Harry Potter and the Berserker

by deathbearABC123

Are people truly in control of their lives, or is it some transcendental entity or law that decides? Two will struggle to persist, to fight an unwinning battle against forces of god-like power.

56. Chapter 56

Reviews:

Quartermass: Glad to hear your story is coming along nicely. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks her Patronus would be an owl, it really fits her personality. Thanks as always for the support for this story!

Pyromania101: Dumbledore has come to realize that Harry is not his father or someone who will just go along with what others want, for sure. Dumbledore does have a bit of fun faking Fudge out this time. I love writing for Luna and Sonia both and you wouldn't be wrong for thinking Tracey was coming on to Neville. She's known him long enough to admire his character. I hope you enjoy this one!

Hairul The Nightrage Beast: How the last task will play out is revealed here and next chapter as well. And Isidro would have a monkey, I agree.

Necrogod: Not a problem, glad you enjoyed.

silversean24: A debt has to be paid indeed. And this chapter will give a pretty big insight on how the situation will play out.

Gwen Zenier: More interactions are inbound after this. I hope you continue to enjoy!

Greer123: Thank you. some more major developments happen this time around too.

Tero7323: Details of the third task are revealed here in this chapter.

erica phoenix 16: Not a problem. The moon boy always has some deeper meaning to the plot as well as serving as a bond for Guts and Casca. As for Fudge, he gets bit of a rude awakening this time.

mckertis: It was to show that changes are being implemented in small ways at first and that the main force, Causality, is still strong at work, something they have to overcome.

kaxipoptos: The scene with Voldemort was to show that he still can hold his own even without minions even if they were just giants. He is acting that way because he doesn't like the idea of someone else being more powerful than him especially if that person was a muggle at one point. Dumbledore stands up for himself more this time and Fudge is in for a rude awakening. I really like writing for the students since it is such a contrast to the dark world that is Berserk.

Disclaimer- Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling and Berserk is owned by Kentaro Miura. I own nothing.

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Dumbledore had come alone, but not empty-handed. He had with him a bundle wrapped in some paper and tied with a piece of string. With permission from Roderick, the headmaster was permitted onboard; albeit the parcel was confiscated from him by Guts who kept it wrapped in the event it was deadly, but still looking like he was trying to piece together what it could possibly be. Harry would have done the exact same thing if he was being honest. While his opinion of the headmaster had improved a bit since their initial meeting with him granting permission for Casca to be properly healed, Harry would take whatever Dumbledore was here to talk about with a grain of salt.

"So, what brings you out here, old man?" Guts asked of the headmaster. His tone conveyed casual annoyance instead of any hints of aggression or the likes.

"A fair amount of things actually," Dumbledore said in a calm manner, not seemingly put off by Guts' tone. "First of which, I wish to offer my best wishes to the miss over there." His blue eyes twinkled a bit as he looked over at Casca.

"Me?" Casca looked a bit confused. "What for?"

"Just that I am pleased to see that your mind has been restored to its full mental capacity." Dumbledore's eyes gained a bit more of that twinkle. "You seem to be making substantial progress in your recovery as well, I shall have to give Poppy a raise to her salary for her involvement."

"Oh, I see," Casca said, sounding just a tad bit unsure herself. "Well, you certainly have my thanks for allowing that to happen then."

Guts was picking up on her hesitation and decided to get off that topic. "That's well and good and all, but I doubt that that's the only thing that you came out here to discuss."

"And you would be correct," Dumbledore confirmed. "In fact, there is a great many things that I wish to discuss with you all if that is alright with you."

"What kinds of things would those be?" Harry asked, not really liking it was put as such a broad topic.

"Mainly a few Hogwarts related topics, but also about that strange occurrence that happened last night as I'm sure you all must have observed."

"The moon," Farnese said.

"That would be it," Dumbledore nodded. "Is there a place onboard we might be able to discuss?"

"We could go to my cabin," Harry said. "Schierke is probably still asleep down there and she'll want to be included on this."

Isidro looked at him a bit strange but with a hint of admiration. "She's in your cabin?"

"Not like that, but yeah." Ignoring the look of admiration still being given to him by Isidro, Harry led the way down below deck to where the personal cabins were located. He knocked to give indication that he was coming back in which worked out since Schierke seemed to have only woken up mere minutes ago.

The green-haired witch rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Hm? Oh you're back." Both her and Ivalera took in the multitude of people that followed him in as well. "And… you're not alone." She seemed embarrassed at having just woken up from her seat near the desk. "What's going on?"

"Rise and shine," Isidro took a seat on the single cot. "That's what we're here about."

"I do apologize for the intrusion," Dumbledore said with sincerity. "But there are matters of most importance that require all of your attention."

"What's so important that the headmaster had to come all the way down here, huh?" Ivalera asked a bit grumpy herself about the unexpected visit as well as being woken from her sleep.

Puck flew over to the pink elf. "Uh, maybe try asking a bit nicer. He did help us out with Cassie and all."

Ivalera remained stubborn. "Don't call her that, and I was just asking what's on everyone's minds."

"I take no offense to your question," Dumbledore told the elf. "And I don't mean to beat around the bush as the popular muggle saying goes." Harry suspected he did just that by even mentioning the phrase. "But, I suppose it is best to start with the biggest and most pressing issue; the events of last night."

"You mean with Lupin?" Harry asked. A lot more had happened, but that stood out as being the biggest.

"Indeed," Dumbledore confirmed. "As headmaster, I have to extend an offer of gratitude for your assistance in helping to restrain him in the manner that your did. Perhaps you'll be pleased to know that Remus does not blame any of you in the slightest for what transpired; if anything, he was overjoyed to find out that he did not harm anyone while transformed. However," Dumbledore looked over to Guts, specifically Dragonslayer which was sheathed on his back, "Madam Pomfrey found that she was unable to heal a series of scars that Remus now has on his fingers. Scars that I presume could have only come from that sword of yours."

"This thing?" Guts partially moved his cloak out of the way to show the end of the massive blade. "Yeah, it would probably end up doing that."

"Being such a unique make, would you have any idea why that is?" Dumbledore inquired of the blade.

"It killed a lot of things," Guts replied. "Not all of them were human."

Dumbledore ran a hand through his long, silvery beard. "Hm. I see. So, it takes in only what makes it stronger." Dumbledore took a brief pause. "It wouldn't happen to be of goblin make, would it?"

"No. it was made by a cranky old man living in the mountains." Guts' response brought a wave of nostalgia for Harry. It had been Godo who crafted his own sword, and he wondered how Erica and Rickert were fairing. They might still be living in the forge for all he knew.

"Truly remarkable," Dumbledore admired. "Despite being of muggle make, it seems to share properties with the Sword of Godric Gryffindor; taking in properties that will only strengthen it."

"Sword of who?" Isidro asked having not recognized the name. Harry was actually glad that Isidro had asked, he had no idea either.

"Godric Gryffindor," Dumbledore repeated. "He was one of the most powerful wizards of his time and was one of the four to found Hogwarts. His sword is a treasured artifact of the school; but I digress. Remus will likely have the scars on his fingers for life, but, it was a small price to ensure he did no harm."

"Good to know, I guess," Guts said. "It isn't really his fault for what happened anyway." If this had been before Guts had gotten the Berserker Armor, Harry highly suspected that his response would have been drastically different. But, Guts knew better than all of them what it was like to be lost to the mind of a beast.

"I am glad that you see it that way," Dumbledore sounded relieved. "Yet Remus should have never transformed to begin with as I'm sure that you've grown accustomed to the lunar cycle. Now, I questioned a student by the name of Luna Lovegood about what happened. She was a very well informed young witch. She seems to have a… connection of sort with the world in which you all came from."

"That's what she claimed and it seems to be true," Harry answered. He would keep the fact that Luna had written to them a secret for now, only those who were up on deck to see the owl knew what the letter said. "She said something about it being a medium thing."

"Her head of house, Filius Flitwick, was convinced that she was a natural seer, but a medium is as close as any," Dumbledore explained a bit about the odd, blonde girl they had met previous. "Miss. Lovegood has acquired a reputation for being bit of an oddity among her peers."

"Odd? For a magic school?" Farnese looked puzzled. She looked to Schierke.

"Nothing was ever really odd about Miss. Flora's place," Schierke said, but it didn't really compare to an entire school filled with students though.

Dumbledore continued. "While the concept of a medium is rare, it is even rarer to actually have the ability to see, let alone talk with someone with the same ability as her own. But what is perhaps the most remarkable, or rather, terrifying fact was that Miss. Lovegood reported seeing a man accompying a small child out on Hogwarts grounds. It was a man who matches a description of that Griffith character that I saw while viewing Harry's memories. He is not aboard this ship now, is he?"

"Neither of them are." Casca answered before anyone had a chance to speak.

Dumbledore was looking at her strangely like he was trying to figure out more about how she answered. To Harry's surprise, he saw Dumbledore looked a bit understanding of the situation. "I thought as much but needed to ask all the same," the aged headmaster replied. "I didn't mean to bring up a sensitive topic, but-,"

"-But you're going to anyway?" Guts eyed the older man.

