Disclaimer: Much as I'd like to, I don't own Draco Malfoy, or any part of the magical world that J.K. Rowling has all the copyrights to ... please don't sue me. There are some parts of this story that are quotes from the book - it can't be helped - events are the same as in the book, but Draco's opinion of these events may vary from Harry's.
Author's Notes: My beta's not got back to me in time, so I uploaded it without her - I'm not sure, but I think her email's screwed. Theo's cousin - let's just say, he fits in well with her family. As for the other Durmstrang girl, well I just liked her name :P ... and I apologise if I'm rubbish at writing accents.
jinjo: What exactly are you referring to by "figuring everything out now"?
Professor Mayvero: Thanks for the offer, but I don't have the time.
Some person who can't remember her FF.net password: Cute name. Glad you like.
Druscilla Black: Thanks, glad you like it - I had those blood-lines I came up with in my head for ages, just waiting for that chapter.
duochang97: Well, Cat is a Seer ... but she still doesn't get visions that tell her anything useful. As for the teeth, I have that scene already written in ch14 ... and the aftermath of it in ch15 ... yes, it was in the fourth book, and I took great glee in writing it from Draco's POV ... almost as much fun as the ferret scene and Draco's reaction to Potter's name coming out of the Goblet.
Starre: Um ... there was a tapestry in the Black house, in OotP, that clearly said Narcissa, Bellatrix and Andromeda were Sirius and Regulus' cousins ... although Regulus was Sirius' younger brother, and I made it sound like he was an older brother ... but that was just for the purpose of maintaining some suspense. And have I ever mentioned, you're nuts ... why are all my reviewers insane? (and look who's talking, here) ... although I do mean insane in a good way.
angelkas: Wondering if what? I wanna know. Um, Sirius is actually Narcissa's cousin - it says so in OotP - I'd have thought everyone would have worked out that Cat and Draco are second cousins, by now. As for Cruella ... think about it this way - Sirius is a dog, not a Dalmatian but still a dog, and his mother hates him - it made sense to me.
Simply Myself: *blinks innocently* Akuma-Sama's influence? I have no idea what you mean *hides the plans to use The Dark Magic Lexicon in her story*. Sorry, at least it's not too bad a song - I had Barbie Girl stuck in my head for weeks, once *shudders*. I do try to end on a funny line/cliffhanger (whichever's more convenient) every chapter. No, she's not noticed anything wrong ... you see, Draco has inside information Hermione doesn't. Wow - well, I guess the Quibbler does surpass itself, doesn't it? I wasn't smoking anything ... I was high on caffeine, but then again I always am. I was particularly proud of the ferret scene *bows*. Hehe, Theo's good, isn't he? That reasoning made sense to me, too - don't worry. *blinks* a musical? I tried writing Harry Potter the musical, but it didn't work out without real music and actors, like BtVS did. What, prey tell, was the sick idea you had?
yousuck: I really don't care if you like my writing or not, what confuses me is why on Earth you read this far if you think this story sucks? And aren't you contradicting yourself by saying ATHSS was really good right after you said I'm the worst author ever? Make up your mind before speaking it.
Devi: Yeah, I don't see how anyone can say Draco's not handsome. Yes, I was remembering 101 Dalmatians ... Sirius is a dog, and his mother hates him, it made sense to me. It's not that she has too much time on her hands, it's that she's too good at time-management, after third year. Well, Draco was raised to be the Malfoy heir, Lucius didn't really give a damn about teaching Draco his mother's family line beyond the fact Narcissa is of pure magical blood.
Princess of Darkness: I made up several names, but not all of them ... the names I made up are: Damien De Vil, Tiberius Black, Veridius Black, Kiara Moon, Nala Nymphadora, and I took Cruella De Vil's name from 101 Dalmations. And I have almost as good a memory for statistical facts regarding fanfics ... but for some reason my memory of real life sucks. And what hetrosexual teenage boy with a spy-ball wouldn't use it to watch girls undress?
Elizabeth: Well, I'm not featuring the Cho/Harry pairing highly in this fic ... actually, it's non-existant, because Draco is unaware of Potter's little crush. He thinks - and I quote what he told me himself - "Potter and the Weaslette are made for each other ... the hero and the hero-worshipper ... unless he's gay, then he should go for Creepy Creevy". Well, that line you liked seems like something Hermione actually would say, even if I weren't doing a D/Hr ship.
Hrei-siesn: Who would spend that much time on family trees? A pureblood, whose parents are too obsessed with their lineage. And how was Hermione being flirtatious?
Exodia Himself: The point of that last line: "what sane teenage girl goes up to her room, late at night, to make badges that say 'SPEW' on them?" was that it was meant to be connected to Hermione saying "... no sane person would ever want a rotten ferret like you!" *evil grin*.
"Is your brain big enough to get your feelings hurt? ... me neither" -Malcolm in the Middle
Chapter 11 - Durmstrang
After potions class that Friday, Theo was literally skipping around happily, "Who fed you sugar?" I asked jokingly.
"No one. I just got an owl this morning, is all." Theo said, still prancing around like a hyperactive Cornish Pixie ... I briefly considered strangling him to see if he'd turn the right colour.
"You don't usually get this excited over an owl. I'd worry if you did." I said, smirking.
"My cousin's gonna be here for the Tournament." Theo said, as if that explained it.
"Your cousin?"
"I'll introduce you." When we got outside, to wait for the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students to arrive, Theo stood next to me, "And another thing." he said cheerfully.
"What?" I asked, exasperated.
"Krum. He's coming over with them too."
"Krum? As in the Bulgarian Seeker?" I asked, surprised.
"Yep. My cousin told me so."
