Chapter 15

Harry awoke with a start. He looked around quickly grabbing his wand and pointing it all over the room looking to block the incoming curse, but nothing came. It was the day of the third task, and he couldn't help but think so much for a good night's sleep.

He had been having the dream of Voldemort rising for the past several months, but they have gotten more and more frequent, and today his scar was burning. He had never had the sensation before he came to Hogwarts, and at first he thought it was the stress of the tournament, but after the first task he could honestly say the stress was nothing compared to the U17 Championship.

The boy swore quietly as he decided to rise from his bed, and figured it was time for the day to begin. It was 6am so he decided to go ahead and head down to the Grounds. Daphne wouldn't be there for another hour to hour and a half, but there was nothing else to do.

As he rose and changed into his workout clothes he silently pondered the day. He was very much ready for this tournament to be over so he could get on with his life, and focus on his training and preparing for the Summer. He was also almost finished with all his parent's extra assignments, and was ready to see them again for some more work. He had been studying spell creation for the past six months, and was very much ready to see if he could put it into action with a few ideas that had been bouncing around in his head.

When he reached the grounds he stretched and took a deep breath breathing in the air. He looked out to the grounds, and smiled as he broke out into a run, and launched himself into the air transfiguring into his animagus side. The powerful 200 pound panther hit the ground, and bounded off into the woods, and decided to go for a last minute exploring adventure, but before he made it to the treeline he heard a gasp, and he turned to see a beautiful blonde girl admiring him from the distance.

Harry slowly trotted towards the girl and sat down directly in front of her, and she tentatively touched him, "You are so beautiful. Will you teach me how to do this? It's such a perfect piece of magic."

Purring quietly Harry transfigured himself back to his human form, and rose to his feet quickly to be face to face with her, "What are you doing down here so early? I thought you'd be asleep for another few hours."

The girl gave a strained smile, but shook her head, "I was too nervous to sleep, and I thought you might be too. I was sitting in the Slytherin Common Room, and I don't know I just thought I would run into you this morning."

Harry smiled at the girl and put a hand on her cheek, "I am glad you came. I would love to teach you the animagus transformation we can work on it this summer. I warn you not everyone has the gift though. I think we have lots to do this summer if we are going to get you on the circuit, and work on your animagus transformation."

The girl grinned as he started walking towards the Dark Forest, and she followed him bumping him on the shoulder, "Sounds like we will be spending lots of time together this Summer."

Harry rolled his eyes slightly, "I know I just can't seem to get rid of you."

Daphne huffed slightly and pushed him causing both to laugh, "I am just kidding you know I love you."

This made the girl stop and look at him, and he stopped too, but didn't look back at her; instead he just looked out towards the woods. Forward. That's all he wanted to do in life right now was go forward, and he had no interest in what was behind him, except making sure the girl standing next to him kept up. She wanted to comment, but all she did was smile and walk up to him, "So are we going to duel today? Or are you going to save your strength?"

The boy let out a slight sigh of relief that she wasn't going to tease him for his slip, or grill him if he really did. It was something he very much liked and respected about the girl she didn't really pry, "I definitely have some time to drill a little bit today. Maybe we will avoid the full out duels, but I will think of this as a warm up. I want to work timing with you today. It's important and a fundamental skill we will work on at the Ilvermorny Dueling Camp this summer."

Daphne listened with rapt attention, and watched Harry as he went a few paces over and began to explain, "So what I want you to do is watch how I throw stunning curses, and what I want you to do is try and time me and shoot first, or immediately after. I want an instant response. For example, throw three stunning curses at me okay."

Daphne nodded and did as she was told. She was shocked that as soon as she was getting ready to fire the second curse she was disarmed. How had he done that? She stared at the boy in surprise, but he merely grinned, "Useful right? Doesn't really work on super elite duelist because they are constantly using a different spell variety, but on the regular country circuit I think you can catch lots of people off guard with it. Something I want you to understand is that in the U15 divisions most of your duels will last 1-3 minutes long, and there will be some tournaments that you duel 5-10 to times in a day so you need to make sure you are beating the scrubs as quickly as possible so you can conserve your energy. Do you understand?"

Daphne shook her head in understanding, "I don't understand why don't I see anyone else use this tactic?"

