Chapter 3
Everyone was in a fuss the morning after Professor Black’s announcement.
“So, I’m still a mite confused. What exactly is this Tri-Wizard Tournament?” she asked Evelyn as they trotted down to breakfast.
“The three largest European schools of magic Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, and Hogwarts come together to set forth a champion and compete in a series of three dangerous tasks. The winner gets a large bag of galleons.”
“Don’t forget! Eternal Glory!” exclaimed Sebastian dramatically as he Ominis, Phin, and Anne all came up from the dungeons catching the Ravenclaws in the entrance hall.
“Yes, that to,” said Evelyn.
“What exactly do these tasks entail?” asked Genevieve.
“Oh, they’ve varied, but they usually involve demonstrating your magical prowess in some form or another and are generally potentially deadly,” said Phin.
“Nothing new for our Gen,” said Anne jokingly and Genevieve scoffed. However, before she could deny any desire to set herself forth Ominis beat her too it as they all sat down at the Ravenclaw table.
“Genny may have a knack for falling into trouble but she doesn’t sign up for it unnecessarily Annie.”
“Not to mention Uncle El wouldn’t let probably wouldn’t let her enter even if she were so inclined. He might grudgingly accept the forays into the dangerous but it has to be for a good cause.”
“Yes, I don’t think Papa would be very happy about me tossing my hat into the ring. He had a hard enough time with me completing the trials and these tasks sound eerily familiar,” sighed Genevieve.
“It does seem like you’d have had enough of that nonsense,” said Poppy as she and Natty joined them.
“What nobody here wants honor and glory and a big bag of gold?” asked Sebastian humorously. Ominis rolled his eyes.
“Not at the cost of one of us losing our necks.”
“On the bright side if you did end up accidentally beheaded in the process you’d qualify for the headless hunt,” said Phin.
“My life’s ambition,” drawled Genevieve remembering the irritating Richard Jackdaw. “Really though I thought Quidditch was bad enough. What is it with you wizards wanting to put your lives on the line for fun?”
“Lack of self-preservation?” speculated Natty.
“Persistent thrill seeking?” offered Anne.
“Hubris?” offered Poppy.
“Perhaps a combination,” said Genevieve. “And all under the facade of increasing international magical cooperation.”
“More or less,” said Phin.
“Well, I suppose the international aspect is the only SANE part of the whole endeavor. Though I’m not entirely sure a deadly competition is the way to go about it,” said Genevieve.
“That’s sweet you and sanity in the same sentence,” said Ominis and Genevieve gasped.
“OMINIS GAUNT!” her Slytherin beau caught her arm before she could successfully whack him for his quip at her expense.
“Did any of you teacher’s children hear about this over the Summer?” asked Poppy watching on in amusement.
“I didn’t hear a thing. But father’s rather good at keeping secrets when he wants it was probably in the myriad of letters he sent over the Summer but I didn’t think anything of it.”
“My father doesn’t like me so he certainly didn’t tell me about the whole thing,” said Phin with a shrug. Natty shook her head.
“Nothing from my mother. Though we were mostly preoccupied with our guests.”
“Well, it will be an interesting year,” said Genevieve.
“Maybe we’ll get lucky and Leander Prewett will enter and get himself killed,” snorted Evelyn.
“You think the goblet would choose HIM for Hogwarts Champion? The fellow would run from a puffskein. I don’t want to see us lose,” said Sebastian.
“No that’s Puffskein Duncan you’re thinking of. But the point stands,” said Ominis.
“Alright why does everyone call Duncan Hobhouse that?” asked Genevieve.
“A puffskein is his boggart,” said Natty by way of explanation.
“It was quite the story around school when it happened.”
“And before you go feeling sorry for him he’s a nasty little blood purist,” sneered Anne.
“Ah that explains it,” said Genevieve. Her paramour’s contempt now making more sense.
“Who was it though that actually came up with the name Puffskein Duncan?” asked Phin thoughtfully.
“Me,” said Ominis looking slightly smug.
