The third Task (Part 1)

(Hogwarts – 21st of June)

.

An unwelcome visitor

.

Shouldn't I simply kill her? He wondered, staring down on the young woman he just put into the broom closet. She was an enemy and belonged to the blood traitor. But still she was a Black in a way, a Black with a unique talent. No, he decided at last. I'll let her live. The master will decide her fate. Perhaps she'll have her uses for him. The master had never been especially picky about his tools and a Metamorph certainly was a powerful tool. Perhaps she could be swayed or blackmailed to join their side.

Septima Vektor's body bent down and her slender hand patted the cheek of the unconscious woman. Sleep well, he grinned. We'll meet again, I'm certain. And thank you for your hair.

After putting some of her hairs into the potion, he gulped it down, changing his appearance for the second time today. It had been easy the evening before to knock out the careless Arithmancy teacher in her room; and even easier had it been this morning to lure the young Auror away 'to meet the Headmaster for a last talk before the task'. They're all so gullible, he sniggered. They'll never learn until they die. He sniggered again, thinking about the Goblet and how the 'good people' would lollygag to examine it, overlooking the real danger that was hovering above them.

After a last look around he closed the door and locked it magically. Nymphadora Tonks would never know how close to death she had been at this moment. It was time for a bit of fun. And then, he grinned evilly, it was time to change the history.

.

Aunt and Niece

.

"I'm so dead," Ana groaned. The Spanish lady walked at Daphne's side and looked remarkably pale at the moment.

"I'm sorry, Auntie. I shouldn't have pressed you to cast the spell."

Daphne felt bad and happy at the same time: Bad because she had cajoled Ana into casting the spell, but happy because she felt a bit safer now, her heart not as heavy as three weeks ago. Three weeks ago, after getting that call from Roxanne, Ana had visited her favourite niece in the Hospital Wing. Daphne, who had to spend the night there to allow her broken foot some healing time, told her about her fears, that she wanted to protect Harry in any way possible. In the end Ana had agreed to help. The most important step had been the preparation of a unique ritual. Daphne knew neither the name nor the details of that ritual. All she cared for was the result.

Since casting the spell five days ago she was able to feel Harry. It was like a constant and very strong mind link. Ana had explained that it would only last another two days after the task, but that was more than enough. It was one-sided to avoid irritating or distracting Harry, but Daphne was now able to concentrate on his senses, to see and hear what Harry did, to feel what he felt. She would know instantly when he was injured. Harry had allowed this spell, even welcomed it to Daphne's surprise. But it had only been proof of their mutual trust and it had deepened their relationship even more. Not only was she able to 'see', 'hear' and 'feel' herself through Harry's senses, but she also got to know how her boyfriend felt in those moments he hugged her, caressed or kissed her. If she ever had the tiniest doubts about his emotions, they were gone now. She hoped that there would be a chance to cast the spell a second time, this time allowing Harry to feel Daphne's emotions in return.

Ana, Daphne, and Harry were the only ones to know about the spell. Not even her mum and grandma were told about it – but Daphne assumed that her grandma had at least a hunch. The one problem about the spell was that Ana wasn't normally allowed to use it on Harry and Daphne. This variation was a higher secret of the Congregation and according to her not even Agatha could cast it. If the rest of the Congregation learned about it, she was in deep trouble. This was the reason for Daphne to feel bad about it, despite her relief to be this close to Harry at least in her mind.

"That's not what is troubling me, Daphne," Ana soothed her. "I won't get more than some harsh words from the others – I hope." She smiled shortly and not totally convincing. "You know, I lost my husband – your Uncle Albert – in the war against you-know-who. Hardly a day goes by without me thinking about him, without me wishing I could have done more to protect him back then. If you want to protect Harry, I'll help you in any way possible. 'He' and his scum won't get a single member of our family again."

Daphne threw herself at her favourite Aunt and hugged her heartily, "Thank you, Auntie."

Ana patted her. "It's nothing, dear." She sighed: "But I'm still so dead… at least if your mother gets to know that I taught you how to apparate, two years before you're allowed to learn it."

Daphne tried in vain to hide her proud smile. It had begun with Ana training Daphne to lead her towards Harry using the mindlink as a path, serving as a kind of guide to the apparating Ana. But she hadn't stopped there. Still feeling uneasy she had harassed her aunt, pleaded, begged, and puppy-eyed until Ana had relented. She had shown Daphne the technique and now she was able to securely apparate for a dozen steps at least. Anything farther away was extremely difficult and dangerous. And even this small amount had only been possible because Ana relying heavily on the Mindlink to teach her and Daphne's ability to focus her magic in her own, soft way.

"Don't forget: You promised to use it only in life-threatening situations. And you won't teach it to anyone, not even Harry, without my consent." Daphne nodded, but Ana repeated: "It is really dangerous, Daphne."

Daphne nodded again, this time more determinedly: "I won't forget it. I promise."

.

Beware of the Muggles

.

"I have to tell you, Cyrus: Your dear wife is obviously lacking in taste regarding the people she chooses to spend time with."

