Chapter 37
The Madness of Barty Crouch
After the second task, both Harry and Draco were in the limelight of Hogwarts again as the students wanted to know what happened under the lake. Apparently, Dumbledore had put all the hostages in a bewitched sleep in Professor McGonagall's office before putting them in the lake. The couple was tight-mouthed about the task, Draco not wanting to play with the masses as dozens of students ran up to Harry and him, whom only weeks ago mocked and jeered at Harry. That personally angered Draco, though it only annoyed Harry, and a week after the task Draco had lost his cool and jinxed several Slytherin girls as they hounded him and Harry for details. Of course, he didn't tell Harry about this event as Harry's and Viktor's flying lessons started again as February turned into March. At the end of one training session, Viktor Krum congratulated Harry on a successful use of Wronski Feint.
The two Quidditch players were sitting in the bleachers and talking, Harry smiling at his tren'or as he laughed. "Harry," Viktor said, "How are you and Draco doing?"
"We're fine," Harry smiled, his fingers playing with the necklace, "Draco and I are fine, though the others are keep trying to make us talk about the task."
"You don't want to?" Viktor asked.
"Well, we told our friends, and that's fine, but it's complete strangers asking about the task," Harry said," and I'm sure some of those people were yelling at me only a few weeks ago!" Harry said, throwing up his hands.
Viktor chuckled at that and said "You know, you're very cute when you're angry like that. I think you and Draco do not have many arguments because of that."
Harry's cheeks and neck turned red with blush as he quickly turned away from Viktor. "Well—"
"I mean, you are a very beautiful boy, Harry Potter." Viktor said, moving his large hand to Harry's chin and gently made the wizard to look at him. "You are," he whispered, rubbing his thumb on Harry's cheek. "If Draco haven't made you his, I would have done so happily by now." He whispered huskily.
Harry's entire face turned red with embarrassment and something else as Viktor's deep voice rang through his head. "B-B-But what about Hermione?" he stuttered.
Viktor chuckled and moved his hand to Harry's shoulder, holding it in a friendly manner. "Herm-own-ninny is a nice girl, yes," Viktor started, "but I do not see us as a long thing."
"Oh," Harry said, not knowing how to respond.
"But that Neville boy…" Viktor said thoughtfully, "he is another pretty boy and sweet too." Viktor shook his head and smiled. "We talked before the task, he is a sweet boy, though timid. He kept blushing around me."
Harry nodded and smiled, "It's hard not to tren'or."
That caused Viktor to laugh and said "Sladko momche, you make me so happy." Viktor then noticed something and said "Harry, you have a beetle in your hair," he pulled out a blue beetle and opened his hand as it flew away. "Is your country filled with them?" he chuckled. "That is second one I pulled out of a hair."
Harry laughed and chuckled with him. "No, I'm sure we have a reasonable amount of beetles here," he said. He casted a Tempus spell and gasped. "We have to go! We're an hour late for dinner and Draco will want to know why we were late together."
"He doesn't know about our training?" Viktor chuckled.
"No, he does, it's just that I'm always back in time," Harry said standing up "And I don't want to think about the rumors the others would think—". The Bulgarian stood up as well and easily swept Harry off his feet and in his arms, "Then maybe we should do something to make the rumors true?" Viktor grinned. Harry stared at him for a moment before both of them started laughing. Viktor returned Harry to his feet and the pair returned to the castle, Viktor slinging an arm around his student as they continued laughing and talking.
Classes began again and near the middle of March, Harry was walking with Hermione and Ron to Potions, only to find Pansy and the other Slytherin girls huddled together snickering heartily at something Harry couldn't see. Pansy's pug-like face peered excitedly around as Harry, Ron, and Hermione approached. Draco, Theo, and Blaise were a few feet away whispering together.
"There they are, there they are!" she giggled and the knot of Slytherin girls broke apart. Harry saw that Pansy had a magazine in her hands—Witch Weekly. His boyfriend and friends looked at where Pansy pointed and immediately started to walk to Harry's side. "Come on Potter, you're going to love this!" Greengrass laughed as Pansy threw the magazine at Hermione, who caught it looking startled. "Yeah Potty, you'll find it really interesting." Parkinson sneered.
