A longer chapter. The recognizable section belongs to J.K. Rowling. Enjoy!
1st of September 1994, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Albus Dumbledore, the esteemed Headmaster of Hogwarts, gazed out of the window looking at the beautiful sunrise that was taking place outside the castle. He was in his study, a room filled with various portraits of previous Headmasters of the school; all currently sleeping in their respective portraits, and many interesting magical gadgets that decorated the homely study. He paced along the room, thinking about the newest school year to come.
After many attempts at bringing the controversial event back it had finally happened. Countless negotiations and way too many meetings for Albus's liking were all worth it in the end, for the Tri-wizard Tournament was going to be held at Hogwarts this year.
Dumbledore paused by his desk, his eyes scanning the documents confirming the arrival of both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. It was certainly going to be year to remember. So many different people from different cultures mingling in the halls of Hogwarts together.
"Truly a shame, I am no longer a student." the Headmaster chuckled to himself. His younger self would have practically jumped at the opportunity, for a chance at gaining eternal glory. But, those days were past. It was time for the next generation of Wizards and Witches to prove themselves.
Speaking of the next generation, his thoughts drifted to a certain student that was joining them this year. A transfer student to be precise. He was very surprised when Igor Karkaroff, wrote to him stating that the son of the infamous duelling legend Max Valor, Adrian Valor was expelled from Durmstrang.
He had asked Albus that if there was any possibility of accepting Adrian into Hogwarts, and Albus being his generous self wrote back to him saying that any student who wishes to join Hogwarts is more than welcome to. He had a suspicion that the quote on quote "Terms of Adrian's expulsion" might have been based on lies, as he doubted that Adrian would have been spared from the Aurors of Scandinavia if he had done something of the kind that merits expulsion from Durmstrang of all places. It might have to do with the fact that Adrian was half-blood.
Durmstrang doesn't accept muggle-borns into their school. And most of the students that go there are all pure-bloods. Very few half-bloods are in the school in the first place. Problem is, the politics of blood purity are much harsher in northern Europe. And Durmstrang was a prime example of this. Adrian's father letting go of his family's pureblood status by marrying a muggle was not welcome news in the community, especially a person with that much fame. A duelling prodigy of pure-blood origin, quickly rose the fame in those circles and when the news broke out that he had disgraced his name by marrying a muggle, His fall from popularity came relatively quickly. And unfortunately Adrian, fell victim to a rising anti-muggle blood propaganda in that region.
So when he accepted Adrian into Hogwarts he knew that, he was not getting a a dangerous delinquent admitted to his school, but a talented young man with an ambition that rivalled his father. Karkaroff had told him that Adrian wanted to be a pro duellist, so in order to join the circuit he had to complete a full magical education.
Obviously, he didn't know how long the fact that Adrian was expelled from Durmstrang would remain a secret but he hoped that it wouldn't make life for young Adrian too difficult in Hogwarts. As children can be especially cruel.
Dumbledore's thoughts turned to another matter of concern: Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived had a knack for finding trouble, much to Dumbledore's chagrin. While he admired Harry's courage and determination, he couldn't help but worry about the dangers that seemed to follow the young wizard wherever he went.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said softly, his gaze shifting to the golden phoenix perched nearby. "Always in the thick of things, aren't you?"
Fawkes let out a gentle trill in response, as if sensing Dumbledore's apprehension. The Headmaster reached out to stroke the bird's feathers, finding solace in the comforting presence of his loyal companion.
"I do hope this year proves to be a quiet one for him," Dumbledore mused aloud. "But knowing Harry, he'll find a way to make it anything but."
Well it should be very entertaining for all of them to watch the tournament unfold. Its not something too see everyday.
"As long as he stays out of too much trouble," Dumbledore added with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "We should be just fine."
1st of September 1994, Kings Cross Station
The down pour of rain was expected. So, he had worn one of his signature black trench coats which were very comfortable and perfect for the train ride. He stood In front of the King's Cross Station, his sleek pair of walking shoes now glistening with raindrops, his coat unaffected by the steady downpour. Therefore despite the inclement weather, Adrian maintained an aura of confidence, his posture straight and determined.
