Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Goblet of Fire
Lucas and Hadrian had their drawing and painting supplies out on the area next to the Durmstrang carriage when they saw Viviane and Draco, and even a few of their year-mates who have made it on the list to Hogwarts approaching them—all with angry scowls on their faces. Some of their friends from Beauxbatons from the same year were following in their wake, also with similar expressions on their faces.
Ilian and Adelie have returned from the meeting with Hogwarts' headmaster and their respective headmaster and headmistress, and it seems like that meeting put them in a bad mood. While neither of them had told any of the Fourth Years anything, several of the Seventh Years of both schools were clued in on what had happened in the meeting. And to say that they were unimpressed at the outcome is an understatement.
As a result, Hogwarts isn't on Durmstrang or Beauxbatons' favourite list at the moment.
"What's going on, now?" Hadrian sighed tiredly, putting down his paintbrush to give his cousin his attention even as Draco flopped down next to him, scowling dramatically. The rest of their classmates followed suit, but in a less dramatic fashion.
"The students here suck, that's what it is." Draco was scowling so fiercely that his eyebrows nearly disappeared into his hair. "We weren't even in the castle, and we've already heard their opinions about 'Dark Wizards' and 'Dark creatures' from those students that were on the grounds. It took me everything I had to not curse them all where they stood!"
"I'm starting to look forward to when we start the mini-competitions." One of Beauxbatons' students added, scowling just as fiercely. "The Head Girl told us not to start anything with them. But she said nothing about giving them the biggest thrashing of their lives once the mini-competitions begin."
The other Beauxbatons students nodded. "That, and I want to get payback for Hermione." One of them added. "This school almost killed her. And the student that was behind that incident wasn't even punished!" She looked furious all over again, especially when she recalled how Hermione revealed that said student had blamed Hermione for 'ruining his reputation' in Hogwarts when she'd run into him the first night.
To be fair, Ronald Weasley didn't exactly set that troll on Hermione. However, he did upset and isolate her so much during the first few months of her schooling here that he was half the reason why the troll had attacked Hermione when she had locked herself in a bathroom, and wasn't even aware that a troll was in the school.
There's a reason why Neville Longbottom is still furious with Ronald Weasley, after all, as did the rest of his Gryffindor year mates. The other three Houses too weren't impressed with Ronald Weasley's conduct.
"I'm starting to think that it's a very good thing that Sirius didn't send us to Hogwarts, after all." Hadrian sighed, exchanging looks with Draco.
With the drawing of the names from the Goblet of Fire later that night, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons have a free day. Most of the students were just wandering around the vast grounds of the school; though they ignored the Hogwarts students who tried to talk to them. Some of the senior cohort of both schools were however preparing the massive bonfire in the area between the Durmstrang ship and the Beauxbatons carriage for the Samhain celebrations after the drawing of the names.
It would also serve as a party for both schools to celebrate whoever is picked as their school's champion.
"How can you be so calm, Ri?" Draco burst out, furious. "You should hear how they're talking about you and Mehen." With Draco's tone, Hadrian knew at once that the Hogwarts students must be talking more about his secondary gender, and not about the fact that he had a shadow snake familiar.
"You're not going to be able to change the opinions of idiots who insisted on being idiots, Draco, so don't bother," Hadrian reassured his cousin. Despite himself, Draco couldn't help smiling with those words, and the rest of their friends giggled. "Besides, we know what is going to happen the moment we sign up for the group heading to Hogwarts." He pointed out.
Draco scowled, and the rest of their friends giggled.
"I hate it when you go all reasonable like this," Draco grumbled, getting to his feet. "We have to head back into the castle at six. Ilian wanted us all to go as a united front, so come back before then."
"Got it," Lucas called out after Draco, even as he left with the rest of their friends. Lucas then found his gaze shifting towards Hadrian who fumbled about in his pocket and drew out a black chain bracelet, with a familiar silver and black pendant hanging from it in the form of Hecate's Wheel.
Lucas recognised that pendant immediately, as it is a Durmstrang tradition for every student going into their Fourth Year to receive one. It is also a Durmstrang tradition for lovers and couples to exchange their pendants with each other—with it being a kind of metaphor for that being their hearts.
Lucas' own pendant is currently locked up in his trunk, though he can think of one person to whom he would like to gift it. He knew that his older sister had given her own charm to Alec and vice versa when they started dating.
It thus isn't uncommon to see Durmstrang students walking about with bracelets or necklaces with the charm hanging from it.
With a sigh, Lucas flopped down on his back on the grass, looking up at the blue skies with the fluffy white clouds, even as he shielded his vision partially with his hand. "When are you going to give it to Viktor?" Lucas asked Hadrian at last, with the latter glancing at him. "It's a good chance to tell him how you feel, Ri."
"Lucas…"
"I know you feel something for Viktor." Lucas retorted, annoyed. "You can't lie to me. It sure isn't Lord Black's name or Remus, or even Draco's you mutter at night when you somehow sleepwalk and cuddle in my bed with me at times."
Hadrian felt his neck growing hot and somehow found his half-finished painting of the Black Lake extremely fascinating, trying to ignore eyes that he is a hundred and one percent sure is Lucas', glaring into the back of his head.
"I've kept him waiting for three years for my answer—"
"And he'll wait even longer if you don't tell him soon." Lucas interrupted. "At least you know Viktor had the hots for you and would wait however long it took. Me? I don't even know if he feels the same way." He admitted.
