A/N Please Read: And here we are People! New Chapter of The Merlin's Cup! Sorry guys I have to change back to the Two weeks schedule which means two chapters in a month. This will be until the end of this year, I will move to Chapter per week in January!
Galagon17: I can't reveal that right now, wait and read.
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 Un-Betaed.
Other Schools arrive at Hogwarts!
"Dialogue"
"Dialogues in Different language"
'Thoughts'
(Visions)
*Dreams*
{Written Letter}
{Spell Casting!}
Now without any more meaningless drabble! On to the Chapter!
⨳⨳※※※~Opening Ball~※※※⨳⨳
October 1st, Hogwarts
6 PM Evening
After a long day of welcoming guests from other countries, Harry was tired and was now sitting in the private common room of his quarters with his feet set on the hardwood coffee table in front of him.
To Harry, it was such a relief to be alone after being surrounded by people all day. A small part of him just couldn't stand the large crowds and meeting new people was worse than that especially adults. It got better this year after his summer at Black Manor with his godfather and fiancees.
He smiled as he remembered the last letter from Fleur in which she was constantly complaining about goblins and how they were rude, impolite, or harsh and how she was close to burning them to crisp. He hoped he she didn't or that would be a debacle of the highest order.
As for Bella and Amelia, both of them were working long hours due to the tournament preparations so were always tired and sleepy. While Dora along with her team of Auror arrived yesterday to continue their task as the protection detail for the Tournament.
Rose was still making her way through the library at the manor while Andromeda was going on with her job Apolline took up the job of French Ambassador as she was bored of sitting around in the manor. Narcissa wrote him informing him that she was going to take her Mastery test just before the Yule Hols to become a certified Potion Mistress.
Sirius was working to try and discover the proof of his return to show the minister and Remus was still out of the country for the Order Business. Shaking his head out of those thoughts he made his way to the bathroom to get a shower and get ready for the Opening Dinner and subsequent feast Ball which was beginning in two hours.
At the same time in the Room of Requirement Susan and Daphne were sitting on the couch provided by the room in total silence until Susan started "Let's Start with all the interactions in the same order they arrived in. We will discuss it before we go to Harry to get some details, okay"
Daphne nodded in agreement starting "So the first ones to arrive were Greeks I don't think that the champion was interested in Harry in that way. To me, she looked like she was genuinely trying to make friends with him"
Susan nodded saying "Hmmm, I agree cause she was too close with the girl beside her, I think they are involved" in a suggestive tone to which Daphne nodded in agreement before she continued "But I think the Headmistress was very interested in Harry"
Daphne nodded "Oh yes she is interested in him 'cause she was eying him like a piece of meat. As a headmistress, she must be above the ordinary in magical powers and she is definitely as wise as Dumbledore. But I don't think she will make any moves on him in a public so I think Harry will have multiple accidental encounters in the castle lobbies with her" with a knowing smirk on her face.
Susan snorted with a nod "Yeah, but the thing is he won't reciprocate any of those advances" she sighed before adding "Anyway the next is Egyptian Champion, I don't know much about her"
Daphne looked conflicted "Me too but I am not sure about that cause she seemed interested in him but a little too much for my comfort"
Susan shrugged "Next and most amusing is one the Russian Princess /Champion"
Daphne nodded "Yep there is something between her and Harry. I don't know what but the way she was talking, blushing and the way that her eyes lit up when he kissed her hand, she was excited to meet him. She already loves him and cares for him more than her image"
Susan smiled "I know Harry had a look on his face like he knew her from somewhere but just couldn't remember it. After they were gone I saw him trying to remember where he saw her but just couldn't, so she is good"
Daphne nodded before saying "I don't think Chinese Delegation had anyone who was interested Harry so we can skip them, next are Delegation from MACUSA"
Susan hummed saying "The four who Harry escorted were okay and could be good friends in the future, that's the verdict for now but it can change in the future so we will see them just like others"
Daphne added "Same for the Brazilian champion but I think she is interested in him too" before continuing "Last one is the Japanese teacher who helped him up after that jerk of a champion who shoved him. If it wasn't for the crowd Harry would have wiped the floor with that snobby Git!"
"I know right he is like the Japanese version of Malfoy!" Susan huffed before shaking her head saying "But we are going off-topic! The woman is a mix of Russian Champion and Greek Headmistress! She clearly has some form of recognition of Harry but at the same time she has never met him which means she is very eager to know him"
Daphne nodded before coking her head and asking "How do you know all this from just seeing them? The only thing I could conclude was they were interested in Harry"
Susan smirked saying "Well as a niece of Amelia Bones who is Head of DMLE I was in constant danger. So auntie started teaching him how to read people's body language and what a certain gesture says about what the person is feeling. It was more of a precaution on her side as she wanted me to be more aware of my surroundings"
Daphne smiled saying "I am impressed Bones, Now let's get ready for the ball" and stood up.
Susan followed saying "Yeah let's go" smiled standing up and following her sister-wife out of the room and both made their way to their respective common rooms.
Hour Later
After getting ready for the ball Harry was once again trying to style his messy hair, standing in front of the full-body mirror. But as usual, it was useless he groaned in frustration as he felt it alone seeing that it was a futile task. From the corner of his eye on the door, he saw the guardian of his apartment entering the empty portrait frame.
He smiled asking "Hey Neo, someone at the door?" as he stepped toward the portrait only to see the lion nod.
Making his way to the main door he opened it only to see his Finacees standing in front of him dressed up and looking beautiful.
Daphne has dressed in a peach-pink peplum dress with a golden choker-like necklace while Susan was dressed in an orange column dress with a black silk sash around her shoulders along with a neckline that gave just a tasteful hint of her cleavage.
Harry stood there stunned for a minute shaking out of his daze saying "You look so Beautiful, Mi' ladies!"