Underneath his coat, he wore a simple white t-shirt, a stark contrast to the dark attire of his outer garments and black trousers. His long black hair was tied into a tight man-bun and his grey eyes were scanning the area to get a better understanding of it. After all, this was now his new route to school. He was a bit nervous before, but with his magically protected and charmed school trunk, which was now lightweight, in his hand and his school bag at his back, he was now perfectly ready for a new term at school.
He had decided not to get a pet. Looking after animals was a lot of responsibility and if he really needed to send a letter to someone he could just use the school owls. His time was going to be spent on more important things.
He walked into the station, careful not to bump into anyone as he navigated his way towards the space between platforms 9 and 10. The method of going into the magical part of the station was a bit of a weird one. From what he learned, by asking around the various wizards and witches in Diagon Alley, all you had to do was, " Walk straight at the barrier between platforms 9 and 10." Right. That definitely was very simple.
So when he arrived there and saw the barrier he decided not to waste any more time and just started walking towards the barrier. People jostled him on the way to platforms nine and ten. Adrian walked more quickly. He hoped he wouldn't just smash right into the ticket box. Leaning forward he started to run- the barrier was coming nearer and nearer- he certainly wouldn't be able to stop now- he was a foot away- he closed his eyes ready for an impact and then-
It never came. He kept walking a bit and opened his eyes. A scarlet steam engine was waiting next to a platfrom packed with people. A sign overhead said Hogwarts Express, 11 o'clock. Adrian looked behind him and saw a wrought-iron archway where the ticket box had been, with the words Platform Nine and Three-Quarters on it. He chuckled. He had done it.
Smoke from the engine drifted over the heads of the chattering ground, while cats of every colour wound here and there between their legs. Owls hooted to each other in a disgruntled sort of way over the babble and the scarping of heavy trunks.
Adrian set off to find himself some seating in the train. Inside of the train was very crowded with many students roaming the hallway talking to their friends and peaking their head out of the compartments.
As he walked along, Adrian was getting quite a few looks from the people around him. Undoubtedly they hadn't recognised him, and his attire wasn't exactly proper wizarding attire but hey, It was his look.
Amidst the chatter of the students and the weird looks he was getting, he proceeded to walk for a bit longer, trying his best to find an empty compartment where he saw a pudgy and round-faced boy walking along. This was going to be his best bet to get any seating.
He walked up behind Neville and grabbed him by the shoulder. It very much startled the boy who spun around with incredible speed and came face to face with Adrian.
"Hey Neville!", he greeted him, smiling.
"W-Who is- oh... its you!", a sigh of relief came across Neville's face. "Sorry, I thought it was someone else, so you were coming to Hogwarts then! I genuinely thought you might just be messing with me. Wait... if you are here then... did you really... you know?" he whispered.
"It was just a joke mate I didn't do anything to anyone." he replied. "Who didn't have it coming to them anyways." he added with a smirk.
"Ri-right." Neville smiled nervously. He looked around, and realised that a few people had peeked their head out their compartments. They were looking at him and Neville with confusion in their eyes and probably wondering how Neville knew this other mysterious person.
"I wanted to ask if you had a compartment already, I cant seem to find any place that's empty." scratching his head. He didn't know whether Neville would let him in his. He might have shot himself in the foot being a bit too sarcastic.
Neville shifted his weight uncomfortably, clearly aware of the eyes on them. "Well, my compartment's full," he admitted, glancing around nervously, "but I was just on my way to visit some friends. Maybe they have some space for you."
Adrian's expression brightened. "That would be great, thanks!"
Neville led Adrian through the crowded corridor, weaving between students and trunks. As they walked, Neville couldn't help but steal glances at Adrian, a bit of worry clear in his face. Adrian, for his part, was cool as a cucumber, just trying to ignore the stares and whispers that followed them.
Eventually, they reached a compartment where three students were chatting animatedly. A messy black haired boy with distinctive lightning-shaped scar and round glasses, (If this was who he thought he was, that was insane by the way but he wasn't sure so he didn't want to say anything yet.) was sitting beside a taller boy with flaming red hair, and a girl with bushy brown hair and a book open on her lap, who was seated across from them.
Neville knocked on the door, and the trio looked up. "Hey, Harry, Ron, Hermione," he greeted them respectively. "Uh... so this is my friend Adrian.. and he is uhhh..."
Right, it was going to take ages if Neville tried to explain it so Adrian decided to speak up and clear the air.
