"A most impressive duel," Amanda appraised as the two sat in front of her desk. "I did not expect you to perform as well as you did."

"You expected me to be humiliated?"

"On the contrary," the professor smiled. "I knew you were talented the moment you stepped into my classroom. You have the mark of a killer. Don't look so surprised, we're different from them. Those of us that fought in wars, when we enter a room, we look at the exits while others worry about which friends they will sit with. You have such a cheerful mask, but it does have flaws."

"Is that so, Amanda? Tell me, do you shiver when I walk close to you? Do you feel a surge of adrenaline when I trace my finger up your jaw? Do you feel a voice telling you to fight or run, when I talk to you?" he cooed. The professor shuddered.

"That and more," she chuckled, "you've made me quite the bit richer. Betting odds against you were a thousand to one, offered by Ivarin. I was the only one to take him up on his offer."

"And how much did you bet?"

"A thousand galleons," she chuckled at his incredulous look. "You will find, mister White, that my finances are quite in order."

"I meant no offense, professor, merely impressed by how well you have done for yourself. I would not imagine Durmstrang offering such high compensation."

"Oh, they offer among the highest in the world," Amanda chuckled. "However, a thousand galleons to dabble in such things would not be a trifle, though considering I have plain tastes, I must confess to building quite a savings. But we're not here to talk about my finances, no matter how wealthy I have become thanks to your performance. I must admit my curiosity, to where you learnt to fight?"

"At my old school," Harry answered easily, before raising a questioning eyebrow at her scowl.

"I asked where you learnt to fight, not where you learnt to duel. We both know that what you displayed was no duel."

"Chechnya and Afghanistan," Harry answered, causing her eyes to light up in recognition. "You?"

"Briefly in the Balkans and in Britain," she answered. He nodded in understanding. "I recently had a delightful conversation with my mentor, she was most interested in you. I believe you would do well to meet her."

She opened her desk, pulling out a black leatherbound journal and handing it to him. "I suggest you open it in private."

"Who is your mentor?"

"A very talented woman named Emily, but I suppose I should leave the introductions between you two. Now off you go, I've heard from the infirmary that miss Ivarin has been discharged, fully healed. She'll probably be looking for you." Harry resisted from gaping, merely raising a delicate eyebrow, drawing a melodious laugh from Amanda. "You have your secrets, I have mine. Far be it from me to intrude."

"Thank you Amanda, though if you want a night with me, all you have to ask," he chuckled at her faux outraged expression, dodging the stinging hex she sent at him as he left the room and headed back to his dorm.

-Break-

There was a soft knock on his door, and he stood up from his desk, walking over and opening it to see a stone faced Ivarin wearing a silk robe that left little to the imagination. He stepped aside, allowing her to enter his room, upon which she looked like she was resisting the urge to sneer.

"Have a seat," he offered her, passing her a cup of hot cocoa as he led her to the window he had created, and gently pushed her down into one of the two sofa seats. Sitting across from her himself, he mused, "The night is beautiful, isn't it?"

"Just get it over with," she pleaded resignedly. "You don't have to pretend to be nice, we both know what you're after."

"Do you?"

"You want to fuck me. Everyone does," she sighed. "I suppose you're not unattractive."

"You could always refuse," Harry mused.

"And lose my honour? No, just...just don't make this any harder," she took off her robes, revealing her shaved crotch and two perky breasts.

"While I'm sure it would be enjoyable, I have no desire to copulate with you this night," Harry shook his head, causing her to look up at him sharply. "You should put your robes on, before you catch a cold."

Confusedly, she did so, flinching as he stood up, walked over and grabbed a blanket, handing it to her. "You must be cold, it's clean, I assure you."

"Thank you," she ducked her head shakily, accepting the piece of cloth and wrapping it around herself. "Why...why are you doing this? You could have your way with me…are you...why…"

"And what purpose would that serve?" Harry questioned wryly. "I assure you, that I think foremost with my mind, not my libido. I've done horrible things, but never rape. Even I have limits to my cruelty."

"Then why make the demand?" she queried tentatively, as thought frightened he would change his mind.

