Chapter-8 Bring in the Goblet
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. It belongs to J.K. Rowling and others.
7:23PM, 28th October 1994, Durmstrang Ship, Black Lake, Hogwarts, Scotland
Sofia laid down on her bed after a change of clothes. She wasn't sure why she was feeling this way, honestly. The simple words which Hunt had sai- well wrote had been mean.
Only my friends hear me talk in my real voice.
That had hurt. Perhaps this was what the naïve young students and multiple boys, with the obvious exception of the blonde boy and Krum, had felt when she had blown them away or gave the cold shoulder.
Negative emotions weren't new to her as after all most of the dark spells taught at school required negative emotions to fuel them but unhappiness had never been one she had hoped to feel. Yet she had and had no idea why.
For the first time since she had attended Durmstrang she wondered if her decisions of being a loner was correct or not. Ah, what she wouldn't give to have someone to talk about right now.
Well, she did consider Hunt akin to an associate but not as close to be considered a friend.
She groaned in annoyance as she wondered why Hunt didn't consider her a friend. What was she missing? Hadn't they spent the entire week together? Then w-
She sat up straight with wide eyes as realization struck her.
She was crushing on Chase Hunt.
She didn't know how to feel about that. Not once had a boy had her attention and those she gave her attention to were fellow duelers or her working partners. She pulled on her hair frustrated and yelled out loud.
"Scheiße!"
She bit on her lower lip unsure if she really had a crush on Hunt or her deduction was wrong. She fell down on her bed and buried her face in a pillow. She sighed in it and closed her eyes. Whatever it was that was affecting her feelings would be dealt with later.
Sleep was a way better option than dealing with feelings.
Thump!
She sat up at the sound and summoned her wand to herself as she proceeded towards the door. She felt someone, most probably Hunt, lean on the door and slide down.
A sigh followed which was both relieved and exasperated. A barely audible flickering could be heard but only because of her sharp hearing. Another sigh follows and then.
"Must we do this now?"
Sofia's breath hitched as she heard the soft voice. It belonged to a Brit but it was a beautiful voice she was sure of it. She casted silencing charm on herself and muttered," Kristall spiegel."
The wall transformed to a crystal mirror and Sofia felt a minor drain in her core. It was an advanced spell that she didn't use much but it helped her current predicament.
The sight wasn't exactly as she had expected. She had maybe expected a bird and Hunt but not a fairy and Hunt talking while he broke open an unknown fruit. She rubbed her eyes a few times to make sure that the sight in front of her was real not an illusion or hallucination. She slammed down on her mental shield and focused back on the task: to eavesdrop.
She casted a listening spell but frowned when it didn't work. She casted it again and again and again and frowned. It was a fairly easy spell then why on Earth wasn't it working. She frowned as she casted a basic area spell and her suspicion was correct.
There was a silencing ward present. She sighed in resignation and removed the magic she had casted on herself and plopped down on her bed. The two talked for a while and she tried to lip read but she couldn't. They were talking in a language she didn't now. It wasn't German, Latin, English or Greek or any of the other 5 languages she spoke
She looked at the ceiling and then sighed as she turned her sight towards the odd duo outside. She cracked a smile when she saw the boy trying to grab a teleporting fairy who was eating the unknown fruit.
XX
8:00PM, 28th October 1994, Astronomy Tower, Hogwarts, Scotland
Daphne and Estela climbed the Astronomy tower. The both shared a look and the other could easily read the emotions that the two shared, nervousness and uncomfortableness. They were meeting Alexandra Aquila Black.
The two of them were socially awkward and maintained a façade while making allies for their houses. They had no friends and the real reason her, Estela, Alexandra, Emily and Susan were friends was because of Harry.
It still stung what the Potter heiress had said about her Harry but then again she had been an arrogant piece of work during their childhood. But Potter had gotten rid of that side when they had met during their first Hogwarts ride. An arrogant and self-important girl had been reduced to a depressed yet confident, but not overly so, girl.
Even though she had been the one to drive off Harry, at least partially they had been able to be friends.
Daphne was brought out of her thoughts when light entered their vision. She put a hand to stop the light from hitting her directly in the face.
She kept her hand there for a moment and then removed it gotten used to the light. She blinked surprised to find herself in a ball room instead of the astronomy tower.
Then it clicked, room of requirements. Alex had been the one to find many of its abilities. She was even surprised to see Susan entering from in front of them who shared her surprise.
Daphne looked around to see that the ballroom was the same as in the Malfoy manor.
