The God of Valor

The field below was a whirlwind of motion and color as Luna Lovegood sailed effortlessly over the second obstacle. Her silvery-blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, her movements ethereal, as though she were gliding on air. There was a serene expression on her face, as if the noise of the crowd and the intensity of the competition barely touched her. She twirled slightly mid-air, her grace almost artistic.

"She's like a swan," Eirlys murmured, her emerald-green eyes soft with admiration as she leaned forward. Draped in her signature green and gold, her hair blazing in the sunlight, she exuded a regal warmth. "That girl's got the heart of a dreamer and the precision of a dancer. Lovely, isn't she?"

"She's got style, I'll give her that," Sirius Black said with a roguish grin, his sharp features glowing with amusement. Dressed in a tailored black coat, his dark hair wild as ever, Sirius leaned back with an easy confidence that bordered on theatrical. "But let's not forget my godson." He gestured toward Haraldr, who was charging forward, his movements fierce yet controlled, determination etched on his face. "Look at him—born for this."

Amelia Bones, seated beside him, tilted her head, her red curls catching the light. Her tailored navy-blue cloak added to her commanding presence. "He's remarkable," she admitted with a nod, her voice as measured and strong as the woman herself. "But Susan's not far behind. Look there!" She pointed as Susan Bones vaulted over an obstacle, her fiery red hair gleaming. Susan's face was a picture of concentration, her lips pressed together as she landed with a determined grace.

"Brilliant!" Eirlys clapped her hands, her laughter ringing out. "She's got the spirit of a lion, that one. Amelia, you must be so proud."

Amelia's stern demeanor softened, and a small, genuine smile spread across her lips. "Always," she said simply, her eyes never leaving her niece.

On the field, Haraldr surged forward, matching Luna stride for stride. His cape billowed behind him, and his dark hair stuck to his forehead as he moved with unrelenting focus. Beside him, Leif powered through the course, his broad shoulders and towering frame making him look like a force of nature. His red-blonde hair gleamed under the sun as he flashed Haraldr a toothy grin.

"Keep up, Haraldr!" Leif called out, his deep voice carrying easily over the noise of the crowd.

"Oh, don't tempt me, Leif!" Haraldr shot back, his tone dripping with humor even as he pushed harder to keep pace. "You'll only embarrass yourself when I win!"

Behind them, Draco Malfoy was locked in an intense race with Neville Longbottom and Sigrun. Draco's platinum-blond hair glinted as he moved, his sharp, angular features twisted in concentration. "Out of my way, Longbottom," he snapped, though there was no real venom in his voice—just fierce competition.

Neville, his dark hair damp with sweat, shot him a wry look, his brown eyes glinting with newfound confidence. "Not a chance, Malfoy. You've had enough firsts in your life; this one's mine!"

Sigrun, her fiery red hair braided back, snorted as she pulled ahead of both of them with effortless power. "You boys keep talking," she said, her voice strong and steady. "I'll just be over here—winning."

Up in the stands, Volstagg erupted into laughter, his booming voice carrying over the din. Dressed in thick leather and fur, his massive frame practically dwarfed the seat he was in. "That's my girl!" he bellowed, his red beard shaking as he slapped his thigh. "Sigrun the Fearless, showing the boys how it's done!"

Gudrun, elegant and composed beside him, placed a calming hand on his arm. "She gets that from me, you know," she said with a small smile, her voice soft but filled with pride.

"Of course she does, my love," Volstagg said, beaming at her before turning back to the field. "And Bjorn! Look at him! He's like a raging bull out there!"

Bjorn, towering over most of his competitors, charged through the obstacles with raw strength, his red hair a fiery streak in the chaos. His laughter echoed as he nearly toppled one of the structures but recovered with surprising agility.

"Careful, Bjorn!" Gudrun called, though her eyes sparkled with pride. "Power is nothing without precision!"

Farther down the stands, Narcissa Malfoy sat perfectly composed, her icy-blue eyes watching Draco with unwavering focus. Dressed in an elegant cream ensemble that seemed utterly impractical for a sporting event, she leaned toward her sister. "Draco's doing well," she said coolly, though the faintest flicker of pride warmed her tone.

Bellatrix, her dark hair wild and untamed, grinned wickedly. "He'd better win, Cissy, or I'll never let him live it down," she said, her voice low and full of amusement. "But that Longbottom boy… who knew he had it in him?"

