Yo, here's an update for you guys. It hasn't been long since I uploaded this story but if you didn't already know this is for a trade with Helghy. When one of us works on a chapter, the other will as well on the fic he traded. Feel free to check his profile and read his works, there's tons of great fics over there in all sorts of crossover sections.

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Standing just outside the large doors that led into what Dumbledore called the great hall, the students of Durmstrang stood patiently while the aged Wizard conversed with their headmaster. Naruto's eyes followed the man who defeated Grindelwald and found it difficult to believe this was him. He of course knew one's appearance had nothing to do with their ability, but it was still weird to see a man this powerful dress like the wizards from the muggle shows.

"Why do you think we need to put on a performance?" Naruto asked Krum in a hushed tone, his head not turning so as to not draw Karkaroff's attention. "And when can we go inside? It's still cold even inside the castle." He complained, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets.

"I'm not sure." Krum responded in English. It hadn't been long but since the announcement of the tournament, Krum had spent a lot of time practicing his English. His heavy accent was of course still there but he'd definitely improved. "As for the castle, there are warming charms in place and you're still cold?" He questioned.

The taller man then looked at Naruto's head and tried not to grin. "I told you you should've worn the hat. Everyone else has, for this reason alone." He added. "I can transfigure one for you if you'd like." He offered, knowing he wouldn't accept.

Naruto declined with a vehement shake of his head. "I'll pass. Those hats look ridiculous." He said, looking over at his other classmates as well. Both the men and two women that had been brought along rolled their eyes at the blond's words. Needless to say it wasn't the first time they'd had the hat discussion.

"Maybe." Krum uttered. "But we're warm while your ears are turning blue. When you're ready let me know and I'll happily make one for you." He said.

In a childish display, Naruto glanced to the side to check what Karkaroff was doing at the moment. The cowardly man was picking at his teeth with the nail of his thumb, paying no attention to what was going on around him. Seeing that the coast was clear, Naruto turned to Krum and left only the middle finger of his right hand remaining up while the rest were put down.

To most of the students, it was a rare sight to see Naruto and Viktor joking around and behaving like regular people. Their reputations within the school had put them on something of a pedestal. Karkaroff had all but made them the faces of Durmstrang and wanted their image to present power, skill, and ferocity. To that end the two men had been held to a higher standard on how to present themselves.

Stoic and serious, that's all most of the students back home ever saw of them. In the few moments however, where they were allowed to break that facade, people were given a glimpse into the real them and everyone agreed they were better this way.

Naruto thought it was stupid that he had to come across as an emotionless wizard ready to strike anyone down, but then again, most if not all of Karkaroff's ideas made little to no sense.

"You all remember what to do?" Karkaroff asked, making all eyes turn to him.

The students nodded.

"Good. While I think this is an idiotic task it's a tradition nonetheless. We are to enter in exactly one minute, I expect perfection." The headmaster said in his usual tone.

Naruto closed his eyes to conceal the way they rolled at the man's words. It was just an entrance, nothing more than an announcement of their presence at the prestigious school. The headmaster cast a silent spell to check how much time was left and with a wave of his hand, the students straightened up.

The headmaster led the charge and with a small blast of magic, the large doors were forced open. A dramatic 'boom' was heard throughout the hall and all eyes were on them. Karkaroff marched in with Krum on his right and Naruto on his left.

Among the sea of black uniforms, sitting along one of the nearby tables was a small patch of blue. His eyes were easily able to spot fleur out among her classmates. Fleur stared back at him with a smile in place and waved slowly at him. The angry facade he wore for the introduction broke for a split second to return the look but just as quickly, it was back in place.

Staring ahead towards the end of the hall, he noticed with a confused frown that Krum and Karkaroff were walking a bit too fast. They were a solid two steps ahead of him.

'I thought we were marching, not jogging.' He thought to himself, slightly irritated at not having been informed of the speed. Seeing it was too late to catch up now, he continued marching at his own pace. His classmates were doing a phenomenal job with the large staffs they were using. Sparks went off on his left and right due to the show being put on and in front of him, two classmates making a show of acrobatic skill all while continuing forward.

They easily maneuvered around him despite having only practiced the routine twice while on the ship. Just as he was steps away from reaching Krum and Karkaroff, a large flaming sigil of Durmstrang was created in the air. The animated sigil disbursed just as he was a step away from walking through it. Flying high into the air, it blew up in a shower of sparks.

