Hey everybody :p Here's the last chapter :p It's not betaed yet so please, don't pester me about mistakes xD
In next chapter : Names out of the goblet, Wand Weighting and First Trial !
P.S : Some allusions to Final Fantasy XIV and Ao No Exorcist, you shall see :p
10/31/1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
That day, there was a pleasant atmosphere of waiting at Hogwarts. No one paid much attention to what was going on during the lessons: only the arrival, that very evening, of the delegations of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang occupied everyone's mind. Even the potions class seemed more bearable than usual, especially because it had to be shortened by half an hour. When the bell rang, Henry, Ron, Seamus and Dean rushed into the Gryffindor tower, placed bags and books in their dormitories, threw their cloaks on their shoulders and descended the stairs four by four to the entrance hall. The Head of the different houses had their students put in rows.
" Weasley, straighten your hat," Professor McGonagall said dryly. "Miss Patil, take this ridiculous accessory from your hair."
Parvati pouted and removed the butterfly that adorned her mat.
" Follow me, please," said Professor McGonagall. "The first year , go ahead ... Do not push ..."
They went down the steps that led outside and lined up in front of the castle in successive rows. The evening was cool and bright. The day was slowly falling and a moon so pale that it seemed transparent, already shining above the Forbidden Forest.
Henry, who was in the fourth row between Ron and Seamus , caught sight of the tiny form of Dennis Crivey in the first year queue , literally trembling with impatience.
" It's almost six," said Ron, glancing at his watch, then at the aisle leading to the gate. "How do you think they will come? By train ?"
"It would surprise me", said Dean .
" So how? On brooms?" Seamus suggested , looking up at the sky where stars were starting to shine.
"I don't think so ... Not so far away ... With a Portkey, maybe?" said Ron. "Or they could Apparate. They may have the right before seventeen."
" We can't Apparate inside Hogwarts , that would be too easy , " replied Seamus, smiling.
They scanned the park, which was starting to darken, but nothing was moving. Everything was quiet, silent and almost as usual. Henry was a little cold. He would have liked them to hurry ... Their hosts may have been preparing a spectacular arrival ... He remembered what Mr Weasley had said at the campsite, before the Quidditch World Cup: "Always the same, we can't resist impressing our neighbour when we're all together … "
"Ah! If I am not mistaken, the delegation of the Royal Academy of Atlas is coming !" said Dumbledore, who was in the back row with the other teachers.
"Where?" several students asked eagerly, looking in all directions.
" Over there!" cried a sixth-grade student, pointing to the Forbidden Forest.
Something very large, much larger than a flying broom or even a hundred flying brooms , approached the castle, in the dark blue sky. We saw it's figure grow constantly.
"It's a dragon!" yelled a freshman, panicking.
"Don't be silly… It's a flying house!" replied Dennis Crivey.
The two were mistaken. You could hear a powerful song like that of a whale. The students widened their eyes while most of them cried out, mixing fear and surprise. It was indeed a flying whale ... well ...
"Is that a whale?" cried a second year student, his voice filled with terror.
"It's not a whale, but a monster!" added Ron, eyes wide with fear.
Dumbledore smiled when he saw the incredible creature heading for Hogwarts. He had never seen it before, although its legend was known. How not to recognize such a creature from the most important legends of the Magical World.
A gigantic flying white whale was approaching at high speed. Endowed with powerful wings covered with white feathers and a gigantic golden horn similar to unicorns, this creature was able to devour islets. No creature could defeat it, even dragons afraid of such a legend.
It was Bismarck, Lord of Mists and Sky. Legend has it that it was born from a group of whales when the world still had a cloudless sky. Born of an opaline colour, he was martyred by his fellows to the point of dying. Mother Magic wept over its fate, and in a burst of kindness brought it back to life in the form of a flying whale, so that it could forever enjoy the "celestial sea". From its breath were born clouds and other cumulus clouds dominating the sky in which it dived at will, far from everyone.
But Albus knew the truth about this creature. It once was the Atlas' " pet " who survived the Great Cataclysm. This creature supposedly lived in the lake near the Atlas Academy, responsible for its protection. As for its powers ... Quite a mystery .
"It's coming !" cried Cedric Diggory , motioning to back away.
The students' cries grew louder as the mastodon approached them, which was much larger than Hogwarts. To their amazement, Bismarck began to shrink until he reached a more suitable size, half of Hogwarts. Without losing a moment, the creature headed at full speed towards the Lake before diving into it impressively.
His plunge was not without consequences, and a gigantic wave ran aground on the surroundings of the lakes, some students struck with full force. Mrs. Pomfrey ran at full speed to take care of the comatose pupils, some of whom could not bear the shock.
