Chapter 11: The Final Task

Harry ran through all of the hexes and spells he had learned in his mind for the umpteenth time. He could not believe he was actually there in front of the maze next to Cedric. Bagman would send them off any minute now after he announced how many points everyone had. Hurry up and blow the bloody whistle, he thought to himself. He looked at Cedric who was doing some breathing exercises—his chest moving slowly up and down in his tight-fitting black outfit and robes. Harry's palms were so sweaty he feared he wouldn't be able to hold on to his wand.

"On my whistle Harry and Cedric!" Bagman Shouted. "Three! Two! One!"

Harry heard the shrill whistle and began to run in to the maze, Cedric right beside him. After about 70 yards, they came to a fork and turned towards each other.

"Well, see you later then," said Harry.

"Yeah, byeloveyou," Cedric said quickly as he started to run down one of the paths leaving Harry in a state of bewilderment.

"Did he just say he loves me..." Harry said aloud to no one in particular. He must be hearing things. Harry desperately wanted to run after Cedric and ask him if he did say that, but if he hadn't, it would be really embarrassing….So he decided not to, and headed down the other path, into the darkness. Harry felt as though he had run at least a mile, yet he had not met any obstacles. Then he heard something right behind him that almost sounded like a person breathing. He spun around and held out his wand ready to attack. It was Cedric…

"Cedric!" Harry breathed.

"Harry! Blast-Ended Skrewts! They scared the shit out of me!" Cedric said, panting.

"Ced, I wanted to ask you about what you said earl—"

"Good luck Harry!"

Cedric dove off into the darkness.

"Damn it."

Harry continued on the way he was originally going and ended up encountering a boggart and some other nasty traps/creatures which he managed to get past. Things weren't looking so bad, but then all of the sudden he heard a girl scream. It must have been Fleur. Was she hurt? Should he go help her? He started to run towards where he had heard the scream, and unfortunately, ran right into the Skrewt.

"Impedimenta!" Harry bellowed knocking the Skrewt out temporarily. He ran around it and then stopped dead in his tracks. He could hear Cedric's voice.

"Krum, what the hell are you doing?"

"Crucio!"

"AHHHHHHHHHH!"

Cedric was hurt. Shit. Harry sprinted up the path trying to find a way to where Cedric and Krum were. "Hold on Cedric, I'm coming!" Harry said as tears welled in his eyes. He tried every spell he could to get through those stupid hedges and finally made a hole large enough to get through.

Harry found himself face to face with Krum.

"You!" Harry screamed as Krum ran away, "You loathsome, ARRRRRRRRRRG! STUPEFYYYYYYYYYY!"

Krum fell flat on his face and lay motionless on the ground. Harry rushed over to Cedric.

"Cedric baby are you alright?"

"Huh, oh yeah, ow, I'm ok…I can't believe Krum….that wanker!"

"Yeah let's leave him here, we'll send up sparks and get on with the task…are you sure you're ok?"

"Yeah…yeah I'm fine, you can go."

But Harry didn't want to. He wanted so badly to finish the task with Cedric by his side.

"Ok, see you soon." Harry took off down another path that looked like all of the others, but he knew he was close to the cup. It had to be around here somewhere. Then he came across a sphinx who gave him a riddle.

"A creature I wouldn't want to kiss…" Harry thought aloud, "Well there's definitely one creature I can rule out" He said, thinking of Cedric, "Must be a spider then!"

The sphinx moved aside and Harry ran forward—he could see the cup! But then his view was blocked by a rather tall and attractive Hufflepuff running towards it as well. Cedric was going to make it there first, it was over for Harry. Suddenly a spider came out of no where and headed towards Cedric.

"Cedric!" Harry shouted at the top of his lungs, "SPIDERRRRRR!""

Cedric shrieked like a little girl, tripped, and dropped his wand.

"Stupefy!" Harry screamed, but it was no use. Now the spider was headed towards him.

"Stupefy! Impedimenta! Petrificus totalus! Wingardium Leviosa! DIEEE!"

None of the spells were working! The spider grabbed Harry by his legs and began to carry him away.

"Cedric! Help me!"

"Merlin's beard!" Cedric screamed, "Hold on Harry! Stupefy!"

With two people attacking it with spells, the spider finally released Harry and fell over onto a hedge.

"Harry are you ok?"

"My leg…it's all messed up…but the cup, go get it Ced, it's yours."

"No, Harry, you take it! You've helped me out a lot!"

"You've helped me too!"

"But you helped me more!"

"You took me bowling!"

"You saved the hostages during the second task!"

"You made a necklace with a picture of me in it!"

Harry gasped. He COULD NOT BELIEVE HE JUST SAID THAT, WHY DID HE SAY THAT?

What will Cedric's reaction be? Oohhhh the suspense! Read the next chapter to find out!