Chapter 888: The First Task
Chapter 888: The First Task
On the day of the tournament, the students of Hogwarts still had classes in the morning, with dismissal at noon. However, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan couldn't help but complain about this arrangement. They argued that the Triwizard Tournament put immense pressure on the champions and that they deserved a more relaxed environment to prepare for the first task.
Well, that sounded reasonable, but Albert knew that they were just trying to skip out on their Charms lesson.
After all, it was a bit of a buzz kill to have classes when they would be attending the tournament in the afternoon.
As soon as Albert entered the Great Hall, he was surrounded by a crowd of students offering their well-wishes.
Shan'na approached Albert with a group of girls, proudly displaying a large banner they had made. It depicted Albert holding a wand, seemingly confronting something, with a roaring Gryffindor lion by his side. Accompanying this scene were flashing magical words that read, "Gryffindor will win, Albert will win."
However, Albert modified "Gryffindor will win" to "Hogwarts will win."
Fred and George seized the opportunity to start a betting pool, with the lowest odds on Albert scoring the highest—a mere ten percent. It seemed they were openly telling others that Albert was guaranteed to emerge victorious. Of course, the focus of the bets wasn't on Albert but on Harry, with high odds on him coming in last place.
In contrast to the well-liked Albert, Harry's situation was rather unfortunate. He was already unpopular, and most students didn't think highly of him. Coupled with his recent string of questionable actions, many students were now taking pleasure in his misfortune, and some even taunted him with handkerchiefs, saying, "We've prepared a stack of tissues for your tears."
"You're not going into the task dressed like that, are you?" Shan'na frowned deeply, looking at Albert's attire. "They didn't provide you with special clothing for the tournament?"
The people around them exchanged glances, not understanding the significance of Shan'na's words.
"Quidditch players have their own robes and protective gear, not to mention the dangerous Triwizard Tournament. It's neglectful not to provide the champions with protective gear, treating their lives so flippantly. No wonder so many champions have died in past tournaments."
"Really? No gear?"
The others, who hadn't thought there was an issue before, now furrowed their brows upon hearing Shan'na's words. Indeed, it made sense that the champions should be provided with protective clothing and equipment, given the perilous challenges they would face.
"I'll go ask about it," Lee Jordan offered enthusiastically, sharing Shan'na's concern for Albert's safety.
Albert's well-being was clearly more important than the Triwizard Cup.
Before long, Lee Jordan returned with news from Professor McGonagall: there was no special gear provided.
Hogwarts truly hadn't prepared anything for the champions' protection.
As for the other schools, it seemed they were in the same situation.
An extended moment of awkwardness and silence ensued as everyone suddenly felt that this Triwizard Tournament was poorly organized.
Fortunately, the uncomfortable atmosphere didn't last long as everyone's attention was drawn to a large parcel.
The long-eared owls that had delivered the packages placed a large one in front of Albert, and another owl dropped a letter before him.
Albert opened the envelope and found a message from Mr. McDougall. Inside the parcel was a complete set of combat attire specially made for him, according to Mr. McDougall's letter, from the Wizarding World's renowned fashion store, "Elegant Brand."
It was similar to how sports stars were sponsored, and as an advertising fee, they would provide him with a new set after he returned this one.
As the most famous person in Britain at the moment, Albert's endorsement of Elegant Brand was a profitable deal for them. Additionally, the widespread connections of the Wildsmith family played a role in this arrangement.
"Wow, we were just talking about protective gear, and now someone has sent you some!" Fred and George were astonished that their words had been so quickly echoed by this delivery.
"Are you going to open it now?"
Lee Jordan was eager to see the design of the outfit, especially since it was a custom-made set for Albert from Elegant Brand; it had to be something extraordinary.
"I'll change into it at noon," Albert said nonchalantly, not wanting to create a fuss in the Great Hall.
"Are you close with the owner of Elegant Brand?" Aria couldn't help but ask.
"Not really," Albert replied, handing the envelope to George. "A friend sent it to me, and it's only loaned temporarily. They'll collect it back afterward."
"This seems like a win-win situation," Shan'na analyzed calmly. "With Albert's current fame, it's essentially free advertising for Elegant Brand."
During the Charms lesson that morning, Professor Flitwick didn't dampen the students' spirits. Instead, he helped them—or rather, Albert—review the spells they had learned over the past five years and shared his insights and applications of those spells.
