The first task of the Triwizard Tournament concluded successfully, and the second task was scheduled to begin on the morning of February 2nd the following year. In the secret chamber of the Stars Society, two golden eggs were placed on the table, drawing the attention of the eight members gathered around. They seemed eager to uncover the secrets held within.
"Cedric mentioned that Mr. Bagman revealed the clue for the second task is hidden inside the golden egg," Cedric shared softly.
Fu Rong added, "I've opened it once, and the sound it emits is quite overwhelming."
Curiosity got the better of Malfoy, who reached out to touch the egg. An ear-piercing scream emanated from it, causing him to quickly shut it. The others shot him glares filled with annoyance.
He offered a sheepish smile and said, "I was just curious."
"You're not a cat, Malfoy. Curiosity can be dangerous," John remarked, eyeing him. Holding the golden egg, John had already discerned some clues. With a slight smirk, he addressed the group, "Unfortunately, to maintain fairness in the competition, you'll have to discover the clues on your own."
"Please, John," Malfoy pleaded, his curiosity piqued further by John's refusal to share.
John would have been more forthcoming if only one of them was competing, but with both Cedric and Fleur in the race, he insisted on fairness. "Let's level the playing field," he suggested.
Fleur, understanding John's stance, smiled confidently at Cedric. "It seems we're in for a competition," she said provocatively.
Cedric responded with a harmless smile, "I'm looking forward to it."
As the conversation shifted away from the golden eggs, Percy brought up the Triwizard Tournament's impact on the wizarding world, mentioning several minor incidents that had occurred. One involved someone impersonating Mr. Malfoy to steal a bottle of precious wine, much to Lucius Malfoy's chagrin. It was speculated that a Polyjuice Potion was used to deceive the staff at Silverhand Wine Cellar. Though the incident caused a stir, it soon faded from the magical community's attention.
The discussion also touched on the missing Ministry of Magic officials, with a clue pointing towards Albania found in one of their homes. Old Barty, upon hearing this, was visibly relieved and celebrated with two glasses of mead.
The meeting in the Chamber of Secrets was filled with camaraderie until Neville had to leave early for personal reasons. After his departure, John raised his glass to make a solemn announcement.
"We need to undertake a significant action for Neville's sake. This involves his parents, and I hope everyone will participate," John stated earnestly, capturing everyone's full attention.
With a serious tone, he revealed his shocking plan: "I intend to exclude him, bully him, isolate him, and make him despise me."
"John, have you lost your mind?" Malfoy asked, taken aback, half-jokingly suggesting that John might have had too much to drink.
"I assure you, I'm quite sober," John replied, his expression grave.
A heavy silence fell over the secret room as everyone processed John's words. Cedric, after a moment of silence, asked, "May I ask why?"
The idea of bullying Neville, a friend, was difficult for Cedric and the others to accept. They listened intently, understanding the gravity of John's request.
"Do you remember Neville's parents?" John began, observing their reactions. "I've discovered a method to help them, but it requires Neville's direct involvement. For this to work, I need him to harbor hatred."
Malfoy, recalling his own experiences with John's unconventional training methods, which involved provoking anger, asked, "You mean, similar to the emotional training you put me through?"
"Exactly, but Neville's temperament is much milder than yours," John confirmed. "That's why I need your help, not just individually, but collectively, to push him into a state of isolation. He must not suffer in silence but rather, break free from it." John's voice was cold, sending shivers down the spine. "This method, pushing someone to their limits by throwing them into the abyss, would surely make Neville despise me if he ever found out," he mused aloud. Daphne, upon hearing this, immediately stood up in protest, her voice laced with urgency, "Why would you even consider that? Neville would be furious with you!" She was genuinely concerned for John, knowing all too well the dangers that lurked in the abyss. She couldn't bear the thought of him facing such peril. Cedric, too, showed his disapproval, his brow furrowed in concern. "John, I understand you want what's best for Neville, but this could severely damage your friendship," he cautioned.
"It's of no consequence," John replied with a light chuckle, his demeanor calm and collected. "Isn't the essence of friendship to be there for one another in times of need?" He turned to Cedric, his gaze earnest. "If I were in danger, I know you'd risk everything to save me, wouldn't you?" Cedric fell silent, unable to refute.
Percy, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke, his voice heavy with concern. "The risk is too great."
"He'll understand eventually," John said confidently, his faith unwavering.
The group had no choice but to trust in John's judgment, as Heinrich, who had always stood by John, expressed his support once more. "I'll protect you," he declared.
