Harry looked at the series of thick hedges before him provided by the Room of Requirement. Unlike the hedges grown on the Quidditch pitch, these hedges merely functioned as hurdles. Taking a deep breath, Harry surged forward into a sprint. He began jumping over the hedges and sometimes he took sharp turns along the way by running around the obstacles. The ground was also not favourable to his practice run. It was muddy but the friction charms he used on the shoes were working perfectly. So far, he felt he was having a good grip on the ground. All of a sudden, water balloons shot out of the hedges.
Harry hastily put up a shield making the water balloons splash harmlessly against the shield. He was feeling a little bit of strain as he was fast getting out of breath. The pelting of water balloons stopped all of a sudden giving way to average-sized stone golems to rush out of the hedges randomly. They were small nearly the size of Goblins.
The reason for this exercise…reaction.
Learning a hundred spells would be useless if he didn't have the perfect reaction time or accuracy. So, this particular exercise was what he came up with to keep himself in shape but also to bind spells on the fly accurately. By the time Harry finished the full track provided by the Room of Requirement, he was out of breath and totally spent for anything else.
So, Harry fell into a plush chair accepting a glass of orange juice that conveniently floated to his side. The room rearranged itself by dismissing the hedges and the muddy terrain while Harry dried himself using a towel.
"How was that Dobby?" he asked, turning to Dobby who was holding a mechanical stopwatch in his hand.
"You were three seconds faster than yesterday sir." said Dobby, his large ears flipping up energetically.
"Not bad. What about you and Winky? Are you both ready for tomorrow?"
"Dobby is ready sir. But Dobby worries for Winky sir. Winky be a good elf sir but she has not done anything like this." said Dobby, his green tennis ball eyes shining with concern.
Harry held back a laugh at Dobby's 'concern' for Winky. It was as if Dobby had the experience of any kind in what they were about to do at the graveyard. If everything goes smoothly his plan would be the largest blow Voldemort and his Death Eaters would have ever suffered in a single day. Not to mention, the elaborate cover-up he planned to keep the Ministry running in circles. Despite that, he was not ignorant of Winky's and Dobby's pre-jitters as the plan was set to unfold tomorrow evening.
"Tell you what Dobby. Let's ask for Kreacher's help as well." Harry suggested.
That's how Harry found himself in the Chamber with Dobby. Fishing out the two-way mirror from his Mokeskin pouch Harry called for Sirius. Thankfully, Sirius was quick to answer.
"Hey, Harry. You need something?"
"Did you get the potion and the charmed glass case?" asked Harry.
"Got it with me. Are you going to explain what this is all about because it was not easy to get the potion prepared on such short notice?" Sirius complained.
Harry took a moment to think it over before he made up his mind to keep Sirius in the loop.
"You should come over. Bring Winky and Kreacher. It's time to fill you in on the details." Harry finally said.
A few minutes later, Harry was observing Sirius who got a small glimpse of his plans.
"So, let me get this straight. Mad-eye Moody is an imposter and he is none other than Barty Crouch Jr.?" Sirius asked incredulously.
"Yes." Harry nodded.
"I've known Moody for a while and his reputation would suggest what you say is impossible. Also, Barty Crouch Jr. died in Azkaban. Exactly how do you know this?" Sirius asked, a bit sceptical of Harry's claims.
Harry was prepared for this line of questioning. It was not like he can explain the whole soul transmigration with a straight face and get away with it. Not to mention he didn't want to say the real Harry is gone to Sirius because some random omnipotent being wanted to have some fun. Instead, he led with a convenient lie.
"I found out by using this." said Harry, brandishing the Marauder's map.
Thankfully, the fake Moody was pacing inside Moody's office. The map showed the name Barty Crouch moving back and forth inside the room while another Barty Crouch tag was seen unmoving along with Alastor Moody.
"The real Moody and Barty Crouch Sr. are imprisoned inside the office while Barty Crouch Jr is impersonating Moody using the Polyjuice potion. If you want further proof, you only need to ask Winky. She was Crouch's elf before she was dismissed from service." said Harry, looking at Winky who looked like she was ready to burst into tears.