Frank Longbottom leaned forward in his seat, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he grinned at his wife. "Did you see that? Neville's holding his own out there!"

Alice, her delicate features glowing with pride, nodded fervently. "I always knew he could. It's just… wonderful to see the world realizing it too."

Luna, ahead of them all now, paused just long enough to turn her head toward Haraldr and Leif, her pale blue eyes dreamy. "You know," she said in her soft, sing-song voice, "this course is a lot like life. Full of unexpected twists and jumps, but isn't it lovely?"

"Lovely?" Haraldr panted, shaking his head with a laugh. "Only you, Luna."

As the contestants surged forward, the atmosphere in the stands was electric, the cheers of their families and friends fueling their determination to push even harder. Victory wasn't guaranteed—but courage, pride, and camaraderie filled every moment of the race.

—

Xenophilius Lovegood stood out like a wild, colorful bird among the more subdued crowd. His pale yellow robes, embroidered with tiny wrackspurts that seemed to flit about, billowed slightly as he leaned forward in his seat, his mane of silvery hair looking as if it had been combed by a strong gust of wind rather than a brush. His wide, eager eyes tracked Luna's every movement as she glided over another obstacle with a serene grace that seemed almost otherworldly.

"Pandora, look at her!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying a note of awe that bordered on reverence. "Our Luna isn't just running a race; she's harmonizing with the unseen threads of the universe! See how the air itself bends to guide her path? A perfect demonstration of cosmic synergy!" He gestured wildly toward the track, nearly whacking the man seated behind him with his arm.

Pandora Lovegood, perched beside him in a quirky ensemble of mismatched colors and patterns that somehow worked together, clapped her hands delightedly. Her sunny blonde hair was gathered into an intricate braid adorned with tiny flowers, as though she had just walked out of a meadow. She tilted her head, her expression bright and animated. "Oh, absolutely, Xenophilius! Did you see how she took that last jump? It's as if the nifflers of destiny are scattering treasures before her, and she's scooping them up with every stride!"

"Precisely, my dear!" Xenophilius agreed, nodding so vigorously that his radish-shaped earrings jangled with the motion. "And look at her form—fluid, almost ethereal! That's not just skill; that's pure belief in the extraordinary. I always said the crumple-horned snorkack has a way of influencing the fates, and Luna proves it!"

Pandora clasped her hands over her heart, her eyes shining. "She's embracing her inner snorkack, Xenophilius. It's beautiful. Truly beautiful."

As Luna effortlessly vaulted over another hurdle, her dreamy smile never faltering, Xenophilius suddenly stood up, pointing dramatically at the track. "Did you see that, Pandora? She's defied gravity itself! I knew it—Luna has unlocked the secret of anti-gravitational wrackspurts! She's harnessed their power to—"

"Sit down, mate!" grumbled someone from a few rows back, but Pandora patted Xenophilius's arm soothingly, ignoring the interruption.

"Now, now," she said with a cheerful laugh, her voice as light and airy as her demeanor. "He's just passionate about our Luna. And why wouldn't he be? Look at her go!"

Luna, as if hearing her parents' energetic praise, turned her head slightly mid-race and gave the faintest, whimsical wave toward the stands. Pandora gasped in delight.

"She waved, Xenophilius! Did you see that? She's acknowledging the cosmic connection!"

"Indeed, Pandora, she is!" Xenophilius cried, clutching her hand dramatically. "She's signaling to us that the energies of love and support are fueling her triumph! Oh, what a moment!"

The two of them erupted into wild applause and cheers, their voices rising above the roar of the crowd. Xenophilius even took out what appeared to be a homemade horn carved from a hollowed-out gourd and blew it loudly, much to the annoyance of the people sitting nearby.

As Luna gracefully overtook another competitor, Pandora clapped her hands in glee. "She's like a moonbeam on a river, flowing through obstacles as if they don't even exist. That's our girl!"

"Ah, Pandora, we've always known Luna was special," Xenophilius said with a wide, proud grin, tears of joy brimming in his eyes. "But watching her now, it's clear—our Luna doesn't just live in the extraordinary; she is the extraordinary."

Pandora sighed happily, leaning her head on his shoulder. "She's everything we could have hoped for, Xenophilius. Everything and more."

