Power, Freedom and a French Flower

Just a single tear

AN: My smart readers might have noticed that Hermione was not represented in any of the other electives. This is due to the fact that she had not been the top student in year one and two, like she had been in canon. Also, her being caught with the Polyjuice in second year ruined any chances for McGonagall giving a student like that a time turner. I hope that makes sense.

Until next time.

Hey guys and welcome to the next Chapter.

It's time for Harry to face some actual opponents in the Under-18 matches.

I hope you guys enjoy it!

Chapter 27

The three wizards reappeared a couple of seconds later. Harry had gotten used to Portkeys at this point and barely stumbled before finding his balance.

He took in his surroundings: They had landed in, what Harry was sure must have been the inside of a palace. When Harry thought the French had been showing off their wealth, then it was nothing compared to what he now saw all around him.

The entire architecture consisted of white polished marble with gold inlays at certain spots. Sirius and Flitwick seemed equally as impressed. A foreign wizard in elegant formal robes approached them:

"Delegation Potter, we have expected you. Welcome to magical Russia. You are currently standing in a magical copy of the Bolshevik Theatre. This is where you will be spending your time during your stay here. Of course, you are free to explore the city on your own.

Your personal quarters, the dining area, and the dueling platforms are all at different levels in this building. My name is Dimitri, I will be your first contact, should you need anything. Let me now guide you to your quarters."

They followed the Russian wizard who led them through the building that seemed almost as big as Hogwarts. Finally, they arrived at the part of the palace that was reserved for the competitors and their delegation.

Their quarters were just as extravagant as the rest of the building. Sirius, Flitwick, and Harry each had their own large room and an on-site bathroom.

Harry and Sirius decided to explore magical Moscow a bit while Flitwick would be meeting up with some old Russian colleagues that he had studied for his charms mastery with.

The next morning, Harry and his mentors again made their way into the dining hall. Just like many of the other competitors, Harry had already decided to wear his dueling uniform. For now all he needed to do was be declared valid to compete and wait for the dueling to start.

After his first Russian breakfast, they made their way towards the arena and platforms. The Russians had used an expansion charm on the opera. Harry estimated that it could easily hold up to 10.000 visitors.

Where usually a stage for the ballerinas should be present, four dueling platforms now stood next to one another. He walked up to the line of competitors that were getting registered as well.

Here in Russia, Harry noticed that most of his competitors seem to be boys with a similar build to Crabe and Goyle, if only slightly more athletic. Most looked strong and tall. Harry, even though tall for his age, was among the shortest.

He spotted only a couple of females in the line ahead of him. There was no sign of Delacour anywhere so far yet. Finally, it was his turn and he completed the required blood test that checked for any illegal potions in his body.

His wand was also inspected and declared fit to compete with. He received a large stamp on his piece of parchment, proving he was officially admitted as a competitor.