THE VEELA AND HER LION

Chapter 4- Hogwarts Bound

He drew the eyes of every single person on the platform, especially the students. He was starting to get annoyed at all the watching and pointing and whisperings.

“Some things never change.” Harry muttered as he continued to walk ahead. He had grown a lot these holidays and it was noticeable.He stood at 5’11 now and that was a height that most of them will not reach in their entire lifetime. He had put on weight and muscle mass and the shirt that he had put up didn’t hide it, rather emphasizing it a lot.

Many purebloods in general, didn’t care about having a strong physique. They had this conception that they were gifted with powerful magic by just waving around their wands. Idiots.

Halfbloods and muggleborns would surely have been exposed to this, but they have no idea that the better your body, the better your magic. He was surprised his Grandfather even knew about all this. Sure, he might not be averted to muggles, but still, he was from a very old pureblood family.

He had reaped the rewards for his hard work across the holidays and he had noticed how good he was with his added fitness. He was more quick on his feet, his magic getting more poised and graceful and he could keep fighting on and on. The past few months and the added time on the special time turner was just what Harry needed.

He was about to board the train, but he was stopped by Narcissa. She walked upto him and much to the surprise and shock of the viewing public she hugged him tightly.

Harry smiled softly as he wrapped her in an arm.

“Have a good year.” She whispered into the hug and Harry nodded.

“Of course.” He said as he extracted himself. “Write to me and make sure he is well.” Harry referred to Sirius. “He doesn’t need anybody watching over him, but do make sure that he eats well and sleeps well. I want him to be healthy.” Narcissa nodded her agreement.

“Don’t worry about him. I will look after him.” Harry smiled.

“Write to me if there is anything, Narcissa.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek before turning back.

“Lady Malfoy?” Harry recognised the voice as Pansy Parkinson. He turned around and stood watching, waiting for any interaction.

“Ms. Parkinson?” Narcissa acknowledged the girl. “What can I do for you?” She questioned.

“Draco asked me to get you.” She sneered at the woman. “I want you to come with me.”

“I am sorry, Ms. Parkinson. I won’t be going anywhere. If Draco wants to speak to me, he will do so.” She said. Her visage turned into one of cold smugness.

“And watch who you are speaking to, girl.” She turned around when she was stopped by a hand. Harry watched as Draco stopped his mother.

“Draco? What a pleasant surprise? How are you doing?” She asked with a genuinely warm expression. The boy sneered at the woman and Harry had to fight the urge to slap him.

“Quit the theatrics, mother. When are you coming back home?” Narcissa shook her head, sighing sadly.

“I won’t be coming back, Draco. Your father and I are done. I made that clear, didn’t I?” She asked as she freed her arm from his grip. “If you have anything to say about that, you know who to speak to, don’t you?”

“Him!?” He spat. “I will let hell freeze over before I would have anything to do with that filthy bastard.” He spoke with barely restrained venom.

“Speak with some respect. Draco.” She hissed, ignoring the audience that had gathered around them, watching their interaction. “You wouldn’t dare speak that way in front of him.”

“I would if he was here.” He pointed out when he was alerted by a whistle. Draco froze as Harry Potter stepped in front of him, next to his mother, his eyes firmly on him. He didn’t speak a word, but his stare was enough to send chills down his spine.

He raised an eyebrow questioningly and Draco stepped back.

“Po..Potter.” He nodded at the boy and quickly turned away. “Pansy, let’s go.” He muttered, pulling the girl along with him. Harry watched the two of them go.

“I hope for your sake that he behaves, Narcissa.” Harry whispered.

“If he puts me in any kind of danger, he is game. Your son or not, won’t make a difference.”

The woman sighed sadly, watching her son go away. She might not love Lucius nor like him, but she loved Draco. She had hoped that he would not grow up this way, but she probably wished for a lot. It was just a hope and she prayed that he would see sense.

“He is too much of a coward to fight against you, Harry. Don’t worry about him. Given time, I am sure that he will see the error of his ways.” She said.

“I really hope so.”

He turned around and walked back to the train and got in. He had shrunk his trunk and had put it in his pocket. He went on searching for an empty compartment. He found one at the end of the train and sat down. He removed a book from inside his robes and enlarged it and began reading.