Together, they continued to cheer with unabashed enthusiasm, their love and admiration for their daughter radiating like a beacon of joy amidst the noise and chaos of the tournament.

—

Eirlys, with her keen eyes, caught Loki and Thor in the act of shamelessly betting on the outcome of the race. She approached them with a stern expression, her presence commanding attention despite the excitement of the event.

"Loki, Thor, have you no shame?" she scolded, her tone carrying a mix of disappointment and amusement. "Betting on children's competitions? I expected better from the two of you."

Thor, ever the picture of innocence, quickly excused himself, muttering something about needing to check on the preparations for the next event. Left alone with Loki, Eirlys narrowed her eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Put your money on that boy Leif," she instructed firmly, her gaze unwavering. "He may surprise you yet."

Loki, ever the opportunist, grinned mischievously, nodding in agreement. "As you wish, dear sister," he replied, already calculating the odds in his mind. With a sly wink, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Eirlys to watch the remainder of the race with a knowing smile.

—

The third obstacle loomed before them: an enormous, twisting maze of hedges that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. The walls, towering and dense, shimmered faintly as if enchanted to confuse and mislead. The air within the maze was thick and humid, the faint sound of rustling leaves mingling with the distant hum of magical traps.

Luna Lovegood was the first to step forward. Her wide, curious eyes—brimming with an otherworldly calm—swept over the entrance. She tilted her head, her blonde hair catching the light. "This maze isn't just about finding the exit," she mused dreamily, her voice soft but certain. "It wants to see how we work together. If you listen closely, you can almost hear it whispering… like an old friend giving advice."

Draco Malfoy snorted, though the corners of his mouth twitched in reluctant amusement. "Of course you would think the maze talks, Lovegood," he said, adjusting his sleek platinum hair as he studied the maze with a critical eye. "But fine—lead the way if you're so attuned to its secrets. Just don't get us lost."

"I've never been lost," Luna replied, her voice light and whimsical, "just temporarily misplaced." Without waiting for a response, she stepped into the maze, her movements as fluid and deliberate as a swan gliding across a still lake.

Neville Longbottom hesitated at the threshold, his grip tightening on the wand in his hand. His eyes darted nervously toward the towering hedges, and his voice came out in a low murmur. "Are we sure this is a good idea? What if there's… I don't know… something waiting in there?"

"You mean besides us?" Draco drawled, rolling his eyes. "Get moving, Longbottom, unless you plan to stand there and let the maze win."

Neville straightened, his shoulders squaring. "No one said anything about the maze winning," he muttered, stepping into the labyrinth with newfound resolve. "Let's just get this over with."

Haraldr jogged ahead, his dark hair bouncing slightly as he scanned the paths. "We need to split up, at least for the first section," he called back, his tone confident and commanding. "Luna, you seem to have a knack for spotting patterns, so keep leading us from the center. Leif, you're with me. We'll take the left passages and clear the traps."

Leif grinned, his chiseled features lighting up with the thrill of the challenge. "Left it is. Try to keep up, Haraldr," he said, his deep voice teasing as he ducked under a low-hanging branch with ease. "And watch out for tripwires—they're sneaky in places like this."

Sigrun lingered near Luna, her fiery red hair falling in waves around her determined face. "I'll stick with you," she said, her voice calm but firm. Though she was the youngest of the group, there was no mistaking the steel in her green eyes. "No offense, but you might need someone who's… faster if things go sideways."

"Good idea, Sigrun," Luna said with a serene smile, her tone full of quiet approval. "But don't worry. The maze likes us. I can tell." She tapped the hedge lightly with her fingertips as if it were an old friend. "Let's see where it wants to take us."

Draco, watching the exchange, groaned. "Fantastic. I'm stuck with the youngest and the—" He waved a hand vaguely at Luna. "The eccentric. Brilliant team dynamics."

"Cheer up, Draco," Sigrun shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Your sparkling personality will surely light the way."

The group set off, their paths splitting briefly as they navigated the labyrinth.

Haraldr and Leif worked in perfect tandem, Haraldr's sharp instincts guiding them through narrow passages while Leif's quick reflexes allowed him to disarm magical traps before they triggered. "Another dead end," Haraldr muttered, backtracking and scanning the hedges. "We need to cut through—there's a gap, just there!"