"I told you to just tell Mikhail how you feel. There's no way he doesn't feel the same way." Hadrian rolled his eyes. The number of times he and Draco and even Viviane had heard Mikhail waxing poetry about Lucas had Draco all but struggling with the urge to not suffocate his roommate with his own pillow at night, much to Viviane and Hadrian's amusement.
"This isn't about me and Mikhail. It is about you." Lucas changed the subject hurriedly. "How long are you going to keep him waiting for your answer?"
Hadrian was about to respond to that when someone calling Lucas' name caught both omegas' attention. And there, walking across the grounds was a group of Healers in the familiar mint-green uniforms, with the majority of them heading towards the area that was cleared for the ICW contingent to pitch their tents. The contingent of curse breakers and rune masters that were sent by Gringotts had already arrived earlier that morning and had already set up their tent.
Walking towards both omegas was a lone Healer that Hadrian and Lucas recognised a moment later as Emil Michaelis, Lucas' father.
"Dad!" Lucas sat up, surprised.
"I'll leave you both to talk," Hadrian said, packing up his drawing and painting supplies. "I need to call Sirius on the mirror, anyway." He nodded politely to Emil Michaelis who nodded back. Both father and son then watched as Hadrian walked back to the Durmstrang ship and disappeared into it.
"I heard what happened from your sister the moment I entered Hogwarts." Emil went straight to the point, adjusting his Healer robes as he sat on the grass beside his son. "Natasha's worried, son."
Lucas sighed, trying to resist the urge to groan into his hands. He has no idea whether it's because of his secondary gender, or whether it's because he's younger, or if it's because of both reasons—but his older sister had always watched out for him. It's nice to know he would always have Natasha in his corner. But sometimes, he likes to do things without his sister peering over his shoulder too.
"It's not me that Hogwarts is having a go at." Lucas pointed out. Honestly, he dreads having to read the next issue of Britain's paper, or even International Magical News. He had a feeling that reporters were going to have a field day with what had happened at Hogwarts so far, and it's barely been a day!
"Then do you intend to hide your status as a Parselmouth the entire year?" Emil asked.
"No! I'm not ashamed of my gift, regardless of the backward views that Britain has." Lucas was very indignant. There was a light hiss of agreement from the elemental viper currently curled around his left arm, hidden by the sleeve of his robe. "See? Even Coral agrees!"
Emil nodded. He had intentions to claim the Gaunt and Slytherin lordships officially in Britain as well, so it is good news to him that Lucas had no intentions to hide his ancestry and gift. Once he does, it's going to mean trouble coming for his family, as Grandfather Ominis had warned. Iskra had no complaints when she'd learnt of Emil's intentions, as did Natasha. It is their ancestry and their inheritance. They shouldn't be hiding it, like how Iskra had pointed out.
"If it comes down to it, Lucas, reveal who you are," Emil said seriously. "I have no intentions to hide our ancestry anyway. I just want it to come out on our own terms. But if it comes down to it, and you need to defend yourself and your friends, reveal it. Hogwarts won't allow any harm to come to one of her heirs. And while he isn't always visible, know that Fawkes is always with you. He won't allow any harm to come to you and any of your friends, either."
XXXXXX
"So how's Hogwarts, Bambi?"
That was the first sentence out of Sirius' mouth the moment his face appeared on the communication mirror.
The very deep sigh given by Hadrian answered every question Sirius had, and the Black lord chuckled.
"I did warn you, kid."
"You did." Hadrian nodded in agreement whilst sprawled out on his front on his bed, balancing his mirror on his pillow, even as Crookshanks purred happily on the windowsill. "It's as bad as you said, if not worse." He grumbled. "I only revealed Mehen after that idiot insulted me and Mum, and they're already going ape-shit. I hate to see their reactions should I reveal I'm a Parselmouth. And shit is going to hit the fan should Lucas reveal he's the Slytherin heir."
On the mirror, Sirius winced. He can imagine just what had happened in Hogwarts. And from his memory, he knew that Britain and Hogwarts definitely wouldn't take it well. They have extreme prejudice against anything they deem as 'Dark' to the point that they might as well ban every single magic in existence as it is, like what Marko had pointed out with exasperation one time.
Sirius had a feeling he was going to receive quite an interesting call from Remus later tonight as it is, considering his best friend is amongst the contingent sent by the Bulgaria Ministry of Magic and is mainly there as an advisor and historian.
Remus' presence, along with Viktor's and Draco's and even the protections provided by Nikolai are honestly the only reasons why Sirius is even willing to allow Hadrian to sign up for the list of students heading to Hogwarts. Though Hadrian isn't without his own personal protections, either.
"Oh boy…" Sirius shook his head. "So why are you calling me? It's more than just telling me about what had happened, right?"
Hadrian hesitated, before looking over his shoulder to ensure that his room door was closed. Lucas is still out speaking with his father, the last he knew. Viktor and the others of the senior cohort are currently submitting their names for the Goblet of Fire, so he had about another hour.
"I have an upcoming heat in a few months," Hadrian said at last, a light flush appearing on his face the way it did whenever he talked about heats and heat cycles with his godfather. There is a reason why he preferred going to Liese about these kinds of stuff. But in this case, his godfather needs to hear it from him, as Viktor can get arrested for sexual assault if Sirius didn't approve it beforehand. "I meant to ask you before we left for Hogwarts, but I forgot. Just…" Hadrian hesitated. "I want your permission and approval to share my heat with Viktor this time."
There was a very long silence on Sirius' end. Finally, the Black lord sighed, scrubbing his hand through his hair.
