gave a shout of agreement. "Now get out there, and show those green-backed, lily-livered Leprechaun-lovers what's what!" The team shot to their feet cheering and stomping on the wooden floor. They sounded like a pride of lions as they made their way to their entrance tunnel.

"Alright Bulgaria - your mascots are done, time to fly," A British worker said from the mouth of the tunnel entrance to the pitch.

Lev turned to his teammates, all waiting in the tunnel, "MEN! This is our time! BULGARIAA!" he roared, met by a gutturally bellowed agreement. As one, they mounted their brooms. Harry flew out first, followed by Viktor, Draco, Ivan, Pytor, and Krassimir. Each player got an encouraging slap on the back from Zograf as they flew off out of the tunnel. Zograf then turned to his coaches.

"Last chance, old-timer," Alexi said to his former captain.

Lev grinned at the former Bulgarian chaser, while Bonev walked over to his keeper. Bonev put his hand on Lev shoulder, "Lev, it's been a hell of run. Let's end it with a win." He gave Lev a shove and the keeper mounted his broom, flying off onto the field. The two coaches shook hands before walking out and up on to the field. They took their places next to where the Bulgarian Veela' were sitting.

Up in the air the Bulgarian team was set up for the start of the match. Spirits were high, minds focused, and hearts beating rapidly. Harry was lined up in the middle of the pitch with Krassimir above him. To his left was Viktor and on his right was Draco, with their beaters, Ivan and Pytor, on the right and left wings of their lineup. The last figure flew up and onto the pitch, stopping near the great golden hoops. Lev surveyed the pitch, resolute and determined – brimming with confidence as he took in his team. He could feel it in his bones; they could win.

Harry blocked out the noise of the crowd as he sized up Aedan Troy. The man was bigger than Harry, but not by much. That wasn't the problem, though. What intimidated Harry was the experience Troy had over him, ten years of professional Quidditch and two world cups. He was Ireland's best player and Harry knew it, but Bonev assigned him to guard Troy, despite that. He would do his damnedest to shut the man down. Viktor was paired against Kelly Mullet, she was significantly smaller than him, and it was a match-up the Bulgarians were hoping to exploit. Draco would be tagging Caitlyn Moran throughout the match.

"THE QUAFFLE'S UP!" Those were the last words Harry would remember hearing throughout the match. Harry beat Troy to the Quaffle and snatched it out of the air. Without even taking a second to think, he shuttled the ball to Draco with a no-look pass, knowing exactly where his cousin would be. Draco caught it and was already zipping down the pitch, but was nearly stopped by a Bludger to the arm. He dropped the Quaffle in shock, but it was recovered by Viktor.

Viktor turned and streaked across the pitch diagonally, closing the distance to the goal faster. He faked a shot and dropped it to Harry. Harry took the Quaffle and launched a shot at the far right hoop. The Quaffle just barely went past Ryan, the Irish Keeper's finger tips.

Troy brought the Quaffle out from behind the Irish goals and shot down the pitch. Harry stayed with him, jostling him the whole way. Troy suddenly banked to the side and Harry was knocked by a Bludger to his left arm. Troy took off, clear of Harry and sailed down the pitch. Seconds later, Troy was forced to pass as a Bludger nearly knocked the ball loose.

Moran picked it up with Draco hot on her tail. She shot the Quaffle across the pitch trying to get it to Mullet. Viktor managed to overtake her and collected the pass only to lose it from a Bludger hit. Mullet plucked the Quaffle out of the air and shot at the Bulgarian goals. Zograf blocked the shot with his foot.

Harry caught the Quaffle and had a path cleared for him by his beaters. He used his speed to put more distance between himself and Troy. He swerved to his right and passed the Quaffle off to Viktor as Troy closed on him. Viktor powered past Mullet and took the shot but it was blocked by Ryan.

Moran took the pass out this time and battled against Draco for position. Harry was on Troy but was hit again, freeing up the large Irishman. Troy caught the pass from Moran and sent a blistering shot past Zograf.

The game continued at a fast and furious pace for nearly hour before a snitch run happened. Krassimir went into a spiraling dive leading Ireland's Aidan Lynch on a merry chase. Krassimir drove further down coming rapidly closer to the sandy bottom of the pitch. He then pulled up, sending himself back into the air like a sling-shot. Lynch's reaction timing was slow, and he plowed into the sand was launched off of his broom, skidding and rolling across the sand. He laid on the ground unmoving as a small group of medi-wizards rushed to the pitch. Krassimir immediately went on searching for the snitch without worrying about Lynch.

While Krassimir was feinting, each line of chasers had scored more than once, adding to the score of the game. The Bulgarians were up by ten points as Krassimir searched for the snitch. The Irish evened it up as Lynch came back into the game rather wobbly. Harry took the Quaffle out from behind his goals and led his cousins in a Hawkshead formation down the pitch. Troy closed in on Harry. Harry threw it behind his back to Draco and dropped out of formation. Harry swung out wide taking Troy with him. A Bludger took Moran off of Draco and Mullet came over to cover leaving Viktor open. Draco passed it out to wide to him and Viktor shot far from the box. His shot streaked towards the left goal as Ryan scrambled to get to the post. Viktor's shot sailed through the hoop giving Bulgaria back the lead.

Troy took the Quaffle out and had to duck as Bludger hit by Connolly came flying by. The Bludger careened into Krassimir's face breaking his nose sending blood pouring out of his nose. Krassimir shrugged it off while Lynch behind him had blood flying into his face from Krassimir's wound. Krassimir stretched out his hand and snagged the snitch from the air.

"BULGARIA WINS - 320 to 160!" Ludo Bagman's voice rang out in the stadium. The players on the field pulled their brooms to halt in the middle of a play. The Bulgarian players shot into the center of pitch all at once trying to congratulate each other, almost knocking each other from their brooms in their haste.

Their captain, Lev, led them in a victory lap around the pitch despite tears forming, nearly blinding him. The Bulgarian supporters made their appreciation shown over the neutrals and Irish fans. Harry paused as they went past one of the top boxes in the stadium it was to the left of the massive blackboard displaying the score and now in flashing red, white, and green; Bulgaria Wins. He stopped and grinned widely as he waved ecstatically to his family, the rest of the Bulgarian team followed his lead, as their families were all in the same box.

"Can I have the teams please?" The loud animated voice of Ludo Bagman rang out around the stadiums. He was really talking to the Bulgarians; the Irish had already made their way, rather despondently, to the most opulent box in the stadium. The Bulgarian players flew around to the back of the box where a deck was made for them to land. As a unit, they walked through the door to the top box and were greeted by a host of individuals clapping and cheering, well mostly. The Irish players weren't very thrilled with them and Harry, Draco and Viktor all shared a smirk at the family of red-heads that were in the top box in their Irish gear. There were a few other people in the box and Harry figured from their dress and closeness to the British Minister of Magic they were his guests. On the other hand, the Bulgarian Minister of Magic was positively beaming and started crowing about his team's victory, in English. The British Minister of Magic looked decidedly ill before he turned nearly puce with anger.

