Chapter 20: The Madness of Mr. Crouch
It was now the last week of May, which meant the start of the summer term and thankfully Bash had left not long after her birthday she suspected he would be back soon. The summer, typically for the Banks family meant they would be returning to New York with spending the majority of their time in their Hampton house but also spending time in the Upper East Side of the city with Hallie taking her broadway summer programs. This year would be different they would be spending the summer in France at Ida and Remy's French countryside estate and then their grandparent's chateau by the sea celebrating the many summer birthdays.
Peri was sitting outside with her Slytherin group between classes relishing the sunshine, she had her head resting in Draco's lap messing with a stray piece of hair that had slipped from his usual perfectly styled hair.
"What are you doing?" he asked her swatting her away.
"Messing with you."
He rolled his eyes as Mad-Eye approached them, "King."
She quickly sat up, "Professor?"
"You are to go to the Quidditch field tonight a nine o'clock," he informed her as his magical eye scanned the group, "Mr. Bagman will be there to inform the champions about the third task."
She nodded, "Thank you…I'll be there."
At half past eight, she left the Slytherin common room to make her way down the Quidditch pitch where she ran into Harry.
"Hey, Harry."
"Peri…hi. Are you ready for the final task?"
She shrugged, "The second task ruined some friendships of mine."
"Holly and George?"
She nodded as they walked to the pitch, "I lost Holly. Hallie speaks to me but is loyal to her sister as she should be. Ida is not close to me, which I understand. Bauxbaton sits for meals with Ravenclaw."
The two were interrupted by Cedric, "Hey you two."
"Hi Cedric," they greeted.
"What d'you reckon it's going to be?" he asked them as they went together down the stone steps into the cloudy night. "Fleur keeps going on about underground tunnels; she reckons we will have to find treasure."
"That wouldn't be too bad," Harry commented.
Peri looked at them, "All you boys want to do is play pirates."
The two laughed as they walked down the dark lawn to the Quidditch stadium, turned through a gap in the stands, and walked out onto the field.
Cedric stopped dead in his tracks looking at the missing Quidditch field that was no longer smooth and flat. It appeared as though something was being built in the previous existing field. There were now long, low walls all over it that were twisted and crisscrossed in every direction.
"What've they done?" Cedric asked indignantly.
"They're hedges!" Harry said as he examined the nearest one.
"Hello there!" a cheery voice called to them.
Ludo Bagman was standing in the middle of the field with Viktor and Fleur. They made their over to them, climbing over the hedges as needed which was not easy in the mini skirt she was wearing. Cedric and Harry had to offer her their hands to help her over the hedges.
"You had to wear a skirt? Not something more casual" Harry asked who had changed out of school uniform into casual clothes.
"I am in casual clothes, this is just more flattering on me."
He looked her up and down, but did not say anything. Fleur smiled at Harry as they walked closer. She had been eternally grateful for Harry rescuing her sister from the Black Lake back during the Second Task.
"Well, what d'you think?" Bagman asked them happily as the three of them climbed over the final hedge. "Growing nicely, aren't they? Give them a month and Hagrid'll have them twenty feet high. Don't worry," he added, grinning as he spotted the looks on Cedric and Harry's faces, "you'll have your Quidditch field back to normal once the task is over! Now, I imagine you can guess what we're making here?"
It was a maze that was obvious, but Peri was not one to speak up for a question unless directly asked.
"Maze," Krum grunted.
"That's right!" cheered Bagman. "A maze. The third task's really very straightforward. The Triwizard Cup will be placed in the center of the maze. The first champion to touch it will receive full marks."
Peri raised a brow in confusion.
The task could not be that simple.
"We seemply 'ave to get through the maze?" Fleur asked.
"There will be obstacles," Bagman spoke, bouncing happily on the balls of his feet as he spoke. "Hagrid is providing several creatures…then there will be spells that must be broken…all that sort of thing, you know. Now, the champions who are leading on pints will get a head start into the maze." Bagman beamed at the three of them. "Then Mr. Krum will enter…then Miss Delacour. But you'll all be in with a fighting chance, depending on how well you get past the obstacles. Should be fun, eh?"
Peri looked at Harry to try and read how he felt about this, he was simply giving a nod along with the other. She gave a nod as well but would question Harry on the creatures later since he was close to Hagrid and could possibly get information on what creatures would be used.
"Very well…if you haven't got any questions, we'll go back up to the castle, shall we, it's a bit chilly…"
Cedric helped her over the hedges this time as Harry walked ahead with Viktor, "Thank you, Cedric."
