A/N: Okay, so, this is gonna be the last chapter I post of *anything* for a while. My keyboard on my current computer is wearing out, with keys sticking or coming loose, and one key has started to pop off on a frequent basis, a key I require the use of. Since I hate working in Google Docs, I probably won't be able to do any writing until I get a new computer since the only computer I'll have for surfing the net and such from now on is a Chromebook. It is gonna take me a few months to save up for a new computer. I hope this chapter is a good stopping point for everyone. Now, enjoy.
"I smell something," Hadrian heard from inside his right sleeve. "Is it time to come out?"
"It is, my friend," Hadrian replied, and Sinjuri hissed in pleasure before exiting Hadrian's sleeve and coiling on the table, eyeing all those around him. Every Slytherin who was in viewing distance took an interest in this, having not seen a Parselmouth in action since the Dueling Club in Iris Potter's second year, and having never seen a Parselmouth who actively used their gift. "Would you prefer the chicken or the pork?" Hadrian had fed Sinjuri pieces of dead meat from time to time over the past week and a half, seeing what he preferred so that when it came to Hogwarts, Hadrian would know which foods to transfigure into mice for Sinjuri. Chicken and pork turned out to be Sinjuri's favorites.
"The pork," Sinjuri hissed. Hadrian nodded and speared a piece of roasted pork before setting it on the table and waving a hand over it. It instantly turned into a white mouse. Sinjuri instantly struck, his fangs sinking into the mouse's body as his own curled around it.
"Was that wandless magic?" Draco asked, raising his eyebrows even as he stared in fascination at the snake who was now feeding on the transfigured rodent.
"Yes, it was," Hadrian replied with a nod. "The training I received in the Monastery made sure I was skilled in the same spells wandlessly as I am with a wand, as well as being able to cast silently. I'm a dedicated master of Potions as well as the Dark Arts and their Defense. As for other courses, I am at a sixth-year level for the main educational courses like History, Charms, and Transfiguration. I'll be helping Mother and Professor Black with their classes rather than learning anything with them."
"You're a master of the Dark Arts?" Draco breathed, staring at Hadrian in wonder. All those within hearing distance were also staring at the young fourth year in shock and awe. "How?"
"I've been training in magic since I was three," Hadrian replied with a shrug. "They focused my education on Potions, the Dark Arts, and Defense first. I've been a master of the Dark Arts since I was about ten."
"Ten," Daphne said, shaking her head. "That's… impressive, Mr. Peverell."
"Thank you, Miss Greengrass," Hadrian replied, inclining his head. "Now, who are the others in our year? I feel I should know them by name, at the very least."
"Oh, right," Draco said. "Well, in addition to Nott, our roommates include Blaise Zabini, and these are Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, childhood friends of mine. They keep the riffraff like Ronald Weasley from bothering us too much."
"Do you have many problems with Ronald Weasley?" Hadrian asked.
"Not a week goes by where he doesn't try to challenge one of us to a duel, if not outright attacks us, thinking he's bringing honor to Gryffindor by doing so," Daphne said, shaking her head. "Gryffindor haven't won the House Cup in over a decade, and since Weasley started, they've been the lowest House in the House Cup tournament, points-wise, every year. Ravenclaw's won a couple of times, your sister's first and second year, but Slytherin reclaimed the House Cup last year. We didn't get the Quidditch Cup, though. Your sister is an excellent Seeker. Even Draco admits it."
"Yes, not that I would tell her," Draco said. "Wouldn't be much of a rivalry if she knew I considered her to be better than I am, if only in one area, now would it? I hope I can count on your discretion, Peverell."
"You can, Malfoy," Hadrian replied. "And thank you, all of you, for not freaking out about Sinjuri. I imagine if this had happened at the Gryffindor table, there'd have been an incident by now."
"There would've been," Blaise said with a snort. "Weasley and his two friends, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan, would've made a scene about it and done their best to sabotage your time in their House in the hopes of making you ask for a Re-Sort or something."
