Moody's magical eye fixed itself on the class.
"Tell me," he barked, "why do we study Defence Against the Dark Arts?"
Hermione's hand shot into the air. "Granger."
"It's because the Dark Arts are dangerous, Professor."
Moody snorted. "Dangerous?" He slammed his staff against the stone floor, making several students jump.
"Dangerous is a Hippogriff if you insult it. Dangerous is a dragon guarding its nest." His normal eye narrowed.
"The Dark Arts aren't merely dangerous," He pointed his wand across the classroom. "They're used by witches and wizards whose sole purpose is to dominate, torture, and kill."
The classroom fell deathly silent.
"You think they'll wait while you remember a textbook? You think they'll politely announce which curse they're about to cast?" He gave a harsh laugh.
"They won't. They'll hit you before you've even realized you're in a fight."
Moody leaned forward. "So why do we study Defence Against the Dark Arts?" He answered his own question before anyone could speak.
"Because one day, if you're unlucky, some dark wizard will point a wand at your face. When that day comes, you won't care about your grades. You'll care whether you're good enough to walk away alive."
Silence filled the room. Moody gave a satisfied nod. "Now... let's see whether any of you are worth teaching."
Victor listened quietly from his seat. He already knew the truth. The man standing at the front of the classroom wasn't the real Alastor Moody. He was Barty Crouch Jr., using Polyjuice Potion to impersonate one of the greatest Aurors the Ministry had ever known.
Even so, Victor couldn't deny one thing. His teaching was excellent. No dull lectures, no endless pages of theory, no false sense of security — every lesson built around one idea: hesitation would get you killed.
The most effective Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Hogwarts had seen in years wasn't even the real professor. He was a Death Eater in disguise. The irony was almost unbelievable.
***
September passed, followed by most of October. Before anyone realized it, the day the two visiting schools were due to arrive had finally come.
The entire school had gathered outside the castle near the great stone steps.
Students crowded together despite the cold autumn wind, watching the distant lake and the road toward Hogwarts. Excited whispers spread through the crowd.
"I heard Durmstrang students can perform magic most Hogwarts students have never even seen."
"My sister says Beauxbatons is supposed to be the finest school in Europe."
Victor folded his arms and waited. Beside him, Ron bounced on his heels. "When are they coming?"
"Professor Dumbledore said they'd be here any minute," Hermione replied.
Almost on cue "Look!"
Something enormous was moving beneath the surface of the Black Lake. The water churned violently.
A gigantic black mast burst through the surface, followed by the hull of a magnificent old-fashioned ship. Water cascaded from its sides as it rose until the entire vessel floated upon the lake.
A collective gasp swept through the crowd. The ship slowly sailed toward the shore before coming to a halt.
Then another commotion arose from above. A vast carriage appeared from the clouds, pulled by a dozen enormous winged Abraxan horses.
The creatures descended gracefully, their massive wings beating against the autumn air before the carriage landed with a heavy rumble on the grounds.
By that evening, the Great Hall was buzzing with anticipation. Every seat was occupied, conversations filling the hall as students repeatedly glanced toward the large oak doors.
Dumbledore rose from the High Table.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and—most particularly—guests. I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I trust your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable." He raised a hand toward the entrance.
"Without further delay, let us welcome our distinguished guests from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic."
The great doors swung open. Madame Maxime entered first, her enormous figure commanding everyone's attention.
Behind her came the Beauxbatons students in elegant pale-blue uniforms, gliding into the Great Hall with remarkable grace while shimmering butterflies fluttered around them before dissolving into sparkling light.
Nearly every boy watched them in fascination. Ron stared without blinking. "Blimey..." Even Fred and George looked impressed.
Hermione folded her arms, thoroughly unimpressed by the reaction around her. Turning slightly she glanced at Victor.
He simply yawned, resting his chin on one hand, looking far more interested in finishing dinner than watching the performance. A small smile appeared on Hermione's face.
Once the Beauxbatons students had taken their seats, Dumbledore spoke again. "And now, it is my great pleasure to introduce our guests from the north. Please welcome the students of Durmstrang Institute."
The doors opened once more. Professor Igor Karkaroff strode into the Great Hall, leading the Durmstrang delegation.
The students marched behind him in perfect formation, heavy fur cloaks swaying with each synchronized step.
As they reached the center of the hall, they stamped their staffs against the stone floor, sending showers of sparks into the air before halting in disciplined silence.
Walking among them was Viktor Krum. The Great Hall immediately erupted into applause.
"That's Viktor Krum!" Ron exclaimed. "The best Seeker in the world!"
The cheering continued until Dumbledore raised his hands. "Welcome to Hogwarts. Please take your seats and make yourselves at home."
The Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students moved toward the empty places prepared for them, and with both visiting schools finally assembled inside the Great Hall, the Triwizard Tournament officially began.
*****
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