Chapter XXI – The Third Task
It was a few days after the second task; just before Potions class was to start the Slytherins were all laughing. Pansy Parkinson finally gave Hermione a copy of the magazine Witch Weekly, saying "There's an article in there that should interest you Granger."
The article started by referring to the previous article which suggested that Harry was sexually active with both Hermione and Ginny at the same time. It insinuated that was not Harry's fault; but because the girls used love potions on him.
It went on to say that, Hermione being ambitious and greedy, saw international Quidditch star Krum as richer and more famous than Harry; so she started giving Krum a love potion breaking Harry's heart by dropping him. Also that Harry, now under the influence of only Ginny's love potion, asked her to the Yule Ball; while Krum asked Hermione because he was now controlled by her love potion.
Hermione laughed at all of that; but the part of the article that shocked her was when Rita wrote that Krum had asked Hermione to go live with him in Bulgaria after the tournament was over. It also called for Dumbledore to investigate her and expel her if she had indeed used love potions on the two champions.
"Ron said, "See, I told you she would write something bad about you."
Hermione laughed and said, "If that's the best Rita can do she's slipping. But I do want to know how she's getting her information about Viktor asking me to move to Bulgaria with him."
Harry and Ron looked surprised and Ron said, "You're leaving Hogwarts to live with Krum?"
"Well," Hermione said "I didn't say yes yet. It's an important decision and I told Viktor I needed time to think about it. But that's not the important thing now; nobody was near when he asked so how did she know."
Harry said, "Maybe she is bugging us; like in a muggle movie."
"No," Hermione said "like electricity, muggle bugs don't work around here because all the magic in the air; but I swear, I will find out. So Rita better watch out."
Later Ron went to Ginny and asked her, "Did you know Krum asked Hermione to move to Bulgaria with him?"
"I knew he was planning to ask her;" Ginny said "you mean he did. How did you find out?"
Ron told her of the article and Ginny went immediately to find Hermione so they could talk about it.
"Why didn't you tell me Viktor asked you to go with him?" Ginny said.
"I haven't decided what I should do;" Hermione said "and I knew you would try to talk me out of it. I wanted to make up my own mind without being influenced by you or my parents, or anyone else."
"I sort of understand;" Ginny said "but what you decide will affect me, and your parents, and Harry, and a lot of other people to. Please consider that and talk to your parents first before you decide; and remember you're only fifteen. You can always finish school first and go with Viktor after; if he loves you that much he'll wait for you."
The next Hogsmeade weekend Harry, Ginny, and Ron went to see Sirius who was living in a cave near town so he could help Harry if needed. Hermione and Viktor stayed in town since Sirius didn't want strangers like Krum to find out about him.
A few days after the article, Hermione started getting nasty letters, hundreds of them, condemning her for hurting Harry by using love potions on him. One letter contained Bubotuber puss which burned her skin when she opened it. After that she dumped all the letters in the trash unopened.
Ginny also got letters; though not as many. The majority of them were from angry people who told her she should be expelled for using a love potion on Harry; but a few were understanding about how she could fall in love with him and that if she really loved him she would release him from her potions.
Easter arrived and with it chocolate Easter eggs from Mrs. Weasley. All the Weasley children, and Harry got the normal huge eggs like they got every year; but Hermione got only a tiny chocolate egg. Apparently Mrs. Weasley read Witch Weekly and believed Rita's article that Hermione had used a love potion on Harry to try and steal him away from Ginny.
Ginny continued to ask Hermione every week about her relationship to Viktor and if she had decided to go back to Bulgaria with him; and Hermione kept telling her she was still thinking about it.
One day Harry and the other champions were told to go to the Quidditch pitch where they learned that a maze of shrubs had been planted. The third task would be to find their way through the maze, get past magical obstacles and traps, and find the Tri-Wizard Cup which was hidden there.
On the way back to the castle Viktor pulled Harry aside and said, "I vish to talk to you; vill you valk vith me?"
Harry had become quite friendly with Viktor since he started sitting with them for meals and answered, "Sure, what do you want to talk about?"
They walked away from the others and Viktor finally said, "You know I have asked Herm-own-ninny to come live with me, yes?"
