A/N - JKR owns everything familiar.
A/N -Read, enjoy, and review. I didn't mean to complain about the reviews --- it was just a little disheartening.
Chapter 54
Frightening Fifth
Harry was ready to eat again. Of that he was sure. He didn't need the snake to tell him twice. As soon as it disappeared and the plate of meats and cheeses appeared, Harry tore into it like almost any teenage boy would. He knew, however, that being able to sleep would be an entirely different matter.
There wouldn't be any sleeping for him until the fifth task was completed - for good or for bad. But he would worry about that later. When he finally ate his fill, Harry started reviewing spells that he learned within the last year or two over in his head. His conscious brain realized that this last little bit of preparation probably wasn't going to make him any better off for the last task but his subconscious recognized that doing anything was better than sitting around and going stir crazy.
So he continued reviewing spells. He went over and over them in his head.
About two hours later the snake returned.
"Hello. Is the fifth task about to begin?" Harry asked the familiar visitor.
"Yesssss Harry Potter. After each of usssss tellsssss each of you three the rulesssss the fifth and final chore will indeed begin."
"Rules? How many rules are there?"
"I will get to that. The fifth chore will be like a duel --- "
"DUEL? You said earlier that there wouldn't be any duels. You said that it was too dangerous and that too many wizards died in these duels, even the winner. You said --- "
"SSSSSilence Harry Potter. The fifth chore isssss LIKE a duel. But only LIKE a duel. The Mugglesssss would call it a virtual duel."
Harry racked his brain for any vague memory of a virtual dual. Whatever it was, he was pretty sure that it had never occurred on Privet Drive. He did remember overhearing Dudley talking about something or other virtual. Briefly he let himself consider the possibility that the final task was a computer game. Finally he decided to just ask the snake.
"What's a virtual duel?"
"Likenesssssesssss of each of the three of you will appear in the sssssame area. Each likenesssss will be battling each of the other two. Each of you will control your image from your own room. You are eliminated from contention when your likenesssss isssss killed. You will feel none of what happensssss to your image. Do you underssssstand what I have ssssaid ssssso far?"
It seemed simple enough. "I think so. But how do we control our likeness?"
"Your image will do whatever you do here in the room. If you jump, it jumpsssss. If you throw the killing curssssse, it will throw the killing curssssse asssss well."
Harry thought for a second before saying, "I see. But how will I know what I should do?"
"What do you mean Harry Potter?"
"I know that my likeness does what I do but I don't know how I can see the same things that my likeness does. How will I know what I should be doing?"
"I wasssss getting to that --- "
"S--- Sorry," Harry mumbled while directing his eyes to the ground and generally looking properly sheepish. After all, this snake was the only one willing to share information with him. The last thing he wanted to do was upset it.
They both waited in utter and complete silence for over a minute before the snake decided to continue sharing his information.
"The room you are currently in will be magically altered to replicate what your likenesssss isssss looking at. You can look up, left, right, and down and you will sssssee what your image isssss looking at. When you walk here in the room, your image walksssss. Very clever sssssome of the Mugglesssss. You will be awed by what you sssssee."
Harry only nodded. He didn't want to risk interrupting the snake again.
"I mentioned rulesssss earlier."
Harry blinked but didn't otherwise move in any way.
"One. There will be no outssssside help. No one except you three may participate. Don't even try."
Harry nodded.
"Two. You are eliminated when your image isssss either killed or deemed unable to continue."
Harry nodded again.
"Now, do you have any other questionsssss for me?"
He thought for a second. "Yes. If the likeness is just like us then does that mean that I can't kill the likeness of Voldemort?"
"That is correct. But remember, there are other waysssss to succeed. Do you have any other questionsssss for me?"
"When do we start?"
"When we sssssay. You will know when the time comesssss." And with that, the snake vanished.
Alone in the ten by ten room, Harry wondered how he could possibly win this chore. His only plan was to follow his instincts; hopefully they would guide him as well as it did in the past. Harry began to try to formulate some semblance of a plan but before he was even able to devise his opening strategy, the room around him began to suddenly change. The walls, floor and ceiling began to shimmer albeit gradually at first but that soon gave way to a quick and final change.