The ten students stood proudly while Naruto, Krum, and Karkaroff stood a few feet to the side of them with no clear emotion on their faces. The way they were forced to be apart from his classmates rubbed the blond the wrong way. They should all be united, sharing the stage equally but instead the headmaster chose to have them by his side. In a way it felt like they were display pieces.

"A round of applause for the proud sons and daughters of Durmstrang." Dumbledore announced. The students of both Hogwarts and Beauxbatons clapped politely for the Durmstrang delegation. Some, like a certain redhead in one of the far tables clapped extra loud, though his eyes were exclusively on Krum.

"It seems you have a fan Krum." Naruto muttered loud enough for the man to hear him. He knew Viktor didn't mind it, but super fans were what got under his skin. The words didn't have an outward reaction but he knew he'd heard him.

"He's looking at you a little too closely I think." Naruto continued. "I actually don't think he realizes anyone else is here."

Those from Hogwarts and Beauxbaton's who had their eyes on the two looked on in confusion as Krum's facial expressions slowly changed. His angry look began to disappear and those close enough could see him begin to bite the inside of his cheek. While Dumbledore spoke, Naruto continued to mutter loud enough for Viktor to hear him, and if he was lucky his facade would break.

Unfortunately, just as the blond was certain Viktor would laugh, they were instructed to sit down. While Fleur and Beauxbaton's were seated with the black and blue uniformed Hogwarts students, they sat next to them with the green and silver wearing students. He of course knew the Slytherins' less than stellar reputation. Not the current students per say but due to what had happened in the past few years.

Lord Voldemort and his ilk had been predominantly from this very house, at least the important players. He could feel their eyes on him and his classmates, though most of them were on the Bulgarian. Understandably so, he was the headliner for most quidditch matches he played. People paid small fortunes for the opportunity to see him chase and catch a snitch.

At the end of the table, there were twelve open seats, six on each side of the table. As he walked down the aisle to his seat, his eyes once again wandered over to where Fleur was seated. Just like at the World Cup, he noticed that most if not all of the guys could hardly control themselves. Their eyes were seemingly glazed over and were looking at the French woman with hungry eyes.

'They have no resistance to the allure.' He thought to himself. Fleur looked up and silently pleaded for him to help her with her gaze. Nothing short of taking her to his table would solve the problem to a degree but he figured he could at least do something. Quickening his pace, he passed the open seats and made his way towards her.

"I knew I would find you here." He told her in French, standing just off to her side.

Fleur smiled widely, still inwardly giddy that he was learning French presumably for her sake. She would be correct but he wouldn't confirm that. Standing up and flattening the skirt of her uniform, she turned around to face him and pulled him into her arms, completely disregarding the fact that everyone was watching.

Wrapping his arms around her body, he chuckled.

"They can't stop staring at you, what are you going to do?" He asked, letting go of her.

"They can stare all they want. I simply ignore them." She replied before looking over his shoulder and frowning lightly. "We can talk more later, it looks like your headmaster isn't too happy that we're talking."

Looking over his shoulder, he saw that she was right. Karkaroff was staring angrily in his direction while some of his classmates looked at him with raised eyebrows. It wasn't that he was unpopular with the ladies back at Durmstrang, but they had never seen him go out of his way to seemingly flirt with someone.

Promising to get back to her, he made his way to the Slytherin table where a single open seat was vacant next to Krum.

"You should know Karkaroff was upset at the little show with your friend." Viktor said with a smirk. "He told me to get you under control while we're here."

Naruto mirrored his smirk and tapped his fingers along the wooden table. "What did you tell him?" He asked, genuinely curious.

"How?"

"What did he tell you?"

"He stared at me and stayed quiet, then went to talk to Dumbledore."

Naruto couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped him. He was sure the man was fuming on the inside but so long as they weren't in Durmstrang, he couldn't really enforce much of his personality killing ways. If he wanted to show affection to a long time friend like Fleur, he would do so. Karkaroff be damned.

"You know he's probably going to punish you when we get back to school right?"

Naruto turned to his right hand side where a female classmate of his was giving him a knowing look.

He shrugged. "He'll forget about it by then. Besides, when Viktor or I win the tournament, he'll be too busy gloating about his prized students and the superior teachings of Durmstrang."

