Cedric stumbled back, awestruck at the sheer size of Two's dual angel. He'd had an idea of what to expect – even half been ready for far worse, but there was a difference between expecting and actually being able to prepare for it.

What… what was he even supposed to do?

Those things looked like they could smash the entire arena! There wasn't a spell in the world that could take them down!

Winning was just a bad joke. Who had come up with this as an idea for the first round, and just thought it'd all be okay?!

Ironically, it was the words of his opponent that snapped him out of it.

"Good luck!"

From anyone else, that'd definitely just be trash talk. From Two, it actually felt genuine. Like she really believed he could do it.

Right.

Right – there were people cheering him on. There was a crowd watching, probably half of Wizarding Britain listening, and the reputation of Hogwarts – and his own house – on the line.

This wasn't the time to be afraid, or to quit. He wasn't a Gryffindor for a reason – he couldn't just grit his teeth and throw himself headfirst at a terrifying enemy. But he was a Hufflepuff, and wasn't going to just give up.

Cedric swallowed, hard, and visibly steeled himself.

Professor One had set up this task, and there was no way she had just thrown them into a meat grinder. There had to be a way to win, somehow. Some kind of chance.

Well, if he was being honest with himself, he'd probably already missed it when he'd let Two summon these things. Egregori. Definitely a name he wasn't going to forget soon.

He was going to give it a shot.

Cedric managed to gather his resolve just in time, because as he regained his footing and readied his wand Two began to sing once again.

The piercing howl – and that was really all he could call it – that had come with summoning Egregori had finished, and in its place was a beautiful song. He wasn't sure why, but her singing was even putting him at ease. It was like all his tension and fear was slowly fading away.

It was just… comforting, somehow.

Still, it wasn't all good. Just as soon as her song began, the hulking sets of armor lowered the arms they had raised to the sky – taking lumbering, earthshaking steps towards him.

Even with the giants approaching him, Cedric couldn't help but dwell on the singing. Even over the constant din of the crowd – muted and dull from the other side of One's massive barrier – it was like it was playing from the inside of his head.

The words were clear as day, and even if he didn't have the slightest clue what they meant, or any idea of the language aside from a vague hunch that it sounded sort of Asian.

There was some kind of back to it, too. It didn't sound like someone singing all alone, but like a band all playing at once. There was no doubt it was all coming from Two, but – could a human even make those noises at all? Let alone all at the same time?

He didn't have any time to dwell on it, because Two's angel was just about to reach him. The shadow big enough to turn midday into late evening slowly enveloping him was a good sign that he had to do something now.

With no time for any complex plans, all he managed was to sprint – with just enough presence of mind to go sideways, so this thing couldn't just reach slightly further to grab him – and to turn and hurl spells once he felt the ground shake beneath him.

Sure enough, when he whipped around – backpedaling still, wand pointed forward – a hand, glowing blue so brightly it hurt to look at, had crushed the area he'd been standing, and a good five meters around it too.

"Bombarda!"

He hurled the strongest spell he could without a second thought at the closest target he could.

Egregori's arm blew aside, caught in the middle of retracting from its slap – fortunately having just abandoned its stable position against the ground. A combination of luck, luck, and more luck left him on the giant golem pair's left, with one staggered and off balance between him and the farthest one.

In other words, a clear shot to the flower, and to be honest, grabbing it was probably his only shot at getting through this in one piece.

He didn't hesitate this time. A straight, mad dash forwards towards the flower, pale blue, and gently laying undisturbed – somehow – in front of Two.

Everything behind and to his left was nothing more than a haze of danger to Cedric, his head screaming to avoid those areas at all costs. The front was completely different. Not just the relief from avoiding the impending doom recovering off to his side, but… more, somehow. Like he'd feel an urge to approach even if wasn't currently the only option that didn't end with him being flattened.

The contrast was even more seductive, and frankly, focusing on Two's otherworldly song was much less terrifying than anything else going on.

It about got him killed when, out of nowhere, a gauntlet clad fist easily double his height smashed past, less than a foot in front of him. The rumbling the ground as it scraped across just barely gave it away. It was almost impossible to tell the difference over Egregori's daunting footsteps, but the sound had dragged on just a little too long.

There wasn't the slightest chance of him stopping in time at a pitched sprint, even as he tried his best to dodge, and he slammed painfully into the glowing blue substance of Egregori's massive body.

