Professor Moody had been declared healthy and able to teach after a week stay in the hospital wing. He needed a new magical eye and wooden stump for his missing foot since the imposter had taken the originals with him so Dumbledore had to pull a few strings. The problem was Moody’s eight month stay in his own trunk had left him a little more jumpy than normal (according to Sirius).

“More jumpy,” James said, “That must be a nightmare.”

 Remus did everything he could to help the real Professor Moody out with teaching and although it was difficult for someone to jump into a role someone else had been playing (even though the person had been portraying him). Dumbledore had insisted appearances be kept up to prevent a panic. Sometimes Harry had to wonder who Dumbledore was more worried about: the students or the Ministry.

“I think; the Ministry,” Lily said scowling, “The students couldn’t care less. All they’d care was that the impostor wasn’t there anymore and go on with life as usual. The Ministry on the other hand could say Dumbledore wasn’t up to the job and start meddling.”

As June arrived, Professor Moody was ‘back’ to teaching and no one was the wiser. Remus remained at Hogwarts with Sirius for ‘security reasons’ but Harry knew it was because his guardians didn’t believe the third task would go on without a hitch. Both men were taking Harry’s dream of Voldemort seriously enough to oversee everything having to do with the task. To anyone else, it would seem that they were being obsessive but their actions only proved to Harry that the threat was real. Voldemort was really out there…somewhere…waiting.

The four shuddered and looked around as if Voldemort would materialize there and then.

It had been hard for Harry to keep everything from Ron and Hermione. His one secret of his outbursts had quickly escalated to the truth about the attack, Sirius’ presence, his dream about Voldemort, and specially his reaction to the dream. He didn’t think Ron and Hermione would like hearing that he had actually felt pain of the Cruciatus curse through a dream.

Since Harry was excused from his final exams he was able to research and practice for the third task while everyone else studied. The third task was scheduled for a week before the term ended and was approaching fast. His list of hexes, charms and spells was growing by the day. Now the only problem was keeping it all straight. He even had to ask his guardians help him run through everything a few times since Ron and Hermione were so overwhelmed with their class load.

Regardless of the sums of people wishing him good luck, Harry couldn’t help but once again feel the pressure of everyone’s expectations. Several people had even asked Harry what he was going to pull off during this task reminding the fourteen-year-old that for some reason people were expecting him to do something miraculous. This only frustrated and infuriated Harry. As if he didn’t have enough pressure already!

“Yes people; LEAVE HIM ALONE!” James cried.

“At least he has help this time,” Remus said.

By the time June twenty-fourth arrived Harry couldn’t wait for the Tournament to be over.

“you and I both Harry,” Sirius said, “It seems like an eternity since we read your name being spit out that goblet.”

“Sure dose,” Lily said, “And it was just this morning.”

He didn’t care what the outcome may be just as long as the attention and pressure ended. Truthfully Harry didn’t want to win. He didn’t need the money and certainly didn’t want the recognition. He had considered not even showing up but knew Ron, Hermione and the majority of the Gryffindor house would never forgive him for it.

Harry was trapped in his own thoughts during breakfast. Everyone was talking around him, oblivious to the fact that he wasn’t contributing to any of the conversations. Ron was talking with Dean and Seamus while Hermione had her face buried in a book. It was times like this when Harry wondered if he really belonged. He felt like no one understood him but knew it was mostly his own fault since he was keeping so many secrets from his friends. The problem was he was just too afraid of how they would react.

The feeling of a hand on his shoulder made Harry jump and quickly turn around to see Cedric smiling at him. “Come on Harry,” Cedric said happily. “We get to spend the day with our families and I want to introduce Professor Lupin and Mr. Black to my parents.”

“Oh, he’s introducing the parents!” Sirius said in a mocking voice.

“Sirius! Stop that! Cedric is almost like an older brother to Harry!” Lily scolded.

Before Harry could say anything Cedric had pulled him to his feet and was ushering him towards the side chamber. For some reason his brain didn’t seem to be working at a reliable rate. It wasn’t until Harry was pushed into the chamber and saw his guardians waiting for him that he registered what Cedric had told him. The pair of Marauders pulled Harry into an embrace acting as if they hadn’t seen Harry in ages. When Harry stepped away he was pulled into another embrace but this one was rather suffocating.

“Oh look at you!” exclaimed the voice of Mrs. Weasley. “You’ve grown so much but you are still on the thin side!”

