Chapter 276: "The Return"

The atmosphere around the Triwizard Tournament's grounds had shifted from excited anticipation to fearful tension. The bustling crowds of spectators and students who had once cheered for their champions now clustered in anxious groups, their excited murmurs replaced by worried whispers. The judges' platform was surrounded by teachers, Ministry officials, and students, all waiting desperately for news, any news of Charles Potter.

Amidst this confusion, James Potter was a furious storm, his voice echoing over the chaos. "You lost us our only lead!" he yelled, advancing towards Cornelius Fudge, who clutched his lime-green bowler hat in a futile attempt at a shield. "My son is missing, and you let our one source of information get Kissed by a Dementor!"

Fudge took a step back, stammering as he tried to defend himself. "Now, see here, Potter, I was only following protocol. Crouch Jr. made threats when I visited—"

"Protocol?" James laughed bitterly, his face twisted in anger. "Since when does protocol mean letting Dementors question prisoners without a trial? Also, your guards 'overreacted'? They brought a Dementor into a holding cell!"

"James." Dumbledore's calm but firm voice cut through the argument. He placed a steady hand on James's shoulder. "The Minister's actions were unfortunate, but now is not the time for us to fight each other. Charles needs us united."

"Albus," Fudge seized the opportunity, "surely you understand. The man was dangerous-"

"What I understand, Cornelius," Dumbledore said, his tone gentle but firm, "is that fear often leads to bad decisions. But we can discuss this later. Right now, we need to focus on finding our missing champion."

Near the edge of the judges' platform, Lily Potter stood with Sirius and Amelia Bones, who had called in several Aurors. Fleur Delacour paced nearby, her usual graceful demeanor replaced with worry—not for Charles, but for Harry, who had disappeared after coming out of the maze.

Sirius clenched his jaw, his eyes fixed on the entrance to the maze. "If only we still had Barty Crouch Jr. We could've forced him to tell us where Charles was taken."

Amelia shook her head, frustration in her voice. "I should've been there when Fudge went to see Crouch—I shouldn't have let him out of my sight."

Sirius nodded grimly. "It's bad enough that Charles is missing, but now Harry's gone, too. I could really use his help."

Amelia gave a small, tight smile. "Knowing Harry, he's probably out there looking in his own way. And considering how things are going, he might be having more luck than we are. Harry can handle himself."

Sirius paused, looking towards the maze. "I know he can—but he shouldn't have to. Not with Voldemort involved." His voice was filled with worry. "Harry might need us just as much as Charles does."

Suddenly, a flash of blue light appeared at the far side of the maze, and Charles stumbled out, clutching the Triwizard Cup. A gasp ran through the crowd, and everyone seemed to hold their breath as Charles swayed, pale, bloodied, and exhausted.

"Charles!" Sirius was the first to reach him, grabbing him before he collapsed. "Where have you been? Are you okay?"

Charles looked up at Sirius, his eyes wide with fear. His voice shook as he said, "Voldemort... he's back. He came back." The dread in his words chilled everyone around him. Then his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed completely into Sirius's arms.

"Hospital wing, now!" Madam Pomfrey took charge, conjuring a stretcher. "Everyone back, give him space!"

The next hour was filled with tension. Only a few people were allowed to stay in the hospital wing: James and Lily, Dumbledore, Sirius, Amelia, Fleur, and Madam Pomfrey, who was working tirelessly to help Charles.

"Multiple Cruciatus exposures," she reported grimly. "And traces of dark magic I haven't seen before. He needs rest."

Finally, Charles stirred, his eyes opening slowly. He blinked, trying to focus on the faces around him. He swallowed, then, with more strength, said, "He's back. Voldemort's back."

Dumbledore stepped closer, worry on his face. He placed a gentle hand on Charles's shoulder. "Take your time, Charles. You're safe now. Can you tell us what happened?"

Taking a shaky breath, Charles looked around at the waiting faces before beginning, his voice trembling but growing stronger as he spoke. "The cup—it was a portkey. It took me to a graveyard… Voldemort was there. Wormtail, too. They…they used my blood. They did some kind of ritual to bring him back."

Fudge, who had been standing at the edge of the room, chose that moment to speak up. "Preposterous!" he said loudly. "You-Know-Who, returned? The boy must be mistaken—confused—"

Sirius, still standing by Charles, glared at Fudge. "You're safe now, Charles," he said, his voice steady, though his eyes showed his anger. "What happened later?" 

Charles continued "Then the Death Eaters came..."

"Death Eaters?" James leaned forward. "Who, Charles? Did you recognize any of them?"

Charles nodded slowly. "Lucius Malfoy was there. Crabbe and Goyle from the Ministry..." His voice grew stronger as he continued. "Nott, Avery, others I didn't recognize."

"Preposterous!" Fudge interrupted, his face flushed. "These are respected members of our society! Upstanding citizens who were cleared-"

"They were there," Charles insisted, his voice rising. "They kissed his robes, called him 'Master'!"