"You need not fear offending me. Intelligent curiosity is to be rewarded," he assured, taking a sip of his tonic water, before blowing on it, causing a tiny cloud of silvery steam to billow out of the cup and outside the window, floating adrift into the sky. "Do you remember what I told you?"

"That you would crush that hope, piece by piece, with me watching helplessly," she choked out. He nodded thoughtfully.

"And is that not true of what we have now? I find...we humans are peculiar creatures. We fear the unknown, far more than we fear the known. Instead of real problems such as poverty, starvation, war, we instead spend our days imagining the improbable, such as an asteroid striking our planet, or the sun exploding. Curious, is it not?" She remained silent, though he did not blame her in the slightest.

"How did your father take it?"

"What do you care?" she snorted, before her eyes widened, and she had what was undoubtedly an apology on her lips. Harry simply raised a hand.

"I care for my own reasons. I just thought that you might like to have someone to talk to."

"He...threatened to disown me...he still might," she slumped down. "I...can't blame him, I've shamed my family name...losing to a fourth year...I'm so pathetic, aren't I?"

"You are," he shrugged unsympathetically, causing her to flinch. "But you don't have to be."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ira demanded with some fire to her voice.

"When I see you, I don't see Ira Ivarin. I see a doppelganger of Isard Ivarin. Tell me, have you ever fought for yourself, not your family?" At her downtrodden look, he sighed. "I thought not."

"I don't have a choice," she ground out. "He's my father. He owns me. That I'm not being sold as a broodmare yet is already an act of mercy."

"Do you not?" Harry challenged. "Why not walk away? You're a smart girl, talented. You could make a living for yourself, living life the way you want."

"And be hunted by my family for the rest of my life? That's no life at all."

"And this is?"

Their conversation lapsed into silence for several minutes.

"Is that how you live your life?" she asked softly. He chuckled.

"Indeed it is."

"What about...you know...family?"

"I ask for your silence on this matter," he requested, observing her pulling out a wand preparing to make a vow, "Your word is enough, I trust you."

"Why?"

"Because I know people like you," Harry replied simply. "And because my gut says so."

He left it unsaid that her occlumency had been so damaged by her nervousness that with some challenge he had ransacked her mind.

"I promise," she agreed. "I owe you that much."

"Thank you," he said. "When I was little, my mother fell into a coma, and my father was unable to care for me. I was sent to my aunt and uncle, muggles, who treated me like a house elf, before selling me to some mobsters. Eventually, I was conscripted as a child soldier in Soviet Union after spending weeks in a gulag. I've found...I don't care much for the notion for family."

"That's...I'm so sorry," she whispered, and he could tell there was genuine sympathy. He inclined his head in acknowledgement of that.

"I've come to accept it. For so long I lived under the whims of others, used when needed and discarded when not. When I had my chance to start anew...I decided no more. You now have the same choice?"

"How?" she pleaded. "How did you escape?"

"I buried my past," he answered. "And you can too."

"I...I need to think on this," she admitted. He nodded understandingly.

"Of course. You are free to spend the night, I'm sure you would rather not confront others until the morning. I have other accommodations." She seemed surprised by the offer, but nodded gratefully. As he walked out towards the door, she called out to him.

"Harry…" he turned, "just...thank you...for...everything."

He merely smiled, nodding his head before leaving.

-Break-

"And now, we shall have the final comments from the schools. First, the Chinese Revolutionary Academy of Magics from China. Miss Lin, you have the floor."

"Thank you, madam chairwoman," Jade stood up, adored in a traditional silk robe. "My friends, I have said this again, but if you would just indulge me one final time, I firmly believe that our academy is the best suited to hosting the games. We have all the expected amenities, including comfortable quarters for all the expected dignitaries, large training grounds, world class duelling and athletic equipment and ample space for constructing additional facilities. As the largest and most modern of the eleven magical schools, we have the logistical capacity to back up these promises, in addition to our government's commitment to ensure the smooth execution of the events. Given we attract students all the way from central Asia to Oceania to Korea, the population welcoming our guests will be one of the most diverse found in any school. That is in addition to the wonderful opportunities for all students to experience the culture of magical China, one of the three original ancient magical civilisations. That, in addition to the blend of innovation and modern inspiration found in our culture, is unmatched by any other. I hope you will all consider what is best for your students, and support our academy's bid to host the games. Thank you."