Finally, the creature's back reappeared, and the students cried out in surprise again. The back of the whale was now covered with greenery, trees and even a large mansion. You could think of an " island ".
A bridge materialized between the banks of the lake and the " islet " while the doors of the house opened. Henry opened his eyes when he saw a swarm of bats leave the house towards Dumbledore, while a music blaring RING in the back.
Turning around, Henry understood that everyone could hear this music, and at the sight of the people of Hogsmeade in the distance joining them, it was obvious that the music could reach the village. (Final Fantasy 13 OST - Disc Three - 10 - Chocobos Of Cocoon ~ Chasing Dreams)
And as the cloud approached Dumbledore, two large statues representing Poseidon appeared in front of the bridge, while a wrought iron gate materialized between the two statues. Opening with a loud noise, the Hogwarts students could then see students leaving the mansion.
They walked in two separate columns, all between the ages of thirteen and eighteen. They all wore blue vests over white shirts, not to mention black pants. The most impressive was probably the sword that everyone wore on their belts.
Henry gritted his teeth when he recognized the two students leading the procession ... Alexandre Angelus and ... Adrien de Valois. Ron immediately noticed his friend's tension before looking at the two men Henry was looking at.
"Dude, don't tell me it's the two assholes you were talking about last time ?" Ron asked in a slightly too loud voice.
" You're not dreaming Ron , " replied Henry, glaring at Harry.
Dean and Seamus took turns looking at Henry and Harry. Henry had told them about his " altercation " with the Prince of France. Now they could finally put a face on the name.
"By Merlin's beard ! It's Prince Adrien !" exclaimed a fifth year of Hufflepuff.
It was the stampede. The students began to peep, shout and gossip. It was not every day that a member of a royal family came to visit them. Most of the girls stared at Harry while the boys gauged him. Some of the more ambitious even wondered if it would be a good idea to make friends with Adrien, while others glared at Alexander.
The crowd quickly ended when the students saw the bat cloud appear between the students of Atlas and Albus Dumbledore. Under their stunned eyes, bald s -souris merged to make way for a man aged about thirty years. The latter was quite tall, wearing a white leather jacket topped with an equally white cape, pants of the same shade and ... carrying a pink umbrella ? And a pink checkered scarf ? And a white and pink top hat ?
—Morganna's saggy tits ! He dresses like Dumbledore ! Ron whispered to Henry.
The Potter heir could only nod when he saw the wacky outfit of the man facing Dumbledore.
"I recognize Him ! It's Guy de Rivesang, the Prince of Vampires. There is a whole chapter about him in Extraordinary Nobles Houses of the Magical World!" cried Hermione Granger, not far from them.
( Image : Mephisto Pheles of Ao no Exorcist)
The latter was with her best friends, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood.
"She really knows everything, that one !" snarked Ronald rolling his eyes.
His sentence was heard, however. Neville glared at the redhead before whispering gently to Hermione : " Pay no attention to this moron. He's just jealous. "
"Albus ! How fair you, my friend ? How fair you ?" exclaimed Guy de Rivesang.
"Guy, my old friend. What a pleasure to see you again !" replied Albus, taking Guy in his arms.
"Grand-father !" said Harry who was behind Guy.
Some Hogwarts students gasped in amazement. Grand-Father? was the question they all asked.
"Harry ! Here you are finally at Hogwarts, it makes me so happy !" Albus exclaimed, taking Harry in his arms.
Some students (especially the Weasley twins) understood the implicit message of this gesture : Adrien de Valois was out of reach and under the protection of the Headmaster. It was better not to play tricks on Harry, and therefore his soul mate.
"Man, even with you the headmaster's not that nice ," whispered Ronald to Henry.
The redhead didn't notice the envious look Henry was sending Harry. In fact, the only one who noticed it was Harry himself, who only smiled at him before winking.
"Asshole ..." muttered Henry low enough not to be heard, while grinding his teeth.
Harry just widened his smile, as if he had heard it. For his part, Dumbledore acted as if he had seen nothing, which was not the case for Guy de Rivesang. The vampire just smiled enigmatically taking an absurd pose with his umbrella.
"Finally ! I, Guy de Rivesang, Prince of all Vampires and faithful subject of his majesty, King Louis XIX, sets foot on Hogwarts ! My heart is racing and my blood just goes around ! Oh, but what am I saying ? I have no heart !" cried Guy as the Atlas students snickered.
For their part, the Hogwarts students were stunned by the extravagant behaviour of the Headmaster of the other school.
" I didn't say anything , he's even crazier than Dumbledore," Ronald whispered to Henry.
