Today was meant to be a day to remember, one where people would look back fondly on when witches and wizards came together from across the continent to celebrate the next generation of magic during peacetime. The crowds were gathering and brimming with excitement, the government officials were ecstatic that their people were satisfied and content, and all was well in the world. Little did they know it would mark one of the darkest days in their history, and for one young man in particular, the second worst day of his life; behind only the day his parents were murdered.
The Third and final Task of the Triwizard Tournament has fallen upon Hogwarts on a very hot day in June and unlike everyone else, Harry had little to no desire to get out of bed this morning since his danger sense (as he likes to call it) was buzzing like there's no tomorrow. However, his new wives reminded him that everything he went through this past year was all to bring him to this moment and for once, he would not face these horrors alone anymore. He has been training his arse off and has mastered a large array of spells that no one his age should know or mastered yet, but he still felt massively underprepared as he knew that Voldemort and his Death Eaters likely had more dark magic under their sleeves and had much more experience.
He sighed as he approached the founders one last time before leaving the chamber, "Well, I suppose this is it then. I wanted to thank you for all you have done for me this last year. It almost felt like being part of a real family, even if you guys aren't really here. If I don't survive the killing curse again, I just want you to know…"
Salazar silenced him with a raised hand, "We know, Harry. The time we have spent together has affected us too and we consider you a part of our family. Fear not though, we believe you will survive as you are far too stubborn to die."
Rowena snorted un-ladylike and said, "Just remember what we talked about, Harry. The chances of Voldemort of pulling something dastardly are high, but it's possible nothing will happen. If it does happen, just remember your magic is strong and, even though they are not with you, you are still connected to the girls so lean on their spirits and more importantly, their love."
Helga decided to perk up, though she looked uncharacteristically sad, "We care about you Harry, now and forever. You have proven yourself worthy of our mantles time and time again. We just…are worried."
Harry was touched, "I know, and thank you. You guys mean a lot to me too. I'm ready for whatever the dark wanker has to throw at me. I'll see you guys tonight, I promise."
Godric laughed loudly, "Haha, a true Gryffindor until the end! I know you will make it out of this Harry. You still have to bed those three beauties!"
Harry blushed, Salazar creepily grinned at him and nodded his head, and if they could, Rowena and Helga would slap the shit out of him. Harry laughed, though and said, "Thanks guys. I'll be back, and with any luck, I'll be free of this Horcrux and will be one step closer to truly killing Voldemort. Especially, if the worst comes to pass tonight and he returns properly this time."
With that said, Harry said his goodbyes and walked out of the chamber. His nerves have been tested many times in his young life, even before he knew magic existed, but he could feel that what was about to happen here today would be a fight unlike anything he has ever faced. He was almost wishing that a basilisk would jump out and attack him again. Harry sighed and thought, "I wonder if this is how my parents felt, right before their deaths, knowing the end was near."
He was walking through the courtyard when he was stopped by three familiar faces, ones he had been avoiding for eight months because he didn't know if they still wanted nothing to do with him like all of the other Gryffindors or even if he should, because he didn't want to hurt or be hurt by people so close to him like they were. In front of Harry stood the three Gryffindor chasers, who haven't spoken to him since Halloween, all of whom seemed tired and sad, as they appeared to be nervous and trying to figure out what to say.
"Hey Harry, how have you been?", Katie said while avoiding eye contact.
"Oh, you know, studying new spells, doing my homework, trying not to die.", he said.
They all flinched at that last part, and Harry grew even more curious to why they were here, and he dared to let a little bit of hope into his heart. Despite them being distant from each other all this time, Harry has always appreciated their friendships in different ways: Angelina and her boundless optimism and fiery determination, Alicia for her help and support getting over his personal demons through their shared experiences, and Katie for her free spirit energy and kindness. He misses them greatly and since they never ostracized him like the others, he is willing to forgive them unlike the others if they truly wish to make amends.
