Chapter 1
The American Institute of Magical Studies
Sarah absentmindedly scratched at the embroidered badge adorning her blazer's left pocket, its golden threads threatening to unravel.
"Mum, what was that stitching spell again?" Her call echoed through the house as her mother, Zenia Lincolns, engaged in conversation with her father outside, furrowed her brow and poked her head into the room.
"Sarah..." Zenia clicked her tongue, eyeing her daughter's pleading gaze.
"Sometimes, I worry about how you'll manage a whole year away from us!" She remarked, shaking her head in a mix of exasperation and affection. Zenia waved her wand over the jacket, effortlessly mending the damaged crest.
"Thanks, Mom!" Sarah beamed as she donned her school blazer over her pristine white shirt, securing her prefect badge in place. With her backpack and in hand, she strode into the living room, struggling to pull out the large trunk.
"Ready?" Michelin Lincolns asked, a smile dancing on his lips as he observed his daughter wrestling with her brand-new trunk.
"This is so inconvenient!" Sarah grumbled, unaccustomed to the idea of lugging luggage to school.
"Locomotor Trunk!" She declared, casting a simple charm on the trunk. In response, the trunk began to follow her, as if guided by an invisible hand.
Taking one last wistful glance at their home, Sarah knew she'd miss it throughout the coming year. Yet, her heart fluttered with excitement, bubbles of anticipation churning in her stomach. Adventure wasn't a typical pursuit for her family, as her Great-Grandma M would say, derisively targeting those who courted danger and called it an adventure. Sarah knew precisely at whom that cutting remark had been aimed—it certainly wasn't the Lincolns.
The trio apparated just outside their destination: the school. Michelin wore a satisfied smile as the imposing black iron gates graciously parted for them. Both he and Zenia were proud graduates of AIMS.
In the realm of American wizarding education, Ilvermorny and AIMS reigned supreme, both nestled in the heart of Massachusetts. Ilvermorny possessed an ancient pedigree, having transformed into a private boarding school with a exclusive and secretive admissions criteria. AIMS, on the other hand, was relatively younger, lacking the grandiose backstory of its counterpart. Nevertheless, it was a well-established institution, founded in collaboration with the creators of the 27 Coven—The Firsts—and MACUSA. That made AIMS over two centuries old, newer in comparison to Ilvermorny. Yet, its vast campus accommodated over a thousand students and boasted an array of distinguished professors. Over the course of two centuries, AIMS had produced numerous accomplished alumni, their portraits and professions adorning the walls, accompanied by motivational quotes intended to inspire future generations.
Michelin and Zenia left Sarah to join her friends, who were gathering in the main hall where the headmistress would soon address the seventh-year students.
Hand in hand, Michelin and Zenia strolled down the seemingly endless corridor adorned with a multitude of framed photographs. Zenia's keen eyes swiftly located Michelin's portrait on the wall. He glanced at her with a fond smile, the image capturing a younger version of himself alongside his bestfriend, Reggie. Together, they exuded an air of unwavering determination, poised to confront the formidable challenges posed by MACUSA and its labyrinthine bureaucracy. In the years that followed, Reggie ascended to the presidency of MACUSA, while Michelin assumed the prestigious position of MACUSA's advocate general, securing a prominent role within the International Confederation of Wizards. They moved away and paused next to Zenia's picture.
"Such a gorgeous girl..." Michelin remarked, his lips curving into a knowing smirk. He drew her closer by her waist. Zenia responded with a teasing look and pressed a gentle kiss against his scarred face.
Zenia, a master of potions and the proprietor of Salem's most renowned apothecary situated on Witch Burn Street (WBS), boasted a lineage steeped in magical tradition. The once-infamous WBS had transformed from a grim site of Muggle witch hunts into a secure enclave of the wizarding community, shielded from the outside world. This transformation was prompted by the haunting presence of vengeful witch spirits, known to torment unsuspecting Muggles. Today, WBS stood as a bustling emporium catering to the needs of students and magical folks seeking essential supplies.
The couple paused before another framed photograph, Michelin gazing at his sister's image with a sigh.
"It's frustrating that the only way we get to see her these days is through these ridiculous photographs." He muttered, his gaze firmly fixed on the frame.