"There's no need," John dismissed the offer with a wave of his hand, then turned his attention to Heinrich. "Stay with Fleur for now. I have a feeling this Triwizard Tournament might not go as smoothly as expected."
"An accident? What do you mean?" Percy inquired, his curiosity piqued.
John's voice took on a grave tone. "Harry's participation was no mere coincidence. There are forces at play here, manipulating the events of the Triwizard Tournament from behind the scenes. We must be vigilant." He was certain of the formidable power behind the manipulation of the Goblet of Fire.
"The tournament is not just about the Ministry of Magic or its elections. It's an opportunity for you, Percy, to establish your influence. Once Barty Crouch Sr. ascends to the position of Minister of Magic, his previous role will need a successor. It's not just about becoming the director; it's about securing a pivotal position within the Ministry," John explained, laying out his strategic vision.
The others nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of early preparations. Daphne, however, was visibly upset as they left the secret meeting place of the Society of Stars.
Outside, John's keen eyes caught sight of a team departing Hogwarts, each carrying a massive iron cage. His eyes narrowed, transforming into vertical slits, enhancing his vision. He observed the dragon trainers' cautious demeanor.
"Wait until they're at a safe distance before taking action," John murmured to himself before vanishing into the shadows.
...
Charlie Weasley, a freckle-faced dragon trainer, yawned tiredly. "They didn't even give us a night to rest," he complained.
"Be vigilant. We're dealing with a fire dragon here. Any mishap at Hogwarts could be catastrophic," the senior dragon trainer chided. "At your age, I was already facing down wild dragons on my own!"
Charlie couldn't help but roll his eyes at the boast, though he kept his mouth shut. Despite his grumblings, he had a passion for dragon-keeping, a love that had ultimately won over his potential career in professional Quidditch.
As the group made their way through the Forbidden Forest, an eerie silence enveloped them. Charlie's instincts kicked in, prompting him to halt and listen intently. "Something's not right," he murmured, his face growing serious.
The senior trainer also sensed the unusual quiet. "It's too silent," he remarked, puzzled. The Forbidden Forest was home to countless magical creatures; the absence of even the smallest sound was unnerving.
Suddenly, a chilling whistle pierced the silence, and the moonlight revealed a massive, ominous shadow enveloping them. "Alert!" Charlie shouted, but it was too late. Out of the darkness, a pair of large, menacing brown eyes appeared, catching the freckled dragon trainer completely off guard. A basilisk, its tail whipping through the air with the force of a gallop, was suddenly knocked airborne. The elder dragon trainer had barely managed to draw his wand when a hurricane swept overhead, snatching his wig away, while a red light flickered ominously in the shadows. "Run!" Without a moment's hesitation, Charlie executed a roll and, from his wand, cast a Sleeping Charm. It was a mere flicker of light, yet it served as a reminder of his identity as a wizard. They launched their spells in quick succession, aiming the sleeping spell at the emerging shadow. The dragon's fiery breath shattered the constraints of its muzzle, sending crimson flames arching over their heads to strike the cage holding the fire dragon. This cage, designed to contain such a beast, melted away like snow under the intense heat. In the next instant, a thunderous roar filled the air. "Roar!" Amohan, the fire dragon, burst from its prison, wings unfurling as it unleashed a torrent of dragon's breath upon the ground. The shadowy figure did not pause; it opened its maw again, and its crimson flames dissolved the remaining three cages. The roars of three dragons reverberated through the Forbidden Forest, their fury at being imprisoned now unleashed upon the humans below. The dragon trainers stood no chance against the four fire dragons, especially with the presence of a colossal dragon unlike any they had seen before. Death had never felt so imminent to Charlie. Although the dragon's breath had not struck him directly, the residual heat alone was enough to strip the earth of its life. The claws of the shadowy dragon effortlessly tore open the roof, revealing the dragon egg hidden within. "It really is here." Upon locating the dragon egg, the shadowy dragon seized the carriage without hesitation, its wings beating powerfully as it let out a triumphant roar. The other fire dragons ceased their movements, took to the air in response, and followed the shadowy dragon into the distance. The old dragon handler coughed up blood, his arm scorched but not gravely injured. He looked on in shock, asking, "What the hell was that?" Charlie's voice was hoarse as he replied, "A dragon, one I've never seen before." They were powerless to reclaim the fire dragons. While some were seriously injured, miraculously, no lives were lost. This incident would later send shockwaves through the magical world. A dragon of unprecedented size and strength, impervious to a dozen sleeping spells, had not only resisted their efforts but had also absconded with the other fire dragons. Those with a penchant for naming creatures called this dragon Abyss, for except for its large brown eyes, its entire body was as black as the abyss itself.
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