Year Four: The Goblet of Fire
The three magical schools of Europe compete for eternal glory in the form of the Triwizard Tournament. Death Eaters are rising, gathering followers to join Voldemort. Dark times are approaching, threatening everything Marie loves. It's time for bravery. To be the light in terrible darkness...
Chapter Seven-Beauxbatons and Durmstrang
The term continued on well enough, although the workload was heavier than the year prior (reading up on the Imperius Curse, three extra books for Charms, antidote for Potions, weekly essays for History of Magic, and Transfiguring a hedgehog into a pin cushion). It was near the end of October when something out the ordinary happened. The Slytherins had been on their way inside after Care of Magical Creatures, where the Blast-End Skrewts were growing remarkably fast even though they didn't quite know what they ate, when they saw the crowd gathered around the base of the main staircase. A large sign had been stationed there for everyone to notice, but with the mass of people, Marie couldn't see. She gave Draco a nudge but he was already on his tiptoes, the much taller of the two. Squinting, he was able to make out the words and read aloud:
TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT
The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving at 6 o'clock on Friday the 30th of October. Lessons will end half an hour early. Students will return their bags and books to their dormitories and assemble in front of the castle to greet our guests before the Welcoming Feast.
"Only a week away!" gasped Marie in surprise. "I didn't realize it was so close!"
"Wish we were old enough to enter," said Draco as they made their way into the Great Hall. "I reckon you and I would have a fair chance of winning it, wouldn't you say?"
"If we were a team? I'd like to think so," she laughed. "Though I'm glad they have the age rule, I mean, what would happen if someone our age got put in the tournament? They'd be at a complete disadvantage to the other champions who were older and had more experience." Draco groaned at her reasoning as they took their seats at the Slytherin table.
"You're taking the fun out of thinking about the moment if we did win and all the glory that would be ours eternally," he told her. Sighing, she placed her hand on his and gave her most encouraging smile.
"Yes, Draco. You would win the tournament and everything would be sunshine and rainbows as you beat the other champions with your magical prowess. Your ability would be far above theirs and you would be remembered as a legend." She pat his hand and returned to her dinner with a smirk. "Was that better?"
He stared at her for a moment, disliking her mocking tone before biting into his dinner roll. "I believe I liked you more when you were taking the fun out of it."
"Thank you," she smiled. "I ruin the fun because I care."
"Yeah, yeah." Even though he was complaining, he still gave her a smirk to which she returned.
The appearance of the sign seemed to set everything within the castle in motion. After the first night, the staff had set to work. Several older portraits that had been cloaked with dust were scrubbed clean, oddly enough to the chagrin of the subjects as Marie heard them grumbling and rubbing their raw pink faces from the force of the cleaning. The suits of armor that were stationed throughout the school were suddenly shining and no longer squeaked when they shifted. The marble floors had been polished within any inch of their lives and layered with a fresh coat of wax. Filch was fervently diligent about keeping mud out of the castle and detentions were given if he caught so much as a track on his beautiful floors.
It was the morning of the thirtieth of October when the Great Hall revealed its decorations for the arriving guests. Giant silk banners hung from the walls, each one representing a Hogwarts House: red with a gold lion for Gryffindor, blue with a bronze eagle for Ravenclaw, yellow with a black badger for Hufflepuff, and green with a silver serpent for Slytherin. Then behind the teacher's table was the largest banner of all of them as it bore the Hogwarts coat of arms: lion, eagle, badger, and serpent united around a large letter H.
"I wonder what the tasks will be?" mused Pansy at lunch. "Dangerous and exciting things, don't you think?"
"I reckon something like that. Complicated too," added Millie. "They're supposed to test their minds as well as bravery."
"She's right," said Marie. "I was just glancing through Tess' book and it talks about the last tournament. They had to face all sorts of things like trolls, climbing the northern mountains and everything in between. It's rigorous, what the champions have to go through."
Pansy gave a low whistle. "No wonder eternal glory comes with the title."
