"Hogsmeade is looking a lot busier today," Harry mentioned, as he made his way through a crowd of wizards.
"Very much so," Cho agreed. It was the day before the start of the Interschool Tournament and the day before the very first game of this tournament, Hogwarts vs Ilvermorny. With the opening of the tournament being held at Hogwarts, many wizards around the world were flocking to Scotland to watch the first game between Ilvermorny and Hogwarts. As a result, Hogsmeade was packed to the brim with tourists. Based on information provided by McGonagall, every room in Hogsmeade was booked weeks in advance with the demand being absurdly high. McGonagall also let them in on the fact that multiple groups of wizards have tried to stay at the Shrieking Shack before being unceremoniously booted out by the Aurors stationed around Hogsmeade. In light of the precarious situation in the United Kingdom, the Ministry has stationed dozens of Aurors around Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. An Anti-Apparition Charm was also casted over Hogsmeade with a dedicated entrance to the village being assigned where tourists would have to provide identification and go through security checks. As a result, long queues were formed at the outskirts of Hogsmeade, something that Hogwarts students were thankfully able to avoid.
"I never thought that I would see Hogsmeade as crowded as this," Harry commented, "the Ministry honestly nailed the promotion of this."
"Oh definitely so," Cho nodded enthusiastically, "sends a pretty strong message to the Wizarding World too, that even in times of crisis and danger, the Wizarding World can still unite and enjoy the simple pleasures of life."
"That's what Quidditch does I guess," Harry replied much to Cho's agreement, "always has and always will, which is all the more surprising when you consider that no one has stopped us yet."
"Don't curse it," Cho said annoyedly, "our disguises are still working". Understanding their own fame and popularity (especially his own), Harry and Cho had decided to disguise themselves when they visited Hogsmeade, wearing a hat and using their scarves to cover up their faces. Harry also performed an obscure yet simple and effective Ignoring Charm, a charm which helps to decrease the amount of attention they attract, while not completely hiding them (the search for one never ends), it did help them blend into the crowds easier. As long as no one is looking for them or they are not in plain sight, they can stay undetected.
"We just need to make it to Three Broomsticks, and we are nearly there, we will be fine," Harry comforted.
At that moment however, a wizard accidentally bummed into Harry. In a moment of pure misfortune, Harry's scarf fell from his face, revealing him to the world. As the wizard turned to apologise, they both came face to face. In pure shock, the wizard's jaw dropped, almost unable to produce any words out of his mouth.
"Run?" Cho said anxiously.
"Run."
Bursting into the Three Broomsticks, Harry and Cho quickly made their way into their private room, attempting to escape the crowd. Thankfully, the initial shock from the wizard delayed his reaction just enough for Harry and Cho to run away. Unfortunately, he did recover from the shock and shouted Harry's name in excitement, alerting the entire crowd to their presence in Hogsmeade, thus prompting the search and chase for the celebrities.
"Fucking hell," Harry panted as he entered the private room.
"I hate being famous," Cho cursed.
"Well, you will have to get used to it if you want to go professional," Marcus said. In light of the major event ahead of them, Marcus decided to arrange a meeting with both Harry and Cho, done to provide them more insight about their progress.
"Pity that I'm already fully committed to this," Cho sighed as she took her seat next to Harry, "it's good to see you Marcus."
"The pleasure is mine as well," Marcus said, giving both Harry and Cho a hug.
"So what do you have in store for us today Marcus?" Harry asked.
"It's nothing too heavy," he replied, "just some updates and some news."
"News?" Cho asked curiously.
"We will get to that later," Marcus smiled, "but first, updates, the management at Nimbus is, unsurprisingly, very impressed by both of your performances so far, they are also very happy that you both were selected in the Hogswarts team, even happier that you both are the captain and vice-captain, they are happy with the teams that you have built and are hopeful for the Hogwarts team."
"That's good," Harry nodded happily.
"Indeed," Marcus replied, "they are obviously, sponsoring the Hogwarts team so they are expecting big things for your team but they are specifically looking towards you, Cho, Katie and Blaise, so much so that the heads of Nimbus are coming down for the game this weekend."
