Twins of the Moon, Earth and Sun
Chapter 11
A Dirty Trick
Most of the girls were enjoying Hogwarts for the most part. Hermione somehow managed to get Serena and Raye to join S.P.E.W, though they didn't care whether a hundred house-elves did all of the manual labor in the school. Serena joined only to help Hermione with her dream and Raye did it to get Hermione off her back.
In the middle of homework, school and sleep, the team kept a lookout for any attacks. It was all quiet. Malachite was going after people high in the ministry and other wizards he thought would be qualified to serve as a host for Onyx. He kept hitting dead ends. Before his spies for the Negaverse left their schools, he counseled them to remain discreet and keep an eye out for anyone who had much energy.
Thursday Morning, the day before the delegations of Beaxbatons and Durmstrang, Cedric met with Mina, Ginny and the new additions to the group.
"The carrier of the blue crystals is from Beaxbatons," he told them in an empty classroom.
"You saw him?" said Maxfield urgently. "Who is he? Has Zoycite found him?"
"I don't think she has," Cedric said. "I saw us all outside, waiting for the other schools to get here. Then I saw someone in Beaxbatons' school robes with a crystal shining in front of their chest. I couldn't see their face very clearly, but by the style of the robes and the person's build, I'm pegging it to be a wizard."
"Yeah, well, so far the victims have been guys," stated Mina.
"And they turn into knights," Lita added.
"If you saw the student still having the crystal," said Jedite, "then he's safe for now. We'll have to find this person until Zoycite does. Look at the Beaxbatons people very closely when they get here and come to us if you get any news."
"You think there is a way to awaken these guys to their knight forms without turning them into monsters?" inquired Molly.
"Maybe," said Maxfield. "Zoycite uses negative energy to extract the crystal from the carriers. If we can extract it with positive energy, they might just transform to into a knight."
"But why take the crystals away at all?" Asked Serena. "Why not let them keep the crystals?"
"Because the crystals aren't theirs to keep," Maxfield explained. "They are sections of the Silver Imperium Crystal. The very same crystal Queen Serenity used to trap us in. It broke into those seven pieces. We have to get all the pieces and find the moon princess so she can put them together. It was the Silver Crystal that stopped Queen Beryl before. It should stop her again."
"Sounds great," said Raye, "only we don't have a clue who she is."
"I'm sure we'll find her after the we get the crystals," Molly pointed out. "Let's just try to concentrate on one thing at a time. What's important now is that we make sure we are there when Zoycite finds the rainbow crystal carriers."
Lita nodded. "Yeah and this time, she's leaving empty handed. She's already got one too many crystals."
"Even if she got them all," said Maxfield, "she wouldn't know how to turn them into the silver crystal. I think only the Moon Princess does."
"Think we're safe," said Serena. "For now anyway."
--
The Hogwarts students stood in the cold fall air waiting for Beaxbatons and Durmstrang to arrive. Raye was getting tired of hearing Serena complain. It was bad enough when Serena complained about all the homework when it was only their first week at Hogwarts.
"Serena, they'll get here when they'll get here!" she hissed. "Stop pushing me!"
"But I'm so cold!" Serena whined, as she huddled closer behind Raye.
Ian Handler rushed out of line to put his coat on Serena's shoulder. "Here, you can wear this."
"Thanks," Serena said, but before she could get a good look at who it was, Ian was already back to his spot. "Hey...he was here just a second ago."
"Who?" said Raye.
"Some guy back in line," Serena looked behind her. "How am I supposed to return this to him if I don't know who he is?"
"He'll come back for it later," said Raye. "At least you're warmer now and you will stop getting on my nerves."
The students waited a little while longer until a dozen giant flying horses led Beaxbatons' carriage to the Hogwarts grounds. The door opened and Jilly jumped down and turned to lower the staircase. She stepped to the side to allow the Headmistress to step out of the carriage. As she walked out, Jilly joined her at her side and the dozen Beaxbatons students walked out behind them. They walked onward and stopped in front of Dumbledore.
"My dear Madame Maxime," said Dumbledore. "Welcome to Hogwarts."
"Dumbly-dore," said Madame Maxime in her deep voice. "I hope I find you well?"
