Chapter 25 – Further Introductions
***Author's note. I have tried many times and many ways to rearrange the letters of my name and/or my nom-de-plume like T M Riddle did in the Chamber of Secrets. Alas, they never do work out to JK Rowling so I must restate the fact that I am still not her and do not own the characters or the rights to Harry Potter. Additional characters and plots are devices of my own imagination and are not intended to insult or infringe the legacy she has created. From this chapter forward all dialogue or settings taken directly from Goblet of Fire will be underlined.***
Xxxx xxxx
October 1st, a Wednesday, started with a very thick fog that blanketed the castle and the surrounding areas. It wasn't bad enough however to stop the usual crowd of Hogwarts students from doing their morning run around or to Black Lake.
Harry, his wives and a few others ran a different path this morning; a path that ran by the spot where the Durmstrang ship had dropped anchor. Although the fog was slowly burning off the land the nine students could see that most if not all of the young wizards from Durmstrang were already up and exercising. Calisthenics, bouts with quarterstaffs and a temporary archery range had all of the visitors busy with one activity or the other. Just as the last of the runners (Luna this morning) was passing out of the limited sight of the students a shrill whistle split the air. The group running slowed down and jogged in place and watched as the wizards switched places and began with new activities.
"A little bit regimented that lot" Neville said as he caught up with Harry.
"Hey at least it looks like that they have a conditioning program."
"Yes but is it for just the ones who came to in the ship or for everybody at the school?" Hermione called out from a few paces back.
"I don't know" Harry said as he turned and began running backwards for a few steps. "We can always ask them during the day or at the mixer tonight."
"I wonder…" Fred started.
"…what the fair maidens from Beauxbatons do for exercise?" George finished.
"Or if they need help or some personal training?" the twins said together. Angelina and Alicia altered their paths just enough to squeeze the two Weasley's together so they could both reach out and slap them.
"Hey - that was a common enough question. You didn't have to take it personally" George said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"It's bad enough those witches are going to be in classes with us - you don't need to go volunteering to help them" Angelica said.
"I detect a faint odor of jealousy in the air brother."
"So disturbing from such pretty girls. I am quite appalled."
The twins were suddenly more appalled when the two chasers stopped abruptly, turned and started walking back toward the school. "Maybe we'll stop and see if the gentlemen from Durmstrang have better manners." That statement had the Weasley twins immediately turning their jogging back the other way toward their girlfriends. Harry and the others heard them calling out apologies as they ran after them.
'They are so in trouble' Harry thought to his mates.
'It's going to cost them both the next Hogsmeade weekend' Ginny replied mentally.
The rest of the run passed in relative silence even if the three Potters, Neville and Luna were privately thinking about what impact the visiting witches and wizards might have on their lives and what the Tournament might turn out to be. On their return run from the end of Black Lake Harry and his friends came across a number of girls dressed in the long blue cloaks of Beauxbatons walking. Neville and Luna continued on up to the school while Harry, Hermione and Ginny slowed down to walking to greet the ladies. Well, they slowed down specifically to talk to Fleur who was walking beside slightly shorter ebony-haired young lady.
"Bonjour Fleur, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?"
Fleur smiled. "It's okay Hermione you don't have to result to Francais this morning, I had the translating spell recast last night."
Harry let out a relieved sigh. "That's good. I wasn't sure I would be able to find the time today to ask Professor Flitwick or any of your professors today and I would hate to embarrass myself trying to think in French to talk to you or any of your friends from school." (Harry let Hermione and Ginny know he wasn't going to say that they all could speak French from their bond with Hermione.)
"Well you don't have to worry about that too much Harry. I actually don't have many true friends in school anyway. However, saying that, I would like to introduce you and your wives to my best and closest friend. May I present Marie Lafitte. Marie, this is Harry, Ginny and Hermione Potter."
"It is a pleasure to meet the world-renowned Harry Potter." Fleur slapped her friend on the arm before Harry could find offense or try to defend himself.
"No Marie, he is not like that. Harry actually doesn't like his fame as he had nothing to do with it."
"My apologies Mr. Potter. Fleur has mentioned you and your wives' names many times since returning from her summer vacation. It is a rare thing indeed for a person such as Fleur to meet a wizard, let alone three people, who are immune to her condition and position."
