The castle is just as they said it would be now, so different from the old days when the wards felt alive. They barely glow due to how much they've been tampered with. As I walk through the gate, I cannot help but shake my head in disappointment at how far the supposed leader of the light has let the wards become a mess when he's supposed to protect students. Then again, this is Albus Dumbledore that we're talking about; considering his past, I expected less than what he has done. The night is crisp as the fall weather slowly ceases to winter. Thinking of what I remember from the Beauxbatons uniforms, those students might freeze. As to who I am, well, that's part of the mystery; of course, all mysteries have the potential to be solved. Regardless, as the doors loom closer, I double the protections placed upon myself and clutch the scroll with trepidation. Even though it's been five years since I was last here, my longing for simpler days still looms. The days of pulling pranks with Dora and playing pick-up quidditch games with Bill and Charlie when it didn't matter to them what color my tie was, it didn't matter what I was besides a transfer student to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. To see it all now, from the sprawling grounds and the whomping willow to the black lake and all that lurks beneath.
Regardless, as I turn my thoughts back to why I have returned, my new appointment as the ambassador to the courts and the various kingdoms includes the wizarding world, although the abyss and the throne of ash and bone which governs it have not interacted with the wixen since before the end of the last war. Since the previous emissaries disappeared, my people were banned from living in the British Isles openly by Wixen, who feared that they were no longer the superior race. A whinny draws my attention to the "carriage" that had carried the Beauxbatons students, including my cousin from France, and the ship just beyond belonging to Durmstrang.
Seeing the Abraxane, I cannot help but remember my nightmare of a horse literally and wish I was out riding through the forgotten lands instead of walking up the path and traversing the steps towards the looming door. I adjust my helm and feel my wings wishing to spring free from their confines in agnation as I slowly ease the door open a slither, turning into my shadow form as I move through the entrance hall towards the doors to the great hall. I see a figure lurking with a hunched, almost unbalanced walk and a pegged leg. Mad-Eye Moody's ex-auror, the former mentor of my legal guardian, and my best friend Nymphadora, "Don't call me that '' Tonks. Something seems off about him besides that he hasn't noticed me with that eye of his.
Another thing to add to the list is when I meet with my sudo-aunt, Amelia Bones, the director of the BMLE and one of the few people who know who I am. Watching Mad Eye spell the enchanted ceiling, I re-materialize, no longer hiding my 5 '9 form adorned in black combat leathers with blue and red accents. My helm takes the shape of a dragon, the swords that adorn my back, and the various other weapons stashed in their hiding spots. Sighing, I can't help but roll my eyes at the sight before me within the hall, wondering if the bumbling old goat is as reckless as even to consider this tournament.
….
The great hall is massive, fitting four long tables running lengthwise across the hall with a fifth table running perpendicular, holding the teachers and guests from the other schools and the ministry representatives. The fireplaces that run along the edge of the hall and the candles floating above the tables give off an almost calming glow despite the enchanted ceiling mirroring the storm-filled sky. Banners identify the four house tables: Slytherin on the far right, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw in the middle, and Hufflepuff on the far left. Beauxbatons and Durmstrang have settled at the Ravenclaw and Slytherin table, respectively, drawing the attention of various Hogwarts students as they crane their necks to get a glimpse of the quidditch star and the alluring girls mixed amongst their peers. As dinner draws close, Headmaster Dumbledore rises from his throne-like chair and moves to the owl podium, addressing the hall. " Good evening, students, and to the representatives from our foreign schools, welcome to Hogwarts. Tonight, among the changes for this year, I regret to inform you that the normal house cup will not occur due to needing the field for an event that will be happening throughout the year." a shout from the Gryffindor table cut him off "you can't be serious!" a ginger-haired student exclaimed above the rest. "I assure you, Mr. Weasley, I am; the Triwizard tournament will be happening once more after being canceled due to a few incidents in the past. An independent judge will select three representatives from each school to compete in this historic tournament, and the winner will receive the Triwizard Cup as well as 10,000 galleons and eternal glory. To ensure the safety of all involved, the organizers decided that only students of all ages will be allowed to compete." As Dumbledore paused, the uproar was almost more than when it was announced that Quidditch was canceled. While Mr. Filch presented the cup from its chest, placing it on top, Dumbledore silenced the hall before continuing, "Enough! To enter the tournament, each volunteer will place their name in the cup over the next few days, and the champions will be selected at the feast on Halloween. To ensure that no one underage attempts to enter, I will place an age line around the cup in the entrance hall."