"Dobby thinks Winky should not cry. Winky be no longer a Crouch elf. She be a Potter elf."
Dobby's unexpected support seems to do the trick helping Winky to look more resilient. Winky wiped away her tears and seem to get ahold of herself.
"Master Harry is right. Master Crouch saved his son from Azkaban. But, Winky didn't know the young master was in Hogwarts." said Winky, peering at the Marauder's map with a forlorn look.
"That son of a wanker." Sirius muttered darkly, looking ready to blow a gasket.
"Sirius, I told you about this because you deserved to know. But, there will be no rash decisions this time. We will stick to the plan to the end." Harry warned, looking intently into Sirius' grey eyes.
He watched Sirius pace for a while muttering curses and obscenities at the two Crouches before he finally relented.
"Fine. We'll follow your plan. I hope your plan lands them both in Azkaban."
"Better. They'll both get the Dementor's kiss." Harry smirked at his godfather who returned the gesture.
"Alright. Now, why do you need an indestructible glass case and the Draught of living death?" asked Sirius, jabbing his thumb at the giant glass case filled with one of the most dangerous potions known to wizardkind.
"I'm glad you asked." Harry said, rubbing his hands together in excitement. "I believe Kreacher can help me here and he might find it particularly rewarding."
XXXXXXX
It was the day of the Third Task. Harry was well-rested thanks to the good amount of sleep he got last night. He was about to orchestrate one of the biggest 'pranks' on Voldemort and the Ministry. A well-rested mind was the need of the hour for pulling something off that scale right under everyone's nose. If he was having some jitters about the task ahead Hermione was having something worse.
"I don't think I did a good reading on the Goblin rebellion of 1732. I think I may have forgotten all about it!" Hermione gasped out making Harry look up from his plate full of bacon and fried eggs.
"Pfft! As if!" Ron snorted dismissively.
"Nobody's talking to you, Ron. Mind your own business." Hermione snapped.
"She's got that look she had before she punched Malfoy last year." Harry covertly muttered to Neville who was thankfully insulating him from Ron.
"You reckon she's gonna punch him?" asked Neville.
"Nah. There are too many eyes on her. If only this was in the Common room…"
"Shame. I would have loved to see that." said Ginny, surprising both Harry and Neville to know that their conversation was not exactly very secretive.
"Ron's your brother you know." Harry reminded the youngest Weasley.
"Thank you for reminding me of that unfortunate fact Harry." said Ginny.
"You're welcome." Harry winked, causing Ginny to turn away with rosy cheeks.
"Hey, Harry."
"Feeling alright there buddy."
Fred and George slipped next to Harry patting him on the shoulder.
"Just a bit hungry." said Harry, wincing as the argument between Ron and Hermione was gaining more pitch.
"You know George. Maybe we should find something that makes our dear Ronnikins shut up or make him smart."
"Oh, can you please make him shut up? He's embarrassing me in front of everyone." Ginny jumped in pleading with her brothers.
"Your efforts are wasted. How can Ron shut his mouth when there is food on his plate?" Harry asked amusedly. "Do you really want a Ron on empty stomach?"
Fred and George made a show of shivering at the very thought of dealing with a hungry Ron.
"Definitely not a good prospect to think about." Fred admitted.
"Leaving the disturbing thought of a starving Ron, how're you holding up? Feeling ready to win that shiny cup?" asked George.
"It'll be sweet sweet revenge against…"
"…pretty boy Diggory for that Quidditch match last year."
Amused by the infamous 'twin-talk', Harry chuckled.
Just then Angelina and Alicia joined them at the table.
"I certainly hope you put your name on that cup Harry. You've done so well so far. If Diggory or someone else wins, we won't be hearing the end of it." Angelina butted in, attracting the attention of many at the Gryffindor table who echoed her opinion.
"I'll win that cup for Gryffindor. After all, who can stand against us lions." Harry boasted in a faux manner making most Gryffindors chuckle.