"In excellent form, thank you."
"Jilly, my teaching assistant," said Madame Maxime, turning to Jilly.
"Professor," said Jilly, inclining her head.
"'as Karkaroff arrived yet?" Madame Maxime asked.
"No," replied Dumbledore. "Will you like to stay outside and wait or warm up a trifle?"
"Warm up I think," replied Madam Maxime. "But ze horses."
"I can stay, Madame Maxime," said Jilly quickly, turning her eyes off of the Hogwarts students.
"Oh, now Jilly," said Madame Maxime, "you cannot control them all."
"I'm sure our gamekeeper Hagrid may be up to the job," said Dumbledore.
"Very well then," said Madame Maxime with a small bow. "Will you please tell this 'Agrid that the horses only drink single malt whiskey?"
"I'll be attended too," said Dumbledore, bowing back.
"Come," said Madame Maxime and she led her pupils inside to the doors Hogwarts doors where the Hogwarts aids, Maxfield and Jed stood. Maxfield and Jed each opened a door and stood by it to hold it open for the Beaxbatons students.
"Welcome," said Maxfield genially as they passed him.
Some of the students breathed sighs of relief to get warm while a few said "thank you" to Maxfield. Jilly however, kept her eyes forward as she passed them. Jed felt a peculiar sensation, like needles prickling his skin when Jilly walked on. Jed turned his head and watched her enter the Great Hall, his eyes narrowing and his brow furrowing in thought.
--
The Beaxbatons sat at the second to last table, the Ravenclaw table. Pierre took his sketchbook and quill and began drawing at once to pass the time. Other students took out books or started talking amongst themselves.
Jilly however, walked around the room, feeling slightly too nervous to sit down. She had a job to do and her employer was ruthless. If she started slacking off--or looked like she was—she hated to know what would happen. Her job was to watch out for individuals having much energy. She only became the Beaxbatons teaching assistant for that year and she didn't know everything about everystudent. She didn't even know every student in Beaxbatons. But after Malachite made her a Negaverse spy, she snuck into the office holding the records for each student. The records had where they lived, their parentage, their blood status, their grades and other statistics along with a picture. She memorized all the records for the students that would possibly be participating in the Triwizard Tournament. Those were all she really needed. She did have a problem however, if she found an individual with a high level of energy, how was she supposed to collect it?
"Jilly, why do you keep walking around?" inquired Madame Maxime.
"I just can't sit still, Madame Maxime," replied Jilly. "The flight was long and I'm just too excited, I guess."
"As we all are," said Madame Maxime. "but please, have a seat."
Jilly nodded and reluctantly sat down at the far ege of the table, closest to the exit.
The door opened with a tall man in sleek silver furs in the front. To the left of him was his niece and teaching assistant, Danessa Karkaroff. She sneered at the Beaxbatons students and she had an icy glare. They sat at the Slytherin table and the rest of the Hogwarts crowd entered the Great Hall. They all sat down and with the Great Hall fuller than usual, it took quite a while for everyone to be settled. Dumbledore waited until Maxfield and Jed closed the Great Hall doors and joined the headmasters and headmistress. Serena paused at the Gryffindor table and removed Ian's coat.
"Hey, who was the guy who gave me this?" she asked the other Gryffindors.
They looked at her, shrugging. Ian Handler came to her at a normal pace with his hand outstretched. "All warm now, are you?"
Serena smiled at him, taken aback by his manners and good looks. She remembered Mina pointing him out as the orange rainbow crystal carrier, but Serena had never seen him up close. The guy was always on the run it was hard to get a good look at him.
"Y-yeah," she said. "Thanks." She handed him back his coat and he returned to his seat. Serena sat down next to Raye. "What a nice guy..."
"Good evening, ladies, and gentlemen, ghosts and—most particularly—guests," Dumbledore said clearly. "I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."
Ami flinched when a girl a few seats laughed at the Ravenclaw table. The boy she was sitting next to her, leaned toward her and said, "she's always doing that. That's Fleur Delacour. Likes to be the center of attention, but what would you expect from someone with veela blood?"
"The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast." Dumbledore stated. "I now invite you all to eat, drink and make yourselves at home!"