The three Potters had fallen in beside the two French witches as they continued their walk. Luckily they were on a path that looped around a side of the school but led back to Hagrid's hut and the nearby Beauxbatons carriage. Ginny looked confused for a second. "I don't mean to pry.."
"Yes you do" Harry said with a smile. "But she may answer anyway."
Ginny glared at her husband for a second before returning to her question to Marie. "If it is not too personal a question or a secret, could I ask you to please explain that last statement?"
Marie and Fleur looked around to see if anyone else were in hearing distance. It was Fleur that replied but she was looking at the ground ahead of her instead of at Ginny. "As you know my father is the French Minister of Magic. There have been many instances of strangers and newcomers trying to become friends or more with me with ulterior motives in trying to gain favor or influence with the Minister or the French Ministry."
"That has happened on an increasing basis since her father was elected to that post five years ago" Marie stated. "It has caused a few problems."
"That's too bad that you don't feel like you can trust anyone that wants to befriend you."
"It is worse than that Hermione. About the same time my heritage powers manifested as I came of age and most if not all young men that I meet seemed to be affected in a bad way."
Seeing the quiet glances the three Potters were exchanging with her Fleur continued. "If you have suspicions they are correct. I am a Veela."
"A quarter Veela" Marie clarified.
Fleur waved her hand in the air a little distractively. "Quarter or not, I still have the allure that I must control at all times even if it be an involuntary side effect of my being."
Hermione offered up a sympathetic look while Harry tried to explain their knowledge. "We know some of that. It drives all men, except those truly in love, into a frenzy of desire or lust. We were told of the effect after we saw the Veela cheerleaders performing for the Bulgarian team at the World Quidditch cup."
Fleur became quite upset at Harry's statement. "Those Veela were paid or ordered to prostitute their abilities that day. Most would not voluntarily do that at all or especially in front of a crowd; it is extremely dangerous for them and others."
"You're telling me that some of those women we saw were coerced into that appearance?" Hermione instantly went from concerned to outraged at that possibility.
"It is worse than that Hermione; some were there as property. Veela have no rights at all in some countries and they are traded as cattle or some other valuable possession." Marie said this over Fleur's shoulder as she had hugged the blond who seemed to be on the edge of losing control of herself. Hermione and Ginny moved to wrap their arms around the couple in a show of support. Harry was standing a foot or two away a little confused about what he should be doing.
"It is okay" Fleur said as she extracted herself from the three girls. "Thank you for the support Ginny, Hermione. Marie and I have known each other since we were six and she grew up knowing all about me and what I am."
"Who you are" Harry corrected. "You are not a what."
Marie clapped her hands and smiled. "And that is exactly why Fleur is so happy to have met you three last summer. I see that Hermione and Ginny do not judge her as a rival or a possible sex plaything for their husband. Fleur has said that Harry treats her like a real person and has no reaction to the allure which she can't control all of the time. I know she appreciates that."
"Well, I do have these two keeping me in line" Harry joked. Hermione rolled her eyes but Ginny was nodding her agreement. Fleur smiled as she spoke. "None of you look at me with expectations or lust because of my family or the fact that that I am less than totally human. Marie is my constant companion, my shield and my buffer from other women and men."
"Even from her own classmates who are suspicious that she somehow used her influence or her powers to be chosen as one the candidates."
"That's so unfair" Hermione said.
Frowning Harry offered an invitation. "You are both welcome to spend time with us if your own schoolmates are not supporting you."
"Thank you Harry, Hermione, Ginny. We should get back to our carriage for morning instructions from Madam Maxine. And you three really need to return to your dorms."
"There's still a lot of time before breakfast starts."
"Yes but Harry… How do I say this? You are a little… pungent."
Marie, Ginny and Hermione started laughing as Harry's face turned red. "Hey Hermione and Ginny were the ones to hug you and their just as 'odiferous' as me. Why am I getting singled out?"
"Well, they are girls of course, so they are allowed to have a little honest dampness after exercising."
"Arrggh! Good day then Mademoiselles Delacour and Lafitte. I will be properly less pungent when I see you later at breakfast." Harry took off walking fast although he was heard muttering about being outnumbered and unfair females on his way up the hill to the school.