“I think Mrs. Weasley would tell even Slughorn that he is on the thin side,” Remus chuckled.

“Mrs. Weasley?” Harry asked in confusion as he pulled himself out of her embrace. He noticed another Weasley standing to her right with long red hair and a fang earring. It was the eldest of the Weasley siblings. “Bill?”

Mrs. Weasley tried to smooth out Harry’s hair but it wouldn’t seem to cooperate. She eventually gave up, realizing it was a lost cause. “Sirius and Remus invited us to come, dear,” she said happily. “We haven’t seen you for so long. Charlie told us all about the first task. I couldn’t believe Dumbledore approved of the use of dragons.”

“Me neither,” James fumed.

“Charlie and Dad wanted to come,” Bill said with a grin. “They couldn’t get off work but they both wish you luck.”

Harry felt someone tap his shoulder and turned to see Cedric with his parents standing behind him. Mr. Diggory had a scrubby brown beard and looked a lot like Cedric. Mrs. Diggory had a kind face and long brown hair. “Harry, these are my parents,” Cedric said with a smile.

“Pleased to meet you, sir, ma’am,” Harry said politely then gestured in reference to the Marauders. “My guardians, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin,” he then gestured to the Weasleys. “Mrs. Weasley and her son, Bill,—friends of the family.”

Mr. Diggory shook hands with Sirius, Remus and Bill before nodding politely to Mrs. Weasley. He then returned his attention to Harry. “I must say you have certainly made a name for yourself, Mr. Potter,” Mr. Diggory said. “You seem to have this competition wrapped around your finger.”

“Oi! What do you mean by that?” James said glaring.

Harry’s eyes widened as an arm reached around his shoulders and pulled him back in a protective manner. Was that really what people thought? I never should have spent those hours in the library. I never should have tried. I should have just let myself fail. Everyone would be happy then and no one would be pressuring me to win now.

“No you shouldn’t,” Lily scolded, “You have as much right as anyone to do well. Diggory is just jealous his son isn’t in first place even though you’re younger.”

“Now, now Amos,” Sirius said protectively. “You know that’s not true. Harry is a hard worker just like your son.”

“Yeah, you tell him Padfoot!” Remus said crossing his arms, “I don’t like him.”

“I’m sure he is,” Mrs. Diggory said with a smile as she tried to resolve the tension. “Good luck this evening, Harry. Amos, I believe we were going to take a walk with our son. Sirius, Remus, Molly, William, it’s been a pleasure.”

Cedric gave Harry an apologetic look before leaving with his parents. Sirius glanced at the other three adults before pulling Harry closer. “Don’t take what he said seriously, Harry,” he said softly. “Come on. Let’s give Molly and Bill a new outlook on Hogwarts.”

“I don’t think Molly appreciates your outlook on Hogwarts Sirius,” Lily said raising her eyebrow. Sirius blew her a kiss.

Harry was silent for the majority of the morning, only talking when asked a question directly. It seemed like everything was once again coming to the surface. Not only were his classmates pressuring him to win, now he had to worry about making his guardians and the Weasley’s proud without anyone believing he somehow was getting inside information.

“Hey! We are proud of you no matter what!” Remus cried.

“Yeah! Diggory is just a jealous git!” Sirius cried and looked at Remus that had been scribbling in his parchment again, “Must tell Harry we are proud anyway,” he read over his friend’s shoulder chuckling and shaking his head. Lily giggled and James turned around so that he wasn’t facing Remus but his shoulders were shaking.

The problem was it had been the truth for the first two tasks. Hagrid had helped him with the dragons and Cedric had helped him with the egg. But everyone had help in the first task. Does that make it any less wrong?

“You just said it Harry,” Lily said patiently, “Everyone had help. So you were all leveled.”

Deep in his own thoughts, Harry didn’t notice the conversation around him ceasing. He didn’t realize the worried glances he was receiving from the four adults around him. He knew he shouldn’t let everything get to him; he shouldn’t let what Mr. Diggory said bother him but it was so hard. He knew that people thought he was given special privileges because he was the-boy-who-lived. He just didn’t think it was the entire wizarding world.

“Harry?” Remus asked as he rested a gentle hand on the teen’s shoulder. “Harry, are you all right?”

“No,” James answered, “Sirius, what are you doing?” he asked slowly.

Sirius had taken a very disgruntled Remus’s hand on his own and was stroking it on his cheek.

