Hi, BubblyFX here! The twins are finally in Hogwarts territory! Time to get the ball rolling :

Also, the breaks are beginning to get shorter since there are more characters and thoughts that I wanted to explore. Please do chuck some review!

The Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland

6:45 PM October, 1994

Today was Thursday, October 31st, and Hogwarts was buzzing with excitement- the two delegations will be arriving tonight and will be joining them for dinner.

The students had been waiting for this day since Dumbledore posted a notice outside the Great Hall informing them of their arrival. Everything underwent thorough cleaning, from the grimy old portraits to each of the rooms in the whole castle. The teachers seemed to be on edge as well- Professor McGonagall even practically begged Neville not to let them know he can't perform a simple switching spell. All the professors have the same thought it seemed, for they were all oddly tense.

Now the moment has come and after Dumbledore's short speech, they waited with bated breath.

"And now, let us welcome the lovely ladies of the Beauxbaton Academy of Magic!"

Despite his age, Albus Dumbledore prided himself for having an exceptional memory, sharp enough to belie his age. So when he saw one of the Beauxbatons students strode into the Great Hall, flashes of memories immediately swept his brain, conjuring clear images of a lady he knew that looked far too similar to the newcomer.

She was a shade taller than most, thus, even with the tilted hat that she wore, he could see her quite clearly. His eyes took in the same raven coloured hair that was tied neatly at her back. The expression the young girl had made her look cold and a tad bit unapproachable, with her plump lips set on a straight line and her delicate eyebrows slightly arched. Her willowy form was clad in silk, powder blue dress instead of wearing the Hogwarts uniform just like the one in his memory. She walked with such confidence and grace, her chin held high as she paraded through the Great Hall with her Headmistress at the back of the entourage.

In a surprising show of power, she raised her right arm and flicked her wrist gracefully, forcing the lights in the hall to dim. With her left hand open, she conjured the same blue butterflies that her classmates did - only hers were luminescent, emitting a soft blue glow. They fluttered everywhere, with some even allowing the Hogwarts students to touch them. As she closed her hands into a fist, all the butterflies flew to the front, creating a bright light as they crashed into each other. The light bent, and with what looked like crystals, formed the Beauxbatons school logo. With a sweeping motion of both her hands, the candles' flames grew brighter as the logo exploded into mere glitters.

The hall erupted into cheers, with everyone straining to look at the girl who walked towards the front. She stopped just a few feet away from Albus, meeting his gaze confidently.

It was a unique shade of blue, almost like sapphires, unlike the emerald green ones of the lady in his memory. Her almond-shaped eyes were also sharper, its outer corners upturned in a way that only made her look more intimidating. That difference managed to pull Albus out of his reverie, allowing him to clap his hands and greet their Headmistress. The same, however, cannot be said for some of the staff members seated above him.

Poppy Pomfrey had already expected herself to be surprised, especially since this would be the first time she would see other wizarding schools aside from Hogwarts. True to her words, she was in awe at the display of power that one of the girls had shown. The girl controlled flames and conjured light without a wand - and Poppy won't be surprised if one was to tell her it was done non verbally as well. However, she did not expect to be shocked not only with the student's prowess, but also her appearance. The matron had her mouth slightly ajar as she took in the young lady, suddenly finding herself decades younger as she looked at what appeared to be a carbon copy of her best friend.

There, bowing to them, was an exact replica of a teenage Minerva McGonagall.

But her eyes, Poppy found, were not the same green eyes she was used to seeing. No, it was a startlingly familiar shade of blue. She glanced at Minerva and a few of their friends who had seen Minerva in her youth - Rolanda, Pomona and Filius - and all seemed to have the same shell-shocked expression.