"I will apologize later to him" Fleur said with a frown.
"You may not have to. Harry doesn't mind a little kidding amongst his friends" Ginny said.
"Then I will thank him later for considering Marie and I friends to you all."
"He will like that a lot" Hermione said as they waved goodbye to the two French girls and tried catching up to their husband so they could scrub away his 'pungentness' in their shower.
Xxxx xxx
Although there was a meeting with the other foreign headmasters before breakfast this morning, Dumbledore was currently reading a note from Professor Flitwick concerning a new Ravenclaw. The student named was a certain Miss Gracie Christchurch who was physically and academically head and shoulders above the newest class of students. It was Professor Flitwick's opinion that Miss Christchurch be given the opportunity to test forward into the second year classes before the Christmas holidays. Filius requested a full staff meeting to discuss that possibility with the other teachers and wanted to know when it might be convenient. Dumbledore's free time had been certainly at a premium in the light of the confusion that was currently occurring in the reorganizing of the 'Pentabulous Magical Competition of Champions'.
Dumbledore flinched at thinking about that horrible designation but made a note to talk to Minerva about Miss Christchurch's proficiency in Transfiguration before he set up the staff meeting. There was a knock on his door and as it Dumbledore rose to greet Director Madrigal and Headmaster Bishara who were exactly three minutes early.
Xxxx xxxx
Dumbledore rose from his chair as breakfast was nearly over. "Good morning to all. I trust that all enjoyed a fine night's rest in the various quarters you have. As you can see the visiting headmasters are now passing out the class schedules for our guest students. I hope all the Hogwarts students will all take time to guide our guests to the appropriate classroom if they appear lost and not hesitate to try and make friends with the witches and wizards that will be spending the rest of the school year here."
"In my haste to get out introductions last night, I neglected two very important members of the Ministry of Magic who were instrumental in making most of the arrangements for the competition. Mr. Bartemius Crouch, the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
The two men rose to the scattered applause of the students but Harry noticed that Fred and George also stood and went forward to the end of the Gryffindor table. Bagman eyes widened as he saw then and he sat down suddenly and began scanning the Great Hall for possible exits. Harry surmised that a confrontation about an unpaid wager was about to occur and hoped the twins luck in catching up with the official. Dumbledore looked at the twins momentarily before continuing. "As well as representing the Ministry, Mr. Bagman and Crouch helped design the challenges that the champions will be facing as well as sitting on the judging panel with all the headmasters."
"Weather permitting, and I have every reassurance from Professor Trelawney that it will, a Hogsmeade weekend will be granted to Gryffindor House as well as those students from Durmstrang that wish to participate. Regular hours and rules still apply so if there are any questions, ask your prefects or House Sponsor."
"Lastly there is a matter of some personal interest of mine. The 'Pentabulous Magical Competition of Champions' was a hopeful designation that a past Minister hoped to name this competition. The current Minister of Magic, most of the other Headmasters and I find this to be less than an inspiring and descriptive name. I am offering up a twenty galleon prize and some other incentives to any student, from any school, to submit a truly descriptive and deserving name for the endeavors that the school champions will undertake. There will be a suggestion box posted next to the main bulletin board for the next three weeks for submitting your ideas. That is all. Have a nice and productive day everyone."
Harry and his friends were laughing at the obvious distaste that Dumbledore had for anything connected with ex-Minister Fudge. "So who's up for getting an easy 20 galleons?" Harry asked.
A voice rose from down the table. "I think it should be the "The Five Freakin' Best'." Most of the Gryffindors looked at the boy with horror.
"Seamus no!"
"How about the 'Quintessential Magical Tournament?" Pavarti asked as she gathered up her bookbag.
"That's possible I suppose" Ginny said as she also rose. "You should submit that."
Harry had picked up Ginny's and Hermione's bookbags as well as his own. He looked up to the front of the room and saw that Bagman had tried to make it to the side door of the hall but he and Crouch were surrounded by Rita Skeeter and a few other members of the press from the other countries. George and Fred however were either delayed or intercepted in their mission as they were currently deep in discussion with Percy who had apparently been seated in a chair behind Crouch and the rest of the teachers' table all during breakfast. Harry shook his head and wondered if the twins were ever going to get a return on their wager. He had long forgiven the money he had loaned the twins before the Quidditch World Cup but hoped they wouldn't result in any sort of prank to get even or to trap the Ministry official.