"Yes." Harry said.
"I vant you to know I only ask her to live together until ve can marry." Viktor said. "I love her and vish to marry her; but she is not yet seventeen and can not marry yet. I vant you to know that I have only right intentions for Herm-own-ninny."
Harry said, "I believe you; I've seen how much you love her and that she loves you to."
"Then vhy you and Yinny try to convince Herm-own-ninny not to come vith me?"
"I didn't say anything to Hermione one way or the other." Harry said. "She is the smartest and most logical person I know and I trust she will make the decision that is best for her."
"Vhat about Yinny," Viktor asked "does she tell Herm-own-ninny not to go vith me? She is Herm-own-ninny's best friend and has much influence."
"Wait a moment." Harry said. He reached Ginny mentally and told her of what he and Viktor were talking about and she told him about her talk with Hermione.
When they finished talking Harry looked at Viktor again and said, "Ginny says she only told Hermione to talk to her parents first before deciding; and since all of us will be affected by her decision she should also consider how it will affect us. I suppose you could take that as if Ginny is trying to convince Hermione not to go."
Viktor looked at Harry and said, "How you know vhat Yinny say to Herm-own-ninny? At Yule Ball you also know vhat I say to Yinny. How?"
"Ginny's mind and mine have been connected for nearly two years now." Harry said "We don't know how or why it happened; but we see each other's thoughts and feel each other's emotions."
"That is vhy you love Yinny." Viktor said. "Vhen I first start to like Herm-own-ninny I think maybe she love you and you love her. She said not; but I see you always together and vas not sure. Now I know is true."
"Not quite," Harry said "Hermione and I have always loved each other; not as boyfriend and girlfriend, but like brother and sister. So I will tell you, thinking of her as my sister, to be truthful, I do think she is too young to go live with you. I think she should stay here, finish school, and if you two really love each other; you will wait for her because you want what's best for her. But I won't say that to her; as I said I trust her to make the right decision on her own."
Viktor looked at Harry for a long time and said, "Vhen I first talk to Herm-own-ninny she tell me you are good, honest person. After I meet you a Yule Ball I feel the same; and now I am sure is true. I vill do as Herm-own-ninny vants; go vith me okay, vait to finish school first also okay.
I vish you good luck in final task; thought I know I vill beat you."
Viktor laughed and extended his hand. As Harry took it to shake he said, "Good luck to you to; and I hope you are happy with second place." They both laughed and returned to the castle.
As the date of the third task approached both Harry and Ginny, thought they were still sleeping together, more frequently began to have the same nightmare of being in the house where Voldemort, Wormtail, and the third man were plotting to kill Harry.
One day, Ginny again asked Hermione if she had made up her mind about going with Viktor at the end of the year, and Hermione started crying.
"What's wrong?" Ginny asked. "Did you and Viktor have an argument; did you break up?"
"No," Hermione said "Viktor and I are fine; it's my parents. I did as you suggested and told them about what Viktor and I want to do. They won't let me decide how to live my own life; they forbid me from going with Viktor. They said if I go; they will go to the authorities and demand I be brought home since I'm under age."
"Hermione, I've told you many times I think you should finish school first." Ginny said. "But, if you do go, your parents won't be able to stop you; they're muggles and the muggle authorities won't be able to do anything."
Hermione said, "Dumbledore knows about me and Viktor; he came to me and said he will help my parents get the Ministry of Magic to keep me here. He said Harry will need my help to defeat Voldemort and he can't allow me to go. He doesn't understand how much Viktor and I love each other; neither do my parents."
Hermione," Ginny said "don't do something crazy; you have that look in your eyes like you're planning something. What are you going to do?"
Hermione hesitated before saying, "Ginny, you can't tell anyone this; promise me, not Harry, not anyone."
"I promise." Ginny said. "Now tell me what you're going to do."
"I'm going to get pregnant." Hermione said. "Then my parents will know how serious I am and they'll have to let me go. Viktor has the right to see his baby so he can go to court and ask for visitation; as the mother I'll have to go with the baby."
"You have gone crazy." Ginny said. "Hermione, to make a baby just so you can be with your boyfriend is totally around the twist.
