Unfortunately Peter and James hadn't found anyone when they were searching and even after Sirius searched, since he stubbornly insisted on doing so, there was no hint anyone had been there. It was like whoever it was had vanished into thin air! Left in total confusion they tossed around the possibility of someone else being out at night with an invisibility cloak. After trooping back to the castle late at night and staying up discussing theories they went to sleep and dreamed of the upcoming task. Come morning Sirius and James went back and forth about their final guesses as to what the second task would be all throughout breakfast which Gideon and Fabian were absent from. By the time it was time for the second task the four of them had switched to trying to figure out what the burning piece of paper they had found had been. Remus had reported not being able to find anything about the strange words during his very early morning hunt in the library, while the others were still fast asleep. But Sirius was sort of enjoying the not knowing since it led to them making up potential possibilities that probably were much cooler than the real thing.
As James recounted loudly and dramatically how they had snatched the clue out of the flames Sirius decided to add in that they had fought off a dragon as well just for the fun of it. Sirius reveled in the surprised and questioning looks they got from their peers as they followed the procession heading to the second task. As they followed the rest of the school outside, the entire crowd a buzz with excitement for the second task, Remus pointed out with a worried glance they shouldn't talk about last night around other people.
Sirius frowned at this, "Why the heck not? It was a grand adventure and probably has something to do with the Tournament," he pointed out in a boastful tone.
Remus cast a look around the bags under his eyes slowly becoming a bit more pronounced day by day, "Well for starters because you lot, tend to shout and gain the attention of everyone," he began sounding tired.
"Of course we do! That's the whole part of storytelling Lupin," James laughed and Sirius winced at the use of Remus' last name but his friend didn't seem to mind.
"because I...I'd rather not explain….how we found the piece of paper….and if by chance whoever burned it is hearing...well we shouldn't have found it….I shouldn't have been able to find it…" Remus trailed off in the quiet tone he had been using, requiring his three friends to huddle around him. It took Sirius a moment to understand what Remus was getting at and when he finally did, even after talking to Remus briefly about it last night, he still grew a bit uncomfortable. At least he wasn't the only one because and by the look on Peter's face he was at a loss of what to say as well. But James didn't miss a beat, slapping Remus' back and jovially explaining how it was a good thing Remus' 'furry little problem' had given him bloody super powers. Remus blushed, mumbling something about not wanting to be different.
"Bollocks, you're special, you are mate. Besides, just imagine the ways we can use this to our advantage for pranks. You've unlocked the potential for pranks we would otherwise not be able to even dream of," James insisted and once more Sirius was left with a knot in his stomach. The Black heir wasn't entirely sure why but he felt like he was the one who should be consoling Remus and building his ego, considering the damage to it was partly his fault. Then again Sirius reasoned that if anyone should be in charge of raising someone's self esteem it was James Potter who was as bloody arrogant as they came. Still there was an unpleasant feeling in his stomach he couldn't place and he felt himself slowing down, trailing behind and watching as James swung his arm over Remus' shoulder affectionately. Whatever James was saying seemed to be cheering Remus up, Potter even managing to get the constantly tired-looking boy to laugh. Sirius rushed ahead forgetting Peter who was weighed down and walking slower due to having insisted on bringing snacks and the large banner they had spent the better part of the morning constructing to show their support for Gideon. As they walked into the stadium Sirius caught up to the other two and joined in on the brainstorming of potential top-secret pranks that Remus could assist in pulling off. Sirius was not, after all, about to be outdone by Potter. Then they reached the Quidditch stands and started climbing up, big large signs distinguishing where students were to sit in support of each individual school. Sirius tried to usher them to some of the best seats of the house, where he knew Patricia and Fabian sat waiting for them, while Peter bustled over puffing.
"We're going to climb all those stairs," Peter groaned, looking as if he was contemplating dropping his armful of banners and chocolate frogs on the ground.
"Here, Peter, I'll help. Besides I don't fancy going all that way as well," Remus said kindly, grabbing the banner from Peter who looked at him adoringly. Sirius snickered and elbowed James who rolled his eyes. They were certain Remus was just being his typical kind self and was supporting Peter in his distaste for exercise of any kind, but it quickly became apparent that wasn't all there was to it. After climbing several stories and stepping out on the landing so Peter could catch his breath, James and Sirius teasing him goodnaturedly all the while how he needed to be more active or he'd gain a few, Remus insisted that they didn't sit with Fabian and Patricia for some reason. The four of them began to bicker, James and Sirius all for climbing higher, and Remus and Peter for different reasons against it. While they came to a standstill and were arguing they were shoved out into the stands by the flow of students. Then they got a glimpse of the Quidditch pitch and they all stopped trying to persuade Peter and Remus to sit with the older students. Instead, they stared open-mouthed at a dragon's egg stretching as high as the Quidditch posts and so wide that the entirety of their common room could have fit inside it three times. Sirius wasn't sure if Remus didn't care or if he had just learned to go along with whatever Hogwarts came up with because he ushered them all away from the students whose ascent further up the stairs they were slowing and into some seats before they could try to climb higher.