The three Potters were at the end of the group of fourth year Gryffindors who were heading off to class. There was one student waiting a little anxiously with Professor McGonagall just outside the hall. "Ah there you all are. Director Madrigal asked me to escort her 4th year student as she has Transfiguration first off this morning. I'll let you introduce yourselves on the way but first let me do the honor of presenting Prudencia Dorantes."
McGonagall turned and walked away toward her classroom and the students quickly followed in a group behind her. By the time they had reached the Transfiguration classroom Prudencia had been told everyone's names by Lavender and she had insisted everyone to please call her 'Tia' instead of her 'atrocious first name' which she didn't like. Tia was accompanying her older brother 'Benito' (Benny) who was a seventh year and hoped to be the Champion representing the Barcelona school.
The first class of the day was also augmented this morning by five Durmstrang 4th years had followed the Slytherins to the classroom. Professor McGonagall asked the five to introduce themselves and the Gryffindors learned their new classmates: Pietr Molotov, Arndt Bernhardt, Willem Jostaad, and two cousins – Cepek and Karlik Tanchovski. Hermione privately thought the Tanchovski pair may have repeated a few years of school as they sounded and looked much older (and tougher) than their classmates. Even Gregory Goyle seemed a little small next to those two Durmstrang visitors.
Professor McGonagall asked a few questions of the new students to gauge whether they were ahead or behind the level of the fourth year Hogwarts students and she was pleased with their level of knowledge. Mr. Bernhardt had a very soft voice (Ginny overheard Pavarti whispering to Lavender that it was very sexy) but Karlik stood at attention when he was called on and barked out his reply like a soldier in front of his commanding officer. McGonagall's instruction to 'Relax' caused the dark haired wizard to yell out "Yes Madam" and almost fall back into his chair with a reddening face. Harry and a few others applauded his actions and they saw a faint smile appear on his face before McGonagall cleared her throat calling for order. The lesson for the day proceeded on smoothly after that.
At the end of class Harry stood and gave a small hug to Hermione and told her that he was going to accompany Ginny to her weekly session with Madam Pomfrey. Hermione looked at him strangely for a second and then figured out his motive.
'Ginny, Harry wants to walk you to the Infirmary. He knows you can protect yourself but he's a little nervous with all these new people wandering around the halls.'
'And what about his other devoted and lovely wife? Is he abandoning you to walk all the way up to the Hearth all alone?'
Harry lowered his head in a hopeless gesture as he walked out of the classroom. 'I was thinking that the lovely Hermione could head back up to the tower with Neville and the others or head out for the library if someone is going that way.'
There was a couple of seconds of silence and then Hermione answered. 'Okay. I'll admit the look of some of the Durmstrang wizard's faces are…unsettling. Are you going to wait for her and meet up for lunch Harry?'
'If neither one of you mind; I can settle down and read the History assignment somewhere close to the Infirmary doors.'
'Okay, maybe I can interest Tia in seeing the Hogwarts library now.'
Harry nodded and gave Hermione a sideways hug before he offered up his elbow for Ginny to take. They left in one direction, the Gryffindors in another and the Slytherins back toward the dungeons. Nobody noticed that one of the Durmstrang wizards that they just had class with silently following another lone figure walking away.
Xxxx xxx
A few students had stayed in the Great Hall after supper to work on their homework or to watch the setup for the social mixer that was supposed to happen starting at 7 o'clock.
Three of the four house tables vanished at one point to be replaced by a number of smaller round tables that seven or eight could sit comfortable at. The teacher's table floated down from the front of the hall and joined the last house table against the far wall. Banners appeared at a number of different spaces designating different years where the students might congregate together. It was at this point that Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall arrived to settle into a few easy chairs and talk.
Students began wandering into the hall and either meet and talk in the open space in the middle or settled into the appropriate class areas. The first of the visiting schools to arrive was led into the Great Hall by Director Madrigal. While the students quickly dispersed to the fourth through seventh year areas that were already occupied by Hogwarts students, the Director came directly up to where the headmaster sat.
