Hey, everyone! Mystery Critic here, back with chapter twenty-one of Ma Fleur! We made it to the first hyphenated number chapter, woohoo! I know that's not as impressive as chapter twenty, but I enjoy it all the same, so there. This is the longest chapter I have written, the first one that has broken five-thousand words! Speaking of thousands, let's get this story over two thousand followers, everybody. I was happy as hell when it broke one thousand, so let's get to the next milestone! As for the disclaimer, I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the rights affiliated with it. Now, it's time for what you've all been waiting for, the First Task! So, grab your Lemon Pops, and grab your Cherry Sherry, and let's dive right into chapter twenty-one of Ma Fleur!

Chapter 21

Italics - French

Bold and Italics - Parseltongue

Slowly opening her eyes, Fleur is greeted to the sight of her beloved stretching, having just awakened himself. Smiling happily, she stretches with a squeak and a sigh of content before looking back at Harry.

"Good morning, love." She purrs, propping herself up on her elbow and taking in her Harry's appearance. "How did you sleep?"

"Oh, you know," He says, smirking as he turns back to look at his Fleur. "Just dreamt of slaying dragons and rescuing my beautiful veela love. The usual."

"Oh? So I am a damsel?" She asks, pouting playfully and conjuring a ball of fire in her hands. "Should I remind you why you are frightened of me, my love?"

"Um, I'm fine on the reminder, love..." He responds nervously, holding up his hands in surrender as he backs away. "You'll never be a damsel, though, Fleur. Damsels are saved, they don't save you as you did me."

"Aww, Harry... That's so sweet." Vanishing the fire, she grabs his wrist and pulls him back into bed on top of her, wrapping her arms around his head and holding his face to her chest. "I love you so much, Harry."

Unable to hear his response, she releases him from his prison and smiles at the grin on his face. "I said, 'I love you too, Fleur.'" He repeats, causing her to smile even wider and continue to suffocate her beloved. After a few moments, he pulls away and takes a deep breath, chuckling at her antics before sighing. "I suppose we should get ready."

"I suppose we should." She agrees, nodding as they stand up and begin to get dressed.

In morbid silence, the pair of lovers head out of the apartment, walking out of the castle towards the Forbidden Forest holding each other's hands tightly. After a few minutes of walking, they approach the edge of the forest where Dumbledore is waiting for them, an amused smile on his face. Madam Maxime stands next to him, anger evident on her face. Walking up to them, Dumbledore motions for them to walk in front of him. Following the path for a minute or two, they walk into a tent in front of an arena in the middle of a magically created clearing.

Inside the tent, several people await them and Harry gives Fleur a soft peck on the lips, a flash permeating the air. The pair turns to see a smirking Rita Skeeter give them a little wave. Smirking back, Harry wraps his arms around Fleur's waist and dips her down, kissing her deeply. Several more flashes go off to their side before Harry picks her back up with a wink. Smiling at each other, they walk over to opposite ends of the tent, sitting down in the chairs they're directed towards. Standing up and walking in front of the Champions, Ollivander smiles with a clap of his hands in eager anticipation.

"Now, let us begin!" He exclaims, motioning for Fleur to step forward. "The point of this ceremony is to make sure your wands are in optimal working order before the task. At the same time, any wand not inspected here is not allowed to be used in the task. Now, Miss Delacour, if you would?"

Standing up and walking up to the old wandmaker, fleur holds out her wand, smiling at him when he takes it with a genial smile. Taking it from it her delicately, he spins it around in his fingers before holding it up to the light. "Nine and a half inches, inflexible, Rosewood, and..." Holding it up to his ear, he smiles in shock. "Dear me, Veela hair core?"

"Oui, it was from my grandmozzer." She says proudly, Harry mimicking her smile, knowing the importance of family to his beloved.

