Nothing In This World (BEING EDITED)

X.

Chapter X: The First Task
Warning: Mild Language

Harry felt oddly separate from everyone around him, whether they were wishing him good luck or hissing. "We'll have a box of tissues ready, Harry," as he passed. It was a state of nervousness that he hadn't felt in a long time, he wondered whether he mightn't lose his head when they try to lead him out to his dragon, and start trying to curse everyone in sight.

Harry spent most of the morning sitting in the library or in his bed in the common room.

He was currently in the Great Hall chatting with Draco and the rest of his brothers when Professor McGonagall came hurrying over to him. Lots of people were watching.

"Harry, the champions have to come down onto the grounds now.... you have to get ready for your first task."

"Okay," said Harry, standing up.

"Good luck, Harry," Hermione whispered, "you'll be fine."

"Yeah," said Harry in a voice unlike his own.

"Cheering for you, mate," said Draco. He stood up and gave Harry a hard but quick hug, "we'll all be watching. You've got this."

As they walked down the stone steps and out into the cold November afternoon, someone placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry turned around, looking his parents in the eye, "Dads," Harry said, stepping closer. "I'm scared!"

"You'll do fine, love," said Arthur, shakingly placing a hand on Harry's face, "your father and I will be watching every minute of it. We're here for you and we won't leave."

"Now don't panic," Lucius said, "just keep a cool head.... they've got wizards standing by to control the situation in case anything goes wrong; but nothing will happen. You are as safe as you can be...."

"The main thing is to do your best, and nobody will think less of you.... are you alright?"

"Yes," Harry heard himself say, " I am fine now, just wanted to see you before I go and die."

"You'll be fine, honey," said Arthur. Arthur and Lucius gave Harry a hug, both of them kissing Harry on his temples. They hugged him one last time before McGonagall led him down to the tent for the champions.

Harry saw that the tent had been erected. It's entrance facing them, screening the dragons from view.

"You're to go in here with the other champions," said Professor McGonagall, in a rather shaky sort of voice, "and wait for your turn, Mr. Weasley-Malfoy. Mr. Bagman is in there.... he'll be telling you the pricedure.... good luck.

Harry went inside. Fleur was sitting on a stool in the corner. All the colour from her face had drained. Viktor Krum looked sullier than usual, which Harry saw was his way of showing nervousness.

When Harry entered, Cedric was pacing up and down the length of the tent.

"Gather around, Harry. Mr. Krum, Ms. Delacour and Mr. Diggory," said Bagman happily, "when the audience has assembled, I'm going to have each of you reach into this bag from which the audience has assembled, I'm going to have each of you reach into this bag from which you'll each select a small model of the thing you are about to face! There are different- er- varieties, you see. And I have to tell you something else too.... ah, yes.... you'll find out in a bit."

And in no time, hundreds upon hundreds of pairs of feet could be heard passing the tent, their owners talking excitedly, laughing and joking.... Harry felt as separate from the crowd as though they were a different species. And then-it seemed like about a minute later to Harry- Bagman was opening the purple sack.