"Blimey, that's big," Peter murmured as they all, temporarily, sat down so they could focus on the massive egg. James wordlessly nodded in agreement though whispered under his breath how he hoped it would be removed in time for Quidditch practice. Sirius grinned, shaking with excitement. This was sure to be eventful! Would the contestants have to fight it? And what exactly was it? Sirius stopped staring trying to get to his feet as the crowd continued moving up the stairs or filing into the seats. Managing to stand up, Sirius looked for an opening wanting the best seats even if it twisted Peter and Remus' knickers. Then something hard and black collided with the side of his head as a familiar group of second years took their seats slightly above them.
"Ow, bloody hell what was that for?" He demanded angrily of Mary's brother Magnus Jr. who was following behind his sister, Dorcas, Marlene, and Lily. Ever since Lily's birthday party the group of them had been hanging out more which led to James complaining about Magnus Jr., often and loudly as he could with the other Marauders having not wanted to hear it.
"Sorry, Sirius I didn't mean to whack you with it," The older Hufflepuff explained, pulling the square odd-looking contraption closer to his chest. He truly looked apologetic and Sirius' eyes narrowed in suspicion softened.
"So'k, but what is it?" he asked glowering once more as Marlene and Mary started giggling at him. Of all the daft places the Marauders had to sit it had to end up being by the girls! At least Lily and Dorcas had the decency to try not to laugh, though they were smiling as if Sirius had said something quite thick.
"It's a camera, Sirius. Mary has decided to make a scrap book for her family and Douglas is helping her. Umm a scrapbook is a book with a bunch of pictures in it and sometimes there's stickers and decorations," Lily explained slowly and even though Sirius knew she wasn't trying to sound demeaning it was hard not to take it that way.
"I bloody knew that Evans I meant what is it doing at Hogwarts, don't muggleborns know how to use a picture charm," he replied hotly but James had caught the tail end of the interaction and turned to yank Sirius down into the seat muttering to him how he better be nice to Lily.
"Sorry about him Lily, he woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Remus explained smoothly and proceeded to talk happily to the group sitting above them like the charming prat he was.
"I want to go sit with Fabian. Come on James we can leave these tossers behind," but Sirius could see in James' eyes he had lost any chance of that. "It's because of Evans, isn't it? You can't even see her, they're sitting behind us."
"Well maybe the task will be scary and she'll turn to me for protection," James gushed hopelessly and stupidly infatuated. Sirius smirked rather unkindly and just because he knew it would tick James off said under his breath.
"If she's turning to anyone for protection mate it would be Douglas what with him being older and more handsome than you!"
"Bollocks! Just you wait you wanker I'll show you," James threatened quietly and the two of them tried to jab the other with their elbow only to hit each other's arms instead.
…..
While James and Sirius began to banter with one another before the start of the tournament Peter passed out the chocolate frogs to everyone, who was paying attention, kindly including Douglas and the girls. Remus shot Peter a look of sympathy after the snack bearer tried to offer Marlene a chocolate frog only to get a cold 'no thank you' as a response. Peter bit his lip and faced the front again feeling rather lonely. He should have gotten Marlene a Valentine's day gift so they could have at least stayed friends. Peter couldn't help thinking lately that he really didn't have a whole lot of friends. James and Sirius always had each other and the times they were off doing their own thing they could pull someone into a conversation with ease. Then there was Remus who Peter used to think was as lonely and awkward as he was. Instead, Remus had proven he always knew what to say and therefore probably had the most friends out of the lot of them. Peter leant on his hand not even bothering trying to join in on Sirius and James' conversation which had somehow turned from teasing each other about snogging to challenging each other on who would be better at the second task. Peter felt he had missed something because how could they possibly know what the second task was just from the giant gold egg? But Peter often felt like he missed something. So he waited feeling sorry for himself as he watched the stands fill up until they seemed to be bursting and tried to let the excited murmuring from the crowd cheer him up and make him feel less alone. Finally Sirius and James fell silent and Remus turned back around in his seat from talking to the girls as a hush fell and Albus Dumbledore stepped onto the pitch. Remus gave Peter's shoulder a friendly squeeze as if he somehow knew he was feeling down. Was that another "superpower" of Remus'? Peter felt that they should be told everything that Remus could do so there wouldn't be any surprises like last night. Sirius and James had stayed up whispering about it on James' bed once Remus fell asleep, as he was usually the first amongst them to do so as of late, but like usual Peter hadn't been invited. He realized Remus was looking at him with concern and he smiled to reassure his friend then directed his attention to Dumbledore who had reached the egg. The headmaster stretched out his hand holding his arm looking momentarily like he was planning to conduct the crowd then put his wand to his throat and his voice boomed over the stands which Peter, probably stupidly, had just realized were much bigger than they usually were.