"Did she really call you 'Potty'?" Draco asked as he looked over Harry's shoulder. The dungeon door opened, and Snape beckoned them all inside. Hermione and Ron headed for a table at the back of the dungeon as normal, and Harry and Draco joined them as Blaise and Theo went to the middle. Once Snape had turned his back on them to write up the ingredients of today's potion on the blackboard, Hermione hastily rifled through the magazine under the desk. At last, in the center pages, Hermione found what they were looking for. A color photograph of Harry and Draco headed a short piece entitled:
Harry Potter's Secret Heartache
A boy like no other, perhaps—yet a boy suffering all the usual pangs of adolescence, writes Rita Skeeter. Deprived of love since the tragic demise of his parents, fourteen-year-old Harry Potter though he had found solace in his steady boyfriend at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy, the Pure-Blood heir to the Malfoy family. Though, even the love that Draco Malfoy had offered did not appeared to be enough for the deprived boy. Harry Potter had been reported to spend a significant time with one Viktor Krum, Bulgarian Seeker and hero of the last World Quidditch Cup, as well as other Hogwarts champion Cedric Duggory. While it is not known what the boys are doing during the time, Krum and Harry had claimed to be at "Quidditch Practice" during these times. Krum and Duggory have both been reported to be dating others, yet it seems that Harry had unknowingly been seeking their love that poor Draco cannot give. Sources say that before the first task, Harry and Duggory have been seen talking with each other in hushed tones, leaning closely together before hugging. After that, it had been reported that Harry had spent plenty of time alone with each of the three boys.
Viktor Krum had even stated that he would have dated Harry if he wasn't officially dating Draco Malfoy, and if Krum wasn't dating Harry's friend Hermione Granger, a plain but ambitious girl, who seemed to be toying with Krum's emotions. Krum, who had invited her to visit him in Bulgaria over the summer holidays, had admitted to be smitten by Granger, as well as being infatuated with Harry—
"How does she know this?" Harry whispered. "We were alone and joking," he turned to Draco. "We were talking about you, Hermione, and Neville and we were alone. How could she know that we were alone in the stands?"
"And she can't know the Bulgaria thing either…" Hermione whispered, "he asked me right as he pulled me out of the lake…though I said no…"
"Granger!" Snape's voice snapped Harry and the others back to class, Harry and Hermione looking up to see Snape scowling at them. "As fascinating as your social life undoubtedly is, I must ask you not to discuss it in my class. Ten points from Gryffindor. Potter! Malfoy! I suggest you two get back to your seats."
Harry and Draco stood up while Parkinson and her gang snickered at them. They returned to their seats and Snape resumed, telling them all to get to their cauldrons and start making the potion. Hermione stuffed the magazine in her bag and stood up with Ron.
The hallways again filled with whispering as the students pointed at Harry and Draco. "You don't deserve him Malfoy!" voices rang. "Stop using boys Potter!" other yelled out.
Harry got very irritated at these students and almost cursed several of them if it weren't for Draco stopping him at the last minute. "They're not worth it love, leave it," he whispered in Harry's ear, lightly nipping the earlobe. Harry blushed and both he and Draco went to Cedric and Fred to see if the article were bothering them. Fred and Cedric were confused, both of them haven't read or heard about it, but after reading it Cedric was also confused on how Skeeter knew about his and Harry's conversations. "Maybe she's got a cloak likes yours Harry," Fred suggested.
Viktor Krum apparently thought the article was funny. "It's amusing, isn't it Harry? You are very beautiful boy, but you are already in love with Draco right? And you two are… engaged?"
"No, well…basically," Harry said.
"I am courting him," Draco explained. "My family is very traditional, so I am courting my precious Harry until we are old enough to marry." Draco kissed Harry's blushing cheek.
Harry took out his necklace and said "This is my sign of betrothal, Draco gave it to me last year."
Krum looked at it and said "Very…expensive looking. We just tell the ones we love we love them and get married, after a bit of fun of course," Krum winked at Harry and Draco.
"Oh, we have fun." Draco stated, smirking at his love and Krum. Krum laughed and looked over at the Gryffindor table, "Hopefully I will be having some fun too."
Harry blushed for Neville, who he thought Viktor was talking about. The following weeks had been annoying for Harry. He and Draco had been both getting letters from witches and readers of Witch Weekly, all of which had either been urging them to "work out their problems" or for Draco or Harry to leave the other, one witch in particular had suggest her daughter for Harry to mend his heart that Draco and the other boys can't fix. Draco and Harry both scoffed at the letters and usually just threw them away, except for the letters they have gotten from Draco's parents and Sirius and Remus. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy had informed both of them that they have read the articles Rita Skeeter were writing, and Lucius Malfoy, in an attempt to do niceties with Harry, had told both boys that he and Mrs. Malfoy will be looking into the matter and seeing if they could stop the articles. Sirius and Remus had just showed them their support, and asked about Harry's and Draco's feelings, seeing if the couple were being bullied or harmed in any way possible. Sirius had again warned them of the prospect of Death Eaters in Hogwarts, before gladly informing Harry and Draco that Remus was now two months pregnant.
