The First Task
The last week and a half had gone by far too quickly as it was now Thursday morning and he only had till Saturday to finish preparing for the first task. Not only was he stressing about the upcoming task but he also had another issue to deal with, someone had decided to create Potter Stinks badges and hand them out to everyone who was outwardly opposing his participation in the tournament. Everywhere he looked he saw the stupid badges rotating from his face to the message.
“If I see one more person wearing those stupid badges I am going to throttle them.” Draco said angrily the blondes poor pancakes getting abused by a fork.
“Hey guys, as soon as I saw the badges I went down to the kitchens and got a picnic so we could sit outside and get away from everyone at least until classes start.” Hermione spoke, practically appearing out of nowhere.
“I think that is a great idea, best get going before one of these two murder someone.” Tracey agreed getting up causing everyone else to stand and follow.
It was chilly outside but it was dry so they were able to place a large blanket down to sit and get the food out.
“Does anyone know who made them?” Draco asked still fuming.
“Well that would be me.” A smug voice said from behind him and when he turned he sighed as he looked at Ron Weasley.
“Why? I thought we had come to a sort of truce ever since the chamber of secrets incident.”
“That was before you had to go and do another stunt to get yourself more fame and I realised you only saved my sister to make yourself look better. Everything you do is just to seek more attention isn’t it, you just love having everyone fawn over you don’t you? So I thought I could profit of off everyone finally realising how pathetic you truly are.”
“Keep going I dare you.” Draco threatened.
“Yes and what will you do about it?”
“Ohh you want to see what I will do.” Draco pointed his wand at Ron but he pressed the boys arm down and turned the blond around because Ron just wasn’t worth the trouble it would cause.
However, once they turned he heard a gruff voice shout a spell and then a shout of surprise then a squeak so he turned back around to see a ferret where Ron had once been and Professor Moody walking towards them.
“That will teach you to never draw your wand on someone who’s back is turned again.” Moody started levitating the ferret up and down and continuing to lecture. “Only a coward would attack someone who was defenceless.”
“What is going on over here?” Hagrid asked curiously walking toward them all.
“Teaching.” Moody answered continuing to levitate the ferret.
“Wait is that a student, using transfiguration as a punishment is definitely not allowed.”
“I don’t remember being told that.”
“It’s part of the rule book that Dumbledore would have given you. I would suggest you cancel the spell and go and read through the book.”
Moody contemplated the decision for a minute before cancelling the spell causing Ron to reappear on the ground who promptly ran back to the castle shouting about unorthodox punishments. Moody gave a quick nod to the group and headed in the direction Ron had ran leaving them all alone with Hagrid.
“I bet he deserved that but if I let it keep going on then I would have ended up getting in trouble with Dumbledore.”
“He definitely did deserve it, boys a complete arse.” Draco huffed.
“Yes I saw those badges he made because of the tournament and that kinda brings me onto what I came over here to talk to you about Harry. I need you to meet me at 8 tonight and wear the cloak, I have something I need you to see.”
“Erm sure, is it something about the tournament?”
“If someone asks then no.” Hagrid winked. “Just come see me and you will understand.”
“Ok, I will come to your cabin for 8.”
***
“Just let me come with you Harry, what if it is something dangerous?” Draco said for about then millionth time.
“I will be fine I’m going with Hagrid, also he didn’t say anything about bringing anyone so it is better if you just stay here incase Severus comes looking for me or something. I will be back soon ok.”
He put on his cloak as Draco huffed and walked out the dorm room, through the common room and out into the halls. The castle was quiet at this time of night and he enjoyed the peace after the constant harassment from the other students.
The night was peaceful and despite the slight chill he was content walking across the grounds to Hagrid’s hut, the man already waiting outside for him so he took down the hood of his cloak and announced himself.
“You made it good, now I need you to keep the cloak on at all times because no one can see that I’m showing you this. Im also going to have another guest with me so be careful.” Hagrid’s warned him.
“Don’t worry, I will be, who is your guest?”
Before Hagrid could answer that question, Madam Maxine came round from the side of the cabin causing him to have to quickly cover his head again.
