Chapter 179 : Tie Up
One after another, the champions emerged from the depths of the Black Lake.
The first to break the surface was Viktor Krum. Ludo Bagman's magically amplified voice boomed across the lake.
"The first champion to return is Viktor Krum of Durmstrang!"
A tremendous cheer rose from the Durmstrang students as Krum swam toward the shore with the one he saved. Professors hurried forward to help them from the freezing water.
Only a short while later, another figure surfaced. "And here comes Cedric Diggory!"
The Hufflepuff table erupted in applause. Cedric reached the bank with Cho Chang beside him, both soaked and shivering as they climbed onto dry land.
A minute later, Harry burst through the surface. "Harry Potter has returned!"
The Gryffindor students cheered loudly as Harry dragged Ron to shore. The effects of the Gillyweed were already fading, the webbing between his fingers shrinking away as he staggered onto the bank. Ron coughed as he reached dry land. "Blimey... what happened?"
Finally, Fleur Delacour emerged from the lake with Gabrielle in her arms. "There is Fleur Delacour!"
The Beauxbatons students applauded enthusiastically. Gabrielle immediately threw her arms around her sister, and Fleur embraced her tightly before Madame Maxime stepped forward to lead them ashore.
With all four champions safely back and every hostage rescued, the judges gathered to decide the scores. Students from all three schools waited anxiously while Dumbledore, Madame Maxime, Igor Karkaroff, Bartemius Crouch Sr., Ludo Bagman, and Percy Weasley quietly compared notes.
After several minutes, Bagman rose to his feet. "Ladies and gentlemen, the judges have reached their decision!"
The conversations around the lake ceased at once.
"Viktor Krum completed the task first and displayed excellent magical ability. Viktor Krum... forty-seven points!"
The Durmstrang students exploded into cheers.
"Cedric Diggory completed the task with confidence and brought his hostage back safely. Cedric Diggory... forty-six points!"
The Hufflepuffs answered with thunderous applause.
"Harry Potter successfully completed the task and returned safely with his hostage. Harry Potter... forty-five points!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as Ron clapped Harry on the shoulder.
"Fleur Delacour was delayed during the task but nevertheless recovered her hostage and returned safely. Fleur Delacour... forty-four points!"
The Beauxbatons students applauded warmly, and Gabrielle smiled proudly at her sister.
Bagman looked across the four champions with a broad smile. "Congratulations to all four champions. Every one of you has successfully recovered the person most precious to you. The Second Task is now complete."
Victor suddenly opened his eyes as his astral projection returned to his body. For a brief moment his vision blurred before the sounds of cheering rushed back into focus.
Beside him, Hermione folded her arms and gave him an unimpressed look. "So, do you always sleep like that? You didn't move at all. I nudged you several times and you didn't even respond."
Victor stretched his shoulders as though waking from a nap. "Yeah... I kind of lacked sleep last night."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Lacked sleep?"
"Couldn't get comfortable."
"Hmm." She didn't look entirely convinced. "You picked a strange time to fall asleep. The Second Task was taking place right in front of us."
Victor rubbed the back of his neck. "I figured I'd wake up before it ended."
"Well, you certainly did. Just in time to hear the scores."
Victor glanced toward the champions, who were being surrounded by their friends. "Looks like I didn't miss much."
Hermione gave him a sideways look. "You missed the entire task."
Victor simply smiled. "I'll hear about it later."
***
Ron was still dripping wet as Madam Pomfrey wrapped another blanket around his shoulders. "What the heck? Who gave them permission to tie me up in the middle of the Black Lake?" he grumbled, still shivering. "I was hanging down there like bait!"
Harry laughed. "I don't think they asked for volunteers."
"Well," Victor said with a deadpan expression, "that's how the task works. The judges choose the person each champion would miss the most. According to them, you're Harry's."
Ron looked smug for a moment. "See? Knew it." Then he pointed at Victor. "Next time, they can tie you up in the lake. I'll come and save you."
Victor glanced at him. "Ron, we both know I'm not the one you'd miss most."
Ron frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"If this had happened a couple of years ago, you'd have dived in after Scabbers."
Ron froze. For a second, memories of carrying the scruffy old rat everywhere, defending him from Crookshanks, and constantly worrying about him flashed through his mind — before the sharp reminder that Scabbers had been a very old wizard using Animagus the entire time.
His face immediately darkened. "...Don't remind me."
Harry snorted. Hermione bit her lip, trying not to laugh.
Victor shrugged. "I'm just saying. You were more protective of that rat than most people are of their pets."
Ron groaned. "Please stop talking."
"I would," Victor replied, "but your expression is too entertaining."
Ron muttered something under his breath as the others laughed, and the group continued back toward Hogwarts Castle.
*****
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