Chapter 569: Diana
In just one day, the OWLs had made many students understand the true horrors of being a fifth year at Hogwarts.
The lights in the common rooms of all four houses had remained on through the night, burning steadily into the next day. Meanwhile, this was also the day the final competition of the Triwizard Tournament would begin.
At breakfast, the Great Hall was alive with activity, and the swarm of owls delivering letters nearly obscured the enchanted ceiling. Some students were already celebrating the upcoming holiday, while others eagerly anticipated the evening's event. The fifth years, however, remained as tense as they had been the day before, their nerves fraying further with each passing moment.
Kyle was contemplating whether to stay in the common room or retreat to the library when Professor McGonagall strode past the Hufflepuff table.
"The Champions should gather in the classroom next to the Great Hall after breakfast," she announced crisply.
"Is it starting already?" Susan Bones, seated nearby, blurted out. "But Professor, I thought the tournament doesn't start until tonight! We still have an exam this morning."
"I'm aware, Miss Bones," Professor McGonagall replied with a stern look. "This is a matter for the Champions, unrelated to the tournament."
"Ah, sorry, Professor," Susan mumbled, looking abashed.
Without further comment, Professor McGonagall turned and walked away.
After breakfast, the students dispersed to their respective activities. Kanna and Cedric headed to the greenhouses for their Herbology exam, while Kyle rose from the table and made his way to the room where the Champions had previously tested their wands. Fleur followed closely behind him.
When they pushed open the door, they found Viktor Krum already there, speaking rapidly in Bulgarian to two dark-haired individuals who appeared to be his parents. The man, with his prominent hooked nose, bore a striking resemblance to Krum.