Both of them looked at him starting from his messy hair to his emerald eyes hiding behind his big round glasses, they traveled down to his fit Azure and white fit wizarding robes which had the crest of Hogwarts and Magical Britain on his right chest.
Hearing his compliment both girls blushed before returning it with "You look good yourself, Potter!" "You're looking Dashing Harry" at the same time before Susan teased "So are you going to invite us in or what?"
He flushed in embarrassment as he stepped aside inviting them saying "Sorry I was just…"
Daphne chuckled "Oh we will take that as a compliment. Now let's get comfortable we have an hour before you are needed in the great hall and a day full of things to talk about" as she took hold of his hand intertwining her fingers with his before dragging him to the couch in the front of the fireplace.
As they got comfortable on the couch Harry sat in between two witches of whom Redhead started "So how was your day Harry?" with a sarcastic smile on her face.
He groaned in frustration saying "Not Bad but not good too! I met some interesting people. Some who I really want to know more about while some I hope I never see again and some I have mixed feelings about"
Daphne quirked her left eyebrow asking "Oooooh then let's start with who are the ones you really want to know more about?"
Harry smiled saying "Well all of them can fit that category except 2! Well, I will just start with the Greek Champion! Her name is Cassandra Valentine she a good person I think she is will be a good friend in the future. Then there is her Girlfriend Dimitra …." As he said he missed the smug look Susan threw Daphne who just rolled her eyes before paying attention to Harry "… who is more sarcastic one between two of them"
Susan smiled "Well it's good to hear that we will make some foreign friends and a guide to help us when we visit Greece in the future" with a hopeful look on her face.
Harry quirked his eyebrow asking "You want to go to Greece, Sue?" with an amused smile.
The redhead shrugged "Yeah, maybe. if we become good friends with those 2 then sure to visit them if not I don't particularly want to go there or something. But enough of that what about their Headmistress?"
Harry hummed and had a goofy smile on his face as he replied "She is in the once I want to know more category! I mean she is Headmistress of a Magical school so I want to learn magic from her and there is something that is telling me to trust her so I guess we will see if my feeling is right in this coming year"
Daphne nodded saying "I think you should accept if she invites you over to meet in private to talk. I know she won't teach you to cause of the competition but she could advise you about other stuff or you can learn more about what kind of tasks you have to face"
Harry nodded saying "I was going to anyway but yeah I would definitely love to spend more time with her. She is just so…" 'beautiful' he completed in his mind before saying "….Awesome"
Susan smirked knowing there was something else at the end of the sentence which she took as a good sign before asking: "What about the Eqyptian Delegation?"
Harry scrunched his face saying "Well I don't know about Headmaster Taafeef. He seemed like a good friend of Dumbledore other than that I don't know much about him. The champion is in the category of someone I have mixed feelings about. At a point, it's like I want to know her but my instincts are screaming not to trust her at all"
Both girls frowned their eyebrows but didn't comment and Susan changed the subject "Well you can just be cautious and interact only publicly until you are sure that she is not a threat to us in any way"
Daphne nodded asking "I agree okay now onto the Russian Delegation"
He gave a brilliant smile saying "Oh that was one of the better ones, Headmaster Dimitri is quite nice. The Russian Champion is Heir of Royal House of Romanov and Magical Russia, her name is Natasha Romanov!"
Both witches looked shocked at the announcement before both squealed "WHAT!?"
This caused him to wince from the high-pitched voice before he nodded "I know right? I was stunned too! I didn't know who she is but I feel like I have met her before in my life. But I can't remember when was it! When I tried to remember I got the most painful headache that I have ever had"
Both girls were now concerned but once again they didn't comment on it, instead, Daphne suggested "Maybe if you keep talking to her and interact with her regularly you will remember her eventually"
He shrugged "I don't know about that but I found her easy to talk to like we were already friends but at the same time I am nervous about seeing her again, I mean she is a literal princess and I am… I am… I am… just Harry" with his shoulders slagging.
Susan snorted saying "I think someone is for forgetting that he is…"
Before she could complete her sentence Harry closed her mouth with his lips on her in a five-second kiss before breaking it saying "I know Sue, but I don't want to risk people knowing about it and at Hogwarts, even walls have ears so even when we are in private don't mention it, okay?" in a slightly authoritative tone mixed with desperation he whispered in her ear which caused her to shiver in pleasure receiving a nod he leaned back
Susan nodded red face "Okay but you know what you are and that alone makes you equal to her so you don't have to be so nervous about that at all just be your usual noble git of a self and everything will be okay!" last part in a mix of sarcasm and cheerfulness.
He chuckled saying "Okay I will try and spend as much time as I can with her until I remember her"
Daphne smiled kissing him on the cheek saying "That's all you can do, now what about Chinese Delegation?"
Harry shrugged saying "Nothing I didn't talk to them but the dragon looked like it was mocking me from afar, but there is a possibility I may have been imagining that, so yeah nothing special about them!"
Susan smiled saying "Okay so how was the American delegation?"
"Well once again Headmaster is an old student of Hogwarts and as such knows Dumbledore very well along with the castle. As for the champion, his name is Steven Aron, he is a good person the three along with him were his sister, girlfriend and his best mate" He answered.
Daphne nodded "Well just like Valentine they can be good friends in the future, what about Brazilian Delegation?"
Harry gulped saying "Well that was an experience. First the Forest Yak, Quino has taken a liking to me as a friend. He is Headmistress Daniela's familiar who is blind and now I am more concerned about how Quino and Hedwig will react to each other" he said making his fiancee chuckle. He knew he shouldn't have omitted the prediction the Brazilian headmistress did for him.
