I Kneel Before No One | Harry Potter

T W E N T Y

A S dawn broke over the Hogwarts grounds, a chill permeated the air, wrapping the crowd gathered in the stadium with a sense of quiet dread. The maze, now fully grown, loomed like a dark forest, casting long shadows across the grounds. Its towering hedges stretched high above, thick and twisted, whispering faintly with a life of their own. This was no ordinary maze—this was a place of trial, danger, and darkness.

Evanora stood at the edge of the arena, her arms crossed as she watched the other champions gather. Each looked nervous but resolved. Harry was among them, his face set in determination but tinged with the anxiety of the unknown. She knew the tasks so far had tested him, but this one would push him to his very limits—and perhaps beyond.

Beside her, Alexa shifted uncomfortably, her gaze locked onto Harry. "Do you think he's ready?" she asked in a low voice.

Evanora kept her eyes on Harry, assessing him quietly. "He's as ready as he can be. But this task isn't just about skill; it's about courage, instinct... and resilience."

Just then, Dumbledore's voice echoed across the stadium, silencing the murmurs of the crowd. "Welcome, students, professors, and honored guests, to the final task of the Triwizard Tournament. Our champions have braved dragons, retrieved that which they hold dear, and now stand before their final challenge: the maze."

The crowd erupted into applause, though tension hung in the air, the cheers feeling forced, almost hollow. Everyone knew the stakes were higher now. Each champion would face the maze alone, relying solely on their wits and strength. And only one would emerge victorious.

Dumbledore continued, his voice calm but solemn. "This maze is no ordinary one. Within its walls are trials to test not only the skills of our champions but their courage, and indeed, the content of their hearts. They must navigate the twists and turns, facing whatever may lurk within. The first to reach the cup will be crowned Triwizard Champion."

Evanora leaned in closer to Alexa as Dumbledore gave his final instructions to the champions. "Keep your wand ready," she murmured. "I have a bad feeling about this."

Alexa glanced at her, worry flickering in her eyes. "You think something's going to go wrong?"

"She will return today, Evanora."

"The one you have been searching for."

"And she will have the answers that you seek."

"But only after you face the riddle."

Evanora's gaze was unyielding. "I don't think. I know."

The champions took their positions, with Harry standing near the entrance to the maze. His green eyes flickered with a fierce determination, but there was also a hint of fear—a healthy fear that reminded him to stay alert. Evanora caught his eye, offering him a small nod. He returned it, drawing strength from the silent support she offered. He knew she'd be watching, and it made him feel less alone in the darkness.

Then, with a blast of the whistle, the first champion entered the maze. Fleur Delacour disappeared into the shadows, her form swallowed by the twisting hedges. Cedric Diggory followed, his face calm but focused, and then Viktor Krum, whose stoic expression betrayed little of his thoughts.

When it was finally Harry's turn, he took a deep breath and stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. The crowd cheered as he disappeared into the maze, but Evanora's eyes remained sharp, watching the path he'd taken.

Beside her, Alexa whispered, "What if he doesn't make it out?"

Evanora's face hardened. "Then I'll go in after him."