"Which I had already guessed would be the case," Hadrian said. "I'm glad I'll be around, shall we say, like-minded individuals. Father tried to warn me about you, you know. He doesn't seem to understand you won't be saying or doing much of anything I haven't already lived with. The sole point of departure between us will be the issue with First-Gens, or Muggleborns as you call them. But that can be a topic discussed at a later date. Just know that, in my opinion, for every Hermione Granger, there's at least two Lily Potters. Mother has made her home in the magical world despite maintaining strained ties with her sister. I doubt I'll ever have to worry about meeting those Muggles. According to Father, our family hasn't met theirs since Iris and I were about two. Apparently, one of us turned our cousin Dudley into a piglet and the Dursleys were infuriated."
"Muggles, always eager to rail against that which they don't understand and don't want to understand," Draco sneered.
"You'll get no arguments from me," Hadrian said with a shrug.
"Honestly, Mr. Peverell, now you've got me curious," Daphne said as she cut a piece of steak off. "What are your personal beliefs and how do they differ from what we consider traditional pureblood beliefs?"
Hadrian considered the request. He supposed it wouldn't hurt to get his views out there, just so they knew the difference between his beliefs and theirs, as well as why he would not use terms like Mudblood, even on targets that were deserving of it, like Hermione Granger. "Much like other Knights of Walpurgis, I believe in a purer magical society," he began slowly. "Not in terms of blood, but in terms of tradition, of society, of everything that makes us different from the Muggles. I believe in a magical world where all who practice magic are welcome, where the First-Gens acknowledge that entering the wizarding world is like entering a foreign country, so that instead of trying to change our ways, they adapt to them, maybe even come to appreciate them. I believe in a world that is free of Muggle influences, like those which we see at Hogwarts. The uniforms, the Hogwarts Express, all of it is Muggle-influenced. There is nothing wrong with good, decent wizarding robes, nothing wrong with traveling by Portkey, Apparation, and Floo. I believe in a world where we celebrate our traditional holidays, like Samhain and Yule, rather than the Muggle mockeries of Halloween and Christmas. I believe in a magical world where our very society is decided by those who are wisest among us rather than by hotheaded newcomers out to change everything to suit their own purposes. In short, I believe in a magical world that is free of Muggle influence altogether, a magical world that is just that: the magical world."
Silence fell as those nearby had fallen silent and listened to Hadrian's words, both Hogwarts and Durmstrang. "You are interesting boy," said Viktor Krum, who was sitting beside Draco. "Very unusual to have such strong conviction when so young."
"Well, while others spent their childhood playing with stuffed animals or toys or reading comic books like that 'Mad Muggle' series, I was studying philosophy, politics, the way the different magical cultures interacted, and more," Hadrian replied with a shrug. "My family thinks it means I had no good childhood. I suppose by the standards of the so-called normal world, they're right. But I value what I was taught. I value my education at the Walpurgis Monastery and, as far as I'm concerned, once I've graduated Hogwarts, I will be returning there to finish my education there and join as a Knight in full. Nothing is going to stand in my way of accomplishing that, not even Dumbledore and his machinations. As it is, I fully intend to enter the Tournament simply to show Hogwarts what a real magical education looks like instead of this watered down nonsense that Dumbledore and others try to shovel as a challenging curriculum. Mind, myself and the other transfer students were told Dumbledore did this to try and force Hogwarts' Board of Governors to allow the masters of this school to set the curriculum, but I am not sure how much I believe it. On the one hand, it is a cunning move, worthy of someone like Dumbledore. On the other hand, why has he only done this now? Why not when he first became Headmaster?"
"Wait, they're claiming the Board of Governors is responsible for Hogwarts' educational standards and that Dumbledore arranged all of this to force the Board's hand?" Nott asked. "That's just hilarious, isn't that right, Draco?"
"Oh, it is," Draco said, shaking his head.
"Why do I get the feeling that Flitwick tried to shovel a load of dragon dung as the truth?" Hadrian asked with a sigh.