"It's good to see you are confident Potter."
Harry nearly jumped out of his seat as he heard Professor McGonagall speak from his back. He immediately swivelled around and sure enough, the Transfiguration Professor was right behind him.
"Professor! I didn't see you." Harry stuttered.
"Unfortunately, most don't. Anyway, I just came down here to tell you that the Champions will be gathering at the Chamber of the Hall after breakfast." Professor McGonagall said.
"Oh, I'll be there."
"Good. And Potter, good luck."
With her piece said the Professor moved away leaving everyone to stare after her.
"Did anyone see her behind me?" Harry asked, turning to Ginny and Katie who were sitting opposite him.
"No. She was just suddenly there. It was as if she apparated into the spot." said Ginny, who was still gaping after Professor McGonagall.
"Oh, don't be silly Ginny. You can't apparate inside Hogwarts. Everyone knows that." said Hermione, forgetting her verbal bout with Ron for the moment.
"But, no one saw her coming did they? How did she sneak in without any of us noticing?" asked Neville.
"Oh!" Hermione gasped, looking as though she stumbled onto some great discovery. "I think I understand now. Skeeter will rue the day she was born."
With that said, Hermione snatched her bag and sprinted away from the Great Hall.
"What's up with her?" Ron asked flabbergasted with a mouthful of scrambled eggs.
No one spoke after that for a time.
"Well, at least we know who put Harry's name in the Goblet." said Neville, trying to break the ice so to speak.
"I wonder why Crouch would put your name in the Goblet Harry." said George, munching on a loaf of bread.
"Yeah. Dad always talked highly of him. Crouch was supposedly very tough on Death Eaters and all when he was the head of DMLE." said Fred.
"Maybe Crouch wanted the Triwizard cup so badly and he didn't want to leave it for chance." said Ginny, making everyone look at her forcing the younger redhead to sink down in her seat.
"I mean, he was not wrong to think that. Look how much of a disaster Diggory turned out to be. If Harry was not in the Tournament, Hogwarts would have been at rock bottom in points." Ginny explained.
Everyone agreed with that assessment.
Harry didn't say anything. Instead, he stared at the front page of the Daily Prophet folded not far away from his plate. He could still see the grinning face of Umbridge on display. The Ministry has made it public that Crouch was responsible for putting Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire. It was a load of bull but it fits the narrative Harry was aiming at.
Harry was slow to finish breakfast. Mostly because he was in no hurry and was expecting someone to join him at the table. As the Great Hall was being emptied out, Harry was approached by Daphne and Tracey. Both of them wished him luck before moving on to take their exams.
A few minutes passed, and the one he has been waiting for joined him across the table.
"'Arry."
Harry smiled as Fleur sat across from him with a plate of scrambled eggs.
"Glad to have you back. How were your exams?"
"This 'eez what you ask after all this time." Fleur playfully asked, a cute pout on her ruby lips.
"That's all I can ask because Cedric is coming our way." he warned.
Not a moment later Cedric joined them at the Gryffindor table.
"Aren't you guys coming?" asked Cedric.
Harry exchanged a look with Fleur before standing up. Their conversation could wait. Krum was already inside the Chamber when the three of them entered. The Durmstrang Champion was quietly conversing with his dark-haired parents on the corner. Harry got the feeling Krum's parents were not at all happy or maybe he was just getting that impression because of the rapid-fire conversation in Bulgarian. It sounded like the trio was discussing the best ways to crush everyone's bones and make a run for it. He was sure that was not the case because they were huge and bulky.
'Bulgarians.' he thought, shaking his head.
Cedric went straight for his father and mother. One thing was for certain. Cedric didn't get his good looks from his father. Then there was Fleur's family. He was already familiar with her father and mother thanks to Rita Skeeter's slandering article in the Prophet. So, he was not overly surprised to see Sirius quietly conversing with Fleur's father. Fleur squeezed his hand before she skipped towards her mother. Fleur's little sister Gabrielle waved at him with a thousand-watt smile. He waved back, happy to see the girl was alright and not some withdrawn mess after going through the ordeal in the Black Lake.