A slow clap and a mirthless chuckle reverberated through the hall, silencing the murmurs that had started after Dumbledore moved to return to his seat. Heads turned to the direction of the door as a powerful aura seeped into the room in front of a being more menacing than the new DA teacher. A tall form materialized from the shadows, revealing the disruption's source as an armor-clad figure with a dragon helm slowly strolling down the central aisle with an almost unearthly predatory gait. As the figure neared the front of the hall, they stood before the teacher's table with contempt surrounding them. While most students had no idea who this being could be, a select few who did, along with the adults in the room, had chills run down their spines as memories of the last war and family knowledge were remembered. A member of the Fallen had returned to the wizarding world, and they were not amused.
The figure stopped clapping as they looked at the table before them, ignoring the children. They seemed to tilt their head slightly before sighing, "If the wards you plan to place around the cup are anything like the ones surrounding the school, then your assurance of safety is lacking, . Because you didn't even sense my presence when I entered the grounds and the school itself." the figure said in an American accent mixed with something else. They held their hand when Dumbledore tried to refute the comment and turned their attention to the Beauxbatons headmistress, a tall woman who seemed to tower above most of the people sitting beside her. "Madame Maxime, I wish I could say it's a pleasure to see you again, but considering the location, I find it slightly difficult to be sincere. Especially considering the contract you sent to my office to review, which seems to lack security protocols and escape clauses.'' The masked figure moved forward up the steps of the bais and stopped in front of the French headmistress, tilting their head in greeting before handing a rolled piece of parchment over. Taking the parchment, the woman spoke for the first time since the interaction began. "Madame l'Ambassadrice, je crains que vous ne l'ayez pas reçue en l'absence de réponse de votre bureau. Je suis heureux de voir que vous êtes en bonne santé, mais pourriez-vous nous en dire plus sur ce que vous avez dans l'infrarouge?" Madame Maxime's voice seemed to hold a touch of concern, which caused her students to listen with rapt attention while the rest of the hall started on, seemingly mystified by the turn of events. The ambassador seemed to hesitate for a moment before responding in French, " Madame, je n'avais pas l'intention de vous inquiéter, une autre affaire qui requérait mon attention concernait une opération de contrebande." they paused for a moment before continuing in English, "I meant what I said Madame, inferring to both the wards as well as the tournament contract which to my recollection upon reviewing the papers you have not signed officially entering your students in the tournament. I would suggest a meeting to review the contract and safety measures before continuing with the selection process, or the tournament may become more violent than the blood pits, which the underground seems fond of." they seemed to look upon the rest of the table pausing on the ministry representatives before continuing. " , it seems that the ICW and the Nation message was delayed due to the surprise my presence has brought. The French ministry contacted the Nation and requested a review of the plans to ensure the safety of the tournament and that international cooperation was ensured with a third-party representative requested to be an additional judge while also providing extra security for the event. Due to this, the request was transferred to my office as I am the only emaserie willing and able to set foot in this country without causing an international incident." the Ambassador seemed to wait for a response. Yet, the air around them seemed to be that of an uncaring attitude, as if they already expected what would happen next.
, as he had been introduced to the student body earlier as the head of international magical cooperation, appeared to tense up before replying in an almost strained manner," Now see here, I was not informed of this matter and do not know who you are but demand an explanation as to why you think a member of your kind can simply waltz in here and do whatever the bloody hell you want." he fumed towards the end almost rising from his seat at the accusation that an insignificant pest ridiculed the contract which he helped create. Unexpectedly, the figure let out a breathy chuckle in disbelief, shaking their head while the rest of the staff reacted in varying manners. The teachers started in shock, while the foreign headmaster seemed wary of the reaction. Headmaster Dumbledore seemed to agree quietly, seething at having his abilities questioned in the first place. The unexpected response came from the French headmistress, who seemed to sit back with a small smile, almost expecting this unaffected response from the supposed intruder. While this was all occurring, a quiet curse was uttered by a French student at the table of blue and silver in reaction to the ineptitude of the British man, knowing that the night would not end well for him if he did not choose his following words carefully. The other French students looked at the student in contemplation before returning their attention to the unfolding scene.
….