He was lost in the book when he heard the door of the compartment open. He looked up and he was surprised to see Ginny walking in.

“Excuse me. Can I…” Her voice trailed off when she noticed that this person seemed so familiar.

“Hello Ginny.” Harry smiled as the girl’s eyes widened.

“Harry..?” She stuttered.

“Long time, Ginny. How are you doing?” The girl blushed slightly but nodded.

“I am doing fine, Harry. You are not doing so badly yourself.” She blushed once more as she let her eyes roam all over him.

“Ron? Fred and George?” Harry questioned. “They are in the front of the train with their friends.”

She made to leave the compartment murmuring a hasty goodbye.

“Ginny?” Harry stopped the girl from leaving. “Sit down. It is fine.” Harry assured the girl and motioned her to take a seat.

“Why are you embarrassed, Ginny? It is fine.” Harry said.

Ginny hesitated for a few moments. “Well…it’s nothing much. It’s just, my parents used to read your stories to me when I was growing up and I began having a crush on the Boy- Who- Lived. Then, you turned up at our house and I finally got to meet you. I was embarrassed to be around you and I was just running from place to place before you spoke to me.” She hid her face in her hands.

“And then, everything with the diary and the chamber and Riddle and I almost brought death to you for trying to help me.” She whispered.

“If only I was stronger, I could have fought him and I could have told something to Ron or the twins or Professor McGonagall.”

Harry shook his head. “Anybody would have fallen prey to his web, Ginny. Don’t forget that you were an eleven year old being controlled by extremely powerful dark magic courtesy of one of the most powerful Dark Lords in our history. You have no right to feel bad for yourself.” Harry assured. He then patted the seat next to him and beckoned for her to sit next to him.

Ginny stood up and sat down next to Harry. “If anything, you have to be extremely proud of yourself.”

Ginny stared at Harry with confusion. “How long did you hold onto yourself before giving in totally, Ginny? You fought continuously for almost a year. You then even managed to throw away the book when you realized something was wrong. That is more than many full grown wizards or witches could manage.” He finished.

Ginny smiled. “You know how to make people feel special, Harry. Thank you.” Harry smiled.

“Why are you sitting here? All alone.”He questioned. Ginny seemed hesitant to answer.

“I …I don’t have any friends.” She whispered. “Almost all of Hogwarts now knows that I was responsible for the chamber incident. Nobody wants to be around me and nobody wants to be my friend.”

“Luna is the only girl who I speak to and can call as a friend. I can get by. I have known her for years now and I feel myself around her. We are two odds making even.” She grinned at his confusion.

“When you meet Luna, you will understand what I mean.” She finished.

“Ok then. Let us start over.” He said, to the confusion of the girl. He extended his hand and held out for her to take. Ginny placed her hand in his, watching him in amusement as he shook her hand.

“Hello. My name is Harry Potter. Nice to meet you.” He smiled at the girl.

“Nice to meet you, Harry. My name is Ginny Weasley.” The two stared at each other and burst into laughter.

“Well, looks like we made a new friend today. A day not wasted.” Ginny said as Harry got back to his book. “You could say that.” Harry nodded.

“Or…” He carried on. “I just made friends with my fangirl who now has total access to stalk him for the rest of his Hogwarts days.” He joked and chuckled at her indignant expression.

“We have to wait and see to know what I did.”

She elbowed him in his stomach. “Shut up.” She muttered, shaking her head.

—-&&&-----

The train came to a stop at Hogsmeade and Harry and Ginny got down. They began walking towards the carriages when Ron finally caught up with him and Hermione tagging along. She avoided Harry, never looking his way for a single time since she walked towards them.

“Harry? Where were you?” Ron asked as they fell into step with them.

“I sat with Ginny today. It was different and fun.” Harry said as they got into a carriage.

The carriages began to move towards the castle. Harry watched as the invisible thestrals began pulling the carriages. It did come of a shock to learn that these invisible creatures pulled the carriages. He was one of the lucky guys in all of Hogwarts that can see them.

As Hogwarts came into view, he felt himself smiling at the sight that awaited him. He will always regard this place as home. It gave him a place to live, be himself, fed him and took care of him. He will forever be indebted to Hogwarts in his life.

He climbed up the stairs and walked to the Great Hall which was ready for the introductory feast. The atmosphere was lively as many students began taking their place on their house table.

