Chapter 1: Courage to Resist
Viktor Krum stopped dead in his tracks. There was something else here. He was not, as he had thought, alone. His wand at the ready with its tip glowing, he broke into a silent run through the grassy walls of the maze.
Suddenly, he could feel the walls closing in on him from behind as he continued to run. He thanked his constant training for his strong legs that carried him to a small open space. The walls twisted and turned around him and finally stopped to reveal one single pathway.
It's not like I have a choice anyway, Viktor thought to himself. He stepped forward and followed the foggy path.
Viktor never thought that there would be a day when he would ever be as scared as he was now. The truth was, the man that everyone thought to be fearless and strong, was actually human. He was not an invincible warrior or something like that. And he never pretended to be. As much as possible, Viktor Krum would stay true to himself. And now, he truly knew that he was afraid.
But unlike many people, Viktor was not afraid of shadows walking behind him, or unknown beings lurking behind the corners. Viktor was afraid of something much more confusing than that. Something that not many people ever thought they could ever be afraid of. Even Viktor never thought he'd be afraid of it. Not until he realized what a mistake it was to commit himself to something that his pride had led him to.
It was a mere memory. But a foul one that reminded him of how he gave in so easily.
It was quite surprising, really. How two simple words, uttered by nothing more than a snake, could have such great meaning.
"Eternal glory."
It was so tempting, you could hardly hold on to your own self. You might as well just let go.
And that's exactly what Viktor Krum did, though he knew he was much stronger than that. The thought was just too overwhelming and too good to resist, that he would do just about anything for it.
At the back of his head, a voice warned him of his actions. But that voice was instantly enveloped with a rush of greed and pride. And very soon, it no longer existed.
Slowly, Viktor began to lose himself. He no longer felt love and happiness although there was every reason in the world to be that way. He no longer wanted to enjoy life until he got what he wanted.
Miserable as he was, he never considered the thought of returning to his old self. It crossed his mind, but he pushed it aside knowing it would take him farther from his sole desire.
"Eternal glory…" the snake's voice echoed through his head and for the second time, Viktor stopped dead in his tracks.
Viktor's body grew numb. He could no longer move, he was too afraid… too… ashamed…
"You can have it all…"
His fingers began to tremble with fear.
"…all you have to do is follow me…"
A thick foggy mist was beginning to swallow him up, as he stood terrified.
And suddenly, a voice broke through. Like light creeping in from beneath the cracks of a door, struggling to break free and shine hope on those who have forgotten.
"…eternal glory…"
Fight back, Viktor. Fight back.
"… it's all you ever wanted…"
Hold on, you can do this, Viktor.
"… and it's all you will ever need…"
Try to remember the good things… the good happy things…
"… you can have it all…"
Remember how much you wanted to return but just couldn't hold on…
"… you don't need anyone's help…"
Remember Viktor… Remember her… It was her… who saved you…
"… they don't care for you. We're the only ones you have now…"
It was her… The one who saved you… The one you betrayed…
"… we will help you. If you help us, too…"
You betrayed her Viktor… Though she knows nothing of it…
"… Come, Viktor…"
But you know that she will always care for you…
"… Come to us…"
She will forgive you… Because she knows that you are truly sorry…
"… Everything will be better here…"
You love her… You can't keep lying to her… No…
"… think about it…"
No, Viktor… You don't want to…
"… come …"
No…
"…come to me…"
No.
"…come to me now…"
"I SAID NO!"
"Imperio!"
There was a flash of blinding light! And then… darkness…