Chapter 122 - Ch. 122 Durmstrang and Beauxbatons

My talk with the two boys ended up giving me what I had expected in general. Harry and Neville were able to become closer than before, not close enough to be a member of the trio, but closer. I could see the kids looking out for him more.

It did also let Neville know he was very much welcomed in the Exchange.

With Cedric taking on more of the responsibilities in the help center, I was free enough to help more people. Hence when Neville was here, I took my time to patiently guide the young man.

Although his potion scores were horrible, it was mostly due to Snape being such an atrocious teacher. The man didn't teach at varying levels, help students gradually build up the proper skills. He taught it more like he was teaching masters or PhD students. He gave you a project, you do it, he tells you what you did wrong. He doesn't try to make people understand how or why things work as they do. He just lets people do mistakes as a way to try and force the correct way of doing things into students. This method only really working on talented or hardworking students, something very rare.

Although most of my time helping him was in potions, we had many animated discussions about Herbology. Neville has actually bought and thoroughly read my 'Hebologists guide to growing wild plants'. The kid thought it was a work of art and desperately wanted its contents to be taught by Professor Sprout. Unfortunately it would take a few years before my books were truly integrated into any curriculums. But fortunately for him, he had the author of said books in front of him and willing to discuss things with him.

This let me deepen our relationship using common interests, and I also used the subject to help in understand Potions and Care of Magical Creatures. But it will still take some time before I can bring up the wand issue.

On a side note, Hagrid still very much tried to have his Blast-Ended Skrewts added to his CoMC class. It still boggles mine and Christian's minds when we think about how the half-giant managed to make a manticore f.u.c.k a fire crab, or vice versa. The things were a nightmare and it would ruin Hagrid's previous results as a professor. It took a long time to convince the man that this type of project was perfectly acceptable as a private venture, but to force it on students would end extremely bad. So we just used the money dear old Lucius would be forced to reimburse us for, and brought in a batch of Kneazle kittens and Fire Crabs instead. They both had interesting magical properties, one being very attractive to girls, while the other can prove challenging enough for fourth years.

Aside from helping these two unique individuals, I had also announced the next generation leaders for the Dueling club.

The four chosen for the role were quite shocked, even Ron was happy to see I didn't lie or change my mind about my decision. So Hogwarts now knew that the club would be a joint project between the four houses. It would become a place where all students could test their skills in combat, forming the second side to my coin so to speak.

One of my legacies would further the path of academics, whilst the other would push the martial forces in magic. Two sides of the same coin you could say.

My announcement also saw the beginning of the four successors true training under me. They would receive a completely revamped training designed by me. It would be somewhat similar to Ron's guide book, but this would introduce modified spells into the mix as well. I am also giving each of them a book for their house, with spells and tactics emblematic of their beliefs. It has been bound to the positions of club president and successor. Meaning that only the four and myself could read from these, and in the future only they and their own successors would be privy to the knowledge in them.

I also personally drilled them in more advanced combat, meaning I wiped the floor with them in order to shatter their egos and light a fire in them. They needed to see just how far dueling could take them. Obviously I restricted myself to peak human standards during the match. I didn't use any of what I would classify as 'super' level abilities, so no super strength, speed, reflexes or legilimency. I also limited my magical strength to be within second maturation ranges and used fewer original/modified spells in combat.

This set the standard way time passed for me in Hogwarts.

And so, a week before the end of October a notice was posted in the Entrance Hall of the castle.

TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT

THE DELEGATIONS FROM BEAUXBATONS AND DURMSTRANG WILL BE ARRIVING AT 6 O'CLOCK ON FRIDAY THE 30TH OF OCTOBER. LESSONS WILL END HALF AN HOUR EARLY.

STUDENTS WILL RETURN THEIR BAGS AND BOOKS TO THEIR DORMITORIES AND A.S.SEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE TO GREET OUR GUESTS BEFORE THE WELCOMING FEAST.

The notice had set the official countdown for when this years events would truly begin. It let every student remember once again just what would happen this year and renewed the gossip flowing through the castle.

It wasn't only the students who were in a frenzy, but the staff and house-elves as well.

The castle was undergoing the most thorough cleaning it had probably received in decades. The floors were being scrubbed daily, every visible piece of decorative metal was shinning, banners were put in place to demonstrate the prestige and history of all four houses, the armors were polished and the grimy portraits were wiped clean, much to some of the inhabitants disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e.

Filch was basically a roaming predator at this point too. He appeared from everywhere to yell and punish students who dirtied the castle during this time period. The man was on a mission to remove every spot of dirt in the castle, and if you hinder him it would not end well.

And the professors where trying extra hard to whip the students into shape. They constantly yelled at students to not do stupid things, stopped them from looking like slobs, pushed them to not be failing their classes, and they tired very hard to rein in the twins for the next week.