"Oh? That's huge."
"Mhm," Marcus agreed, "they will visit your team and do what sponsors always do, go on tours, talk to the players blah blah blah, you know the deal, but they specifically want a photoshoot with you four, since you are all signed to their Youth Programme."
"Expected I guess," Cho nodded, "just tell us what to do on the day."
"Would do," Marcus smiled, "now moving on to the more interesting news, I've gotten some intel that a huge list of scouts will be attending this game."
"Huge as in how many?" Harry asked.
"Oh it's not only about the quantity, it's about the the variety," Marcus said with his eyes twinkling with excitement, "we have scouts from every team in the United Kingdom, scouts from other teams in France, Germany, Spain, the United States since Ilvermorny is playing of course, and even more interesting, the England and Scotland national team scouts."
"Scotland?" Cho asked, astonished.
"Very much so," Marcus said excitedly, "he is here for you specifically! And the England scout is definitely here for you as well Harry!"
"That's crazy!" Cho squealed.
"Yes!" Marcus said, "And if you look at the talent pool for Scottish Seekers, there isn't that many! And even less who performing well, I genuinely think that they are looking to put you into the team! Or at least have you try out with the team!"
Harry watched as Cho's face lit up brighter than he had ever seen (maybe other than Yule Ball, she was glowing during it), something that made Harry as happy. Getting called up to the national team before graduation is almost unheard of, the only one he could think of is Viktor Krum. While it can be attributed to the shortage of Scottish Seekers, it is still a testament to Cho's ability if she gets called up.
"You are also forgetting the team scouts that are out there watching," Harry reminded Cho, "Tutshill's scouts are going to be there as well."
"OMGGG!" Cho shouted in excitement, "This is fucking surreal."
"But don't get ahead of yourself," Marcus warned, calming down the overly excited Cho Chang, "you will still have to perform, remember Cho, you have a whole year to prove yourself to these scouts, stay consistent and hardworking and I can guarantee you, you will have teams chasing after your signature."
"I would," Cho nodded confidently, "I won't let you all down."
Waiting excitedly in the Transport Room, a new room setup to facilitate the arrival of students from the three visiting schools through the Floo Network, Harry felt his heartbeat rise when the flames erupted. Out of it appeared a group of ten people, all dressed in blue and cranberry with only two wizards, both of whom Harry assumed were the Professors, dressed in normal robes. As they exited the fireplace, another ten wizards appeared as the flames erupted again. Observing the group, Harry counted sixteen players, the maximum number allowed in the team, and four adult wizards, either Professors or Aurors.
"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," McGonagall greeted, "It's good to see you Eulalie."
"It's my pleasure Minerva," Eulalie Hicks replied, the Headmistress of Ilvermorny as she made her way towards McGonagall to give her a hug, "and Albus! Oh it's been a very long time my dear friend."
"Very much so Eulalie," Albus smiled warmly as both embraced, "I must say however, you are looking exquisite today."
"Oh you flatter me," Professor Hicks replied with some sass, "I unfortunately can't say the same about you, the war must be taking a toll on you hm?"
"Alas, it is," Albus sighed, "but let's not fret on that now, today should be a day of celebration."
"Very much so," she replied, "ah, this must be your Quidditch team Minerva."
"It is," McGonagall replied.
"They are looking fantastic," she said brightly, "looks really fit don't you think Mr Jackson?"
"I would agree," the boy called Jackson replied, someone who Harry recognised as the captain."
"Indeed, and not only fit, a few of them look awfully familiar," she laughed, "Minerva, your school is doing excellently at marketing your players, I've seen a few of them in newspapers before."
"You certainly have," McGonagall replied, "may I introduce, Harry Potter, the captain of our team."
"Ah, Mr Potter," Professor Hicks said knowingly, "you are a very famous man indeed, even across the Atlantic your name means a ton to us Americans, more than you know."
"I am?" Harry asked, bewildered.
"Oh very much so, perhaps you will realise just how much when you visit us later in the season," Professor Hicks winked, "ah and you must be Ms Cho Chang."
Making her way towards Cho, she shook Cho's hand, who looked slightly surprised at her being recognised.