"THE CONTESTANTS WILL HAVE AN ALLOTTED AMOUNT OF TIME, BASED ON THE NUMBER OF EGGS THEY HAVE COLLECTED. EACH CONTESTANT WILL HAVE TO FIND THERE WAY TO THE EGG AND REACH WHERE A FLAG WILL BE WAITING THAT THEY MUST COLLECT IN ORDER TO HAVE THE NECESSARY INFORMATION FOR THE THIRD TASK! WE WILL GO IN ORDER OF WHO HAS OBTAINED THE LONGEST AMOUNT OF TIME TO SUCCEED TO THE LEAST," Dumbledore explained his voice sounding crystal clear, carrying to the far edges of the stands and beyond. Peter wouldn't be surprised if anyone who was still in the castle, though he couldn't imagine who would miss this, would be able to hear.
"That means Gideon will be going last," Peter whispered to Remus who nodded but was staring ahead intensely. Peter heard snickering from James and Sirius and wished that he hadn't ended up sitting the farthest from them, if only he had been sitting on the other side of Remus then he could sit next to James and at least listen to the commentary. Figuring he'd at least give it a try instead of pouting about it Peter leaned as far forward as he could. "Psssst, James….what are you guys saying?" he asked eagerly but Remus shushed him absentmindedly as Anders Olsen the Abraeselts champion came onto the pitch and the time he had was announced. Several screams pierced the air as the giant golden egg erupted into flames Dumbledore disappearing into thin air as large rings each glowing a different color looped around the egg. There were five rings total, each bigger than the last protruding from the egg in varying degrees of thickness, the last and furthest ring from the egg touching Anders' shoe who didn't leap back and clutched his wand tightly.
"Dammit, we should have gotten some omnioculars. I bet Fabian and Patricia have some," Sirius grumbled and Peter felt a little bit better that he wasn't the only one in a foul mood. He couldn't see why Sirius wasn't happy though. Remus and James both sushed Sirius who soon forgot to complain as Anders ran forward into the first ring making a great show of it, sliding across the pitch and gesturing wildly with his wand against what seemed to be giant gusts of wind buffeting against him. A woman's voice sounded across the stand suddenly, not booming like Dumbledore's had, but crystal clear as if the woman was standing right next to each person.
"Yes, it seems that Anders has decided to use a powerful defensive barrier against the first obstacle of an expertly cast ventus incantation blasting winds at 70mph. There are five protective barriers around the egg and a unique mix of hexes and curses inside of each one. The champions will have to successfully break through the barriers to move into the next ring and closer to the golden egg."
Peter got rather caught up in the show of it. He wasn't as invested as James who could be heard muttering under his breath anytime Anders disarmed one of the layers quickly. The flames covering the egg erupted occasionally and changed color. If it wasn't for the commentary the whole thing might have been pretty boring but whoever the lady was she knew her stuff and knew how to keep the constant stream of information not just entertaining but enticing. By the time Anders had broken through the five different barrier spells, it seemed everyone was quite literally sitting on the edge of their seats. No one knew what curses or hexes to expect next or how exactly they would come about but as soon as Anders launched himself past the final ring, having to use the ascendio spell to move through what was described as a "crushing invisible force making moving nearly impossible," the fire encompassing the egg shot out great gobs of black goo and jets of fire at Anders who narrowly avoiding getting hit by the first two.
" And now we see Anders Olsen up against the egg itself which appears to be projecting large quantities of a foul substance that would probably make him more susceptible to burst into flames should he get hit with it! Yes, it has just been confirmed to me that the black goo is an accelerant that would leave one of our champions barbecue. They seem easy enough to dodge so Anders best approach the egg with caution though he cannot take his sweet time as he only has twenty minutes left."
