Chapter Nine

Cedric and the Maze

"On the count of three." Dumbledore says, beginning the third task. "One-" The canon fires, signaling the start. The champions make their way into the maze.

"This event must really be something. Dad and Mr. Diggory are here to watch." Fred says to George.

"I'm just wondering how hard it must be in there. There are probably hundreds of dead ends and wrong turns." George replies.

The crowd eventually dies down. We all stare at the maze, waiting for something, anything to happen. After some time, red sparks fly into the air on the left side of the maze. Fleur Delacour is returned to the start, breathily heavily. She hugs her sister and joins us in waiting for the others.

"What do you think it's like in there?" Fred speaks to me. I turn and look at him, then back at the maze.

"Dark, Cold, scary. Despair whenever you hit a dead end. Fear in case something is chasing after you. That's what I'm guessing."

At that moment, there's a flash of light and Harry and Cedric appear out of nowhere. Everyone gets on their feet and cheers. There's singing, hugging, dancing. The band is playing. Everyone is celebrating. Harry and Cedric stay on the ground. Suddenly, Fleur screams. The teachers get up and run over to Harry and Cedric. Something isn't right. Dumbledore tries to pry Harry off of Cedric, but it does nothing. I suddenly realize what's happened.

"God," I say, barely above a whisper, "he's dead." Cedric's father runs over to his son's body and cries out over and over again. He wails, clutching his son.

"My boy! That's my boy!" He cries over and over. Fred and George run down t their dad before the teachers tell us to stay where we are. Krum returns from the maze, just as shocked as we are. Mad Eye Moody takes Harry away, and rest of us just watch helplessly as Cedric is removed from the field. After his body is gone, we slowly make our way out of the stands. Mona and I meet up with Fred and George. Mona cries into George's chest. Fred pulls me into his arms and rests his chin on my head. Mr. Weasley walks up to us, looking at his sons.

"I can't even imagine how I'd feel if it had been one of you." He tells them. Fred smiles sadly at his dad.

"Don't worry, Dad." Fred says, "we'll never die on you."