"Of course, Peri," he said as they climbed over the final hedge, "And as much as I am sure Malfoy loves seeing you in a short skirt perhaps don't wear one during the final task."
She shook her head, "Why do you have to call him Malfoy?"
"That's his name."
"That is his last name. His name is Draco."
Cedric shrugged, "People call you King."
"The professors, not classmates…more specifically Professor Moody, but that is it."
He gave another shrug, "Typically Slytherins are called by their last name."
"Well, I am not King. I am Peri."
He rolled his eyes as they continued walking towards the castle.
Once inside Cedric told her goodnight and then went to the Hufflepuff common room, she started to make her way to her common room when she heard running behind her. She turned to see Harry running into the castle, "Harry!"
He didn't hear her but kept running up the marble staircase, toward the second floor. She followed him till he stopped in front of the stone gargoyle standing halfway along the empty corridor.
"Lem — lemon drop!" he panted.
Nothing happened, she looked at him confused.
"Harry?" she placed a hand on him.
This startled him, making him jump and look at her.
"Hey…sorry. What's wrong?"
"The password. It isn't working. I need Dumbledore!" He looked back at the stone gargoyle. "Move!" he shouted at it. "C'mon!"
She bit her lip then he started running again for the staircase. She ran after him, "Harry where are…" she called after him till she was interrupted.
"POTTER! PERI!"
The two skidded to a halt and looked around. Snape had just emerged from a hidden staircase behind the stone gargoyle. The wall slid shut as they were beckoned towards him.
"What are you two doing here, Potter?"
"I need to see Professor Dumbledore!" Harry said, running back up the corridor and skidding to a stop in front of Snape with Peri directly behind him. "It's Mr. Crouch…he's just turned up…he's in the forest…he's asking —"
"What is this rubbish?" Snape asked with dark eyes glittering. "What are you talking about? Why are you dragging Peri into your nonsense?"
"I am not dragging…"
Peri looked at the two, "Um…I'm sorry but Harry did not drag me into anything. I saw him in a hurry and followed to see if I could offer any assistance."
"Right! Mr. Crouch!" Harry shouted making Peri jump slightly at his volume. "From the Ministry! He's ill or something — he's in the forest, and he wants to see Dumbledore! Just give me the password up to —"
"Didn't you hear me, Potter?"
"Look Harry says Mr. Crouch needs help! A ministry official. If he needs help then we must get him help and that would require Professor Dumbledore." She looked at Harry. "My mom and Richard! They can help! They work for the Ministry!"
The stone wall behind Snape slid open. Dumbledore was standing there, wearing long green robes and a mildly curious expression. "Is there a problem?" he asked looking at the three of them.
"Professor!" Harry said, sidestepping around Snape before he could speak. Peri attempted to follow before her shirt was grasped from the back and she was pulled back to remain with her father.
She gave him a glare as Harry and Dumbledore swept down the corridor. She followed swiftly behind them before Snape could pull her back again.
"What did Mr. Crouch say, Harry?" asked Dumbledore as they walked swiftly down the marble staircase.
"Said to warn you…said he's done something terrible…he mentioned his son…Bertha Jorkins…and — and Voldemort…something about Voldemort getting strong…"
Peri took a brief pause in her steps hearing this, she was worried this was happening especially after Barty and Peter spoke with her months ago about Voldemort wanting her. She had just wished it was not true, she still hoped it wasn't true.
"Indeed," Dumbledore said as they quickened their pace hurrying out into the pitch darkness.
"He's not acting normally," Harry added attempting to now keep up with Dumbledore. "He doesn't seem to know where he is. He keeps talking like he thinks Percy Weasley's there, and he changes, and says he needs you…I left him with Viktor Krum."
"You did?" Dumbledore asked sharply as he began to take longer strides, making it so Harry and Peri were now having to run to catch up with him. "Do you know if anybody else saw Mr. Crouch?"
"No," said Harry, "Krum and I were talking, Mr. Bagman had just finished giving us information about the third task, we stayed back to talk. I ran into Peri in the entryway before coming to your office. She followed me."
"Where are they?" Dumbledore asked as they approached the Beauxbatons carriages.
"Viktor?" Harry and Peri shouted.
There was no answer from Viktor but a young American girl's voice.
"Peri?"
" Lumos ," Dumbledore said, lighting his wand and holding it up.
Its narrow beam traveled from black trunk to black trunk, illuminating the ground. And then it fell on a blonde girl kneeling on the ground beside a body.
Mallory.
