Harry Potter: Another Chance

Disclaimer: 

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 403: The Second Task

"Where is he? We need to get started already," Mr. Crouch said, pacing back and forth, his impatience palpable.

"I'd like to know that too. I haven't seen Dumbledore in days," Madam Maxime said, glancing at Professor McGonagall. "And Karkaroff? No news about him either, I suppose?"

"I'm afraid not," McGonagall replied, her lips pressed tightly together. She glanced at the Durmstrang professor acting as a substitute for Karkaroff and sighed. "I'm sure the Headmaster has a very important reason for his absence."

In truth, she hadn't seen Dumbledore either, and it was making her increasingly uneasy. All she got were some excuses from Snape and a written note from the man himself, informing her that he was going to be taking care of some unspecific emergency. It was all very suspicious to her, as this was not something he would normally do.

A young Ministry official approached in a rush. "Mr. Crouch, sir! Neville Longbottom has arrived."

"Well, that's something. At least all the champions are accounted for," Crouch said. "If Dumbledore insists on missing this event, we'll just have to carry on without him."

McGonagall was about to protest when she spotted Snape approaching. She turned sharply to him. "Where have you been?"

Snape's expression was unreadable, as usual. For reasons known only to him, he seemed to have some inkling of Dumbledore's whereabouts, but no matter how many times she asked, he refused to elaborate, only insisting the Headmaster was busy with "important business."

"I had to handle some last-minute matters," Snape replied smoothly.

"So, you don't know where Dumbledore is either?" Crouch asked, his brows furrowing in frustration.

"I'm afraid not," Snape said, his tone clipped.

"That's it, then!" Crouch declared. "The stadium is packed, and we can't keep the audience waiting any longer. Professor McGonagall will act as Hogwarts' representative in Dumbledore's place."

"I agree," Madam Maxime said. "The waters will only grow colder as the day progresses." Her concern for Fleur was evident. Veela and cold water were a poor combination, and she couldn't hide her unease.

"I'll handle the opening, if there are no objections," Crouch said curtly. "Get everyone into position!"

Harry, who was disguised as 'Neville', was led by boat to one of the four wooden platforms constructed in the middle of the Black Lake.

The platforms were designed to hold spectators as well as champions, with many audience members watching from stands on the shore. Harry knew his parents, the Lovegoods, and the real Neville were seated among the crowd, keeping up appearances.

His heart thudded, but not from nerves about the task. Thanks to his new spy within Voldemort's ranks, Harry knew exactly what the Dark Lord had planned.

With Dumbledore absent and the castle's wards weakened, Voldemort intended to attack on two fronts. Half of his forces would storm the front gates of Hogwarts, while the other half would target the lake, aiming to subdue the gathered crowd. There was also a likelihood of a third assault on Hogsmeade to remove any possible routes of escape for the castle occupants.

The defenses around the lake were alarmingly sparse. Only a handful of Aurors had been sent by the Ministry, Aurors loyal to the Minister, who was nothing more than one of Voldemort's puppets.

Aside from James Potter and a few other Order of the Phoenix members, there were few who would stand and fight when the Death Eaters arrived.

Harry glanced at the lake's dark waters. Voldemort had also arranged a surprise for the so-called Boy Who Lived, and it was something Harry would have to deal with on his own.

"Are you nervous?" Cedric asked, placing a reassuring hand on 'Neville's' shoulder.

Harry shook his head. "I'm fine." His colder-than-usual tone might have been interpreted as nervousness, but the truth was far from it. He was already calculating his next moves.

Not far off, Viktor Krum stood with his usual scowl. "I am not losing this time," he said curtly.

Meanwhile, Fleur stared at the water, her face pale. This task terrified her far more than facing a dragon. Not only was water her weakness, but her younger sister was one of the hostages. The thought of failing her made her hands tremble slightly.

The crowd's energy was extremely high at the present moment, with a wave of excitement and anticipation as they watched the champions prepare.

Harry scanned the audience briefly, catching sight of his parents and the Lovegoods in the Gryffindor stands. Even from a distance, he could see his father's tense posture, his hand gripping his wand. His mother leaned in, whispering something to Luna's father.

'Stay sharp,' Harry thought, directing the silent command to them. He needed every one in position. The calm before the storm wouldn't last much longer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament!" Mr. Crouch's magically amplified voice echoed across the lake.

The crowd roared with excitement, their cheers reverberating through the chilly air.

Crouch raised a hand, silencing the crowd. "Last night, something was stolen from each of our champions...a treasure, if you will. These four treasures now lie at the bottom of the Black Lake. Each champion must retrieve their treasure and return to the surface as quickly as possible. The time limit is one hour. Failure to retrieve the treasure within that time will result in disqualification."

As the crowd murmured with excitement, Harry let his magical senses extend into the depths of the lake.

'Wait for me, Lyra. I'll get you out in no time,' he thought. He had already located her and the other hostages, their faint magical signatures glowing like distant stars in the darkness below.

"The task will begin at the sound of the cannon!" Crouch announced.

Harry braced himself as the tension mounted.

Boom!

The cannon fired, and the crowd erupted into cheers.

"Start!" Crouch shouted.

Without hesitation, the four champions dove into the freezing water, their figures vanishing into the lake's inky depths. The Second Task had begun.

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