The afternoon passed easily enough, especially since the last class ended early which was nice since no one was really focused on the lesson. All day the whispering consisted of what the other schools would be like. Would they be vastly different from Hogwarts? What would the students be like? As soon as the last bell rang, the Slytherins rushed toward the dungeons to drop off their bags and grab their cloaks, racing back to the Great Hall where the rest of the school had gathered.
The Heads of Houses were ordering their students into lines and double checking that everyone looked their part.
"Tuck in your shirt, Avery," corrected Snape sharply. "Miss Greengrass, remove that obstruction from your hair at once." Astoria Greengrass, third year, turned pink as she removed the large rose hair clip from her hair and put it in her pocket.
"Follow me," commanded Snape. With the first years in front, they filed out of the castle and took their place on the front steps of the castle.
It was a cold, clear evening as dusk was already falling while a bright moon hung overhead. The first years could hardly stand still and the fourth years were just as excited. Marie rubbed her arms, the chill starting to settle in as they waited, watching the main gates for the new arrivals.
"How do you think they're getting here?" she asked Draco. The blonde shrugged his shoulders, hands slipping into his pockets.
"Not sure. It could be by train but that just seems unlikely," he answered. "I like to think that they would be more extravagant with their chance to make a dramatic first appearance." Marie nodded in agreement, quietly waiting once more.
It was then that Dumbledore spoke up for them to hear.
"Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!"
"Where?" asked many students, looking about. There was no one nearing the front gates.
"There!" a sixth year shouted, pointing up at the sky.
Something of giant proportions was hurtling through the air. Vastly larger than a broomstick, or even an entire team of them. The closer it flew, it only increased in size. By the time it had skimmed the tops of the trees of the Forbidden Forest, it was the size of a large house. The candles from the castle windows cast the carriage into better lighting as it connected with the ground at tremendous speed. Marie jumped at the loud crash but the carriage was unharmed by the rough landing. It was pulled by a dozen golden horses each larger than any horse Marie had seen. They stomped their golden hooves, larger than dinner plates, as they tossed their white manes and glowing red eyes took in their new surroundings.
A boy dressed in pale blue robes jumped down from the carriage and quickly fiddled with something, resulting in gold steps appearing beneath the door. He sprang back respectfully and just in the nick of time to open the door. Marie stood on her tiptoes to try and get a better view and she gasped as did quite a few other students. First there was the shining black shoe, of the biggest kind, the came the largest woman she had ever seen. It suddenly made sense why everything was so gigantic: the carriage, the horses. Of course. She had never seen anyone of such magnitude, except for maybe Hagrid, but the woman just seemed unnatural as she stood before the Hogwarts crowd in only a few steps. Once in the light, her features became known. She was indeed a lovely woman with olive skin, dark hair that was twisted into a flawless bun at the base of her neck. Her dress was black satin, accented by the large and gorgeous opals that circled her throat and thick fingers.
Dumbledore started to clap and the rest of the students followed, shaken from their surprise. The woman smiled graciously, not at all bothered by the stares, as she stepped up to the Headmaster and he kissed her glittering hand. He didn't even need to bend his head, and he was quite tall. The Slytherin was in awe of the woman.
"My dear Madame Maxime," said Dumbledore with a smile. "Welcome to Hogwarts."
"Dumbly-dorr," greeted Maxime with a deep voice. "I 'ope I find you well?"
"In excellent form, I thank you."
Marie's gaze started to wander back to the carriage where a dozen or so students were waiting, dressed in the same light blue robes that seemed to shimmer as if they were made of silk. One figure, however, was not dressed like the rest as she made her way to Madame Maxime's side and greeted Dumbledore. Her voice was much softer and did not travel as well. Gasping, Marie swatted Draco's arm, perhaps none too gently due to her surprise, to gain his attention.
"Ouch!" he griped. "What was that for?"
She paid his minor pain no mind. "That's Mei Fang!"
It was clear as to the woman's identity. Her regal posture and beautiful oriental features were impossible to ignore. She had her long hair half tied up just like when Marie saw her. Her robes were pale gold, draped with the Beauxbatons blue cloak that bore the school's crest to display her allegiance.