Harry and Draco were very excited for them and ran to the Owlery to reply. The spring months had surprisingly sped by for Harry as life continued this way. Letters slowly trickled down, and soon no more "responses" had came to the couple, which relieved Harry and Draco. They and Blaise and Theo spent a quiet Easter together, just sitting around in the dorm as they "caught up." Harry had seen George and Colin multiple times, the small third year taking akin to sitting on the Weasley's lap whenever they could. Even Neville, surprisingly, had seem a bit less shy as he and Viktor spent time together.
Soon the summer term started and it would have normally meant that Harry was training hard for the last Quidditch match of the season. But instead, he needed to prepare for the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament, which both he and Viktor agreed to be a priority, though they both still didn't know what he would have to do. Finally, in the last week of May, Professor Snape held him back in Potions. "Potter, you are required to go to the Quidditch field tonight at nine o'clock." He told him. "Mr. Bagman will be there to tell the champions about the third task. …and Potter, remember that you are first and foremost a Slytherin. It would be very unfortunate if you did not live up to the name. That is all."
So at half past nine, Harry left the Slytherin Common Room and went upstairs. As he crossed the entrance hall, Cedric came up from the Hufflepuff common room. "What do you think it's going to be?" he asked Harry.
"I don't know, but Professor Snape told me not to fail it," Harry said as they went downstairs together and out into the cloudy night.
"Fleur keeps going on about underground tunnels; she reckons we've got to find treasure," Cedric said.
"That wouldn't be too bad," Harry said, "Especially compared to dragons and that Skeeter woman." They walked down the dark lawn to the Quidditch stadium. "Man I miss being here," Cedric said, "Though I heard you and Krum were spending a lot of him here."
"Yeah, he's been helping me with flying." Harry said. He smirked and said "Too bad you won't get to see me beat you."
"Oh I'm not so sure you're as good as you say," Cedric chuckled. "How you and Draco doing?"
"Good," Harry said. "Though the letters had made his tempter a bit short nowadays. He snapped at Parkinson yesterday for laughing near him."
"Really?"
"Well, she was reading the article again," Harry frowned. "But yeah…How are you and Fred doing?"
"Great!" Cedric smiled. "We're doing great, you know he and George are talking with those two Slytherins, what are their names?"
"Adrian and Terence?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, well they're talking about selling their potion in their shop," Cedric smiled.
"Shop? They're going to have a shop?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, though they need a bit of money to start it, which is what I'll use the prize money for, when I win." Cedric smirked. Harry chuckled and said "And what makes you think you're going to win?"
"Because I know I will." Cedric said as they turned through a gap in the stands and walked out onto the fields. "What have they done to it!?" Cedric said indignantly, stopping dead.
The Quidditch field was no longer flat and smooth. It looked as though somebody has been building low, long walls all over it that twisted and crisscrossed in every direction. "They're hedges," Harry said, bending to examine the nearest one.
"Hello there!" Ludo Bagman said. He was standing in the middle of the field with Viktor and Fleur. Harry and Cedric made their way toward them, climbing over the hedges. Fleur beamed at hary as he came nearer. Her attitude toward him had changed completely since he had saved her sister from the lake. Viktor just nodded as Harry naturally took his place next to the larger boy.
"Well, what d'you think?" Bagman said happily. "Growing nicely, aren't they? Give them a month and Hagrid'll have them twenty feet high. Don't worry," Bagman added, grinning, spotting the less-than-happy expressions on Harry's and Cedric's faces, "you'll have your Quidditch field back to normal once the task is over! Now, I imagine you can guess what we're making here?"
"A maze," Viktor grunted.
"That's right!" Bagman said. "A maze. The third task's really very straightforward. The Triwizard Cup will be placed in the center of the maze. The first champion to touch it will receive full marks."
"We seemply 'ave to get through the maze?"Fleur asked.
"There will be obstacles," Bagman said happily, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Hagrid is providing a number of creatures….then there will be spells that must be broken…all that sort of thing, you know. Now, the champions who are leading on points will get a head start into the maze." Bagman grinned at Harry and Cedric. "Mr. Krum will enter…then Miss Delacour. But you'll all be in with a fighting chance, depending how well you get past the obstacles. Should be fun, eh?"
