enchanted • draco malfoy

Year 4: The Goblet of Fire

Felicity's POV

I stood with the throngs of other students, gaping and shouting at the huge carriage pulled by 7 pegasi. "This," I declared to Mione, Ron, and Harry, "This is new." I hadn't told them about my incident with Draco, of course, or else they'd completely freak out, and I preferred them sane. The twins laughed from behind us. "You can say that again," George agreed.

Students began gasping and pointing to what seemed to be the top of a boat. My speculations were confirmed as a truly gargantuan ship rose out of the water with masts unfurled. I dimly recognized the crest, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Judging by the look on Hermione's face, she couldn't either, and the boys didn't seem to care.

The four of us followed the general crowd into the Great Hall, awaiting the message that was undoubtedly to come.

~*~

"Well," Dumbledore spoke, his voice booming through the room, " now that we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement." The door creaked open and I turned, holding back my laughter at the sight of Argus Filch hobbling down the long path from the doors to the Headmasters table with a hand pressed to what had to be a cramp in his side.

"This castle," Dumbledore continued, "will not only be your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen. . ." He trailed off as Filch mounted the steps leading to his podium.

The old caretaker doubled over, catching his breath, and snickers echoed throughout the hall. He whispered something in Dumbledore's ear, who shook his head. Filch nodded and took off, his long hair streaming behind him like some ugly shampoo commercial.

"Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event," our Headmaster paused for effect, "The Triwizard Tournament."

Whispers instantly broke out among the older students. "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." He stopped, clearing his throat over the clamour of the students before delivering the rest of his speech.

"Now let me be clear... If chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say that 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!"

The doors opened again to reveal dozens of girls clad in blue dresses and hats. They flounced into the room like royalty, before halting and sweeping their arms out with a collective lovely sigh. All the boys seemed mesmerized and the girls annoyed. I was definitely with the girls on this one. I spotted Draco and his friends, all with disgusting smirks on their faces as they eyes the girls.

Something unpleasant twisted in my belly and I dismissed all thoughts of Draco instantly. I was absolutely not jealous.

Ron, for one, seemed the most awestruck, and Hermione the most irritated. She had her arms crossed over her chest and switched from glaring at the back of his head to the swarm of girls in the center of the room. They stopped at the front of the room and butterflies formed from blue mist flew above them before dissipating. "Bloody hell," Ron breathed.

"Blimey," Seamus said next to me as who I assumed was Madame Maxine strolled down the aisle, "That's one big woman." She had to be at least 7 feet tall.

As soon as the murmurs died down and the Beauxbaton girls split up, half sitting at Hufflepuff's table and the other half at Ravenclaw, Dumbledore spoke again. "And now," he announced, "our friends from the north. Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang-" that's where I recognized the crest- "and their high master, Igor Karkaroff!"