Lucius Malfoy watched the group around Roxanne Greengrass and Agatha Pinegrew with no small amount of disgust. A few of the people near the ladies belonged to 'the right kind' – despite Augusta Longbottom's political preferences she was at least a member of an old pureblood family – but four of them paraded their Muggle clothes far too openly for his taste. The boy he didn't recognize but everyone knew Petunia Dursley now. Or was it Petunia Evans? Severus had told him something about a divorce. And the pair of adults seemed to be the parents of that Granger girl. At least the woman had the same horrid hairs of her daughter. And the werewolf shouldn't even be allowed on the grounds of Hogwarts anymore, in his opinion.

Little did he know that it had been Augusta who invited the Grangers to accompany her to the grounds, allowing them to watch something that hadn't happened for decades and especially enabling them to be there for their troubled daughter. Hermione wasn't as bad as Daphne in her concern about Harry – and to a lesser degree Fleur and Cedric – but certainly bad enough.

"Over there would be a fine place," Lucius pointed towards a part of the tribune near the Parkinsons and far away from this riff-raff. Without waiting for an answer he herded his small group in that direction, when Severus curtly stated: "I'll follow you in a few minutes." Lucius sighed as he watched his friend walking towards Roxanne's group, Astoria – who left Draco after a hasty kiss to his cheek at Lucius' side – and Narcissa following him. Shaking his head sadly, he gestured Cyrus and Draco to follow him and continued his walk: "Women!"

.

"I expect you to prepare in an adequate manner this summer, Miss Granger. I won't tolerate anything less than straight 'O' from you in your potion OWL class." Despite his glare and his iron voice Hermione was surprised to experience her potion teacher this polite – polite at least according to his usual behaviour. He had even been friendly to her parents. Only Remus had been ignored – more or less – and the looks he shared with Petunia weren't of the most kindly sort.

"I'll do my best, Professor."

"I expect no less, Miss Granger. And now – Roxanne: I wish you a nice day." He hesitated for a moment, before he added with a lower and surprisingly caring voice: "All will be fine with him, Roxanne."

Roxanne stared at him for a moment, before she nodded with a weak smile. "Thank you, Severus."

.

"He really doesn't like you, Petunia." Remus grinned.

Petunia shrugged, pulling her son to her side to give him a one-armed hug. Dudley smiled. He really enjoyed this experience and hoped to see this place again, watching one of those famous Quidditch games. "We hated each other with a passion twenty years ago and I see no reason why this should change. He was a bastard back then and he is a bastard now. Perhaps he's a bit less bastardly these days, but certainly not someone I would invite to cake and tea."

"I know what you mean," Remus grinned. "At least he and I are now able to communicate without insulting each other. It's an improvement. Perhaps I should pity him more, because of how we treated him as teenagers, or because of Dumbledore's messing with his mind. But he has been an ass to generations of Gryffindor students and especially to Harry, only because he looked like James. I can't forgive him that."

Petunia was silent for a while. With an insecure voice she explained at last: "And I treated him bad because of his mother. He didn't deserve it, too. I hope one day he'll forgive me those years in my house."

"I'm sure he will," Remus responded with a soft smile. "He has a great heart and the months with Daphne and Roxanne really helped him grow up. And you kneeing Dumbledore certainly impressed him."

Petunia blushed as she remembered that moment, as Dudley – not for the first time – wished he would have been there.

.

"Please stay here with your parents, Hermione," Roxanne commanded with a no-nonsense voice. "And have an eye on Petunia and Dudley. We'll be over there."

Hermione wasn't happy about the separation from the Pinegrew ladies. She sensed that there was something going on. Daphne was far too tense and several times she had concentrated on something. It couldn't be her link to Harry – her boyfriend was too far away for that – but what else could it be? But she relented. At least her parents and her boyfriend would be here. For a second she felt pity for Neville's arm. Certainly he'd have some bruises after the task. But: Wasn't it his duty as her boyfriend to be her rock in the storms of her emotions? With a sigh she snuggled up to Neville's side, ignoring his blush and the look her mother exchanged with the Longbottom matriarch.

.

Constructive Cooperation

.

"Blasted British Ministry," Ana growled. Together with Roxanne, Agatha and Daphne she was sitting on the left-most part of the tribune and watching the Aurors and Officials who had gathered all around the place. "They didn't allow me to bring along a few colleagues of mine. And why has it to be Tonks who watches him and not me?" She snarled shortly. "At least he has the portkey." And the link to Daphne, Ana thought.

Roxanne nodded and patted her shoulder. She had been relieved when Ana exchanged Harry's belt buckle for another one that worked as a portkey as well. Regretfully the other jurors hadn't allowed Ana to be Harry's guardian during the task. It had been difficult enough for Filius to replace the assigned teacher with the young, trustworthy Auror. It had hardly been a surprise that the DMLE wasn't eager to endure Spanish colleagues. Loss of face was apparently more important than security.

For a moment she shuddered as she looked up. Up there in the sky was something she hadn't expected to see again at Hogwarts – not after the disaster of the last year. But Minister Fudge had shown his lack of willingness to learn from the past and stationed a score of Dementors above the maze. If they hurt my children in any way, Fudge, Roxanne promised, I'll put you in a toffee tin.

.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!"

