A/N: A/N: And here we are People! New Chapter of The Merlin's Cup!
NOW BEFORE WE GO ON TO THE CHAPTER, LET'S TAKE A MINUTE TO ADDRESS THE MOST IMPACTFUL NEWS OF THE LAST FEW DAYS! DEATH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II. THE ONLY THING I CAN SAY IS I HOPE THAT SHE IS HAPPY WHERE EVER SHE IS. SHE LEFT BEHIND A LEGACY OF 70 YEARS THAT THE WORLD WON'T FORGET, MAY SHE REST IN PEACE!
GALAGON17: Thanks and you have to find that out by reading the future chapter.
Gigmar: Thanks and as for the Mesopotamian castle in Brazil it was a choice as I don't think Mayan castles would be that big or majestic for the school of magic.
iamshinydragonmist: Thanks it was the purpose of me writing this story in the first place is to see how Harry wraps his head around everything in his life while growing and dealing with all these feelings of love, lust, happiness, etc. As for his core, It will be none of those two but I can say it will be brutal to a degree but not due to his fight but something less entirely.
MistyPool: Thanks for all your reviews and here is the new chapter.
This is going to be a long Story that will introduce new characters and expand the Wizarding World! To those who came here after reading Griffin's Prophecy, the interlude story by the name of The Summer of 1995 is there and has some important stuff hence I recommend reading it.
This chapter is kind of infodump about along with introductions to a lot of characters that will be important in the story as we progress in the future!
I would like to thank HonerverseFan and Halliwell19 for being beta for this chapter!
"Dialogue"
"Dialogues in Different language"
'Thoughts'
(Visions)
*Dreams*
{Written Letter}
{Spell Casting!}
Now without any more meaningless drabble! On to the Chapter!
⨳⨳※※※~FIRST PRACTICE SESSIONS~※※※⨳⨳
Black Manor
In the spare room by the library, Amelia set her home office up as she was practically living here more than at the Bones' Manor. Right now she along with Bellatrix and Fleur was going through their paper stacks.
Bellatrix sighed. "Nothing! Absolutely nothing. All these muggle records have no mention of Aunt Dorea!" She threw her head back in exhaustion as she massaged the back of her neck.
Fleur nodded meekly. "Maybe I was wrong? I mean we 'ave been on zis for two days and we have nozzing; not even a clue where she could be. I am starting to zing it is all pointless." The French witch, though usually so graceful and well put together, let out a tired yawn so powerful it caused her head to fall back and her mouth to gape open wide.
Amelia shook her head. "No. It's… not pointless. We just have to be patient. I have seen how long it takes in missing person cases and trust me when I say we haven't even scratched the surface of the information we have to go through. We may find her in a day or it can take a few years, but we will find her"
Just as she finished Sirius called them saying, "HARRY IS CALLING!" which was enough for all three ladies to light up like a Christmas tree. Forgetting their exhaustion they made their way to the lounging area.
Sirius tapped his wand on a wall-hanging mirror which showed Harry's face to everyone in the room which was everyone in the manor.
"Hey, Sirius, Ladies! how are you?" Harry asked
All of them smiled and answered together to which he chuckled saying "I can't understand so please one at a time"
Sirius nodded saying "So pup how are you and girls? Anything we should know about?"
Harry sighed and thought about telling his godfather about Prof. Jugson but decided against it. Smiling he answered "Nope everything is going good. Just this morning the schedule was posted for Dueling and Quidditch tryouts of which I am to be captain. So yeah no pressure!"
Everyone chuckled and Amelia nodded saying "Ooh I know Harry trust me, we know" gesturing to Bella "I mean working for the tournament and my normal job, I know all about 'No Pressure'" with air quotes.
He nodded saying "So Bella how Is your new job going? And what about you Fleur, still annoyed by Goblins, my Flower?"
Both of them smiled before Bella answered "It's going good Harry Bear, I just wish you were here I….." as she stopped mid-sentence seeing pointed glares of her fellow sister-wives which made her snicker and correct saying "… sorry! We miss you"
"And I….." He paused, groaning and saying "…..WE miss you guys too" copying Bella's action.
Sirius smiled asking "So how are girls coping with everything?" while others chuckled.
Harry smirked saying "Well ask them yourself" as he passed Susan and Daphne.
"Hey, Auntie How are you?" Susan asked with Daphne visible beside her.
Amelia answered saying "I am good sweetie just swamped in work, what about you"
"Well aside from worrying for our future husband, good," Susan answered with Daphne's voice in the background.
"Yeah me too," Amelia, Bellatrix, Rose, and Fleur said in sync. It was unexpected, making them snicker at the absurdity of it.
Susan chuckled while Rose came forward asking "Can I talk to Arthur?" looking eager to talk to her fiance.
Susan nodded saying "Of course Rose" as she passed the mirror to Harry who took it saying "Hello M'lady how are you this evening"
She blushed slightly before turning determined and asking "I am fine Aurthur, I wanted to see if you three are continuing your daily training?"
Harry nodded saying "Yes Ma'am we are and Daphne improved so much. She can actually hit the target now! Can you believe that!" This earned him a punch from the brunette witch on his left.
Everyone laughed at him groaning. Harry joined them before saying "Okay talk to you guys later it's time for bed"
Sirius nodded saying "Okay Pup, stay safe and take care of yourself, don't get in trouble, and don't make me a grand godfather" his comment earned a flushed look on his godson's face.
"Yeah, I will keep that in mind. I love you all ladies and please keep this old dog out of trouble, will you? Oh and Bella stings his arse for that comment will you for me?" Harry said looking mischievous at the same time concerned for all of them. He knew he was somewhat safe behind the ancient wards of the castle but his family was not and he didn't want to lose anyone.
Bella smirked saying "It will be my pleasure Harry Bear" as she threw a stinging hex at Sirus's hide making him yelp with a jump
Everyone chuckled at him before Fleur looked at Harry saying "We are safe Mon Amour, don't worry we will Sirius out of trouble"
Harry smiled saying "I always will just like all of you do for me. Now I am going to sleep Bye everyone" before he cuts the connection.
Sirius smiled, shaking his head and saying "Damn! When did I become so….. Mature!" he sighed saying "I need to pull some pranks soon before this thing becomes permanent"
Narcissa snorted, saying "I am not sure if it can become permanent Siri" gaining nods from other ladies.