Even if Viktor does go to court for visitation; the court might deny him, or make him come here to see the baby. As a minor, your parents might go to court and ask for guardianship saying you're unable to care for the baby properly.
And have you told Viktor of your plan; he does have the right to know. Not telling him would be like tricking him into something he may not want. Even if he loves you, and I believe he does; he may not be ready to be a father at eighteen. Please tell me you'll at least talk it over with him before getting pregnant."
Ginny stayed with her until she promised to talk it over with Viktor; and then spent the rest of the day wondering if she should break her promise to Hermione and tell either Dumbledore or write to Hermione's parents. By bed time she still was undecided.
The day of the third task, the Daily Prophet paper arrived at breakfast; Hermione had subscribed so she could see what nasty articles Rita had written before one of the Slytherins brought it to her laughing.
When she saw the first page article she tried to hide the paper; but Harry knew something was up and demanded to see it. The article stated that Harry had a mental condition and possibly was dangerous. It suggested he not be allowed to compete in the third task; and should be examined by the doctors at St. Mungos before he had a breakdown and harmed any of the other students.
Harry laughed about it as Hermione had laughed about the article Rita wrote about her and the love potions. As everyone left to get to their final exams which were being given that week; Harry, who was exempt from exams as a school champion, intended to review spells that might be useful in the maze; but Mrs. Weasley and Ginny's oldest brother Bill showed up.
The families of the champions were invited to see the final task. Since Harry had no magical family members; the Weasleys decided to come to support Harry because he was living with them and essentially part of their family.
They spent all day walking about until the champions were called to report to the maze.
When the whistle blew, Harry entered the maze. Ginny stayed connected to him and gave her mother, Bill, Ron, Hermione, and the twins a running commentary of what Harry was seeing and doing as he worked his way through the maze.
Rounding a corner in the maze, Harry met Cedric who looked scared, "Ran into one of Hagrid's Blast-Ended-Skrewts;" Cedric said "its ten feet long now, I just barely got away."
Harry decided not to take that path and turned down another. He ran into what looked like a Dementor, but turned out to be only a Boggart; Harry quickly destroyed it. A few minutes later a glowing mist trapped him upside down; but he figured out it was an illusion and freed himself from its influence. Then he heard Fleur scream, he looked about but found nothing, "Looks like she's out of the running." he thought. "Hope she's not seriously hurt."
Ten minutes later he ran into the Skrewt and it took all of Ginny's mental help to stun the enormous creature. Afraid to squeeze past the stunned monster in case it awoke, Harry backtracked. He heard Cedric yell, "What are you doing. What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Then he heard Viktor yell, "Crucio." He was using an Unforgivable curse on Cedric; Harry was completely shocked. He followed the noise and found Viktor standing over Cedric; friend or not Harry stunned him.
Cedric revived and told Harry that Krum had looked like he was under a spell with glassy eyes and no expression of emotion on his face. Harry said, "Sounds like he was under the Imperious curse." They sent up wand sparks so someone would come rescue Viktor before the Skrewt found and killed him.
Harry and Cedric then split up and Harry rounded a corner to find a Sphinx blocking his path. The Sphinx posed a riddle; if Harry answered correctly he could pass, if he chose to Harry could simple back away safely, but if he answered wrong the Sphinx would attack him.
The Sphinx said the Tri-Wizard cup was near; just on his other side; so Harry chose to answer the riddle. Ginny echoed the riddle aloud and Hermione solved it quickly. Ginny passed Harry the answer and he was able to go past the Sphinx.
Around another corner Harry saw the cup and started toward it; but the Cedric came from a side path closer to the cup and also started toward it. Over the top of the hedge Harry spotted a giant spider; one of Aragog's family he guessed. Cedric couldn't see it so Harry yelled, "Cedric, on your left."
Cedric dodged just in time but fell and dropped his wand. As the spider went to get him Harry shot a stunner at the spider but it was so big the spell only irritated it and it turned to come after Harry instead. In his panic, Harry lost contact with Ginny and without her help he fired spell after spell to no avail.
The spider picked him up and was about to bite him when Cedric retrieved his wand and started firing spells. The spider was distracted and Harry kicked at it trying to escape; but his leg hit one of the pincers and he felt the venom enter his leg.
