Chapter 243
The 24th of February marked the beginning of the second event of the Triwizard Tournament.
The sky was dim, with the sun hidden behind thick clouds.
Draco arrived early.
Under his short blond hair, his face looked pale. His eyes kept scanning the surroundings, unable to stay still. The stands that had once surrounded the dragon arena were now set beside the lake, still empty, their reflections rippling faintly in the dark water.
Near the lake stood a table draped in gold cloth, with several chairs—clearly prepared for the judges.
Fleur, dressed in a noble silver robe, arrived with Madame Maxime. She carried a confident smile, radiant and composed.
She did not know that her sister was at the bottom of the lake.
Otherwise, she wouldn't look so carefree.
The moment she saw Draco, her expression froze.
Her smile vanished.
She stepped back slightly, leaning beside Maxime's seat, her gaze turning cold as she stared into the black lake.
Draco didn't react.
He continued staring at the water.
That indifference irritated her even more.
---
More people gradually filled the stands.
Viktor Krum approached with his headmaster, Igor Karkaroff.
Karkaroff sat down, fingers interlocked on the table, eyes fixed impatiently on the lake.
"This pond is nothing compared to Durmstrang's lake, isn't it, Viktor?" he said loudly.
Krum replied stiffly, "Yes, Headmaster."
His tone was polite—but clearly unwilling.
---
Ludo Bagman arrived next, dressed sharply, his expression full of excitement.
Barty Crouch was absent.
In his place stood Percy Weasley, acting as a judge.
Percy walked with his chin high, nodding to the crowd, clearly enjoying his authority.
Finally, Albus Dumbledore took his seat.
"If there are no objections, shall we begin?" Bagman asked.
Fleur sneered lightly. "One less competitor would only benefit us."
Only then did Bagman realize—
Someone was missing.
"Harry Potter? Where is Harry Potter?"
Just then—
"I'm here…!"
Harry came running, out of breath.
He slipped in the mud, barely stopping himself—but splashed dirt onto Fleur's robe.
She stepped back immediately, her face displeased.
"Sorry," Harry said quickly.
"Where have you been?" Percy snapped, his tone sharp with authority.
Harry suppressed his irritation.
Bagman intervened. "He's not late. Let's proceed."
Percy said nothing more—but his proud expression remained.
---
"Champions, take your positions," Bagman announced.
They lined up along the shore, spaced apart.
Bagman raised his wand to his throat.
"Sonorus!"
His voice boomed across the lake.
"Once I whistle, you have one hour to retrieve what has been taken from you."
"One… Two… Three!"
The whistle pierced the cold air.
The crowd erupted.
---
Krum stood ready in swimming trunks, his muscular frame drawing attention.
Many girls in the stands stared openly.
Fleur removed her robe, revealing a fitted swimsuit, her figure equally captivating.
Harry wore simple swimming trunks, clutching something in his hand.
And Draco—
Still stood in his black robe.
Unchanged.
As if he had no intention of diving at all.
The second task had begun.