"Only to try and get to the bottom of this odd occurrence myself," Dumbledore tried to clarify. "For an intruder to have breached the protective magical wards in place without outright destroying them is a terrifying feat to accomplish."

"Boundaries never mattered to him," Guts said, drawing Harry and Casca's eyes to him. "He was all about doing the impossible. Wards or whatever aren't going to stop him, not with what he is now."

"And that would be?" Dumbledore was eyeing Guts closely.

"Not human," was the only words Guts said on that matter.

Dumbledore stared, pondering the meaning of what Guts could have meant by that. "If… that is all you have to say on the matter…" he looked around to see if anyone else had something to add. They didn't. "Then, regardless, I feel it is my duty to inform you all of some of the activity happening outside of Hogwarts from what I've been told."

"And this has relevance for the oddity last night?" Serpico asked this time.

"It certainly does," Dumbledore answered, the twinkle in his eye seemed to dim. "You know that here there are people who possess magic and those who don't, similar to your own with the exception that here one if born magical and we use wands in place of staffs." Harry, Schierke, and Farnese all nodded. "And with a divide like that, there comes two different governments that coexist with the fact that the magical community must be kept secret." Again, they nodded, it was a bit similar to how many witches were no longer present in Midland as they had been hunted and burned after the Holy See was founded. "Well last night's incident saw about many a global fiasco. People with conditions like Remus' broke out as well and countries all over the world now have a spike in werewolf population. Tides were affected and the likes and both sides are trying to come to a conclusion over what caused this."

Harry didn't even to look over to Casca to know the answer as to why all this happened. It had been her child. By Midland's time, it probably would have been a full moon back there; Neo Griffith had somehow altered the moon by use of the boy since the full moon gave energy to sustain him. Just one visit that lasted a few hours had caused all of that. He spared a glance at Casca to try and gauge her reaction to this.

It was… a mix. A mix between concern and guilt. She had been able to feel the tiniest sliver of happiness and fulfillment with her child at the expense of many others suffering. If she thought about it like that, she might actually be comparing herself to how Griffith was to sacrifice all of them. So it didn't surprise Harry in the slightest when she spoke up.

"And what is happening now because of it?" Casca asked. "If the two are separate, how would one even justify what happened?"

"Ah," Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, our Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, has been in correspondence with the muggle Prime Minister, you see. He has been trying to work with him to come up with a believable excuse, but is struggling to do so. I myself have been in contact with the International Wizard Committee earlier this morning to help ease confusion going about, but this incident is just a stone to be added to the already growing amount of pressure put on Fudge."

"So he feels a need to act even if it is irrational?" Serpico guessed, having grown up alongside Farnese as her attendant, Harry assumed the blonde must have picked up on the inner workings of politics.

"And you would be correct to assume so," Dumbledore sounded almost melancholy. "He met with me earlier as well and before I came here, I received an owl from the Ministry informing me of a change that has, unfortunately, been put into effect."

"And what exactly is that?" Harry asked, not liking the way in which the headmaster spoke as it only hinted at bad news to come.

"Cornelius believes that what people need now more than anything is hope, the idea that things are okay and fine because they are protected. As such, he saw it fit to go ahead and move the date of the third task of the Triwizard Tournament to a much closer time slot." Dumbledore didn't sound too enthused at all. "It will be in a week's time to be exact."

"Wait," Schierke was thinking, "the same tournament that Harry was supposedly entered into?"

"That would be the one." Dumbledore spared a look over at Harry like he already knew what he was going to say next. " And as such, Cornelius has proposed an ultimatum; either Mr. Potter participates in the task whist making his official return to the public, or multiple teams of Ministry Aurors will be sent to arrest everyone on this ship."

"We could get arrested!" Isidro jumped from the bed. "Shit, old man, why didn't you open with that instead?"

Puck looked at the aspiring swordsman oddly. "Didn't you used to be a thief in your village? We've been through worst stuff than getting arrested."

"Doesn't mean I want it to happen," Isidro backed his reasoning.

"But my teacher shouldn't have to compete," Farnese defended. "He had no way of ever entering."

Schierke agreed as well. "You're the headmaster, isn't there something you can do? You don't seem too thrilled on this idea either, there has to be a way you can negate this absurd ultimatum."

Dumbledore heaved a heavy sigh. "While I am a judge, I am but one. Out of the four others, two are just scared headmasters who wish to leave as soon as the tournament is over with the return of Voldemort being a driving factor; they want it to end as soon as possible. The other, Ludo Bagman is all too excited about the return on Mr. Potter to give any sense of reason. And lastly is the Minister's personal lacky, Dolores Umbridge." Guts rolled his eye at the mention of her name. "It was her idea to move the date to begin with and at this point, Cornelius will do just about anything if he thinks it will boost his political favor. I wouldn't be surprised if this evenings post has a front page advertising Mr. Potter's return during the task."

Casca was slowly starting to shake her head. "That makes no sense." Dumbledore looked at her curiously. "If what I've told is true, then this… Voldemort guy is after Harry. Wouldn't attacking during an event that says Harry will be there seem likely? All this Minister would be doing is inviting an attack on your school."

To that, Dumbledore allowed a small smile that was laced with irony. "It would appear we are of the same mind. Voldemort has proven that he is on another level than I, an old school master. But Fudge is insistent that both Harry's presence, as well as my own, will be enough to repel any attack. I have ordered some wizards in an organization of mine to come as security to play it safe. But, I would be remiss if I did not even ask Mr. Potter for his thoughts on all of this." Those blue-eyes with a trace of twinkle looked back over to Harry.

"Look, Professor Dumbledore, when we first met you really kind of put me on edge." Dumbledore had the decency to look embarrassed. "But you were helpful when we really needed it, so I have to thank you for that."

"Of course. Help will always be given at Hogwarts to whoever needs it." He spared a look over to Casca. "Magical or not."

"Right. And as big a help as we got, all of what you just told me just seems like some sort of entitlement act coming from your Minister Fudge. I thought it had been made pretty clear the first time that whatever this tournament is, I never entered and really don't plan on being viewed as some kind of show animal on the grounds that if I don't people are going to be arrested for it." Plenty of crew mates on the Sea Horse were just ordinary Lith sailors who were just doing their duty to Roderick. They didn't deserve to be put through that or any of his companions as well.

"I thought that would be your answer," Dumbledore did not sound disappointed about it. "Maybe if circumstances had been much different, but it is not wise to dwell on such a topic like that."

The way Dumbledore said that did kind of strike a pang with Harry. While he didn't fully trust the headmaster, his opinion was much higher than it had been previous. This school, maybe even aspects of this world that he had been away from, still had some good sides to it. While he wasn't planning on attending school here, it did keep that curious spark burning inside of him that Flora often remarked on. While this place didn't have a direct appeal, it did have the want to have an interest. But it was not something that he would let distract him from his companions and what they had planned next.

"Well, I'm glad that you can understand my reasoning then," Harry said to the headmaster who gave a small smile.

"Yes, but I'm afraid Cornelius won't be the same."

"After what Guts did to that one assistant of his, wouldn't he know what will happen if those… Aurors try to come here?" Harry asked. Everyone looked at Dumbledore for his answer.

"He is making a dangerous gamble indeed," Dumbledore agreed. "If they encounter resistance, Aurors have permission to use deadly force and if a fight breaks out, I have no doubt that those Aurors would not be around to tell the tale. "When news of that gets out… it will be trouble for all involved. And as a counter measure, I believe the swordsman has the gift I brought for Mr. Potter."

Guts eyed the man before pulling out the wrappings. "What does this have to do with anything?"

"Just an old heirloom of his father's." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with nostalgia.

"You want to open it?" Guts asked Harry what he wanted to do.

Harry felt the wrapping, whatever was inside was very light and soft too. Dumbledore had been honest so far and being outnumbered should this be anything dangerous, the old wizard really had nothing to hide at this point.

"Yeah, might as well." Harry took the wrappings and began to peel them off. What lay underneath was a soft, smooth and silky fabric. "A cloak?" Harry ran his hand over the texture.

"A cloak of invisibility," Dumbledore clarified. "The user is completely hidden while under it."

"You freckin' serious?!" Isidro exclaimed as he tried peaking around Harry to get a better look at it. "Do you have any idea how many people I could have spied on if I had this?" Harry made a note to himself not to leave this where Isidro could find it.

Dumbledore continued, ignoring the remark made by the aspiring swordsman. "Your father got into many of his infamous adventures by means of this cloak and it is only right that it be returned to you."

"Interesting," Serpico admired the cloak as well. "It is almost like my sylph cloak then in a way."

As neat and useful an item as this was, Harry was compelled to ask, "And there's more to it than just being something that once belonged to my father, isn't there?"

