Many were waiting to attend Wayne's funeral—Cedric and the twins, for instance.
But to their confusion and regret, Wayne seemed completely unaffected in the following days, living happily as if nothing had happened, with no conflicts arising among those beautiful girls.
Instead, many found themselves growing anxious as they still hadn't secured dance partners.
Like Ron.
Girls Ron usually wouldn't give a second glance suddenly seemed quite appealing now. To his dismay, even Millicent (buck-toothed, freckled, flat-nosed) had already found a partner.
Left with no choice, he turned his attention to students from other schools.
Eventually, he settled on a fifth-year from Uagadou, rumoured to be the daughter of some tribal chieftain.
...
As the days passed, the castle grew livelier in the final week of term.
Rumours about the Yule Ball spread everywhere—for instance, that Dumbledore had ordered eight hundred barrels of spiced mead from Rosmerta at the Three Broomsticks.
Wayne could confirm this was false, as the old man mostly ordered his drinks from the Hog's Head—typical embezzlement of public funds.
Another rumour, however, was true: the wizarding world's hottest rock band, the Weird Sisters, had been invited.
Students who grew up listening to Wizarding Wireless Network broadcasts were thrilled, humming their hit songs as they walked.
Interestingly, despite the band's name, all its members were men. They'd chosen it simply because every member had long hair, making them look like women.
Students had lost all interest in classes—except for etiquette lessons. Sirius had taught the simplest dance steps, and many, still struggling, practised diligently to avoid embarrassment at the ball.
When the final etiquette lesson ended, everyone felt a sense of loss.
One girl asked wistfully, "Professor Black, will you be leaving Hogwarts after this term?"
Hogwarts professors, while all top-tier in skill, left much to be desired in looks. Sirius was sorely needed to raise the average.
"Not just yet," Sirius replied, to the students' delight. "Due to the tournament, student numbers have nearly doubled this year. Many professors find it hard to give everyone proper attention."
"Dumbledore has invited me to serve as a tutor for upper years—especially fifth and seventh. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."
Sirius added modestly, "Though I'm no match for Professor McGonagall or Professor Flitwick academically, I can still help with most exam-related content."
He then pointed at Wayne. "Well, except for Wayne. Don't come to me—I might end up learning from you instead."
The class burst into laughter, and Wayne grinned.
Having received satisfactory answers, everyone happily left the classroom. Just as Wayne and Hermione were about to exit, Sirius suddenly called him back—and mysteriously insisted Hermione couldn't stay to listen.
Only after confirming everyone had left did Sirius whisper, "Wayne, do you have any powerful spells I could still learn? I'll pay for them."
"Powerful spells?" Wayne gave him a strange look. "Just use the Killing Curse—quick and painless."
Sirius's ingratiating smile froze. "I'm not a Death Eater! How could I use the Killing Curse? I just want to win a duel against someone."
Wayne saw right through him. "Snape, then?"
In this school, the only person who could make Sirius grind his teeth with such hatred was Snape. Clearly, they'd already fought—and Sirius had likely lost badly. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here. This made sense; he was never Snape's match to begin with, let alone now that Snape had grown stronger.
Sure enough, Sirius's face reddened at being found out, but he didn't deny it.
"Forget it." Wayne shook his head. "The gap between you two is significant. If you really want to defeat him, go home and properly study the Black Family's entire collection of books."
"That many?" Sirius looked pained. "Is that greasy git really that strong? Back in school, I used to thrash him easily."
"That was James, not you." Wayne turned the tables, patting his shoulder. "The most important thing is knowing your own limits. Being reckless in a fight can be an advantage, but against someone who doesn't fear that, it'll just get you killed faster."
"If you can't beat him, stop provoking him. Go bully other Slytherins instead." Having offered this terrible advice, Wayne made his escape.
Sirius wasn't deterred. Dumbledore had restored their privileges to deduct and award house points—targeting Slytherin was a must, but Snape couldn't be let off either. Since Wayne had put it that way, defeating Snape seemed nearly impossible.
Yet one remark had struck a chord. Back then, they'd outnumbered Snape and bullied him freely. Why not do the same now? Once Lupin arrived, the two of them could team up.