"I see." I said, sceptical of anything Theo or his supposed cousin had to say until I saw for myself.
Just then, I heard Dumbledore's voice, "Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!"
"Where?" several other students asked.
"There!" a Ravenclaw sixth year shouted, pointing over the forest. I couldn't make out what it was, but there were several guesses from the first years shouted out for all to hear, from a dragon to a flying house. It wasn't any of these, though. It was a giant winged-horse drawn carriage. Now whether you take that as giant winged-horses, or the carriage they were pulling was giant, either way, you'd be right.
"Only thing wrong with that carriage." Theo said, wrinkling his nose, "Who would ever pick that colour?" It was powder blue.
"I agree." I muttered, watching as a boy got out of the carriage and pulled down the steps properly.
Then a woman the size of Hagrid stepped out. As she stepped away from the carriage, into the light, I could see that she at least wasn't as bad looking at Hagrid - she appeared to have made an effort on her appearance, hair pulled back tightly, and dressed entirely in black. She was still scary, but at least she had fashion-sense.
Prompted by Dumbledore, most of the students began to applaud. I reluctantly join in the applause only when Theo elbowed me in the ribs.
The woman walked over to Dumbledore, and held out her hand ... Dumbledore is not a short man, and he hardly had to bend to kiss this woman's hand. "My dear Madame Maxime. Welcome to Hogwarts." Dumbledore said.
"Dumbly-dorr. I 'ope I find you well?" she replied, with a strong French accent.
"On excellent form, I thank you." Dumbledore said.
"My pupils." Madame Maxime said, gesturing to the group of boys and girls behind her. I hadn't noticed them ... the wannabe-giantess had held my attention quite effectively. They were all shivering - well, it's not the warmest weather here, and they're certainly not dressed appropriately. "'As Karkaroff arrived yet?" Maxime asked.
"He should be here any moment. Would you like to wait here and greet him or would you prefer to step inside and warm up a trifle?" Dumbledore asked politely.
"Warm up, I think. But ze 'orses -"
"Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher will be delighted to take care of them, the moment he has returned from dealing with a slight situation which has arisen with some of his other - er - charges." Dumbledore said tactfully. I have no doubt that the Blast-Ended Skrewts tried to kill something/someone they shouldn't have.
"My steeds require - er - forceful 'andling." Maxime said, "Zey are very strong ..."
"I assure you, that Hagrid will be well up to the job." Dumbledore said happily.
"Very well." Maxime said, bowing slightly, "Will you please inform zis 'Agrid zat ze 'orses drink only single malt whiskey?" Must be really high-class horses, at that rate. I've read about magical creatures, bred specifically, that drink alcohol as an energy source, and are unaffected by it - it's a sign of good taste to have creatures like that. Naturally, the Blast-Ended Skrewts won't touch alcohol.
"It will be attended to." Dumbledore said, also bowing.
"Come." Maxime said, waving a hand imperiously, to lead her students inside.
"How are Durmstrang getting here?" I asked Theo.
"Nes said to watch the lake. But she didn't say what to watch for." Theo said, looking out at the lake.
"'Nes'?" I asked.
"My cousin. You'll like her." Theo said. A few minutes later, "Here they come." he whispered.
I was also watching the lake, and saw ripples from the centre, quickly turning into a whirlpool. "What the hell?" I asked quietly.
The other students were just spotting it now, as the Gryffindor brat who commentates Quidditch matches yelled out, "The lake!" to draw everyone else's attention.
"I have no clue." Theo said, "Nes does like to keep people guessing."
"I like her already." I muttered, as a mast appeared out of the whirlpool.
The mast was quickly followed by the rest of a ship. It was eerie and creepy looking - that must be Durmstrang, then. Once it had fully surfaced, it drifted towards the bank as if being blown by the breeze. When it hit the bank, a plank was lowered, down which people began to disembark. The taller figure in the lead had to be Karkaroff - he was wearing better furs than the students, and had the 'I'm an evil Death Eater' air about him. Seriously, you can tell. "Dumbledore! How are you, my dear fellow, how are you?" he called out too-jovially, as he walked briskly towards the man he was addressing.
"Blooming, thank you, Professor Karkaroff." Dumbledore answered.
Karkaroff shook Dumbledore's hand, "Dear old Hogwarts. How good it is to be here, how good ... Viktor, come along, into the warmth ... you don't mind, Dumbledore? Viktor has a slight head cold ..." Dumbledore didn't seem to mind at all, and Karkaroff led his students into the castle.
"Told ya so." Theo muttered to me, pointing to Krum.
"I know you told me." I answered, pretending not to care.
* * *
As we walked into the Great Hall, Theo sniggered, "Carrie and Samantha are fighting over a lipstick to get Krum to sign either Carrie's hat or Samantha's chest, with it."
"Who are you talking about?" I asked.
"My sister, Carrie, and Cat's cousin Samantha - they're sixth year Ravenclaws." Theo answered.
"Oh." I said, and shrugged, "I don't see why they're bothered. Even if I wanted an autograph, he's going to be here all year."
"How do you know?"
"Dumbledore said so at the start of the year."
Theo suddenly stood up, "Hey, over here!" and he waved/beckoned to the Durmstrang students. One shorter Durmstrang student walked over and sat down opposite Theo, she threw back the hood on her cloak to reveal jet-black hair in two tight plaits, and a sombre face, "Hello Theodore." she said in a distinct American accent, and when she smiled I got the impression I was looking at the devil herself for a moment.
"Hi Nes." Theo said smiling.
"Don't call me that." the girl said coldly.
"Sorry, cousin." Theo said, shrugging, "Wednesday, this is my friend, Draco Malfoy. Draco, this is my cousin, Wednesday Addams." he said, introducing us.
