Guess who's back, back again? Yes, I'm back! Tell a friend!

September 1st, 2006

Paris

LeBeau paced around the family garden, waiting impatiently for Le carrosse de Beauxbâtons to arrive. How was it possible that the blasted thing was later every year? He glanced back at his grandfather; the old man had taken his typical summer seat in the gardens, with a bottle of elf-made wine. LeBeau scoffed at the old man. He couldn't wait for his grandfather to keel over already, so that he could take his place as the Head of one of France's oldest Wizarding families. He was pulled from his thoughts when Le carrosse de Beauxbâtons finally arrived, landing with a flourish in front of him. The doors flew open, and he offered a curt wave to his grandfather before loading his trunk and boarding the carriage. The carriage took off as soon as LeBeau took his seat, ignoring his classmates.

Somewhere near Canterbury, UK

Ari's trunk had been packed for the past week. However, his sisters Ziva (A Hufflepuff, starting her 5th year) and Tali (Starting her 1st year), had waited until the last possible minute to pack their trunks. Now, Ari stood by the front door to the David Estate, watching as his sisters frantically packed.

"אתה יכול לפחות לעזור לנו לארוז?" Ziva hissed. ("Can you at least help us pack?")

"למה? לשניכם היה כמעט חודש לארוז את הארגזים." Ari shot back. ("Why? You two have had almost a month to pack your trunks.")

"Ari!" Rivka, his step-mother (Ziva and Tali's biological mother), sent a shoe flying magically across the room at him, hitting him in the back of the head. "עזרו לאחיותיכם כדי שנוכל לצאת לדרך." ("Help your sisters so we can get going.")

Pausing only to mutter a few of his favorite four-letter words, Ari helped his sisters pack, and the family was on their way to King's Cross.

King's Cross Station, London

Ari and his family raced through the train station, nearly bowling over a few people along the way. They reached the barrier for Platform 9 3/4 with fifteen minutes to spare. Ari and Ziva went through first, casually leaning against the barrier so as not to draw stares from the Muggles. Rivka and Tali followed soon after, with only about five minutes left before the train departed.

After their luggage was loaded, Rivka pulled her children aside for hugs and a quick talk. "I expect you three to be on your best behavior," she started. "No more hexing other students for asking you on a date," she looked pointedly at Ziva, "No more rendezvous in broom cupboards," she added, glaring at Ari, "And above all, look after your sister."

The siblings nodded, boarding the train. Ari made his way up front towards the Prefects' compartments, leaving Ziva and Tali to find their own compartment.

Eleven o'clock chimed, and the Hogwarts Express departed Platform 9 3/4, bound for another wonderful year at Hogwarts.

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Kate sighed to herself as she stood amongst her fellow Ilvermorny students on the platform. Clutched in her hand was a letter she'd received from her father only days before. She opened the envelope and re-read it while waiting.

"Kate,

I hope you and Mom are doing okay. As for me, the war goes on. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be here, so if this letter makes it to you before I do, I just want you to know that I love you and I'm proud of everything you've accomplished at school, even if I don't understand half of it. If nothing else, I'll see you during the holidays. Good luck this year, and make it your bitch.

With love,
Dad"

Kate pocketed the letter and re-checked the lock on her trunk. Satisfied with both the No-Maj lock and the magical wards, she straightened up and adjusted the strap on the bag slung over her shoulder, just in time for the Ilvermorny Midwest Express line to arrive. This non-assuming bus looked normal on the outside, however, was much bigger on the inside, just like a TARDIS. It sat all the students comfortably and stored their luggage securely as they traveled northeast. Kate knew her friends were already on their way to school from their respective regions of the country, so she opened the smaller bag she carried, pulled out a sketchbook, and began drawing whatever muses passed through her mind.

Académie de Magie Beauxbâtons

Later in the day

Local time

The sun had set in the Pyrenees Mountain range, bathing the Beauxbatons castle in moonlight. Inside the dining chamber, the school's Headmistress, Madame Maxime, rose to her feet.

"Bonsoir," she greeted her students. "Welcome to another year at Beauxbatons! Before we all turn in for the night, I would like to make a few announcements. Firstly, the inter-house Quidditch league will not be taking place this year."

This announcement caused an uproar among the student populace, which Madame Maxime let die down before continuing. "The reason, is that Beauxbatons, along with Hogwarts and Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, have been selected to compete in a legendary event: The Tri-Wizard Tournament. For the safety of the students involved, no students outside of their final year may compete. Any student wishing to put forward their name to compete must do so by October fifteenth. Now, off to bed you go!"

Pierre LeBeau rose from his seat with a manic smile on his face, making a mental note to submit his name in the morning. Maybe winning this tournament was exactly what he needed to achieve the fame and glory he sought.

Hogwarts

The Great Hall

Ari sat with his fellow Slytherins as the Sorting ceremony began. He wasn't really paying attention until he heard Tali's name called.

"David, Talia!"

Tali made her way forward from the crowd of anxious-looking first years and put on the Sorting Hat. It wasn't long before the Hat yelled out, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table applauded, as did Ari and Ziva. Tali took her seat at the Ravenclaw table and turned to Ari, who offered her a thumbs-up. He soon zoned back out until one of his classmates nudged him.

