Old Crouch emphasized every word, as though delivering a verdict in court.
"Mental Transcendence Points: 5!"
The final score lit up on the screen, its golden digits searing everyone's eyes.
"Fleur Delacour: 95 points!"
After a brief, suffocating silence, the Beauxbatons stands erupted in deafening screams and cheers!
Countless silver-blue streamers showered down from above, turning that section into a sea of joy.
An immensely proud smile spread across Madame Maxime's face, and she excitedly hugged every student beside her.
Dumbledore rose to his feet and led the applause.
He personally descended from the Grandstand and presented Fleur Delacour with a miniature Golden Egg model made of pure gold, representing victory in the Second Task.
Pheobe gracefully accepted the trophy, her face showing no excessive joy.
Her gaze passed over the crowd and met those of Cedric and Krum in the distance.
None of the three Champions wore an expression of victory or defeat.
There was only an unspoken understanding born of having endured the same trial.
The competition's official proceedings ended amid a sky full of streamers and cheers.
The students began preparing to leave, eagerly discussing the competition that had overturned their understanding as they walked.
Just then, a figure slowly, unhurriedly walked onto the Grandstand.
It was Douglas Holmes.
He spoke his first words into the amplifier, his calm voice bringing everyone who was about to leave to a halt.
"Please stay, ladies and gentlemen."
Douglas's voice carried clearly throughout the Black Lake theater by magic.
It brought the departing spectators to a halt, and they turned back curiously.
"Today, our Champions encountered a classic dilemma."
He began with a smile.
"When a hero gives everything he has to slay a dragon, barely surviving, only to discover that the princess is leisurely enjoying afternoon tea in the