Daphne looked around and spotted Alex entering too. A smile made its way on her face. Even after almost 2 months of disagreement and having no friends, it reassured Daphne that Alex hadn't changed if her stance and biting of her nail was any indication.
But Daphne's blood ran cold when from the door where Alex came from entered heiress Potter.
She looked at Estela and then at Susan. All of them shared her sentiment as they glared at the Potter heiress with hatred- no strong dislike.
It was clear what had happened and what will happen.
Alexandra had made up with Potter and she had invited the broken members to reconcile.
Daphne was so not looking forward to this meeting.
XX
9:00AM, 29th October 1994, Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland
Chase sighed in irritation as Ilene sat in the pocket of his suit. He sat next to Kaiser who was looking at him with amusement while barely withholding a laugh. It confused him honestly. What was funny? He shook his head and repeated his mentor's words in his mind.
Women were beyond his understanding.
He looked up to see Dumbledore smiling down at the four tables. It was strained, obviously. The old man was against the Tournament from the beginning. He had wanted the bloody goblet to be destroyed in the first place. His idea was rejected because of two reasons: one, it was heavily magically charged up and breaking the thing would have had breached the Statue of Secrecy because of the huge magical energy and the other was because of it was made of: Blue Heaven Steel.
It was one of those few metals whose making procedure was lost. Even Mithril was made, a small amount every year but still.
His eyes shifted to the empty chair at the head table belonging to the defense teacher. Since yesterday the classes were cancelled for two weeks to let the real Moody adjust after his torture. Honestly, many were still skeptical and wary to attend classes with the one thought: Is this teacher an imposter too?
His attention shifted to the Gryffindor table. He suppressed a smile at the giggling face of Ang- heiress Black and heiress Bones.
The grand door of the hall opened and a glare beneath his hollow eyes took over. Before the event of two days ago could take place again he controlled himself.
Amelia Bones.
He suppressed a smirk at the condition of the head of DMLE while many students in the other three tables gasped at her condition. She was pale and thin and looking weak and was supported by a cane. Followed behind her were 15 Auror, a platoon.
Amelia Bones led her own squad known in whole of Europe as the 'Sacred Seven'. Back in the first war, it was this very squad which had slayed down the likes of Malfoy, Nott, Rookwood and many others.
It wasn't a confirmed fact but it was rumored that this squad had killed Silvanus Darren, Grindelwald's only general who had joined Voldemort.
Silvanus was the most formidable of Grindelwald's lieutenants, taking down a complete company of soldiers all by himself.
He shook himself out of the stupor and turned his eyes back to Dumbledore but his eyes stopped at the Gryffindor table.
Heiress Bones was pale and shaking. Black held her hand firmly in her hand and deep within him he felt the stupid bonds stir.
He looked back towards Amelia Bones, who too was staring at him. Brown eyes met hollow black eyes.
He tilted his head, his face expressionless as ever, and the regent Bones brown eyes transformed to a glare. He leaned back slightly and smirked challengingly.
She knew.
He suppressed a chuckle at the upcoming challenge.
His gaze shifted to the other person who had caused the bond to be reactivated.
Sirius Black.
He was one of the fewest person who actually gave a damn about him back then. To see a look of hurt and betrayal on a man who had known all but mischief and fun was painful to him.
He could feel Amelia's hatred for him through the bond which only caused her pain but the bond he had with Sirius to feel it grow weak with the negative emotions that both of them experienced was…agonizing. Before he could ponder more though Dumbledore began speaking.
"Now, the moment that most of you have been waiting for with excitement and vigor. The Tri-wizard Champion choosing ceremony. Once more I lay down the rules in front of you. No one below 17 is allowed. No one is allowed to put their name in twice. The name along with the school you represent is to be written in a piece of parchment and then thrown into the goblet. The deadline is 11:59AM on 30th October."
The excitement buzzed in the hall and Dumbledore motioned his right hand ahead and said," Bring in the Goblet!"
Chase's eyes turned towards the door of the hall and he gasped softly. The eyes of his ward shifted to him, unknown to him.
The goblet was pale white with multiple runes on it, many beyond his understanding and the magic it discharged was tremendous but all of it paled in comparison to the bright blue flame on the top.
The density of the magic within the goblet was astounding. It was so big that even his, Dumbledore, Tom Riddle together paled in comparison to this core.
A small frown made its way on his face. How was it so enormous?
He shook his head slightly, now wasn't a time to mull over things. The goblet was brought over the podium where Dumbledore usually gave his speech at the beginning and at the end of the year.