Harry nodded politely with the other champions, knowing all too well the types of creatures Hagrid was raising. "Very well…if you haven't got any questions, we'll go back up to the castle, shall we, it's a bit chilly…"
Bagman hurried alongside Harry as they began to wend their way out of the growing maze. Harry had the feeling that Bagman was going to start offering to help him, but then Viktor tapped Harry on the shoulder.
"A word, Harry?" Viktor asked.
"Sure," Harry said slightly surprised.
"Will you walk with me Harry?" Krum asked.
"Okay," Harry said. Bagman looked slightly perturbed.
"I'll wait for you, Harry shall I?"
"No, it's okay Mr. Bagman, Viktor will walk me back to the castle, or I'll just walk myself." Harry said.
Harry and Viktor left the stadium together, but Viktor didn't set a course for the Durmstrang ship. Instead, he walked toward the forest.
"Why are we going to the forest?" Harry asked as they passed Hagrid's cabin.
"Don't want to be overheard," Krum smirked at Harry. "Come on."
They walked the perimeter of the forest until they reached a quiet stretch of ground a short way from the Beauxbatons horses' paddock. Viktor turned to Harry and said "It is about Neville and Herm-own-ninny."
"What about them?" Harry asked.
"I do not like Herm-own-ninny now, now like I did during Yule Ball. Ever since the second task, I've been thinking about Neville." Krum said. Harry nodded and waited for Viktor to continue. "I want to make him mine, yet every time he tries to change subject. He's always talking about you," Viktor said.
"Well, we're friends," Harry said. "And I've helped him a couple of times, just as he helped me." Viktor nodded and asked, "But how do I make him mine?"
"I don't know," Harry said shrugging. "Why don't you just… kiss him? Invite him over to Bulgaria instead of Hermione?"
"You're right…maybe I'll do that," Viktor said smiling. He looked much happier than before. "Thank you momche, it's been in my mind for so long."
"You're welcome tren'or." Harry smiled. "Have you and Neville been talking long? What do you two—"
But something moved behind Viktor in the trees, and Harry, who had some experience of the sort of thing that lurked in the forest, instinctively grabbed Viktor's arm and pulled him around. "What is it?" he asked.
Harry shook his head, staring at the place where he'd seen movement. He slipped his hand inside his robes, reaching for his wand. Suddenly a man staggered out from behind a tall oak. For a moment, Harry didn't recognize him…then he realized it was Mr. Crouch.
He looked as though he had been traveling for days, the knees of his robes were ripped and bloody, his face scratched; he was unshaven and gray with exhaustion. His strange appearenace was noting compared to the way he was behaving. Muttering and gesticulating, Mr. Crouch appeared to be talking to someone that he alone could see. He reminded Harry vividly of an old tramp he had seen once when out shopping with the Dursleys.
"Wasn't he a judge?" Viktor asked staring at Mr. Crouch. "Isn't he with your Ministry?"
Harry nodded, hesitated for a moment, then walked slowly toward Mr. Crouch, who didn't look at him, but continued to talk to a nearby tree. "…and when you're done with that, Weatherby, send an owl to Dumbledore confirming the number of Durmstrang students who will be attending the tournament, Karkaroff has just sent word there will be twelve. …"
"Mr. Crouch?" Harry said cautiously. Mr. Crouch continued to talk to the tree, his eyes bulging. He stood staring at the tree and fell silent, muttering soundlessly at the tree. Then, he staggered sideways and fell to his knees. "Mr. Crouch!" Harry said loudly, "Are you all right?"
"What is wrong with him?" Viktor asked as Crouch's eyes rolled in his head.
"No idea," Harry muttered, "Listen, you'd better go and get someone—"
"Dumbledore!" gasped Mr. Crouch. He reached and seized a handful of Harry's emerald robes, dragging him closer, "I need…see…Dumbledore…"
"Dumbledore, right I'll go and get Dumbledore," Harry said, trying to gently get out of Mr. Crouch's fist.
"I've…done…stupid things…" Mr. Crouch said. "Must…tell…Dumbledore…"
"Get up, Mr. Crouch," Harry said loudly and clearly. "Get up, I'll take you to Dumbledore!"
Mr. Crouch's eyes rolled forward onto Harry.
"Who…you?" he whispered.
