Dursley's Choice | The Dursley series #2 |

♧ Chapter 12 ♧

"Sir, are you saying I have to stay away from Harry?"

-♧-

Hours before the final task, Audrey looked down at her uniform, pulling up the sleeves to reveal her scars. Her heavy chest rising and falling, she shook away the pain, pulling up her hair into a ponytail and looking dead straight towards the broken mirror in the dorm. Not wanting to be in there any longer, she practically scrambled to get out before anyone could talk to her.

Audrey sat down at breakfast rather quietly, her eyes darting in each direction. "You ready kiddo?"
She sighed shakily, "No Ced. Not really- the other day I was all ready to take on the world but now I-" the utensils began to vibrate, as if warning her to not get to stressed, Cedric's doey brown eyes checked her up and down worriedly. "Hey it'll be fine, remember I said i would be there for you. Well, here I am" she turned to him, unable to resist his light and happy smile. Wrapping her arms around him, she felt safe, she could see a light at the end of the tunnel now; that bright light would lead her to the end of this tournament.

Letting a single tear fall down her face, her eyes swum with thoughts and denial at the nights events that would happen soon.

-♧-

"Welcome everyone! To the final task of the Triwizard Tournament!" An uproar of cheering and band music ensued, among the crowds of people; Audrey noticed all of the Weasleys, Liza and Rochelle, Ron and Hermione, even Draco and... Nicholas. Catching each other's gaze momentarily, he waved lightly giving her the thumbs up. She beamed gratefully, mouthing 'thank you' to the younger Malfoy brother. "Earlier this evening, Professor Moody hid the Triwizard cup, deep within the maze. The Champions will enter in order and find it, being as Mr Diggory" the Huffelpuffs cheered, "Mr Potter-" the Gryffindors roared, "And Ms Dursley-" everybody cheered loudly, "Are tied for first place, they will be the first to enter the maze."

Harry was placed the farthest away from his cousin, isolating him even more during this time of need, he glanced over at her; her sickly colour was beginning go show and she clearly hadn't eaten in weeks, but none the less Harry still smiled at her. He pondered how she's been through so much in such a short time and seems to come out on top? It was her mystery. Harry captured her attention for a moment, she quickly turned away as fast as she noticed him.

Dumbledore gathered the champions into a huddle, looking sternly at each of them, "Champions, in the maze you won't find Dragons or creatures of the deep. You'll find greater threats- you see, the maze changes people. So be careful, or you might lose yourselves along the way" Audrey held herself tight as she faced the maze, awaiting the entrance to open; "Audrey..."
Bushes twisted and swerved to create an archway onto a dark misty path, as she turned back, Moody had pointed to the left behind Dumbledore's back as the bushes sealed themselves shut.

-♧-

Whether hours or minutes, Audrey couldn't bare this for very long. Every dead-end and elongating pathway, tested at her patience, waiting for her to crack. A bead of sweat pooled her forehead and cheeks, it was absolutely frightening, "Turn this way... Turn back... Audrey... Look" the voices hissed almost silently into her ears; spotting Viktor Krum, she watched as he advanced on her... Not seeming to slow down. Panting, she sprinted off and he followed suit. His wand alight, he was able to keep up with her at every tactical turn she made. Grunting as she hit a dead end, she swivelled around to see him meters away, his wand lit green; she knew what was coming. Ready to except it, but, "Stupify!" As Viktor fell to the cold ground, Harry had his wand raised still, heaving frantically. "What were you thinking?!"
"I was saving you! More than you were doing for yourself!"
"It doesn't make sense..." she muttered to herself, "It should've happened?"
"Yeah? Well, too bad. Come on, we have to find the cup- now."