5: Durmstrang and Beauxbatons
The week leading up to the arrival of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang was, in Madeline's opinion, one of the tensest situations she'd ever been in.
All the Professors seemed to be on edge, with McGonagall going as far as telling Neville to never dare perform any sort of transfiguration spell in front of their oncoming visitors. The school had been scrubbed clean, including the dungeons, which now smelt of lemon and lime detergent (which made Snape very, very moody). Filch, the caretaker, went as far as sending some of the first-year Hufflepuff girls in hysterics for not scrubbing their shoes properly. It was all very, very tense.
The morning of their arrival, Madeline found herself sat in the Great Hall, which had been decorated with silken banners in different colours to represent the different houses. Behind the teachers table, a large banner covered the stained-glass window, the Hogwarts emblem on it with each of the house mascots represented. Madeline chewed on her toast as she admired the large snake decorating the banner on the wall in front of her, distracted only by Daphne and Theo's arrival.
"Rise and shine, it's the big day!" Daphne cheerily greeted, sitting down opposite Madeline as Theo took the seat next to her, "Well, doesn't this place look magnificent!"
Madeline raised her eyebrow at Daphne's cheery nature, "Greengrass, have you been brainwashed?"
Theo nodded along, "Seriously, no one has the right to be this happy this early in the morning."
"It's the big day!" Daphne repeated, leaning in slyly and whispering, "The Durmstrang boys are coming!"
Madeline rolled her eyes, swallowing her toast, "Of course. Makes perfect sense now."
"You do realise the schools are co-ed just like Hogwarts, right?" Theo asked, buttering a slice of toast, "In my opinion, there is nothing special about Durmstrang."
"Apart from the one, the only, Viktor Krum!" Daphne hissed excitedly, "He's a legend in the Quidditch world!"
"Some guy," Theo muttered, but before either girl could continue the conversation, the loud whooshing sound of owls soaring into the hall interrupted them. Madeline looked around excitedly, finally spotting that same owl she'd used to send her mother a letter.
The owl soared down onto the Slytherin table, depositing a crisp letter in her plate. She smiled gleefully at the bird, feeding it a small slice of bacon before it took flight back into the air and through the Great Hall window.
Theo whistled, "Bloody hell, owl post takes a while to get to France doesn't it?"
Madeline shrugged, turning the envelope around in her hands. Her name was delicately scripted at the front, the paper embellished with shiny silver detailing. She pulled the paper to her face and took a deep breath; it even smelt like her house.
"Do you two need a moment alone?" Daphne joked, but Madeline ignored her. Instead, she finally opened the envelope;
My Dearest Madeline,
The house feels empty without you.
I'm glad to hear that you're settling into Hogwarts nicely. In fact, Dumbledore himself has been updating me on your progress. It seems that you have an affinity with Potions! Sounds about right, doesn't it?
Slytherin makes perfect sense for you, from what I know about the house, but please try and stay out of trouble?
In your absence, I've decided to return to Beauxbatons to substitute the supervising teachers for the Triwizard Tournament coming to Hogwarts (very exciting!). It might be a better idea to address any further letters to the school, perhaps this will be faster.
While you're in Hogwarts, I hope you take some time to discover more about your father's heritage. From what I know, he was quite a charmer back in the day. Write to me soon, my darling.
Lots of love,
Eloise Bisset.
The letter was short, formal, and sweet. Exactly like her mother. Madeline found herself beaming at the short paragraphs, ignoring Theo and Daphne's fond expressions towards her. She tucked the letter in her robe, making a mental note to write back soon.
"Good news?" Daphne asked, slathering a dollop of jam onto her own toast.
"She's going back to teach at Beauxbatons," Madeline explained, "At least until the tournament is over. She's covering some classes for the teachers supervising."
Theo nodded pensively, "She sounds like a talented women."
Madeline smiled fondly, stirring her coffee as she thought of her mother, "Yeah. She really is."
Unsurprisingly, the day passed with distractions in each class. No one could concentrate with the upcoming arrival of the schools, a pleasant feeling of anticipation falling over Hogwarts.
Madeline and her two friends lined up with the rest of the Slytherins as all the houses stood in the courtyard, ready to welcome the new arrivals. The entrance to Hogwarts had been illuminated with floating candles, much like the Great Hall, but the wind did nothing to blow out the flames. The Slytherins stood between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, the lines of students illuminated by the golden candlelight as dusk started to set.