"Because he did," Draco said with a snort. "Father's on the Board of Governors, and the Board is constantly trying to get Dumbledore to update the curriculum. Hell, this whole Tournament wasn't even Dumbledore's plan to begin with. The Board of Governors were the ones who decided to force the issue by speaking with those in the Ministry who could arrange it and helping encourage it along where they could, such as Father talking to Highmaster Karkaroff. They knew each other many years ago and keep in contact. With enough public pressure from parents, Dumbledore and his mediocre staff will have to update their curriculum or be removed from their positions and replaced with witches and wizards who actually know a thing or two about educating us. This year is pretty much a reckoning for Dumbledore. He didn't even get the circumstances he wanted for the Tournament. He wanted the Champions to only be able to be in their final years, seventeen and up, because he knew if Durmstrang or Beauxbatons have a fourteen-year-old champion who then wins the Tournament, it would paint Hogwarts in a bad light."
"That does sound more like what the books I've read on Hogwarts at the Monastery say," Hadrian said, shaking his head. "I suppose I'll have to reserve judgment for now. As it is, if I enter the Tournament and become Hogwarts' champion, no one will consider my training to have come from Hogwarts thanks to the Daily Prophet article about my return."
"That's for sure," Daphne said. "Oh, and we forgot to finish introductions. This is Pansy Parkinson, Tracey Davis, and Millicent Bulstrode. They're the Slytherin girls in our year." Hadrian nodded at each of them politely and they nodded back.
"So, Peverell, any specific classes you're looking forward to?" Draco asked.
"The only one I have no prior experience with is Care of Magical Creatures, we had nothing like it at the Monastery," Hadrian replied.
"Well, you're in rotten luck there," Draco said. "The teacher is that oaf there." He gestured to a man of similar physical dimensions to Madam Maxime, who was talking with her enthusiastically. "His name's Hagrid. He used to be just the gamekeeper, but Dumbledore tends to reward his lackeys with positions here. Like last year, he gave Hagrid the job of Care of Magical Creatures teacher and hired a werewolf to teach us how to defend ourselves against the Dark Arts."
"That would've been Remus Lupin, right?" Hadrian asked. "I met him over the past couple of weeks. He is a dead man walking and unworthy of notice unless he decides to save himself, if he can be saved at all."
"What do you mean by that?" Pansy asked.
"What I mean, Miss Parkinson, is that Lupin is a werewolf and not a true Lycan," Hadrian replied. "A true Lycan has complete control over their wolf, works with it as a partner, and can thus change their form anytime they wish, whereas a werewolf is forced to change for three nights under the full moon. As it is, to my knowledge, there are no true Lycans in Britain, primarily because of the laws regarding werewolves since the British Ministry is unlikely to differentiate between werewolves and Lycans. Most Lycans are engaged with their constant feud with the vampire clans and don't spare this little island their notice aside from considering the werewolves abominations."
"He speaks the truth," Krum said. "Our instructors have told us much the same thing. I would guess Beauxbatons would say same thing."
"I've never heard anything like this before," Daphne said with a scowl. "I'm beginning to see why you are disdainful of Hogwarts' education, even if we are, too. You actually have had a quality education as a Knight of Walpurgis. Ooh, I hope you do become Champion so you can show the world what a real magical education is and end Dumbledore's mediocre regime once and for all!" Murmurs of agreement swept up and down the table from those in hearing range who were Hogwarts students.
With that, the conversation turned towards the Tournament itself, something the Durmstrang students were eager to talk about, as well.
Once dessert had cleared, Dumbledore once more stood and went to the podium. "And now, we will hear a few words regarding the Tri-Wizard Tournament from one of its principle organizers, Bartemius Crouch, the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation." Dumbledore then stepped aside and Crouch took his position.