“Well, Hobhouse aside I don’t think Evelyn’s hopes of losing Leander to a ‘tragic accident’ hold much water. Especially if we want to put on a good show to the foreign schools.”
“We’ve already got the youngest person to ever get the Order of Merlin. I don’t think they can really top that,” argued Poppy.
“Probably not but that doesn’t mean we can slouch when they arrive at the end of this week,” said Evelyn.
“And here I hoped for a quiet final year,” said Genevieve with a sigh.
“Nothing’s quiet with you,” Ominis told her with a wry smile and Genevieve rolled her eyes.
HL
The one thing at Hogwarts that never seemed to change, besides Black’s attitude, was the teachers. She could always depend upon them. Professor Ronen was as jolly as ever in his charms lecture.
“This will be the most charming year of all my young friends,” he got a few laughs at that. “You will be working towards your futures. And of course, in the short term we want to impress our guests that will soon be arriving.”
They then proceeded to learn the Caterwauling charm which left most of the class with their ears ringing after having it set off so many times.
“My mother uses one of those to stop me sneaking out when we are at home,” said Natty.
“Does it work?” asked Genevieve.
“Yes.”
“The noise is certainly effective,” said Genevieve.
“I quite agree. Nobody is getting caught off guard with that up.”
Next was alchemy.
Professor Ashmole was determined to make sure that his students only got the highest of results.
“I’m well aware this is extracurricular to most of you but the Ministry is looking for every chance to shut this program down which means not only for your own sakes but for those who may wish to study the craft after you, you’ve got to apply yourself in the manner I know you capable of.”
Genevieve had a special appreciation for Ashmole. He was a learned Professor and the clear passion for a subject that people seemed to constantly be trying to crush was almost inspiring in a way.
Defense Against the Dark Arts of course was the best of them all as usual.
“Now. As the other teachers have undoubtably already said we want to put on a good show for our guests. Which also means if any dueling happens to break out during our guest’s visit, not that I’m encouraging it of course, quite the opposite, we’re the foremost school of magic in Britain for a reason, don’t make me regret claiming you as my students.” Sebastian raised his hand.
“So, to sum up the other person better come off worse?” Hecat smirked.
“You said it Mr. Sallow not me.”
She might look like a breath of wind could blow her away but everyone in Hogwarts knew crossing Hecat was about as smart as walking up and tweaking a troll’s nose. With that said she was also the teacher most likely to look the other way if your mischief was within her approval.
At this point the idea of her implying “don’t start duels but if you get in one you’d better win it” was…well unsurprising.
Genevieve didn’t get a chance to pop in on her father until classes were done for the day.
“Ah my sweet girl,” he said as she pushed open the door to his office. “How has your first day back been?”
“Exceptionally enjoyable,” she replied. “Professor Hecat threatened everyone into line. While also subtly encouraging chaos.”
“She does have a habit of doing that.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about the Tri-Wizard? I could have kept a secret,” she asked.
“Because I was rather busy protesting against the whole thing. I still don’t know how they got people to agree. I wouldn’t be above suspecting bribery being involved.”
“So, you don’t approve of the contest?” the fact didn’t totally surprise her. Eleazar Fig was not someone to take pleasure in risking the lives of students. Sure, they’d investigated the ruins in her fifth year but that had been driven by a desire to solve Miriam’s murder, and he hadn’t known for sure what they were getting into.
She might have gotten the sense that he enjoyed adventuring with her to a degree on the investigative front but he didn’t enjoy the dangers that had come with it.
“No, I’ve never thought the prospect of allowing underaged students to try and compete in death defying competitions was a good idea. In fact, it’s far too reminiscent of your trials.”
“I felt the same way,” said Genevieve accepting a cup of tea. “At least you needn’t worry about me tossing my name in the Goblet of Fire.” Her father gave a resigned smile. “My one consolation. At least it’s not my daughter I need to worry about this year. Well more than usual at least.”
Genevieve groaned.
“You are as bad as Ominis. You all just assume I’m going to run into trouble!”