"I've seen you on the news alongside Mr Potter a fair few times," Professor Hicks said, "the power couple indeed."
Before she could continue greeting the room, the flames erupted again, this time, another group of ten wizards exited the fireplace, their uniforms however, were blood-red in colour, still wearing a fur coat despite being indoors, even without an introduction, Harry already knew who they were. Durmstrang has arrived. As the flames erupted again, another ten showed up.
"Ah Minerva, it's good to see you," a male with a very hoarse voice, as if he had been yelling for hours before the interaction said.
"Dragomir, it is good to see you," McGonagall greeted the wizard. He was Dragomir Daskalov, the Headmaster of Durmstrang. Unlike the previous headmaster (who is dead now after being hunted down for his betrayal), from what Harry had heard, he is a very well-respected wizard, one who despite being powerful, never succumbed to the temptations of the other side, choosing to fight for the light. Despite his young age of fifty, he had reportedly been through numerous battles as an Auror for Bulgaria, bearing the scars to prove it.
"Drago," Dumbledore said warmly, approaching him to give a hug, "it's been a while since I've seen you."
"The last you saw me I was in the hospital half dead, and now you are the one who looks closer to death" Dragomir chuckled as he embraced Dumbledore tightly.
"Things we do to protect the peace," Dumbledore replied with a smile, "I must say however, I was truly relieved when I heard that you took over Karkaroff's position as the Headmaster, as I've always said, education is the world's greatest weapon."
"The less we talk about that scum the better," Dragomir huffed as he turned to the group of Hogwarts students, "if he left a bad impression of what Durmstrang is during the Triwizard Tournament, I hope that you would realise that the problem was him and not the school, Durmstrang is a fine institution who unfortunately, have not seen the greatest leadership in recent times."
"Unfortunate indeed," Dumbledore replied with a tinge of sadness, "but what matters is the journey ahead."
"Da," Dragomir nodded in approval, "I look forward to bringing the institution back to its former glory, working with the other schools to create a better world for all wizards to live in."
"We will," Hicks said with approval while McGonagall simply nodded.
Finally, the flames erupted once more, as usual, a group of ten exited the fireplace before another group of ten joined them. The students all wore a bright blue uniform, all dressed elegantly and stood with perfect posture. This time however, the flames erupted once more as a huge woman exited the fireplace. One he was familiar with, Madame Maxime.
"Madam Maxime," McGonagall greeted, "welcome back to Hogwarts."
"Minerva," Maxime replied with elegance and warmth in her voice, "I must say, it's been quite a while, surprisingly, I also miss this school just a slight bit, always had an odd warmth to it."
"Oh it surely has," Hicks replied, nodding her head in agreement.
"My dear Madame Maxime," Dumbledore greeted.
"Oh Dumbledore," Madame Maxime replied, "it's lovely seeing you again."
"The pleasure is mine," Dumbledore replied.
"Madame Maxime!" a voice erupted from the back of the room, turning to see who it was, Harry saw Fleur running past them to give her old mentor a huge hug.
"Oh my dear Fleur," Maxime said warmly, "how have you been?"
"I've been excellent," Fleur smiled brightly, "how's Gabrielle?"
"She's been handling herself excellently," Maxime smiled, "she has the natural fire which you had to act you had, most boys do not dare to court her for fear that she would set them on fire."
"She set someone on fire?" Fleur said with horror.
"Oh she did," Maxime laughed, this fourth-year boy thought that he could have his way with her, she simply set his balls on fire and went on with her day."
"SHE SET SOMEONE BALLS ON FIRE?" Fleur shouted in horror.
"The boy's privates are fine now," Maxime smiled, "he wasn't really injured by it, the only thing that was hurt was his ego."
"You didn't punish her?" Fleur asked confusedly.
"I punished her a little," Maxime replied, "just some lines, she didn't really do anything wrong other than retaliating a little too much."
"Well if everyone is here," McGonagall interrupted, trying to ensure that they stay on schedule, "let's head down and get you all settled into your temporary dorms shall we, before we head to the Great Hall for the ceremony where you all can socialise more.