He could see many eyes on him as he walked to take his place at the end of the table. He just sat down and didn’t speak a word nor did he watch anybody. He just kept his head down not wanting to draw any kind of attention.

Ginny and Ron sat on either side of him. He watched as the hall filled with students. That was when he heard the sound of thunder. The sound of rain hitting the ground was very much audible inside the Great hall. The ceiling of the Great Hall reflected the weather on the outside.

Harry had been in the Wizarding World for sometime now, but he was still fascinated by magics like these. Rowena Ravenclaw was a genius. There were no other words that can be used to describe the woman. The ceiling of the Great Hall was a live example of how good the woman was.

He pitied the poor kids. They would have to cross the lake in this rain and cold. True enough, a few minutes later, he heard the door open and the new first years were led into the Great Hall by Hagrid. He watched as the youngsters shivered in the cold as they walked forward, but nothing could diminish the excitement in their eyes. He remembered how excited he was to get started over here. A smile made its way onto his face as he was reminiscing his first evening in Hogwarts.

They sat waiting for the sorting ceremony to take place all the while, with Ron moaning about his hunger. Ron will never change. “Just a little bit longer Ron.” Ginny groaned in exasperation.

“So, Harry old lad…” Harry chuckled when Fred spoke to him.

“Look at him, Forge. Ickle Harrykins has beefed up.”

“Indeed Gred. Cute little Harry Potter has finally become a man.” George proceeded to wipe imaginary tears.

“So, Harry. Why did you decide to beef up?” Fred asked. Harry chuckled as he shook his head.

“Ahh…just decided to eat properly. Nothing much.” He noticed the twins stiffen in their seats. He smiled back at the two of them and shook his head.

He knew what they were thinking. He knew that the two of them were thinking back to the summer of his second year. They did see his condition and his lifestyle in his second year.
He didn’t want to be reminded of anything that pertained to his old life.

The twins nodded slowly before turning back to the sorting. “What was that about?” Ron questioned, confused by the reactions of his brothers. Harry shook his head.

“Nothing, Ron. There we go. The sorting is over.” Harry pointed out and Ron was quick to turn back to the platform and once he confirmed that the sorting was over, he dug in.

Once dinner was finished, Dumbledore stood up and subsequently, the Great Hall became quiet.

“To all the new students, welcome. To all the older students, welcome back.” He greeted the students.

“I would not like to keep you waiting. I know that all of you are tired and would like to go to your common rooms, but I have an announcement to make.”

“I would like to announce that the Quidditch tournament for this year has been canceled.” That did it. Shouts of protests were heard all around the Great Hall as all the houses were screaming protests as they made their displeasure known at the most popular sport in the Wizarding World being canceled. Harry was a tad bit disappointed at that announcement. He was looking forward to playing quidditch this year. He loved the sport very much.

Quidditch was the one reprieve that Harry had to be himself. He felt free when in the air. The rush and thrill of the sport was exhilarating for Harry. Harry was slightly worried though. He remembered the words of Oliver Wood in his second year. It was true that Quidditch was never stopped at Hogwarts. Now, right after the Death Eater episode at the Quidditch World cup, this news was troubling. Something was going on and his worries were confirmed as Dumbledore spoke next.

“Hogwarts…will be playing hosts to the TriWizard Tournament.” He announced, leading to dead silence. It didn’t remain longer however as various whispers arose from within the different house tables. The discussion was animated. He heard excited whispers from many of them at the recalling of the long banned tournament.

“You are joking!” The Weasley twins exclaimed above the dinge of the great hall. Dumbledore chuckled. “I assure you, I am not Messrs Weasley. Although I could tell you one where a troll, a leprechaun and a hag walk into a bar…” He trailed off when McGonagall cleared her throat.

“Right.” He chuckled wryly. “The TriWizard tournament.” He began once again.

“Three prestigious schools will participate in this tournament. Beauxbatons and Durmstrang delegations will be joining us tomorrow and the selection of the champion will be with the help of an impartial judge.” Again, the sinking feeling returned to Harry.

His worries were abated by the next statement. “Before I can get your hopes up, only the students above the age of seventeen will be able to enter themselves in the tournament.”