"Hey, I'm Adrian, and I am a transfer student. And I am going to start my fourth year here. As you can clearly see I don't really know anyone here apart from my good friend Neville over here, and all the compartments already seem full so I was wondering if I can just sit in here?" Adrian said as politely as he could.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged a few glances. Adrian could see the hesitation in their eyes. They didn't know him, and he could understand their reluctance. Hogwarts rarely had any transfer students.
Harry was the first to speak. "A transfer student? I didn't even know Hogwarts did that." he said curiously.
"Neither did I, to be honest", chuckled Adrian.
"And you're joining fourth years? Huh, so you're going to be joining our year then." he added with a hint of apprehension.
Ron looked a bit sceptical but didn't say anything, instead turning to Hermione, who seemed to be assessing Adrian with her eyes.
Finally, it was Hermione who broke the silence. "Of course, he can join us," she said with a wary smile. "There's enough room if we all squeeze in a bit."
Adrian felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thanks," he said, genuinely grateful. "I appreciate it."
Neville stepped aside to let Adrian in. As he settled into the compartment he shook hands with each of them and told them his surname. "My full name's Adrian Valor by the way." he added.
"Valor? Are you perhaps related to the late duelling master Max Valor?" Hermione asked, raising her eyebrows.
Harry looked over at Hermione with confusion in his eyes and Ron's expression of shock was clear on his face.
Shit.
That was a subject he really wasn't keen on talking about, but since they were so kind as to offer him their compartment he thought, "Oh, what the hell."
"Yeah," he said grimly. "He was my father."
"Wow, you father was a legend!" Ron added. "He was one of the all time best duellists of the 20th century!" Then he realised he might have been a bit too excited. "Oh, uh sorry about that... him, you know."
"Its alright, It was like four years ago so I'm kind of over it right now." Adrian sighed.
"What school are you transferring from then?" Harry piqued. Well, here goes nothing.
"Durmstrang." he replied shortly.
The trio exchanged glances again, and Adrian noticed Hermione's eyes narrow slightly.
"Durmstrang?" she echoed. "That's... interesting." she looked over at both Ron and Harry and both of them seemed a bit uncomfortable at the revelation. "I heard a lot about that school you know... and not all of it was great Adrian, is it really that heavily involved in the Dark Arts?" she almost sounded worried.
Okay, so the entire topic of what the Actual Dark Arts were, was complicated. Because magic that would be considered darker than twilight in England, could be used to save someone's life. And a simple wand-lightning charm, Lumos, If used with ill-intent could be used to blind someone forever. That was the key-word. Intent. Which was the most important thing about using magic. But he didn't want to dive into all that right now.
He shifted uncomfortably. "It's true, Durmstrang does teach the Dark Arts, but not everyone there is obsessed with them," he explained. "There's a lot of focus on practical magic and duelling, which is why I went there in the first place. And obviously my father went there as well. But..." he paused, deciding how much to reveal, "it wasn't the best fit for me in the end."
Harry looked intrigued. "Why not?"
"Well, the environment was... harsh," Adrian said carefully. "There's a lot of pressure, and the school is pretty isolated. Plus, there's a strong bias against Muggle-borns and half-bloods, which made things difficult for me."
Ron, who had been listening intently, frowned. "That sounds rough. We have those kinds of dickheads here as well" 'Ron!' exclaimed Hermione and Harry laughed. "So, why Hogwarts then?"
Adrian shrugged. "I heard good things. And plus, I wanted a fresh start."
Hermione's expression softened. "Well, Hogwarts is a great school. I think you'll find it very welcoming compared to Durmstrang."
Adrian smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Hermione. I hope so too."
Harry leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him. "What was it like, though? Living in a place where they that teach that much Dark Arts? Did you ever...?"
Adrian shook his head quickly. He did have a healthy interest in the 'Dark Arts' but it wouldn't make sense to... you know divulge that information right now. England was a lot harsher on that regard so, no need to burn any bridges yet. "No, I didn't. I was more interested in duelling and defensive magic. The Dark Arts never really appealed to me, despite what some of the other students thought."
Ron looked relieved. "Good to know. I wouldn't want to have to sleep with one eye open," he joked, and the others laughed, breaking the tension.
"I just want to ask, are you Harry Potter by any chance?" Adrian asked.