“What? The book says Remus’s hand is gentle. I am just testing!”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Harry looked up and realized that they had noticed his lack of attention. He mentally cursed himself for dwelling on his thoughts in the presence of Sirius and Remus. Ever since the second task both men had made it their mission to know when Harry had a lot on his mind and make him talk about it. He accepted that they wanted to help but Harry was never one for talking about feelings. No one had ever seemed to care before so like everything else Harry was use to handling it on his own.

“Harry, please don’t worry about what Amos Diggory said,” Remus said in the same gentle tone.

“See, again with the gentle. Moony is gentle all around,” Sirius said happily.

 

“He’s just jealous that you are ahead of his son in points. Diggory has always been competitive. He wants his son to win so he tried to shake you up a little bit.”

“Yeah, that’s basic tactics. Goad your opponent,” James said annoyed.

Harry looked at the four adults uncomfortably. The thought of a parent’s pressure only made him more uneasy. Was Cedric going through the same thing he was? Were Viktor and Fleur? “Would you be angry if I didn’t win?” Harry asked quietly.

“NO!” the four cried at once.

“Of course not,” Sirius said instantly. “We don’t care if you win or lose, Harry. We’re here to give our support, to let you know you’re not alone. We are not here to put any more pressure than you have already put on yourself.”

 

“Yes, you already do that to perfection without help!” Lily huffed.

 Sirius reached out a ruffled Harry’s hair making Harry scowl in annoyance. “Just do your best. That’s all anyone can ask for.”

Harry couldn’t help but feel like a large weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Sirius and Remus were right. He suddenly remembered the calming techniques Sirius had taught him. He shouldn’t focus on what he couldn’t control. He had left everyone else’s opinions cloud his mind. The only thing he could do was remember what he had learned over the past four years and hope for the best.

They ate in the Great Hall for lunch, surprising Ron, Ginny, Fred and George. None of them had known that their mother and older brother were coming today. Bill easily served as a distraction for all of the Weasley siblings while Sirius and Remus distracted Harry by explaining what they had in store for Harry once the school year was over. Mrs. Weasley simply observed the two men and their charge with a soft smile on her face. This was the first time she had witnessed Harry with his new family.

She wasn’t the only one smiling.

For the afternoon, Sirius and Remus gave Mrs. Weasley and Bill the tour of the Marauder’s Quarters which included going through the photo albums Sirius and Remus had made about Harry’s life before the murders of his parents along with life after the adoption. Reminiscing was more embarrassing for the teen than anything but Harry wasn’t about to say anything. Sirius, Remus and Mrs. Weasley seemed to be enjoying themselves too much.

James shook his head at his friends and crossed his arms.

“What?” Remus asked.

“Tsk, tsk, just yesterday Moony you were embarrassed at your mum’s antics of reminding you to wear a warm jumper and there you two are doing the same to Harry. Oh, how the mighty have fallen?” he finished dramatically. He received twin glares.

On their way to dinner Harry had learned that Fudge would be serving as the fifth judge tonight because Crouch would be incapable and Percy was under investigation. Apparently the Ministry was questioning whether Percy was actually working under Mr. Crouch’s orders or someone else posing as Crouch. From the worried tone in Mrs. Weasley’s voice, Harry knew this investigation was serious.

You could hardly hear yourself think with all of the excited chatter throughout dinner. Harry was once again starting to feel nervous but it was nothing like it had been this morning. He knew he was as prepared as he could possibly be and if that wasn’t good enough then he didn’t deserve to win. It was as simple as that. Now if he could get rid of the butterflies in his stomach he would be feeling a lot better.

The chatter ceased as Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat. “Ladies and gentlemen, in just a few minutes it will be time for all of us to make our way to the Quidditch pitch for the eagerly awaited third task,” he said pleasantly. “Champions, please follow Mr. Bagman to the stadium now.”

Remus and Sirius wished Harry luck one last time as he stood up followed by Hermione and the Weasleys. The entire Gryffindor table applauded and cheered loudly as he walked out of the Great Hall. It seemed that the Gryffindors tried to show their support by making more noise than anyone else in the hall.

“We always do Harry,” James said happily.

The moment the large doors closed silencing the noise, Harry couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. Once this Tournament was over a vacation was certainly needed.

“Yes, we could go to some tropical island and bask in the sun all day with drinks with little umbrellas,” Remus said dreamily.