Harry shrugged, "Most people don't have the speed to execute it, and others don't have the patience to learn it. Usually you will get stung more times then you get it especially as you are practicing it at the beginning. I think you are good enough to get it pretty quick though. Just be prepared that every weekend we are going to be competing. Most of the time I will save my energy and just coach you, but for the big ones I will fight. You understand right?"

In understanding she merely nodded up and down and tried to focus on her goal, and when Harry asked if she was ready she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "Yes. Let us begin."

Her first few tries resulted in a few stinging hexes hitting her hands, but then she started to get it after a little bit, and then she was timing him almost instantly, and a few times before he could even get the curse off, and suddenly Harry called the practice with a smile, "I would love to keep practicing, but you are going to hurt me accidentally, and that would be tough to explain later."

She smiled in pride, and Harry kissed her on the head when they got in close and threw his arm around her, "You are a quick study. Thank Merlin. I don't know if I would have patience for a slow learner."

Daphne laughed, "I think you would be great regardless. You have a real knack for teaching you know? Maybe you should consider it one day when you are done with your serious dueling, training, and accomplishments. Who knows maybe you will be a headmaster one day."

Harry merely rolled his shoulders in uncertainty, "I don't know about all that. But it would be something. Want to go for a little walk before we go back and face the day?"

Daphne grinned, "I thought you would never ask."

The two separated a little bit, and held hands as they walked towards the black lake. They had walked around most of the lake before Daphne asked, "You promise to be careful tonight right? It's just one more task, and then you will be safe for the Summer. Please I don't care if you win or not I just want you to come back safely."

Harry nodded taking a serious look, "I am going to end this as fast as possible. I am going to just stick to the plan, and it should all be fine. I promise you I will do my best to be careful."

"I just have a really bad feeling about this. I think whatever the plan to get you in these tasks is about to become very clear to us, and it could be in the worst way possible. I don't mean to make you anymore nervous, but I want you as sharp as can be, and on your toes at all times. I think your plan is pretty solid as long as you can perform the magic side of it. Just please don't let that lure you into a false sense of security. Be ready for anything." Daphne said carefully.

Harry merely looked ahead, and said nothing. Mostly because he agreed with her. So far there had been no interference in the tasks, and he was starting to have that brief sense of security that some fanboy or girl entered him into this tournament, but what if it was a sinister plot, and it all came ahead tonight. It was a definite possibility, "I will do everything I can to come back to you Daph I promise. Just be ready to celebrate tonight okay?"

The girl smiled, and nodded kissing him on the cheek as they completed their circle, and went back to the castle and went there separate ways to shower, and meet back at breakfast.

The uneasy feeling lasted throughout the day, and when lunch came around Dumbledore told Harry that his family was coming to meet with him before the third task as per tradition, and when he met with Daphne at lunch the Flamels, Sirius, The Greengrasses, and his friends from the dueling circuit had returned.

Many hugs and greetings went around between the friends and family, while even Daphne was able to join in on the hugs with a few as she was also glad to see her boyfriends friends and family along with her own. Harry went to Mr. Greengrass with a smile, "Thank you for coming out to support me. I think you guys will really enjoy the show."

Cyrus Greengrass smiled happily, "Well I made a bet on you, and I am pretty confident I am going to be up a few galleons by the end of the day so I hope I enjoy the show."

The women rolled their eyes at this and Harry chimed in quietly, "You are getting that money I can almost guarantee it. Hope they offered you pretty good odds."

The man sighed sadly, "Not as good as I hoped, but it's not bad. Make a little bit of chump change. So you have a plan I assume?"

Harry laughed this time, "Your daughter might not have even have let me into the maze without one, but yes I have a plan, and I am confident."

Sirius spoke at this one, "I hope you will let me in on this one so I can offer some advice this time, I am not sure I like that Daphne has replaced me as your confidant."

Daphne came up to Harry's side and allowed him to wrap an arm around her saying, "I am just that much prettier Sirius. Sorry."

This caused the man to roll his eyes, but smile as he saw his Godson smile when his girlfriend kissed him on the cheek, and offered the man a drink, along with handing his godson one as well. Nicholas and Pernelle watched with amusement, and genuinely liked their son's choice in women, and just bemusedly watched their antics. Nicholas came up to his son and squeezed his shoulders, "You know your mother and I worry about you, and if you need any last minute help or advise you know you can ask right?"

