"Look at him go!" Ludo Bagman's excitement was met with an equal response from the crowd. "Mr. Diggory dodged the despicable Dragon's breath of fire."
Cedric was sweating from the close call. However, he did get what he wanted, the range of his adversary's attack. The dragon didn't have much maneuverability as it was chained down. Erecting a stone wall before him he then continued transfiguring a couple of animated stone sculptures of animals. He tried to make the dragon chase after his creations. Unfortunately, the Swedish Short-Snout ignored the small creatures much to Cedric's disappointment.
Minutes went by without anything happening
"It seems Mr. Diggory's plan failed." Maxime said to Dumbledore.
The elder wizard smiled. "It's but the beginning, Madame." He pointed towards the dragon's location. "It seems young Cedric found a way."
The jury looked towards the nest. They saw a small mound forming near the golden egg. A curious head emerged from the heap of ground. Its nose twitching as if sniffing for something.
"Look!" Bagman yelled in shock. "What's a niffler doing in the arena!?"
Cedric clicked his tongue. "Blasted fool." Thankfully his fans weren't around to see him break character.
Sensing something wasn't right the dragon turned her head and saw the intruder. The small creature started morphing into another shape. A Peregrine Falcon took its place. Without dallying the bird grabbed the egg with its talons and began its escape.
The angry nesting dragon roared furiously. A stream of fire ascended into the air, trailing the flying away bird.
"What an amazing string of events." The commentator blasted. "Just when we thought Cedric was out of the game."
The mentioned boy was sweating profusely. His sculpture didn't get enough time to reach its top speed. Not that the egg helped its endeavor.
Livid the dragon did the most unbelievable thing. It broke a couple of rocks from the vicinity and threw it towards the offending falcon. Unfortunately for Cedric a stone nicked his creation's wings.
The Hufflepuffs wallowed. They were so close to winning this. "It can't be over like this." Some fifth year said while gritting his teeth.
Just as the egg was about to hit the ground the sound of hooves neared on it's position. It was a small variant of a deer. Jumping through the rough terrain it closed in. A hand reached from its back and grabbed the golden prize.
"Is that a monkey?" Ginny muttered while looking through her brother's Omnioculars.
With a vocal laugh the monkey raised the egg up and down. Its stead continued its gallop towards the Champion.
"Remarkable!" Ludo exclaimed. "A worthy turnabout made by the Hogwart's Champion."
The crowd went wild. The banners on the Hufflepuff side flashed in brilliant gold. The fans roared Cedric's name in adoration.
"He got the egg in the end." Karkaroff sneered as the boy grabbed the egg and ran towards the second gate.
A group of tamers entered the arena and began subduing the dragon. The process was a spectacle in of itself. Full of flames, anger and shouting.
"Ms. Delacour is next." Dumbledore addressed the Beauxbatons Headmistress. "Quite the fiery combination." He added with some mirth.
"I think that you'll be surprised Monsieur." She replied smiling. "I believe she'll take the least time."
After a fifteen minute break the gates opened, revealing a majestic verdant scaled behemoth.
"Look it's the Common Welsh!" Ron exclaimed. "I wonder who's the lucky bastard."
"Language Ron." Hermione glared. "It could be Harry for all we know."
"Nah. He gets his kicks from danger." Fred replied.
"Yeah. He even tamed the most dangerous one of all." George laughed at her not amused expression.
"I'll let him know what you think of me." She raised her head triumphantly seeing their smiles crumble. "That's right. Don't poke what you can't tame."
Luna poked the brown haired girl. "When should I expect Harry in my chambers?" The witches began giggling and laughter extended to everyone nearby.
"I'll take one Harry to go." Ginny playfully flicked Hermione's back.
Sighing she ignored the other girls touching her. "I'll get all of you...somehow."
"It's time for our second Champion." Ludovic's voice spread throughout the arena. "Let's welcome Ms. Delacour." The Beauxbatons cheered as she entered the stadium.
"The Champion is cautiously approaching the dragon." Bagman continued his commentary. "What's she planning to do?"
Fleur looked into the dragon's eyes. The nesting mother sniffed and let out what some could describe as a huff of disdain towards the approaching human.
"I'll show you how to treat me with respect." Anger was still coursing in her veins. "Damn brat."