There was polite applause from all those present. Dumbledore joined them, even if slightly reluctantly. The woman was excellent in her preparation, and with the full support of the Chinese ministry, undoubtedly sped along owing to being the daughter of the minister, the Chinese may very well win the vote.

"And now, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, represented by mister Sutwell."

"Thank you madam chairwoman. I firmly believe that Ilvermony is the perfect school to host the games. There has never been a game hosted in the Americas in the tournament's former four hundred and fifty eight years long history. As the premier school of the New World, I believe that it is fitting for us to receive the opportunity to welcome students from across the world. Our facilities boast one of the most well preserved scenic environments, recognised by the ICW commission on magical heritage as a category one site. I believe, firmly in line with the American spirit, that this is too good an opportunity to pass up sharing with our friends in Eurasia. Thank you."

Another round of polite applause broke out, and Dumbledore smiled. For all his attempts, Ilvermorny was clearly not going to win. He took in a deep breath and prepared himself. If only Cornelius had been willing to provide more support, perhaps this would have been easier. As is, he was one of the schools that requested funding from the ICW to host the games. He had managed to negotiate for the ministry to fund a portion of it, while managing to acquire promises of sponsorships from various businesses, though that was not enough to cover the monumental projected costs of the games. He had to hand it to the Chinese, for all their faults, their political will could make things happen in ways he couldn't dream of seeing in Britain.

"And now, representing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, mister Dumbledore."

"Thank you, madam chairwoman," Dumbledore inclined his head in respect, before turning to the assembled delegates. "Hogwarts was the first school of magic in the world, and remains a bastion of our heritage. While there is a place for modernity, I firmly believe that the first of a revitalised tradition should be an ode to history, and take place at Hogwarts much like the original tournament did. Britain remains a stronghold in magical culture, one I believe would be a wonderful and educating experience for the future of our magical society. If I may be a bit bold in my claims, Hogwarts' location will prove most ideal. We have mountains, a lake and a forest, a diversity which no other school can claim to boast in a single location. Furthermore, access to the seas makes for great convenience for schools transporting their students. I humbly request that all of you consider Hogwarts, given its strong legacy and reputation, for hosting the games. Thank you."

There was polite applause, but as he looked at the delegates around, he knew it would not be enough. The Chinese were just one short of reaching an outright majority, by his estimates, rallying support of Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and Russia behind them. He knew Hogwarts could count on Durmstrang, Mahoutokoro and Beauxbatons, while Ilvermony enjoyed support from Castelobruxo.

"Thank you all, there will be a five minute recess before final tallying," the chair of the international education board announced, banging her gavel. Dumbledore made his way over to ambassador Sutwell, inclining his head in greeting.

"Supreme Mugwump, what can I do for you?" the man asked politely.

"Let us be frank, Angus, Ilvermorny will not win this election. You only have the support of yourself and Castelobruxo. However, if you lend your support to Hogwarts, then I'm sure some concessions can be arranged for the next bid," Dumbledore mused. Sutwell frowned before nodding reluctantly.

"You will throw your support behind Ilvermorny for the second games?" he asked. Dumbledore nodded in confirmation, causing the man to sigh. "Very well, I shall withdraw Ilvernmony's bid."

Dumbledore watched as the man walked out of the wards, heading towards the chairwoman and speaking to her. There was a brief argument, before she banged her gavel.

"While most unusual, I have just been informed that Ilvermony has withdrew their bid. We will now proceed to voting."

"Madam chairwoman, I must protest, this is against the goodwill terms signed by all parties," Jade protested. "Let there be a by-election for a proper third place contender to be selected."

Several schools shouted their support for this, before the chairwoman banged her gavel. "Order! Order! While most...unusual, due to time constraints, there will be no by-election. Please cast your votes now."

Ambassador Lin glared at Dumbledore throughout the entire process, but eventually, the inevitable outcome arrived: with the support of Ilvermorny and Castelobruxo, Hogwarts narrowly triumphed in a six to five vote against the Chinese.