He smiled continuing "Oh and she was once Dumbledore's master at some point in his life, by that you could guess how old she is" getting a look of awe from his fiancee's as they digested what he was saying so he waited for a second before saying "She is a kind old woman but other than that I don't have anything else to say about her. Their champion is Adriana Diaz, she is respectable and super competitive about the tournament, she didn't say it but I could see it in her eyes! It was the same look Fleur had last year" he shivered saying the last line.
Susan and Daphne chuckled as they marked the person as a person of interest in their minds. Harry sighed "And finally the last and the worst of them was a lot the Japanese Champion! Shinra Haki! He is a git and that's all I want to say about him," the scowl on his face told the witches he didn't want to talk about the boy so they left the topic alone.
But their scowl changed into a smile as he continued "Rather the Professor that has come with the delegation and was kind enough to help me, she also apologized for that git when it wasn't even her fault, her name is Akeno Hayashi. She asked me not to make my opinion about the people of japan on the basis of my interaction with the git. So she asked to be my first Japanese friend and I accepted it!"
In minds of both witches, they now had a clear view of who they had to look out for and who they needed to be cautious of for the rest of the year. At the same time, Harry felt relieved to see that they understood and respected him when he didn't want to talk about a particular subject.
Susan smiled saying "Well enough of talking about them let's go to the Great hall and get to know them for ourselves" as she stood up straightening her dress.
"Huh, it's already time?" He asked before drawing his wand out and casting a tempus charm which showed it was only 15 minutes left to the start of the feast. Sighing he stood up saying "I didn't even realize we were talking for that long"
Daphne smiled saying "We never do when we are enjoying conversation with our loved ones" as she pecked him on the cheek.
He smiled taking hold of the witch's hand and saying "Yeah I agree especially when the company is two stunning beautiful fiancees!"
Susan snorted saying "Let's go or we will be late which as champion will look bad on you and as your fiancee, I will not have that so get moving now!" sternly which made the other two strut towards the door chuckling with herself she following them.
Soon they were descending the great staircase along with all the other students who were also dressed in different types of dress robes. As they made their way to the Great Hall as they entered the hall which was completely different from what they remembered.
From the left side of the room, it was Slytherins where Chinese and Eqyptian delegation students were seated on an elongated table and bench. Just like the bench, the hall was enlarged to house all the students.
Just like the Slytherin table, on the Hufflepuff table, Greek and American students were sitting while Japanese students were situated at the Ravenclaw table.
On the right side of the hall, students from the Russian and Brazilian delegations shared a table with Gryffindor House. In the place of the Head table in the front of the room, there was a large Semi Circle stone table where the Hogwarts Faculty was seated with Headmasters/mistresses, professors, and people who were wearing slate gray robes, ICW Delegation.
Three of them made their way to their respective house table and sat with their friends. Harry took place beside Neville while Daphne settled beside Hermione was dressed yellow dress.
But before the conversation between friends could start at the Head table Dumbledore stood up with a golden goblet in his hand saying "Good evening to all! I would like to welcome our guests once again! Today is an auspicious day as it marks the Start of the Merlin Cup Tournament!" he took out his wand pointing it at the enchanted ceiling which changed to fireworks.
His announcement drew the roars of cheers from all the students in the hall. As the roars died he continued saying "Now before the festivities start I think we all need some energy to enjoy and thus without further ado let's start with the feast!"
With that food and drinks from all the different countries that were invited appeared on all four tables in the Hall. As the dinner started people Harry looked all over the dishes in confusion thinking about what to eat before sighing in frustration saying "It's Bouillabaisse all over again!"
"Well Senor, if you want I could recommend something?" a voice said to his right which caused him to look at the source only to see the Brazilian Champion seating beside him.
Smiling politely he nodded saying "I am sorry I didn't see you, Ms. Diaz. Thank you cause I don't know what is good in the Brazilian cuisine"
Adriana smiled "Well Senor Potter First if you are looking for the best you can't go wrong with Feijoada" she passed the bowl to him continuing "It's a stew of black beans, sausages, and different pork cuts. It's mostly eaten with rice, it's one of the staples from our country"
Harry took the bowl and served himself before asking "Would you like some?" Adrianna
She smiled saying "Si, I would love some"
Harry served her a portion before keeping the bowl down and serving both of them a single portion of rice. Before taking a bite of the stew and rice. To Harry, it was a hearty, warm, and spicy perfect combination to beat the hard Scotland wind chill similar to the Shepherd's Pie.
The moment he turned to his fellow he saw her finishing her portion which surprised him but he didn't say anything as it was not his manners to comment on a lady eating so he ate his portion before he simply said "It's really filling and soothing"
"Hmmm, I know right it's just perfect!" Adrianna commented beaming before saying "And I have a perfect dessert to end the meal with and please call me Adrianna, I don't like a formality that much"
Harry smiled "Me too so please call me Harry"
She just nodded before passing a blow of what looked like some kind of rolls "These are one of the best things to come from our country and my favorite dessert it's called 'Bolo de Rolo' it's similar to the swiss Rolls but instead of chocolate filling it's guava paste and it has more layers. Here try one!" offering him the plate.
Harry nodded before taking a single piece of the delicate pastry and eating it. It was different which was refreshing for him. He gave an amused expression saying "It's good but it's nowhere near to Treacle Tarts, they are my favorite"
"Well you tried one so I will give your treacle tart a shot. I don't think it will ever trump these" as she ate another piece of Brazilian dessert.
He chuckled "Just try it once you will be addicted. I know I am" before he looked around to see his friends only to see Hermione and Daphne glaring at him.
He looked at them in confusion for a second before his eyes went wide as he turned to Adrianna saying "Adrianna I would like to introduce you to my friends, this is Neville Longbottom" gesturing to his seating on his left.