The figure seemed to move almost untraceable to the human eye as, in the next instant, a dagger was embedded in Mr. Crouch's chair, taking his bowler hat off his head with a resounding thud. The figure buffed their gloved hand on their chest before speaking once more with an edge to their voice almost as sharp as their blade," , see this as your only warning to behave before I decide to report you for your insolence. As you are unfamiliar with French, even though you are in charge of an office that ensures cooperation between the different magical communities, I will introduce myself and not take my politeness as a weakness. Any other member of my people would have already taken your tongue for your lack of manners." they flicked their wrist, summoning the dagger back to its sheath, causing the hat to tumble to the floor before they continued, "I am Ambassador Drake, ambassador to the nation and the court which govern the fallen despite communicating with the wizarding world not being part of my responsibility. The Nation felt that anyone else would be unable to maintain a neutral mindset when working with you and your fellow wixen. We were asked to review the contract for this tournament to ensure that no student would be put at risk due to not only the incident at the Quidditch World Cup but the uptick in human trafficking conducted by the Trial, which has resided unopposed by your ministry within the British Isles. While many seem to believe that they only target fallen children, they would be sorely mistaken, considering the most recent raid conducted across the channel included several magical beings." at this, the deputy headmistress of Hogwarts spoke for the first time. "Ambassador Drake, are you certain of these findings? There have not been any recent reports of the movements of these groups that you speak of, to my knowledge, within our papers." There was a slight hesitance in her Scottish accent as she seemed to consider her next steps carefully, fully aware of this person's power.
The ambassador turned towards Professor McGonagall, their eyes seeming to glow slightly beneath their mask. "Admittedly, the prophet does not report upon the happenings of foreign countries as often as the quiddler, I believe it's called. I have worked with Director Bones on a few occasions when one of these groups conducted a crossing of the English channel in the past, as to why reports of trafficking operations of this caliber have not been reported to the British wizarding public. We did not know until recently that they were operating within the UK because we were not allowed upon your shores. It wasn't until earlier in the summer that we were able to start investigating and gather our findings." the tone of the ambassador had turned almost resigned as their voice radiated throughout the silent hall. For the first time since the conversation began, the foreign headmaster of Durmstrang spoke, "посланик, If I may ask, what event led to this discovery? For an investigation of this nature to occur within a country in which the nation does not have jurisdiction if I recall correctly, requires a significant development." his thick accent carried almost a tone of difference as if he knew who this mysterious figure indeed was. Turning their attention to the Durmstrang headmaster the ambassador spoke once more. " директор Каркаров, you are correct in that recollection of policy. The Nation does not step in to assist a country that is not a part of the collective for any reason. It was recently discovered that a contract was signed and proven authentic upon examination. As a result, despite the British wizarding world not being a part of the assembly with the old alliance between the nation and the British Ministry of Magic. Once a contract is signed to ignore, it would be disgraceful to the sacrifice of the child who has done so." their voice turned almost resigned and sorrowful upon revealing this.
…..
One of the things I hated the most was having to deliver the news of a contract of this nature being signed and remembering when I had altered the original and caused this rare occurrence myself all those years ago. The agreement, once signed off by the child's own free will, made it so that the town, city, state, or country which was named could no longer be governed by the brotherhood and their trial a bastardization of the Olympic games, which used trafficked children of various races as entertainment to enforce the compliance of the fallen since even after millennia they had not claimed the power and authority of the original kingdoms which used to rule in a time of peace before the coup occurred—shaking my head as I delivered the news I watched as the room took in the true meaning of my words and what it could mean for the future. Hearing what was said next, I felt insulted for myself and the young one who had made the sacrifice.
….
Once more, the hall erupted in murmurs as various people reacted. For the mundane (muggle) raised who were not familiar with what was happening precisely due to the lack of education in the matter, they understood the significance of human trafficking to be appalled that this had occurred. The feeling of outrage and devastation was immense for the wizarding raised, for they knew the true sacrifice that had to have been made for the events in front of them to have unfolded. Lastly, for those of the olde families, the British sacred 28, and others who still practiced the old ways and remembered the fallen families which many had originated from and still recognized, there was a sense of simmering rage for what occurred next for they knew it could reasonably well be their downfall. Many are already planning to write the heads of their houses immediately following the conclusion of the welcoming feast. A scoff from the British headmaster started a chain reaction that would one day seal his fate. "Such a thing occurring is impossible, seeing as I ensured that the existence of fallen residing upon the isle was no longer allowed. I was there when the last group was sent across the frozen channel. You are wasting my time and patience with these lies and fallacies." Dumbledore finished an air of confidence around him as he watched this imposter lower their head, only to be left stunned moments later when his own words could be heard again.
