Chapter 31
In the twilight shadows of the Forbidden Forest, amidst the whispers of ancient trees, the Triwizard Tournament stirred to life in the year 1994. As the audience swirled around them, Albus and Scorpius found themselves engulfed in the tumultuous sea of spectators.
Then, like a maestro conducting a symphony, a booming voice pierced through the clamor. It was Ludo Bagman, self-proclaimed as the "greatest showman on earth." With a flick of his wand and a charm of Sonorus, his voice reverberated across the clearing, commanding attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls," he bellowed, his enthusiasm infectious. " I give you the greatest the fabulous the one and the only TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT." A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd, each school showcasing its pride.
"If you’re from Hogwarts. Give me a cheer!" Bagman's voice thundered, met with a resounding cheer from the Hogwarts contingent.
"If you’re from Durmstrang — give me a cheer." There’s a loud cheer.
"And if you're from Beauxbatons, give a cheer!" Bagman's call was met with slightly limp cheer, hinting at the slightly less enthusiastic from the French there.
Scorpius, a knowing smile gracing his lips, whispered to Albus, "This has worked. That’s Ludo Bagman."
As the crowd settled, Bagman's voice boomed once more, introducing the champions. "And there they are. Ladies and gentlemen — boys and girls — I present to you — the reason why we’re all here — the champions. Representing Durmstrang, what eyebrows, what a gait, what a boy, there’s nothing he won’t try on a broomstick, it’s Viktor Krazy Krum."
Albus and Scorpius,who really loked like the Durmstrang students , cheered along with the Durmstrang students, chanting, "Go, go, Krazy Krum!"
"From the Beauxbatons Academy — zut alors, it’s Fleur Delacour!" Polite applause rippled through the crowd. "And from Hogwarts not one but two students," he continued, his voice filled with admiration, "he makes us all swoon, he's Cedric Delightful Diggory." The crowd erupted into wild cheers. "And then the other—you know him as the Boy Who Lived, I know him as the boy who keeps surprising us all. " Albus interjected proudly, "That's my dad." Bagman nodded with a grin, "Yes, it’s Harry Plucky Potter."
Amidst the crowd, there echoed enthusiastic cheers, particularly from a nervous-looking girl standing at the edge—this was Young Hermione. It was evident that the applause for Harry was slightly overshadowed by that for Cedric.
"And now-silence, please, everyone. The first task," announced the Bagman, his voice commanding attention, "Retrieving a golden egg. From a nest of ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I give you dragons. And guiding the dragons Charlie Weasley." The crowd erupted into more cheers as Charlie Weasley stepped forward to guide the formidable creatures.
Young Hermione shifted uncomfortably as someone stood too close, "If you're going to stand so close, I’d rather you didn’t breathe on me quite so much."
"Rose? What are you doing here?" inquired Scorpius, confusion lacing his words.
"Who's Rose? And what's happened to your accent?" countered Young Hermione, her brow furrowing in bewilderment.
"Sorry, Hermione. He's got you mixed up with someone else," interjected Albus, attempting an accent.
"How do you know my name?" questioned Young Hermione, her suspicion evident.
"And with no time to lose let’s bring out our first champion — facing a Swedish Short- Snout, I give you — Cedric Diggory.", amidst the chatter, Ludo Bagman announced the arrival of the first champion, Cedric Diggory, to face a Swedish Short-Snout dragon. As the beast roared, distracting Young Hermione, Albus prepared his wand for action.
Cedric entered the stage with determination evident in his stance. Despite his fear, he moved swiftly, dodging the dragon's advances. The onlookers, especially the girls, swooned and cried out, fearing for Cedric's safety.
"And Cedric skirts left and he dives right — and he readies his wand — what has this young, brave, handsome man got up his sleevies now," Ludo Bagman's voice boomed across the arena, resonating with excitement as he narrated the unfolding duel. Cedric Diggory deftly maneuvered to the left before swiftly diving to the right, his wand poised for action. As the crowd held its breath, wondering what strategy the valiant young man had up his sleeve, Albus Dumbledore extended his wand and cast Expelliarmus, causing Cedric's wand to be summoned into his, " b
But no, what’s this? Is it Dark Magic or is it something else entirely? His wand is flying away Cedric Diggory is Disarmed." Ludo Bagman described the scene with a mix of excitement and concern.Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, Scorpius urged Albus to retreat, sensing the danger that loomed ahead. "Albus, I think we can go back," he whispered urgently, his voice barely audible above the din of the crowd.
It was a risky move, but Scorpius knew they had to act fast if they were to escape unscathed.As Cedric's wand slipped from his grasp, it became evident that the tide of the duel had turned against him. Ludo Bagman's commentary reflected the gravity of the situation, hinting that Cedric's chances in the tournament were slipping away with each passing moment.In a daring move, Scorpius seized Albus by the arm, his grip firm as they prepared to make their escape. Scorpius grabs Albus and use Time-Turner, he activated the Time-Turner and
In the midst of agony, time rewinds to the present, marked by Albus's anguished cries.
Scorpius rushes to his side, concern etched on his face. "Albus! Are you alright? What happened?"
Albus, disoriented, queries, "What's going on?"
Scorpius reassures, "Everything's alright. We've returned to the present."
Hope flickers in Albus's eyes. "Do you think we've succeeded?"
Scorpius nods, his gaze following Albus's to where stand Harry, Ron—whose once daring hair now sports a conservative part—and a more refined Ginny, Draco, and Pansy. Scorpius discreetly tucks the Time-Turner away as Pansy and Draco rush to embrace him. Albus, though, gazes at them with a mix of confusion and pain.
Ron triumphantly declares, "I told you! I saw them!"
Albus, trying to comprehend and not show that he is scared, greets his father tentatively. "Hi, Dad. What's happening?"
Harry's disbelief melts into anger. "Yes, something's wrong. You mustn't be afraid. You must be brave."
Before Albus can respond, he collapses, and Harry and Ginny rush to his side.