Chapter 570: New Developments Regarding the Tournament
Chapter 570: New Developments Regarding the Tournament
By three o'clock in the afternoon, the sixth-year students had finished their final exam and were eagerly anticipating the upcoming tournament and the holiday break.
However, the fifth-years still had a couple more hours before they could finish their O.W.L.s.
In the afternoon, Kyle and Cedric sat by the Black Lake, discussing the impending tournament.
Meanwhile, Fred and George had reverted to their old ways, seeking out Bagman and Karkaroff. According to them, the closer the tournament drew, the more vigilant they needed to be. After all, now that the maze was complete, Bagman might reveal the route to the trophy to Karkaroff.
"The tournament starts in a few hours," Cedric said, eyeing the gigantic squid sunbathing in the middle of the lake. "How are you doing with those spells? Any issues?"
"None at all," replied Kyle. "I feel like you're more nervous than I am."
"I don't know," Cedric said with a shrug. "Maybe it's because this is the last event. If... I mean, if you lose at this point, it would be such a shame."
"Don't worry, I won't lose," Kyle assured him.
"I know," Cedric said with a smile. "If you win the Triwizard Championship, Professor Sprout will be over the moon."
"I saw her in Hogsmeade last time," Kyle said. "She was in the wizarding apparel shop, seemingly picking out a new robe."
"A new robe?" Kyle turned to him in surprise. "Are you sure? Didn't she buy a new one just last year?"
This remark might have seemed odd if it were about anyone else, as most people wouldn't buy just one piece of clothing in a year. But for Professor Sprout, it was perfectly normal.
Usually, at school, she wore more durable clothing suitable for tending to plants in the greenhouse, only donning a robe during the start-of-term feast.
Additionally, Kyle noticed that she had worn the same yellow robe for years, only replacing it with a new one last year after Hufflepuff had won the House Cup for four consecutive years.
And she had even used this new robe as a gown for the Christmas ball.
"I don't think I'm mistaken," Cedric said. "After all, if you win, it will not only be a triumph for Hogwarts but also for Hufflepuff. Professor Sprout would definitely want to celebrate."
Well, celebrating with a new robe did sound like something Professor Sprout would do.
Just then, Cedric exclaimed, "Kyle, look over there! It's the headmaster!"
Kyle turned just in time to see Dumbledore exiting the castle, accompanied by the other judges, who were engaged in a heated discussion.
"What are they talking about?" Cedric asked curiously.
Kyle shook his head. "I don't know. They're too far away to hear."
"I think it must be about the tournament," Cedric speculated.
"You don't think so?" Cedric was surprised. "The tournament is about to start. Do they still have some unresolved issues?"
"Who knows," Kyle said, not too concerned.
It was only natural for each headmaster to favor their own school's champion, and disagreements were to be expected.
...
At five o'clock, excited cheers echoed through the castle.
"I think the exams must be over," Cedric remarked.
They got to their feet and headed back to the castle for dinner.
"Hey, you two are here..."
Fred and George, who had been missing all afternoon, reappeared, looking exhilarated.
"Guess what we just heard..."
"Don't tell me Bagman actually revealed the maze route to Karkaroff!" Cedric exclaimed.
"That's a relief." Cedric sighed.
"However, we did overhear something else." Fred continued, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "The judges are planning to spice things up, just like in the second task."
"What do you mean by 'the second task'?" Kyle frowned, not understanding.
"They're going to include hostages." Fred explained, "The champions will have to locate all the hostages before they can proceed to claim the final prize."
"Are you sure you didn't mishear?" Cedric interjected, his eyes widening. "The maze is already dangerous enough, why add hostages to the mix?"
"We swear, we heard it right." George affirmed, his expression serious. "Bagman clearly stated that idea during their conversation."
"Wait... That's odd." Cedric suddenly realized something. "It's still daytime. How did you manage to get close enough to them without being noticed?"
Ignoring the mention of Ludo Bagman, Karkaroff was still a headmaster, and it was broad daylight without the cover of night. Surely he would have noticed someone approaching them with a Disillusionment Charm?
"Of course we didn't dare get too close." Fred replied, his eyebrow arched. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out something that resembled an ear. "We used this handy little device."
"Extendable Ears, our newest invention from last week." George elaborated, holding up the ear-like object. "We disguised it as a bush and managed to overhear Bagman and Karkaroff's conversation."
"Well..." Cedric breathed, glancing at Kyle. "It looks like Connor will be a hostage again. Let's see how quickly you can rescue her this time, Kyle."
"Actually, you're wrong about that." Fred shook his finger, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "The Hogwarts hostage isn't Connor, it's Harry."
"Harry Potter?"
"That's right." George confirmed. "They believe that including 'The Boy Who Lived' will add an exciting twist to the competition."
"Including Harry in the final task?" Kyle furrowed his brows, sensing that something was amiss. "Do you know who proposed this idea? Karkaroff? Or perhaps... Bartemius Crouch?"
"We're not sure about that."
"It was probably decided long ago." Fred added, "We were only focused on Bagman, and he mentioned it while speaking with Karkaroff."
"Bagman also said that this event will dominate the front page of the Prophet for the next week." George chimed in.
Kyle's brow furrowed deeper as he felt that something was off about this whole situation. Before he could inquire further, however, Connor and Autumn came running towards them from a distance.
"What are you guys talking about?" Connor asked, slightly out of breath.
"The Triwizard Tournament." Fred replied nonchalantly. "By the way, you two should head to the Great Hall for dinner. We need to find Professor Dumbledore."
"There's no need for the hostage to be Harry specifically. We could do it too." George added, turning to Connor and Autumn.
"This is the Triwizard Tournament, and it's the only one we'll ever get to participate in..." Autumn said, her eyes sparkling with determination.
"We discussed it on our way here." Connor continued, his eyes gleaming with the same enthusiasm. "Even if we can't be champions, we're determined to at least fill the role of hostages..."
Without further ado, the pair rushed off towards the castle to find Dumbledore, leaving the others behind.
Kyle paused, deep in thought for a moment.
While it was odd that they had chosen Harry to be the hostage, with Dumbledore's presence, things should still be under control...
As long as they remembered to check the Goblet of Fire for any issues before the task began.
Having come to this conclusion, Kyle headed towards the Great Hall with the others.
(End of Chapter)
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