"Very well, now that the matter has been settled, we shall reconvene next month to begin the stage one planning of the event. I now declare the session over."

Dumbledore walked cheerfully through the ICW building, greeting several colleagues before he entered through the floo that would take him from the ICW headquarters in Geneva back to the headmaster's office at Hogwarts. As he emerged from the green flames, he bit back a sigh at the sight of his deputy waiting impatiently for him.

"Hello, Minerva, how can I help you today?"

"Well, what was the decision?" she asked crisply.

"We won," he smiled genially, causing her to nod, a grin worming its way to her normally stoic face. "It was far closer than even I expected, but we won."

-Break-

"So the runic channels are affected by the blood and step down in resonance?" Harry queried, causing Otaba to smile pleased.

"And this is why the ritual needs a pentagram," he concluded. Harry made a note of that, before flipping his book to the next ritual. Beside him, Alana was tutoring the other two on runes. Suddenly, he felt a presence walking towards their table in the library.

Four wands were immediately pointed at the new arrival, who raised her hands placatingly. "I...just want to talk."

"Just want to talk? Just last week you-"

"Katerina," Harry said with a firm voice, and reluctantly, she sat back down. "Everyone, wands down, please. I am perfectly capable of defending myself."

With great hesitance, the four lowered them, though no one missed the fact they were still held to their side, ready to be raised in an instant. With a smile, he pointed to an empty seat across from him. "Please, have a seat."

"Thank you," she whispered softly, delicately lowering herself before looking at him. "I...I've had a think about what you said...and...I...I want to do it. I've resigned from my guild and tied up loose ends. I want to join you. Teach me...please…"

"Of course," Harry assured with a smile, clasping both of her trembling hands within his own. "You need only ask."

-Break-

"Mister White, step forward and present your ritual to the class."

"Yes professor," Harry obeyed, walking to the front and setting out his seven ingredients in the circle, lecturing as he drew out the runes, "The ritual I am presenting today is the ritual of inner peace. It was used by the ancient Romans to cleanse their warriors of bloodlust after battle, famously in bathhouses in Bath, England. The ritual removes both extreme positive and negative inflections in a person's spirit, allowing them to more easily centre themselves. The ritual uses seven crystals, as the harmonic resonance is believed to be the most effective. The crystals generally used are ruby, topaz, emerald, sapphire, onyx, themyst and palatin. In cases where extreme positive emotion is to be removed, emerald may be replaced by opal."

"Good work, mister White, you may return to your seat," professor Faure gestured. A faint smile was the only indication that the normally harsh teacher had grown to tolerate him. Taking a seat, he looked over to Otaba, who shot him a thumbs up. Several other students were called up, though their selected rituals were often far more simple. The professor appeared distinctly unimpressed.

"Very well, seeing as everyone has presented already, I see no reason to torment myself by tolerating your presence any longer," the professor drawled. All the students quickly packed their things, walking out the door.

"That was...better than expected," Harry admitted. Otaba looked at him strangely.

"You do realise that you presented one of the most complicated to set up rituals most could hope to learn, right?" he questioned amusedly. Harry shrugged.

"I've actually seen some far more complicated," he admitted truthfully. "Secondary and tertiary circles haven't even been introduced yet."

"Easy for you to say, considering you're a runes prodigy," Otaba begrudged good naturedly. "Honestly, half the time Croft is teaching is just her gushing about your runes."

"Alana is...excitable," Harry conceded amusedly. "But you can't deny she's extremely talented."

"Which makes you what, exactly?"

"More experienced, Otaba, more experienced. What I have drilled into habit, much like in rituals for you, comes to Alana naturally. I have no doubt given time, she will far surpass my abilities, just as I could never hope to employ rituals with the same pedigree that you do."

-Break-

"Ognum! Ognum! Ognum!" the assembly master banged his gavel, signalling the beginning of the session. The right of the room was disorganised, fractured into several subgroups. Without Ira holding them together, they fractured into infighting, much like the left. On the one hand, it left the neutrals the single most cohesive force in the assembly. On the other hand, he wished she had consulted him first, such that he could have played this to his advantage. "I call this session to order! Does anyone have a motion to pass?"

