A.N.: Sorry for the delay, guys. I was sent to a useless convention in another city to deliver a presentation. I'll post everything I write now that I'm back. Really greatful for all the powerstones and support.
Enjoy the chapter
.....
Before leaving, Lucas glanced back one last time and saw Aurora biting her lips, her hand slightly raised, as if she wanted a word.
But she was soon hidden by Madame Maxime's large frame. Outside the room, he actually found three more people listening in.
Two of them were actually the twins - Ruby and Violet. The other one was a bespectacled redhead boy, his features resembling Ron.
Ruby and Violet were the Ministry interns, here to help record and report everything while assisting the Liaison. So the other person is most like Percy Weasley, who was also a new ministry intern working as Crouch's assistant.
"What a disgrace! Do you have any idea what you have done?!" Ruby exclaimed, pointing a finger at Lucas.
"This is a PR nightmare," muttered Violet. "What made you think this was a good idea?"
"Shut it, you two," said Fleur.
They couldn't exchange more words because Madame Maxime did not stop pushing them, completely ignoring the twins. The half-giantess Headmistress was venting in rapid french under her breath the whole time, her large manicured fingers on their shoulder urging them to walk faster.
Feeling the force beneath, Lucas was reminded that behind that all that elegant posturing and dressing was a being with enough power to literally snap his head with a slight twist of her fingers.
They entered the great hall where many students were still eating or hotly discussing the exciting selection. Upon seeing them, most of the discussion halted immediately.
Maxime led them straight to the exit. But instead of taking them to the Carriage, she turned left, entering the nearest classroom.
She then bent down, facing them at eye level.
"Alright, out with it, Fleur. Is he actually good or are you ready to take just about anyone if it's not Alec Rosier?
Facing the half-giantess at such a close range, Lucas saw her features clearly for the first time. She was actually quite different from the actress in the movies, maybe because the Hollywood casters couldn't find any other tall woman.
Olympe Maxime's had fair, well-maintained skin. Her face was large, and handsome, rather than delicate, having a regal-severity that made everyone take her seriously. She had strong, well-defined features, suited to her size.
"Ma'am, I'm not lying!" Fleur protested. "Merde! It's just better to show you." she said, suddenly drawing her wand while signaling Lucas to back off. As soon as they were far enough, she started firing non-verbal spells.
Having gotten completely adept at this, Lucas dodged all the spells with minimal movements. And the last spell - an impedimenta - he actually caught on the tip of his wand, actually sending it back to Fleur.
Spell-Catching. A recently acquired skill. Other wizards could do it as well, but it came more naturally to Lucas, maybe because he could do the same thing without a wand.
"Bombarda Quarta!" Then Fleur suddenly made an exaggerated wand movement, sending a powerful spell at Lucas.
"Protego Maxima!"
Lucas actually defended it with 'Protego Maxima', one of the most difficult and versatile defensive spells.
Madame Maxime looked stunned. Without a pause, Lucas started to return fire using the mainstream OWL or above OWL level spells, even bringing some spell chains.
This was now his level even without using his 'special' abilities.
Fleur finally stopped when she thought it was enough, turning to Olympe.
"Headmistress Maxime, Lucas is indeed new to spell casting. But he has been improving very fast. I'm sure he can make a better team with me than other students."
Maxime's expression finally eased, and her anger seemed to fade as well. "Color me surprised," she murmured, reassessing Lucas, similar to the time when Apolline had first brought Lucas to her office for admission.
"Lucas Castillin, right? Does he, perhaps, have a half-Giant ancestry?" She asked Fleur. She didn't appear to be ashamed to mention 'giant' in front of Fleur, perhaps because Fleur was also not human.
"Lucas's origin is… still unknown ma'am. My father brought him to our home when he was 10. But may I ask why you think he might have giant ancestry?"
Maxime waved her hand dismissively.
"Never mind, dear. I just felt his physical condition has improved too fast in the past month, especially his height. And that spell-catching… appeared slightly different, among other things."
Lucas was surprised. He thought he had hidden himself pretty well, but Madame Maxime seemed to have a critical eye for details.
"Now, I need you two to listen very carefully. Even if you are actually competent, not many are going to appreciate it. Lucas, I need you to be extra careful. You might be attacked by a specific group. Do not go anywhere alone. Who are your current roommates?"
