Chapter 16: First Task
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER. IT BELONGS TO JK ROWLING.
A/N: Read, enjoy, and remember not to take either life or my writing too seriously.
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived.
The Triwizard Tournament was about to begin its first task at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Students poured out of the castle in waves, making their way toward the large arena that had been constructed near the edge of the grounds. Wooden stands surrounded the dragon enclosure, and excitement buzzed through the air as everyone searched for seats.
Harry and Hermione Granger had been invited to sit with the Weasley family in the special viewing section reserved for champions' relatives.
The seats were located near the judges' platform.
"Sit here, Harry dear," said Molly Weasley, patting the bench beside her.
"Ginny, you sit next to him."
Harry looked uncomfortable.
"Uh… Mrs. Weasley… I'd actually prefer Hermione sitting beside me."
Molly either didn't hear him or chose not to.
She firmly guided Ginny Weasley toward the seat next to Harry and suggested Hermione could sit on Ginny's other side.
After the third attempt at rearranging everyone, Hermione sighed.
Then she stood up.
Without hesitation she sat directly in Harry's lap.
"There," she said calmly.
"Now Ginny can sit anywhere she likes."
Ginny glared furiously.
Hermione met the glare without blinking. Then she casually pulled her wand from her pocket and twirled it between her fingers.
The message was very clear.
Ginny stiffened but said nothing.
Harry quickly handed Hermione a pair of Omnioculars they had bought at the Quidditch World Cup.
"These should help you see better," he said.
Soon everyone settled into their seats.
All of them silently hoping Ron would survive the task.
In the Champions' Tent
Meanwhile, Ron Weasley walked confidently into the champions' tent.
The other competitors were already there.
Ron nodded to himself.
Perfect timing, he thought.
Everyone gets to see my entrance.
He glanced around curiously.
Now what kind of challenge are they going to give us?
Maybe another giant chess board.
Ron cleared his throat loudly.
Then he pretended to examine a notice posted on the tent wall.
When nobody spoke, he cleared his throat again.
His eyes darted sideways to see if anyone had noticed him.
Then—
"THUNK… step… THUNK… step…"
A heavy hand landed on Ron's shoulder.
"About time you arrived, Weasley," growled Alastor Moody.
"One second," Ron said casually.
"I'm still reading this."
Moody's magical eye spun around to look at the sign.
Three words were written across it in enormous letters.
CHAMPIONS MEET HERE
Moody sighed deeply.
"Come with me," he said, dragging Ron outside.
Ron grinned.
Maybe he wants an autograph, Ron thought happily.
"Sure thing, Professor."
Moody's Attempt to Help
Once they were alone, Moody turned toward Ron.
"You got a plan, Weasley?"
Ron blinked.
"A plan?"
"For the dragon."
Ron laughed.
"Oh… that rumor."
"I'm sure they wouldn't use real dragons."
For several seconds Moody said nothing.
A severe headache pulsed behind his eyes.
He rubbed his temples.
"Look at this eye, Weasley," he said finally.
His magical eye spun wildly.
"I can see the arena."
"There are dragons."
Ron shrugged.
"Oh."
"Well alright then."
Moody stared at him.
"So… your plan?"
"Simple," Ron replied confidently.
"I'll just wait."
Moody frowned.
"…wait for what?"
"You know."
Ron smiled.
"For something to happen."
Moody's headache worsened dramatically.
"What does that even mean?"
Ron waved dismissively.
"It always works when Harry and I are in danger."
"When we faced Quirrell we defeated him by touching him."
"And when we fought the basilisk, Fawkes brought the Sorting Hat with the sword inside."
"So something will happen again."
Moody stared at him.
For a moment he seriously considered moving to Australia and living under a false identity.
"Excellent plan, Weasley," Moody muttered finally.
"Good luck."
He walked away quickly.
"Professor!" Ron called after him.
"Don't you want an autograph?"
Moody did not respond.
The Draw
Back inside the tent Ludo Bagman entered cheerfully.
"Champions!" he announced.
"It's time to reveal your challenges."
He held up a purple silk bag.
"Inside this bag are small models of the dragons you will face."
Ron barely listened.
He was busy watching Fleur Delacour.
Bagman shook the bag.
"Ladies first."
Fleur reached inside.
She pulled out a miniature Welsh Green dragon with the number three around its neck.
Next Viktor Krum selected a Chinese Fireball marked number two.
Then Cedric Diggory drew a Swedish Short-Snout labeled number one.
Finally Ron reached into the bag.
He pulled out a tiny dragon with a spiked tail.
Number four.
"A Hungarian Horntail," Bagman whistled.
"Very dangerous."
Ron examined the tiny dragon.
It was only four inches long.
The model belched a small flame and singed the tip of Ron's nose.
"Ouch!"
Ron glared at it.
"You little git."
He chuckled.
This is the challenge?
They seriously expect us to deal with a tiny dragon?
Ron grinned proudly.
Harry and Hermione tried to scare me for nothing.
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