The first class Slytherin had that day was Defense Against the Dark Arts.
As they walked down the hallway, they passed a trash bin with something beaten beyond recognition thrown inside, something that had once resembled Peeves. A sign on Peeves' forehead read: "You're a piece of trash who doesn't value food."
This cursed subject, where the teacher changed every year, had once again been assigned a new instructor this term, one they had never seen before.
His name was Mad-Eye Moody, a former Dark Wizard Hunter.
He was once renowned for his skills, with his achievements said to have "filled half of Azkaban."
However, as a result of countless battles, he had been injured in numerous fights, leaving scars covering his entire body and making him a terrifying sight to behold.
His face looked like it had been carved from wood by someone who had never seen a human face before, with no gaps between the scars.
His mouth was twisted, his nose was missing, and in place of his left eye was a creepy blue magical prosthetic that moved around independently.
His left leg, occasionally visible beneath the hem of his cloak, was also missing, replaced by a prosthetic with claws that made a distinctive clinking sound with each step.
"No textbooks needed. Put them away."
Moody stood at the teacher's desk, took out the attendance book, and called out the students' names one by one.
Of his two eyes, the normal one was fixed on the attendance book, but the other, the magical eye, darted around the room, scanning the students.
It likely had the ability to see through objects. It seemed to track the movements of students who should have been out of sight.
"You have learned many spells to fight against dark creatures. However, you are falling behind. I must say you are severely behind. The most crucial aspect, the handling of dark magic and curses, is completely lacking. According to the Ministry of Magic, it is deemed too early to teach such things until sixth year, but..."
Moody's sudden shout caused the students to jump, and the classroom erupted in chaos.
"CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
It was completely unexpected. Who could have imagined he would suddenly bellow like that?
However, Moody himself continued speaking as if nothing had happened.
"How can you protect yourselves from things you've never seen or know nothing about? That is why my role is to bring you up to the minimum standard within this one year. You must learn the spells you need to fight with, and only then will you be able to protect yourselves. Now... there are three curses that are most severely punished by magical law. Who can answer?"
When Moody posed that question, a few people timidly raised their hands.
Only Malfoy raised his hand confidently, but then again, he should know. After all, his father served under Voldemort, so it would be strange if he didn't know.
However, Moody ignored them and looked at Mirabel with both his magical eye and his normal eye.
"Why aren't you raising your hand, Beresford? I hear you're the best student in this school. You must know the answer."
He called on her without her raising her hand.
Realizing this, Mirabel smiled slightly and decided to show off her knowledge as requested.
"Of course I know, Professor Moody."
"Hmm, then answer me."
"The Imperius Curse, the Cruciatus Curse, and the Killing Curse, Avada Kedavra. Especially the last one, the Killing Curse, has no counter-curse or way to resist it. If it hits, it's an instant death spell, and in the history of the wizarding world, only one person has ever survived it."
Needless to say, that person was Harry Potter.
It was precisely because he survived the death curse that was supposed to bring absolute death that he was reverently called "the Boy Who Lived."
Satisfied with Mirabel's response, Moody nodded.
"Perfect, Beresford. Heathcote has every reason to be proud of you."
"..."
"I know your father well. He was an exceptionally skilled Dark Wizard Hunter. His only flaw was that he was too ruthless in his methods and would even send innocent people to Azkaban for the sake of glory. And your mother was the headmistress of Durmstrang. No wonder you're so talented."
Mirabel snorted at Moody's words.
Talented because of her parents? How dare he underestimate her.
Her excellence was her own, and no one else's. Even if her parents had been Muggles, she was certain she would have become the person she was today.
Well, in terms of knowledge, her current family had undoubtedly contributed to her growth, but that was all.
"Last year, you won the Award for Academic Excellence, and the year before that, you were awarded the Special Award for Services to the School for your role in defeating the basilisk... I see. You're truly exceptional. You could even become a better Dark Wizard Hunter than your father."
"...Thanks."
Mirabel suppressed a snort and replied indifferently.
Dark Wizard Hunter? That was hilarious.
Who would want to become a lapdog of the Ministry of Magic? She wouldn't be the dog. She would be the one who kept the Ministry of Magic as her lapdog.
After that, Moody used a spider as a test subject to demonstrate the three Unforgivable Curses, clearly showing their effects to the students.
The spider under the Imperius Curse skillfully used its silk to perform aerial acrobatics, while the spider under the Cruciatus Curse writhed in agony, its convulsions visible even to the naked eye.
Finally, the spider used as the test subject for the Killing Curse died without a single injury, vividly demonstrating the horror of the spell.
"Over the next year, I will teach you how to combat these curses. You must know them... and always be prepared. If you understand, bring out your quills. Write down everything I say."
In hindsight, Alastor Moody's lesson was undoubtedly the highest quality lesson they had ever received.
Last year's Remus Lupin had also been an excellent teacher, but when it came to defensive techniques designed to actually fight against dark magic, Moody's lesson was superior.
It was so impressive that even Mirabel couldn't help but feel a sense of respect, if only he weren't a fake Death Eater in disguise.