“Because we all know you my dear child and have experienced the chaos you have the nasty habit of getting yourself caught up in. However good the cause.”
“Well at least you admit the causes have been good,” she muttered.
“Are you excited to meet the students from the other schools? It is the only part of the blasted thing I condone.”
“It’ll certainly be interesting,” agreed Genevieve. “Three nationalities under one roof. I don’t envy you your position as a teacher.”
“Nor should you,” said her father.
“Just be careful. If it gets too bad Aunt Di might start spiking the staff drinks with fire whiskey to take the edge off.”
“She already does that to get us through any meeting with Black.” Chuckled Professor Fig and Genevieve laughed.
HL
The rest of the first week was mercifully uneventful. At least by HOGWARTS standards. Professor Garlick was as cheerful as ever, Genevieve’s father remained infectiously engaging, Professor Saxon continued to impress the importance of caution now that they were reaching the most complicated and dangerous runes, Howin was eager to introduce them to the latest crop of creatures, Weasley remained firm but compassionate, and Sharp was strict as ever giving Garreth a detention in the first class for causing an explosion that charred the roof of the dungeons and would have splattered the passing Genevieve had Anne not yanked her out of the line of fire.
Speaking of Anne the girl was practically glowing taking her course work in stride and relishing in the chance to finally be back at Hogwarts.
Late Friday afternoon arrived and so did their foreign guests. The Beauxbaton’s students came in a powder blue carriage drawn by several huge abraxan horses. People gasped in awe as it flew overhead before coming to land on the grass. Then there was the Durmstrang contingent who came in a ship that burst up from the bottom of the Black Lake leaving Genevieve to wonder at how it worked.
“They don’t seem to have bubblehead charms do you think it’s a spell covering the whole ship?”
“Possibly though it would have to be quite powerful to cover the entire ship,” theorized Evelyn.
“Only Ravenclaws would be more focused on the logistics of the transport than the students themselves,” snorted Sebastian.
“We’ve been spending time round them for going on three years Sebastian. Longer if you count your bickering with Ollivander how is this surprising?” drawled Ominis playfully and Genevieve made a noise of mock offense.
“Careful brother,” teased Anne. “I’m fairly certain said Ravenclaws also have extensive knowledge of a few good hexes if you annoy them.”
“They can’t be much worse than you Annie,” joked Sebastian.
“Challenge accepted,” said Evelyn a wicked grin spreading across her face, silver eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Oooh dear,” chuckled Genevieve.
“What hell have you unleashed?” asked Ominis.
“Wait. And. See,” said the blond as they headed back inside the school.
“Oh MERLIN it’s good to be back!” laughed Anne.
“SALLOW!” yelled a bossy female voice and Genevieve turned to see Imelda Reyes hurrying up.
“Which one?” quipped Sebastian.
“The non idiot,” snorted Imelda. “Look last year Slytherin came in INCHES of winning the damn cup. BUT do to a bit of shoddy flying near the end Hufflepuff beat us. So the question is will one of the best players be trying out again this year?”
Anne looked thoughtful.
“Well it would be good to be back on a broom again.”
“Come on Annie I’m on the team you come back and it will be just like old times!” exclaimed Sebastian.
“I’d certainly love to see you play,” said Genevieve.
“Even if it gives her a near heart attack,” chuckled Ominis.
“You’re out of line. But you’re right,” sighed Genevieve dramatically.
“Alright I’ll come to try outs.”
“Good,” said Imelda. “I’m not letting this Tri-Wizard competition mess with my Quidditch.”
“You know now that I think about it it’s surprising, they haven’t cancelled it.”
“There aren’t THAT many games a season and if the Hogwarts Champion is a quidditch player they can always forfeit their spot to another player,” shrugged Sebastian.
“Just to confirm nobody in our group is planning on entering correct?” she said sharply it had mostly been implied the morning after the announcement but she wanted to make sure she didn’t need to talk anyone out of doing something stupid.
