**The Hogwarts Express** chugged along the tracks, its rhythmic noise blending with the excited chatter of students. The compartment near the middle of the train was bustling with energy as friends reunited after the Quidditch World Cup.

Bill Weasley leaned forward with a glint in his eye. "Hey, everyone," he said in a low voice, drawing their attention. "I've got some big news about this year at Hogwarts."

Harry, Ron, Alphard, and Hermione immediately focused on him. Ron, who had been munching on a Chocolate Frog, paused mid-bite. "What is it, Bill?" he asked, curiosity lighting up his face.

Bill's grin widened. "It's supposed to be a surprise, but I can't keep it to myself. Hogwarts is hosting a big event this year."

"What event?" asked Hermione and Alphard in unison.

Bill put his hand over his mouth. "Can't say more," he replied with a wink.

"Come on, you can't just spill half of it out and then say you can't tell us more," said Ron.

"Is it fun?" asked Harry.

"Hell yeah," said Bill.

Harry felt a mix of anticipation and unease. The recent events at the Quidditch World Cup made him wary of surprises.

The train started to move, and everyone began to settle in. Molly Weasley hugged her children and gave them loads of kisses. She, of course, had to scold Fred and George, even though she wouldn't admit it to anyone, she loved those two dearly.

Meanwhile, Rosalie sat in the corner of the compartment, lost in thought. The chaos at the World Cup and her recent discoveries at the Ministry weighed heavily on her mind. She stared out the window, the passing scenery a blur as her mind raced.

"What am I supposed to do?" she wondered, her thoughts a storm of uncertainty and determination. "If Barty Crouch Jr. is alive, there's a bigger threat out there. But why would Crouch Sr. hide it? What could he gain?"

Her fingers traced the edge of the seat, her brow furrowing in concentration. "I need to find out more, but I can't do it alone. I need allies I can trust. But who? The Ministry is full of secrets, and even my own family prefers to keep things hidden."

She glanced at her friends, who were animatedly discussing the new coming ball. "Draco... he is trustworthy. But how much should I tell him? How much can I tell him? And when? This isn't just about me or my family; it affects all of us."

Her thoughts drifted back to her encounter with Marlene Warrick and Emmeline Vance. Their polished exteriors and whispered secrets had left a lasting impression. "They're playing a dangerous game. If they know something, they won't reveal it easily. I have to be careful, but I can't let fear stop me."

She thought of Alphard, whose support during the World Cup incident had been reassuring. "Alphard might have some answers, or at least he could help me navigate this mess. I need to speak with him as soon as we get to Hogwarts."

As the train sped onward, Rosalie resolved to stay vigilant. The truth was out there, buried beneath layers of deception and danger. She couldn't rest until she unearthed it, no matter the cost.

"Hey, Rosalie," Draco's voice broke through her reverie. "You okay? You've been really quiet."

She smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, just thinking. This year is going to be... interesting."

Draco nodded, his expression a mix of concern and excitement. "Yeah, it definitely is. Who knows what's going to happen?"

Rosalie's smile widened, this time with genuine warmth. "Exactly. Who knows?" she echoed, the weight of her secret mission heavy on her shoulders. But for now, she would join her friends in their anticipation of the year ahead, knowing that the real challenges were yet to come.

The train finally stopped as they reached the platform. The students disembarked, their chatter and laughter filling the air. The first years looked around in awe, while the older students guided them towards the waiting carriages.

As they made their way to the Great Hall, Rosalie couldn't shake the feeling that something monumental was about to unfold. She caught a glimpse of Alphard, his usual confident stride carrying him through the throng of students. She quickened her pace to catch up with him.

"Alphard," she called out, and he turned, his eyes lighting up when he saw her.

"Rosalie! What's up?" he asked, falling into step beside her.

"I need to talk to you. It's about what happened at the World Cup and... other things I've discovered," she said, lowering her voice.

Alphard's expression turned serious. "Let's find a place to talk after the feast."

Rosalie nodded, feeling a surge of relief. At least she had someone she could confide in. They entered the Great Hall, its familiar grandeur welcoming them back to another year at Hogwarts.

The Sorting Ceremony proceeded with its usual mix of nerves and excitement. As the new students found their places, Dumbledore rose to address the hall. His eyes twinkled with a hint of the surprise Bill had alluded to.

"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore began. "This year, we have something truly special in store. It is my great pleasure to announce that Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament!"

Gasps and murmurs filled the hall. Harry exchanged looks with Ron, Hermione, and Alphard, all of them remembering Bill's cryptic hints.

"The Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore continued, "is a magical competition held between the three largest European wizarding schools: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. It is a test of magical skill, bravery, and intelligence. I hope that this event will foster friendship and cooperation between our schools."

The hall erupted in applause. Rosalie, however, felt a cold shiver run down her spine. The tournament was notorious for its dangers. It seemed that her quest for answers would be even more perilous than she had anticipated.

Then the Durmstrang students settled down at the Slytherin table, where Krum bowed to Rosalie—she was Lady Black, after all, a higher rank than him. He had a small conversation with her and Draco.

"Lady Black," Krum said, his voice respectful, "it is an honor to meet you. I have heard much about your family."

Rosalie nodded, her demeanor cool but polite. "Thank you, Viktor. It's always interesting to meet someone of your talent."

Draco, standing next to Rosalie, smirked slightly. "Krum, I trust your stay at Hogwarts will be... enlightening?"

Krum's expression remained neutral. "I am looking forward to it. The competition will be fierce, but I am prepared."

Rosalie exchanged a glance with Draco, who raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. We Slytherins appreciate a good challenge," she said, her tone carrying a subtle edge.

Krum bowed again slightly before taking his seat. Rosalie and Draco watched him carefully, both sensing there was more to the Durmstrang champion than met the eye.

Later that evening, Rosalie and Alphard found a quiet corner in the library. She quickly filled him in on her suspicions about Barty Crouch Jr. and the mysteries she had uncovered at the Ministry.

Alphard listened intently, his face growing more serious with each passing moment. "Rosalie, if what you're saying is true, this is bigger than both of us. We need to be careful. The Ministry won't take kindly to us snooping around."

"I know," Rosalie said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't ignore this. There's too much at stake."

Alphard placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure it out. Together. But we need to gather more information. We have to keep an eye on the new arrivals. If Crouch Jr. is involved, he might have allies."

Rosalie nodded, grateful for his support. They spent the next day discreetly observing the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, looking for any signs of unusual behavior.

One evening, as they were returning from a late-night reconnaissance, they stumbled upon a heated argument between two Durmstrang students. One of them, a tall boy with a severe expression, caught Rosalie's eye.

"That's Viktor Krum," Alphard whispered. "He's their Quidditch star."

Rosalie watched as Krum stormed off, leaving the other student looking flustered. She had a feeling that whatever was going on, Krum was somehow involved.

"Do you think he's part of this?" she asked Alphard.

"It's possible," Alphard replied. "But we need to be sure. Let's keep an eye on him."

As the days passed, the excitement for the Triwizard Tournament grew. The students were buzzing with anticipation, but Rosalie and Alphard remained focused on their mission. They gathered snippets of conversation, piecing together the puzzle bit by bit.

Yet they still had no clue about it

And hellooo again!! 3 chapters in one week not that bad tbh
Happy eid to my muslim readers<3
Anddd i posted my new story its called "Echoes Through Time" i have only posted the cast o think i will post the first chapter next week stay tunned and it really has a plot that i never saw online
With love
Urs
-H-