As they stepped out onto the courtyard, Cedric was immediately at Harry’s side. “Listen Harry, I’m really sorry about what my dad said,” Cedric said quickly. “He’s been in a mood lately. Everyone at work has been asking him about you and if he’s met you—”

“—why?” Harry interrupted. “I’m just a kid—”

Cedric looked at Harry as if he had grown a second head. “You haven’t heard?” he asked. “It’s a running joke with all of the Aurors of how the Minister of Magic was outsmarted by a thirteen-year-old. Everyone at the Ministry knows what you did to give Sirius Black a trial. You’ve done the one thing they’ve wanted to do for years: put Fudge in his place.”

“Anyone that has met Fudge must have that as their biggest dream,” Lily huffed.

“But I didn’t have a choice,” Harry protested. “He wouldn’t listen that Sirius was innocent!”

Cedric just smiled and ruffled Harry’s hair. “I know that,” he said. “My dad told me everything. I guess I’m just trying to explain why he is the way he is. You didn’t deserve what he said to you. Trust me. My mum gave him quite an earful.”

“That’s nice of her,” Lily beamed, “Cedric too. For apologizing.”

They stepped onto the Quidditch pitch which was now filled with twenty-foot high hedges forming a vast maze.

A strangled sob escaped from James. Lily rubbed his back soothingly.

They reached the dark entrance and could only wait. Not wanting his nerves to get out of control again, Harry knelt down and once again ran through some of the calming techniques Sirius had taught him. He had a feeling he would be using a lot of what his guardians had taught him tonight.

It was difficult to concentrate with the noise made by students filling the stands. The stands seemed to thunder with each step, multiplying when another student stepped on. After a few minutes Harry was forced to give up and stand up again. He knew he was going to have a rather bad headache if he forced himself to focus much longer.

The sun had set completely, leaving only a deep blue night sky. Hearing people approach, Harry quickly turned around to see Professor McGonagall, Hagrid, Professor Flitwick and Professor Moody approach. They were wearing large glowing red stars on their hats except for Hagrid who had one on his waistcoat. Harry couldn’t help but notice how all of the teachers seemed to look at him for a moment longer than the other champions.

“They all have a soft spot for Harry,” Remus smiled.

“We will be patrolling along the borders of the maze,” Professor McGonagall informed the champions. “If you get into trouble and need to be rescued, send red sparks into the air. One of us will come, understand?”

For some reason Harry felt that Professor McGonagall was issuing the warning more to him than the other champions but he let it slide. He knew McGonagall was extremely protective of him with everything that happened last year but wasn’t about to broadcast it since none of the students were aware of it—with the exception of perhaps Hermione.

Bagman pulled out his wand and pointed it to his throat as the four teachers left. “Sonorus,” he said, magically magnifying his voice. “Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament! The current standings: in first place with ninety points is Mr. Harry Potter of Hogwarts School!” Loud cheers and applause filled the stadium. When it finally died down, Bagman continued. “In second place with eighty-five points is Mr. Cedric Diggory of Hogwarts School!” Once again applause and cheers could be heard. “In third place with eighty points is Mr. Viktor Krum of Drumstrang Institute!” More applause. “And finally, in fourth place is Miss Fleur Delacour!” Bagman turned his attention to the champions. “On my whistle, Harry! Three…two…one…”

The whistle blasted loudly in his ears causing Harry to wince before he entered the maze. The tall hedges looked even taller the closer you came making Harry feel even shorter than he already was. With a flick of his wrist Harry had his wand was in hand and muttered “Lumos” to help him see where he was going. His training was already taking over as he continued walking cautiously. After about fifty yards there was a fork. Harry glanced in both before taking the path on the left. He continued walking as a whistle blew signaling Cedric’s turn to enter the maze. He wasn’t going to worry about the other champions. His main concern was his safety. He wouldn’t get far if he was injured by blindly running into danger.

The silence was thick. Only Sirius voice was heard and it was almost a whisper as if he thought that by reading louder he’d attract danger for Harry.

So far this path seemed to be deserted but Harry still kept his guard up. He turned right as another whistle blew signaling Viktor’s turn to enter. He continued walking until he suddenly felt like he was being watched. Harry instantly tensed as he turned around but saw nothing. He slowly backed up as he used the Four-Point Spell to find north. Knowing that the center of the maze was north-west, Harry slowly turned around and continued walking. He reached another fork and took the left path.

Almost unconsciously Lily grabbed James hand and they stayed that way.