"It has been a while since we saw her, hasn't it? I keep writing to her, but she hardly finds the time to visit..." Zenia replied, her voice tinged with disappointment.
"Sarah, in particular, is quite upset. Her 17th birthday came and went, and her aunt sent her an badly wrapped parcel of Troll Bogeys. Sarah told me she included a note: 'If you don't want it for school, give it to Mom!'"
Michelin chuckled softly, shaking his head. His sister had always been unconventional. Who sent Troll Bogeys as a birthday gift, after all? Zenia approached her best friend's frame, her laughter erupting as she read the motivational quote beneath it.
"Does it...does it say 'seriously'? Sometimes, I'll never understand that woman! And she calls me her best friend!" Zenia chuckled, shaking her head in fond exasperation.
"What's the matter...?"
"Michelin...that number beneath her picture...it's the number of arrests, the people she's thrown in prison! It keeps changing with each new capture...seriously, trust your sister to be so big-headed!"
"You know what she's like, Zee..."
"I do, and somehow, I still love her very much!"
"She has that effect on most people..." Michelin agreed with a smile, their bond transcending the years.
With fond memories shared, the couple returned to the hall, where seventh-year students and their parents had assembled. They were met with warm smiles and hearty handshakes as Michelin and Zenia took their designated seats, while Sarah sat with her friends in the row ahead.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lincolns?" Inquired a kind-looking man seated beside them. When the couple turned to him, he introduced himself and his wife as parents of Sarah's friend.
Michelin and Zenia engaged in conversation with them and extended an invitation to join them for lunch at their home once the assembly concluded. The couple graciously accepted.
Soon, the headmistress ascended the stage and positioned herself in front of the imposing podium adorned with the AIMS emblem.
"Athena looks unusually serious..." Zenia whispered, her brows knitted in concern.
"When doesn't she?" Michelin snorted.
"No, I mean more than usual."
"I suppose when you're tasked with overseeing a thousand students, it tends to weigh on you."
As Athena cleared her throat, the crowd fell into a hushed silence.
"Good morning, parents and students! I am Headmistress Athena McGonagall, and I want to express my gratitude for your presence here today."
"As you can see, we have gathered the families of our seventh-year students. What I am about to announce fills me with immense pride as I stand before you."
"AIMS has been chosen as one of the three schools to participate in this century's Tri-Wizard Tournament. You might be wondering why our day scholars were asked to pack their trunks for the year. It's because we will be traveling to compete in the tournament, with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Scottish Highlands hosting."
As Athena spoke, murmurs of excitement and concern rippled through the audience.
"I understand your apprehensions, parents. What about their NEWT-level exams? Trust me, as an alumna of this esteemed institution, I can assure you that Hogwarts boasts exceptional professors who can guide your children through their NEWT exams as effectively as our own faculty."
Once again, the audience buzzed with conversation.
"However, it's not mandatory for all students to compete. There is a strict age barrier that limits participation to witches and wizards of a certain age." Athena added, quelling the chatter once more.
"For those students interested in competing, this is a remarkable opportunity to bring honor to AIMS."
"And get our pictures on the wall?" Shouted a young man from the audience.
"Perhaps, Mr. Williams, if you emerge victorious..." Athena responded, chuckling at his audacity, which garnered cheers from his friends.
Zenia exchanged a concerned look with Michelin. This development was not what they had envisioned for their daughter. Over the summer, Michelin had shared with Zenia the dangerous history of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, with many champions losing their lives over the years. It had become a hot topic at MACUSA, and Michelin had vehemently disagreed with Reggie. However, the International Wizarding Confederation had tied the president's hands, and America was required to send at least one school to compete. Given Ilvermorny's reluctance, branding it a futile show of power, AIMS had little choice.
"The portkeys are prepared for our journey to Hogwarts. My dear students, I suggest you bid your farewells as we embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!" Athena exclaimed, endeavoring to keep spirits high.
The audience applauded politely and the students hooted for her. Athena bowed her head appreciatively and departed for the grounds, where students were receiving their portkeys.
Michelin and Zenia approached Athena, who greeted them with a warm smile.
