Chapter 32:

The next few days were absolutely crazy for Calypso. She spent most of her time either avoiding Adrian or helping Cassius on finding different ways to get past a dragon. (That seemed to make Adrian madder but "fuck what he thinks", in Daphne's words. Though she may have been talking about Theo, Calypso would never be sure). Speaking of Theo, Daphne was refusing to speak to him or Celestia so Calypso was now going in between them when she had time.

"Why are there no spells about slaying dragons" shrieked Calypso in frustration, throwing another book aside.

"Someone's mad...and I thought you guys were planning to switch the dragon's weapons," asked Theo as he came into the common room.

Calypso glared at him, "Well I just realized that the dragon can breathe fire!"
"How about an Extinguishing charm?"
"But he'll just have to keep casting it! Is there some way to subdue the dragon?" she asked, throwing aside another book, 'Guide to Advanced Transfiguration'

Theo caught the book, "Try transfiguring something as a distraction...like a nearby bush or something"
But Calypso just stared at him, "Why don't you try out for the Quidditch team next year?"
He crossed his arms, "I don't want to" he said stubbornly. "But you could also tell Warrington to try flying away from the dragon to get out of harm. Trouble is, he'll need a broom."
"Maybe, but how the fuck is that going to help him get past it?"
"Just fly around the dragon?"
"The dragon can turn too you know, and fly"
"Or he can use a time turner and go back and make himself duplicate as he fights the dragon"

"That's illegal Theo"

He smiled slightly, "Then he won't have to take him NEWTS. He'll just be out of here a year early"
"You'll be expelled too"

"Even better"
Calypso stared at him, "My God you're annoying."

"I prefer amazing." Theo turned a chair backward and sat down. "What's going on with Pucey and Warrington?"

"Why are you always so nosy?"
"I just like being...involved"
"Uh- well if I don't tell you, you'll find out anyway right?"
"Mhm"
"Fine. I've been helping Cassius with the tournament and Pucey's jealous"
Theo was silent for a second before saying, "That's dumb. Warrington has a girlfriend."
"Yeah….wait he does?"
Theo nodded, "Selena Black, you've never heard of her?"
"No,"
"She was one of my brother's many crushes, apparently really pretty in her early-mid teens."
"Now?"
"She's pretty now too I guess but she's dating Warrington remember?"

"Oh yeah. How's Celestia?"
Theo glared at her, "She's fine, and I thought we were talking about your issues?"
"We were but what's the issue with Celestia?"
"Nothing" Theo shrugged, "And what are you going to do about Adrian? Are you ever going to get back with him?"

Calypso crossed her arms, "No"
"Why not?"

"Why Lestrange?"
Theo glared at her, "You know what I mean."
"He needs to get past his jealousy issues."
"Hmmm. Well maybe you should consider getting a therapist"

"A what?"
"Ther- a- pist. Burbage talked about it in muggle studies, they're like mind healers"
Calypso raised an eyebrow, "Have you ever tried recommending your father one?"
"No, then the therapist would need to go to therapy"
"Have you tried going to one yourself then?"
Theo sneered, "Why are you always bringing the conversation back to me?"
"Because your such an easy target" Calypso said happily, as she stood up to go into the girl dormitories. "Good night"

"'Night"

The next morning was Tuesday, which meant that in the evening, the first task would be taking place. She was just walking with Warrington to dinner, reviewing different spells for the dragon when Professor Snape walked up to them. " , the champions go to the field. Miss Lestrange, stay here"

Calypso whispered good luck to Cassius before heading into the Great Hall for dinner.

After everyone had eaten, Calypso walked down to the stadium with Daphne, Altaira, Leta, and Helena. "This so nerve-racking" whispered Calypso, shaking her hands up and down.

"I knowwwwww. What do you think the task will be?" asked Helena.

Daphne and Calypso looked at each other. "Er- I dunno. We'll see soon I guess"
"Yeah…" Altaira said thoughtfully.

When everyone had settled down into their seats, the tournament started with Bagman announcing as usual. "AND FIRST UP- VICTOR KRUM OF DURMSTRANG" he yelled as the whistle blew.

With a roar of the crowd, Krum entered the enclosure. The Chinese fireball dragon roared a huge flame at Krum and he ducked behind a rock.

A moment later, he performed a sort of spell with his wand, straight into the dragon's eye.

"Very daring!" Bagman yelled.