Settling down, he surveyed the table and took note of anyone from prominent families. While he didn't spend much time around here, he still made it a point to know who was who.

On the side opposite of him and Viktor, there were a few people worth noting. One he recognized as Theodore Nott, heir of the Nott family. Other than having their hands in a few businesses, the only thing worth noting about them was that they were a pureblood family that sided with Voldemort during the first war, tried and true pureblood supremacists.

His eyes moved down the table and found someone else. Blaise Zabini, he'd met him once or twice when he'd lived here, from what he remembered he was a quiet kid if not vain. He noted how he seemed content to simply sit and listen, not contributing to the conversations but definitely taking everything in. Those were the ones one needed to keep an eye on. Would he be a threat in the future? Probably not but it wouldn't hurt to be vigilant.

Finally, the last person that had made it onto his radar was sitting right across from Viktor. A light blond haired student wearing a proud look on his face as he conversed with two classmates. Draco Malfoy. Whereas the other two students weren't much to talk about Draco was another matter. His family was prominent, rich, and fully in support of the Dark Lord during his reign. When it comes to 'dark' families, one would usually think of Malfoy.

Whatever he was talking about seemed to fly over his classmates heads as they simply blinked and then nodded. Naruto shook his head, if that was the company he was keeping he highly doubted they ever looked out for him whenever he came up with some half assed idea.

Glancing at Viktor, the two looked back at Draco who had just finished talking with his classmates and was now looking directly at them. Well, not them exactly but rather the world famous Bulgarian seeker.

"So…" He began. "What do you lot think of Hogwarts? A bit droll I think but eventually it grows on you."

Viktor swallowed his food and simply replied. "It's fine."

Draco blinked, waiting for the man to continue and cleared his throat when he realized he wasn't getting any more from him. "I'll say this much, you were definitely placed at the best table in the school. The Ravenclaws I suppose aren't so bad, but the Lions and the Puffs?" He asked, making a disgusted face while turning his nose up.

"What's wrong with them?" Naruto asked, slightly interested. He'd heard from his grandma about the different houses, but as the head of Gryffindor, he had to assume she had some bias. He was certain Draco would have his own towards his house, and to a degree the Ravenclaws, but he wanted to hear whether he'd have valid complaints or belief backed ones.

Draco, as well as those around him who were trying to listen to the 'conversation' between him and Krum, turned to look at him. None of them were ignorant to the fact that they were good friends, as seen by what had happened during their introductions. Viktor for his part, stared at the Hogwarts students with a look, wanting to see how they would treat his friend.

They'd all treated him like a superstar, complimenting his skills and such as soon as he sat down. Now he would see what they were really like by observing their interactions with someone who 'wasn't known', at least to some.

Draco, having been trained in the delicate field of politics and relationship building, didn't hesitate to answer his question.

"The Gryffindors are Dumbledores favorites, so no matter what they do or what rules they break I can assure you they'll be rewarded for it." He replied, getting some nods from those around him.

"The puffs, well they're not really good at much. They're loyal to their own which I suppose I can get behind, but other than that they really don't have much going for them."

Naruto turned around to look at the Gryffindor table and his eyes quickly spotted Harry Potter. The man was talking to the same redheaded guy who was staring at Krum like he was a god when they walked in. Even now, while Harry spoke to him he was looking in Viktor's direction.

"What do you think Krum? If you were to enroll here, what house do you think you'd be in?" Draco asked, once again trying to make conversation.

The blond noticed how Viktor seemed to be getting annoyed by the conversations and remembered how he'd told Fleur that he'd spoken of her in the past. A mischievous smile formed on his face and he cleared his throat, ready to pay his friend back.

"I think you'd definitely fit right in with the Puffs." Naruto said, looking at his friend.

The burly Bulgarian stopped his chewing and glanced at him through narrowed eyes. The Slytherin students around them blinked and then frowned at the words. Of course they were hoping Viktor would reply with Slytherin, and to a degree they wouldn't be wrong.

Viktor was ambitious and cunning when he needed to be. All he needed was to draw a slightly larger crowd of students to enact the next part of his plan. His words had the desired effect as even those a bit further down the table had turned their heads in their direction.

"Are you daft?" Draco asked, though without the usual snark in his voice. "He would most certainly be a Slytherin."