As it turned out, even if it looked like liquid, it definitely wasn't. There was a little give, similar to maybe arm fat, but it quickly turned hard as a rock, like a spring compressed too tight. Barely having a second, all Cedric managed was to turn slightly, almost knocking his shoulder out of place.

Definitely bruised badly. Better than his skull, at least.

Pushing himself back off the gargantuan arm, desperately trying to get distance again, he did his best to take in the situation.

Egregori hadn't recovered in time. Of course they couldn't just be faster than he'd expected. No, the far one's arm had stretched across the entire damn arena. The staggering of the closest one had, combined with the tight quarters (for giant hulking monsters, at least) of One's barrier, caused the farthest one to be knocked over into the barrier, and slide down the edge to the ground.

Cedric wasn't prone to cursing, but he felt he might be justified here.

"You've got to be kidding me…"

He hadn't heard the farthest one fall, though. Considering he could feel their steps vibrate through his teeth, he definitely should've felt it slam into the barrier. How good did a barrier have to be to not only hold up to the fall of one of those giants, but do it without making a sound?

It didn't really matter, though. What did matter; he had to do something.

He couldn't think of any way to get past the five or so meter arm blocking the path straight to the flower, and the giant closest to him had recovered.

Cedric couldn't help but think, with no small amount of frustration, that he might've actually stood a chance if he'd brought his broom. A quick take off and he was sure he could make it past. But like things were…

What was he even supposed to do? Circle all the way around, somehow not getting crushed along the way? Every step he'd take would lead him closer to Egregori, no way around it. The far one was just about pressed against the barrier, and he couldn't quite make out if there was any gap at the end.

Even just to get close enough to check, he'd have to run right through the closest one's legs.

He swallowed, watching the closest of the pair's leg reach forward in its earthshaking gait. No way that'd work. He'd be knocked off his feet just from the ground rumbling. No, he needed a way forward, not around.

But maybe…? Cedric glanced over his shoulder, and, without any warning aside from the earth tearing like paper, nearly found himself crushed again while he was distracted.

Stumbling back to his right, he saw what confirmed that his only chance was behind him. The closest giant hadn't been taking a step – no – it had been kicking.

Intentionally falling to the ground with the fury of an earthquake, it had outstretched its leg in the same rubber-like parody of a limb as its brethren. He was boxed in.

An enormous arm to the front, and a monstrous leg to to the back.

Cedric turned and bolted, not towards his doom, but straight behind him – where there was nothing but a fist and foot and barrier.

There may not be a way to climb the smooth skin of Egregori, but the armored gauntlet and greave – that might just be possible. Then, over the arm, a straight shot at the flower. Two was still busy singing, and it'd take at least twice as long for Egregori to stretch out like this again since they had to pill their limbs before stretching them out again.

It was a bitter taste – that a test of courage, magic, and wit would be decided by how fast he was at running away.

Even still, his feet pounded at hard-packed dirt. Even if he couldn't win, he could try. He was Hogwart's champion, the real one, and the entire crowd was cheering for him to win.

"Ah…" Cedric's voice rang out weakly.

His confidence was shattered in an instant.

His steps petered out as a shadow overtook his entire world.

There was a tint of blue to what little light remained, and, combined with the limbs stretched out to his side like endless walls, it felt almost like he was sinking deep into the ocean.

Drowning.

He looked up.

Sure, enough, a hulking hand – emerging from the giant whose leg had cut off his retreat – was slowly descending on his head like the fury of a god.

Cedric wasn't proud to say, but the only reason he didn't scream was that it was pointless. Nothing would save him from this.

A sudden glare caused him to squint, and raise his arm to block out the harsh sunlight coming from overhead.

"Two is victorious."

One's impassive voice rang out through the arena.

Countless specks of blue light flew around the inside of the barrier in a flurry, settling to the ground one by one as they disappeared like melting snow.

"Well, that was certainly spectacular. A decent show of resolve from Diggory, if a clear lack of preparation. Though, I would appreciate it if in the future our referee declared a victor slightly earlier than a second before one of my students is crushed," McGonagall announced pointedly.

"Come now, Minerva! That was more than spectacular! That may well have been some of the best magic since Merlin from our… what was she called? An Intoner? And our champion was no slouch either. I dare say a dragon would flinch away from that Egregori! A splendid show of courage, even if he couldn't quite pull it through!"

Gabriella looked up from her spot at the brim of the arena walls, and snorted. She'd reclaimed her perch as the fight had began.

A few audience members flinched, and Harry could hear Bagman stumble over his words.