"I'm a student at the school," Harry said, looking at Krum for help. He looked extremely nervous but step forward to help his momche, taking Crouch's hand off of Harry and holding onto him.
"You hold onto him, I'll go get Dumbledore!" Harry said.
"Hurry Harry!" Viktor yelled as Harry started running. Harry quickly ran out of the forest, looking back occasionally to his tren'or, making sure he was alright before sprinting across the grounds, passing the Beauxbatons carriages and Hagrid's hut. He reached the courtyard where he ran into Professor Snape. "Professor!" he yelled, "Where's Dumbledore?"
"Why would you want to know Potter?" Snape asked.
"It's Mr. Crouch," Harry panted. "Viktor Krum and I found him…in the forest…. He just turned up, asking for Dumbledore." Harry needed to catch his breath but Professor Snape started walking briskly across the courtyard. "Show me," he said, hastening to a run. Harry nodded and started to run with Professor Snape. The grounds were getting darker and darker as they ran and Harry had to squint to see ahead of him as Snape, who was dressed in his usual black robes, started to disappear from sight. "He was not acting normal," Harry said as they slowed in the forest.
There was a groan and Snape took out his wand and muttered "Lumos," lighting his wand and holding it up. Its narrow beam traveled from black trunk to black trunk, illuminating the ground. And then it fell upon a pair of feet. Harry and Snape hurried forward. Viktor was sprawled on the forest floor, he seemed to be unconscious. There was no sign at all of Mr. Crouch.
"Viktor!" Harry said as he bent down at Krum's head, gently lifting him up. Snape bent stiffly and examined the body. "Stunned," he said.
"Should I get Madam Pomfrey, sir?" Harry asked, looking at his Head of House. Snape shook his head, "No need."
Professor Snape pointed his wand in the direction of Hagrid's Hut and said something. Harry saw something silvery dart out of it and streak away through the trees like a ghostly deer or doe. Then Snape bent over Krum again and pointed his wand at him, and muttered "Ennervate."
Krum opened his eyes. He looked dazed. When he saw Snape he tried to sit up, and Harry helped his friend, moving his hands to Krum's back and shoulder as the Bulgarian sat up. "He attacked me," Viktor said looking at Harry. "The old madman attacked me! I was looking around to see where Harry had gone and he attacked from behind!"
"Stay still for a moment," Snape said. The sound of thunderous footfalls reached them, and Hagrid came panting into sight with Fang at his heels. He was carrying his crossbow. "Professor Snape!" he said, his eyes widening. "Harry—what the—?"
"Mr. Krum had apparently been attacked by Mr. Crouch," Snape said in his monotone voice. "I want you to go and fetch Karkaroff, Hagrid. Potter, go and inform Dumbledore at once."
Hagrid left immediately and Harry got up reluctantly, looking at his tren'or. "I will be alright Harry," Krum said in his deep, husky voice. "Go and tell your Headmaster."
Harry nodded and quickly made his way back to the castle. He ran up the grand staircase, not caring about the noise he was making as the pictures' occupants glared at him for waking them up. He ran to the gargoyle that stood in front of Dumbledore's office and panicked for a moment as he didn't know the password. "Open up, a student has been attacked!" he said quickly at the statue. It didn't move and Harry slammed a fist against the wall. "Open up damn it!" He yelled. "Lemon Drop!" he yelled. The statue still didn't' move and Harry growled in frustration. "Come on!" he yelled.
The statue moved away and Dumbledore walked out wearing a purple nightgown. "What is the matter Harry?" he asked, looking down at the panicked Potter.
"It's Barty Crouch!" Harry said. "He's back and attacked Viktor! In the forest, he's with Snape."
Dumbledore just nodded and said "Will you wait in my office Harry, while I go and sort this out? Thank you." Dumbledore gave a grandfatherly smile and walked away. "Oh, and the password is Toffee Éclair." He chuckled.
Harry went up the spiral staircase into Dumbledore's office and immediately went to the nearest chair and fell onto it. He caught his breath, his mind worrying about Viktor, and wondering about Barty Crouch and why he came back now. He looked around the office. Fawkes was sleeping on his perch, the phoenix snoring gently, his feathers ruffling softly as his body moved. The Sorting hat was on top of its shelf sleeping also, and next to it was a class case that held a magnificent silver sword with large rubies set into the hilt, which Harry recognized as the one he had pulled out of the Sorting Hat somehow during Second Year. Harry noticed that there was a section of the room that he had never saw before. It was small and almost octangular with a stone pedestal stood in the middle. The pedestal had a small basin with odd carvings around the edge; runes and symbols that Harry had somewhat recognized. There was a silvery light coming from the basin's contents, which was a transparent mixture of gas and water that moved ceaselessly.