Unsurprisingly, his classmates agreed with him. To his delight, Viktor also nodded as the traits of the house certainly resonated within him.

"Yeah I guess you're right. I was going for the loyal aspect but I suppose given what he's done to reach the level he's at in quidditch, he'd need plenty of ambition and cunning."

Draco nodded. "An honest mistake I'm sure."

'This is too easy.' Naruto thought to himself, trying to hide his smile.

"His ambition really shines on the quidditch pitch that's for sure." He said before turning to look at his friend. "Viktor, tell them about the time you had that friendly match against Algeria and you caught the snitch."

Viktor frowned at the command. There was no such match against Algeria that he could recall.

"What was so special about him catching the snitch?" Nott asked in a haughty tone. "He does it all the time."

Smiling at the man but frowning at him on the inside, Naruto replied. "Well, other than the fact that he jumped off the broom to catch the snitch?" He shot back.

All eyes turned to Viktor, mentally imagining what the play would look like in real time.

"He jumped off the broom?" Draco asked, just as shocked. "Wouldn't he be knocked out if he did that?"

Naruto shook his head. "If you're hit with a bludger or fall off, you're knocked out. He willingly jumped off so the rule wasn't enforced. He caught the snitch and won the game soundly because of it. I've never seen anything like it before to tell you the truth."

Suddenly, all the attention was off him and the Slytherins were bombarding Viktor with tons of questions. Why did he feel the need to do it? What happened after? How did he land? Does he still have the snitch? Can they get the memory of it to show others?

Viktor turned to look at him with an annoyed look and a silent question in his stare. 'Why?'

Leaning over so that only he could hear him, he spoke. "You shouldn't have told Fleur that I talked to you about her."

Having accomplished what he had set out to do, Naruto focused all his attention on the food in front of him.

While the Slytherin table was fawning over the mythical accomplishments of Krum, the staff table at the front of the great hall was immersed in their own conversation.

"I must say, it makes me glad to see the students getting along so well." Professor Dumbledore said as he watched the Slytherin students chatting with those from Durmstrang.

Karkaroff looked over at the table in question and nodded, still slightly miffed about the scene one of his students had caused.

"More than that, you definitely have two of the most gifted students of this generation under your banner Headmaster Karkaroff. A professional quidditch player and back to back dueling champion." Professor Flitwick commented. His eyes were specifically trained on the blond next to Viktor Krum.

The man grinned, something those around him wished he didn't do. "Yes, Krum and McGonagall are the best students to have walked the halls of Durmstrang in years. I say we have the best chance of winning the Triwizard Tournament." He replied in a proud tone.

"It would do you well not to underestimate the Hogwarts students Headmaster." McGonagall responded curtly. Though she wasn't fond of the man her great grandson called Headmaster, she was proud that he was held in such high regard. "We've had some of the finest wizards in history learn from this very school."

Flitwick and surprisingly, even Snape nodded.

"Though that does make me remember something." Flitwick spoke. "I assume both Viktor Krum and Naruto McGonagall will be entering the tournament. We must discuss how your great grandson's skills might need to be toned down a bit." He said, looking towards Minerva.

"Why is that?" Karkaroff added with a frown. "The Triwizard Tournament is a competition for the best each school has to offer. His skills add to his chances."

Flitwick raised his hands in a placating manner. "I'm not saying he limits the amount of spells he uses or anything of the sort. I'm merely referring to the power output behind the spells when facing off against other students."

Professor Dumbledore stroked his beard in thought. As the host of the Tournament, he'd of course been briefed on all the tasks that would take place on his grounds. That included the final challenge that would determine the winner of the tournament. Students would likely end up facing each other at some point, and that's where the danger lied.

Among regular students, the encounters were dangerous, but with someone like the blond, the students were in far more danger than ever.

"I see your point professor." Dumbledore spoke. "We have plenty of time before the first event is to take place. Igor, you understand the safety of the students is our primary concern. I can promise you however, if your student is picked he will not be given a handicap that will put him in an unfavorable position. The tournament will still be balanced and fair for all involved."

The Durmstrang Headmaster frowned but nodded. "Fine. However, I must agree to whatever restrictions are imposed. If I feel that we're put at a disadvantage, we will pull out of the tournament and refrain from entering in the future."