Voldemort really did have some talented people working for him.
Fourth-year students were now entering a crucial period, Professor McGonagall explained.
Next year, they would take the O.W.L. examinations, commonly known as the "Ordinary Wizarding Levels," and their scores would have a significant impact on their future.
However, it would be too late to start studying in fifth year. If they wanted to be fully prepared, they needed to start now.
For that reason, this year's classes were stricter than usual, and the amount of homework had increased dramatically.
In Potions, they were assigned to brew antidotes, and in Charms, they were told to read three additional reference books to master the Summoning Charm.
Defense Against the Dark Arts classes had also become more rigorous, and recently, Moody had begun testing the students by casting the Imperius Curse on them to see if they could resist it.
Of course, many students were reluctant to participate, but Moody didn't hesitate to carry it out, which was quite remarkable.
The students who were cursed began acting strangely, demonstrating the terrifying power of the Imperius Curse.
Edith began singing operatically, and Theodore Nott danced a wild jig.
Crabbe and Goyle pretended to play instruments to liven up the atmosphere, and Malfoy stripped off his robes.
Finally, it was Mirabel's turn, and Moody cast the curse on her.
There was something terrifying about experiencing it firsthand.
Mirabel, who had been subjected to the Imperius Curse, felt utterly euphoric. It was the ultimate high.
All her worries were swept away, leaving only an ultimate sense of security in her heart.
She even began to believe that this was exactly what she had been seeking.
So this was the Imperius Curse. No wonder so many wizards couldn't resist it and ended up committing unspeakable crimes.
But that euphoric feeling vanished in an instant, replaced by a commanding voice that echoed in her head.
"Kneel before me."
Why? Mirabel wondered.
Not "Why are you doing this?" but "Why must I obey this command?" Even in this state of euphoria, her overwhelming sense of self-worth roared back to life.
Was she being commanded right now? Was this man actually commanding her, Mirabel?
The moment she thought that, all happiness vanished, leaving only intense hatred and defiance in her mind.
She would not obey anyone's orders! She would not be bound by anyone, nor would she grovel before anyone!
The only one who could command her in this world was herself!
The moment her heart screamed that declaration, her thoughts cleared and her vision sharpened.
She then flashed a defiant smile at Moody, who was staring at her in surprise.
"Ugh... This is so embarrassing... Why was I singing like that...?"
"It was my first time experiencing it, but that's a terrifying curse. It must be difficult to resist."
On the way back to the dormitory after class, Edith blushed and muttered to herself.
It was understandable that she felt embarrassed after performing like that in front of everyone.
However, the female students had at least been given some consideration, and the commands they were given were relatively mild.
At least compared to Malfoy, Edith had gotten off easy.
"But you know, Moody seems to really hate Malfoy, doesn't he? He turned him into a ferret and made him bounce around the other day."
"It's not so much him as his father who's hated. Lucius Malfoy was once a Death Eater, yet he escaped Azkaban and gained power. He's an enemy they can't forgive."
"So what about Mirabel's father?"
"Yeah, even after fourteen years, Moody's still looking for a way to convict the Malfoys."
As they walked, they heard a commotion.
Students had gathered in the entrance hall and were murmuring excitedly.
"What's going on?" Edith ran toward the commotion, with Mirabel following behind reluctantly.
Many students were crowding around the notice board in front of the marble staircase, trying to get a better look.
Edith stood on tiptoe, straining to see the board, but couldn't get a clear view.
However, when Mirabel approached, the students hurriedly moved aside, clearing the way to the notice board.
It was a notice announcing the Triwizard Tournament.
It stated that the delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang would arrive at 6 PM on October 30th, and all students were required to gather in front of the castle for a welcoming ceremony.
It was just one week away.
"Who will be the Hogwarts champion?"
"Well, if it's someone I know, Marcus Flint might enter."
Marcus was the Quidditch captain, so his athletic ability was exceptional.
The rest was questionable, but if they were choosing someone from Slytherin, he wasn't a bad choice.
Of course, this was assuming Mirabel didn't enter.
For the next week, the entire school was abuzz with talk of the tournament.
What kind of students would come? How would they differ from Hogwarts students? Who would enter and who would be chosen?
The topic never seemed to end, and even during classes, it was hard to concentrate.
And then, October 30th arrived. The day all the students had been waiting for had finally come.
The Great Hall was already decorated, with huge banners representing each house hanging on the walls.
Behind the staff table, a tapestry showed a lion, snake, badger, and eagle united around the Hogwarts crest.
A pleasant sense of anticipation filled the air, and time flew by in the blink of an eye.
At 6 PM, the students lined up in front of the castle, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two schools.
Edith, her face red with cold and excitement, asked Mirabel.
"It's finally here. But how will they get here? The schools must be really far away."
"If you're thinking about practicality, then a Portkey or Apparition, but those aren't very impressive."
"I think Hermione said the other day that you can't Apparate into Hogwarts."
"They can make an exception for something like this. Dumbledore can temporarily lift the restriction anytime he wants."