Cedric shot a stunning spell and Harry a disarming spell at the same time making the spider drop him. Harry's leg was numb and he couldn't stand; but Ginny finally reestablished contact and their combined power along with help from Cedric knocked the spider out.
Cedric came to check on Harry and because they had saved each other's lives from the spider they agreed to grab the cup at the same time and share the victory. Ginny was just telling everyone this when Harry and Cedric touched the cup and vanished. The cup turned out to be a Port-key and it transported them hundreds of kilometers away to a cemetery.
The spider hadn't got enough venom in Harry to kill him; but the bite made his leg so weak, when the Port-key landed him, Harry was unable to stay up. Falling backward his head bounced off the ground stunning him further.
Ginny couldn't remain in mental contact; she was getting glimpses from him and knew he had been transported somewhere, but couldn't exactly tell where. In the seconds they were in contact she tried to transfer energy to him, to fight the venom and clear his mind; but then the connection would fade away.
"Hermione," she said, "This can't be part of the contest; Dumbledore wouldn't let Harry get transported away from where he could be protected. We better go down to the judges stand and tell Dumbledore what's happening."
As they worked their way down from the stands, Ginny kept getting five to ten second mental vision bursts from Harry which were making her panic. Cedric had been killed by Wormtail and Harry was tied to a tombstone. Wormtail had a fire lit and was casting some type of spell. Wormtail had cut Harry and taken some of his blood. The final vision was the most disgusting one; Wormtail had cut his own hand off and cast it with Harry's blood into a boiling cauldron.
They finally reached Dumbledore and Ginny began telling him what she was seeing; but before she could finish she felt tremendous pain. She screamed and through the pain she saw Voldemort standing in front of her; no not her, Voldemort was standing in front of Harry and she was only seeing a vision of what Harry saw.
She wanted to tell Dumbledore this; but the pain was too great to talk, all she could do was scream. She realized that if she didn't help Harry with her mental energy right now he would be killed; but neither of them could concentrate through the pain. The pains turned out to be a good thing; it brought Harry back to his senses; and when Voldemort stopped the curse she was able to reestablish their connection.
Voldemort had stopped the Cruciatus curse so they could duel; he wanted to kill Harry in a fair fight so the Death eaters that were there could see he was more powerful than Harry. By then Ginny had give him enough help that Harry's spell was able to hold off Voldemort's killing curse.
Even with Ginny's help Harry could only hold off but not beat Voldemort; after all he was one of the most powerful wizards ever. Just the fact that Harry could hold him in check astounded Voldemort and he seemed worried.
Then, as they dueled, the spirits of the people Voldemort had killed began to reappear; including Harry's parents. They spoke to Harry telling him to escape using the Port-key. They said they could hold Voldemort off long enough for Harry to reach the Port-key; and Harry did as they said.
When Harry appeared on the school grounds clutching the cup the crowd began to cheer until they saw he had Cedric's body with him; then they began to scream. Ginny ran and reached him at the same time as Dumbledore; she talked softly to him mentally trying to calm him down.
Dumbledore tried to get Harry to let go of Cedric's body; but he refused until Ginny took his hand. Pulling gently she said, "Harry it's over, let go, come with me; Dumbledore will take care of Cedric."
As Harry stood, Mad-eye Moody came over and said, "Dumbledore, you worry about Cedric and the crowd; I'll take care of Harry."
Dumbledore said, "Harry, stay here until I can get back to you; don't leave my protection." Then he went to talk with Cedric's family and ordered the students to return to the castle.
Moody pulled on Harry's arm and said, "Come with me, we'll get you to the castle and have Madam Pomfrey check to see if you're hurt."
Ginny said, "Dumbledore told him to stay here."
Moody looked at her like, "How dare this thirteen year old student question what a professor said" but decided he didn't want to attract attention so he answered her with, "He's not safe in the chaos around here; he'll be better off inside where strangers can't get to him. Come with me boy."
Harry, who was still in shock from all that happened, reluctantly followed Moody and so did Ginny, "I go where he goes!" she said when Moody told her to stay with the rest of the students.