"You would be correct on that," Dumbledore made no move to hide a double intention. "Given your previous answer to the tournament and the ultimatum proposed, I would give you this in the hope that you stay clear of any confrontation that might arise. As capable as you are, things would only be made worse if you had any direct involvement in a fight against Ministry officials."

"You want me to hide while everyone else gets but in danger?" Harry asked, the idea not sitting well with him at all.

"I propose it merely as a suggestion," Dumbledore defended. "What you chose to do with it is up to you. However, I do have a proposition to make myself, if you would hear me out." Dumbledore's eyes went to Casca like he was aware of the part Hogwarts played in her recovery. "If Voldemort does attack during the third task, I would like to see to it that no harm befalls any of my students. If possible, I would like all the help that can be given to repel any attack made."

"Is that it?" Guts asked, his face was keeping that stoic expression. "Just a simple fight?"

"It is never truly simple when it comes to Voldemort," said Dumbledore. "He will want to make a show of things as a testament to his power. My most recent defeat at his hands only proved that point. Given your clear history of experience dealing with insurmountable odds, I would be a fool not to ask."

"Well, headmaster, I can't really answer for everyone," Harry looked around at his companions, "but all I can say is that if Voldemort really does attack this place and us by extent, he'll be dealt with the same way we've been taking care of challenges." Harry looked up to Guts whose expression had changed, if only by a bit. It was hard to tell if he found it amusing or if he would have said something similar.

Dumbledore nodded like he understood. "I see. Of course, I do not wish for a fight to break out in any way, but we cannot always have what we desire. As I've said, I will have some of my own personnel on the grounds as well for added measure, two of them include inside Ministry employees by the names of Shacklebolt and Tonks."

"Are we supposed to know who they are?" Harry asked seeing Isidro getting ready to ask in a much crasser manner.

"No, I would expect not," Dumbledore said. "But they have reported back to me on another strange sighting as of last night."

"Another one?" Casca was anxiously curious.

"While patrolling at the site of Stonehenge, they reported seeing a multitude of hairy creatures with clubs of bone that they believed to be gremlins."

"They sound like some of the trolls from the forest," Schierke recalled when they sealed the cave off.

Dumbledore continued. "And that wasn't all. They claim that those very same creatures were soon slain by a knight of skeleton."

The Skull Knight was here?! Harry nearly shouted the words, but maintained his composure. If he thought about it, Skull Knight did have a way of moving about with that sword of his, it was entirely possible for him to have crossed over from Midland. But what was he doing?

Guts was the first to speak, "So, the old Bone Head is here, is he?" he rubbed his chin. "Yeah, that sounds like him. he shows up and then leaves, nothing new about that."

"So you have not had any contact with this individual then?" Dumbledore asked.

"He's the one who comes to us," Guts answered. "Trying to find him is a lost cause; he does what he wants when he thinks it's necessary. If he didn't harm your wizards, he probably knows about what's going on with this Voldemort guy. He knows a lot of what's going on and he owes us some answers too." Harry instantly thought of the child from last night.

"I almost expected as much," Dumbledore nodded once more. "I have a few questions of my own that I would ask of this knight of skeleton, but I have to prioritize first about keeping Hogwarts safe." He made his move to exit. "And for what it's worth, you have my thanks if Voldemort chooses to attack. I can only hope that I am wrong."

---

Only a day had passed since the oddity that was last night. An out of the blue full moon, Professor Lupin being found near the Forbidden Forest, news coming in about a state of panic at the Ministry, it was all so much to take it. Not to mention all the wild rumors that were flying around about some sort of fight that broke out in order to restrain the werewolf Professor Lupin. As usual, it was impossible to trace the rumor to a single source, but it seemed even some of the visiting school students had picked up on the wild words that were being carried throughout the school.

"Cedric, what do you make of zees rumors?" the French-accented voice of Fleur asked him as the three respective champions walked out to the Quidditch pitch as instructed by Ludo Bagman.

"Which one?" Cedric asked offering the blonde girl a small smile. Not that he was going to cheat on Cho, just one of friendliness. After the first two tasks of the tournament, he had gotten to know a bit more about his two competitors.

Fleur, while dazzlingly beautiful on the outside that many boys seemed to be attracted to – Cedric suspected it had to do with veela heritage – she also had a vulnerable side to her as seen after the second task. Cedric had been the first to rescue his hostage from the bottom of the Black Lake, but he was surprised to see Fleur waiting topside without her little sister who had been taken hostage as well. Cedric had tried to assure her that Dumbledore would let no real harm befall any hostage and that once the time limit was up, she would be released. He doubted it helped, but Fleur seemed to appreciate the effort.

"Vhat other could she mean?" the low voice of Victor Krum asked. In all his years spent at Hogwarts, Cedric would have never thought that he would ever be walking side-by-side with the best seeker in the world.

Victor certainly came across as brooding and a bit of a loner at first glance to anyone who say him apart from his status as a famous athlete, but that was really due to the fact that Victor believed no one really saw past his famous persona as a seeker. So when the tasks rolled around, Victor put everything he had into completing as best he could to show that he had skills outside of his well-known profession. Cedric could respect that hard-working attitude that the seeker put forward and the two got to talking about different ways they would have handled the dragon task once Madam Pomfrey healed them up. Victor laughed in good sport when Cedric suggested flying. To that, Victor offered to teach him the Wronski Feint, a move he had performed at the World Cup.

Of course, any training would have to be put on hold on account of the pitch being secured for the third and final task. It was news that all players in the school had been disappointed to hear.

"The rumors about Harry Potter?" Cedric asked just to be clear.

Victor nodded.

"Well… it could be true. I try not to judge people on what I don't know, but if he did, we could be competing with a real strong wizard."

"But ee ees just a boy," Fleur said in her accented voice. "Ee did not even put es name into ze goblet. Competing in ze tournament let alone fighting a werewolf, eet is not possible for a boy."

"To be fair, he did defeat You-Know-Who when he was just an infant," Cedric said on behalf of the supposed fourth champion.

"But he came back," Victor pointed out. "Ve all thought he vas dead."

"He still came a lot closer to finishing the monster than anyone else," Cedric reasoned yet again.

"Zhat maybe true, but why 'ide away if ee ees so talented?" Fleur asked. "'Zurely zhere must be a reason."

"Fame is not alvays good," Victor spoke before Cedric could. "I vould know. Vhereever I go, people act differently. Many ask vor autograph or picture. Ve at Durmstrang sit at Slytherin table because three other tables seem to avoid them." Even a visitor could see the inner disputes between the Hogwarts houses.

"I think Harry's popularity may be a bit more infamous though," Cedric said to the Durmstrang pupil. "No offense on your end."

"None is taken," Victor agreed. "Even at home, Potter's name is big."

"Oui," Fleur agreed as well. "Even een France, the name ees famous."

"Well, maybe a change of topic then." Cedric offered as they neared the pitch. The stocky form of Ludo Bagman was excitedly bouncing on his feet.

As soon as he saw them, his face split into a wide smile. "Ahha! Our champions have arrived!"

"Has something 'appened, Monseiur Bagman?" Fleur asked.

Victor nodded. "Yes. Vhy have ve been summoned?"

Bagman seemed more energized than usual. "Big news then everyone." He paused to build suspense. "Due to unforeseen circumstances, some changes have now been implemented by the Minister of Magic and the rest of the judges as well. You see, the Triwizard Tournament will be concluding soon with the third task!" Cedric watched his two rivals let out near-invisible sighs of relief. No doubt they wanted to just return home where it was safe.

"Bagman continued. "Yes, well, all good things must come to an end sooner or later. And in this case, sooner. What I am saying is, the task has been moved to six days from now! I'm sure you're all excited!"

"Are you mad?" Fleur demanded, her expression angry, one that did not suit her features. "Zhat ees not enough time. I want to go to back home to France, but this ees too sudden."

"I agree," Victor said. "Ve vere only told of vhat the task vould be a few veeks ago."

"And I assure you nothing has changed about that," Bagman assured the seeker. "The task is still the hedge maze with Mr. Diggory entering first, followed by yourself and Miss. Delacour and the first to find the Triwizard Cup will be the winner."

"If it's all the same, why move the date?" Cedric asked. There had to be more than just what was going on with You-Know-Who.

Bagman just smiled. "Well… there is one major change." They all held their breath with anticipation. "I have confirmation from Minister Fudge that our long-awaited fourth champion will make his glorious debut!"

Harry Potter was going to be here?!

"How?" was all Cedric could actually say.

"Well Dumbledore went over to that ship to talk things over with young Harry on behalf of the Minister. Knowing Dumbledore, he would have talked some sense into the Boy-Who-Lived for him to see reason. He'll be entering after all of you no doubt, being new and all. But it will give the spectators a chance to finally see the person we've all been waiting for this whole time."

Cedric frowned at the implication as well as the other two. When Harry's name had first come out of the Goblet of Fire, it had caused all sorts of media coverage. When it was becoming more evident that Harry would not be showing up anytime soon, things had started to die down a bit and the focus was back on just the tournament itself; not that Cedric desired attention, but he did enter fairly along with Fleur and Victor. So for Bagman to imply that they were just extras in someone else's game didn't sit right at all.

