The Serpent of Durmstrang
A/N: This is a rewrite of the Dragon of Durmstrang, where mistakes were made and are going to be corrected, while the story and writing will be improved. This is also my NaNoWriMo prep story, so all reviews are appreciated. Also, all my works are down at the moment. They will all be rewritten one at a time, so do not fret!
Chapter Seven
The Beauxbatons carriage landed not so lightly as they finally arrives at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From what Fleur could see from the small window just beside the front door, the weather was, as expected, cloudy. The students that were a part of the delegation for the Tri-Wizard tournament were warned about this, and they all made sure to bring weather appropriate clothes. That didn't mean they had to like it.
Fleur stood behind everybody in her group. She had woken up late, and had to rush a quick brunch before they were scheduled to land. Madame Maxime was quite vexed at her, and her friends Amelie and Zoe did help her case either. Instead of defending her, they had ratted her out by telling the Headmistress about her constant all-nighters reading textbooks on charms. Fleur knew they were only trying to help, but the Headmistress was strict on curfew, and therefore she now had detention tonight.
"Cheer up, Fleur," Amelia nudged her friend, trying to lighten the mood, "I saw the Headmistress' face soften, so she just might take it easy on you tonight!"
Fleur forced a smile, albeit a tired one. Amelie was always very positive, about anything and everything at all. While it irked Fleur sometimes, especially during Finals, she enjoyed the ray of sunshine from the girl. Sadly, Zoe was the opposite.
"Or she'll make you scrub her toes!"
"Shut up, Zoe."
"Make me."
Fleur sighed, and stuck her tongue out childishly at Zoe, who did the same. Zoe was snarky, and very annoying when she wanted to be. In fact, Fleur was not sure as to how they had become friends at all, best friends in fact. Yet, she knew that Zoe grounded them all, and made sure they all saw the reality versus what they envisioned reality should be. From what Fleur knew, this attitude came from her upbringing, something Zoe still would not share with them.
"How's your charms reading, by the way?" Zoe asked, glancing at Fleur, "are the books from my family's library helping you at all?"
Fleur nodded happily, "Yes! They've been quite helpful. You'll have to thank your parents for me for lending the book."
Zoe blushed bright-red at that, and softly whispered, "I kinda smuggled the book out of the house."
"What?!"
"Well, my parents would never lend it to you, and I turned seventeen last month. So when I finally was able to cross the wards of our family library, I took a few books that I thought would help you with this apprenticeship."
Fleur's mind ran a thousand miles. Taking a book from the family library was a no-no, especially with pureblood families. Old families, especially ones like Zoe's tended to keep ancient tomes passed down from the previous generations in secret, harbouring and treasuring them from the public. What Zoe did could potentially backfire on her, especially when her parents find out.
"You have to return them, Zoe," Fleur argued, "it's not mine to read!"
Zoe laughed loudly, garnering some curious stares by the people in front of the line, "Do you think I care about that? Fleur, you're my friend, and I want you to get this apprenticeship. I'm an adult now, so it doesn't matter what my family thinks, feels, or does."
Fleur was not sure what to say. The dark-haired girl in front of her, eyes filled with conviction, never backed down when she decided on something. She was truly grateful for having friends like Zoe and Amelie, who would stick their necks out for their own, and Fleur would do so for them as well in a heartbeat.
"Thank you," Fleur whispered, before giving Zoe a hug, which was reciprocated.
Just as Amelie was about to say something, Madame Maxime coughed and stood up from her single-seater reclining couch that was situated just beside one of the windows near the front door. While the carriage might seem small on the outside, the inside was enchanted to be large enough to house twenty-four students, plus teachers and house elves. The layout resembled a corridor, with each room dedicated to either an office and classroom, the kitchen, dining room, and finally the bedrooms of every student and staff. It was a magnificent piece of work, and was the pride and joy of Beauxbatons.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. We have discussed this before, but let me remind you once more. Be at your best behaviour," Madame Maxime's voice echoed throughout the foyer, strict and commanding, "You are representing Beauxbatons Academy. Anything you say and do will be a reflection on our school."
Pausing for a moment, the Headmistress made sure to make eye contact with each and every student gathered in front of the door. As a half-giantess, she held a sense of pride for herself, especially since becoming Headmistress of such an exquisite school of magic. Her parentage made sure that she had little opportunities in life, but she did not that fact hold her back. She was where she was now with hard work and dedication, and she expected her students to embody the same virtues she had upheld for herself, as well as the school. It was what made her popular with the school board, which helped propel her career.
The door opened at that point, and was the signal for everyone to start filing out. The chilling breeze hit the Beauxbatons students head on, and made most of them shiver. Some uttered curses under their breaths, while others immediately cast the warming charm around them and their friends. Fleur took the cue, and whipped her wand and. With a flick, the shivering Zoe and Amelie were nice and toasty, which was evident by their sighs of relief.
"You're the best, Fleur."