Neville was startled by the introduction but recovered quickly as he said "H-Hello it's nice to meet you, Ms. Diaz" offering a curt nod
Harry continued "Across him is my best friend, Sister in all but blood and the sole reason I was able to pass through the end of the year class in the first couple years, Hermione Jean Granger"
Hermione gave him a soft glare before saying "It's nice to meet you Ms. Diaz" offering her hand which Adrianna shook.
Harry ended by saying "And lastly this is Daphne Greengrass"
Daphne nodded curtly before saying "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Diaz"
"It's Pleasure to meet all of you too and I must say Senora Granger I think you will get along with my sister, Maria," Adrianna said smiling at the Bushy haired witch.
Hermione gave confused look asking "And why is that Ms. Diaz?"
The Brazilian champion smiled "Well she is just like you! She is a super smart and talented witch. She is top of her class, she is an academic prodigy!" in a proud tone and her head held high.
Hermione's eyes began to sparkle hearing this as she asked "I would love to meet her"
Adrianna chuckled saying "I am sorry but she is back home in brazil.
Daphne being ever critical couldn't help but ask "Ms. Diaz I mean no offense but aren't you suppose to sit with your delegation for the feast?"
"Yes, I am supposed to sit there too but I couldn't just bear with that one boy, he had no manners so I shifted here" Adrianna answered
The whole group of friends sighed before Harry answered "We know him and we are sorry that you had to see that. I assure you that not all of us are like him"
Adrianna chuckled shaking her hand and saying " Don't worry you are a pretty good example of a Gentleman Senor Potter"
"Thanks" he blushed as he thanked me with a sheepish smile before he changed the subject by asking "So how long was your journey?"
"Oh it was a week and it was quite boring for others but I loved flying over the ocean with a cool breeze on my face," Adrianna said with a content smile on her face.
Harry frowned asking "Wait! Quino ca…" before could complete the sentence a brown creature flew from the head table causing the crowd to squeal as it zipped through the air straight in the direction of Gryffindor's table.
The commotion caused Harry to turn around before he felt something lightly impacting him on the chest causing him to look down in the front of his chest was Quino hovering just atop his empty plate as he completed "…. Can fly! Hey buddy how are you doing? Enjoying Hogwarts?"
Quino hover up to his shoulder and nuzzled his cheek which made Harry giggle saying "You hungry?" the little creature licked his cheek.
Taking that as a yes instinctively he reached for a plate that had sliced Guava and took some slices in his hand keeping them on a smaller plate keeping it on the side before offering it to Quino saying "Here Buddy!"
The creature glided down to the dish and started eating while Harry petted the creature before saying "Guys this is Quino the forest Spirit, Headmistress Daniela's familiar and my new friend!"
Hermione cooed "Aww he is so cute" as the furry brown creature munched on his fruit plate.
Daphne nodded saying "I know and he is magnificent!" in awe of the creature.
Adrianna was gob-smacked as she saw the bane of her existence was acting friendly to her rival. Oh, how she hated that beast for ruining so many of her tribe's hunts by just spooking her prey and making it run! It was a known fact that the forest Yak was primary protection of the school and no one ever dare to approach the beast out of sheer fear.
Now here she was sitting and watching as her new friend/ competition rival was feeding the said beast like it was some house cat while others adored it from afar. Her line of thought was broken when Hermione asked "are there others like Quino in Brazil?"
But before she could answer Harry did "No, sadly he is last of his kind" as he petted the forest yak who whined and leaned into his touch.
Daphne sighed "I am sorry Ms. Diaz about that Harry was not paying attention and he answered without thinking, right Harry?" kicking his sheen under the table.
He yelped in pain apologizing "Yeah I am sorry, I was lost in my own thought I didn't mean to cut you"
Adrianna chuckled saying "It's alright, happens to best of us, but yes what you said was true, Qunio here" with a little annoyance in her voice continuing "….is the last of its kind and the only one known to the magical world as such he is one of the protected species of the Magical Creature Index"
Hermione once again gave a confused look asking "There is an index of protected species?"
Adrianna nodded saying "Yes it basically includes the rarest magical creature who is not to be killed for the material. It is a major point for ICW cause there are many magical creature hunters who would do anything to get their hands on the rare ones be it for wand cores, potion materials or just to capture them to be sold as forced familiars in auctions to the highest bidders" with a grim expression on her face.
Daphne nodded adding to the point "I know my father is in the import-export business for the potions ingredients, he regularly gets offers and inquiries from illegal material hunters or magical creature breeders trying to sell their products. He always reports to the ICW Branch here about all these but these bastards are so slippery before the ICW can move they vanish just like that" snapping her fingers to
Seeing the mood getting downtrodden from the grim conversation, Harry smiled saying "Well then we better watch out for this little guy don't we?" as scratched the spot behind Quino's year which made it purr like a cat to everyone's amusement.
Hermione nodded before once again asking "You said they sell them to the highest bidders to become forced familiars? How does that work?"
Adrianna shrugged saying "I don't we are only taught that this happens not how it happens or how to undo it. That is for those who want to pursue mastery in the care of magical creatures"
The answer was not what Hermione was expecting which made disappointed her but at the same time gave her something to research in the library in her free time.
Harry saw it but didn't say he only chuckled inwardly before his attention was drawn to Adrianna's question "So what are your favorite subjects?"
"Well I am good in DADA, Charms, and Creatures but I am starting to like other subjects a little more too" He answered after a moment of thinking 'Cause when subjects are taught to you by the most beautiful witches you tend to like and learn faster
"Well, I like DADA too and Dueling but other than that I love the outdoors I can't stay indoors I feel so anxious and suffocated!" Adrianna shared with a sigh of frustration before asking "So what about hobbies you guys?" others
Harry shrugged saying "Well I like to fly around aimlessly on my broom whenever I am free other than that I like helping Hagrid in taking care of creatures in the forest" continuing in his mind 'Along with sword fighting and Archery'
"I love researching new topics in the library, it just fascinates me that there is so much to discover about this magical world now I am part of" Hermione added enthusiastically.
