Is there a clever strategy for confronting a fire-breathing dragon? The most unconventional idea might be to coax the dragon into spewing water instead of fire. However, John would never resort to such underhanded tactics, especially not at Cedric's expense. But subtly increasing the difficulty for the other competitors' dragons was within the realm of possibility.
Cedric shared with John that Harry had unexpectedly informed him about the first task involving dragons. "I thought I was the only one in the dark, but it turns out the chosen one also believes in fairness," John mused, though he didn't view Harry's actions as particularly noble. Despite Harry's attempt at fairness, John couldn't overlook the blatant favoritism shown by the Hogwarts staff. Cedric, a true contender, had been left to fend for himself without any insider tips, unlike Harry. Hagrid, with his simple nature, hadn't considered sharing information with Cedric, who wasn't among his close acquaintances, and the other professors maintained their silence.
With the first task of the Triwizard Tournament looming on the next day, John and Cedric devised a strategy to tackle the dragon. "Defeating a fire dragon outright is impossible for students; the objective must involve retrieving something from it," John deduced. Recalling Charlie's mention of the maternal instincts of the nesting female dragons, he speculated that the task would involve snatching dragon eggs. "The goal is to either distract the dragon long enough to grab the item or to lure it away," he explained.
Cedric considered using a transformation spell to divert the dragon's attention. John, however, dismissed the idea as too time-consuming. "The essence of victory lies in speed. Delaying the dragon or accelerating our own actions is preferable," he countered. Cedric then suggested summoning the Firebolt broomstick using the Summoning Charm, confident in his ability to control it. But he quickly realized the potential for accusations of cheating, as the rules stipulated reliance on only the wand in hand.
John steered the conversation towards a more viable plan, focusing on immobilizing the dragon. Dismissing the sleeping spell as ineffective against the dragon's thick hide, he proposed using the terrain to their advantage to trap the dragon, allowing them to swiftly secure the item with a transformation spell. With their strategy set, they dedicated themselves to practice.
On November 24th, the day of the first task arrived. The morning classes concluded, and anticipation for the afternoon's event built amidst the chilly weather. The Triwizard Tournament, revived after a century, had garnered widespread attention. Among the judges was Ludo Bagman, whose commendable performance at the recent Quidditch World Cup had elevated his profile. The former head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement appeared as vigorous as ever, seemingly capable of another century of service.
The task was to be held in the Forbidden Forest, ensuring that any dragons could be quickly subdued in case of emergencies. John, opting not to accompany Malfoy and the others, accepted a ring from Tang Mi with a composed demeanor. Slipping the ring onto his left ring finger, he exchanged a knowing look with Kim Ledisley, who had joined him. "You hardly seem like a student, and the convenience of the Silver Hand's Floo network must be quite beneficial for you," he remarked casually. The Silver Hand's Floo network, spanning all its stores including the American branch, offered unparalleled connectivity.
John's observation highlighted the practical advantages of their preparations, underscoring their readiness for the challenges ahead. "Would you mind if I took a look at this legendary Triwizard Tournament?" Jin asked, his smile radiant. He was donning a white mask, identical in style to Tang Mi's. With a hint of concern, Tang Mi inquired, "My lord, are you not worried that Moody's magical eye might see through your disguise?"
"It's of no concern," John reassured, gently caressing his handsome face before a silver mask, covering his entire face, materialized in his hand. "This mask is imbued with multiple enchantments, rendering it invisible to the magical eye." Aware that the magical eye could penetrate the invisibility cloak, John had enhanced the mask overnight. Crafted from Mithril and layered with various concealed spells, the mask was now impervious to detection by the magical eye. Comforted by this assurance, Tang Mi set aside his worries.
This year, the Johnny Silver Hand store was a sponsor of the tournament, securing them an excellent vantage point. With a flick of his fingers, John's wizard robe transformed into an emerald green cloak that enveloped him, casting an aura of mystery. He led the way, with Tang Mi and Jin following closely behind.
...
The Forbidden Forest buzzed with an excitement that was palpable, even making the horses restless. A young centaur was caught in a heated debate with her parents about witnessing a dragon. Suddenly, a male centaur stiffened, readying his bow and arrow at the unexpected visitors. "Lower your weapons," commanded a low, hoarse voice, causing the male centaur to fix his gaze on the trio. Beneath the silver mask, John's eyes bore the intensity of a predator. The argument ceased, and the young centaur sought refuge in her mother's embrace, weeping. Ultimately, the centaur family, unable to withstand the pressure, fled.