The Abraesalts erupted into cheers as Anders reached the egg, the flames, and goo disappearing as soon as his hand made contact with it. Then stairs began growing out of the shell of the egg. It seemed Anders made his first mistake of the day when he foolishly believed the task was over. He had nearly reached the top of the egg when the stairs disappeared beneath him and his feet slid out from under him twisting down and around the stairs which had become a slippery slide and deposited him back to the ground. Peter imagined the Abraesalt champion was livid because the young man kicking the egg repeatedly didn't seem to be a tactical decision.
"Haha suck it!" James laughed quietly fist-bumping Sirius and trying to do the same with Remus but he was still watching, not like he was watching a show like Sirius and James were, their whispered commentary and insults to the Abreasalt contestant pretty consistent throughout. No, Remus was watching as if the whole thing was a lesson and he was learning from watching. Peter supposed their bright friend was learning though what remained a mystery. Peter mimicked Remus and squinted at Anders as the man bolted up the stairs once more, this time his hands sticking to the ramp as soon as the stairs disappeared beneath him. Cheers went up once more only to die in the Abraesalts' throats as Anders' whole body became stuck and he couldn't seem to move at all. Peter was tempted to think the champion had messed up his spell but Remus sat up straight and gasped.
"What is it?" Peter asked, hoping he and Remus could start a commentary about it all now, though they were regrettably not as funny as Sirius and James.
"It's learning from him!" Remus exclaimed in awe, excitement in his eyes.
"Sorry what?" James asked before Peter could which instantly made him feel better. It was much different when only Remus figured something out as opposed to when only Peter didn't figure something out.
"Yeah, what are you on about," Sirius leaned forward grinning with a sort of pride though over what Peter wasn't sure. He supposed Sirius was proud Remus had clearly figured something out but it's not like Sirius had anything to do with it. Although, by tonight James and Sirius would probably have interjected their own versions of events and Remus would be lucky to get any credit at all. Not that the peculiar boy seemed to mind much, instead he seemed relieved when James and Sirius stole the limelight from him. Peter didn't get it. By this point Sirius had stretched his arm past James and given Remus a little shake who was still watching intently.
"Oi, earth to moon. Come in moon," Sirius said in a voice like he was speaking through a speaker.
"Did you just call me….." Remus trailed off his eyebrows furrowing slightly but he really must have been immersed in the task because he shook the joke Sirius had made off, "the egg, it's learning from him. Anders won't be able to climb it. It's not possible." Remus stated as if it made all the sense in the world.
"Come again?" James asked but a chorus of shushes came from the girls sitting above them and Sirius gave James a rather pointed look that seemed to say "this is what we get for sitting here." Peter sat back in the seat looking forward to Remus' explanation later. It quickly became apparent why the girls had sushed him as Anders was on the ground once again having wrenched himself off the egg once more falling about six feet rather roughly. The champion struggled to his feet the wind knocked out of him and stood there glancing apprehensively as the stairs appeared again. This time Anders used his wand sending a burst out of it that propelled him upward only to run smack into a ledge that had grown from the egg. Peter winced imagining he could hear the sound of the boy's head hitting the hard surface now blocking him from the top. Anders fell again and this time he didn't get up, a hush falling then turning into a sea of worried whispers as he still did not move.
Before any of them could ask Remus what he had meant, because surely there wouldn't be an impossible task, the invisible timer that apparently had been counting down from the start let out a loud buzz.
"ANDERS OLSEN HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN OBTAINING HIS FLAG!" The commentator shouted loudly in surprise and everyone winced at her voice which had sounded close in their ear before so was now painfully loud. She cleared her voice then continued in the normal volume. "Due to Abreasalts champion not obtaining the flag in the given amount of time he will be moved to last place for the time being."
There were boos from the Abraesalts as three medics hurried across the pitch and carried Anders away on a stretcher. Whoever the commentator was must be getting her information quickly because she informed everyone that the Abraesalt champion had sustained no major injuries but that his ankle was sprained and he had a rather bad concussion.
"Ugh this tournament is dreadful!" Lily explained passionately from behind them. "It's as bad as the colosseum."
"The what?" James and Sirius asked at the same time but Lily didn't answer and they quickly went back to Remus demanding an explanation.
Remus blushed slightly. "I may be wrong but it seems that the egg is adapting to whatever the contestant tries," he began hesitantly turning his head and glancing behind him which caused Peter to do the same, the group above leaning forward intently. Peter watched Lily's eyes light up as she seemed to suddenly understand where Remus was going with his explanation. No one else did.