The Irish were being announced by the uniformed Ludo Bagman. Harry privately and sincerely hoped that if he were to ever play Quidditch professionally, that he wouldn't have to stoop so low as to play for a team like the Wimbourne Wasps. The Irish accepted their second place medals with decorum but the disappointment was clear on their faces, nobody begrudged them that.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honour and pleasure to present to you the winners of the 1994 Quidditch World Cup – Bulgaria! Captain and Keeper Lev Zograf, Beaters Ivan Volkov and Pytor Vulchanov, Seeker Krassimir Chapkanov, and Chasers Viktor Krum, Draco Krum, and the boy-who-lived Harry Potter!" The crowd roared its approval while Harry, Draco, and Viktor nearly incinerated Bagman on the spot with infuriated glares. Bagman had just turned their Quidditch victory into a Boy-Who-Lived parade. Unfortunately for them, the British Wizarding press had also discovered that angle, and were milking it for all its worth.

The other Bulgarian players looked at Bagman with horror in their eyes. It was the Bulgarian Minster whose reaction was quickest and in Bulgarian he snapped, "Restrain the boys!" He knew well enough from Ministry functions and talks with the boys' fathers how badly this could turn. Ivan, the largest member of the team quickly grabbed Viktor's robes, stopping him in place. Lev placed a hand on Draco's shoulder and shook his head, no, to the teen. Draco replaced his foot from the step he was about to take - he respected his captain's authority, but that did nothing to stop him from glaring daggers at Bagman. Harry though, lost his cool and was nearly on top of Bagman when Pytor grabbed him around the shoulders; to anyone looking on, it would seem affectionate, as Pytor tossed him into the rest of the team. It turned into a group hug including both Bulgarian coaches.

"Relax Harry," Coach Bonev said as he hugged his star chaser. "Or this will turn into a very public, very ugly media frenzy about you."

Harry cracked his neck in frustration before nodding; he took three deep, slow breaths, and buried his anger with layer upon layer of Occulmency shields, and refocused on the fact that he had just won a Quidditch World Cup. His smile returned in full force as Lev and Krassimir lifted the Cup in the air, followed by each of the Bulgarian players (and both coaches) kissing the Cup and lifting it into the air. There were substantially more flashes when Harry took the trophy, but he dutifully ignored it. Each member of the team was personally graduated by both Ministers for Magic.

"Harry, my boy, well done, well done!," Cornelius Fudge said while nearly shaking Harry's hand off in the process. Harry fought not to roll his eyes at the man, and took the earliest possible chance to disappear back into the shadows of the top box; he didn't want the focus to be on his scar.

He moved over to his coach and gave him another hug, "Thank you, sir.. For everything," Harry said with an uncharacteristically humble smile, as he pointed to his medal and then the cameras. His coach and Minister had skillfully avoided a very dangerous catastrophe. Had the boys gotten hold of Bagman, there would be an entirely different ending to the World Cup.

"We're going to bow out and meet our family," Draco said coming up to Harry and coach Bonev with Viktor by his side.

"Have fun boys," Alexi and Bonev both said. "You deserve it."

They were stopped by their own Minister, Lazar Oblansk, "How's Captain Black enjoying his freedom in his own country again?" The boys grinned at the question, which translated to, 'Is my Auror captain keeping out of trouble?'. Sirius had finally been cleared of all charges, in Great Britain – shortly after Bulgaria qualified for the World Cup. Minister Oblansk pressed the British until they relented, even publicly claiming that his country would not compete if Sirius were not pardoned. The swarms of howlers and other hate mail changed the opinion of the Wizengamot enough to clear Sirius. The vote was close, though, 26 to 24. It seemed that Dumbledore's opinion still held a lot of weight in the political realm.

"He's certainly enjoying the scared looks he's been given by half the population since he first appeared at camp." Harry said with a laugh.

"Remind him I said to behave, yes?"

"I think we can manage that, Minister." Draco said as he mirthfully envisioned the look upon his Uncle's face when they reminded him that his boss was present. The boys were fairly certain that Sirius was already celebrating.

"Have fun boys," The Minister dismissed them to go and they eagerly hopped back on their brooms. They flew well above the crowds leaving the stadium, staying hidden in the clouds of the night. They landed in front of a rather large, but not gaudy or showy tent. Unlike other wizarding families' tents, it was not three stories high, nor did it have a chimney or balconies. Captains Black and Krum were simply predisposed to secrecy and discretion, when in large public spaces.

The three young champions entered their tent and were greeted by a wall of sound. All of their friends and family were gathered in the tent, yelling, shouting words of congratulations and victory. The expansive living room was decked in black and red, and had banners stretched across the room screaming congratulations - quite literally. The boys were immediately swept into hugs by Andromeda, Tonks, Narcissa, Saiph and even Fleur, excluding Draco on the last one. Sirius, Vladimir, and Ted came over to the boys next and lifted them on their shoulders.

They had quite the party for the three teens. Their Headmaster and his family were there, along with Simeon and Fleur's family. Erik nearly threw himself at the boys when he went to congratulate them, but was promptly caught and hung upside down by his ankles by Harry. The three boys grinned as their young fan babbled about the game. Diane was comfortably seated on Viktor's shoulders in a mini-Bulgarian Quidditch kit with Viktor's number two on the back. She was singing the Bulgarian fight song and using Viktor's head for a drum. Meanwhile, Draco had his own hands full of a mini-Fleur; Gabrielle Delacour. The little blond had taken a liking to Draco one day – nearly five years ago when she was three. Draco had let the little girl braid his hair when it was longer, putting him in her permanent good books. It drove Fleur crazy that Gabrielle enjoyed Draco's company, which of course Draco exploited at every possible opportunity.

It was nearly midnight when the campgrounds exploded into action. From the inside of the Krum tent, it sounded like fireworks and cheering, though the adults were ever so slightly concerned. The younger kids in the Krum tent had long since gone to sleep, but it was little Diane who awoke because of the noise. She came out of the bedroom she was in dressed in pink pajamas with little golden snitches on it.

"Mama," She called and all the adults turned to her.

"What's wrong baby girl," Hardrada said as he scooped his daughter up in his arms.

"Too noisy," The tired little girl yawned out.

"It's just the Bulgarians, little one" he cooed, taking her back to her room.

"It's not the Bulgarians," Vladimir said, a serious look growing quickly across his face as he looked out of the tent.

"Who is it?" Sirius snapped rather soberly for someone who had been drinking all night.

"Death Eaters," Vladimir said, in a clipped and obviously irritated voice.

"The children!" Narcissa gasped worriedly. Harry, Draco, Viktor, Saiph and Fleur had gone out to meet with some of the other Bulgarian players. All the mothers in the room looked horrified at her words.

"They will be fine, as long as they don't try to help." Vladimir replied. "Hopefully they'll make for the woods like everyone else." Everyone looked at him with disbelief. The five young adults were certainly not known for playing it safe, and were all prone to acts of laudable, if foolish, heroism.

"Everyone with children needs to apparate out now" Sirius barked, "we'll try and help and keep the boys, Saiph and Fleur out of trouble," Sirius said, slightly calmer, turning to look at his friends. "Go!" He snapped at them as the screams grew louder. He, Vladimir and Fleur's father, Jean, took off out of the tent while the others moved quickly around the tent.


"What was that?" Harry called as he looked past the bonfire he was sitting by with Fleur. There were massive fires far bigger than that of a bonfire, and he was certainly curious as to what was causing the fuss. He could hear shouting and cheering coming closer to them. As the crowd grew nearer, Harry, Draco and Viktor could easily see that many individuals were simply running past their bonfire screaming - most of it was incoherent. As their friends and teammates were trying to see what was causing the panic, a random man burst running into their campsite, and slammed into Lev, knocking him off his feet. The panicked man immediately launched himself off the ground, back on his feet and kept on running.