“Yes, because submitting oneself into a potentially lethal competition while lacking the ability to see is such a brilliant idea,” scoffed Ominis.
“I’ll risk my neck for a creature or a friend but I rather draw the line at the entertainment of the masses,” said Poppy who had joined them along with Phin and Natty.
“I’m with Poppy. I’m all for showing off in a friendly duel or risking my life for a good cause but not for something as superficial as gold and glory,” said Evelyn.
“I’m sure father would love the glory for the Black family, or opportunity to be rid of the family disappointment but thrill seeking isn’t really up my alley,” snorted Phin.
“I literally spent the past two years trying not to die so I don’t fancy wasting my life for some school competition,” said Anne with a shrug.
“And I spent the past two years trying to save my sister I’m not about to risk cutting my time short with her for a bit of showing off,” said Sebastian wrapping an arm about his twin a gesture that made Genevieve smile.
“My mother would kill me,” said Natty flatly causing a ripple of laughter.
“Well then we can only hope the person that is picked is good enough to win but not arrogant enough we have to deal with focusing on them all year,” said Genevieve. “But at least that’s one less way I have to worry about my friends.”
“You worry about us?” said Phin. “Shouldn’t it be the other way around?”
“How many times must I say it I can’t help my ancient magic is a trouble magnet!” huffed Genevieve.
“Right Gen. Right,” replied Evelyn sarcastically.
“I don’t know why I spend time with any of you,” Genevieve grumbled jokingly.
“Because at the end of the day we’ll tease you relentlessly but we’ll also have your back in any and all scenario’s you ever find yourself in,” said Natty.
“Ah yes that’s right,” said Genevieve blithely.
“Come on we should all drop off our bags so we can get good seats at dinner,” said Anne. They all nodded in agreement and hurried to drop off their things in the common rooms. Plenty of people seemed to have the same idea as a good portion of the school seemed to have arrived early to dinner.
It seemed tonight was one in which the teachers intended to enforce the “sit with your own house,” rule so Genevieve ended up sandwiched between Evelyn and Amit.
“I can’t wait to meet the students from other cultures!” said Amit.
“That is the one truly intriguing part of the whole thing,” she said.
“Quiet everyone!” called Black to the hall though nobody paid any attention. “I SAID QUIET!” still nothing as usual. Grudgingly the headmaster looked to Professor Weasley who was doing a good job of hiding her amusement though Genevieve noted a twinkle in her eye.
“Everyone! Silence please,” she called once firmly but without shouting and the hall went silent. Genevieve grinned. She did love how essentially the entire rest of the staff commanded more respect than the headmaster himself. Impersonating him really would be one of her happiest memories.
“Thank you, Professor Weasley. Now I’m sure you’ll all welcome the visiting students. First are the ladies and gentlemen of the Beauxbaton’s Academy of Magic And their Headmistress Marguerite Moreau.”
In came two files of boys and girls, twelve altogether, who seemed to range from 16 to 17 dressed in uniforms of pale blue silk. Partway down the aisle both sides released a flurry of butterflies and twittering birds into the air before rushing to the front of the hall where in pairs they performed an elegant sort of dance while filling the hair above with magical images culminating in a large sparkling image of their school crest, two golden wands crossed over each other each one shooting actual stars.
Everyone broke into applause meanwhile a woman dressed smartly in a white blouse with a vest of a similar blue to the students and a long high waisted skirt strode up the aisle. She had a wand holster at her hip and her blond hair was pulled back in a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Presumably this was Headmistress Marguerite if Genevieve were guessing she’d saying the woman was around Professor Weasley’s age.
“Well, that’s impressive,” muttered Evelyn.
“You don’t say,” said Genevieve eyes wide in amazement. The Beauxbaton’s students filed off to one side of the hall before Black stepped up the owl lectern and stated.
“And now the students of the Durmstrang Institute! And their Headmaster Vladamir Volkov.”
