Chapter 223
At the same time, the Slytherin common room was also celebrating Malfoy's lead. Cheers and laughter filled the space, while tables and chairs were piled high with cakes, along with jugs of pumpkin juice and butterbeer.
To liven up the atmosphere, some students had even bought fireworks from the Weasley twins.
Stars and sparks burst in the air, and a few students climbed onto sofas, spreading their arms as if imitating the dragon's frozen posture. The sight was ridiculous and sent everyone into fits of laughter.
"To be honest, when I saw that dragon in the stands, my scalp went numb and my legs nearly gave out," one boy admitted, still looking shaken.
They were all discussing the First Task.
"Right, what's inside the golden egg?" another student suddenly asked.
"Of course it's the reward for participating in the Triwizard Tournament. Roasting it and eating it might not be a bad idea," Malfoy said with a faint smile, joking with everyone.
However, the slow-witted Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe didn't seem to catch the joke. They stared at the golden egg seriously, as if actually wondering whether it would taste good.
The rest of the students burst out laughing.
"If I really ate it, I'd probably be disqualified from the next task. I'd guess there's nothing edible inside," Malfoy added with a shrug. "Most likely, it contains a clue for the second task."
"Really?" Pansy Parkinson immediately stepped forward, curiosity clear in her eyes. "Then why don't you open it? Wouldn't it be better to know the clue earlier?"
"Are you sure?" Malfoy glanced at the surrounding students, who all looked eager. It was as though they themselves were champions in the tournament.
They all nodded in unison.
"Reducto!" Malfoy flicked his wand lightly. A fine crack appeared on the golden egg, spreading rapidly like a spiderweb until the shell split apart.
A faint glow seeped out—and then an unbearably shrill scream filled the entire room, like a chorus of tortured wails.
Everyone clapped their hands over their ears in horror.
"Draco, close it!" Pansy shouted, retreating while covering her ears, though her voice was drowned out by the piercing noise.
"Finite!" Malfoy cast another spell, and the golden egg snapped shut again. The terrible sound ceased instantly.
The students all let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Looks like you'll have to study that egg in private," one student said, still shaken.
"You insisted on opening it. I had no such plan today," Malfoy replied, raising an eyebrow. "When it's time to celebrate, shouldn't we enjoy ourselves instead?"
His words were met with enthusiastic applause.
Soon, the Slytherin students resumed their feast.
"Except for you." Malfoy suddenly grabbed Pansy's wrist as she reached toward a frothy mug of butterbeer.
"I wasn't trying to drink it! I just wanted a biscuit. And you're blocking me," Pansy protested quickly, though her slightly reddened ears betrayed her.
She deftly picked up a plate instead and broke free from his grip, sitting down with a pout.
"That's interesting. Especially since you're holding chocolate," Malfoy remarked casually.
"I suddenly feel like eating chocolate. Is that a problem?" Pansy snapped, stuffing it into her mouth and chewing as if venting her frustration.
"Alright," Malfoy sighed.
He raised his wand and cast a spell toward the ceiling. Colorful ribbons burst forth and rained down over everyone. The atmosphere reached its peak once again—cheers, applause, and stomping echoed throughout the room.
At that moment, Malfoy glanced back at Pansy—and realized she had fallen asleep at the table.
"Annoying person… do you know how worried I was? You could have defeated that giant reptile easily, but you had to make it so nerve-wracking…" she murmured in her sleep, her long lashes trembling.
"And you still like controlling me… I'm not a child anymore… you can try…" she continued, speaking freely in her dreams.
Malfoy's expression darkened instantly. Fortunately, no one else heard her; the others were still immersed in the celebration.
He sighed, then gently lifted her and carried her to a sofa. He covered her with a blanket and cast a Muffliato charm around her.
"Sleep well," he said quietly, though he couldn't help wondering how she had fallen asleep so suddenly.
Before long, most of the food had been cleared away. The students, full and tired, gradually left the common room. The celebration finally came to an end.
"Pansy, you should go back to your dormitory. This isn't a good place to sleep," Malfoy said softly as he removed the charm and tried to wake her.
Pansy opened her eyes slowly. Without warning, she wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close. Then she leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, lingering for a moment before pulling back.
Her face was flushed, her eyes unfocused, and a faint smell of alcohol reached him.
"This is your reward for coming back safely. Surprised?" she asked with a smile.
Before he could respond, her body swayed, and she collapsed back onto the sofa, falling into a peaceful sleep with a faint smile.
"No surprise. Just shock," Malfoy muttered, shaking his head.
"Next time… I'll have to check the chocolate too."
He touched his cheek, unsure whether to laugh or sigh.