"Who?" asked Draco, rubbing his arm.
"She was champion for Beauxbatons during the last tournament!" Marie answered in a hushed whisper. "Is it normal for former champions to return?"
"No idea. This is the first formal attempt since Fang's tournament, so maybe she's here by invitation?" guessed Draco.
Maxime's voice traveled again as she spoke to Dumbledore. "'As Karkaroff arrived yet?"
"He should be here any moment," Dumbledore reassured her. "Would you like to wait here and greet him or would you prefer to step inside and warm up a trifle?"
"Warm up, I think," said Madame Maxime. "But ze 'orses-"
"Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher will be delighted to take care of them," said Dumbledore, "the moment he has returned from dealing with a slight situation that has arisen from his other charges."
Draco scoffed. "Bloody Skrewts, I bet you."
"My steeds require, er, forceful 'andling," explained Maxime. By her tone she seemed to doubt the Caretaker's ability. "Zey are very strong..."
"I assure you that Hagrid will be well up to the task," said Dumbledore with a smile.
"Very well," agreed Maxime, bowing slightly. "Will you please inform zis 'Agrid zat ze 'orses drink only single-malt whiskey?"
"It will be attended to," promised Dumbledore, bowing as well. On that note, the students parted so to allow the Headmistress passage and Mei Fang gave a small wave to the Beauxbatons students and they followed the unspoken instruction, walking in perfect formation as they made their way into the castle.
A few more students were shivering now as they waited for the Durmstang delegates to show. Some were checking the sky in anticipation for another flying performance. A few minutes passed and then the giant horses started snorting and stamping their feet. Concerned by the sudden action, Marie started to look around but she didn't see anything. Marcus Flint then spoke up.
"Oi, listen!"
Slytherin House quieted and Marie strained to hear anything. At first, there was nothing but then there was the faintest sound, only noticed due to Marcus' new found troll traits. The sound increased and it was a type of rushing, a deep rumbling, as if a giant force was pulling the air into itself.
"The lake!" yelled Lee Jordan, pointing. "Look at the lake!"
From their spot on the front steps, they were able to see the large lake on the school grounds. Instead of a mirror like surface as it should have been due to the clear weather, it was suddenly rough. Bubbles were surfacing as the waters started to churn and slosh, pulled down as a whirlpool had bloomed from the center of the water. Something began to appear slowly from the eye of the whirlpool. It was slender, a type of post and then there was rigging of some sort.
"Bloody hell, it's a ship!" said Draco.
He was right. A wonderfully magnificent ship rose from the black lake, the water rolling away from the ledges and giving the wood a strangely silver hue. The light within flickered through the round portholes, making them wink in the dark. As soon as the ship was close enough to the shore, there was a loud plunk as the anchor was dropped and a plank was lowered onto the bank of the lake. People were stepping off the ship and the evening light threw their shadows into a type of perspective. At first, they seemed like giants, largely built and intimidating, but when they were closer, they were able to see that their bulk was due to their heavy cloaks that were weighed down with fur. Which made perfect sense as they were from the deep north. Durmstrang's Headmaster took the lead, followed by two other figures who had yet to step into the proper lighting.
"Dumbledore!" he called heartily. "How are you, my dear friend, how are you?"
"Blooming, thank you, Karkaroff," Dumbledore replied. They shook hands when they were close enough, Karkaroff using both of his own.
"Dear old Hogwarts," he smiled, though the gesture did not reach his eyes. Marie gave a little huff, disapproving of the false appearance. "How good it is to be here, how good..."
The second figure stepped forward, much larger than Karkaroff, and shook Dumbledore's hand.
"Thank you for having us, Headmaster," greeted the man. Marie tugged on Draco's sleeve, rather than hitting him again, as the man came into focus. The deep voice, formidable build, and bearded smile that was honest.