"Uh, I've been sleeping in the Gryffindor boys' dormitory, ma'am. I've already had… a slight altercation with Alec Rosier. I have Professor McGonagall and Head Girl Delacour's permission."
Maxime raised her eyebrows. "Good, so you already took precautions. Then you know he will be even more dangerous now that you have taken his chance, right? The Rosiers and their faction have spent a fair sum on 'persuading' other talented prospects into avoiding participation in the Tournament."
"I am aware, ma'am. I will be careful. I have made friends with Adeline Dumbledore and her friends. I'm usually with them."
Olympe did a double take when she heard that, her gaze deepening as she silently studied him, seemingly lost in thought.
"... There is more to you than meets the eye, Lucas Castillin. It seems that the Goblet did not make a blunder."
Though Madame Maxime was reassured, but Lucas hadn't been fully honest with the last one. From now on, he… might not be able to rely on the Golden Quartet.
….
When Lucas said the password to the fat lady, the portrait swung open, blasting him with a loud noise.
It was a full-on party here at Gryffindor, with loud music blaring and everyone holding butterbeers while food looted from the kitchen. It seems that Fred and George had gone all-out.
Who stands tall when the fire calls?
AIDEN DUMBLEDORE!
Who won't fall, won't break, won't bow?
AIDEN DUMBLEDORE!
(Stomp-stomp-clap)
They'd even made a song for him. Aiden's popularity seemed off-the charts, bordering on idol worship.
Lucas's entrance was noted by some people but it did not cause any major disturbance to the boisterous Gryffindors. He went to the corner beside the fireplace and as expected, found the Golden Quartet.
As he entered their range, the noise from the crowd disappeared, most likely the work of Hermione or Adeline.
"He obviously couldn't have gotten in based on his own capability," Ron was saying when he approached them.
"Did Gabrielle leave safely?" He asked.
It was only then that the four became aware of his arrival. "Lucas!"
Lucas keenly noticed the shift immediately. And if he were to be honest, he wasn't surprised.
Ron, never the one to have any control or filter, seemed downright hostile and jealous, judging by his expression. Harry raised his eyebrows, the mischievous glint noticeably absent from his eyes.
Adeline and Hermione seemed worried… and furtive?
"Well, did Gabrielle leave safely or not?" Lucas repeated.
"... Yeah, she left with Illona and Sabrine."
Lucas nodded, finally taking his seat. "Well, go on. Out with the questions."
"What are you going to do? Is it possible to opt out?" Hermione asked straight away.
While Lucas had shown more than enough competence for a fourth year, it was obviously not enough for the Triwizard Tournament. Not after Hermione had already read all about the one that took place 5 years ago.
(Triwizard has already been continued 5 years ago by Ariana in this world, this is second one after the continuation)
"Not possible," said Lucas. "The champions are bound by a magical contract. Backing out is not an option."
"So, how did you do it? Asked Ron. "Could have told us sooner if you knew how to cheat the Goblet," he added snarkily.
"Ron!" Hermione kicked up under the table.
Adeline also frowned at him. "Lucas did not cheat. He entered his name right in front of us." She then turned to Lucas. "I don't think you really wanted to compete. So, what's going on in your head now? Do you regret it?"
"To be honest, a lot has changed in the past three days so I can't say I would do it again if I was given another chance. But… I don't regret it. And I think this is something I need to do."
Unlike others, Lucas knew that the current peace would not last long. In the original series, Voldemort had gathered a massive army in just 2 to 3 years after his resurrection.
It can only be imagined what kind of power he wields in this world where he has branched out internationally and didn't have to go on a decade-long hiatus.
In this situation, only Ariana Dumbledore has the power that can help him control his own destiny.
"In that case, you will need a lot of preparation. I suppose we can help you out with that."
Hermione nodded eagerly. "Yes! With your rapid learning, there are dozens of spells you could pick up that would greatly improve your odds," she said, her brows scrunching up as she already started to think of some.
"Wait - Hermione, why are you so eager to help him? Isn't he from the enemy school? And Adeline - I don't suppose you realize this - but he's actually going to compete against your brother."
"Ron! Can you try to be more mature? Lucas's life is at stake here."
"So what? He signed up for it! I wouldn't mind if I got to compete."
"You're unbelievable! Harry, are you seeing this? Say something!"
Harry, who had been silent the whole time, finally opened his mouth.