"Hello, Darlings! It's been weeks since I last saw you."
"Aunt Athena, this situation...it's..."
"I understand your concerns, Michelin, but international agreements between nations have compelled this decision. There wasn't much I could do. Ilvermorny's autonomy as a private institution, separate from MACUSA, has its advantages."
"I'm worried about Sarah!" Michelin confessed, taking a step closer to his aunt.
Athena smiled reassuringly.
"Come now, you can't possibly worry about her. Your daughter is capable and level-headed. She's not foolish enough to compete for champion."
"Sarah has been going through a rebellious phase, Athena." Zenia chimed in, her lip bitten anxiously. Athena observed them both and shook her head, seemingly unconcerned.
"I'll keep an eye on her, Michelin." Athena assured, patting his arm lightly.
"Well, I suppose Mom mentioned you'd have reinforcements this year. Doesn't your sister teach at Hogwarts? Minerva? Mom has been raving about her every Sunday during lunch." Michelin mentioned.
"Yes, Minerva is the Transfiguration professor and Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts."
"I'm sure if you asked her, she'd help you keep an eye on Sarah." Michelin suggested. Athena waved the idea away.
"Michelin, you worry too much. She's not a child anymore. Have some faith in her." Athena advised, patting his shoulder. Michelin and Zenia exchanged a concerned glance, feeling that Athena might be underestimating the situation.
"We'll see you at Christmas. Margery has insisted we dine in Hogsmeade this year—your mother and her Christmas lunches!"
"Hogsmeade?"
"It's a charming village near Hogwarts, especially beautiful in the winter."
"Grandma M will be joining us, I assume?" Michelin asked carefully. Athena nodded sympathetically. Zenia shot a quick glance at her husband, both silently agreeing that his sister would probably find another excuse to avoid attending.
"It will be a good reason to visit Sarah, I suppose." Zenia added.
Michelin's face lit up with a sudden thought.
"Albus Dumbledore will be at Hogwarts..." He mentioned with a smile.
"Michelin, you're so obsessed with that man!" Zenia scoffed.
"Zee, seeing him argue a case at the International Council when I was just fourteen was like a dream come true! He's the reason I became a warlock in the first place. That man is a genius—a legend!"
"Would you please convey my regards, Aunt Athena? Let him know how big a fan your nephew is. Maybe even invite him for Christmas lunch, if nothing else!" Michelin beamed at his aunt, who wore a sour expression.
"I highly doubt I'll be doing that." She replied curtly. Michelin sighed, recalling his sister's favorite label for Athena:
Stick-in-the-mud
Athena swiftly took her leave after bidding farewell to the couple. Michelin and Zenia approached their daughter, embracing her tightly and imparting their affectionate farewells. Yet, they couldn't help but voice their concerns, cautioning her about the potential repercussions of participating in the tournament.
Sarah experienced a sudden, jolting sensation as her navel seemed to be pulled in every direction. Portkey travel was far more disorienting than apparition. She stumbled and landed face-first on the soft grass, with her two friends helping her back onto her feet.
Brushing off her blazer, she laughed off her less-than-graceful landing.
"Guys, look at that!" Exclaimed Dennis, pointing towards the imposing castle ahead, bathed in the soft light of the fading dusk.
Sarah, along with her friends Dennis and Amanda, made their way towards a floating AIMS flag, and the rest of their class, consisting of 60 students, joined them. Finally, Headmistress Athena arrived, descending gracefully from the sky and landing next to the flag.
"Come now, let me show you around... my alma mater!" She declared proudly. She led the excited youngsters into the castle, offering insights about Hogwarts as they strolled through its hallways.
"Hogwarts, unlike AIMS, no longer accepts day scholars. It used to do so centuries ago, but they discontinued the practice when they refined their admission policies. Although it might not be the oldest wizarding school in the world, it is certainly among the oldest. The castle itself was constructed by the Four Founders, after whom they've named their houses. Every student is sorted into a house based on their skills and personality, with the assistance of a sorting hat they crafted themselves. It wields powerful magic, which you'll encounter throughout the castle."
"Houses?" Inquired Dennis curiously.
