The banquet continued through multiple courses, each dish appearing and disappearing. Adrian's gradually shifted away from his own meal toward Igor Karkaroff.
From Adrian's perspective, Karkaroff appeared totally normal in his behavior which was to say, he showed himself exactly like the type of unpleasant, controlling headmaster that he had apparently always been.
His expression remained severe with constant dissatisfaction or perhaps constant wariness about potential threats. He looked like a greedy eagle perched on some cliff, scanning the land below with suspicious eyes.
Meanwhile, Krum was considerably less gloomy and withdrawn than his typically silent demeanor during public appearances might show. When in conversation with someone he was fond of, he showed surprising enthusiasm and even a certain awkwardness.
"Our institute has a castle as well, you know," Krum was explaining to Hermione with pride. "I don't think it's quite as large as Hogwarts, and probably not as comfortable either, if I'm being honest. It has only four floors total, but the interior spaces are much more expansive and open than what you have here. In the main courtyard, there is a magnificent statue..."
He launched into a detailed and enthusiastic description of daily life at Durmstrang to Hermione.
At the same time, Harry's own attention was drawn toward both Karkaroff and Krum, his mind inevitably returning to the cryptic warning note he had received in the morning.
The anonymous message urging him to "beware of Karkaroff and everyone from Durmstrang" had created a filter of suspicion through which he now saw every interaction with the visiting group.
As Krum's description of Durmstrang's architecture and customs grew more detailed and specific, revealing information about the school's layout and internal organization, Karkaroff's already grim expression darkened into displeasure. His pale fingers tightened around his fork.
"Viktor!" He suddenly snapped in a low, harsh voice that clashed with the festive atmosphere surrounding them. His tone had a cold command that permitted no argument or discussion. "I must insist that you stop revealing any additional details about our institution immediately. It is inappropriate to discuss such sensitive information in front of outsiders—even when speaking to your... friend here."
The final word emerged from Karkaroff's mouth with a slight pause.
Hermione's eyebrows drew together in an obvious frown of displeasure at being characterized as both an "outsider" and having her friendship with Krum questioned through such dismissive tone.
Beside her, Krum's lively expression froze instantly, his enthusiasm draining away as if someone had cast a Silencing Charm on his entire personality.
"How unfortunate, Igor," Dumbledore said mildly. "Such aggressive secrecy and paranoia about basic information... One might reason from your behavior that you wouldn't welcome any of us visiting Durmstrang either."
"Oh, that's certainly not the case at all," Karkaroff replied quickly, showing a smile that revealed yellowed teeth and had absolutely no warmth or sincerity. "I would personally welcome you with great ceremony, Albus. Your reputation and wisdom are known throughout the entire wizarding world. However..."
He deliberately swept his suspicious gaze around the entire table, observing each person present with calculation before his eyes finally settled on Adrian with particular intensity and what might have been hostility.
"...Durmstrang maintains strict policies about not welcoming individuals with ulterior motives or hidden agendas. I imagine Hogwarts has similar security considerations regarding who may enter these walls."
Adrian felt genuinely puzzled by this attention and indirect accusation. He was absolutely certain he hadn't done anything specific to offend Karkaroff beyond maintaining fairly obvious surveillance of his activities, frequently watching him with scrutinizing eyes during meals and public events.
Well, admittedly that pattern of behavior wasn't particularly polite or subtle, and Karkaroff had undoubtedly noticed Adrian's constant interest in his activities. Perhaps he was more paranoid and observant than Adrian had credited him for being.
Perhaps recognizing that the atmosphere at their table had become uncomfortably tense and potentially confrontational, Karkaroff made a belated attempt to soften his accusatory tone.
"I should clarify—I was referring to those with genuinely ill intentions toward our school, not anyone specifically present at this table," He added with forced casualness. "Durmstrang would certainly welcome visits from all of you under appropriate circumstances."
"That's a comforting reassurance," Dumbledore replied with a slight smile. "If circumstances permit and scheduling allows, perhaps we can arrange such a reciprocal visit during the next Triwizard Tournament."
"Allow me to offer a correction to that timeline, Albus," Madame Maxime suddenly interjected. Her eyebrows drew together with displeasure. "According to the established rotation schedule that was agreed upon when the tournament tradition was originally established, the next Triwizard Tournament will be hosted at Beauxbatons Academy, not at either Durmstrang or Hogwarts."
"Ah, it appears I was mistaken about the scheduling details," Dumbledore said lightly. "My apologies for any confusion."
While the three headmasters engaged in detailed debate about tournament scheduling, Krum unexpectedly turned his attention toward Adrian and initiated conversation.
"Hello, Professor," He said in heavily accented English.
Adrian raised one eyebrow slightly in mild surprise, shifting his focus away from the headmasters' somewhat tedious administrative discussion.
"Hello, Viktor," He replied with polite interest.
Krum's typically grim face showed an unusual trace of curiosity as he continued speaking, clearly working to voice his thoughts in proper English syntax. "Hermy-own says you are the best professor,"
Adrian was certain that Krum had badly mispronounced Hermione's name. However, he chose not to embarrass the young man by directly correcting this relatively minor error in front of the entire table.
Regardless of pronunciation difficulties, receiving the designation of "best professor" from any student was gratifying recognition. Adrian felt the corners of his mouth curve up in a brief smile of pleasure before he consciously returned his expression to composure.
"Hermione is an exceptionally outstanding student in every possible respect," He responded while deliberately slowing his speech and carefully pronouncing the correct pronunciation of her name, hoping Krum might pick up the proper sound pattern through attentive listening.
"I'm quite certain you've already discovered that truth through your own observations and interactions with her."
Krum nodded with agreement, his eyes unconsciously drifting toward where Hermione sat in conversation with Harry about something that had made both of them laugh.
