Ah sorry for the late update! I've been so busy recently.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks again for the lovely reviews :)


24 June 1995

It was very early in the morning. The sun was shining brightly in the sky and birds were chirping happily in the trees. Currently, Minerva and Albus were standing side-by-side on the steps to the castle waiting for the arrival of the contestants' family members.

Regarding Harry, Albus had thoughtfully arranged for Sirius to come in his animagus form. Minerva herself had extended the invitation to the Weasleys; she thought perhaps Molly and Arthur would benefit from seeing Harry safe and well. Indeed, Minerva had lost count of the number of letters she had received from Molly and Arthur this year about Harry and his welfare. Not to mention that Potter might also benefit from spending the afternoon with adults who truly cared about him, Minerva thought.

She sighed tiredly again as she pictured the worried look etched on the young boy's face this morning at breakfast. He had looked positively ashen-faced, Minerva recalled. And although most of the other professors and students were grinning and beaming and sighing with relief knowing that the tournament was going to end soon, Minerva could not help but agree with Potter.

She was undeniably pleased the Triwizard Tournament was finally coming to an end. However, she could also not help wonder if perhaps it was too good to be true. The mystery surrounding why Potter's name had been placed into the goblet of fire still had not yet been solved. Mr Crouch was still missing. Not to mention that the faint rumblings of disquiet in the wizarding world were getting louder.

Indeed, disappearances, unexplained deaths and increased anti-muggle behaviours were on the rise. Even though it was only a slight increase, it was enough to be concerning — whatever the Daily Prophet was reporting, or not reporting, Minerva thought darkly.

She pursed her lips as they continued to wait. Finally, after a few more minutes, the Diggorys, Delacours and Krums could be seen through the trees. As they approached, Minerva and Albus began to also walk towards the winged boar gates to greet them.

"I think Sirius is right, Albus," Minerva said, as they approached the gates. "If anything were to happen to Potter it would happen this evening before, if not during, the task."

They paused as they reached the gates first, and Minerva turned to look at Albus.

"It is not as if anybody will be able to supervise the task," Minerva added. "At least with the first and second task we had witches, wizards and merpeople ready to intervene..."

Albus nodded, understanding her concern. "Ludo has promised that he will be sending someone into the maze to keep an eye on the contestants."

"Really?"

He nodded.

Minerva sighed. "That does make me feel a wee bit better," she admitted.

"Albus!"

Minerva and Albus broke eye contact to see Amos Diggory beaming widely. The Krums and Delacours were not far behind however Minerva was sad to see that the Weasleys were not part of the group. Not that Harry was their biological son after all. Nevertheless, based on the letters Minerva received from Molly Weasley, it was clear that they doted on Potter and were eager to support him.

Amos waved and Minerva had to push her thoughts of the Weasleys to one side so that she could welcome the guests with Albus. As Albus prepared to walk them to the castle, however, Minerva put her hand gently on his arm.

"I will wait a few more minutes," she told him. "Just in case."

Albus nodded and Minerva let go of his arm so that the group could leave. She stood by the gates for another 5 minutes hoping that either Molly or Arthur would appear. After another few more minutes, there was a loud crack and Molly and Bill Weasley apparated in front of the gates.

"Oh, Minerva," Molly said, brushing down her robes. She then walked up the hill and gave Minerva an unexpected hug. "Sorry we're late," she added, once she had let go. "Arthur was going to join us but he was called to the Ministry."

"On his day off," added Bill, coming to join them.

Molly sighed. "Yes, well," she said. "There's nothing to be done about that, unfortunately." She sighed again then straightened her hat. "Will he be in class today?"

"The contestants have been allowed a day to spend with friends and family before the task begins," Minerva explained, as they started to walk towards the castle.

Molly nodded, though she looked slightly worried. "I heard it was a maze this third task... Will it be difficult?"

"I—I don't know," Minerva admitted, unable to hide her concern either. "The Ministry have decided to be sparse with the detail regarding the components of this task. I believe we will find out what is expected of the contestants at the same time."

Molly nodded silently, looking very much as though she did not approve of this rule. Noticing this, Bill linked arms with her and squeezed her hand. "It will be fine, Mum," he said reassuringly.

"Of—of course, it will," Molly said finally. She smiled, trying to shake off the unease, and continued to follow Minerva into the castle.

When they reached the small chamber where the rest of the families were gathered, Minerva stopped and indicated that they should stay there while she collected Potter. It was also with great unease, that she walked to the Great Hall to locate the boy.