Once more the doors flew open revealing two files of students, six of each gender. The boys wore blood red tunics fastened at one shoulder in a military fashion, with a belt at the waist that looked to have their school crest of the two headed eagle as a buckle, beneath were brown paints and high leather boots. The women had long blood tunics of a similar fashion though they reached the knee splitting at the side to reveal tight brown pants and the same high boots. They also wore the same belt at their waist. Each carried a staff topped with an eagle’s head in their hand.
They slammed the sticks down causing sparks to fly up Genevieve nearly jumped out of her seat and was not the only one. Over at the Slytherin table she saw Anne whispering to Ominis presumably informing him what the noise was.
The students whirled their staffs then pelted up to the front of the hall where they began to perform a sort of martial arts display fighting each other with their staffs and doing flips. It was impressive in a different way than the Beauxbatons had been. At last, a student cast incedio and blowing on it caused the fire to form the Durmstrang eagle.
“You know I’m suddenly glad that Black banned us singing Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,” murmured Evelyn as the Durmstrang headmaster an olive-skinned man with black hair in thick furs strode up and shook hands with Black.
“You and me both,” said Genevieve who had never heard the song but the title alone screamed embarrassment.
“Yes well, now everyone is here we can make the announcement, two other wizards had come from a side door one she recognized as the Minister himself mostly because upon entering he shot both Genevieve and her father a sharp glare.
“Guess all isn’t forgiven for last year,” she sniggered.
“Well, now that’s finished,” began Spavin. “We shall make our announcements. Unfortunately, we do have some last-minute news that was conveyed only this afternoon. The permission originally obtained to host the Tri Wizard competition has since been revoked.”
Many noises of disappointment were made around the hall.
“Looks like someone had a dose of common sense,” said Amit. Genevieve wasn’t surprised that he two had been unenthused by the idea of the tournament. Clever as her fellow Ravenclaw was the boy wasn’t exactly…well one to jump to danger.
“So…So!” The Minister shouted a few times to regain the school attention. “We will be adapting. Of course, we wish to still go through with the primary reason for the competition which was to foster relations between our three marvelous schools. For now, we shall be continuing with the plan of integrating our visitors into your classes. Meanwhile we shall work on creating some other form of competition of a less dangerous nature between the schools that will perhaps pacify those objecting. So don’t worry you’ll still have your chance to show what your schools can do.”
The man next to him stepped up.
“We assure you we are all as disappointed as you but unfortunately the last-minute objections were too strong to refuse. In the meantime, we encourage you all to enjoy your time together and get to know each other. The Yule Ball at the very least as of this time will be proceeding come December so fourth years and up may look forward to that.”
Now it was Weasley’s turn to step up.
“Well, now that’s been settled I suggest we all tuck in,” the food appeared on the tables as she made gestures for the foreign students to take seats before moving to confer with the ministry officials.
“Oh, look Beauxbatons heading our way!” said Evelyn nudging Genevieve and sure enough the students filled in though they all simply slid in on each side at the end of the table rather than really mixing. Then again, they didn’t know anyone yet so perhaps it would be easier to fraternize once they’d shared classes.
The Durmstrang lot had done something similar at the Slytherin table confirming Genevieve’s theory.
“I suppose our foreign friends have had a rather large disappointment,” said Evelyn.
“Yes, Godric forbid, they don’t get to risk life and limb,” said Genevieve with a shake of her head.
“It was their choice,” said Evelyn.
“They are also sixteen and seventeen. How rational are all of our choices?” asked Genevieve. “I agreed to go raid a dragon fighting pit last year.”
“Do you regret it?” asked Evelyn.
“Oh no,” said Genevieve helping herself to some crepes. “But I won’t claim it was a wise decision by any metric.”
Evelyn laughed.
“Just take me with you and Poppy as back up next time.” Genevieve’s mouth quirked up.
“We’ll see Evie.” If she did end up getting into trouble perhaps, she could use that to get Evelyn and Sebastian together. Two birds with one stone.
So, it was finally here. The combination of three schools. Even without the Tri-Wizard tournament Genevieve had a feeling perhaps Hecat’s warnings weren’t empty after all.