"So it's finally time, huh?" Sirius grumbled beneath his breath. "If I'm being honest, Bambi, I was going to suggest that you ask Viktor to share your heat with you this year." He said, much to Hadrian's confusion.
"Why?"
Sirius hesitated. "You're fourteen, baby," he said at last. "You're at the prime age when Dark Wizards would be targeting you for dark rituals if you still remain a virgin, considering you're in Britain right now. And I honestly do not trust Britain with your safety at all."
It is one of the darker aspects of magical culture that is hardly spoken about in polite society, but is known to everyone but those of the British variety. Back during the First Wizarding War in Magical Britain when Voldemort first rose to power, he had done so by performing lots of black rituals, and in turn, had taught several of those darker rituals to his followers. One of the more 'popular' rituals performed by the Death Eaters was the abductions of young wizards and witches—mostly either betas or omegas who were still virgins.
Sex magic in magical society is a powerful thing. But the Death Eaters and Voldemort had taken what is one of the most sacred and beautiful rituals in their society and corrupted it, using it to sacrifice a young virgin and taking their power for their own before killing them.
To this day, there are still hundreds of disappearances of young witches and wizards since the time of the last war that were never solved, and Sirius doubts it ever will be. With magic, it is an easy matter to make a dead body disappear.
Privately, Sirius suspects that this might be one of the reasons why Britain is so hell-bent on banning all kinds of rituals and blood magic in the country even though it is legalised everywhere else. While rituals can do lots of good for witches and wizards; if used for nefarious purposes, it can also be used to harm and kill.
It is one of the reasons why most young witches and wizards—once they've presented their secondary gender—it is highly encouraged for them to sleep with someone of their choosing, to prevent being kidnapped by dark factions to be used in a dark ritual.
"I'm no innocent," Hadrian grumbled.
When, oh when exactly would his family stop treating him like an innocent baby?
"You know what I mean, Bambi," Sirius said patiently. "I know you can take care of yourself. So could Draco. Narcissa and I have done everything in our power to ensure that you both can protect yourselves and also each other. And Durmstrang Institute too had done more for you both than I could have ever done. It isn't a mistake to send you both to Durmstrang. You've learnt far more there than you could have ever done in Hogwarts. Besides, I know for a fact that Durmstrang would have prepared their students to face the real world, and to also equip them with the necessary skills. There will come a day when you will leave my side, Bambi. And the day you do, I want it so that you can defend yourself and your partner." Sirius smiled, seeing the light flush on Hadrian's normally pale face.
He knows that look. Lily had the same look on her face during James and Lily's stage of 'will they or won't they' during most of their Fifth Year to the point that most of the Gryffindors have to resist the urge to lock both James and Lily in a closet and not let them out until they've made out with each other.
While Viktor and Hadrian thought that they'd kept it hidden—Sirius and most of the adults in their lives knew why neither one of the two teens had made their relationship 'official', even if they were technically betrothed.
Viktor is still waiting for Hadrian's answer.
Sirius wouldn't put it past Marko and Anastasia, and probably even Lord Crow and Rean to be placing bets on just when those two would get together 'officially'.
"Bambi, you already love him, don't you?" Sirius asked gently.
"He was always there for me," Hadrian admitted. "When I found a new book or even finished a particularly difficult painting, my first thought was always 'maybe Viktor would like it'. And whenever there is a school event, my first thought is always to ask Viktor to attend it with me. At some point… I guess I really did fall in love with him even without noticing it." He admitted. "And when we were given that charm at the beginning of the school year before we left for Hogwarts, my first thought was to give it to Viktor."
While not a Durmstrang alumni, Sirius knew of Durmstrang's tradition of exchanging their charms with their lovers. Marko and Anastasia still have theirs from when they were students—though theirs was locked up in a chest that contains most of their most precious mementoes from their student days.
It was a tradition that had lasted as long as Durmstrang Institute had existed. Lord Crow and Rean did the same with theirs too, from what Sirius knew.
"Then baby, shouldn't you give Viktor your answer?" Sirius asked gently. "What are you waiting for?"
XXXXXX
Hogwarts students were all surprised when they came down for dinner only to find an extra table had been set out alongside the usual four House tables. As the students started gathering for dinner, it was then when Hogwarts realised that the extra table was for the students of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons.
Despite Dumbledore's protests, it is apparent that the students of the two visiting schools are not inclined to forgive Hogwarts anytime soon. And not a single one of them was willing to touch the food set on their table either.
Despite the opinions of Hogwarts students, the truth is that the students of both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons aren't going 'on a hunger strike' to spite them. It is more along the lines of them celebrating Samhain, and they would fast until midnight. To see Hogwarts turning a sacred holiday like Samhain which should be them honouring their ancestors, into something of a sweets fest for the students only caused the general opinion of Hogwarts to slip even lower.
"Are they not ashamed of themselves at all?" Natasha Michaelis gritted her teeth. For this night only, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons have seated themselves according to year level, and hence, it is why Natasha is not seated near her brother. "And they still call themselves witches and wizards?"
"It's not up to us to dictate how they want to celebrate." Alec tried to calm down his betrothed. "If they're going to dishonour Lady Hecate, then so be it. I want to see how long it'll be before magic goes extinct for Magical Britain."
Viktor only tuned out his friends' conversation, and the chatter going on around him, trying to mediate and calm his mind. Most of Durmstrang were of the general opinion that he'd be chosen as their champion. And while Viktor would like nothing better, he knew that there were also several students just as magically gifted as he was. Like Alec, and even Natasha. And loathe as he is to admit it, Valko Kovarev—his self-proclaimed 'rival' is magically strong as well.