"I never used Veela hair myself, they tend to be somewhat temperamental." He says, twirling her wand around a few times as he stares at it in amazement. "The hairs should only be used to make wands for those that are important to the donor. I have not had the pleasure of having someone bring one in as of yet. I hope to have the honor to make one someday."

"Well, we shall 'ave to bring our children to you, won't we, 'Arry?" Fleur says, winking back at Harry with a saucy smirk, dragging a blush across her victim's cheek.

"I look forward to the day, Miss Delacour." He says, smiling warmly with a hint of excitement in his old eyes as he runs his fingers along the length of the wand slowly. "Orchideous!"

A small bouquet of daisies burst forth from the tip of her wand before he hands them and her wand back with a smile. "Your wand is absolutely beautiful and in perfect working order. Thank you for allowing me to experience something I have yet to feel." He says, patting her hand. "I am very grateful to you, Miss Delacour. "

"You are most welcome, Monsieur Ollivander." She says, smelling the flowers with a warm smile. Passing them to Harry, she smirks. "You're bringing me flowers next time."

"Oi, Ollivander, lay off my woman!" Harry jests, earning a smack from Fleur.

"Be nice, love." She laughs, sitting next to him and causing the frown of Maxime to deepen.

"Yes, Mr. Potter, please be polite. Besides, how can we expect great things from you if you are immolated before you can accomplish them?"

"Basilisk!" Cedric says, covering it up with a cough to the amusement of all the students assembled.

"Shove it, Diggory," Harry says, bumping him with his elbow.

"Make me, Potter." Cedric retorts, elbowing back.

"Now, that's enough, gentlemen. Mr. Diggory, please come forward and present your wand." Ollivander requests, smiling at him. Stepping forward, Cedric nervously hands his wand over. "Ah, yes. I remember this wand. Twelve and a quarter inches of Ash, pleasantly springy, and a single hair from the tail of a particularly fine male unicorn. Fourteen hands, if I recall, and nearly kicked me in the face when I plucked it."

"I polish it every day, just like you told me to." He says, rubbing the back of his neck.

"As you should." He nods in approval as he twirls it between his fingers. "A well-kept wand is a happy wand, Mr. Diggory. Yours is quite pleased with its master, well done. Aguamenti!"

Waving the wand, water pours from the air over the three Heads of school, Rita, and her cameraman. "Whoops." He says, passing the wand back to Cedric. Receiving glares from all but Professor Dumbledore who chuckles as he waves his wand, casting drying and warming charms. Shooting a playful wink at the four champions, he receives small smiles of satisfaction from all four of them. "Sorry about that. As age creeps up, I fear my aim is quite off. My sincerest apologies. Your wand is in perfect order, Mr. Diggory. Now, Mr. Krum. Please step forward and present your wand."

Krum stands up and holds out his wand to the maker with a small smile. Taking it, he spins it in his fingers as he inspects it, deep in thought for a few moments. "This is a Gregorovitch creation, is it not?"

"One of his last ones." He nods in affirmation.

"Hmm, let's see," Ollivander says, putting the wand up to his ear after taking a close look at it. "Ten and a quarter inches, quite rigid, and dragon heartstring core."

"Zat is correct."

"This wand is very well taken care of and is very pleased with its master. Avis!" He says, pointing it into the air. A single bird flies out from the tip of the wand, circling in the air before landing in Ollivander's hand. "Perfect. Thank you, Mr. Krum. Finally, we have Mr. Potter. Please come forward and present your wand."

Stepping forward, he holds out his wand to the man. "Ah, I remember this wand well. It took several hours and nearly every wand in my store before finding the wand for you, Mr. Potter. Quite a tricky customer, if I do say so myself." Spinning it around in his hand for a few moments, he smiles as runs his fingers along the length of it. "One of my favorite creations. Eleven inches exactly, supple, holly wood and a phoenix feather core. Well taken care of."

Placing it to his ear with a smile, he frowns after a moment. "Curious, very curious."

Repeating what was said years prior, Harry raises an eyebrow. "Sorry, sir. What's curious?"