The tables were scattered with platters of food, some of them foreign dishes from France and Bulgarian. Up at the staff table, Jed used a moment to speak with the other assistants. He sensed the same vibe about Danessa as he did Jilly. There was something off about them. Jed introduced himself to the girls asked them about their interests and whatnot. Jilly seemed preoccupied and shy, but she was polite. Danessa only sneered at Jed and muttered, "Mind your own business."
Jed frowned and gave up on making small talk with the foreigners. He ate in silence but watched the girls over his food.
Krum never had to ask someone to pass food platters or salt shakers to him. He did not have to use a summoning charm. When he lifted his hand and thought of the item he wanted, it slid down the table and to his waiting hand. All the surrounding Slytherins paused from their eating to stare. They were flabbergasted and impressed. Krum's schoolmates however, didn't even look up from their food. They were already used to him summoning things to him using nothing but his hand.
"Impressive summoning charm," said Malfoy. "I didn't even hear you say the spell."
"I didn't—I mean—it was an unspoken spell," said Krum. "You should learn that in your fifth or sixth year."
Lita, who sat a few seats away from Krum, knew it wasn't just an unspoken spell. From what Mina told her, and what she had just witnessed, Krum had the power of telekinesis. Since his encounter with Zoycite, Krum's telekinetic powers increased and he was making thing float without intention.
Remembering Cedric's report about his dream, Ami examined the Beaxbatons male students seated around her. The day before Beaxbatons and Durmstrang arrived, Cedric told them that the blue crystal carrier was from a Beaxbatons student, possibly a wizard. She felt shy, however as she checked out the boys sitting at her table. She hoped none of them noticed.
"May I offer you some bouillabaisse?" said a voice next to her.
"What? Oh!" she exclaimed, startled by suddenly being spoken to. She turned to her left a Beaxbatons boy sat. It was the same Beaxbatons boy who told her about Fleur Delacour. He was short with blond hair and blue eyes.
"I'm sorry, did I startle you?" the boy said.
"Oh, no," said Ami, "that's all right...I just just thinking...about the tournament. What can I help you with?"
"Care for some bouillabaisse?" the Beaxbaton's boy asked again, lifting up a large spoonful of stew. "Very good."
Ami shrugged. "Sure, I'll try some."
He spooned the stew onto her plate and she dug her spoon into the mesh. She took a bite and nodded in acceptance. "Not bad."
He smiled. "Ah, I'm glad. I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself to you earlier. I am Pierre Couleer."
Ami smiled back. "Ami Mizuno."
"Mizuno?"
"Yes," said Ami. "I'm from Japan originally."
"Ah. I see." They continued conversing during dinner. When she mentioned her father was an artist, he told her that he too enjoyed painting and drawing. He told her all about his different pieces of art throughout dinner until Dumbledore stood up once again.
"The moment has come," Dumbledore said. "The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket. "Just to clarify the procedure that we will be following this year. But first, let me introduce, for those who you do not know them, Mr. Bartemus Crouch, Head of Department of International Magical Cooperation" a scattered applause went around the room. "And Mr. Ludo Bagman and Ms. Bertha Jorkins of Magical Games and sports."
"The three of them have worked very hard on the Triwizard Tournament arrangements," Dumbledore went on, "and they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime on the panel that will judge the champions' efforts."
"The casket, then, if you please, Mr. Filch."
Filch came to the table carrying a wooden chest covered in jewels. He placed the chest on the table carefully. Jed watched him as Filch walked away. Filch was acting peculiar during the week. He was always an old bitter man, but something else was up with him.
"The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman," Dumbledore went on, "and they have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways…their magical prowess—their daring—their powers of deduction—and, of course, their ability to cope with danger.
"As you know, three champions compete in the tournament," Dumbledore continued, "One from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the tournament tasks and the champion with they highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector: the Goblet of Fire."
As everyone wondered what the Goblet of Fire was, Dumbledore took out his wand and tapped the top of the chest three times. It opened and Dumbledore reached inside it, retrieving a wooden cup. It didn't look like much until they saw the blue-white flames. Dumbledore closed the casket and placed the Goblet on the top so that everyone could see it.
"Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it in the goblet. Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their hands forward. Tomorrow night, Halloween, the goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools. The goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete."
A spark lit in Danessa's eyes and half her mouth lifted in a smirk. An idea for energy stealing entered her mind. Jed watched her, rubbing his chin as his eyes narrowed. Jilly looked down at the Beaxbatons stable and frowned. She looked nervous. Jed glanced at Maxfield, who was taking in the Headmaster's words.
"To ensure that underage students yields to temptation," Dumbledore added and many of the younger students face-faulted. "I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line."
Some of the younger students barked about the injustice but Dumbledore ignored them as he continued.
Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this tournament is not to be entered into lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet. Now, I think it is time for bed. Good night to you all!"
Everyone rose to their feet. Jed turned to Danessa. "May I walk you back to the ship?" He offerred.
Danessa turned her nose up at him and shook her head. "Please. I can get back fine by myself." She placed her hand on her uncle's inner elbow.
"Danessa dear," Karkaroff sighed, shaking his head. "I must apologize for my niece. She's a little upset at the moment."
"Uncle!" Danessa gasped, embarrassed as she and Karkaroff left the table. They collected their students and proceeded to the doors.
Jed tried again with Jilly. "May I walk you to your stagecoach?" he inquired.
"I—I," mumbled Jilly, looking from Madame Maxime and back to Jed.
"It is all right," said Madame Maxime. "Let him be a gentleman."
"Then allow me to escort you as well," Dumbledore said to Madam Maxime, offering her his arm.
"Why thank you, Dumbly-dore," said Madame Maxime.
Jilly smiled up at Jed nervously. "All right then. Thank you."
"Shall we then?"
Jed offered her his arm and she shyly put her hand on it. They walked out of the hall. Jed tried talking to Jilly, asking her about the ride to Hogwarts and her school. She gave him short answers with hardly getting into any detail. She kept looking nervous, glancing over her shoulder. Noticing this, Jed brought it up.
"Are you worried about someone catching you?" he asked.
"What?" she inquired. "No."
"Then why have you been so quiet?" he questioned her. "You're looking around like someone is going to attack you."
"Really?" she asked with a slight laugh.
"Well, if you are," said Jed, "I assure you, you are quite safe."
"Thank you," said Jilly. "I was just taking the whole scenery in. It's beautiful here."
They stopped at the giant powder blue stagecoach and quickly wished each other a goading. Jilly hurried up the stairs, Jed turned on his heel, nodding and pursing his lips. There was something about Jilly, he wasn't sure what it was but he was certain it wasn't just nerves. He paused at Durmstrang's ship. He didn't see Danessa there. He got a vibe from her too, but had to be more than her rotten attitude. Jed entered Hogwarts to speak with Maxfield about what he sensed from Maxfield. Maxfield did not have the same feelings.
"Something was off," said Jed.
"Maybe you're right," said Maxfield. "But let's discuss this in the morning with the others."
--
Danessa came up with an idea to drain energy from students and she ran with it without coming to Malachite. She'd brag about it once her plan worked. Her idea came to her when Dumbledore showed everyone the Goblet of Fire. At midnight, she snuck into Hogwarts and found the entry hall. To her pleasure, she found the Goblet of Fire already placed on the pedestal inside. She grinned mischievously as she approached the Goblet of Fire with her wand outstretched. She passed the Age Line and circled the Goblet of Fire with her wand. She muttered a thirty-second long spell as she continued to move her wand. She tapped her wand on the Goblet of Fire and the wooden goblet glowed red for a short moment, indicating that her spell was complete. She turned around to see a man holding a lantern with a red eyed cat at his feet. It was Mr. Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker.
"An energy plan for the Negaverse?" he asked.
"Yes," Danessa replied.
"I'll make sure Dumbledore doesn't know," said Mr. Filch. " Shall I tell Malachite for you?"
"I can do that myself," she said irritably.
Mr. Filch frowned. "You better get a move on before you're caught."
"I was getting to that," she muttered, exiting the room and eyeing the Squib. She left the castle without another look. Mrs. Norris let out a long meow as she looked up at her master.
