I Kneel Before No One | Harry Potter

T H I R T E E N

E V E N T U A L L Y, the next school year at Hogwarts began, and the students found themselves back on the Hogwarts Express.

"Sorry I wasn't able to write much over the summer. My mom had me very busy, and she also doesn't like the idea of magic much," Alexa said as the two sat down in their compartment.

"It's fine. I was quite busy myself," Evanora replied, going over the details of her summer, from the trial she attended to her aunt's clue and the smaller details, like Tanzanite growing.

Alexa's snakes had also grown quite a bit.

"Has she said anything to you about your father? You said he passed before you were born when I first met you."

Alexa moved back a strand of her black hair. "Well, that's what I was told, but when I questioned her, she didn't sound so sure. It's like she really didn't know, and she's not trying to find out either."

Carefully considering her thoughts, she continued, "Maybe it's for a good reason, Alexa. She could be scared of the outcome, scared to lose you."

"She knows she would never lose me," Alexa said, shooting up from her seat, her voice slightly louder. "I would never leave my mother."

She lowered herself back onto her seat.

Evanora leaned forward, grasping Alexa's hands. "Maybe she isn't certain. I'm sure she'll tell you when she feels you are ready. If your father is a wizard, look through the families, see who you look like, and narrow it down. I can help if you like."

"Thank you, Evanora," Alexa said, looking up and smiling.

She let out a small gasp. Just for a second, she looked just like the woman from the picture. It was not possible.

Just then, Harry opened the compartment door. The two turned to look at Harry, both raising their eyebrows. "Could I talk to you, Evanora?"

She looked at Alexa before standing up. "Sure."

They entered the compartment Harry was in before he came to look for Evanora.

She sat on the opposite side of Harry. "What can I do for you, Harry?"

"I got the blood test done and claimed my lordship."

She glanced down at his hand, seeing the three rings upon his hands. She nodded for him to continue.

"Dumbledore had potions and blocks placed on me."

"And what else have you learned?"

"Nothing, I don't believe," he pondered. He knew he couldn't trust Dumbledore now, but he hadn't learned anything else.

"Actually," he suddenly remembered, "at the Quidditch World Cup, I had a feeling. It was Draco's father and Crouch's elf."

"Well, you have your work cut out for you. You've scratched the surface, but now you need to look underneath. I'll take my leave before your friends return. May the fates be with you, for your future hasn't been decided."

She stood up.

"What does that mean?"

"I've just told you. To look underneath and find the truth, just like that scar was scratched onto you. Some are permanent, some are not, but why?"

+++

The annual start of the year dinner began.

Dumbledore stood up from his chair. "Can I have everyone's attention? I have an announcement. This year we will have some very special guests attending. Hogwarts has chosen to host a legendary event: the Triwizard Tournament. This tournament will bring together three schools for a series of magical contests. One student from each school will be selected. If chosen, you will stand alone; these contests are not for the faint of heart. For now, join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons."

Suddenly, the doors of Hogwarts burst open, and in walked a humongous woman whose size rivaled even Hagrid's, followed by several students in light-blue clothing, mainly girls.

The Beauxbatons students took seats at different tables, mainly Ravenclaw.

"Madame Maxine," said Dumbledore loudly and happily. "A pleasure to see you!"

"As with you, Dumblydorrr," she said, extending her hand so Dumbledore could kiss it.

"Karkaroff is still running late?" she asked, looking around the hall.

"I do believe he'll be coming in but a moment," Dumbledore explained as the doors that had been closed after the Beauxbatons students had entered burst open again at his words.

In came a middle-aged man with a wispy beard and a weak chin wearing a fur coat, followed by the Durmstrang delegations, mainly boys, wearing similar clothing to their headmaster but in a brown color.

Directly behind the headmaster was a slouching figure that most instantly recognized from the World Cup Quidditch game.

Evanora scrunched up her face in confusion. She had no clue who Krum was; it honestly sounded like an elf name.

Alexa noticed her confusion. "That's Krum, the Quidditch professional seeker. He played at the World Cup over the summer."

She hummed. "Oh, he's the one who will be chosen; his destiny has been decided," Evanora said quietly. She couldn't imagine how people would react, saying his fate had already been decided.

After dinner was served, Dumbledore spoke again.

"Eternal glory is what awaits the winner of the Triwizard Tournament. That student must be able to survive three extremely dangerous tasks. For this reason, the Ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. The department head of international magical cooperation: Mr. Bartemius Crouch.

"Under the watchful gaze of Mr. Crouch, only students of age may enter their names into the Goblet of Fire. Any underage student attempting to do so will suffer severe consequences. Now, let the Triwizard Tournament begin!"

He related the goblet, the sapphire-colored flames roamed around it.

As Dumbledore finished his announcement, the Great Hall erupted in whispers and speculations. Evanora exchanged a glance with Alexa, both sensing that this tournament would bring more than just magical contests.

Evanora observed the unfolding events, a sense of foreboding settling within her, hinting at the challenges that awaited not only the Triwizard champions but the entire wizarding world.