Angie took a deep breath and said, "Harry, we…we are sorry. We're so sorry for everything. I got upset when your name came out of the Goblet, I was so upset because I wanted to do something that would be remembered or maybe get attention from Quidditch scouts when I play my final year next term and when you got picked, I thought the worst of you, and I told Alicia and Katie to stay away from you. If you want to be angry with me, that's fine I deserve it, just don't be angry with them. After watching the first two tasks, though, and seeing how alone you were made us realize you would never put yourself in danger like that and we wanted to apologize but we figured you didn't want anything to do with us. But we couldn't live with ourselves if something happened to you today and didn't at least try to make amends."
Alicia spoke up, "Harry, you know what I've been through with my father and how badly he violated both the trust and love I placed in him, so when I saw your name come out of the Goblet, I thought you were just another man in my life who violated my trust. However, when I saw how heartbroken you were over our reactions and subsequent cold shoulder in the following months, I realized that I was the one who had your trust and not the other way around. I know you can't forgive me, but just know that you mean a lot to me, and I hope you win today."
Katie went last, "Harry, I…when we met, I quickly realized you were nothing like I thought you were going to be, meaning spoiled, narcissistic, and rude and instead I saw a sweet boy who was brave, kind, a fantastic seeker, and loyal. On Halloween, I saw you needed help and comfort, but without knowing the truth, I chose to comfort my two friends instead. After all this time, though, I have come to realize just how much I miss spending time with you and I want to fix that, even though I know you don't want to. I lo- I care about you a lot Harry, good luck today."
With their piece said, the chaser trio began walking away and Harry was stunned into silence, but something inside him was stirring in his mind. He thought about all the laughs they shared and the talks they had that got him through the tough times, both on and off the pitch. He thought about how much he missed them dearly and while Ron and Hermione also tried to apologize to him, he could tell these three had actually changed and would unlikely betray his trust again.
He sighed and shouted, "Wait!"
They all turned with confused and curious expressions a Harry spoke, "It will likely take a while, but I'm willing to try to be friends again when the term starts up again next year. The three people I care about most in the world won't be returning next year and I could use some good old friends to fill the void. Plus, I really miss you guys-oof."
Harry was cut off when the trio tackled him into a group hug like they always used to when he won the team a game, only there seemed to be a lot more crying involved. Harry simply smiled and hugged them back with a fond smile on his face. Once they were separated, he waved them goodbye, and they wished him good luck again before running off. He sighed happily, "If nothing else goes right today, I'm glad that I got to fix my relationship with them", he thought.
Harry finally made his way to the quidditch pitch, which was now transformed into a giant maze where his objective would be to find the Cup and win the tournament, but Harry couldn't care less about that. All he was focused on was surviving whatever elaborate scheme Voldemort and his followers had planned for him, multiple scenarios already running through his head. No one was actually going to be able to see what was happening in the maze and there plenty of places to hide something dark magic based or someone skilled enough to get past any low-level defenses. Tonks had persuaded Amelia Bones to add extra security in the stadium and around the grounds surrounding the maze and even in parts of the castle, but Harry knew it wouldn't be enough.
Harry finally made it to the stadium, where the crowd was gathered already and roaring in anticipation for violence and destruction like the good little sheep they are as he made his way to the champions room. Cedric was there with his father, who would walk out with him as Dumbledore would walk out with Harry, and the two other headmasters would walk out with Krum and Fleur. He looked over at Fleur and subtlety winked at her, which she playfully rolled her eyes at, but deep down he was concerned for her as she could get stuck in the crossfire, but she assured him that she would not leave him to face this threat alone. He honestly would not be surprised if Penny and Tonks had found a way into the maze to back him up also, which caused him to chuckle silently and remember just how much he loved them and vice versa.
He was brought out of his musings by Bagman's announcement, "Welcome one and all to the Third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament! We have witnessed incredible feats performed by our four champions this year, but now we have reached our Grand Finale as our heroes enter the fight of their lives. Now, please give a big round of applause for the Triwizard Champions!"
