บท 12: Chapter 12: Tournament!
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The last of his friends with connections was the nephew of the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Ivan Krasimir.
He hadn't meant for his three closet friends to be the most connected of his year, it had just turned out that way.
They hadn't started as a quartet, but after one study session they all just seemed to click.
Aries had been sure to surround himself with powerful friends, whether in power itself, intelligence, or anything he found to be beneficial.
He would not call them all followers exactly, but they seemed to follow him nonetheless.
Aries had been quick to make friends, and slow to make enemies, and when he did make an enemy he was sure to deal with them quickly.
It had built him a formidable reputation, one that made it clear to many that it was convenient for your health to be on his good side, and the few that tested it often ended up in the medical wing for some time, though there was never any evidence back to him, something that made his Aunt Cassi very proud.
Those that knew him best knew that the charming exterior of Aries Black was often genuine, but that the young man had a dark side that he kept in check, only unleashing it on those he felt earned it.
A few had tried to betray him once or twice, and as far his friends were concerned they were lucky to be alive.
Aries' extra lessons were common knowledge in Durmstrang, as excellence and power were celebrated above all else and as far as the teachers were concerned, he was the prime example of what everyone should strive to be.
"So, Aries, who do you think will be chosen?" Ivan asked in German. Despite the school's Scandinavian location, many of its students where German, and thus their native language was the one used for everything.
Aries was well aware that Ivan spoke of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The four had corresponded often during the summer and had met up several times, often speaking of the upcoming tournament.
He had been ecstatic for it, but when it was decided that only those who were seventeen could compete his excitement for the tournament had lessen considerably.
"Krum of course," Aries replied, "He is the most powerful of his year, and the bravest. I'm not sure how the Goblet chooses but he makes the most sense to me."
"I agree," Arianna spoke up, "If not Krum though, then perhaps Nikola?"
"Somehow I think Kakaroff will only allow Krum to enter. He is his prize student, other than Aries here of course." Haydn offered.
He was saved from having to respond by the man himself. Igor Kakaroff was a tall man with an average build. His black beard covered his face and his hair was long reaching his shoulders.
Aries knew of Igor's background and it came as no surprise to him that the Headmaster of Durmstrang ruled by fear and handed out some of the worst punishments.
Most of the teachers despised him, especially his mentor von Reich. Kakaroff gave the customary greeting and began to explain how Durmstrang Institute functioned.
Aries zoned out spectacularly as the Headmaster explained that there were no Houses, only groups of powerful people.
If the first years did not impress a group by the end of the second month they'd find themselves without a bed.
Aries had impressed a group almost immediately as Haydn's and his duel had caught the attention of the more influential seventh years, and that was how they found themselves in the same group as Viktor Krum.
Aries caught the older boy's eye for a moment, and they both rolled their eyes at the dramatics of their Headmaster.
Krum in many ways had become an older brother to him, their love for playing Seeker had built not only a healthy rivalry, but also a friendship.
The fact that it only added to his list of connected friends did not hurt either. Viktor would no doubt be the leader of the group now, but they all knew it was because Aries refused the role.
The group did as he pleased, he just never cared for the position, at least not yet.
"This year as many of you undoubtedly already know, Durmstrang Institute will be competing in the Tri-Wizard Tournament at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
The many hushed whispers told Aries that many people did in fact not know of the Tournament. That was surprising.
"It has been decided that only those seventeen and older will compete, however the top five students from fifth through seventh years will also be invited to compete in some side contests, and to participate in a student exchange."
"A few of the staff will be joining you to chaperone and, of course, to ensure that you continue to receive the education needed to pass your examinations."
"Those chosen will leave for Hogwarts on the first of October. Your professors will notify you if you have the chance to participate."
The Headmaster might as well had stopped speaking after that. No one listened to him as he spouted off the rules and the prestigious history of the school, besides maybe the fearful first years.
Even Aries found himself pulled into the quartet's speculation of the contests.
He had a good guess that the four of them would be invited, seeing as they were the top four of their year, though he wasn't sure of the fifth as it often changed from year to year.
....
The month was passing slowly as far as Aries was concerned. His lessons continued, and he was pushing himself as hard as he could in his time with Professor von Reich.
The rumors of the school were that there was at least going to be a Quidditch and a dueling competition.
Both were something he could perform well in, but to be a dueling champion of the Tri-Wizard Tournament was not something he was going to pass up.
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