Leif nodded, easily vaulting over a low barrier and extending a hand to help Haraldr. "We're making good time. Think the others are keeping up?"

"They'd better be," Haraldr said, smirking. "I don't plan on carrying anyone to the finish line."

Meanwhile, Luna and Sigrun weaved through the maze with a strange sense of harmony. Luna occasionally paused, her head tilting as if listening to something only she could hear. "This way," she said, pointing to a path that seemed darker than the others.

"Are you sure?" Sigrun asked, her brow furrowing.

"Absolutely," Luna replied. "The shadows are just shy sunlight, after all. They're nothing to fear."

Draco groaned from behind them. "If this path turns out to be a trap, I'm blaming you, Lovegood."

"You're welcome to try," Luna said cheerfully, her dreamy smile never wavering.

Neville, running slightly behind the others, found his confidence growing with each turn. When a vine lashed out from the hedge to block their way, he raised his wand instinctively. "Diffindo!" he shouted, slicing through the obstruction.

"Nice one, Longbottom," Draco admitted grudgingly.

—

From their prime vantage point in the stands (now that they had not made the cut of contestants to qualify the first obstacle), Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, Astrid, and Bjorn leaned forward eagerly, their voices mingling with the deafening roar of the crowd. The intense energy of the race seemed to sweep over them, drawing them into the action as they watched their friends tackle the latest obstacle.

Susan Bones stood out with her vibrant red hair catching the sunlight, her thoughtful yet excitable demeanor radiating warmth. She cupped her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice. "Haraldr! Come on! Show them how a real leader handles it!" Her freckled face was flushed with excitement, her eyes darting across the course. "And stay sharp—there's bound to be some trick to that maze!"

Beside her, Hannah Abbott bounced on her toes, her blonde hair framing her round, cheerful face. She was practically buzzing with nervous energy, clapping her hands together rhythmically. "Neville! You've got this! I know you do!" she called, her voice cracking slightly in her enthusiasm. "Don't overthink it, just trust your instincts!"

Astrid, a statuesque beauty with wavy golden hair and striking green eyes, couldn't keep the grin off her face. She leaned over the railing, her voice rising above the cacophony. "Luna and Leif, you're making it look easy!" she exclaimed, her laugh chiming like a bell. "Luna, you're brilliant—show them all how it's done!" She turned to the others, her expression alight with admiration. "Honestly, she's like this ethereal maze whisperer or something."

Bjorn, standing beside her, was as imposing as he was fiery, his tall, broad-shouldered frame unmistakable even in the crowd. His copper-red hair gleamed under the sun, and his voice boomed as he cupped his hands around his mouth. "You're crushing it, Sigrun! Don't let up!" he roared, his blue eyes filled with pride. "This maze is nothing for you—show them what a Bjornsdottir can do!"

Susan turned to him with a wry grin. "If Sigrun can't hear you over all this noise, I think the entire stadium just did."

Bjorn grinned back, unapologetic. "Good. She deserves to know she's the best out there."

Hannah chimed in, her voice softer but no less earnest. "I think they all do. I mean, look at them—it's like they were made for this!" She clasped her hands together, her gaze fixed on Neville as he skillfully dodged a vine trap. "Neville's come such a long way… I knew he had it in him!"

"Draco's surprising me, too," Astrid added, tilting her head as she watched him carefully disarm a magical trap. "I mean, for someone who used to strut around like he was Merlin's gift to the wizarding world, he's actually… impressive." She smirked, then added with a playful lilt, "But don't tell him I said that. His ego doesn't need the help."

Susan laughed, her warm, infectious smile spreading across her face. "Oh, he'd never let us hear the end of it. 'Malfoy saves the day!'" she mimicked, her voice dripping with mock grandeur.

Bjorn chuckled deeply, crossing his arms. "He might be a bit of a peacock, but I'll give him this—he's clever. And I'd rather have him as an ally than an enemy." His gaze shifted to Sigrun, who was darting gracefully through a series of twisting corridors. "But Sigrun… she's a natural. No hesitation. That's my sister."

Astrid elbowed him lightly. "And you're totally unbiased, right?"

"Completely," Bjorn replied with a grin, his tone playful but proud.

As the group continued to cheer and banter, their collective energy seemed to ripple across the stands, their unwavering support for their friends clear in every word and gesture. For them, this wasn't just a race—it was a testament to the strength, courage, and bond that each of their friends brought to the team.