Wednesday smiled the 'I'm a demon child' smile again, "Pleased to meet you, Draco." she then beckoned to the other Durmstrang students, who quickly made their way over to the Slytherin table and sat down around us, "Victor, this is my cousin Theodore - call him Dora -"
"Hey!" Theo protested, as the Durmstrang students snickered.
"And his friend, Draco Malfoy." Wednesday continued, ignoring Theo's complaint, "Boys, this is Viktor Krum - don't mention Quidditch, and I'm sure you'll get along fine."
"Hello." Krum said politely.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." I said, smirking. Crabbe, who had sat next to me, opened his mouth ... and I hit him, "She said don't mention Quidditch, you nit." I said coldly.
"How'd you know I was gonna -?" Crabbe asked stunned, rubbing his head where I'd hit him, as if it'd actually hurt.
"Because I know how the limited capacity of your brain works, Crabbe." I snapped.
Krum and several other Durmstrang students snickered. Wednesday smiled, "I like you, Draco. Your stupid friend reminds me of my brother, though. He wasn't allowed to come, because he's too young."
"Your brother?"
"Same IQ, I'm guessing." she said, smirking.
"Malfoy?" another girl asked, in an accent to match Krum's.
"Yes." I said, carefully.
"You are related to Lucius Malfoy?"
"Yes." I said, now coldly.
"I am Susan Ivanova." she said, smiling, "You do not like being compared to your father?"
"It's not that. I just don't like people asking if I'm related to him ... it feels like reflected glory, and I don't like it."
"You do not like claiming to be related to or know somevone famous?" Krum asked.
"Really not. I want to be famous on my own." I said, shrugging.
Krum smirked faintly, "I do not see vhy. It is not as much fun as they say it is."
"I meant infamous."
"Ah, that is different." Krum said a bit warmer.
Blaise sat down next to Theo at this point.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and - most particularly - guests." Dumbledore said cheerfully, interrupting not only our conversation, but everyone's conversations, "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable." One Beauxbatons girl laughed derisively. Wednesday gave this girl a one-fingered gesture. "The Tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!" Dumbledore said, and as he sat down food appeared on the tables.
"Where've you been?" Theo asked Blaise, as if Dumbledore's announcement hadn't interrupted him at all.
"Talking to my cousin." she said, waving to a Beauxbatons boy, who waved back.
"He is very attractive." Susan said, smiling at the boy, then turned back to Blaise, "You might vant to be varned. Kurt Poliakoff is a terrible flirt." she said seriously.
"Somevone said my name?" a young-looking Durmstrang boy asked, leaning past Krum and Wednesday to see Susan and Blaise. "Hello, young lady. I do not believe I haff had the pleasure." he said, trying to reach across the table, and almost falling into a bowl of goulash. Krum smirked, and mimed pushing Kurt into the bowl properly. When Kurt sat up straight, his tie had been dunked into the bowl.
"Um, your tie's messed up." Blaise said, pointing at it.
"Oh, no. Karkaroff vill throw a fit." he said cheerfully. Blaise giggled.
"Am I the only vone not flirting vith the members ov other schools?" Krum asked.
"I'm not flirting with anyone." I noted.
Krum gave a sideways glance at Wednesday, whose attention was engaged in a discussion with Theo on Blast-Ended Skrewts. "Did you see the Vorld Cup?" he asked.
"Yeah. I thought you didn't like talking about -"
"Do not say the 'Q' vord in front ov Ved-nes-day. She is the vone who does not like it." he said, smirking.
"I see." I said, also smirking.
"Those Leprechauns vere asking for it." he said, amused.
"So I wasn't the only one watching the mascots?" I asked.
"No, you vere not. My whole team vere discussing the fight after the match." Krum said. "They thought it vas very funny. Unfortunately, it did distract vone ov our Chasers."
"Is that why you lost?" I asked.
"Vell, that is his story, and he is stuck to it." Krum said, smirking.
"Huh?" Crabbe asked, confused.
"Pay attention to your food or Goyle'll eat it, Crabbe." I said, trying to get him to stop listening to us. Crabbe did as he was told.
"Are those two really that stupid?" Krum asked.
"No, this is a good day for them." I said, shrugging.
"That is bad."
"If it weren't for Theo, I'd have gone insane from boredom, with those two ... as it is, Theo drove me insane, anyway."
"If he is anything like Ved-nes-day, I can understand." Krum said, sympathetically, "She is in my year, and she is ... demonic."
"That's what I'd call her, too."
"I heard that." Wednesday said coolly.
"Where are you from, anyway?" I asked her, "You've got a different accent."
"I'm from America. My parents sent me to Durmstrang, because its Dark Arts course is the best in the world. Way better than Salem Institute, where my neighbour, Mary-Sue, went." she said, saying the name 'Mary-Sue' about as derisively as I would say Potter's name.
"Tell me about Durmstrang." Theo asked, hopefully.
"Well, last week, I sent an Imperius cursed swarm of rats into the first year girls' dorms. They shrieked for hours before anyone got rid of the rats. By that time, of course, I had had the rats gnaw all the posters of Muggle bands into shreds." she said proudly.
"Cool." Theo said enthusiastically.
"And I started an initiation ceremony for first years, when I was a second year. All their dolls get decapitated. It was actually a family tradition, but I felt like sharing." she said happily.
"Sounds like fun." I muttered, I then turned to Krum, "I see what you mean."
Suddenly, Theo wolf-whistled, "Wow, look at that!" he said, pointing across the room, "Over there, talking to the Weasel."