"Am I really that intimidating?" John wondered aloud. He had only intended to project an air of mystery and deterrence. Jin chuckled, "You're known as the second most formidable figure in the magical world." Acknowledging this, John moderated his demeanor and proceeded into the bustling dragon arena.
...
Inside the tent reserved for the champions, the atmosphere was tense. Despite having a day's notice of their challenge, the prospect of facing a fire dragon—a creature even seasoned wizards struggled against—left them visibly anxious. Fleur's complexion was ashen, Krum's expression darker than usual, and Cedric paced relentlessly, muttering to himself. Harry, upon entering, couldn't help but feel a surge of nervousness. Only Bagman, clad in his outdated Hornets uniform, seemed gleefully unaffected.
He gathered the champions, producing a cloth bag for the drawing of lots, which would determine the order of their tasks. It was only then that they learned they were to retrieve a golden egg. Cedric, recalling John's earlier insinuation about theft, felt a boost in confidence, his expression easing into a smile.
Fleur was the first to draw, selecting the Welsh Green Dragon and securing the second slot. Krum followed, drawing the Chinese Fireball and being assigned the third slot. Cedric and Harry exchanged glances before Cedric drew the Swedish Short-Snout, marked with the number one. Harry, last to draw, was left with the Hungarian Horntail, the most formidable of the dragons, and the fourth slot.
"Mr. Diggory will lead, entering the arena at the sound of the whistle," Bagman announced, his gaze shifting to Harry. "Harry, may I have a moment with you outside?"
Ludo Bagman's eyes gleamed with a mix of slyness and cunning. When Harry, puzzled, wondered why Bagman would offer assistance, the implication was clear: Bagman was offering to help him cheat. Harry, taken aback, stammered, "I...no, I don't need it."
Before Bagman could press further, a deep, hoarse voice interrupted their conversation. "Ludo Bagman, it seems you've forgotten you still owe a significant sum of money." Bagman's complexion paled, his hair standing on end as if an ice cube had slid down his collar, his face a portrait of sheer terror. Harry's apprehension grew as the silver mask evoked memories of the Quidditch World Cup, intensifying his unease. Ludo Bagman, attempting to muster a smile that came off more as a grimace, his eyes betraying a flicker of fear, addressed the masked figure, "Dear Sir Johnny Silverhand, it seems there has been a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" The voice that emerged from beneath the silver mask carried a low, deep laughter, reminiscent of footsteps on sand, chilling to the bone. "At the Quidditch World Cup, you orchestrated a little scheme behind my back, even daring to borrow money from me. I had hoped you would learn your lesson."
"Ludo, Ludo, how have I wronged you to deserve such disrespect?" The tone was final, like a judge passing a sentence, causing Bagman's legs to quiver slightly. Gone was his earlier jovial demeanor, replaced with regret for his unnecessary machinations.
The silver mask loomed closer, and Bagman could see the eyes beneath it, devoid of any human warmth. "Ludo, if you think you can embezzle Galleons from Silverhand by rigging the game, then you're as delusional as thinking the flowers in Knockturn Alley's dirt can bloom. And for that, you would be solely to blame."
Unable to bear the pressure, Bagman hastily assured that he would oversee the game with fairness and impartiality. He then hurriedly pulled Harry into the tent, both of their complexions pale, Harry's heart racing with anxiety.
...
After confronting Ludo Bagman, John Silverhand took his seat, indifferent to the curious glances cast his way. Tang Mi remarked, "Ludo Bagman has bet a significant amount of Galleons on Harry Potter's victory. It seems he's desperate to clear his debts through the Tournament."
John responded with a noncommittal nod. Bagman's gambling debts from the World Cup were astronomical, and without a way to recover his losses, fleeing the country seemed his only escape. His scheme to manipulate the Triwizard Tournament for personal gain was nothing short of desperate.
The first whistle sounded, and Cedric Diggory made his entrance. His opponent, the Swedish Short-Snouted Dragon, eyed him menacingly. Cedric, showing remarkable courage, drew his wand, a strategy already forming in his mind.
Aware of the resources available in the Forbidden Forest, he didn't rush forward. Instead, he aimed his wand and commanded, "Deprimo," causing the ground beneath the dragon to loosen. Encouraged by the effect, he continued with the spell, "Deprimo," aiming to exploit the terrain to his advantage.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge