Melody Riddle and the Goblet of Fire

Chapter 16: Krum and Karkaroff

From behind the Durmstrang students, we all followed in, happy to go back into the warmth of the castle. Many people stood on their tip-toes, jumping up and down, to get a good look at Viktor Krum.

"Everyone's fussing over one Quidditch player?" Becky asked in interest. "He must be good."

"Good?" Draco said. "He's great! Best Seeker in the world... Melody knows."

"I'm still not going to another big Quidditch Match," I replied, rubbing my hands together for warmth. "Sports are forever pointless to me."

We sat down at our table, and many other students watched the door apprehensively to see where the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students would sit... Beauxbatons chose seats at the Ravenclaw table. Some held their scarves and shawls around their faces.

"I guess they're not used to cold climates," Lissy noted.

"Well, duh," Marcus said, looking over at them with piqued interest. I punched him in the arm for his comment.

Durmstrang came over to our table as we looked at the Beauxbatons students, sitting down across from us. Marcus and I were actually so busy in our thoughts we didn't notice until we heard Draco talking to Viktor Krum... wow, he actually sat next to us.

"How do you like it so far?"

"Oh, please, you idiot. They just got here!" Becky said.

I looked at Viktor who gave me a curt nod, not answering Draco possibly due to his head cold.

All of the Durmstrang students took off their heavy furs, revealing deep blood-red robes, and looked around. Everything seemed to interest them; the starry black ceiling, even the golden plates and goblets. The Beauxbatons students, however, had glum expressions... nothing interested them whatsoever.

Once all the students settled down at their House tables, the staff entered. Filing up to the front table to take their seats; last in line were Professor Dumbledore, Madame Maxime, and Professor Karkaroff. When Madame Maxime appeared, all the students from Beauxbatons jumped to their feet. A few Hogwarts students laughed, but the Beauxbatons students didn't show a worry or a care in the world. They only sat down once Madame Maxime had taken her seat. Dumbledore stayed standing.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and – most particularly – guests," Professor Dumbledore said, beaming around at all of the foreign students. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable.

"The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!"

He sat down and the plates filled with food, including some foreign food we'd never seen before.

We ate. It was nothing fascinating, I didn't want to engage in conversation so I let my mind wander. It was only after studying the front table that I realized Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch Sr. were sitting there. When did they come in? Mr. Crouch actually looks normal for being under the Imperius Curse. I shook my head thoughtfully, best not stare at him.

"What was that for?" Draco asked, tapping the table to get my attention.

I turned to look at him, "What was what for?"

"You shook your head," he said.

"Can't I shake my head without needing to give out an explanation for it?" I asked. "You nod your head sometimes while doing homework, and I don't bother to ask the reason."