Slowly the noise level went down and everybody turned towards the pedestal where Ludo Bagman was standing, presenting them his most splendid smile. He was surrounded by the other four jurors, a small number of especially important guests – like the Ministers of Magic from Britain, France and Bulgaria – and a far larger number of journalists. Normally the small frames of Luna Lovegood and Colin Creevey would have been lost among the far senior 'colleagues', but everyone tried to stay out of their way and not to annoy them. Nobody wanted to be on the bad side of the boy who was the only one allowed of taking photos of Harry and Cedric, nobody wanted to provoke the journalist who had been able to interview the Champions more than once. Even Rita Skeeter behaved, apart from a few glares.

The Basilisk pictures – shown to the public in the newest Quibbler together with some interviews of Harry and his friends as well as the parents of the affected students – had caused quite an uproar. How could such a beast sneak around Hogwarts unmolested for months? Why did it have to require a teenager to disable this danger?

"I'm especially furious," Mrs. Emma Granger, mother of the well-known Hermione Granger, told the Quibbler "because not only was my daughter petrified for months without any intent to heal her as fast as possible. No, the then-Headmaster didn't even bother to inform me about those events. Luckily Hermione is now the magical ward of Lady Longbottom, but this can't be the solution for every muggle-born student. I expect the school staff, the board of governors and the Ministry to do a better job at protecting our children in the future."

At least the school now had a new attraction in form of a wall-sized photo and a showcase with the Basilisk canine tooth.

Harry sighed as he noticed not too far away from the pedestal the 'Trio of Doom': The most honourable bringer of light-headedness and giddiness Albus yackety-yak Dumbledore, Percy 'I-eat-a-stick-every-morning' Weatherby and Dolores 'I-have-absolutely-no-taste-in-clothes' Umbitch. Wasn't there any way to goad them into the maze? Perhaps some of the beasts were hungry enough to make the world a happier place.

"Behind us you see the maze that has been created for the third task. It has been filled with all kind of obstacles: Animals, plants, riddles and traps. Our four Champions will have to find their way through this maze, to overcame any obstacle and reach the centre of the maze where the Goblet of Fire will be waiting for them. The first one to lay his or her hands on the Goblet will be the winner. To consider the results of the first two tests, they'll start in a specific order: Mister Diggory will be the first to enter the maze."

Cedric turned towards the audience and most of them cheered, the Hufflepuffs especially frenetic.

"After a few minutes Mister Viktor Krum will follow him."

Viktor showed his best victory pose but the cheering was much more subdued.

"And at last Miss Fleur Delacour and Mister Harry Potter will start."

There weren't so many cheering as for Cedric, but they certainly made up for numbers with enthusiasm.

"Everybody has a chance and we will watch how they fare against their obstacles. Like we did at the second task, there will be a way for you to watch them. Every Champion will be followed by a teacher with a pair of camera goggles. They are not allowed to interfere unless there is a grave danger. The Champions are only allowed to use their wands: No other magical items, no accioed brooms."

Harry sighed again. As feared he wasn't allowed to wear his bracelet. That they wouldn't tolerate a broom was no surprise. It would obliterate the whole purpose of the maze, wouldn't it?

"The obstacles in this task are the mentioned animals and riddles, not the other Champions. While it would be unsportsmanlike behaviour to use spells on the other Champions, it is allowed to do so – but only to hinder them, not to cause severe injuries."

So it will be okay for Viktor to stun me and get his revenge for the second task, Harry realized. I'll have to be especially careful. He noticed that Viktor showed a very serious expression. He really wants to win today.

"Be careful, Cedric," Harry whispered. "And you too, Fleur. You know I'm not very good at soothing little crying girls." Fleur glanced towards the tribune where her mother and sister were watching and nodded with a small smile. The absence of her father was noticeable. But in his stead Claire Roussevalle was at her mother's side. Since her schoolmate had taken the place of her little sister at the second task, the Delacours had taken Claire under their wings. Her mother had invited Claire to spend the summer with them and her father – eager to get into his family's graces again – had paid for her last school year. Her mother hadn't accepted his apology so far, but perhaps he would be allowed back into the master bedroom after the tournament.

Before he followed the other Champions to the starting position, Harry turned for a last time towards his family and showed them a confident smile. In his thoughts he concentrated on the same feelings. Everything will turn out alright, Daphne.

.

Starting Shot

.

Daphne sighed and sat down at her mother's side, shortly sending her a smile as Roxanne put an arm around her shoulders. She didn't want to watch the screen, she didn't need it. Instead she closed her eyes and listened to the heart beat of her boyfriend. With her eyes closed Daphne didn't notice the thoughtful look of her mother or the frown on her grandma's face.

With Cedric and Viktor being ahead a few minutes, Harry and Fleur had parted ways after they entered the maze: A last smile and a last wave before they lost sight of each other. Harry felt surprisingly calm. Knowing that Daphne was with him and Tonks was watching him, helped tremendously. But he really hoped that Tonks hadn't to do anything. If she interfered, it meant that he had failed at the task, that he had lost the tournament. So, hopefully, she would only follow him and enjoy the show.

.