Harry gave a wary look to both Ron and Hermione and then proceeded to answer. "Yeah, I am unfortunately." He pushed his hair away from his forehead, showing him the scar.
"Must be tough, everyone in the goddamn country knowing your name and pestering you about stuff you probably don't even want to remember." added Adrian.
Harry chuckled, "Heh, yeah spot on mate. The whole celebrity aspect of it is just really annoying."
Ron threw an arm around Harry's neck, "Yup, we got our very own celebrity here in Hogwarts and he doesn't even use his fame to help his friends! Honestly Harry mate you should take you with us whenever you go out and hire us as your security! If only us lowly wizards and witches could compare to your greatness!" he made a fake sad face.
Everyone laughed at his comments. The conversation was slowly shifting into the quidditch world cup and Hermione decided to bury herself into her book The standard book of Spells, Grade 4 and tried to learn a summoning charm.
The rain became heavier and heavier as the train moved further north. The sky was so dark and the windows so steamy that the lanterns were lit by midday. The lunch trolley came rattling along the corridor and Adrian and Harry bought some cauldron cakes for everyone to share.
"I didn't go to it, I was too busy preparing myself for the next school year. Although apart from that whole fiasco with the Death Eaters it sounded a lot of fun from what I've heard." said Adrian.
The Death Eaters. The anti-muggle terrorists who were still roaming England even after the fall of their 'oh so precious Lord'. How he loathed them. The English version of extremists. If he ever saw anything like what happened in the world cup, he'd do some serious damage to them.
"It was, look at this Adrian," He rummaged through his trunk up in the luggage rack, and pulled out a miniature figure of- Is that fucking Krum?
Adrian hadn't really met Krum when he was in Durmstrang as he was a few years above. All he knew about him was that he was a very good quidditch player and really popular at school. Krum personally hadn't done anything to Adrian. But he was always wary of him whenever he saw him walking the halls with his friend group.
"Yeah we saw him right up close as well." said Ron. "We were in the top box-"
"For the first and last time in your life Weasley."
Why did he feel like he knew who that voice was? He turned around and saw that Draco kid that he encountered in Diagon Alley. And behind him were his two gorillas' that seemed he loved to hangout with. They must have heard the conversation from when Neville left the door ajar.
"Don't remember asking you to join us Malfoy," said Harry coolly.
"Weasley... what is that?" said Malfoy, pointing at Ron's owls cage. It seemed like a sleeve of Ron's Dress robes was dangling from it, swaying in the motion of the train.
Malfoy made an attempt to grab it but Adrian was too quick for him. He grabbed Malfoy's hand and pulled him closer to him. Malfoy's eyes widened in shock and he yelled in surprise.
"You?! Wha-"
"That's right, me blondie."
Harry and Hermione were now both looking at Adrian with confusion. Had he met Malfoy before?
"Now while I would love the beat the absolute breaks off you in good old fashioned muggle style, that would mean wasting my time with the likes of you." Malfoy's face contorted in disbelief and he still couldn't find the right words to speak. His hand struggled against Adrian's firm grip.
"Now, since you have been an annoyance for me for more than one time, I am only going to say this once. Get the fuck out of this compartment or I am going to end the Malfoy bloodline here." said Adrian without breaking a sweat and released Malfoy's hand while simultaneously pushing him back into the two gorillas behind him.
Malfoy stumbled backward, his eyes wide with shock and outrage. He looked as if he was about to say something but found himself momentarily speechless. His cronies reached out to steady him, their faces a mix of confusion and dumbness.
"My father will hear about this," Malfoy finally managed to mutter, his voice shaking slightly.
Adrian shrugged nonchalantly. "Tell him whatever you want. Won't change the fact that you're a scared little bitch."
Draco glared at Adrian, but he knew better than to escalate the situation further. With a final, disdainful sneer, he turned and stormed out of the compartment, his two friends following him behind.
As the door slid shut behind them, the tension in the compartment slowly began to dissipate. Ron let out a low whistle. "Blimey, that was sick. You really told him shove it!"
Harry grinned. "Yeah, that was amazing. Malfoy looked like he was about to wet himself. I have never seen anything like that before mate."
Adrian chuckled, "People like Malfoy, are all talk no action. You just got to let them know that they won't be able to do shit to you without consequences. And in terms of a battle of wits, well, Malfoy seems to be seriously lacking in that department."