After a few seconds, the images began to still. Harry was extremely surprised at what he saw. Even though the snake had just briefed him, he was almost positive that he was standing outside. He would have wagered five Galleons on it.
He could smell the green grass he was standing on. He could watch the individual blades give way beneath his feet. Beads of perspiration were starting to form on his forehead because of the glistering sun. His cloak was flapping slightly due to the light breeze. He was awed.
His first instinct was to test out the image. He wanted to make sure that he could control his image self just like the snake had said.
"WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA" Harry aimed his wand at a tree limb laying on the ground nearby. Sure enough --- the limb sprung to life just like it was supposed to.
As the gravity and reality of the situation began to sink in, Harry quickly decided that he needed more time to think this through. His instinct told him to find a good place to hide, so he did. After he was safely tucked into a niche between some rocks he started to think through his current circumstances.
The images all seemed real enough but Harry hoped they weren't too real. First and foremost he wanted to know if his scar would be hurting any time soon. The snake told him that he was protected within his room --- and technically he was still inside his room --- so he was hoping that he wouldn't have that particular obstacle to overcome. Time to move on to his next concern, he reasoned.
What would happen if he dueled with Voldemort? Harry knew he hadn't gotten a new wand since the end of last year and he doubted that Voldemort had. This meant that if he dueled with Voldemort then the Reverse Spell effect would occur. Harry knew the last spell the wand had performed --- before this chore at least. It had blown up an entire building during the third chore. He didn't know exactly how the Reverse Spell effect would react to that but he did know that he wasn't anxious to find out. He didn't know how yet, but he would have to find another way to beat Voldemort.
The third and last thing that Harry was going to figure out was that he didn't want to face both Voldemort and the Death Eater especially at the same time. Hopefully he could stay hidden long enough for Voldemort to kill the Death Eater --- (or vice versa, but he didn't even let his brain entertain the thought that the Death Eater would be triumphant in that scenario). He needed to stay hidden but not in hiding. He couldn't stay in here forever and he wanted to know what was going on.
He needed to stay hidden but how? How to stay hidden without hiding? If only he had his father's old Invisibility Cloak. How to stay hidden without hiding? If only ---
SMACK
He slapped himself on the forehead much harder than he intended. Still, he reckoned, he deserved it for being so daft. So much for relying on instincts ---
Finally remembering that he had learned months ago how to turn himself invisible, Harry extricated himself from his hiding place and turned himself invisible. He briefly wondered if Voldemort would still be able to see him like Moody or Dumbledore could. He shrugged his invisible shoulders and decided that there was nothing to be done about that and he'd face it when --- and if --- the time came.
Harry started walking rather briskly looking for any sign of the other two inhabitants. After walking for nearly ten minutes without seeing any signs of anyone else, he started wondering exactly how large this area was. He wished he had thought to ask the snake about the area.
After walking for another ten minutes or so, his body began telling him that it was time to sit down and rest. He found a nice log to sit down on. No sooner had he gotten off his feet than he heard screaming in the distance.
This wasn't any normal scream. Harry knew that scream. The Death Eater, whoever and wherever he was, was suffering the Cruciatus Curse.
Harry started a slow jog toward the horrible screeching sound. It was hard to believe that this was only a simulation. As he climbed up a shallow plateau, the screaming intensified so loudly that Harry was forced to cover his own ears.
Soon, he saw exactly what he was expecting to see. The masked Death Eater was writhing on the ground. Voldemort was standing over him aiming his wand directly at his follower's heart.
"AVADA KEDAVRA"
It was hard to imagine the killing curse as being merciful but in this instance --- even if it was only an image --- Harry was glad the torture session had ended. He watched Voldemort cast the spell and walk off.
Harry raised his wand to stun Voldemort when something else occurred to him. Instead of aiming at Voldemort, he lowered his wand and waited for the evil wizard to walk off. Harry approached the Death Eater's corpse --- or at least the image of one. Voldemort could wait a few minutes. There were more important matters to attend to. Harry was going to find out who the Death Eater at Hogwarts was.