Madeline and her friends stood on the steps leading to the Great hall, the fourth row from the front. Draco and his goons were only a few students away, Pansy casting Madeline a nasty look every few minutes.
"It's freezing!" Daphne said, burrowing her hands in her robe pockets, "Can they hurry up already?"
"It's nearly six," Theo replied, checking his watch, "They'll be arriving any minute."
"Well, they should hurry up," Daphne stressed, looking around eagerly, "They can't be arriving by train, can they?"
"Absolutely not," Madeline shook her head, "Beauxbatons travels by sky."
"What do you mea- Bloody hell!" Daphne exclaimed loudly, pointing at the Forbidden Forest. Or rather, above it, "Look!"
"It's a dragon!" one of the Gryffindor first years shrieked, but Madeline just smirked, crossing her arms expectantly. She'd heard about this part from her mother.
A gigantic, powder-blue, horse-drawn carriage, the size of a large house, soared toward them. It was pulled through the air by a dozen winged horses, all palominos, and each the size of an elephant. Madeline supposed that many of the students had never seen anything like it.
"That's more like it," Madeline nodded approvingly as her friends gaped at the sight.
The carriage hurled closer, some students taking precautionary steps back. Madeline stood her stance, watching in amusement as people stumbled back once the horses hit the ground. Neville stumbled back, almost stepping on Madeline's feet but narrowly missing, but the girl was far more preoccupied by the sight in front of her to help him.
The horses elegantly tossed their heads back, shaking their beautiful manes in vanity at the open stares they received from the students. The Beauxbatons coat of arms gleamed proudly on the carriage door, which opened seconds later.
A first year Beauxbatons student hopped out of the carriage first. He graciously uncurled a set of golden steps from the edge of the carriage, standing proudly by its side as the headmistress stepped out.
"That," Theo whistled quietly, "Is quite a woman."
Madame Olympe Maxime liked to travel with her students, but was always the first to make an entrance. Her tall (very tall) stature was a sight to behold, resembling the likes of Hagrid's size. She was most definitely beautiful, in Madeline's opinion, dressed in dark silks and a fancily decorated coat. She didn't need music or grand gestures to completely command the courtyard to attention.
Dumbledore was the first to clap, followed by the rest of Hogwarts. Even Madeline, who had briefly met the woman before, was in awe.
"My dear Madame Maxime," he said, stepping forwards. She smiled, extending a glittering hand. Dumbledore barely had to bend to kiss it, "Welcome to Hogwarts."
The two heads of schools talked amicably for a while, discussing how the horses would be tended to. Theo, however, drew his friends attention to the students emerging from the carriage.
"There they are," Theo whispered, "Look!"
A dozen Beauxbatons students had emerged from the carriage, standing behind Madame Maxime elegantly. Their uniforms were made of fine blue silk, pointed woven hats in the same shade on their heads. They shivered slightly as the looked at the castle, and Madeline could already tell they weren't very impressed. After all, they came from a much more fairytale-like school, from Madeline's memory.
She scanned the small crowd for familiar faces, and thankfully, she'd only spotted a few. Fleur Delacour stood proudly with her younger sister, her pale hand gripping the younger ones' tightly. She recognised a few more of the girls from past balls she'd attended, as well as two of the boys. And of course-
Adam Louis, who stood with the rest of the school with his nose stuck high in the air, a frown on his face.
"Shit," Madeline cursed herself quietly, going unheard by the rest of her house. She really did not want to see him.
Dumbledore invited the new arrivals inside to warm up as the Hogwarts students waited for Durmstrang's arrival. The group from Beauxbatons passed the Hogwarts students with their nose upturned, barely giving anyone a second glance. Of course, they came off as snobbish and uptight. However, the whispers had already started.
"I heard they're all Veelas."
"Yeah? I heard they're all rich!"
"I bet you anything that blonde boy is going to be the Beauxbatons champion."
"Hogwarts loves gossip, doesn't it?" Madeline sighed to Theo, who nodded sympathetically, "How'd you feel about the new arrivals, Greengrass?"
Daphne shrugged, "Looked pretentious to me; they'll fit right in with Malfoy's lot."