"Good evening Albus, Minerva."
"Hello Kemina. How has your afternoon been?"
"A little than this morning. There were all those students lined up waiting for translation spells first thing up this morning. I thought that the rush wouldn't happen until after breakfast but I guess I was much mistaken. There was a minor disagreement with Kommandant Karkaroff about the order in entering the hall for breakfast. I didn't understand that there were rules for that sort of behavior."
"There aren't Kemina. I shall have a small talk with Igor this evening about common courtesies. He may not show up though as he hasn't been a fan of public functions for a long time."
"And yet he led all of his students right up to the Main Hall a couple of days ago."
Madame Maxine came in at that point with the remaining ladies from Beauxbatons. She waved to the people at the front of the hall and answered a few questions from her girls as they dispersed. She conjured up a comfortable chair to sit in before greeting the other Headmasters and Professor McGonagall. Professors Flitwick, Narcissa Black and Runnels came in through the side door and took up a couple of spare chairs that were still left over from the teacher's dais.
A couple of tables appeared amongst the all professors and headmasters at the same time that food and drinks appeared on the tables that occupied the one side of the Great Hall. There was a casual glance from all the students toward the tables but only a few rushed over to fill a plate or grab a cup of refreshments.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Getting back to Kommandant Karkaroff Kemina, one should not confuse personal feelings with duties and responsibilities. I'm sure Igor is very confident that the wizards under his leadership have been sufficiently trained to make a good showing in the … competition if not to win it outright."
"He seems to lack no confidence in the young men he brought with him. I wondered why he brought so many other wizards under the submission age of 17 with him until Fasir explained it to me."
McGonagall had her own ideas on that subject and wondered if she had the same conclusions as the others. "And what did your cousin say by way of explanation?"
"I just told her it was a seasoning exercise, a type of field trip if you will, for all." Fasir Bishara had quietly approached the group in the middle of their discussion and conjured up a chair for himself. "Exposure to the outside world, especially Hogwarts for the most part. Some of his students may desire to enter other competitions in the future and this gives them as best of views as they will ever get. The majority of his students need to be prepared for life after graduation and to integrate themselves with the magicals belonging to other cultures. And I am sure that the creation of friendships is somewhere along the list of goals that the Kommandant wishes to attain."
"That has been our intent also" Madame Maxine said. "Despite the sometimes antagonism that occurs between our two governments there are a lot of magical people on both sides of the Channel that have had their families and history originate on the other side. The competition is one matter but I hope the friendships and relationships that may develop here may overcome some of our differences."
"Your students seem to have no problems in meeting and making friends" Dumbledore commented as he watched the students from Barcelona and Beauxbatons talking freely with whatever group of people that they had come up to.
"One of our philosophies in instruction at Barcelona is that learning is not just a singular activity and competition doesn't necessarily go along with jealousies and bad feelings between students."
"A worthwhile goal Fasir. It looks like you have managed to accomplish that. There have been years of antagonism between some of our Houses but we have made a lot of progress in eliminating that rift in the last three years especially."
"And what do you attribute your progress to, if I may ask Albus?"
"I think it may be combination of factors Olympe: the passage of time, common enemies. Maybe the circumstances are due to certain individuals that have become part of the student body and the staff. I have a lot of hopes for the immediate future."
The instructors lapsed into a comfortable silence as they watched more Hogwarts students come in and make their way towards differing groups of students from four schools. The contingent from Durmstrang had still not appeared and there were a few nervous glances around the hall that had noticed their absence. A few minute later, but still before seven, everyone saw a small bottleneck develop at the Great Doors. Dumbledore rose from his chair to see what the problem could be. "Ah, our hosts have finally arrived. Lord and Lady Gryffindor. And I see that they brought some guests with them."
The other headmasters and McGonagall stood and watched the figures that were standing in the doorway and chatting to everyone around them. Minerva saw that Robb had dressed up a little bit in donning a semi-formal robe he wore open over a dress shirt and slacks. He had even exchanged the heavy boots he usually wore for dress shoes that reflected some of the light from the magical ceiling and walls.