"Yeah, I think we got that bit mate," James urged.
"Sorry. So...well I don't think any of the contestants will be able to reach the flag by climbing the egg, at least not on the outside. I imagine….well they either have to knock the egg over or there must be some way to get….inside the egg," Remus mused more to himself than anything.
"You're brilliant Lupin!" Mary gasped in excitement and Peter watched warily as Marlene winked at Mary who giggled nervously. Remus hadn't noticed though, nor had James and Sirius who had both leapt to their feet praising Rmeus' genius and insisting they find a way to see Gideon.
"Absolutely not! That would be cheating you two," Lily spoke up immediately and the boys turned to her with similar disappointed looks on their faces.
"No. It would be strategic maneuvering," Sirius shot back and James laughed.
"All's fair in love and war!" James added smiling at Lily in a way that made him look rather mental. Lily arched an eyebrow at him and maintained her stance going back and forth with Sirius as James seemed rather tongue-tied from that point forward. Dorcas joined in support of letting Gideon know and Peter spoke up quite loudly that they all but had proof the other schools had been cheating as well.
"And how do you know that?" Lily challenged.
"You'll just have to believe in us Evans. Now we're off to save the day," Sirius boasted winking in the girls' general direction. This time Marlene giggled watching Sirius with rather doey-eyes. Peter felt extremely stupid.
"How are you even going to reach Gideon? You don't know where the champions are waiting and….and I'm sure they are being guarded you'll be caught and punished," Lily added the last bit sounding rather desperate. James seemed to come alive suddenly and Peter knew they still had the invisibility cloak balled up in James' massive cloak pocket, evidenced by the bulge in the thick cloak that Peter had previously thought were gloves and a hat. Everyone else had put on said winter garments because of the chilly air except for James who didn't seem cold and Remus who didn't seem to have good winter wear. James was grinning mischievously and it seemed his red nose and ears were a small price to pay for the way he'd be influencing the match.
"We have our ways Evans," James stated trying to copy Sirius' sly tone though it came out a bit higher-pitched as the poor boy still couldn't seem to find his head around Lily. Of course Sirius was on the same brain length as James and he hooked arms with his best mate, the two of them taking off as Digores champion entered the pitch. Peter momentarily watched Lily glare after Black and Potter then turned back around frowning. He was going to ask Remus if they should follow the two of them though Peter supposed he didn't really fancy putting himself at risk of getting in trouble. It still would have been nice to be invited though.
He tried to focus on Mihaela's spectacular display of getting through the protective spells which felt like a lot less time than Anders. By the time Mihaela reached the egg Peter was frowning for another reason altogether, worried James and Sirius had gotten caught. Peter glanced at Remus whose eyes were on the pitch but he seemed troubled too, frowning as he watched the tournament. A large portion of the audience laughed as Mihaela ignored the steps and calmly raised her wand saying "accio flag." Obviously nothing happened, it would have been absurd if it had, but the Digores champion didn't seem bothered by this and began up the stairs at a slower pace than Anders had. A similar instance occurred in which Mihaela neared the top only to slide down again. She paced around the egg a bit then stood with her hands on her hips and her head cocked to the side. For a minute she did nothing, then she raised her wands and shouted bombarda at the top of her lungs. The explosion actually moved the egg a fraction of an inch. Then Mihaela backed up considerably, mutters echoing in the stands as people questioned if she was giving up.
"Do not let her retreat fool you, those who are close enough can see Mihaela Balan's infamous wicked smile and feel the confidence radiating off this Digores champion. Though I think it's fair to say we are all wondering what is going through the young witch's mind. Mihaela is pointing her wand directly to the ground below the egg this time and…."
The voice trailed off and Peter was privately glad James and Sirius weren't here as they would probably have an aneurysm at what Mihaela did, for she formed a giant crater into the Quidditch pitch with bombarda maximum. For a second nothing happened but the enormous golden egg which was now precariously hanging over the edge of the large crater slowly began to fall. Peter didn't need the commentator to let him know Mihaela was beaming as the egg came crashing to the ground with a massive thump that seemed to shake the entire stadium. Mihaela took a bow as she confidently walked up and grabbed the flag. The Digore students went wild and Peter was pretty sure a lot of Hogwarts students were cheering for her as well. Peter hoped Sirius and James had been successful in relaying the information to Gideon.