Madeline snickered, her eyes darting over to the Gryffindor cluster of students. She spotted Harry, who gave her a small smile, which she returned with a small wave. Behind him, the two Weasley twins were talking animatedly with Dean Thomas, all of which turned to watch the Great Lake with curiosity. Ever Harry had noticed, turning to the Great Lake himself.
Madeline furrowed her eyebrows, turning to watch the body of water. Although they were quite far away, their spot on the steps allowed them to see the majority of the lake easily.
And then she saw it.
"The Lake!" a boy in Gryffindor yelled.
A disturbance seemed to be taking place deep in the centre of the lake; great bubbles were forming on the surface, waves were now washing over the muddy banks. Madeline watched in awe as the water tossed and turned on the surface.
A ship began rising out of the water, glistening in the moonlight. It glided easily to the edge of the lake, it's skeletal form eery in the darkness of the evening. Loud murmurs were travelling between the Hogwarts students as the ship hit the bank, a large anchor splashing into the shallow of the Lake. A plank was lowered onto the sand.
"Dramatic," Theo whispered.
"I love it," Daphne whispered back.
The Durmstrang students began disembarking, almost in a military fashion. Each one of them was bulked up by layer of cloaks and furs, including their headmaster. They hastily made their way to the castle, lead by their headmaster, Igor Karkaroff. McGonagall was the one to initiate the clapping this time.
"Dumbledore!" the headmaster called as he walked up the slope, "How are you, my dear fellow, how are you?"
"Blooming, thank you, Professor Karkaroff," Dumbledore replied, clapping the man on his shoulder.
Madeline raised her eyebrow at Professor Karkaroff. He was tall, like Dumbledore, with a long dark goatee and curling long dark hair. He stood proudly, presenting one of his students forwards.
"How good it is to be here," Igor boomed, his eyes scanning the crowds of students before addressing Dumbledore, "Viktor, come along, into the warmth… You don't mind, Dumbledore? Viktor has a slight head cold."
Madeline didn't need to see Daphne to know her jaw had dropped.
"It's Viktor Krum!"
Theo rolled his eyes, the Hogwarts students beginning to file back into the school as the Durmstrang students joined them, "He's just a Quidditch player."
"A hot Quidditch player," Daphne argued.
"Higgs will be happy to know you have a thing for Quidditch players," Madeline joked, nudging her friend playfully.
"Oh put a sock in it," Daphne laughed.
Madeline spotted some of the Gryffindors frantically jumping up and down to catch a better look at the Quidditch celebrity. She rolled her eyes; yes he was a celebrity, but this commotion? It was a little bit dramatic. She had to physically stop Daphne from joining them, dragging her into the Great Hall with Theo in tow.
"He's definitely going to be the Durmstrang champion," Daphne sighed as the three stood by the Slytherin table, "Isn't this so exciting?"
"You're doing that weird happy thing again," Madeline joked, but it was lost to deaf ears as Daphne spotted the Durmstrang students standing awkwardly by the doors of the Great Hall. The Beauxbatons students had situated themselves at the Ravenclaw table, but the Durmstrang students…
"I'll be right back!" Daphne called, already halfway to the back of the hall.
Madeline rolled her eyes at the peppiness of the girl. She was clearly starstruck, and if it had been anyone else, Madeline wouldn't have hesitated to tease her relentlessly. Before she knew it, Daphne had convinced the Durmstrang students to sit with the Slytherin table, much to Theo's disappointment.
Everyone pushed down the table as they made room for their new students. Malfoy avidly stared as Krum sat himself to Theo's left, right next to Daphne, who was still chatting to him animatedly. The Durmstrang students watched in awe at the enchanted sky. Madeline rolled her eyes as Daphne's ridiculousness, but before she could engage anyone in conversation, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime entered the hall.
Four extra chairs had been placed at the teachers table, each of the newest Professors taking one each. Dumbledore stood at his podium, the room falling into silence.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and - most particularly - guests," Dumbledore smiled, "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."
The Durmstrang students seemed interested in Dumbledore's words, but the Beauxbatons students seemed rather… Bored. It didn't surprise her, especially when she caught Adam Louis pointedly yawning at Dumbledore.
"The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast," announced Dumbledore, "I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!"
