Fury Little Problem {A Harry Potter Fanfic}

Chapter Eighteen: Helter Skelter

The simplicity of Krum's statement made Harry's brain kick into overdrive. The Third Task couldn't be that simple could it. An easy walk through the maze, in search of what he would assume would be the Triwizard Cup.

"Yes Mr. Krum. The Third Task is quite straightforward. Each champion will enter the maze according to their current tournament standings. First Mr. Krum and Mr. Potter will enter," he nodded his head in Cedric's direction, "followed Mr. Diggory shortly after and then finally Ms. Delacour."

Ever the showman, Bagman then turned around making a large sweeping motion with his arms, as if it wasn't apparent that the maze was fairly large. "Once inside, you'll navigate you're way towards the center of the maze where the Triwizard cup awaits. But that's not all you'll face. Hagrid has generously provided us with a large number of beasts that will block your path, along with various spells and enchantments that you will need to break."

A sinking feeling coursed through Harry's chest. If Hagrid brought some creatures for the task, then he could count on the fact that they were most likely dangerous in nature. He chanced a glance at all of the other champions.

Cedric's face appeared similar to what he imagined his face looked like. His face looked ashen white, a similar expression on his face as when he was about to face his dragon. If anyone were to understand the gravity of Hagrid's inclusion, it would be his fellow Hogwarts Champion.

Next was Krum, who had a blank expression showing. The star seeker's face was schooled to show no emotion towards the information, making Harry wonder if Durmstrang taught their students how to deal with such things better than Hogwarts. His eyes were focused on Harry, for who knows how long as he was already glaring daggers towards the unwilling participant when Harry chanced to look at him.

Ever since the Quidditch match, when Krum had actually not won Hermione from him, his cold nature intensified tenfold, it seemed he was always only seconds away from hexing Harry into oblivion, not wanting any kind of confrontation, he broke the staring contest first.

Lastly, he exchanged a few looks with Fleur. Ever since the Second Task, the two had started what they knew was an unlikely friendship. The exotic beauty and the scrawny boy. It didn't bother them even in the slightest, and with Hermione and Harry now back on speaking terms, she had begun to integrate herself into Harry's inner circle.

In such a short time Harry grew closer to the French witch, being only second to Hermione in terms of how much he trusted them. He even began to notice that the warm feeling that he had only felt towards Hermione, he was now feeling when she was around. Harry had a difficult time understanding these feelings because of his upbringing. Could he be developing feelings for the two witches, and if that was the case, which feelings were stronger?

His thoughts were interrupted as Bagman dismissed the champions and found the other champions turned to leave. Quickly catching up with Fleur, he decided to accompany her back to the Beauxbatons carriage.

"You seemed worried about ze next task."

"With Hagrid providing the creatures for the maze, let's just say that his idea of pets have been an acromantula, a dragon, and a three-headed dog."

Fleur's eyes widened at the implication, if he considered such creatures as pets, what would he use as obstacles for the maze?

"'E wouldn't use anything zat would be too dangerous non?"

"Have you seen the Blast-Ended Skrewts we're raising in his class?"

"Ze what?"

"Never mind."

The idle conversation continued as they strolled towards the carriage. Even though they talked a great deal and were much closer with each other than before, their conversations hadn't progressed beyond discussing the tournament and some minor details about their lives.