Chronicles Of Arth: Prince Of Shadows - Chapter 251

Arth was sitting down reading a book. Every few seconds, he would either flip to the next page or pick up his fork and place food into his mouth.

Just as he was about to finish his plate, Professor McGonagall came walking alongside the Gryffindor table toward him.

“Kingscrown, the champions are congregating in the chamber off the Hall after breakfast,” she said.

“For what?” said Arth, finishing up his plate.

“The champions’ families are invited to watch the final task, you know. This is simply a chance for you to greet them.”

Arth nodded his head before turning back to his book.

The final task.

Arth frowned before closing his book and placing it into his bag. Until this point, he had underestimated how cruel the Triwizard tournament could be.

The first task was dragons, an Alaskan Sapphire as a matter of fact. A single mistake would’ve killed him. The second task was swimming under the Great Lake where…. where…

Arth let out a quiet m.o.a.n of pain.

Where he had lost his beloved turkey legs.

He could only imagine what he would suffer if he lost in the third task. He could not lose. He couldn’t afford to lose.

With determination blazing in his eyes, Arth made his way to the chambers.

*****

“Huh? My parents aren’t here?” Asked Arth with a raised eyebrow.

Mr. Diggory nodded his head. “They got caught up with a job unfortunately. It was supposed to end weeks ago but they wrote to the ministry telling that it would take a bit more time to finish.”

Arth frowned. “That’s concerning. Were they unable to find the location of the soviets or is the infiltration process taking longer than expected?”

“They have found the location of the soviets but they were unsuccessful in infiltrating. Last we heard from them, they were reattempting a second infiltration.”

“How about the wizards from the American side? Are they aiding us in the infiltration?”

Mr. Diggory shook his head. “MACUSA refuse to send us aid in fear of an all out nuclear war. They have their hands full with wiping the memories of the muggles who witness battles between soviet wizards and them and believe neutrality is the best option for now.”

Arth g.r.o.a.n.e.d.

“Don’t worry about a thing Arthur. The ministry knows what they are doing. You just focus on winning the Triwizard tournament. Although, I do believe that Cedric has a good chance of beating you.”

Arth gave Mr. Diggory a wry smile. “Cedric is a good wizard. But the other two are also good as well.”

Obviously pleased at the compliment on Cedric, Mr. Diggory gave Arth a hearty pat on the back. “Well, May the best wizard win.”

“May the best wizard win.”

Arth watched Mr. Diggory leave and head towards Cedric, who was happily talking to Cedric’s mother while Arth stood there in the chambers silently, all alone.