Chapter Twenty-Three: Attack on the World Cup
Liese Pearce is starting to wish that she had remained behind at Bulgaria, safe in her little shop, and had turned Sirius Black down when he had invited her to the Quidditch World Cup.
And to think that the World Cup had started out so great furthermore, with all the attendees having great fun with all the booths and even the mini competitions before the actual event.
The celebrations over Bulgaria's win had lasted well into the night. And it only seems to Liese that they have only gotten a few hours of sleep before the lot of them were woken up by screams and explosions. As a side effect of having lived through the last war, Liese had immediately reached for her wand strapped to the holster on her wrist.
Being British born and raised, unlike those raised and born in Bulgaria, there are only a few spells that Liese can do wandlessly, and she is still reliant on her wand.
"Are you lot awake?!"
Liese vaguely recognised Sirius' voice even as she rubbed the last remnants of sleep out of her eyes.
"Wake up! We need to leave!"
"What's going on?" Susan Bones muttered sleepily next to Liese.
"Liese? Susan? Viviane? Wake up now!" Anastasia was the one to rouse them, shaking them gently. "We need to leave! Someone's attacking the World Cup!"
All vestiges of sleep vanished instantly, and Liese immediately reached for her jacket and pulled it on, also throwing on her shoes as quickly as she could.
The rest of the group in the Black tent were already moving out of the tent, having thrown on jackets and shoes hastily. The look on Sirius' face was grim, as is the look on Remus, Barty, Frank Longbottom and even Marko who were all herding the children out of the tent.
Draco Malfoy's face was pale, and he is clutching at his cousin's hand tightly.
Outside the tent, the noises of the campsite had changed. It is no longer the sounds of celebration, but that of terrified screams and even explosions.
"What's the situation?" Liese demanded, already summoning her wand into her hand.
"Someone's attacking the World Cup." Sirius reported grimly. "The ICW international patrols have already sent word to the ICW, and I'll bet that we'll get assistance soon. We must hold out until then."
"We're going to help out." Barty added, with his eyes flickering towards the kids. "You kids, find somewhere safe and hide. Liese, will you go with them?" No one need to say anything; they knew that with Liese's leg, she'll be more of a liability to them than help if they're going to find the attackers.
"I will." Liese nodded, not feeling insulted with Barty's suggestion. She'll be of no use in a fight, she knew.
"I'll head for the Auror tents." Frank said, his eyes flickering towards Neville with concern. "Son, keep yourself and your friends safe. Use magic if you have to, and screw the underage laws!"
"Sirius, we need to find Fiona." Hadrian tugged at his godfather's sleeve. "She's here too."
Sirius looked torn between going with Frank and the others to assist with the situation, and doing as Hadrian asked. Fiona is still Hadrian's cousin, after all, and technically a muggle born. Simon Evans would have Sirius' head if something happened to his daughter on his watch.
"Fiona Evans?" Liese was the one to interrupt, looking at Hadrian who nodded. "Wasn't she with the Beauxbatons' group?" She looked in the direction where the French have pitched their tents. "I'll go for her. Sirius, you go and do what must be done. I'll look after the kids."
Sirius looked torn, looking between Frank and Remus and then Hadrian, before seeming to make up his mind and nodding slowly. "Stick together, do you hear me?" he insisted, looking between Hadrian and Draco. "Use magic if you have to."
"Sirius, come on!" Remus called for his best friend, and the adults of the group, sans for Liese, then turned and left in the direction where the explosions are occurring, with Frank Longbottom heading towards the direction of the Auror tents, with the assistance of his walking stick.
"Come on, we have to leave too." Liese said firmly, trying to hide the tremor in her voice. "We need to find Fiona."
"HADRIAN!"
A shout pierced through the air just then, and Hadrian almost jumped about a foot in the air. He then saw a frantic Fiona rushing towards his direction, with Fleur close behind her, with the Veela's eyes flickering in search of any dangers.
"Fiona!"
"We need to leave." Fleur insisted, her eyes meeting with Liese. "I haven't seen any attackers yet, but from what I heard from the French Aurors currently here, it seems like there are runic arrays and potion traps laid around the campsite. Those are what is causing the explosions and the attacks. Whoever those attackers are, if they're here, they are around here somewhere."
