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When Viktor Krum saw Dudley, he was so excited he looked like a star-struck fanboy who'd just met his idol. Anyone who loved Wizarding Cards worshiped Dudley.
"I've seen your matches, too, Viktor, and they were incredible... You were so close to winning, but I really thought the championship belonged to the Bulgarian team," Dudley said, praising him without reservation. "You're the best Seeker."
In truth, Dudley had absolutely no interest in Quidditch and had been forced to go to the World Cup. But of course, no one else knew that.
When the other Durmstrang students heard Dudley's compliments, they looked absolutely thrilled, puffing out their chests as if they had been praised themselves. The atmosphere between the two schools immediately became incredibly friendly and harmonious.
"Ahem."
Karkaroff cleared his throat, a bit annoyed, breaking the moment. He wasn't interested in a competitive game like Wizarding Cards, or rather, he had no idea what it even was. Naturally, he couldn't understand what all the excitement was about.
His gaze landed on Dudley for less than three seconds before he moved on. He was just a mediocre-looking young wizard, Karkaroff thought dismissively.
His eyes, however, lingered on Harry for a while. After all, he was the celebrity of the entire wizarding world, Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. In fact, his taking the headmaster position at Durmstrang was somewhat related to Harry.
"Professor Karkaroff, I think we should continue our chat inside the castle. Madame Maxime of Beauxbatons has been waiting for quite a while," Dumbledore said with a big smile.
Karkaroff didn't say another word, and the Durmstrang delegation followed Dumbledore and the others into Hogwarts Castle. They seemed completely composed, which was a stark contrast to how most young wizards reacted upon seeing Hogwarts for the first time.
As one of Europe's three great wizarding schools, Durmstrang wasn't much worse than Hogwarts, strictly speaking. While Hogwarts had its boundless Forbidden Forest filled with countless magical creatures and plants, Durmstrang had a mountain lake that was far vaster than the Black Lake. The lake was home to a fleet of ghostly ships, and its underwater creatures and plants were every bit as impressive as those in the Forbidden Forest.
As for the castles themselves, Hogwarts was majestic and fortified, the safest place in the wizarding world. Durmstrang, on the other hand, was a fortress of winter, so mysterious no one knew its exact location. The two schools each had their own unique strengths.
Beauxbatons' castle, however, wasn't nearly as ancient. It was built hundreds of years ago with the patronage of the alchemists Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel during their youth. Before that, Beauxbatons existed in the form of a manor rather than a castle. It didn't have places like the Forbidden Forest or a mountain lake, but it was lovely, with a spring-like climate all year round and a great magical fountain that could repair and beautify.
"Oh my gosh, it's Viktor!"
As the Durmstrang students entered the Great Hall, many Quidditch fans started buzzing as soon as they saw Viktor Krum.
"Blast it, I can't believe I didn't bring a single quill..."
"Do you think he'd sign my robes with my lipstick?"
"..."
The treatment for a star player was obviously different.
The Beauxbatons students had already chosen to sit at the Ravenclaw table. The Durmstrang students, however, clustered by the entrance, unsure where to go—Gryffindor or Slytherin? As for Hufflepuff, oh, neither delegation even considered it.
They eventually chose the Slytherin table, as their impression was that Slytherin was similar to their own school, with a focus on the study of the Dark Arts. The only problem was, while Hogwarts' tables were still arranged by the four houses, students often moved between them, so sitting at your designated house table was a thing of the past.
As a result, Ron ended up sitting right next to Viktor Krum, but unfortunately for him, Viktor was more interested in chatting with Draco and his friends.
After a few brief conversations, Dumbledore announced that the feast had officially begun, and platters of delicious food appeared on the tables. In addition to the usual fare, there were a few more unique dishes. For example, right in front of Ron was a dish that looked like a seafood stew.
"It's a French fish stew, tastes good," Hermione said, serving herself a little and scooping a bowl for Dudley. They had the same dish in front of them, too.
Ron tried a bit but then quietly put his spoon down. The dish did not agree with him at all.
Viktor, however, was clearly enjoying his, and even though he wasn't French, he seemed to love the flavor. In an attempt to get a little closer to his idol, Ron bravely took a second bite. He quietly put his spoon down again, unable to swallow it. His body's instinctual rejection was just too strong.
Forget the idol. Ron decisively gave up on the dish and started double-fisting chicken legs instead.
Meanwhile, at the Ravenclaw table...
Among the Beauxbatons students, one witch stood out. She had a pair of stunning blue eyes, perfectly white and straight teeth, and a long, silvery mane of hair that cascaded down to her waist. Every glance and smile she gave captivated the hearts of many young wizards around her, including those at the Hufflepuff table.
"This is good," the witch said after taking a light taste of the fish stew. "The chef here is as good as the ones at Beauxbatons. I was worried I'd go hungry at a place like Hogwarts."
Her words immediately drew glares from some of the young witches, while the young wizards remained in a daze. No sooner had she spoken than she received a merciless jibe.
"I can't believe anyone would eat this kind of thrown-together food. I'm worried about what you get to eat at Beauxbatons."
Madison Roberts-Flint tossed her spoon aside, looking at the fish stew in her bowl with disgust, as if it were the most inedible thing in the world. She stretched languidly, showing off her perfect curves. Then she delicately licked the corner of her lips with a pink tongue, the mesmerizing motion causing even more young wizards to swoon. Even the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang weren't immune.
The eyes of the two young witches met in the air. It was as if countless sparks were colliding.
"We meet again, Fleur Delacour," Madison said, looking at the Beauxbatons witch with utter loathing.
"I really didn't want to see you here, Madison Roberts-Flint," said Fleur Delacour, not backing down.
"You really make me uncomfortable," Madison replied.
"The feeling's mutual," said Fleur.