What surprised him however was the presence of Andromeda, Nymphadora and Ted Tonks.
"Before you ask, Sirius asked mom if she wanted to tag along. She forced dad to go along with her. And I was like, I too want to see Hogwarts. So, here we are." Tonks said cheerfully.
Harry let out a chuckle at Tonks' funny way of explaining their presence in Hogwarts.
"Thank you for coming. It's an incredibly nice gesture." Harry said, shaking hands with Ted and Andromeda.
"We Blacks have to stick together, especially during these troubled times." said Andromeda.
Harry didn't get the full meaning until Sirius returned to their side.
"I forgot to tell you, Harry. I revoked Andromeda's banishment from the House of Black. She and little Nym here are back on the family tree." said Sirius.
"This is wonderful news. It seems congratulations are in order. I'm asking this out of pure curiosity. Did something change after you two were acknowledged?" he asked curiously.
"Aunt Walburga had a fit. Other than that, nothing happened." Andromeda snorted.
"If my mother could die again she would have after she heard the news. I had to ward off an entire portion of the house to silence her incessant screaming." Sirius complained.
Harry suddenly felt a tug on his hand. Turning around he was met with the smiling face of Gabrielle Delacour. She gave him a small box covered with a gift wrap.
"'eet 'eez a gift for saving 'er from the lake. Please accept it, Monsieur Potter." Apolline Delacour said.
"Merci." said Harry, accepting the gift from Fleur's sister with a smile.
Sirius began introducing the Tonks family to the Delacours. It didn't take long for everyone to split into groups and wander around the castle. Sirius slipped out with Ted Tonks and Mr Delacour while Andromeda went away with Mrs Delacour and Fleur's sister. This left Harry with Fleur and Nymphadora. Unsurprisingly, Nymphadora thought it was a good idea to check up on Hogwarts. So, she dragged both Harry and Fleur along for the ride talking her way through the many portraits that filled the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.
It was a long journey with Nymphadora leading the trip. Harry even pitched in and showed them some of the secret entrances to the school for Nymphadora's benefit who was totally regretting being ignorant of those passages in her time as a student. Fleur, who usually found most British witches and wizards unbearable, seems to have taken a liking to Tonks mostly because of her choice of profession. Fleur seemed very impressed with Tonks for becoming an Auror, a dangerous profession even in France.
As the two witches conversed along the vacant hallways of Hogwarts, Harry noticed one thing. That little crush he was feeling for Nymphadora was completely absent now. He had his eyes trained on Fleur all the time. The way her lips moved, the way her hair flew in the wind, the way her hips danced as she moved, the way her voice clicked the right chords. He noticed all of that and nothing else. It was then that he knew for sure that he cared about Fleur more than any girl.
Was it love? He didn't know. But, it was certainly something close enough. This more than anything else made him determined to reach the Triwizard Cup as fast as possible. The longer it took he'd be endangering everyone including Fleur. Fortunately, he was prepared to finish the task faster. He just hoped everything would work as planned.
For a better part of the morning, they wandered around the castle before winding up at the Great Hall just in time for lunch. They took up the Gryffindor table for having lunch. It was also interesting for the students to see all these new faces in the Great Hall. Some of the students were very interested in catching a glimpse of Sirius. His notorious reputation before the trial still loosely hung around him. But, Sirius didn't seem all that bothered by the attention. The family of the Champions were not the sole new faces in the Great Hall. There was the Minister of Magic sitting beside Dumbledore and some Ministry employees including Ludo Bagman.
"Fudge looks happy enough. His approval ratings may have improved with that stunt Umbridge pulled." Sirius whispered to him.
"He is a bumbling politician. Just stroke his ego and make sure he feels you are on his side. Also, remember Moody has that magical eye. So, keep your eyes away from the guy until I return. You know what to do next." Harry whispered.
