Chapter 547: The Witch Weekly’s Most Charming Smile Award
Sirius was still rambling about his glory days at Hogwarts, recounting tales Kyle could only half-listen to. Kyle seriously doubted that Madam Rosmerta of The Three Broomsticks would have been the least bit impressed by a first-year Sirius. Luckily, his musings were interrupted by Ludo Bagman's magically amplified voice echoing across the stands.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached a decision. The Merchieftainess Murcus has shared with us everything that transpired beneath the lake. Now, we will proceed with scoring the Champions."
The audience grew silent, leaning in with anticipation.
Fleur was scored first. Having only managed to complete half the task, she received 25 points—the minimum score.
Krum, despite being the last to emerge from the Forbidden Forest, had completed all parts of the task without significant errors and was awarded 40 points.
Finally, it was Kyle's turn. He had achieved an impressive 49 points but was docked a single point for technically breaking the rules by bringing Gabrielle out with him. However, the judges announced only the total scores, so no one outside the judging panel knew about the deduction.
The crowd erupted into applause as Kyle maintained his first-place position, comfortably leading the competition.
"The third and final task will take place on the evening of June 30th," Bagman declared with enthusiasm. "The Champions will receive details a month in advance, and I can promise you, it will be nothing short of spectacular."
...
After the Second Task, the group returned to the castle for lunch. The wind and chill of the Black Lake had left everyone ravenous, and the House-elves had prepared a feast to match. As the students entered the Great Hall, the once-empty plates filled with an array of delicious dishes.
Perhaps shaken by the morning's events, Fleur set aside her usual complaints about the oiliness of the food. Instead, she silently picked up a pork chop and began eating. However, she still refused to speak to Kyle, and for some reason, she made sure to sit Kanna far away from him as well.