I looked, and saw the girl who had laughed derisively at Dumbledore's speech, asking the Weasley-sidekick for a bowl of food that was at the Gryffindor table. She had let her hair down, and she was drop-dead gorgeous. "Weasley's drooling." Blaise said simply.
"She is hot." Poliakoff said, looking over his shoulder at the girl, and almost drooling himself.
"I've seen better." Theo said quietly, "But she is gorgeous."
"Vhat do you mean, you haff seen better?" Poliakoff asked, as if he'd just been insulted.
"She's part Veela, I'd bet." Theo answered, "Judging by how half the Great Hall is staring. She is very attractive, but I don't see what it is in Veela that's so great."
All the Durmstrang boys now turned to give Theo disbelieving looks, "You are kidding." Poliakoff said, stunned.
"Veela are a national treasure. All men love them." Krum said.
"I'm immune to mind-control. Veela, Dementors, and even the Imperius curse." Theo said proudly.
"It runs in the family." Wednesday added.
"Something to do with insanity." Theo finished. Wednesday nodded.
"Another vone." Poliakoff said, holding his hands in front of Theo, making a cross with his fingers. Theo backed away a bit.
"You should know better, Kurt. We're not vampires. We're demons." Wednesday joked.
"Vatever." Poliakoff said, shrugging. Clearly he had also been joking.
When the puddings appeared, Wednesday looked at the various sorts of desserts, and turned her nose up at all of them. "What's wrong, Wednesday?" I asked.
"She does not like sveet foods." Susan answered.
"Try this." Theo offered Wednesday a blood-pop, Wednesday tried it, gave her demonic smile, and nodded, "I like this." she said. Theo took out another one and started eating it.
"And she said she is not a vampyr." Poliakoff said, smirking.
I, meanwhile, ate some of the Crepe Suzette ... I'm glad they decided to cater for the Beauxbatons students - I like the French food.
Then, when the plates cleared themselves, Dumbledore stood again, "The moment has come. The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket, just to clarify the procedure which we will be following this year. But firstly, let me introduce, for those of you who do not know them, Mr Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Co-operation -" a few people applauded, though not many, "- and Mr Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports." much more applause, from most of the students this time ... although I noticed Wednesday looked anything but impressed. "Mr Bagman and Mr Crouch have worked tirelessly over the last few months on the arrangements for the Triwizard Tournament, and they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime on the panel which will judge the champions' efforts." Dumbledore smiled, as the silence became one of anticipation. "The casket, then, if you please, Mr Filch." Filch turned out to have been lurking in a corner, and now approached carrying a large wooden box encrusted with jewels. I think I was the only one in the Hall who didn't seem to give a damn. Correction, Theo and Wednesday looked bored too. I pretended to be interested. "The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr Crouch and Mr Bagman, and they have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways ... their magical prowess - their daring - their powers of deduction - and, of course, their ability to cope with danger." absolute silence. "As you know -"
Theo was taking notes, "Think he means in that order?" he asked - he had deliberately not spoken through the ominous silence.
"I have no idea." I answered, "Why do you care?" Theo just shrugged.
"- three champions compete in the Tournament, one from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector ... the Goblet of Fire." with this rather confusing statement, he took out his wand and tapped three times on the lid of the box Filch had brought up to the table. The lid creaked open, and Dumbledore took out a rough, old looking wooden cup. I would have said it was dull, or boring - maybe even anticlimactic - if it weren't for the fact the cup contained blue flames. Dumbledore closed the box and set the Goblet carefully on the table were we could all see it clearly. "Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment, and drop it into the Goblet. Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Hallowe'en, the Goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools. The Goblet will be placed in the Entrance Hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete. To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation -"
Theo was paying specific attention, now. I know he's up to something, I just don't like where all my thoughts lead on what he could be up to.
"- I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the Entrance Hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line. Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this Tournament is not to be entered lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the Tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the Goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are whole-heartedly prepared to play, before you drop your name into the Goblet. Now, I think it is time for bed. Goodnight to you all."
"I think I know how I could put my name in." Theo said simply.
"You're nuts." I replied.
"You're thinking of entering?" Wednesday asked.
"Yeah." Theo said, smirking.
"You really are nuts." I repeated.
Karkaroff appeared nearby, and snapped at his students, "Back to the ship, then. Viktor, how are you feeling? Did you eat enough? Should I send for some mulled wine from the kitchens?" he asked, fawning over the celebrity.
Krum shook his head, trying to ignore the fuss Karkaroff was making over him. Poliakoff, on the other hand ... "Professor, I vood like some vine." I saw the joking glint in his eyes, but Karkaroff rounded on him angrily.
"I wasn't offering it to you, Poliakoff! I notice you have dribbled food down the front of your robes again, disgusting boy -"
I distinctly heard Poliakoff mutter to Blaise, "I get in vone food fight, and he forever calls me 'disgusting boy', 'mucky pup', and 'horrible creature'." he snorted, and moved to follow the rest of the Durmstrang students away from the table.
They hadn't moved more than a few feet. Karkaroff was standing gawping at the boy-who-had-a-stupid-scar. Poliakoff spotted what Karkaroff was staring at, and nudged Susan, pointing at Potter, as if he was a freak-show.
"Yeah, that's Harry Potter." Moody growled from right behind Karkaroff, who jumped and turned around so fast you'd think he'd stepped on a Blast-Ended Skrewt ... speaking of which, why haven't the Skrewts attacked Moody yet? I'd actually like them if they did.
"You!" Karkaroff said, somewhere between terrified and mad as hell.
"Me." Moody said calmly, giving Karkaroff the evil eye ... not literally. "And unless you've got anything to say to Potter, Karkaroff, you might want to move. You're blocking the doorway."