He reached the body and leaned over to unmask it. He reached out his non- wand hand and ---
"AAAAArrrrrgggghhhh!"
Many things happened at once.
First of all, just as Harry's hand touched the Death Eater's mask, the body shimmered out of sight. It disappeared in less than a second. The frustration that Harry felt was strong enough to render him unable to clamp his mouth down over the scream that wanted to --- and did --- escape his throat.
Secondly, Harry's scream alerted Voldemort to his presence.
Finally, the frustration and surprise at his own throaty scream caused Harry's usual rock solid concentration to lapse. He looked down and quickly realized that he was no longer invisible.
"Harry Potter," said the high pitched voice that Harry had heard so many times in his nightmares.
"STUPEFY" Harry shouted. The spell bounced off some type of invisible shield and went off into another direction. The one good thing to come from seeing that was that it reminded Harry to cast his own shield spell. After all, it had been extremely effective against Remus Lupin all those months back.
Voldemort laughed at Harry's spell. "Now, Now Harry. It isn't polite to attack someone when they're trying to talk to you. Doesn't that Muggle lover teach you anything at that school of yours? I'm told you all do at least attend classes every now and again."
"EXPELLIARMUS" Harry tried. He would not let himself be distracted. Again, the spell was deflected elsewhere.
"Not in the mood for a little chit chat today Harry? Now let's --- "
"STUPEFY" Harry tried again. The shield held again.
"I grow tire of your feeble attempts Harry. My only regret is that killing this image of you won't actually kill you. But rest assured --- your time is coming. CRUCIO"
The last lucid thought Harry had was that his shield hadn't held. He was on the floor writhing in agony. He was lying on his side. His legs were twitching. His arms were covering his head as in some vain attempt to block the curse from reaching it. Every muscle he had felt like it was on fire. He was sure that his blood was going to start oozing out through his body at any second, if it hadn't already.
Finally, after an eternity that was about three minutes in actual time, Voldemort broke the spell.
"Harry, haven't you learned yet? You may get lucky from time to time. But you are no match for me. What do you think you can accomplish here?"
"DELETRIUS" Harry shouted as he aimed him wand right at the two red eyes glaring at him.
Nothing.
Voldemort let out a might laugh. "I can't believe you are the hope of the wizarding world. How does it feel to know that you will let down everyone that you care about?"
"DIFFINDO" Harry ventured.
Still nothing. Harry knew he was getting nowhere fast.
"Still don't want to talk, Harry? Very well. CRUCIO"
This time, Harry ducked.
"CRUCIO" the cold voice called out again.
Harry jumped out of the way of this one.
"CRUCIO"
Harry dove to one side and rolled to his feet landing in a crouching position.
"CRUCIO"
Harry dove behind a massive tree, which split right down the middle after receiving the full brunt of Voldemort's curse. Harry scampered back to his feet.
"How long are we going to play these games Harry? Are you ready to end this then? Very well. AVADA KEDAVRA"
His mind registered that the stakes just went up. His senses heightened. His hackles were on end. He rolled to his left, again ending the move in a crouching position.
"AVADA KEDAVRA"
Harry jumped over this one.
"Harry, Harry, Harry. Surely even you must realized the futility of this. After all, you no longer have your parents' protection like last year or your mom's protection like you once had all those years ago --- "
Voldemort was still talking but Harry wasn't listening anymore. His subconscious was trying to work something out although his eyes were trained on the wand facing him. The stakes were too high to forget to duck even once.
Harry jumped once more to the left and back again to the right --- each time ending in a crouched position ready to move again. Finally his brain had worked through what it was trying to figure out about Voldemort's last few words. Harry did still have his mom's protection. Just like he still had his dad's. His dad's protection took the form of his Patronus, while his mom's --- his mom offered a different type of protection.
"AAAAAAACCCCCCCKKKKKKKKK"
Sitting where Harry Potter once was, was a beautiful but massive sphinx. Voldemort had seen animagi before. He had even seen a sphinx before. But what he hadn't even seen before was a sphinx bearing the face of Lily Potter.
"YOU! I killed you! No spell can reawaken the dead."