Harry

Unlike Viktor, who had sprinted into the maze like mad, Harry was far more cautious. His primary objective was to survive this task; his desire to win wasn't very strong in comparison. He hoped that Cedric would win, even if this meant that Ana would lose her bet. Harry still thought Cedric to be the most worthy of the Champions, the most all-around capable wizard among them. Looking around carefully, he noticed the plants around him, hearing in his mind the voice of Neville explaining him how to distinguish the harmless from the dangerous or the helpful ones, while he searched for signs of any creatures nearby.

Tracks, Harry noticed. Blast-ended Skrewts, he groaned after a moment of pondering. Harry knew the form of their foot-prints far too well after the hours with Hagrid, walking the dangerous animals for weeks. He didn't wish to confront such a beast now. Only a few had survived the term, but they had reached a size comparable to a full-grown horse. Turning around to find another way, he noticed a Gingerboar Plant. What had Neville told me about this plant? Harry's concentration went downhill as he heard at least one of those Skrewts nearing him. Think, Harry, think.

Hastily he pointed his wand towards the plants and cast a number of drought charms. The plants instantly shrivelled and formed back, allowing Harry to pass them and enter a new part of the maze. The Skrewts are nearly here.

"Aguamenti!" He could already see the pair of Skrewts, when the newly wet plants slunk back into their old place again, barring the beasts from following him. "Thank you, Neville."

.

Nice move, he thought, looking down onto his 'ward'. A wise warrior avoids needless fights. Because of his goggles it would be impossible to help the boy. So he simply had to watch and wait. So far Potter didn't seem to need any help.

For a moment he thought about simply floating down and activating his own portkey. But he wasn't sure how the boy would react, with his adrenalin rushing through his body. And, he had to admit, he was anxious to see how the boy fared. After all his efforts it would be a bit vexing to stop the boy now before the end.

Go, Potter, go, he smiled. We'll meet at the end.

.

Fleur

A weird place, Fleur mused. Cautiously she was standing at the edge of a small clearing. It was far hotter here than a score steps back and the reason was right in front of her. Narrow gravel paths crossed it, passed a number of small 'ponds' of live coal. Four stone figures – each representing one of the houses – embellished the place. She had a hunch what kind of creature would be hiding in the coal and she really didn't like the idea to confront them openly. Remembering how Cedric had won against the dragon, the French witch decided to better be careful here and allow some other 'creature' to take the first step.

Cedric is a Hufflepuff, so I'll choose the Badger. With a wave of her wand she forced the Badger statue to leave its place. She wasn't as good as Cedric in Transfiguration, so she didn't change the statue's nature, but only charmed it to be able to move. Slowly it walked around, following the paths Fleur wanted to use too. Suddenly but not surprisingly a handful of smaller Salamanders left the coal ponds and attacked the intruder.

Have fun and don't lose your teeth, Fleur grinned. Swiftly but carefully, she used a path at the edges of the clearing; a minute later she felt the security of the maze again. She knew that she was the underdog in this task in comparison to Cedric and Viktor. But still she would do her best, simply to be able to look into her own mirror image after this ordeal. Fleur sighed.

I already hate this place.

.

Claire would have done better.

Mistress Ancuille, Potion Mistress of Beauxbatons and Fleur's assigned guardian teacher, hovered above the girl. She despised the Delacour family with all her heart. The family was tainted through non-human blood. She should never have been allowed to put her name into the goblet. She'll fail and stain the proud name of our academy. I hope she dies to give other dirty Veelas a sign: You're unworthy.

.

Viktor

I'm the best. I'm the strongest. I will win. Viktor sensed the eyes of Teacher Poliakoff above him. He would wear his usual disgusted expression, the same he wore every time Viktor was unable to solve something at the first try. I won't fail.

In the last moment Viktor dodged the charge of the rhino-like Erumpent.

It wasn't the first charge and certainly not the last. He had been surprised to see a creature as dangerous as an Erumpent in the maze. It wasn't fully grown but its horn certainly large enough to drill quite a hole into his chest. Until now it had simply ignored every single spell Viktor had cast. Even the Conjunctivitis hadn't been enough to stop it, perhaps because its eye-sight was already very bad from the start and it depended more on its olfactory sense.

This takes too long. I have to hurry. I have to fetch that blasted bastard. The hate he felt every time thinking about Cedric burnt through his body. For a moment a tiny voice told him, that it was false to feel like that, but within seconds his other half shoved away all compassion. I'll beat him.

Viktor harrumphed loathly. He liked to out power his adversaries, but this beast was simply too strong. He had to use a girly approach, an approach worthy of worthless Fleur. Viktor grimaced. Casting a cloud of noxious fumes behind him, he waited for the next charge. Another dodge would leave the Erumpent in the middle of the fumes, distracting and confusing it. Together with the Conjunctivitis it would be enough to make it harmless despite all its might.

I'll never allow the same to happen to me.

.

He'll succeed, Poliakoff pondered.

There can be no other winner. I've made sure of this. The teacher grinned evilly. He wasn't aware that some of his darker thoughts weren't his own, wasn't aware how easy it had been to influence him. Only one thing was important: That Durmstrang would win this tournament.

.

Cedric

Nice, Madam Sprout, very nice indeed, Cedric sighed after a single look at the path. There was a very small clearing with a young sprig of the Whomping Willow blocking the way. It had not even half the height of the original tree but its branches looked powerful enough to be hurtful still. I'll never understand her enthusiasm for plants. But apparently it was something very Hufflepuff. According to the books Helga Hufflepuff had been the same and Madam Sprout's favourite student – Neville Longbottom – showed the signs too. A short smile crossed his face as he thought about his new friend, the ultimate Hufflepuff indeed.