"Now that you've all been officially informed, I have to go and make a public statement!" Bagman practically bounced out of his shoes. "This task is going to bring a crowd, that's for sure!"

---

The damage inflicted to Malfoy Manor was nothing too substantial. Greyback had scratched up a few of the walls and family portraits, and the only real Death Eater who had been bitten was Crouch; a sure humiliation for the son of a Ministry official. Knowing Crouch however, Voldemort knew that he would try to rectify this embarrassing condition by seeking to prove that he was still useful.

And he could be, Voldemort wasn't one to just throw away followers who still could serve a purpose to him in the long run. Even if Crouch would now transform into a mindless werewolf every full moon, he still had magic.

Currently, the Dark Lord resided in the private dining hall of the manor, a light fire burned in the fireplace, magically charmed to rekindle itself from the ashes once the flames got too low. If he hadn't made the sacrifice to make his horcruxs null and void, he would be petting Nagini on her head just about now. The conversations he had with her were more memorable than any he had with his Death Eaters, not that he socialized with them much outside of their meetings, save for Bellatrix perhaps. But even so, the great snake had served her purpose as well in his movement to once more gain a body of his own. Still, her presence always provided an extra amount of intimidation when his Death Eaters met with him.

Not that the one he was expecting would require Nagini to be frightened into line.

"Enter, Lucius," Voldemort said, hearing the knock at the door. Voldemort didn't even have to turn around in his seat to see the humiliated look of Lucius having to be given permission to enter a room in his own abode.

"You wanted to speak with me, my Lord?" Lucius' voice sounded dry.

"Indeed I did. Tell me, Lucius, where were you and your wife when Greyback was rampaging around your mansion?"

"Narcissa, she… panicked, my Lord. She called the house elf to us and had him apparate us somewhere safe."

"Ah, I see. So it is your wife to blame for any injury one of your fellow Death Eaters would have sustained."

"No, my Lord!" Lucius was quick to respond. "I was also one to listen to her when she suggested it."

"How very Slytherin of you, Lucius. Self-preservation has always been a trait I admired, but running from a situation within your own home? Tsk. Actions like that make me doubt your conviction sometimes, Lucius, surely you can see why."

"I…" Lucius swallowed a lump in his throat. "I certainly do, my Lord."

"Because of that, I need to make sure that I can still trust in you, Lucius, and trust is so hard to come by in these times." He could almost feel the fear of anticipation radiating off of the head of the Malfoy family. "Come time for our attack on Hogwarts, I would have be the first to lead a team of Death Eaters onto the grounds."

"You… would put me in the infantry, my Lord?" Lucius had composure to his voice, but Voldemort knew he was hiding the dread beneath it.

"Your son will be in attendance in the third task, will he not? As a father, wouldn't you want to be in a position where you could secure his safety and well-being? Unless…" Voldemort let the word trail on a bit. "Unless you can give me a reason to have you in a more secure position."

With that, Lucius' voice changed to being more of the composed pure-blood he usually held. "Actually, my Lord, I believe I do."

He sounded sure of himself. "Oh, and what would that be, pray tell?"

"I've received an owl from Severus."

"Severus? Strange that I have not. Perhaps being in that school is making him question his true allegiance. Hm. No matter, what did Severus say?"

"The date for the third task has been moved, my Lord." Voldemort turned his head to stare back at Lucius.

"Is that so?"

"It is, my Lord." Lucius stood with confidence, sure his information was true. "I have sources in the Ministry that can confirm it as well. I can also write to my son as well if need be."

"And when is it to take place now?" Voldemort asked, never blinking once.

"Five days from now," Lucius answered evenly. "And apparently, the Minister is insisting Potter will be involved this time as well."

Five days? His return must have the Ministry and the old fool struggling to find a way to assure the public that they were truly safe. Potter's name alone would spark a false hope that they had nothing to fear and serve as a way to secure Fudge's position within the Ministry from the masses. It was actually laughable. If Potter had actually agreed to this or was being strong armed into doing so was completely irrelevant; the point was, Voldemort knew of this.

"If that is true, then you have just made me a very happy man, Lucius," Voldemort smiled a tight-lipped grin. "I, being the merciful lord I am, will instead have you serving in the reserve division. You will be safe there and be able to enjoy seeing your wife and son by the end of it all." He saw Lucius relax his shoulders at the news. "Now, go and inform Dolohov and Macnair that they are to go and meet with the giant forces I have secured for us. It would seem we will be striking sooner than expected."

The news obviously caught Lucius off guard as his eyes widened and the corner of his mouth twitched. "We are not going to wait, my Lord?"

"Waiting would be pointless, dear Lucius." Voldemort smirked. "The dragons that are being smuggled into the country will be arriving in two days time. You don't want dragons making a mess of your property until the initial day arrives, do you? I thought you were all about minimizing the costs you had to spend."

"I am, my Lord. I just-,"

"-You will inform them as I have informed you," Voldemort ordered his follower. "We will wait no longer; in five days time every magical community in the world will know the true power of my magical might."

And his long-awaited duel with Potter would take place at long last.

---

The shore by the Black Lake was especially nice today. The forecast only had a few clouds overhead, but not nearly enough to block out the sun which promised good weather for the rest of the day. The Durmstrang ship lightly rocked with the small waves and the other ship with Harry Potter and the rest remained still and calm farther out on the lake. Some other students were milling about on the actual shore, but Luna had managed to secure a tree to herself and was hanging upside down by her legs, her blonde hair almost touching the ground.

Of course, to Luna, she didn't just see the ground beneath her, she was seeing an image of Sonia laying down and looking back up at her, swatting at her dangling hair like she was some sort of house cat.

"That's some pretty big news there, Luna," Sonia said. "Just four days until that final task comes around?"

"Yes, that's what the judges said and the papers too. But I think they're making it a bigger deal than it really is."

"Yeah, it's because of that one guy with the glasses," Sonia made circles with her fingers and held them up to her eyes. "He really is a big deal around there, huh?"

"He is," Luna knew very well what was being said around the castle. "He was nice when I met him, a bit nervous around me like he didn't really know what I was going to do. Maybe he thought I was a vampire."

"I bet he thought you were something worse, like a fanatic!" Sonia smiled. "Griffith has no shortage of those."

Luna's smile lessened at the mention of the man who made her feel nervous. She thought about telling Sonia about Griffith just abandoning that boy in the woods, but she knew her friend would be too stubborn to believe he would do that. She decided to change the topic knowing how Sonia felt about the white-haired man.

"The papers said something about Harry being here for it, but I don't think he will. He seems nice and a bit shy to want any attention."

"What even is the third task anyway?" Sonia asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Oh, this one is a hedge maze," Luna answered. "Since this is the last, there wasn't really a reason to hide it. They even grew the hedges on the Quidditch pitch. A lot of the players weren't happy about that."

"Wait, we can actually see this task?" Sonia asked. Since making the connection with the other blonde girl, Luna had told her about the previous two before. But now that their connection was much stronger because of that tree acting as a sort of link, Sonia would be able to witness it as well.

"That's what it sounds like," Luna replied with a smile.

"Well, that sounds great!" Sonia beamed. "From what you told me before, that second one would have been really fun if you could see what was going on down in the lake. Couldn't someone have, I don't know, enchanted some crystal ball to see what was going on?"

"Maybe," Luna was inclined to agree. "But I think it was to build suspense, but it would have been useful instead of just staring at the lake for an hour."

"Well, will you be able to see down into the hedge maze?" Sonia asked.

"I hope so," Luna said. "I believe there are going to be a bunch of creatures inside as obstacles."

"Well sure, but actually being able to see into the maze itself would be really neat just by itself," Sonia agreed. "I would feel like a queen watching mice run around."

"Is there no hedge maze in Falconia?" Luna asked. From what she had seen of the city through Sonia, it didn't appear to be lacking in any means.

"We have a nice garden and all," Sonia shrugged. "The queen spends a lot of time there planning her wedding I guess. I don't know why, she doesn't really seem Griffith's type."

And they landed back on Griffith. "What makes you say that?" Luna asked.

"I don't really know," Sonia admitted with a playful shrug. "She's his biggest fanatic of all and Griffith doesn't even spend that much time with her. It must be for other reason he agreed in the first place, I don't know, I don't even like romance."

"That just means that the wrakspurts haven't invaded your head," Luna remarked.

Sonia smiled. "I owe that to your tip." She moved her hair out of the way to show a small raddish earring similar to Luna's.

"Oh! You actually made one."

Her exclamation drew the attention of a few Ravenclaws gathered by the shore. Luna spotted them staring and gave a friendly wave.

"Loony's talking to herself again," one of the girls said to her friends and was met with giggles.

Oh well, looks like they aren't in the mood to be friendly today. She looked back down at Sonia to see the other blonde narrowing her eyes at the giggling bunch of girls. "You okay, Sonia?"