The one or two seconds that Voldemort was caught off guard was all the time Harry needed.
The sphinx leapt and let out a mighty roar.
He had no idea what he was going to do. This was pure animal instinct at its most primal. Harry had no urge to fight it.
When an animal larger than a lion leaps at you near the speed of light, the obvious reaction is to throw up your arms and protect your head. A wizard's reaction is no different --- not even Voldemort. In less than a second, Harry the sphinx had covered the fifteen meter distance between them.
His mouth grabbed the wand away from Voldemort's grasp. Harry's instincts didn't allow him to reflect on how easy it was to disarm the most powerful Dark Wizard on the planet. His body was on autopilot. He clawed, bit, swiped, and generally tore into the Dark Wizard. The oozing, pouring and soon gushing of blood didn't slow him down. The sphinx was not a merciful creature. Harry didn't stop attacking Voldemort until the bloody stump disappeared from the area.
Harry continued to attack the ground underneath him for a few seconds before his brain registered that Voldemort was gone. Harry remained in his animagus form, just in case, and sat on the grass to await whatever was to come.
He had ripped out Voldemort's arms --- well technically the image of Voldemort. There was no doubt that Harry had won the contest. After all no wizard could cast very many spells without an arm. Nevertheless, he would not celebrate too soon --- it would not do to underestimate Voldemort.
Harry, in his sphinx form, sat and waited. Besides casting his gaze about looking for anything out of the ordinary, Harry spend the time hoping that he wouldn't have to communicate with anyone while still in this form. He never did get around to memorizing standard rhymes to use in conversation but he would definitely put that on his list of things to do this summer.
Within minutes, the room returned to its original state. The images of the outdoors disappeared. He still hadn't officially found out if he won the final chore. Harry looked up to see the glass ceiling had returned and the scoreboard read "Harry Potter - 3, Voldemort - 2, Death Eater - 2" He punched the air in victory and let out a load whoop. An enormous weight felt like it had been lifted off of his shoulders.
The Order of the Phoenix was safe.
"Congratulationsssss Harry Potter."
"Er --- thanks. What happens next?"
What indeed?
A/N -Read, enjoy, and review. I didn't mean to complain about the reviews --- it was just a little disheartening.
Chapter 54
Frightening Fifth
Harry was ready to eat again. Of that he was sure. He didn't need the snake to tell him twice. As soon as it disappeared and the plate of meats and cheeses appeared, Harry tore into it like almost any teenage boy would. He knew, however, that being able to sleep would be an entirely different matter.
There wouldn't be any sleeping for him until the fifth task was completed - for good or for bad. But he would worry about that later. When he finally ate his fill, Harry started reviewing spells that he learned within the last year or two over in his head. His conscious brain realized that this last little bit of preparation probably wasn't going to make him any better off for the last task but his subconscious recognized that doing anything was better than sitting around and going stir crazy.
So he continued reviewing spells. He went over and over them in his head.
About two hours later the snake returned.
"Hello. Is the fifth task about to begin?" Harry asked the familiar visitor.
"Yesssss Harry Potter. After each of usssss tellsssss each of you three the rulesssss the fifth and final chore will indeed begin."
"Rules? How many rules are there?"
"I will get to that. The fifth chore will be like a duel --- "
"DUEL? You said earlier that there wouldn't be any duels. You said that it was too dangerous and that too many wizards died in these duels, even the winner. You said --- "
"SSSSSilence Harry Potter. The fifth chore isssss LIKE a duel. But only LIKE a duel. The Mugglesssss would call it a virtual duel."
Harry racked his brain for any vague memory of a virtual dual. Whatever it was, he was pretty sure that it had never occurred on Privet Drive. He did remember overhearing Dudley talking about something or other virtual. Briefly he let himself consider the possibility that the final task was a computer game. Finally he decided to just ask the snake.
"What's a virtual duel?"
"Likenesssssesssss of each of the three of you will appear in the sssssame area. Each likenesssss will be battling each of the other two. Each of you will control your image from your own room. You are eliminated from contention when your likenesssss isssss killed. You will feel none of what happensssss to your image. Do you underssssstand what I have ssssaid ssssso far?"