"No normal wizard or witch could deal this level of destruction with just normal runic arrays and potions." Liese commented grimly, leading the way towards the woods as fast as she could, with her bad leg.
"It takes one with mastery over runes. Or even potions." Draco added, nodding his head with Liese's analysis. Draco is no Potions master, though he is pretty skilled with that subject in school, and he knew that much.
Professor Galvchev, the Potions Master at Durmstrang who teaches mainly the upper years could easily pull something like this off, as could any Potions Master worth their weight in salt. Viviane, Draco and Hadrian hadn't had the man as their Potions professor yet, with the lower years being taught by his apprentice, Sasha Lukanova; but they have seen enough of Professor Galvchev's skill during Duelling Nights at Durmstrang to know that he could pull off several amazing feats with just Potions alone.
Combat Potions after all, as what the professor had taught them once, doesn't necessarily require one to consume it. Most combat potions are used externally and could also easily be used to take out an entire army if used the correct way. Potions Masters are feared on the battlefield not just for their skill in potions, but also how they could use it.
Prior to the house cleansing that Amelia Bones had started several years ago after the fiasco concerning Sirius' wrongful imprisonment, Liese knew that there was an alarming lack of Potions Masters, or even those competent in Potions no thanks to Severus Snape. After he was imprisoned, with Horace Slughorn agreeing to take over his old position, things have been improving. But it takes years to cultivate and nurture Potions Masters, as Liese would know.
She is no Potions Master, but she is competent enough in potions to at least gain the certifications to be able to legally brew several restricted potions for her business—especially those meant to help alphas and omegas through their ruts and heats.
As it is, as far as Liese knew, thanks to her contacts within the Merchant Guild, apart from Horace Slughorn, there is only one other Potions Master in Great Britian at the moment—though he had his title stripped from him when he was imprisoned.
"Mon dieu!" Fleur almost screamed, yanking Fiona backwards by the back of her jacket, and the two teens fell backwards onto the grass, almost taking Liese with them.
Just in time too, as there was a bright light that flashed on the grass in front of them where Fiona would have stepped if Fleur hadn't yanked her back, and then, a pillar of fire shot up into the air. They could almost feel their skin blistering from the intense heat.
"Holy…" Fiona's face was pale. If she had stepped onto that trap, she would be dead by now.
"Are you both okay?" Liese helped Fiona up.
"I'm fine. But…" Fiona looked around frantically. "Where's Hadrian and the others?"
The younger group must have gotten separated from them at some point; most likely when Fleur had stopped Fiona from stepping onto that trap. Liese swallowed nervously, hoping that Hadrian would have stuck with the other kids. If anything happens to him at all, Sirius will never forgive her.
"We…must have gotten separated from them at some point." Fleur's face was pale.
"No! We need to get to them!" Fiona was frantic. She looked ready to step forward again, but hesitated. She muttered some sort of spell beneath her breath, before swishing her right hand through the air. And then, much to Liese's astonishment, a ripple of pale blue light swept across the grounds, with certain spots on the ground glowing yellow.
"Traps." Fleur hissed. "We need to be careful where we walk." She gripped Liese's sleeve in one hand, with the other holding onto Fiona. "Mon dieu. It takes a Potions Master or Mistress to be able to pull off those traps. Britain never is the best when it comes to potions mastery. Who can do such a thing?"
"I can think of one person that could." Liese muttered darkly, rubbing at her leg.
It was never proven, but after the attack on her back when she was still in school, there were several whispers that it was Severus Snape who was behind that attack. Thanks to Dumbledore's constant giving of chances however, that boy and his gang got away scot-free, though it also explains the Gryffindors' retaliation in the coming months, especially from Sirius.
"…Lily…?"
"Girls, get behind me!" Liese almost barked, pushing Fleur and Fiona behind her, even as she whipped out her wand. Both the Beauxbatons' students were beautiful girls after all, and nearing adulthood. Liese had been through the last Wizarding War. She knew exactly what the Death Eaters and even some depraved wizards would do to witches and even omegas.
