Just want to give a quick thanks to everyone who has sent in reviews for the last few chapters. I really appreciate all the kind words. I am slowly getting closer to the end of this fic, and I am grateful to all of those who have been patient with me while I get this written. And now, on to the story...
The sun rose high in the sky the morning of the second task. Jack watched it come up sitting silently near the window in Moody's quarters. He could feel the tension and anticipation of the upcoming event as the students milled around outside in the courtyard. A click of the doorknob and Jack was quick to scurry back to his hiding place in the oversized closet on the far end of the room.
"I know you were takin a peek out the window, Corrigan. No sense denyin it." Moody's raspy voice made Jack cringe as he gently pushed open the closet door.
"Well that thing you call a closet smells like rotten fish. You can't expect me to stay in there forever."
"You'll do well to stay out of sight, unless you want the headmaster to see you. You'd get sent to Azkaban right quick, I'd expect."
Growling Jack clenched his fists as he took a step towards the one-eyed wizard. "You really think that place scares me?"
Moody smirked. "It should."
"I'm not like you. I won't crack under the pressure and beg mommy and daddy to save me, Barty."
Before Jack could say another word Moody lunged at him, his wand out and pointed straight at Jack's head. The two wizards tousled about on the floor for a moment before Jack was able to roll them over, effectively pinning Moody to the floor as he aimed his own wand right at Moody's neck.
"Go ahead, Corrigan. Kill me and see what the Dark Lord does to you."
He paused a moment as he considered the other wizard's words, then with a wicked smile on his face Jack moved to stand, but not before he spit in Moody's face.
"You're not nearly as special as you think you are, and one day I'm gonna prove it to you."
Moody angrily wiped the spit from his face, shaking his head as he did so. "You're just jealous because the Dark Lord gave me such an important task…one that you weren't nearly capable enough to accomplish."
Laughing softly Jack tucked his wand back in his robes. "Until this moment I really thought you had at least half a brain in that mixed up head of yours, but now I'm fairly certain that's not the case. All that time in Azkaban really screwed with your head didn't it?"
Moody was about to speak when a knock on the door caught their attention and a familiar voice called out through the thick wooden door.
"Alastor, you're needed at the lake. Professor Dumbledore is ready to commence the second task."
Stifling a growl Moody shook his head. "I'm on my way, Minerva." He turned to Jack who was inching his way towards the closet again. "You'll have to transfigure yourself if you plan to come with me."
Sighing Jack nodded, and then pulled his wand back out tapping it gently on his head as he began to speak. The words left his lips as white smoke furled around him, his body changing rapidly before Moody's eyes. A moment later a silver-gray snake slithered around in the spot where Jack had been standing. Moody quickly snatched up the creature, shoving it roughly in his pocket as he lumbered out of the room and down to the lake where Dumbledore was waiting for him.
> > > >
Snape was nearly ready to join the other teachers and students at the lake for the start of the second task. He was putting the finishing touches on a potion that he had planned for his Advanced class to work on, when he heard a knock on his door. With a flick of his wand the door swung open revealing the three members of SG-1.
"What can I do for you?" He asked stepping away from his bubbling cauldron.
To no one's surprise it was Daniel that spoke up first. "Were you able to get in touch with Ollivander?"
"Not yet. He seems to have closed off his chimney from the floo network."
Carter, Teal'c and Danile stepped into the room, letting it swing shut behind them as they waited for Snape to explain the situation to them.
"This can't be good."
"No Daniel. It's quite far from it. Unfortunately, I'm expected at the lake in few minutes. We'll have to wait until after the second task to decide what our next move will be."
Carter shook her head furiously. "What is so important about this tournament? Can't it wait?"
"I am afraid not, Major."
"What about finding the Colonel? I thought that was the priority!"
Snape snarled at the younger woman. "Don't question my priorities Major Carter. Finding Jack isn't the only thing of great importance here."
"What are you talking about?" Daniel's arms were crossed over his chest as he moved closer to Severus.
"I haven't time to explain this to you all right now. After I get back from the second task I'll tell you everything I know. You'll just have to wait until then."
"Can we go with you?" Snape raised an eyebrow at Daniel's question and was about to say no when an idea came to him. "I won't stop you, but I'd rather you didn't."
"Why not?" Carter glared at Severus as he slipped his wand into this robe pocket.
"The castle is the safest place for you three."
Daniel stepped towards Snape. "The lake is still on school grounds. I thought we were safe anywhere on the property?"
With a heavy sigh the Potion's Master nodded. "You are, but it would be better if you didn't take any chances. Please stay here and as soon as I return we can try to contact Ollivander again."
Reluctantly, the three members of SG-1 nodded as Snape turned and left the room.
> > > >
Harry bit back the urge to throw up, the bitter taste of the gillyweed Dobby had given him still fresh in his throat. As he approached the area where the Champions were to meet he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of dread. He'd yet to see Hermione or Ron and he was beginning to wonder what his friends could be up to that they weren't with him. Pushing that thought out of his head he gathered himself and joined Cedric and the others as Dumbledore began to explain the rules of the second task.
A few minutes later he approached the lake, his trepidation clear in the slow movements he made. For a brief moment he thought he saw the familiar shape of a large black dog on the opposite side of the lake, and his feeling of dread returned full-force as he waded into the dark water. He plunged himself deep into the lake, hoping that the ominous feeling would not prove to be a sign of things to come.
> > > >
Moody reached the lake and he could feel the slithering snake twisting in his pocket. He stifled the urge to squeeze the creature, waited until he was close enough to the lake, then dropped the serpent to the ground, watching silently as it slithered into the water.
A crowd had already gathered and was steadily growing larger as the minutes ticked past. Moody made his way to the tent where Dumbledore and the Triwizard champions were waiting. They were being explained the rules as he approached. He could see the concerned expressions on their faces as they were led to the edge of the water.
One by one the champions entered the water, Harry seeming to struggle the most. Moody watched doing his best to hide the alarm he felt as the young man finally dove beneath the darkened waves and disappeared.
tbc...