Hey! Listen, I'm sorry for not updating. Been busy with college lately, its hard to find the time to do this. However, i appreciated everyone reading this. Thank you.
Chapter 29: The night before the first task
The next two weeks went smoothly. There was nothing much happened. So far. With the ongoing buzz about the five champions, the three schools, wizarding media and the public were keen on who will emerge as the winner at the first task. Speaking of it, none of the champions have any ideas whatsoever about what their task will be about. Except for few. Settling aside, in the temporary secluded area of the library, Harper and Alex sat opposite each other whispering lightly and casting looks up and down the pathway near them. For the fifth time that day, Harper had told what and how to do at the task.
"That's just so simple." Harper uttered. "Now, all we need is to practice. Got that?"
"Anything to make me win," Alex was determined. The competitive vibe was clearly seen by her. Just two days ago, she saw Viktor Krum on training like running the castle grounds, swimming in the cold dark lake, dragging fallen logs and even went into a one on one battle with the young Auror, Randy Gavrail. Since Randy was busy with his Quidditch player friend, he hasn't spent a second with Alex, Harper or any of the Russos. It was starting to get more intense. Rumors have it that the Beauxbatons champion, Fleur Delacour, also had a special training. Unlike Viktor, she was into something stealthier. However, there was nothing to be said about the other two Hogwarts champions, Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter. They seemed to handle this quite calmly, supposedly.
Afterwards, Alex and Harper decided to take the remaining hours sitting in the Great Hall to release the stress. Mostly, Harper was stressing out, not Alex. Keeping calm as she always is, Alex pulled a plate filled with fresh baked Lasagna lifting a spoon and digging to it. "How can you keep calm, Lexi? A life-threatening event will about to happen, you know." Harper placed her chin on the heel of her hand. "Can you at least act like you're worried, don't want the others to know that you and I have ideas about the task."
"Let em be, Harper." Alex said through her mouthful of lasagna.
"We need to practice Harry. Seriously, I'm worried for you." A soft yet worried female voice came into their circle. Hermione Granger, holding a single thick book on spells, was worriedly looking at her best friend, Harry Potter. She and Harry walked into the Great Hall which was sort of triggered something. All of a sudden, flashes of yellow badges were literally shone at his face. Most of them were chanting, "Cedric rules!" Harry tried his best to ignore them.
"You stink Potter!" shouted a fifth year Slytherin.
"Hermione, I need a break, honestly, we've been practicing a lot. Besides, I'm hungry." Harry let out as he and Hermione sat down next to Harper and Alex. Looking over, Harry greeted them. "Hi, Harper, Alex."
"Whats up, Potter." Alex greeted. "Doing well?"
"Not bad." He weakly smiled at him. Hermione put her book down and turned to Alex and Harper, "we've been practicing. I know it's against the rules to help the champions and all. But I think it's less stressful especially when Harry 'accidentally' found out something he shouldn't have."
"It's not my fault, Hermione. Someone told someone and then told me that Hagrid's been looking for me." Harry defended. Pouring a jug of pumpkin juice into a bronze goblet, he munches on a bread stick and added, "Now that Cedric knows, I think it's fair." Alex and Harper turned to each other.
That night was still gone normal as it should. A feast with all three schools in attendance. A speech done by prof. Dumbledore, as usual. And at last, the students heading off to their respective dorms. Sneaking away from the Durmstrangs boys, Randy waited by a suit of polished armor nearby the hall only to get a chance to speak with Alex Russo. "Would it alright if we could talk for a while? It won't be long." He bowed to Alex. "Don't worry, I won't reveal my champion's secret to you and I know you would do the same for yourself and your friend, Potter."
Turning to Harper, hoping it would be alright; with a little wink, she went off with Randy out in the night at the courtyard by the Great Hall. Walking side by side in the partially darkness of the walkway, they stopped and sat at a stoned bench facing the majestic view of the lake. "How you been so far, Russo?" Randy started. "Basking in the glorious world of fame?" He chuckled.
"Not really. Though I do like the looks people give me as I walk by." Alex replied. "Feel like I'm a leader, not like how Justin gave me."
"Just don't get that fame into your head. I've been there. Done that. It was horrible." Randy said. "Suppose you know what the task going to be like?"
"No need to waste your breath, Randy, Harper and I sorted it out. C'mon, you don't think we know that dragons are involved? Puh-lease." Alex confidently stated.
"Dragons?" the young Auror raised his eyebrow. He looked surprised about her statement. "You think the task is going to be about dragons?"
"Yes. What else is it?" Alex asked.
"Sorry to burst your bubbles, Alex, I assured you and Harper got that wrong. Entirely."
"Say what?"
"The task is going to be on roulette. Dragons could be in the list but, it doesn't assure you that you will face one."
"Are you freaking kidding me?" Alex started to shake. Hearing this does not make things better, it takes its tolls on her. "All that hard work on the 'Accio' spell for nothing!"
"I'm sorry, I thought you knew." He said.
"Well, you're just making it worse." She snapped at him. "Gotta warn Harper about this."
"Wait a moment, Alex." Randy tried to pull her back but Alex pushed him off.
"I gotta go and tell Harper." Alex rushed back inside the castle, now feeling the pressure weighing on her shoulders.