It seemed simple enough. "I think so. But how do we control our likeness?"
"Your image will do whatever you do here in the room. If you jump, it jumpsssss. If you throw the killing curssssse, it will throw the killing curssssse asssss well."
Harry thought for a second before saying, "I see. But how will I know what I should do?"
"What do you mean Harry Potter?"
"I know that my likeness does what I do but I don't know how I can see the same things that my likeness does. How will I know what I should be doing?"
"I wasssss getting to that --- "
"S--- Sorry," Harry mumbled while directing his eyes to the ground and generally looking properly sheepish. After all, this snake was the only one willing to share information with him. The last thing he wanted to do was upset it.
They both waited in utter and complete silence for over a minute before the snake decided to continue sharing his information.
"The room you are currently in will be magically altered to replicate what your likenesssss isssss looking at. You can look up, left, right, and down and you will sssssee what your image isssss looking at. When you walk here in the room, your image walksssss. Very clever sssssome of the Mugglesssss. You will be awed by what you sssssee."
Harry only nodded. He didn't want to risk interrupting the snake again.
"I mentioned rulesssss earlier."
Harry blinked but didn't otherwise move in any way.
"One. There will be no outssssside help. No one except you three may participate. Don't even try."
Harry nodded.
"Two. You are eliminated when your image isssss either killed or deemed unable to continue."
Harry nodded again.
"Now, do you have any other questionsssss for me?"
He thought for a second. "Yes. If the likeness is just like us then does that mean that I can't kill the likeness of Voldemort?"
"That is correct. But remember, there are other waysssss to succeed. Do you have any other questionsssss for me?"
"When do we start?"
"When we sssssay. You will know when the time comesssss." And with that, the snake vanished.
Alone in the ten by ten room, Harry wondered how he could possibly win this chore. His only plan was to follow his instincts; hopefully they would guide him as well as it did in the past. Harry began to try to formulate some semblance of a plan but before he was even able to devise his opening strategy, the room around him began to suddenly change. The walls, floor and ceiling began to shimmer albeit gradually at first but that soon gave way to a quick and final change.
After a few seconds, the images began to still. Harry was extremely surprised at what he saw. Even though the snake had just briefed him, he was almost positive that he was standing outside. He would have wagered five Galleons on it.
He could smell the green grass he was standing on. He could watch the individual blades give way beneath his feet. Beads of perspiration were starting to form on his forehead because of the glistering sun. His cloak was flapping slightly due to the light breeze. He was awed.
His first instinct was to test out the image. He wanted to make sure that he could control his image self just like the snake had said.
"WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA" Harry aimed his wand at a tree limb laying on the ground nearby. Sure enough --- the limb sprung to life just like it was supposed to.
As the gravity and reality of the situation began to sink in, Harry quickly decided that he needed more time to think this through. His instinct told him to find a good place to hide, so he did. After he was safely tucked into a niche between some rocks he started to think through his current circumstances.
The images all seemed real enough but Harry hoped they weren't too real. First and foremost he wanted to know if his scar would be hurting any time soon. The snake told him that he was protected within his room --- and technically he was still inside his room --- so he was hoping that he wouldn't have that particular obstacle to overcome. Time to move on to his next concern, he reasoned.
What would happen if he dueled with Voldemort? Harry knew he hadn't gotten a new wand since the end of last year and he doubted that Voldemort had. This meant that if he dueled with Voldemort then the Reverse Spell effect would occur. Harry knew the last spell the wand had performed --- before this chore at least. It had blown up an entire building during the third chore. He didn't know exactly how the Reverse Spell effect would react to that but he did know that he wasn't anxious to find out. He didn't know how yet, but he would have to find another way to beat Voldemort.
The third and last thing that Harry was going to figure out was that he didn't want to face both Voldemort and the Death Eater especially at the same time. Hopefully he could stay hidden long enough for Voldemort to kill the Death Eater --- (or vice versa, but he didn't even let his brain entertain the thought that the Death Eater would be triumphant in that scenario). He needed to stay hidden but not in hiding. He couldn't stay in here forever and he wanted to know what was going on.