"The Tri-Wizard Tournament is a legendary event that has, in the past, been meant to foster a spirit of international cooperation and forge friendships between students of the three principle European schools," Crouch said. "In the past, any student could put forth their name as a potential candidate to serve as Champion. It was decided that for this new inaugural Tournament, we will be instituting an age limit. Only students who are fourteen years old or above may enter their names for our impartial judge to consider. This age was decided because it was felt any student younger than fourteen would be unable to keep up with the rigors of the Tournament. However, it was also noted that there will only be three events, three tasks, spread out over the course of the year, if we follow the original model of the Tournament. It was decided that we would add to the Tournament with this latest iteration. In addition to the three primary tasks, there will be two secondary competitions that run between the tasks. The first will be a dueling tournament, allowing the students of each school to showcase their learning in this arena. In the case of Hogwarts, the dueling team will be selected from each of the four Houses so that they may represent all of Hogwarts with pride. Professor Alexius Stellan will be the one to decide on those who will join the Hogwarts team. The second event will be an Inter-School Quidditch Tournament, taking the place of the normal House competition here at Hogwarts. The teams will be drawn from the three schools, and as with the dueling tournament, Hogwarts' team will be selected from all Houses so as to represent the school with pride. Madam Rolanda Hooch will be the one to decide who will join this team.
"With both of these competitions, as with the main Tournament, there is an age limit of fourteen and above due to the rigors that will be involved. It is expected, though not required, that the Champions will focus on the Tasks, but they are allowed to join one or both of the other competitions. Now, as to the impartial judge: since the beginning, the Tri-Wizard Tournament has used a magical artifact known as the Goblet of Fire to select the Champions for each school. This artifact is completely impartial and will select the best candidate to serve as Champion for each school. It will be set up here in the Great Hall, and those students wishing to enter the Tournament must cast their name into the Goblet by this hour on Saturday night." As Crouch had spoken, a group of men had hauled in a stand that seemed to be encased. Once it was set up in the middle of the Great Hall, the men retreated. Crouch waved a hand, and the encasing seemed to 'melt' away, revealing a chalice of indeterminate material. Instantly, blue flames lit in the Goblet. "As of this moment, the Tri-Wizard Tournament has begun."
Crouch stepped away from the podium, allowing Dumbledore to retake his position. "Before we part ways for the evening, I would like to say a few words," Dumbledore said. "The Tri-Wizard Tournament is considered a harrowing event for a reason. The Tournament is very much a refining fire for those who enter it, a crucible, if you will. It is said that there are two kinds of people who come out of a crucible, but in fact, there are three. There are those who grow stronger because of it. There are those who are broken by it. And finally, there are those who learn to enjoy the flames and never leave it. Now, because of the events of the Quidditch World Cup, it was decided extra security would be provided for this year. In addition to Mr. Moody serving as Hogwarts' Head of Security, a team of Aurors are on loan to Hogwarts for the duration of the Tournament, led by Auror Captain James Potter. Their first duty will be the protection of the Goblet of Fire, to ensure that no one with dark intentions may have a chance to use this happy event to create chaos as happened at the World Cup. With these words, goodnight, and for those who will enter the rigors of the Tournament, be it as Champions, Quidditch players, or duelists, good luck and may Merlin be with you." Hadrian's lip curled into a sneer at this final sentence but he said nothing for the time being, even as Sinjuri curled around his arm again. Then the Houses and the delegations from the other two schools were standing and moving towards the doors of the Great Hall, Hadrian sticking with Malfoy and the others.
The Slytherins descended into the dungeons, Hadrian taking note of the route they were taking so that he would be able to find his way back to the Great Hall without having to constantly stay with the others. He knew Alithia and Charles would be doing the same. Finally, they came to a blank stretch of wall. "This is the Slytherin Common Room," said the boy who had been leading the third and fourth years, who had a silver badge with a P on it pinned to his chest. "You can tell it apart from that." The boy pointed upward, and everyone looked up to see, barely visible, the engraving of a serpent, coiled and ready to strike. "The password, for the time being, is recompense." There was a grinding noise, and then the wall slid inward and to the side, revealing a passageway. The Slytherins entered the Common Room and broke off into groups. Alithia went with the Slytherin fourth year girls while Hadrian and Charles followed the Slytherin fourth year boys to their own dorm.