Both Harry and Ron laughed. Hermione, however, seemed more reserved. She glanced at Adrian with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Was it necessary to be like... that?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his face. "Like threatening to kill him?"
Adrian met her gaze steadily. "It was a joke Hermione, don't worry. Malfoy know what I meant. Unfortunately with people like him normal insults will only prolong the problem. Now he definitely won't approach you lot for a while."
Ron jumped in, "Yeah don't worry about Hermione she's just too nice for this. You did great mate honestly, I should take a page out of your book. And uh... thanks for grabbing him before he could get my... you know." he blushed furiously.
"Don't worry about it, Ron. We're friends now aren't we?" he added smiling.
Ron grinned back. "Ah mate, Now I really hope you're in Gryffindor!"
"Yeah, that would be great." added Harry.
Hermione nodded slowly, seeming to accept his explanation but still wary. "Just be careful. I don't want Malfoy to do something to you because you threatened him."
Adrian appreciated her perspective and gave her a reassuring smile while wanting to test the waters a bit. "Wow, a beautiful girl like you worrying about me? Today is a good day!" he chuckled.
Hermione's face turned red. Harry laughed but Ron seemed to get a weird expression on his face.
"Whatever..." mumbled Hermione and went back to her book. But Adrian did see that she was smiling.
The compartment settled back into a comfortable silence for the rest of the journey. When they were getting closer towards the Castle Hermione got out so that the boys could change into their school robes. After a while the Hogwarts express slowed down and finally stopped in the pitch black darkness in Hogsmeade station. As the train doors opened there was a rumble of thunder overhead. Hermione bundled her cat Crookshanks up in her robe and Ron left his dress robes over his owl as they left their stuff in the train. They would brought up to their dormitories later.
The rain was now coming down so thick and fast that it was as buckets of ice-cold water were being emptied repeatedly over their heads.
"Hi Hagrid!" yelled Harry, seeing a gigantic silhouette at the far end of the platform.
"All righ', Harry?" Hagrid bellowed back waving. "See ya at the feast if we don' drown!"
First years reached the Castle by sailing across the Lake with Hagrid.
"Ah, Mr. Valor..." said a stern voice.
Adrian turned around, coming face-to-face with Professor McGonagall. She was a tall woman with a sharp, stern expression, her greying hair pulled back into a tight bun under her pointed hat. Her emerald-green robes flowed elegantly around her as she stood with her head held high.
"Good evening, Professor McGonagall," Adrian greeted respectfully.
"Good evening, Mr. Valor," she replied, her voice crisp and commanding. "As this is your first year at Hogwarts, you will be joining the first years in crossing the lake. Follow me."
Adrian nodded, then turned to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "Guess I'll see you all at the feast then."
"Good luck, Adrian," Harry said with a smile.
"Yeah, hope you get into Gryffindor!" Ron added enthusiastically.
Hermione gave him a small, encouraging smile. "We'll save you a seat."
Adrian waved them off and turned to follow Professor McGonagall. As they walked, the rain continued to pour, soaking them both despite the trench coat Adrian wore. They made their way through the bustling crowd of students and onto the platform where the first years were gathering.
"First years, this way!" Hagrid called out, his booming voice cutting through the storm. He stood by a fleet of small boats bobbing in the water, each one looking like it could barely hold a handful of students.
Hagrid turned to Adrian, his beetle-black eyes twinkling despite the downpour. "Ah, ye must be Adrian. Good ter meet ye," he said, extending a hand that was nearly the size of a dinner plate.
"Nice to meet you too, Hagrid," Adrian replied, shaking the half-giant's hand.
"Right then, all aboard!" Hagrid directed the first years into the boats, and Adrian found himself sharing one with a few nervous-looking eleven-year-olds. As the boats set off across the jet black lake, the students gasped at the sight of Hogwarts Castle illuminated against the stormy sky.
There perched atop a high mountain further away, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.
The boats glided smoothly across the water, (there was one kid who managed to fell in and then the a giant tentacle lifted him up and put him back on to boat)eventually reaching the dock at the base of the castle. Hagrid helped the students disembark, his massive hands steadying the small first years as they clambered onto the slippery stone steps.