He needed to stay hidden but how? How to stay hidden without hiding? If only he had his father's old Invisibility Cloak. How to stay hidden without hiding? If only ---
SMACK
He slapped himself on the forehead much harder than he intended. Still, he reckoned, he deserved it for being so daft. So much for relying on instincts ---
Finally remembering that he had learned months ago how to turn himself invisible, Harry extricated himself from his hiding place and turned himself invisible. He briefly wondered if Voldemort would still be able to see him like Moody or Dumbledore could. He shrugged his invisible shoulders and decided that there was nothing to be done about that and he'd face it when --- and if --- the time came.
Harry started walking rather briskly looking for any sign of the other two inhabitants. After walking for nearly ten minutes without seeing any signs of anyone else, he started wondering exactly how large this area was. He wished he had thought to ask the snake about the area.
After walking for another ten minutes or so, his body began telling him that it was time to sit down and rest. He found a nice log to sit down on. No sooner had he gotten off his feet than he heard screaming in the distance.
This wasn't any normal scream. Harry knew that scream. The Death Eater, whoever and wherever he was, was suffering the Cruciatus Curse.
Harry started a slow jog toward the horrible screeching sound. It was hard to believe that this was only a simulation. As he climbed up a shallow plateau, the screaming intensified so loudly that Harry was forced to cover his own ears.
Soon, he saw exactly what he was expecting to see. The masked Death Eater was writhing on the ground. Voldemort was standing over him aiming his wand directly at his follower's heart.
"AVADA KEDAVRA"
It was hard to imagine the killing curse as being merciful but in this instance --- even if it was only an image --- Harry was glad the torture session had ended. He watched Voldemort cast the spell and walk off.
Harry raised his wand to stun Voldemort when something else occurred to him. Instead of aiming at Voldemort, he lowered his wand and waited for the evil wizard to walk off. Harry approached the Death Eater's corpse --- or at least the image of one. Voldemort could wait a few minutes. There were more important matters to attend to. Harry was going to find out who the Death Eater at Hogwarts was.
He reached the body and leaned over to unmask it. He reached out his non- wand hand and ---
"AAAAArrrrrgggghhhh!"
Many things happened at once.
First of all, just as Harry's hand touched the Death Eater's mask, the body shimmered out of sight. It disappeared in less than a second. The frustration that Harry felt was strong enough to render him unable to clamp his mouth down over the scream that wanted to --- and did --- escape his throat.
Secondly, Harry's scream alerted Voldemort to his presence.
Finally, the frustration and surprise at his own throaty scream caused Harry's usual rock solid concentration to lapse. He looked down and quickly realized that he was no longer invisible.
"Harry Potter," said the high pitched voice that Harry had heard so many times in his nightmares.
"STUPEFY" Harry shouted. The spell bounced off some type of invisible shield and went off into another direction. The one good thing to come from seeing that was that it reminded Harry to cast his own shield spell. After all, it had been extremely effective against Remus Lupin all those months back.
Voldemort laughed at Harry's spell. "Now, Now Harry. It isn't polite to attack someone when they're trying to talk to you. Doesn't that Muggle lover teach you anything at that school of yours? I'm told you all do at least attend classes every now and again."
"EXPELLIARMUS" Harry tried. He would not let himself be distracted. Again, the spell was deflected elsewhere.
"Not in the mood for a little chit chat today Harry? Now let's --- "
"STUPEFY" Harry tried again. The shield held again.
"I grow tire of your feeble attempts Harry. My only regret is that killing this image of you won't actually kill you. But rest assured --- your time is coming. CRUCIO"
The last lucid thought Harry had was that his shield hadn't held. He was on the floor writhing in agony. He was lying on his side. His legs were twitching. His arms were covering his head as in some vain attempt to block the curse from reaching it. Every muscle he had felt like it was on fire. He was sure that his blood was going to start oozing out through his body at any second, if it hadn't already.
Finally, after an eternity that was about three minutes in actual time, Voldemort broke the spell.
"Harry, haven't you learned yet? You may get lucky from time to time. But you are no match for me. What do you think you can accomplish here?"
