𝑵𝑰𝑲𝑶𝑳𝑨 𝑷𝑶𝑻𝑻𝑬𝑹 ⭑ 𝑫𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑶 𝑴𝑨𝑳𝑭𝑶𝒀

THIRTEEN: The Final Task

It's the day of the task today, and Harry had laid off the idea of me removing the necklace until now. He suddenly thinks it might be a threat again.

"Harry, it's saved me in the tasks and you know it."

"What if something goes wrong this time?"

"It won't," I say, as we walk down the hill where everyone was beginning to crowd. A hand taps my shoulder and I turn to see Draco. I fall behind Harry Hermione and Ron to join their side.

"Good luck. You'll do great. I'll be in the stands waiting for you," he says quickly, holding my waist. I smile at him and he leans in pecking my lips quickly.

"You'll do great y/n!" Daphne yells as they head to the stands.

"You worried?" Cedric asks beside me. I turn to him.

"Are you?" For whatever reason he laughs at this. Truth is, I was worried. For Harry. I didn't care what happened to me I just hoped whatever this task was Harry would be untroubled this time.

"You always give me so little," he says, smiling at me genuinely. "I like that."

"Like what?"

"That I feel like I know you, but I don't really know you." I glance at him and he just smiles. I feel myself crack a smile back, because oddly I took that as a compliment.

"Good luck today, Potter."

***

Music is playing as we approach the task, which seems to be a long corridor of bushes. I believe it to be a maze, but I doubt it's that simple. The five contestants stand at the front at different entrances, and the music comes to a halt when Dumbledore comes to the speaker.

"Earlier today Professor Moody placed the tri-wizards cup deep within the maze. Only he knows its exact position. The first person to touch the cup will be the winner. At any point should a contestant wish to withdraw from the task he or she need only send up red sparks with their wands. Contestants, gather round."

We all move to Dumbledore who tells us the maze is enchanted with awful curses. He says people can change in the maze and lose themselves. Suddenly, now I'm worried for me too. Creatures I can face, but if the maze itself might attack me as a person, that's something I will have no control with. Although, I suppose it'll be easy to stick with Harry most of the way, as long as there aren't too many surprises.

"Champions, prepare yourselves!" Mad Eye yells, as we take our positions again. Dumbledore blows the canon to go, and I watch as Cedric enters, winking at me before disappearing round the corner. I enter through a separate way, glancing behind me to see Mad Eye point left subtly, before the maze closes up behind me. Now find Harry. I don't care for the cup until Harry is at my side.

It was very misty in here, I could barely see five feet ahead. It could be more of a challenge than i had hoped. I heard creeks and groans of creatures in the distance which made me feel uneasy. I could handle creatures, but it just reminded me that wasn't what I had to worry about. I walk around for a while, whispering Harry's name every once in a while. There was so much movement, but so little to see. I took a deep breath in before continuing, but within my first step I heard a squeal nearby. I paused, before another loud scream erupted and I ran towards it. I nearly tripped over her. I looked down to see Fleur on the ground, seemingly attacked, being swallowed by the mazes vines underground. I watch for a moment frozen, not knowing what to do. I grab my wand and send sparks up into the sky like Dumbledore said.

"Y/n!" Harry calls, I turn to see him stood there in the mist. He looks down at Fleur.

"Harry! I tried to find you. I dont know what-"