"And that's Aleksander Bolokov!" she told him. "Durmstrang's previous champion!" For a brief instant, hope fluttered within her as she took another quick look around, expecting Tess to step out from the castle as the final champion of the last tournament, reunited with her friends. Reunited with Marie. The hope faded as quickly as it had arisen and Draco returned the swat to her arm as Karkaroff brought the third member into the light.
"Viktor, come along, into the warmth...you don't mind, Dumbledore? Viktor has a slight head cold..."
She didn't need the blonde to whisper in her ear as to who the last person was. "That's Viktor Krum!" he informed her. She nodded. It was easy to tell from his profile after seeing his image enlarged during the Quidditch World Cup.
"I had no idea he was still in school," she whispered back, rubbing her own arm.
At long last, everyone was permitted to go back inside to the warmth of the castle. Students moved quickly, bustling past each other in order to get to the Great Hall and make room for their guests (mainly Krum) at their House tables. There were excited whispers and numerous people asking if anyone had a quill so they could ask for an autograph. Marie could have sworn that she heard some older girls even suggesting lipstick as a writing utensil.
Looking around the hall, not really participating in the lipstick conversation, she watched the Beauxbatons students take a seat at the Ravenclaw table, not looking particularly happy. The Durmstrang students had started to enter the hall and she saw Aleksander Bolokov easily as he was leading the way with Karkaroff. They milled about the entrance, unsure of where to go and the large Bulgarian caught her eye. He grinned and gave a big wave of his hand, gesturing for her to come to him.
Surprised, and mildly nervous, Marie glanced about before quietly getting up from her seat and making her way toward the group. She returned the smile to Mr. Bolokov and he clapped her shoulder heartily, almost knocking her over with his strength.
"Marie Rogue! So good to see you!"
She gave a light laugh at his enthusiasm. "Hello Mr. Bolokov, it's nice to see you again."
"And you as vell!" He turned her toward Karkaroff and Krum, his big hands on both shoulders as if he was putting her on display. She was dwarfed by his shadow.
"Headmaster Karkaroff, may I introduce Marie Rogue, the daughter to our third champion, Tess Andrews." Marie felt her face burn scarlet at the formal introduction and due to the fact that he called her Tess' daughter. He was the only person who gave her that title. Bolokov gave a loud chuckle, clapping her shoulder again.
"I do not mean to embarrass you, Marie," he explained. "I thought that it vould be fitting for the Headmaster to meet our champion's legacy as she is not vith us."
"It's lovely to meet you," she said, extending her hand out to Karkaroff. She kept her back straight and chin high though her face was still quite warm. "I hope you enjoy your stay with us, sir."
Karkaroff gave an approving smirk to her manners and shook her hand, his goatee quivering. "A shame your predecessor could not be here. A terrible loss indeed." Marie nodded.
"Thank you, sir."
"Vell," chirped Bolokov, perhaps too chipper in his attempt to change the subject. "Vhere should they sit, Karkaroff?"
The Headmaster looked at the crowded hall with hesitation, not sure where he wanted to place his students. Marie spoke up, ending the awkward lull that had settled.
"There's plenty of room at the Slytherin table, sir. We would be more than willing to provide space," she offered. Bolokov squeezed her shoulder in agreement, smiling beneath his short kept beard.
"Excellent! It's settled then," confirmed Bolokov before Karkaroff could change anything. "Go ahead with Marie, Viktor, the others vill follow."
On that note, the International Quidditch player stepped forward and Marie gave a nod before leading the way. Marie never knew that walking could be so awkward, as she walked beside the famous sportsman. She was aware of every move and twitch of her body while the boy beside her showed no signs of discomfort. Her spot at the table seemed miles away, though she could see her classmates giving her surprised looks as the contestants from Durmstrang started to fill the open spaces at their table. When they were almost to her spot, she finally found something to say.
"How's your nose, by the way?" She flushed again when he gave her a strange look. "I-I meant, I was at the World Cup and I saw you get hit by that Bludger and-well, never mind-Please pretend like I didn't say anything?"
A small smile pulled at his mouth as he gave a low chuckle. "You are funny. My nose is fine. Thank you for asking."