Harry rolled his eyes at the theater production Bagman and other Ministry officials were turning this into as the crowd roared and the band played their music, but he walked out, nonetheless. He went outside last with the old man and took his place by the marker designated for him as the headmaster decided to speak to the crowd.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Welcome everyone to the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament here at Hogwarts. Now, for the final task, it shall be a contest of skill and quick decision making as our four champions must navigate a hazardous maze where they will face no dragons or creatures of the deep, but rather a much more challenging feat: their own fears and trepidations. In the center of the maze, lies the objective placed earlier today by Professor Moody, the Triwizard Cup and the first person to reach the cup will be declared the winner! Mr. Krum and Mr. Potter shall enter the maze first, followed shortly by Mr. Diggory and Ms. Delacour, so good luck champions and remember not to lose yourselves along the way, eternal glory or not."
The speech ended and the crowd roared again, just as Moody came out of the maze and looked directly at Harry and then carefully pointing right when no one could see him. He still, even after all this time, didn't know what to make of the bloke as he did tend to help him and offer advice, but something was telling him something was up with the ex-auror; especially, after that little incident with Crouch right before his death. Harry just shrugged it off for now and took one last look at Fleur, Penny (In the stands), and Tonks (Guarding the Minister) and he quickly smiled at the three in order to reassure them, even if he wasn't so sure himself. He got to his entry point and walked in once the cannon went off again, and looked back one last time as the opening closed and Harry felt that crushing sense of loneliness and dread settle in.
He made his way down the path Moody told him and for a while, nothing happened, despite the cold feeling still lingering in the air. That reprieve ended when he saw a familiar creature waiting around the corner for him, one that haunted his dreams almost as much as Voldemort did, a Dementor. Harry, while having faced a hundred at once, still hated being anywhere near these things because of the amount of pain they cause him; however, he summoned that famous Gryffindor courage and jumped out at it and shouted "Expecto Patronum!", but somehow nothing happened. Harry was confused at first, until suddenly he remembered all those times in Lupin's office practicing, and realized why he was feeling this Dementor felt different, it was a boggart. Raising his wand again, he casted "Redikulous!", and the boggart disappeared into a cool mist as Harry moved quickly further into the maze.
Harry was jogging up and down the maze searching for the cup when he suddenly heard a scream that made his blood grow cold, it was Fleur. Harry turned on his heel as quick as he could towards her and when he finally got there, his heart stopped. Fleur was lying on the ground and bleeding from her forehead and the plants around her smoking, and Krum was standing over her with his wand drawn and his eyes glazed over. "The Imperious Curse", Harry thought. Krum raised his wand and Harry immediately began throwing stunners at him, which Victor managed to block repeatedly. Back and forth they went, Harry having to guard Fleur really hampered how much damage he wanted to dish out, until Harry heard a familiar voice.
"Expelliarmus!", shouted Cedric from behind Krum.
Krum got hit hard and went down hard, allowing Cedric to kick away his wand and Harry finally being able to check on Fleur. He finally allowed himself to breathe when he felt her breathing and he knew he had to get her out of here, so he quickly casted Periculum towards the sky and saw the red spark, which is the signal to withdraw, go off. He and Cedric then went off to continue the contest and there was an awkward silence that Harry decided to break finally.
"Thank you, Cedric. I didn't want to kill Krum because he was bewitched, but I was willing to do anything to protect Fleur if none of my stunners worked. You, however, came and saved us both during a tournament when you didn't have to, so thank you.", he said.
Cedric smiled, "It was nothing, Harry. Tournament or not, you are my friend, and a good Puff is loyal to his friends no matter what. We just like to think a little more before jumping into danger unlike a certain Gryffindor I know."
Harry playfully rolled his eyes until out of nowhere the maze began moving again and vines suddenly burst out from the sides and Harry barely had time to get a shield up as Cedric was caught and was started to be dragged down.
Harry raised his wand and shouted, "Reducto!"
