The final task of the Triwizard Tournament was drawing near, and the pressure was mounting—not just for the champions, but for those behind the scenes as well. Alastor Moody, or rather, Barty Crouch Jr. in disguise, had been tasked by Dumbledore and the other judges to prepare the final challenge. But as he sat in his office late into the night, his mind was consumed by one glaring problem: Dante Malfoy.
Moody paced the room, his magical eye spinning wildly as he racked his brain for a solution. He needed Harry Potter to win, but Dante's overwhelming skill and power made that seem impossible. Every plan he came up with had the same fatal flaw: Dante Malfoy was too clever, too powerful, and too unpredictable. By the time the sun rose, Moody was on the verge of madness, his frustration boiling over.
The next day, Moody approached Dante, his gruff voice cutting through the chatter of the students in the hallway. "Malfoy," he said, his tone serious. "I need to talk to you. Alone."
Dante raised an eyebrow but nodded, following Moody to his office. He was curious to see what the imposter had planned. Once inside, Moody closed the door and cast a silencing charm, ensuring their conversation would remain private.
Moody began explaining the final task, his voice low and gruff. "The last challenge is an enchanted maze. The Triwizard Cup will be placed at its center. The champions will have to navigate the maze, overcoming obstacles, and the first one to touch the cup wins."
Dante listened silently, his expression unreadable. Moody continued, his tone growing more desperate. "I've thought of many ways to stop you from winning, but normal traps won't work against you and every other plan I came up with would be too obvious. Dumbledore and the other judges would notice immediately."
Dante's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Get to the point," he said.
Moody hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I need Harry Potter to win, and I need you to lose intentionally. The cup is a Portkey. I've added a charm so that if Harry touches it, he'll be teleported to an accomplice of mine."
Dante's silver eyes gleamed with interest, but his expression remained neutral. "And why would I do that?" he asked.
Moody's face darkened, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Harry is needed for the Dark Lord to return. Without him, it could take years. You have been willing to turn a blind eye to me, and you have expressed clear interest in meeting the Dark Lord. This is your fastest way to do it. Otherwise, you'll have to wait."
Dante chuckled, a low, almost amused sound. "Fine," he said. "I'll make sure poor Harry wins the challenge." Without another word, he turned and left the office, leaving Moody alone with his thoughts.
As the door closed behind Dante, Moody sank into his chair, exhaling deeply. It had been a dangerous gamble, but it had paid off—for now. He had bet on Dante's earlier words and his willingness to turn a blind eye to Moody's actions. If Dante kept his word, Harry would be delivered to his lord, and the Dark Lord would rise again. Even if it meant sacrificing himself, Moody believed it would be worth it.
But as he sat there, he smiled as he thought he was right about Dante Malfoy, he was not a good person at heart. He was a ruthless person who had agreed to send Harry Potter to what could be his death without a second thought.
For now, all Moody could do was wait and hope that Dante would keep his word. The final task was fast approaching, and the stakes had never been higher. The fate of the wizarding world hung in the balance, and Moody was playing a dangerous game—one that could end in disaster for everyone involved.
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The final task of the Triwizard Tournament had arrived, the crowd gathered in the stadium all waiting for it to start, many of them began betting on the final winner. And in front of them stood the maze, towering and ominous, loomed over them. Dumbledore stood at the entrance, his voice carrying over the excited murmurs of the students and visitors as he explained the rules.
"The champions must navigate the maze and reach the Triwizard Cup at its center, the first will be the winner of the Triwizard Tournament" Dumbledore announced. "However the champions will enter from different entrances at staggered intervals based on their performance in the previous challenges. Harry Potter will enter first, followed by Viktor Krum after one minute, Fleur Delacour after two minutes, and Dante Malfoy is the exception, he will enter after five minutes."
Dumbledore paused for a moment to let the crowd cheer before continuing "I must warn all the champions that the maze has no dragons or creatures of the sea but they will find something much more challenging, they must tread carefully and understand the maze changes people and should be wary to not yourselves along the way. If he or she wish to withdraw from the challenge, then use your wand to send a red spar in the air"
The crowd cheered as the champions stepped forward, each preparing to enter the maze. Harry looked nervous but determined, while Viktor and Fleur exchanged competitive glances, this was their only chance to win, they have to do it before Dante joins the challenge. As for Dante, he stood relaxed at his entrance, his expression betrayed no emotions.
When the cannon fired, signaling the start of the task, Harry entered the maze first. The crowd watched as the maze closed the path of retreat for him, their cheers echoing to the sky. One minute later, Viktor entered, followed by Fleur after another minute. Finally, after five minutes, it was Dante's turn.
Before entering, Dante glanced at Alastor Moody, who stood at the edge of the maze, his magical eye fixed on Dante. There was a hopeful glint in Moody's gaze, a silent plea for Dante to keep his word. Dante gave a faint nod, then stepped into the maze.
Once inside, Dante wasted no time. After walking a short distance, he cast a Disillusionment Charm, his form blending seamlessly into the shadows. He moved through the maze with ease, the traps and obstacles posing little challenge to him. It wasn't long before he encountered Fleur, who was walking cautiously through the maze, her wand raised.
Dante approached her silently, his movements calm and silent. With a flick of his wand, he cast a spell that put her to sleep. He then sent a signal for help, ensuring she would be found and taken care of, before continuing on his way.
Not long after, Dante came across Viktor, who was looking around suspiciously, his wand at the ready. The scene repeated itself: Dante approached unnoticed, cast a spell to put Viktor to sleep, and sent another signal for help. With both champions taken care of, Dante continued his journey through the maze, only Harry left.
Eventually, Dante reached the center of the maze, where the Triwizard Cup sat gleaming under the moonlight. But Harry was nowhere to be seen. Dante stood there, his arms crossed, as he waited for the boy to arrive. Minutes dragged on, and Dante began to wonder if he should carry the cup and search for Harry himself.
Just as he was considering this, Harry finally appeared, stumbling into the clearing. The boy looked around in disbelief, his eyes widening as he saw the cup. For a moment, he simply stood there, a proud smile spreading across his face as if he couldn't believe he had made it first.
Dante watched in silence, his patience wearing thin. Harry began walking around the cup, his expression filled with pride and triumph. Dante was flabbergasted by the sheer stupidity of the boy.
[Does he not plan to win? Is he waiting for another champion to come?] Dante thought, shaking his head.
Not wanting to wait any longer, Dante raised his wand and cast a spell, sending Harry flying into the cup. With a startled "eep," Harry disappeared, the Portkey activating and whisking him away.
Dante stood alone in the clearing, the maze now silent and still. He shook his head at Harry's behavior, a mix of disbelief and amusement on his face.
Was Harry in danger now? Yes, but Dante was confident that Voldemort wouldn't kill him immediately. If Voldemort thrived on fear and power, then his prestige and reputation had been ruined by his downfall. The fastest way to restore it would be to publicly kill Harry Potter and prove that Harry was not his destined vanquisher.
And what better way to do that than in front of his "merry band"? Dante thought. Now, all he had to do was wait. The pieces were in motion, and the game was almost over.
Dante stood silently, waiting. Minutes later, he smiled as he felt his father calling him.