"…tor!"
"Viktor!"
Viktor blinked and opened his eyes only to see the faces of his best friends, and most of his year-mates looking at him with amusement.
"What?"
"Where have you gone off to?" Alec asked with amusement, snapping his fingers in front of Viktor's face. "I was asking if that necklace is new." He pointed his chin towards the silver chain around Viktor's neck that is just vaguely visible—the chain that Hadrian had gifted to Viktor just before the game against Ireland, and which he had imbued protective charms and runes. "Which is a surprise. I don't often see you wearing things like that. You don't like it, I recall."
Though it is more like Viktor doesn't wear accessories so as to prevent it from getting caught up in his robes when he is playing in a game.
"I just don't like wearing it when I'm in a match." Viktor corrected his best friend.
Natasha was however looking from one to the other with a raised brow before a lightbulb seemed to go off in her head. "Did Hadrian make that for you?" She asked suddenly.
A few seats down, Fiona Evans and Fleur Delacour looked over at their group with interest.
Viktor looked pointedly away from Natasha whose grin only widened.
"He did, didn't he?"
"Aha, I get it now." Alec's grin is enough to match his betrothed's. "You'll really do anything for your omega, huh?" He nudged his best friend in the side who only ignored him.
"He's not mine."
"Yet." Natasha chimed in. "Though seriously, you have some great patience. How long have you waited for his answer?"
"I'll wait," Viktor murmured in a voice low enough that only Natasha and Alec could hear him. The Quidditch star was looking over at where Hadrian was seated, surrounded by his friends, with a look that could only be described as longing visible in his gaze. "I'll wait until he's ready to give me his answer. He's worth it."
Natasha and Alec only exchanged looks.
"He's the one then."
"Yeah." Viktor only nodded without elaborating.
The murmurs from the different tables died down just then. Viktor looked towards the front where the head table was, only to see the redhead from earlier in the day that had stupidly challenged Hadrian to a duel only to get his arse kicked, and then almost bitten by Mehen.
The redhead had a very sullen expression on his face, and looked as if he didn't want to be here, but the glare from the woman next to him, which Viktor knew from the previous night was the Deputy Headmistress, stopped the redhead in his tracks.
"I would like to apologise for my words and actions towards not just Durmstrang Institute, but also Harry Potter. It is uncalled for and rude, and I apologise for my role in that." Ronald Weasley looked as if he meant anything but that. "Is that good enough for you?!" He snapped at Hadrian who had remained seated with his friends.
"Mr Weasley!" Minerva McGonagall snapped, scandalised.
Hadrian only looked on coolly from his seat. "I hear the apology, but I do not accept it. Accepting it would mean nothing but dishonour towards my school since it is not sincere in the least," he said in a voice loud enough to carry across the entire Great Hall. "However, I lay the blame at the feet of just Ronald Weasley, and not his family. And for the last time, my name is Hadrian Potter-Black, not Harry Potter."
At the Slytherin table, several of the Slytherins were taking delight in the humiliation of one Ronald Weasley, though they also felt for two of their house-mates, considering how bad it will also reflect on them. Several of the Sixth and Seventh Year Slytherins however were relieved when Hadrian Potter stated that he blames the individual for his actions, and not his family. More than one Slytherin is already certain that Fred and George Weasley would be returning the next school year with a different last name.
"Now, now, Harry, my boy, you should learn to forgive him," Dumbledore said soothingly. "He apologised, after all."
Nikolai Kostov meanwhile looked ready to eviscerate Dumbledore on the spot.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, for the last time, I'll appreciate it if you would stop addressing my student with such familiarity when you have been neither given the leave nor permission to address him by name!" Nikolai snapped. "And I do not call that an apology."
"Neither would we!" The students of Durmstrang called out with agreement, as did Beauxbatons.
Ronald Weasley's face is starting to turn even redder—which his year-mates and family know is a sign of him losing his temper. Before he can worsen things, however, a particularly red-faced Percy Weasley grabs his younger brother by the ear and storms off before Ron can open his mouth and make things worse. Bill Weasley who is one of the two Gringotts' representatives currently present followed his two brothers, giving Michael Fawley a look that the latter nodded at.
Raisa Sokolov was already heading to the front of the podium before anyone else could say anything, and the murmurs were starting to die down.
"Thank you," Raisa said coolly. "Tonight is Samhain, and in a few more minutes, the Goblet of Fire will spit out the names of the three champions that it had chosen to represent their schools…"
XXXXXX
"Ow! Percy! You're tearing my ear off!" Ron whined, even as he struggled to free his abused appendage from his older brother's surprisingly strong grip, but to no avail, as he was forced to follow along in Percy's brisk walk from the Great Hall to who knows where.
Finally, Percy released his hold on Ron's ear and shoved his younger brother into a seat, and Ron then realised that he seemed to be in some sort of office. And that Bill had just entered the same room and had closed the door behind him.
Both his older brothers looked particularly grim and furious.
"Have you not been listening to what I've told you?" Percy almost snarled in Ron's face, and the latter shirked back. He had never seen Percy this upset before. Even when one of the twins had accidentally ruined his Charms project one summer, he wasn't even this angry.
"I apologised, didn't I?" Ron snapped back.
"You call that an apology?" Percy snapped. "I told you to apologise to Hadrian Potter, and Durmstrang Institute, and actually mean it! Do you have any idea of the amount of trouble you can cause our House for the sheer insult you've done so far to the Houses of Black and Potter?!"