Seeing from her expression that she would make a fuss if he ordered her again, Moody said "Suit yourself; I have no time to argue with a little girl."
Instead of leading Harry to the hospital wing, Moody led them to his office. He began to ask Harry many questions about what happened after he touched the cup; and demanded details of the events in the cemetery.
Ginny was sitting next to Harry holding his hand when their chains began to glow brightly in the dim light of Moody's office. They both realized at the same time that Harry never spoke of a cemetery; and Harry said to Moody, "I don't think I ever said there was a cemetery; so how did you know about it?"
Moody realized his error and pulled his wand; pointing it at the couple he said, "The Dark Lord wanted to kill you personally Potter; but I don't think he'll mind if I do it for him. And you little girl; I tried to make you stay behind but you insisted on coming with Potter; now you'll have to die to."
As he started to say the killing curse, blue light flew from both Harry and Ginny's hands at the same time hitting Moody and throwing him backward twenty-five feet against the far wall and then bouncing off.
Less than a second later, Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall walked in. Dumbledore asked, "Harry, Ginny, are you alright?'
Harry answered yes for both of them then added, "Professor Moody attacked us sir; he said he was going to kill us. We had no choice but to defend ourselves."
"Yes," Dumbledore said "I'm sure you acted in self defense; but that's not Professor Moody. The real Moody would have never taken you here when I said for you to stay with me.
That is an imposter, one of Voldemort's Death Eaters, most likely using Polyjuice potion to look like Moody. I'm sure the real Moody is being held prisoner somewhere nearby as a source of information for the imposter, and for his hair to make fresh Polyjuice potion every month."
Snape had gone to where the imposter was on the floor and after checking came back and said to Dumbledore just one word, "Dead."
Then Snape turned to Harry and Ginny and said, "Which of you did it? I didn't think either of you had it in you to kill, even in self defense."
Ginny answered, "We did it together at the same time. We didn't mean to kill him; just to stop him from killing us. It's not the first time when we were in danger that out powers were stronger than we intended."
Snape turned back to Dumbledore and said, "I told you they wouldn't be able to control themselves; what do you intend to do now Headmaster when the ministry comes asking how a man was killed inside Hogwarts."
"I will protect my students as I always do." Dumbledore said. "Severus, Minerva neither of you heard what was said here. If anyone in the ministry asks; you tell them you weren't here. When you arrived he was already dead and they will have to talk to me.
Harry, Ginny, you will tell anyone that asks that you were in danger when I burst into the room and I was forced to kill the imposter to save your lives; understand that's what you tell anyone that asks especially anyone from the ministry. The ministry must never learn of the powers you have or they will either lock you away for the rest of your lives or kill you themselves."
Ginny and Harry then went to the hospital wing where the rest of the Weasley family and Hermione were waiting to see if Harry was okay. At the far end of the room in one bed was Viktor, recovering from the Imperious curse and Harry's stunner. In another bed was Fleur, also recovering from a stunner Viktor had hit her with while under the Imperious curse.
Soon, Sirius arrived in his dog form; he had been watching the third task and Dumbledore called him so he could see Harry was safe. Dumbledore, Snape, Minerva also came and told the Weasleys the made up version of how Harry and Ginny escaped. Later Harry and Ginny told Ron and Hermione the true story.
As everyone discussed what had happened Dumbledore took Hermione over to Viktor's bed. He said, "I need to deal with both of you before I get too involved with the return of Voldemort. Tell me what you are planning to do now that the tournament is over."
Viktor spoke, "I have asked Herm-own-ninny to come live with me in Bulgaria."
Hermione said, "My parents have forbidden me to quit school and move there; but will allow me to visit him over the summer; I'll be leaving next week but will return to Hogwarts on September first."
Dumbledore placed his hand on the back of Hermione's neck and she seemed to go into a trance. He said to Viktor, "You understand that Voldemort has returned; and that he tried to kill Harry tonight and will try again?"
Viktor said, "Yes, before you arrive, Herm-own-ninny and Yinny told me vhat happened in the maze; vhat I did to Fleur and Cedric in there. I did not vish to hurt them."