Audrey was just giving herself a silent pat on the back for her performance when she bowed to the staff. The spell was complex, and therefore was a hard piece of work, but she managed to push through! That in itself should call for a celebration! However, the confidence she felt slightly melted away as she was met with several peculiar expressions coming from the members of the Hogwarts staff. It made her slightly self-conscious, noting the way they stared at her in particular. That made her wonder what it was that made their eyes go wide and their mouths hang slightly ajar. Maybe they were just surprised with my use of wordless and wandless magic, Audrey thought since everyone seems to have that same expression when she shows off her magical skills. But instead of feeling proud, why did she feel self-conscious? Still, Audrey stubbornly met all of their stares until she landed on a stern-looking woman with emerald green eyes. There was a slight jolt that went through her spine as she met her surprised gaze. Why did she look like someone she had seen before? Someone very familiar? She racked her brain to find the information she was looking for but was led away by their headmistress before she could even find it. Shaking her head, Audrey allowed her attention to be ensnared by the next entrance.

While Beauxbatons had been serene and graceful, Durmstrang was abrupt and fierce. They arrived with their wooden sticks pounding against the floor, scorching the cement, as their deep voices huffed loudly. As if the lady wasn't enough of a surprise, another rather familiar face soon came into view. It took them a huge amount of willpower to not gape as they stared at the teenage boy walking towards them.

Like the others, he wore a thick, brown coat with its collar lined with fur. He held a wooden staff in his left hand, but did not bother to join the chanting as he walked beside their Headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, and the Bulgarian Seeker, Viktor Krum. His curly hair had the colour of flames, and was styled neatly. Most of his features were sharp: a strong jawline, well-defined cheekbones, and thick yet neatly groomed eyebrows. All those added to form a handsome, yet slightly intimidating, face - a very familiar one, Filius thought. Not a lot of people might be as shocked as he, after all, most of the people in the staff were too young to have seen Albus Dumbledore as a young man. He was fresh from Hogwarts when he had first met the thirty-five-year-old Dumbledore, working alongside him as he did his research. During one of their gentlemen's night out, a slightly tipsy Albus had shown him several photos that he kept dear. One was of him during graduation, with his face set neutrally at the beginning before grinning at what one of his friends had said. It was as if the photo came alive and assumed a human form, for the teenager looked highly similar to a young Albus Dumbledore. Except for his eyes, Filius noted. The boy's sharp and upturned eyes were green instead of Albus' trademark blue.

The said Durmstrang boy raised his hand and summoned all the flames from the floating candles, shaping it to form a double-headed eagle. Spreading its wide wings, it flew to the very end of the Great Hall before zooming straight towards the staff table. Before it could reach them and set them alight, the boy set his wooden stick down on the floor, its loud sound causing the bird to stop. The conjured animal then raised its wings, with the rest of their school's logo appearing. With a flick of his hand, the flames exploded before it disappeared into nothingness. All of that was done wordless and wandlessly, Filius observed, as the newcomers bowed.

Michael's eyes landed on the headmaster who looked at him with a strange gaze, as if something was wrong with him. This caused him to raise an eyebrow, taking a glance at the other teachers and saw that some were doing the same. Shrugging it off, he went to his place and quietly waited.

Staff Table, Hogwarts, Scotland

7:05 PM October, 1994

The initial shock and amazement that the students felt by their performances soon waned as dinner was served. The professors followed their example and began eating as well, joyfully talking to each other. Madame Maxime was on Dumbledore's left, seated next to Snape. Beside him was Headmaster Karkaroff, followed by Flitwick and Hagrid. McGonagall was on Dumbledore's right like always, next to Pomfrey and followed by Hooch, Sprout and some of the other teachers. In front were ministry officials that came to witness the coming of the two schools.

"Oh Professor Dumbly-dorr," Maxime called, causing the Hogwarts headmaster to turn his attention to her. "My 'orses 'ave been very tired because of the long journey. Zey need to be tended to."

"Do not worry Madame Maxime," Albus said, assuring her that her Abraxans will be in good care with their caretaker, Hagrid. Trusting him, Olympe only nodded before addressing Hagrid.