"Yes, Mr. Spector, houses, like the teams at Ilvermorny. Hogwarts has Gryffindor for the brave of heart, Hufflepuff for the fiercely loyal, Ravenclaw for the gifted with intelligence, and Slytherin for those with raw ambition."
"Just like Ilvermorny, except they have cool magical creatures on theirs." Noted Dennis.
"Exactly!" Athena concurred, smiling as the group paused outside large wooden doors. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she vividly recalled every corner of the school.
Athena collected herself and addressed the group.
"Now, beyond these doors, I want us to be nothing but perfect guests. Is that understood? I will not tolerate any misbehavior here. We must uphold the AIMS name and our school's prestige. Am I clear?" She asked, her gaze sternly fixed on each of them.
The seventh years nodded, eager to discover what lay behind the imposing doors.
Athena used a simple Depulso to push the doors open, revealing a hall teeming with students seated at tables laden with food. Heads turned toward the newcomers, creating a buzz of curiosity.
Sarah followed Athena and her classmates into the hall, as the group began whispering about Albus Dumbledore, who was approaching them. Sarah couldn't help but chuckle softly, imagining how envious her father would be at this moment.
Athena instructed her students to select tables based on their preferences, emphasizing that AIMS did not segregate students by houses. Sarah and her friends chose to sit at the red house table, accompanied by a few more from their group.
AIMS students observed as Albus Dumbledore approached their headmistress and greeted her with a charming smile, even kissing her hand in a gentlemanly manner. To their surprise, Athena did not reciprocate the smile; instead, she withdrew her hand quickly.
Dumbledore then gestured for her to join him at an empty chair beside his at the staff table. He briefly conversed with an older, mustached man who appeared to be a bureaucrat, before walking to the podium, where he smiled at the entire student body.
"Please give a warm welcome to the third competing school, who have journeyed here all the way from America. The students from the American Institute of Magical Studies and their headmistress, Professor Athena McGonagall!" Announced Dumbledore, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the hall.
Conversations flowed freely among the AIMS students and their new tablemates as they loaded their plates with delicious food.
Athena took her place at the head table, her gaze drifting a few seats away where a woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to her sat. Sarah assumed this must be the youngest sister-Minerva, whom her grandmother had incessantly discussed during Sunday lunches over the summer.
"Who knew McGonagall had a sister…" Whispered the two red-haired twins at the table. Sarah turned her attention to them.
"She actually has two." She replied nonchalantly, taking a forkful of shepherd's pie and eyeing the rest of her plate with satisfaction.
"Really?" Inquired a younger bushy-haired girl.
"Ummhmm..." Sarah nodded while savoring another bite of the delicious pie.
Curious about how she knew this, a younger red-haired boy asked.
"How would you know?"
"This here...is Sarah Lincolns...she specializes in the McGonagalls!" Dennis chimed in, his voice hearty. He chuckled and gave Sarah a playful pat on the back. Sarah rolled her eyes at her friend's boisterous behavior.
"Athena McGonagall is my great aunt – my father's aunt. My grandmother is her older sister, which makes your Professor McGonagall their youngest sister. So yeah, I guess you could say I'm a quarter McGonagall." Sarah responded with nonchalance.
The rest of the group regarded her as if she had just shared the most intriguing revelation. Sarah, however, remained unperturbed by the curious stares that often followed the revelation of her relationship to Athena. The students at AIMS had been considerate enough never to dwell on the matter, and she reciprocated by not making it an issue herself.
"Give us the family gossip about the youngest McSibling then?" Stated the twins smirking.
Sarah shrugged, her expression apologetic.
"I...uh...honestly...don't have any...sorry...to be honest...this is the first time I've ever seen her!"
The twins exchanged odd glances, clearly intrigued.
"She lives all the way in England...my grandmother and she constantly write to each other though...that's all I know." Sarah added, her tone dismissive.
Dinner continued with a series of introductions. Sarah met several Weasleys, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, a couple of students from Durmstrang (the other competing school), and the famous Harry Potter.
"Wait! You're saying you're the Harry freakin' Potter!" Dennis nearly shouted. Potter managed a strained smile, hinting at his discomfort with the attention. Sarah felt a pang of sympathy for him and shot Dennis a stern look, which he brushed off without concern.