Fleur smiled at Amelie, before following their group out of the carriage. Glancing around, Fleur could see that most if not all of the Hogwarts students were present and watching their arrival. A lot of oohs and aahs were heard as most were still captured by the neighing Abraxans. Fleur dug herself deep into her periwinkle blue cloak, and took the first few steps down their carriage.
As expected, a few of those near the front of the onlookers were immediately affected by Fleur's allure. While it was possible to control the Veela allure, especially since Fleur was only a quarter Veela, the effect was still present in a smaller area around her. This led to some staring, and a lot of the Hogwarts students started pointing at her and whispering amongst themselves.
Fleur brushed their glances away haughtily, as was taught by her mother and grandmother, before she followed the other Beauxbatons students leading the way into Hogwarts castle.
"It's beautiful!" Zoe exclaimed, already giddy about finally visiting another magical school, and one of the more famous ones to boot.
"It's too gauntish if you ask me," Fleur replied, although she can't complain about the fact that the castle was quite grand, and towered over Beauxbaton's own chateau. However, unlike the beautiful gardens and fountains of Beauxbatons, the Hogwarts grounds felt lacking. Fleur could see a lake, and a giant galley-like vessel anchored just by the shore. With the giant flag adorning the mast, she guessed it was what the Durmstrang students arrived in.
Looking ahead, her guess was confirmed by a group of what Fleur would assume were Durmstrang students. Their uniforms were maroon in colour, which were far from the hideous black robes the Hogwarts students she saw were wearing, and judging by their pace and demeanour, they were teasing one of their own, the one with messy black hair.
"Harry," Fleur tentatively called out, unknowingly holding her breath. She had not seen Harry for months now, and their frequent letter exchanges made her just miss his company more. While they never did spend a lot of time together, they got to know each other rather well with their almost daily exchanges, and Fleur felt as though they've been good friends for quite a long time.
The messy-haired young man looked back, and was wide-eyed for a moment when he saw Fleur. His round spectacles were drooping slightly, while his eyes were barely being help open. His uniform was immaculate, however.
Harry gave her a small smile, and waved at her tiredly, "Hello, Fleur. Fancy seeing you here."
Fleur returned the smile. They both started walking towards each other, and hugged. Harry could smell her flowery perfume, lavender, if he was correct. Pulling back, they stood just slightly apart, with Fleur smiling at him brightly, "Let me introduce you to these two headache inducing duo, Amelie and Zoe."
Looking just past Fleur, Harry could see a striking young woman with silky black hair, and an auburn-haired one standing beside her smile a soft smile adorning her face. They both were wearing the standard Beauxbatons uniform like Fleur.
"Well, well. Is this the boy that's trying to get into your pants, Fleur?" Zoe smirked, brushing a stray strand of her from her face, "He's not much of a looker, is he?"
Harry turned towards the black-hair young woman who just insulted him, and smiled, "Jealous I'm not trying to get into yours instead?"
Amelie gasped, while Fleur shook her head. Glancing around Harry, she could see his friends were all shaking their hands at his antics. Zoe, for her part, only stared at Harry for a few seconds, before she started laughing.
"I like you already!" Zoe laughed out loud, before coming forward and giving Harry a pat on the head.
"Harry, are these people bothering you?" Viktor had come forward, looking very menacing, flanked by Aleksander and a very irate looking Kassdandra. Alanna could only shake her head at her friends, and how they were already causing a scene.
Harry smiled at his and held his hands up to placate them, "No, no, this is Fleur and her friends!"
Kassandra stared up and down at the girl he had pointed out as Fleur, and could not help but feel very self-conscious. Comparing herself to the Veela, she knew she had no chance in the looks department. Fleur's figure was something to die for, and Kassandra figured that a lot of women did die to emulate a Veela's features.
"I remember you!" Aleksandra suddenly shouted, pointing at Fleur with an accusing finger, "You're the girl Harry fell for-I mean, into!"
The slip was heard by everybody, and even Harry had to cough loudly at his embarrassment. Zoe laughed loudly once more, while Amelie giggled behind a heavily blushing Fleur.
Aleksander had shuffled forward at that point, and held out his hand for a shake, followed by the rest of Harry's friends, with Kassandra falling behind.
"Aleksander's the name. The surly one beside me is Viktor, while the two ladies are Alanna and Kassandra, respectively."
"Aleks, we can introduce ourselves, you asshole," Viktor spat, which was waved away by Aleksander.
Zoe grinned, and stepped forward, "So, what they say about Durmstrang students is true. You guys do learn languages on the side. French, really?
Aleksander grinned at this girl, he liked her personality, and her bluntness, "We cater to a lot of students across Europe, of course we'd be prepared, unlike Beauxbatons."
"Oho! Arrogant, are you?"
"You're not so bad yourself."
"Can we stop with the flirting, please? We're creating a scene here," Amelie decided to cut in, not enjoying the extra attention they were garnering from those who were on their way back into Hogwarts castle.
