Chronicles Of Arth: Prince Of Shadows

"The first task is designed to test your daring," he told Arth, Cedric, Fleur, and Viktor, "so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard. . . very important.

"The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges. The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests."

Mr. Crouch turned to look at Dumbledore. "I think that's all, is it, Albus?"

"I think so," said Dumbledore, who was looking at Mr. Crouch with mild concern. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"

"No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry," said Mr. Crouch. "It is a very busy, very difficult time at the moment.... I've left young Weatherby in charge.. . . Very enthusiastic. . . a little overenthusiastic, if truth be told. . ."

Arthur raised his hands.

"What is it Arthur?"

"I already know the details of the tournament though."

Mr. Crouch froze.

"Ah. . . . I forgot about that."

Arth also sighed.

"What should we do? I mean, I organized most of the Tournament. . . ."

Arth and Mr. Crouch both frowned and placed their hands on their chin in deep thought.

"Should we change the tournament?"

"We already spent to much time and money, we can't back out now."

"You right, how about take off points when I perform?"

"That's still unfair as it makes the meaning behind the task pointless. . . . How about a memory charm?"

Arth scrunched his brows.

"I don't like memory charms, but I guess they'll do. But how about we do them right before the first task, to everyone. It greatly reduces the chances of cheating."

"I see. That is indeed so."

While Arth and Mr. Crouch talked, everyone else listened along with dumbfounded gazes.

"So I guess it's settled?"

"Yep, memory charms on the day of the task."

Arth and Mr. Crouch shook hands before Mr. Crouch left, with Bagman close behind them.

Madame Maxime and Karkaroff both left with their respective champions, leaving Arth alone with Dumbledore, Cedric, And McGonagall.

"Arth, Cedric, I suggest you go up to bed," said Dumbledore, smiling at both of them. "I am sure Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are waiting to celebrate with you, and it would be a shame to deprive them of this excellent excuse to make a great deal of mess and noise."

Arth glanced at Cedric, who nodded, and they left together.

The Great Hall was deserted now; the candles had burned low, giving the jagged smiles of the pumpkins an eerie, flickering quality.

"So," said Cedric, with a slight smile. "It's Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff once more, is it."

"I suppose so," said Arth not really paying attention.

"So. . . tell me. . ." said Cedric as they reached the entrance hall, which was now lit only by torches in the absence of the Goblet of Fire. "How did you get your name in?"

"I didn't," said Arth, staring up at him. "I didn't put it in. I was telling the truth. You see, the Goblet of Fire had three Age lines, each one using a different method of detecting age, a facial recognition system, an anti-curse charm, and a multi layered protection array. Even though I know the intricate designs and flaws of the enchantments, if I wanted to break through the thing, it would take me some time. Plus, I would need to prepare to break into the cup. But then, I wouldn't want to harm such a magnificent object like the Goblet of Fire. You feel me?"

"Ah. . . Sure," said Cedric with an uncomfortable look. "Well . . . see you, then."

Arth watched the departing figure of Cedric with a disappointed look.

"Uncultured animals don't understand anything, sigh."