Neville answered "I like spending time in Greenhouse at my home taking care of plants" with a smile.
Daphne ended by saying "I mostly help my father in his business along with spending time with Astoria or reading in the library"
Just as she finished on the head table ahead Dumbledore stood up for a second time saying "Now that all of us are well fed and well rested, let's start the celebration if all of you would please move to the back courtyard"
And just like everyone started to move towards the back door of the great hall to the open area which was lit with small lights moving in the air a floor of white marble that had the symbol of Hogwarts in the middle. It was a large platform with a large gramophone at the end and soon the music started playing. All around the platform were refreshment stands with drinks and smaller snacks.
It was not a moment later two-three couples started dancing on the floor Harry turned to Daphne only to see her moving on the platform for a dance so he turned to Adrianna asking "Milady will you honor me with a dance this evening?" bowing in front of her.
The offer startled the older champion as she felt heat starting to rise from her neck to her cheek before she answered "I-I would L-Love to Senor bu-but I don't know h-how to" her face now red with embarrassment.
Harry smiled saying "It's okay I can teach you and if you must know I only know the basics too" offering his hand. Biting her lip she hesitantly took his hand and followed him on the floor to join the crowd of students from all 8 schools.
Harry smiled seeing his partner nervous before saying "It's okay I was the same as you until the last yule ball. My date taught me well enough that I am good enough now to teach you. Okay now to start with put your left arm on my shoulder while holding my left hand with your right and my hand will be on your waist, is that okay?" asking for permission.
Adrianna nodded her skin turning redder by the second as it was the first time she was in such close proximity to a man. It was not that she was a virgin or never had a boyfriend, no, it was just the situation that she was in.
Harry continued "Okay now let's start slowly okay?" getting a nod from her he started by counting "1…2..3…1…2…3…1…2…3…."As they moved slowly In their corner for a few minutes.
After that Harry asked, "Are you comfortable moving into the crowd?"
Adrianna shook her head saying "I don't feel that confident right now but maybe later?" with uncertainty in her voice.
He nodded saying "It's okay, so how were your tasks in the first part for you?"
Adrianna smiled saying "Well in the First Task, we had to locate the Ocami nest in the forest to retrieve a fake egg without getting spotted by the capioras or the mother if we were. We had to fight them to retrieve the egg before the time ran out"
Harry raised an eyebrow saying "You had to locate the nest? It wasn't in an arena where people were watching?"
Adrianna smirked saying "Where is fun in that! Besides I was fast to locate though I screwed the stealth part of the task and had to fight the Capioras, I was out just before the mother came back from its hunt for food, what about you?"
Harry gave a sheepish smile saying "Well I had to face a creature too just like you to retrieve the golden egg which had a clue for the next task I barely made it out alive and was last in the ranking, the Second task. "
Adrianna looked at him curiously before answering "Well the egg had a riddle in the egg which led me and champions to the forest clearing which had a platform which had 9 gems on the platform surrounded by quicksand. 3 were right while others were either cursed or were portkey back to the school. The trick was you had to get through the quicksand and chose the correct gem or we could have drowned in the quicksand"
Harry gave a horrifying look saying "Woah! That sounds bad well me and other champions were given riddle too but it was in mermish which told us that task would be in the lake that you saw, we had to retrieve the hostages from underwater in a time limit of an hour"
Adrianna sighed continuing "Well last task was for us to enter the underground catacombs under the school to find the cup and make our way back to the school. The champions were allowed to fight each other for the possession of the cup. By the end, I was half dead, barely conscious"
Harry sighed "My last task was in a maze of hedges that was filled with traps and dangerous creatures. If that wasn't enough the hedges were made of the Devil snare which kept changing along with a thick mist that was obstructing my already limited vision. In the end, I was the more or less the same state as you"
Adrianna commented sarcastically "They really know how to make these tasks don't they?"
Harry chuckled commenting "Yeah and if last year was any indication they are going to be brutal this year" which got a nod from his partner.
Adrianna gave a smirk asking "So what about your personal life? About your family"
Harry got wistful as he started "You already know about my parents" to which he received a solemn nod from her as he continued "So I grew up with my mother's muggle relative and until 5 years ago I didn't know that magic exists or that I am a wizard. After that Hogwarts became my home but now I live with my godfather who was wrongly imprisoned. He got his trial 2 years ago since then I am living with him at his home. That's me, what about you?"
Adrianna shrugged saying "Oh it's nothing but normal I was born with Columbia to Fiora Diaz, I never knew my father. Anyways after a few years, Maria was born but still, the father is unknown. After that, we went to School when we were of age and here I am trying to make my name in the world"
Harry smiled he knew she was just giving him a general answer she did to everyone just like the one he gave to everyone except for Fleur. He changed the subject saying "You know I am feeling a little thirsty I am going to get something to drink, Mi'lady would like something for yourself?"
She chuckled saying "No need Senor I will tag along!"
He offered his hand saying "In that case shall we then?"
She giggled taking his hand and walking with him to the nearest refreshment stand. Reaching there Harry took two glasses of Butter Beer offering one to her saying "it's Butter Beer it's the best nonalcoholic drink magical Britain has to offer"
Taking the glass she cheered with the clinks of their glasses as they both take the drink. Adrianna went eyes wide as she took a sip of the cold delicious drink that soothed her throat and pleased her taste buds with sweet vanilla flavor.
She smiled saying "I agree this is delicious now allow me to show you a drink from my country" as she moved forward to the bowl filled with a minty-colored drink with a ladle in it with Harry following behind her trying hard not to stare at her perfect arse.