Sirius groaned before he turned to look at his cousin's comment before leaving and muttering "I am going to see Moony"
Narcissa made her way to her studies to pursue her mastery of potions and Rose walked to the library trying to get some clue of how she could help Aurthur learn his latent and hidden powers. While trying to recover the lost knowledge from her time by practising occlumency.
She was trying to find clues and track how many houses her future husband did inherit. The number was constantly rising as every major house was linked to multiple vassal houses and almost all of them were extinct with Harry as the sole heir. It was a rabbit hole of such kind that the deeper she went deeper it got.
Just as Andromeda was leaving Amelia called her saying "Andromeda we need to talk to you about something"
Raising her eyebrow Andromeda asked, "Okay what is it about?"
Amelia and Bellatrix looked at Fleur who nodded, launching in explanation "It started last year when…"
By the time she finished Andromeda was stunted thinking about the possibility of what they were doing. She took a deep breath and sank onto the couch saying softly "So Aunt Dorea may be alive?"
Bellatrix smiled looking at her knowing the effect their aunt had on her sister's life. It was Aunt Dorea whom Andi told about her pregnancy at the end of her 3rd year, even before her 5th-year boyfriend and late husband, Theodore Tonks. Aunt Dorea was there with her when they revealed it to other adults in the family. It was chaos but Dorea Potter was a rock she could rely on.
Nymphadora's name itself had two meanings in her mother's mind. One was the obvious gift of Fairy, another was the Gift of Dora which was what Charlus Potter called Dorea affectionately. When Dora was born Aunt Dorea was the first one to hold her in her arms. After that, she raised her until Andi was able to complete her studies.
If anything Dorea was more of a mother to Andi than Durella Black nee Notts ever was.
Taking a moment Andi said "Okay let's bring Aunt Dorea home" she paused looking at Amelia asking "something more is at play isn't it?"
Amelia smirked knowing she could trust the resident advocate to sense the hidden mysteries as she answered "Yes I think so but until I get some evidence or find our grandmother-in-law I can't tell you anything cause all I have is theories nothing concrete"
Andromeda eyed her critically before saying "Okay why don't you show me what you guys have collected till now and we can go on from there" she stood up and all four made their way to Amelia's office.
And just like the 15 days passed by since Andromeda joined the investigation.
While the investigation went on in Black Manor on various subjects. Harry along with his fiancee's and friends was training the hardest he could for the tournament along with his Quidditch and Dueling teams.
The final quidditch team consisted of the Weasley brothers as beaters. With three chasers, Chloe and Scarlett 4th years from Hufflepuff house, and Mia a Ravenclaw 6th year. Gryffindor Vixens were in the last year and so they opted to focus on the NEWTS as they were also important for their quidditch careers. Lastly, Keeper was Cedric Diggory which surprised him knowing he played seeker in the house team.
After talking with Cedric he found out it was Coach Hewitt's decision and he didn't want to miss a chance like this. Seeing the reputation of the man, Harry simply accepted the decision.
The Dueling team lineup was somewhat as he expected. In the 5th year Susan, Daphne, and Blaise came out on top. While for the 6th year Roger Malone, Morgan Entwhistle, and Wayne Hopkins. For the 7th-year bracket Sobel McDougall and Megan Jones. Making it a 10-man team.
Right Now he was waiting for his Dueling team in the room they were allotted for practice by Professor Flitwick.
It was just before dinner and Harry was nervous. It was all new for him to lead a dueling team or a Quidditch team but he was going to do his best.
As the door opened and his two fiancees came into sight he had to suppress his urge to run over to kiss them. As the team filled in the room.
He gave a nervous smile saying "Good evening, everyone as you all know I am made captain of this team by the rules of the tournament but I know all of you have your doubts so to clear them I am going to duel every one of you."
It gained him mixed reactions from the team, some were surprised while some were suspicious, and some were even smug. Harry sighed saying "Look it's not only for you to know my capabilities but for me to know your strengths and weakness to lead you better in the tournament"
"Oh," an amused Wayne Hopkins said "And you think you an early fifth year can defeat us all? Overconfident Potter?"
Susan came to her fiance's defense snapping "Well at least he has power and actions to back unlike you" she knew the boy from all the ministry yule balls she had attended with her aunt. He was just an annoying snobby pureblood heir.
Wayne gave an amused snort before sneering "Looks like you got yourself a little fangirl Potter! Too bad I have to break her heart by crushing her hero in front of her" he jumped up on the platform arrogance exuding from his every being.
Harry simply smiled at the boy in front of him saying "Okay Hopkins you prove that I am not fit to lead but if you lose you apologize to Susan, you agree?"
With a smug look on his face, Wayne nodded "Deal."
Professor Flitwick took his place as the referee started "Okay clean match same rules as U 20 no lethal curses to maim or kill. Each player will have two strikes before they are disqualified. Ready?"
At the mark, both took their stances.
"Duel!"
The minute he heard the last syllable Wayne twirled his wand firing {Depulso!}
Harry just moved out of the path of the banishing curse coming toward him. Anticipating the move of his opponent Wayne smirked firing {Incarcerous!}
Harry countered casting {Evanesco!} {Expalliarmus!} vanishing the ropes coming towards him.
Wayne was quick casting {Protego!} blocking the disarming curse before switching to offense, conjuring a flock of birds and directing them towards his opponent with a leg locking spell followed by a stunner.
As the flock flew towards him Harry once again Harry ducked and rolled forward before rolling out of the way of the leg-locking curse as he watched the stunner sailing past above him. He jumped back on his feet saying "Well that was fun but last wrap this up shall we?" smirked.
Wayne, infuriated from the taunt, replied, in the same manner, "What tired of you jumping around Potter?"
Harry shrugged saying "No just bored of your incompete…n..*yawn*…ce, see, bored"
Getting red in fury Wayne fired {Percutio!} {Confringo!} {Diffindo!} {Reducto!} {Petrificus Totalus!}
By the end of his chain, Wayne was a little out of breath which gave Harry the opening.
He swiveled around the spell before casting {Expelliarmus!} {Stupefy!} {Suctum Ruptor!} before sending a silent {'Rictumsempra!'} followed by {'Tarantallegra!'}\
Wayne was ready with his next chain but stopped seeing the offensive coming toward him. He quickly conjured the shield before he saw the shield breaker he dropped it and moved aside. He was ready to counter when his eyes widened; they were too near for him to react.
