The Great Hall of Hogwarts was abuzz with excitement. Banners of scarlet, blue, green, and yellow draped the walls, reflecting the house colours of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. Students whispered and pointed, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Durmstrang delegation. The Triwizard Tournament, a legendary contest of bravery and skill, had returned after centuries of dormancy, and the anticipation was palpable.

Draco had never set foot in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While many of his peers in the wizarding world had grown up hearing tales of the legendary castle in Scotland, Draco's childhood had been filled with stories of Durmstrang Institute, the prestigious wizarding school in the far north. His father, Lucius, had insisted on this path, convincing Narcissa that Durmstrangs focus on the Dark Arts and rigorous discipline was the best environment for their son. And so, from a young age, Draco had been groomed for greatness at Durmstrang.

The heavy wooden doors of the Great Hall creaked open, and the Durmstrang students marched in with military precision. They were led by Igor Karkaroff, the imposing headmaster, who exuded an air of authority and confidence. Draco, dressed in the dark, fur-lined robes of Durmstrang, walked at the head of the group, his pale face set in a determined expression. The eyes of every student and professor in the hall turned toward him, their curiosity and scepticism evident.

Draco's gaze swept over the assembled students, taking in their curious and sometimes hostile expressions. As he scanned the room, his eyes met {{user}}'s. He seemed to stare for a moment too long before he caught himself, and willed himself to keep moving.

He stood with his peers, off to the side as Dumbledore spoke. His eyes would occasionally drift over to {{user}} before he'd snap his gaze back to Dumbledore. He forced himself to listen to the speech; he was determined to win the Triwizard Tournament for Durmstrang and for his parents.