New story! I'll be posting what I have of this story and then I'll be posting another one later today as well (this one is partly finished, I just need to write the other half, but it is planned). So, keep your eyes peeled for this!
When we entered the classroom, Mad-Eye's eye followed me. His deformed face and body from his years of service in the Auror department made it hard not to recognize him. The magical eye seemed to see right through me, as though I was under a charm. "Miss Romanova-"
"Your highness, Moody. We've been over this," I said casually, sitting down.
"How are your parents doing?"
"My father is rotting in Azkaban, Moody, thanks to you," I smiled at him smugly. "Now, want to tell the class how half your nose is missing?"
He growled and turned, "I'm not through with you, Miss Romanova-"
"Your Highness," I corrected, smirking.
He gave me a glare, "Welcome to Level Four Defense Against the Arts. I see we have one Durmstrang student in here. Allow her to give you a welcome that I will seem unworthy of saying in front of Your Highness's presence."
He couldn't be serious.
"We don't have all day, Your Highness," Mad-Eye growled.
I set my jaw and stood, turning to face the room. Since Hermione insisted on sitting up front.
Might as well make a sexy accent while I'm at it. "Velcome to Defense," I stated, glancing at all of them. "Master Moo- I mean, Professor Moody is your instructor. He is a highly trained Auror and lost half of his nose due to my fader. It vas an accident," I winked at them all, flashing a secretive smile before turning and sitting. "Do, continue, Professor."
His tongue darted out of his mouth to lick the corner of his lip faster than the rest of the class could comprehend. I noticed and narrowed my eyes. Something wasn't right about him.
The lesson was interesting and very easy, considering I was a year up. It was an easy O for me.
After this class, I decided to do my combat with the rest of the boys. They'd be in the courtyard.
"Katya," my fiancee murmured, embracing me as I approached him.
"Vitya, have you reconsidered?" I asked.
He sighed, and the other boys around him hushed as they saw the venomous glare I gave Viktor, "I'm putting my name in."
I snorted, "And if you die, it won't matter if father cancels the contract or not."
"I'm putting my name in. I only ask you come with me," Viktor told me quietly.
I nodded, "Very well. But we will train together. I'm not letting you go through this alone."
He smiled, "That'll do for me."
I kissed his cheek quietly and then glanced around, "So, what's training going to be today?"
"Dueling," Dimitry told me, the others nodding. "Ready?"
"Partner?" I asked him.
"Nope, I'm with Perun," Dimitry said in fake sympathy.
I turned to Viktor, "You?"
"You know it," he winked.
"Wands at the ready," Master Lenikov ordered pacing as we all stood in line. "Begin!"
It was an easy exercise and soon we headed back to the ship to get ready for dinner.
I took a quick shower and changed into my black skirt and a red turtle neck before I joined Viktor on deck.
"Are we going to go now?" I asked him bitterly.
He glanced at me, grimacing at my fierce expression, "We're waiting for Poliakoff and Highmaster."
I cleared my throat and nodded, "Of course."
It came out harsher than I intended and Viktor sighed, his hand touching my cheek to make me look at him, "You mustn't worry," he told me softly. "I'll be fine. We don't even know if I'll be chosen."
"Of course you will," I said bitterly, and incredulously. "You possess all the qualities of a champion! Of course you'll be chosen! And I couldn't..." I met his eyes and didn't waver my gaze as I spoke, "I couldn't live if you were to die, Viktor. I love you."
"I love you, too," he murmured. "Now, don't worry. Everything will be fine."
I didn't believe him, but I sighed heavily and nodded.
We flew to the castle, on a broom, and met with Poliakoff and Karkaroff there. They were waiting and seemed anxious.
"This way," Karkaroff told us and we walked. It was busy inside. Mostly Hogwarts students. Everyone shushed up, even two white haired men that were fighting on the ground. Whispers started and everyone glanced at each other. Viktor clenched his hand and strode forward confidently. I walked with him until he reached the edge of the crowd. Then I stopped and he turned back to me. I nodded and he nodded back, understanding that I didn't exactly approve, but I'd live. He wanted this, and I wasn't going to deny him of it.
He dropped the parchment from his clenched fist into the cup. My breath left me in a woosh as soon as it happened and I felt the tears in my eyes. But I clenched my jaw and forced them to stay back.
He turned back, his arm still outstretched over the pot and then made eye contact with me. I turned sharply before he could see the tears and strode to Karkaroff.
"If he dies, I will have your head," I snapped at Karkaroff in harsh Russian. The entire congregation sucked in a breath as they watched me. Viktor's hand gently took my upper arm and pulled me back slightly as Karkaroff sniffed angrily. "May Russia be my vitness," I said in English. "I vill destroy you."
My accent was always more prominent when I was angry, but this was crossing the line. Viktor didn't do it because of our contract. It was bound in blood, it could never be broken. However, Karkaroff pressured Viktor into placing his name into the goblet. I knew that. Karkaroff always pushed Viktor over the edge.
Karkaroff nodded to Perun and I felt the sting on my cheek.
"My fader vill hear about this," I swore. Karkaroff's eyes widened in fright as I turned and exited the room.