Viktor would certainly use a fire spell, Cedric grimaced. It's his way to deal with a dangerous plant. But what did Harry say about the other Willow?

Feeling secure where he stood, Cedric tried hard to remember the story about the last year. "There is a special spot, a root near the ground. Even Crookshanks was able to stop the Willow from hitting around by touching it."

To his regret there were several root knots visible and he certainly hadn't the intention to walk close enough to try every single one of them. So instead Cedric collected a number of stones and used his magic to press them against those spots: One unsuccessful attempt, a second and a third… had he remembered it wrong? Suddenly the willow stopped to move as the fourth stone hit the right-most root knot. With a sigh and a quick prayer, the Champion of Hogwarts hurried forward. Please stay still.

.

A way of my very own

.

I've been lucky, Harry sighed as he noticed the lesser degree of burns on his skin. I'll have to ask Neville about that plant. Good that I noticed it soon enough.

After a careful look around to make sure that he was secure at the moment, Harry started to use one of the healing spells Daphne taught him. He was not nearly as talented at them as her, but for now it would be enough. Slowly the pain faded and the ugly red spots lost their colour. It was still distracting but far better now than minutes ago. The plant had looked like a normal stinging nettle, but the reaction of his skin had been far stronger. Content with his healing spells, Harry looked around for another time and noticed a strange smell.

Cat?

His wand ready to defend himself, Harry slowly walked towards the next edge of the hedge. I won't be so lucky to find only a house cat, he grinned without humour. Oh, no! Harry paled. No, this impressive creature certainly wasn't a house cat. The body of a lion with strong legs and dagger-like claws was fearsome enough. But the wings and the head – similar to a woman's – made it quite clear: It was riddle-time now. At least he hoped that Hermione had been right about Sphinxes loving riddles far more than physical fights.

She's grinning, Harry groaned. I hope she's not able to read my mind.

Her grin deepened. "I see you prepared especially for me. I'm flattered. Let's see if you're able to solve my little riddles."

Lowering his wand Harry step forward and bowed slightly. "I'm happy to see you, milady. Without your appearance a part of my training would have been all for naught. This would certainly depress a very good friend of mine."

The Sphinx' smile only deepened. "Then let's start:

"What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?"

Harry blinked. He had expected some very difficult and perhaps ambiguous riddles. This one was nearly too easy, but perhaps only because he had used the questioned item far too often this year. He tried to sound self-confident when he answered: "A towel."

"Very good, let's continue with the second one:

"What can you catch but not throw?"

Being the Quidditch player he was, Harry lost quite a few minutes thinking about possible solutions around sport. The whole time Daphne had to forcefully control her mind, not to involuntarily send him the solution. She shouldn't be able to reach him, but she had to be careful. The frown on her grandma's face deepened only, until Harry suddenly slapped his forehead.

"It's a cold."

The Sphinx nodded slightly: "Well solved again. Now the last one:

"What's black and white and red all over?"

Daphne paled. She had no idea what this could be. Harry faced the same problem, but he had a small advantage: The Sphinx tried really hard to stay calm and her face bland, but he nearly felt the laugh rippling through her body. This is a joke riddle.

His mind now running in a totally different direction than before, he didn't need long before he showed the Sphinx his own smile: "A sunburned Penguin."

The Sphinx stared at him for a while, Daphne and the whole audience watching anxiously for her reaction. Then, suddenly, she started to chuckle: "The solution should have been a red painted Zebra, but I like your humour. So a sunburned Penguin it will be. Farewell, Harry Potter, you may pass."

Frenetic cheering from the tribune accompanied Harry as he started to walk pass the Sphinx, as she suddenly stopped him: "Unless you want to solve another riddle."

Harry stopped and stared at her in confusion.

"If you don't solve it, you aren't allowed to pass. But if you're successful, I'll have a message for your little riddle friend. It is your decision, Harry Potter. What shall it be: Pass or riddle?"

"Idiot," Daphne growled without waiting for the answer she knew Harry would give, looking down not to show her smile too openly.

"Riddle!"

Daphne groaned and leaned against her mother's shoulder. "It's Harry, dear," Roxanne tried to soothe her. Agatha only sniggered.

"The man who invented it doesn't want it. The man who bought it doesn't need it. The man who needs it doesn't know it. What is it?"

Harry sighed in relief. This was easy again. Perhaps the Sphinx really liked him and it had been more a test of morals and friendship? But how could he pass a chance of returning the help Luna had given so freely?

"It's a coffin."

The Sphinx bowed again: "You're right. And here is the message:

"What she searched on Iceland last summer wasn't there because they like to visit volcano eruptions. Instead they had been at Mount Etna. And this year she should think about a visit to the Ruapehu."

Harry stared at her for a long time. Could it be? Luna had been searching – again – for the Crumple-Horned Snorkacks. She had been very disappointed not to see them on Iceland. But now the Sphinx not only gave her a hint of their location. With this sentence she additionally confirmed the very existence of these creatures. He smiled openly and stepped forward. The Sphinx frowned, Daphne grimaced and every spectator paled as the boy hugged the magical beast. "Thank you so much. I'll tell her about it. You made a wonderful girl very happy today."