While the fireball was trampling around and smashing eggs, Krum ran straight to the dragon and snatched up the golden egg.

"That's some nerve he's showing — and — yes, he's got the egg!"

Applause shattered the wintery air like breaking glass; Krum had finished — and the judges were holding up the scores.

Madam Maxine shot up a silvery ribbon that took the shape of a seven, then Dumbledore- he gave a seven as well, next was Bagman and Crouch, who both gave a 6, then Karkaroff who of course- gave his own student a ten.

"One down, three to go!" Bagman yelled as the whistle blew again. "Miss Delacour, if you please!"

Fleur stepped onto the field nervously, dancing gracefully out of the Welsh Green's reach as it slashed its tail at her.

"Oh, I'm not sure that was wise!" Bagman shouted gleefully as Fleur shot some sort of charm at the dragon, making it fall asleep.

"Oh . . . nearly!" he yelled as she darted towards the egg, "Careful now . . . "
Suddenly, the dragon snorted and emitted a long flame that caught Fleur's skirt on fire- followed by a groan from the crowd.

"Good lord, I thought she'd had it then!"

After she put it out with an 'aguamenti' spell, she seized the egg. The crowd erupted with cheers as she bowed to the audience smiling.

A second later, the scores went up. Madam Maxine gave her a ten, Dumbledore an 8, Crouch a 9, Bagman a 6, and Karkaroff a 5.

There was more clapping, then the whistle blew again. "And here comes !"

Calypso clapped with the rest of the stadium as he came out onto the field.

Almost immediately, the dragon snarled and began flapping its wings, causing his fire breath to go even farther. "Oooh, narrow miss there, very narrow" yelled Bagman.

Warrington slowly backed up, pointing his wand at a small rock. Everyone watched in anticipation as the rock changed into a labrador.

Then Warrington seemed to have an idea as he raised his wand again, "Accio golden egg!"

The egg flew halfway to him before the dragon snapped it back with her wings and blew a burst of fire at him. "He's taking risks, this one!"

As he ducked behind a rock, he tried to change the dragon's fangs into marshmallows much to the dragon's dislike. But a few moments later, the candy flickered and changed back.

"Clever move — pity it didn't work!"

Warrington seemed to be running out of patience. Finally, after about fifteen minutes of sneaking out of the dragon's view as it chased the black labrador, he ran forward for the egg.

He had gotten it now and- the whole crowd winced as the dragon blew fire straight at him. It seemed to have changed its mind halfway through. "Very good indeed!" Bagman was shouting. "And now the marks from the judges!"

Madam Maxine held up a 7, Dumbledore held up an 8, Bagman and Crouch both gave an 8 as well, and

Karkaroff held up a 5.

Warrington was now tied for second with Krum, and Fleur was first. Let's see how Potter does now, Calypso thought dryly.

A few minutes later, the whistle blew again and Potter came out onto the stadium. The whole crowd was booing, with the exception of a small patch of Gryffindors at the front who were cheering.

Potter stood, paralyzed with fear for a second before pointing his wand in the air, "Accio Firebolt!"

For a second, nothing happened and the whole audience laughed before a dark shape came spiraling into the distance- his firebolt.

"Ooh! And Potter seems to be taking advantage of his skills- flying!" He swung his leg over the broom and kicked off from the ground.

Potter spiraled off into the distance before swopping back down and dodging a flame. "Show off" she heard Daphne mutter from beside her as Bagman praised him, "Great Scott, he can fly! Are you watching this, Mr. Krum?"

The crowd shrieked and gasped as he did fancy tricks in the air, slowly spiraling in circles above the poor dragon's head.

Then Potter plummeted, but this time he wasn't so lucky as the dragon blew fire again. Although the flames missed him by several inches, the tail grazed him along the shoulder causing the crowd to sigh.

Calypso hated him- but he had a good plan at least. Potter seemed to be taunting the dragon to leave her eggs and when she finally did so, he dived straight underneath her, clutching the heavy golden egg with his uninjured arm.

"Look at that!" Bagman was yelling. "Will you look at that! Our youngest champion is the quickest to get his egg! Well, this is going to shorten the odds on Mr. Potter!"

It was a while before the judges held up the scores, they probably wanted to make sure the famous 'boy who lived' was all safe and healthy.

Finally, Madam Maxine shot up a silvery figure eight for eight points, Dumbledore a nine, Crouch a nine, Bagman a ten, and Karkaroff a four.

That meant Potter was second, Calypso thought disgustedly.

