The day before Halloween, the student body of Hogwarts was dressed up and ready to welcome the delegations that would participate in the Triwizard Tournament.
Dumbledore, Aaric, and Daphne stood at the front to greet the arriving guests, while the other students waited behind them, ready to mingle during the feast itself.
The night air was cold, but Aaric had quietly scattered temporary runes around the area to make the temperature comfortable. Several teachers noticed the subtle change and were left quietly astonished at the level of control he displayed.
Daphne, standing to Aaric's right, looked a little nervous. She glanced back to see Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Astoria, and Draco giving her encouraging thumbs-ups and reassuring smiles.
Her lips curved into a small, grateful smile as she waved to them. Aaric reached out and gave her hand a brief squeeze. Daphne's shoulders relaxed slightly, and she looked ahead, her expression settling into calm determination.
A low hum vibrated through the air, and heads tilted upward. From the clouds descended a massive carriage, pale blue and gleaming like polished ice.
It was drawn by twelve enormous winged horses, Abraxans whose powerful hooves struck the air with thunderous grace. The carriage landed with a soft thud on the grass, its wheels settling in the grass.
The door swung open. Madame Maxime emerged first, towering and statuesque, a graceful smile on her face. Behind her, the Beauxbatons students filed out in neat formation. Aaric and Daphne recognized a few of them from the World Cup.
Two figures immediately drew everyone's attention. Fleur Delacour's beauty and effortless grace left more than a few boys holding their breath, while Gabrielle, much younger and smaller, clung to her sister's hand and stared wide-eyed at the grounds around her.
Daphne gave Fleur a polite, welcoming smile. Aaric, on the other hand, stuck out his tongue at Gabrielle, who blinked in surprise before giggling. Fleur caught it and shot him a look, while Daphne elbowed Aaric lightly in the ribs.
Madame Maxime approached and exchanged warm greetings with Dumbledore before turning to Aaric and Daphne. She ruffled Aaric's hair fondly.
"It is good to meet you at last. Edwina, she speaks of you… oh, very much," she said, her accent rolling over her words.
Aaric smiled sheepishly and scratched his cheek, earning a soft chuckle from Madame Maxime. She then turned to Daphne, who hid her nerves well and greeted the woman with perfect noble etiquette.
"Madame Maxime, it's an honour to welcome you to Hogwarts. I trust your journey was as graceful as your arrival," Daphne said smoothly.
The compliment earned a pleased smile from Madame Maxime. "Ah, yes… it was quite comfortable. Thank you for asking, ma chère."
She moved to stand beside Dumbledore just as the lake drew everyone's attention.
The Black Lake was utterly still, not calm, but poised, as though holding its breath.
Slowly, the water began to ripple, deliberate and heavy, before a dark shape emerged.
A massive ship rose from the depths, wood groaning as it broke the surface. Water cascaded off its sides in shimmering sheets. It was black as pitch, with iron fixtures and lanterns glowing dimly in the mist.
A plank extended smoothly, and Igor Karkaroff descended first, his fur-lined cloak hanging heavily around his shoulders. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, calculating and cold. The Durmstrang students followed, disciplined and silent, Krum in the lead.
Karkaroff was clearly prepared to ignore pleasantries and head straight for the Great Hall. But when his gaze landed on Aaric, he paused. The boy was a Hawthorne, and disrespecting him could have far-reaching consequences.
With a thin smile, Karkaroff changed course. He greeted Dumbledore with false warmth before offering brief, polite words to Aaric and Daphne. Only then did he lead his delegation toward the Great Hall.
The Hogwarts students began to relax, thinking the arrivals were finished, when a dense mist suddenly rolled in from the direction of the lake. It swirled higher and higher until a massive form descended through the fog.
A dragon made entirely of brownstone emerged, its body animated by glowing lines of magic. Brilliant flames of shifting colors burned beneath it, propelling it through the air. It hovered above the water, perfectly still, and then opened its colossal mouth.
A grand staircase unfurled from within its maw, descending to touch the ground with flawless precision.
An elderly man in flowing white robes appeared first, his presence commanding but serene Elder Xiao, Ars's master. Ars followed close behind, his posture proud, with other senior students trailing respectfully.
Aaric stared, wide-eyed, as the stunning display unfolded. Dumbledore noticed his expression and smiled faintly. "What are you gawking at? You were the one who made this possible," he said quietly.
Elder Xiao descended the last step and clasped Dumbledore's hands warmly.
The two old man greeted each other "Elder Xiao, we are honored to host you in Hogwarts." Elder Xiao smiled and Thanked Dumbledore for the hospitality
The old man then turned to Aaric, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "Good to see you again, young master. I trust you are well."
Aaric smiled and nodded before introducing Daphne, who bowed politely.
Ars approached Aaric with a mischievous smirk, Grub perched on his shoulder. "What were they thinking, putting you at the forefront to welcome foreign delegations?" he teased.
"That's what I said," Daphne muttered dryly, earning a laugh from Ars.
Aaric hugged Ars briefly. "Let's spar later," he murmured.
Ars froze, his face paling as he looked around nervously. "Why do I say things?" he groaned, smacking his own forehead. Daphne giggled softly at his reaction.
Dumbledore clapped his hands lightly, signaling the teachers to lead their students into the Great Hall for the feast.
The seating was carefully arranged. The Beauxbatons delegation joined Ravenclaw, Durmstrang sat with Slytherin, and the Alchemy Sect was placed with Gryffindor.
Fleur, Gabrielle, and Lucien Moreau sat near Aaric, Luna, and Daphne as the hall settled into a buzz of excitement.
Dumbledore rose to speak. "It is my pleasure to welcome the delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang," he began, pausing for applause. Then his eyes twinkled as he continued. "And now, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest guests, the Sacred Alchemy Sect from China."
The hall erupted into polite applause, though there was a murmur of curiosity as Dumbledore raised a hand for quiet.
"They will not be participating in the Triwizard Tournament," he clarified. "I have invited them here for a special reason. Their sect has a great history and vast knowledge to share with us. Knowledge and solidarity are the purpose of their visit."
The Ravenclaw table broke into enthusiastic clapping at the mention of learning, while the other houses offered polite applause.
"I trust you will all be excellent hosts and approach this exchange with open minds," Dumbledore concluded, sitting down beside Elder Xiao, Madame Maxime, and Karkaroff.
Madame Maxime greeted Elder Xiao warmly, while Karkaroff remained cool and reserved.
A/n: Power stones and reviews please.