That did it. A cacophony of noises erupted around the Great Hall as various protests were heard from all the houses. Ron and Seamus were especially vocal among the Gryffindors. He held back a snort. Ron was a good human being, but if he thought that he had any chance of being selected for this tournament, let alone win it, he had another thing coming.

“That is not fair!” Ron exclaimed in anger. “You can’t do this.” Hermione shook her head.

“Oh honestly, Ron. You don’t think you have a chance do you? This impartial judge, judges a wizard or witch based on their abilities and their magical power. There are many seventh years who are better than you. Don’t dream.” She rolled her eyes.

Harry didn’t miss the hidden meaning behind those words and controlled a wave of anger. Hermione was becoming a pain. There was no need to be so insulting. Ron might not understand what she was insinuating, but he was not naive. Being blunt to another’s face was one thing, but to be downright insulting was just not nice.

“Ron?” Harry shook his friend away from the discussion. “This tournament is not for everyone mate. It is deadly dangerous. There is a reason why it was put away. It is just not for everybody.” He explained softly, making sure he was putting that idea out of the boy’s head.

Just when Ron was about to speak, the doors to the Great Hall banged upon causing the students closer to the door to jump in shock. A gnarly looking man with his face scarred heavily that almost looked scary walked in. A metallic clunk was heard every time he walked and Harry guessed that it was the metallic leg. The mechanical eye that was whirring continuously. Harry was sure that he was seeing Alastor Moody for the first time.

The legendary ex auror stared at every corner as he slowly began walking to the Head table. The man’s eyes met him as he was scanning the hall. He stared at Harry for a few seconds and finally looked away. He then approached Dumbledore and shook his hand.

“Alastor.” The old Headmaster shook his hands with the man. “Dumbledore. Stupid rain.” Moody grunted. Dumbledore motioned for the man to take a seat.

When he was sure that everybody was listening, he continued. "The Wizengamot has decided that for the safety of the students, only students above the age of seventeen will be allowed to participate. I, myself will place protections to prevent anybody who thinks otherwise. These tasks are not for the light hearted. Keep that in mind." His tone was ominous and almost scary, but for those who could catch the hidden meaning behind those words, he was literally begging his students to be careful and choose wisely.

"As I pointed out, the remaining two delegations will be arriving tomorrow and I would ask you all to extend your courtesy and welcome them for the rest of the year and make them feel at home." He gave a pause.

"Well, that is it for now. You can now move to your common rooms. Good night." He greeted the students.

The Great Hall began emptying as the respective houses began moving back to their common rooms. Harry sat down until the hall was empty and then stood up. He slowly began his walk back to the Gryffindor common room. He hoped that he would have a normal year. All the signs are pointing that this year would not be a simple one and he surely would not be peaceful. The Death Eater attacks. The TriWizard Tournament. Now, the arrival of the two schools. Alastor Moody. He hoped that he could just be careful this year.

—-&&&------

“Got to see what old McGonagall would teach today.” Ron grumbled as he trudged along the corridor to the Transfiguration classroom of the Deputy Headmistress along with Harry. The first class right after breakfast was Transfiguration and they could not be late to her class.

They stopped at the turning to the classroom and stood in wait for the Professor. Harry stood on the other side of the corridor and since he was hidden, none who walked through the corridor could see him immediately due to the pillar next to his place. Already, many students had arrived and were waiting for the professor to open the doors.

“Weasel.” Harry smirked. Malfoy was here and this is going to be fun.

“Where are Potter and Granger?” He drawled as he stood in front of Ron along with his bodyguards and Parkinson.

“Let me answer that, Draco.” Parkinsoin spoke up. “They had enough of the poor weasel.”

Ron growled in anger and he took a step forward, but Harry held out his hand, telling him to stop.  He waved his hand and told him to be quiet.

“Shut up.” Ron growled, his face turning red in anger.

“Or what, Weasel?” Malfoy challenged. “Are you going to complain to your poor father? Do you know, the man is a laughing stock of the Ministry. Him and all his ideas about all those mudblood stuff is disgusting. My father and I still wonder why these Weasleys are considered as purebloods with all they get up to.” Ron was set to blow up as the students around him laughed.

“Don’t you dare talk about my father!” Ron growled now, almost shaking with temper.

