The Decision
1984: The New Boy Who Lived
Three years had passed since the downfall of You-Know-Who. With the Potters gone, the weight of responsibility fell on a sweet, unassuming boy—Neville Longbottom.
After the tragic loss of his parents, who had been tortured into insanity by the Lestranges, Neville was raised by his formidable yet loving grandmother, Augusta Longbottom. She had done her best to prepare him for the world, but few expected this shy boy to carry the legacy of the Chosen One. Yet, here he was, the wizarding world's new hope.
Meanwhile, years later, in a quiet town just outside of Sofia, Bulgaria, Harry Potter was nearing his eleventh birthday. Unlike what might have been expected, he had not been raised in the spotlight. His parents, James and Lily Potter, had survived the war and chose to keep their son far from the influence of Albus Dumbledore and the pressures of the British wizarding world.
With his magical education looming, Harry faced an important decision—where to study. He would not be attending Hogwarts, as his parents distrusted Dumbledore’s leadership. Instead, his options lay beyond Britain: Ilvermorny, the prestigious North American school known for its four unique houses and practical, hands-on learning approach; Beauxbatons, an elegant and refined French academy that emphasized charm, grace, and academic excellence; or Durmstrang, a school renowned for its secrecy, rigorous training, and advanced studies in defensive and offensive magic.
After much deliberation, Harry and his parents decided on Durmstrang. Unlike Ilvermorny and Beauxbatons, which prioritized diplomacy and refinement, Durmstrang fostered resilience, strength, and independence—qualities James and Lily believed their son needed. Additionally, its location in Eastern Europe allowed them to remain close as a family, ensuring Harry could grow up with their guidance while still developing into a powerful wizard. The school's reputation for producing formidable duelists and masterful spellcasters made it the perfect place for Harry to unlock his potential.
As his birthday approached, the decision was final. Harry Potter would be attending Durmstrang, and his journey into the wizarding world was about to begin.