Following McGonagall's lead without question, the students and professors quickly settled into the temporary dorms. Harry never knew that empty classrooms could be refurbished and changed into dorms that fast but with the likes of McGonagall, Flitwick and Dumbledore working on it, and adding in the fact that they were living in a living castle, Harry wasn't too surprised when all it took was an hour to set everything up. The harder part was finding the portraits who were willing to defend it, with many either being too eccentric, too preoccupied with their activities or parties (which has been going on for centuries by now) or being too annoying, in other words, being Sir Cadogan. After a long search, they finally found three capable and willing portraits to do the work. Truthfully, the search could have been completely negated if McGonagall just decided to use the portraits of Headmasters in her office, all of whom (other than Phineas Nigellus Black) were more than willing to carry out the task. McGonagall however, didn't feel that it was right to use these established and well-respected Headmasters, hence the long search.
Soon however, they were finally at the event that they had been looking forward to for quite some time, the Opening Ceremony. Being held in the Great Hall, the private ceremony was simply used to launch the tournament, with an address from Amelia Bones, the Minster of Magic to open the event, the event will then have the players take an oath of fair play before the trophy is unveiled for the first time. There will then be a huge feast where the visitors will be given to opportunity to socialise a little with the students of Hogwarts and enjoy the food of Hogwarts (other than Beaubaxtons students who would find it lacking something). Being part of the Hogwarts quidditch team, rather than assembling inside the Great Hall itself, Harry had to wait together with his team and the visitors behind the huge doors of the Great Hall, waiting for it to be opened and called inside. With his team lined up beside him and the other three captains lined up at his left and right. Harry waited with anticipation for the ceremony to begin. Truthfully, he couldn't care less about this ceremony, the only thing that he was really excited about was the revealing of the trophy (one that he hoped to be able to lift at the end of the season). All Harry really wanted to do was to hop onto the broom and get into the first game of the season against Ilvermorny. Speaking about Ilvermorny however, their captain, Elijah Jackson, was standing next to him. Under the bravado that he displayed, Harry could tell that he was a little anxious.
"You doing alright?" Harry asked politely.
"Oh, yes," Jackson replied, still keeping his front.
"First time doing an event like this?" Harry asked.
"What? Oh… yes, I'm not used to these types of official ceremonies, I much rather get on a broom and just play, much less nerve-wrecking."
"Oh trust me, I understand," Harry smiled, "though I have some experience with these ceremonies, not by choice of course."
"I've heard a little about it," Jackson chuckled, turning to face him, "Elijah Jackson."
"Harry Potter."
"Looking forward to the game tomorrow?" Jackson asked.
"Definitely, I would gladly skip all of this and let the opening ceremony be our game."
"So do I," Jackson smiled, "I've watched some tapes of your school, the individuals on your team are supremely talented."
"Thanks," Harry said modestly, "can't say that I've watched much of yours however, your league is much less televised unfortunately."
"Hopefully it gives us the advantage," Jackson replied, "your team is definitely the strongest on paper, I won't fancy playing you all halfway through the season, much less facing you all away."
"I look forward to facing you at Ilvermorny to be fair," Harry replied, "how does your school look like?"
"Oh it's quite similar to Hogwarts," Jackson replied, "it's slightly inspired by your school, you can see the similarities in the system, the houses and the architecture, though I have to admit, your Quidditch amenities are a lot better than ours, the renovation you underwent was massive."
"Agreed, we have new gyms, new changing rooms and all, it's brilliant now," Harry said.
"It would be amazing if we do win there tomorrow," Jackson said, eyes gleaming.
"It would be great to give my school their first victory in front of the home crowd as well," Harry agreed.
"We shall see tomorrow then," Jackson nodded with determination, "may the best win."
"May the best win."
As they finished up their conversation, the group of players were given their ten-second-left signal from a Ministry official. Steadying himself and checking his appearance with Cho once more (they were dressed in their Quidditch attire), Harry turned back to face the door as it began to open.