“And why not, Weasel?  You are a disgrace to us purebloods and you being in my vicinity is an offense. Just like your father being a disgrace being in the ministry among my father and many other proud purebloods.”

“Really?” Harry spoke and he was satisfied as Draco stiffened. The laughing stopped as soon as his voice was heard. Malfoy turned around to the opposite side and he looked straight at Harry. Harry stepped forward and stood next to Ron.

“Disgrace?” Harry questioned. “You are talking about being a disgrace?” He questioned.

“Your father is Lucius Malfoy and you talk about disgrace?” Harry questioned.

“Potter!” Malfoy snarled as he went for his wand. Harry didn’t react much as he just glared at Draco. When Malfoy pressed his wand to Harry’s chin, he was suddenly looking into a pair of burning emerald eyes.

“You are raising your wand against me?” Harry whispered as he stared at the boy.

Draco gulped and lowered his wand immediately and much to the surprise of the others, stepped away, without a word.

Harry slammed the boy by his collar to the wall against them. He heard many gasps, but he paid no mind. “Did you just raise your wand against me?” He whispered softly as he pushed him roughly against the wall.

“I…I apologize.” Malfoy stuttered as he struggled against a now taller Harry. Harry let go of his collar and brushed the Malfoy heir’s clothes to make sure that they looked right.

“Remember your place, Malfoy.” He whispered and leaned back just when the door to the classroom opened and McGonagall stepped out to receive her students.

She noticed that all of them were looking away and staring at something. She looked in the direction and she noticed Harry and Draco looking as if they were talking.

“Is there a problem here?” Her voice roused the others who were standing around them.

“Potter? What is going on?” She asked,

The Gryffindor stepped back and turned towards her. “Mr. Malfoy was just asking me about the weather, Professor. Nothing to worry about.” Harry assured.

The woman stared at the boy, her eyes narrowed in annoyance. She was not a fool, but she didn’t like this to escalate. She hummed, but her displeasure was very much visible. She gestured for the students to walk into the classroom before her.

Harry and Ron took a seat at the back of the class. “That was brilliant, Harry.” Ron whispered a grin splitting his face. “Did you see his face?” He questioned as he then began rambling about how scared Malfoy looked.

He noticed Hermione staring at him with disdain on her face. She quickly turned away when he caught her eye. Harry stifled a wave of anger. This was becoming too much from her side and he was in no mood to sit down and take it anymore.

He tuned out everything around him and was lost in thought when McGonagall gained his attention. He didn’t know how long he remained idle for. He noticed everybody staring at him and Ron poking him on the side.

“Mr. Potter? Perhaps it would be better if I conjured a bed for you so that you could continue dreaming?” She questioned, her lips drawn into a thin line.

“I apologize, Professor.” Harry stood up as he said so. McGonagall hummed.

“Tell me Potter. What do you know about conjuration?” She questioned.

Harry shrugged. “A seemingly powerful and hard branch of magic to ever be practiced.”

McGonagall nodded, but Hermione decided to butt in. “Why is it hard? It is supposed to be easy.”

“I wasn’t finished.” Harry said with much force that shocked Hermione and silenced McGonagall for a second. “Let me finish.” He requested.

“A seemingly powerful and hard branch, but in practice, a very easy branch of magic until the person actually knows what to do.” He flicked his wand.

“Imagination and concentration. The two keys to proper execution of this form of magic.”

“You imagine what you want. You think hard about it. You make sure that you have got it right down to the dot and with enough concentration that is the hardest part of the execution, you will be conjure.”

He waved his wand. “A needle.” A needle appeared out of thin air. “A spoon.” The needle turned to a spoon. “A knife.” A knife. “A quaffle.” A quaffle dropped to the ground. “A butterfly.” The quaffle was then shrunk and a puff of smoke later, a black butterfly flew out of the smoke.

“A bird or a snake.” Sure enough the next two conjurations were that. “A slab of marble.” A rectangular slab appeared in front of Harry.

The classroom was dead silent for a moment with shock evident from each of their expressions. Even McGonagall was shocked and was staring at Harry in a new light.

“Professor?” Harry caught her attention.

“Can I sit down?” She nodded hurriedly. “Of course, Potter.”

“Oh and Potter?” Harry looked up. “Take two hundred points. That was brilliant.” The Gryffindors cheered as they were awarded so many points on the very first day. That was a big boost.

