Chapter 22

I spent the next two weeks getting used to my newfound physical and magical strength by training in Room of Requirements.

And, boy I feel awesome. Due to my physical strength, I can weave through wand movements like nobody's business. My wand practically blurred went I cast chain spells. By linking subsequent spells and spell chains, I can now cast spells so rapidly that it will make my opponent's mind spin. No, I am not exaggerating, I can fire around 70-80 spells per minute by linking spell movements. Who, new my physical strength will have such an awesome side effect.

After the euphoria of my new powers left, I concentrated back on the present. Next problem is the 2nd task. While the task itself is simple, it's my hostage I am worried about. The only person I even remotely care about in this world is Matron from the orphanage. Unless they are willing to abduct the old Matron, I don't see anyone close to me who will be eligible to be my hostage. While I don't particularly care about it, it won't be good for my reputation. No, I need a patsy for the 2nd task, who will become my hostage. A sacrificial pawn if you will.

From what I could remember, Krum and Hermione weren't close enough for her to be his hostage. She was most likely chosen to be his hostage because they went to Yule ball together. It was also the case for Cedric and Cho Chang. Harry had his best friend i.e Ronald Weasley as his hostage. Fleur also had her sister as her hostage.

From given facts, I can only theorize that unless a champion has someone very close to him/her like a best friend or close family member present, they will choose champion's Yule ball date as a hostage.

This means I need to carefully and strategically choose my date since she will be my hostage. She needs to be hot enough so as to not embarrass me in front of everyone while being casual enough to not get attached to me afterward.

Good thing I am popular and handsome enough to easily land myself a date. While people did notice that I was looking much more handsome than before, nobody is close enough to me to notice the exact changes. Everyone must have attributed it the puberty and new workouts.

I spent the next two days looking for a suitable target-*cough *, I mean suitable date.

I chose Robin Serpen, a seventh year Ravenclaw who is in the same class as me. While currently single, She has had a few boyfriends up until now. She should be casual enough and being a Ravenclaw, she is busy studying for her NEWTs this year, so she won't expect to be in a relationship with me due to lack of time. She is also beautiful enough and serves well for my purpose.

I quickly went up to her and asked, "Hey Robin, how are you doing. I was wondering if you would like to be my date for Yule Ball."

"Hey Aiden, sure I would love to." She giggled and replied. I guess having a handsome face didn't hurt my chances.

Well, congratulations, Robin. You have just unknowingly agreed to participate in the 2nd task. Thank you so much for your selfless service. I don't know what I would have done without you.

Weeks passed by and soon it was the day of Yule ball. I was dressed in custom made robes I ordered from a Muggle tailor. I didn't like robes in the shops from diagon ally, so I had them made by a Muggle tailor. He looked at me a bit strangely when I asked for him to make robes but he held it in since I was paying very generously. Also, I may or may not have used legilimancy on a few Muggle dancers to learn to dance. Everything for 'greater good', I assure you. I like that line, maybe I am going to start using it ( here greater good refers to ' my own greater good' but I am going to let that part out while saying it in front of everyone else). 'Greater good' what a magical phrase. I guess I still have a lot to learn from Dumbledore.