"I don't like when they laugh at you."

"You don't get mad when Mule can't see you talking to me," Luna pointed out. From what she knew of the young Lord Wolflame, he was kind but narrow-minded.

"Mule never laughs to be mean," Sonia said. "I would let Rosine or Irvine have a few words with them to teach them to be nice."

"That would just make them afraid of me," Luna pointed out. "And I want people to be my friend because they want to be, not for any other reason."

Sonia looked like she was thinking that over. "I guess." She smiled mischievously. "I would still love to see that happen though."

"People can be mean sometimes, but they can be good too," Luna felt compelled to mention. "Most focus on the bad because that's what stands out the most. But when people do actually do something good, it makes it all the more important, I feel."

Sonia clapped a little. "You could give speeches before battle."

"Not really," Luna said. "I'd much rather eat some pudding."

---

Tick-tock, tick-tock, time was really flying by.

Things at the Ministry were still as hectic as ever, just three days until the third task was upon them and Dolores Umbridge was smiling to herself as she thought over everything that would occur in just three short days. Dumbledore would have already met with the Potter boy and delivered the ultimatum to him. And while she knew next to nothing about Potter personally, no sensible human being would willingly risk the wrath of the Ministry coming down on them. She didn't care how capable some of those muggles were, they had to have a limit like anyone else. Two – no! Four teams of Aurors should be enough should Potter not show up for the third task as intended.

And either way, if Potter showed up or not, her plan would come to fruition. If Potter left to compete, she would send the dementors in to finish the deed, and if not, they would be apprehended by the Aurors, taken to Hogsmeade Village where a sudden dementor attack would leave them as soulless husks. And the best part about it was she could blame the whole thing as being an attack from You-Know-Who.

Of course, with all the security put in place, Hogwarts would be quite safe and the dementors would be stationed just outside of the wards to wait before moving in and to avoid detection from Dumbledore. And it would be believable too, You-Know-Who already broke his most loyal followers from Azkaban so it was only a matter of time before the dementors sided with him anyway. She had to work fast to secure a few before that actually happened and it worked with her plan to move the third task to an earlier date.

Umbridge giggled to herself at the thought of a well-executed plan coming together to completion. Three days, that's all that was left.

---

"You are sure this report is sound, Severus?" Dumbledore leaned on his desk as both McGonagall and Snape met with him in his office.

"Yes," Severus drawled a bit. "He still plans on attacking the day of the third task. And he has managed to secure the allegiance of a giant clan as well."

Minerva was shaking her head, looking like she was ready to explode. "Giants now? Albus, please see reason!"

"I have talked with Bagman and Fudge, Minerva, both are adamant on continuing forth with the task."

"To the devil with both of them!" Minerva nearly shrieked. "You are the Headmaster of Hogwarts, your word should trump theirs on a matter like this, especially when student lives are in danger. Cancel the tournament if you must; just do not let it go on!"

"That would be ill-advised," Severus coolly spoke. "The three champions are magically bound to serve until the tournament has completed. Doing so would have catastrophic results to them."

"Yes, because you care deeply for them," Minerva said with fire to her tone. Her fierce temperament was only one of the reasons why she was second-in-command. "If it were one of your Slytherins that was competing, you would be saying many of the things I am now."

"Diggory is not one of your lions," Severus pointed out with disinterest.

"That does not mean he hasn't the heart of one! You saw what they had to face in the first task. And You-Know-Who is more dangerous than a dragon!"

"You raise a fair point, Minerva," Dumbledore tried to placate his deputy. "And I agree with you. But the others will not. They have a say as well. That does not mean I will let any harm come to any of our students," he added seeing the fury in her eyes. "I want you to gather all the teachers and have them at vital points around the school. Our priority is the Quidditch pitch, all the students and spectators will be gathered there. You and Filius are still more than capable."

Minerva looked a tad insulted. "Of course we are. Filius may be retired from dueling, but he remembers every move and charm there is. And James and Lily Potter studied under me. I don't need to remind you how skilled they both were." She shot a look over to Severus like she was expecting him to speak ill of the dead.

Severus remained quiet, more out of respect for Lily than James, of course.

"I will have the Order, those capable of fighting anyway, here as well."

"And that includes Black?" Severus asked with a slight sneer.

"The two of you will be comrades in battle soon," Dumbledore pointed out to the potions master. "Unless, you are standing with the Death Eaters and your allegiance has shifted."

Severus scowled deeply. "I have always known where my allegiance lies."

Dumbledore didn't even need to search his eyes to see if he was telling a lie on that. "Very well then. You each have your instructions then, see to it they are completed."

"And what of Potter?" Minerva asked with concern. "He does not plan to attend, have you told Fudge?"

"Cornelius is in need of a hard truth. No, I have not told him. I rather he finds out like everyone else." Dumbledore allowed a cheeky smile at the reaction the Minister would have.

---

A peaceful setting had come upon them at last. Too bad that tomorrow would bring about an end of that. If Harry borrowed a spyglass from one of the crewmen, he would be able to see out to that one sports area on the castle grounds. The hedges there had been grown so tall that he was able to see them as well. A few wizards were magically raising a few more stands, clearly expecting a big turnout for the task set for tomorrow.

"So, you're really not planning on competing?" Isidro asked of Harry, joining him and Schierke up on the main deck. Isidro used his teeth to pull a splinter from his hand. "Yeaow! Damnit!" he had just finished mock sword fighting with Casca. She had beaten him once again.

"I have no idea what the task even is," Harry pointed out. "I'd be going into it blind if I did."

"The headmaster did seem to neglect saying exactly what it was," Schierke recalled. "Maybe he was actually hoping you would refuse."

Isidro leaned against the rail. "Yeah, that guy seemed to have left out a few things."

Harry looked at him with mild surprise. "That's pretty attentive for you. What else did he leave out?"

"If this is a tournament, there must be some sort of prize money!" Isidro exclaimed with a greedy glint in his eye.

Both Harry and Schierke simultaneously deadpanned at his answer.

"That sounds…" Schierke began.

"Possible…?" Harry wanted to say.

"Hey, when I'm right, I'm right," Isidro put his arms behind his head. "You could mop the floor with those other three wizards no problem if you wanted."

"I don't think the last task would be some kind of fight," Harry said.

"Well how would everyone know who the strongest is?" Isidro plainly asked.

"Have you even paid attention to how magic works?" Schierke asked in mild annoyance. "Think of it like sword fighting, the strongest one isn't always the winner, but how they use their skills."

"You're wrong on that one," Isidro argued. "Guts has won in every fight I've seen him in."

"And he did it because he knows how to win," Schierke argued back.

"Annnnd, because he's super strong," Isidro said like it was the final word.

"Ugh, do you talk like this to Casca when you practice with her?"

"I can answer and say that he knows better." A new voice joined in.

"Greetings, Teachers," Farnese bid them as she approached with Casca.

Casca eyed Isidro who was idly whistling to himself to make himself seem inconsequential. Casca saw through it. "Didn't I tell you that strength doesn't guarantee victory?" Casca asked.

"Puck is always saying to hit as hard as I can," Isidro shrugged.

"And you listen to him?" Schierke spoke on behalf of Ivalera who was napping back in her cabin.

"If you want to live, listen to the one with experience." Guts had walked over as well.

Casca looked at him surprised. "You agree with not going full out all the time?"

"Sword fighting is about change. If you keep it the same every time, you die. Strength works, but it will only help out if you know how to use it." He looked at Isidro. "Listen to what she has to say."

"Very wisely spoken," Serpico floated down from one of the masts, his cloak billowing to slow his descent.

"And the gang's all here," Isidro leaned back on the rail some more. "Well, not the elves, but still."

Farnese smiled lightly. "It would appear so. It feels… right, in a way."

"Uh huh…" Isidro nodded, but not so much out of disagreement, but more of not really knowing what else to say.

"I would say so too." Their eyes were now drawn over to Casca. "I know that I might have been a bit… well, not myself for most of the time you've all known me; but really, I am glad that I got the chance to be with you all. And it's all the more important that we just try to survive whatever happens tomorrow."

Harry knew exactly what she was talking about. Aside from the tournament, Voldemort was suspected to attack the school and by extent, them as well. He had never really given that much thought to what might happen regarding Voldemort, he was an unknown phantom from a part of his past he didn't even remember and assumed he would never even come across not even knowing who he was or what he wanted.

And now, actually knowing that this wizard had actively tried to kill him once before and was also responsible for him ending up with the Dursley's, there was a bit of a pull to put an end to that part of the past. He had always assumed he would never be back to this astral layer, this "Ideal Plane" as Schierke had theorized; and it was clearly not the case. Midland was like a fantasy world come to life, a dream to almost escape from the darkness of that unknown past. But as the Eclipse had proved, there was no real escape from that darkness. Everyone had it in their hearts to do good or bad, that was just the reality of it. And reality always had a way of catching up to everyone sooner or later. But, if he had the choice, he would stick with the companions he had made, not the past behind him.