The Transfiguration teacher was relieved that Turah had dropped her usually outrageous dress choices in favor of a sensible dress that covered up both her knees and the cleavage she was wont to bedazzle certain males with. Minerva wondered if it was Hermione or Harry that had insisted that Ginny make a subdued impression and hoped that there wouldn't be any of the confrontational occurrences that had sometimes resulted from Lord Gryffindor's visits. Hermione Potter had followed the Loxley's into the hall but had turned off and headed for area where the seventh years were congregating. She spent a few minutes talking to a pair of the Beauxbatons witches before waving to some of her other friends in the hall and heading for the area where the fourth years were sitting and talking.
Robb and Turah walked hand in hand up the center of the hall to come before the area where the Headmasters and Hogwarts teachers were gathered. He did a deep bow and his wife accomplished very graceful curtsey. "Good evening Honored Ladies and Gentlemen. I hope we are not too late."
Dumbledore shook his head and smiled. "I'm not sure that you and your lovely wife could be late as you are the hosts for the evening's activities."
The grey-haired lady looked around at the growing numbers of students. "I hope there will be a little bit more than eating, sitting and conversing during this gathering Headmaster. I'm sure we can provide some music, can't we Robb?"
"Yes dear."
A small swat to his arm was the answer to his droll answer as a few of the older witches and wizards caught some of the friendly kidding between the titled couple. Dumbledore came forward to kiss Lady Gryffindor's hand. "You'll have to excuse my manners Lord and Lady Gryffindor. I know you have met all of all the Hogwarts staff on previous visits but I am very happy to introduce you to the leaders of the visiting schools that are participating in the Tournament. Robb and Turah Loxley I am pleased to introduce Madame Maxine from Beauxbatons."
Robb bowed and kissed the back of the tall ladies hand. "Enchante' Madame. I hope you and your students don't find our old and drafty castle too cold during our rough weather."
"We have brought charmed travelling cloaks against the possibilities."
"Director Kemina Madrigal from…"
"…Collegio Magico de Barcelona" Turah said. "We've heard a few stories in passing. Congratulations on being invited Director."
"Oh, you may call me Kemina if I'm allowed to address you by your proper names."
"Robb and I are pretty informal most of the time. He's pretty intimidating enough without adding in his titles to the situation."
Said husband rolled his while head instead of just his eyes. "You're trying to embarrass me again Turah."
"Isn't that the way of all females that are worth knowing Lord Robb?" The comment from the bald-headed man got almost all the males chuckling while the women present stared at their mates. "I'm Fasir Bishara from the Egyptian National Academy of Magic."
"Of course you are. You can just call me Robb if the Ministry officials aren't around."
"I see you have had some less than thrilling encounters with…. politicians?"
"Phhhht! You could say that although there are a few bright people in our government other than Minister Marshall that I hope you have the pleasure of meeting."
"Would you consider sitting here with me for a while this evening? I believe we can swap a few stories to keep ourselves entertained."
"I would enjoy that but I should circulate a bit first. Have to play the gracious host you know."
Turah who had settle in between Minerva and Kemina looked over at that point and gave a snort. "Didn't you have one thing you wanted to do before then my dear husband?"
Robb flinched. "Sorry I forgot. Excuse me." Robb stood up and went forward a few steps waving as he went. Two young ladies dressed in regular clothing (as had most of the Hogwarts students) came forward to stand by Robb's side as he turned back to the gathered officials. "I have very few opportunities to introduce these two ladies who are actually wards of myself and Turah. They are in their fourth and second years here at Hogwarts so you may come across them in the course of the days ahead. Ladies Daphne Greengrass and Astoria Greengrass."
The two girls did their curtseys to the visiting administrators but one did not look very comfortable. The younger one was in fact very red in the face but no one could tell if it was from a sense of mortification or anger. She finally looked up to the tall man next to her and asked a question.
"I'm finished with the formalities right?"
"Yes Astoria, you may go and find some friends but remember you do have homework and a curfew tonight."
The blond rolled her eyes as if indicating long time sufferings but she bowed her head respectfully and scampered off.
"My apologies everyone; she begged to come and attend for just a little while and I couldn't allow it without giving her a small bit of picking."
The older girl smiled and made a small bow to everyone before her. "I'll keep an eye on her Lord Loxley. Can I ask for a dance if your card isn't already filled up Robb?"