"Who's that?" Fleur was the first to notice a black robed figure coming out from behind some of the tents still on fire. His skin was pale, and features almost sallow, with his dark hair looking almost greasy, and there was even a slightly crazed look in his eyes. Though at the moment, he looked almost as if he was just handed the Holy Grail; his eyes fixated on Fiona as he almost stumbled towards them.
Liese recognised the man immediately. "Severus Snape."
"Lily, you're alive…" Severus Snape's eyes were full of wonder, even as he reached out his hands towards them, even as he approached the group.
"Get away from us, Snape!" Liese hissed, casting a Reducto at the ground at Snape's feet as a warning. Her eyes flickered towards Fiona who looked petrified. Sure, with that red hair so identical to Lily's, she could be mistaken as Lily Potter if viewed from a distance. But apart from the hair colour, she looks nothing like her aunt at all.
"I won't let you get in between us!" Snape almost snarled, his eyes mad with rage even as he raised his wand. "Crucio!"
Liese gave a scream even as the Cruciatus was cast on her.
"Stop it!" Fiona screamed, casting some kind of unknown spell at Snape to stop the Cruciatus. "Stop hurting Liese!"
"I won't let anyone get in my way!" Snape honestly looked borderline insane at that moment. "Everything I did, I did it for you, Lily! Come with me! I'll make you happy. Happier than anyone could ever make you. We will have children together. Better than that hell spawn that Potter gave you!"
A blue barrier sprang up around the three ladies at the moment, halting Snape in his tracks.
"What?"
"Stupefy!" A voice roared out just then, and Snape was quick to deflect the spell.
Emerging from the direction where the explosions have been going off earlier were Bill Weasley and Michael Fawley. The looks on the faces of the pair were furious; even more so on Michael, who had pulled back the sleeve on his left arm, and the silver runic bracelet around his wrist was glowing.
"Get the fuck away from them right this instant!" Michael snarled.
Severus Snape had a dark look on his face with the new arrivals. "Lily, I'll come back for you," he promised, before he then threw a curse dark in colour at Michael who barely dodged it, with the tent behind him taking the brunt of it, and thus exploding in smithereens. With a loud crack, Snape then Disapparated.
There was silence for several moments before the barrier surrounding the three ladies then disappeared. Michael and Bill were then quick to rush to the sides of the three ladies.
"Liese!" Michael dropped to his knees beside his cousin, careful in helping her to sit up, with Fiona on her other side. "Are you all right?"
"That man used the Cruciatus on her!" Fleur informed Michael who looked pale, and immediately started casting health scanning spells on his cousin.
"Never mind me!" Liese locked eyes with Bill Weasley. "Hadrian and the others! They went into the forest! If Severus Snape is here…" She trailed off slowly. Nearly everyone in Britain knew about the hatred and contempt that Severus Snape had for the Potter family, with it coming out during his re-trial and was thus reported in the Daily Prophet.
Bill exchanged looks with Michael. "Michael, you stay with them. Take your cousin to a Healer. I'll go to the forest," he volunteered, and Michael nodded.
"You can't go alone. It's suicide!" Fleur argued, causing all eyes to fall on the French Veela. Despite the darkness, Michael could swear Bill blushed. "I'll go with you. Fiona, you stay with Liese."
Fiona looked ready to argue with her best friend, but she nodded at last reluctantly, knowing that someone at least needs to stay with Liese. And not to mention their encounter with that man who doesn't seem to be in his right mind had shaken her up.
"Be careful, Fleur."
Fleur nodded, before she then left with Bill Weasley in the direction of the forest.
"We need to get you to a Healer." Michael said grimly, before lifting Liese up into his arms, with the latter protesting. "Don't argue with me. I'm still your Head of House, and also your cousin."
Fiona couldn't resist smiling at this scene in front of her. She had heard enough from Hadrian about Liese's history to know that she doesn't have much family left, and that the Fawleys haven't exactly been the most accepting of Liese during her student days. It is nice to see that Michael had accepted Liese as family, and cares for her at least.
Something out of the corner of her eye caught Fiona's attention just then, and she turned only to see some kind of dark shadow slinking behind one of the burning tents. She frowned.
"Fiona?" Michael called out to Fiona with concern.