Before anybody could say anything however, Madame Maxime seemed to have materialized behind the group. She swept her gaze at her girls, before eyeing the Durmstrang students with wary. She knew about the rumours about Durmstrang and their curriculum. If they were to be believed, then these students were not to be trusted, especially with her students.
"Ladies, into the castle." The half-giantess commanded, leaving no room for argument. She quickly steered the girls away, and Fleur could only wave a goodbye at Harry, promising to talk to each other more soon.
Harry waved, before his shoulder slumped, "I'm still so fucking tired."
"Ha!" Aleksander laughed at his friend, while dragging him along, "You should've slept last night, instead of reading through till dawn, idiot!"
"Who're you calling idiot?" Harry spat back, although he kept his weight supported by Aleksander. He was already worked to the ground by the transfiguration exercises that Petyr had made him do through the night, but he did not want to be behind his school work. So he took extra time afterwards to read through the materials for his other subjects, which was not until after midnight.
Looking around, Harry could see that most of the Durmstrang contingent were already inside the hug castle, and the rest of the people around them were Hogwarts students. More than a handful were staring and pointing at Viktor. It seems they did not know he was a part of the Durmstrang group yet, which was good for him. Sirius had said that people in Magical Britain were quite upset that Harry had not stayed, and he was widely popular with the masses, especially with the children of his generation and onward. Harry never valued attention, and like Viktor, hated it, but he will manage when the time came.
"Mister Potter," a voice stopped Harry and his friends from going into the castle. They turned towards the source and saw a flamboyantly dressed old man smiling at them. His robes were an array of different colours, predominantly purple, however.
Harry immediately recognized the old man, and couldn't help but judge him quite harshly in his method of dressing. The colours were blinding, and quite distracting. It also showed how eccentric the old man can be.
"I was wondering when I would get to meet you," Dumbledore smiled at Harry, "you have Lily's eyes, and James' messy hair."
Harry returned Dumbledore's smile, albeit tiredly, "That's what everyone says when they first meet me, Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Just Albus, Harry. It seems we'll be getting to know each other well this year, especially under Petyr's tutelage."
Harry nodded, "I suppose you will be visiting our training sessions soon?"
"I'll do more than just visit, mister Potter," Albus brushed his beard, already anticipating the surprises he'll get to see from the young Potter heir, "I will be taking over a portion of your training."
"What?" Aleksander exclaimed loudly, followed by a jaw-dropped Viktor. Training under the great Albus Dumbledore was not something to be scoffed at, and many have tried and failed to do so.
"Better head in, mister Potter, your Highmaster has already made himself comfortable, from what I have heard."
Harry and his friends nodded, and immediately set a quick pace into Hogwarts. Everyone knew the legendary temper of the Highmaster, and nobody ever wanted to test it. The last student that got in trouble was left expelled immediately afterwards, after spending a few nights at the school infirmary.
Heading into the castle's Great Hall, Harry could see the splendor that Sirius and Remus always boasted about the school. The Great Hall was indeed, great, a massive ballroom type room, lined with torches and armoured knights, as well as adorned with floating candles. The ceiling was made to look like the outside sky, and the end of the large room sat the professors and Headmasters of each school. However, it seems that the table was expanded to accommodate every professor that came with the delegations.
The floor was divided into four different tables, and from what Harry knew, they were the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Gryffindor was the house that his parents, and the Marauders were sorted into, while Slytherin was supposedly the house's main antagonists. However, looking at the Gryffindor table, all he could see were students that were goofing off, something he could see Sirius would be doing.
It was then that he noticed most of his schoolmates were already seated at the table filled with green-lined robes. Slytherin, if he wasn't the cue, Aleksander steered Harry into a seat, while everybody else sat around them. They took the end of the table nearest to the door, making sure to distance themselves from Carrow and his cronies, who seemed to be at home chatting amiably with a lot of the older Slytherin students.
"Welcome to Hogwarts…"
The speech of the Headmaster was drowned by the questions his friends had for him. Kassandra was first to speak up, glaring at Harry, "You told me I'd be the first to meet this Veela friend of yours."
Harry scratched the back of his head, smiling shyly, "Sorry, it seems we met under different circumstances, so it can't be helped."
"Hmph!" Kassandra scoffed. Alanna patted the girl on her back, before smiling at Harry, "She seems nice, Harry. Tell us, are you...dating her?"
All of his friends were in rapt attention at this point, staring at Harry as he sputtered. Harry blushed heavily, "No! We're just friends, Alanna."
Aleksander laughed, and before they could say anything further, food appeared in front of them. Looking around, Harry could see a golden goblet with a blue flame lighting the inside. It was sitting on top of a decorated pedestal, and shimmered with power. It seems that might be the object they'll be using to choose the Tri-Wizard champion from each school.
Glancing towards the table that the Beauxbatons students chose, he could see Fleur already taking a few bites from the dishes around her. It seems Hogwarts made sure to include food from different cultures around Europe, in an effort to make the visiting schools feel more at home.
Fleur seemed to have noticed Harry's staring, and smiled back at him.
It was definitely going to be an interesting year,