Chapter 34

Hogwarts - September 1

The teaching staff prepared to start the next school year at Hogwarts. Albus Dumbledore wasn't concerned about the looming educational challenges but the flow of work in organizing and running the Triwizard Tournament. He was also worried about the lack of understanding between school headmarters. He himself could never communicate with Madame Maxime, the director of the Beauxbatons. He had a vague idea of what a wizard Aleksiej Ivanovic could be. There were many rumors about this man. But he was so private that it would be easier for him to get information about all the former lovers of the legendary Magnus Bane than to get any knowledge about the director of Durmstrang.

- It will be a difficult year. - Minerva McGonagall's voice reached his consciousness. He wasn't sure if it was a rhetorical statement or this Scottish stubborn witch wanted to know their views on this subject.

- On many levels. - Fillus Flitwick looked worried. - I don't know how we can organize educational activities for all these students. In all, about forty will come.

Dumbledore didn't think about it. It never occurred to him that they would have a problem with organizing activities for the students they would host during the Triwizard Tournament. But he couldn't admit it without revealing his incompetence.

Fortunately, he was supported by Horace Slugthorn. - As for the Durmstrang Institute, it will not be a problem. Our graduate got an internship at this school and during the exchange of letters he mentioned that the school representation would come with a part of the teaching staff.

Albus saw Minerva react violently to these words. - They will leave the school without teachers?

- Of course not Minerva. - Horace Slugthorn was clearly indignant. - From what I learned from Mr. Malfoy, there are several lecturers teaching one subject at that school. So theirs the professors also have the right and time to have private life.

Dumbledore couldn't help feeling irritated at the information given to them by their Potions Master. He didn't want to ask anything else so as not to be accused of being interested in the actions of the descendant of a supporter of Tom Marvolo Riddle. However, this piece of information already suggested to him that the Durmstrang Institute has much higher funding.

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Hogwarts Express - September 1

For the first dozen minutes after entering the compartment between friends, there was an awkward silence. Sirius Black couldn't help but stare at Remus sitting across from him. He watched closely as Moony gracefully unwrapped a piece of chocolate. He tried not to be intrusive at the same time. During the summer holidays, he thought about their situation and he decided to talk to Lupin about his feelings.He took a risk, but he thought it was a matter worth that risk.

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Remus Lupine didn't know how to look at the wizard sitting across from him. During the holidays, he made himself sure of his feelings. Unfortunately, he was aware of his friend's promiscuity. It didn't bother him in itself. He was disturbed by the fact that the objects of his attention were women. He also knew that he had no chance with him.

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Peter Pettigrew was still thinking about what had happened in the past months. Every time he heard his parents' voice in his head saying about his duty to their family, his blood pressure rose. He didn't understand why his duty would include seizure of property that might legally belong to him but morally belonged to his cousin.

He had to wait until he turned of legal age. Then he will do what he thinks is an obligation to the family. He couldn't delay the seizure of the property, but he could later donate the property to Caroline. He didn't know how to do it yet, but he knew he would do it.

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James Potter paid no attention to his surroundings. He could still feel Petunia's breath on the skin of his neck. He liked girls before. Lily wasn't the only one. However, it was this shy blonde that woke a man in him. They have talked to each other many times since the beginning of the summer vacation. Usually in the presence of Regan, Sirius and Lily. But from the day he came to dance with her, something had changed between them.

Earlier, when he was trying to get Lily Evans' attention, he had come across jokes from members of the other Houses. This time even the Slytherins looked at him appreciatively. He didn't know why, actually. They must have seen that Petunia was Lily's sister.

- Can you tell us what happened on the platform? - James knew Sirius had entered "gossip" mode. - Does Lily know what your intentions are towards her sister?

- I doubt it. Besides, I don't care. We are already in the seventh year. More and more people will sign marriage contracts. In the morning I wanted to wait with this announcement until we were both sure. However, when I saw her ... The way she looked at me ... I knew that I had to send a clear signal that I was no longer single.

- You could just to give her something. - Remus, despite the fact that he was a werewolf, was brought up in a family that valued tradition. However, they were not their fanatics as much as the Black family was. - It's a more common practice.

- Maybe it would be enough, but I think that what James did has a deeper message. Besides, you don't give jewelry at the beginning of the relationship. A hug once marked the beginning of a courtship. The jewelry signified that the courtship was accepted and preparations for the wedding began. - Sirius remembered what his mother had said before he began his studies at Hogwarts.

Peter chuckled. - You know a lot about that.