Or rather, he tried to whisper. Ronald Weasley was not known to be discreet, and the students around him heard it… The Vampires having an extremely developed hearing…
"Such disrespect ! You should say " Professor Dumbledore " and not call him by name, as if he was your friend !" said a cheerful voice right next to Ronald.
"Ah !" exclaimed in fear Ronald, turning his head to the right.
Guy de Rivesang had just appeared next to Ronald, while leaning on his umbrella. The other students cried out in surprise when they saw the vampire appear within them.
"But you didn't say anything about the allusion to your madness," said another voice.
Once again, the students cried out in panic when they saw another person appear. Cries that quickly became whispers of excitement upon recognizing Prince Adrien. The latter had also appeared in a mysterious way.
"But… how ? asked Hermione, stunned.
Harry looked away from his Headmaster to better observe the girl who had exclaimed. Rather small, curly brown hair forming a real tuft, the latter also had beaver teeth. Nothing that cannot be corrected with a simple focused shrinking spell.
Without even answering his question, Harry made a gesture with his hand to shrink the girl's front teeth. The latter gasped in surprise at the magic happening, although she did not know the reasons. She didn't have time to ask what had happened that Neville let out a squeak.
"Hermione… your… your teeth !" cried the chubby young boy.
"My teeth ?" Hermione replied foolishly.
"Excellent mastery of a shrinking spell, my boy ! I expected nothing less from my best student for generations. Your new smile will delight you, miss ..." exclaimed Guy de Rivesang, looking at Hermione.
"Granger. Uh, I mean my name is Hermione Granger, your grace!" replied Hermione, bowing quickly.
"No bow is necessary, my dear! You can just call me " Monsieur Guy ", it will suit me very well !" smiles the vampire, making a mirror appear.
Hermione didn't know what to answer, she was so obsessed with the reflected image. Her teeth were perfectly aligned, something that even her parents, even dentists, could not achieve. Tears in her eyes, she turned to Harry.
"Thank you ! Thank you ! Thank you !" she exclaimed endlessly.
As she was about to embrace the prince in her arms, to thank him, she was prevented by Alexandre Angelus. The latter had quickly joined them , and seeing the girl about to embrace his soul mate, hurried to take Harry in his arms in a possessive embrace.
"Sorry, but he's mine !" said Alexander with a big smile.
Hermione blushed before nodding. For his part, Albus Dumbledore watched the situation with a big smile, all under the astonished looks of the other teachers. Surprisingly, only Severus Snape seemed… satisfied ? Well, if his face could display an emotion other than disdain.
"And for your information, Adrien, I never said I was sane !" exclaimed the Headmaster of Atlas before returning to Dumbledore.
Rolling his eyes, Harry followed him, not without looking Henry in the eye.
"Heir Potter. What a pleasure to see you again. I hope that this time, we will not need to make you leave the castle in a hurry ?" Harry asked before returning to the other students, hand tied to Alexander's.
Henry was about to retort when he saw Alexander's challenging look. Seeing the look promising a thousand sufferings at the slightest misstep, Henry changed his mind before closing his mouth in a loud clap.
"Man, I don't feel right about this tournament at all !" said Ronald, still pale after his close encounter with the vampire.
"And so do I," replied Henry, staring at the royal couple in the distance.
"Students of Atlas, with me ! I don't want to wait for Karkathing and his band of retarded golems !" exclaimed Guy de Rivesang in the distance.
Making a big gesture with his umbrella, he turned it into an ebony cane before taking a steady step towards Hogwarts. The Hogwarts students were amazed to see the Headmaster of Atlas' clothes change, sporting darker and less variegated hues.
"Something tells me he purposely appeared in this outfit !" exclaimed Seamus.
The latter shivered when he saw the vampire watching him. An amused grin took its place on the pale lips before Guy gave him a cheerful wink, before resuming his walk towards Hogwarts.
"Ah ! I bet he suck more than blood !" giggled Dean, folded in half.
Seamus just nudged him.
The Hogwarts students stayed outside to await the arrival of the Durmstrang delegation.
(A few moments later)
Great Hall,
Staying near the entrance to the Hall in row columns, the students of the Atlas Academy seemed puzzled as to where to sit. Not knowing which place to choose, they decided to all turn to Harry, the latter being considered the leader of the delegation.
For his part, Harry watched the place with a certain desire. Despite the fact that he much preferred the Atlantean Castle or his palace in France, he had to admit to being intrigued or even interested in the place.
His childhood had, for the most part, been lulled by the preposterous stories told by his parents, the Flamel and Dumbledore. While his parents told him the story of their family, and the Flamel kept explaining their journeys around the World, this was not the case with Dumbledore. The old man (although less so than the Flamel) preferred to weave stories about Hogwarts, its haunted halls, its shiny armours and its lively portraits.