“Olympe, thank you for joining me, you are really going to enjoy what I have to show you today. It’s just over this way.” Hagrid took Maxine’s hand and started leading her in the direction of the forbidden forest. He followed slowly behind them not entirely happy about their current destination. He couldn’t hear what was being said between the pair but it was obvious in their expressions that they were both clearly interested in each other.
He didn’t know how long they had been walking when finally the thick trees opened up into a clearing but with what the clearing revealed he wished they were back in the forest. Four huge dragons were being tamed with at least 10 wizards per dragon clouds of fire being released all over the place. He heard Maxine say she was going for a closer look so when Hagrid was standing alone he crept closer and took down his hood once more.
“Dragons, that’s the first task. I have to fight a dragon?”
“Yes, greatly under appreciated creatures dragons are. Aren’t they beautiful?”
“Sure Hagrid.” He didn’t know about beautiful, the word he would have chosen would have been terrifying. “I best get back to the castle Hagrid, got classes in the morning and everything but I greatly appreciate you showing me these.”
“It was only fair, Fleur will be told by Maxine so I thought you should get to know. On with you now, me and Maxine will enjoy some alone time.”
He grimaced at the word choice but thanked Hagrid once more before speeding back to the castle, panic setting into him about what Saturday would bring. He was also rather conflicted on wether or not to tell Krum and Cedric about the dragons since he and Fleur had the advantage but he also didn’t want to get Hagrid into trouble. Deciding he would sleep on it, he collapsed into his bed, halting Draco’s questioning with a shake of his head and shut over his curtains needing some time to himself to think over what he had just learned.
***
After speaking it through with Draco, who was furious they would even think about placing students against dragons, he decided to tell both Krum and Cedric about what he saw so he headed straight to the library, getting Pansy to tell Sprout he would be a bit late due to tournament stuff, so he would be able to catch Krum.
He was in luck, not only was Krum in the library but Cedric was also sitting in the back surrounded by piles of defence books. He waved at Krum to come join as he went and sat down next to Cedric.
“Hey guys, I have something I need to tell you. I’m pretty sure Fleur is also aware of this but maybe just mention it if you see her to be certain but I know what the first task includes. It will be dragons, we have to do something with dragons.”
“You can’t be serious, do they want us to fight them or something?” Cedric asked astonished.
“I don’t know what they want us to do against them but they are being kept deep in the forest. Saw them when I went a walk to clear my head last night and also noticed Maxine so figured Fleur would know. It was only fair that I told you two.”
“Well erm thank you for telling us, how about all of us, including Fleur meet up tonight to practice some more spells that could help us.” Krum suggested
“Yes that sounds like a good idea, how about we meet after dinner tonight?” He agreed. “Although I need to get to class now so I best get going. See you tonight.”
“Yes I will go see Fleur and tell you at dinner what time we will meet.” Krum said getting up as well to head to the beauxbatons carriage.
He waved at Cedric and then left heading to Herbology, apologising to Professor Sprout before filling Pansy in on his current issue.
“What about flying? You are good at flying and it could give you an advantage against getting away from the Dragons fire quickly.”
“Wait that’s actually a really good idea but there is one problem, I’m not allowed a broom.”
“But your allowed your wand right, so you could summon it.”
“That’s a sixth year level spell, how am I supposed to learn it in one night?”
“It’s worth a try isn’t it, maybe the others can help you although don’t tell them what your planning to do. I know you want to be fair and all that but let yourself have this little advantage because they have a lot more than you going for them.”
“I guess, we are all meeting tonight so I will think of some excuse for why I want to learn it or maybe Hermione would be able to help me with it in charms. I would ask Severus but I don’t want to make him break the rules already.”
“Work on it with Hermione in charms then with the older ones tonight and hopefully you will get it.”
“Hopefully otherwise I have no idea what I’m doing.”
***
Saturday morning arrived and he felt like he could be sick. Despite all of the preparation he has done with Hermione and the older students he didn’t feel like he was ready and now the champions all had to be down in the tent for 10 which meant he had exactly 6 minutes before he had to start heading down and he was an absolute mess. He was currently trembling as he tried to stomach a slice of toast for some sort of energy as his friends tried to comfort him slightly. Eventually he gave up with the meal and decided to just head down a bit too early so with a final goodbye to his friends, he wished he could just hug his guardian and Remus but due to the rules about getting no help he wasn’t allowed to see the men right before the tournament, so he left the table and walked to the tent.