A few hundred steps away a bushy-haired girl grabbed the arm of her boyfriend and shook him. "Hugging a Sphinx, hugging a Sphinx. I can't believe it."

Neville shrugged with a grin: "At least he didn't try to ride on her back."

.

"Blasted!"

Harry stared at the path in front of him, while a quarter mile away Hermione tried to get a sensible answer from her boyfriend about the nature of this plant. Long, thin branches with razor sharp thorns whirled back and forth, eager to hit everyone stupid enough to step into their range. Since he passed the Sphinx there hadn't been another usable branch of the path.

Why did it have it to be plants every time? The Gingerboar, the Willow and in the first year there was the Devil's snare. I hate plants.

Harry wrestled with the question: Walk back or somehow find a way through this plant. What kind of plant was it? Blue-red striped blossoms, branches with thorns – he had the faintest impression that Neville spoke about it. Perhaps it was one of the more than fifty plants he had described as possible obstacles and enemies in this course.

I don't want to go back, Harry decided. I passed the Sphinx and I'll pass this damned plant. Sitting on the ground he used one of his new meditation techniques to calm down. Slowly the picture of the list Neville had given to him appeared in his mind. Name after name, description after description, his mind went through the list. Blue-red striped blossom – there: Dragoneer Hunters. Harry groaned as slowly the text of the description became clear to him. How could she choose this plant? Not only were the thorns worthy weapons, but the blossoms were able to hurl tiny poisonous needles and apparently she was mostly immune to fire.

There has to be a weakness, Harry decided. They wouldn't put such a plant in our path without a way to overcome it. Slowly he went through a number of Charms. Gingerboar had reacted to dryness, Devil's Snare to light. Dragoneer Hunters existed in the farthest-northern parts of Russia and Scandinavia. They loved the long, bright summers and endured the equally long, dark winters through…

Harry jumped up: "NOX!"

Darkness enveloped the plants and instantly they began to shrink back. Grinning shortly Harry waited for a few seconds before he rushed forward, casting another Nox while running and a third one while he was already in the darkness himself. Please, path, don't make a turn.

.

Two score steps later he left the darkness again, happy to have evaded these evil plants. His happiness lasted only seconds, exactly long enough to take in the sight in front of him. A small clearing, meandering paths, four stone statues like the ones on the place Fleur had encountered a while ago. This all was fine and well so far. What troubled Harry and disturbed the romantic impression a bit was the creature in the middle of the clearing. With the sun shining down on its fur, a warm stone slab under its belly, and the scorpion tail whirling around, the juvenile Manticore stared at Harry with hungry eyes.

"Hagrid, you're a really good friend, one of my oldest. But sometimes I hate you," Harry pressed through his clenched jaws.

The Manticore wasn't much larger than a sheepdog and the wings apparently had been clipped. So it won't be able to fly at least, Harry sighed. Perhaps it likes jokes. "Mione, didn't you tell me something about 'there won't be Manticores at the maze, they're too dangerous'?" Harry spoke to the empty place, assuming that Tonks' goggles would transfer his words to his best friend.

Slowly the Manticore left its place and sneaked nearer to its meal. Despite its juvenile age and small size, the claws, teeth and the tail would be more than enough to kill him. "They're immune against most spells from the start," Harry recited what he remembered about the creature: "How wonderful to know."

Despite his grumbles Harry already had a plan. For a short moment a smile played around his lips. "Hermione: Never again I'll complain about you forcing me to work on a backup plan. Daphne: Thank you for the patience to teach me this spell." Knowing that he wouldn't be able to transform the statues like Cedric did or to charm them like Fleur, he chose a completely different way:

"Avis!"

Like he had seen six months ago at the wand examination, a flock of small birds left the tip of his wand and attacked the Manticore. His magical immunity didn't help against dozens of small claws and beaks. Hastily Harry stepped aside as the tormented creature jumped away and left the clearing, angrily followed by the magical birds.

"Have fun," Harry grinned. Swiftly he crossed the clearing and blocked the exit through a new cloud of especially noxious smoke. "Nice spell, Fred," Harry mumbled low enough to prevent anybody from hearing the words.

I hope this will end soon.

.

The Desire to Win

.

She doesn't deserve to be here.

Viktor passed the maze in a hurry, ignoring the small cuts and bruises from his last fight. It would cause trouble later that he had killed the Cerberus, but he wasn't here to play nice. He was here to win.

She doesn't deserve to be here.

Champion was the word. Champion, not Championess, not kid Champion, only Champion. It was hard enough to accept Potter among them, but the girl… her participation was despicable. At Durmstrang they had realized that only men were worthy of real magical education. Girls had to attend one of the lesser schools – like Beauxbatons or Hogwarts. This alone showed clearly that the winner of this tournament had to be the Champion of Durmstrang.

She doesn't deserve to be here.

He had been the best player on the field at the Quidditch finals. But Quidditch was a team game, so he had been unable to win alone. But this time he could prove them all that Viktor Krum was the best. No lesser team would hold him back; no weak rules deny him to do what he wanted. And certainly no girl would steal his victory.