Most of the vines were blown off of Cedric and the two managed to untangle the older boy as they made a break for it while firing off spells left and right, until finally, the vines stopped. The two breathed a sigh of relief and then they turned and saw a glow of blue light and they noticed immediately it was the cup. They both approached tentatively, until they were both standing only a few feet away and the tension once again returned. Harry knew he probably could have sent a silent stunner to Cedric before he had a chance to notice, but honestly, he just didn't care so long as this farce came to an end and Harry felt he should do something for Cedric considering all he's done for Harry this year. "Salazar's going to be pissed.", he thought.
Taking a deep breath, Harry said, "Take the cup, Cedric."
The Hufflepuff went wide-eyed, "No, Harry. You saved me, so you take it, or we do it together."
Harry shook his head, "No, this was never about winning for me, only about surviving. You were always the true champion of Hogwarts and you've worked hard to be remembered for something like this. Not to mention, all the support you've given me when everyone else turned their back on me this year. You've earned this, I don't need anything else, and you saved me first."
Cedric seemed touched by Harry's words and nodded with a small smile. Harry moved away slightly and let Cedric step forward to grab the cup and he was happy that this adventure was over. Just as Cedric was about to reach the cup, however, a fast barrage of cutting curses and a Reducto spell hit the older boy from behind, sending him flying in a bloody mess that Harry barely recognized as his friend anymore he was hurt so badly. He turned around quick to see two Death Eaters firing spells at him, which he managed to block, but then someone from behind managed to get a Stupefy in and Harry fell down. He looked up to see none other than Moody standing over him with a manic grin as he took Harry's hand and made him touch the cup.
Instantly, Harry was transported to another place he had never seen before in person, but he recognized all too well from his nightmares, the graveyard where Voldemort was supposedly staying. He was still paralyzed and unable to move when he heard footsteps approaching and Harry saw the one person that made his blood boil just as much as Voldemort's. Peter Pettigrew, or Wormtail, with a sickening smile and holding something in his arms that was making his scar hurt enormously. Wormtail kicked away my wand and then levitated me towards the statue that housed the graves of the Riddle family and trapped me there before allowing me to move again, though it was pointless while trapped.
Suddenly, a new but familiar raspy voice spoke that made Harry freeze, "Do it. Now!"
Harry's brain finally clicked, and he realized that inhuman thing was Voldemort as he was helpless to stop Wormtail from dropping the decrepit baby into the cauldron. That was when Wormtail turned towards the grave, wand raised.
"Bone of the Father, unknowingly given.", he said while a bone rose from the grave.
The bone dropped in the cauldron then, he put away his wand and took out a knife, hand raised.
"Flesh of the servant, willingly sacrificed.", he said as he cut off his hand and went inside.
Finally, he turned towards Harry and said, "Blood of the enemy, forcibly taken."
Harry grunted in pain as Wormtail cut up his arm, until the rat walked over to the cauldron and dripped drops of blood into it.
"The Dark Lord shall rise again.", he said.
Harry began to scream in agony as the cauldron started to boil over and a large shadowy figure grew to adult size, and eventually took shape as a six-foot bald, noseless, red-eyed, snakeskin man as Harry watched in horror as his greatest nightmare had finally come true. Lord Voldemort has finally returned to full power and was ready to exact evil upon the world.
Voldemort finally spoke, "Hand me my wand, Wormtail, and hold out your arm."
The rat did so and sobbed in pain, "Thank you, master. Thank you."
Voldemort grew irritated, "The other arm Wormtail!"
He shrieked in fear but did as he was told. Riddle took his arm and pressed his wand onto the Dark Mark attached to Pettigrew's skin. Harry looked up and saw the mark appear in the sky as multiple dark entities appeared from it and landed in a circle around the two wankers as Harry noticed about a dozen Death Eaters appear.
Voldemort said, "Welcome my friends. Thirteen years it's been, and yet I must confess myself disappointed. All of you have apparently been living the good life, thanks to paying off or terrifying the right people to stay out of Azkaban; unfortunately, my more loyal followers were not so lucky. Meanwhile, I was forced to hide away in gutters and not one of you tried to find me in all that time."