You didn't do anything to them;" Dumbledore said "one of Voldemort's Death Eaters placed you under the Imperious curse, he is responsible for hurting Miss Delacour and Mr. Diggory, not you. You must understand and believe that; because that is why I cannot allow Miss Granger to go to Bulgaria with you.
Voldemort was unable to kill Harry again tonight; he lost face in front of his Death eaters because of that. He now realizes that Harry is not just another fourteen year old boy; and before he tries to kill Harry again, Voldemort will want to learn how Harry is special. He'll want to question everyone that knows anything about Harry.
After myself and Miss Weasley, Miss Granger knows more about Harry than anyone else and Voldemort will know that from his followers in Slytherin House. He cannot get to me and I am making arrangements for Miss Weasley and her family to be protected also.
I must protect Miss Granger to; if she is in Bulgaria with you I cannot do so and you must understand you cannot protect her either. With the Imperious curse they forced you to attack your friends tonight; if they place you under the Imperious curse again you could be forced to hand Miss Granger over to Voldemort, or even torture her yourself if they ordered you to.
I am going to block her memory of wanting to go to Bulgaria with you so she will be willing to stay with the Weasleys under my protection. I must ask you, if you really love her, not to tell her of this. Don't try to get her to go with you for her own safety."
"She vill no longer love me if you do this?" he asked. "She vill forget me?"
"No, she will remember you;" Dumbledore answered, "but yes she will not love you so deeply as to want to go with you. I will block only those memories that make her love you. When Voldemort is no longer a threat to her I will remove the block and she will remember everything; she will remember loving you again.
I do not want to change her; I ask only that you be willing to wait for her until it is safe for both of you to be together. The alternative is that she, and maybe you to, will die at Voldemort's hand."
"I understand," Viktor said "I vill vait for Herm-own-ninny as long as I must; you have my vord."
Dumbledore stood with his hand on her neck for several minutes and when he removed it she turned to look at him. He said, "Miss Granger, I'll leave you two to say good-by. Come back to Harry's bed when you're done so we can make plans for the future."
After he left she said to Viktor, "Good-by. I'll write to you. I'll always remember our time together this year; and I'll always consider you my friend."
She kissed him and he started crying. He said, "You vill always be my friend and some day ve vill see each other again. Good-by Herm-own-ninny."
Back at Harry's bed Hermione heard Dumbledore order Sirius to return to his human form and he introduced him to Mrs. Weasley and Bill. Dumbledore then sent Sirius to alert a group of people he referred to as the old gang, which included Professor Lupin.
Bill was sent to tell Mr. Weasley what happened; and Snape to do what he had promised to do, which Hermione assumed meant to spy on Voldemort.
The next day, Hermione told Ginny the she and Viktor had said their good-byes; and that they would stay friends and write each other occasionally. Ginny and Harry had already been told by Dumbledore about blocking Hermione's memories to protect her so they wouldn't accidentally say the wrong thing.
There was a service held to remember Cedric at which Dumbledore told all the students that Voldemort was back and he had killed Cedric. The ministry and especially the Minister of Magic himself denied Voldemort had returned and that Cedric died by accident. He was afraid of a panic starting if people believed Voldemort had really returned.
Dumbledore insisted that Harry return to his aunt's house for a few weeks before joining Ginny and the Weasley's later in the summer. When Harry and Ginny both asked why they couldn't stay together, Dumbledore refused to explain; but insisted Harry obey his wishes.
Both Ginny and Harry insisted they would not be separated like last summer and that they would leave home to live together if they had to. At their insistence Dumbledore promised to work out some suitable arrangement.
Dumbledore told Hermione she would be permitted a one week visit to her parents, where Dumbledore set up temporary protections from Voldemort, before she had to go live the rest of the summer with the Weasleys. Hermione didn't object since she would at least be with Ginny and they could enjoy the summer swimming in the Burrow pond and relaxing in the country setting.
Dumbledore also informed Ginny and Hermione that because of what happened, and the danger they were all in, he would not allow Bessie to live with them as planned. Instead he said she would live with Lavender Brown's family; as had been the original plan. They had plenty of room and Mrs. Brown was a kind and gentle witch who understood about Bessie's past.