Everyone was in the Great Hall and it was louder than it had ever been before. The students were all speaking of the tournament and tasks.
My nerves were growing anxious but I wouldn't let it show. I was called to the quidditch grounds that were now covered in rocks and boulders of all sizes.
I entered the champions' tent as I settled in and put my stuff in order. I had changed into a full black outfit, there a connected hood and an attached face cover, a mask.
I left the mask down for now but would put it up later because I knew that it would be easier for the dragon to focus on my eyes. Eye contact was the most important thing when facing a dragon.
I stuffed my wand in my boots and made my way to the common area in the tent where the rest of the champions were.
"What'd you reckon we have to do?" Diggory had asked just as I entered.
"Probably get something. Maybe I'm not entirely sure at the moment. Just the idea of dragons is nerve-wracking." Gen had answered as I sat down beside her.
Krum soon came in and sat across from Diggory and Potter.
We spoke for a while then fell quiet as the stadium outside began to grow louder. I stood up and walked over to the edge of the tent. I could hear all the teachers and students filing in anxious for the first task to begin.
As I was about to walk away, I was being pulled into a bone-crushing hug inside the tent. When I opened my eyes, I was met with Pansy's worried face.
"Are you ready? Oh! Please be careful Scarlett!" her voice worried and concerned and soon I was pulled into another hug.
This time Blaise.
"If you don't make it out alive you are going to leave us with one cranky Draco Malfoy. So don't you dare or I, myself will travel to hell and get you." I laughed as he had a serious face but I could tell there was concern behind his eyes.
"Of course you guys. Don't worry I'll be back, and I will stay alive. I promise."
At my last words I was crushed into yet another hug, but this time more comforting. It was a gentle but tight hug. When I lifted my head off the person's shoulder my lilac eyes crashed into one's of swirl grey oceans.
His eyes softened upon seeing my face as his hands rested on my shoulder. He opened his mouth to speak but was stopped by a blinding flash.
"Ooh! Young love! How quaint!" the voice of an older woman filled the tent. I began to charge for her but was held back by Draco.
"How dare you! Why are you here, you're not supposed to be here! Get out!" My voice was soon echoing around.
"Oh, but as a reporter, I always have to get the latest scoop. Rita Skeeter dear, I'm sure you know."
"I don't care who you are. You want a scoop, I'll give you a scoop. A pounding one at that." I countered seething as I was about to curse her then and there.
"You have no place in here. This tent is for champion's friends and family only." Krum has now walked out from his private quarters joining the conversation.
At his words, the woman looked him over and then nodded turning away to leave, "That's alright I've already gotten two of the best stories for today.
I scowled and turned back to my friends. I was met with yet another hug but this time it was all at once. I hugged them all back and was left with Draco's hand as everyone released.
"I'm holding you to your promise Scar. Please come back." I met his eyes and nodded as he offered a small smile which I returned.
He soon left the tent and I was met with another presence.
"Don't worry Uncle Gell I'll be alright." I turned to be met with my uncle who was indeed behind me. He had apparated in even though he wasn't to be here.
"I know you'll be okay. I just wanted to wish you luck." he pulled me into a quick hug and then sat with me as we waited and spoke of the tasks ahead.
"Grindelwald." A curt voice evokes silence across the tent as both I and my uncle turned to the voice.
There stood Dumbledore.
"You aren't supposed to be here. How did you get here?" he spoke as he eyed my uncle.
Before my uncle could answer I spoke up, "Sir. I requested for the Malfoys to bring him along. He is my uncle and guardian after all. I wanted him to be able to witness my events." the headmaster eyed me curiously.
"Professor we both know that these events could end in death, I just wanted the confirmation of at least a goodbye if I don't make it." he nodded understanding but proceeded to walk towards us.
"That is alright then. But I insist that you be seated with me so I may keep a close eye on you." Dumbledore was persistent and my uncle scowled at his proposition but nodded nonetheless.
Dumbledore turned to motion for my uncle to go with him. "Play nice Uncle Gell," I whispered before he left.
He glared at Dumbledore but sighed and nodded, hugging me once more before leaving. "Only for you."
Soon it was just the champions once more and somehow Granger had made it in.
We were now standing in a circle as Crouch and the three headmasters including the head of houses per Hogwarts champion.
Snape stood beside me as Dumbledore leaned in to inform us of our tasks. He looked throughout the circle, "Good day champions! Gather round, gather round. Now this task is very- Miss Granger. What might you be doing here?"
She looked up and her eyes widened, "Oh! Sorry I'll just, umm, go," With that, she gave Potter one last hug and left.
We then all turned to Dumbledore so he could continue, "Right, now this task is dangerous and you are to face dragons."
He looked around for reactions as he was surprised that we didn't react at all. But said nothing about it.
"Very well, there is a golden egg amongst a nest of other dragon eggs. Your goal is to collect the golden egg without harming the dragons or the other eggs. Now, I turn this over to you Barty."
With that, Mr. Crouch nodded and walked forwards, "Right well in this bag you will pick out your opponent. Now Genevieve Duval, you first."
Gen took a deep breath and reached her hand into the punch that he was holding. Seconds later she pulled out a small Welsh-Green Dragon.
As if mimicking my thoughts Crouch spoke, "The Welsh-Green."
He then turned to the next champion, "Cedric Diggory."
The boy reached his hand in and pulled out a Swedish Short-Snout. Once again repeating my thoughts, "The Swedish Short-Snout."
"Next, Viktor Krum." The boy looked up and reached his hand in just like the two before. Beating my thoughts, Crouch spoke once again.
"Chinese Fireball. Now Harry Potter." Potter hesitated and mumbled something but stuck his hand into another pouch pulling out a Norwegian Horntail, a dangerous dragon.
Lastly, it would soon be my turn, "Norwegian Horntail." He exhaled before turning.
"Which then leaves, Miss Scarlett Grindelwald." He hesitated but held the pouch before me.
I slowly lowered my hand into the pouch, confused when there wasn't a dragon only a small round substance. I pulled my hand to examine the object I realized what it was.
A Yin and Yang pendant.
Which only meant one thing, the Twin Skeletals.
In which the only pair born of the same seed, the Yin and Yang Stone.
Mr. Crouch let out a heavy sigh, "The Twin Skeletals. You will have to take this pendant with you to start." I nodded and he then turned back to the rest of the champions.
"Now these represent very real dragons. Be on your feet and be cautious, the objective is to collect the golden egg."
Dumbledore then stepped forward, "Now the order is simple, Miss Duval, Mr. Diggory, Mr. Krum, Mr. Potter, and finally Miss Grindelwald. Now when the cannon goes off-" a loud boom appeared, "Miss Duval, off you go."
I gave Gen a quick hug and then sent her off.
Now the tournament really had begun.