"I know. Are you sure you want to do this? We can still expose Crouch and his master's plan. We can catch the rat and his master red-handed."
Harry looked at Sirius and sighed. "Catching them won't stop them. We have to destroy them root and stem. For that, we need to demolish their base of power. That's what Dumbledore failed to do. So, no. We'll go forward with the plan." said Harry.
"What are you two whispering about? Making plans for the Task, are we?" asked Tonks.
"'Arry can make all 'eez plans but I'll be taking 'zzat trophy to France." said Fleur, followed by laughter eerily similar to tingling bells.
"I've got no issue with the Triwizard cup going to France. But, the cup will have my name on it." said Harry, his eyes shining with mirth while looking at a pouting Fleur.
"Look at you two. I can't wait for the Task to begin." Tonks said, gleefully rubbing her hands.
XXXXXXX
The Task was about to commence and Harry was dressing up to tackle the maze and everything that will come after. He hoped the Twins would keep their mouths shut. In his plan, the only vulnerable element was their involvement. He had bought them off offering them their dream shop for their services. So, he hoped their silence about their involvement in his plan remained a secret that they will take to their grave. Of course, he never spilt every nuance of his plan to the Weasley twins but they certainly have a piece of information that could be revealing the plot to someone like Dumbledore.
"Kreacher wonders where young master found this armour." Kreacher muttered as Harry slipped into the Basilisk scale mesh armour Winky prepared for him.
"I killed the Basilisk living in this Chamber and Winky was kind enough to make an armour out of the scales." said Harry, earning a curious look from Kreacher.
"Kreacher wonders why the young master would lie. Does the young master think he is not fit for the House of Black? What does Kreacher know of half-bloods and their thinking?"
Harry could hear Kreacher muttering in the background. It was as if Kreacher was ignorant of the fact that his comments would be heard by other people. Maybe, it was a side effect of living lonely for years in the Black Manor.
"Kreacher." Harry called the old elf's attention to him.
Harry raised his wand and dismissed the notice-me-not charm on the ceiling of the Chamber. As the secrecy ward broke away the skeleton of Slytherin's Basilisk could be seen hanging from the ceiling. Harry enjoyed watching Kreacher's bulging eyes as the old elf took in the monstrous form of a thousand-year-old Basilisk.
"It's Slytherin's Basilisk. I didn't like his attitude so I killed him and made him a decorating piece. Do you like it Kreacher?" Harry said in a lacklustre manner as if killing a Basilisk was something he usually did on a normal afternoon.
Kreacher was still gaping at the colossal skeleton of the Basilisk staring down from the ceiling. Harry grinned at that before focusing on the thin material the Twins made for him. Harry fished out two packs of blood Dobby procured from a Muggle hospital. The blood packs were under preservation charms to keep them fresh and usable. Using a thin drip tube he transferred the blood into the foldable membrane. When it was full of blood he wrapped the two membranes the Weasley twins made for him around his forearms. The membrane was almost the same colour as his skin so it'd survive a bit of scrutiny. Even if it didn't, he was prepared for that event as well.
Harry placed two strong Confundus charms on both of his forearms. One was for making sure Pettigrew use his knife to take the blood from the membrane as if it was from his skin. The other was to make Pettigrew believe there was nothing amiss with his forearms. He also made sure to use a sticking charm on both membranes for safety. With that done, he slipped on two gloves made of Basilisk scales. The straps of the gloves should hide the thin line that separates the membrane from his wrists. The Confundus charm should ensure that was overlooked but he was not leaving anything to chance. He also put on a pair of dragonhide boots as well.
Now that he was properly covered in protective gear he pulled on a white shirt over the mesh armour and a leather jacket. That should keep the scales of the armour hidden from any curious eyes. Picking up his wand he pocketed it in his pants.
'I'm now ready.' Harry thought, looking into the mirror before taking his leave.
When he reached the Great Hall it was filled with students for the evening feast. Harry sparingly touched his plate. He focused on fluids more than any solid food. There were also far more Ministry dignitaries present than in the afternoon.
