Chapter 12: Magical Beasts and Whom to Hear about Them

As I wrote to Viktor, I also didn't waste time to ask the twins about what really happened to Harry.

"What exactly do you want to know?"

"How did his name end up there in the first place."

"We also had no idea how, but Ron, the git that he is, has a falling out with dear Harry… Apparently, he's pretty envious…."

"That seems not right. I saw Harry's face. He too was shocked by the announcement… I know he didn't do it…"

The twins shrugged, "Tell that to the other people… erm… how about the whole school, more likely…."

"Anyway, back to business, so what did you guys make so far?"

"We're still on that candy that would make the eater have violent nosebleeds… and the fireworks… still need a bigger bang..."

"We haven't perfected the custard yet…"

"Okay, so do you need a bit of help?"

One of the twins moved closely and whispered, "What help can you give us?"

"A bit of gold can't hurt… Nikki and I are still on that puking pastille thingie…" Ianthé handed them a pouch full of money.

"You call this a bit of gold?"

"You can buy ten Firebolts with this!"

Ianthé shrugged and walked away, "So long, boys," and waved her hand.

Nikki was unbelievably bouncy one morning when she received her post. She dragged me to the then-deserted courtyard.

"I have great news!"

"Really? What is it?"

"Dad wrote to me. Charlie's here!"

Ianthé groaned. Not again!

"No, no… It's not about my obsession with him… It's related to the first task!"

Ianthé gaped at her.

"Come on, put two and two together. Dragons imported dragon-handlers…. The first task!"

"The dragons…."

Nikki jerked her head as to say yes, "From what I have gathered, there are now four, not three, dragons; a Chinese Fireball, a Welsh Green, a Swedish Short-Snout, and the worst of them all, a Hungarian Horntail…"

Ianthé winced. I have listened to my Uncle Alfonse and his monster mania enough to know that the first task is dangerous.

"What are they playing at? Those things are dangerous!"

"That's why the tournament was supposed to be for seventeen year-old wizards only! Harry Potter's gonna get creamed…"

"Viktor………."

"Don't you worry about him," Nikki patted Ianthé on the back, "He can handle himself…"

"We got to tell this to Edmond…"

We cornered Edmond after dinner.

"Ianthé, if this is a joke, you better hide."

"Listen to me! He's my friend too! You must not get caught! Just be your usual self and provide him with information on how to battle a nesting dragon!"

"Nesting dragon? What are they thinking? They're most dangerous when protecting their eggs!" Edmond shook his head. Let me reiterate the fact that he is Uncle Alfonse's son, so he's also a magical beast expert.

"That's it! Dad told me the panel specifically wanted nesting dragons. Maybe the first task is to get a dragon egg!"

"Okay, fine, you guys convinced me already. I'll owl you in code after I warn him."

"Charlie often said it took twenty wizards to stun a dragon because of their hide. Better find the weak spot," Nikki advised.

Edmond nodded and went on a sprint towards the Durmstrang ship.