—

Tonks leaned forward on the edge of her seat, her bubblegum-pink hair shifting slightly as she clapped her hands together. Her grin stretched from ear to ear, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Blimey, would you look at that? Haraldr's moving like he's got wings on his boots, and Luna—well, she's just… floating through, isn't she? Like a butterfly who somehow figured out mazes." She turned to Sif, her expression brimming with enthusiasm. "You've gotta love how they're all making it their own, yeah?"

Sif's lips curved into a small, proud smile as her dark eyes stayed fixed on the contestants below. Her polished armor glinted in the sunlight, and her demeanor was every bit as regal as her Asgardian lineage demanded. "Indeed," she said, her voice steady but filled with pride. "They have grown stronger with every challenge, their resolve sharpening like tempered steel. They are not merely competing—they are proving their worth." She glanced at Tonks, her tone softening. "Luna's grace is remarkable. I see why you're so fond of her."

Tonks smirked, leaning back slightly. "You kidding? That girl's got a brain that works on a whole other wavelength. She's brilliant—and completely mad, but that's half the charm, isn't it?"

Fandral, lounging casually beside them with an easy smile, leaned back and crossed one leg over the other, his golden hair catching the light. "Ah, the thrill of youth! Look at them—charging forward with fire in their hearts and stars in their eyes. It's… inspiring." He gestured dramatically toward the course, as though he were narrating an epic tale. "Such courage! Such determination! It almost makes me wish I were down there myself—though, of course, I'd be dazzling the crowd with my charm while I won."

Tonks snorted, rolling her eyes playfully. "Oh, right, because what this race is missing is someone tripping over their own ego." She shot him a teasing grin. "You'd probably stop halfway through just to wink at the crowd."

Fandral placed a hand over his chest as though wounded. "Nymphadora, you wound me! I'll have you know, my agility is unmatched." He leaned closer, his grin sly. "And the winking? That's merely a bonus for the spectators."

Hogun, seated stoically beside him, didn't so much as crack a smile. His dark, serious eyes remained on the course, watching each contestant's movements with an intensity that matched his warrior's heart. When he spoke, his voice was low and measured. "They are focused. Determined. This is not a game to them—it is a test of their strength, their minds, and their will." His gaze flicked briefly to Fandral, his tone sharp but calm. "There is no place for frivolity in such a challenge."

Fandral raised his hands in mock surrender. "Easy, Hogun. I was merely appreciating the artistry of it all."

"Artistry or antics, the result is the same," Sif interjected, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice. She turned to Hogun, her expression softening slightly. "But you are right, as always. They are proving themselves. This is about far more than a simple victory."

Tonks nodded fervently, her expression briefly serious as she glanced back toward the course. "Yeah, I mean, they're not just running—they're showing who they are. What they're made of. And honestly?" She grinned again, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "I think they're making it look a bit too easy. If I were down there, I'd definitely shake things up a bit. Maybe toss in a prank or two, just to keep it interesting."

Sif raised an eyebrow, though her lips twitched with faint amusement. "You mean to say you'd distract them from their focus?"

Tonks shrugged, her grin unabated. "Nah, I'd call it 'adding character.' Besides, what's life without a bit of chaos, eh?"

Fandral laughed, his mirth infectious. "Well said, Tonks! Chaos, after all, keeps us on our toes."

Hogun simply shook his head, muttering under his breath, "Fools." But as the faintest flicker of a smile ghosted across his lips, it was clear he didn't entirely disapprove.

The four continued to watch as the contestants approached the final stretch, their banter carrying on as the crowd roared around them. Each of them, in their own way, couldn't help but feel proud of the young competitors forging their path below.

—

The Serpent's Pit loomed before them, a massive, yawning gorge that seemed almost alive. Faint hissing sounds echoed from its shadowy depths, like the whispers of an unseen serpent. The only way across was a narrow, weathered bridge of ancient stone, barely wide enough for a single person to navigate without stumbling.

Luna Lovegood came to a halt at the edge, her golden hair shimmering in the sunlight. She tilted her head, staring into the chasm as if listening to a melody only she could hear. "It's quite magnificent, isn't it?" she murmured, her voice dreamy but steady. "The way the air hums with secrets." She glanced at Leif, her wide blue eyes alight with excitement. "Do you think the stones will guide us if we ask politely?"