They hurried towards her. Viktor's was sprawled on the forest floor. He seemed to be unconscious. There was no sign at all of Mr. Crouch only Mallory at Viktor's side.
"Mal? What happened?" Peri asked kneeling next to her sister.
She shrugged, "I don't know…I was leaving the Beauxbatons carriages after spending time with Remy when I heard a noise over here. I looked over and saw a figure disappearing into the forest and a body on the ground. I came over to find Viktor…I wanted to get help but didn't leave him. He was unconscious when I found him."
Dumbledore lifted one of Viktor's eyelids gently.
"Stunned," he spoke softly as he peered around at the surrounding trees.
"Should I go and get someone? Madam Pomfrey?" Harry asked.
"No," Dumbledore answered swiftly, "Stay here."
He raised his wand into the air and pointed it in the direction of Hagrid's cabin. Something silvery darted out of it and streaked away through the trees like a ghostly bird. Dumbledore bent over Krum, pointed his wand at him, and muttered, " Rennervate ."
Viktor opened his eyes. He looked dazed. When he saw Dumbledore, he tried to sit up, but Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder making him stay still.
"He attacked me!" Krum muttered, putting a hand to his head. "The old madman attacked me! I vos looking around to see vare Potter had gone and he attacked from behind!"
"Lie still for a moment," Dumbledore told him.
"I saw a figure approaching before I went…" he looked at Peri and Mallory. "I thought it was going to be Harry, but I saw blonde. You."
"Mallory," she placed a hand on his hand on the ground, "I'm Peri's sister. I saw you on the ground I couldn't leave you alone."
"Thank you, Mallory.." His hand squeezed her petite one. "You would be a good healer."
The sound of thunderous footsteps reached them, and Hagrid came panting into sight with Fang at his heels. He was carrying his crossbow.
"Professor Dumbledore!" he said, his eyes widening. "Harry…Peri…Little M — what the —?"
"Hagrid, I need you to fetch Professor Karkaroff. His student has been attacked. When you've done that, kindly alert Mr. and Mrs. Banks along with Professor Moddy —"
"No, need, Dumbledore," said a wheezy growl, "I'm here."
Moody was limping towards them, leaning on his staff, his wand lit.
"Damn leg," he said furiously. "Would've been here quicker…what's happened? Snape said something about Crouch —"
"Crouch?" Hagrid asked blankly.
"Karkaroff. Cassie and Richard, please, Hagrid!" Dumbledore said sharply.
"No, need to get us," Richard and Cassie rushed over.
They reached the group with Mallory rushing over into Cassie's arms. Cassie soothed her daughter by brushing her hair, "What happened?"
Richard looked at Peri, "Snape said Peri was in trouble. You alright Peri?"
She nodded, "I'm alright. Viktor was attacked by Mr. Crouch."
Cassie and Richard exchanged looks, "Where is he?"
"We do not know where Barty Crouch is, " Dumbledore told them as Hagrid trotted off with Fang into the darkness, "We must find him."
"The forest," Mallory spoke up, "When I came to Viktor's side I had just seen a figure disappear into the forest. I figured it was an animal but now I am unsure."
"I'm on it," growled Moody, and he raised his wand and limped off into the forest.
No one spoke again until the unmistakable sounds of Hagrid and Fang returned. Karkaroff was hurrying along behind them. He was wearing his sleek silver furs, and he looked pale and agitated.
"What is this?" he cried when he saw Krum on the ground and everyone else around him, "What is going on?"
"I vos attacked!" Krum said, sitting up now and rubbing his head. "Mr. Crouch or votever his name —"
"Crouch attacked you? Crouch attacked you? The Triwizard judge?"
"Igor," Dumbledore began as Karkaroff pulled Viktor to stand clutching him in furs appearing livid.
"Treachery!" he bellowed, pointing at Dumbledore. Then looked towards Richard and Cassie, "It is a plot! You and your Ministry of Magic have lured me here under false pretenses! This is not an equal competition! First, you sneak Potter and King into the tournament, though they are underage! Now one of your Ministry friends attempts to my champion out of action! I smell double-dealing and corruption in this whole affair…"
This made Peri livid.
"You will apologize to my family! They have done nothing wrong here! My sister spotted Viktor in danger first and rushed to his aid! Harry and I were not sneaked into the tournament, neither one of us wanted it. It is not our fault that Viktor is in third place while Harry and I are tied. Those tasks are hard! They are to mentally and physically challenge you, if Viktor can't compete to match us that is not our problem. It is not my parents' fault I am in the tournament. Do you think a parent enjoys watching their child get beaten and knocked down? I am barely sixteen years old and have to compete in tasks that are meant for seventeen and eighteen-year-olds."