His eyes resting on the slim form of Fleur Delacour he slowed down, his wand drawn.

I'll show you who the real Champion is at this tournament.

.

Exhausted Cedric slumped down to the ground. The cut send racking pains through his body. I should have been more careful. But there was no use of self-blame now. Remembering the spell he had learned two weeks ago, he closed the cut and after a few minutes the pains subsided.

Thankfully he thought about the girl who had taught him the spell. If she wasn't with Harry, he certainly would try to hook her up. That someone two years below him was this adept at casting healing spells was still very confusing. His own magical core was far stronger – at the moment at least. But despite her lower power she was somehow able to infuse her spells in a weird way. Two weeks ago he had got a similar cut in the training. Hermione – Hermione of all people – had put a tad too much force behind a spell, still quite upset because of Draco Malfoy's behaviour an hour before. Cedric had been unable to protect his side in time and a suddenly very pale Hermione watched him going down.

She had very soft and cool hands, Cedric remembered. Daphne had healed the wound in no time and used the opportunity – if I remember correctly she even thanked Hermione for offering this opportunity to her, Cedric grinned – to teach all of them that special spell. His own spell was – like Harry's a few minutes ago – not nearly as strong as the one cast by Daphne. But it would be enough for now.

Carefully getting up Cedric was happy that the injury didn't trouble him anymore. Just as he was about to continue with the task, a scream got his attention. A second one followed seconds later.

Fleur!

Hastily he looked up to Madam Sprout. A third scream of pain forced him to a decision. I can't wait. Hoping not to stumble into any creature or plant Cedric hurried onwards, praying that he wouldn't be too late. The thought that another teacher was flying above Fleur didn't cross his mind at the moment. This was the time of being a gallant cavalier.

.

Fifty steps away another gallant cavalier – one with, as his best friend always said, a world-saving-thing – heard the same yells of pain. For a split second the pictures crossed his mind of Daphne's possible reactions, but he had no time for this. Like Cedric he rushed forward, hoping to find a clear path.

But he had no such luck.

Turning around a corner he found himself eye to eye with a pack of Acromantulas. Only two of them were of the larger, pony-sized kind. The rest were smaller, more like dogs. Not that this calmed him down in any way. Lightning fast and without a real plan he whipped up his wand and sent three stunners against them. Two of the smaller beast really went down – at least for a moment. But the third hit one of the greater spiders and did nothing to impress it.

Hastily he turned around and run back, right the way he had come a few minutes ago.

"Glacius!"

Holding his wand down and hoping to cast it correctly while he was moving, he used the sand-to-ice spell Daphne had demonstrated so successfully against Sirius. No, his ice wasn't as shiny, but he had other intentions. And really: The spiders apparently had problems to follow on the ice. And the hedges weren't strong enough to support them. After a while Harry dared to stop and turn around. The ice had allowed him to outdistance the spiders and now it was time to empower his spells.

Thirty yards.

Harry breathed deeply, trying to calm his nerves.

Twenty yards.

He imagined his friends behind his back, wounded and without wands. He had to defend them.

Ten yards.

The spiders had nearly reached him. Magical power was rushing through Harry's body and mind, filling the air with crackles.

Three Yards.

Two incredible powerful winter sleep spells left his wand, hit the two largest spiders and instantly stopped them. One of them crashed into the hedge, the other one came to a stop only two feet in front of Harry. Dexterous he dodged the attacks of the smaller spiders and jumped onto the ice, hoping that Sirius' glue spell would be enough. The result was very weak glue and his steps certainly not very secure. Harry imagined quite a few laughs from the spectators as he hurried onward again. But he was still able to outdistance the last Acromantulas after a while.

They've lost their appetite, Harry hoped when he heard no more steps behind him. Suddenly there were no more hedges at his sides, only a large clearing in front of him – a clearing with a single pedestal in the back third. Harry stopped flabbergasted.

The Goblet of Fire. I have reached it.

Harry looked around, somehow expecting that the other Champions would be there too. But none of them was visible. This can't be.

Slowly, his suddenly very heavy feet dragging behind, Harry walked towards the Goblet. Several times he stopped and looked around again. Nobody was there. Only he, Tonks and the Goblet.

What shall I do now?

.

I should fetch him now.

He knew that it would be the best and simplest, but still he didn't found it in his heart to intervene before Harry had touched the Goblet. It was a question of principle.

The Master will be furious should something go wrong now, Harry, so hurry up.

Eagerly he watched the boy.

.

I'm too late. I'm too late, Cedric groaned. The yelling had stopped and still there was no Fleur in sight. He passed the last corner and stopped cold. His heart certainly missed a beat or two as he watched in disgusted fascination how Viktor Krum raised his heavy foot, only to put it down a second later with much force – directly on the hand of an unconscious Fleur Delacour. Hand bones and wand were unable to endure the force and the vicious noises of breaking wood and bone reached Cedric's ear.

"Viktor!" He yelled, forgetting that it wasn't the cleverest idea to call Viktor's attention to him.

