Dumbledore brushed past the girls pushing the map back into Hermione's hands as he did. Then moving much quicker than anyone over one hundred years old should ever move, he rushed toward the south side of the maze. His wand already out in his hand. "You may follow, but do not get too close," He said over his shoulder as he rushed on.
Ginny, Gabrielle and Hermione all followed the old wizard keeping some distance behind him. Gabrielle and Hermione both felt the intensity of the emotions of Harry as he and Fleur battled the Skrewt, but both of them were watching the Headmaster more. Past Dumbledore they could see Crouch moving his wand again while at the same time they felt Harry's anger and determination. They were both concentrating on Dumbledore; neither witnessed Harry's fight with Krum in the maze.
Suddenly as Dumbledore reached Crouch the sky filled with red light breaking their concentration. Hermione looked up to see sparks flying out of the maze. A gasp rose from the crowd as they all looked up into the red lights wondering who was no longer in the tournament.
"What's going on Harry?" Hermione asked. "Red sparks just went up over the maze."
"Krum. He attacked Cedric. Used an unforgivable, torture curse. I was able to stun him and we sent up the sparks so they can get to him. What about Crouch?"
"Dumbledore is talking…wait...Moody or Crouch or whoever just tried to hex Dumbledore," Hermione replied. "That was a mistake. He's down. I have no idea what spell Dumbledore just cast but Crouch or Moody collapsed on the spot. I'm going to see if I can find out what's going on…but let me see where you are," About ten seconds later she continued. "You're only about ten yards from the center. It's left of forward to you right now."
"Thanks love," Harry replied. "Go see what Crouch was doing and let Dumbledore know about Krum. He might want to talk to Karkaroff," Harry then directed his thoughts to his youngest bond mate. "Gabrielle, can you let Sirius and Remus know we are all right, but that Krum attacked us."
Hermione rushed to Dumbledore while Gabrielle and Ginny started looking for Lupin and Sirius. Neither had a clue where the two of them were.
"Sir," Hermione said and she rushed to Dumbledore's side. "Sir," She repeated again and then looking around to make sure no one was listening she continued. "Krum."
Dumbledore's eyes looked up at the red sparks lingering over the stadium. "Is Harry okay?"
"Yes sir. He stunned Krum when he attacked Cedric. Harry said Krum used an unforgivable on Cedric. The sparks are over Viktor."
"Is Mr. Diggory injured?"
"No sir. I don't believe he is. Harry didn't say otherwise."
Dumbledore sighed in relief. "Was this the plan?" He wondered. "Have Krum kill Harry and the other Champions in the maze. It would have prevented any support from European countries when Voldemort returns. But why Harry?" Dumbledore asked himself, but then a possible answer arose. "Maybe he was going to make it look like Harry killed all the other Champions," Realizing that the young witch was staring at him he brought his thoughts back to what needed to be done. He lifted his wand and a silver phoenix came out of it. Dumbledore spoke to the Patronus. "Minerva, Viktor Krum is under the sparks. Please get to him and take him somewhere he can't talk to anyone. Have Poppy check him for the Imperius curse," The silver phoenix dashed off to find who the message was for, in this case Professor McGonagall.
Dumbledore looked upward at the stands. The sparks had distracted everyone so no one had noticed the exchange between Moody and himself but he knew he didn't have much time. He knelt beside the unconscious man and pulled his flask loose from his belt. Unscrewing the cap he poured a little out and then sniffed the contents. "Definitely Polyjuice potion," He touched his wand to the unconscious form of what appeared to be Alastor Moody and a disillusionment charm made him nearly invisible. "I think we need to take him to my office. Miss Granger please stay with me. I want to know if anything else is amiss in the maze," He levitated the body and started moving quickly toward the castle.
"Yes sir," Hermione replied and started walking at the side of the Headmaster. She let Harry know that's where they were going. She helped solve Fleur's riddle as they ascended the steps to the second floor while Harry's riddle was solved as they passed the Gargoyle and entered the revolving staircase. She almost fell down the steps when she felt the rush of energy, desperation and love that poured out of Harry when he saved Fleur.
Dumbledore steadied the young bright witch and gave her a quizzical look.
"Fleur…Harry.." she gasped and then explained. "Fleur was attacked by an Acromantula. Harry...well Harry saved her," She followed the Headmaster into his office. "They are at the cup now."
"Well it won't be long now," Dumbledore said. "The cup is a portkey and as soon as one of them touches it, it will bring them outside the maze," He removed the disillusionment charm from Moody and guided him onto the floor. "Now we'll have to wait and see who this is. I can't question him until I know that."
"The map says it's Crouch sir," Hermione said.
"Yes, but which one is the question," Professor Dumbledore said quietly. A few seconds later he looked at Hermione. "Is it finished yet?"
"No sir. They are having a disagreement sir. Fleur is refusing the take the cup with Harry."
"And he's refusing to take it without her?"
"Yes sir."
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