Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 4.11: The First Task

The next day, the atmosphere in the castle was tense. Whispers followed Lyanna and Harry wherever they went. The "Potter Stinks" badges were still prevalent, adding to the growing sense of unease. During lunch, Lyanna found herself sitting next to Hermione and Harry at the Gryffindor table. Hermione, ever the studious one, was buried in a book on magical creatures.

"Find anything useful?" Lyanna asked, trying to keep her tone light.

Hermione looked up, her eyes bright with excitement. "Actually, yes! There's a spell that might help you. It's called the Conjunctivitis Curse. It can impair a dragon's vision, making it harder for them to see you."

Harry nodded, listening intently. "That sounds promising. We should practice it."

Lyanna agreed, feeling a spark of hope. "Thanks, Hermione. This could really help."

They spent the afternoon in an empty classroom, practicing the Conjunctivitis Curse. Hermione guided them, her instructions clear and precise. After several hours, both Lyanna and Harry managed to cast the spell successfully. The practice helped ease some of Lyanna's anxiety, and she felt more prepared for the task ahead.

~~~

The day of the first task arrived, and the tension in the air was palpable. The champions were gathered in a tent near the arena, each lost in their thoughts. Lyanna glanced at her fellow champions, who gave her a small, reassuring nod. They were in this together, despite the competition.

Ludo Bagman entered the tent, his usual jovial demeanor somewhat subdued. "Alright, champions. Today's task is to retrieve a golden egg from a dragon's nest. You'll each be facing a different breed of dragon. But, before we begin, you'll each draw a dragon model from this bag to determine your task and the order in which you'll face it." He held up a bag of purple silk, its surface shimmering in the dim light.

The champions exchanged nervous glances. Viktor Krum, stoic as ever, reached in first. His hand emerged holding a tiny model of a Chinese Fireball, bearing the number three. Next was Fleur Delacour, who drew a Welsh Green, her dragon marked with the number two. Cedric Diggory reached in and pulled out a Swedish Short-Snout, his number indicating he would go first.

Harry stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. He plunged his hand into the bag and drew out a Peruvian Vipertooth, its number indicating he would go forth. Lyanna was last. Her fingers closed around the final model, and she pulled out a Hungarian Horntail, its fierce eyes gleaming up at her, and the number five hanging ominously from its neck.

The champions looked at their models, absorbing the reality of their tasks. Harry's brow furrowed at the sight of his Vipertooth, the second most dangerous breed. Lyanna, meanwhile, felt a chill run down her spine as she gazed at the Hungarian Horntail, the most formidable dragon in the draw.

Bagman cleared his throat. "Now that the draw is complete, you'll proceed to the arena when your number is called. Remember, the goal is to retrieve the golden egg from your dragon's nest. Good luck to all of you."

The champions dispersed, each retreating into their own thoughts and strategies. Lyanna felt a mix of fear and determination. She knew the Horntail would be a fierce opponent, but she couldn't afford to let it intimidate her.

As Cedric's number was called, Lyanna watched him enter the arena. The roar of the crowd was deafening, but she forced herself to focus. Through a gap in the tent, she saw Cedric facing off against his dragon. He moved with confidence, using a combination of spells and agility to retrieve his egg. The crowd cheered as he succeeded, and Lyanna felt a surge of hope.

Next was Fleur. She stepped into the arena, her expression a mix of determination and fear. The Welsh Green reared its head, but Fleur used her Veela charm to distract it, allowing her to snatch the egg. The crowd erupted in applause, and Fleur returned to the tent, looking relieved.