"I… don't think Ron is wrong."
"What…?" Hermione was dumbfounded and Adeline's eyes also snapped back to Harry, as if she had misheard him.
Harry shrugged. "I don't think taking risks for glory is that big of a big deal. I do it in every match as a seeker. And, we should side with Aiden."
"Exactly!" Ron echoed. "And we've known him for what? 4 days? And you've taken him into your lab, and you're spending all your free time teaching him runes. And also, now you want to help him out with the Tri-wizard Tournament as well."
"Yeah, this is getting boring real fast," Harry agreed. "I think his own school should be better at teaching him."
Hermione and Adeline looked at the boys incomprehensibly. After all, Ron and Harry were never ones to back down from helping others.
"What kind of utter nonsense are you two spouting? My brother actually encouraged me to help Lucas out when you two were upstairs. Do you think he's as petty as you two? And-"
At this moment, Lucas stood up, interrupting their argument. "Calm down, you four. It's not that serious. Hermione, Adeline - let's slow down the lab studies. With Mrs. Potter and Miss Aurora working on the Tri-wizard tournament tasks, I can't enter the lab anyway since I'm a Champion.
"Also, I won't be attending most of the classes, in order to practice with Fleur so I don't think I'll be able to hang out much. Anyways, I'll go rest now; it's been quite a day."
With that, Lucas left the Golden Quartet to their devices. This was the best move in the current situation.
As an ordinary fourteen year old guy, if you have two girls in your group and some new guy suddenly pulls up and takes all their attention, you obviously wouldn't be happy with it - even if you don't particularly like the girls.
Not to mention, Harry and Ron were already mad salty about not being able to participate in the tournament like Lucas.
So, he could understand these two. But… this did not make their behaviour right. Especially since Lucas was with the girls because of their resourcefulness, not their beauty.
This means, Ron and Harry were either going to learn from this mistake and not interfere with Lucas's business, or there would be a new Golden Quartet soon: Lucas, Gabrielle, Adeline, and Hermione.
While climbing the stairs, Lucas cast one last glance at the "four best-friends", whose argument had only gotten much worse after he left. He smirked. 'Never thought I'd have to play the scumbag blond guy.'
…..
The next morning, Lucas sat at the Ravenclaw table with Fleur, Gabrielle, Sabrine and Ilona.
"So, what's our strategy? I mean, are you going to go all-out?" Asked Fleur, idly stirring her cereal.
Today, she was in her training gear. While it was much more conservative compared to the ones she wore back at home, but just the accentuated curves were enough to drive most of the male students into drooling.
"We can't show all of my abilities," said Lucas. "We need to have a few trump cards for real-world danger."
His gaze flicked towards Rosier and his cronies, who were glaring in his direction with illintension.
Fleur sighed. "You're right. It's just a competition after all."
The previous Fleur would have never relented on this point, being single-mindedly focused on winning. But after the attack at the Quidditch World Cup, she seemed to have gotten a reality check.
"But how are we supposed to compete then? Malachor and Sigrid are both almost as good as me, if not better. And Aiden… we are not guaranteed victory against him even if you go all out."
Hearing their discussion, Gabrielle, Ilona and Sabrine looked slightly puzzled, having their memories of Lucas's exact abilities already erased.
"Calm down. It's a Tri-wizard Tournament, not a Duel. Magic is just a small part of the game. We can have an advantage at team work, physical ability, hypnosis, fire, some of my abilities in emergency and maybe… intel. We just have to get by on the first task. I will already be much better by the time we reach the second task."
Fleur nodded slowly, her expression brightening as she calculated their odds. "But wait - how are we going to get the intelligence advantage? Wouldn't Aiden Dumbledore have that? His family is basically setting the trials."
"That won't be the case. I've gathered more intel on Aiden Dumbledore. He would absolutely disdain getting any prior information about the tasks, neither is he going to need it. As for how 'we' are going to get the intel…" Lucas looked at the Golden Quartet.
"I have a few ways."
Lucas was going to get up but a flutter of wings stopped him. The owl posts were here - bringing various parcels and more importantly - the newspapers.
He sat back down and waited for the rolled up colored newspaper to drop in front of Fleur, who immediately handed it to him. "What does it say?"
Lucas unfurled freshly printed English newspaper - and beheld his own image at the front page.
Tri-wizard Champions Selection: Almost Perfect
…..