When they got back to the common room that night, everyone was in a relatively bad mood which was understandable, their champion had just tied for the last place and was still in the hospital wing because he had been near burnt to crisp. (Calypso knew they shouldn't have joked about it!)

On Wednesday, they had another DADA class and this time, Moody was teaching, 'what the curses do pt.2'

"You can put those away," he growled, stomping over to his desk and sitting down, "those books. You won't need them."

The whole class put their books away again. Calypso really had no clue why they kept taking them out, it was hardly necessary.

"Right then," Moody said after taking attendance. "You've just reviewed the basics of each curse. Now I want each of you to try them on each other. Only the Imperio mind you. Dumbledore's been very clear about this"

When no one moved, he stared at them. "Go on. Partners!" He yelled, his wooden leg clunking on the floor.

Calypso slowly stood up and paired with Daphne. When everyone had gotten a partner, Moody waved his wand in the air, "begin! And remember CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"

"Alright then," said Daphne nervously. "What's the spell again?"
"Imperio"
"Uh- imperio?" Daphne pointed her wand at Calypso but nothing happened whatsoever.

Mad eye's eyes spun towards them, "When you're facing a wizard, he's not going to be polite about it! Say it as you mean it!"
Daphne eyes her wand apprehensively, "Imperio!"

This time, Calypso went into a slight daze but recovered as quickly as it had come. "That's better," she said helpfully. "Maybe try ordering me to do something?"

"Imperio!" Daphne tried again, "Er- walk to the door?"
Calypso stared at Daphne, "In your head!"
"Oh! Imperio!" and she looked like she was concentrating hard.

Although there was a small voice in her head telling her to walk to the door, it wasn't enough to make Calypso even consider listening to it.

"Uuuuugh. You try now" Daphne said, throwing her wand down.

Calypso pointed her wand hesitantly at Daphne, and concentrated on making her sit down, "IMPERIO!"

Daphne sat down halfway before Calypso lost concentration.

"You need full concentration!" barked Moody.

"Er- IMPERIO!" 'Sit down- sit down- sit down please- sit down now- sit down'

Daphne slowly sat down before glaring at Calypso. "Again? My legs are tired"

"Sorry" Calypso squeaked. "You try again now"

Daphne layed down on the floor before jumping up again. "Oh my god- there are so many germs ahhh!"

Moody glared at her, "Constant vigilance!"

Finally, when the bell rang, they all walked out of the classroom together, Daphne still brushing the non-existent dust off herself.

After all of their classes that day, Daphne, her, and Theo were gathered in the library with Warrington to try to figure out what the screeching from inside the egg meant.

"Look at the engravings" Theo suggested, rubbing his finger over the marks on the side of the egg. There were just a few scratches on a design with waves on them but nothing else. "Waves...have you tried washing the egg yet?"
Cassius stared at Theo, "It's clean" he said indignantly.

Theo rolled his eyes, "Well obviously, you have to look at the clues. And there are waves so put it in the water"

"I don't think-"
"Do it" suggested Daphne. "You may be an ignorant prat but you're always right"

Theo stared at her, "Thank you?"
"I'm doing you a favor?"
"What favor?" a girl with long black silky hair and big eyes walked up to us. "What favors?"
"Who are you?"
"Selena Black" Theo answered for her. "Remember Calypso, she's Warrington's girlfriend."
Selena waved, "Hi, what are your names?"
"Calypso Lestrange, and that's Theodore-"

"Don't call me that please and thank you"
"Right, that's Theo Nott and Daphne Greengrass"
"Hello then, Calypso, Theo, and Daphne." then she turned to Warrington, "Have you figured it out yet?"
"Theo wants me to wash it" Cassius stated blankly.

Selena looked at Theo, astonished. "Then you should listen to him," she said confidently. "I just heard Professor Moody tell Potter to listen to it in the water."
"Water...is it possible there are mermaids under there than?"
Selena thought for a moment, "Yes, I think there are. And all kinds of other sea creatures. The task can't possibly happen INSIDE the lake though, that would be a horrible spectator sport."

"I guess not" sighed Selena. "It's worth a try though, Cassius, go dunk the egg in water alright? Thank you guys for your help- now come on" she said sternly when Warrington glared at her.

The next day they had another Care of Magical Creatures class dealing with those Blast Ended Skrewts. This particular class was even less pleasant than others because of the fumes wafting in from Madam Maxine's horses' single-malt whiskey. It was horrible and caused the whole-class to feel lightheaded which was especially not good for today since they were tasked with the job of forcing those poor creatures into boxes.