Just like the previous path this one was empty. Harry was really starting to get nervous. This wasn’t right. He heard the fourth and final whistle and knew that all of the champions were now in the maze. He continued walking, turning right as soon as he could to continue traveling northwest as soon as he could. He was about turn back and start over when a sudden cold rushed over him. He knew this feeling. He knew it all too well.

Dementors.

“WHAT?” James cried, “Are they crazy?”

Turning the corner Harry saw the massive creature wearing the hooded black robes with its rotting hands reaching for him, wanting to suck out his soul just like it almost did to Sirius. He quickly remembered the Quidditch Cup and spending time with his guardians before pointing his wand and the creature, shouting, “Expecto Patronum!”

Three silver animals jumped out of the end of Harry’s wand. The first was a silver stag that charged the Dementor, the second was a silver wolf, Moony, that stayed by Harry’s side along with a large silver dog, Midnight. Harry watched as the Dementor seemed to stumble and knew that this wasn’t really a Dementor. It was a Boggart. “Riddikulus!”

Four relieved sighs were heard.

“Thank God! I was almost marching up to Dumbledore and asking what he was playing at.”

A loud crack filled Harry’s ears and the shape shifter exploded. Harry watched as the silver stag faded away then looked down to see Moony and Midnight had stayed. Both shimmering animals waited patiently for Harry to make the first move. Harry smiled at them then started off again. Moony stayed by Harry’s side while Midnight ventured a few paces ahead almost like he was checking to make certain the path was safe.

Sirius smiled, “Even our Patronus forms stay with Harry. I like that.”

The other three beamed.

They walked in silence, turning left then right, Harry using the Four-Point Spell every now and then to make sure they were going the right way. It felt like they were walking in circles, each hedge looking exactly like the next. Harry was really starting to feel like a laboratory rat that was running around in an endless maze for an experiment.

Turning right again, Harry nearly ran into Midnight who was standing in front of a golden mist that was floating in the air. He heard Cedric cry out in alarm from somewhere nearby followed by Fleur screaming. Harry had to bite back the urge to rush off and find out what was wrong. He remembered there were four highly qualified teachers patrolling that could step in if it was necessary. ‘Sometimes the hardest thing is putting faith in others,’ Sirius had told him. ‘You can’t always do everything on your own, kiddo. You’ll only drive yourself mad by trying.’

“Wise on his own way,” Remus said fondly patting Sirius’ head.

Not trusting the golden mist ahead, Harry cast one of the numerous protection shields he had learned and cautiously stepped forward. The shield pushed the mist away with each step he took. Taking a chance, Harry crouched down and pointed his wand upwards, trying to push the mist out of his path. Slowly the mist moved above him allowing Harry to scurry underneath it with Midnight and Moony following him. He reached another intersection and let out a frustrated sigh. This was really getting ridiculous. He was beginning to think there was no end to this maze.

Looking down and his two remaining Patronuses, Harry figured it was worth a shot. “Which way?” he asked tiredly. He watched as Moony went to the right path while Midnight went to the left. Not exactly the answer he had been hoping for. “Let me guess, Moony’s way is safer but longer while Midnight’s is quicker but more dangerous.” Midnight sat down stubbornly making Harry roll his eyes. “No, Midnight,” he scolded the Patronus. “Moony’s right. You can either stay here or come with us. It’s your choice.”

Remus looked triumphantly at Sirius who mumbled, “Oh, shut up.!”

Midnight reluctantly stood on all fours and followed. Harry just shook his head as he followed Moony. He would have to ask Remus about Patronuses later. This certainly wasn’t normal behavior. Patronuses normally didn’t stay around for this long…not that Harry was complaining. He found the company a soothing reassurance. It was almost like a piece of Sirius and Remus was right there with him.

Moony was leading while Midnight stayed at Harry’s side. The wolf Patronus was slowly picking up speed forcing Harry to pick up his pace. He followed Moony around the corner only to skid to a halt as he came face to face with a Blast-Ended Skrewts Hagrid had used in Care of Magical Creatures class.

“Moony! I thought that was supposed to be safer!” James cried shaking Remus. With a little help from the other two James was subdued.

The only thing was it was certainly a lot bigger now. It was at least ten feet long with thick armor and long stinger that was curled over its back giving off the appearance of a giant scorpion.