She turned suddenly which startled the young man behind her as she caught him blushing red which made her think 'He was checking me out!' but not in revulsion like when normal boys leered at her. It was more of pride and happiness that he found her hot.
She smirked saying "Okay there Harry?" only to receive a silent and frantic nod before she turned back to the bowl and poured both of him a glass of minty drink. She turned back to him offering him the drink saying "This Senor is Essence of Forest made from the best berries found in the with Ferro juice, here" as she gave him the goblet.
"Cheers!" Harry said before taking a sip of the drink. His reaction was similar only that he drank the whole glass in one go. As he finished saying "Waoh! That's delicious, thanks for introducing me to this….this Essence of Divinity" he took another sip.
Adrianna nodded trying to suppress the yawn that was coming to her lips but was unable to hide it from Harry who chuckled saying "It's okay you can go and rest, today was a tiring day. I will hang around for sometime before heading to the bed myself"
She smiled at him saying "I will see you later Harry, Buenas Nochas" offering him her hand.
He took it and kissed it saying "Of course, goodnight Adrianna"
He watched her go back inside the castle, or how her hips swayed from side to side. Shaking his head Harry looked around to find his friends only to find Daphne, Hermione, and Susan standing while Neville and Hannah were dancing on the floor.
He made his way to them which Daphne noticed and moved towards him asking "Can I have dance Harry?" offering her hand.
He smiled saying "Of course Daphne!" as he took her hand and both started dancing to the rhythm of the music.
"So how was your time with Adrianna?" she asked with a knowing smirk on her face.
He shrugged answering "It was okay we talked a little about what our Tri-wizard tournament was like, a little bit about our personal lives and then we shared the best drinks our countries had to offer, nothing much"
Daphne gave a curious look asking "And what drink did you share?"
"Butter Beer, of course, that's the only one I know so it's more of which drinks we thought are ….."
Daphne stopped him "You are ranting love"
"Sorry, but yeah and she shared Essence of Forest with me, it's a drink of the berries found in the amazon forest mixed with Ferro juice which I had no idea what it is but one thing I can say is, it's Delicious" Harry ended.
Daphne gave an intrigued look saying "Well I would love to have it later in the evening but right now I just want to enjoy myself"
Harry nodded "Okay. So is this your first dance of the night, Daph?"
She gave an incredulous look before replying in a matter-of-fact tone "Of course Potter, I don't like anyone else but you and only you. I thought you knew that"
"Well I can't help but ask 'cause it's rare to see a beauty like yourself to remain standing in this large crowd," he said complimenting her and making her blush.
She recovered quickly saying "For your information many offered but I declined" with a little heat in her voice.
He chuckled saying "That's what I thought!" with a smile on his face and added "Anyway, I am sorry for spending starting half an hour of the ball dancing with Adrianna"
She looked at him for a minute before saying "Don't Harry, you played the part of the host and a friend to the guest of our country, after all, it's what you have to do when you become lord of the house in the future, so it's fine don't worry"
Harry smiled before frowning "Wait, you mean I have to do this more often when I become a lord in the future?" receiving a nod from her he groaned saying "I have to learn to dance better don't I?"
Daphne nodded caressing his face with her left hand with saying "Oh Poor baby! Don't worry I will make sure to make it bearable though I can't tell about Narcissa"
Harry looked horrified as he said "Oh I am in for it" before it turned into a smile as he said "Though it will be worth it when I get to dance with my beautiful wives"
Daphne chortled saying "Charming as always Harry"
Just then Harry looked behind Daphne to see Susan waiting for her chance. Seeing as the song was coming to an end he turned to Daphne saying "It looks like someone wants her chance Daph"
She pouted whining "Okay but we are switching after every third song"
He nodded saying "As you order Mi'lady!" as they stopped and walked back to where Susan was standing.
Daphne tapped the redhead on her shoulder saying "Tag, you are in we will switch after 3 songs, agreed?"
Susan's sulking mood brightened upon hearing it as she just nodded and dragged Harry back onto the dance floor by hand.
Harry following behind her chuckled saying "Woah! Woah! Slow down Sue I am not going anywhere"
Turning around she threw her arms around his neck saying "Oh I know I just don't want to waste a second of my time with you"
He chuckled keeping his hand on her hips saying "Oh that makes me feel special"
She looked deep into his emerald eyes saying "Well you should you are special Harry!"
He just smiled saying "So how was your evening until now?"
"Hmmmm… good I had a good talk with Hannah at the dinner, she was so excited and nervous about dancing with Neville. Well after that it was mostly waiting for you to get done with the Brazilian champion" she answered before asking "What about you, Harry?"
He shrugged saying "It was okay I made a new friend, Adrianna Diaz but let's not talk about her right now I will tell you about her later, for now just dance and enjoy" as he pulled her closer to him causing her body to flush against him. Her breast was against his hard chest with both their foreheads resting against each other as they danced.
"Harry," Susan said softly.
"Hmm" he replied
"I am Scared" she continued burying her fast in his chest.
"Of what?" he asked
She looked into his eyes saying "Everything that's going on. The tournament, the dark lords return and the ministry's smear campaign against you" she sighed " It just scars me for you and our family. I just don't want to lose any of you"
He gave her a sad smile saying "I know Sue I am scared too but all I can say is that we will make it the other side all together" before planting a kiss in her hair.
"You really believe that?" Susan asked
Harry nodded saying "I do cause I will see that we do, I promise you"
Susan didn't say anything and they simply danced as their third song ended Sue looked up and pecked his lips before saying "It's time to switch" Harry nodded, and she smiled saying "But I think someone else wants a dance with you" eye someone over his shoulder.
Getting curious Harry turned to see Cassandra and Dimitra standing with smiles on their faces. He smiled asking "Hello Ladies, having fun?"