"Hello everyone. If I could have your attention please." Ludo Bagman rose to his feet at the staff table addressing the Great Hall. "In five minutes time, the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament will commence. I request everyone to make their way to the Quidditch pitch. Champions, will you please follow me."
"Well, that's me. Got to go guys." Harry waved his goodbye to the Gryffindor table.
He got a slew of good wishes from his housemates. The Ravenclaws were also very supportive. Strangely enough, most of House Slytherin also extended support. They have been very quiet ever since he threatened them with snakes at the Yule Ball. Maybe his overtures through the ritual group were seeing some positive effect in the House of Snakes. Tracey and Hermione hugged him while Daphne gave him a good luck kiss on his cheek earning a few whistles from his housemates. Apparently dating a 'snake' from the Slytherin House earned him a reputation for being a bad boy which was seen as cool and hip.
Within five minutes time, Harry made himself available at the Quidditch pitch. Cedric, Viktor and Fleur were all there with him as they stood before the maze. The twenty-foot-high hedge ran all the way around the edges of the pitch. It looked as if it was the abode of nocturnal creatures. There were four passages for each of the Champions and all four of them looked dark and creepy.
From the maze, Moody emerged dragging his wooden leg across the pitch. Harry was thankful he had the presence of mind to ask Sirius to enchant his jacket for this specific occasion. He didn't know who Sirius found but he hoped the enchantments to evade Moody's invasive eye were working. After all, he didn't want Moody to notice his forearms this early in the game.
Harry noticed the stands were getting filled. The clouds in the night sky were parting giving way to the stars. It was as if the stars so far away were also looking closely at the Task that was about to begin. He knew quite a lot of the audience was attracted to shows of magical power. That's how he turned all the negative publicity against him to his side during the First Task. So, Harry was not going to disappoint his 'fans'. According to Tracey, the Harry Potter fans club was getting far more members this year thanks to his colourful performance in the First Task and his 'selfless' heroic action in the Second Task.
"Potter."
Harry turned around at his name being called to see Professor Bathsheda Babbling, his Ancient Runes professor.
"Good luck with the Task, Mr Potter. Do try to return in one piece because you have a Runes test waiting for you."
"I wouldn't miss it, Professor." Harry smiled as he watched the woman nod and take her seat in the stands beside Professor Vector.
Ludo Bagman returned with Professor McGonagall, Flitwick, Hagrid and Moody.
"Now gather around Champions." Bagman called for their attention. "The Professors will be patrolling the edges of the pitch. If you feel any difficulty…anything at all you must fire red sparks into the sky. One of the Professors will come to your rescue. Now, are there any doubts?"
All the four Champions shook their heads.
"Excellent." Bagman said brightly, a beaming smile on his boyish face. "Now, for the audience."
"Sonorus." Bagman used the magnifying voice charm to be heard by everyone.
"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. Please settle down. The Third Task is about to start. Thank you." Bagman bowed as the stands erupted into cheers.
"Now, the task before our brilliant Champions is simple. The Champions will take to the maze in the order of their points scored in the last two tasks. It means Mr Potter will go first followed by Mr Krum, Miss Delacour and Mr Diggory. They have to traverse the maze and find the Triwizard cup. Their path toward the cup will be filled with obstacles. The one to first touch the cup becomes the Triwizard Champion."
Harry could hear the applause from the stands as the names of the Champions were being called. He chanced a look in the direction of Sirius. His godfather was on his feet whistling enthusiastically. The same could be said for Nymphadora. Ted and Andromeda were cheering for him in their seats. Neville gave him a thumbs-up and the twins were dancing on the stands dressed up as lions. How they managed to get that outfit he never knew. But, given what he was about to do, their costumes were quite meaningful for the occasion.
"So, on my whistle, Harry!" said Bagman.
"Ready, one…two…three!" Bagman blew a sharp blast using his whistle and Harry picked one of the pathways.