Patting his hand with a wistful smile, Ollivander nods. "Thank you for reliving that with me, Mr. Potter." He says before looking at Harry seriously. "Mr. Potter, your wand feels neglected. It feels as though you've forgotten it, that it doesn't matter to you anymore. It's loyalty to you will never sway, but it feels very lonely. Why is that?"

Looking over at Fleur, she nods encouragingly. Looking back at Ollivander, he holds his hand up and a large ball of deep purple fire swirls into existence in his palm. His eyes widening, Ollivander stares at the ball in fascination. "That is not an Incendio or bluebell flame, is it Mr. Potter?"

"No, Mr. Ollivander," He says, taking a deep breath. "They're Grannus's Flames."

The adults present are struck silent in shock before Fleur asks. "'Arry, can you tell us what exactly those are?"

"Grannus is the Celtic God of fire and the sun, love," Harry says, closing his hand around the ball of fire and expelling it. "These flames were said to devour the power of Darkness and expel untimely death. That's why it was also called The Flame of Life. Grannus was also the God of life and health. His power was said to fight off Balor, the God of Destruction. Grannus's flames could devour Balor's, and this is the fire that breathes in us all."

Silence follows before Dumbledore whispers. "Mr. Potter, how in the world did you learn to do this?"

"All I can say is that someone introduced me to many a deity, Headmaster." He says simply, ending the conversation. "To answer your question, I haven't needed a wand for a few months now, but I will be happy to continue using it if it means it'll stop being lonely. I don't want my wand to feel neglected, it's very important to me."

"That's very good of you, Mr. Potter," Ollivander whispers. "Could I see it one more time?"

"I've got something better." He says with a smile. Placing his hand on the ground, the ground begins to rumble before cracks splinter across the stone. Splitting open, a large deep brown log about two feet long bursts from the ground, green lights sparkling around it before Harry mutters a thank you and pulls the wood from the ground and handing it to him. "Do you know what this is, Mr. Ollivander?"

With a shake of his head, Ollivander stares at the wood in fascination.

"That's wood from the Great Tree." He says, causing Ollivander's head to snap up and gape at him. "From the Grove of all Worlds, the Sacred Center. THE Oak, Mr. Ollivander."

"Mr. Potter, I couldn't possibly take this!" Ollivander sputters, trying to hand it back.

Holding up his hand to stop him, Harry smiles warmly at the old man. "The Old God sleeps Down in the dark, moist, Odorous underfoot, Waiting for us To put down our roots..."

"Cernunnos Sleeps..." He mutters, his eyes wide with shock.

"Lay down your roots, Mr. Ollivander." He says, pushing the wood back until the old wandmaker is clutching it possessively to his chest. "Magic is an amazing thing, sir. Use the wood so more mages can be the best they can be. We're expecting great things from you."

Smiling at Harry, tears slide down Ollivander's face before he pulls the young boy into a hug, muttering thank you under his breath repeatedly. After a few moments, he nods at Harry and departs without another word.

"Harry, my boy, was that real wood from the Great Tree?" Dumbledore asks incredulously.

"Yes, it was, Headmaster." He says, sighing heavily. "Cernunnos told me to give it to the one who would be worthy of it. I feel Mr. Ollivander was more worthy of that wood than anyone."

"I feel you may be right, Harry." The old man says with a smile before placing his hand on Harry's shoulder. "I know I'm the last person you'd want to hear this from, Harry, but you are honestly the most amazing man I have ever had the pleasure of meeting."

"Thank you, sir." He says, turning away from him and walking back towards the exit of the tent.

"Right then..." Ludo Bagman says, gesturing for everyone to form a circle around him. "Now, in this bag, I have your opponent for the task. Miss Delacour, if you'd reach inside the bag."