A second later he was tap dancing while laughing like a lunatic making everyone else join in at his plight except for his opponent.
Harry smirked saying "Do you Yield?"
In the middle of his laughs, he answered "I do! I Yield! Just…. Stop this my stomach is hurting from laughing so much"
Flitwick nodded saying "Winner of this Duel is Harry James Potter!"
Harry didn't say anything but moved toward his no defeated opponent casting {Finite Incantatem!} The boys are suffering.
Wayne stood up saying "I am not sure what hurts more my cheeks or my Stomach" before he looked at Harry asking "You know silent casting"
"No, just a few basic spells" Harry answered as he helped the man to his feet.
It was then that Professor Flitwick turned to look at the rest of his team and asked "Okay now let's start by analyzing this duel. So tell me why did Mr Hopkins end up the way he is right now? And Mr Potter wins this duel?"
Megan Snorted saying "Wayne was overconfident to start with as he underestimated Potter," to which Wayne scowled.
Flitwick nodded saying "A good observation Ms Jones, that's a first mistake any rookie makes!" he looked at the boy standing beside him before continuing "they underestimated their opponent due to various factors in this case Mr Hopkins Underestimated Mr Potter due to being his junior by 2 years. Remember never to underestimate your opponent and be ready for anything and everything. Anything else?"
Morgan said "He gave in to Potter's taunts and became reckless"
Professor Flitwick nodded saying "Yes, Never take the bait of insult during the match it's the hardest thing to do, I learned that the hard way when this particular thing caused me a Spanish Championship of 1933. Although don't rely on this tactic in the middle of a duel, what Mr Potter was extremely dangerous as your opponent could have taken you down while you were taunting" he looked at Harry who nodded, admitting a flaw in his technique. Professor continued by asking "What else?"
Roger said "He decided to change his Dueling style mid-battle. He is more skilled in tanking the damage using his Shielding charm but when you broke his shield you spooked him and forced him to dodge, something he is not very good at so he failed"
Professor Flitwick gave a toothy grin saying " I expected no less from you Mr Entwhistle, how is your father these days? If I remember correctly he was on a trip to Thailand?"
Morgan nodded saying "He is good and is still there for some work"
Professor Flitwick said " Yes, to those who might not know Lord Entwhistle was once a prominent member of the duelling circuit and my last apprentice. Mr Entwhistle's statement is correct. There are different styles of duelling and each person has his custom style to duel. Before matches, I aim to at least help all of you to know what your style is which will have a major impact on how you duel in the tournament. Now For the next Duel Ms Mcdougal, you are up"
Sobel nodded and got on the platform while Hopkins was about to get off the platform when he heard Harry clear his throat.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Harry asked, gesturing at the redhead standing beside him and looking feral.
Hopkins nodded saying "I am sorry Bones" and got off the platform.
Sobel took his place and Harry took his place across from her. Flitwick his position as referee as he once again counted them down and the duel began.
For a second nothing happened before Harry started it {Avis!} conjuring a flock of sparrows and sending them at his opponent.
Sobel smirked as returned it 'Halitus!' transfiguring birds into thick vapour before she launched her counter {Percutio!}{'Difindo!} {Ruptor!} {Stupefy!} {Incarcerous: vinculum!} all silent casts.
Harry waved his wand around in an over-extended arch saying {Spisso!} followed by {Scutum Glacies!}
The vapour disappeared and an ice shield formed in front of him just in time for Sobel's offensive to strike it. The first spell pierced and made a flesh wound at the side of Harry's stomach making him hiss in pain. While the blue ribbon stuck to the thin shield breaking it and leaving him open.
Soon Stunner followed by metal chains came at him. With a flick of his wand, Harry turned the shard of the ice into a dove that blocked the stunner while he crouched and rolled out of the trajectory of Metal chains.
As a counter, Harry turned broken shards of ice into needles flinging them at his opponent and following them with {Bombarda!} at the platform in front of his opponent. Hoping to buy time to apply the numbing charm on his wound.
Sobel saw hundred small ice needles coming at her; she simply produced a shield but was unprepared for the blast just 2 ft away in front of her. She was a little disoriented which made Harry jump a little inside on the small victory.
But not wasting the opportunity Harry applied the charm and was on his feet ready with an offence of his own. He levitated the small cobblestone rubble in the air up to the ceiling leaving them there before going back to Sobel starting {Reducto!} at the side of Sobel followed by {Diffindo!} {Aguamenti!}
Sobel recovered and without thinking brought up her shield and looked for the blasting courses aimed at the ground, as she figured out her opponent's strategy she moved to a safer distance to avoid the repeat of her mistake. As a counter, she aimed at her opponent starting {Sagitta!} {Expulso!}
Seeing arrows coming towards him defended the casting {Ventus Maxima!} changing the direction of arrows which Sobel anticipated and before the gust of conjured wind vanished she threw a silent fireball which amplified and intensified as it made its way towards her opponent.
Not being an idol she moved knowing it won't assure her victory so she decided to throw spells from every direction.
Harry smiled as his team member used his spell against him but he didn't waste time throwing the flame-freezing spell. He moved out of the flame when he heard a *spulch* sound he smirked but only for a second cause next he was busy dodging the assault of spells.
Sobel kept going but was tiring quickly so was Harry. But there was a drop at the spell casting on Sobel's side which both noticed. He acted by raining the pebbles on Sobel from above.
It broke the onslaught as she was busy protecting her head and stepped into one of the puddles on the platform. Harry followed that up with {Galcius!} trapping her foot and ending it with {Expelliarmus!} making Sobel's wand fly in the air.
"Match Over! The Winner is Harry James Potter" Flitwick Announced. Harry cancelled the Glacius spell freeing Sobel who gave him a look of respect as he handed her wand back to her.
With that, the audience clapped at the spectacle that was the duel they witnessed.
Flitwick gave a toothy grin saying "It was a good duel and an excellent show of the elemental spells" before he turned to his audience asking "So? What did we learn from that?"
"That last bit was truly devious. We should not doubt our captain 'cause he is a bloody genius!" Roger said and others nodded.
Flitwick nodded saying "I agree it was a good strategy on Mr. Potter's Part but other than that what else?"