Ron almost rolled his eyes. "That again? No one even cares about this pureblood bullshit, Percy!"
"This 'pureblood bullshit' as you call it, are the founding principles of our very society." Percy snarled. "And despite what Mum and Dad, or even Dumbledore have been filling your head with, we cannot ignore the very basics and principles of worshipping Lady Hecate and the very foundations of our society!"
"Nothing is going to happen." Ron was bored. "He's just some weak omega. Nothing to be worried about."
"Nothing to be—" Percy was so furious that he could barely get his words out. "The Houses of Black and Potter are fucking royalty in Britain itself! The amount of power they have is greater than any family! If you seriously pissed them off, you'll be an outcast in magical society!"
"Dumbledore won't let them do anything to me!"
"Dumbledore? You seriously think that old man can do anything at this point? Where are your eyes?"
"Don't insult Headmaster Dumbledore! He's a great wizard! The greatest in the world!"
"You—"
Bill caught the wrist of his younger brother before Percy could strike Ron—it told him more than anything else could that Percy was seriously furious, and for good reason.
"Bill!"
"Calm down, Percy," Bill told him quietly. "It won't do any good even if you hit him." He turned cold eyes towards Ron who shivered at the look in the eyes of his oldest brother, and even the way Bill's magic felt. "I'll suggest you return to the Great Hall, Ronald, and behave properly for the rest of the year. Tell that to Ginerva as well. I've been hearing tales of exactly how the both of you are behaving, and I am not impressed."
Ron wanted to say something to rebuke his older brother, but something in Bill's eyes told Ron that it was not a good idea. The youngest Weasley brother then wisely decided to follow Bill's advice to return to the Great Hall, all thoughts of his brothers immediately flying out of his head the moment he thought about the humongous Halloween feast that was waiting for him.
The two Weasley brothers left behind in the room were then left in silence for several moments, with just the sounds of their breathing surrounding them. Then, Percy let himself fall into a nearby seat, burying his face into his hands.
Watching the defeated form of his younger brother, Bill honestly felt sorry for Percy.
"What is wrong with both Ginny and Ron, and even Mum and Dad in particular?" Percy's words were muffled behind his hands before he removed them from his face to look up at Bill, frustration visible in every line of his face, and even his shoulders. "It is like the more we try to fix the family name and reputation, the more they try to ruin it! I am barely holding onto my job as it is, and it took me everything I could to even gain a Ministry job to begin with!"
Never mind that Percy already had plans to leave at the end of the year to pursue his law apprenticeship after taking the first stage of the bar exam.
Bill only sighed. There are several reasons why both he and Charlie have taken jobs outside of Britain. The Weasley name would only hinder them from career progression and getting good jobs, despite their qualifications. The oldest Weasley brother could understand why Percy wanted to become a lawyer, probably an international independent lawyer even, if he understood his brother's thought process at all.
As an internationally certified lawyer, Percy could work for himself, and he isn't restricted to just Britain.
"And I'm not even touching on how Mum had been treating the twins for years!" Percy continued complaining. "At this rate, I honestly won't be surprised if Fred and George leave Hogwarts without even taking their NEWTs just to spite her!"
Considering the twins' personalities, Bill can agree it is extremely likely.
Bill rubbed at the back of his head, looking at the door and then back to the defeated form of his younger brother. "You're going to need to inform Aunt Muriel about this, don't you?" It was more a statement than a question.
Percy let out a long, low groan. "I'm going to have to, as she'll find out sooner or later. Whether it be from the Daily Prophet or from one of her countless friends who had relatives in the school," he admitted. "It'll be better if Great Aunt Muriel hears the entire story from me, than whatever exaggerated version of the story she'll hear."
Bill sighed, "She isn't going to be happy," he admitted.
Percy gave a watery chuckle. "Not going to be happy? She's going to be fucking pissed!" He said. "Here we are, trying to maintain or at least fix the problems we currently have between House Prewett and House Potter, and Mum as well as Ron and Ginny are trying to cause more problems than we already have! We simply cannot afford to be embroiled in a blood feud with the House of Potter, Bill. And like it or not, the Weasley name is attached to House Prewett, as long as I carry the name of Weasley."
Bill groaned out loud. Changing his last name to Prewett is starting to sound better and better.
"And there are the problems I have with our own Ministry atop of everything! I'm handling the jobs of at least three others, even though I am still considered in a junior position, and I'm getting no support at all from our own Ministry. The only support I have is from Bertha, and she has to take over my duties of liaising with the international Ministries and is currently out in the field. Heck, she's the only one I know of in my entire department who actually does her own work!"
"Bertha… Bertha Jorkins, you mean?" Bill asked Percy who nodded. "Didn't you say that she was your mentor when you first joined?"
"She is." Percy nodded. "Honestly, I was hoping that she would actually be named department head. Instead, Fudge saw it fit to promote that useless waste of space currently masquerading as department head, and dumped all the department's duties on us both."
Bill really felt sorry for Percy. But as it is, the Ministry is corrupted, and everyone knows it. Try as Percy could, he couldn't fix that corruption.
There was a knock on the door just then, before it opened partially and Michael stuck his head in.
"Percy, they're calling for you," Michael informed the younger Weasley brother, looking concerned. "The Goblet of Fire had already decided on its champions. They need you in the inner chamber."