Sticking her hand in, she jumps a little feeling something wiggle against her hand before pulling out a small green miniature dragon. "The Common Welsh Green;" Bagman says, grinning. "Quick flyer, quicker bursts of fire. Good luck, Miss Delacour. Mr. Diggory, if you would."

Reaching in, he pulls out a grayish-blue one, causing Bagman to nod. "The Swedish Short-Snout; Fierce opponent, very smart dragon. Good luck, Mr. Diggory. Mr. Krum?"

Pulling out a red dragon, Bagman grins excitedly. "The Chinese Fireball; the hottest fire of any dragon, very agile. Good luck, and that just leaves one dragon for Mr. Potter." Groaning in exasperation, Harry grabs the miniature from inside the bag and glares at it. "The Hungarian Horntail, a vicious and dangerous dragon, one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet. Best of luck to you, Mr. Potter. Good luck again to you all. Your goal is to grab a golden egg from the nest of the dragon you picked. The only thing allowed with you is your wand. Show everyone what you're all made of!"

Hearing a high-pitched growling voice, Harry looks down to see the Horntail miniature speaking; "Bite you! Scratch you! Eat you!"

"Huh. That's pretty funny," Harry says, chuckling down at the miniature dragon cocking its head to the side in confusion. "a dragon speaking Parseltongue. Guess I haven't seen everything."

"But you two-leg," The miniature says, sniffing at his palm. "How you talk?"

"I guess it's my reptilian charm." He jokes, sighing in annoyed realization when the model stares at him in deeper confusion. "No sense of humor, right then. Well, I suppose I should give you back, then."

Holding the miniature out to Crouch, he opens the pouch and Harry slides the model dragon back into the bag with the others.

Turning away from them, he moves to go sit next to Fleur before he's stopped by Ludo Bagman. Leading him away, he pats Harry on the shoulder before whispering to him. "Heya, Harry. If you need any tips, be sure to let me know, eh?" Winking at Harry, he gives him a thumbs up. "I've got a bottle of Firewhiskey on you to win, and besides, we Quidditch stars gotta stick together."

"Um, thanks, Mr. Bagman. I'll take you up on that if I need the advice, but I need to get back to Fleur." Harry says hesitantly and pointing a thumb over his shoulder at the veela who is watching him closely. "I kinda wanna help keep her calm and focused. I'd rather her not get eaten."

"I understand, Harry." He says, smiling sincerely. "You're both blessed to have each other."

"Don't I know it?" He chuckles, gazing at his love.

"Good luck to you both, Harry," Bagman says, turning away.

"Thanks." Walking over to Fleur, he sits down on her cot and pulls her into his arms, saying nothing as he holds her. Holding onto Harry, Fleur takes deep breaths, drawing in strength from the love and comfort of the embrace. After a few moments, she looks up at him and cups his cheek, kissing him softly. "You've got this, Fleur. That dragon won't know what hit it."

"Knock zem dead, mon amour." She says, kissing him once more.

"Oi! Potter, Delacour!" Cedric calls out, smirking at the pair. "We need some oxygen too, just so you know! Stop thickening it up!"

"Let them be," Krum says, a slight smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. "Either they comfort each other now, or they are stiff in the ring. Preferable to not lose anyone."

"You feeling left out, Ceddy?" Harry asks, smirking at him. "I'm sure you'd fit perfectly in Krum's lap."

"He is not my type," Viktor says, his smirk widening. "But I am sure you'd fit quite perfectly in his arms, Potter."

"Nah, I'm good with the pretty girl in my arms, thanks."

"Oi! I am not a pretty girl, ya prat!"

"If you say so, Cedric," Harry says, sighing dramatically and feigning disappointment with a shake of his head. "It's always painful when a young woman can't see the beauty she holds, isn't it?"

"Oui, quite sad." Fleur giggles, Krum huffing in agreement. Giving a two-finger salute to the three of them, Cedric stalks to the corner of the tent with a grumble, trying to keep the smile off of his face. A few minutes later of relaxation and deep breathing with her beloved, Fleur looks up at Harry. "'Arry, what are you planning on doing with your dragon?"