As the doors slowly creaked open, Harry and the other three captains began to walk down the hall. The house tables were moved to the sides to give way to three schools to make their way towards the High Table where the Professors and staff sat. At the edge of the hall however, Harry spotted a large group of reporters and journalists, all taking notes and filming the ceremony. This time however, there were eight new members at the table. Headmistress Hicks, Headmaster Daskalov, Madame Maxime, the three Ministers of Magic from all three nations, Amelia Bones and the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Fergus McAllister who was also an ex-player for Pride of Portree. Taking his position, Cho, Katie and Blaise all lined up alongside him while the others lined up behind. As all the schools took their positions, Durmstrang to his right, Ilvermorny to his left and Beaubaxton on Ilvermorny's left, Amelia rose to give her address.
"Welcome all players, students, Professors, officials, reporters and journalists to the Opening Ceremony of the Interschool Tournament," Amelia announced, "today, the four largest wizarding schools in the world come together to celebrate this occasion together, this tournament has been months in the making, with every detail from the format of the tournament to the logistics of the tournament being prepared to make this tournament the perfect ground for these sixty-four players to showcase their talents and sportsmanship on the broom."
"This tournament however, isn't just a Quidditch tournament," Amelia said, "this tournament is more than that, this tournament is a show of unity, a show of unity during these troubling times, too often, we find our wizarding world disconnected and separated, every wizarding government isolating themselves and fighting for their own self, unwilling to lend a hand to others as they go through turmoil and adversity, we forget the power of unity, the power of friendship between communities, governments and nations, divided we are vulnerable and weak, but united, no forces of evil will be able to undo the good work generations before we have created."
"Today, I stand here not to only announce the start of this tournament, I stand here today to start a new era of our wizarding world, no longer will wizarding Britain isolate itself from the wizarding world, no longer will we act like other communities and governments do not exist out there, from today onwards, through shared goals and interests, our wizarding world will become more connected more powerful, I invite other Ministers, whether they are from Europe, Africa, Asia or America, reach out and work with us, let us create a world of peace, a world where the forces of evil can no longer rampage our world, thank you."
Thunderous applause rang from around the Hall as Amelia returned to her seat. Watching the foreign Ministers with intrigue, they thankfully all look satisfied and triumphant, happy that their initiatives have been announced. As Amelia took her seat, the next speaker, Fergus McAllister took her spot.
"Good evening all," McAllister greeted, "I am Fergus McAllister, the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports and the Head of this Interschool Qudditich Tournament, over the past half a year, my department and the departments of France, Eastern Europe and the United States of America have worked tirelessly to bring the Interschool Qudditich Tournament to live, working on logistics, formats and many many more aspects, today, I'm proud to see our tournament being brought to life, with sixty-four students from all four schools standing in front of me, ready to compete and bring glory to their schools, this tournament will display the talent that the future generation of Quidditch players possesses and hopefully be the launching pad for some of their careers, before we start this tournament however, I would require all sixty-four players to raise their right hand and follow me as I recite the Player's Oath."
Raising his right hand, Harry stood proudly, ready to recite the pledge. With a wave of his wand, a magical piece of parchment appeared in front of McAllister as he began to read.
"We, players from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Beauxbations Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute, vow to take part in the Interschool Quidditch Tournament, respecting and abiding by the rules and in the spirit of fair play, inclusion and equality," McAllister recited as the students repeated.
"Together, we stand in solidarity against all adversity and commit ourselves to Quidditch without any cheating or discrimination, we do this for the honour of our teams, in the honour of our schools, and to make the world a better place through Quidditch," McAllister finished.
After saying the final words of the Oath, the piece of parchment glowed warmly, before rolling itself and disappearing.
"Thank you all players," McAllister said, "and for the final event of tonight and for the opening of this tournament, I present to you! The cup!"
Flicking his wand, the walls around the trophy which had kept it covered until now, slowly fell, revealing a glowing golden trophy in all its glory. The crowd watched in awe as they took in the beauty of the trophy. Harry however, looked at it with firm determination, determined to bring it home to Hogwarts at the end of the season. Even though they hadn't even played their first game yet, Harry had this strange feeling in him, a strange feeling that the trophy was his, that he would lift it at the end of the season. And he liked it.