Professor McGonagall gathered the students at the entrance to the castle. "Welcome to Hogwarts," she announced. "In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates, but first, you must be sorted into your houses. The sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room.
The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts you triumphs will earn you house points, while rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours."
She looked directly at Adrian's eyes as if to say, 'try to behave'.
"The sorting ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the whole school, I suggest you all smarten yourselves as much as you can while you are waiting."
Her eyes lingered on Adrian for a moment as the first years were all looking at him with confusion. He probably looked really weird here standing next to a bunch of first years who were all a head shorter than him.
So he had to smarten himself is that so? Adrian thought he looked really good. His manbun was tight and not a single hair was out of place, His robes fitted him extremely well and his trousers matched his school shoes. All in all, he looked very crisp.
"I shall return when we are ready for you" said McGonagall. "Please wait quietly."
She left the chamber her robes flowing like the wind. Students started talking among themselves while Adrian leaned into one of the columns and waited for the Professor to arrive.
After about ten minutes Professor McGonagall came back. "Now form a line, and follow me."
They walked through the large doors and entered the Great hall.
Adrian fell in line behind the first years as they were led through the large doors into the Great Hall. The room was filled with the chatter of students at four long tables, each table representing one of the four houses. The ceiling, enchanted to look like the stormy sky outside, added to the grandeur of the scene.
Whispers filled the air as Adrian and the first years entered. The older students craned their necks, eyes widening in surprise and curiosity at the sight of the unfamiliar older student amongst the first years. Adrian caught snippets of their conversations.
"Who's that?"
"Is he a new student?"
"Why is he with the first years?"
"Isn't he kinda hot?"
Adrian chuckled at that last comment and tried to ignore the murmurs, focusing instead on the enchanted ceiling and the twinkling candles floating above them. They came to a halt before the staff table, where Professor Dumbledore sat at the centre, his eyes twinkling with amusement behind his half-moon spectacles.
Professor McGonagall placed a stool in front of them and set an old, patched wizard's hat on top of it. The hall fell silent as the hat's brim opened wide like a mouth, and it began to sing a song;
A thousand years or more ago
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
Whose names are still well known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.
They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,
They hatched a daring plan
To educate young sorcerers
Thus Hogwarts School began.
Now each of these four founders
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones they had to teach.
By Gryffindor, the bravest were
Prized far beyond the rest;
For Ravenclaw, the cleverest
Would always be the best;
For Hufflepuff, hard workers were
Most worthy of admission;
And power-hungry Slytherin
Loved those of great ambition.
While still alive they did divide
Their favourites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When they were dead and gone?
Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!
The Great hall rang with applause as the sorting hat finished. McGonagall started calling out names alphabetically. The first years stepped forward one by one, the hat deciding their houses. Applause followed each sorting, the students joining their new house tables with excited expressions.
Finally, all the first years were sorted, leaving Adrian standing alone. Professor McGonagall turned to address the entire hall.
"Before we conclude the Sorting Ceremony, I would like to introduce a transfer student joining us this year. Adrian Valor is a fourth-year student who has transferred from Durmstrang Institute. I expect everyone to welcome him and treat him as one of your own," she said firmly.
The whispers resumed with renewed intensity, but McGonagall silenced them with a stern glance. "Adrian, please step forward."
Adrian walked up to the stool, head held high.. He sat down, and McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on his head.
"Hmm, interesting," the Hat's voice whispered in his ear. "A strong mind, indeed. Plenty of courage, yes, but also a thirst for knowledge and a keen intellect. A difficult choice... You would do well in Slytherin, Ah... but you hate to see injustice when it happens don't you? You want a world where that sort of thing no longer happens. Very shrewd indeed. Now, where to put you?"
"Do I have a choice?" Adrian spoke in his own head.
"You do.. if you wish to choose, by all means..." added the hat.
He thought for a second, would Gryffindor be good? He didn't know... And although bullying Malfoy in Slytherin would be fun, He didn't think that was the best course of action. He hadn't heard anything that great about Hufflepuff either. There was just another option... Well knowledge was power indeed...
"Ah, I see... then it better be,"
"RAVENCLAW!"
There was a smattering of applause from the Ravenclaw table. Adrian stood up and made his way to the Ravenclaw table, where students shifted to make room for him.
As he took his seat, he glanced over at the Gryffindor table. Harry, Ron, and Hermione gave him a sad smile.