Blaise spoke up "Sobel's tactic of using the vapor to obstruct Potter's vision was good but was the double-edged sword which ended up cutting her"
Flitwick nodded saying "Yes, Ms. McDougall started on the wrong foot with vapor. She created a diversion that not only blind Mr. Potter to her next move but obstructed her vision of Mr. Potter. It was a good tactic but her choice of diversion was wrong. What else?"
Susan answered saying "Harry used her conjuration to his advantage"
That once again gained a nod from half goblin professor as he said "Yes it shows the need of thinking on your feet and using the environment to your advantage. One last factor that helped Mr Potter: what is it?"
Daphne answered grinning "Potter set traps and waited for a perfect opportunity. He took the rubble from the broken platform levitating to the ceiling and disillusioned them. Next, while McDougall was on the offence. When she finally started to tire, Harry made his move"
Flitwick nodded saying "Good observation Ms Greengrass. Yes, Mr Potter displayed the use of his mind. Again it was quick thinking you can use anything within the arena to set up a trap and so can your opponent, or you can forget where you set the trap and fall for it losing the duel. So traps are the last resort in a duel"
Getting nods from all of them he turned to Harry saying "Mr Potter, anything to Add?"
Harry nodded as he stepped up saying "Today we saw how underestimating an opponent can lead to you losing cause of your arrogance but at the same overestimating an opponent cause they are older than you can lead you to the same conclusion. That is what will work on along with other things the Professor informed us about. We will meet here every evening at 5 to practice."
Getting nods from his team he continued saying shook "Now on…."
He was cut by the sound of the hour clock tower marking the time for dinner. Professor Flitwick nodded saying "Okay that's it for today and we will meet here every day to practice. See you all tomorrow" he left the room and others followed with the exception being, Harry, Susan, and Daphne.
As the last person left Harry started to repair the platform while Susan and Daphne, were giving him feral looks of pure desire. Just as he turned Susan jumped him kissing the living daylights out of him. It startled him for a second before he started kissing her back with his hands snaking around her waist as he pulled her closer crushing her breast to his chest.
With a dazed look and goofy grin he asked "Not that I am complaining, but what was that for?"
"That was a thank you for being you" Susan answered before Daphne pecked him on the corner of his mouth before saying "and besides that, we love you"
Harry smiled saying "Yes and I love all of you too."
He hesitated before asking "So how was I? I was not a brat was I? Or arrogant? Or…."
Susan shut his rambling by kissing him again before ending it and saying "You were good Harry and will get better with time. So relax and let's go for dinner. All that duelling must have been exhausting" just as she finished Harry's stomach rumbled as if on cue which made all of them chuckle.
Susan took his hand saying "Come on let's get some food in you, Captain!" purring the last word in Harry's ear which sent a shiver down his spine as they made their way to the great hall.
After Dinner at midnight, Harry started tossing and turning. He saw the door he saw every day in his dreams since that day in the graveyard. He didn't know why he was seeing this but he had an ominous feeling about it. He woke up in the middle of the night gasping for air.
He was thankful for the silencing wards around his bed. Dragging his hand through his hair before filling a glass and drinking water in one swig. Taking a deep breath he took a lotus pose and closed his eyes trying to meditate. Slowly his breath became rhythmic and stable. It was not long before he fell back on his pillow falling asleep peacefully without nightmares because he needed it for his first Quidditch practice.
Next Morning, 7 AM
After getting up at 5:30 along with Susan and Daphne, Harry did his sword practice before having a shower.
Now he was standing at the Quidditch pitch with his team standing in front of him. He smiled, asking "Good morning, guys!"
"Good morning Harry/Captain" the team answered
"So guys ready to begin?"
"Aye Captain!" "Yes!" were the answers that echoed in the morning air.
He chuckled saying "Okay then for warm-up let's start with 2 laps of the pitch until coach Hewitt arrives with his new assistant, come let's GO!" as he started jogging with his team beside him.
Twins came beside him and one started "So Harrikins…
"… Any Idea who this…"
"…New assistant is?"
Shrugging he said "Don't know"
After 2 laps most of the team except Twins were winded and were resting while Harry continued his routine laps.
As he was running his last 3rd lap he saw coach Hewitt coming towards them with a female figure that he couldn't recognize but assumed was the assistant.
"No way! Is that… am I seeing things…"
"… No cause if that's true then I am too seeing things…"
"…so that means…"
"…yes that is…"
"Gwenog Jones of Holyhead Harpies!" both redhead twins said to which the whole team cheered in disbelief.
Reaching the team Hewitt smiled saying "Looks like your Captain put you through your paces Huh?" the answer he got groans from the team as answers which made him laugh heartily before he continued saying "it's okay you will get used to it in a week or so, Now from your reactions I think all of you know who this, regardless it's good manners to introduce the new addition to the team. So team meets Gwenog Jones, former captain of Hollyhead Harpies. 2 times winners of the world cup and now my assistant coach!"
The athletic woman with ginger brown hair greeted them saying "Hello everyone! It's nice to meet ya' all" getting the same greetings from the team.
Coach Hewitt nodded saying "Okay now that we are done with the greetings, Ms Jones here will be the head of your everyday physical training and help you in the plays, our team's healer, substitutes, and supporting staff will be joining you all by tomorrow. After that, you all will be measured for your new gear and brooms which will be sponsored by High Cloud brooms, the best broom manufacturer in Britain. Now, Ms Jones, you can continue." as he left
Clapping her hands Gwenog asked, "So before we start I would like to know where your captain is?"
Twins pointed at Harry in the far corner saying together "That is our captain!"
"Why is he still running, did he get here late or something?" Gwenog asked
Cedric snorted saying "Well he runs laps around the lake every morning before working out like there is no tomorrow. So he is just completing his workout routine."
Gwenog looked impressed saying "Wow! That's some dedication!" before she turned to others saying "Okay then let's start with some core exercises."
Finally ending his run Harry made his way to where his team was. As he reached Gwenog greeted him saying " 'Ello there Captain, I am Gwenog Jones, assistant Coach" offering him her hand.
Harry gave a smile saying "I am Harry James Potter, it's an honour to meet you Ma'am!" as he shook her hand professionally.
She nodded saying "No the honour is mine, Mr Potter, now, shall we"
He nodded and joined his team who were doing sit-ups and crunches. After half an hour of physical training, they took a rest of 10 minutes.
Gwenog conjured a stool and settled on it asking "So who plays what position Captain?"