“Potter was spot on. I myself couldn’t have put it better than that. Conjuration is a simple concept, but that is when it is employed and used properly. We will be honing your skill set based on that gradually. If you are efficient enough, you will be doing what Potter did very soon.” She explained.

The class ended and the students began leaving the classroom, whispering excitedly. Harry left the room along with Ron at the end.

“Two hundred points in the very first hour. That was bloody brilliant, Harry.

Harry chuckled. “Well, what can I say? I am Harry Potter.” The two boys chuckled. Ron felt someone call him out softly. They noticed Hermione waiting for Ron.

“When will this madness end, Harry? What is wrong with that girl? She doesn’t say a word and neither do you.” Ron groaned in exasperation. Harry shook his head.

“Just go.” He muttered and Ron sighed before leaving with the girl who seemed to be talking heatedly.

“That was fantastic, Potter.” Harry frowned as he turned to the noise. A young man in green robes. A slytherin. He had short brown hair and dull grey eyes and a small smile played on his face.

“Thanks, but I don’t think that your approval was very much necessary, Nott.” Harry drawled, imitating Malfoy perfectly. The boy chuckled as he shook his head.

“True. But I just felt like pointing it out.”

Harry stared at the boy for a few seconds. “To be clear, we are talking about that transfiguration, not Malfoy’s choking, right?” Harry smirked as the boy returned his smirk after a bout of laughter.

“You must teach us that technique of yours. He for some reason is staying away from you, though I suspect that there is something more at play there.”

“Maybe?” Harry shrugged. Theodore Nott stared at Harry. “There is something different with you, Potter. I find that interesting.” He held out his hand. Harry shook his hand without any hesitation. The boy was actually surprised with that action and his surprise showed on his face.

Harry smirked. “Why? Is that difficult to believe, Nott? You did say that I have changed, didn't you ?” Nott nodded. “I will see you later, Potter.”

Harry watched the boy leave. He didn’t need a magnifying glass to determine his honesty. He was pretty sure that he was a good judge of characters. He should have tried this out earlier. Branching out. He would have certainly met interesting characters.

—-&&&-------

He had just cleaned himself after Herbology class and, as requested, had assembled with the others in the courtyard, to welcome the students of the other two schools. The teachers had arranged their students according to their houses and were making sure that they behaved properly.

“Potter!” McGonagall barked standing right next to him. “Do something about that hair of yours.”

Harry ran his hand through his hair. It has grown a lot these past months. He had not bothered trimming them and they were now falling right in between his neck and shoulder. Harry brushed the few strands of hair away from his face and ear. He was not sure how to handle them.

He sat down at the side of the line near a platform and tried to do something bout that. He felt another hand run through his hair. “Should I do something about it?” It was Ginny. Harry didn’t bother turning around. “Sure.”

He let the girl work silently for a few seconds. “Damn it. Could you not do something about that dreadful bird’s nest of yours instead of those advanced transfigurations.?” She questioned in exasperation.

“It should have been more difficult, but you have let them grow. That has at least helped them straighten out.” She tugged his hair once more before standing up.

She jumped away from the platform and came to a stop in front of the boy. She hummed as she examined his appearance. “Perfect!” She exclaimed. “Ruggedly handsome. Pretty boy Diggory would seem lacking in front of that face.” She grinned brightly as she pinched his cheek before it turned mischievous.

“I heard that the French girls are very pretty. It seems like you beefing up has had a purpose.” Harry shook his head. “You know, you were better off before as that quiet girl.” He huffed, causing her to laugh.

Harry conjured a small mirror just so he could see what she had done with his hair. He noticed that she had pulled his hair back into a ponytail and tied it with a rubber band. He actually liked it. “Thanks Gin.” He muttered as he stood up.

“It seems that the Beauxbatons delegation has arrived.” Dumbledore announced. The excitement grew as the students began muttering and whispering and pointing.

Soon, a huge carriage descended from the sky pulled by huge abraxan horses. It was a wonderful sight to see. It was majestic in a way. The carriage landed with a soft thud and the huge double doors opened slowly.

Harry watched as a very tall woman exited from the door. Harry thought that this woman was almost as tall or probably a little taller than Hagrid. Hagrid was the tallest human he had ever seen and this woman probably was taller than him.