"I know, my sweet," said Mr. Filch. "I don't know why Malachite chose her, but at least she's doing something to get energy. I've been caretaker here for years and I got nothing. Well, let's get going." Mr. Filch turned and walked down the halls, checking the rooms to see if they were no students out of bed.
--
All of the Durmstrang and Beaxbatons students dropped their names into the Goblet of Fire. They did not come all this way to not try and compete. Several Gryffindors entered their names, including the Wesley twins who got a beard as a result. Ian Handler put his in so quickly that no one noticed him do it. The students talked excitedly about their hopes for certain people to get the glory. All the Gryffindors were hoping for Angelina. The Hufflepuffs had their eye on Diggory; the Ravenclaws Rodger Davies and Slytherin for Warrington or John Gavington. Krum was the favorite among Durmstrang, well, more like Karakoff and it was anyone's game for Beaxbatons. No one had the slightest idea who would be the champions except for one individual. Cedric Diggory.
After the foreign students arrived at Hogwarts, Cedric Diggory saw three pieces of paper coming out of the goblet. The first piece of paper was off white, torn from a larger piece. It read: Viktor Krum, Durmstrang. The piece of parchment looked like it was torn from a sketchbook. The writing was neat and in cursive: Pierre Cooler, Beaxbatons. The third and final had Cedric Diggory's name. Cedric knew what the dream meant before he even woke up. He was going to represent Hogwarts in the tournament. Sometimes he hated his gift of clairvoyance—what happened to the surprise? He knew he was champion before he even put in his name. He wondered what would happen if he didn't put his name in the goblet. If he didn't put his name in, then someone else would be champion. However he knew deep down, he was capable and willing to do whatever task. It was something he was hoping to do. There obviously was a reason why the goblet of fire would choose Cedric. Perhaps it was his clairvoyant ability and thus he entered his name in the goblet anyway. There were dangerous tasks awaiting and he'd have the upper hand as a clairvoyant. If there was something too dangerous, he didn't want to see anyone get hurt. No one would believe him if he went to one of the champions explaining how to get through a certain task. It would look too suspicious.
Cedric did not tell the others this. He decided to prepare himself mentally and physically for the tournament. He read books on defensive spells and he exercised. Just because he saw his name coming out of the goblet, did not necessarily mean he was prepared for all that was coming.
The girls met with Maxfield about the new students in classroom eleven on the first floor.
"Say, where's Jed?" Raye inquired when came in.
"He said he had something to do," Maxfield replied.
"We're missing Cedric too." Lita said, looking around the room.
"I know," replied Mina. "He left really early this morning. Maybe to put his name in the goblet."
"Yeah," said Lita, "it will be great if he becomes champion, huh?"
"I agree," said Serena. "He is so cute."
Maxfield rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. The girls acted like sailor soldiers one minute and flirty high schoolers the next. Well, he was working with teenage girls, after all.
"Well Ami, you got a closer look at the Beaxbatons students than we did," said Maxfield. "Did you sense anything?"
"Not really," Ami answered, holding her miniature computer. "But I can do an analysis on my computer."
"Good luck with that," said Ginny. "There is too much magic in the air conflicting with electronics."
"It's a start though," said Maxfield.
Ami nodded. "Yes, I tried yesterday but there was some interference. I'll have to find another area to do it. I only just met the Beaxbatons and I don't know them all. It will be a few days or so."
"Maybe you won't have to try with all of them," said Raye. "Start with the Beaxbatons champion."
"Good idea," said Ami. "I'll do that."
"There is a lot of people around," said Molly. "I think Zoicite will wait before she strikes again."
"Yeah," said Ginny. "But she can do it anytime."
--
Since it was Halloween, Serena decided to dress up like a bunny for the announcement of the champions. Everyone thought she looked cute, except for several Slytherins. When Draco Malfoy teased her with a carrot, Lita beat the tar out of him and his cronies. She didn't even have to touch Crabbe after seeing what she did to Goyle and Draco. The Slytherins learned quickly that Lita was not one to trifle with.
Ami spoke to more Beaxbatons boys. I twas strange for her to speak with boys because she was such an introvert. She asked what they thought about their chances of being champion.
