There was nothing more delicious than the sweet scent of the salty ocean air drifting through the sheer pink curtains that fluttered before the open window of the girl's dormitory. As the first few rays of soft yellow sunlight began to play gently upon the floor, one of the girls nearest the wide window began to stir.
Nothing was worse in the eyes of Fleur Delacour than having to wake up after a perfectly blissful sleep and today was by no means an exception. As the petite blonde slowly let out a soft yawn and pulled off the soft silken comforter, she could not help but wish for a few more peaceful moments to herself. After all, today she was set to leave for England and not return until the following June.
England.
The mere thought of that foreign country made Fleur shiver in the warm air. Why she had volunteered her name to be considered to go to England in the first place really was beyond her. Well, no, that wasn't entirely true. It had all begun precisely two days ago from the moment Fleur had gotten off the enchanted Ferry that carried the girls of Beauxbatons from the little port in Nice, France to the magically hidden island two hours off the coast. She had hardly taken two steps off the boat when she had felt someone loop their arm into hers.
"Bienvenue Fleur!" a cheery voice that could only belong to the Headmistresses assistant rang out. Inwardly, Fleur sighed. Anytime the Headmistress' assistant showed her ratlike face one could always be sure they were either deeply in trouble or about to be asked for something. Seeing as the school year had yet to even begin, Fleur could only assume that in this instance, it was the latter that brought Madame Jeanne to her side.
"Bonjour Madame Je-" Fleur began before Madame Jeanne quickly cut her off,
"Did you have a good summer ma Cherie? Oui? Excellent! I am sorry to have to take you away from the feast so quickly, however Madame Maxime would like to see you in her office immediately and we both know, when she wants something, you'd better do it! If you would be so kind as to follow me up there I would be glad to escort you."
Before Fleur even had a second to process what was going on, she felt Madame Jeanne take hold of her bags and instruct a younger student to carry them inside. Then, clamping her hand around Fleur's upper arm with an iron tight grip, Madame Jeanne half dragged her across the beautiful gardens and through the front doors of the palace.
As they quickly made their way through the entrance hall, the savory scent of roast duck and fresh bread wafted through the open doors of the dining chamber causing Fleur's stomach to growl loudly. However, she did not have time to dwell on this as Madame Jeanne pulled her through a narrow passageway to the left of the main staircase. The petite woman pulled her through winding stairways, tight corridors, and a maze of classrooms Fleur had never seen before. After what seemed like hours, the two of them arrived in front of a polished wooden door with six ornate swans carved into the pale wood. Pulling out her wand, Madame Jeanne paused for a moment before tapping each swan with the tip of her wand in a haphazard order causing the door to glow a soft silvery color and swing open allowing the two ladies to enter the spacious office.
Never before had Fleur been summoned to the Headmistress' office and as she observed the room around her, she could not help but let out an audible sigh. From the pale blue fountain of water that housed a small school of hippocampi to the ceiling that was painted with a thousand moving scenes the office was truly striking. Near the back of the room, Madame Maxime sat at a petite desk that looked almost comical when matched with the large woman. Looking up, the headmistress smiled politely and motioned for Fleur to sit before her.
"Merci beaucoup Madame Jeanne, I appreciate you bringing Mademoiselle Delacour to me." she said briskly. The look on Madame Jeanne's face told Fleur that clearly, the nosy woman wished to stay and listen in on the conversation. However, after a brief pause and a raised eyebrow from Madame Maxime, the Headmistress' assistant gave a curt nod and left the room. For as long as Fleur had known the dark haired headmistress, she had always had an astounding means of controlling people in such a way that no one questioned her authority. As the door shut, Madame Maxime made a slight gesture with her right hand beckoning Fleur to take the seat before her.
"Bon," she continued putting down her quill. "So Madmoiselle Delacour, do you have any idea what this school year will bring? I believe it is your last is it not?"
"Oui Madame," Fleur answered after a moment, in all reality, she had not thought much thought on the upcoming year. To her it had just seemed like yet another year of school. However, this was her final year and soon she would be responsible for making future plans for herself. "I honestly think this year will most likely just bring quite a bit of homework and studying for the NEWT test at the end of the year. Non?"
With a sly smile, Madame Maxime leaned over the petite desk and rested her large elbows on the delicate edge causing the entire wooden structure to creak loudly in protest to the heavy weight. "Ah, so you don't know. Well Madmoiselle Delacour, what I am about to tell you is very private information that shall only be given to a select group of students. This year the Triwizard Tornament is being reinstated at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in England. Have you heard of it before?" she asked.
"Yes of course I've heard of the tournament before." Fleur answered with a puzzled look, "I don't see how that could relate to me though."
"Oh but it does relate to you in every way ma cherie." Madame Maxime replied. "Since you are familiar with the Triwizard Tournament I expect you know that every four years a student from each of the three western European magical schools is selected by the Goblet of Fire to perform in three tasks before judges in order to seek the title of champion? Good, well, then as I'm sure you are aware, I am only allowed to bring thirty students total to Hogwarts who wish to put their names in the Goblet. Since this is only about a sixth of your class, I have made a list of those I, and the professors, believe contain the courage, intelligence, and determination needed to become the Beauxbatons Champion and lead us to victory. This relates to you Fleur, because I wish for you to be a part of the group that will travel to Hogwarts. You have proven yourself time and time again to be a remarkable young lady in a number of different situations and I believe you have an excellent chance of being chosen as our champion. Of course, you and your classmates will complete your studies and take your NEWT's over at Hogwarts as well. I myself will be teaching you transfiguration, charms, History of Magic, and Defense against the Dark Arts. However, the Hogwarts Headmaster has kindly arranged for the English Herbology and Potions professors to teach you and your classmates out of their facilities."
The room around her seemed to drop ten degrees in temperature as Fleur felt the impact of the Headmistress' words sink into her. Become a champion? That was absolutely mad! People had died in the tournament before and for all she knew, she could be next. However, at the same time there was something overwhelmingly appealing to the idea of holding that title and hearing crowds cheer for her as she became champion. Just envisioning herself in that position was enough to push her over the edge.
"Oui, Of course I will go Madame." Fleur said decisively. "When do we leave?"
"The day after next," replied the headmistress as she stood up and straightened her long crimson robes. "I suggest you not unpack your things as we won't be here long. However, for now, let us go downstairs and enjoy the end of the feast before I must tell the school of the upcoming tournament."
As the headmistress swept from the room, Fleur followed her as if in a daze. This was really happening, her chance to become someone important had finally arrived.