Remembering his lessons, Harry pointed his wand at the underside that wasn’t covered by armor and shouted, “IMPEDIMENTA!” The jinx hit the Skrewt, causing it to freeze in mid attack. Not wanting to waste any time around anything like that since the jinx wasn’t permanent; Harry hurried past it with Moony and Midnight following him. “You could have warned me, you know,” Harry said bitterly to Moony, not expecting a response. He used another Four-Point Spell and after another left turn was back on course.

Harry continued on the path, Midnight once again taking the lead. For nearly ten minutes the walked quickly, Midnight taking up the pace Moony had before. It seemed that both Patronuses wanted to be out of this maze just as much as Harry did. He knew he should be nearing the center when a familiar voice saying one word made Harry’s blood turn cold.

“Crucio!”

“What? Who?” Lily asked shocked.

Cedric’s yells filled Harry’s ears, reminding Harry of the nightmare he had of Voldemort. He didn’t have time to think. Turning towards the screams, Harry set the hedge on fire, burning a large hole for Harry to climb through. Once he did, Midnight and Moony jumped through the hole and hurried towards the noise. Harry followed them, stopping abruptly when he saw Viktor standing over Cedric who was twitching on the ground. He pointed his wand at the Bulgarian and shouted, “Petrificus Totalus!”

“Viktor? Why?” James asked betrayed.

Viktor’s arms snapped to his sides as he fell backwards to the ground, stiff as a board. Harry hurried over to Cedric and helped him sit up. Midnight and Moony both sat down and waited patiently a few feet away seeing that Harry had everything under control. Harry had to roll his eyes at the sight of his ‘pets’. Oh yeah, I am definitely having a talk with Remus. He quickly checked Cedric over before moving on to Viktor. Looking down at eighteen-year-old, Harry noticed that something was wrong with his eyes. They weren’t looking around like they should be. It was almost like he was in some sort of daze. The Imperius Curse!

“Oh, ok,” James sighed then his eyes bugged, “Who Imperiused him?”

“Viktor!” Harry shouted at the dazed student. “Fight it Viktor! It’s your mind! Push him out!”

For a few seconds nothing changed Viktor’s eyes still looked dazed. Harry was about to send up red sparks for help when he saw Viktor’s eyes move once…twice then continuously. Viktor was Viktor again. Harry pointed his wand to Viktor and muttered, “Finite Incantatem.” He watched as Viktor’s body relaxed and he blinked a few times before making eye contact with Harry. There was obvious confusion in those eyes as Harry slowly helped Viktor sit up.

“Harry, what are you doing!” Cedric yelled. “You just saw—”

“—someone under the Imperius Curse,” Harry interrupted calmly, not taking his eyes off of Viktor. He didn’t want to risk turning his back on someone who had been under someone else’s control. But whose? Who would do such a thing, especially to Cedric? Who would take that risk with so many watching? “Are you there, Viktor, or should I stun you this time?”

Viktor rubbed his head as he looked at Harry then at Cedric, clearly confused. “Vhat happened?” he asked. “Vhen did you come? I remember seeing the Skrewt then nothing. Did someone attack me?”

Cedric moved to Harry’s side. “The Imperius Curse?” he asked hesitantly, clearly not ready to trust someone who had just used an Unforgivable on him.

“I wouldn’t either,” Sirius grumbled.

Not that Harry could blame him. “Are you sure Harry?”

Harry nodded. “You could see it in his eyes,” he said as he stood up and looked around, his hand gripping his want tightly. This was going too far. No student could cast an unforgivable successfully and none of the teachers patrolling would even consider on doing such a thing. That meant there was an adult on Hogwarts grounds (or had been) that wanted to do Cedric harm. And possibly the rest of us.“We should leave this area as soon as possible. There’s a chance whoever used it on you, Viktor, could try again if they’re still here. Can you continue or do you want to send up sparks?”

“Continue,” Viktor said as he slowly stood up with Harry and Cedric’s help. He then looked at the two Hogwarts students worriedly. “Vhat did I do?”

Harry and Cedric glanced at each other nervously. Viktor was their friend and probably wouldn’t take the truth well. “Er—you sort of attacked me but Harry came before anything really happened,” Cedric lied. “We should get moving. We’re wasting time.”

“That’s nice of Cedric,” Lily said, “Not wanting for Viktor to feel guilty. Very gentlemanly of him.”

“I can be gentlemanly,” James said annoyed.

“Relax Prongs. She’s not going to jump Cedric,” Remus said patting James who huffed.

Viktor nodded then looked past them, his eyes widening in alarm. “Vhat are those?” he asked quickly.