"I don't know yet." He says honestly with a shrug. "I have several plans in place, most of them involving magicks so obscure and unheard of, they'd probably be called dark. I don't care though. I was forced into this, I'm just focused on staying alive."

"Good boy." She says, leaning up to capture his lips in a tender kiss. Hearing the clearing of a throat, Harry and Fleur turn to see the amused faces of the judges, barring Madam Maxime.

"If you're done, we 'ave to start." Maxime huffs, turning her face away in disgust.

"Champions, gather round," Dumbledore calls, motioning them forward. "Now, a final warning to you all. The danger is very real. These are real nesting mother dragons, and you could very easily be killed if you are not careful. Please, be diligent, be smart, and above all, be careful. I do not want anyone dying here. Now, at the sound of the cannon blast, Mr. Diggory will be the first to face his dragon. Followed by Miss Delacour, Mr. Krum, and Mr. Potter respectively. Are we clear?" Receiving nods from everyone, Dumbledore smiles warmly and leads Cedric to the exit of the tent. "Good luck to you all."

"Oi, Diggory," Harry says, smiling at Cedric when he turns back. "Be careful out there, yeah? I'd hate to have to find a new Puff to bully."

Smirking at the jibe, Cedric throws one more salute to the boy and turns back, walking out of the tent after the cannon blast goes off. Time passes as cheers, screams, and chants permeate the air. After a few minutes, the crowd roars in excitement, signaling the completion of Cedric's run.

Standing up with Fleur, he pulls her into one more hug and places a searing kiss on her lips. "Be safe, Fleur." He says, stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. "I don't want to have to kill the dragon. Promise me"

"I promise, my love," She says, kissing his nose. "that dragon won't know what hit it, remember?"

Smiling at her, he nods and lets her go. She walks to the tent flap and looks back one more time, blowing him one more kiss.

~Fleur~

After Fleur's run, Harry breathes a sigh of relief when the crowd cheers upon her finish. Walking up to Harry, Krum places a hand on his shoulder. "You did not have to worry. She is a very strong woman."

"I know, Krum," Harry says, smiling up at him. "Thanks."

Nodding to him, Krum walks out of the tent flap just as the cannon blast goes off. Standing up, Harry paces while he waits for the crowd to cheer. Hearing them groan collectively, Harry tenses up, fearing a grave injury of the man he was slowly starting to warm up to. A few moments later, his fear was released as the shrieks and cheers sound out, signaling his finish. Walking over to the tent flap, Harry takes on last deep breath and rushes out when the cannon blast explodes above his head. Dashing into the arena, Harry dives down under the cover of a rock, peeking out at the Horntail growling menacingly at him.

'Let's hope this works.' He thinks, taking a deep breath. "Hey, you intelligent?"

"You speak my tongue, two-leg?" She growls out, giving Harry a miniature celebration.

"Listen, I know we're supposed to fight," He begins, praying for this to work. "However, the only reason they want us to fight is that there's a fake egg in your nest they want me to collect. There's not even a baby in it. At least, I don't think there is."

"A fake egg?" She hisses in anger, looking down at her nest. "How dare they?"

"Agreed," Harry says, nodding as he moves out and starts walking towards them. "I can take it off your hands if you want it gone."

"That would be most agreeable, two-leg." She growls, nodding. "What do they call you?"

"Harry Potter." He answers, ignoring the boos from the crowd and the spurns to get the action going.

"I like you, Harry Potter." She hisses, relaxing. "I was hoping to have some fun, maybe eat one of your kind for taking me from my home, but I made an ally instead. Not quite fair, but acceptable."

"Well, who says we can't fight?" Harry smirks, raising his hands and summoning fire into his palms. "Let's give them a show. I get the egg at the end, you get a fun fight. I've always wanted to defeat a dragon."