Harry sighed saying "I play Seeker, Fred, and George," he pointed at the twins saying "Are Beaters. Then we have Mia, Scarlett, and Chloe, they are chasers" pointing at the group of three girls before pointing at Cedric and saying "And that's Pretty boy Cedric, our Keeper!" which earned an "Oi!" from the boy in question while chuckles from the whole team.
Gwenog nodded saying "Okay so for today we will focus on doing some basic drills and after you receive your new gear after 2 days we will start with team plays and strategies. Now let's start. I want chasers and keepers up in the air. Chasers will do the fastest laps around in opposite direction and keep passing the quaffle, Try to score and the keeper will try to block you"
All four nodded as they mounted their brooms and took off to start their drill. Mia started to fly anticlockwise while Chloe and Scarlett started going clockwise. They started passing quaffle among them while Cedric took his position in front of the hoops feeling a little nervous as it was not his usual position.
On the ground Gwenog turned to rest three saying "You three standard seeker play. I will be joining the twins in the air as a beater, think you can handle that cap?" she asked as she opened the chains of bludgers and freed the snitch before summoning her broom which was Blaze 901 and mounting it.
Harry copied her action with his Firebolt saying "Bring it on Jones!" and all three took off. He climbed and climbed in the air until he was floating above his team. He looked at Gwenog who was holding an extra beater bat before he looked around to try to spot the snitch.
And he did it was fluttering behind Cedric near the hoops. Leaning forward he went down in a dive before arching toward hoops at an angle. But the beaters weren't ideal either as the moment he moved they were behind him.
As one of the bludgers came racing toward him from the right side Harry ducked and kept on his path only to see the snitch had moved. So he changed his path and started circling the pitch looking for the speck of gold.
He found it near an empty judges lounge and moved this time Gwenog took action as she coordinated with Twins to form what was known as the pyramid defence formation. They took a position at certain points and heights to make an invisible pyramid and kept both bludgers inside. It was strictly a practice tactic to train the seeker and it was new for Harry who was Having trouble breaking through the Pyramid.
After an hour of trying he was bruised, bloodied, sweaty, frustrated, and tired from the training session. As the team ended the session Gwenog said "Okay that was the first and a glimpse of what the rest of the year will be like. So pull up your socks cause there we are going to win this tournament or die trying"
Russia Koldovstoretz
The morning for Natasha brought a new level of anxiousness. The reason was she had to meet her duelling team today for their first session. She didn't have stage fright as being the heir of Magical Russia she was used to being in public presence. Earlier she may have been afraid of this much public attention but now she was indifferent to all of it.
No, she was anxious about the way her teams would treat her. Her whole life she had to put up with people much more skilled and experienced than her, bowing to her just because of her status. They respected her for her position as the princess and not for something she did.
This was the sole reason she participated in this tournament to prove she was more than her title, more than the heir of magical Russia.
But winning the tournament had 2 effects one was that few people saw what she wanted proof but others saw a royal brat who entered a tournament and stole what was an opportunity for them to gain some notoriety in society.
The latter was almost the whole school barring the kids in the white court. Sitting upright on her bed she shook her head out of the morning haze and all these thoughts. She took a lotus pose and started her morning meditation.
At 5:30 after finishing she made her way to the indoor gym for her exercise regime. This was her routine since the start of the tournament. Before that, she didn't like it when her parents forced her to work out. But after seeing the result of those earlier regular runs in the tournament she thanked her parents.
After an hour of exercise and another hour of getting ready, she was now making her way to the great hall for breakfast. Sitting at her usual place at the violet table just as she started serving herself some of the buckwheat porridge along with a slice of black bread and some Russian tea to chase away her morning chills.
As she was revelling in the soothing warmth of her tea, Misticheskiy byulleten' newspaper appeared in front of her. Keeping her cup of tea aside, she took the newspaper and went straight to the world news section.
The headline was all about the tournament along with other national and international news. But the only news from Magical Britain was the appointment of seasoned coach Hewitt Jones to train the team.
She sighed as their coach was an elderly man named Arseny Semenov. He was a retired coach. She met the man and found that his dream was to at least win one world cup in his lifetime. She admired his ambition but was also worried about what his blind ambition coupled with the old way of training may lead to.
Sighing she took another sip of her sip and bite of her buttered black bread toast. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her friends entering the hall.
The first one to reach her side was Andre who took a seat opposite her before greeting her "Dobroye utro, Velikaya Printsessa!"
She smiled, greeting back "Dobroye utro, Andre" following him were Polina and Elga. The former took a seat beside her intended while the latter sat beside Natasha.
As they all took healthy servings of breakfast for themselves behind Natasha came a voice "Look who graced us with her presence, Dobroye utro, Velikaya Printsessa!'
Natasha groaned in annoyance muttering "Not this again" before she turned to look at her cousin, Stepan Sidorov saying "Dobroye Utro to you too cousin Stepan" with a fake smile plastered on her face. Behind her, Andre was on alert and ready to move.
"Ha your humility is too much for us common folks, Printsessa" the tall boy with the same red hair as her which were only a shade lighter sneered before continuing " well Printsessa will see you at the Dueling room until then khoroshego dnya!" as he made his way to the Magenta court table.
Returning to her breakfast she sighed saying "Well now my day truly starts"
Elga shook her head asking "Printsessa, I still don't understand why don't you inform His Majesty about all this, I am sure we will have a word with Gertsoginya Variana about Stepan's behaviour"
Natasha sighed saying "I am not saying anything cause I don't want my mother to start a conflict between family just cause I couldn't handle some schoolyard jabs from my cousin"
Polina nodded in agreement to Natasha's logic saying "I agree Printsessa cause you can teach him some manners yourself later in the day in the duelling ring"
Andre nodded saying "Da, and if he tries anything else you always have me Printsessa! Now let's focus on our food cause we have a long day ahead" before he ate a spoonful of his porridge
Natasha chuckled saying " You and your stomach, Andre"
He looked at her incredulously before swallowing and said "I need to eat my portion to make up for all the exercise I do in the morning and according to me you eat too little Printsessa, you should eat more!"
"More! I increased my diet from what I used to eat Andre! No thank you I am eating enough" as she took a bite of her black bread toast.
Elga "Da, really Andre you should know by now Printsessa is watching herself she wants to be in the best shape for the tournament…" Natasha nodded absentmindedly as she continued " … and to meet her green-eyed Bogatyr who is waiting for her at Hogwarts!"