Leif, tall and broad-shouldered, ran a hand through his tousled blonde hair. His sharp, chiseled jaw clenched as he studied the bridge. "I think the stones might guide us straight to the bottom if we're not careful," he replied with a wry grin. "But sure, Luna, you talk to the rocks. I'll focus on not falling."

Behind them, Draco Malfoy snorted, adjusting his grip on his wand as his silver-blond hair caught the wind. "Please, this is nothing. I've crossed trickier bridges in the gardens. And those had house-elves polishing the moss to make it extra slippery," he drawled. His voice was casual, but his pale eyes darted to the swirling depths below, betraying a flicker of unease.

Neville Longbottom stepped up beside him, his brows furrowed in determination. "It's not the bridge I'm worried about," he muttered, gripping the strap of his satchel tightly. "It's whatever's making that hissing sound down there. Snakes, probably. Lots of snakes." His voice wavered, but his jaw set in resolve. "But it's just a bridge. We've faced worse."

"Speak for yourself, Longbottom," Draco quipped, his smirk returning. "If this bridge collapses, it'll ruin my shoes—and my whole day."

Sigrun, her fiery red hair tied back in a tight braid, rolled her eyes as she adjusted her footing, her lean frame taut with energy. "Draco, if we make it out alive, I'll personally knit you a pair of slippers. How about that?" Her tone was sharp, but there was a glint of amusement in her green eyes.

"Knitting?" Draco arched a brow. "How quaint."

"Enough talking," Haraldr called out, his deep voice cutting through their banter like a blade. He stepped forward, his broad frame imposing as his dark eyes locked on the bridge. "We cross. Now." His tone left no room for argument.

Luna smiled serenely, seemingly unfazed by the tension. "He's right. The bridge is waiting. Shall we?" Without another word, she stepped onto the stone, her movements light and graceful as if she were walking on air.

Leif followed, his muscular frame moving with the confidence of someone used to taking physical risks. He glanced at Luna as they both picked up speed, his lips curving into a grin. "You're pretty fearless, you know that?"

"Not fearless," Luna said over her shoulder, her voice carrying an almost musical quality. "Just curious. Besides, bridges are like life—if you focus too much on the gaps, you forget to enjoy the journey."

"Right. Sure," Leif muttered, shaking his head but smiling despite himself as he sped up to match her pace.

Behind them, Draco hesitated before stepping onto the bridge. "If I die doing this, I'm haunting all of you," he muttered, carefully placing one foot in front of the other.

"Don't look down, Malfoy," Neville said, his tone more encouraging than teasing as he stepped onto the bridge. "You'll be fine. Probably."

Sigrun laughed lightly, moving with the ease of a dancer. "If he falls, maybe the snakes will be charmed by his sparkling personality."

"Ha. Ha." Draco shot her a glare but kept moving, his balance impeccable despite his complaints. "Let's all laugh while we're dangling over certain doom."

The crowd's cheers faded into the background as the group moved in tense silence. The bridge swayed slightly beneath their weight, each step a calculated risk.

Luna and Leif reached the other side first, Luna spinning around on the solid ground as if she had all the time in the world. "It wasn't so bad, was it?" she said brightly, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Speak for yourself," Leif said, though his grin betrayed his exhilaration. "That was… intense."

Haraldr was next, his powerful strides carrying him across without hesitation. He barely glanced at the others as he stepped onto solid ground, his focus already on the next challenge.

Sigrun and Neville arrived shortly after, both slightly breathless but grinning. "Told you we'd make it," Neville said, clapping Draco on the back as the blond stepped off the bridge, his expression a mix of relief and annoyance.

"I can't believe we let Luna go first," Draco muttered, dusting off his robes. "She talks to rocks, for Merlin's sake."

"She doesn't just talk to them," Sigrun said with a smirk. "She listens, too. Maybe you should try it sometime."

The group shared a brief laugh, their camaraderie growing stronger with each challenge. But as they turned toward the next obstacle, the treacherous Serpent's Pit behind them, their smiles faded, replaced by the determination to keep pushing forward.

—

The final obstacle, the Trials of Valhalla, stretched before them like a gauntlet of impossibility. Towering walls, swinging ropes, balance beams over rushing water, and a grueling uphill sprint to the finish line—it was the kind of challenge designed to break even the strongest. The roar of the crowd echoed through the air, but for the contestants, it all faded into a single, determined focus.