Dumbledore spoke again," The champion selection will begin at 10:00AM today and you can submit your name until 11:59PM of 30th October. The chosen champion will be declared on 31st October at 7:30PM. To all who submit their name think twice as for if you're selected you will be unable to back out. Now with that done all I have to say…"
He waved his wand and the time appeared '9:59AM'. And Dumbledore continued," Let the Tri-Wizard Tournament begin!"
Just as he finished the time changed from '9:59AM' to '10:00AM'.
Everyone in the hall cheered and yelled excitedly just after Chase put silencing charm on his ear to prevent them from bursting. A drawback he had gotten from Alvis was the sensitive ears. They were able to pick up things from distance from as far as 3 kilometers. It helped picking up rumors, important talks and whatnot. The major drawback was that it didn't help with sound based spells or unnecessarily loud sound as was the current environment he was in.
He turned his gaze to Kaiser who had released her grip on his arm and had an excited gleam in her eyes. His eyes turned to the crowd and saw every German student was excited even Krum who was usually glaring all day towards Kaiser and him, mostly because he was her pretend boyfriend (he was still pissed that he didn't think to charge her over that).
His eyes turned to the platoon and ignored the glare of Amelia Bones and the hurt eyes of Sirius Black which glanced towards him every other moment. His eyes caught the man called James Potter, he glared his hate filled eyes covered by the glamour. That man was the reason why he was where he was and had-
Irritation overtook hatred when he felt someone pinch his neck repeatedly and he heard fluttering near his ear and then," Calm down. Your pressure was beginning."
He looked around to see Kaiser and all other surrounding him wincing and looking slightly frightened. He quickly slammed down his mental shields and the aura withdrew immediately.
The people visibly gasped and everyone looked weirdly at them. His gaze shifted to his ward who had already slammed her shields down or so he guessed.
He looked back at the podium where Dumbledore was looking blissfully unaware of the event that had occurred. Chase sighed as he changed his gaze towards the Ravenclaw table. The French students were excited which caused the Veelas to lose control of their allure.
He watched with amusement, the students making fools of themselves. He was even more amused to see the boy who had kissed his Ang- the heiress Black. The indignant look on the Black heiress made him even more amused. His eyes went towards the Beauxbatons' delegates.
Fleur Delacour was daughter of Jean-Sebastian Delacour, Minister of Magic (France), and a Veela who was successor to Appoline Delacour an advisor to the alpha of the Veela conclaves in Europe.
The five other Veelas were vassals of the Delacour family and the others were wizards or witches. His eyes stopped on one face and he blinked surprised.
She was staring at him with amused sapphire eyes and her blonde hair went all the way to her shoulder. He leaned forward slightly and she seemed to suppress a chuckle as she closed her eyes and opened them again revealing sea green eyes.
His eyes widened and his mind began to wander. Why was she here? Hadn't he told her to stay out of the business then why was she here? He looked back and see her smile slightly as she mouthed something.
With that one read of her lips, his mind and mouth synced which gained him many curious look.
"Fuck."
XX
8:42AM, 24th October 1994, Room 302, Chicago, (1:42PM in Scotland)
She tilted her head to the left as she sat on a chair kept next to a table. In front of her laid four dead bodies, two adult and two of children.
She licked her index finger of her right hand covered completely in blood and didn't bother to suppress the shiver of pleasure that ran through her spine.
She tilted her head again and within a flash turned around and threw the dagger in her hand missing her target because the man moved his head away.
She unsheathed another dagger but sighed in disappointment nonetheless. She put her left hand on her hip and pointed the dagger in her hand to the man in front of her. She spoke," What ya doin' here, gramps?"
The man didn't react and said," I have a job for you. 3 million galleons. Kill-"
The woman interrupted him," Wow Wow…Wow! You can't come here when I'm in a middle of a job and ask me do things for you…" She closed the distance till their faces were inches apart and spoke," Dad."
The man didn't flinch and instead took a moment and frowned," Your manners are still bad as ever, daughter."
The man sighed and said," You need to let go of the past."
He shook his head and said," Where was I? Yes, the job. Infiltrate Hogwarts and kill three people and kidnap three."
The woman groaned in annoyance," You didn't hear me old man? I am not doing it not even if the boss tells me too."
"You wouldn't?"
The aura of fear took hold of the air and the man in front of her flinched slightly. She didn't freeze at hearing the voice but instead amended her statement," I mean if the boss asked me on your behalf even then I wouldn't. But if the job is from the boss I'll glad-"
The man behind her sighed annoyed and cut her off," No need for flattery. Will you do this job or not."