The wizard made a big show of rolling up his shirtsleeves and waving his hands. "As you can see, I have nothing up my sleeves. Of course Daphne – but nothing too fast. I am getting along in years."
Daphne laughed and turned away to go back to the rest of the students. Robb patted her shoulder encouragingly and as she walked away everyone saw a 3 by 5 inch card attached to her back that read 'My Name is Spock'.
"Robb!"
"Okay, I guess I had one card after all. I thought it was just a nice conversation starter. Oh well, if you insist Turah." The wizard watched the retreating girl and snapped his fingers, disappearing the card. Turah turned toward the person next to her. "You see what I have to put up with?"
Kemina laughed. "It seems nothing boring happens around your husband."
"You have no idea!"
Robb was heading back toward his previous seat when the Great Doors opened again. The wizards from Durmstrang had finally arrived. Karkaroff led the way in using a quarterstaff to punctuate his steps along the way. He came to the middle of the hall and then turned smartly to see the three columns of dark cloaked young men who had followed him in and stopped. He looked at them for a few seconds and then just nodded. The wizards relaxed their stances and then looked for what direction they were to head to.
"AT EASE MEN! Smoke 'em if you got 'em!"
Karkaroff's mouth dropped open in shock but a titter of laughter echoed around the hall as everyone looked to who was in the entranceway now. Hermione groaned from the side of the hall but Robb and Turah were trying to keep their laughter contained. Sirius had apparently found one of Gilderoy Lockhart's old trunks that had been left in the DADA office. He was wearing the most outrageous aqua colored uniform that had a chest full of colorful medals, a matching hat with three huge ostrich feathers in the crown and a sash made out of crimson velvet with the words 'Best Winning Personality' in shiny gold lettering.
Professor McGonagall rose to her feet in a blend of outrage and resignation. "Sirius Black!"
"Yes present. Thank you for the introduction Deputy Headmistress. I heard Robb was throwing a party." Sirius made a wave with his wand and a trolley cart appeared with both a wireless radio and a big cooler filled with ice and some suspicious looking bottles.
Robb laughed. "Bring it up here Sirius. Somebody has to guard the potent potables and keep them away from the Weasley twins."
Sirius nodded, waved to everyone and began pushing the cart forward. As he came to the center of the hall, he shook the Kommandant's hand very enthusiastically and reintroduced himself again. Karkaroff was still in shock and remained that way for a number of minutes as Turah and Robb set up the radio and turned it on.
There were half dozen couples already dancing before the Durmstrang leader regained his faculties to find out that he was moving around the floor with the very, very chatty Turah Loxley. Igor turned to look at the front of the room and found that most of the people there were engaged in listening to a tale being told between Professor Runnels and Headmaster Bishara. Karkaroff had enough presence of mind to wonder if he would be just as confused for the remainder of the school year.
Xxxx xxxx
Laying down to sleep, Bellatrix wondered if her body's increasing demands would restrict her activities even more. The swelling belly she had developed seemed to need a lot more rest and a lot more food than what she was accustomed to. The potions that were being given her by the eastern potion masters seemed to be having a less than desirable effect on her intensity and concentration also. She had complained about this but had been told it was a consequence of her accelerated pregnancy. She was also very frustrated that the two couldn't give her a definite delivery date for the child, girl, she was carrying. It made for a very tiring existence.
Bellatrix dropped off to sleep very easily these days and tried remembering if she had set the locks and wards as she dropped under. It was a futile effort and she was asleep before she could think about it.
An uncertain time later, she became aware of another presence in the room but before she could really wake up a hand began stroking her hair and brow.
"Relax Bella. You have many days and trials before our daughter is to come into the world. You will have to make a choice then on how she will survive and grow. Relax and make sure you insure her safety and well-being."
The hand continued stroking the head of Bella and lured her back into a deeper level of sleep. It was an hour or two later when the memory of what had happened forced Bellatrix awake. She checked the doors, windows and wards but it seemed that nothing or nobody had disturbed her precautions. And yet the memory remained – the reassuring voice and the touch of someone that seemed very familiar.
Bellatrix stayed awake the rest of the night wondering if she had been dreaming, the potions were having other side effects or that something very unusual was happening to her.