Chapter 13: The Heart-throbs
The two sudden arrivals of the foreigners had the Hogwarts student buzzing. Everyone were wondering who they were and why they were there in the first place. The first one was the enormous brownish medieval ship that docked by the boathouse. The only clue would be that big red crested on the flag. The second one was the pastel blue coach pulled by twelve huge, winged horses which now stayed at Hogwarts ground.
Its night now and all the Hogwarts were seated in the Great Hall for another feast. However, the students were still buzzing about the foreigners. Professor Dumbeldore stood up from the teachers' table and walked over the owl podium at the front. As usual he began his speech with greetings to the students.
Over at the Hufflepuff's table, Max was sneakily and slowly put spoonfuls of pudding into his mouth. His eyes were locked at Dumbeldore as he ate hastily. Due to this, his friends that sat next to him also followed his acts. Sitting not far from him was Cedric Diggory, who was silently chuckled as he watched how Max behave. He even gets a little taste of the pudding by running his finger to the side of the mount vanilla pudding.
Meanwhile at the Ravenclaw's table with his fist balled together on the table by his plate, Justin was giving his undivided attention to Dumbeldore's speech. Sitting next to him was Cho Chang who also listening closely to Dumbeldore.
At the Gryffindor table, Harper was also giving her undivided attention to Dumbeldore. Actually, she was writing down some notes on her little notebook. She told Alex earlier before the feast that she want to compare everything which Alex had no idea what she meant. Speaking of the rebel Russo, she sat there next to Harper feeling a bit bored. Leaning her jaw against the heel of her palm and stared blankly at Dumbeldore, she just flows with what currently happening. In her mind, she actually was thinking about the ship from earlier. Not so much about the flying horses and carriage.
"… Before we begin our feast, I would like to do a few announcements," Dumbeldore began. Everyone then started to focus on Dumbeldore attentively including Alex. "You all might have aware of the two arrivals earlier today…"
Everyone started to buzz again.
"I can assure you that they are most dearly acquaintance of our founders. They are here not on 'vacation'. They are here on one purpose only. The Triwizard tournament!" Dumbeldore announced.
"Here it is!" Harper whispered to Alex excitedly.
"Firstly, the Triwizard tournament is where three champions from three school will compete against each other as they all faces three tasks, three dangerous tasks," the Hogwarts Headmaster continued. "There are rules in this tournament that you must obey. When you are chosen you will stand alone. There's no turning back. I must remind you that this tournament is not for the faint hearted."
"Didn't this just giving you goosebumps?" Harper whispered again. Alex slightly smiled.
"These champions will fight for honour and glory. They will be tested of their magical ability, intelligence and courage. In the end, the winner will be given the main prize." Dumbeldore added. "But before we could go any further, I would like to introduce to you our special guests … please welcome to the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and their Headmistress, Madame Maxime…"
The enormous golden Great Hall's door slowly swung open and girls dressed in tight light blue silk uniforms came in swiftly. It seemed that they were dancing their way in, in a fast mode. They all looked so enchanting and mesmerizing that every heads, mainly the boys, turned to see a better view of them. Some even went up their chair to see the Beauxbatons girls. There were small pacific blue butterflies flying as they make their way along the hall. At the Hufflepuff table, Max was also standing up with his mouth open. He was so caught up with the girl at the back of the pack. She was twirling around and around as she approached the front of the Hall. Max didn't even notice the tall woman walking behind her.
"Oh my God!" Alex let out. Her eyes laid on Madame Maxime, the extremely tall Beauxbatons' headmistress feeling a bit scared.
"Incredible isn't it?" Harper said excitedly. She was looking at Madame Maxime so happily.
Just as all the Beauxbatons girls stand at the front, all the boys burst out applauding and cheering, some were even whistling. Max was jumping in his seat cheering with his friends while Justin just sat there at the Ravenclaw's table, playing it cool.
"Boys…" Hermione whined to the girl with the red hair, who then eventually nodded. Like the others, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter were also in the fun. They were on their seats cheering.
"Now!" Dumbeldore shouted and the cheering and clapping died down. "Let us welcome our friends from the North, the proud sons of Durmstrang with their Headmaster Igor Karkarof!"
The door swung open again and this time boys in thick brown uniform came in. They are divided in two lines and each was holding a wooden staff. They hit the staff to the stoned floor creating sparks of fire. Igor Karkarof, also a tall man in white robe and black wooly hat, were standing behind his students looking around the Great Hall with a devilish smirk.
At the middle of the of the Great Hall between the Gryffindor and the Hufflepuff table, the Durmstrang boy at the front dropped his staff and started running to the front eventually followed by the others. He continuously did backflips and somersaults. Everyone was on their feet this time to see his talent.
"OH MY GOD! ITS THEM!" cried out a blonde girl from the Gryffindor table sitting not far away from Alex and Harper. This time the girls were the one screaming and cheering. All were pointing at two of the Durmstrang students. One of them was a very hefty young man with a unique looking staff.
"Harry, that's Viktor Krum," said Ron Weasley to Harry. He looked very sulky and serious while the other looked much friendlier.
"Look, Its…" Harper tried to tell Alex but the blonde girl beat her to it.
"RANDY GAVRAIL!" she screamed. She and her friend then began jumping up and down while pointing at the two boys. Harper and Alex looked at each other, confused.
"How do they know Randy?" Alex asked. Harper shrugged.