The Wizarding Games
Chapter 1
Albus Severus Potter rolled over on his four-poster bed in the Gryffindor Boys Dormitory. Now, he had regretted going to Hogwarts, yet to think about Lily's eagerness to go there, he felt oddly awkward. Tomorrow, the reaping of the 49th Wizarding Games would begin, and two people would be chosen from each of the Wizarding Districts. District 3, being the second largest district, meant he would have less chance of being chosen but still, it did not bring Albus any consolation. Would he be chosen?
Albus wondered what the Ministry was thinking, creating a Wizarding Games; to which, the spokesman of the Ministry replied, 'to train our young wizards and witches up to be great duellists.' Albus heaved a heavy sigh, causing his roommate to roll over on his bed, and fall onto the floor. Albus laughed again. But, as he thought of all the multiple possible tributes, he began to concentrate again.
He couldn't bear killing his own friends. After all, it was like a monstrous betrayal; even if they did fight to the death, Albus thought of killing Rose, if she was chosen; No; it was like pure torture. Like killing somebody for fun. No; I wouldn't kill anyone, thought Albus, I'd rather die.
As he tossed and turned, he turned to look at Claudia, his barn owl, and felt some consolation. He would still have a friend no matter who dies and who lives.
As he woke up next morning, everyone was in a frantic mood.
"Aaargh!" screamed Gordon Stein, a fellow Gryffindor who specialised in clumsiness. "TODAY IS THE REAPING!" Gordon hastily put his trousers on, being inside out, and a accidentally dyed blue t-shirt which was supposed to be white. As he walked out, everyone started laughing hysterically, as on the back of his head was a piece of gum, tangled in his hair.
"WHAT! Hey, you know what? I really wanna see the reaping, and don't delay me, if you please! You," he said, pointing to Albus, who was clutching his stomach, laughing uncontrollably, "What is funny?"
"W-well, there's s-some g-g-gum stuck in y-your hair!" spluttered Albus, still unable to contain himself. "Your tr-trousers are inside out!"
"Aaargh! For goodness' sake. Can somebody please take it out!"
Tyler Martin reluctantly walked over to Gordon, knowing that his roommates would only giggle more than ever. As the franticness of the reaping day became more and more real, the boys' minds became more and more frightened.
Rose Weasley walked out from the girls dormitory, and looked as though if someone had electrocuted her. Her red hair was all over the place, sticking out like a sea urchin. Uh-oh, thought Albus, Rose's stylist wouldn't be happy to see a girl like this!
"Hi!" said Rose, in a very excited tone. "You excited about the Reaping? I am. I just hope that wretched Scorpius get chosen and get killed."
To which, Albus replied, "Well, Rose, you know what? I'm not looking forward to the Reaping at all even if Malfoy does get picked. I dread having to kill my friends if they do get chosen."
James walked out of the dormitory shortly after Albus finished his sentence, looking more mousy than ever. He looked at Albus in a who-do-you-think-will-get-chosen-for-the-reaping way, and then Albus returned a I-don't-want-to-kill-anybody-if-I-do-get-chosen face.
"Al, you'll have to do that if you get chosen." James smirked.
"Oh, please, just don't talk about it, OK? I'm really freaked out. I'm not ready, and you know I only just qualified, a couple of months ago! I just turned 12! I'll tell Mum, you know!"
As they entered the Great Hall, Albus immediately noticed the absence of the usual excitement of a new school day. Even though it was Friday, everyone was looking glum and miserable, and it was pretty obvious as to why they were gloomy. McGonagall stood at the front, with two large wooden bowls. Albus shuddered. A frigid current ran through his spine, and he shivered, though the Great Hall was abundant in warmth.
"Ahem!" announced McGonagall, and the Great Hall fell into a stage of trance. "As you all know, we are here to witness the Reaping for the 53rd Wizarding Games. Now, all students above the age of 12 and under the age of 18 are eligible. Students will proceed to the next stage when the tributes are chosen. Before I announce, however, I wish all tributes good luck, for this upcoming challenge."
After a series of moving paper noises, McGonagall pulled out a name. "James Sirius Potter!" Albus gasped in horror. Scorpius sniggered. Tears went down Rose's face.
"No! Wait!" shouted Albus, walking up to the podium bravely. "I volunteer to take James' place. "