After calming herself with a couple of deep breaths she began her show. An angelic almost voice escaped her lips. You could swear the musical notes became visible as time went on.
"Is she going to sing the poor thing to death?" Ginny asked. "And what are you doing?" She smacked her brothers' heads as they suddenly tried to stand up.
"Bloody hell Ginny!" Ron rubbed his head in indignation. "What was that for!?"
"Hmph. Men." The girls said while the boys sat down in embarrassment.
"The Champion decided to sing a lullaby!" Ludo explained. "But will it be enough?"
The dragon in question was slowly succumbing to the tune. It's eyes became heavy. Fleur continued her aria for a couple of minutes. While singing she also released her Vella powers to enhance the hypnotic effect. Some people in the stands began falling asleep. Even the boothes with foreign dignitaries weren't spared.
Fudge sweated. "Thank you, Dumbledore." The headmaster waved his wand to dispell the effects.
"Quite the gem you've found, Madame Maxime." Dumbledore's eye's twinkled as he saw the music come to life.
Thanking the elder wizard she replied. "She's made great lengths in studying her heritage." The woman proudly stated.
Meanwhile in the arena the Common Welsh finally plopped down to the ground. Snoring sounds escaping it's maw. After waiting for a minute the girl quietly grabbed the egg. Just as she turned her back a small wick of flame grazed her clothing. Cursing at her luck she ran towards the gate.
"Why did a national Quidditch star enter the tournament." Harry was curious. "It's not as if you believe the eternal glory part."
Leaning against the wall Krum played with a silver coin. "Headmaster's orders." He huffed. "I rather hate the attention."
Nodding in understanding the younger boy sighed. "Had a run with bad press as well." Harry looked at the ceiling. "A small hidden away cottage is all I need." He chuckled. "With some company of course."
"The great Harry Potter would like to hide?" Krum sniggered. "Is the bird worth it?"
"She loves me for being just Harry." A serene expression painted his face. "And I'd rather be a stay in home dad anyway."
"I've heard you're a good seeker." Victor narrowed his eyes. "Wouldn't you want to prove yourself?"
Harry thought for a while. Thinking what to say as too not offend needlessly. "Quidditch means many things to me." He paused for a second. "I get a sense of freedom when I'm on the broom."
Closing his eyes he tried to catch that feeling. Shuttling through the sky without a care of the world. Where his problems couldn't catch up to him. "And I don't want to let go of what I've got in common with my father."
Krum shook his head. "Respectable reasons. A shame that you're not going to treat it seriously."
Mischief visible in his eyes Harry replied. "Oh, I'm still taking you down if I get the chance." Krum raised his eyebrow at the statement. "We can even have a mock challenge here at Hogwarts." The younger boy looked towards the older one. "And I believe my friends will be fired up as well."
Pocketing the coin Victor flashed a grin. "Just don't disappoint me."
"Mr. Krum it's almost your turn." A member of the staff informed the Champion.
"Should I wish you luck?" Harry asked the tensed up Champion.
Shaking his head the Durmstrang's chosen replied. "I don't need luck. Just practise."
"Maybe so." Harry dragged on the last word. "But you should remember it's not about fighting the dragon." He raised his finger. "Only about taking what you need."
Victor scrutinized the boy. "Why help me?"
"I can't possibly take pride in defeating you later on a technicality." Harry smirked. "You need to be up and ready for our airborne showdown."
Blinking the man started to laugh. "I can take you anytime." The two locked in a strong handshake. "Take care of yourself, Harry."
"I'll see you around, Victor." The youth replied as the cannon sounded off.
A Chinese Fireball was brought in. The beast was a feisty one. If not for special gear the dragon tamers would've died from the heat alone. The stadium was made in mind to facilitate this fire-breathing creature. The stands were just enough out of it's terrifying attack range.
"And yet it's still not the worst menace we'll see today." Hermione had her head between her hands.
Her friends patted her on the back. "He'll be alright." Parvati tried to cheer her up.
"It's not as if he didn't defeat more troublesome beings before." Ron added. "And now he's got a plan for a change." Hermione joined her friend in chuckling.
"What a rarity that is." She smiled thinking about the fool. "But that's what bothers me." She whispered to herself.