"Zey only drink single-malt whiskey." Hagrid nodded, as if in a trance. This caused him to stab Flitwick's hands instead of the sausage he was aiming for. The half-goblin squealed in pain and cursed him in irritation. Igor let out a loud laugh as it happened.

"I cannot help but notice that you have extremely talented students Madame Maxime, and of course, Durmstrang as well." Albus said, not wanting to offend Igor if he ever was listening. But it looked like he was too busy conversing with Rosalie, the newest addition to the Hogwarts staff. Minerva, ever-present and alert at his side, knew immediately what he was doing - he was trying to strike up a conversation while feeding his curiosity. That sly, old coot, Minerva thought as she ate her soup. "Someone, if I remember correctly, did wandless magic."

"Ah yes, I assume it is Ms. Kensington you are talking about." Olympe said, unaware that some of the other staff were intently listening. A certain pride surged through her as she talked about the girl. "I consider her a prodigy, very gifted in magic and have always put ze right amount of effort in her studies. She has been well versed in wordless magic since she was in fourth year, and wandless during her fifth."

As the dinner continued, Poppy found herself glancing at Minerve every now and then. The deputy head seemed to prefer to listen, and only spoke when spoken to. She hadn't eaten much, and just opted to push her food around. Poppy's eyes met Rolanda's, and the flying professor nodded towards their friend before furrowing her brows. It seemed she wasn't the only one who noticed.

"Poppy," Rolanda said, her tone barely above a whisper. "Do you think..."

"No, it's impossible." Poppy answered, casting another worried glance towards her dearest friend. Her and Minerva had been in the same year and house when they were students in Hogwarts. They formed a tight friendship that was only strengthened when they both ended up working here. Poppy, along with some of their trusted friends, knew the truth. She knew that she wasn't the only one gobsmacked the moment a certain red-haired boy and ebony-haired girl came to view.

"But look at them Pop-"

"Rolanda it is impossible," Poppy said, inching closer to her friend. Should she really be reminding this to her? In hopes that Minerva won't hear her, she lowered her voice into a whisper before saying,

"They're gone."

Gryffindor Dinner Table, Hogwarts, Scotland

7:35 PM October, 1994

"Have you seen the girls? Bloody hell they were all so beautiful." Ron said dreamily, taking a big bite out of an unfamiliar french pudding that he liked. "And blimey, Viktor Krum is here too! This is way too brilliant!"

"He's just a quidditch player, Ron, not a saint." Harry said, thoroughly amused by how lovestruck Ron was over Krum. The twins will surely not waste this opportunity to tease their brother mercilessly. "You have to calm down. Breathe."

"Hey, the two that we met- the sponsors of the world cup- they're here too." Hermione said, remembering the handsome auburn boy and his sister from the disastrous event they attended. "They seem really powerful, I mean they were doing wandless and wordless magic at such a young age! How do you think they did it? Do you think they can teach me?"

"Why? Is wandless and wordless magic that big of a deal?" Harry asked, biting on a chocolate macaron. It was his first time tasting one, and it might give his favourite cookies a hard competition. Before Hermione could open her mouth and answer, Finnegan beat her to it. She didn't seem pleased about that.

"Damn well it is." He said, gulping down his remaining pumpkin juice before continuing. "Some adult wizards and witches can't even do it, much less teenagers. My mum told me she's attempted wandless magic for years, but no luck. It was just too hard, she said."

"Seamus is right." Hermione said, slicing her roasted duck. "You need to be extremely powerful to be able to do it easily. We do wordless magic in our sixth year, but it commands focus and mental-power like no other. Wandless magic is even harder- you need to be in control of your magic, so much and so well that you won't need a wand to channel it."

"I reckon the two will be one of those joining for their school." Dean said, taking a bite out of the Scandinavian delicacy. "Anyway, who do you think will be brave enough to sign up?"

