LATIBULE - F.WEASLEY

5

The air in the Great Hall was almost electric, animated chatter filling every inch of the hall as they discussed the incredible sights they had seen in the courtyard. A majestic blue carriage had soared across the sky, pulled by huge pegasi and a ship rising from the depths of the Black Lake.

Maggie, however, sat somewhat detached at the end of the Gryffindor table. She hadn't managed to forge many friendships within her house, largely because of her father's notorious history, especially concerning what he had done to the Longbottom family.

"Now we're all settled in and sorted," Professor Dumbledore says, stopping anyone from providing any theories. "I'd like to make an announcement. This castle will not only be your home this year but home to some very special guests as well. You see Hogwarts has been chosen-"

The Headmaster's speech is interrupted by none other than Argus Filch, the caretaker who was obsessed with bringing back medieval punishments for students. All eyes watch as the man runs down between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables, his knees so high they are almost touching his chest.

Maggie couldn't help but roll her eyes at the students' laughter. She knew all too well what this grand presentation was about, and her excitement was notably absent. In fact, she had vehemently argued with her grandfather when he mentioned the revival of this traditional tournament. Despite severely paying for disrespecting her grandfather, she remained steadfast in her opposition.

As Filch finally reached Professor Dumbledore and began to whisper urgently in the headmaster's ear, the hall fell into a hushed silence. Dumbledore nodded in response, and Filch promptly retraced his exaggerated steps back toward the large oak doors, once again eliciting laughter from the students.

"So Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event," Dumbledore says. "The Tri-Wizard tournament. Now for those of you who do not know, the tri-wizard tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single contestant is selected to compete. Now let me be clear, if chosen you stand alone. And trust me when I say these contests are not for the faint-hearted, but more of that later. For now please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and their headmistress Madam Maxime"

The doors to the Great Hall open once again to reveal a group of girls in silk, sky-blue uniformed dresses and blue hats. The girls begin to run down the aisle and all eyes were on their behinds as they run.

Maggie admires the girls, catching the eye of one of the girls who shoots her a coy smile and a wink, causing Maggie's cheeks to tinge pink, before turning her head forward once again. The girls sigh softly, sinking slightly into curtseys. It's then that Maggie notices blue paper butterflies fluttering into the sky with wisps of blue smoke, adding a touch of whimsy to the moment.

The grand doors of the Great Hall swung open with a majestic creak, and in their wake, a procession of young women emerges, dressed in exquisite silk, their uniforms a serene sky-blue, complete with matching hats. The girls move gracefully down the aisle, their footsteps echoing softly through the hall, their presence captivating every onlooker.

Maggie couldn't help but admire the girls as they glided past. Her gaze met that of one particular girl who flashed her a mischievous smile and a playful wink. Maggie's cheeks flushed with a delicate shade of pink in response, and she quickly redirected her attention forward, captivated by the enchanting scene unfolding before her.

As the girls continue their walk forward, they execute elegant curtseys, adding a touch of grace to the moment. But what truly added a sense of magic to the occasion were the blue paper butterflies that began to take flight. Each delicate butterfly carried with it a wisp of enchanting blue smoke, creating an ethereal atmosphere that seemed to suspend time itself.

As the other female students disperse, the enchanting girl who had shared that flirtatious smile with Maggie gracefully takes a seat across from her. Her beauty was simply captivating, her sleek raven locks meticulously straightened to frame her face in an almost otherworldly fashion. Her deep brown eyes were locked onto Maggie, who couldn't help but feel her cheeks grow warm under that gaze. With a charming smile, the girl broke the silence.

"What is your name?"

"Maggie," she replied, her voice soft and slightly breathless.

Maggie extends her hand, a nervous anticipation dancing in her eyes. Her blush deepened when the mysterious witch took her hand delicately and pressed a kiss on the back of it, sending a shiver of electricity down Maggie's spine.

"A beautiful name for a beautiful witch. My name is Delphine,"

"It's a pleasure to meet you,"

"Believe me," Delphine looks Maggie up and down. "The pleasure is all mine"

"And now our friends from the north, please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang and the high master Igor Karkaroff,"

As the heavy doors swing open once more, a remarkable procession strides into the room, a troupe of boys garbed in resplendent fur-lined uniforms. Their bo staffs gleam in the light and with mesmerizing precision, they choreograph a captivating dance with their staffs, each twirl and strike against the floor producing small sparks.

Maggie watches as some of the boys cast aside their staffs and, with remarkable finesse, execute gravity-defying somersaults. As they touch down with graceful poise, a sense of anticipation fills the room. The atmosphere is electric as the boys surge forward, their energy palpable.

Maggie, her eyes fixed in rapt attention, becomes transfixed by one particular boy who, with a flourish of his lit staff, conjures a magnificent, roaring dragon of flames that dances and sways in the air.

"Durmstrang boys are such show-offs," Delphine murmurs to Maggie. "They also don't have any eye candy like Hogwarts does"

"Your attention please!" Dumbledore shouts over the general hubbub. "I would like to say a few words. Eternal glory is what awaits the student who wins the tri-wizard tournament. But to do this that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks. For this reason, the ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain all this we have the head of the Department of international magic cooperation, Mister Bartimus Crouch"

Maggie's eyes track her grandfather's every movement and he opens to speak but he is interrupted. The slam of the Great Hall doors causes everyone's heads to turn, revealing a cloaked figure in the doorway.