"I'm not too bothered," said Pierre. "I only tossed my name in the goblet to because I'd regret it if I hadn't. I came this far, right? Might at least try."
"My mother would be angry with me if I'm not picked," said Grégorie , a short Beaxbatons boy with dark brown hair. "I really didn't want to go after hearing after the deaths."
"I know," said Ami, "I can't blame you."
"I've been training my whole life for this!" bragged Daniel, the stockiest out of the Beaxbatons boys. "My name has to come out of that goblet!"
"You boys are meestaken," said Fleur Delacour, tossing her silver hair behind her. "I am going to represent our school."
"Really," said Ami, pretending to be interested. Fleur Delacour was a snobbish, self centered girl. There were several girls with the same sort of attitude, but not as serious as hers. Ami ignored her and went on to talk with the boys. It was a little nerve-racking for her as she was not used to speaking to the opposite sex.
'It's all right, Ami,' she thought to herself. 'You don't have to go on a date with them.'
"S-so," she said meekly, "what would you guys say you're best at? MagicallyI mean."
"Transfiguration," said Daniel, "definitely transfiguration." He turned a piece of cabbage into potato, which he cut with his fork and began eating.
"Wow," said Ami.
"I've always had a hand in charms," said Grégorie. He pointed his wand at a bowl holding sweet rolls. "Acio Sweet roll!"
The sweet roll a girl was about to take lifted up and zoomed at Grégorie The girl looked angrily back at him. Grégorie caught the sweet roll and offered it to Ami.
"Sweet roll?"
"Merci," she said.
"It's good to know defensive spells," said Fabian. "We don't know what we're going to face in the tournament and I'm sure the ministry wouldn't bring anything of a dark art nature—but it is important to know all you can about how to defend yourself from them."
"That's true," agreed Ami and the others. Ami turned to Pierre. "How about you, Pierre? What's your best skill?"
"Oh, I don't know," said Pierre. "I'm all around good in everything. I don't know what I'm best at."
Daniel nudged him. "Come on, Pierre, what about your art?"
"That's true," said Pierre. "I can draw about anything, but even muggles can do that."
"Can you make art using your wand?" asked Ami.
"Conjuring?" said Pierre. "Sure. It can be tricky at first but it's pretty fun and useful."
Finally after the feast, Dumbledore got to his feet. Everyone got quiet and looked up at him. "Well, the goblet is ready to make its decision. I estimate it takes one more minute." Dumbledore said, "Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them to please come to the front of the hall, walk along the staff table, and go through the next chamber--" He showed the door behind the table, "where they will be receiving their first instructions." He took out his wand and swept his arm. Only the candles in the pumpkins stayed lit.
The white-blue flames changed to red with sparks jumping from it. A flame came out of the Goblet of Fire, bringing charred piece of parchment. He read the parchment.
"The champion for Durmstrang, will be Viktor Krum!"
Viktor Krum got up from the Slytherin Table and walked up to the front. His Headmaster stood up and slapped him on the back. Danessa clapped but didn't congratulate him.
"Bravo, Viktor! Knew you had it in you!"
Viktor went through the door. It was time for the next champion.
"The Champion for Beaxbatons," Dumbledore announced, "is Pierre Couleer!"
Pierre gasped and his eyes widened. He couldn't move his mouth. His mind went blank and Ami nudged him. He blinked and got to his feet. He walked onward to the front to get congratulations from his headmistress and his and the rest of the people at the staff table. When he entered the room, his surprise turned into excitement.
Cedric knew what Dumbledore was going to say next. He took a breath, pretending to be nervous and hopeful. He rubbed his hands together in fake anticipation. Some of his fellow Hufflepuffs looked his way in encouragement.
"The Champion for Hogwarts," concluded Dumbledore, "is Cedric Diggory."
Though Cedric knew that he would be Hogwarts champion, he had no idea what the reaction of his school and his house would be. He felt several pairs of arms around him, saw dozens of grinning faces and heard his whole table holler in excitement. Cedric felt his chest heave in gratitude—this was all for him? He hi-fived his friends and hugged the girls. He walked casually to the front, the Hufflepuff table still going wild. He noticed Lita Kino of Slytherin, whistling louder than a basketball coach with her thumb and forfinger in her mouth.