If that still wasn't enough, they could wait for Harry to grow up. Sirius realised Harry's talent in Defence Against the Dark Arts surpassed even James's—one day, he'd surpass Snape. Then it'd be father and son ganging up on Snape together.
At this thought, Sirius let out a sinister "Heh heh heh." A passing student outside shuddered and hurried away, fearing a troll might burst out.
...
In Charms class, seeing everyone distracted, Professor Flitwick abandoned the lesson and let them play games instead. He spent most of the time chatting with Harry about the Summoning Charm he'd used during the tournament.
"The Dungbombs were a failed example!" Flitwick squeaked. "Your mental image wasn't specific enough. Thankfully, your magical power was sufficient, and you performed exceptionally, summoning every Dungbomb in the school."
"Professor, could you not mention Dungbombs?" Harry grimaced, already smelling the stench.
"Alright, let's discuss charms. Perhaps you could attempt to master the Summoning Charm..."
"..."
Hermione was making a pear dance on the table with Lavender Brown, practising their dance steps.
"Hermione," Lavender whispered, "Did Wayne really invite so many girls, including all three champions?"
"Yes," Hermione replied absentmindedly.
"But the champions have to open the ball together. How's he going to manage that? Has Wayne mastered some kind of duplication spell?" Lavender pressed.
"I don't know either, Lavender. Your footwork's wrong." Hermione tapped her wand, and Lavender's pear stumbled before quickly righting itself.
She didn't know what Wayne was planning either, but she'd asked him – it definitely wasn't duplication.
That was enough.
...
Finally, Friday's last lesson ended, and students happily rushed out of the classroom to welcome the three-week holiday.
Wayne also felt rather novel about it.
This was his first time staying at school for Christmas since enrolling.
Harry was just about to play a round of Magic Awakened with Ron when a sixth-year Prefect found him.
"Potter, Professor McGonagall asked me to tell you that the champions need to gather on the grounds tomorrow at nine in the morning."
"Alright," Harry replied instinctively, then froze.
"Bloody hell!"
His hands and feet turned icy as he suddenly remembered what he'd forgotten.
The second task was coming up soon!
Between fretting over finding a dance partner and daily Quidditch training, he'd completely forgotten about the tournament.
Wait – Wayne hadn't given any hints, and there weren't any strange construction sites around the school...
Was the second task really happening tomorrow?
Harry felt utterly bewildered. He hadn't noticed any recent changes...
In the Hufflepuff common room, Cedric was also desperately hinting.
"Wayne, don't you have anything to say?"
The boy looked wary. "You're not planning to give me a Christmas present this year?"
Cedric's mouth twitched as he hissed, "The tournament! The tournament! Can't you give me a hint?"
"Oh, I'd forgotten about that." Wayne smacked his forehead. "No hints, but it's definitely not as dangerous as the first one. Don't worry."
"Alright." Hearing this, Cedric seemed somewhat reassured.
...
The next day, at nine o'clock.
All eight champions arrived punctually on the grounds, surrounded by curious young wizards.
They were puzzled – if today was indeed the tournament day, why hadn't the Headmaster announced it for everyone to watch, only summoning the champions?
Soon, their confusion was answered.
Dumbledore arrived with the other judges and announced:
"The second task will not take place at the school, so unfortunately, everyone won't be able to witness the champions' splendid performances."
A wave of disappointed murmurs rose around them.
Dumbledore smiled reassuringly. "After the task concludes, we'll announce the scores and provide a general overview of events."
At that moment, Hagrid arrived with several Thestral-drawn carriages.
The champions and judges boarded in turn, with Wayne slipping into the carriage with the three girls. The others tactfully didn't disturb them.
"Where are we going?" Fleur asked curiously. Even now, she didn't know what this round's challenge would be.
Wayne didn't beat around the bush. "An ancient tomb."
Fleur and Cassandra showed no reaction, but Sakura let out a shriek.
"An... ancient tomb? Are we going grave robbing?"
Sakura was terrified of ghosts and supernatural beings. Ever since coming to Hogwarts, she always took detours to avoid the ghosts.
"Don't be scared. It's already been cleared out," Wayne reassured her. "It was just chosen because the site is suitable for modifications."
