"The first challenge is to seize the golden eggs!" Bagman's voice rang with excitement. "The Ministry of Magic has brought nine dragons of different breeds from Romania and placed them in separate areas of the Forbidden Forest! Your task is to find and take the golden eggs they're guarding!"
A gasp swept through the stands.
"There are ten golden eggs in all!" Bagman continued. "Each egg is worth one point, and the final rankings will be based on your scores! The school whose champions have the lowest combined score will face a major disadvantage in the Second Task. As for what that disadvantage is, I'm afraid I can't reveal it yet!"
The crowd buzzed with discussion.
"The champions will be dropped at different points in the Forbidden Forest!" Bagman pointed toward the dense forest in the distance. "You'll face everything alone! No support, no guidance, just yourselves and your wands! The competition starts now and ends at sunset—or when every champion has been put out of action!"
Cheers and whistles rose to the sky. The Hogwarts students shouted themselves hoarse.
"Now, champions, prepare yourselves!"
Light appeared on the platforms beneath the nine champions' feet, illuminating the intricate patterns drawn across them.
"Everyone," Dumbledore said, his voice reaching every ear with perfect clarity, "remember that the competition begins the moment you arrive."
Will looked down at the magic circle beneath his feet and raised an eyebrow. They didn't modify the Floo Network for this, did they?
In the distance, Sylvia waved to him from the stands. Even from that far away, Will could see her clearly.
He gave a slight nod, and light flashed around him.
When Will landed, he was standing in a dense forest.
He looked around. Towering pines and oaks surrounded him, their branches and leaves blotting out