"I know dad, but I have a plan, and Daphne is the only one that knows. Just trust me, and sit back and watch the show. I can promise you it's going to be amusing, and...lets just say it will be over quick." The boy said a wicked grin.

This led to some interesting looks towards the boy, but he said nothing else on the matter, and began talking with Mr. Greengrass on the upcoming Summer, "I am telling you it would be great for Daphne. The program is really good, and lots of famous witches and wizards from all over come in for the camp, along with all my friends here who are all champion winning level duelists. It's too bad this is the first year she would be able to go, had she been going for years she would be a national champion by now I am sure of it."

Michael who was standing nearby chimed in, "No doubt Lord Greengrass your daughter has some serious talent. Our friend Sierra duels on the international circuit, and Daphne stood with her for nearly five minutes, which I can assure you some adults would struggle to do. The camp is hosted at my school, and it is super safe, and a lot of fun, along with a great chance to make international contacts."

Lyoto who was just hardly listening said, "It's true she surprised all of us that day. She was great."

Lord Greengrass beamed upon his daughter with a bit of pride and said, "Well what is the cost and length of the camp?"

Harry waved his hand, "If she goes with me I will pay for it all. Assuming she is allowed to duel on the local circuits when we get back then she will be dueling as one of my duelists, and I would be happy to sponsor her on this trip, and maybe even try and let this begin my recruitment process to bring some duelist onto a team I want to make. The camp is for two weeks though, but it's Monday through Friday, and then we have a weekend to hang out and have fun in America, and then another week of training. It's long days, but it's a lot of fun."

Lord Greengrass smiled at the offer, "That would be excellent, yes I think I could see the benefits of this, if nothing else it would bring her some great international contacts. I bless this so far, and I would love to see the fliers just to confirm what you all are saying."

Sierra came over at that point saying, "Michael will be running a portion of the camp this year since he is a pro now, and I brought a bunch of fliers for him to give out, and try and bring in some more Hogwarts students to it next year. I will make sure you get one before you leave tonight."

The man nodded with a smile, and the time flew by and Dumbledore announced that it was time for the Champions to head down to the task, and for the schools to head down shortly. Harry stood up as did the other champions, and applause went up through the hall, and Harry hi-fived his friends and gave some hugs to his family and a kiss to Daphne as he left the hall and followed the other champions down to the pitch.

As the four walked alone towards the grounds Harry asked, "Nervous?"

No one said anything for a moment until Krum said, "Yes. I have heard terrible stories of this final task, and I can only hope they have fixed it after all these years."

Fleur nodded, "The stories I have read in the books have kept me up these past few nights, but I am as ready as I can be."

Cedric however sighed, "I am just ready for it to be over."

Harry just nodded and silently thought that the tournament was basically already over unless something crazy and unexpected happened.

As they reached the built stadium there were four different doors that were labeled with the champions name, and the group all gave one last smile, and wishes of good luck and went into their own sections, and entered their private locker rooms before it all began.

When Harry entered his locker room he began pacing. The plan was set, he just had to execute it. There wasn't even a reason to be nervous or anticipate it. The tournament was over and the other champions just didn't know it yet.

A few minutes later Sirius entered the tent with Nicholas, and the two were looking grim as they stepped in, "They are ready for you Harry."

Harry nodded and started walking towards the door, when Nicholas stopped him with a hand on his shoulder, "Be careful out there son. This task is designed to test you."

"Don't worry dad I think you will be pleasantly surprised. This task is in the bag, and the magic I will control is going to shock the world." Harry said confidently, and both men stared at the boy with a bit of admiration.

Sirius spoke calmly, "Good luck out there Pup go show the world what you can do."

Harry nodded and both men put a hand on his shoulder as they marched out into the tunnel. They slowly walked out of the tunnel towards the light, and when they made it to the light the cheering started and it was thunderous. Harry held both hands up as he walked out to the middle, and both his father and Sirius let him go, and watched him go forward with pride.

Ludo Bagman was announcing the task, "There is the leader of the tournament, and our youngest participant Harry James Potter. He has dominated the first two task, and we are all looking forward to seeing his final performance on this momentous occasion."

When Harry walked over to the other champions they all gave him nods, and he just grinned. Dumbledore then gave the announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen thank you for coming. This is the final task of the Triwizard Tournament and the task is simple. Find the center of the maze, and that is where the cup will be. Good luck to our champions, and may the best witch or wizard win!"

