Chapter 518: Charlie to the Rescue
Chapter 518: Charlie to the Rescue
A chaotic mess erupted in the Quidditch stadium due to a well-placed Stink Pellet of unknown origin.
Karkaroff, victim of the foul-smelling prank, frantically rinsed his mouth with water conjured by his wand, to no avail.
The new and improved Stink Pellet seemed designed to address the issue of easy washability. The putrid smell now clung stubbornly, defying even strong cleaning agents, let alone plain water.
Karkaroff was both furious and frustrated. Each time he tried to speak, the stench hit him anew, rendering him incoherent and unable to form a complete sentence.
"Oh, what was that?" Dumbledore kindly leaned in, feigning concern.
Karkaroff kept his mouth shut tight, trying to convey his thoughts without words.
"Yes, you're right, it's absolutely outrageous," Dumbledore agreed.
Turning to face the crowd, Dumbledore announced, "Professor Karkaroff has asked me to remind everyone that bringing dangerous magical items like Stink Pellets to future matches is strictly prohibited to avoid unpleasant explosions in the stands."
"W-w-what?" Karkaroff sputtered indignantly, his neck veins bulging.
He was certain he had demanded to find and severely punish the perpetrator, yet Dumbledore's interpretation of his garbled message was a mere lighthearted warning.
"Here, Mr. Karkaroff, try this." Someone pushed their way through the crowd towards Karkaroff.
Filch shoved a large bottle into Karkaroff's hands. "It's Mrs. Skower's All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover. It should help get rid of the taste in your mouth."
Use a cleaning agent to wash out his mouth?
Karkaroff felt insulted, his whole body trembling with rage as he glared at Filch.
However, Filch seemed oblivious to Karkaroff's anger and continued to rave about the wonders of the mess remover.
"It has a rather refreshing scent. I usually spray some in the bathrooms, and it works like a charm."
Karkaroff's expression darkened further. He threw the bottle aside and raised his wand, intending to write out his thoughts.
But at that moment, Dumbledore chose to dismiss the assembly.
"Everyone, please exit in an orderly fashion. No pushing," he announced loudly, his voice drowning out the sniffling sounds behind him.
"Remember, let the guests depart first... Oh, Minerva, would you kindly inform the kitchen that the first task was a success? I believe a feast is in order to celebrate."
"Of course, Headmaster," Professor McGonagall nodded. "I'll go right away."
And so, amidst Karkaroff's disbelieving stare, the students laughed and chatted their way towards the exit in a boisterous crowd.
Fred and George were at the forefront, skillfully weaving their way through the throng. Soon they were gone, disappearing down the corridor.
"It was meant for him," Fred said, glancing back with a mischievous grin. "Who knew he'd open his mouth at that moment..."
George's shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. "I doubt he'll be able to eat anything for a few days."
"Maybe a week..." Fred added.
They shared a knowing look and burst into laughter once more.
Meanwhile, the three brave participants, Kyle, Furong, and Krum, were led back to the changing room they had occupied earlier.
"You all did well," Ludo Bagman said as he entered, though he didn't seem particularly cheerful, his mind appearing to be elsewhere.
"Okay, now listen. The second task will take place on the morning of February 27th at 10 a.m. Until then, you'll have a long break.
"However, we want to leave you with a puzzle to ponder. The stones you retrieved hold a clue to the second challenge. Figure out this riddle, and you'll be better prepared when the task begins.
Kyle left the changing room.
Maxim was waiting right outside, and he escorted Furong away as soon as she exited.
Krum was taken to the school hospital by a Durmstrang student and would remain there for further observation.
Kyle found Connor not far from the changing room, and the two of them chatted as they walked back across the grounds.
As they stepped into the castle, someone came rushing towards them.
"I can't believe they would make the tasks so dangerous," Mrs. Weasley said, her voice shaking as if she were still in shock.
"Mom, Kyle handled everything perfectly," said Charlie Weasley as he approached with a smile. "Don't forget, he's the highest-scoring champion so far, almost perfect."
"Yes, you're right..." Mrs. Weasley hugged Kyle, "You did well, and I knew you could handle it... But I still think they made the tasks too dangerous, especially with those dragons... You're all still children."
Charlie opened his mouth, tempted to tell Mrs. Weasley about Kyle's previous encounter with dragons alongside Mr. Scamander, even before starting his fourth year.
But seeing the worried look on her face, he thought better of it and decided not to add to her distress.
He hugged Kyle as well and then sighed.
"What a shame. I thought I could be of some help."
"Huh?" Kyle didn't quite understand.
"That Swedish Short-Snout dragon," Charlie explained. "When I was choosing the dragons, I specifically picked one that you and Mr. Scamander had treated before. I thought it might recognize you and be of some assistance."
Kyle was surprised. "So, that Swedish Short-Snout dragon was chosen because of your suggestion?"
"Just a suggestion," Charlie said. "They were going to pick two Common Welsh Greens initially. But it doesn't matter now. From what we just saw, it doesn't seem like the Short-Snout recognized you anyway."
"No, you're wrong," Kyle glanced around and lowered his voice. "It helped a lot."
"Oh?" Charlie's eyes lit up.
Just then, a group of people walked into the Great Hall from outside.
Charlie immediately closed his mouth, dropping the subject.
"Congratulations on completing the first task, Kyle," he said, clapping Kyle on the shoulder. Putting on a casual front, he added, "I'll try to make it for the second task, if I can get away..."
Turning to Mrs. Weasley, he said, "Mom, I've got to go."
"So soon?" Mrs. Weasley frowned. "Can't you stay for a quick bite? It won't take long."
"I'm afraid not," Charlie said. "The dragons are already getting restless and moody. We need to get them back as soon as possible."
As if on cue, a roar echoed from outside the castle.
"Blimey, I'd better get running," Charlie said, waving goodbye to his mother as he sprinted out of the castle.
In the entrance hall, Mrs. Weasley chatted with Kyle a while longer, giving him some words of advice before finally turning to head upstairs.
She rarely visited Hogwarts, and before returning home, she wanted to check in on Ginny, Ron, and the others.
(End of Chapter)
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