"I'm not sure whether they hibernate or not," the half breed told them, "Thought we'd jus' try an' see if they fancied a kip . . . we'll jus' settle 'em down in these boxes. . . ."

By now, the half-breed had become so bad at his job that there were only 10 skrewts left opposing to the near 50 he had before. But each of them was now approaching six feet in length. Their thick gray armor; their powerful, scuttling legs; their fire-blasting ends; their stings and their suckers, combined to make the skrewts the most repulsive things Calypso had ever seen.

The class looked dispiritedly at the enormous boxes Hagrid had brought out, all lined with pillows and fluffy blankets. "We'l jus' lead 'em in here," Hagrid said, "an' put the lids on, and we'll see what happens."

"Er-" Calypso decided that she would NOT be experimenting to see if Skrewts hibernated but instead followed the rest of the sensible people into the half-giant's hut to watch the less sensible people get injured.

Good idea too, because it transpired that the skrewts did not hibernate and did not appreciate being forced into boxes. To be fair though, Calypso wouldn't be too happy either.

Soon, Hagrid was soon yelling, "Don' panic, now, don' panic!" while the skrewts rampaged around the pumpkin patch, now strewn with the smoldering wreckage of the boxes. Most of the class by now had joined the Slytherins in the hut and barricaded themselves in with a pile of moldy barrels and random pieces of fabric.

(Which in Calypso's mind, was a horrible idea since all they- or mostly Draco- was doing was preventing them from getting out of the WOODEN hut in case the Skrewt decided to blast fire their way.)

Only Potter, Weasley, Granger, Thomas, Brown, and Patil had stayed outside to help out, and together, they managed to tie up the skrewts with ropes. Not without heavy casualties though, such as a severe but, several burnt fingers, and a pair of perfectly good robes that were now singed.

They were causing a lot of noise too, so much that a reporter, Rita Skeeter, had come to see what was going on.

And reporters never come unless they think a celebrity just died or something.

"Who're you?" Hagrid asked Rita Skeeter as he slipped a loop of rope around the skrewt's sting and tightened it.

"Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet reporter," Rita replied, beaming at him. Her gold teeth glinted.

"Thought Dumbledore said you weren' allowed inside the school anymore," said Hagrid, frowning slightly as he got off the slightly squashed skrewt and started tugging it over to its fellows.

Rita acted as though she hadn't heard what Hagrid had said, or maybe she just couldn't understand him which was well- understandable. "What are these fascinating creatures called?" she asked, beaming still more widely.

"Blast-Ended Skrewts," grunted Hagrid.

"Really?" said Rita, apparently full of lively interest. Most likely fake though since Calypso had never seen anyone get excited over those things. "I've never heard of them before . . . where do they come from?"

"They're very interesting, aren't they? Aren't they, Harry?"Granger interrupted quickly, stepping on Potter's poor foot.

"What? Oh yeah . . . ouch . . . interesting," said Potter painfully.

"Ah, you're here, Harry!" said Rita Skeeter as she looked around. "Do you like Care of Magical Creatures, do you? One of your favorite lessons?"

"Yes," said Potter stoutly. But it was so painfully obvious a lie she almost felt bad for the half-breed. ALMOST!

"Lovely," said Rita. "Really lovely. Been teaching long?" she added to Hagrid. Rita's eyes glanced towards the injured and the students barricaded inside the hut.

"This is o'ny me second year," said Hagrid. "Lovely. . . I don't suppose you'd like to give an interview, would you? Share some of your experience with magical creatures? The Prophet does a zoological column every Wednesday, as I'm sure you know. We could feature these — er — Bang-Ended Scoots."

"Blast-ended skrewts," the hopeless professor said eagerly. "Er — yeah, why not?"

Draco clapped his hands together, "Oh this is wonderful! My father says she'll twist everyone's words-"

Calypso rolled her eyes, "Your father also said that you need to learn how to stop mentioning him in every sentence you speak"

Draco flushed a pinkish color before turning away from her to pretend to listen to the half-breed and Skeeter make plans to meet up at the Three Broomsticks.

No sooner had the bell rang and everyone walked back up to the castle for their next classes.

*And before anyone asks, yes I did change the scores because I always found it unfair how Fleur was placed last in the first task when she was the only one who didn't get injured or harm the real eggs*