At the front of the pack, Leif and Luna exchanged a glance, their competitive spirits flaring like wildfire.

Leif's sharp blue eyes scanned the first wall, already calculating his path. "Hope you've still got some energy left, Luna," he said, his deep voice laced with good-natured teasing. "Wouldn't want to embarrass you this close to the end."

Luna smiled serenely, her blonde hair catching the sunlight as if she were lit from within. "Oh, don't worry about me," she replied, her tone calm and whimsical. "I think the wall rather likes me. It's practically asking me to climb it."

Leif gave a bark of laughter. "You're unbelievable."

Luna tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "I prefer extraordinary, actually."

And with that, she launched herself at the wall, her lithe frame scaling it with the kind of ease that made it look almost effortless. Leif was right behind her, his muscular arms and powerful legs propelling him upward. The two reached the top simultaneously, their breaths heavy but their spirits undeterred.

Behind them, Draco Malfoy was glaring at the wall as though it had personally insulted him. "Brilliant. Another test of brute strength," he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because the last six obstacles weren't enough."

"Less whining, more climbing," Sigrun said, brushing past him. Her red braid swung like a whip as she leapt for the wall, her movements precise and efficient.

Draco huffed. "If I fall and break my neck, I'm haunting all of you." He grabbed the wall, his natural athleticism kicking in as he climbed with surprising agility. "Especially you, Longbottom," he called over his shoulder. "You're the easiest target."

Neville, trailing just behind, gave a determined grunt as he started his ascent. "If you fall, Draco, I'll catch you," he said, his tone genuine. "Then I'll probably let you go again."

"Charming," Draco snapped, but he couldn't hide the faint smirk tugging at his lips.

At the top, Haraldr waited, his dark eyes scanning the course ahead. "Move," he barked, his deep voice brooking no argument. "The next task's a rope bridge. It'll swing like mad if we all pile on at once."

"Noted," Sigrun said as she landed beside him. She cast a glance back at Draco and Neville, who were scrambling up the final stretch of the wall. "Try not to fall into the water, boys. I hear it's full of eels."

"Wonderful," Draco muttered as he reached the top. "This day just keeps getting better."

The rope bridge was a nightmare of swaying chaos, but Luna crossed it as if she were strolling through a meadow. "The ropes are singing," she said to no one in particular, her voice light and whimsical. "It's quite a lovely tune if you listen."

Leif, halfway across, let out a breathless laugh. "I'll take your word for it, Luna. Personally, I'm just trying not to fall."

The gap between them narrowed with every step, their rivalry spurring them onward. By the time they reached the final obstacle—a grueling uphill sprint through shifting sand—they were neck and neck.

Luna glanced at Leif, her face flushed but calm. "This is fun," she said brightly. "Don't you think?"

"Fun," Leif panted, his legs burning as he powered forward. "Sure. Let's call it that."

With one last burst of energy, Leif surged ahead, his muscular frame cutting through the resistance of the sand like a spear. He crossed the finish line mere seconds before Luna, collapsing onto the grass as the crowd erupted into cheers.

Luna arrived moments later, her cheeks flushed and her smile radiant. "Well done, Leif," she said, extending a hand to him. "You deserved that."

He took her hand, his grin wide and boyish. "You almost had me. You're amazing out there."

Behind them, Haraldr stormed through the finish line, his expression one of grim satisfaction. "Third place," he muttered to himself. "Not bad. But not enough." Still, a small smile tugged at his lips as he glanced at Luna and Leif. "You two earned it."

Draco came next, his face pale but his silver eyes alight with determination. "Fourth," he said, brushing dirt off his robes. "Respectable. Not ideal, but respectable."

"You sound like you're giving yourself a pep talk," Sigrun teased as she crossed right after him, her braid undone and her face streaked with sweat. "You did fine, Malfoy. Try smiling. It won't kill you."

Neville was the last to finish, his face red but his smile wide. "That," he panted, collapsing onto the ground, "was harder than fighting a basilisk."

Draco smirked. "Barely."

Luna sat cross-legged on the grass, her expression serene as she looked around at her friends. "We did it," she said simply, her voice full of quiet pride. "We're all extraordinary."

For once, no one argued.

---

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