"Well, looks like this year will prove interesting," Draco said as he laid back on his bed, lounging luxuriously. "The Tasks and the dueling tournament will be the main things that make people sit up and take notice of the disparity in educational standards between Hogwarts and the other schools. The Quidditch Tournament, on the other hand, will be more even since all that takes is talent on a broom and a knowledge of the positions. I'll probably shoot for Chaser on the school team. Your sister, Peverell, is admittedly the best Seeker in the school, and we'll need to field the best. I'm better as a Chaser, anyways. I'm only Seeker because I thought it'd be a nice avenue for our rivalry."
Hadrian chuckled. "I don't think Iris really considers you a threat, Malfoy," he said. "At least, she hasn't said anything to that effect."
"Not surprising," Draco said with a shrug. "Still, should prove interesting. Are you planning on joining either the dueling or Quidditch teams?"
"I might do the dueling team, but I have never played Quidditch before and don't know if I would be good at any of the positions," Hadrian said. "Hogwarts should probably field a team of people who know what they're doing. I've flown on a broom, but I haven't played any sort of Quidditch. Sports weren't really a thing at the Monastery."
"Well, Saturday we could test you out on the positions, see if there's any you're good at," Draco said with a shrug. "Your build suggests you could be either a Chaser or a Seeker. If you're good enough, you should try out for the team."
"I'll consider it," Hadrian said diplomatically. "I can at least commit to seeing if I'm good at any of the positions."
"Then that's what we'll do this Saturday," Draco said.
*HP*
"So, Hadrian's a Slytherin," James Potter said with a sigh as he and his best friend sat in his and his wife's quarters in Hogwarts' staff wing. "I knew it was a possibility, especially with him having such strong convictions, but I guess I kind of hoped he would end up in Gryffindor, or at the very least Ravenclaw like Iris. Hadrian in Slytherin could prove to be an issue. He's still a teenager at the end of the day, and teenagers want to fit in. He could be forced to use terms like-like Mudblood in order to do that. I don't like the idea that the children of the Death Eaters will be able to sway Hadrian."
"I know, James," Lily said with a sigh. "I'm worried, too. But Hadrian has strong convictions, as you said, and those convictions include believing Muggleborns have a place in the wizarding world, and not as serfs, but as equals. I doubt that that's going to change. If anything, he'll be trying to change the minds of the likes of Draco Malfoy, see if he can't convince them to 'come back' to the Knights' way of thinking and abandon Voldemort's dogma."
"Either way, Hadrian going to Slytherin is going to cause serious problems in the Wizengamot," Sirius said, shaking his head. "While James is decidedly on the Light side of things, Hadrian, even at his most polite, is Dark and proud of that fact. That will embolden the Dark Side, thinking they have the chance to bring the Peverell seat over to their side of the aisle. The Death Eaters will have made sure to tell their children to do their utmost to convince Hadrian that their way is the right way, and even if Hadrian ends up being the one to convince the Death Eater's children that his way is the right way, that'll still be a loss for our side, especially since the Wizengamot charter requires that the Heirs of those who are on the Wizengamot begin attending sessions to learn the ropes after they've passed their O.W.L.s. We have two years before Hadrian is set to make his debut at the Wizengamot, and even that's not a guarantee, because now Hadrian knows that he is eligible to enter the Tournament. He is likely to decide to try to become a Champion, if only to show up Hogwarts since it's made very clear in the Prophet that he got his education at the Walpurgis Monastery. A Hogwarts victory with Hadrian as Champion would be damning to Hogwarts, because his being chosen would mean there were no Hogwarts students who were as capable in fourth through seventh year. Which is exactly why he would do this, to fuck with Dumbledore."
"You're not wrong," Lily said with a sigh. "I fear we're in for a very tough year this year."
"Yeah, I think we are, too," James said quietly. "Anyone else need a drink?"
A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter.
So, who is telling the truth re: why the Tournament is being held and who is responsible for Hogwarts' educational woes? Hmm…