"This will just be another fight," Guts tried to ease Casca's worries. "Whatever trouble this Voldemort guy starts, just let me handle it, alright?"

"He'll probably be wanting to fight with me," Harry pointed out.

Guts looked over to him. "Yeah, well, I want to see if he's all he's cracked up to be. He has his magic, I have my sword."

"Yeah, that's the spirit!" Isidro pumped his fist. "You actually got me looking forward to tomorrow now!"

"Don't get eager for a fight," Casca advised him. "You might underestimate the enemy if you believe you can instantly win."

Serpico nodded again. "And, it may not concern us, but what about the students?"

"You mean the danger they'll be in?" Farnese asked for clarification.

"Indeed. We may not have any personal connection with any of them, but it would be a bit cruel if we leave them to suffer such a fate. But, my devotion is to you, Lady Farnese, as well as those here. I will follow in your lead, whatever you may decide."

"That Dumbledore guy will have his people be there," Guts reminded. "If they can't handle it…"

"Then we will?" Casca finished for him. Guts had an expression that indicated that may not have been what he was going to say. "What?"

"Nothing," Guts brushed it aside. "I was just going to say I'd follow your lead."

"My lead?"

"Yeah, you are second-in-command."

Harry just stared at Guts in surprise. The swordsman rarely, if ever, mentioned the Hawks or their old positions within them. He could have been doing it to instill some newfound confidence in Casca, but his face and tone both seemed like he already had full confidence in her. And Harry only hoped that she saw that too.

---

At last, the time had come. In fact, time actually seemed to be flying by at an unnatural rate. Breakfast had come and gone, classes hardly seemed to matter as even the professors were also anticipating what was to come. Lunch was just a social gathering, a minefield of excited chatter and speculation for what was to come. Dinner hardly seemed to matter, save for the three champions who only ate to feed their bodies and give them energy for the trial ahead. Dumbledore was not exempt from the energy in the air either. The only difference was his was out of anticipation of attack, not good-sported nature.

"Ees it time now, Dumblydoor?" Madam Maxime asked, her food hardly touched from where she sat at the staff table.

Dumbledore looked over to McGonagall who gave a small nod of her head, her attention mainly focused on the students sitting at their own respected tables. "Yes, madam, I do believe it is."

Putting his wand to his throat, Dumbledore said, "Sonos." And his voice became magically magnified for the entire hall to hear. "Attention everyone! The time has come for the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament. These past few months have built out champions up high to stand tall among all in the magical community, and tonight is to them. /may the best champion win and best of luck to you all."

Clapping erupted from the hall as students from all schools wanted to show support for their champion. Even Slytherin house managed to elicit a few claps for a Hufflepuff champion but they largely went unnoticed from the sound of the yellow and black banner table. From down on the staff table, Dumbledore saw Professor Sprout wipe a tear away at the thought of how far young Diggory has come.

"If could all please, file outside in an orderly fashion. Your prefects and head of house will escort you all to your seats." Dumbledore lowered his wand as the crowd already started to file outside to the setting sun.

It is so close now.

He was a good gambler, but he hated the game. At this point, Dumbledore could only hope that the crew on that boat would help when the time called for it.

Outside by the Quidditch pitch, students, faculty, and spectators alike flocked to their seats, a collective of chatter engulfed them as they continued to file in and wait for the upcoming finale. Dumbledore went to the stand that had been specially conducted to seat the judges, the Minister and other Ministry officials that were attending.

He spotted Madam Bones sitting behind Madam Maxime, but it was only due to Kingsley standing in attention by her side that he was able to spot her from behind the tall woman. Seeing him approach, Kingsley sent him a nod letting him know that he was ready and that the Order members were in position as well.

"So lovely to see you here, Amelia," Dumbledore greeted as he took the seat next to Maxime.

"Likewise, Albus," she greeted back with a professional tone of voice. "I wish I could be here without bringing a few squads of Aurors," she lightly glared over to where Fudge was talking with Bagman, "but I have little choice when I am threatened to be sacked if I don't cooperate."

"That is unfortunate indeed," Dumbledore agreed. "Let us hope it does not have to come to that."

Amelia scanned the crowds, spotting the security put in place. Her eyes drifted down to the start of the maze where the three champions were meeting with friends and family before the task officially started. "I don't see him anywhere."

"Neither do I." it was a bit hard to keep a small grin from appearing. It was made even harder when he saw McGonagall and Snape bring out the stool and Sorting Hat, placing right at the front of the judges stand.

"You spoke with him like the Minister asked?" she questioned.

"I did indeed."

"He knows what Fudge will order me to do if he is not here soon?" she also witnessed Harry's memories; she knew how violent things could get.

"I imagine that he does."

Their conversation was cut short as Ludo Bagman jumped from his seat and paraded around the three gathered champions, his voice magically amplified as Dumbledore's had been. "Ladies and gentlemen, good evening! Welcome all to the third and final task! We have a real treat planned for you all tonight; as you can all see, these hedges have been growing since the start of the school year, a great disappointment to all you Quidditch players, I know." The crowd laughed. "But your pitch will be back to normal after tonight, but first, let me explain the rules. For each of the previous two tasks, your champions have been gathering points based on daring and ingenuity, the points earned will determine the order in which they enter. In first place, Cedric Diggory!"

The crowd cheered in support, Amos being the loudest of them all.

"In second, the famed player himself, Victor Krum!"

Many sports fans and Durmstrang students gave loud cheers of applause.

"And in third place, Fleur Delacour!"

Many boys cheered and wolf-whistled while the French students gave polite claps that were overlooked by the boys vying for who could cheer the loudest.

"It is simple," Bagman continued. "Touch the cup which is hidden somewhere within the maze, and emerge victorious! But before our champions enter, I was informed we would be receiving another candidate."

Everyone knew who that was and instantly went silent as soon as Bagman mentioned it. The lingering thought among them had to be, "where is Harry Potter now?"

Bagman smiled and continued. "You must have all heard the news by now, that person is none other than our own Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter! And as you can see, he is not here just yet. No doubt he wants to make this an entrance we will not soon forget!"

Fudge was leaning over to quietly ask Dumbledore, "Well, where is he? You did talk with him, didn't you?" there was a panic to his voice.

"I did indeed talk with Mr. Potter."

Fudge was staring. "Well?"

"His answer was to be expected. I have told you before, Cornelius, I am Headmaster of Hogwarts, I cannot force someone who does not attend this institution to take part in an event that was rigged to have his name pulled. I'm sorry, Cornelius, but both of our hands are tied."

Fudge's mouth was shaking as his face began to turn red with fury. Umbridge chose that moment to join the conversation. "Well, I'm afraid that simply won't do, Dumbledore. One way or another, Potter will be here." She finished with an overly girly giggle. "Madam Bones, send out the Aurors."

---

Elsewhere, just out past Hogsmeade Village, multiple sharp cracks could be heard echoing down the deserted streets of the small village. No doubt all the residents were out watching and gathered at the school for the final task. Voldemort could practically roll his eyes at their absurdity.

But, it seems they weren't as incompetent as he had originally thought.

Two Aurors were racing toward the series of growing noises, wands already drawn but not at all prepared for the fate that soon awaited them. The two Lestrange brothers moved first, wands out, they cast the two words that had become Voldemort's two favorites.

"Avada Kedavra!"

Two jets of emerald light hit the ill-prepared Aurors square in the chest, killing them before they even hit the ground.

"Should we put up the mark now, my Lord?" Bellatrix hopped her way over the two corpses as they advanced down the main road.

"Not just yet," Voldemort instructed. "Let them first realize that their defenses are meaningless before my power."

Not a single light shone in any of the shops and homes they passed along the way, only serving to cement his thought that everyone really was at Hogwarts right now. When they approached the gate near the train station, Voldemort held up a hand for his Death Eaters to hold. He would wait a few more minutes to let the beast handling unit time to catch up. When he heard the roar of a dragon and the shouting of a giant, Voldemort knew it was time.

"Let us see how the power of Hogwarts holds against the magic that is my body!" Magic given to me through the abyss itself!

Voldemort reached his hand out, feeling a repelling force that was the first of the wards put up. Feeling a warm glow start to gather in his palm, Voldemort pushed that feeling away, making room for only the cool isolated feeling he was sued to. Sparks of green lights began to fly from where his hand was making contact with the invisible barrier.

And he pushed forward.

Dark blue sparks started sparking off next, a sign that his magic was corrupting the light protective barriers. He was already working his way past two and onto three and he hadn't even needed to use his wand at all! His body truly was magic itself. Youthful in appearance, but filled with knowledge and experience.

Four layers through now as shown by the purple sparks flying out and starting to arc upward like a firework show. Five layers in, the sparks were turning a rustic red, either from their natural source or his corrupting of it all. Six deep now and the red had turned to a bright, dazzling gold that was blinding to look at and even Voldemort found that he had to squint his eyes to see.