It seemed the others were feeling the same way because when he arrived at the tent everyone else was also there. Fleur was pacing back and forth, Krum was stood brooding in the corner and Cedric was on one of the four beds positioned in the room, hands shaking and staring at the wall. He decided to go to one of the other beds and collapse on it. He didn’t know how long they had sat in silence when Hermione rushed into the tent frantically.
“Sorry I know I’m not supposed to be here but I will be quick.” The girl came over to him and handed him a bit of paper. “Severus gave this to me, he is beyond himself with this stupid rule that the champions aren’t allowed to interact with any teachers before the event. He just wanted to get this message to you and because Draco is also in a bit is state right now from worry I thought I would be the best to come down.”
(I wish I could say this in person but unfortunately the rules are clear so I guess I am just going to have to say it on paper. You have got this, I know your scared and I know you think you don’t know enough but you do, you are much stronger than you believe you are and I know you will be ok. I love you so much.)
“Thank you for bringing this you have no idea how much I needed it.” He hugged Hermione tightly when he heard a click and a saw a flash out the side of his eye. He pushed back from the girl to see Rita Skeeter standing with her camera out grinning. He flushed with anger and his hands clenched into fists at the sight of the woman and if it hadn’t been for Krum he would have knocked her out.
“Leave you are not welcome in this tent.” Krum barged over to her intimidatingly walking her out the tent but he already knew the damage was done. He knew what she would turn that photo into and he wasn’t in the mood for the fallback.
“I best get going before anyone else sees me. Good luck Harry and be careful.” Hermione hugged him once more and slipped out the tent just in time for the headmasters to enter with Crouch.
“Hello all, it is time you learn about what you will be facing today. There is four dragons and you will each choose a species to go up against. Your task is simple, retrieve the golden egg that is in the dragons nest but be careful not to break any of her own eggs because she won’t like that at all. You will loose points for harming the dragon, her eggs or getting injured yourself . Now I have a bag here with models of the different species you will choose from so each of you take turns putting your hand in and picking one.” Fleur went first picking out a tiny model dragon that was a light green colour with a 2 around its neck. “The Welsh green.” Krum went next bringing out a scarlet dragon with a 3 around this neck. “The Chinese fireball.” Cedric went third choosing a silvery blue dragon with a 1. “The Swedish Short-snout which leaves only one more dragon, the Hungarian Horntail, the fiercest of the lot.” He gingerly took out the spiky model with a 4 on it and looked at it with trepidation. Of course he would get the worst of the lot with his luck. “The numbers around their necks represent the order you will face the task which means Mr Diggory will be first. As soon as the cannonball sounds you maybe exit into the stadium. Good luck champions.”
He went back to the bed he had previously collapsed on and lay down not even flinching when the cannonball went off and Cedric left the tent. He heard screams and cheers sounding from outside the tent but he was too focused on the nerves coursing through him. Both Fleur and Krum were completely silent as well, both looking as if they greatly regretted their life choices as Cedric spent longer and longer out there until finally they heard the next cannonball go off and Fleur left the room. Once again he and Krum sat in silence, thinking over everything they could to let them get past the dragon in one piece. The time dragged on as they waited for the next cannonball to sound and when it did it left him entirely alone in the tent. He decided to get up and pace to get himself moving a bit to prepare for what he was about to face. He practiced the motions of the summoning charm and went over his plan in his head until the cannon went off for one last time and he walked out into the stadium.