Unbeknownst to the general populace, the Ambassador had come prepared for an altercation and brought a tape recorder covered in etchings of runes, allowing its usage within the wards. With their head lowered, the ambassador hid a smile behind their mask as they reached within their pocket and pulled the first recorder out, leaving the second running, ensuring the whole encounter was still being documented. They slowly raised their arm above their head before pressing play and activating the magnifying rune, which allowed the playback to be heard clearly. Raising their head after the recording ended once more, ceasing the outrage of the onlookers, they flipped the recorder in the air before catching it and returning it to their pocket, speaking in a steeled tone that struck genuine fear throughout the hall for the first time that evening. "Ya know, I expected that to be harder information to gather. I overestimated your ability to keep that false grandfatherly veneer you're so fond of emulating. It is not impossible, especially because Madame Maxime holds the most recent incident report. Several copies have been distributed to the ICW and authenticated by the nation and Gringotts Bank. Alas, I suppose I should thank you for making the next part of my job easier with bonuses because you do not even know when your friend has been replaced by an imposter." once the last words were spoken, chaos erupted as both Mad-eye Moody and Albus Dumbledore were pounced upon by shadows that as they moved gained corporeal form apprehending both wizards before anyone could blink, taking their wands as their hands and mouths were bound preventing either from attempting to cast a spell. From the back of the hall, for the second time that night, a clap rang out as aurors' appeared, led by a tall red-headed woman with a spectacle covering one eye and a woman whose hair seemed to change color with every step she took. The woman with the spectacle turned out to be Director Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law enforcement, whose voice rang out with authority that demanded respect. " It seems we are late to the party. Now explain the reason an ex-auror is apprehended and why the head of international magical cooperation is being held by gunpoint." she paused before uttering the last words almost in disbelief, earning a subtle respect from the mundane raised that a pureblood witch knew of the existence of such a weapon.
The ambassador turned from where they had been leaning casually against the podium with one hand held aloft with said gun cocked back, ready to fire. "Director, it's been a while; I thought I'd simplify matters to save some time. Truthfully, too many eggs fit so neatly in a basket that I couldn't help myself." Almost a Cheshire grin was visible beneath the Ambassador's helm as they sounded like the cat who got the cream and the bird enjoying both. They slowly returned the hammer to its original position after removing the bullet from the chamber and returning the weapon to its hidden holster.
The director slowly shook her head before exasperating, "Last I checked, we agreed that mundane weapons would not be used. Now Morgana, help me explain, Drake, why it seems that there will be a new pile of paperwork on my desk tomorrow as I am forced to put out these fires." the ambassador seemed to tilt their head in something akin to sympathy before they spoke once more rubbing the back of their neck for a moment. "L'occhio pazzo è un impostore, e l'altro è detto il padre dell'impostore. It's not like I randomly go around aiming a weapon at a person for no reason. Besides, how is it my fault that no one questioned that 'mad eye Moody' was drinking from a flask that reeks of polyjuice potion for the past hour." This stunned the hall as a Slytherin student momentarily stood up and amplified their voice. "For those who are confused, she said, 'the mad eye one is an imposter, and the other is said to be the imposter's father.' Learn a language perhaps." he finished in exasperation before canceling the spell and sitting back down, sipping his drink and concealing a smirk. A throatclearing was heard as Professor McGonagall said, " Thank you, , for the translation. Now, Director Bones, please explain what is happening here, as this chaos has ensued without prior notice. Also, why do you question the measures taken against the other two but not the Headmaster?" with slight disbelief and possibly wishing for something more substantial than water. What occurred next would leave those present and the wizarding world reeling for years.
….
Please excuse Google Translate if there are errors.
Translations: Madame l'Ambassadrice, je crains que vous ne l'ayez pas reçue en l'absence de réponse de votre bureau. Je suis heureux de voir que vous êtes en bonne santé, mais pourriez-vous nous en dire plus sur ce que vous avez dans l'infrarouge? - madam ambassador, I had feared that you had not received it when there was no response from your office. I am glad to see that you are in good health, but could you please elaborate on what you have infrared.
Madame, je n'avais pas l'intention de vous inquiéter, une autre affaire qui requérait mon attention concernait une opération de contrebande.- madam, I had not intended to cause concern; another matter required my attention involving a smuggling operation.
посланик-Ambassador
директор Каркаров-Headmaster Karkaroff