Harry wanted to touch it, to find out what the strange substance felt like, but nearly four years' experience of the magical world told him that sticking his hand into a bowl full of some unknown substance was a very stupid thing to do. He therefore pulled out his wand, cast a nervous look around the office, looked back at the contents of the basin, and prodded them.
The surface of the silvery stuff inside the basin began to swirl very fast. Harry bent closer, the silvery substance had become like glass and instead of seeing himself he saw another room. A room that he had never seen before. The room was dimly lit, with no windows, merely torches in brackets such as the ones that illuminated Hogwarts. Lowering his face lower toward the room, he saw rows and rows of witches and wizards were seated around every wall on what seemed like benches rising in levels. An empty chair stood in the very center of the room. Chains encircled the chair, as though its occupants were usually tied to it.
Harry saw someone moved and looked even closer until his nose touched the silvery substance and he felt a sudden falling sensation as he went through the icy-cold and black airy water. And suddenly Harry found himself seating in the benches, the room filled out around him. He looked to his next to him and saw Professor Dumbledore. "Professor!" he said in a kind of strangled whisper. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to—I was just looking at that basin in your cabinet—I—where are we?"
But Dumbledore didn't move or speak. He ignored Harry completely, just like every other wizard on the benches, he was staring into the far corner of the room, where there was a door. Harry gazed at Dumbledore, then around at the silently watchful crowd, then back at Dumbledore. Then it dawned on him, this was just like when he looked into Tom Riddle's… Voldemort's diary, when he showed Harry what happened when the Chamber of Secrets had been opened more than fifty years ago. Harry was in a memory.
He sat down next to Dumbledore and looked at the door and watched as it opened and three people entered—one man and two dementors. Harry's insides went cold as the dementors glided slowly toward the chair in the center of the room, each grasping one of the man's arms with their dead and rotten-looking hands. Harry didn't recognize the man until he sat down. It was a much younger looking Karkaroff. The dementors chained him to the chair then glided off.
"Igor Karkaroff," a curt voice said. Harry looked and saw Mr. Crouch standing up in the middle of the bench beside him. "You have been brought from Azkaban to present evidence to the Ministry of Magic. You have given us to understand that you have important information for us."
Karkaroff straightened himself as best he could, tightly bound to the chair. "I have sir," he said, Harry could still hear the familiar unctuous note in it. "I wish to be of use to the Ministry. I wish to help, I—I know that the Ministry is trying to—to round up the last of the Dark Lord's supporters. I am eager to assist in any way I can. …"
There was a murmur around the benches, some of the witches and wizards were surveying Karkaroff with interest, other with mistrust. "Filth," Harry heard an all too familiar growl next to Dumbledore. He looked and saw Mad-Eye Moody, except there was a noticeable difference. He didn't have his magical eye, just two normal ones. "Crouch is going to let him out," Moody breathed quietly to Dumbledore. "He's done a deal with him. Took me six months to track him down, and Crouch is going to let him go if he's got enough new names. Let's hear his information, I say, and throw him straight back to the dementors."
Dumbledore made a small noise of dissent through his long-crooked nose.
"You say you have names for us, Karkaroff?" Mr. Crouch said. "Let's here them."
"I—I do," Karkaroff said breathlessly. "And these were important supporters, mark you. People I saw with my own eyes doing his bidding. I give this information as a sign that I fully and totally renounce him, and am filled with a remorse so deep I can barely—"
"The names, Karkaroff," Mr. Crouch said.
"There was Rosier, Evan Rosier."
"Rosier is dead," Crouch said. "he was caught shortly after you were too. He preferred to fight rather than come quietly and was killed in the struggle."
"No—no more than Rosier deserved!" Karkaroff said quickly. "There Malfoy! Lucius Malfoy! He was a big supporter in The Dark Lord's Inner Circle—"
"Lucius Malfoy had been cleared of all suspicion, being found under control of the Imperious Curse." Mr. Crouch said.
"Lies!" Karkaroff yelled, a panic in his voice. "He's a Death Eater, I swear to it."
"If there are any other names, you will return to Azkaban with the dementors," Mr. Crouch said..
"Snape!" Karkaroff yelled. "Snape, Severus Snape!"
"Snape has been cleared by this council," Crouch said disdainfully. "He has been vouched for by Albus Dumbledore."
