The Unbreakable Vow

Chapter 26- The First task

The first task was coming up and I had no idea what I was going to do. I hadn't heard from Theo, he was probably too busy preparing for the first task besides he couldn't help me. We were still competitors. Seeing as Giselle and Valerie were my friends I thought they might have helped. We hadn't spoken much though. Even Josie, Florence, and Kitty couldn't seem to help. As we all didn't know what was to come, how could I have prepared?

I decided to go to the library with my friends and see what we could find.

Josie found a book on spells. Kitty found a book on herbology and Florence was reading about past tournaments.

"From what I can see the first task is always to test your bravery."

"Lucky you're a Gryffindor then" Josie chuckled.

"It doesn't mean I'm brave."

"Then what does it mean?" Florence laughed.

"You'll probably be fighting some magical beast I guess."

"You'd better learn some defensive spells then," Josie said, handing me her book.

"I know a few. But I don't want to kill the creature. I'll ask Giselle how to tame some creatures and see how that goes."
"Okay, good luck Maria," Josie said.

From then I spent every day in the library leading up to the tournament. I found the courage to ask for Giselle's help seeing as she knew best about magical creatures. Gladly, she agreed. It felt like we did go back to normal for a while. Laughing, joking... flirting. But I needed to focus on the task at hand. With a cute profesor, it's hard to get anything done.

"Hey," Giselle said, clicking her fingers in front of my face.
"Huh?" I said.
"You're not concentrating, the first task is tomorrow. Come on just one more creature then we can leave."
"Fine as long as you give me something in return"
"Like what?" She chuckled.
I darted my eyes to her lips then blushed.

"Ahem. Never mind just read the passage."
"Okay," She whispered, "A manticore is a..."

When we were done I fell asleep instantly. We had been researching for hours and although my brain was whirring with nervous excitement. I couldn't resist this sweet temptation of sleep. The morning was a different matter entirely.

I awoke at five am. I couldn't sleep now the first task started in three hours. I paced around my room, reciting everything I had gone over in the library. Spells, creatures, plants, defense, attack etc etc.

Before I knew it the sun had risen. It was time to go. I dressed and headed down, not waiting for anyone else. I scoffed some toast, forcing it down my throat and hoping it wouldn't come up.

One by one other students arrived and the buzz of chatter began.

My friends sat with me, wished me luck, and then escorted me down to the first task arena.

A massive, metal stadium stood waiting for us. The champions, including me, were ushered into a tent.

Giselle and Valerie hugged me, wished me luck once more, and were lost in the crowd.

The noise of people waited outside. Laughing, talking, and getting into their seats. They were ready for the circus act to begin. Now I knew this was real and was about to happen. I felt nauseous.

Someone put their hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see Theo.

"Good luck," He said.

I smiled widely at him then kissed him on the cheek.

"Good luck to you too."

William, Auger, Munter, Griffiths, Tuffin, and Dalton entered the champions' tent.