Percy nodded, rubbing at his eyes with the back of his hand before getting to his feet, and leaving the room, with Bill and Michael on either side of him. "Who are the champions decided?" He asked.
"From Durmstrang, Viktor Krum." Michael revealed. "From Beauxbatons, Fleur Delacour. And from Hogwarts…"
XXXXXX
"Cedric Diggory is his name," Fleur Delacour revealed, even as the students of both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons sat around the gigantic bonfire, with the students of the two schools hanging onto Fleur and Viktor's every word as they revealed what had happened in the inner chamber and what they have to do in preparation for the first task of the Triwizard Tournament.
"I know that name. Susan seemed to look up to him a lot." Draco mused. "She said that he's a decent guy, and likely a shoe-in for Head Boy next year too."
"Yeah, but not decent enough to stop his fellow students from wagging their tongues about Hadrian apparently." Viviane snarked, still angry with how Hogwarts had treated Hadrian. "Though with Hogwarts' education decline, I don't see him being a match for either Fleur or Viktor."
There were murmurs of agreement from all around.
"The first task is on November 24th," Viktor revealed from his place next to Hadrian. "We have a month to find out exactly what it is, and to prepare for it accordingly."
"That's it?"
Fleur gave a long, drawn-out, and exaggerated sigh from her place next to Fiona and some of her own friends who giggled. "Viktor, you're leaving out several pieces of the explanation," she reprimanded. The Veela looked around. "Each champion is allowed to have their own 'council' so to speak, or even a representative. We are also allowed to pick a backup champion in case something happens to us. Our school's students are also allowed to act as research teams for us. While Hogwarts' headmaster had kindly offered to loan the use of Hogwarts' library, we both declined."
There were chuckles and giggles from the students. Trying to compare Hogwarts' library to that of Durmstrang and even Beauxbatons? Almost laughable. And even if they do not have the necessary research books they have at hand, they could always ask the library committee back at their schools for their assistance.
"The professors and heads of the three schools aren't allowed to assist us directly with the tasks," Viktor revealed. It won't stop them from going around the rules to help, however. "But we as champions can approach them for advice. Just not the other way around."
"The rules are definitely different from the last tournament." One of Durmstrang's students nodded. "That's a relief. Who are you picking as your backup champion, Krum?"
Viktor met with Alec's eyes who nodded. "Alec," he revealed. "I'll reach out to the students whom I'm picking as my 'council', so to speak. The only rule we were given about the council is that we can only appoint twelve members, and they must be from all different years."
"For me, I'm picking Fiona," Fleur added, and there was a nod from her best friend, though Hadrian gave Fiona a worried look. "I'll trust no one else to watch my back if it comes down to it. I got a feeling that one of the tasks might involve our backup champion."
There was a light clap from where the professors were gathered, along with headmaster Kostov and headmistress Madam Maxime. The group of professors were all smiling with how well all their students were getting along, even though they were technically competing against each other.
"All right, enough talk about the tournament, students," Nikolai said. "How about we get started with Samhain?"
There were cheers from the students. For the next hour, the students from both schools then conducted the usual rites for honouring their ancestors and their loved ones, even sacrificing bits of their food as part of the ritual, and adding a stick to the large bonfire they were all seated around.
The flames of the bonfire won't go out until the next midnight hour.
There was light laughter from the students even as several of them danced around the bonfire, with the rest of them clapping. Fleur was one of them amongst the dancing group, though she was careful to keep her allure under control to not affect her schoolmates.
Viktor had a grin on his face as he strummed the strings of his guitar, watching his fellow schoolmates and friends all having the time of their lives, despite how they were treated since entering Britain.
"Hey Viktor, why don't you play us a song?" One of the students from Beauxbatons called out to Viktor from where he was seated, a drink in his hand.
There were cheers at that.
"Yeah!"
"Play us something!"
"Been awhile since I heard you put those musical talents to use, Krum!"
Viktor only gave a light hum, even as he strummed the strings of his guitar lightly. He then turned towards Hadrian who was seated beside him with a grin. "What would you like to hear, Ri?"
There were mock protests from those around them.
"Why are you asking Hadrian?"
"Are you singing for Hadrian only or what?"
Viktor tried to fight to control the grin on his face. "So what if I am?" He retorted playfully, and there were loud 'oooh's from all around, with a blushing Hadrian next to him. "So what do you want to hear?" He asked Hadrian again.
Hadrian made a light sound in his throat before he gave Viktor a bright smile. "I'm not picky. Maybe a Bulgarian folk song or something?"
Viktor made a sound in his throat as he thought back on all the various folk songs he knew without having to look at a music score. "Galabina, I guess," he said, and there were cheers. "It's popular enough that even our French friends would know the lyrics."
Viktor started to strum his guitar as he sang along to the music, before some of the more musically inclined students soon joined in with his singing. All the while, Viktor never looked away from Hadrian.
Opposite from where Viktor and Hadrian are seated, Valko Kovarev gave Viktor a hard stare.
XXXXXX
"It's well past midnight. Shouldn't you be going to sleep soon, Ri?" Viktor was very bemused, letting Hadrian drag him by the wrist to the area around the Black Lake, but not venturing too near the shores. Under the covers of night, it is difficult to see where the water ends and starts, after all, and accidents can happen, despite the torches that Beauxbatons and Durmstrang have both installed around the ship and carriage to give more visibility.
"I'm not sleepy yet. And I doubt any of the others would be going to sleep until at least three in the morning." Hadrian chirped.
That is true. Back at Durmstrang, during Samhain, the next day would always be a day off for the students, due to how late they would be up the previous night.