"No!" Karkaroff shouted, straining at the chains that bound him to the chair. "I assure you! Severus Snape is a Death Eater!"
Dumbledore rose to his feet. "I have given evidence already on this matter," he said calmly. "Severus Snape was indeed a Death Eater. However, he rejoined our side before Lord Voldemort's downfall and turned spy for us, at great personal risk. He is now no more a Death Eater than I am."
"Very well, Karkaroff," Crouch said coldly, "you have been of assistance, I shall review your case. You will return to Azkaban in the meantime—"
"No! No! I have one more name!" Karkaroff shouted pulling against the chains and chair. "I have one more name! Please sir I have one more name to give!"
"What is the name Karkaroff?" Barty Crouch asked, shouting over the uproar that the wizards and witches made. Harry looked around and saw one wizard standing up and trying to push his way from the crowd.
"Barty Crouch!" Karkaroff yelled, silencing the entire room as everyone stopped and looked at him. Karkaroff seemed to have this mad smirk on his face as he spat out, "Junior."
The wizard trying to get away now struggled and pushed past the wizards and witches as Aurors grabbed him. The Aurors dragged the wizard to the center of the room and had him face Mr. Crouch. "Hello father," the young man said.
Crouch stared at this son for a tense moment before saying "I have no son."
Harry felt a hand on his shoulder and a pulling sensation from it as he was pulled out of the memory and back into Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster standing next to him.
"Professor, I didn't mean to—I mean I didn't know that would happen—was that man really Mr. Crouch's son?" Harry asked.
"Yes it was," Dumbledore sighed as he looked at the basin. "This is a Pensieve Harry," he said. "I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind. At times like these, I use the Pensieve. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from one's mind, pours them into the basin, and examines them at one's leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form."
"These are your thoughts…memories." Harry said.
"Precisely Harry," Dumbledore said, "Come, let us sit at my desk, I am sure that it is more comfortable than standing here. And I am sure that you are anxious about the condition of your friend Viktor Krum." Dumbledore led Harry back to his desk and they both sat down.
"How is he Professor? Is he going to be fine?" Harry asked.
"Yes, he is going to be fine Harry," Dumbledore said. "Although it seems that his Headmaster was not to be found, and Mr. Crouch is still missing as well. I currently have the staff searching for both. Although, I fear that we will not be seeing the two again anytime soon."
"Is it true?" Harry asked. "That Karkaroff was a Death Eater? Draco's father told us that he was, as did Sirius."
Dumbledore nodded gravely and said "Yes, Professor Karkaroff was indeed a Death Eater, Harry. But he was pardoned with the information he had given us. He always had a thin nerve in some places."
Harry thought for a moment and said "You think he ran… because he might have…killed Mr. Crouch? Or maybe it has something to do with Voldemort?"
"Most likely the latter, unfortunately," Dumbledore frowned. "Have you ever wondered how Voldemort marks his followers?"
"No," Harry said.
"Voldemort marks his followers with something called the 'Dark Mark.' It is the same as the symbol that had appeared over the World Cup this summer," Dumbledore said. "It is permanently inked into the Death Eater's arm. After what had happened thirteen years ago, the mark had faded slowly, but constantly, that is until now."
"Professor Snape had showed you his?" Harry asked, following Dumbledore's train of thought.
"Yes Harry," Dumbledore said, the twinkle in his eye absent. "It is unfortunately coming back, your Head of House had informed me only a week ago."
"Does that mean that Voldemort is getting powerful?" Harry asked, a bit scared.
"Most likely Harry, but he is still weak. I do not believe that he will return as strong as he was during the war, if at all." Dumbledore said calmly, soothingly. "Harry, look at me. You don't need to worry about Voldemort, not now. Right now, you deserve to have a normal life, with normal worries. Forget about Voldemort, if only for the time being okay?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry looked at him for a moment before nodded. "Good," Dumbledore smiled. "Now, it is late is it not? And you have the Third Task to prepare for. It is only a month away, and I find that months are usually the quickest to move. To bed now Harry, chop, chop." Dumbledore stood up and escorted Harry out of his office.
The doors closed behind Harry and he made his way back to the Slytherin Common Room. He sat on his bed and stripped naked, he and Draco had recently gotten into the habit of sleeping naked together, and cuddled next to Draco, who woke up for a moment only to drag Harry up to his chest.