"I won't go down easy, Harry Potter!" The dragon growls in excitement, readying herself for an attack. "Come forth, let us battle!"

Willing the fire around his arms, Harry rushes forward, the crowd gasping as they watch a young man charge a dragon head-on. Sliding down under the lunge of the dragon's powerful jaws, Harry swipes his flame-covered hand at the dragon's exposed underbelly. When his momentum stops, Harry rolls sideways out from under the Horntail and leaps up, expelling the flames in one hand and pulling his wand out. 'I'm sorry, old friend. I'll never make you feel unappreciated again." Harry thinks, channeling magic into the wand. Feeling it thrum in joy, Harry points the tip of his wand at the dragon. "Bombarda!"

The spell erupts from his wand and slams into the side of the dragon, sliding her back several yards to the side. The Horntail turns her eye towards him and rears her head back before expelling flames at Harry. Jumping to the side, Harry drops into a roll and snaps back off, firing off several Blasting Curses at the dragon in quick succession. The dragon unfurls her wings, rearing back on her hind legs as she prepares another deluge of fire. Smirking at the opening the dragon intentionally gives him, Harry flings his hands forward. "Winds of the North, Boreas's Cyclone!"

A funnel of air barrels forth from his hand, swaying erratically as it rushes towards the dragon. Dipping down just in front of the dragon, the small funnel spreads out several times larger and catches the Horntail under her wings. The force of the wind lifts her and sends her flying across the arena before she slams back down onto the ground. With a pained growl, she stands up and rushes Harry once more as he runs towards her eggs.

"Show or not, it won't be that easy, Harry Potter!" She roars at him, beginning to become serious about the fight. Smirking as he sees the dragon is going low to block him from her eggs, Harry takes advantage of the obvious move. Channeling magic into his hand, Harry jumps above the Horntail's lunge and brings his arm down in a right hook across the beast's jaw. The force of the magically enhanced blow snaps the dragon's head back and sends her reeling back. The crowd becomes deathly silent and Harry's eyes widen at what he just did. Looking slowly back at Harry, the dragon growls as a small trail of blood leaks out of the corner of her maw.

"Oops..." Harry squeaks, looking down at the egg and back at her. "Um, I'm sorry?"

"I'm going to eat you." She hisses, her body tensing up in genuine anger. "I'm going to eat you, spit you back up, and eat you again."

Sprinting towards the egg, Harry is forced to jump back away from the swiping claws. Narrowly avoiding them, Harry drops down into a low stance and prepares for the ensuing clash. "Are you sure you want to get serious?"

"You knocked out one of my teeth, Harry Potter." She growls, bounding forward. "This is no longer a fight, I am going to kill you!"

"So be it." He says, clapping his hands together. Holding them in place for a moment, he charges up his magic before thrusting his hands forward. A bolt of lightning crackles from his hand, flashing forward before striking the ground in front of the dragon and erupting into a flash of light. Roaring in pain at being blinded, the Horntail releases bursts of fire in Harry's general direction. Harry calmly jogs around the dragon and picks up the egg before running back to the exit. Turning back at the roars of frustration, Harry sighs and sets the large golden object down by the exit.

Raising his hands towards the Horntail, Harry breathes out slowly, a trail of blue flames cascading across his arm. Walking calmly past the team of dragon handlers trying to subdue the dragon, Harry raises his flame-covered arm and pushes them out towards the dragon's head. Enveloping her face, the flames spread across her eyes and her roars subside slowly. "I'm very sorry I hurt you, it wasn't my intention."

Staying silent for a few moments, the Horntail opens her eyes and stares at Harry with a growl. "You better come visit at my home to make up for blinding me," She rumbles, somehow making it possible for a dragon to distinctly smile. "Otherwise, I will eat you next time I see you."

"Would you mind settling down and letting them take you back home?" Harry asks, pointing a thumb at the dragon handlers.

