Not long after the Triwizard Tournament ended, the school term was almost over.
The day before boarding the train home, it was time for the customary leaving feast.
As usual, the Great Hall was decorated in the colors of the winning house.
However, tonight, the decorations on the wall behind the staff table were red and blue, representing Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, respectively, because Harry and Hermione had shared the title of Triwizard Tournament champions.
The real Moody was now sitting at the staff table, his wooden leg and magical eye back in their proper places.
He seemed especially nervous and jumped at every sound directed toward him.
This was understandable.
Moody had been locked in his trunk for ten months, which intensified the fears of this already paranoid former Auror about being attacked.
Karkaroff's seat was empty.
As Alaric sat down with the other Ravenclaw students, he wondered where Karkaroff might be and if Voldemort had captured him.
Madam Maxime was still there, sitting next to Hagrid, and they were speaking quietly.
As a half-giant, they had both decided to join the fight against Voldemort.
During the summer, they would be reaching out to the giants to prevent Voldemort from winning them over to his side.
When everyone had finished their meal, Professor Dumbledore suddenly stood up from the staff table.
The Great Hall was quieter than usual for a leaving feast, and it grew even more silent.
"Another year has come to an end," Dumbledore said, looking at everyone.
"Tonight, I have many things to tell you. We all know that the final task of the Triwizard Tournament saw many events unfold.
In the end, it was not a single champion who stood before us but three.
Furthermore, our beloved Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were attacked that night and were carried out of the arena unconscious.
Therefore, I believe you have the right to know what really happened."
Everyone looked at Dumbledore.
"Harry Potter encountered Voldemort."
A wave of anxious whispers filled the hall.
The students stared at Dumbledore with shock and disbelief.
Although most had heard rumors, many had dismissed them as mere jokes.
Hearing it from Dumbledore himself was a different matter entirely.
Gradually, the murmurs faded into silence.
"Some in the Ministry of Magic did not want me to tell you this," Dumbledore continued.
"Some of your parents might be shocked by my actions—either because they cannot believe Voldemort has truly returned, or because they believe I should not tell you, given your age.
However, I believe that telling the truth is always better than lying."
At this, every face in the hall was turned toward Dumbledore, with expressions of shock and fear...
Oh, not every face.
At the Slytherin table, Draco Malfoy was whispering with Crabbe and Goyle.
"When discussing Harry Potter's encounter with Voldemort, we must also mention a few others," Dumbledore continued.
"Of course, I am referring to Mr. Alaric, Miss Hermione Granger, and Miss Fleur Delacour."
A ripple went through the hall.
Some people turned their heads toward them and quickly looked away, focusing back on Dumbledore.
"Harry Potter escaped Voldemort's clutches," Dumbledore said, "thanks to their bravery in risking their lives to bring Harry back to Hogwarts.
They displayed a spirit of courage rarely seen in wizards when facing Voldemort's menace. For this, I salute them."
Dumbledore turned solemnly to the three of them, raising his goblet.
Almost everyone in the hall followed suit.
They murmured Alaric, Hermione, and Fleur's names, toasting them. Harry, in particular, was serious about it.
However, through the crowd of rising people, Harry noticed that Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and many others at the Slytherin table remained stubbornly seated, not touching their goblets.
When everyone was seated again, Dumbledore continued, "The purpose of the Triwizard Tournament was to enhance and promote understanding among the magical communities.
Given what has happened—considering Voldemort's return—this understanding is more important than ever."
Dumbledore looked at Madam Maxime and Hagrid, then at Fleur Delacour and her Beauxbatons classmates, and finally at Viktor Krum and the Durmstrang students at the Slytherin table.
Krum looked nervous and even a bit frightened, perhaps expecting Dumbledore to deliver some stern words, as he had been controlled by the Imperius Curse and had attacked others.
"Every guest in this hall," Dumbledore said, his gaze lingering on the Durmstrang students, "is always welcome to return whenever they wish.
Let me say this again: given Voldemort's return, we can only be strong if we stand united.
If we are divided, we will be vulnerable. Voldemort's methods of creating conflict and hostility are highly sophisticated.
We must show the same unbreakable friendship and trust to fight him.
As long as we share the same goals, open our hearts, and overcome our differences in customs and languages, no barrier will stand in our way."
"I believe—though I truly hope I am wrong—that we are all facing dark and difficult times ahead.
Some of you have already been directly harmed by Voldemort's poison.
Many of your families are torn apart, but remember, there are still those who are willing to stand up to such threats—what happened a week ago is an example."
The next day, Alaric, Hermione, Cho Chang, and other Ravenclaw students waited in the crowded entrance hall for the carriages to take them to Hogsmeade Station.
"Alaric!"
He turned around. Fleur Delacour was hurrying up the steps into the castle.
Behind her, Alaric could see Hagrid helping Madam Maxime harness the two horses.
The Beauxbatons carriage was about to depart.
"We'll see each other soon," Fleur said as she reached Alaric and gave him a hug.
"I'm hoping to find a job here over the summer to improve my English."
Her sister followed suit.
"Your English is already excellent," Cho Chang said, though her words were somewhat awkward.
Fleur just smiled at her.
"We'll certainly meet again soon," Alaric replied with a smile.
"Perhaps over the summer, I'll invite you on an extraordinary adventure."
"Really? Then I'll look forward to it," Fleur said, clearly delighted by Alaric's suggestion.
Then she turned and left.
"Goodbye, Alaric. And Hermione and Cho, it's been a pleasure getting to know you."
Alaric watched Fleur and Gabrielle hurry across the lawn toward Madam Maxime, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight like waves.
His mood lightened involuntarily.
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