Fiona only shook her head and then turned her attention towards Michael. "I'm coming."
Several long moments of silence then passed in the clearing even after Michael, Fiona and Liese departed the area. Then, a silent figure emerged from behind the burning tents, clutching at a medallion around his neck. A grey tabby curled around his feet, looking up at her master with golden eyes.
The man looked back down at his cat in response.
"Let us be off," he spoke in a raspy voice.
He then Disapparated.
XXXXXX
Thankfully, Bill and Fleur did manage to locate Hadrian and his friends before anything more serious could happen. In fact, the backup squads from the ICW's Protectorate of Magic started arriving on the scene along with the ICW head and the head of the Protectorate of Magic, as well as the heads of the DMLEs from France, Bulgaria and Britain respectively.
Needless to say, that the ICW head was not amused in the least with what the international patrol squads had to tell him regarding the lack of security and emergency measures when it comes to organising an international event like this.
The Black family and their friends however weren't really thinking about that, preferring to leave it to those that were actually in charge.
"Snape, you say?" Frank Longbottom was frowning, listening to what Fiona and even Fleur has to tell them. Michael and Bill have to leave right after taking Liese to the tent, with Gringotts having activated all their rune masters and curse breakers currently present at the World Cup. And Michael and Bill, being one of the Gringotts' top employers, have to tend to the fiasco right now.
Hadrian was sitting next to Fiona, with the older girl having a protective arm around his slender shoulders. "I did hear that he was recently released from Azkaban after serving his term. But the Aurors kinda lost track of him awhile ago when Lucius Malfoy broke out from prison after killing one of the guards." Frank exchanged looks with the other adults currently present. Anastasia however wasn't present; knowing that woman, she is likely assisting with the injured somewhere.
"Something like what had happened earlier—the runic arrays powered by potions and traps… It's within his means." Remus agreed. "I got a bad feeling about this. Why on earth would Snape want to attack the Quidditch World Cup?"
"We also can't forget that Snape too is close with Lucius Malfoy when we were still in school." Frank pointed out, and Draco flinched with the mention of his biological father. "Lucius likely broke out on his own means. But he won't get far as a fugitive without some help."
"You think that Snape is helping him." Remus frowned, and Frank nodded. "But why? What would he stand to gain?"
Frank's eyes flickered towards Fiona and Hadrian, with everyone currently present in the main sitting room of their 'tent' mimicking his actions. "Fiona, you mentioned that Snape kept calling you 'Lily'?" Frank questioned, and Fiona nodded.
"That man doesn't look to be in his right mind either." Fleur volunteered the information. "He seems to be seeing someone else instead when he looked at Fiona."
Frank and Remus exchanged looks once more, and even Marko looked concerned. "He was in Azkaban for nearly a decade." Frank pointed out. "It's not out of the realm of possibility that the Dementors might have done a number on his sanity. And we all know that he always was obsessed with Lily even when we were in school."
"To the point he even cast the Cruciatus on Liese just because she was in his way?" Fiona was outraged.
Neville was very pale next to Frank who had an arm around his son.
"He was Mum's friend, wasn't he?" Hadrian asked quietly, and Remus turned his attention towards the little omega immediately. "I heard about it from Sirius before. He was her friend even before they went to Hogwarts."
"He was." Remus nodded. "From what Lily said, he taught Lily a lot about the wizarding world and even Hogwarts even before they attended. He had a crush on her for just as long. But at the same time, his friends in Slytherin too were those that were particularly outspoken against people like…Lily. Muggle borns. And even those not recognised by their families like Liese. Gryffindor and Slytherin were never on the best of terms with each other for a long time. But the war back then made it worse. I know not just Lily, but possibly Snape as well. They likely received a lot of flak for still being friends despite being in rival Houses. The attack on Liese nearly pushed Gryffindor House over the edge. As it could have killed Liese if she had just landed wrong."
"Lily was also Liese's mentor at Hogwarts." Frank added. "She didn't say anything, but I believe that Lily suspected that Severus was the attacker. Sirius likely know it too. It is only recently when he admitted to me that the spell used on Liese back then is a bastardised version of a Black spell which explains why the damage is permanent. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Regulus Black might have given Snape that spell. Those two were friends."