The first thing he noticed was how much bigger the dragon looked when he was standing so close to it. It was massive with spikes all over its back and tail and a huge spiky ball at the end of the tail completed the terrifying look. As soon as the creature caught sight of him it opened its mouth and he managed to roll out the way in just enough time to miss the rush of fire. He took a deep breath and focused before casting “Accio” for his broom, sitting with his arm outstretched so he could catch it when it would eventually come. It was getting to the point where he thought he had failed when finally he heard the whistle of it moving through the air and then the familiar wood was in his hand. Quickly mounting it he kicked off and flew up above the dragon to asses the situation from a different vantage point. The dragon was chained to the ground with its nest laying on the rocks next to its feet, the golden one in the middle, so he would have to confuse the creature if he wanted any chance of getting near it. He flew closer watching carefully for signs that fire would be shot at him but the creature was more curious than vicious for the moment until he angled his broom down and surged forward towards the eggs, in an instant a rush of fire was scraping by him. He flew up higher again and spun around before diving down under the tail and around the feet just brushing by the nest when he had to swerve to avoid the fire once again. He went back up and barrel rolled and flipped around any incoming fire or spiky tail until he caught an opening for a feint that he thought might work. He flew as close to the creatures spikes as he could and when it turned to see him he flipped over his head and went straight down, grasping the egg and straightening out to fly as far away from the dragon as possible. Cheering erupted around the entire stadium but he couldn’t enjoy it as he was immediately escorted by Pomphrey into a medic tent where the rest of the champions were. Fleur had a bandage around her thigh and arm, Cedric had a horrible burn over his left cheek and Krum had a large cut on his hand.
He was immediately escorted to a bed and checked over despite his constant reminders that he hadn’t been injured at all but he was just wasting his breath because Pomphrey was being thorough. Finally once she was done, the judges came into the tent and gathered into the centre.
“I will be using a voice throwing spell to announce the results to you guys and the stadium at the same time as well as a score board being cast in the centre so everyone can see it.” Barty explained before casting the spells and starting. “Alright everyone there were 5 judges and each one could give 10 points to the champions, I will just be reading out the total score not what each judges individual score was. Now I will start with 4th place and go up, in 4th we have Miss Delacour who was successful in placing the dragon in a deep sleep but caught on fire when the dragon snored and an egg was crushed when the dragon rolled. She scored a total of 32 points. Next in 3rd place we have Mr Krum who cast a conjunctivitis curse on the dragon to confuse it. However the dragon then crushed its own eggs due to disorientation and he got some scratches from having to dive out the way. Mr Krum scored a total of 34 points. In 2nd we have Mr Diggory who transfigured a rock into a chihuahua which effectively confused the dragon long enough for him to retrieve the egg but in his haste to leave he caught the creatures attention and got burned in the face. He received 37 points. That means that in first place is Mr Potter who successfully retrieved the egg in the fastest time without breaking any eggs or causing harm to himself or the dragon and showcased his talent in flying. Mr Potters total score was 44 points. Well done to all the champions for completing this task.” Barty cancelled the spell and he just sat staring for a minute, he had won the most points. He was so shocked he barely managed to listen to Crouch’s next words. “Ok guys hold into your eggs, it is your only clue for what the second task will involve which will take place on the 4th of February. Well done everyone, go celebrate with your schools now because you deserve it.”
With the end of the speech crouch left leaving them alone with the headmasters.
“Alright Harry, If I don’t let you leave I think Severus will murder me so as long as Madam Pomphrey is alright with it your are free to go.” Dumbledore said and after receiving permission from the medi-witch he jumped of the bed and ran out the tent spotting Severus standing with Remus and Sirius a few feet away. He sprinted over to the man and crashed into a tight hug.
“You have no idea how much I wanted to do this this morning.” He said trying to get even closer to the man.
“Same, I wanted to keep you safe in my arms. There was even a moment where Remus and Sirius had to restrain me from running out the quarters to you.”
“You have no idea how hard it was for me to do that, the wolf was begging for me to go and protect my cub.”
“My poor heart almost gave out when I saw you flying up to that dragon with the fire and the tail coming for you. You done amazing but that was the worst experience of my life.” Severus sighed.
“Although it was bloody brilliant, the way you confused it to eventually get the egg was genius. I have never seen something more impressive.” Sirius grinned.
“I couldn’t exactly appreciate it when my son was nearly being chargrilled.”
“I don’t want to ever go near a dragon again, it was terrifying and all I could think about was how much I wanted to be safely away from it.”
“Don’t worry I am never letting you near one of those creatures again, no you are staying safely with me forever.”
“You do realise he will have a party to attend tonight with the Slytherins because he was victorious today.” Sirius stated.
“Shh just let me have this moment with him.”
He burrowed in tighter because he would be cherishing every last moment.