Karkaroff glared for less than a second, before stalking away, followed by his students. Potter exited not long after - just waiting long enough to see that Moody was still giving Karkaroff the evil eye through the wall, now. I hate Moody.
* * *
End of chapter 11
Author's Notes: My beta's not got back to me in time, so I uploaded it without her - I'm not sure, but I think her email's screwed. Theo's cousin - let's just say, he fits in well with her family. As for the other Durmstrang girl, well I just liked her name :P ... and I apologise if I'm rubbish at writing accents.
jinjo: What exactly are you referring to by "figuring everything out now"?
Professor Mayvero: Thanks for the offer, but I don't have the time.
Some person who can't remember her FF.net password: Cute name. Glad you like.
Druscilla Black: Thanks, glad you like it - I had those blood-lines I came up with in my head for ages, just waiting for that chapter.
duochang97: Well, Cat is a Seer ... but she still doesn't get visions that tell her anything useful. As for the teeth, I have that scene already written in ch14 ... and the aftermath of it in ch15 ... yes, it was in the fourth book, and I took great glee in writing it from Draco's POV ... almost as much fun as the ferret scene and Draco's reaction to Potter's name coming out of the Goblet.
Starre: Um ... there was a tapestry in the Black house, in OotP, that clearly said Narcissa, Bellatrix and Andromeda were Sirius and Regulus' cousins ... although Regulus was Sirius' younger brother, and I made it sound like he was an older brother ... but that was just for the purpose of maintaining some suspense. And have I ever mentioned, you're nuts ... why are all my reviewers insane? (and look who's talking, here) ... although I do mean insane in a good way.
angelkas: Wondering if what? I wanna know. Um, Sirius is actually Narcissa's cousin - it says so in OotP - I'd have thought everyone would have worked out that Cat and Draco are second cousins, by now. As for Cruella ... think about it this way - Sirius is a dog, not a Dalmatian but still a dog, and his mother hates him - it made sense to me.
Simply Myself: *blinks innocently* Akuma-Sama's influence? I have no idea what you mean *hides the plans to use The Dark Magic Lexicon in her story*. Sorry, at least it's not too bad a song - I had Barbie Girl stuck in my head for weeks, once *shudders*. I do try to end on a funny line/cliffhanger (whichever's more convenient) every chapter. No, she's not noticed anything wrong ... you see, Draco has inside information Hermione doesn't. Wow - well, I guess the Quibbler does surpass itself, doesn't it? I wasn't smoking anything ... I was high on caffeine, but then again I always am. I was particularly proud of the ferret scene *bows*. Hehe, Theo's good, isn't he? That reasoning made sense to me, too - don't worry. *blinks* a musical? I tried writing Harry Potter the musical, but it didn't work out without real music and actors, like BtVS did. What, prey tell, was the sick idea you had?
yousuck: I really don't care if you like my writing or not, what confuses me is why on Earth you read this far if you think this story sucks? And aren't you contradicting yourself by saying ATHSS was really good right after you said I'm the worst author ever? Make up your mind before speaking it.
Devi: Yeah, I don't see how anyone can say Draco's not handsome. Yes, I was remembering 101 Dalmatians ... Sirius is a dog, and his mother hates him, it made sense to me. It's not that she has too much time on her hands, it's that she's too good at time-management, after third year. Well, Draco was raised to be the Malfoy heir, Lucius didn't really give a damn about teaching Draco his mother's family line beyond the fact Narcissa is of pure magical blood.
Princess of Darkness: I made up several names, but not all of them ... the names I made up are: Damien De Vil, Tiberius Black, Veridius Black, Kiara Moon, Nala Nymphadora, and I took Cruella De Vil's name from 101 Dalmations. And I have almost as good a memory for statistical facts regarding fanfics ... but for some reason my memory of real life sucks. And what hetrosexual teenage boy with a spy-ball wouldn't use it to watch girls undress?
Elizabeth: Well, I'm not featuring the Cho/Harry pairing highly in this fic ... actually, it's non-existant, because Draco is unaware of Potter's little crush. He thinks - and I quote what he told me himself - "Potter and the Weaslette are made for each other ... the hero and the hero-worshipper ... unless he's gay, then he should go for Creepy Creevy". Well, that line you liked seems like something Hermione actually would say, even if I weren't doing a D/Hr ship.
Hrei-siesn: Who would spend that much time on family trees? A pureblood, whose parents are too obsessed with their lineage. And how was Hermione being flirtatious?
Exodia Himself: The point of that last line: "what sane teenage girl goes up to her room, late at night, to make badges that say 'SPEW' on them?" was that it was meant to be connected to Hermione saying "... no sane person would ever want a rotten ferret like you!" *evil grin*.
"Is your brain big enough to get your feelings hurt? ... me neither" -Malcolm in the Middle
Chapter 11 - Durmstrang
After potions class that Friday, Theo was literally skipping around happily, "Who fed you sugar?" I asked jokingly.
"No one. I just got an owl this morning, is all." Theo said, still prancing around like a hyperactive Cornish Pixie ... I briefly considered strangling him to see if he'd turn the right colour.
"You don't usually get this excited over an owl. I'd worry if you did." I said, smirking.
"My cousin's gonna be here for the Tournament." Theo said, as if that explained it.
"Your cousin?"
"I'll introduce you." When we got outside, to wait for the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students to arrive, Theo stood next to me, "And another thing." he said cheerfully.
"What?" I asked, exasperated.
"Krum. He's coming over with them too."
"Krum? As in the Bulgarian Seeker?" I asked, surprised.
"Yep. My cousin told me so."
"I see." I said, sceptical of anything Theo or his supposed cousin had to say until I saw for myself.
Just then, I heard Dumbledore's voice, "Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!"
"Where?" several other students asked.
