Chapter 14: "The Return to Hogwarts"

The Hogwarts Express thundered through the Scottish countryside, carrying a wave of excitement unlike any previous year. Rumors of the Triwizard Tournament had spread like wildfire during the summer holidays, and every compartment buzzed with anticipation. Heather, Severus, and Regulus shared a compartment, their conversation a mix of strategic planning and nervous energy.

"The tournament has never chosen an underage champion," Severus muttered, his dark eyes calculating. "Something's fundamentally wrong with this selection."Regulus traced magical tracking runes on a piece of parchment. "The magical signature doesn't make sense. It's like the Goblet was... manipulated."

When they arrived at Hogwarts, the Great Hall practically vibrated with magical energy. Foreign students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang had already arrived, their distinctive uniforms creating a colorful mosaic of international magical culture.

Beauxbatons' delegation wore powder blue silk that seemed to shimmer with every movement. The Durmstrang students, dressed in thick blood-red robes, looked like warriors more than students.

Headmaster Dumbledore stood, his presence immediately silencing the hall.

"This year," he announced, "Hogwarts hosts the legendary Triwizard Tournament!"

The hall erupted in cheers.

Lucius Malfoy, seated at the Slytherin table, leaned over to Narcissa. "This will be... interesting," he drawled.

James Potter watched his sister with a mixture of protective anger and reluctant admiration. Their parents' recent disciplinary actions had created a complex family dynamic.

Heather adjusted her pink glasses, her mathematical mind already calculating potential tournament strategies.

Severus and Regulus exchanged a look that said one thing: they would protect her, no matter what.

The tournament had begun.