Natasha froze in a mid nod as she choked on her tea a little and gained a cloud of pink dust on her cheeks as she snapped blushing "Elga! It's not like that!"
"So you don't want to meet him when you go there?" Polina joined in teasing the princess before continuing "Oh the boy will be heartbroken to hear that! But I think Elga won't mind offering him a shoulder to cry on!"
"What! No, I want to!" Natasha before turning to Elga looking at her threateningly "Don't you go near my Harry Elga!"
Elga raised an eyebrow asking "Ooo 'your' Harry is he Printsessa?"
Realizing what happened Natasha blushed bright red as she focused on her breakfast for the rest of the time.
After breakfast, they made their way to the classroom where Professor Fedorov was waiting with the duelling team to start their first session. He was the faculty of Astrology at the school.
"Dobroye utro, Professor Fedorov" all four of them greeted the middle-aged plump man with a heavy beard.
"Dobroye utro, Velikaya Printsessa, Mr Volkov, Ms Novak, and Ms Furik" Professor Fedorov greeted before continuing "Now as let's get the introductions out of the way"
As all of them nodded Natasha stepped forward regally saying "I am Natasha Anastassia Rurik Romanov of Violet court, Champion of Magical Russia in The Merlin Cup and captain of this duelling team. I hope we can work together to win"
Andre was next to step forward saying "I am Andre Volkov of the violet court and sworn shield of Velikaya Printsessa"
After him, the team started introducing themselves. They were Stepan Sidorov and Pavel Semenov who were in their 7th and 6th years, at Magenta court.
Vera Popova and Konstantine Kuznetsova who were both 5th year, Azure court.
Olga Yegorova and Taisiya Levedeva, who were both 6th year, Indigo Court.
Alina Alkseeva, Alyona Kozlova, and Kristina Orlova, of whom the first 2 were in 6th year while Kristina was 4th year, of Black court.
As they ended with an introduction Stepan stepped up saying "Professor I think we should choose someone to replace Ms. Orlova she is too young and inexperienced to be on the team"
"What! But I won fair I…." Kristina argued but was cut off by Stepan saying.
"Shut it! You should know who you are talking to, you peasant girl. I am the Son of Duke Sidorov and I can do what I see is right! Next time you try to argue with me your family will pay for your arrogance " Stepan snapped, making Kristina cower under his threat.
"And you forget who is present in the room" Natasha threatened in a low frosty tone that made everyone in the room shiver in fear.
She continued "Kristina Orlova is here on her merit and you have no right to say who can or can't be on this team. As for your threat let it be known that Kristina Orlova and her family are under the protection of the Velikaya Printsessa of Magical Russia"
Stepan had the tact to keep silent knowing when he was out stationed.
Kristina who was about to tear up in fear instead cried in relief as she bowed to Natasha thanking her "Th…Th…ank….. Y…ou… Velikaya Printsessa'' with trembling shoulders.
Natasha put a hand on her shoulder saying "It's okay Ms Orlova, not a big deal but you will have to practice your duelling further" to which Kristina nodded wiping her tears.
Professor Fedorov grunted saying "Okay on to the practice we don't have too much time the first Pair is Printsessa Natasha against Prints Stepan"
Both of them took their position. Stepan looked at her giving her a feral grin while Natasha had a look of determination as she drew her Ashwood unicorn hair core wand.
Professor Fedorov took his place as referee saying "I want a clean match, no spell that can kill or do permanent harm to others. Am I clear?"
Receiving nods from both contestants he announced "Duel!"
Natasha moved forward stabbing her wand as she {Confundus!} {Stupefy!} {Incarcerous!}
Stepan was no slag in duelling he dodged all three launching his counter {Lumos Maxima Solemn!} following them silent {Scutum Ruptor!} {Reducto!} {Petrificus Totalus!}
Natasha smirked as she admired her cousin's strategy but she wasn't going to fall for it she acted the moment the ball of light left her cousin's wand she extinguished it {Nox!} before she spun dodging the shield breaker and cast a quick {Protego!} shield against the other two.
She started her counter sending conjured spears at Stepan followed quickly by a banisher boosting the speed and silent {Diffindo!} "Flippendo!"
Stepan transfigured the oncoming spears into snakes before banishing them back only to see them get slaughtered by the cutting curse. But missed the silent knockback jinx which sent him back with a backflip.
Natasha saw the chance to finish the duel and went for it. {Spina Flagellia!} conjuring the black thorned whip and wrapping it around Stepan's ankle before slamming him down on the platform, hard.
She followed it with a disarming curse ending the duel as she walked toward her groaning cousin. She knelt saying "Let that be a lesson to you cousin that any time you fly too high because of your overinflated ego I will always be there to bring you down by hook or by crook" in a volume only her cousin could hear.
She made her way to her spot before she noticed the stunned expression of Kristina to whom she offered her wink before Professor Fedorov announced "the winner of this duel is Velikaya Printsessa Natasha Romanov!"
The room cheered for her, some did from the heart while some pretended. She looked at her cousin on the ground snorting and saying "Professor I think Cousin Stepan may need some medical attention" as she stepped down from the stage.
Pavel took Stepan to the Medical wing while professor Fedorov announced the next duel between Andre and Olga. Andre by all means was a better duelist as he was trained since his childhood. Olga was a charms prodigy but she was no match for Andre. Natasha observed that Olga was merely standing and relied heavily on her shields. She noted it down in the back of her mind to work on.
After that was Kristina against Vera. She now saw the reason why Kristina was selected; it was not because of her knowledge of spells but simply her quick reflexes and smaller frame. Vera was quick but used transfiguration to her advantage which also was a disadvantage as it took a lot of magic for that.
In the end, Vera started getting fatigued which ensured Kristina's victory.
Natasha rubbed her eyes knowing that she had to work on Kristina's spell repertoire while at the same time working to diversify Vera's duelling style to incorporate more charms, jinxes, and hexes into it.
Next was Aliyona and Konstantine. Both were evenly matched but Konstantine had an edge because of his family's magic and spells. Alyona surprised everyone when she revealed that she was an earth elemental which factored in her victory.
Next was Alina and Taisiya. It was a standard duel, nothing special but that too was something to work at for Natasha to improve them from ordinary.