He told him funny stories about Peeves, the poltergeist, or many others about the various nonsense and other pranks committed by the students. He even added anecdotes about his new professor of Potions, Severus Snape. From what Harry understood, Severus was a taciturn man with a violent past and martyred by James Potter and his friends. And yet, despite the difficulties of life he encountered, Severus managed to become one of the youngest Potions' Master (dethroned by Harry when he became an accomplished Alchemist) and a figure in the world of potions.
For Harry, Severus Snape deserved respect and admiration for so much bravery, and especially intelligence. Obviously, Harry asked Nicolas Flamel why the latter, did not propose to Severus to make him his student. The old alchemist simply explained that Severus Snape was not worthy of his teaching, given his previous allegiance to Tom Riddle.
"Harry ?" said a husky voice, close to his ear.
Jumping slightly, Harry was brought out of his thoughts by his soul mate. The latter looked at him, eyes full of mischief. Blushing slightly, Harry slapped him on the shoulder to punish him.
"Did you have to get me out of my thoughts this way ? You could very well pronounce my name a little further, and above all, in a more posed way !" replied Harry, glaring at Alexander.
"Maybe, but it would be less fun. Besides that I love to see you blush", smiles Alexander, winking at him.
"I see," replied Harry in a trailing voice. "And apart from that ?"
"Where should we go ?" asked Alexander, gesturing to the other Atlas students. "Whereas our 'highly esteemed' Headmaster has clearly abandoned us to our sad fate."
To corroborate his sentence, Alexander pointed to their Headmaster with a subtle finger. The latter was quietly seated to the right of Dumbledore, while Igor Karkaroff stood opposite to him. The vampire looked at them knowingly, before raising his golden cup (probably full of blood) in a symbolic gesture.
"My little finger tells me that our highly esteemed, what do I say, adored Headmaster, takes malicious pleasure in torturing the other teachers. Just look at the way Karkaroff is tense on his seat, or the disconcerted look of the professor sitting next to him !" Harry explained with a smirk.
Alexandre quickly detailed the professor sitting next to Guy. It was a woman of advanced age, quite stern with a stiff posture. The glasses on her nose only accentuated her impassive side.
"This is Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of our school, Head of the House of Gryffindor, and of course, Transfiguration's teacher! What a pleasure to see you once more, your grace !" exclaimed a haughty but recognizable voice.
Looking to their right, Harry and Alexander were greeted by none other than Draco Malfoy. The latter tilted at 60 °, one arm folded forward. For their part, the two princes contented themselves with nodding, as tradition dictated.
"Draco Malfoy. It is reassuring to know that your family is still in the service of the crown, and what is more, respectful of traditions. You honour your name, and that of your ancestors !" Harry replied in a warm voice.
The silver-eyed blonde stood up with a little smirk.
"Can I invite you to join our table ? The Slytherin House being the most representative of the Noble Houses of the United Kingdom, and taking into account your rank, and that of your companions, I can only enjoin you to share your meal with us !" bowed Draco again.
"Yeah ! We don't want them at our table !" cried another voice, more distant.
All of Atlas's students turned around in the direction of the voice. Sitting in the middle of a table around which sat students dressed in red and gold, Ronald Weasley looked at them defiantly.
"How dare you speak to us like that, miserable cockroach ! You are not worthy to speak to us, or even to look at us !" pronounced Marcus Forestier in a polar voice.
Usually funny, Marcus did not support those who spoke badly either to him or his friends.
"Weasley ! Twenty points from Gryffindor, and a week of detention with me ! It is not a way to speak to foreign dignitaries !" suddenly yelled Severus Snape, blasting the redhead with an angry look.
Blushing to his ear tips, and seeing the angry looks of his comrades, Ronald was silent. For his part, Henry palmed himself facing the stupidity of his best friend.
"Well, seeing the heinous behaviour of… Gryffindors ?" Harry asked while Draco nodded. "We agree to join the Slytherins. With me, members of the Atlas Academy !"
This is how Atlas's students joined the Slytherins, mingling with them. For their ranks, Harry and Angelus were allowed to sit at the end of the table, while Draco and Marcus Flint placed themselves near them.
For their part, the Durmstrang students preferred to join the Hufflepuffs, who seemed the quietest of the four houses. They would have preferred Slytherin, but with the tense relations between the Kingdom of France and the Bulgarian Ministry of Magic (allied with the Empire of Russia), it was not a good idea.
After the students all sat down, Dumbledore stood up.