- The mother was always quite effective in imparting knowledge. The more I think about reconciling with her, the more I recall from the lessons she gave me and Regulus. - The dark-haired wizard sighed as if he had said too much.

James preferred not to talk about the gift Petunia had tucked into his robes during a hug. Silver signet ring with onyx. He hadn't read the note that came with it yet. If her intentions for him are the same as his for her, he will proudly wearing this gift.

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The boys were unaware that James Potter, a few compartments away, was the topic of conversation between three Slytherins. Narcissa Black needed a distraction. She was worried about the prolonged silence of her fiancé. She knew he hadn't escaped since the contract was still active.

- Did you see what I saw? - Regulus Black didn't even try to hide his amusement. - James Potter chose someone other than Lily Evans. Severus had so many problems because of his friendship with her.

Bellatrix was confused. She was still thinking about her summer healer course useful for her ministerial internship at Hogwarts. Her father was surprised when she told him she wanted to become a healer. Especially since, even with magic, she couldn't keep an ordinary houseplant alive. - I don't know what going here… . James hugged the girl next to his mother and mother ... Wait a minute ... He's courting her? Evans knows?

The blonde smiled. - If she knew ... Would she pass our compartment so happy? Also, less and less wizards know our own habits because of the policy of teaching at Hogwarts. We have Muggle Studies and nothing of wizarding culture. It's just as logical as expecting everyone in Japan to speak English with you just because you're from the UK. Complete absurdity.

- Do you know anything about this girl? - Bella asked out of curiosity.

Regulus combed his hair. - Few things. I only know what Sev told me.

- It means he must have been terrible to her. After all, he had a crush on her sister.

- He told me she was cute when she wasn't nervous about not having magic. He said he had argued with her a lot and made up more often than not. They both share a similar temperament, except that Petunia Evans has a softer manner of expression. He just didn't mention that she had purple eyes. This is quite a unique feature.

At this point, Evan Rosier entered the compartment. Surprised, he asked - Who has purple eyes? This is quite rare even among Muggles. Apparently, it is some disease in them, but in magical families it is a sign of the person whose magic was stolen.

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Durmstrang - September 1

Lucius Malfoy knew that he would never again decide to take an internship at some school he didn't know. Already at the very news of the existence of Evan Potter, he passed out like a lady in the romance novels read by Narcissa and Bellatrix. Then he saw Severus and Helen injured. He witnessed Jean transforming into a werewolf. And that was only the first day.

Now he was looking at the girl standing in front of him. She was tall and slim. She had long, very dark red hair and light gray eyes. Her complexion was almost porcelain. She was beautiful, exceptionally beautiful.

- Are you a friend of Severus Snape? - her voice was very gentle - I asked him to introduce us but he with a smile on his face said that it would be better if I did it myself. - I'm Lily Anne Potter. Chief witch of the ICW.

Lucius looked at his friend standing in the distance. Holding Helen's hand, he had a smug smile on his face. He didn't know whether to get angry with him or to be glad that Severus Snape had completely healed himself from his infatuation with a certain red-haired witch.

He extended his hand to Lily Anne and, with a polite smile on his face, added - Lucius Malfoy. The boy who hopes to become the Minister of Magic someday.

- It may happen sooner than you think. I got my chance even though I was second in the queue of candidates for this position. - He was surprised that she wasn't offended by the fact that she was a "back-up choice".

- Second? Do you know who was the first? - this interested him. Having information is very important.

- Yes. Kate Bennet called me to make sure that if she refuse, I'd agree. She is said that Dolores Umbridge was the third in line. Mrs. Bennet suspected that this witch had gotten on the list because of contacts and not because of actual merit.

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Severus was talking to Helen and her parents as Lily Anne Potter approached Lucius. He suffocated after he met her himself. He was surprised not only by the names but also by the hair color. However, her smile and ease of conversation showed him clearly what features his old friend didn't have. Lily Evans had no real empathy.

- Mr. Potter's daughter is extremely beautiful.

Richard Granger was honest about the beauty of women, even with his wife by side. He asked Jean about it once. He decided to remember her answer for the rest of his life. "Just because my husband is in awe of another woman, doesn't mean he wants her. It's like accusing every Mona Lisa lover of wanting to buy this painting. Only some would decide to do so. I know that my husband isn't one of them. "

- You're right, Dad. - Helen surprised him with the compliment. - I think she will be a force to be reckoned with. Talented and raised in solid values. And she is young. She will push this world forward.

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Another chapter. I couldn't help but add Magnus Bane to one of the sentences. How did you like it? Regards, katie-krum