Seven layers in now. Seven, the most powerful magical number, the number of years taken at Hogwarts, and the number of horcruxs that he had wanted to make. The light and sparks were a blinding white and blue mixture and with a final push, shattered.

Starting from where his hand was and traveling up to cover a done-like shape around the castle and grounds beyond. Hogwarts was vulnerable.

"Prepare to advance," Voldemort ordered. But first, in memory of those two fallen Aurors, "Morsmorde!"

A glowing green skull appeared in the darkened sky. The image of a snake slithering out of its mouth followed suit. And if Voldemort listened carefully, he could hear the screaming already.

"Shall we attack the ship?" Bellatrix eagerly asked.

"Focus on the main populace for now," Voldemort said. "I have assurance that Potter will come to me."

---

From the deck of the Sea Horse Guts was put on instant alert when it looked like an invisible dome had suddenly shattered over them. Schierke, Farnese, and Harry all rushed up on deck too to see what had just happened.

"Schierke, you have any idea what did that?" Guts asked, his hand on Dragonslayer's hilt.

"I… the only explanation I can think of is that someone destroyed whatever wards they have set up."

Casca came rushing over and Serpico drifted down as well. "I've alerted the crewmen to be on high alert," the blonde informed. "Roderick will have them take their battle positions."

Puck was staring off into the sky, his eyes fixed on a new development. "What the heck is that?"

Indeed, it was a glowing green skull with a snake coming out of the mouth.

"I'll tell you what it isn't, good news." Guts eyed the shape with a narrow eye. Whatever it was suppose to symbolize, he could guess it had to do with the infamous Voldemort. And he would probably be right.

"Listen," Casca said, pointing off to where the tall stands of that pitch was located on shore. "They're screaming."

"He's making his move then," Harry said. He both his staff and sword at the ready.

Isidro was looking between all of them. "So, it's actually going down then?" he drew his Salamander Dagger, the orange glow provided some sense of serenity to the unease they were surely all feeling at this moment.

Casca's face held a grim look to it. "It would appear… so…" the way she was trailing off, Guts worried she was having some sort of flashback to that day.

"Hey, Casca! What are you…? Oh." He spotted it as well.

Flying in the sky was a large winged figure that nearly blotted out the image of the glowing green skull. It was quickly followed by another one of a similar make as one of them let out a loud shrieking roar that could probably be heard for miles around. Dragons.

"We can take those things on, right?" Isidro looked to Guts' sword. "That was made to kill dragons; it's even in the name."

Guts watched as one dragon broke off and went straight for the castle itself, perching itself atop one of the towers and letting out a large burst of fire as a show of dominance. The second one was flying much lower, closer to the tree line of the forest. It too let out a mighty bellow, spraying the tops of the trees with its fire. Trees with tops that brushed along the underbelly when it flew.

"If I get close enough, I can," Guts replied, a crazy idea coming to his mind.

"Are you being serious?" Casca asked her tone of disbelief and concern. "You've done plenty of reckless things before, but this is… this…"

"This is a battle. What's one dragon to a hundred men?"

She wanted to argue, he could tell she wanted to argue. It was only Serpico's voice that stopped her short of opening her mouth. "It's coming this way!"

The low-flying dragon was indeed flying their way. Some of the talons on its hind legs skimmed the surface of the Black Lake. It looks like this Voldemort just planned on using these dragons to create chaos and disorder. This one was flying and attacking without reason, and the other seemed to be trying to make the castle its new territory.

As the dragon got closer, Guts was able to get a better view of it. The scales were thick and colored a whitish-grey hue to it that made it almost look like a type of stone. A few horns and spikes protruded from along the side of its head and the leathery wings had a few holes in the webbing from previous fights that it had. It was rearing its head back with its mouth open wide as a warm glow started to manifest from within.

"Everyone down!" Guts yelled as he felt the heat release from the maw of the beast.

They all jumped out of the way and the blast would have been more fatal if Serpico hadn't acted quick with the use of his cloak and sword. A few swipes of his sword and the deadly flames were partially averted, but some small flames did catch some of the rail and at the base of the center mast where some rope had been coiled.

The dragon roared as it made the pass turn back around and charge them once more. "Hey, it's coming back!" Isidro shouted, the fire from his dagger seems minuscule to dragon flame.

"Harry," Guts turned to the young mage, "can you manipulate that things od or whatever to focus on me alone?"

"I… can try to hide ours and make yours stand out by comparison."

"Do that then," Guts instructed as he began to climb to the crow's nest.

"What the hell is he thinking?" Casca asked as she watched him climb as the dragon got neared.

"Everyone behind me!" Serpico started to take charge. "I can do my best to knock the flames aside!"

Guts swung his legs over the rail and into the crow's nest, seeing the dragon near at a much higher speed than before. He drew Dragonslayer and held the blade back a bit like he was about to spear a fish in a river.

"Godo, your sword is going to live up to its title." If only that old coot could see what he was about to do. The smith would call him a crazy loon and say he was about to die. But he would not pass up the chance to see his biggest failure live up to what it was meant to do all along.

As the dragon got closer, it also started to fly higher until it was no longer skimming the surface of the lake. It was flying up toward the crow's nest mast. Whatever Harry was doing, it was working. The dragon's pale eyes were focused solely on Guts. It reared its head back and Guts could feel a source of intense heat building up and ready to release.

With one foot planted on the rail, Guts jumped. The fire missed his head by inches, but they did manage to sear a bit of his already worn black cloak. He waited until the dragon was within range before thrusting his arm forward and stabbing Dragonslayer along the side of the underbelly.

"Wrrrrarrrrrghhh!" the dragon roared as it beat its wings in a fury, taking off higher into the sky. Guts holding on to Dragonslayer as the blade remained in the side of the winged creature.

"Fuck!" Isidro exclaimed at the sight. "He just stabbed a freckin' dragon!"

"He's getting higher," Schierke nervously watched. "He was probably counting on one hit to finish it." Knowing Guts, Harry knew he probably considered it, but knew this was going to be crazy from the start.

"The people out there," Farnese said as she had to tear her view away from the dragon to the scene that was playing out on the ground.

Tons of figures in dark robes seemed to have invaded, hurling jets of green light at people running and screaming. Then jets of red, purple, and orange light would be shot back by a multitude of other people trying to get the upper hand in the confrontation. For what it was worth, they were putting up a very decent fight but that all changed with the sound of loud, thundering footsteps.

Close to half a dozen giant… giants were lumbering their way onto the grounds. Most were equipped with bone clubs and rock hammers. They wasted no time in smashing up some of the stands that had been erected and kicking the debris up with a few corpses.

Seeing the new threat, many of what must have been Dumbledore's people began hurling a multitude of spells toward the giants, trying to either kill them or subdue them. Giants must have naturally thick skin as the spells seemed to do little more than irritate them. One of the smaller giants did fall after many spells finally pushed it to its limit, but even then, the ones dressed in black robes started throwing green light at the distracted wizards who fought the giants. They were caught between a rock and a hard place for sure.

"Teacher, surely there is a spirit we can contact to help!" Farnese asked of Schierke.

She nodded. "There are many in this area. Our best bet would probably be a spirit of the water to help with the dragon fire and those by the shore."

"Is there anything you would have the rest of us do?" Serpico asked.

"There is something I would have us do," Casca spoke. "Serpico, can your Sylphs bring down giants?"

"If… I was close enough, perhaps. I will need to rely on my speed but even then I may need assistance."

Casca turned to Harry now. "I know how you feel about being here, but-,"

Harry put a hand on her shoulder. "Whatever it is, I trust your plan."

Casca let out a sigh of relief. "Then let's get a lifeboat."

---

What the bloody hell? What the bloody hell? What the bloody hell?! Draco thought over and over as the third task quickly erupted into absolute chaos.

Honestly, what had he been expecting? His parents were playing host to the Dark Lord for Merlin's sake, he should have known that this was going to happen. Drat! He did know that this was going to happen! All those notes his mother had written to him telling him to stay safe, she was warning him about this!

Still, it had caught him off guard. He hadn't expected it to be this… this… violent? Sudden? Pretty much every other jarring word? What had he been thinking this would be.

But it was okay, he would be fine. Some of these people here tonight, they knew his father, they knew who he was. And they knew his father would be furious if any of them did any harm to the Malfoy scion. He was… safe.

Or so he thought.

He barely had time to duck his head as a jet of green light went soaring over him. it struck an Auror dead on, but the idea that that very well could have been him, that he could be lying there dead right now… his eyes opened to show the last signs of fear… he wouldn't be able to see his mother and tell her that he was staying safe.

He ran. He wasn't really picking a direction, he just ran.

The hedge maze was on fire and the three champions were entered into a duel with who Draco suspected to e Macnair and a large blonde Death Eater who started hurling curses known and unknown to Draco. One such spell shattered the Delacour girls shield with a single hit and he was about to finish her off before Krum hit him with a bone-breaker to the jaw.