The Headmistress of Beauxbaton's, who had been silent up until then, spoke next. "I'm sure things will be fine, Karkaroff. Assuming he's picked, we should also see if the rules bother him at all." She said with her slight French accent showing through. "I imagine it would be a good look for him if he made it far even with some restrictions on him." She added, trying to appeal to his pride.

Karkaroff didn't reply, instead looking over at his students. He was certain they could win no matter what the odds, but that didn't mean he was happy about it. As much as he wanted to ignore it, he couldn't help but think how much better his school would look with a champion that had won even at a disadvantage.

xxxx

"So Fleur…when were you going to tell us you had a boyfriend?" Eleanor, her best friend within the school asked in their native tongue. They didn't want any eavesdroppers after all.

The other girls looked on in interest wondering what the woman would say. From the moment they saw her hugging the boy from Durmstrang, Fleur knew the next few hours would be full of questions.

Fleur felt her cheeks begin to heat up at the question but shook her head. "He's not my boyfriend. He's an old friend I met a few years ago. I hadn't seen him for a while until we met again at the world cup."

None of the girls believed her. All of them wore looks of skepticism, to them, that hug lasted longer than a friendly hug would.

"I have to say Fleur, you definitely have high standards for men." Another one of her classmates replied. "A dueling champion, kind of hard for other guys to compete with."

The quarter Veela tilted her head slightly to the side and moved a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Dueling champion?" She asked.

The women around looked at her as if she'd grown a second head. That was her friend and she didn't know?

"I don't keep track of the dueling scene." She defended herself. "How good is he?" She asked.

Eleanor took a sip of her drink and replied. "He's been competing in the adult dueling league since he was sixteen. He's the current repeat champion and will most likely be invited to duel in the world dueling tournament next year. From what I've seen of him, he's scary good with a wand."

Fleur looked surprised and partially ashamed that she didn't know that about her friend. She made a mental note to ask her father the next time he was around to see if he knew any of this. Perhaps she would go watch a match during the world tournament.

She noticed another one of her friends smile slyly at her and could feel her eyes narrowing in her direction. Whatever she was about to say would not be appropriate.

"I wonder if he's good with his other wand?" She asked out loud

Fleur buried her face in her hands and did her best to drown out the laughter at her expense. To her immense shame, she couldn't stop the barrage of mental images of her and her blond friend finding out if the question was true or not.

"She's thinking about it!"

The laughter increased and with it, her own embarrassment. Fortunately, it died down after a few short minutes and they were able to get back to a somewhat normal conversation.

"Seriously Fleur, if either him or Viktor Krum get selected, they'll probably be the most problematic opponents you end up against."

"I know, but I'm confident in my own skills. I can win this no matter who gets selected." She replied with full confidence. Her friends nodded in agreement, no matter what happened they would have her back.

After the meal, Dumbledore clapped his hands, getting everyone's attention.

"I hope you have all enjoyed the feast, for now it is time for those of you who wish to participate in the Triwizard Tournament, to submit your names into the Goblet of Fire." He announced, waving his hand to the side. The large artifact was brought into the hall and placed in front of the man. The top of the goblet was lit up with bright blue fire.

"For the safety of our students, only those of sixth year or higher will be allowed to participate." He continued. "To that end, I will be creating an age line that will restrict those who do not meet the qualifications to enter. You may leave and enter your name before the night ends if you wish, or you may stay and do so as soon as I'm finished."

The hall was quiet with everyone hanging onto the man's words. Most were dejected that they wouldn't be allowed to compete while others were indifferent.

"An age line seems a little too simple to keep someone out doesn't it?" Naruto asked Krum.

Unfortunately, with how quiet the hall was, his words all but resonated throughout the room.

Dumbledore looked over at him and smiled kindly, not at all bothered by the blond's comments.

"I assure you my boy, the age line will be more than enough…that is of course unless you know of a better way." He finished with a slight challenging tone. Truth be told he was also fascinated with the boy in the same way that Flitwick was. Young talent was to be nurtured so it could bloom, and he wanted to see how much talent the boy potentially had.

All eyes turned to Naruto who shrugged. "I have an Idea, if you wouldn't mind that is."

Dumbledore put his wand down and motioned him to come forward. "Not at all. I'm curious as to what you have in mind."

