The rest of the story

Chapter Sixteen

"It sort of sucks that classes ended, and then we still gotta show up for this," Crabbe mumbles, head buried in a sketch pad as the crowd gathers in the stadium situated in front of the maze. A large band is playing music, and everyone is chattering excitedly.

"It is sort of weird to pop it into summer like this. They should've done it earlier,"
Goyle adds, glancing at me. I roll my eyes.

"Hey, boys." Pansy scoots in beside me as Goyle's mouth drops dumbly open. Blaise follows after, sitting on the bench beside her.

"Well, I can't wait to see whoever wins whatever this is." Blaise smirks over at the maze, his eyes glinting.

"It should be really fun," I answer automatically. Pansy raises an eyebrow at me.

"I thought you'd hate it again because you can't see the contestants."

"Well, they aren't under water at least. Maybe we can sort of see them."

"Right."

"It'll be a blast." Blaise smirks at me.

"Goyle, would you stop doing that?" I ask harshly, turning quickly away from Blaise.

"Doing what?"

Potter and the others walk out, and everyone starts screaming out of their bloody minds. The crowd rockets to their feet, most of them screaming about Cedric or Viktor. Dumbledore's voice blares out over the loudspeaker.
              
"Earlier today Professor Moody placed the tri-wizards cup deep within the maze. Only he knows its exact position. Now as Mr Diggory and Mr Potter tied for first position they will be the first to enter the maze. Followed by Mr Krum."

"Is there any actual reward for winning any event but the last one, because it kinda seems like it weirdly doesn't matter?" Blaise asks me, leaning over Pansy.

"I've been really confused about that. I think it barely affects it at all. Fleur didn't even complete the last one, and she still gets to go in the maze."

"The first person to touch the cup will be the winner. I've instructed the staff to patrol the perimeter, if at any point should a contestant wish to withdraw from the task he or she need only send up red sparks with their wands. Contestants, gather round."

"I guess you needed the egg from the first one for the second one, but that just gave you a clue."

"Yeah, but if you didn't know you had to breathe underwater, you'd be done for."

"I don't know. You didn't really have to do anything in the second event to get to the third."

"Wow. Is this entire event just a glorified corn maze?" Blaise laughs.

"I think it might be."
                                   
"Champions! Prepare yourselves," Madeye calls out, and the contestants line up haphazardly in front of the maze.

"On the count of three... ONE..." The canon goes off and Dumbledore turns to Mr. Filch with an exasperated expression. He shrugs. Potter walks into the maze and moments later, the entrance disappears behind him.

"Wow. What a great show." Blaise smirks at me. "Thank God they're not underwater this time."

"Well, who knows? At least this time Potter won't look half dead when he shows up."

"Oh, I'm sure he'll find a way," Blaise answers distractedly, eyes scanning the maze. "Dramatic bastard."

Pansy elbows me, and I turn to see her batting her eyes at me like a lunatic. I glare at her, and she starts mouthing something at me. I pinch her arm, and she smacks me.