𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐝 {𝐇. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫}

57

"I don't believe it!" Ron said, in a stunned voice, as the Hogwarts students filed back up the steps behind the party from Durmstrang. "Krum! Viktor Krum!"

"For heaven's sake, Ron, he's only a Quidditch player," said Hermione.

"Only a Quidditch player?" Ron said, looking at her as though he couldn't believe his ears. "Hermione - he's one of the best Seekers in the world! I had no idea he was still at school!"

As they recrossed the entrance hall with the rest of the Hogwarts students heading for the Great Hall, Johnny saw Lee jumping up and down on the soles of his feet to get a better look at the back of Krum's head. Several sixth-year girls were frantically searching their pockets as they walked -

"Oh I don't believe it, I haven't got a single quill on me -"

"D'you think he'd sign my hat in lipstick?"

"Really," Hermione said loftily as they passed the girls, now squabbling over the lipstick.

"I'm getting his autograph if I can," said Ron. "You haven't got a quill, have you, Johnny?"

"Nope, they're downstairs in my bag," said Johnny.

Pansy and Johnny sat at the end of the Slytherin table nearest the doors. Viktor Krum and his fellow Durmstrang students had settled themselves at the Slytherin table. Johnny could see Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle looking very smug about this.

Hermione snorted.

"So, your Veela friend?" Pansy said with a smirk. "Is she single? Because I wouldn't mind-"

"Pansy, I love you like a little sister," Johnny interrupted herm reaching over to cover her mouth. "So please don't finish that sentence."

"Answer the question!" Pansy said, hitting Johnny's hand away.

"How am I supposed to know? It's not like we're in touch with each other."

"I'd touch her-"

"Pansy, you're such a pervert," Johnny groaned.

"You can't tell me you haven't fantasied about her and Hermione doing you-"

"No, I haven't!" Johnny said. "I might be a guy, but I don't fantasise about other girls."

"You're boring."

"Fuck you."

"Your Veela friend can."

"Oh my god!"

Up at the staff table, Filch, the caretaker, was adding chairs. He was wearing his moldy old tailcoat in honor of the occasion. Johnny was surprised to see that he added four chairs, two on either side of Dumbledore's.

When all the students had entered the Hall and settled down at their House tables, the staff entered, filing up to the top table and taking their seats. Last in line were Professor Dumbledore, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime. When their headmistress appeared, the pupils from Beauxbatons leapt to their feet. A few of the Hogwarts students laughed. The Beauxbatons party appeared quite unembarrassed, however, and didn't resume their seats until Madame Maxime had sat down on Dumbledore's left-hand side. Dumbledore remained standing, and a silence fell over the Great Hall.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and - most particularly - guests," said Dumbledore, beaming around at the foreign students. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."

One of the Beauxbatons girls still clutching a muffler around her head gave what was unmistakably a derisive laugh.

"The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast," said Dumbledore. "I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!"