" Ladies and gentlemen, gentlemen, dear ghosts and, above all, dear guests, good evening," said Dumbledore, giving the foreign students a beaming smile. "It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Hogwarts. I hope and I am even certain that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."
At his words, a sixth year of Atlas sniffed with disdain. Not all of the students were in love with Hogwarts, and Harry could understand them. After all, Hogwarts couldn't decently compete with the Atlas Academy.
"The tournament will be officially opened at the end of this banquet," said Dumbledore. "But for now, I invite you to eat, drink and consider this house as yours!"
He sat down and Harry saw Karkaroff immediately lean towards him to start a conversation. As for Guy, the latter hastened to start a discussion with Minerva McGonagall.
The meal lasted an hour, students and teachers chatting happily while filling their bellies. Harry held some disgust for British food, finding it awful, although he liked treacle tart. Not surprisingly, the majority of Atlas students shared his opinion.
"It's not food, but de la merde !" cried a seventh grade student, touching a sort of " meat " with his fork.
"Don't worry, we'll eat at the Manor," reassured his friend, seated on his left.
Although some Slytherins looked at them, scandalized, none dared to intervene to defend the honour of their school. It was all about politics, and it was easy to recognize the majority of Atlas students.
At least 90% were nobles, including members of various royal families around the world.
It was then that Guy de Rivesang stood up, a smile on his lips.
"Your attention please. The Headmaster of the Royal Academy of Magic, Atlas, wishes to express himself !" McGonagall exclaimed, tapping on her glass.
Quickly thanking her, Guy left the table to approach the podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen ! Students and teachers ! Let me introduce you to the Illustrated Academy of which I am the humble Headmaster", said Guy in a deep voice.
At his words, the students focused their attention on the vampire. They who had never heard of the Atlas Academy before, now they were going to learn more.
"Our school has a history of incredible richness. It was founded after the " Great Cataclysm " of our World by survivors of this era which is now over. Its name is also a tribute to King Atlas, Monarch of Magic and what was once, the Great Atlantean Empire!" cried Guy, gesturing with his hand.
Above the pupils there appeared the image of a tall man holding a trident in his hands. The latter wore a golden crown in the form of peaks, and a long blue toga. It was the representation of Atlas, the first King of this World. After a few seconds, the image disappears to make way for a huge ruby-coloured castle.
"Over several thousand years old, the Atlas Academy is unique. Made from an ancestral material, it takes the form of a gigantic castle with atypical architecture. And for good reason, this castle was founded according to the architectural plans of the " Old World ". But not everyone can join our prestigious school", continued Guy with a teasing smile.
"Why that, Monsieur Guy ?" asked Hermione Granger, raising her hand.
"Well, Miss Granger, there is a very specific reason for that," replied Guy with a charming smile. "You see, the Royal Academy of Atlas was founded by survivors of the " Old World ", and more precisely, Nobles. Thus, this Academy was designed to teach the nobility and the royalty of the Whole World. No matter your race, as long as your lineage is important. It is still important to note that scholarships are offered to wizards with magical potential."
" Is it an elitist school ? It is not very fair !" Hermione exclaimed, frowning.
"From your point of view , I suppose. Understand that our school is the oldest, and therefore the courses provided are the most demanding. Not to mention that the nobility must have sufficient magical potential to integrate our school. Anyway, I don't want to dwell too much on this presentation. For those who wish, brochures of the Academy will be made available to your House heads. Any other questions ?" asked Guy, looking at the students.
"Yes, I've got one. I noticed that you all speak French, does that mean that your school is French ?" asked a Ravenclaw pupil, raising her hand.
"Exactly !" nodded Guy. "The Académie Royale Atlas is located in French territory, and although it retains a certain independence, it belongs to the Royal House of France, les Valois !"
At these words, the Hogwarts students turned to look at Harry with legible amazement on their faces. For his part, Henry continued to blast him with his eyes.
"Thank you, Headmaster of Rivesang. It is time for you to go to bed. The Goblet of Fire will be placed in the Entrance Hall , where each student under the age of seventeen, or with a special dispensation, will be able to place their name there. The draw for the champions will take place tomorrow evening ! Good night everyone !" cried Dumbledore, standing up.
The students left the tables to go to their dorms. Some nevertheless approached the Goblet of Fire, including the students of the Atlas Academy. The Hogwarts students were surprised to see all the French students placing their names in the goblet of fire, even the youngest.
For his part, Henry clenched his fists when he saw Alexander and Harry deposit their names. His father had formally forbidden him to participate, and now the one he hated the most in the world (after Voldemort) had just registered.
The last thing he saw before returning to his dorm was the wink of Adrien de Valois.