"There!" a Ravenclaw sixth year shouted, pointing over the forest. I couldn't make out what it was, but there were several guesses from the first years shouted out for all to hear, from a dragon to a flying house. It wasn't any of these, though. It was a giant winged-horse drawn carriage. Now whether you take that as giant winged-horses, or the carriage they were pulling was giant, either way, you'd be right.
"Only thing wrong with that carriage." Theo said, wrinkling his nose, "Who would ever pick that colour?" It was powder blue.
"I agree." I muttered, watching as a boy got out of the carriage and pulled down the steps properly.
Then a woman the size of Hagrid stepped out. As she stepped away from the carriage, into the light, I could see that she at least wasn't as bad looking at Hagrid - she appeared to have made an effort on her appearance, hair pulled back tightly, and dressed entirely in black. She was still scary, but at least she had fashion-sense.
Prompted by Dumbledore, most of the students began to applaud. I reluctantly join in the applause only when Theo elbowed me in the ribs.
The woman walked over to Dumbledore, and held out her hand ... Dumbledore is not a short man, and he hardly had to bend to kiss this woman's hand. "My dear Madame Maxime. Welcome to Hogwarts." Dumbledore said.
"Dumbly-dorr. I 'ope I find you well?" she replied, with a strong French accent.
"On excellent form, I thank you." Dumbledore said.
"My pupils." Madame Maxime said, gesturing to the group of boys and girls behind her. I hadn't noticed them ... the wannabe-giantess had held my attention quite effectively. They were all shivering - well, it's not the warmest weather here, and they're certainly not dressed appropriately. "'As Karkaroff arrived yet?" Maxime asked.
"He should be here any moment. Would you like to wait here and greet him or would you prefer to step inside and warm up a trifle?" Dumbledore asked politely.
"Warm up, I think. But ze 'orses -"
"Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher will be delighted to take care of them, the moment he has returned from dealing with a slight situation which has arisen with some of his other - er - charges." Dumbledore said tactfully. I have no doubt that the Blast-Ended Skrewts tried to kill something/someone they shouldn't have.
"My steeds require - er - forceful 'andling." Maxime said, "Zey are very strong ..."
"I assure you, that Hagrid will be well up to the job." Dumbledore said happily.
"Very well." Maxime said, bowing slightly, "Will you please inform zis 'Agrid zat ze 'orses drink only single malt whiskey?" Must be really high-class horses, at that rate. I've read about magical creatures, bred specifically, that drink alcohol as an energy source, and are unaffected by it - it's a sign of good taste to have creatures like that. Naturally, the Blast-Ended Skrewts won't touch alcohol.
"It will be attended to." Dumbledore said, also bowing.
"Come." Maxime said, waving a hand imperiously, to lead her students inside.
"How are Durmstrang getting here?" I asked Theo.
"Nes said to watch the lake. But she didn't say what to watch for." Theo said, looking out at the lake.
"'Nes'?" I asked.
"My cousin. You'll like her." Theo said. A few minutes later, "Here they come." he whispered.
I was also watching the lake, and saw ripples from the centre, quickly turning into a whirlpool. "What the hell?" I asked quietly.
The other students were just spotting it now, as the Gryffindor brat who commentates Quidditch matches yelled out, "The lake!" to draw everyone else's attention.
"I have no clue." Theo said, "Nes does like to keep people guessing."
"I like her already." I muttered, as a mast appeared out of the whirlpool.
The mast was quickly followed by the rest of a ship. It was eerie and creepy looking - that must be Durmstrang, then. Once it had fully surfaced, it drifted towards the bank as if being blown by the breeze. When it hit the bank, a plank was lowered, down which people began to disembark. The taller figure in the lead had to be Karkaroff - he was wearing better furs than the students, and had the 'I'm an evil Death Eater' air about him. Seriously, you can tell. "Dumbledore! How are you, my dear fellow, how are you?" he called out too-jovially, as he walked briskly towards the man he was addressing.
"Blooming, thank you, Professor Karkaroff." Dumbledore answered.
Karkaroff shook Dumbledore's hand, "Dear old Hogwarts. How good it is to be here, how good ... Viktor, come along, into the warmth ... you don't mind, Dumbledore? Viktor has a slight head cold ..." Dumbledore didn't seem to mind at all, and Karkaroff led his students into the castle.
"Told ya so." Theo muttered to me, pointing to Krum.
"I know you told me." I answered, pretending not to care.
* * *
As we walked into the Great Hall, Theo sniggered, "Carrie and Samantha are fighting over a lipstick to get Krum to sign either Carrie's hat or Samantha's chest, with it."
"Who are you talking about?" I asked.
"My sister, Carrie, and Cat's cousin Samantha - they're sixth year Ravenclaws." Theo answered.
"Oh." I said, and shrugged, "I don't see why they're bothered. Even if I wanted an autograph, he's going to be here all year."
"How do you know?"
"Dumbledore said so at the start of the year."
Theo suddenly stood up, "Hey, over here!" and he waved/beckoned to the Durmstrang students. One shorter Durmstrang student walked over and sat down opposite Theo, she threw back the hood on her cloak to reveal jet-black hair in two tight plaits, and a sombre face, "Hello Theodore." she said in a distinct American accent, and when she smiled I got the impression I was looking at the devil herself for a moment.
"Hi Nes." Theo said smiling.
"Don't call me that." the girl said coldly.
"Sorry, cousin." Theo said, shrugging, "Wednesday, this is my friend, Draco Malfoy. Draco, this is my cousin, Wednesday Addams." he said, introducing us.