Diggory took that opening to hit Macnair with a leg-locker before hitting him with two consecutive stunners. It looked like they had won, if not for the shape of a giant baring their way. Swatting chunks of burning hedge at them which they levitated and launched back toward its face in an attempt to blind it.

Draco ran from that too.

He passed by the charms teacher Professor Flitwick who was teamed up with McGonagall as they both started to unleash a combo of charms and transfiguration spells on another giant. McGonagall turned the club into a paper bat and Flitwick performed three spells in a well executed manner that had the giant's skin turning into a stiff position and creating several large cuts up to the shoulder.

He ran by them, not even bothering to stop to make sure they were alright. They were teachers, they could handle it. Not to mention Flitwick was once a professional duelist.

There! A spot that looked secure. It was the remains of the judges stand that had been erected. A giant had clearly already passed by considering it was split in half like it had been hit with a club. Draco rushed over and hurled himself over the splinter wood to take refuge. His hand came into contact with an tattered fabric. Looking down, he realized it was the sorting hat.

Fat chance of Potter actually showing up to this madness now!

Believing he had found a safe spot, Draco nearly had a heart attack when someone else jumped over the debris, dragging another person along with them. Draco nearly hexed them before he recognized who it was.

"What the hell are you doing here, Longbottom!" Draco demanded of the Gryffindor boy. "And why do you have Loony with you?"

"Same as you," Longbottom told him. "Trying to stay alive."

"Do it somewhere else!" Draco snapped. "This is my spot!"

Lovegood appeared more attentive by still her loony self. "They're called Death Eaters, they follow You-Know-Who, Sonia."

Great, she's gone crazier.

"Shove off, both of you!" Draco yelled. "I don't want to get found!"

In a move of boldness, Longbottom spoke back to him. "Isn't you father with them?"

"Shut your mouth about my father! I didn't know this was going to happen." I did. I did know. "Just get out of here already."

"Sonia says to stop yelling and to play dead," Lovegood started again.

"Play dead?" Draco parroted. "That sounds a real great way to end up dead!"

"Gnnnghhh!" the sound of a giant mumbling shut Drao up instantly. A swing of a mighty club sent some of the cover they had away and the three students were staring at the leg of a lumbering giant that was smiling down at them with many missing teeth and fish bones in his beard.

And it was reaching down for him. reaching down to pluck him up and kill him.

Kill him.

He was… going to die?

He wanted to raise his wand, perform a spell, but the words just weren't leaving his mouth. Was… this really how he was going to die? Him, the proud Malfoy scion? Was going to die.

A breeze blew past his hair and a warm liquid fell on his head.

Was this it? Had he been eaten?

No. No. This liquid, it was… blood.

The giant pulled its hand back, a large cut having appeared from nowhere. That wasn't until Draco saw the blonde man in the green cloak seemingly float to the side with a sword that seemed to be made from a large feather.

With a few slashes in the air, the man pointed his sword at the giant and it was as if the cuts he made suddenly connected with the target. More cuts appeared along the giant's skin as blood started leaking and parts of the armor fell away.

Did he… have a weapon that controlled the wind?

He was so engrossed by this new arrival he nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a gloved hand touch his shoulder. Knowing it wasn't Longbottom or Lovegood, he spun around, wand in hand to come face to face with a young woman who he had never seen before.

"What the… who… who the hell are you?!"

"Are any of you hurt?" she asked. Dark eyes darted between the three of them.

Too stunned to answer himself, Longbottom spoke. "No. We're… fine."

We're far from fine, you idiot!

"Hello, Miss. Casca," Lovegood addressed the woman. How did she know her name?

As if it couldn't get any stranger, another voice cut in as well. "Fear not, children! I, the Black Moustache Knight am here to provide aid!" a stocky man in full plated armor armed with a crudgel came huffing over.

Who the bloody hell is this fool now?!

"Please escort them to a safe location," the blonde said to the knight, doing so as he evaded a swipe from the giant and moving behind its leg to cut at the muscle there.

"Of course, follow me, young ones!" the knight exclaimed.

No surprise, Lovegood followed without question. He and Longbottom were not so trusting. "Listen to him," the woman, Casca advised, her tone dead serious. "I'm going to stay and help him."

Draco looked her over, she only had a dull sword at her side. What good was she going to do with that? "Help him?" Draco looked over to see the man was practically hovering in the air as he landed more cuts along the back of the giant's leg. "Help him with what?"

"I – what is that?" her eyes were drawn to the Sorting Hat which Longbottom was holding onto for some reason. But the hat was sagging. Something was poking out the bottom of it. Draco caught sight of a well-polished hilt with a ruby as her hand seemed to reach out to take it.

It was a sword. But not just any sword. Draco read the name engraved along the side of the blade; Godric Gryffindor.

Who the bloody hell is this woman?

---

The wind whipped through his hair, stinging his lone eye with the chill of the night. Guts was holding onto Dragonslayers hilt for all it was worth as the dragon seemed to have reached the apex of its ascent and was trying desperately to shake him off.

It was twisting its body, but Dragonslayer was embedded deep enough that the only way it was coming out was through Guts' own will. And considering he was hundreds of feet in the air, that wouldn't be happening anytime soon.

Sensing that this might be the case, the dragon suddenly dived down, trying to use the forces against him. But Guts grip remained tight, not willing to budge an inch to the dragon. He was so focused on hanging on, he had little time to bring his legs up as the hind leg tried to scratch him off like he was some kind of flea or other insect.

The talons barely nicked his armor, but his movement was enough to assure the dragon that he could be shaken off if it tried enough. What happened next nearly sent Guts falling. The dragon decided to use its tail like a whip to come around and smack him across his shoulders. It was like a horse using its tail to swat flies.

"Gngh!" Guts grit, feeling the full impact of that hit. Even if the armor wasn't penetrated, he wasn't using it so he felt the pain that came with it.

The tail came around again, smacking him once more, this time closer to the base of his spine. Guts' eye was now following the motion of the tail, waiting to see when it would strike next. He had to time this just right, just before the tail would strike.

For a third time, the tail came around to the side and Guts pulled himself up using Dragonslayer like a bar and propping himself on the dragon's back. "Got you now." He yanked the massive blade free from the side and made ready to start hacking away, but paused in his action.

He was still too high up. if he killed the dragon here, he would fall as well. He had to get this thing grounded before he did anything. Guts chose his new target, the left wing.

His blade easily cut a new mark in the webbing of the wing. As expected, the dragon started to list down and to the left. Seeing the effect he was having, Guts made several more jagged cuts along the wing, the dragon having no choice but to use its right wing as support and try to ground itself.

As they neared the ground, the dragon turned its head back to stare at the pest that had climbed onto its back. It opened its maw and Guts felt a surge of heat building up that contrasted with the cool breeze of flying in the night sky.

A torrent of flame was about to be unleashed on him. Guts quickly aimed his prosthetic arm toward the open maw and pulled the cord.

Baboom!"

A powerful cannon shot fired straight into the open maw of the dragon, filling its mouth and nostrils with smoke and debris, the dragon began spiraling down closer to the ground. "Rwwrrryyy!" the dragon cried out as its legs touched solid ground.

No sooner had that happened than Guts grabbed his sword once more, worked his way up to the head, jumped from the neck and brought his sword around in a full arc. Warmblood shot out at him as the head of the dragon fell to the side, its body giving one last spasm before falling as well.

Dragonslayer had lived up to its name.

Wiping some of the blood from his eye, Guts noticed that some had actually stopped to witness the sight. Some of which included a group of three kids who stood stock still and white as a sheet. The one in the middle held a weird metal box and it made a flash of light when he pressed something.

"Get the hell out of here, dumb kids." His voice heaved of exhaustion and it was enough to send the group off to a safer location.

"My, what a tremendous feat you have accomplished."

Guts turned to glare at the source of the voice. "So, you the leader of these freaks?"

The man with dark hair and red eyes smiled coyly with a dangerous glint to his stare. "I would not normally answer such a question that does not end with 'my Lord,' but given your accomplishment, I will forgive it." He smiled. "You have the privilege of being addressed by Lord Voldemort."

Guts spat at the corpse of the dragon. "I hear you're a real pain in the ass."

Voldemort's smile never faded. "Such a crass attitude. No need to figure out who you are with a sword that size, you can only be the Black Swordsman."

Guts' eye narrowed. "So you're an apostle then. Haven't seen one of you in a while. Haven't killed one of you in a while either."

"The one called Zodd spoke highly of you. He warned me to be careful should I ever encounter you. But looking at you now," Voldemort's red eyes scanned Guts over. "I don't see what he was referring to. Did killing that dragon take all you had?"

Guts started toward him. "You sound willing to find out." His eye never left Voldemort's.

"Do you expect your sword to be mightier than my magic?" Voldemort asked as he drew a long, bone-white wand.

Guts leveled Dragonslayer as Voldemort raised his wand. The battle between magic and steel was about to begin.

---

A/N: This and the next two chapters have been the ones I've been waiting to get to the longest. Thank you for reading.