Even with Wayne's words, Sakura was still frightened. Left with no choice, he took her hand to help calm her down.
Feeling the warmth of his hand, the girl's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't pull away.
Not to be outdone, Fleur claimed Wayne's other hand, leaving Cassandra—who had been a step too slow—to sulk alone.
She was scared, too!
...
After flying for over twenty minutes, the Thestrals finally reached their destination.
It was a withered forest, devoid not only of people but also of animals.
Once everyone had disembarked from the Thestral-drawn carriage and gathered before a large stone, Bagman explained the rules of this round.
"For the second task, Mr Lawrence has named it 'Raiders of the Lost Artefact,' though I prefer to call it the 'Item Challenge,'" Bagman said cheerfully. "Trust me, this will be absolutely fascinating."
"You'll be entering this tomb—no, pardon me, this ruin. It's been meticulously prepared, filled with plants, magical creatures, and... well, some enchanted constructs."
"Valuable potion ingredients are being guarded. No matter what method you use, as long as you retrieve them, they're yours to keep."
"All acquired materials can be used in subsequent tasks. For example, if you obtain a bezoar, you can brew it into an Antidote to Common Poisons. If you find a moondew plant—oh, and other ingredients—you could even concoct a Moonlight Potion."
"All potion ingredients must be obtained here. There will be an inventory check after we emerge."
"And each potion must be brewed by the champion themselves under referee supervision, with no external assistance."
Bagman droned on at length as the champions listened carefully, feeling somewhat reassured.
At least they wouldn't have to face something as terrifying as dragons this time.
"Mr Bagman, what are the scoring criteria?" Vladimir raised his hand to ask.
"Excellent question." Bagman wagged his finger. "The referees won't intervene during this round. If you exit the ruins within one hour, you'll score seventy points. For every additional half hour, ten points will be deducted."
"Champions, the moment of decision has come. Whether to gather more ingredients or complete the challenge quickly for higher marks - that's entirely your choice."
"Ludo, you've forgotten one rule," Karkaroff interjected darkly.
"Champions are permitted to seize others' spoils."
"Ah, Karkaroff, well..." Bagman flapped his arms nervously. "We don't encourage that, do we?"
Karkaroff gave Krum a meaningful look. "But it's part of the competition. Not against the rules."
"Very well, since you insist. Yes, it's not a foul. But champions, please refrain from using overly dangerous spells."
Everyone nodded, though it was unclear if they'd actually heed this warning.
"Right then, half an hour's break. We'll reconvene here afterwards."
With that, he dismissed them.
This second task primarily tested students' herbology knowledge, potion-making skills, and ability to handle dark or magical creatures.
Compared to the first round, it was more varied and comprehensive.
It also gave lower-scoring champions a chance to catch up.
Harry and Cedric moved aside to confer. Noticing this, Koldovstoretz's Katerina took Vladimir away with a meaningful glance.
Krum was summoned by Karkaroff, the two conversing quietly in German.
Meanwhile, Fleur and two other girls gathered around Wayne, who produced a tablecloth bearing sandwiches, eggs and coffee.
"Eat up. You won't get lunch inside, so fuel yourselves properly."
No one pretended modesty, eating their fill. When Harry and Cedric returned, they took some sandwiches, too.
The half hour passed quickly, and soon the champions stood ready.
Dumbledore waved his wand, making the ground tremble.
The massive boulder before them split apart, revealing a downward staircase into pitch-black darkness that made everyone shudder.
Sakura gulped but stood firmly beside Fleur.
Even if she scored zero this round, she wouldn't separate from Fleur again.
Yet the moment they descended the long staircase and stepped onto level ground, Sakura suddenly felt the world spin.
After a brief scream, she found herself transported elsewhere.
The organisers had anticipated cooperative attempts and prepared countermeasures.
If champions wanted to work together, they'd have to find each other first.
After everyone had disappeared, Wayne waved at Dumbledore. "Headmaster, I'll head in first."
"Go ahead, Mr Lawrence." The old man nodded, then hesitated before adding, "Don't go too far. They're still children."
The judging panel exchanged odd looks.
For heaven's sake... This was a competition, not the Lawrence family playground. Was that really appropriate to say?