"Since the Dragon is ready let's welcome our next contestant, Victor Krum!" Ludo announced.
Thundering chants welcomed the newcomer. However, judging by his face he wasn't happy. The dragon didn't look amused as well with all the noise. Without waiting it fired off a ball of reddish flames towards the Champion.
Victor sidestepped the incoming missle of destruction and used a shielding spell to defend from the side. Cursing the Champion hid behind a rock formation.
"How will the Quidditch extraordinaire fight through the onslaught of fire!?" The crowd looked on with fear in their eyes as the beast continued releasing it's breath.
"He'll have to change his position soon." Lavender eyed the rock cover he was behind.
Krum had his eyes closed. His breathing slowed down. Feeling the tremors he waited for his chance of comeback.
"What's he doing?" Ginny and the rest were puzzled by this strategy.
Hermione narrowed her eyes pensively. A moment of clarity suddenly hit her. "He's trying to hit it's mouth."
The Champions eyes opened as he found his chance. Jumping from behind his cover he released a spell as a new fireball was being formed in the dragon's maw. An explosion hit the creatures face making it wail in pain.
Not stopping Victor ran closer to the nest. "Incarcerous!" Lines of rope binded the dragon's snout. Not allowing it to cast anymore projectiles.
As the beast busied itself with the bindings Krum cast a lonely rope to lasso the offending piece of metal from beneath the Fireball. With a heavy pull the egg launched itself towards him. Unfortunately for Victor the opposition finally got rid of its shackles.
With nothing to lose and egg in hand the Champion shouted. "Carpe Retractum!" A violet chain of magic shot towards the gate.
"Ladies and Gentlemen." The commentator broke his cup in suspense. "Will he make it in time!?"
The dragon looked on with satisfaction as its bullet of death closed in on the defiant ant before it. Krum stood tall, not bowing under the towering flames. As the ball reached 2 meters before him a smirk suddenly showed up on his face. "Remeber who bested you, dragon."
With a flick he shot towards the entrance. Evading the blaze by centimeters. The crowd gobsmacked by his performance.
"It can't be real!" Bagman roared as Krum landed flawlessly on the ground. "Those are seeker reflexes, people!"
The Durmstrang's students bellowed with laughter, chanting their Champions name.
"He spent too much time with Harry." Luna put her head to the side. "At least no eggs were scrambled." Her friends looked at her in confusion while clapping for the Champion.
With a yawn Harry stood up. "It's almost over." Stretching himself after a short nap.
"It's good that you're ready, Mr. Potter." A female staff member entered the tent. "There're some complications." She said nervously. "For which we apologize.
Harry waved off the sentiment. "I understand. She can be quite a handful." The woman excused herself.
Checking his armor lone last time the cannon resounded. "And there's my call." He made his way through the tunnel. "How to make his life miserable?" A malicious smile formed on Harry's face.
A smile appeared on Luna's face. Curious her friend asked her. "And what do you find funny about that abomination?" She pointed at the black dragon.
With a dreamy face the blonde answered. "I just don't want to be caught in a play of mishief." The ears of the twins twiched making Hermione almost jinx them.
"There will be order." The no nonsense witch threatened the boys.
"At last we have our final challenger." Bagman's voice spread throughout the stadium. "How will our miracle child compare with the older students!?"
Harry walked leisurely towards the center. He looked around and saw the Griffindor's stands. Finding his target he called upon his broom. "Accio Firebolt."
"Look, what's that?" Someone from the crowd pointed at an incoming object.
"Why's he summoning his broom?" Another person asked.
"Did you place it closer to the stadium?" Ginny asked Hermione to which the latter nodded.
"Would've been beyond stupid to leave it at the dorms." She added. "Not to mention a broken window and waste of precious seconds."
"Harrikins found a loophole." Fred said with astonishment.
"He's leaving us behind." George mock cried.
Grasping the broom beneath him, Harry went airborne and surveyed the area. The Horntail was roaring at him, however it stayed close to its nest. Taking advantage of the calm Harry flew towards the stands.
"How's it going?" He winked at the surprised expressions of his friends.
"Bloody hell Harry!" Ron was gobsmacked by his friend's nonchalant behavior. "Aren't you worried about being disqualified?"