His steps resonated through the hall and for the first time in a while, he felt his heart begin to pump with a bit of excitement. This would be the first time he used the spell he had in mind, and it would be a great message to send to the world. People knew his name in the dueling circuit, but that wasn't enough.

Standing in front of the Goblet, Naruto stared at it with a determined look and turned around, very much aware of the eyes of both the students and the staff on him.

"So no one below sixth year. Should be simple enough to tweak the spell." He muttered to himself.

"Protego Diabolica." He whispered. Dumbledore's eyes widened dramatically at the name of the spell. He was very much familiar with it as well as the last person he could remember that had cast it.

Walking in a circular pattern around the Goblet, a blazing blue fire roared to life around the parameter of the artifact. Waving his wand as if he was conducting an orchestra, the fire sprang higher into the air, bending to its casters desire. With a flick of the wand, the Durmstrang sigil was displayed high in the air before disbursing, leaving only the wild flames behind.

"Viktor." He called out.

The Bulgarian shook his head at the display but was definitely impressed. He'd seen the spell used before but never in the same dramatic fashion as he had now. Stepping forward, those watching held their breaths in suspense only to let them out moments later when he stepped through the flames without so much as a scratch.

The slip of paper was dropped into the Goblet which accepted it readily.

Looking around, he noticed most of the Slytherin table looking on in shock, at least those that came from prominent families. It seemed to be the same case with the other houses except those in Gryffindor that knew of the spell seemed appalled that someone would use it.

His great grandma on the other hand looked downright cross. He recognized the look of anger on her face, he'd seen plenty of it in the past.

Just as quickly as the spell had gone up, the flames were snuffed out with a simple wave of Dumbledore's wand. The smile he wore had long been replaced with an unreadable look, though the concern behind his eyes was not lost on him.

"A truly magnificent display young man." He said in a grandfatherly tone. "However, I will ask that that spell not be used again. Place your name into the Goblet if you wish to participate but I will go ahead with the age line."

Nodding, he placed his name into the cup and alongside Viktor, made his way out of the hall. Looking at Fleur as he walked out, he was thankful that she didn't seem to be giving him an upset look. That spell was considered a dark charm, a foolish notion if there ever was one but that's how things were, and she didn't seem to look at him in a different way.

She mouthed 'we'll talk later' as he passed by and he nodded.

"Just one moment young man." McGonagall called out, stepping next to Dumbledore.

"What is it grandma?" He replied casually.

The students of Hogwarts were afronted at the blatant disrespect he was showing one of their best professors. Though she was old, none dared call her that to her face, not even the Slytherins.

"Please refrain from calling me that while we're on educational time." She chastised. "At the moment I'm not your grandmother but a professor of Hogwarts. Headmaster Karkaroff, might I borrow your student for a few minutes. I'd like to speak with him."

Karkaroff nodded. "Take him."

"I'll catch up with you on the ship." Naruto commented, following his grandmother as she left the hall.

A few moving stair sets later, naruto was seated across from his grandmother who was staring at him with disapproval clear on her face.

"Would you mind explaining to me what you were doing pulling that stunt in the great hall?"

Naruto shrugged. "Making a stronger deterrent to cheaters. People have died in the tournament, it wouldn't be too difficult for someone to find a way across the line and participate."

The elderly professor sighed and let her age show as she rubbed her forehead. "That spell you used has a high negative connotation associated with it. Those who come from old families will likely tell their parents about it. But you didn't think about that did you?"

"Not exactly. You know I don't buy into any of that light and dark stuff. Magic has no alignment, it's all about what you intend to do with the magic that matters." He replied firmly.

"Naruto. I know you don't care for this sort of thing, but here in Britain we have a problem with this kind of thing. I don't want people like Lucius Malfoy trying to get in your good graces, nor do I want Dumbledore to take too much of an interest in you the same way he seemingly has with Harry Potter." She said in a much softer tone.

"I'm not stupid enough to believe Lucius Malfoy would have an interest in me for anything other than spells I can potentially teach him and his ilk. As for Dumbledore, well I don't know enough about him to form a solid opinion quite yet."

Knowing that was the best she'd get with him, McGonagall nodded. "As much as I wish you hadn't done something so idiotic, I suppose it could have been worse. Now tell me, how's your mother doing?"

"She's alright, definitely against me participating in the tournament but I think she eventually warmed up to the idea. I still think she hopes Viktor gets chosen though." He replied with a laugh.