Wednesday smiled the 'I'm a demon child' smile again, "Pleased to meet you, Draco." she then beckoned to the other Durmstrang students, who quickly made their way over to the Slytherin table and sat down around us, "Victor, this is my cousin Theodore - call him Dora -"
"Hey!" Theo protested, as the Durmstrang students snickered.
"And his friend, Draco Malfoy." Wednesday continued, ignoring Theo's complaint, "Boys, this is Viktor Krum - don't mention Quidditch, and I'm sure you'll get along fine."
"Hello." Krum said politely.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." I said, smirking. Crabbe, who had sat next to me, opened his mouth ... and I hit him, "She said don't mention Quidditch, you nit." I said coldly.
"How'd you know I was gonna -?" Crabbe asked stunned, rubbing his head where I'd hit him, as if it'd actually hurt.
"Because I know how the limited capacity of your brain works, Crabbe." I snapped.
Krum and several other Durmstrang students snickered. Wednesday smiled, "I like you, Draco. Your stupid friend reminds me of my brother, though. He wasn't allowed to come, because he's too young."
"Your brother?"
"Same IQ, I'm guessing." she said, smirking.
"Malfoy?" another girl asked, in an accent to match Krum's.
"Yes." I said, carefully.
"You are related to Lucius Malfoy?"
"Yes." I said, now coldly.
"I am Susan Ivanova." she said, smiling, "You do not like being compared to your father?"
"It's not that. I just don't like people asking if I'm related to him ... it feels like reflected glory, and I don't like it."
"You do not like claiming to be related to or know somevone famous?" Krum asked.
"Really not. I want to be famous on my own." I said, shrugging.
Krum smirked faintly, "I do not see vhy. It is not as much fun as they say it is."
"I meant infamous."
"Ah, that is different." Krum said a bit warmer.
Blaise sat down next to Theo at this point.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and - most particularly - guests." Dumbledore said cheerfully, interrupting not only our conversation, but everyone's conversations, "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable." One Beauxbatons girl laughed derisively. Wednesday gave this girl a one-fingered gesture. "The Tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!" Dumbledore said, and as he sat down food appeared on the tables.
"Where've you been?" Theo asked Blaise, as if Dumbledore's announcement hadn't interrupted him at all.
"Talking to my cousin." she said, waving to a Beauxbatons boy, who waved back.
"He is very attractive." Susan said, smiling at the boy, then turned back to Blaise, "You might vant to be varned. Kurt Poliakoff is a terrible flirt." she said seriously.
"Somevone said my name?" a young-looking Durmstrang boy asked, leaning past Krum and Wednesday to see Susan and Blaise. "Hello, young lady. I do not believe I haff had the pleasure." he said, trying to reach across the table, and almost falling into a bowl of goulash. Krum smirked, and mimed pushing Kurt into the bowl properly. When Kurt sat up straight, his tie had been dunked into the bowl.
"Um, your tie's messed up." Blaise said, pointing at it.
"Oh, no. Karkaroff vill throw a fit." he said cheerfully. Blaise giggled.
"Am I the only vone not flirting vith the members ov other schools?" Krum asked.
"I'm not flirting with anyone." I noted.
Krum gave a sideways glance at Wednesday, whose attention was engaged in a discussion with Theo on Blast-Ended Skrewts. "Did you see the Vorld Cup?" he asked.
"Yeah. I thought you didn't like talking about -"
"Do not say the 'Q' vord in front ov Ved-nes-day. She is the vone who does not like it." he said, smirking.
"I see." I said, also smirking.
"Those Leprechauns vere asking for it." he said, amused.
"So I wasn't the only one watching the mascots?" I asked.
"No, you vere not. My whole team vere discussing the fight after the match." Krum said. "They thought it vas very funny. Unfortunately, it did distract vone ov our Chasers."
"Is that why you lost?" I asked.
"Vell, that is his story, and he is stuck to it." Krum said, smirking.
"Huh?" Crabbe asked, confused.
"Pay attention to your food or Goyle'll eat it, Crabbe." I said, trying to get him to stop listening to us. Crabbe did as he was told.
"Are those two really that stupid?" Krum asked.
"No, this is a good day for them." I said, shrugging.
"That is bad."
"If it weren't for Theo, I'd have gone insane from boredom, with those two ... as it is, Theo drove me insane, anyway."
"If he is anything like Ved-nes-day, I can understand." Krum said, sympathetically, "She is in my year, and she is ... demonic."
"That's what I'd call her, too."
"I heard that." Wednesday said coolly.
"Where are you from, anyway?" I asked her, "You've got a different accent."
"I'm from America. My parents sent me to Durmstrang, because its Dark Arts course is the best in the world. Way better than Salem Institute, where my neighbour, Mary-Sue, went." she said, saying the name 'Mary-Sue' about as derisively as I would say Potter's name.
"Tell me about Durmstrang." Theo asked, hopefully.
"Well, last week, I sent an Imperius cursed swarm of rats into the first year girls' dorms. They shrieked for hours before anyone got rid of the rats. By that time, of course, I had had the rats gnaw all the posters of Muggle bands into shreds." she said proudly.
"Cool." Theo said enthusiastically.
"And I started an initiation ceremony for first years, when I was a second year. All their dolls get decapitated. It was actually a family tradition, but I felt like sharing." she said happily.
"Sounds like fun." I muttered, I then turned to Krum, "I see what you mean."
Suddenly, Theo wolf-whistled, "Wow, look at that!" he said, pointing across the room, "Over there, talking to the Weasel."
I looked, and saw the girl who had laughed derisively at Dumbledore's speech, asking the Weasley-sidekick for a bowl of food that was at the Gryffindor table. She had let her hair down, and she was drop-dead gorgeous. "Weasley's drooling." Blaise said simply.