Cassandra nodded saying "Yes we are but it will be more fun if you would honor us each with a dance" offering her hand to him.
"The honor will be mine," Harry said before taking her hand and both started dancing.
Dimitra asked Susan "What about you Milady? Will you honor me with a dance?"
Susan nodded with some hesitation saying "Of course, I am Susan Emily Bones" as they started dancing.
"Dimitra Aetos, nice to meet you Ms. Bones" her partner introduced before asking "So is Harry is your…."
Susan blushed "I…. No…. he is just a good friend" avoiding eye contact.
Dimitra smirked "Sure call it what you want"
Susan smiled saying "So what about you and Cassandra? Are you two together?"
Dimitra gave piercing look asking "Yes, does that bother you?"
Susan was quick to backpedal saying "What! No! No! I was just curious I saw you together when back in the courtyard earlier today. I thought that was the case so I asked to confirm my hunch. It's just that, I don't have a problem with….."
She was cut off by a chuckle from Dimitra who said "I am sorry I was just pulling your leg Ms. Bones"
Susan sighed in relief "You got me good Ms. Aetos, I hand you that"
Dimitra smiled saying "' Thanks I have had a long time to practice the art especially tonight"
Susan chuckled "Oh I bet you had fun messing with people all around"
Dimitra nodded "Yes it was" she turned to see Harry and Cassandra dancing.
Harry asked, "So what is Greece like?"
Cassandra answered "Oh well for the starter it's warmer and pleasant with beaches. We have our delicious food, rich culture, and history"
Harry chuckled saying "Well it sounds interesting place that I would love to visit someday in the future, what about your school? How did you get in? I got my letter of acceptance days after my 11th birthday"
"Well for us it's not a letter but a scroll of parchment delivered by a bronze eagle to our houses on our 11th birthday" she answered.
He smiled saying "So that's a similarity between our school only a slight difference is our letters are delivered by the Owls instead. So what are your favorite subjects?"
"I never really gave it a thought but I enjoy Transfiguration and Arithmancy but I also love weapons training in my free time, I am best with the spear in the whole school along with Dimitra who is second best though she won't admit it and you are better of not mentioning it until you have a death wish" Cassandra answered
This took Harry by surprise "Really I would like to see you both in action and maybe even learn from you if I am any good at it"
Cassandra beamed at him saying "Oh I would be glad to teach you! Well other than that we have classes like Weapon forging, Alchemy, and Metallurgy but I don't have much talent for those"
"Wow! I wish we had those subjects here too but I guess we can't have everything we want can we now" he replied shrugging his shoulders.
Cassandra looked at him with intrigue saying "Why not? I mean if we want something and if it's something that is in your control then, of course, you can"
Harry snorted saying "Yeah that's nice to hear but I can't bully the professors to hard new subjects in the curriculum"
His comment made Cassandra laugh a little as she was saying "Oh I wasn't suggesting that but you can always transfer to our school to learn and added benefit you can enjoy all Greece has to offer"
Harry smirked saying "As much as I would like that I can't leave Hogwarts it's my home but after I finish my education here I want to travel the world to learn all I can about different types of magics. Then my first stop will for sure be Greece"
Cassandra nodded saying "I will hold you to that Harry and when you do come remember to inform me before so I can be prepared to receive you in our home"
Harry nodded saying "I will look forward to that"
Cassandra nodded saying "Me too"' just then the song came to an end and they separated so did Dimitra and Susan. Cassandra greeted "Thank you for the dance Harry I will see you later"
He nodded saying "Of course see you later Cassandra, Dimitra" as they left he turned to Susan asking "Let's have a drink I am thirsty again"
She gave a coy smile saying "Oh I have something that will help you quench that Harry" she squeezed her breasts together making him look at them with lust and hunger.
He shook his head saying "You are incorrigible Sue" as he made his way to the refreshment stands. He picked up four glasses of Butterbeer making his way back to his friends on the other side and at the same time on the other end of the floor stood a very nervous and anxious Russian Princess.
Natasha didn't know what to do now!
She was so excited about coming to England and meeting Harry that she didn't plan on what to do after that! She saw him dancing with Brazilian and Greek champion. He was friendly with both of them just like when he welcomed her earlier today in the courtyard but that didn't do any good to lessen her anxiety offer asking him for a dance.
She was asked by so many boys and even a couple of professors from other schools but she declined cause she wanted to dance with her Radnoya but didn't know how to go about it.
Standing beside her Polina gave an exasperated sigh asking "How long are you going to stand here, princess?"
"I don't know Polina, okay!" Natasha snapped back at her
On her other side, Sofia threw her hands up saying "Princess, it's not that hard just go to him and ask him for a dance, it's that simple"
Natasha sighed saying "It's not that simple, I want to but what if he doesn't remember me!"
Beside Polina, Andre shrugged saying "So What?"
Natasha turned to him glaring which made him elaborate "Look you said that he wanted to talk to you more so that means he is at least likes you as a person he wants to talk to. So what if he doesn't remember the time he saved your life years ago? What matters is you are here right now and he is within your walking range! So stop overthinking about it and just go to him and ask for dance!" in a frustrated tone.
"Yeah, you are right, of course, you are always right! I should not think that much about it, right? After all, it's just a dance it's not like we are going to do anything else!" Natasha said getting flustered as her mind started imagining both of them dancing on the floor to a slow song with his hands on her waist and her hands wrapped over his neck before. Their bodies flushed against each other and their lips were inches apart!
All this while her friends/attendants looked at her getting redder by the second loss in her fantasy land. Sighing Polina tapped her shoulder calling her "Princess, PrincESS, PRINCESS!"
This broke Natasha out of her reverie as she asked "Hmmm?" unintelligently which made her friends chuckle.