The large boy whirled around and without a second of hesitation sent a Reducto at the Hufflepuff. Without his training with Harry's friends this first spell would have already finished the fight. Thankfully he was able to nimbly dodge it and sent his own Expelliarmus at his attacker. Viktor easily protected himself with a shield and started to walk calmly towards Cedric, shielding himself against his attacks and sending his own spells at him in fast order.

He's too strong.

Within seconds Cedric figured out that he wouldn't be able to breach Viktor's shields and that he was safer in dodging his attacks instead of using his own Protego. The cutting spells, that followed the Reducto, were no surprise. But Cedric paled as he noticed the last spell he dodged had been a vicious Messorius – a forbidden Reaper spell. It is only a question of time until he starts to use Unforgivables.

Why didn't Madam Sprout intervene? Cedric heard her angry voice and the even angrier shouts of the Durmstrang teacher that had accompanied Viktor. But he had no time to wait for her. Cedric dodged the next spell by performing a somersault to the right. The move surprised Viktor enough to allow Cedric a counterattack. Hastily he sent two spells at the plants in Viktor's rear, further distracting him through a stunner against his shield. Before Viktor had a chance to notice the new danger, some branches started to ensnare him from behind. Angry the Durmstrang Champion tried to free himself with cutting spells, but this offered his back to Cedric, who didn't hesitate to use the opportunity.

"Expelliarmus! Petrificus Totalus!"

For a moment Cedric felt the dire urge to kick the boy and it was only with much self-restraint that he avoided doing so. Instead he hurried at Fleur's side. Far too late Mistress Ancuille – the Potion Mistress from Beauxbatons and assigned teacher – landed at his side. Instead of starting instantly with some healing spells, she only sighed and shook her head.

"Help her!" Cedric yelled. He knew that his own skills wouldn't be enough to make a real difference.

Mistress Ancuille only sneered and answered something in French, still making no move to follow the order. Harry told me that this bitch hated Fleur but how can she behave like this? With relief he noticed Madam Sprout landing behind her French 'colleague', shoving her out of her way, directly into the hedge. "I will tend to her," she reassured Cedric. "Go ahead. I'll follow in a few minutes."

Cedric hesitated for a moment. Then he nodded and left.

.

The Finish

.

I'm too late.

He had reached the destination of the task at last, only to see Harry sitting in front of the Goblet.

Why is he sitting there? Why isn't the Goblet in his hands?

Slowly he stepped nearer. He didn't want to startle Harry and he didn't want to win now without getting to know Harry's intent.

Hundreds of spectators followed the events eagerly. They had stared at the screen for minutes already, unable to believe that the boy simply stopped right in front of the Goblet.

"The Goblet is beautiful, isn't it?" Harry's voice was surprising warm and full of emotions. "So many dangers, so many efforts – and there he is resting on his pedestal like he wasn't interested in all of this."

Cedric stopped a few yards away. "He was there two hundred years ago and he'll still be there when our grandchildren try to reach him."

Harry turned around and smiled. "You're quite the philosophe, Cedric, aren't you?"

Cedric shrugged. "Not really." His face hardened. "Viktor attacked Fleur ... and me too."

Harry paled slightly but nodded. "Is Fleur well?"

"Madam Sprout is healing her right now. Viktor broke her hand. I don't know what other spells he used on her."

Harry sighed. "He had too much desire to win."

"And you not?" Cedric nodded questioningly towards the Goblet.

Harry shrugged again. "Not really. You should get it. You're the Champion of Hogwarts, not me."

"I could comply with your idea," Cedric grinned. "But Daphne would kick your ass for this and mine too."

Harry's grin broadened. "She told you that?"

"Hermione did."

Both boys stared at the Goblet for a while in silence.

"We could make a deal," Cedric slowly said. "You'll get the Goblet and I get a date with Daphne. What do you mean?"

"Not a chance," Harry grinned.

Cedric sighed. "I feared so much. Let's finish this. Go get the Goblet and let's go home."

"You're sure?"

Cedric sighed. "Go on before I change my mind."

Harry nodded, put his wand away and walked to the pedestal. Hesitating for a moment he grabbed the Goblet, holding his breath for a moment. But nothing happened.

"It's really time," Tonks commented as she landed. "It got a bit boring up there."

Harry smiled weakly, too exhausted to show any stronger reaction. With confusion he watched Tonks reaching for her wand. She raised it, pointed it towards Cedric and uttered: "Avada…"

"NO!" Without a thought Harry threw the Goblet at her.

"… Kedavra!" The Goblet hit the arm and forced it to the side. The green light missed Cedric's chest by a few inches only. Reaching for his wand Harry noticed too late that 'Tonks' jumped at his side, some silvery object in her hand. Cedric's spell missed her and he had no time for a second one, as Tonks dragged Harry between her and the Hufflepuff.

"It's time for a special visit," Tonks hissed. Only a loud plop announced the use of a portkey.

A second later a very pale and stunned Cedric was the only person on the clearing, with only the Goblet on the ground speaking of the sudden events.

.

The audience was deathly silent.

Daphne sobbed.

Turning around to Ana she forced the words: "He isn't there anymore, Ana. I can't feel him anymore."

.

A/N

8,200 words are in this part alone. I thought it to be better to split the third task. Chapter 48 will be about the cemetery, with an epilogue in chapter 49 concluding the story.