Viktor managed a small smile even as he watched Hadrian scuffling at the ground beneath his feet with one shoe. No matter what Hadrian does, he always finds everything that the omega does cute.
"Do you have something to tell me?" Viktor asked, amused. He knows what it's like when Hadrian is trying to hide something from him, or wants something. Draco had once openly questioned if Viktor wasn't secretly using Legilimency on Hadrian.
Hadrian scuffled at the area under his shoe before peering up at Viktor under his lashes. "Let's sit down?"
Viktor nodded before sitting next to Hadrian on the grass, only silently watching as the omega fumbled about in his pocket before he pulled out an object that Viktor only identified a moment later as a black chain bracelet. And then, his eyes fell on the familiar-looking charm hanging from it.
Viktor's eyes widened a slight fraction, before looking at Hadrian who looked shy and almost embarrassed.
"Ri…"
"You know what it means, I believe," Hadrian said. There is a slight tremor in his voice. "I want you to have my charm. I turned it into a bracelet, so you can wear it if you like."
Viktor was silent for several moments before resting his forehead against Hadrian's. "I know what it means, but Ri, do you know what it means?" He asked, feeling his heart thumping in his chest.
"I know." Hadrian nodded. "Ilian told me when he first gave me the charm when the Fourth Years received one at the beginning of the year. You give your charm to someone you love romantically. Your partner. Your lover. And Hecate willing, she'll bless your bond." He gave a shy smile. "I'll give you my answer now. The answer that I kept you waiting for. Three years ago, I didn't know what it was that I felt for you. Was it friendship or love? I didn't know the difference."
"Then do you know now?"
"I think so." Hadrian gave a short nod. "You were always there for me. When I find something new, or even finish a new art project, you are the first person who popped into my head to show it to. When there is a school event, you are the person I think of to invite. I don't know whether this is real love or not. But what I know is that when I think of you being with someone else… Looking at someone else… Starting a family with someone else… I hate it. I don't like seeing you unhappy or angry. So this is…love, right?"
There was silence for several moments.
"…Yeah." Viktor brushed the light tears from Hadrian's eyes gently with the back of his finger. "During the one month camp I had with the team before the World Cup… It was so difficult, turning around and not seeing you by my side. I think at some point, I just took for granted that you'll always be there. You sure kept me waiting for your answer." Viktor gave a small grin. "Stay by my side forever?" Hadrian let out a light 'eep' when Viktor engulfed him in a hug. "Be my boyfriend?"
"…Yes."
Viktor caressed the soft skin of Hadrian's cheek with his thumbs. Being this close to him, Viktor could smell Hadrian's distinct unique scent of apples and cinnamon. "…I'm going to kiss you," he murmured, and Hadrian nodded.
For a brief moment even as Viktor pressed his lips against Hadrian's, he then remembered that they were outside, but he filed it away at the back of his mind, even as he slipped his tongue into Hadrian's mouth, pushing him onto the grass on his back.
Vaguely, he can feel Hadrian's small hands grasping the back of his robes, scrunching up the cloth. Finally, Viktor broke the kiss, with both of them breathing heavily. Hadrian's cheeks were flushed, and there was a slight glassy look to his eyes.
"If you don't want me to go further, you shouldn't tease me like this," Viktor murmured, able to sense the light scent of an omega's arousal in the air. Hadrian's eyes were darting everywhere—unable to look at Viktor, much to his amusement. "If you don't like this, Ri, push me off," Viktor murmured, whispering into Hadrian's ear. "Your move."
Viktor could hear Hadrian let out a low mortified groan, and he chuckled with amusement.
"We're outdoors, Viktor," Hadrian murmured. "L-Let's take this inside."
Neither one of the two noticed the pair of blue eyes watching them from a window up in Hogwarts Castle.
XXXXXX
Mikhail Vasilev is likely the last of the Durmstrang students to return to the ship, considering it's well past three in the morning by the time he made it back in. The lights of the interior and the lounge area were dimmed as it always is whenever it's lights out.
Thus, Mikhail was very surprised to see a familiar petite raven-haired figure curled up on one of the beanbags in the lounge area, with a quilt covered up to his shoulders.
"Lucas?" Mikhail blinked owlishly, seeing the sleepy-looking omega looking at him over his quilt. "What are you doing sleeping here? Why aren't you back in your room?"
"I was—" Lucas was cut off as he covered his mouth when he yawned. "But I don't want to go back in there and see something I don't want to." Mikhail raised an eyebrow, "Viktor is in there with Hadrian." He yawned again, and Mikhail gave a grin. "I don't need to be a seer to know what's going on in there."
Mikhail did hear his cousin talking about Viktor going missing sometime near the end of the party. Seems like some of them can collect their bet winnings now.
"Nah, he won't go that far with Ri this soon in their relationship. Lord Black will kill him." Mikhail chuckled. Seeing the sleepy omega yawn again, he sighed. "Come on, Lucas, you can sleep in my room. Better that than sleeping out here." Never mind that headmaster Kostov would likely have him in detention until the end of the year should he learn that Mikhail let an omega share a room with two alphas. "You can take my bed. I'll set up some protective charms at the same time. I'll take the floor. Draco won't mind. I might need your help to stop Dray from killing Viktor in the morning, anyway."
XXXXXX
Rita Skeeter never had a worse day in her life.
Her hair is in a mess, she only had her wand with her, her nails are ruined, and don't get her started on the state of her robes!
