Shadows of Fate

Chapter 19: The Third Task

The night of the third task in the Triwizard Tournament arrived, casting a shadow over Hogwarts. Harry and Cedric, side by side, entered the maze that concealed both challenges and dangers. The thrill of the competition pulsed in the air, but neither could shake the unease that lingered beneath the surface.

As they navigated the twists and turns of the maze, the tension between Harry and Cedric was palpable. The weight of unspoken emotions hung heavy, eclipsed only by the looming uncertainty of the tasks ahead.

Finally, they reached the Triwizard Cup, glimmering in the moonlight. Instinctively, they touched it together, expecting triumph and accolades. However, as soon as their hands made contact, the world twisted and contorted around them.

In the blink of an eye, Harry and Cedric found themselves in a desolate graveyard, surrounded by crumbling tombstones and an oppressive darkness. The realization hit them—this was no ordinary portkey.

Cedric, his expression a mix of confusion and fear, turned to Harry. "Potter, what's happening? Where are we?"

Before Harry could respond, a cold, high voice cut through the air. "Welcome, Harry Potter. Welcome to my rebirth."

Voldemort emerged from the shadows, his form taking shape before them. Panic gripped Harry as he realized the gravity of the situation. The graveyard was a trap, and they were at the mercy of the Dark Lord.

Cedric, his wand raised, stood by Harry's side, ready to face the imminent threat. Voldemort, however, seemed more interested in toying with his prey than immediate violence.

"You see, Harry, you and your friend here have unknowingly aided me in my return," Voldemort sneered. "But, since you've been so gracious, I'll give you a moment to say your goodbyes."

Cedric glanced at Harry, a hint of regret in his eyes. "Harry, I like—"

But before he could finish, Voldemort uttered a curse, and a flash of green light cut through the air. Cedric fell to the ground, lifeless, his last words forever lost.

The shock and horror of Cedric's sudden demise sent shivers down Harry's spine. Rage and grief coiled within him, but he had no time to process. Wormtail, Voldemort's loyal servant, emerged, taking control of the situation.

Harry found himself pinned against a cold, stone wall, powerless to resist. Wormtail, with a twisted grin, took out a knife, and the room echoed with the chilling sound of metal against flesh as he cut Harry's arm to collect the blood needed for Voldemort's rebirth.

The pain was excruciating, but Harry gritted his teeth, determined not to give Wormtail the satisfaction of his suffering.

Voldemort, now fully restored, called the Death Eaters to his side. The graveyard transformed into a sinister gathering, the air thick with malevolence.

"You've done well, Harry Potter," Voldemort hissed. "Now, let us continue with the show."

Voldemort raised his wand, casting the Cruciatus Curse upon Harry. Agony surged through Harry's body, and his vision blurred. The cruelty of the curse was unbearable, and Harry felt his strength waning.

Just as the pain reached its peak, something unexpected happened. The air crackled with magic, and echoes of the past began to manifest. Shadows of Cedric, his eyes filled with regret, appeared beside Harry.

"Bring my body back," Cedric's ghost urged, his voice echoing in Harry's mind.

In that moment, the bond forged between them in the maze resonated with a force neither could comprehend. The magic of Priori Incantatem, a phenomenon triggered by shared wands, unfolded. Ghostly images of Voldemort's previous victims emerged, creating a temporary shield against the Dark Lord's power.

Amid the chaos, Harry seized the opportunity to escape. The connection between him and Cedric seemed to guide them, and with the portkey, they were free from the graveyard's clutches.