Chương 75: CHAMPIONS
The days leading up to the announcement of the Triwizard Tournament champions were a whirlwind of anticipation and speculation. The entire school seemed to buzz with excitement as students eagerly awaited the revelation of the selected champions.
Amidst the fervors, me and Hermione found themselves engrossed in our research, determined to discover a spell that would aid Harry in breathing underwater and enduring extreme conditions. The library became our second home as we delved into ancient tomes and obscure texts, seeking the elusive magic that would give me the edge I needed. I temporarily forgot about the wandering eyes of our dark arts professor who was no doubt keeping an eye on my every move.
One evening, after hours of tireless searching, Hermione's eyes widened as she came across a passage in an old book about advanced magical practices. The text spoke of a rare and powerful spell known as "Aquanoxis," a charm that allowed the caster to breathe underwater and withstand extreme pressures. Excitement and hope surged through me as Hermione read aloud the incantation and the intricate wand movements required.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, me and Hermione decided to put our discovery to the test. We ventured to the Black Lake, the very body of water that would play a crucial role in the Tri-wizard tournament's second task. The moonlit night lent an eerie beauty to the lake's surface as the two friends stood at the water's edge. Due to the second task taking place months from now, the lake was still a place where we could visit freely without much issue.
Taking a deep breath, I focused on the incantation and executed the precise wand movements Hermione had described. A shimmering, translucent bubble enveloped me, and to my amazement, he felt the familiar sensation of air filling his lungs. It was a breakthrough, a moment of triumph that solidified our readiness for the challenges that lay ahead. Over the next few days, I practiced the Aquanoxis spell tirelessly, refining my technique and ensuring that I could cast it effortlessly in any circumstance.
The following day, whispers and rumors filled the air as the Hogwarts students gathered in the Great Hall for the momentous occasion—the announcement of the Triwizard champions. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Dumbledore approached the enchanted goblet, its magical flames dancing in anticipation.
With a flourish of his wand, Dumbledore summoned a piece of parchment from the goblet. Unfolding it, he announced, "The champions for the Triwizard Tournament are..."
A hushed silence fell upon the Great Hall as everyone waited with bated breath. Dumbledore's eyes scanned the parchment, and then he spoke the names that would change the course of the school year.
"From Durmstrang Institute, Viktor Krum!"
A roar of applause erupted from the Durmstrang students as their champion stood, a mixture of pride and determination in his eyes.
"From Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Fleur Delacour!"
The Beauxbatons students erupted in cheers, their elegant champion acknowledging the applause with a graceful nod.
"And finally, from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Cedric Diggory!"
Hogwarts students cheered for their champion, proud and excited for Cedric's representation in the tournament. But as the applause subsided, a stunned silence settled over the hall.
The goblet had thrown out a fourth piece of paper. Everyone expected a fourth name, the mysterious addition that would complete the trio of champions.
Dumbledore's brow furrowed in confusion as he examined the parchment once more. "Strange... there appears to be a mistake. The Goblet of Fire is bound by a magical contract; it is impossible for there to be more than three champions."
The confusion turned to curiosity as the students exchanged puzzled glances. Unbeknownst to them, a dark figure hidden in the shadows wore a sinister grin. Barty Crouch Jr.'s plan had succeeded, and the chaos that would ensue was just beginning.
As the students left the Great Hall, whispers and speculations filled the air. The Triwizard Tournament had taken an unexpected turn, and Hogwarts found itself embroiled in a mystery that would test the resilience and resourcefulness of its champions, especially one named Harry Potter. Me.
The announcement of the Triwizard Tournament champions sent shockwaves through Hogwarts, disrupting the once harmonious rhythm of school life. I found myself at the centre of a storm just like I had already anticipated. To any outsider I would seem as an unwitting participant in a game that extended beyond the magical arena. As the days passed, a pervasive sense of unease settled over the castle, and the social fabric that bound the students began to unravel.
The Gryffindor common room, once a place of laughter and shared camaraderie, now carried an undercurrent of tension. Whispers followed me wherever I went, and I couldn't escape the penetrating gazes that seemed to judge me at every turn. Even the familiar faces of Ron, and other people of our year bore expressions of uncertainty, caught between allegiance and suspicion.
Hermione, undeterred by the shifting dynamics, stood by my side. The library became our refuge, a haven where we could immerse ourselves in studies, seeking solace in the pursuit of knowledge. Despite the support of my loyal friend, I had to pretend as if I felt the weight of isolation as I navigated the increasingly alien landscape of Hogwarts.
Beyond the castle walls, the news of a second Hogwarts champion ignited a firestorm of controversy. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons were quick to express their outrage, decrying the perceived breach of tournament rules. Accusations of favoritism and collusion circulated, casting a shadow over the integrity of the Triwizard Tournament.
Amidst the turmoil, Barty Crouch Jr. saw an opportunity to exploit the situation. Under the guise of empathy, he approached me, offering a sympathetic ear and understanding. Barty's silver-tongued assurances found a receptive audience in me, who knew that keeping him in a position where he thinks he is still controlling my actions was the best position for me, knowingly allowed the disguised Death Eater to inch closer.
The Weasley twins, Fred and George, navigated the tumultuous waters with characteristic mischief. Unfazed by the brewing discord, they seized the opportunity presented by the Triwizard Tournament to expand their business. Their products, now tested and refined, found enthusiastic buyers among students from Durmstrang and Beaux-batons in addition to the usual Hogwarts customers, adding a touch of levity to the somber atmosphere.
As the days slipped by, the castle became a cauldron of rumors and distrust. Whispers of a second Hogwarts champion spread like wildfire, fueling the resentment of other magical schools. The once-unified student body now stood divided, with some defending my right to compete and others questioning the fairness of his inclusion.
The impending first task loomed on the horizon, casting a shadow over the already tense atmosphere. The champions, including me, were preparing for the unknown challenges that awaited us. The air crackled with anticipation, mirroring the charged energy that permeated the castle.
A week before the first task, I hinted at Cedric about the first task being about Dragons. Cedric was truly a worthy champion and the other schools had already cheated by giving their champions the knowledge of the first task, hence I had no reservations about doing the same for him. The playing field had now been levelled.
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