"Give me those omnioculars," Harry called to Draco. Draco took them and tossed them to Harry. Draco and Viktor had their wands out as they peered into the distance. Viktor had put Saiph behind him, though she too had her wand out. Draco had, surprisingly, put Fleur behind him.

"It's the Death Eaters! They're torturing some muggles" Harry yelled impulsively, causing those around him to panic.

"Well done mate." Draco bit out in annoyance. He was met with a withering glare as Harry started off towards the crowd, wand drawn.

"Harry, no!" Viktor grabbed him. "Don't be daft. This is not our home," Viktor said pulling Harry around to face him.

"Viktor, we need to help." Harry snapped back.

"He's right mate, Dumbledore would love for us to attack someone here." Draco said.

"Um guys," Fleur and Saiph each tried to get the boys' attention but they kept on arguing. "BOYS!" Saiph shouted, in a voice that was far too similar to Narcissa's, getting them to turn to her. "We need to move now!" Saiph yelled pointing behind them.

"It's Potter!" Someone shouted in an English accent.

All five teens to look as the crowd of masked wizards and witches plus those that had joined them turned to look. The jeering crowd immediately cut their spells from the muggles. To the teens' horror, the muggles started falling from the sky.

"Hermes!" Harry called. The phoenix appeared above them in a flash of light. "The muggles!" Harry pointed to the rapidly falling figures. Hermes disappeared in a flash and a bright blue burst of flame reappeared above the death eaters. Hermes grabbed the muggles in his talons before flashing out. As Hermes flashed out with his query, green curses flew towards them.

"Apparate home!" Harry called to the others. Draco, Saiph, and Viktor turned on their heels and disappeared in a swirl of light.

"Fleur can you apparate yet?" Harry asked. He knew she didn't turn seventeen for another week. She shook her head no as a spell flew past them. Harry grabbed her into a hug and whispered into her ear, "think of the foyer at Krum manor." She nodded and sucked in a breath as Harry turned and apparated them away.

They appeared in the foyer of the Krum household seconds later. Fleur didn't show any signs of letting go of Harry until a throat cleared. They turned and saw everyone from the tent in the foyer waiting on them.

"Sweetheart!" Fleur's mother's relief was written all over her face as she took her daughter in her arms.

"Fleur!" Gabrielle exclaimed, literally at the same time as her mother, and launched herself at her big sister. "You're okay."

Fleur wrapped her little sister and her mother in her arms with a smile, "I'm fine Gabi. Harry helped get me here." Gabi went from her sister's arms to Harry's.

"Merci," Gabi said sweetly, giving Harry a kiss on the cheek. Harry blushed a bit as his cousins smirked at him and the women cooed at the sight. Long gone was the infamous ladies' man – of all the females Harry used to 'court', he'd only really spoken to Fleur since his kidnapping. Fleur had helped him come to terms with his relationship with his former teacher, putting it in perspective for him. He had come to see that it was wrong and he had been taken advantage of but Harry also knew that he shared some of the blame. He was entirely too full of himself at the time, thinking a grown woman would have interest in a fifteen year old.

"Anytime" Harry said with a wide grin and a wink.

"Time for bed, Gabi." Apolline called to her youngest.

"The second room on the third floor," Narcissa said to Apolline, receiving a nod and a grateful smile as Apolline led Gabi up the stairs.

"We should be getting back," Headmaster Hardrada said with a nod. He was holding Erik in his arms. The young boy snoozed comfortably, slumped over his father's shoulders. Artemisia was holding a sleeping Diane in her arms. "Please let us know what happened." He said, more than asked, to Narcissa.

"We will." She said with a comforting nod as she gave Artemisia a hug. She quietly ushered them to the floo, and wished them well. When she came back she spoke to Fleur, "Fleur, sweetheart, you, your mother and sister will be staying the night while we wait for your father, Vlad, and Sirius to return."

"Can we stay up?" Draco asked his mother.

"I don't see why not," Narcissa mused. "It's not like you wouldn't all just convene in one of your rooms." The teens grinned with a bit of chagrin. "I'll make some tea," Narcissa said, "come."

The teens went into the living room while Narcissa went to go make tea. She was stopped by a pop as the Krum elf stood holding a tray of tea and scones. "Thank you," Narcissa said with a smile. "Could you show Apolline the way here?" The elf nodded and popped out of existence.

Apolline joined them a few minutes later, "Well, Gabi's finally gone to sleep. Any news yet? Ah, merci beaucoup." She said as Narcissa handed her a cup of tea. Apolline set next to Narcissa and looked at the teens carefully. Harry looked a bit guilty, while his cousins studied him covertly. Fleur was looking at Harry with admiration clear in her eyes. Apolline glanced at Narcissa, who shook her head in answer to the silent question. She hadn't questioned them yet.

"So, what happened on your end?" Apolline asked, somewhat pointedly.

Draco looked around at his cousins and brother, and the French princess before he spoke. "We were at another tent with the rest of the team and some other partiers. We were there for about an hour when we saw the massive fires in the distance. Turned out to be a massive crowd of vandals and death eaters, as Harry found out when he scoped them through our Omnioculars."

Fleur cut him off, "'Arry wanted to help, but zey stopped him." She gestured to Viktor and Draco.

"And it's a good thing too," Vladimir's voice rang out from the doorway. Narcissa and Apolline both moved to welcome their husbands back.

"What? I don't get a hug," Sirius asked with a grin.

"No," both Apolline and Narcissa's voice intoned, light with humor, at the same time. The teens snickered and Sirius shot them a glare.

"Why waz it a good thing?" Fleur asked. She was upset, causing her accent to become more pronounced. "We could 'ave 'elped!"

"And probably been arrested for it," Sirius said matter-of-factly. "The death eaters fled once someone, not in their group, cast the dark mark."

"So?" Saiph asked, not exactly following his logic, Fleur didn't either.

Fleur's father addressed them next, "It means those who fled were most likely those few death eaters who managed to bribe their way out of Azkaban. Bribing one's way out of one of the most secure prisons in the world takes either a lot of gold, or a lot of political clout, which means they're prominent members of the magical society in Great Britain."

"And if we had attacked them, we'd be in serious trouble," Saiph concluded.

"Right in one," Sirius quipped. "Oh - err, Harry, any idea where Hermes took the muggles?"

Harry shook his head, "Hermes!" A blue flash of flame appeared overhead and the phoenix landed on the arm of the couch Harry was sitting on.

'You rang?' Hermes trilled.

Harry rolled his eyes, "What did you do with the muggles?"

'I flashed them to one of the remaining medical tents,' Hermes trilled, with flutter of his wings; the avian version of a shrug.

Harry chuckled, "He took them to one of the med tents."

Sirius, Vladimir, and Jean all started chuckling, causing the others to look sideways at them. Vladimir spoke, "The Brits are going nuts trying to find them." The others started laughing. "Get to sleep. I think they can wait until morning to find out if they haven't found the muggles yet."


"We didn't do it," Harry, Draco, and Viktor said as one as they were sat down in front of Jean and Apolline, Narcissa, Vlad and Sirius. It was the day after the World Cup attack and the adults had called them in for a talk.

"And we" Saiph said, gesturing to herself and Fleur, "actually didn't do it," Fleur nodded in agreement.

"You're not in trouble, yet." Narcissa said with smile. "But we still have to go to the alley before school and I'm sure you'll find some place to wreak havoc." The boys refused to meet her eyes while Saiph snickered. The Delacour's minus Fleur looked confused. Narcissa shared a look with the two, "I'll tell you later."