There was supposed to be a ten minute intermission between rounds, but it turned out to be much longer. In the first place, some of the most serious damage to the arena had to be cleaned up and there was the scoring for the round – it shouldn't really take any longer than that, because the arena only had to be usable rather than pristine, but some of the judges – the Headmaster's, really – wanted more time to decide on a score, so the cleaners had a bit more time to work.

In the meantime, Cedric had returned to the competitor's box alongside One, who had decided to join them rather than remaining at the edge of the arena like she had during the match. Two had vanished into the opposite entrance, presumably back to wherever the Intoners were waiting.

Cedric had recovered somewhat from his earlier shell-shocked state, and seemed a little sheepish about his performance.

"That… probably wasn't enough to earn a very good score, was it?"

Fleur's look was plainly asking 'No, really?"

A tense silence fell upon the competitors (plus one referee) as they waited, both for Cedric's score and the next round to begin.

Eventually, the quiet was ended when Viktor spoke up.

"The announcer said the purpose of this test was to gather information."

One was standing at the edge of the box, observing the judges from afar. For a moment it seemed like she wasn't intending to answer, but, eventually, she uncrossed her arms and answered.

"It was."

"Then, if I ask now?"

She turned her head slightly in his direction. "Asking costs you nothing. Failing to may cost you everything."

Harry's fist tightened at her reminder there was a very real chance to die going forward. Cedric seemed remarkably resilient, if tense, after getting within an inch of death. Harry had been there enough times as it was.

It wasn't really new for him, but these angels seemed even worse than the basilisk. He really wasn't looking forward to this.

"I will not insult you by asking about my opponent," he frowned, "But… that song…."

It was obvious that he wasn't sure how to phrase the question. Harry understood, he really did. There was just so much to ask that it was overwhelming.

How did Two speak and sing at the same time?

They called that thing an 'angel', but what did that mean?

And just like Viktor was asking – that song was bizarre. One had kept mentioning that Intoners were connected to songs, but…

It was impossible to really say why, but something just didn't connect. He wasn't like Hermione; he didn't need every tiniest detail, but there was just enough to make him uncomfortable. He had an explanation for everything, but every one was just so… vague.

There was one definite worry he had, though.

By Harry's count, there were, what, three? Probably three references to 'darkness' in Two's song. 'Dark' and 'magic' in the same sentence set off all kinds of alarm bells to him.

One answered Viktor's half-asked question before he could say anything.

"How honorable. Honor will do you little good against Three. Still, if it is knowledge you seek, as a teacher I am obliged to provide – to a point."

She turned to face the competitors – in her entirety this time.

"I've mentioned that to summon an angel, it is necessary for an Utautai to bring to bare the full power of Song. That song was Two's. Each one is… precious. They are more than a tool to summon an angel. In a sense, they are the very essence of an Utautai," One lectured.

This was a good a chance as any to ask, and it was better to do it before he lost his nerve. Really, asking about their 'essence' felt… Well, it was weird enough now. If she kept talking, he definitely wasn't going to be able to say anything.

"Then why was Two, of all people, singing about darkness?"

Five sets of eyes zeroed in on Harry.

"What?" he asked defensively.

"That really doesn't sound like Two," Cedric agreed, "but, uh…"

"I did not know you spoke Japanese?" Fleur finished.

"He doesn't," One interjected, "and regardless, it would not have helped. The Utautai possess an inherent ability to be understood and understand speech, regardless of language – an ability that breaks down with words bearing more mystical significance, regardless if the original language is understood. It isn't a simple translation, and it's proven somewhat irritating to understand in its entirety."

She actually looked a little annoyed, for once.

"It took my sisters and I months to even comprehend what a 'language' was. Longer – to understand that what we spoke naturally was Japanese. Perhaps your gift for languages extends beyond simple Parseltongue."

Harry swallowed. More magical languages. Great.

"So, what does that mean for me?"

One shrugged, "That you will hear 'Utautai' properly when I speak of my sisters instead of 'Intoner' with a strange tone? Speaking as an Utautai is a far more impressive than hearing as one. And given you don't understand every word you hear, you don't even truly do that. You bare no connection to my sisters. Three may request your aid for experimentation, however."

Harry sighed in relief. He had enough over his head right now. Well, more like he always had enough over his head. But it was still strange, and weird coincidence was rarely actual coincidence around him. Which, honestly, would make it even stranger – somehow – if it actually was just a weird quirk.

