The Raven's Call

Three Become One

Thursday, September 1st 1994

I stand in the courtyard of Hogwarts, my heart pounding with excitement as I join the crowd of students, all of us eagerly anticipating the arrival of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The sky above is clouding over, the day begins to turn to night, as we crane our necks to the heavens. And then, like a dream, a carriage from Beauxbatons glides gracefully through the air, pulled by a team of winged horses. Gasps of wonder ripple through the gathered students, and I can't help but be mesmerized by the elegance of it all. The carriage touches down harshly, Hagrid, who had been guiding the horses towards the ground, leaps out of the way. But the spectacle is far from over. As we continue to watch in awe, the surface of the Black Lake begins to stir. From its depths emerges the imposing ship of Durmstrang, rising majestically into the air. It's a sight to behold, and I can feel the anticipation building among the crowd. Before Durmstrang's students disembark from their ship, we're called inside to change into our robes and start the sorting ceremony for the first years. Once that is over, then we get to meet the schools who'll be staying with us for the year. 

***

"Well, now we're all settled in and sorted, 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." Dumbledore announces as Filch jogs his way down the aisles. "You see, Hogwarts has been chosen..-" Dumbledore starts before being interrupted by Filch, whispering something to him. Dumbledore whispers back, and Filch makes his way back down the aisles and out the door. "So, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: The Triwizard Tournament! Now, for those of you who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single student 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, Madame Maxime." 

A cluster of very beautiful girls, elegantly draped in baby blue silk, glide into the room with effortless grace. A symphony of contented sighs escapes their lips as they gesture toward the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables, their movements imbued with an air of sophistication. Continuing their poised journey, they repeat this gesture toward the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables, each step exuding confidence. With a brisk and purposeful stride, the girls make their way towards the teacher's table, their presence releasing a kaleidoscope of fluttering butterflies that dance throughout the room, enchanting all who witness. Truly, it is a breathtaking sight to behold. The room roars in applause after their spectacle, mainly from the boys, all admiring the beauty of the Beauxbatons students. Dumbledore gives Madame Maxine a soft kiss on her hand, it is now that I realise how TALL this woman is. She's even taller than Hagrid!

Once the girls get situated, Dumbledore struts over next to his podium. "And now, our friends from the North. Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang, and their high master, Igor Karkaroff!" The Durmstrang students enter, each one a picture of strength and discipline. They move with precision, their staves hitting the stone floor in perfect unison. Many of them have steely expressions, their faces marked by a certain severity that speaks of their rigorous training. But it is Viktor Krum who truly captivates the crowd. Tall and muscular, with piercing dark eyes, he, along with Igor Karkaroff, stride into the Great Hall with the confidence of a warrior. His face remains impassive, but his presence radiates power and determination. As the Durmstrang delegation reaches the centre of the Great Hall, they halt in unison, and a student kneels in the front, blowing fire from his wand, which casts an enchanting glow over the entire assembly. The sparks dance and shimmer like stars, creating an otherworldly ambiance. Dumbledore and Karkaroff greet each other with a hug, like old friends. 

"Hogwarts!" Dumbledore announces. "Let's entertain our friends in the best way we can! All stand!" Oh, no.. We all stand to our feet as the music begins, and the lyrics appear above us. Oh, no..! 

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts,
Hoggy, Warty, Hogwarts,
Teach us something, please!
Whether we be old and bald,
Or young with scabby knees."

Kill me, now.

"Our heads could do with filling
With some interesting stuff.
For now, they're bare and full of air
Dead flies and bits of fluff." 

Beauxbatons had a beautiful display, and Durmstrang showed feats of power. And then there's us. How embarrassing.

***

The Beauxbatons sit with us Ravenclaws as dinner appears on the tables and everyone digs in, I stuff my face with mashed potato as I always do. After the feast, some teachers help pull out a big metal statue that almost resembles a castle. "Your attention, please!" Dumbledore announces, getting everyone's attention. "I'd like to say a few words. Eternal glory. That is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard 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 Magical Cooperation, Mr. Bartemius Crouch." Dumbledore declares, as Barty Crouch walks up to the front. Suddenly the enchanted ceiling erupts with thunder, lightning and pouring rain, I hear an eruption of screams from the students before a silent spell dispels the thunder bringing the celling back to normal, following where it came from I let out a sigh. It's our new DADA teacher, Professor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. 

"After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that, for their own safety, no student under the age of 17 shall be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard tournament. This decision is final" Crouch declaims, while doing something strange with his hands. Students erupt with anger. I can hear the Weasley twins yell. "That's rubbish! You don't know what you're doing." in unison. Sadly for them, they don't turn seventeen until April, and I know they had been waiting for this. "SILENCE" Dumbledore rumbleroars, before taking out his wand, the castle-like walls melt down the statue, forming into a huge cup. It erupts with a blue fame as Dumbledore continues to speak. "The Goblet of Fire. Anyone wishing to submit themselves to the tournament need only write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it in the flame before this hour on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly. If chosen, there is no turning back. As from this moment, the Triwizard tournament has begun." Dumbledore finishes his speech before the prefects usher us off to our commons, the Ravenclaws having to share with the Beauxbatons, which we are not complaining about, whatsoever.