"I move for the assembly master to recuse themselves. Without the support of a majority, the assembly master is master of nothing. Dura lex, sed lex," Harry offered sympathetically, though his eyes were hard as ice.

"Very well," the assembly master conceded, knowing he was defeated. "I call for nominations to the position of assembly master."

"The Willows nominate Harry White," one voice behind him shouted.

"Rustlings seconds the nomination of Harry White!" a second voice shouted. Several more individuals were nominated, before the assembly master banged his gavel.

"Ognum! Ognum! Ognum! We have reached the limit of twenty nominations. Each individual will make a speech in reverse order of nomination. Representative Gibbs, you have the floor.

There were several impressive speeches, even if most were merely adequate. When it finally came his turn, he stepped forward to the rambunctious applause of all the neutrals present.

"Thank you. While the most junior member of this body, do not misconstrue that with inexperience. For much time, the assembly has lost its way. Factionalism has divided this body into deadlock and inaction where unity and cohesion is needed, cannibalising this body's ability to govern. Antiquated regulations kept for tradition's sake. Well I say no more! The assembly needs a firm voice to defend our collective interest, and consolidated consensus on decisive action for the betterment of students. Join me, and together, we will make a difference. Join me, and we will bring back greatness to this body!"

The applause was notably louder than when he first stepped forward. Despite the outraged looks some members on the far left and right sported, many actually applauded along, looking convinced.

"Very well, now we will proceed to voting. Those in favour of representative White?"

Just under one hundred and thirty wands lit up, representing all the neutrals and a good amount of defections from the left and right. The next most competitive candidate had less than half that. Several more rounds of voting were held, but the conclusion was inevitable, and to massive applause, Harry stepped up to assume the gavel. He banged it, intoning, "Ognum! Ognum! Ognum!"

Everything was going splendidly.

Author Note:
I might come to regret this, but I love you all so much I'm putting a bonus third chapter for today!

The most obvious point you might ask is why I am including so much on the assembly, which is essentially a student council. The thing is, Harry recognises the potential that the body has in influencing Durmstrang, and wants to position himself to be in a place to take advantage of it. With his targetting and removal of Ira, he paved the way for a fractured body to be brought under his control. It is both a demonstration of his charisma, tactical thinking and ambition. We're going to explore the body as it is slowly reformed and moulded. Harry is going to pull a Soviet move and begin to pack the body with his supporters, though many will genuinely be moved by him and throw in their lot. Durmstrang is fundamentally controlled by three groups: the board, representing parents, the staff, representing themselves, and the assembly, representing the teachers. As Harry builds back up the assembly's influence, we're going to start seeing him take action against more archaic practices, for instant common fighting in the corridors. He'll also likely be reforming the regulations for guilds and whatnot.

With that said, hopefuly you enjoyed the teaser for the tournament. We're unlikely (but I won't rule it out) to get anything more beyond a casual mention of the tournament until Harry's final year in school. As hinted, it's going to be far bigger in scope than the Tri-Wizard tournament, so hopefully that's something you're all excited about. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Voldemort, Dumbledore, Grindelwald or the promise of a wizarding war. That's all still on track, though it's going to ramp up in particular during the tournament year and to a lesser extent Harry's sixth year. I'm admittedly torn on year 5 being focused on either Harry's acquisition of power in Durmstrang and influencing policy, focusing on the outside world and him expanding his contacts there, or something else entirely. Definitely leave your thoughts in the comments below.

We're nearing the end of Harry's fourth year at Durmstrang, even though it feels like it only began. There's only so much content I can squeeze out without it getting bland without the leeway I enjoy in summer to start setting up more plot threads. We're also going to see more of Rose. With that said, thank you to lent10 for pointing out a silly error that has been fixed in the last chapter. I wrote the duelling scene much earlier than the rest of the chapter, and in my rush to post before dinner, I forgot to change out some of the placeholder words. Thank you for pointing that out!

As always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even if we're ramping down from the prior one. If you did, please consider leaving a favourite, following, sharing with your friends and leaving a comment, even if just to say hi! Thank you to Dragonhitter for giving me a good laugh with yours.