"I don't know, but I want to." Ron shrugged. Ginny laughed at him, explaining bluntly that her brother had no chance and that he shouldn't bother. Ron rolled his eyes and glared at everyone who laughed loudly at the youngest Weasley's remark.

"You can't even do a proper hex, how do you think you'll win?" Ginny said factually, grabbing another slice of the cheesecake. "By screaming like a little girl and hoping it'll break their limbs off? Be the next fat lady? You won't even last three seconds in there."

"Sod off Ginny." Ron said as the table once again erupted into laughter.

"Oh Ron, I only worry for you." Ginny said, before adding "But more for our family's reputation. I don't want them to know I'm related to you at all."

Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland

8:45 PM October, 1994

Dinner was an absolute treat, and Audrey found herself thoroughly enjoying it. Sure, there were no nymphs serenading them as they ate, but the joyful chatter that filled the air was more than enough replacement. Hogwarts seemed more relaxed and casual, unlike Beauxbatons - and especially unlike Durmstrang. In Beauxbatons, the ladies were expected to maintain proper decorum at all times - poise and grace were made their middle names. Durmstrang, on the other hand, was almost run like a military school - or a prison, from what her brother tells her. Sure the boys had plenty of fun, although brusque and rowdy at times, but there was a high expectation for them to act disciplined. So to be in such a casual atmosphere made Audrey feel at ease almost immediately.

When the dinner was finally done, the remaining food and plates magically disappeared. A casket made of pure gold and decorated with gems of various colours was brought in by what looked like ministry officials. They set it in the small, wooden stage in front of the hall. The Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, promptly stood next to it.

"Eternal glory, that is what awaits the winner of this tournament!" Albus said, starting his speech. Everyone waited in anticipation, hanging on to every word he's saying. "But to do this, the champion will have to face three tasks - three, extremely dangerous tasks. It is because of this that the Ministry has seen fit to impose additional rules. To speak of which, we have the Head of the International Magical Cooperation, Mr. Bartemius Crouch Sr."

The students began to clap their hands for the man who stood up from the Ministry's table. But before he could make it to the bejewelled casket, the calm sky began to behave rather tumultuously. Lightning cut through the enchanted sky of Hogwarts' ceiling, with a loud, roaring thunder filling the Hall. The students began to panic, and so did their guests. Audrey found herself gripping her wand just in case, and at the back of her mind, she knew all her friends were doing the same. Rain began to pour from the ceiling, but before it could reach any of the students, a pinkish streak of light pierced through the eye of the forming 'storm'. Almost immediately, the sky began to calm down. It must've been a spell, Audrey realised. Looking towards where it came from, all their eyes landed on a rather bulky man with a very noticeable, twitchy, mechanical eye. Dumbledore seemed to know the guy for he went ahead and greeted him with a shake of his hand and a hug. A flurry of whispers spread throughout the Hogwarts students, leaving their guests clueless as to who the man was. He stood at the side, opening a flask and sneaking a drink. Audrey scrunched her nose at the blatant disregard for manners. She didn't like him.

With the storm gone, Mr. Crouch was able to continue. He informed them of the Ministry's decision to enforce an age limit- only seventeen-year-olds and above may enter. Dumbledore ensured them that this will be in effect because of an age line that he shall put. This revelation caused an uproar between the Hogwarts students, with a few voicing out their opinions in a rather loud fashion. The headmaster was clearly offended by his students' actions, and bellowed a loud "silence!". Everyone immediately fell into silence after that. Afterwards, Dumbledore tapped the casket thrice and they all watched as it melted away. There now stood a large, golden goblet that immediately spouted blue flames. He reiterated the rules and urged them to take the dangers of this tournament seriously before giving them a deadline. A week from now, at the exact same time, will be the selections of champions.

After that, the students were all sent to bed. The Hogwarts students left with one last look at their guests who stayed seated, waiting for their heads instead of leaving. Everyone from the staff table went down as Karkaroff and Maxime did so.