That was the last duel of the day when Professor Fedorov took the stage starting "That was a good first practice session. We learned what we can all do and what needs to work on in future sessions to improve. Now from tomorrow all of you will follow a strict workout routine along with a diet regime. Now I think some of us need medical attention while all of us are hungry so I call the session to the end."
Natasha stood up saying "I hope we can work together better than we already did today and that we improve with each other every day" before she left with Andre, Polina, and Sofia
As soon as they left the room Andre praised her saying "You did well in there Velikaya Printsessa! But don't let your emotions guide your action in the duel."
Natasha nodded saying "I know, Andre, but even you know that Svoloch! Deserved it!"
Andre sighed saying "Moy Gospodin I know but as your friend, as someone who has known you all his life I once again advise you to keep your emotions away from the tournament."
"But I am it's only Stepan I hate and no one else!" Natasha whined in frustration.
Polina sighed keeping a hand on her friend's shoulder saying "What Andre is trying to say Moy Gospodin, when we go to Hogwarts you will have to face your biggest challenge and we are worried your emotion may lead you to defeat"
Natasha huffed saying "I will face any challenge to win…"
Sofia cut her off "Even Harry James Potter? You are in a competition Moy Gospodin and you will have to face him, defeat him"
Natasha snapped angrily "I KNOW! I know alright and I will do what is necessary and I will also get to know him. I have dreamed and prepared myself to meet him again more than I prepared for this tournament" she took a deep breath and her flare of anger vanished as she continued "Look, Guys, I understand your worries but I will handle it"
Andre nodded saying "I hope you do Velikaya Printsessa, I hope you do!" as they made their way to have lunch.
Brazil, Castleobruxo
Adriana was tired of being closed off in the castle without any excitement. So she was happy about the start of the quidditch practice today. It was going to be a Dueling Practice but their Dueling team coach decided to have practice in the morning as it was going to take a whole day for their first session.
Currently, she was sitting in her dorm room in a meditative pose trying to meditate because according to her professor and sister she was too hot-headed. But what they didn't understand was she just didn't like being trapped inside, she was a free spirit who loved the outdoors.
These were her thoughts when she heard a knock on her door, without opening her eyes she answered "Come in!"
"Woah! Adi, are you meditating? Oh, the end of the time is near!" she heard which made her smirk.
Opening her single eye she said "Well it must be because you are up early today, Sofia" looking at the petite girl with dark brown hair and stood leaning against the door frame.
Sofia huffed saying "Well it seems both of us are full of surprises today morning, aren't we? Now come on Coach Ortiz Is waiting for us at the pitch"
Nodding Adrianna stood up dusting her clothes and saying "Finally let's go!" as she passed her friend as walked towards her destination with a jump in her step with Sofia trudging behind her.
As they reached a clearing in the forest a short distance from the castle. As they entered the pitch they saw others at the corner near a changing room. As they both made their way towards them Coach turned to them saying "Oh thank magic, finally, you are here" in exasperation before eying them critically asking "Senora Diaz would you like to enlighten me why are you late?"
He was tall and fit with brown hair and towered over everyone with his stature of 6 ft 4 in. He had an intimidating presence that demanded discipline and perfection from every one of his charges. But Adriana was not everyone as she glared back definitely saying "I am sorry Senor Oritz, my meditation session went longer than I aimed it to be" before she saw Professor Sanchez and added "Oh I overslept due to sheer boredom of staying indoors all the time"
Her comment earned a shake of the head by Professor Sanchez while Coach Ortiz grunted saying "Okay you are ten minuted late and I don't appreciate tardiness in the team, especially from the captain of the team. So from today anyone late will run a lap for every minute they were lazy" he announced to the team before turning back to Adrianna saying "That mean 10 laps for you, Senora Diaz"
Adrianna Smiled saying "Oh it will be my pleasure Senor! I have not stretched my legs at all in the last week!" before turning around and leaving to start her laps right then.
Coach Ortiz shook his head saying "Wait, Senora Diaz, you can run your laps after the team meeting"
Adrianna smirked saying "Of Course Coach" as she joined her team. She didn't know any of them but she watched their matches to know they were as good as her.
Coach Ortiz started "Once again, greetings Team I am Martin Ortiz, your Coach for the tournament. Now that you know me it's time for me and everyone else to know each other"
At the end was a boy with short black hair and a bulky frame saying "Hola Everyone I am Diego Torrez, 5th-year student of Fire Tribe, I am a Beater. Nice to meet you and I look forward to playing with all of you"
Coach Ortiz nodded saying "Good to Have you on team Sn. Torrez."
After him Sofia came forward saying "Hola people, I am Sofia Estrada, I graduated last year with our Captain, and just like her, I am from Air Tribe. I am the keeper of the team. Nice to meet you, and I'm looking forward to winning this tournament with all of you!"
Coach Ortiz furrowed his eyebrow saying "That's some Confidence Senora Estrada!" as she went to stand beside Adrianna.
Next to step was a short girl with pigtails looking a little nervous as gulped before taking a deep breath and saying "H-Hola, I..I am Lucia Romero! I am in my 4th year, I am from the Water tribe and I am Seeker of this team! It's nice to meet all of you!" in a single breath.
Coach chuckled before a tall boy with shoulder-length black hair stepped forward saying "Hola, I am Emilio Castro, I am 6th year from Earth tribe and I play chaser for the team. It's nice to meet you al,l" to which everyone nodded.
Next was Nickolas Morreno who was also 5th year from Earth tribe and second beater of the team. After him Dylan Alvarez who was early 7th year from Nature Tribe and a Chaser.
Last was Adrianna who stepped up saying "As you all know I am Adrianna Diaz, Chief of the Air tribe, Tri wizard Champion, and Captain of this team. I play chaser and I am looking forward to working with all of you and winning this tournament"
Coach Nodded saying "Okay now that Introductions let's start with a warm-up! 5 laps of the pitch!"
The team scampered and started running around the pitch. After about 30 minutes the team was all done except for Adrianna who was taking her sweet time to complete her laps. It was more than 20 minutes later that she joined her team in laying on the grass caked in sweat.
After 10 minutes of rest, Coach called them saying "Okay now seeing that other than our Keeper and Captain no one knows each other we are going to do some basic team bonding exercises for today. To start with, all of you are going to play Dodge-The-Bludger!"