She turned around and pouted in disappointment," You need to wear other color than black, Commander."
The man in front of her was the Commander of Nightmares and she sheathed her dagger and the one she had thrown at the one who she called 'father'.
She stretched her back and the Commander spoke," A few people are present there who need to be taken care of immediately."
She opened her mouth to speak but couldn't as the Commander kept speaking," You'll get the chance to torture them if you capture them and the ones to be killed are to be done swiftly so no torture for them."
She sighed in disappointment but didn't say anything. The man continued, his grip on his cane tightening," Kill Laura LeFay, Ilene Sairis, Reginald Starflare and take hostage Sofia Kaiser, Daphne Greengrass and the guard of Sofia Kaiser."
She tilted her head as she learnt the names. She was grudgingly grateful to her father's family magic, mind arts, which allowed her to hold in her shock. She recognized most of the names. Laura LeFay, one of the five Exalted and Riyal houses of the Wizengamot, which remained unclaimed because the family was lost but had come back a few years back. Laura, Dark Spirit, was new in business only two years in yet had a considerable name in America.
Ilene Sairis was a name that commonly appeared in the wizarding world tales. She was the princess of fairies and all fairies obeyed her command. Her power was said to be on par with…uh…an old powerful sorcerer whose name she couldn't remember but about twice as powerful as Dumbledore, in his prime, in her prime at least. She didn't know that she really existed,
Reginald Starflare was one of the fewest names she didn't recognize.
Sofia Kaiser, daughter of Infamous and a healer and Durmstrang's dark arts prodigy.
Daphne Greengrass, Sacred 28 or some crap like that as far as her memory went.
The guard she had no idea who it was and as such asked," What's the guard's name?"
He sighed," Ghost. A stupid name for an useless-"
"NO!"
She took a step back at the name and got her emotions under control. She wasn't doing this job. Not when that thing was there, the man's eyes narrowed and he asked," Excuse me?"
She spoke up her voice betraying none of her emotions," You can offer me 10 million galleons or a bloody vault of an old family but I am not doing this job. I can't use the money if I am not alive."
Their eyes met, blue met black, and for what felt like eternity but was 3 minutes they stared at each other.
The Commander sighed and said," There is no changing your mind then. Very well. Then I have another job, treasure seeking, and find this for me, Krystal Stars."
She warily took it in her hand, not shocked that the person in front of her knew her name, and her composure slacked slightly as she read it. She replied," I'll get this done. 350,000 galleons."
She sighed in relief as she silently apparated to get out of there.
The two people who remained the Commander and the father of Krystal Stars, Adam.
There was silence as neither men spoke. Adam Stars broke the silence first," You sent her to a hell, didn't you?"
The Commander scoffed," Test, really. If she lives, or passes while losing a body part, she gets in or gets augmented and into my organization. If she dies, I'll pay for her funeral. Now...about Hogwarts."
He sighed to himself and wondered. The brat was too influential both in America and Eurasia. Hence, the problem to get someone to kill him. If that wasn't enough, the brat was considered to be promoted. From a 3rd grade mercenary to a hitman.
There were three classes divided into three grades.
Mercenary: The new ones entering the world. Most either never go far because they either get killed or get too disgusted to continue. The three stages shows how good they were.
Hitman: The ones who get promoted, by the Board of High Governors, because they either get afflicted with a group or too good to be considered a mercenary. There were about 300 hitmen promoted every 5 years. These were divided to three stages namely Mind, Tank and Shadow.
The Mind were great planners and when their plan worked it was worth it but if something went wrong, they had a difficult time improvising.
The Tank was dumb muscle who pretty much worked in personal armies or things like that.
The Shadow, best of the three, worked in the dark and were good in stealth and sniper shooting. They were then promoted to either ninjas or assassins.
Assassins: It was a separate class, only 20, at most, were promoted every 15 years and their work be it of a Mind, Tank or Shadow they were the best. There were only 100 Assassins promoted, 12 alive, from the year 1900 to present.
He finally spoke to the man," Send a company of Tanks, a platoon of Shadows and any Assassins still up for hire. I need to get these bastards."
The man saluted," Right away sir."
With that the man apparated. The Commander was surprised when his pager beeped. He took it out and was surprised by the message.
Laura LeFay, Hostage, before 24th November 1994. Payment: $25,000,000 million.
That put a lot of his plans in jeopardy. He sighed," What a pain."
XX
Author's Note: Read and Review. Updates will be erratic. Expect the next one around mid-November.