"DELETRIUS" Harry shouted as he aimed him wand right at the two red eyes glaring at him.
Nothing.
Voldemort let out a might laugh. "I can't believe you are the hope of the wizarding world. How does it feel to know that you will let down everyone that you care about?"
"DIFFINDO" Harry ventured.
Still nothing. Harry knew he was getting nowhere fast.
"Still don't want to talk, Harry? Very well. CRUCIO"
This time, Harry ducked.
"CRUCIO" the cold voice called out again.
Harry jumped out of the way of this one.
"CRUCIO"
Harry dove to one side and rolled to his feet landing in a crouching position.
"CRUCIO"
Harry dove behind a massive tree, which split right down the middle after receiving the full brunt of Voldemort's curse. Harry scampered back to his feet.
"How long are we going to play these games Harry? Are you ready to end this then? Very well. AVADA KEDAVRA"
His mind registered that the stakes just went up. His senses heightened. His hackles were on end. He rolled to his left, again ending the move in a crouching position.
"AVADA KEDAVRA"
Harry jumped over this one.
"Harry, Harry, Harry. Surely even you must realized the futility of this. After all, you no longer have your parents' protection like last year or your mom's protection like you once had all those years ago --- "
Voldemort was still talking but Harry wasn't listening anymore. His subconscious was trying to work something out although his eyes were trained on the wand facing him. The stakes were too high to forget to duck even once.
Harry jumped once more to the left and back again to the right --- each time ending in a crouched position ready to move again. Finally his brain had worked through what it was trying to figure out about Voldemort's last few words. Harry did still have his mom's protection. Just like he still had his dad's. His dad's protection took the form of his Patronus, while his mom's --- his mom offered a different type of protection.
"AAAAAAACCCCCCCKKKKKKKKK"
Sitting where Harry Potter once was, was a beautiful but massive sphinx. Voldemort had seen animagi before. He had even seen a sphinx before. But what he hadn't even seen before was a sphinx bearing the face of Lily Potter.
"YOU! I killed you! No spell can reawaken the dead."
The one or two seconds that Voldemort was caught off guard was all the time Harry needed.
The sphinx leapt and let out a mighty roar.
He had no idea what he was going to do. This was pure animal instinct at its most primal. Harry had no urge to fight it.
When an animal larger than a lion leaps at you near the speed of light, the obvious reaction is to throw up your arms and protect your head. A wizard's reaction is no different --- not even Voldemort. In less than a second, Harry the sphinx had covered the fifteen meter distance between them.
His mouth grabbed the wand away from Voldemort's grasp. Harry's instincts didn't allow him to reflect on how easy it was to disarm the most powerful Dark Wizard on the planet. His body was on autopilot. He clawed, bit, swiped, and generally tore into the Dark Wizard. The oozing, pouring and soon gushing of blood didn't slow him down. The sphinx was not a merciful creature. Harry didn't stop attacking Voldemort until the bloody stump disappeared from the area.
Harry continued to attack the ground underneath him for a few seconds before his brain registered that Voldemort was gone. Harry remained in his animagus form, just in case, and sat on the grass to await whatever was to come.
He had ripped out Voldemort's arms --- well technically the image of Voldemort. There was no doubt that Harry had won the contest. After all no wizard could cast very many spells without an arm. Nevertheless, he would not celebrate too soon --- it would not do to underestimate Voldemort.
Harry, in his sphinx form, sat and waited. Besides casting his gaze about looking for anything out of the ordinary, Harry spend the time hoping that he wouldn't have to communicate with anyone while still in this form. He never did get around to memorizing standard rhymes to use in conversation but he would definitely put that on his list of things to do this summer.
Within minutes, the room returned to its original state. The images of the outdoors disappeared. He still hadn't officially found out if he won the final chore. Harry looked up to see the glass ceiling had returned and the scoreboard read "Harry Potter - 3, Voldemort - 2, Death Eater - 2" He punched the air in victory and let out a load whoop. An enormous weight felt like it had been lifted off of his shoulders.
The Order of the Phoenix was safe.
"Congratulationsssss Harry Potter."
"Er --- thanks. What happens next?"
What indeed?