He was probably going to turn down that 'experiment' request, though. Three was… creepy, to be honest. In an oddly likable way, but definitely creepy.

Fleur's fist met her opposite palm in a hammering motion, "Ah! Zat is why you introduced yourself twice. What eez et you say when,,, ah," she seemed a bit at a loss, "Ze other name of your kind. Ze one we do not hear."

One tilted her head in Harry's direction, "If you will relay it, Mr. Potter."

He started, "Er, relay what?" He'd been busy being relieved about not being related to the strangeness of the Intoners. Sue him.

She seemed exasperated at his inattention, in a disappointed teacher sort of way.

"Say Utautai."

"Uhm – Utautai?" Harry's brow furrowed, almost, but not quite following.

"So strange," Fleurs head tilted, "Ah, one more thing. Why do I now 'ear French? It was English, before." Fleur asked, clearly baffled.

"It is what you should've heard in the first place. As I've come to understand it, people hear what they expect. Since we're in Britain – English – and now that you know it can be French, and you are more comfortable with it, it is."

Even with the explanation Fleur seemed very confused. Harry didn't blame her. It was bizarre. He was just now getting that Fleur was hearing "Intoner" when One said it – or now maybe that in French? - but "Utautai" when he said it.

Viktor didn't look like he was having any problems understanding, though. Speaking of Viktor, "What of our first questions?"

Right. Two's song.

One seemed to consider it.

"… I named my own song a combination of words, when I found one to be lacking. I am somewhat touched to admit that my sisters followed that pattern. Two's song is named Blissade – a combination of bliss and glissade."

"Glissade?" Cedric asked.

"A ballet step," Fleur explained, "My own sister 'as an interest in dance."

One nodded, then smiled bitterly, "Indeed. Taken literally, it means a blissful dance. As for the lyrics, that 'darkness' she refers to is what comes when the dance inevitably ends."

A bittersweet smile turned into a bitter frown, "The 'sickness' she mentions is… similar."

It was pretty obviously important, because that had been the most expressive anyone had ever seen One, but that was all she would say on the matter. A few attempts at questions garnered nothing but a promise to explain each song only after they were sang – in the interest of fairness. Eventually, any semblance of conversation died down and everyone settled in quietly to await Cedric's score.

It came quickly.

A four from Dumbledore, a scathing two from Madame Maxime, and a surprising five from Karkaroff. Apparently he appreciated a brute force approach.

Or maybe he was preemptively justifying an even higher score for Krum, since being unprepared meant he'd have to rely on power over strategy too, and that meant a good chance at failing alongside Cedric.

"Huh. That's actually better than I expected," a slightly more cheerful Cedric admitted.

And with that, the second round began.

"Is it really okay for you to stay up here?" Cedric asked.

One didn't bother facing him. He'd survived facing Two, and frankly, that had been the round that concerned her the most.

She'd sufficiently impressed upon Three that, regardless of her inclinations and the inherent traits of the Utautai, acting recklessly or cruelly would only bring her experiments to light. She would spend more time fending off the righteous than answering her endless questions.

… One of which might prove to be One herself, if she strayed too far.

Her very being protested the idea of turning her blade on her own sisters – of even simply acknowledging their less savory aspects. But acknowledging them was necessary, if they were to be curbed to the point of sustainability.

Morality had not swayed Three, but practicality had, fortunately. If One had failed to realize that the things her sisters valued were not the same as she herself in time…

She did not wish to acknowledge the potential disaster that held.

Four had always understood to conceal darker desires from the eye of the public. Even concealed them from One – for a time.

Five's poison of choice did not involve death, thankfully, and her love of pageantry actually made her quite suitable for an event such as this.

Two's personality held no danger, but both her physical and mental control had always been tenuous. That had been the most dangerous element for the competitors. That she had managed perfect control assuaged any fears One had harbored.

"It is of no consequence. My voice can be heard from here, and Two's control was the weakest among the Utautai. If I call for the match to end, Three can halt her angel far quicker than I can intervene."

It was true. There had never really been a point to her serving as referee, aside from a token gesture at safety. But she had no intention of wasting her time appeasing a cawing public.

"Right. Okay." Cedric didn't sound entirely convinced, but seemed to accept it eventually.

His acceptance didn't matter. Little did, at the moment. Only her sisters' debut.

And, more importantly – Zero's.

Maxime has been getting autoed to Maxine. RIP

Three psycho pov coming soon (tm).