"There's no time limit set." Hermione shook her head at this. "So what're you up to?"
"Just making a statement." He smirked. "And when will I get another chance to legally act like an ass?" The Griffindor's roared with laughter.
"Making the dragon lose its vigilance is also a viable strategy." Luna added.
As Harry was catching up with his fellow students the jury's box sat in bewilderment.
"What's that blasted boy doing?" Fudge gritted his teeth. "Do something." He demanded from Dumbledore.
"As a judge there's nothing I can do." He replied softly. "However, I'll judge him accordingly when we cast our votes." His eyes twinkled making the Minister fume.
"And the rest of you agree to this madness?" Cornelius asked the rest of the panel.
"There's no rule being broken." Bartemius Crouch ignored the other man's stare. "As a matter of fact, trials had gone by days in the past."
Karkaroff scoffed while Maxime gently swirled her glass of wine. The foreign headmasters didn't care much as their Champions already have finished.
"So that's how they did it." Harry chuckled and looked towards the judges. "They must be livid right now."
"The headlines won't be pretty." Parvati said. "But that's nothing new."
"If you need any cheering up," Lavender winked, "then you know who to ask." The boys booed the teasing blonde.
"I'll be the shoulder to cry on, Ms. Brown." Hermione placed her hand on the girls shoulder, making her chuckle nervously.
"As fun as this was it's time to complete the task." Harry said after wasting half an hour. "Leave some Butterbeer for me."
"Finally the forth champion decided to take pity on us." Bagman announced while wiping sweat from his face. "Unfortunately, the dragon doesn't appear to be happier."
The Horntail raised its head and roared at the intruder. Chains clinging from its movements. Its eyes yellow with fury gazed at Harry.
"Although I'd like to take this fight to the sky," Harry brushed his hair back with his fingers, "I'd have to face something more scarier then you if I did." His eyes flashed in brilliant emerald.
Hearing his declaration the dragon shot a stream of fire. Harry dodged the attack to the side and began his descent towards the beast. "Rikujokoro." With a wave of his wand for appearances sake, 6 beams of light closed the dragon's mouth shut.
"Hainawa." Four chains erupted from the ground, binding the dragon's legs. With a flick they pulled in opposite directions, making the beast lay down on it's belly.
Smirking, Harry decided to end on a high note. As he waved his wand in concentration the ground below him started to churn. A mass of stone and rock broke off and began separating forming into an half hoops. With a twist Harry placed them on the dragon's back, making it even harder for the poor creature to move.
"Sorry love." He said while lowering himself to ground level and grabbing the egg. "But this is better than death." He patted gently the mother dragon's head, care showing in his eyes. "Hopefully they'll leave you alone after this."
Silence reigned in the stands. People couldn't comprehend what they've just witnessed. Was this still the youth they knew?
"What are you waiting for." Luna snapped her fingers. Waking the Griffindor's from their stupor. "We have a Champion to send off." She pointed towards the cauldron in her lap.
Regaining their composure the teens tapped the contraptions with their wands releasing streams of fireworks. They merged in the air in to a fiery and imposing Griffin. With a roar the image ran a circle around the stadium, pulling the crowd back into reality.
"Unbelievable!" Bagman's voice thundered in the jury's box. "After an underwhelming start, Harry Potter dominated the Dragon in less than 5 minutes!" As he started clapping the crowd began as well.
"Do you have the footage?" Rita Skeeter nudged her camerman, Bozo. To which he nodded impassively. "Great." A wicked smile adorned her face.
Harry entered the medical tent. Madam Pomfrey grabbed the boy and sat him down. "Anything wrong, dear?" She waved her wand, casting checkup spells.
"I'd like to say that everything is fine." He smiled mischievously. "But you certainly won't take my word for it."
"That I won't. Mr. Potter." The mediwitch replied sternly. "You shall remain here until I'll allow them to call for you."
Harry laid back comfortably and studied his golden egg. His musings were cut short however, as a familiar voice engaged in a word scuffle with the staff.
Thankfully the matron intervened. "Just don't jump him. He needs his rest." A blushed Hermione entered the small ward where Harry was resting in.
"I'm surprised you're not out of breath." He teased. "The track and field suffered a great lost with you being here."