"Yes, well," Vladimir glared at the boys before his look softened a bit, "we have something to share with you about your upcoming year at school."

"It applies to both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons," Jean added at Fleur's look. The teens shared a glance.

"Technically we're not supposed to share this with you yet. Your Headmaster is supposed to tell you, but given last night's events we thought it would be best to inform you earlier, rather than you lot being surprised with this." Sirius said seriously.

"What's up dad?" Harry prompted.

"The Triwizard Tournament is going to be re-instated this year." Sirius spoke with little fanfare. Four of the five teens looked excited at his words. "But it's going to be held at Hogwarts." The excited looks faded quickly and groans were heard.

"What is the Triwizard Tournament?" Saiph asked - she wasn't familiar with the event.

Narcissa answered, "The Triwizard Tournament is a magical competition held between the three premier European magical schools; Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and The Durmstrang Institute. It was held every five years for seven hundred years but was discontinued due to a rather high contestant death toll."

"And they're starting it again?" Saiph asked incredulously with a raised eyebrow.

"They're hoping to re-establish some of the bonds between the schools," Vladimir said with distaste. "Dumbledore has been pushing for its return and by his suggestion, they are limiting the contestants to those who turn seventeen by Halloween."

"And so you think it's a ploy to get Harry to Hogwarts," Draco concluded.

"Dumbledore's involvement, yes - but there is more to it. ICW is reading the signs, as are many other countries. Dark magical activity is rising, rapidly. The hope is that the tournament will help create bonds between magical Europe so that we can combat any potential darkness easier this time around." Vladimir said.

"All five of you are likely to be chosen to be among the delegates to go to Hogwarts for the tournament." Jean said to the teens. "We wanted you to have a heads up about the situation and decide if you want to compete now, as opposed to a rushed decision on the spot. All those who elect to go to Hogwarts will be required to enter their name for their school. Fleur," he turned to his daughter, "Great Britain is one of the worst offenders when it comes to 'magical creatures.' You could very likely face much worse discrimination there than you do at home in France, or even here in Bulgaria." Fleur nodded at her father and sat back in her seat pensively.

Sirius took up where he left off, "Harry you already know what everyone thinks of you there. Either they think of you as the Boy-Who-Lived or the next Dark Lord." A look of irritation passed over his face. "Draco, Saiph," They turned to him. "You will be judged based on your parentage." Draco looked as if he wanted to talk but Sirius cut him off, "Being Black isn't much better than being a Malfoy in Great Britain."

"Viktor you're about the only one who won't face any particular prejudice coming into the tournament." Sirius said.

"That being said; as your mother or aunt, my preference is that all of you forego this whole thing, and not enter the tournament." Narcissa said and Apolline nodded her agreement. "However, I'm also well aware that each of you could easily come up with at least five reasons why you should compete. All we want is for you to make an informed judgment without the pressure you'll face from your peers. You are all very magically talented, and are some of the best and brightest minds of your generation."

"Just think it over."


"Before we continue with the feast I have an announcement that no doubt many of you are aware of by now," Headmaster Hardrada said with a grin. The majority of the Durmstrang students chuckled at his words. 'Classified' didn't mean a whole lot to purebloods. "This year, the boards of Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons in conjunction with the International Conference of Wizards have decided to reinstate the Triwizard Tournament." A cheer went through the Durmstrang students. The Headmaster allowed their excitement for a moment. He knew most of those cheers were about to die with his next words. "However, due to the high fatality rate in past tournaments, we will only be allowing those of you who turn seventeen by Halloween to enter your names in the competition." And sure enough, a chorus of boos went through the students. It didn't last long, the Headmaster flicked his wand and let off a booming noise, the students instantly silenced themselves. Most of the students bowed their heads and refused to look at the Headmaster for a few moments. "We have a list of thirteen students who have been chosen to come with us to Hogwarts. Anyone who agrees to attend as a Durmstrang delegate is agreeing to enter the tournament, and participate, if their name is chosen. There is no backing down."

He looked at each of his seventh years intently. "Durmstrang has historically won the fewest Triwizard titles. I intend to change that." All of his seventh years looked at him and nodded their agreement. "We have often been labeled as nothing more than purveyors of the Dark Arts. We will change that, and prove our worth with a win." The seventh years cheered his words. "I'm glad we're in agreement." He finished, with a subtle wink.

"Professor Boddason and I will be meeting with the students we have chosen. If one decides they do not want to attend we will select another until we have thirteen. We will be leaving on October 28th. While I am away, Professor Ironside will act as Headmaster." The students looked as though they'd all swallowed a slug. The Headmaster fought his laughter though Ironside had no such reservations. The grizzled dueling instructor laughed openly at the students. "I am sure there will not be any problems while I'm away. Now enjoy the welcome feast." The Headmaster retook his seat still struggling not to laugh. Many of the upper years appeared to have lost their appetite.

"I think I'm going to enjoy this," Professor Ironside said with a grin, which only further served to worry the older students.


"I can't believe we finally made it to the seventh year longhouse and we're not even going to be here to enjoy these beautiful rooms." Saiph said as she collapsed on the plush sofa in the sitting room. The seventh years had a full longhouse to themselves. Each seventh year got a private room with a study desk and a bookshelf connected to the school library. Perhaps the nicest part was the bathrooms. The bathrooms had two students to each bathroom, in addition to the common amenities, they each had a rather large bathtub complete with jets.

"So you decided you're going, finally?" Draco said sitting across from her and Viktor.

"I can't let you idiots go without at least one voice of reason. Between the three of you you'll probably find a way to burn down Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and half the bloody Scottish highlands." Saiph said with a wicked grin. "Besides, Sirius had so much fun freaking people out I figured I might enjoy looking 'normal' for once." She said, referring to her acute resemblance to her mother. Viktor chuckled at her words.

"Who else do you think will be asked?"

"I guessing they'll go with the top thirteen students in our year. We'll probably end up missing the end of year dueling tournament too." Harry said as an owl flew in from one of the windows. It was snowy owl, Fleur's owl.

Saiph called the bird to her, "Mata," the snowy owl came to her landing on her outstretched arm. Viktor summoned some owl treats and slipped them into Saiph's other hand. Saiph gave the bird the few treats before relieving it of its burdens. There was one letter addressed to Saiph while the other was to Harry. She tossed him his before opening her letter quickly scanning it for any pressing information. She would the read it more carefully later.

She looked up from the letter and gave a small smile, "Fleur's been asked to compete, and she agreed."

"Did she say how many students they were bringing?" Draco asked off handedly. He was curious to see if Beauxbatons would bring more students than Durmstrang.

"It seems they settled on twenty," Harry answered, reading his own letter. Draco nodded more to himself than the others. Hogwarts being smaller than the both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang would have only a few more eligible students than Beauxbatons.

"I'm the best friend and yet you got the longer letter," Saiph said looking at Harry."What's wrong with this picture?" Harry very maturely stuck his tongue out her. "So Harry, now that we know we'll be spending the year with her, are you finally going to ask her out?"

"Please say no, please say no, please say no" Draco muttered over and over with his eyes closed and fingers crossed. Harry waited for him to open eyes and, with a slight grin, flipped him off twice. Draco threw his head back and laughed at him.

"Be nice," Saiph shot at her blond cousin.

"She's not," Draco mumbled. Harry kicked him in the leg. "I can't win here can I?" Draco quipped.

"Nope," Viktor said easily.