"Yeah, go Cedric!" she exclaimed. "Whoohooo!"
"Excellent!" Dumbledore shouted. 'Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beaxbatons and Durmstrang, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real contest. The first task will be on November twenty-fourth, less than a month away for our champions to prepare—Now then, we need to give the champions their instructions. Off to bed now!"
A few people scowled. They clearly wanted to know what was going to happen.
The judges and staff members, including the assistants entered the small room. Dumbledore looked around the room to make sure everyone was present.
"Barty," said Miss Jorkins. "Time to tell the champions their instructions."
"Yes," Mr. Crouch said, clearing his throat. It was amazing how a man that that smuggled his son out of prison, who previously put him there, could still have such an important job. Because Mr. Crouch had put so much into the tournament, the Ministry decided to let him continue with the tournamet and decide if he is still worthy of his post after it was over. Not only that, but Dumbledore had a hand in it. If it weren't for Dumbledore, it was possible that Crouch would be in prison with his son.
"Yes…the first task…" he walked into the firelight. "The first task is designed to test your daring, so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard, very important…
"The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges.
"The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to compete the task in the tournament; except for the assistants from their coaches. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests." He turned to Dumbledore, "I think that's all, is it, Albus?"
"I think so," Dumbledore replied and he looked at the champions. "Any questions?"
"Coaches, Professor Dumbledore?" Cedric looked confused. His visions showed him nothing about having a coach.
"Yes, this is a safety procedure," Miss Jorkins answered. "To keep the champions safe in each task. The school assistants will coach you. Cedric, since Hogwarts has two assistants, you may choose which one you want to coach you throughout the tournament."
Cedric looked at Jed and Maxfield. Maxfield smiled and Jed frowned. Maxfield has always been more pleasant to work with in lessons. Jed was smart, but Cedric believed he wouldn't be very patient with Cedric.
"I pick Maxfield," said Cedric.
Maxfield nodded, patting Cedric on the shoulder. Jed sighed, pretending not to be offended. He somehow hoped Cedric would pick him so that he could be with the the other assistants. The other champions looked to their coaches. Jilly smiled to Pierre and gave him a thumbs up. Danessa looked at Krum with narrowed eyes.
"Now it is important that you do not do everything for the champion," said Bagman. "Remember, it is their name that came out of the goblet. If you know what the task is, do not tell them. Give them advice and offer them ideas if needed."
The champions and their coaches nodded in understanding. Dumbledore looked at Mr. Crouch. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts, Barty?"
"No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry," said Mr. Crouch. "It is a very busy, very difficult at the moment…I've left young Weatherby in charge. Very enthusiastic, a little over-enthusiastic, if truth be told…"
"You'll come and have a drink before you go, at least?" Dumbledore asked.
"Come on, Barty, I'm staying!" Bagman exclaimed. "It's all happening at Hogwarts now, you know, much more exciting here than the office!"
"I think not, Ludo," said Crouch.
"Professor Karkaroff--Madame Maxime--a nightcap?" Dumbledore asked.
But the two foreigners didn't look interested, "Come along, Danessa, Victor," Igor said, leaving with his niece and champion.
"Cedric," Dumbledore said, "I suggest you go to bed. I am sure that Hufflepuff is waiting to celebrate with you, and it would be a shame to deprive them of this excellent to excuse to make a great deal of mess and noise."
"Of course, Professor," said Cedric with a nod. He walked out of the room, through the great hall and down to the Hufflepuff dormitories. Sure enough, everyone cheered and hollered. He smiled and thanked everyone for their congratulations. During their party, several six and seventh years passed out cold. Cedric dropped his drink and fell at his knees next to Sara Plum, a seventh year girl with dark brown hair.
"Sara?" he said.
Sara's eyes were blank and she was cold to the touch. Cedric lifted her up in his arms. "Help me get them to the hospital wing. Now!"
When Cedric came out with his house mates, he saw Lita Kino carrying a sixth year Slytherin girl on her back. With the look she gave Cedric, he knew he didn't have to ask. The Negaverse was behind this.
TO BE CONTINUED