Harry turned around and smiled at Midnight and Moony who were still sitting and waiting. “Midnight and Moony,” he said as he approached them. He knelt down so that he was looking at them face to face. “Thanks for the help but I should really finish this on my own. If you two want you can patrol the boundaries with the teachers.”

Midnight jumped to his feet happily before running off with Moony following him. Harry smiled at the sight before standing and turning to see Cedric and Viktor staring at him with wide eyes. “What?” he asked innocently. “Don’t tell me you’ve never seen Patronuses before. Midnight and Moony are just a little overprotective.” Receiving no answer whatsoever, Harry simply shrugged and bid farewell before taking off again.

It didn’t take long for him to find the burned hedge and jump through the hole, tucking his head and rolling as he hit the ground to prevent injury. Standing back up, Harry used the Four-Point Spell again and started moving once he found North-west. He knew he would probably have to explain Midnight and Moony’s presence to Cedric and Viktor along with everyone who was probably watching. The problem was he didn’t have an explanation. He remembered Remus telling him having three forms was extremely rare (more like impossible but Remus had tried to break it to Harry gently) so the probability of people having questions was extremely high.

Without the aid of Midnight and Moony, Harry encountered several dead ends but continued on. As the darkness increased, Harry cast a strong ‘Lumos’ to see where he was going. He reached a long straight path and instantly became cautious. He had to be somewhere close to the center of the maze which meant the challenges should increase. Right?

“Right,” Remus said frowning.

“I don’t like this. Not that I want Harry to encounter danger but this has been very suspiciously easy,” Sirius said looking at the others who had the same worried expressions.

A sudden movement caught his attention. His was at the ready but he didn’t strike. He didn’t want to take the chance of angering whatever it was. The moment the creature came into view Harry couldn’t believe his eyes. It had the body of a large lion and the head of a woman. It was a sphinx. She didn’t appear to be preparing for attack, just blocking his path. Harry kept his distance and his wand ready.

“What you seek is past me,” the creature spoke in a deep and husky voice. “You must answer my riddle correctly on the first try to pass. Answer wrong and I will attack. Refrain from answering, you may leave unscathed.”

“Well, he should at least listen. He won’t lose anything if he listens and decides not to answer,” Lily said knowingly.

Great. Just great. Harry really wished that Remus or Hermione were here. Riddles were more their forte than his. Thinking about it, Harry figured he could hear the riddle and if he couldn’t figure it out all he had to do was walk away and find another path. “May I hear the riddle please?” he asked tentatively.

The sphinx nodded and sat down in the middle of the path before she started to recite the riddle.

“First think of the person who lives in disguise,

Who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies.

Next, tell me what’s always the last thing to mend,

The middle of middle and end of the end?

And finally give me the sound often heard

During the search for a hard-to-find word.

Now string them together, and answer me this,

Which creature would you be unwilling to kiss?”

Harry closed his eyes and processed what she said.

Lily and Remus were doing the same.

There seemed to be three parts in the riddle adding up to a creature he wouldn’t want to kiss. Well that narrows it down, he thought sarcastically. The first part of the riddle was easy. Someone in disguise dealing in secrets and lies would be an impostor or a spy. The second part made no sense so Harry moved on to the third. A sound heard when one was trying to find a word? There were several: um, er, eh, aaa…

“I know!” Remus and Lily cried together.

“Good for you!” James said annoyed, “Now shush!”

Wait a minute! Realization hit Harry like the bludger that hit him last year…hard. The middle of middle and end of end was the letter ‘D’. The answer had to be a spy-d-er making the creature he wouldn’t want to kiss being a spider. “The answer is a spider,” Harry said confidently.

The sphinx smiled as she stood up and moved out of the way for him to pass. Harry nodded to the creature then continued on his way. He continued North-west with all of his senses on alert now. He was getting closer meaning the obstacles should be getting harder. Reaching another fork, Harry used the Four-Point Spell again and took the path to the right. He could see a light in the distance but still continued to travel cautiously. ‘Always be prepared,’ Sirius had taught him. ‘Never run into anything without knowing what you’re facing. Acting rashly could cost you your life. Trust me, Pronglet, I know.’

Remus and James patted Sirius back. Sirius narrowed his eyes. Remus said through chuckles, “Better late than never Paddy. At least you learned.”

“Good thing he doesn’t deny his past either,” James said smiling, “Oh the fond memories. Remember when he decided to jump in the lake our first year before we knew about the Giant Squid. I remember the shrieks till today when it was putting him back on the ground with one of its tentacles.”