"I'm going to bed then," Draco said with grin and a small wave. He disappeared into his room as Harry summoned a quill and parchment to him. He laid it out in front of him and set his quill to work. He kept it short and sweet with only a few lines. What he took his time with, was a charm that he wove onto the parchment. He muttered the spell and traced his wand in a small pattern over the parchment before folding it up.

"What did you do?" Saiph asked, curiously studying the letter.

Harry handed it to her, "Open it." Saiph opened it slowly and as the parchment unfolded a calla lily bloomed out of the paper.

"Harry, that's brilliant! I see you've also managed the right flower this time," Saiph said with a laugh.

"Yeah, yeah laugh it up Chuckles McGee" Harry said. He whistled low, "Mata." The snowy owl allowed Harry to attach the letter to its leg. It alighted out the wind with Harry watching it's every move.


"We're taking a boat?" Harry asked, looking at the massive warship. The ship had three masts, with numerous sails attached to them. The largest sail was black with a blood red version of the Durmstrang Crest, and the figurehead of was carved into a fierce dragon's head, its maw open as if about to breathe fire.

"A boat!" They heard an affronted voice say. "T'is a ship, boy!" The thirteen Durmstrang students and Professor Boddason and Headmaster Hardrada turned to the voice. Walking towards them was an old man with a peg leg. Some of the students fought not to laugh, they knew it took a grievous injury in the wizarding world to require an amputation, but really, first the ship and now a peg leg?

"Captain Floki," the Headmaster greeted the man with a friendly hand shake.

"Headmaster," Captain Floki replied looking over the students. "So this is the cream of the crop this year. Looks promising." Captain Floki was a tall man with scraggly gray hair that touched his shoulders. He was dressed in black slacks and boots with a black vast and red outer robe hanging open. "The ship's in fine use for not having been used in some time."

"Good, good. Are we ready to go?" He asked looking the ship over. Torches were lit and the sails were unfurled.

"Just need to pull the anchor up," Captain Floki said leading the troop onto the gangplank.

"Do the cannons work?" It was Filip who asked, as he examined one of the bronze cannons on deck.

"Yes," Captain Floki and the Headmaster answered, both with looks that made the boy step back from the cannon immediately.

"We don't use a longship?" another seventh year asked.

"We did once upon a time but we've changed vessels many times over the years." Headmaster Hardrada announced.

"These babies," Captain Floki said gesturing to the ship, "are the newest ships that magic will work with. My family's been sailing them for over a century. Now get below deck - we're ready to go." The Headmaster shuttled the students below deck and led them into a spacious suite type area. There were couches and armchairs, and even a fireplace that wouldn't look out of place in one of their longhouses back at Durmstrang. A fire was already merrily crackling, casting dancing shadows upon the magical walls of the ship. In one corner was a study area with a large bookshelf. There were a total of fourteen doors also, one through thirteen were numbered while the last one said 'facilities'.

"Listen up," Headmaster Hardrada called to the students. "You've each been assigned your own room. While they're not as spacious as your dorms, they are still nonetheless accommodating. Gentlemen, your wash facilities are through that back door. Miss Lestrange," He zeroed in on the lone girl with a slight grin. "You'll be in room one – and yes, there is a bathroom attached.

"Score," Saiph muttered. The boys snickered and even their teachers looked humored.

"Right." He said moving the conversation along. "That book shelf is tied to the Durmstrang library and there is a catalog book over there. Trace the title you want with your wand and the book shall appear. Your lessons have been stored in a pensieve - but you will largely be on your own for study. You can come to Professor Boddason or I for help. You will all be taking your exams at the end of the year, regardless of whether or not you are chosen for the tournament." They didn't bother groaning at his words, knowing full well after seven years that he was likely to say that.

"Now hold on to something," He said as the ship gave a great lurch sending a couple of the slower students sprawling. Harry looked out one of the large portholes and saw water rising around them. Within moments, the ship was completely submerged under the water. They had leveled out and were able to comfortably stand.

"What about Captain Floki?" One of students called.

"He's fine," Professor Boddason said. "A combination of charms and runes and a clever containment field keep the ship in a sort of bubble." He explained. "He'll take a break tomorrow night to sleep and take some pepper-up potions before we continue on."

"Wow, look at the reefs," Saiph said as she peered out another porthole. The next few hours most of the seventh years spent it staring out the window looking at the sea creatures around them. The professors retired to their quarters on the floor beneath the students.

It was almost midnight and the only students still awake were Harry and Draco. They were both going over some last minute work on transfiguration. "Try conjuring the cat again. Get a picture of Sly in your head as you work," Draco said to him. He was rather tired, but knew Harry was going to struggle with his Transfiguration this year more than ever.

"Felis," Harry's spell shot from his wand with a loud boom, but once again there was a hairless feline in front of them, this time with only one ear.

"Now that is really horrifying," Draco snarked and vanished the cat. "What's up with you mate, you're worse than usual." He softened his words with a smile.

Harry sighed and pushed his books away from him. He didn't say anything for a long while. He looked out to the sea before saying, "You won't like it."

"It's about Princess," Draco concluded with a frown. He paused for a second before guessing, "She hasn't owled you back?"

"No," Harry said quietly.

"Well then, it's her loss." Draco said with a shrug.

Harry shot him a dark look, "Do you have to be an arse?"

"Yes," Draco shot back. "If you want understanding, talk to Saiph. She actually likes the princess."

"You know if you didn't antagonize her she wouldn't be such a bitch to you," Harry replied.

"She started," Draco very maturely stated.

Harry shook his head, "You're impossible."

"No I'm snobby and so is she." He grinned genuinely, it was actually rather charming. "Now do me a favor and look back out the porthole."

"Why?" Harry asked raising his one eyebrow in question.

"See the water?" Draco prompted.

"Yeah?" Harry asked drawing out the word. "What's your point?"

"My point is that you're not going to see an owl for the next day or so, so relax damn it." Draco said getting up and pushing Harry's feet of the coffee table. "Get some sleep mate." He said walking to his own room. Harry sat back with a sigh and ran his hands through his hair. He grabbed his transfiguration stuff and headed to his own room.


"Alright lads and lassie - we're just about to surface in Hogwarts' Great Lake. Should you see a giant mass of tentacles, do not be alarmed. They've got a giant squid. Rather friendly cove, he is." The amplified voice of Captain Floki rang out over the ship. It was slightly distorted from the bubble-head charm he was sporting. The students all held on to something near to them to steady themselves as the ship bobbed up out of the water. They heard the rushing noise of water falling off the ship as it leveled out in the moor of Hogwarts.

"Listen up!" Headmaster Hardrada said pulling the thirteen students away from the portholes. They were gazing out at the castle that was Hogwarts. It reminded them of a stereotypical thirteenth century castle, though it was very large. The castle seemed larger than Durmstrang but the grounds seemed smaller to them. They could see the forest off to one side but also knew that it was forbidden to students.

The students were dressed in their formal Durmstrang robes, as they would on the first day of school and the last. Their fur coats and hats hung near the exit waiting for them. "The thirteen of you represent Durmstrang in all its greatness – do not dishonor our ways or customs. Many of the students you will encounter have already formed opinions on our school and our students. Ignore them and rise above it. If you do not I will hand you over to Professor Ironside when we return." They tried not gulp but failed.

"Now, when we get into the Great Hall we will be sitting at the Hufflepuff table. It will be the table with yellow banners. They tried to sit us with Slytherin House, but I elected not to comply. Slytherin House and Gryffindor House have a long and storied rivalry; do try to stay clear of it." The students nodded at his request. "Also, before we go I want you to know that we have been given a certain autonomy while here, you will be answerable to Durmstrang's rules, not Hogwarts. Beauxbatons will be afforded the same rules."