She had no idea where she was either. By the sights of the houses that she can see whilst hiding in the graveyard that is most likely muggle in nature, she's probably in some muggle town.
The blonde reporter recalled the conversation she had with the editor-in-chief of Witch Weekly that morning when she'd told Rita to cut her losses and run.
"What do you mean by 'I'm fired'? You can't fire me!" Rita slammed her hands down on the desk of the editor-in-chief who wasn't phased in the least. Rita would like to meet the person or thing that can phase Leia Murray. The woman is one tough cookie and doesn't seem afraid of anything. Even Rita is afraid whenever she is called into Leia's office.
"Can it. Just because I was away from Britain for a week doesn't mean you can go behind my back to write an article like that!" Leia's eye was twitching dangerously. "Have you not learned your lesson from the last article you wrote about the vampires? Witch Weekly might be a gossip rag, but even we have rules! However the last editor-in-chief runs things, I am the one in charge now, and I will not report lies and untruths in our publication!"
"But it's bringing you money, isn't it? It's our best-selling issue to date!"
Bang!
Rita jumped when Leia got to her feet and slammed her hands down hard onto her desk, giving Rita a harsh glare. "You wrote about a fucking minor without his guardian's permission." Leia almost growled. "I already have Andromeda Tonks on the floo with me less than an hour ago, screaming about lawsuits if I don't retract that article and fire you!"
Rita blinked. "Look, just let the article run. Articles about the Boy Who Lived always sell papers. That's what we want, isn't it?"
Leia looked as if she wanted to throttle Rita. Through the glass window, Rita can already see her fellow reporters looking on with interest, but could hear nothing thanks to the Silencing Charms around Leia's office.
"Money? You think this is a matter of money? We fucking pissed off the House of Black!" Leia roared at Rita, causing her to shirk back. "Having the publication shut down is just the least of our concerns! Have you forgotten what happened at the Daily Prophet when Sirius Black started fucking things up the moment he was released?"
Rita flushed, recalling the humiliation she'd endured when she was served notice and marched out of the Daily Prophet building along with about a dozen other reporters.
"They can't sue me with anything. At worst, I just have to pay a fine. You can fire me, but I'll sue for lawful termination if you do." Rita warned.
"I'll be facing worse than that if I keep you on my staff," Leia growled, scribbling something on a pink slip and thrusting it into Rita's face. "Here. Go and collect your payslip from the records department. And the checker and printer who let your article go to print without performing the usual checks will be following your ass out of the door by tomorrow if I have anything to say about it." She then narrowed her eyes at Rita. "And I'm only saying this out of kindness. Get the fuck out of Britain as soon as you can, Rita. You pissed off the one House you should never have pissed off. You pissed off the Blacks."
Rita rolled her eyes at Leia's dramatics. "The House of Black can't do anything to me. There is no law that can charge me with anything."
"That's exactly the problem, Rita." Leia's eyes were grave. "They can't do things legally to get their vengeance on you, so they're not doing things by the book anymore."
"W-What do you mean?"
Leia eyed Rita for several moments. "It's just rumours, but I trust my contact. He's never been wrong before. The Blacks have put out a hit on you. They didn't specify whether they want you alive or dead, but you should know just how many enemies you've made over the years. You'd better run."
Rita growled low in her throat with the humiliation she had to undergo from the Blacks, again. She swore silently to herself that she will not rest until she'd destroyed the House of Black and Sirius Black.
Rita was so lost in her thoughts and her fantasies of vengeance that she never noticed the silent shadow behind her until it was too late, and she was bound and silenced, unable to move a single muscle.
Rita's eyes were wide when she saw the gaunt face and oily black hair of a familiar former Potions Master. She was still working at the Daily Prophet when this man was arrested and had covered his arrest, though she had lost her job not long after his trial. She definitely remembered Severus Snape, and his article is one that she didn't even need to embellish.
The real thing was horrible enough, considering what he'd done to not just the House of Potter, but also the hundreds of Hogwarts students that have passed through that school under his hands when he was still the Potions professor.
This man is unlike the man she recalled seeing in Courtroom Ten all those years ago. He is thinner now, and his robes both looked and smelled horrible. His face looked almost sunken and gaunt. But the almost crazed look in those eyes gave Rita the shivers.
He reminds the blonde reporter of Bellatrix Lestrange before her arrest, and then her death in the isolation cells in Azkaban that was reported about three years ago.
Rita struggled, but couldn't even say a word, freezing when she saw a green light lighting up at the end of the man's wand.
"Severus, stop." A voice that is more reminiscent of hissing stopped the man, and Snape looked over his shoulder.
"Master…"
No…
Rita felt her blood turn to ice.
From within the shadows, a familiar blonde figure in threadbare and dirty robes walked towards Snape and the bound Rita. The reporter recognised the haggard form of Lucius Malfoy whom the entire country had been on the hunt for well over a year now. In the arms of the blonde was the form of a baby.
But the baby looked deformed. It had the body of a baby, but the face… It looks almost demonic in nature.
"This body is falling to pieces." The baby spoke, but the voice that came out sounds almost like a snake's hissing, with the undertone of a man's voice. "It will not last long enough until the end of the year. She came along at the best time." A demonic-like smile spread across the baby's face. "I can do with a new host."
Rita felt like screaming when she recognised the red eyes.
No… No… This can't be happening!
"If you would be so kind, Severus…"
"Of course, Master."
The screams of Rita Skeeter echoed around the graveyard of Little Hangleton, but it was already too late for her.
Rita Skeeter would never be seen and heard from again.