The woman approached the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Dumbledore took her outstretched hand and kissed her knuckles. “Madame Maxime.” He greeted. “Welcome to Hogwarts.”

The woman nodded. “Thank you Dumbledore.” She smiled at the man. “My students.”

Right on cue, a large group of students exited the carriage and stood behind their Headmistress.

Harry noticed the students and he admitted that Ginny was right. The girls were very pretty. He was poked in his side and he saw Ginny grinning at him. “Shut up.” Harry whispered much to the amusement of the girl.

The students were led inside by Filch along with their headmistress. Suddenly, they heard a deep rumbling noise. The noise grew slowly and finally, Harry noticed the ripples growing on the water body and finally something dark and solid rose from the water. It grew in size and finally a huge ship rose from the water.

A man with long hair and goatee along with the students stepped out of the ship. Dumbledore held his hand out and the man held his hand and shook it.

“Igor.” Dumbledore greeted.

“Albus! Long time my friend.” The Highmaster of Durmstrang smiled, showing off his teeth.

“Ahh, Hogwarts. Viktor. Come along.” That is when Harry noticed a lot of shrieks and squeals from the ladies side of the camp. A burly and surly faced young man stepped up to the side of the man.

“It's Viktor Krum.” Ron almost shrieked like one of the fangirls.  The man walked into the Great Hall along with the Headmaster and his students followed by the Hogwarts students. The Beauxbatons delegation had settled down at the Ravenclaw table and the Durmstrang students were led to the Slytherin table. Ron, who had already taken his seat, was almost waving his hands off, trying to catch the attention of Krum was to put it in better words, devastated, much to Harry’s amusement.

Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table along with the others and sat in wait for the Headmaster to speak. Dumbledore cleared his throat and the attention of the Great Hall was on him.

“I would like to extend my warm welcome to both the Beaubaxtons and Durmstrang students. I know that you are in unfamiliar surroundings, but I want you to be as comfortable as possible and feel welcomed here.” He said.

“The choosing of champions for the TriWizard tournament would be conducted on the thirty first of October. Until then, I want you to get used to Hogwarts and continue learning.” He finished.

“I know that all of you are starving.” He clapped his hands and the tables began filling with various dishes. The students dug in. The Great Hall was back to its usual boisterous self.

“Excuse me?” Harry heard a smooth voice from behind him. He was about to turn back immediately, but he was confused by the dead silence in the hall. He looked around and when he saw Ron and Seamus, he almost felt like emptying his stomach.

The two were staring at him with wide eyes and their mouths were open and drooling. He noticed similar reactions from many of the other boys in their table.

“Ron!?” Harry hissed as he tried to get the attention of the boy. The boy did not shake. Harry shook his head and turned around. His breath caught in his throat as he looked straight into the most bluest eyes he had ever seen. It was captivating and drawing him in.

He controlled himself and it was then that he got a better look at the face. Beautiful silvery blonde hair that fell in waves across her shoulders. Cute button nose, full lips. Unblemished skin that just shone in the Great Hall. Her eyes gazed back at him curiously.

Harry was pretty sure that he had never seen a better sight in his life. The slight pink across her cheeks just maximized her beauty. Harry shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

“Yes?” He whispered as he gazed back at the girl.

“Are you having the bouillabaisse?” She asked, her French accent still being predominant with her surprisingly good english.

“Ah..forgive me, miss. I really have no idea what you are talking about.” Harry apologized. He really had no idea about what the girl was referring to. She smiled slightly and Harry had to stifle a sigh. ‘Oh god.’

“I meant that dish on your right side.” Harry noticed what the girl was pointing out and he compelled as he picked her dish and handed it over.

“Merci.” The girl smiled beautifully and Harry almost fell off his seat. “Oh. No problem. You are welcome.” Harry smiled back. The girl’s cheeks tinged pink and she turned away quickly and began her walk back. She stopped a few feet away and turned back and waved at Harry, shooting him a smile before she returned to her place.

Harry watched the girl go and he was so lost until he heard a small cough. Ginny was smiling like a loon for some reason that put him on guard. “What?”

“Oh nothing, Potter.” Ginny smirked. “Nothing at all.”

TBC—---------