"File out," He prompted and turned to the side allowing the students to leave. He and Professor Boddason followed them out. Both adult wizards were dressed in heavy fur dress robes similar to their students, only Boddason was in a darker maroon and Hardrada was in Black with red trim.

The students marched across the gangplank and took their first steps on Scotland soil. It was cold but not nearly as cold as Durmstrang was at this time; in fact some of the thirteen were uncomfortably warm in their furs. Once everyone had crossed the gangplank, Headmaster Hardrada and Professor Boddason led the way. Headmaster Hardrada pointed out to the students the larger than life carriage that had taken up residence on the vast front lawn of Hogwarts. "That would be the Beauxbatons Carriage. It looks like they've chosen to wait inside the castle." The Headmaster said looking over the black mass of students and the Hogwarts Professor. He held in snort when he saw Dumbledore looking like a senile version of Merlin, the man had seen too many Disney movies, in his opinion.

"They were probably cold," Professor Boddason commented wryly. The Headmaster nodded while the Durmstrang students chuckled.

Headmaster Hardrada walked straight to Dumbledore and stopped to greet him. It was rather comical, in some respects. Though Dumbledore was tall and one could feel the power he held within him, the Durmstrang Headmaster seemed to dwarf him in height and strength. Where Dumbledore was old, Hardrada was only forty-five. Dumbledore gave off a rather inviting vibe with his bright twinkling eyes while Hardrada's shaved head, braided goatee, and long scars made people back away from him. "Dumbledore," The Durmstrang Headmaster inclined his head forward and held his hand out.

Dumbledore took his hand and greeted the other Headmaster with a smile, "Headmaster Hardrada, welcome to Hogwarts." Dumbledore said turning to, not just Hardrada, but his entire delegation. The old man's twinkling eyes found Harry immediately, but Harry studiously avoided his gaze, instead choosing to observe the castle. He was impressed by what he saw around him and thought that he may have liked living on the grounds here, not to mention that it wasn't freezing yet. He was less impressed by the Hogwarts students, as most looked at the Durmstrang contingent with fear and apprehension. They seemed so very small, to him but that could have been just that all of the lower years were present before him. He refocused when he heard Dumbledore speak again.

"Madam Maxime and the Beauxbatons students are already inside, shall we join them?" At his words the Hogwarts students started off for the entrance. Dumbledore watched them before he waved the Durmstrang contingent forward.

As Harry and his cousins walked he heard someone recognize them as the Black Line for Bulgaria. He also heard more than few students comment on him being the Boy-Who-Lived, he frowned and cracked his neck in agitation. Did they really have to start up with the whispers so soon? He was already upset that Fleur hadn't responded to him and having to deal with the added whispers only increased his irritation. Little bolts of lightning were starting to flash around his fingertips. Draco moved out of the single file line they were in and sped his gait up. He saw the flickering bolts, and knew that Harry was irritated.

The blond came up next to his cousin and elbowed him, "Relax. You're about to start treating us to a light show." Harry took a deep breath and slowly let it out. The bolts died out in less than a second. He nodded to his cousin and Draco fell back in line. They stopped at the entrance to the Great Hall to see most of the Hogwarts students seated and the rest on their way to their seats. The Beauxbatons students were standing at the Ravenclaw table, he assumed, by the blue banner hanging above. The Ravenclaws were looking at the Beauxbatons students oddly as they stood.

Harry's eyes were drawn to the Beauxbatons students as he moved to the Hufflepuff table, he scanned them looking for Fleur despite her apparent rejection of him. He found her eyes and was surprised by the smile that spread over her face when she saw him. Fleur looked at the entrance and saw the Headmasters getting their final introductions and broke ranks from Beauxbatons students. She ran, practically gliding, over to Harry, who stopped to wonder at her. She reached the black haired boy and grabbed him by his fur coat. Nearly every male and some females in the hall were focused on the blond foreign girl.

"Oui," She said smoothly and pressed her lips to his in a chaste kiss.

Harry was stunned for a second before he smiled and returned the kiss but he kept it short, knowing where they were. He pulled back from her and grinned, "Really?"

"Oui," Fleur said with a blinding smile.

Harry pressed his forehead to hers and laughed softly, "I thought I had screwed up again when you didn't owl."

"I wanted to tell you in person," Fleur smiled, her accent coming out more in her excitement.

A throat cleared behind them and they nearly jumped apart. Harry turned and saw the largest woman he had ever seen, largest person really. She easily cleared seven feet and her dark eyes, robes, and jewelry made her all the more imposing. She was standing with Headmaster Hardrada and Headmaster Dumbledore so he concluded the woman was Fleur's Headmistress. He turned and noticed all the professors had taken their seats, including Professor Boddason, who was smirking at Harry. Harry also took note of his most hated relative, so to speak, Professor Severus, Sniviellus, Snape, Draco's godfather. The man in black was glaring at Harry and Fleur with disdain. Harry grinned at the man, which only served to irritate the Potions master even further.

Harry turned back to the three Heads and inclined his head, "I apologies sirs, ma'am." Fleur apologized as well and Harry gave her hand a squeeze before she moved to retake her place at the Ravenclaw table. Harry made his way to his table and took up the open spot next to Draco, a lopsided grin on his face. As with all the Durmstrang students, he stood at attention, an act that earned some laughs from the Hogwarts students. Once Madam Maxime and Headmaster Hardrada had taken their seats the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons delegates took their seats.

Dumbledore stood at the Head of the Professor's Table. Surveying the students arrayed before him, looking just over the top of his half-moon spectacles, he held up his hands and the murmurs slowly quieted down. The Durmstrang students were a somewhat stunned to still hear some whispers, they would have been visited by Professor Ironside by now. Harry could hear whispered coming behind him, he chanced a glance and saw it was the redhead from the top box. He was complaining about being hungry while a bushy haired brunette girl tried to shush him.

"The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast," Dumbledore's voice was soft and comforting, it made a bit more sense to Harry now, how people could be persuaded by him. "I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home." Harry heard Fleur's patented snobbish giggle and smiled to himself. Draco also snorted with derision.

"No one's making you stay!" The same brunette girl said hotly, it was meant to be whisper but the Durmstrang students, being seated at the table next to hers, were able to hear her clearly. As one, the thirteen students turned to look at her.

They chose to ignore the girl, once it became plain, by their staring, that she was embarrassed enough at being caught. "If this was at home, our arses would be in a sling for whispering while a Headmaster was talking." Draco snarked as he selected a few items of food. The other Durmstrang students nodded and chuckled at his words.

"Why is the silverware all made of gold..?" One of the Durmstrang students tried to ask quietly, as not to offend, he was curious.

A rather handsome young man with an athletic build turned to them with a smile, "They always been gold. I don't think anyone's ever asked why though." The Durmstrang student nodded his thanks to the teen before turning back to his classmates. Aside from the handsome lad most of the Hufflepuffs seemed to be wary of their dinner guests and content to stay to themselves for now.

"Arry," Came the silky tone of Fleur from across the table. "Could we have your bouillabaisse if you're not eating it?" Fleur asked. Most of the Durmstrang students and Hufflepuffs had not shown any interest in the French dish. Harry smiled at her but it faded somewhat when he noticed the stares and drool that followed Fleur.