"I can imagine why. You love to do things without thinking things through. Something tells me if you would have enrolled here, I would've been the head of your house." She said with a shudder at the thought.

Frowning at the display, he leaned forward in his seat. "It's either here or Slytherin to be honest. I have qualities of both, not sure which one I'd prefer though. Though I can also see myself having ended up in Ravenclaw. I do like learning new spells and finding out exactly how they work." He mused.

The mention of Ravenclaw brought a glint into the older woman's eyes as she remembered the events before the feast took place.

"Speaking of Ravenclaw. I couldn't help but notice you seemed to know one of the Beauxbaton's girls that arrived today." She said with a knowing grin.

Naruto smiled as the thought of Fleur entered his mind, unknowingly adding more fuel to the fire that was to come.

"Oh yeah, that's Fleur. She's one of my closest friends, we reconnected at the World Cup and have been keeping in touch."

"Oh I'm sure. You were definitely in contact in the hall. I've never seen you so smitten over someone before. I'm sure your mother would love to see the memory." His grandmother teased. "The way you held that young woman and spoke to her in French no less, that was something I never figured you were capable of."

"I take offense to that. I'm capable of a lot." He countered.

McGonagall nodded in agreement. "You are. When something suits you. But learning French was never one of your interests, you even called it boring when I recommended it. So to find out you did it for a girl, that's nothing short of remarkable."

Naruto slumped into his seat, knowing it was a useless endeavor to convince his grandmother otherwise. Everything she said was true and he could only imagine what the letter from his mother would be like once word reached her.

Laughing at his embarrassment, the woman took pity on him and decided to change the conversation. "Now, tell me about your studies. What courses are you taking at the moment?"

The rest of the time they had together was spent going over his classes and what his plans for the future were. He was also told that one of the professors, Flitwick, would surely reach out to him in the coming days. Naruto had no problem with that. He knew of the man and that he was one of the best duelists in the world back in his day.

The opportunity to pick his brain and move himself up to the next level was something he wouldn't pass up.

xxxx

The next day after the Halloween feast, Dumbledore once again got everyone's attention.

"It is now time for selection of the champions." He called out. Waving his right hand across the room, the candles that were lit began to go out one by one until the room was illuminated by only the blue flames of the cup.

Silence fell across the hall with only the embers of the flames making any noise. The blue light of the fire turned bright red for a moment before the flames rose, releasing a piece of parchment into the air. Catching it will little effort, Dumbledore brought the parchment up to eye level.

"The Durmstrang champion is Naruto McGonagall."

Cheers erupted from his classmates, and even Viktor who had not been chosen was quick to pat him on the shoulder.

"Do not embarrass us." He said in a joking tune.

Laughing at the words, he nodded at everyone and finished shaking hands with his classmates. Walking up to the Headmaster, he shook the man's hand and was led to an adjacent room just a few steps away. As he was making his way towards the door, the bright red light flashed through the room.

As he entered through the doors, he couldn't help but smile in pride as Fleur's name was called out.

Inside the room were five other people, two of which were the heads of his school and Beauxbaton's. Of the remaining three he recognized Ludovic Bagman, the head of the Department of magical games and sports. Next to him was Bartemis Crouch Senior, and finally the sole woman of the trio and one of the most despised in England, Rita Skeeter.

He stood in place until a moment later when Fleur joined him. No words were exchanged as they waited for the third and final champion to be named. His curiosity was satisfied when the door opened once more and a hufflepuff student walked into the room and stood alongside them.

"Excellent. Now that the champions have been selected we may…" Bagman's words died in his throat as Dumbledore and Harry Potter entered the room.

"What is the meaning of this Dumbledore?" Karkaroff asked in an angry tone as he watched Harry Potter take his place alongside the other Hogwarts student.

Dumbledore stared at everyone and uttered words that shocked most.

"Harry has been selected as the fourth champion by the goblet."

Naruto turned towards the boy who lived and let out a small whistle. The man would be going into a tournament under prepared and against people much more experienced than him. He couldn't help but feel a little bad for the guy. Looking at Fleur, he noticed she seemed just as surprised and a bit upset as everyone else.

It didn't matter to him how many champions there were, all that meant was there was one more person to beat. Harry Potter or not, he would be the Triwizard Champion.