"Minister," Dumbledore's voice was gentle but firm, "please let Charles finish." He turned back to Charles. "What happened next?"

Charles's hands trembled as he continued. "Voldemort... he wanted to duel. To show everyone he could kill me. He used the Cruciatus Curse..." His voice broke slightly.

Lily moved closer, taking his hand. Tears streamed down her face as Charles described the duel, how he had stood his ground against the most feared dark wizard in history.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "So proud of your bravery."

"How did you escape?" Sirius asked, his face tense with concern.

Charles's expression changed to one of confusion. "Someone... someone appeared out of nowhere. Just yanked me away from a killing curse and threw me at the cup. It was incredible - like I weighed nothing to him."

"Who was it?" James asked eagerly. "Did you recognize them?"

Charles shook his head. "No... he had dark hair, blue eyes. Moved like a fighter. He must still be there, facing Voldemort and all those Death Eaters alone!"

The room erupted in worried murmurs, cut short by Fudge's renewed protests about the impossibility of it all.

Suddenly Sirius asked, "Do you have any idea where Harry might be?"

Charles shook his head, confusion mingling with fear. "I… I don't know. I didn't see him after the task began." He looked around, searching the faces in the room.

"I'm here." The voice was calm, unmistakable, coming from the doorway.

Everyone turned to see Harry standing there, his face calm, his black robes catching the moonlight coming through the window. Unlike Charles, Harry looked unharmed, his expression steady, almost as if he had just been watching from a distance."Harry!" Sirius's face lit up with relief as he rushed over, with Amelia following right behind. "Where have you been?"

Harry gave a small, reassuring nod. "I was working on something to help us," he explained, reaching into his robes and pulling out an old, battered boot. "I made a portkey. It'll take us back to where Charles was taken."

The gathered group stared in stunned silence. Even Dumbledore looked impressed. "Mr. Potter, that's remarkable," he said, his voice calm but tinged with admiration. "Are you certain it will take us to the location Charles described?"

Fudge's face turned red as he sputtered, "Are we really going to take the word of a fourteen-year-old? You-Know-Who, returned? Ridiculous! I won't send Aurors on a wild goose chase!"

"Perhaps," Harry's calm voice cut through Fudge's denial, "Professor Snape can shed some light on the matter?"

All eyes turned to Snape, who had entered silently behind Fudge. Without a word, he rolled up his left sleeve, revealing the Dark Mark - black and vivid against his pale skin.

"The Mark burns," Snape stated simply. "He has indeed returned."

The room seemed to get colder, everyone realizing the truth. Before anyone could say anything, the doors to the hospital wing burst open, and Fleur rushed in, her face pale, her silver hair flowing behind her.

"'Arry! They said you were here—" She stopped when she saw him, relief washing over her face. She crossed the room quickly and hugged him tightly. Harry hugged her back for a moment, feeling her shaking. Only she noticed the faint tremor in his hands and the smell of smoke on his robes.

"We don't have time to waste," Sirius said, pulling everyone's attention back to the task at hand. He looked at Amelia. "Amy, get the Aurors. We need to move now."

Amelia nodded, stepping away to gather her team. "We'll be ready in minutes."

Harry's face held a flicker of excitement as he looked back at Sirius. "I'm coming with you."

Sirius shook his head firmly. "No, Harry. You need to stay here. We can't risk leaving the school unprotected, especially now. If someone tries anything, you're our best defense."

Harry's expression faltered, disappointment flashing briefly across his face before he nodded, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Right. I understand."

"A wise decision, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore added. "Your presence here will allow me to focus on leading this expedition without concern for Hogwarts' safety."

Fleur, still holding Harry's hand, studied his face with worry. She alone noticed what others missed—the slight tremor in his hands, the careful way he held himself, the exhaustion he was fighting to hide. The battle at the graveyard had taken its toll, though he concealed it well.

"We need to move," Sirius said, reaching for the boot Harry had prepared.

"A moment," Dumbledore interjected. "The castle's defenses prevent portkey travel from within. We must proceed to the tournament grounds, where the wards have been temporarily modified for the Task."

The group filed out of the hospital wing, leaving Madam Pomfrey tending to the sleeping Charles. In the corridor, Ministry officials and teachers clustered together, speaking in hushed, urgent tones. The night air was thick with tension as they crossed the grounds toward the maze.

At the tournament venue, Dumbledore stood with Sirius and Amelia while the Aurors formed a tight circle around them. Their faces were set with grim determination, wands already drawn in preparation for whatever they might find.

Sirius held out the boot, but before grasping it, he looked back at Harry one final time. "Take care of them, Harry."

Harry nodded, keeping his expression carefully neutral. He alone knew what they would—or rather, wouldn't—find at their destination.

With a flash of blue light, the rescue party vanished. The remaining spectators began to disperse, the weight of the night's events hanging heavy in the air.

Harry turned to Fleur, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Let's get inside," he said softly. "It's been a long night."

Together, they made their way back to the castle, leaving behind the maze and its dark secrets.