"What subject do you teach here at Hogwarts?" He asked, returning his attention to Adrian.
"Care of Magical Creatures," Adrian explained, wondering whether Durmstrang had comparable subject. "I'm not certain whether Durmstrang has a similar course in your curriculum. Working with magical animals and learning to understand their behaviors and needs can be quite fascinating and gratifying."
"Oh, yes, we have something similar," Krum replied, choosing his words with care as he tried to explain. "In our classes, we learn how to protect ourselves from... how to deal with dangerous magical creatures through defensive spells, then we study methods for processing them into useful materials."
Adrian felt this description had practically nothing at all to do with actual "care" of magical creatures in any sense.
As their conversation gradually deepened and moved through various topics related to magical education, international Quidditch competitions, and the challenges of learning unfamiliar languages, Adrian discovered that this seemingly gloomy and intimidating Quidditch star was actually quite an introverted, basically ordinary young person beneath his public persona.
Krum's personality was earnest, somewhat awkward, and looked genuinely curious about other perspectives which made him rather likable once one moved past the barriers of language difficulty and cultural differences.
Eventually, after the table's conversation had shifted topics repeatedly through various safe subjects ranging from Quidditch technique to comparative magical education to international wizarding politics, someone finally addressed the elephant in the room: Fleur Delacour's conspicuous attendance at the ball without any partner.
The Beauxbatons champion's lonely presence at such a social event had obviously stimulated everyone's curiosity and produced considerable speculation. Before this evening, absolutely no one would have predicted that the beautiful and talented Fleur would attend the Yule Ball alone.
Of course, everyone present understood the likely explanation through unspoken consensus: surely the situation was due to Fleur's own choice not to bring a partner, rather not due to any inability to secure appropriate partner. Dozens of young men would have gladly accepted an invitation from her.
"Miss Delacour," Ludo Bagman finally said, speaking first in his typically jovial tone that showed he found the entire situation more amusing than concerning, "I must say, this development is rather surprising, the Beauxbatons champion attending alone! Was this because no one among the available students could meet your rigorous standards?"
Fleur appeared to have anticipated that someone would eventually raise this question, and her response appeared smoothly.
"Certainly not," She replied with perfect composure, showing absolutely no trace of embarrassment or defensiveness. "I simply felt it would be preferable to attend alone rather than accepting a partner merely for the sake of convention. The decision was completely my own choice based on personal preference."
However, Adrian strongly suspected that Fleur's lack of a dance partner stemmed from considerations far more complex than simple preference for being alone.
Specifically, the Tree of Wisdom continued to detect her ongoing magical instability: [Status: Unstable Magic Power]
According to the information transmitted, even after the passage of long time since Adrian had first detected this anomaly, Fleur's magical condition hadn't improved or stabilized at all.
This persistent magical volatility was perhaps the true reason she was unwilling or unable to secure a partner for the ball.
At that moment, Madame Maxime intervened protectively.
"Everyone, please stop making things difficult for my student." She said gently. "Fleur has the right to choose not to bring a partner. This doesn't affect her qualifications as a champion."
"I certainly meant no offense or difficulty, Madame," Ludo responded with hesitation. "It's simply that... when the formal ball begins, tournament tradition requires that the champions lead the opening dance as a demonstration of unity and celebration. Being without a partner might... not be appropriate and doesn't follow tradition."
Fleur frowned at these words.
She sighed and said, "If it absolutely must be two people... Mr. Bagman, would you be my dance partner?"
The moment she spoke, everyone turned their attention to her.
Bagman froze for several seconds, before he burst into hearty laughter.
"A fine joke, Miss Delacour!" He exclaimed with excessive enthusiasm while slapping his knee. "But really, at my age and with my somewhat declining physical condition, I'm hardly suited to serve as dance partner for such a young and graceful champion—"
He paused to wink with exaggerated gesture.
"Perhaps you might consider selecting a younger alternative? Someone more age-appropriate? For instance..."
His eyes began scanning around the table with calculation, evaluating various candidates before finally settling on one particular person.
"...How about Professor Westeros here?"
Adrian felt his mind go completely blank with surprise as he suddenly found himself at the center of unwanted attention.
"I'm not exactly young either, Mr. Bagman," He said calmly.
"Oh, that is irrelevant," Ludo pressed forward with stubborn cheerfulness, apparently committed to this solution despite all objections. "The vital requirement is that champions must have partners for the opening dance. Since Fleur apparently cannot identify a suitable person among the students, using a faculty member as her partner wouldn't violate any etiquettes or be inappropriate."
Fleur's mouth twitched with what might have been either amusement or irritation at having her social situation become the subject of such public negotiation and problem-solving.
"I never suggested or implied any such arrangement," She said coolly.
"Well, you can certainly consider it now as a viable option," Ludo continued with insistent optimism. "Miss Delacour, would you be willing to accept Professor Westeros as your dance partner for the opening ceremony?"
Before Fleur could give any response to this increasingly uncomfortable proposal, Adrian raised his hand in a decisive gesture of refusal.
"I think we should abandon this entire line of discussion. This isn't an appropriate solution to the situation."
Fleur nodded with relief and agreement.
"Then perhaps... how about Mr. Weasley?" Ludo suggested, apparently unwilling to give up.
Percy responded with a tactful laugh.
"Please leave my student alone," Madame Maxime interjected once more, her voice now carrying a trace of displeasure.
Ludo finally recognized that he had pushed the matter too far and allowed it to drop, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender.
He had only been trying to enliven the atmosphere, but actively angering people, especially someone as formidable as Madame Maxime would serve no purpose.
Madame Maxime's current expression resembled that of his creditors when they learned he couldn't repay his gambling debts.
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