Seeing a confused look on the face of his team he explained "It is simple, there will be 3 bludgers in the air and all of you will have bats. Your goal is going to strike each other with bludgers and dodge while others try to do the same to you!"
The team looked uncertain but still, each took a beater bat and took the sky on their brooms. The coach counted them down before releasing Bludgers.
Adrianna was enjoying her freedom as she whipped around the pitch circling it and revealing the wind current on her face. As she heard Coach finish his count down she became alert as bludgers shot in random directions.
She saw Sofia flying towards her asking "Enjoy your freedom Chief?"
She beamed saying "Oh you don't know half of it Sofia!" before could continue she saw a bludger making its way towards so she hit it with a bat sending it at Emilio, who had his back towards her she warned "EMILIO! Bludger behind you!"
The boy turned just in time for him to see the bludger and duck it with 'eep!' letting the bludger pass over him he looked at her saying "Gracias, Captain."
"It's okay but be alert to your surroundings Emilio!" she advised.
From there it was mostly a team helping each other to avoid the bludgers. Best among them was Lucia with her quick reflexes and instincts which when added to her smaller stature gave her an advantage over others. While Diego and Nickolas had a starting something of an understanding about each other's playing styles in the same position.
For chasers, Adrianna was trying to find a rhythm with Emilio and Dylan but it was harder as they didn't know each other that well along with playing styles. While Sofia was at home on her broom just like her best friend.
At the end of an hour-long session they all had bruises but the uncertainty was absent as all of them started to get somewhat comfortable with each other. After their break was over Coach Ortiz informed " it was a good session we will have these every morning and then some strategic gameplay practice. Now you are free to go have a much-earned breakfast. We will meet tomorrow at 5 AM. Good day to you all."
"Good day Coach!'' The team greeted me. As Coach Ortiz left Adrianna sighed saying "Come on team let's get some breakfast all this fun made me hungry."
Sofia nodded tiredly saying "Yeah but before that, I need a shower to wash all the sweat off and I freakin stink."
Adrianna smirked throwing an arm around her friend saying "That, my friend is the smell of our hard work, and when we win scent of our success."
Scrunching her nose Sofia wiggled her way away saying "No thank you I prefer the scent of my perfume to this so-called 'Scent of Success' of yours.'"
Adrianna chuckled saying "Oh darling you don't know how lucky you are to smell me. You have the honor to be jealous of every boy in the school, am I right ..." As she turned to look at the 4 boys following her "…..boys?"
All of them went flushed avoiding her gaze. She chuckled saying "Now Now, it's to admire a beauty when you see one just don't do something that makes me send on a trip to the infirmary, Si?"
All four of them gulped saying in sync "Si Captain!"
She added "Same goes for Sofia and Lucia too" getting a nod from all four of them she said "Well see you all later" running towards the castle.
After a shower and change of clothes, Adrianna made her way to the dining hall for breakfast. Settling beside Sofia saying "So good now?"
The brown-haired witch nodded saying "Much better thank you!"'
Adrianna sighed in mock disappointment saying "I pity you my friend you don't know what you lost in that shower"
Sofia smirked saying "I have no Regrets but I think you have a couple of admirers in our time."
Adrianna queried her eyebrow in amusement asking "Oh and who might they be?"
"Well, the first one is Emilio! He was asking me about your likes & dislikes or do you have someone in your life….Blah, Blah, Blah, you know the normal 'I am interested in your friend so can you help me bang her' stuff" Sofia said shrugging.
Adrianna served herself some oats along with some passion fruit saying "Well he is a decent guy but not my type. He is just too pretty for me, who else?"
This time Sofia raised her Eyebrows asking "Are you Looking for a Relationship Diaz?"
Adrianna snorted saying "No Estrada I am just curious as to who is interested in me and I already have someone I wish to pursue this year." pouring some milk into her oats.
Sofia nodded saying "Well the second one is Diego but unlike Emilio, he was a creep the whole time during the match, and even after you laid the law he was staring at you like a piece of meat. So I warned him but I think we need to keep him under our watch."
Adrianna nodded saying "Noted Vice Captain! Diego Alverez will be kept under observation"
Sofia nodded and taking a bite of her bread she asked "So Diaz who caught your interest, Diaz?"
Adrianna Smirked saying "Well he has the interest of the Whole world and that's all I am going to say about him so you ca…"
Sofia cut her off saying "So you are interested in Harry Potter?"
Adrianna looked at her blinking for a second before huffing "You know what Estrada you are just too smart for your own good"
Sofia sighed saying "Well everyone can't be like you Adi"
Adrianna pretended to ask "What? Gorgeous, Smart, Hot, Passionate? come on Sofia don't be shy tell me what it is"
"Well we all can't be idiots like you when it comes to chasing danger" Sofia retorted before asking "But seriously Adi why Him?"
She sighed saying "I am not sure! It's just when I heard about him I just felt like going to him and talking with him. I am not sure what it is but I have a feeling that this will be the year I will find what I was looking for"
Sofia was surprised to see her friend as she was mostly a bubbly short-tempered girl and so she couldn't help but ask " And what is it that you seek Adi?"
With a far-gone look, Adrianna answered "Home and a Family to share it with!"
Sofia smiled before asking in concern "But Adi he is claiming that the dark lord is back! What if he is crazy or worse he is telling the truth than he is marching at war? Do you want to get in all that mess?"
Adrianna sighed saying "That's it Sofia, I feel he is telling the truth and their Ministry of Magic is trying to suppress the truth. Regardless of whatever the case is I will see for myself but if it is true then I will stand beside him in the war"
Sofia nodded before smirking and saying "But you know he could be already in a Relationship right? What will you do then?"
Adrianna Shrugged said "So I don't mind sharing, after all, it depends how much we love each other but we will see when we get there, For now, let me eat I am damn Hungry!" causing Sofia to chuckle before going back to her own breakfast with a smile seeing her friend after a long time for a reason other than her sister.
A/N: Okay how was it? was it up to the mark? was it worse than before? Tell me I want to know it all!
Harry's unblocked core 50 (It didn't change since June. I thought about unlocking it during his vacation but then it came to me that he needs to acclimate with his current core first, so I scraped that idea)
Next chapter, we see Hogwarts starts preparing to welcome their guests, Andromeda continues her part in the investigation, and something steamy!
Stay tuned and I will see you next Week!
Drakpacer Out!