The tables filled themselves with plates on plates of food, perhaps the most extravagant feast Madeline had witnessed in Hogwarts. She eagerly began plating portions into her plate, the Durmstrang students following her lead eagerly, chatting to each other with big grins on their faces.
"This is extravagant," Madeline commented, eyes gazing over the array of different foods, presumably to welcome the new guests, "Ooh, bouillabaisse!"
Krum plated some pelmeni for himself, turning to Daphne, "It's very nice of Dumbledore to mix our cuisines like this."
"Yeah, but you simply must try our food," Daphne nodded eagerly, grabbing the plate of Yorkshire puddings between her and Theo, "Here, try this!"
Madeline rolled her eyes, but happily indulged herself in the French food before her. It felt like years since she'd eaten bouillabaisse, something that had been one of her mothers favourite dishes to make. It made her feel a little homesick, but she quickly pushed that away. The holidays would come soon enough, she was sure.
Ludo Bagman and Mr. Crouch had entered the hall at some point during the feast, taking their seats on either side of Dumbledore. Theodore had noticed their hushed talking, deciding to ignore Krum altogether. He nudged Madeline.
"Look who's arrived," Theo said, gesturing at the teachers table.
Madeline peered at the two strangers, looked back at Theodore, and shrugged, "No clue who they are mate."
Theo rolled his eyes, "They work for the Ministry. They organised this whole thing."
The rest of the feast was spent with the Durmstrang students engaging in short bouts of small talk, Daphne eagerly explaining Hogwarts to Krum, and Malfoy trying avidly to gain the boys attention. The second course of food also served a number of new dishes, including a pale blancmange, which Madeline eagerly ate more than one portion of.
Dumbledore stood once the plates had been wiped clean, tension filling the air. Excitement bubbled in the students as the man began speaking, the room falling into a respectful silence.
"The moment has come!" he exclaimed with excitement, "The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket-"
"They're taking the whole death thing quite seriously, good to know," Madeline joked quietly to Theo.
"Let me introduce, for those who do not know them, Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation," Dumbledore began, a small burst of applause following, "And Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
Madeline recognised him as the applause grew greater; Bagman had been a famous beater when he'd played Quidditch. She didn't know much about the sport, but her uncle had once been an avid fan.
"Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have worked tirelessly over the last few months on the arrangements for the Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore continued, "And they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime on the panel that will judge the champions' efforts. The casket, then, if you please, Mr. Filch."
Everyone's attention sharpened as Filch approached Dumbledore, carrying a large wooden chest, encrusted with jewels. Everyone began murmuring in excitement, dying down as Dumbledore continued.
"The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman," continued Dumbledore as Filch placed the large chest on the floor, upright, "They have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge.
"There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways; their magical prowess, their daring, their powers of deduction - and, of course, their ability to cope with danger. "
The hall was silent as everyone watched Filch unlace the buckle of the chest.
"As you know, three champions compete in the tournament," Dumbledore continued calmly, as of the excitement in the room couldn't touch him, "One from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector…"
"Here we go," Madeline murmured excitedly.
"The Goblet Of Fire!"
Dumbledore pulled the Goblet out of the large chest. It was large, much larger than a normal goblet, made of a dark grey stone. It would have been completely unexceptional, had there not been blue flames dancing out of it, as if trying to reach the ceiling. The goblet itself seemed to grow bigger once removed from the chest, now the size of a small fountain bowl.
"Wicked," Madeline heard Daphne whisper.
The casket was closed by Filch as Dumbledore placed the Goblet on top of it. Instantly, the casket became stone too, creating a large unmoving statue, the Goblet tauntingly unmoving at the top. The whole statue was just a little taller than Dumbledore himself.
"Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet," boomed Dumbledore, "Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Halloween, the Goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools.
"The Goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete. To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation, I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line."
"An Age Line? That's it?" Theo wondered aloud.
Madeline nodded, "Seems a bit too easy to me."
"Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this tournament is not to be entered into lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, they will be obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the Goblet."
Madeline furrowed her eyebrows as Dumbledore's gaze fell on her, for just a few seconds, before turning back to the hall, "Now, I think it is time for bed. Good night to you all!"
And so, the Triwizard Tournament began.
Chapter reviewed and updated: 29/10/22