Luckily for them, the twins were too busy trying to come up with a variety of plans to fool the 'impartial judge', and attempting to contact one Ludo Bagman for their bet winnings.

That actually reminded me, I should tell them about the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports' reputation and financial troubles. I also want to invest in their joke shop. It'd be idiotic to not do so.

But the week passed quickly for everyone as their excitement mounted. And it was on the designated date of the 30th when everything was reaching its crescendo.

Every student was gathered outside to welcome the delegations from both schools, waiting in anticipation for their arrivals.

Apparently the Headmaster wanted to show off a bit as well, since he asked Victoria and I to be with his welcoming committee. He said that since we were Head Boy and Girl, as well as the most accomplished students Hogwarts has ever had, it would make perfect sense to have us welcome the best and brightest of both schools.

He's not wrong though, so we ended up watching around the place as we all waited for their arrivals.

I then noticed an approaching shadow coming from the direction of the Forbidden Forest.

"Headmaster, I believe that should be Beauxbatons coming from over there." I say as I point towards the incoming flying carriage.

"Ha. So it is. Your vision seems to have improved since last we discussed it." The old man agreed with a jolly smile.

We looked at the giant, powder blue, carriage flying towards use at impressive speed as It was pulled by a team of Abraxan's.

'Just a quick explanation' I thought to the readers at home as a chibi version of myself appeared.

'Abraxan's are one of the closest official relatives to the now extinct Pegasus. The are usually pale gold or a tanned color, with white hair and pale blue feathers. They are said to mostly sustain themselves on whiskey, which is surprising since they are the size of freaking elephants. And they used these things to fly a small house sized carriage around.

...

Honestly, how have we never been exposed?' I thoughts as I concluded my chibi explanation time.

Good timing too since the half-giantess and Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Olympe Maxime, had appeared in all her glory.

The woman was certainly impressive. Her nearly twelve foot frame was wrapped from nearly head to toe in black satin, decorated in Opal accented jewelry, shining black high-heels and nothing else to protect her from this chilly weather.

Her looks seemed to be like every character I had seen, a mix of movie and book description. Although she was tall and looked fairly strong, she wasn't bulky. She was basically an enlarged ex-movie actress. Her brown hair pulled back in knob style, a more handsome face than seen in the movies, and her beaky nose not as prominent as I thought it would be.

The Headmaster and Headmistress took their time to greet each other warmly, as Madame Maxime introduced her students. But unfortunately for them, they seemed to have picked a very light uniform, as we could see them shivering from the cold.

I could immediately spot the famous Fleur Delacour and her little sister Gabrielle. True to their heritage, both truly stood out from the crowd. Whilst Gabrielle had a cute little sister vibe reminding me of Susan, Fleur was a blooming flower capable of bringing most men to their knees. She was tall, willowy, with long blond hair, a faint silvery aura due to her bloodline, deep blue eyes, fair skin and athletic figure.

But for me, it mattered not. I knew who I loved and her unconscious appeal held no sway whatsoever on me.

"My word Dumbly-dort," The Madame exclaimed in surprise," zat was quite shocking."

"Yes, young Mister Bones is the pride of our school I dare say." The Headmaster said with a chuckle, resulting in Maxime to have a serious look on her face.

"It is nothing Headmistress," I said in a humble manner," I just couldn't let our guests suffer from a climate they aren't accustomed to. This would be very rude as a host. Would you wish for a coat yourself? I didn't conjure one for you since you did not seem bothered by the cold."

"No need child." She answered in her heavy French accent.

I simply lightly bowed and returned to my position.

The group from Beauxbatons was then escorted inside, while their horses were to be tended by Hagrid. Who was able to be here, but was shocked by the revelation that another Half-giant existed in the world.

With a few minutes of excitement over the arrival of one of our guests, the students then started to look in the sky for our second group.

"It looks like Durmstrang has chosen to use their old ship this time Headmaster." I say as I turn my head towards the Black Lake.

"Indeed they have. How nostalgic." He agreed with a smile.

Students finally realized that a noise was coming from the lake a few moments later, excitedly announcing the appearance of Durmstrang Institute's ship. A ship reminiscent of what a ghost ship would be, or maybe the Flying Dutchman of legends as it appeared from under the water.

They moored themselves on the edges of the lake, disembarked and marched as one towards us.

Death Eater traitor and current Headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, enthusiastically greeted Dumbledore as his students followed along, with Victor Krum in the lead.

The young man was tall and thin, with hawk like features. He was quite literally made to fly. Especially with is uncomfortable appearance as he moved on land, but his dancing in the sky.

Since there was no need for any extravagance, they were quickly ushered inside as well after the quick greetings. But the students of Hogwarts, especially the Quidditch fans, were thrilled to have such a famous player staying at the school. This made people even more excited than they were before as everyone headed back towards the Great Hall for the feast.

'It's almost time. One more day and then my course of action will be clear.' I thought to myself as I followed behind the Headmaster.