Chapter 100 – Casualties of the Trial
I spent the night in the infirmary while Madam Pomfrey fixed me up, although she did mention I should not stress my legs for the upcoming month or so. Not that I would have the necessary energy, as simply standing or walking felt like straining me from all my powers. What I was worried about was the fact Quincy didn't appear before me through the night, and I was already thinking about what may have happened. The moment the sun was up, so was I, ready to return to the Common Room, but the Headmaster's appearance stopped me from leaving.
"Follow me."
His voice was just as cold as before; this time, he didn't even try to ask me what happened. I mean, he had to see everything as they were all observing it, but he never asked me why we did what we did. Not that he could, as Lord Voldemort himself asked me to spark a conflict and give them a reason to kick off a war. According to him, what happened in the 2nd Trial was going as HE had planned.
Entering the Great Hall, I was surprised that it was already filled, with the different headmasters and teachers sitting on a podium. At the same time, the tables were now laid out horizontally, filled with students. I let out a relaxed sigh, seeing Quincy sit at the one smaller table, facing the teachers directly. While she sat on its right side, next to Victor, Fleur was occupying the left end of it, looking like someone who slept not a moment since yesterday.
Walking by the tables, I saw many eyes directed at me, some fearful, some in awe. When I met with the eyes of those who helped us a lot since Quincy's kidnapping, I gave them a slight nod and smile before sitting down between Victor and Quincy.
"All good?" I asked her quietly, and she slipped her hand into mine, squeezing it reassuringly.
"Murderer." Fleur mumbled, looking at me before turning towards Victor. "You too calm, he murd-"
"The competition was dangerous. Always." He answered without looking at either of us, sitting still, and I was not in the mood to entertain Fleur, especially when I watched the three Headmasters standing straight, silencing the crowd.
"Now that everybody is here, we are going to commence a public review of the previous event, where two Champions lost their lives." The one who was speaking was Snape; his voice carried throughout the Great Hall, reaching everyone at once, "First, Martyn Poliakoff, the student of Durmstrang."
"His death was his own doing." Karkaroff remarked calmly, and it surprised me a bit as I expected him to be angry and vindictive. "He failed to capitalize on his advantage and paid the price for his stupidity. Everyone knew that the Triwizard Tournament was dangerous. Lives have been lost in it since its inception."
"Two in the same Trial is still too much. Deaths in the competition were still a rare occurrence whenever it happened."