Harry shot them a withering a glare before looking around the table, "Bouillabaisse going once? Twice?" No one answered, but a few laugh in good humor "All yours mon cherie." He grinned at her. She leaned over to grab the shellfish soup.

Saiph caught her wrist though and with a teasing grin said, "What, he asks you out and now I'm chopped-liver?"

Fleur's lilting laugh filled the air and she quickly hugged her best friend from behind, "I'm sorry for neglecting you, my dear. We'll have plenty of time to ourselves this year."

"I guess you're forgiven," Saiph said while laughing with her friend.

"Merci," Fleur kissed her cheek and took the bouillabaisse from Viktor's hands, bringing it back to her table which was to the back of Saiph and Viktor.

"They don't make them like that at Hogwarts!" Harry heard from behind him. It was the gangly redhead again. Harry sighed to himself, thinking it was going to be a long year if everyone at Hogwarts was like that.

"Harry," Viktor called his name bringing the green-eyed boy's attention back. Viktor pointed to the head table. Two seats had just been filled - one by Ludo Bagman, and the other by a short man with a bowler hat and toothbrush mustache.

Harry shook his head before muttering, "The only guy who managed to pull that look off was Charlie Chaplin." His cousins shared a laugh as did some of the muggle-born Hufflepuffs in earshot.

Draco identified the man for Durmstrang, "That's Bartemius Crouch Sr. he's the Head of International Magical Cooperation here."

"Must have helped organize the tournament," Saiph said, looking at the man. He had taken off his hat and revealed his dark hair that was parted so straight he must have used a ruler.

Finally when all the plates had been cleared, Dumbledore stood once more. "Before the casket is brought out I have few introductions." He turned slightly to the newcomers. "Joining us for the tournament this year are the two chief architects of the event. Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of Magical Games and Sports." The jovial man stood and gave a wave to the applauding students, many of whom were fans. "And Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of International Magical Cooperation." The severe man did not stand or even smile at the students; he simply inclined his head. There was only polite clapping to be heard after the man's introduction so Dumbledore was easily able to carry on. "These two gentlemen along with Headmistress Maxime, Headmaster Hardrada and I will be on the panel of judges for the Triwizard tournament." The wizened headmaster looked to the back of the hall, "Mr. Filch, please bring forth the casket." From the back of the hall a previously unnoticed man came forth carrying a medium sized casket. It was flecked with gold and jewels - a complete opposite of the scraggly, skinny balding man carrying it. He set the casket down on a pedestal in front of the head table before slinking off.

"The three champions will be chosen by an impartial judge," as Dumbledore spoke he tapped the jewel incrusted casket three times with his wand. The lid of the casket opened and Dumbledore took out a rather ordinary looking wooden cup. When he set it down on top of the casket blue white flames enveloped the cup turning it from ordinary to highly fascinating. "The Goblet of Fire will be our judge. Any person of age who wishes to enter the tournament must simply place their name on a piece of paper and toss it into the flames by this hour tomorrow. Do not do so lightly! This tournament is made to test you to your extremes, push you to limits unknown." He starred down the seventh years in the room.

"To ensure that no one under the age of seventeen enters the tournament, I will be drawing an age line around the goblet tonight." He paused looking at a few individuals with amusement in his eyes. Harry followed his gaze to yet more redheads at the table behind him. They were identical twins and were currently sporting identical grins as they whispered to each other. They appeared to be old enough to enter but judging by the Headmaster's gaze he figured they were not yet seventeen. "From this point on the tournament is officially open."

Harry turned to his classmates, "Want to put the screws to Hogwarts?" He asked quietly; quiet enough that only they heard him. He pulled a piece of parchment from his fur coat on the bench. "Anyone have a quill?" He was given one by Saiph. He tore the parchment into thirteen pieces. He scrawled his name on the parchment and passed the quill and pieces to his left to Draco. Draco's name was written with a flourish, before passing it down. One by one the Durmstrang students wrote their names on the pieces with Saiph being the last. They stood as one and looked towards their Headmaster and Professor Boddason. Harry grinned at the man and nodded his head towards the goblet. Headmaster Hardrada nodded at him and extended his hand languidly, waving his students up.

By now all the eyes in the Hall were on the Durmstrang students. They paid the other students no mind as they marched to the front of the hall. One by one the Durmstrang students dropped their names into the goblet. As each slip of paper fell into the flames they turned red and spluttered with sparks. Harry was the last one and turned to grin at the Hogwarts and Beauxbatons students, he let go of the slip and the goblet accepted it. Headmaster Hardrada stood from the teachers table with Professor Boddason and led the Durmstrang students out of the Hall.


The next day found the Durmstrang contingent scattered around the ship and Hogwarts. Draco went to visit his godfather while Saiph and Viktor were off by themselves, Harry didn't really want to think about what they could be doing. Harry was standing on the top deck leaning on the side of the ship thinking about what was to come.

"Good morning, Harry," Headmaster Hardrada came up next to him and handed Harry a copy of the Daily Prophet. "Before you open that, I must warn you. You probably won't like this. Just please, try not to send any lightning bolts flying around."

Harry looked curiously at his Headmaster; the man did not usually talk that lightly about Harry's abilities. Harry groaned when he saw 'Daily Prophet' on the paper. He flipped it open and his groan turned to a snarl. The headline read, "Veela ensnares boy-Who-Lived!" it was done by Rita Skeeter. "That bloody insect, how did she even find out about this? She wasn't even there!"

"My guess is she either snuck in or was told by a student," Hardrada said turning towards Harry. "My niece will probably quite upset by this; if I'm not mistaken, she will still be in the Beauxbatons carriage."

Harry took off at a sprint and made for the Beauxbatons carriage which had been moved to a grassy nook near the Caretaker's home. Harry stopped outside the carriage and rapidly knocked on the door. One of the boys answered, "I need to speak to Fleur Delacour - is she here?" he rattled off, just slightly winded.

The boy smirked at Harry, looking him up and down before turning back and shouting in French. Harry, though, was well versed in French and understood every word. Harry's steadily mounting anger went up another notch. He grabbed the boy's leg and pulled him out of the carriage. The French boy swore as he hit the ground and sprawled out. He didn't stay there for long; Harry seized him by the neck and his robes. He slammed him into the side of carriage, "Call her a creature again and I'll curse you so bad when you wake up it'll be next year. Understood?" Harry's eyes flashed with anger and the boy hurriedly nodded his head yes.

"Monsieur Black-Potter!" Madam Maxime loomed in the doorway of the carriage. Harry noticed Fleur was already beside him. He must have missed her when he was threatening the other guy. "Unhand my student! Monsieur Dubbois' punishment will be meted out by me." She had come to reprimand the student having heard his yell, and found Dubbois being assaulted. Harry released the teen and turned to Fleur, the teary red eyes nearly drove him to turn around and curse the teen on the ground again but Fleur's Headmistress' presence stayed his hand. Harry took Fleur's hand and led her away from the carriage. "Stupid question, but, are you alright?" Harry asked her once they had gotten to a somewhat secluded spot near the lake.

Fleur laughed quietly at his words, "I will be. I'm used to it for the most part. I just, I didn't expect to be targeted on the front page." Harry put his arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him settling her head on his chest.

"Saiph would have killed that kid." Harry said after a while.

"Marc is an ass, he always has been," Fleur said quietly, "but I would have liked to see that."

"I noticed others laughing at his words," Harry said with a questioning tone.