He paused as he went up to some of them and removed their masks while he said, "Crabbe. McNair. Parkinson. MacMillan. Goyle. Not even you…Lucius."
The older blond ponce trembled, "My lord, I swear, if I had ever detected any sign or whisper of your whereabouts-."
Riddle interrupted, "There were signs my slippery friend and more than whispers."
Malfoy stood up and tried to put on a brave face, "I promise you, my lord, that I have never renounced the old ways. The 'face' I have been forced to wear each day in your absence is my true mask and my loyalty is to you and you alone as always."
Wormtail interrupted again, "I returned, my lord."
Voldemort slinked over to him, "Out of fear, not loyalty! However, I suppose over the last year, you proved useful and shall be rewarded as such."
Voldemort waved his wand and a new hand made out of liquid metal was given to Wormtail to replace the one he lost. The rat was crying thank you' s when snake face finally turned his slitted eyes towards Harry.
"Ah, Harry, I had almost forgotten you were here and standing on the bones of my father. I would introduce you, but word has it that you are so famous that even those beyond the grave know of you and your legend. HA! What utter nonsense has filled out your story, boy. Do you want to know how I really lost my powers that night, thirteen years ago? It was love as dear sweet, Lily Potter gave her life your life for only son and provided the ultimate protection. It was very old magic, something I should have foreseen, but I suppose it doesn't matter as I can touch you now.", he said.
He reached up and touched Harry's scar, which caused him a tremendous amount of pain yet again. Despite that, though, it unknowingly allowed the Horcrux in Harry to be pushed forward as Harry was ready to enact his craziest plan yet. He and the others were hoping to find the other Horcrux's first before trying to destroy the one inside him, but he had no choice now as another opportunity may never come. He needed to get free first and so, he had to get Tom angry, and Harry decided to spit in his face and kick his ribs to send him backwards slightly.
Voldemort grew angry, "Still some fight left in you, eh Harry? Good, I was afraid this would be too easy. Pick up your wand Potter! I hope you've been taught how to duel."
Harry became free and dove for his wand, as the Death Eaters backed off. Harry was immediately on the offensive with cutting curses, bone breakers, and elemental spells, including his lightning blasts and conjuring a basilisk made of water. None of them landed, but Voldemort was strictly on the defensive, clearly surprise on his face at Harry being able to cast such spells so quickly. However, the tide began to turn as Harry did the last spell anyone thought he would use.
Using almost all his energy, Harry casted "Fiendfyre!"
Suddenly, a large lion made of fire appeared before a shocked Voldemort, who quickly summoned a large amount of water to quell the beast as it devastated the land and hurt some Death Eaters. Eventually, Voldemort managed to succeed, but his new body was suffering bad burns and was bleeding everywhere, but he was more enraged at the fact Harry did it. Riddle decided enough was enough, as he began hitting Harry's Protego shield with everything he could think of, including powerful dark spells Harry had never heard of. Eventually, the shield came down, and now Harry's body was hit with spells that turned him bloody and bruised.
Voldemort stopped and looked at Harry, "I must say Potter, I never expected such resistance from you. Even using dark magic to try and kill me, I'm actually impressed. Alas, it is time for our long running game to finally come to an end. The Boy Who Lived…come to die."
Harry knew what was about to happen next, as he quickly set up his Occlumency shields to push the Horcrux forward and summoned his lordship rings behind his back and readied himself for the inevitable. His life flashed before his eyes and while there was a lot of bad, there was a lot of good too and he chose to think of his three wives who he loved equally but for different reasons and how they give him a reason to live in this godforsaken world, despite death sounding better.
"Perhaps, if I do die for good today, I will finally know freedom.", he thought.
He closed his eyes and Voldemort shouted "Avada Kadavra!"
Harry was hit in the chest with a familiar green light and his world went dark.