"Hey, Remus?" Peter asked over the voice announcing the time Mihaela had completed the task.
"Yeah?"
"Sirius and James aren't back yet…"
Remus sighed heavily, the exhaustion in his eyes seeming to age him several years.
"What do you think about them going to tell Gideon? If they get caught will he get disqualified? Why didn't you stop them?" Peter hadn't meant for that last bit to come out so accusatory but his voice had raised in a panic for his missing friends. What if they got expelled?
"I know I should have, I just….couldn't," Remus explained rather cryptically. Peter could see the guilt on Remus' face and deep down he knew it wasn't Remus' fault nor should he feel responsible for Black and Potter. But Peter didn't point that out to his friend. Their group needed someone to be responsible and Remus was clearly that person. James and Sirius were the life of the group and Peter was…..well just Peter.
"Remus don't you start," Lily scolded though she sounded rather gentle as she continued, "no one could control Sirius and James and it's certainly not up to you to try to," Lily explained in a tone that sounded like she had reminded Remus of this fact many times over. She probably had Peter realized. He turned sideways in his seat so he could see both the group above and Remus who had curled into himself a bit at Lily's chastising and didn't turn to face her.
But before Remus could answer, if he was even going to, James and Sirius appeared from the top of the steps smiling.
"Mission a success," James stated proudly and took a bow as there was a smattering of applause from most of the girls. Lily glowered at them darkly but she seemed to take her own advice at no one being able to control Potter and Black because she simply crossed her arms and ignored them as they recounted their tale of sneaking into the champions' tent and relaying the vital information to Gideon. Of course, that begged the question of how they did it which Dorcas beat the others, asking first while sounding impressed.
"Sorry Dorcas, we don't reveal our secrets," Sirius replied with a gloating grin.
"You are both ruddy amazing," Mary gasped appreciatively.
Lily's face went rather splotchy and she threw her arms into the air in exasperation. She had obviously reached her limit with James and Sirius. "Don't listen to them, Mary. Even if they did find Gideon I highly doubt he fell on his knees and said that he...what was it...oh yes "never would have figured it out if it wasn't for Black and Potter." Not to mention it was Remus who figured it out, not you two. Don't you feel any shame in what you've done?"
"I don't mind them taking the credit Lily," Remus interjected wearily but no one but Peter seemed to hear him as James and Sirius both started talking over each other in defense of their account of events.
"It's now Gideon Prewitt's turn with the least amount of time out. He will have sixty minutes to complete the task," the narrator began again as Gideon walked out and everyone stopped talking and took their seats. Peter watched and held his breath with the others as Gideon's invisible count began and he started the second task.
Gideon proved to be almost as fast through the defensive spells as Mihaela and if Hogwarts had not properly been rooting for Gideon since he let them down during the first task they were all doing so now. With the population of Hogwarts being vaster than the Digores and Abreasalt students combined it was no surprise their shouts of excitement and encouragement were much louder, probably enough so to reach Gideon's ear who fell down the stairs like the first two contestants but who didn't seem discouraged because of all the cheering. Whatever Sirius and James had told him led to Gideon circling the entire egg taking up a good chunk of time to do so. The cheers stopped and a small group of Slytherins even began booing and jeering although a prefect quieted them down.
Then there were gasps and James and Sirius stood up but they couldn't see what was going on as whatever was happening was occurring on the other side of the egg. At least the commentator kept them informed.
"That's right folks you heard me correctly Gideon has used a revealing charm to uncover a door and is now walking through it. He's completely disappeared inside the egg! Will his meticulous attention to detail prove the way he comes out on top of the other contestants or will it prove to be a trap?" The commentator left the question everyone was asking themselves hanging in the air. Peter watched as Sirius and James gripped each other's arms tightly, squeezing so hard it was like they were trying to cut off one another's circulation. Remus was leaning forward again that calculating look back in his eyes, a hopeful smile playing at the corner of his lips. Peter bounced his knees in anxiety and excitement. Then he was leaping up with the rest of Hogwarts, except minus the Slytherins probably, and cheering ecstatically as Gideon's head rose out of the top of the egg and he climbed outstanding on top proudly and snatching the flag, lifting it high over his head. The crowd was going ballistic and the shouts were so loud Peter couldn't really hear the commentator if she was even talking anymore.
"YEEEEEEEES WHOOOOOOO!" Sirius whooped loudly jumping up and down. Even Remus was cheering and clapping looking delighted. And for all of Lily's complaining about cheating, Peter could hear her shouting with excitement with all the rest of the Gryffindors.