"She is hot." Poliakoff said, looking over his shoulder at the girl, and almost drooling himself.
"I've seen better." Theo said quietly, "But she is gorgeous."
"Vhat do you mean, you haff seen better?" Poliakoff asked, as if he'd just been insulted.
"She's part Veela, I'd bet." Theo answered, "Judging by how half the Great Hall is staring. She is very attractive, but I don't see what it is in Veela that's so great."
All the Durmstrang boys now turned to give Theo disbelieving looks, "You are kidding." Poliakoff said, stunned.
"Veela are a national treasure. All men love them." Krum said.
"I'm immune to mind-control. Veela, Dementors, and even the Imperius curse." Theo said proudly.
"It runs in the family." Wednesday added.
"Something to do with insanity." Theo finished. Wednesday nodded.
"Another vone." Poliakoff said, holding his hands in front of Theo, making a cross with his fingers. Theo backed away a bit.
"You should know better, Kurt. We're not vampires. We're demons." Wednesday joked.
"Vatever." Poliakoff said, shrugging. Clearly he had also been joking.
When the puddings appeared, Wednesday looked at the various sorts of desserts, and turned her nose up at all of them. "What's wrong, Wednesday?" I asked.
"She does not like sveet foods." Susan answered.
"Try this." Theo offered Wednesday a blood-pop, Wednesday tried it, gave her demonic smile, and nodded, "I like this." she said. Theo took out another one and started eating it.
"And she said she is not a vampyr." Poliakoff said, smirking.
I, meanwhile, ate some of the Crepe Suzette ... I'm glad they decided to cater for the Beauxbatons students - I like the French food.
Then, when the plates cleared themselves, Dumbledore stood again, "The moment has come. The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket, just to clarify the procedure which we will be following this year. But firstly, let me introduce, for those of you who do not know them, Mr Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Co-operation -" a few people applauded, though not many, "- and Mr Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports." much more applause, from most of the students this time ... although I noticed Wednesday looked anything but impressed. "Mr Bagman and Mr Crouch have worked tirelessly over the last few months on the arrangements for the Triwizard Tournament, and they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime on the panel which will judge the champions' efforts." Dumbledore smiled, as the silence became one of anticipation. "The casket, then, if you please, Mr Filch." Filch turned out to have been lurking in a corner, and now approached carrying a large wooden box encrusted with jewels. I think I was the only one in the Hall who didn't seem to give a damn. Correction, Theo and Wednesday looked bored too. I pretended to be interested. "The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr Crouch and Mr Bagman, and they have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways ... their magical prowess - their daring - their powers of deduction - and, of course, their ability to cope with danger." absolute silence. "As you know -"
Theo was taking notes, "Think he means in that order?" he asked - he had deliberately not spoken through the ominous silence.
"I have no idea." I answered, "Why do you care?" Theo just shrugged.
"- three champions compete in the Tournament, one from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector ... the Goblet of Fire." with this rather confusing statement, he took out his wand and tapped three times on the lid of the box Filch had brought up to the table. The lid creaked open, and Dumbledore took out a rough, old looking wooden cup. I would have said it was dull, or boring - maybe even anticlimactic - if it weren't for the fact the cup contained blue flames. Dumbledore closed the box and set the Goblet carefully on the table were we could all see it clearly. "Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment, and drop it into the Goblet. Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Hallowe'en, the Goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools. The Goblet will be placed in the Entrance Hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete. To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation -"
Theo was paying specific attention, now. I know he's up to something, I just don't like where all my thoughts lead on what he could be up to.
"- I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the Entrance Hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line. Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this Tournament is not to be entered lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the Tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the Goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are whole-heartedly prepared to play, before you drop your name into the Goblet. Now, I think it is time for bed. Goodnight to you all."
"I think I know how I could put my name in." Theo said simply.
"You're nuts." I replied.
"You're thinking of entering?" Wednesday asked.
"Yeah." Theo said, smirking.
"You really are nuts." I repeated.
Karkaroff appeared nearby, and snapped at his students, "Back to the ship, then. Viktor, how are you feeling? Did you eat enough? Should I send for some mulled wine from the kitchens?" he asked, fawning over the celebrity.
Krum shook his head, trying to ignore the fuss Karkaroff was making over him. Poliakoff, on the other hand ... "Professor, I vood like some vine." I saw the joking glint in his eyes, but Karkaroff rounded on him angrily.
"I wasn't offering it to you, Poliakoff! I notice you have dribbled food down the front of your robes again, disgusting boy -"
I distinctly heard Poliakoff mutter to Blaise, "I get in vone food fight, and he forever calls me 'disgusting boy', 'mucky pup', and 'horrible creature'." he snorted, and moved to follow the rest of the Durmstrang students away from the table.
They hadn't moved more than a few feet. Karkaroff was standing gawping at the boy-who-had-a-stupid-scar. Poliakoff spotted what Karkaroff was staring at, and nudged Susan, pointing at Potter, as if he was a freak-show.
"Yeah, that's Harry Potter." Moody growled from right behind Karkaroff, who jumped and turned around so fast you'd think he'd stepped on a Blast-Ended Skrewt ... speaking of which, why haven't the Skrewts attacked Moody yet? I'd actually like them if they did.
"You!" Karkaroff said, somewhere between terrified and mad as hell.
"Me." Moody said calmly, giving Karkaroff the evil eye ... not literally. "And unless you've got anything to say to Potter, Karkaroff, you might want to move. You're blocking the doorway."
Karkaroff glared for less than a second, before stalking away, followed by his students. Potter exited not long after - just waiting long enough to see that Moody was still giving Karkaroff the evil eye through the wall, now. I hate Moody.
* * *
End of chapter 11