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Dire Condition

Albus was horrified at the condition of Harry when he came out of the lake. Yes he wanted to toughen Harry up and used the tournament as an excuse to do so but he didn't want Harry dead, well at least until it was the right time. He began to think that the whole tournament idea had been a bad one as everything he had worked for was destroyed and his was probably ruined beyond repair. Not only had Albus ruined his relationship with the boy but also those of his classmates, the staff, and worst of all his Godfather.

If Albus ever had doubts about Sirius' sanity, they had been confirmed recently as the man was clearly suicidal and was almost in the mental state he was in when he first escaped from Azkaban. The only thing keeping him alive was the fear of having to face James and Lily in the afterlife and the fact that he found it easier to deal with the pain if he spent most of his time as a dog.

Karkaroff led Viktor and Mandy over to a boat and took them to shore at Krum's urging. Cedric had been keeping as eye on Krum since Harry made his comment. He knew that Krum was nervous about something and seemed to be in a hurry to get away.

The pandemonium on the platform increased as the head of houses arrived wanting answers to what happened. Before Albus could say anything, a horrible screeching could be heard coming from over the edge. As Albus moved that way and started speaking to the merman chief, everyone gathered around to hear what Albus translated to the crowd. There were several gasps as the events were revealed and Cedric now knew why Krum was so eager to get away. Cho had to physically hold him back as he made for the boats. When the chief saw this, he motioned Cedric forward.

"You ah friendz wif Mistah Pahtah?"

Cedric worked through what was being asked him and finally said "Yes."

The chief nodded and said "Tell Mistah Pahtah my warrior waz twyin to hep him. We apahlajiz fah de ahksadent."

When Cedric worked through that he said "I'll tell him. I'm sure he won't hold you responsible. He's more likely to hold the person, who made him go down there in the first place, responsible for his injuries along with the person who caused them. I know I would."

The chief gave him a nod and with Professors Flitwick and Sprout escorting them, he and Cho made their way to the boats. As they floated across the water, Flitwick said "If you can contact Mr. Potter. Please offer my apologies."

Sprout added "Me too Cedric."

Cedric shot them a look and said "I doubt he will accept it. He quit going to your classes too didn't he? Just do me a favor. Remember what you just heard tonight at dinner if Krum has the balls to show up. Somebody in this school needs to stand up for Harry and I guess the job is left to me since no one else has the courage to do what's right."

He walked away with Cho without even giving the two heads of houses a second glance. The other boats touched shore and Minerva led a distraught Ginny up to the castle. Another boat held Madam Maxine as well as Fleur and her little sister. Once on shore, she led them towards the carriage. From the looks of it, Fleur was deep in thought. As they walked away, Cho muttered "Stuck up bint couldn't even say thank you."

Bringing up the rear was Albus and Severus along with Ludo Bagman and Percy Weasley. The conversation they were holding was spoken so low that no one else could hear but it was clear that they were arguing about something.

The group finally made it to the entrance of the castle where they found a sobbing Poppy sitting on the floor. Minerva passed Ginny off to Hermione and went to her friend. "What's wrong Poppy? Where is Mr. Potter?"

"He wouldn't stop and let me help him. He just disappeared like he has been all year. How can I help James' baby if he won't let me?"

Albus arrived and heard the tail end of the conversation. When he realized Harry was not in Poppy's care, he turned and loudly said "Mr. Diggory, if you know where we might find Mr. Potter, take us to him now."

Cedric stood straight and said "I don't know where he is and even if I did, I wouldn't screw him over like the rest of you have done this year. If he wants to be found, he will be. If he doesn't he won't."

"Mr. Diggory, you will take me to him or I will see you in detention."

Cedric snapped back "I'll be glad to sit any detention you require but it will be with my head of house and I still won't tell you where he is. You know, it scares me when someone who needs help is too afraid to get said help because he knows that if he does, he will be locked up once again or made to forget everything that happened this year."

The crowd gasped and Albus grew furious. "Very well Mr. Diggory. That will be two weeks detention with your head of house beginning tonight."

"I'm sorry Professor but I won't be able to start until tomorrow night. I'll need to contact my father about this and see how he wants to proceed. I can promise you that I will suggest speaking to the Prophet and the DMLE about what has happened this year. I'm sure both parties will be very interested."

Albus paled and before he could say anything, Cedric added "I'm not Harry, Professor. I grew up in this world and wasn't left ignorant of it and I know how to get things done. If you force the issue, I will take Harry under my protection."

Albus looked at him for a minute before saying "That will not be necessary. Detentions cancelled citing the emotional state we are all in."

Cedric turned and stormed off towards the Ravenclaw dorms as he dragged Cho along with him. When he settled a bit and slowed down, she asked "You knew he'd back down didn't you?"

He smiled "Yeah, he doesn't want anyone having any kind of control over Harry but him. If I took him under my protection, my dad would have to authority to launch an investigation into all matters concerning House Potter and that's the last thing he wants."

She smiled up at him. "Maybe you should do it anyway. I mean, it would help Harry."

"No, Harry already has a good plan in place. He just has to wait a little while longer and he's fine with that."

....

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