"I remember wondering why Sirius was so angry around that time." Remus admitted. "James too."
It was also around the time of the werewolf incident, and not long after Lily ended her friendship with Snape publicly.
"Will Liese be okay, you think?" Hadrian's voice was so small and soft that he almost went unheard, if not for Remus and his acute hearing.
The werewolf smiled at Hadrian, trying to hide the anger and turmoil he had been feeling. He recalls Severus' trial, and what Andromeda had told him about what had come out during said trial. Honestly, the jury wanted to chuck him through the Veil. But they were only able to charge him for his actions as a Death Eater, and not what he did during school. It is however no secret even to Remus during his time at school that Severus loathed James, with the feelings being entirely mutual on James' end.
What started out as schoolboy spats became more serious as they grew older, and with the war outside raging. It became especially worse after James cleaned up his act and started dating Lily. Sirius and Remus have never tried to dress James up as a saint in front of Hadrian.
James was an ass and a toerag when he was younger, as most boys are. And he was a bully to Severus and some of the Slytherins who picked on those smaller and weaker than themselves. Lily just never learned the reason behind those retaliations and only saw James as a bully until she learned the truth after Liese was attacked.
During his re-trial, Severus all but admitted that he didn't care if James and Hadrian lived or not as long as Lily does. He didn't even bother masking his hatred and contempt for James and Hadrian. His hatred for James, Remus can understand somewhat. But to hate on an innocent baby just because of his father didn't sit right with Remus, and with the majority of Magical Britain at that time.
"Healer Emil is tending to her, and your godfather is with her too." Remus reassured Hadrian. "She'll be fine."
"HADRIAN!"
Nearly everyone in the tent jumped as one, as the entrance to the tent was nearly torn off, and a frantic looking Viktor Krum entered. From the tears on his robes, it is apparent that he might have assisted with the rescue of those caught up in those traps.
"Viktor!"
"Are you all right?" Viktor all but clutched Hadrian to him, looking the omega over critically to ensure he isn't hurt.
"Your dear old dad is here, and your first priority is looking over Hadrian?" Marko grumbled good-naturedly, and the rest of the group laughed, breaking the tension. "Such filiality."
XXXXXX
"How is she, Emil?" Sirius wanted to know, even as Emil hemmed and hawed as he ran scans over Liese after making her swallow a potion to treat the after effects of Cruciatus exposure. She wasn't under the spell for very long—just a few seconds at most. But even still, that curse is known as one of the Unforgivables for a reason.
"Sirius, calm down. I'm fine." Liese tried to reassure Sirius.
"You just got carried in here by Michael, with Fiona informing me that you got hit by the Cruciatus by Severus Snape of all people!" Sirius almost snapped back. "Excuse me for being concerned!"
"Thankfully, Liese wasn't held under it for very long, and Michael got help as soon as he could." Emil didn't seem too concerned which made Sirius feel better. "Even still, bed rest and potions for a month at least." He told Liese sternly. "You can have your assistants take over your shop for awhile. My main concern is your leg, Liese." The healer ran a scan over said leg. "It's already weakened as it is. But the curse only made it worse."
Liese sighed. While she can only groan at imagining being waited on hand and foot at her small apartment without anything to do for a month, part of her is also alarmed with Emil's comments. The attack on her as a student could have killed her, if not paralysed her. She was lucky to get away with her life.
And now, the same person who had injured her permanently only made it worse.
"I'll make sure she gets rest and treatment." Sirius promised.
"Sirius—"
"Don't argue with me." Sirius turned his attention back towards Liese, whilst Emil quietly excused himself. The Healer had a feeling that Sirius and Liese's not relationship for years at this point might turn into something more after this night. Seems like Narcissa's matchmaking might not be for naught after all.
The woman is nearly despairing of seeing her cousin married off.
"Sirius…"
"Damn it all, Liese. I could have lost you!" The bed that Liese was in sank a little beneath Sirius' weight as he sat by the side, caressing her cheek. "You know how vicious Snape could be with his spells and even his potions! What if Michael and Bill haven't been there? Do you know what losing you could have meant to me?"