Among the means of transportation available to wizards, the fastest and most efficient were still Apparition and Portkeys.
However, they weren't very impressive.
Just as Hogwarts wanted to present itself in the best light, the other schools would want to do the same.
Therefore, they would surely use a more memorable method rather than resorting to such mundane means.
People wanted to show off when there was a crowd. That was human nature.
"Ah! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!"
Dumbledore's voice echoed from behind the line of teachers, and everyone looked up.
Where were they coming from? The students looked around, and eventually one of the sixth-year students pointed to the sky and shouted, "There!"
Something enormous was approaching. Something larger than a hundred broomsticks was racing toward the castle.
"What is that?!"
"It's a dragon!"
A first-year student shouted in panic.
"It might be some kind of giant broomstick!"
"I know what it is! It's an airplane from the Muggle world!"
Other students shouted their guesses.
"Don't be ridiculous! That's a flying house!"
Another first-year student yelled.
But none of them were correct.
What was approaching Hogwarts was a gigantic carriage as large as a mansion.
It was being pulled by twelve winged horses, gliding through the night sky.
With a thunderous crash, the carriage landed on the grounds, and boys dressed in pale blue silk robes jumped out, unfolding golden steps.
Then, a pair of enormous high-heeled shoes appeared on the steps, and the woman who owned them emerged from the carriage.
She was a beautiful woman.
She had smooth, olive-toned skin and an elegant physique. Her face was refined, and her nose was aristocratic.
Her neck was adorned with opals, giving her the appearance of high society.
However, what truly commanded attention was her sheer size.
She was simply enormous. That single word summed it up perfectly.
Even compared to Hagrid, the largest man at Hogwarts, she seemed no smaller, perhaps only slightly shorter.
As a reference, Hagrid stood nearly eight feet tall, which gave you an idea of just how massive she was.
"Wow, she's huge... Dumbledore barely reaches her chest."
"Dumbledore isn't exactly short, but that's Madame Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbatons?"
Edith nodded in agreement, and Mirabel added her observation.
Dumbledore's height should be over six feet, but even so, standing next to Maxime, he looked like an adult next to a child.
If he appeared that small, Edith and Mirabel probably only reached her waist.
"Still, they're dressed so lightly for this weather."
"They must be from a warmer region, but they seem ill-prepared."
The thin, silk-like robes they wore looked cold just to observe.
And they weren't even wearing cloaks, which made it even worse.
Madame Maxime entrusted her winged horses to Hagrid and walked elegantly into the castle.
The Beauxbatons students followed behind, hurrying to seek warmth inside the castle.
For several minutes, the students waited for Durmstrang's arrival, gazing up at the sky.
But that was a mistake. They had unconsciously assumed that since Beauxbatons had come from the sky, Durmstrang must arrive the same way.
However, their expectations were shattered as the lake began to ripple, and a massive whirlpool appeared.
From within the whirlpool, which looked as though someone had pulled a plug from a giant bathtub, emerged a magnificent ship.
It was a vessel shrouded in a dark, ghostly atmosphere, fitting for a school with a reputation for teaching the Dark Arts.
When it reached the shore, a group of people wearing thick fur coats disembarked, followed by a silver-haired man in a silver fur coat and a beautiful woman in a crimson coat with flowing golden hair.
They were Igor Karkaroff, the headmaster of Durmstrang, and Mavis Beresford, the deputy headmistress.
"Hey, is that person..."
"Yeah, that's my mother."
"Wow... she's so beautiful..."
Edith exclaimed in admiration, gazing at the woman who radiated such dazzling charm and allure.
Her flowing golden hair was indeed striking, and she bore a remarkable resemblance to Mirabel, as one would expect from her mother.
Her facial features were also similar to Mirabel's, and her arrogant bearing, born from absolute confidence in her own beauty, was identical to her daughter's.
As she and Karkaroff approached Dumbledore, they greeted him warmly.
"Dumbledore! Hello, hello, how have you been?"
"I am very well, thank you, Professor Karkaroff. And I never expected you to come personally... Welcome, Mrs. Beresford."
"Yes, it's been far too long, Headmaster Dumbledore. By the way, where is my daughter?"
"She's here with the other students to welcome you. Over there, I believe."
Dumbledore pointed to where the fourth-year Slytherins were gathered.
Mavis spotted Mirabel and waved, and Mirabel reluctantly acknowledged her.
Normally, this would have been an overly conspicuous display, but fortunately, few students noticed.
That was because the students' attention was focused on one particular member of the Durmstrang delegation.
"Hey, Mirabel! Isn't that Viktor Krum?!"
"It appears so."
A crooked nose, thick eyebrows, a distinctive slouch, and that unmistakable gait.
It was none other than Viktor Krum, the world-famous Seeker.
The female students around them squealed in excitement, and Edith also stood on tiptoe to get a better look.
Those frantically searching their pockets were probably looking for something for him to sign.
Following the Durmstrang students, they headed to the Great Hall and took their seats, but Edith and the other Quidditch fans remained excited throughout the evening.
***
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