"Fine." Walking back over to her nest and laying around it protectively, the Horntail huffs one more snarky comment before the handlers put her to sleep. "I look forward to beating you into the ground next time, Harry Potter."

Chuckling, Harry walks back over to where he set the egg down and walks out with it in hand. As he enters the tent, he comes face to face with Poppy, who has her arms crossed. "What were you thinking, you idiot boy?!" She snaps, pushing him over to the bed. "What in the name of Merlin were you thinking when you punched a bloody dragon?!"

"YOU DID WHAT?!" He hears from his soul mate from the next bed over, the curtain separating them incinerated. She crosses the space keeping them apart and grabs the front of his robes. "What 'appened to safe? 'Ow in ze world is punching a dragon safe?!"

"Because we weren't actually fighting in the first place?" Harry says nervously, looking at Poppy with a pleading gaze for rescue.

"Miss Delacour, please allow me to check him over for any injuries before you add any new ones.," She insists, moving past a Fleur who huffs in disdain. Harry breathes a sigh of relief before Poppy smacks him upside the head. "Idiot boy..."

"I love you too, Poppy." He chuckles, taking Fleur's hand. "I love you most, though."

"I love you, too." She grumbles, not looking at him. "I'm still mad at you, zough."

"I know." He says, grinning madly. "If it makes you feel any better, I promise not to punch any more dragons unless I have to."

"You better not." She pouts in defeat, knowing she can't stay mad. She sits next to him on his bed and wraps her arms around him once Poppy walks away. "Please keep your word next time you say you won't be reckless, 'Arry."

"I will, Fleur. I'm sorry." Pulling her into his lap, he wraps his arms around her.

"It's fine." She says, kissing his nose with a smile. "Now, come. Let us go see your score."

"We were being scored?" Harry asks, standing up after her. Leading him out, Fleur gestures to the box with the judges above.

Standing up, Dumbledore points his wand at his throat before speaking, his voice projecting across the entire stadium. "Before Mr. Potter's score, we'd like to review the other champions. Mister Diggory displayed some wonderful Transfiguration skills in a clever ruse which allowed to retrieve his egg. As such, he was given thirty-eight points! Miss Delacour retrieved her egg with a very intelligent plan, using a sleeping charm lullaby. Quite a beautiful song, if I do say so myself. However, she was burnt when the dragon snored, which resulted in her receiving thirty-nine points!

"Mr. Krum retrieved his egg the fastest, using the Conjunctivitis Curse to blind his dragon. However, his dragon unfortunately crushed some of her eggs. As such, he was given forty points! As for Mr. Potter, he displayed some incredible wandless elemental conjuration, as well as some very quick wandwork. Madame Maxime, would you please start the voting?"

Huffing in disdain, she raises her wand and shoots a pink ribbon into the air which forms the number eight. Moving over, Crouch raises his wand into the air and shoots a ribbon into the air that curls into a nine. Bagman and Dumbledore both shoot tens into the air, and Karkaroff shoots a three. Boos and jeers from all three of the schools erupt from the audience at the blatantly unfair scoring. Putting his wand to his throat, Karkaroff screams over the roar of the audience. "He clearly used dark magic and the only reason he gets any points at all is I'm required by the rules to give three for completion!"

"And so, Mr. Potter is tied with Mr. Krum for forty points!" Dumbledore says after launching a cannon blast from his wand for silence. "Champions, your egg contains a clue for the next task, which is to take place on the 24th of February. Good luck to you all, and that concludes the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament!"

That's chapter twenty-one, everybody! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now, not to worry about the mentioning of the Gods, that will be explained somewhat in the next chapter. Yes, there will be more Gods and Goddesses in this story. No, it will not become a crossover with pantheons, just mentions, and appearances. You'll find out in what way in chapter twenty-two. Constructive criticism is always welcome, flames will be used as a tanning source. Like I said before, let's use this chapter to break two thousand! So even more so than usual, read, review, and spread this story like wildfire. This is Mystery Critic, signing off.