"Peri…" Cassie began.
"No, mom!"
Karkaroff glared in Peri's direction, "You are a child. What do you know?"
"I do not know everything but I do know my parents would never place me in danger. Someone else put my name in that cup. Someone who has it out for me or my mother or father. Our lives were fine till we were pulled here to England. Now everything is different."
"You know nothing. You are only a child."
"Apologize!" Hagrid snarled as he seized Karkaroff by the front of his furs, lifting him into the air and slamming him into a tree. Karkaroff hasped for breath as Hagrid's massive fist was at his throat and his feet dangled in midair.
"Hagrid, no!" Dumbledore and Cassie shouted, Dumbledore's eyes flashing while Cassie's remained soft but worried.
Hagrid removed the hand pinning Karkaroff to the tree, and Karkaroff slid all the way down the trunk and slumped in a huddle at its roots; a few twigs and leaves showered down upon his head.
"Kindly escort Harry, Peri, and Mallory back up to the castle, Hagrid," said Dumbledore sharply.
Breathing heavily, Hagrid gave Karkaroff a glowering look.
"Maybe I'd better stay here, Headmaster…"
"You will take Harry, Peri, and Mallory back to the school, Hagrid," Dumbledore repeated firmly. "Take Harry and Mallory straight to Gryffindor Tower, then take Peri to the Slytherin Dungeon. Harry and Peri — I want you to stay in your dorms. Anything you might want to do — any owls you might want to send — they can wait until morning, do you understand me?"
"Er — yes," Harry spoke staring at him.
"I'll leave Fang with yeh, Headmaster," Hagrid said staring menacingly at Karkaroff, who was still sprawled at the foot of the tree, tangled in furs and tree roots. "Stay, Fang. C'mon you three."
They marched in silence past the Beauxbaton carriage and up toward the castle.
"How dare he," Hagrid growled as they strode past the lake. "How dare he accuse Dumbledore. Like Dumledore'd do anythin' like that. Like Dumledrore or your parents wanted either one of you in the tournament in the firs' place. Worried! I dunno when I saw Dumbledore more worried than he's been lately. An' you!" Hagrid turned suddenly towards Harry angrily, which made all three of them taken aback. "What were yeh doin', wanderin' off with ruddy Krum? He's from Durmstrang, Harry! Coulda jinxed yeh right there, couldn' he? Hasn' Moody taught yeh nothin'? 'Magine lettin' him lure yeh off on yer own —"
"Krum's all right!" said Harry as they climbed the steps into the entrance all. "He wasn't trying to jinx me, he just wanted to talk about Hermione. Plus Peri is right none of us wanted this well except the three who put their names in. But we are doing fine on our own. We are tied for second place behind Cedric."
"Exactly!" Peri spoke up. "Cedric will win in first place but Harry and I will win in second place ahead of Viktor and Fleur. We may be young but we are strong." She took a deep breath placing a hand on her M necklace. "Which I will need, I am sure of that."
"I'll be havin' a few words with Hermione, an' all," Hagrid spoke grimly, stomping up the stairs. "The less you lot, 'ave ter do with these foreigners, the happier yeh'll be. Yeh can' trust any of 'em. An' yeh would do better without Malfoy, 'eri."
She looked at Hagrid, "He is not as bad as everyone makes him out to be."
Harry wrinkled his nose at the thought of Draco being a decent person before looking at Hagrid, "You were getting on all right with Madame Maxime," Harry said annoyed.
"Don't you talk ter me abou' her!" Hagrid said and looked quite frightened for a moment. "I've got her number now! Tryin' ter gets back in my good books, tryin' ter get me ter tell her what's comin' in the third task. Ha! You can' trust any of 'em!"
Hagrid was in such a bad mood, Harry and Mallory rushed inside Gryffindor Tower. This left Peri alone with Hagrid, "Come along, 'eri."
She nodded and followed him back down the steps, "Can you not say what creatures will be in the task?"
"Yeh know we are not supposed to help you win."
"I know…I know, but…Hallie designs my task outfits, I want to be sure I stay safe and I need to know what instructions to give her to help me prepare."
"Tell her to prepare for anything. I would love to help you, but I believe you and Harry will do amazing. You are showing all the girls here that you can be a smart, beautiful, and powerful witch. You can do anything a boy can do."
She nodded, "Thank you Hagrid. Goodnight."
She went into the Slytherin common room. She needed to tell the Slytherin gang what had just occurred.