"Darn...how'd you do it?" Dennis asked, awe in his voice. Potter shrugged, explaining that he was just a baby at the time and had no idea.
"My apologies for Dennis; he tends to be a bit...unrestrained." Sarah said calmly as she introduced herself to the Hogwarts group.
"I'm Sarah Lincolns, and this is Amanda Winters, and, of course, Dennis Spector."
"Don't worry about it... he'll fit right in with us!" Declared the twins cheerfully.
As they exchanged pleasantries and jokes, they discovered that their subjects were similar, and they shared their likes and dislikes about their professors. The Gryffindors warned the Durmstrangs and AIMS students about Severus Snape, an unpleasant Potions master, while praising Professor McGonagall, their head of house. They also mentioned Alastor Moody, a retired auror who had recently become the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and made quite the entrance before the arrival of the AIMS students.
Curiosity piqued, Fred Weasley asked about Athena's apparent snubbing of Dumbledore.
"We were just as surprised...Athena usually handles these situations pretty gracefully. She's even calm when dealing with the disagreeable MACUSA ministers who constantly meddle in how she runs the school. She must truly dislike him." Dennis replied as he indulged in some jelly.
Ron expressed his astonishment.
"How can anyone dislike Dumbledore? He's like the nicest person around. Not to mention, he's a legend...and he's literally a walking candy dispenser!"
"Athena has the 27 Coven to deal with on a daily basis...I doubt he impresses her the way he impresses us." Dennis explained matter-of-factly.
"The 27 Coven?" Ron inquired, prompting Hermione to provide a rapid barrage of information about this extraordinary American magical group.
Before Sarah could defend Athena's actions, two men entered the hall. One was a comically skinny, balding fellow who hopped about, while the other was a burly half-giant. They brought in two large covered items, sparking whispers of curiosity about what the caretaker and the Care of Magical Beasts professor had in store.
Dumbledore now stood before an ornate owl podium, clearing his throat and offering a warm smile to the assembled students.
"My dear students, I'm sure you're eager to know why we're joined today by students from AIMS and Durmstrang. I assume their schools have already informed them about what's to come. So, without further ado, let me relieve your curiosity."
Dumbledore waved his hand over the covers, unveiling a massive goblet.
"As some of you may have already guessed, this is the Goblet of Fire." He explained. He then moved to the second cover and revealed a glowing trophy cup.
"This year, Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament, after a century of dormancy." Announced Dumbledore, prompting cheers of excitement from the hall.
"Eternal Glory awaits the winner of this tournament, but to achieve it, each champion must survive three extremely dangerous tasks. For this reason, our ministries have mutually agreed to add a new rule." Dumbledore continued.
"To explain it further, we have Mr. Bartimus Crouch, the British Ministry's head of International Magical Corporations Department, and Mr. Ludo Bagman, the Head of the Department for Magical Sport."
The two officials stepped forward, and Mr. Crouch addressed the students.
"After much deliberation, our ministries have concluded that no student above the age of seventeen will be allowed to enter their name in the Goblet of Fire."
This announcement sparked uproar among the Hogwarts students, who protested vehemently.
"It's for your own safety!" Mr. Crouch tried to reason, somewhat irritated by the display of disobedience.
Before matters could escalate further, Dumbledore intervened to restore order among his students.
"Silence!"
The hall fell silent instantly.
"To ensure that only students of age can enter, there will be a powerful age line drawn around the Goblet." Mr. Crouch clarified.
"Those who wish to enter must simply write their names on a piece of parchment and place it in the Goblet by this hour on Thursday. But remember, the Triwizard Tournament is not to be taken lightly. It is not meant for the faint of heart." Dumbledore interjected sternly.
"Perhaps it is time to show our new friends to their respective dormitories. Each house has a head; based on the table you are seated at, your head of house will lead you to your quarters. For the rest of you, I'm sure the prefects will do an excellent job guiding you back to your common rooms. Goodnight, and rest well." Dumbledore concluded, as students filed out of the great hall, creating a bit of chaos that heads of houses and prefects were well-equipped to manage.
AN/- Please do let me know what you think. Leave a review :)