[2] storm of rage ~ harry potter × marvel

41- The Third Task

"GOOD GRACIOUS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TODAY, WE FINISH THE TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT WITH THE THIRD TASK. HERE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! ONE LAST TIME: FLEUR DELACOUR, VIKTOR KRUM, CEDRIC DIGGORY, SKYLER FOSTER AND HARRY POTTER!"Ludo Bagman exclaims loudly, causing the crowd to cheer up. All the five champions run into the field, in front of a huge maze. The entire school is watching as every Hogwarts student wears his or her house colours.

After five months of intense training and studying, Skyler feels a lot more confident about her chances. She even believes that she can win! Skyler has studied spells, curses and jinxes for even the fifth year, she knows all of them, including the counter curses.

Dumbledore walks up a small stage, where he places his wand to his throat, increasing the volume of his voice.

"Silence!" He yells over the field, "Earlier today, professor Moody placed the Triwizard Cup deep within the maze. Only he knows his exact position. Now as Mr. Diggory..." Dumbledore stops talking as the Hufflepuff's cheer for their champion, "and Mr. Potter..." The Gryffindors cheer for Harry, "are tied at first position, they'll be first to enter the maze. Followed by Ms. Foster..." The Slytherins cheer a bit, whilst Skyler looks at the sky uncomfortably, "Mr. Krum," Durmstrang's students go wild, "and Ms. Delacour." The girls from Beauxbatons cheer too.

"The first champion who touches the Cup, will be the winner.I've instructed
the staff to patrol the perimeter, ifat any point should a contestant wishto withdraw from the task he or sheneed only send up red sparks with theirwands. Contestants gather around." Dumbledore says, gesturing the champions to gather around him.

"In the maze you'llfind not dragons or creatures of thedeep. Instead you'll face somethingmore challenging. You see, people changein the maze. Find the cup if youcan but be very weary you could justlose yourselves along the way." Dumbledore explains softly, but to Skyler, it sounds like a riddle... what on earth is that supposed to mean? It even rhymed a bit! Dumbledore walks away and spreads his hands, standing in front of the maze.

"Champions prepare yourselves!" He exclaims, rather dramatically. Skyler looks at the crowd, facing no one she'd actually like to say good-bye to. 'This task is dangerous and there is a chance that you won't survive.' A small voice says in the back of her head. Skyler just shrugs it off, not removing the emotionless mask. Skyler turns towards Cedric.

"Ced." She says, her voice soft and nearly breaking. Cedric walks towards her and hugs her.

"Please be careful." He whispers. Skyler chuckles.

"Same counts for you, Ced. Watch your steps." She answers, smiling up at him. Skyler sees how both Harry and Cedric stand in front of an entrance of the maze. The entire crowd cheers again, showing Cedric and Harry their respect.

"On the count of three..." Dumbledore starts, "One..."

Once again, Mr. Filch activates the cannon way too early. The caretaker shrugs at Dumbledore, signing him that it isn't exactly important. The Headmaster groans and rolls his eyes. Skyler turns around, and sees how Cedric enters the maze...

The entrances close and a new one appears.

"Thirty seconds, Skyler." Dumbledore says, laying one hand on her shoulder.

"Professor..." She starts hesitantly, "In case... Just to make sure... If I don't make it, could you please tell my family that I tried my hardest?" Dumbledore sends her a compassionate look, sighing.

"I will, Skyler. But don't worry, you'll be fine. Let's just say, you have an extra guard." Dumbledore says, with a twinkle in his eyes, smiling up at the heavens. Skyler nods and focuses her attention to the opening that appears in the thick wall of branches.