Neville Longbottom woke up early next morning, excited to see Viktor Krum again. He and Viktor had been talking together privately ever since the Second Task, and Neville couldn't lie to himself that he had fell quickly for the Bulgarian Quidditch player. His rough, deep voice, his big muscles and body that made Neville feel safe whenever he was near him, the way Viktor smiled whenever Neville talked about Herbology. Everything about the foreign, erotic student made Neville feel…happy inside, as if a tingling sensation overwhelms the Gryffindor every time Viktor speaks or even looks at him.
Neville quickly showered and dressed that morning and started making his way to the Great Hall. On his way, Neville heard a pair of students whispering to each other. "Did you see him in the Hospital Wing?"
"Yeah, I wonder what he's doing there!"
"He looks awful," the first voice said.
"I'm surprised though, who would have thought someone would attack Krum—"
Someone attacked Viktor!? Neville thought as panic started to rise in the meek Gryffindor. He had to go check on him! So Neville quickly turned around and ran up the staircase to the Hospital Wing, where Madam Pomfrey was too busy with a third year who tried to hex her pimples away. Neville ignored them, and looked around worryingly for Viktor.
He found him near the back of the Hospital Wing, looking bruised, with small cuts on his face. "Viktor!" he said, rushing to Krum's side. Viktor looked up and instantly smiled. "Neville, it makes me so happy to see you." He said.
Neville sat on the side of Krum's bed and said "What happened? I heard you were attack and—"
"It is nothing to worry about Neville," Krum said, putting a finger to Neville's lips. "I am fine, trust me."
"But—" Neville said, he was cut off as Viktor stood up from the bed and smiled at his Neville.
Krum looked down at the timid boy as his eyes darkened. Neville whimpered a bit as he was roughly grabbed by the large hand of the Bulgarian Seeker, and collided with the hard chest of the burly man. "Vik—"He tried to speak but was caught off guard by the lips near his ears. "Moyata." The rough, deep baritone voice sounded hot and sent shivers down Neville's spine. Barely a moment passed before Viktor Krum successfully pillaged the young Gryffindor's mouth, making the boy his at last.
A/N: I really hope you all enjoyed this chapter, sorry for the delay, gotten very busy lately. I thank you all for reading, following, and the favorites you all give this story! Those as well as the reviews makes my heart soar.
BrothersofBasilisk: Thank you SO MUCH for giving me the final paragraph love! It's a long time cumming eh? ;P Everyone should go and look this pretty boy up! He has a lovely story he's working on!
Albox117: Hello and welcome! Thank you for reading this story in one night! I'm really glad you have enjoyed this, and I hope you will continue to enjoy the story as we reach its conclusion!
Magic Freak: Thanks!
Ronelia Delgrange: I am? I'm glad you've enjoyed the story, and please either PM or in review tell me how I'm hinting that Viktor will die? I'm very curious to know. I'm an impatient person too, lol, but I hope that the wait was worth it!
Yukno76: Next chapter!
NickyNakoleT: They are hotties aren't they? I'm glad that you're enjoying this story, and I hope you continue to enjoy!
Kigen Dawn: Yes, things will be a ride for Neville and Krum. What do you think they're going to do off screen? The "Innocence" of Harry and Draco are being saved, though the way they're heading not for long…
Okiniiri-Hime: They are not both Ukes! Kiba is totally a Seme when Naruto is involved lol
Animesaki: Yes, fuck you Percy lol. And they did kiss! Are you psychic? And no, we're not seeing their bits yet. Soon though, soon.
Shebajay: You're welcome dear reader! I enjoy your reviews and making me blush by calling the story amazing.
Fire0ice: Hello! And a bit with the baby update, we've looked at it and now know who's bottom. Can you guess the name?
Kiera Jones: Next chapter will be the Maze and all will be revealed. (P.S. you'll love the chapter name)
Jeremy-Toombs: Gasp! You know how to make a gay guy blush lol. I love that my cute story is leaving such an effect that your cheeks and neck turn red with blush.
HookisHot: I did expand it! And I hope you like it! Praise my friend Dom for the kiss! It was his idea
Ern: Thank you so much for your continued support friend!
WinterShield13: Yes! You worked it out! Good for you, lol. And yes, Harry is a bit of a shipper himself, even though he didn't know it. Whatever cravings Remus will have, I'm sure Sirius can do, as for the promise… yeah, not a spoiler Fred isn't going to die, wasn't even thinking about doing it in the first place. Also, he and Cedric are going to die in the Shakespearian sense…a lot.
Aureliene: Thank you! I hope you find this ending cute too!