And we're back with another chapter for this one. Bit of filler, but still essential. ALLONS-Y!

Paris, France

Pierre LeBeau was accustomed to the finer things in life, be it expensive elf-made wine or robes made from the finest silk. He looked upon the Muggle and Squib communities with disdain. It was no surprise, to him at least, that he received his acceptance letter to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic at age 11 and quickly became one of the top students of his year; he was sorted into Ombrelune. He chased glory at every possible turn, playing Quidditch and taking part in various other clubs throughout his time at school. His last living relative was his grandfather, who himself had served the French during World War II, having been captured by the Germans as they marched through Paris in 1940. His parents were killed while visiting America in 2001, which sent him to go live with his grandfather.

LeBeau was strolling through his garden when his owl landed on his shoulder, a letter clutched in its beak. He took the letter and shooed the bird away. He ripped open the envelope and smirked at its contents. Just what he'd expected.

London, England

Ministry of Magic

The Departments of Magical Games & Sports and International Magical Cooperation were more stressed than usual, waiting for responses from three other schools in regard to the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

"Merlin's tits!" The outburst from Magical Games & Sports Liaison Draco Malfoy didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the room, especially not by International Magical Cooperation Liaison Hermione Granger.

"Malfoy do you mind?" Hermione asked exasperatedly. "This is stressful enough without your outbursts."

"You'd be stressed, too, Granger," Malfoy shot back, "If every bloody school you reached out to was saying no."

Hermione's nostrils flared. "You're not the only one getting rejections, Malfoy. It appears that Durmstrang is abiding by Karkaroff's declaration that they would not be competing in the next Tournament."

Malfoy huffed. "Then they can join Castelobruxo and Uagadou. We're still waiting for responses from Ilvermorny and Mahoutokoro."

Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. "At this point, whomever commits first is getting the spot."

"I agree." Malfoy's eyebrows immediately raised. "Want to put a friendly wager on it?"

Hermione scoffed. "A friendly wager?"

Malfoy nodded. "A simple wager."

"I'm listening."

"Should Ilvermorny respond Yes first, you must," Malfoy paused for dramatic effect, "Accompany me to the Yule Ball."

"Very well. And should Mahoutokoro respond Yes first, you must live in the Muggle world for a month."

Malfoy scoffed as he shook Hermione's hand. "Easiest wager I'll ever win."

A bird's screech got their attention, and as they looked around for the source, a Bald Eagle Patronus materialized at their shared desk. The next sound they heard was the voice of Ilvermorny Headmaster Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

"To the British Ministry of Magic, Ilvermorny will compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Expect a list of all eligible students after September 1st."

Malfoy grinned. "Granger, it's time to go gown shopping."

I'm leaving it there for right now. There's more coming for this story for sure. Also, did anyone get the reference for Pierre LeBeau and his grandfather? Special shout-out to whoever gets it first.

I feel like I should also add: Both the first two chapters take place on the same early August day.