Fleur nodded into his chest, "I'm not very popular at Beauxbatons, never have been. We may take muggle-borns but even they don't like it when their boyfriends turn into drooling idiots. And Benoit chose to stay at Beauxbatons." Benoit was Fleur's only real friend at Beauxbatons. He was an outcast like Fleur, the only son of a prominent pureblood family, and he was gay. He was not very popular among his family or fellow students for that.

"Well you can just spend your time with me," Harry said with a smile.

"Oh and who said I wanted to?" Fleur asked, teasing him. Harry hummed in thought and then leaned down and brought his lips to hers. It was a sweet kiss that slowly intensified before Fleur pulled back, "okay so, maybe I will keep you."

Harry laughed loudly, "How kind of you madam, for taking pity on a lowly quidditch player."

Fleur laughed with before turning serious she looked up at him, "You know, yesterday was my first kiss."

"Really?" Harry asked with a smile.

Fleur poked him in the stomach, "Don't sound so smug."

"Well we can't have that fantastic memory marred by a harpy," He stood up and took her hand.

"Where are we going?" She asked as she allowed herself to be pulled along.

"To write my aunt," Harry said. Fleur stopped walking and he turned to look at her. Seeing her questioning look, "Aunt Cissy is staying with Aunt Andy while the tournament is on. I'm willing to bet she'll take on Rita Skeeter for you." Fleur smirked in pleasure at the thought of Narcissa Krum in all her glory facing off with the obnoxious reporter. Harry took Fleur aboard the Durmstrang ship.

"Uncle," Fleur said hugging Headmaster Hardrada.

"Fleur," He said happily. When they pulled back Hardrada eyed Harry, "I don't need to teach him a lesson yet do I?"

"Not yet," Fleur said with a laugh.

Harry just rolled his eyes, "We're writing to my aunt about the article."

The usually stern Headmaster cracked a grin, "Have Hermes deliver it. Skeeter will get her just desserts much faster that way."

The two teens grinned and went below deck to the Durmstrang common area. Harry disappeared into his room for a moment before reappearing with some writing equipment. The rooms were spelled to only allow members of the same sex in the rooms. Fleur had made herself comfortable on one of the couches while Harry scrawled a note to his aunt.

"Aunt Cissy I have a problem. I think you've heard of her? She goes by 'Rita Skeeter'. Somehow she got word that Fleur and I are dating. Her article, which I'm sure you've seen, paints Fleur as nothing more than a fame-grabbing whore who seduced me. We were both offended by it. Is there anything you can do to neutralize her?" Harry read what he wrote to Fleur. "Work for you?" Fleur nodded.

"Hermes," Harry called out. His phoenix appeared in a flash of blue flame not unlike the goblet. "Hey mate," Harry said as he stroked the phoenix's neck. Hermes enjoyed that for a few minutes before trilling to them.

'What do you need? I was thoroughly enjoying watching Fleur's owl get into an argument with this tiny little git of an owl.'

Harry laughed, "Sorry to interrupt you're entertainment but I need you to take a letter to Aunt Cissy."

'Very well,' He trilled taking the note from Harry and disappearing in a ball of flame.

"What did he say?" Fleur asked curiously.

"He said your owl is in an argument with a spastic little owl." Harry responded.

"Mata is even vainer than I am," Fleur snorted. She stood and took his hand.

"Admitting it is the first step," Harry snarked. "You've one up on Draco with that." Fleur jabbed him in the stomach. "Ouch," Harry teased.

"Come on, I need to place my name in the goblet." Fleur said leading him up to the castle.


Across England

"Hermes!" Narcissa exclaimed as the marvelous bird a lighted in front of her. "What do you have there, my friend?" She took the offered letter and looked over the handwriting. "He is not in trouble is he?" Hermes trilled to her and shook his head no. Narcissa opened the letter with much less apprehension.

"Who is the note from?" Andromeda asked coming into the kitchen.

"Harry," Narcissa said frowning. "He and Fleur are dating."

"Wonderful!" Andromeda said before noticing the frown. "You do not seem pleased?"

"I take it you haven't seen the paper?" Narcissa said handing, it over to her sister.

"I just got off a twelve hour night shift," Andromeda replied taking the paper. She flipped it opened and dropped her tea cup. "That little.." Andromeda let the comment hang as she scanned the rest of the article.

"Harry asked if there was anything we could do," Narcissa mused.

"We should have done something about her before, with all those articles on Sirius." Andromeda said as she tiredly sat across from her younger sister.

"Sirius did not want to bother since we were not living here and nobody outside Great Britain reads her drivel." She pursed her lips in irritation before saying, "I do not think Harry's temper will last the year with her covering the tournament."

"Do we have anything on her? She was in your roommate in school," Andromeda said musing as she sipped her tea.

Narcissa smiled at her sister rather deviously, "She's an unregistered Animagus."

"Really?" Andromeda said, "I am surprised that cow could manage the transformation."

"So was I when I found out," Narcissa gave a dignified snort. "I think I will take a trip to the Daily Prophet."

"Should I tag along?" Andromeda asked but yawned as she did.

"No you go sleep; I will just be fine with her." Narcissa got up to change into some of her finer robes.

With a crack Narcissa Krum appeared outside the building housing the Daily Prophet. She looked around the alley with a bit of nostalgia; she had not been to Diagon Alley since the day she got rid of Lucius Malfoy. She made a mental note to stop at Florean Fortescue's when she was done.

She strode imperiously through the front doors, she may not be a Malfoy anymore but she was a Black and a Krum. She glided into the reception area as if she owned the paper, it wasn't far from the truth - the Black family did own shares in it.

"Rita Skeeter's office," She commanded from the startled witch at the desk.

"Um," She stuttered at Narcissa's look. "Second floor." The nervous witch squeaked out. Narcissa took the lift up to the second floor and strode through the desks and over to the offices. She came to a door with 'Rita Skeeter' printed across it, and pushed it open with more force than necessary.

"Excuse me!" Came the shrieking cry from the blond witch inside as a picture fell from the wall.

"Sit down." Narcissa spoke forcefully.

"Narcissa Malfoy as I live and breathe," Rita Skeeter said in a gleeful tone as her quick-notes-quill started writing.

Narcissa's glare could have melted ice, "Accio." The quick-notes-quill zoomed into Narcissa's hand and she snapped it in half. "Sit down! And if you want to survive this encounter you will never call me by that name again. I am Lady Narcissa Black-Krum and could very easily destroy you and your precious career." Rita paled as Narcissa's magic surged around her. The blond sat at her desk without further argument.

"You are aware that we ignored your pathetic smear campaign on Sirius, the Head of the Black family but now you have pulled my nephew into your web of deceit - again." Rita looked ready to interrupt but Narcissa silenced her with a quick flick of her wand. "You seem to have forgotten who you are dealing with." Narcissa flicked her wand again and the door to the office shut. "I seem to remember catching you transforming into a beetle while at school, did you forget?" Rita paled even further. "Unless you want to spend the next several years in Azkaban followed by years of unemployment you will desist in writing any further articles about my family and that includes their significant others. Understood?" Narcissa asked looming over Rita; the regal blond seemed to grow in height as she spoke. "I am waiting." Rita nodded stupidly. "Excellent," Narcissa said cheerfully. She strode out of the office leaving the younger reporters staring into Rita's office. As Narcissa entered the lift all of the remaining quick-notes-quills in Rita's office burst into flame.

"Well that was fun," Narcissa said as the doors closed.

A/N

So Hogwarts is finally making appearance, I hope you all enjoyed.

AM