Later that day, Jade was eating dinner in the Great Hall. The atmosphere was one of cheerfulness, as everyone had just had an excellent day at Hogsmeade. Everyone was showing off their new purchases, laughing and talking with their friends. Jade herself was seated at the Hufflepuff table, surrounded by her own friends. Hannah and Mallory and a friend of theirs named Susan, plus Alana and West.

West was recovering nicely from her earlier collapse. There was a small, egg-shaped lump on the back of her head, but it was wrapped in a bandage and doused in a potion that smelled of vinegar. She was a little pale, a little shaky, but she was talking, and she sounded like her usual self.

"More potatoes, anyone?" Alana lifted the silver dish of food, dropping three roasted potatoes on Jade's sweater.

Jade looked down in dismay, scrubbing at the three grease spots on her brand-new sweater. As she did so, the chopsticks holding up her bun slipped out and sent her hair tumbling into her face like a waterfall. Tendrils of unbrushed brown curls flew around her face as she sighed, giving her the appearance of Medusa.

"Will all of the school Champions please report to the room behind the dais?" Professor Dumbledore's stentorian voice rang out through the hall, echoing through every crevice. Jade's mind instantly flicked to how amazing it would be to sing in there.

Of course. Of course she would be called up as soon as her hair became a mess and she ruined her new top. She was failing miserably at making a good name for herself as the youngest Champion. Standing up, Jade started attempting to refasten her hair as she walked up to the dais.

Inside the room, the other Champions awaited her arrival. Harry was there, looking a little clammy and uncomfortable. Cedric was there too, his face in its resting position, an easy smile. He waved cheerfully at her. And Fleur was there, looking cool and flawless in her powder-blue Beauxbatons uniform, which always looked perfectly pressed. She made Jade feel like a sloppy child.

Jade sat down cross-legged on the rug, further emphasizing her height (or lack of it). "What did you need, Professors?"

Professor Dumbledore granted her a smile. "We wished to talk to you students about the third, and final, challenge, which is upcoming next month."

Harry sat up straighter. "Yes, sir?"

"The third challenge will test not only your wisdom, but your intelligence as well. You will need to use bravery, careful decision-making, and of course, follow your instincts."

Fleur twirled a lock of her silvery-blonde hair. "What ees ze challenge, Professor?"

Professor Dumbledore stood and smiled. "The challenge is..."

*****************************************

Jade returned to dinner, resuming her seat between Alana and West.

"You were right earlier, West," she said darkly, shoveling carrots onto her plate. "There was something growing."

Alana sat forward, tipping her pumpkin juice goblet. "What is it?"

"A death-trapped, dangerous, enchanted hedge maze."