However, he wasn't running for the small path between the hedges. Instead, he paused just at the entrance of the maze and fished out his wand. Taking a deep breath, Harry pulled a happy memory to the surface of his mind. The memory was the one with Fleur in the broom closet kissing and exploring each of their bodies under the warmth provided by the castle walls. He let the feeling of passion and happiness fill his mind as he launched the spell.
"Expecto Patronum."
There was a bright flash of silver light that chased away the darkness of the night. Bright silvery mists of the spell coalesced into a solid form right above the hedges. He was sure Hermione, Ron and Dumbledore would be mystified to see his Patronus now. It was no longer a proud galloping stag. Instead, it was a fearsome large lion made of silvery vapour. This spell was the epitome of what most wizards would consider Light Magic. But, this spell has many other uses. A Patroni spirit is not just useful for chasing down Dementors. They can be carriers for messages and most importantly they can be used to track down something or someone.
Now, a little bit of tweak to the spell was needed for Harry's intentions. He tapped the tip of his wand against the Patroni spirit's head and then his own. Silver wisps of energy entered his eyes connecting the Patroni spirit with his vision.
"Go find the Triwizard cup." he ordered.
The Patroni spirit didn't waste any time before galloping north over the hedges. For Harry, he could see a long line of thread connecting the Patroni spirit with his line of vision. It's for this reason this particular supplementary charm was called the Ariadne charm named after the Greek legend of Ariadne and her threads that helped Theseus traverse the labyrinth.
He could hear Bagman whistling three more times allowing the other Champions entry into the maze. But, his eyes were focused on the thread as it expanded across the maze guided by the Patroni spirit. The Horus glasses were a godsend for this particular situation. Anything his eyes could perceive the glasses magnified it and gave him a clear-cut picture. So, his vision was actually about to follow the thread all the way to his Patroni spirit.
Finally, his Patroni stopped, and he knew for sure the Triwizard cup was found. The thread extending out of his wand's tip straightened as he adjusted his position making the thread lose the inclined angel it was making with the wand. The thread traced a straight line towards the Triwizard cup giving him a straight path.
Harry smiled and cancelled the Patronus charm. He could make out Bagman giving a detailed commentary on the background about what he was doing. He assumed Dumbledore was explaining to Bagman for the benefit of the crowd. Or maybe, Bagman was a knowledgeable chap in obscure spells.
Anyway, Harry focused on the task at hand. He was far from done. Now that he knows the straight path ahead it was time to make another spell suitable for his needs.
Harry drew the rune for power on the air with his wand and jabbed straight at the hedges blocking his way.
"Battuo inflammata."
As the spell's name itself would suggest, it functioned as a battering ram with one little add-on. A wide arc of fire surrounded the spells and rammed through the hedges as if they were made of paper. The Horus glasses helped him get a clear-cut vision. So, when the spell smashed through the last hedge he knew then and there to cancel the spell.
There was a suitably large hole punching through the hedges and in the distance, he could see the Triwizard cup. So, the next spell escaped his wand.
"Torrens incendio."
A sea of fire spread through the cavity he created through the hedges. Flourishing his wand he controlled the fire so that it cleansed the path with fire after which it withdrew to the sides. In the end, there was a clear path before him with the charred ground as the runway. Harry wasted no time in covering his head in Bubble-head charm and applying himself a strong fire-repellent charm for good measure before running straight for the cup. The fire on the two sides of the pathway he created was still under his control. So, he maintained the fire to not act out against him as he ran straight for the cup.
It took him a maximum of seven minutes to reach the cup running at full speed. Only some charred sticks and stones proved to be a hindrance here and there, but he was careful along the way.
There before his eyes, the Triwizard cup gleamed. Its finely crafted silver handle gleamed in the night beckoning him to take it.
"Finally!" Harry reached out and grasped the handle of the cup.
There was a familiar tug on his abdomen and he was sucked into a vortex of swirling winds howling in his ears. Bright colours exploded before his eyes and he disappeared into the folds of space and time leaving the spot empty except for the cackling fire that was burning away the hedges.