His chuckle ended with a nervously let out cough when he saw her not amused expression. "Am I in trouble?"
Like a hunter she made her way towards the stalked prey. The witch lowered her head to his ear and whispered. "Let's see how will you get yourself out of this one."
Before Harry had a chance to explain himself a staff member entered the ward. "It's time for the results." He left after giving the teen witch a stink eye.
"Don't think this is over hot shot." Hermione pulled Harry's ear. "You'll make up to me all of this frustration."
"I give up." He rubbed his hurting earlobe. "Can you take care of this?" She took the golden egg from his grasp and left huffing.
The champions made their way towards the jury's booth. Fortunately all of them passed the trial only with some minor bruising and scratches. Fleur still held a grudge towards the youngest which she expressed by releasing a small wave of heat.
"You really weren't joking about her." Krum mentioned the argument Hermione had with the staff. "Do you need a refuge for tonight?" He asked with a smirk.
"I don't think she'd appreciate the offer." Harry replied. "And we wouldn't want a national treasure to disappear, now do we?" They both joked and chatted until they reached their destination.
"Welcome Champions." Bagman greeted again the contestants. "Since you're here let's begin starting from Mr. Diggory." The Hufflepuffs cheered hearing their chosen's name.
As the crowd calmed down Ludo continued. "With a smart use of a couple of transfiguration spells and wits our first Champion was able to get the egg mostly without any problems." He paused. "However trying to check the dragon's range by yourself was a little too courageous of you." Cedric blushed from the last comment.
"Would the jury cast their votes?" With a flick of their wands numbers appeared above the judges' heads. Dumbledore, Crouch Sr. and Bagman gave 9 points each. Maxime decided to gift the champion 8 points. The lowest note was of course from Karkaroff who gave measly 5 points. "Cedric Diggory gets 41 points. Big rounds of aplauz!" The Hogwart's students cheered.
"Without any further ado let's move on to our next contestant, Ms. Delacour." He paused. "Although she used her abilities to her advantage she forgot about due vigilance at the end. Almost landing herself with severe burns." With the first 10 point score in the tournament, coming straight from her headmaster, she got in total 38 points. 6 from Karkaroff and Crouch Sr. each, 7 from Dumbledore and lastly 9 from Bagman.
The witch clicked her tongue with disgust seeing the overt discrimination against her. She clenched her fists and looked towards Madame Maxime, who shook her head promising they'll talk later.
"Now it's time for our shooting star, Victor Krum!" Once again the stadium filled with the crowd chanting his name. "With reflexes worthy of a Seeker, he fought through the fire and catched the golden target as if it was a Quidditch match!" Without any surprises Karkaroff and Bagman gave 10 points while the rest took off three points each. Tallying in for 41 points. Making a draw for first place with Cedric.
The two Champions looked at each other. Tension emanating between the fellow youths.
"And now its time for our youngest Champion." Griffindor's shook the whole stadium with their powered by Sonorous roars. Dumbledore had to ask for silence as they just couldn't stop.
"After an impromptu break and chat with the fans, Mr. Potter dominated the scene with overpowering might and sealed the dragon's moves completely." An calculating look appeared for a second in Ludovic's eyes." Giving him all the time and space to grab the golden egg. Let the final round of points begin!"
Bagman gifted 10 points, followed by 9 from Dumbledore. Mr. Crouch and Madame Maxime both gave 7 while Karkaroff gave 4. Harry got 37 points in the end placing him at last place. Boos and jeering filled the stadium as the crowd didn't agree with the verdict.
"Bloody wankers!" Ron fumed seeing how his friend was unjustly treated. "We should do something about this."
The girls had flames in their eyes. "I won't allow for this." Angelina gritted her teeth. "No one's going to mock my player on my watch." She looked towards the twins. "You better think of something or there'll be pain."
Fred and George nervously gulped seeing the glares form their female teammates. Just as they wanted to abandon ship they felt their robes being pulled. "Is this deja vu, Fred?" George asked.
"I don't know." He replied. "But I feel as if we're about to lose something dear to our hearts."
They looked down and saw Luna holding a betting coupon. "I expect the money to be fully paid before the end of the week." She smiled. "I have a future stay at home husband to provide for after all."