It was evident to everyone that Professor Flitwick was offering Albert a last-minute crash course, albeit a bit late, but it could still provide Albert with some new ideas.
However, they didn't know that Albert, being the cautious person who avoided putting himself in harm's way, had already devised a plan to navigate the first task safely.
In the final hours before the tournament, time seemed to slip away stealthily.
One minute, they were sitting in class for their Charms lesson, and in the blink of an eye, they were in the Great Hall for lunch.
Albert didn't eat much, knowing there would be a celebration feast after the tournament. He merely ate enough to fill his stomach before returning to his dormitory to change.
"Wow, that's a sharp-looking outfit," Fred, George, and Lee Jordan exclaimed, their eyes filled with envy as Albert emerged from the changing room.
The package contained a complete set of clothing, from underwear and a shirt to trousers, gloves, boots, socks, and a cloak—everything but his underwear. It felt a bit like wearing a suit of leather armor, with protection over his joints, yet it didn't hinder his movement at all. In fact, it felt more comfortable than ordinary clothes. The most striking piece was undoubtedly the red cloak, adorned with a golden thread embroidery of a lion-headed eagle, a majestic creature.
"What's this made of? It looks amazing," Fred, George, and Lee Jordan asked in unison, their hands gently stroking the red cloak draped over Albert's shoulders.
"I think it's made of fire dragon hide," Albert replied.
Indeed, aside from the underwear and socks, the entire ensemble was crafted from the hide of fire dragons.
"Wow, I wonder how much this would cost," Fred and George exclaimed, their eyes widening in surprise. The only time they had ever seen anything made from fire dragon hide was on their Aunt Muriel's handbag.
"Elegant Brand is certainly generous," Lee Jordan remarked, his eyebrows arched in surprise. "I'd estimate this entire set to be worth several thousand galleons."
"Several thousand galleons!" Fred and George stammered, their eyes nearly popping out of their heads.
"Don't be silly," Albert said with a wave of his hand. "I have to return this set after the tournament so they can display it. It's just a loan."
There was a knock on the door, and Shan'na's voice called out from the other side, "Albert, are you ready? Professor McGonagall is waiting for you in the entrance hall."
"Coming!" Albert replied. He secured his wand in its holster and opened the door, stepping out into the common room.
Shan'na's eyes widened at the sight of Albert's attire, and she found herself at a loss for words. "That... that outfit suits you well."
"Isn't it cool? It's made of fire dragon hide. I bet this whole set is worth several thousand galleons," Fred said, his voice laced with envy.
"Several thousand galleons?" Shan'na echoed, her eyes widening in shock. "I thought Elegant Brand was going to give you a set as an advertising fee?"
"Who knows!" Albert shrugged, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
As the girls giggled, Albert bid them farewell and made his way out of the common room. When he reached the entrance hall, he found Professor McGonagall and Harry Potter waiting for him. Unlike Albert, Harry still wore his ordinary school robes.
Harry's eyes were glued to Albert's outfit, and he couldn't help but ask, "Where did you get those clothes?"
"Elegant Brand sent them to me to try out, I suppose as a form of advertising. I have to return them after the Triwizard Tournament," Albert explained.
"Is that... dragon hide?" Harry asked, reaching out to touch the fabric, his eyes darting back to his own plain robes. Suddenly, he felt a twinge of insecurity.
Seeing Albert fully geared up, Harry couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret that he hadn't prepared similar equipment for himself.
Professor McGonagall's expression was unreadable, but she couldn't fault Albert for his preparedness. In fact, his actions were entirely reasonable. When Lee Jordan had previously asked her if Hogwarts had provided any protective gear or clothing for the champions, she had felt embarrassed because the school hadn't even considered it, simply expecting the champions to rely solely on their wands during the tournament.
"It seems you're all set," Professor McGonagall said, placing a hand on Albert's shoulder. "To be honest, I've never worried about you. But do be careful."
"I will," Albert said, his eyes flicking to the crooked wizard's hat, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It seemed that even the usually unflappable Professor McGonagall couldn't hide her concern entirely.
"Don't be nervous. Stay calm and make the most of your abilities," Professor McGonagall advised Harry and Albert. "If things get out of hand, the wizards on standby will step in to control the situation."
"This may sound harsh, but I must remind you, Potter, not to rely on others for your safety," Albert interjected. "In case of danger, your priority should be your own safety, regardless of the tournament or anything else. To hell with everything else!"
