Chapter 5: The Dark Lord Shall Rise Again
Harry, by a twist of fate, became the fourth champion in the Triwizard Tournament. He survived his first two tasks. Now it was time for the third and final task. Harry, Cedric, Fleur and Viktor had already entered the maze. On the stands, Ron was looking here and there, anywhere but the maze and Hermione. Hermione was chewing on her scarf. She was so tensed that it seemed like she would chew the scarf to shreds. Every time she saw red sparks, she would grab Ron's arm tightly looking fearful. And every time it turned out that it was not Harry, Ron would extract himself from Hermione's grip and massage his arm to get the blood flowing.
Draco was on the stands looking at the inky sky. He was not interested in the outcome of the tournament. He knew Potter would win either way. But he still had a bad feeling about the whole business. All the Slytherins were cursing Potter at the top of their voices. He looked around and saw Hermione and Ron. He wondered if they would believe him. It would be hard to get them alone. Not with Potter's fans following him around after this. He kept his gaze fixed on Hermione's worried face.
(After this Harry portkeys back after witnessing Voldemort's rebirth and the rest of the hullabaloo follows)
Draco was speechless. HE must have been there, he thinks angrily. He looks at Cedric's stoned face. Tears leaped to his eyes, he stifled a sob with his scarf. Crabbe and Goyle were looking pleased. Po-Harry was in grave danger. He must have seen that vile man there. How, he thought desperately, will anybody trust him after all this?
Harry, Ron and Hermione were in the Astronomy Tower. Hermione cast an anxious glance towards Harry for the umpteenth time. Harry refused to talk; he was shocked at what he had witnessed. He felt exposed, as if he had witnessed some secret ritual. Somebody died because of me; he felt dirty, poisoned. He got up and stood in the balcony; looking out towards the murky future. How long will he continue to survive like this; letting others die for him. He felt a hand forcing his right fist open and closing it around itself. "No matter what Harry, we will always be there for you. This is the decision we have made." She glared towards Ron, expecting him to say some something in support. Ron looked uncomfortably around trying to find an escape. But Hermione's dangerous gaze had pinned him to place. He coughed and said "Um, yeah. We'll be there mate. It isn't just your fight anymore." Hermione nodded towards him approvingly. Ron stood beside Hermione and took her hand. Hermione turned pink. The Trio looked out, readying themselves for an inevitable battle, but glad to be together at the moment.