A couple people next to him shook his hand and introduced themselves at him. He'd met Terry Boot, Mandy Brocklehurst, Michael Corner, Padma Patil, who told him that she had a twin in Gryffindor, Anthony Goldstein and a very pretty girl with jet black hair called Jessica Brightwood.
"Very nice to meet you!" chirped Jessica. "I'm Jessica but everyone calls me Jess!"
"Nice to meet you, as you probably heard I'm Adrian." he shook Jess' hand.
Just then Dumbledore got to his feet and spoke with a loud voice.
"I have two words for you, Tuck in."
As he said that the golden plates in front of him were filled with food. He started eating from everything, enjoying the variety of food and talking to a few people. After the plates were cleared and the feast was done Dumbledore once again got to his feet and started speaking.
"Now that we are all fed and watered, I must ask you for your attention while a give out a few notices."
"Mr Filch the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yo's Fanged Frisbees and ever bashing boomerangs." He went on to explain that the out of bounds areas such as the forbidden forest and Hogsmeade for people lower than year three.
"It is also my painful duty to inform you that the inter-house Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."
A wave of groan came over the entire hall, many people looking at Dumbledore as if he had gone crazy.
Adrian didn't mind it much. He was never that crazy about Quidditch. But a shame about everyone who wanted to play this year. Why was it cancelled though that's what he was wondering about.
Dumbledore continued, "This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy- but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts-"
But at that moment there was a deafening rumble of thunder and the doors of the Great Hall banged open.
A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff, shrouded in a black travelling cloak. Every head in the hall turned towards the stranger, suddenly brightly illuminated by a fork of lighting that flashed across the ceiling. He lowered his hood, shook out a long mane of grizzled dark grey hair, then began to walk towards the teachers table.
Adrian couldn't believe what he was seeing. That man was Alastor 'Mad-eye' Moody. with his magical eye and a stump for a leg, he was still one of the most powerful people that the ministry had in it employ. Half the goddamn cells in Azkaban were filled by him.
"What a fucking badass," Adrian whispered. Terry Boot who was sat next to Adrian leaned in towards Adrian and said, "Do you know him as well? I didn't know he was that famous where you were from."
"His tales span continents, I wouldn't be surprised if people all over Europe knew who he was." said Adrian. "But, what is he doing here?"
His question got answered fairly quickly as Dumbledore shook the mans hand and Mad-eye sat down on the staff table.
"May I introduce our new Defence Against The Arts Teacher," said Dumbledore brightly, into the silence. "Professor Moody,"
Dumbledore and Hagrid clapped but they were about the only ones. The sound echoed into the silence but faded quickly. Dumbledore then cleared his throat.
"As I was saying," he said smiling at the sea of students before him, most whom were still gazing transfixed at Mad-eye Moody, " we are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event which has not been held for over a century. It is my very pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year"
"You're JOKING!" said tall guy with flaming red hair from the Gryffindor table loudly.
Adrian slowly started to sink back into his seat. "N-no... this can't- this can't be happening... Out of all years... This fucking year? How the fuck is that even possible?"
He didn't hear the rest of Dumbledore's explanation. Because this announcement meant, that his old buddies from Durmstrang, were coming here. Fuck.
He was lost in his own thought when Dumbledore said something and Jessica next to him gasped "Death toll?!"
"Wait... no... NO!" Adrian stopped sinking onto his chair and started thinking about this. This wasn't Durmstrang. They no longer had the home-field advantage. "I haven't forgotten you yet Dimitri, you racist fuck. No... I... Karkaroff would probably come here as well, but he had no authority here. It was Dumbledore." His thought were racing inside his head.
A wicked smile appeared on his face. If they decided to visit Hogwarts... Well then, he was going to make them pay. This wasn't a bad coincidence. No... This was his chance for vengeance.
There you go Adrian is now in Hogwarts. I decided that Ravenclaw would best suit my plans for him. He will still interact with the golden trio but I want him to pave his own path and he can't be doing that or, Rather I can't be doing that if I am constantly constrained by what originally happened in the books.
Hopefully a bit more character building in the next chapter and Adrian experiencing what mundane school life is. Sorry If I make some mistakes with the original plot but hey, that's what fanfiction is for right?
Leave a like and a review if you feel like it. Thank y'all for reading.