Sofia informed "You were lost in your fantasy again"
"What! No, I was not!" Natasha blushed bright red as she denied it.
Polina shook her head saying "Okay now that you are back with us go ask your Harry for a dance and make your fantasy a reality"
Taking a deep calming breath she nodded saying "Okay I can do this! Here I go" as she started walking towards her Dorogoi!
As she reached she greeted him saying "Hello Harry" her voice squeakier than normal.
Harry looked turned to her with a huge smile on his face as he stood up to greet her "Natasha it's good to see you again, come meet my friends, Hermione Granger, Susan Bones and Daphne Greengrass"
All three greeted her politely and she greeted them back before turning to Harry saying "I just wanted to ask If I can bother you for a dance this evening Harry" her heart beating so fast she could hear it clearly even with music playing in the background.
"Of course, it won't be a bother but an honor to dance with you Mi'lady!" he replied which made her beam.
She offered him her hand saying "Shall we start then?"
He took her delicate hand in his strong hand kissing it before saying "We shall Mi'lady" as he led her onto the dance floor. She felt him put his hand on her waist and another taking her left hand in his. She kept her right hand on his right shoulder and they started dancing.
For a few minutes both of them danced in complete silence lost in the eyes each other, it was the result of their inhibition showing when they finally faced each other.
On one side was a wizard with a burden large than his own knowledge on his shoulder and opposite him was the heir of a magical country who was just as ignorant to the trials she will have to face along with the love of her life before both of them could semblance of peace at the end.
"So?" "So?" both broke it together with the same word before chuckling at the absurdity of their situation.
Natasha smiled asking "So how many times did you ask 'how was your evening' to other ladies today ?"
Harry snorted saying "Only 4 times. You stopped me before I could make it 5 for which you have my gratitude. What about you?"
Natasha shrugged saying "This is my first dance of the evening but I couldn't escape from small talks with many around me, in short, it's been boring. So when I got a chance to escape the bureaucracy walked to the one person I know and asked him for a dance, so here I am" with mirth in her voice.
Harry smiled "Well that is a fortunate guy if a beauty like you asks him for a dance"
She blushed a little giving him an appreciating look and saying "I know but he is a very handsome guy and a gentleman too" reveling in pride of making her partner blush
'He looks so cute when he is blushing!'
Getting rid of his flush Harry asked "So what's in Russia like?"
Natasha shrugged saying "Well for starters it's colder than this so that's a point to your country" which made him chuckle before she continued "Other than that we have a wide variety of ice and snow-based magical creatures like Yeti's, Ice Trolls etc. Oh also we got some of the best alcohol in the world"
Harry smiled saying "I am not of age to know what liquor is good so I will take your word for it. What about your school?"
Natasha smiled saying "Aren't you curious one but sorry it's my turn to ask the question! Answer mine then I will answer yours. So who among those the champions do you hate the most?"
Harry's face scrunched up as he answered "Um….. It's the Champion of Japan, Shinra Haki! He is an arrogant bully! Other than him others are all okay. Now your turn to answer"
"Okay, it's a castle but it's underwater protected by the wards from the lake water and its inhabitants so we can breathe. It's one of the most complex warding schemes of the Wizarding world which was done by one of my ancestors. My turn, what are your hobbies?"
"Oh, I like flying on my broom that's the whole reason I was chosen as a seeker in my first year, other than that I like cooking and dueling with my friend. I also started learning about runes and Arithmancy it's interesting how it all works. Now your turn, the same question"
Natasha smiled saying "Hmm I like to swim in my free time and make ice sculptures you know with it being available in abundance back home. I also like to play piano and Ice Skating. So what is the best dish you can make according to you and what is your favorite dish to eat?"
He answered, "I can't answer the first one 'cause I don't want to look arrogant enough to boast about my cooking skills so you can ask my friends about that but as for your last question I love Treacle Tarts above everything, what about you?"
Natasha beamed at him saying "I love Borscht and Rasstegai! I don't cook cause once I went into the kitchen our house elves started crying and saying that I don't like their food. I felt so guilty I cried with them and promised that I would never do it again" ending with a little blush on her cheeks.
Harry gave a smile asking "How old were you again?"
She blushed saying "I was 12, I wanted to try baking some cookies for my friends"
Harry laughed at her expression saying "Oh I know how enthusiastic and devoted they are trust me on that"
Natasha raised her eyebrow saying "I think there is a story there but that's for another time, for now, I want to know who taught you how to dance?"
Harry blushed to say "Um…. Daphne, she made it her mission to train me after seeing me at last year's yule ball but I still only know the basics I hope I am doing okay?"
Natasha chuckled saying "It's okay you are doing fine and I am happy that you didn't step on my toes"
He took a compliment with a smile before saying " So how long are you been playing piano?"
"My whole life. My grandmother used to play with me in her lap when I was a toddler, she died when I was 5 since then I started learning and haven't missed a day. I feel closer to her when I play" she answered with a wistful smile on her face.
Harry mirrors her expression saying "It's the same for me with flying. Dad was the best chaser in the school's history and won Gryffindor, The House Cup in his last year"
She nodded and both of them once again fell into the comfortable silence with only music playing until it stopped and the festivities ended. But it was another minute that both realized that and separated blushing crimson red.
Natasha tucked a stray strand of her crimson lock behind her ear saying "I…I enjoyed the evening very much Harry, Thank you, I will see you later" as she moved closer to him and kissed him on the cheek before she headed back to her friends leaving a stunned and blushing young teen behind her.
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 60 (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: First Day with Guest
Stay tuned and I will see you next... Sorry guys I have to change back to the Two weeks schedule which means two chapters in a month. This will be until the end of this year, I will move to Chapter per week in January!
Drakpacer Out!