“Yes, he was afraid of taking a bath after that. Horrible smell,” Remus told Lily.

“Enough! Back to the book!” Sirius growled.

The Triwizard Cup was up ahead on a platform about a hundred yards away. A quick movement caught his attention forcing Harry to move. He rolled to the side as a large dark figure jumped in his path and hurried towards the Cup. It was Cedric. Harry was about to move when a something massive, being seen over the large hedge caught his line of sight. It was moving parallel with Cedric. It was going to attack Cedric.

“WATCH OUT CEDRIC!” Lily cried.

Harry hurried to his feet. He had an idea what sort of creature it could be and really didn’t want to face one of those again. Unfortunately Cedric hadn’t faced one before and had no idea what he was running into. “Cedric, look out!” he shouted.

Cedric skidded to a halt before jumping out of the way as an Acromantula stepped into the path and started moving towards Cedric. Harry acted quickly, pointing his wand at the creature and shouting, “Stupefy!” The spell hit the gigantic spider’s body but nothing happened other than the creature turning to face Harry, seeing the boy as a bigger threat. “Impedimentia! Stupefy!” Harry shouted but it was no use. The creature just kept coming. He was running out of chances. “Arinea Rximae!” he tried and was shocked to see the creature fly backwards, landing on its back. “Immobulus!”

The spell hit the creature’s underbelly and all movement ceased. The silence was deafening. Harry hadn’t realized the lack of noise until now. It seemed that the entire crowd was eagerly awaiting the next move Harry and Cedric would make since they were both so close to the end. Harry approached cautiously until he reached Cedric and pulled the Hufflepuff to his feet.

“Thanks for that,” Cedric said, unable to take his eyes off of the creature. “How did you know?”

Remus and Sirius puffed their chests. Lily and James rolled their eyes.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. Glancing over at the Cup, Harry knew hat he needed to do. He just hoped no one would hate him for it. “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “Look, I think you should take the Cup. You wanted to be in this Tournament. I didn’t. Your dad wants you to win. My guardians said they don’t care. I’m only five points ahead of you. With any luck the judges will have more than a five point difference. I don’t need the money or the attention. Please take it. It’s still a Hogwarts win which is what we both want.”

“WHAT?” James cried. “You deserve to win! Cedric wouldn’t have gotten there if you hadn’t saved him!”

“Oh, Harry. That’s so noble,” Lily cooed, “Stupid, but very noble.”

Cedric once again stared at Harry as if he had grown another head. “Harry, I can’t do that,” he said. “You saved me twice tonight. You deserve to win. Forget about my father and everything else. You proved to be the better champion.”

“I don’t care,” Harry said quickly. “Look, just take it before Viktor comes. Please.”

Seeing Harry’s pleading eyes, Cedric let out a reluctant sigh and walked towards the Cup. Harry watched as Cedric picked up the pace and re-holstered his wand. He slowly started to follow Cedric, ready to congratulate his schoolmate…his friend. He had to wonder where Viktor was. The problem with Viktor taking the cup would be that there was still a chance that Harry could be declared the overall winner since he was ten points ahead of the Bulgarian. The judges wouldn’t separate by more then ten; they hadn’t in the past.

Silence remained as Cedric reached for the Cup only to be broken as powerful wave of white and gold shot out from the Cup, sending Cedric and Harry flying backwards. Harry landed flat on his back with the breath knocked out of him. His chest ached as he rolled over and pulled himself to his knees. Looking over at Cedric, Harry panicked when he noticed the Hufflepuff student wasn’t moving. He slowly stood and hurried over to Cedric who seemed to be merely dazed. At least he isn’t hurt.

“What happened?” Remus asked worried.

Helping Cedric sit up, Harry heard a low pitched humming sound and slowly looked over his shoulder to see the Cup shining with unnatural light. With a flick of the wrist Harry had his wand in hand again. The light around the Cup brightened alerting Harry that whatever had hit them was about to again. He quickly cast a protective shield as the humming increased. Another wave of white and gold shot out from the Cup, hitting the shield and wrapping around it. Harry tried to keep the shield up but he could feel in breaking down. The moment the shield was weak enough the white and gold light rushed over Harry and Cedric like a cloak.

When the light finally faded pandemonium broke out. The two teenagers and the Cup were gone.

“WHAT? WHERE DID THEY GO? FIND THEM?” the four cried in unison.