"Powerful Blast" was an amplified version of "Booming Blast," exceeding even the force of "Thunderous Explosion." Cassandra channeled all her magic into the close-quarters assault, maximizing its destructive potential.
As expected, Annie crumpled in the wake of the deafening explosion. It was fortunate Cassandra's physical strength paled in comparison; otherwise, the "Powerful Blast" might have proven fatal. Stunning Annie was sufficient, however, securing Cassandra's victory. Had she lost, the remaining contestants might have hesitated to advance, out of embarrassment.
Cassandra, however, appeared visibly weakened. Her alchemically-treated clothing had absorbed a significant portion of the blast, mitigating the damage. While intact, her garments looked dull and lifeless, a clear indication of her depleted magical reserves. She'd still sustained minor injuries, but nothing a wizard couldn't mend with a potion and a good night's rest.
With effort, she stumbled to the corner and retrieved the golden egg.
After Cassandra's victory was announced, she vanished in a swirl of black mist.
...
Cassandra awoke the next day to the sterile quiet of the Hogwarts Infirmary. Her eyelashes fluttered as she muttered, "Ugh..."
Slowly, she opened her eyes, familiarizing herself with her surroundings. The infirmary was peaceful, save for the faint rustling of pages. Turning her head, she saw Tom Riddle seated beside her bed, absorbed in a tome with a dark, realistic cover.
"Awake? You do sleep soundly."
"..."
Cassandra was momentarily speechless. Tom's timing could be, shall we say, unfortunate.
Tom Riddle closed the dark magic book. "That little Annie was dazed for a few hours but was back to her old self in no time. She recovered far faster than you!"
"That 'little thing' is a dragon!"
Cassandra pursed her lips. "Tell me how well I did."
Tom Riddle chuckled, rising to his feet. "You did exceptionally well, better than I anticipated."
Hearing this, Cassandra pulled the blanket over her head, concealing her delighted expression.
"Oh, the golden egg is on the table. You can examine it after you've rested."
Tom Riddle picked up the dark magic book and turned to leave.
As the infirmary door clicked shut, Cassandra peeked out, only to find Tom Riddle still standing there, hand on the knob, grinning.
"..."
"Very well, this time I am truly leaving."
Tom Riddle finally exited the infirmary, leaving Cassandra alone.
...
The Slytherin common room, in Malfoy and Harry Potter's dormitory:
"So, let's see what this golden egg does, shall we?"
Malfoy, huddled with Harry, rubbed his hands together with anticipation, reaching for the egg on the table and twisting the knob on top.
The golden egg opened...
"AAAAAAHHHH!!!"
A piercing, nearly deafening shriek erupted from the golden egg! It sounded like a woman's terrified scream mingled with the roar of some monstrous sea creature.
"Close it, quickly!"
Harry yelled, clutching his ears.
Malfoy, also covering one ear, twisted the knob, sealing the golden eggshell once more. The golden mechanism resembled an eggshell, twisting to reveal a transparent egg within, the knob remaining at the apex.
As the deafening shriek subsided, Harry and Malfoy were left with ringing ears. Predictably, students from other dormitories soon knocked on their door, demanding to know if they had captured some magical creature as the screams had echoed throughout the entire Slytherin Dormitory.
Harry and Malfoy offered perfunctory explanations and sent them away, reminding each other that after all, they were their superiors in the Death Eaters.
After a moment, Malfoy regarded Harry seriously. "Scarface, why don't you ask Hagrid what this thing is before trying to open it again?"
"..."
Harry knew what Malfoy implied. "I'll consider it. I want to solve this myself."
"Suit yourself. You are the hero."
Malfoy rose and headed toward the door. "I'm going out for a bit. This thing is far too noisy. I'll return when you've deciphered its secrets."
"..."
Harry watched Malfoy depart, a hint of helplessness in his eyes, then turned back to the golden egg, lost in thought.
...
The next day, students from all three houses received a special announcement from Professor Minerva McGonagall. In accordance with Triwizard Tournament tradition, a grand ball would be held before the second task. Everyone was expected to find a dance partner.
Professor Minerva McGonagall even demonstrated a few dance steps with Ron Weasley, pulling him forward as an example.
The Durmstrang students, attending an all-boys school, were understandably thrilled by this news. They were eager to invite their favorite girls to the ball!
However, the Hogwarts students wore knowing smirks. Rushing to invite girls now? Such eagerness would only lead to heartache and disappointment. Perhaps, as the ball drew nearer and the girls realized they had few options, some might accept a last-minute invitation.
More likely, those boys would end up as laughingstocks because even if those girls didn't attend the dance, or invite another girl, they still wouldn't choose you. After all, comparison is the thief of joy. If only Durmstrang's alumnus Gellert Grindelwald were young again, perhaps he could compete with Tom Riddle. But that was clearly impossible. Even if Gellert Grindelwald did come, he'd only invite his own Albus Dumbledore.
So, Durmstrang boys, from a "veteran" of Hogwarts, a word of advice: accept your fate now. Otherwise, you might miss the ball and find yourselves on a plane back to Gotham.
"Scarhead."
"Ah, Malfoy."
The two friends understood each other perfectly. After all, there was no rule against inviting a male dance partner.
Having swiftly secured their own partners, they glanced at the Beauxbatons girls, who were also eagerly vying to invite their favorite partners. Even at a distance, they could hear them discussing someone.
Harry and Malfoy shared a single thought: Ha... another flock of clowns.
---
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