With this in mind Dumbledore motioned for Harry to step towards the maze, "Mr. Potter is in first place, and he gets a five minute head start. At the sound of the cannon."

The cannon went off immediately, and instead of running like everyone thought he would he merely drew his wand and stared at the maze defiantly. The cheering stopped after a few seconds and the confusion set in, but Harry flicked his wand towards the hedges saying, "Incendio."

A jet of fire flew from his wand and it washed over the hedges, but when the fire subsided however the hedges were completely unharmed. Ludo Bagman announced, "I hope that isn't the only plan Potter had for this task. The hedges are enchanted to be fire resistant, and he will need something much more clever than that to get through this task. His advantage and clock is ticking away, but he has not even entered the maze yet."

Harry smirked and began drawing a slight pattern with his wand, and drew a rune in the air that created flames in the air, and suddenly he pointed his wand at the maze, and spoke calmly, "Fienfire."

A jet of dark red fire then shot out of his wand and the crowd gasped in horror at what he was attempting. However the fire was still not big enough, and Harry watched in shock as the hedges resisted his power, but then his eyes squinted in determination, and stopped the fire making it disappear. Many were shocked that he called it back, and even more were surprised that he made it stop, but that was nothing compared to what he did next. He then closed his eyes to focus for only a moment before he opened his eyes and screamed out lashing out with both wands causing an eruption of fire to shoot towards the maze instantly torching the thing to the ground and he held the flame easily as it spread through the maze at a ridiculous speed and tore through it all with ease. A minute passed and Harry summoned all the flames to the sky when he saw a glow towards the middle of the maze come, and then brought it all to him causing many to scream in the crowd, but he had activated the rune that was floating in front of him since the beginning, and the Rune lit up and absorbed all the fire.

Suddenly the maze was gone, and Harry could see the middle of the maze as he gasped for breath. Suddenly Ludo Bagman came back on, "Incredible. Never have I seen someone control the dark fire like that before. Even in Headmaster Dumbledore's prime I am unsure he could have planned something so brilliant. Potter has a minute and thirty seconds left, and all he has to do is walk in a straight line and grab the cup for his victory. What a tactic, what a display of power and magic, what a champion!"

Harry held his hands up as the cheering began as the other champions stared in shock, as the boy began marching towards the middle of the maze. It didn't even take him a minute to get it, and when he reached the cup he took a deep sigh of relief. He saw a magical creature begin to approach though and wasted no more time admiring the shiny cup, and once he grabbed it he felt the familiar feel of the tug at his stomach, and he warped back to the front of the maze where people were cheering. Harry held his hands up in celebration and readied himself to be embraced by Sirius and the others, but instead he felt the tug again, and he whirled his way a long way, and when he landed the Portkey went flying out of his hand, and it disappeared.

He quickly drew both wands, and looked around. He was in a graveyard by the looks of it, and it was really cold. He looked around worried. Where was he?

His adrenaline was pumping, and suddenly someone stepped out of the house nearby, and he heard a voice, "Bring down the boy."

Suddenly he heard a yell, "CRUCIO!"

Harry however was quick to dodge and spur into action at the first site of a spell. If it was a duel someone wanted it was a duel they would get. Harry quickly began firing his long range spells at the man he could not quite yet see, but suddenly a pop came from nearby, and Harry gasped throwing up the nearby ground to absorb another torture curse, but the sick voice he heard before commanded, "Peter summon our back up now!"

Suddenly two flashes of green light came flying towards Harry and he was forced to now fight the attacker who flung the killing curses at him in rapid succession, and before he knew it over a dozen apparation pops rang throughout the graveyard, and the sick voices commanded, "Take the boy down alive."

This time Harry's eyes widened as dozens of spells flew towards him, as he threw up a giant shield, but it did not stop the red torture curse that struck him as he fell to the ground screaming in pain. It was unlike anything he ever felt. It felt like he was being burned all over his body. He quickly remembered he could apparate, and attempted but with a booming pop sound he landed back on the ground screaming in further pain.

{A/N} Have a few already written chapters left, but this update was a long time coming. Hope you all enjoyed, and prepare for the showdown in the graveyard next week! Cheers.

After a few moments the sickly voice laughed, "Welcome Harry Potter. I had not intended for things to happen this way, but it seems you and my followers will get the chance to witness my resurrection!"