Professor McGonagall's expression froze, but she had to admit that Albert was right. It was exactly what she thought, but as a professor, she couldn't say such things aloud.
"I'm ready," Harry mumbled, understanding that Albert's words were a subtle warning, especially considering the shadowy figure targeting him.
Professor McGonagall led the two boys around the edge of the Forbidden Forest towards the large tent that had been set up not far away.
"Harry! Albert! You're finally here!"
Bagman, dressed in old Bee attire, strode towards the two, greeting them enthusiastically. "That outfit of yours is fantastic. I should suggest to Barty that he get a similar set for all the champions."
"It's from the Elegant Brand store for wizards." Albert shrugged. "They wanted me to wear it for the Triwizard Tournament."
"Those guys have great taste. I remember they advertised during the Quidditch World Cup, and now they've set their sights on you." Bagman placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Relax, Harry, don't be nervous. Come on in and make yourself at home!"
Upon entering the tent, Harry felt even worse. Fleur and Krum had changed into attire suitable for fighting a fire dragon, while he was still in his everyday robes. Harry now regretted not getting himself a set like Albert's, which looked really cool and might even attract...
Bagman's voice interrupted Harry's train of thought as he gestured for everyone to gather around him.
"Your task is to retrieve the golden eggs."
Bagman held out a purple silk bag and, in the tone of a Santa Claus pulling gifts from his sack, cheerfully announced, "Once the audience is seated, you will each need to pick out a miniature model of what you will be facing. They are the guardians of the golden eggs, and you will need to face and overcome them, retrieving the eggs from their lairs."
"Understood?"
No one responded, but Bagman didn't seem embarrassed. He gestured for everyone to find a place to sit and wait for the competition to officially begin.
Albert waved his wand, and the corner's low stool turned into a comfortable long sofa. "Have a seat, Harry. The Ministry is really stingy, not even providing decent chairs. By the way, would you like some chocolate?"
To be honest, Albert even suspected he had come to the wrong place. The space inside the tent was about the size of a classroom, but it was empty, with only a few low wooden stools, as if the organizers had forgotten to provide a comfortable resting place for the champions. This gave Albert the impression that the Triwizard Tournament was poorly organized.
He took out a piece of chocolate from his pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth, casually offering one to Harry.
"No, thank you," Harry refused stiffly.
"I mentioned this to Barty, suggesting that they should prepare a comfortable area for the champions to rest, but he seemed too busy to remember to remind Dumbledore." Bagman smiled, taking the chocolate that Albert handed him and motioning for Harry to sit down. "Come on, Harry, don't just stand there."
Albert took out a few more chocolates from his pocket and casually asked, "Anyone else want chocolate? Eating something might help calm your nerves."
Fleur glanced at Albert and shook her head in refusal. Krum also declined, appearing more composed than Fleur, though his expression was somewhat gloomy.
The wait was undoubtedly agonizing. The champions waited for about half an hour before Bagman stood up from the sofa and mumbled that it was almost time.
"Alright, everyone, gather around." Bagman handed the bag to Fleur Delacour. "Ladies first."
Fleur seemed to know exactly what she would be facing, as she reached into the bag and pulled out a small, lifelike model of a Welsh Green Dragon without any sign of surprise.
"Ms. Delacour, you will be the second contestant to enter."
"Mr. Krum, you will be the third contestant to enter." Bagman then passed the bag to Albert.
Albert reached into the bag and randomly pulled out a model of a short-snouted Swedish Blue Dragon. Just like in the novel, Albert had taken Diggory's place.
"Mr. Anderson, you will be the first contestant to enter. When you hear the whistle, walk into the arena." Bagman instructed.
"Looks like I got lucky." Albert smiled as he examined the model of the Swedish Short-Snouted Dragon.
Harry, on the other hand, was left with the Hungarian Tree Bee, making him the last champion to enter.
If they were facing unknown creatures, going last would be an advantage, as it would allow more time to strategize.
However, when everyone knew what they would be facing, going last became a disadvantage, as the wait only served to make the champions more anxious and restless, without any real benefit.
Soon enough, the whistle blew, and Albert stepped out of the tent, crossing through an opening in the arena's fence to deafening cheers.
Albert paid no mind to the cheering crowd or the sound of the task panel being triggered. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the silver-blue Swedish Short-Snouted Dragon before him.
(End of Chapter)
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