"Looks like we got a smaller crop of firsties this year," the boy on Ari's left whispered.

Ari sighed before answering. "It only seems smaller, Malachi," he whispered back. "You forget, there's quite a few students left to be Sorted."

"Well, they should hurry up," Malachi replied. "I'm starving."

Ari elbowed his friend and turned back to the Sorting as Slytherin picked up seven new students in a row. Ari glanced at Malachi with a raised eyebrow.

With the Sorting Ceremony complete and the feast finishing, Hogwarts Headmistress Minerva McGonagall rose to her feet from the High Table. "Good evening, and welcome to another wonderful year at Hogwarts. I have a few start-of-term notices before we all tuck in for the night. First off, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, would like me to remind all of you that magic is not to be used in the corridors between classes. First Years, please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Secondly, our matron, Madame Pomfrey, has decided to retire. Her position will be filled by Healer Donald Mallard from St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Good luck, Healer Mallard."

There was a slight smattering of applause for the Healer, who waved from his seat. The applause died down and McGonagall continued.

"Furthermore, it is with great difficulty that I announce that the Hogwarts Quidditch season will not be taking place this year-"

"You're joking!" Ari yelled before he could stop himself.

McGonagall's nostrils flared. "Mister Haswari, do you see any teeth? I assure you, I do not joke when it comes to Quidditch. Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: The Tri-Wizard Tournament. Delegates from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be arriving on October twenty-fourth. For the safety of all students, none under Year Seven may compete. Furthermore, whichever student is selected to compete is exempt from their end-of-year exams. Now, off to bed with you. Prefects, please lead your Houses to your dormitories."

The four House tables rumbled simultaneously as Prefects all started shouting over each other. Ari made his way over to the Ravenclaw table and gave Tali a quick hug, telling her, "מזל טוב. אמא תהיה גאה בך." ("Congratulations. Mom will be proud of you.")

Tali smiled at her brother. "Toda."

Ari motioned for her to follow the Ravenclaw Prefects and was making his way to exit the Great Hall when his Head of House, Professor Horace Slughorn, called his name.

"Mister Haswari, a moment please."

Ari turned around and made his way to the High Table, hoping his discussion with Slughorn was brief.

"Yes, sir?"

"Mister Haswari, is it still your ambition to become a Healer upon leaving Hogwarts?"

"Yes, sir," Ari answered.

Slughorn looked pleased and motioned Healer Mallard over. "Splendid. Healer Mallard here is one of the finest in the country. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from him."

Ari extended his hand to the Healer. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Healer Mallard," he said.

"Likewise, Mister Haswari." The Healer shook Ari's hand. "And please, if you're to be shadowing me this year, call me 'Ducky.'"

Ari nodded. "Very well... Ducky." Stifling a yawn, he added, "I have rounds soon. I should be going. Goodnight, Ducky, Professor."

"Mister Haswari," Slughorn interjected, "Might I possibly convince you to attend one of my soirees this year?"

Ari paused before answering with a smirk. "Sir, I say this with all due respect, but I would rather teach the Giant Squid to Tango."

Even Slughorn had to chuckle as Ari slipped away and joined the remaining students leaving the Great Hall.

Ilvermorny

Mount Greylock, Massachusetts

Kate sat at the Wampus House table after the Sorting Ceremony and welcoming feast. Headmaster LJ Gibbs rose from his seat to address the students. "It's good to be back," he started. "Things are going to be a little different this year. Ilvermorny has been selected to compete in a legendary Wizarding Event: The Tri-Wizard Tournament. It's going to be hosted at Hogwarts. For your own safety, only students in their seventh year are allowed to compete. If you want to compete, I need your names by October fifteenth. That's all I got. Go to bed."

The student body rose from their seats and made their way out of the dining hall. Kate was cornered by her friends, Tony DiNozzo (Thunderbird), Abby Sciuto (Also a Thunderbird), and Tim McGee (Horned Serpent).

"Hey, guys," Kate said, pulling each of them into a hug. "How were your summers?"

"Forget that," Tony said, with a cheesy grin on his face. "You gonna enter the Tournament, Katie?"

"Tony!" Abby exclaimed, slapping Tony on the head. "Its too early to think about that. So, Kate. Guess what?!"

Kate looked at Abby with a deadpan expression and replied, "Chicken butt?"

The group laughed before Abby answered. "No! Tim here finally came to visit me over the summer." She held up hers and McGee's hands, which were clasped together.

"Well, it's about time," Tony said, earning another smack on the head. "You really need to stop doing that before I hex you, Abby."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Abby turned back to Kate. "Did you bring it?"

Kate smiled. "Sure did." She reached into her bag and pulled out a vinyl copy of Green Day's American Idiot album. "I can't wait to hear how it sounds."

"Can I take a rain check on that?" McGee asked, yawning widely. "I'm pretty tired."

"You know, I am, too," Kate said. "Besides, we have the rest of the weekend to listen to this before classes start."

"What about the Tournament?" Tony asked again. "I'm definitely entering."

Kate sighed. "I'll think about it. Good night guys."