"It had been a nice night, thank you for such a wonderful welcome." Maxime said, sincerely thanking their hosts for the dinner. Karkaroff nodded in agreement, preferring to let his actions do all the talking. The Hogwarts staff merely smiled in reply.

"You are most welcome, and I do hope you all enjoy your stay here." Albus said, eyes meeting each of the students.

"Thank you sir," they all chorused before being led down the halls and into their respective quarters. As soon as the doors were closed, almost everyone heaved a sigh of relief, some letting their shoulders give in and finally slouch.

"Those two schools never change." Ludo said, chuckling.

Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts, Scotland

1:45 AM October, 1994

It looked like she was stripped of her ability to drift away from consciousness tonight. She had been trying to sleep for the past two hours and had tried everything she could to just be able to sleep. A warm cup of tea, a boring book, and even playing the piano didn't seem to help.

With a sigh, Minerva McGonagall sat up and decided to stop her futile attempts of putting herself to sleep. Peeling the covers away, she stood up and walked away from her comfortable bed. Her hand reached for the thick, tartan nightgown that hung on the coat rack and easily put it on. Silently casting a disillusionment charm on herself, Minerva let her feet lead the way as she slipped out of her quarters. She wasn't surprised when it led her to a familiar gargoyle statue protecting a particular office. Whispering the password, she hopped on the spiralling staircase and knocked gently on the wooden door.

"Minerva? What are you doing here at such a time?" Albus' worried voice filled his dishevelled office. It made her smile lightly- he never really was the neatest person she knows. "Is everything alright?"

The question caused her smile to fall, forming into a small frown. Was everything alright? Maybe it is and the things she felt were just in her head. But then, she cannot deny the certain tug in her gut, nor the sudden heaviness of her chest when she saw the two teenagers. Maybe whatever she felt was just conjured by past memories and wishful thinking. It must be why it took all of her willpower not to break down or to openly stare at them. If Albus had felt the same, she did not know. She was too busy wallowing in her own thoughts to even look at him during dinner.

"I don't... I don't know." She said defeatedly, her eyes lost.

"You should be in bed Min," Albus said softly, standing up from his chair and crossing the room to reach where she stood. "You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow and-"

"Did you see it?" Minerva suddenly asked, cutting him off before she lost the courage to say it. She didn't even bother to look at him before she shook her head, adding, "No, of course you did. You must have."

He must have. Everyone else did. Flashes of memories she didn't dare revisit for the past years began playing through her mind. Silence enveloped the pair, both not knowing how to continue - not knowing to breach the topic they've worked so hard to bury. Counting the years, their tragedy occurred so long ago and yet in a mere night, it now felt like it just happened yesterday. It was as if a closed wound was pierced and cut again, pried open once more.

"But did you feel it, Albus? Because I did." Minerva found herself voicing it out loud, finally admitting it to herself. Slowly looking up, her emerald eyes found his sapphire ones. The hurt and pain that hers must have shown were clearly reflected in his eyes. This finally caused her tears to fall, her voice cracking as she finally answered him, "And it hurts."

Albus was on her side in less than a second, cradling her as she silently cried. His fingers combed through her hair, holding her steady against his chest. They have not had a proper conversation about what happened ever since that fateful night, and all the feelings she had been trying so hard to bury and forget were finally unearthed.

"My dear, please, I know it does not get easier, but we have to stay strong. Together." He whispered, trying to push down the dull ache that he's been feeling since dinner- since seeing the teens. "I'm right here, and we'll get through it just like we had been doing before. Right?"

She gave no answer but instead, wrapped her arms around him and inhaled deeply. He smelled like parchment, hot chocolate and sherbet lemon - all the things that reminded her of him during winter. Slowly, she nodded, finally agreeing. He sighed in relief, resting his cheek upon the crown of her head. Squeezing her tightly, Albus gave her a kiss on her forehead before leading her back to his private quarters. Heaven knows she needs all the rest she can get if they were to make it through the whole year.