If Chantal had known the cost of her choices, she would have never left her compartment on the Hogwarts Express. The students of Hogwarts still speak about the infamous Miss Sparrow's years at Hogwarts.
As everyone made their way back to the Great Hall, whispered chats and glances were thrown around. Chantal could barely hear what Dina was saying but understood that her friend was just as excited. Everyone knew that Krum's name wasn't carried out worldwide for no reason. He was one of the best seekers to live.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and - most particularly - guests," Dumbledore said, looking at each corner of the Great Hall. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."
A Beauxbaton girl giggled and someone immediately shushed her off. Chantal noticed that it was Hermione Granger who, of course, was sitting next to Harry and Ronald. Chantal herself had talked to Hermione, but never spared more than a sentence or two. However, Chantal didn't show the same unethical attitude that Draco Malfoy always did to the girl.
Chantal instinctively looked over to the side of the table where Draco and his friends were sitting. He had Krum next to him, which probably made him feel very proud. Chantal scoffed almost silently.
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Her eyes drew back to Harry. She wondered why Harry had looked so bewildered. It's not rare to run into someone snogging in the Library, or anywhere in the castle, to be honest. However, her mind shifted to Draco once again, who Harry was staring at as well.
"The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast," Dumbledore announced. "I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!"
As Dumbledore finished speaking, the plates in front of them filled with foods Chantal had never seen. She shrugged and looked at Victoria before eating.
Chantal didn't speak much, except for exchanging a smile with Nathaniel. Chantal would have continued drifting in her thoughts but understood that she had been wondering about things far too much lately.
Once the golden plates had been wiped clean, Dumbledore stood up again. A pleasant sort of tension seemed to fill the Hall now.
"The moment has come," said Dumbledore slowly with a peaceful smile. "The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket --"
''Ummm... the casket?'' a boy nearby Chantal asked.
"- just to clarify the procedure that we will be following this year. But first, let me introduce, for those who do not know them, Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation" - there was a smattering of polite applause - "and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
Chantal's father worked for Ludo Bagman. He always said that he was a strange yet uplifting wizard and that he enjoyed working for him.
The students cheered for Ludo Bagman, the man whose face Chantal had seen during the summer. However, she did not recognize Crouch.