At long last, they reached her section of the table and she was more than happy when Professor Dumbledore stood up to speak, Madame Maxime and Professor Karkaroff taking their seat, each flanked by their respective former champion. Silence fell over the hall as he garnered their full attention.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and-most particularly-guests," he smiled at the students. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."
There was a snide laugh from a Beauxbatons girl that made Marie bristle.
Dumbledore continued on. "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!"
On that note, the tables filled with food, topping every available golden plate. The food variety was wider than usual, most likely accommodating their guests and their food from home. The Great Hall was filled with chatter and seemed more crowded than usual, even though the students that had arrived were scarcely two dozen in number. The Durmstrang students had removed their fur cloaks and revealed their uniforms of a deep blood red, an interesting color choice. Throughout the meal, Viktor Krum kept to himself although he did answer questions when asked, but did not encourage the conversation. She was sure he was tired of the same questions again and again. He seemed as if he would prefer to eat his meal quietly, and ideally, by himself.
"Say, what are the extra chairs for?" asked Marie, breaking the focus from the star Quidditch player for a moment. Her friends turned to look up at the teacher's table where two other chairs where stationed beside Dumbledore.
"I don't know," answered Pansy. "I thought everyone who was going to be here showed up already."
A low voice spoke up. "It is for the Ministry officials."
The Slytherins all looked at him, surprised by the volunteered information. Viktor shrugged as he cut into his chicken. "It is vat Karkaroff said." As soon as he had spoken, the two officials had entered and took their appropriate seats. The ever cheery Ludo Bagman and the grim Barty Crouch.
The rest of dinner and dessert went by smoothly enough, and only when the plates were clean did Professor Dumbledore stand up once more. An excited tension filled the room, every student wired with the thrill of the tournament.
"The moment has come," started Dumbledore. "The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket-"
"What?" whispered Pansy sharply.
"It's a type of case," answered Marie quickly so to shush her.
"-just to clarify the procedure that we will be following this year. But first, let me introduce, for those who do not know, Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation-" There was a polite amount of clapping. "-And Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Ganes and Sports."
Mr. Bagman earned a much louder applause, perhaps due to his department but most likely it was because of his history of playing as a Beater for the Wimbourne Wasps, a professional Quidditch team. That, and based on appearance, he seemed much more likable than Crouch.
"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 that will judge the champions' efforts."
The attention was sharpened even more so by the word "champion". Not a single eye or ear strayed from the Headmaster.
"The casket, then, if you please, Mr. Filch."
Mr. Argus Filch, the caretaker for the castle, had been standing off to the side and completely out of focus, and now he approached Dumbledore with a great large wooden chest embedded with jewels. It was very aged by the look of it but the stones still winked as if they were new. Whispers broke out across the hall as the interest spiked, necks craning so to get a better look.
"The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman," said Dumbledore as the chest was placed carefully on the table, "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."
The silence was still as no one dared to draw a single breath.
"As you know, 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 the third task will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector: the Goblet of Fire."
Dumbledore took out his wand and tapped the case three times. The stone heavy lid creaked open of it own accord and the Headmaster reached inside and pulled out a large, roughly hewn wooden cup. It didn't seem remarkable at first until they could see that it was filled to the brim with blue white flames. He closed the casket and set the cup down for everyone in the Hall to see.
"Anyone wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet," explained Dumbledore. "Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Halloween, 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, 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 into 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 champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet. Now, I think it is time for bed. Good night to you all."
Marie rose from her seat with her Housemates and the Durmstrang students, the bustle of the hall returning. Dumbledore was going to draw an Age Line to keep the younger students from putting their names in for the tournament. That sounded like an excellent defense to her.
REVIEW! Your thoughts would loved very much for this chapter because we have big changes coming!
We've played it safe with staying close to canon but now it's time to break away. It's time for something different, so I apologize to those who dislike the upcoming changes and deviation from the series. It's out of my comfort zone but I want to go through with this new type of adventure for Marie and her story line.
Next time: It's time for Marie to abandon her work behind the scenes...
So excited to take this new turn with you all!
Enjoy!