Shift: A Witch's Secret

Durmstrangs and Beauxbatons

"Better be.."

"SLYTHERIN!"

A sinking feeling envelops me. I've consistently identified with Gryffindor through numerous quizzes and self-assessment. With the Slytherin table's enthusiastic cheers and welcoming gestures, I acknowledge my newfound house identity, giving them a smile as I settle next to Pansy Parkinson.

"Welcome Y/N. I can tell you'll fit right in." she greets me with a warm smile.

"Thanks." I reciprocate with a smile of my own.

Socializing takes a back seat as today unfolds into a day of extraordinary events. The loud approach of a horse-drawn carriage outside triggers a rush of excitement among the students, prompting everyone to dash out the doors in a frenzy. I follow the Slytherin group and run out to see a carriage in the sky coming towards us, being lead by pegasuses, the students of Hogwarts filling the air with cheers and anticipation. 

"The Beauxbatons!" I say with exhilaration.

"Well, there's something you don't see everyday." a familiar voice remarks beside me. 

I turn to discover Fred and George Weasley hovering above me, their towering stature surprising me.

As the Beauxbatons carriage drifts past, the Durmstrang ship emerges dramatically from beneath the lake's surface, leaving me awestruck. I can hardly believe my eyes; the enchantment of this moment is beyond my wildest dreams.

Dumbledore's commanding voice calls the students back to the Great Hall. I take my seat, eagerly awaiting the entrances of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Dumbledore delivers his speech regarding the Triwizard Tournament, and I can't help but giggle silently as Filch rushes weirdly down the aisle, reenacting one of my favorite scenes from the movie. He whispers something to Dumbledore, and I cackle as he jogs back to the doors. 

All eyes turn toward the entrance as Dumbledore announces the arrival of Beauxbatons. I watch as all the boys admire their beauty, but my attention is captured by Madam Maxine's colossal presence—she truly is a giant. 

I see Fleur take a bow for her school, and smile, already knowing she will be a finalist.

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

All eyes return to the entrance as the Durmstrang students enter with their staffs.

"How old even are they? They look like grown men." I say, as I have always wondered

"Dude, I know right!" Pansy adds beside me and I laugh. I thought I was the only one.

We both turn back to the scene as everyone in the room gasps. I see the men dart down the aisle and giggle as I see one guy doing flips. 

"Blimey, it's him. Viktor Krum." Ron whispers nearby. While everyone here is a celebrity to me, I hadn't fully grasped the magnitude of being in the presence of Viktor Krum.

The Durmstrang students are seated at the Slytherin table, my table. Engaged in conversation with Pansy and her friends, I suddenly sense someone taking a seat beside me.

"Oh my god. Y/N, don't be awkward but look who's next to you." Pansy whispers

"Who?" I inquire, turning my head slowly to discover none other than Viktor Krum. I quickly face forward. 

"You're joking," I whisper back.

A chuckle emanates from the man beside me, and I feel a tap on my hand. I turn to meet his gaze.