"I…" Liese looked down at her knees. "Stop getting my hopes up. You know how I felt about you since we were in school. Just don't…"
"I really need to make things clear between us, don't I?" Sirius sighed. "I thought I was clear enough with my intentions." He cleared his throat, and Liese looked at Sirius with wide eyes. "Liese Pearce, I seek permission to court you formally, with the intention to ask for your hand in marriage by the end." Liese's eyes were wide with the words; words spoken in the Old Ways when courting someone. "Hadrian is important to me. My Bambi is important to me, and you respect that about me. But Liese, you're important to me too." Sirius took Liese's hands into his. Unlike a normal noble woman's hands, Liese's hands are scratched up slightly—proof of her hard work and dedication in making her shop and career a success. And it's what made Sirius fall for her. "You stood up for what you believe in and refuse to back down. You've been that way since we were in school, and it's part of the reason why I noticed you. And even why Snape and his gang targeted you." Sirius grimaced with that reminder. "And like Lily, you refuse to let anyone decide what you do or think."
Sirius suspects it might be the reason why Dumbledore didn't 'collect' Liese like he did with James, Lily and so many of them. Also, probably because unlike them, Liese had nothing to offer him in terms of power and influence.
It's probably a good thing too, otherwise Liese would likely no longer be in the world of the living.
"You take care of Hadrian too, and even Draco. Even Viviane, and the other kids." Sirius smiled, recalling how terrified Remus and even he was of trying to do The Talk with Hadrian.
Hadrian adores Narcissa too, as she helped to raise Hadrian alongside Draco. But it is Liese that Hadrian always turns to when he needs a mother's touch. And yet, Liese always respected Sirius and even Narcissa's positions in Hadrian's life, and only stepped in if she was asked to, or if she felt she had to. Like when someone needs to explain to Hadrian the dangers and concerns that an omega should have, and even the realities of a heat, and what it means to go through one.
"I love you, Liese." Sirius murmured against Liese's hair. "Be with me?"
"I'm not a noble or pureblood."
"I don't care."
"My leg…"
"It doesn't matter to me. A witch is more than her looks and her physical ability." Sirius insisted. It is one aspect that sets him apart from most wizards in Britain. "I want someone that can set my heart on fire. I want someone that dares to challenge me. I want someone that has their own mind and isn't afraid to make their opinions known. Liese, it is you I want by my side. When I look at the future, I don't see one without you by my side." He pressed his lips gently against Liese's fingers. "Be with me?"
There was silence for several moments, and then Liese smiled, nodding.
"Yes."
XXXXXX
Neville Longbottom let out a light sneeze, rubbing his hands together, even as he stood with the rest of the Hogwarts contingent to welcome the two visiting schools for the Triwizard Tournament.
The past month or so had been a big whirlwind of events.
Needless to say, that the fiasco at the Quidditch World Cup had some consequences for Britain as a whole, especially when the ICW found out that Ludo Bagman didn't even bother with setting up emergency measures, or even put a security team on duty.
If not for the presence of the foreign Aurors as well as the ICW international patrols, there would have been more injured or dead.
Frank and Alice Longbottom didn't reveal much to Neville, though both parents were thick in the midst of the entire affair—with Alice assisting Andromeda thanks to the lawsuits that the ICW were pressing against Britain.
The few that they did let slip to Neville revealed that Britain is currently in hot soup with the other foreign nations, and especially the ICW. Especially since quite a few of the more grievously injured and dead were actually foreign visitors. One of those found dead is actually a relative of the Bulgarian Minister.
If it wouldn't cause an even worse international incident, the British Ministry would have cancelled the Triwizard Tournament entirely.
Neville and Susan have been exchanging letters back and forth together with Hadrian, Draco and even Viviane since the latter three have returned to Bulgaria, and the new school term had begun. Thus, unlike the rest of their schoolmates, Neville and Susan were quite well aware about the Triwizard Tournament even before Dumbledore had announced it.
From what Frank Longbottom had revealed, it seems like the international planning community weren't too impressed with Dumbledore's initial plans for the tournament as a whole and had all but taken it over—security measures and all. Loads of mini competitions and tournaments too were included over the course of the year so that even those not selected as Triwizard Champions could enjoy their time, and even potentially make new friends.
From Hadrian and Draco's last letters about two weeks ago, it seems like their headmaster have long announced about the Triwizard last year before they broke for the school holidays so that the students could decide if they want to be amongst the group sent to Hogwarts as not just research teams, but also the representatives for the mini competitions there. Only students with decent grades, and were in Fourth Year and above were allowed to go.
Seems like Sirius was very against Hadrian being amongst the team sent to Hogwarts. But as Viktor had hoped to be chosen as the Champion, Hadrian had insisted on being allowed to go to Hogwarts to support his betrothed. Nikolai Kostov, the headmaster too had spared nothing when it comes to his students' safety. Every Durmstrang student that would be going to Hogwarts would be supplied with protective medallions that would also act as Portkeys which they are not to remove. Those medallions would also serve to alert their headmaster if one of them is missing or in danger.
A few of the assistant professors too would be following along, as would their Potions Professor. The Bulgaria Ministry too would be sending a team of Healers for Durmstrang—with the Bulgarian Minister being none too pleased with what Hogwarts had offered for medical assistance in the initial plans for the Triwizard.
From what Draco had said, Lucas wasn't sure if he should be pleased or not that one of those Healers would be his father.
"How much longer would they be?" Parvati Patil was complaining next to Neville, rubbing her hands together—especially after they've just welcomed the students from Beauxbatons. Neville is relatively certain he had just seen Fiona and even Fleur amongst their midst earlier. And he is sure he saw Hermione too, but for just a second—so he isn't entirely certain she is amongst their group. "It's cold."
Neville resisted the urge to roll his eyes. You would think they aren't wizards or witches and can easily cast Warming Charms. Spells that are actually covered in First Year.
Without a word, Neville simply summoned his wand into his hand and cast Warming Charms on his entire Gryffindor year group, much to their relief. Especially so for Seamus who was already hopping from foot to foot that it looks as if he had ants in his pants.
"Thanks Neville." Dean Thomas was relieved when he felt the heat set into his bones. Four years he had been in Hogwarts, and he is still unable to get used to the Scottish weather.
"How much longer? I'm starving." Ron Weasley moaned not far from him, and Neville's eye twitched.
There were sudden murmurs from around them. As one, the Hogwarts students turned towards the direction of the Black Lake where large ripples were already appearing on the once smooth lake surface. Then, like a plug being removed to drain water, a humongous ship rose from those ripples, settling easily against the side of the lake. A large banner was even visible on the ship's hull that had Durmstrang's crest.
Double doors on the side of the ship opened just then, and a line of Durmstrang students filed out, following their headmaster.
"Ah! And here we have our visitors from Durmstrang!" Dumbledore called jovially. "With headmaster Nikolai Kostov. I hope the journey isn't too harsh?"
"Hardly." Nikolai was smiling, but those smiles didn't reach his eyes; just like Madam Maxime before him when the French school had arrived. "It has been a long journey however, and I believe my students are starving."
"Of course. Of course. Madam Maxime has already arrived, and I'm sure she is waiting in the Great Hall. If I may?"
Whispers started breaking out amongst the Hogwarts group as a particularly tall and broad-shouldered teen took up the rear of the Durmstrang group. Even without his Quidditch robes on, he is easily recognisable, as is the girl next to him. Not surprising, considering that their faces were splashed all across sports magazines and even teen magazines for a few years now.
"It's Viktor Krum! It's Krum! And that's Natasha Michaelis next to him!"
Even the Hogwarts professors who were present heard the murmurs from the students, and found their attention going towards said teen who looked none too pleased at having the entire school's attention focused on him. He had an arm wrapped around the waist of a smaller teen next to him.
A particularly beautiful teen with soft dark hair and startlingly emerald green eyes, with soft omega features. On the other side of the teen is a blonde boy with Malfoy features.
Albus Dumbledore felt as if his jaw is about to come apart when he laid eyes on the smaller teen next to Viktor Krum. The whispers from the Hogwarts students too barely registered on his consciousness.
"I-Is that the Boy-Who-Lived? Harry Potter?"
There is no mistaking those features and even that delicate stature.
Harry Potter, Britain's boy-hero, the Boy-Who-Lived, is an omega.