---At the Triwizard Tournament---
The cheers and laughter filled the air as wizards and witches were anticipating the final moment of the Triwizard competition. Both Krum and Fleur have already been eliminated and have been rescued, leaving only Harry and Cedric to decide as the final winner. As such, all the students from Hogwarts have already begun their cheering, knowing that whatever happened, someone from Hogwarts was going to be the winner.
Hermione and Ron, caught up in the spirit of the tournament, engaged in a lively discussion about who the ultimate winner would be.
As the Triwizard Tournament was in the last stage, the attendees struggled to follow the events unfolding in the maze and thus discussed among themselves.
"Where are they?" someone mumbled, squinting at the maze. "I can't make heads or tails of what's happening in there."
Just as confusion settled over the crowd, a collective gasp echoed through the arena. Cedric Diggory emerged at the entrance of the maze.
Ron's eyes widened, "There he is! Cedric is out!" But then he was confused. "Blimey, does that mean Harry is the last one still in the maze?"
"No, look!" As always, Hermione was the one who saw the little detail. She pointed a trembling finger. "Look, there is the Triwizard Cup next to him, and on top of that, he was teleported back to the starting position, unlike the others." Hermione's voice was barely a whisper among the loud noise made by the crowd. "Harry isn't the winner."
The realization spread like Fiendfyre, igniting the crowd. A chant began, low at first, then rose into a thunderous roar.
"CEDRIC! CEDRIC! CEDRIC! CEDRIC! CEDRIC!"
Cedric's father couldn't believe his eyes; joy filled his heart as he celebrated his son's apparent victory. The cheers that had echoed earlier now turned into triumphant shouts for Cedric.
The maze, which had been the center of attention, began vanishing into thin air, confirming the end of the tournament.
At the same time, Fleur Delacour, who was the closest to the starting position, saw Cedric. His unmoving body was a stark contrast to the joy around him. The realization came to her, and she uttered a loud scream.
In no time, Albus Dumbledore and Fudge came quickly to the body of Cedric.
The face of Cornelius Fudge twisted as he finally realized the reality of the scene. Blood was dripping from Cedric's hand as the latter's empty eyes were fully opened.
"My God ... the child!" Fudge whispered in shock. "Dumbledore… he's dead!"
Even as a whisper, the words echoed loudly in the silence as everyone was quietly observing after Fleur's cry. The other people who had gathered after Dumbledore and Fudge could not believe their eyes. "He's dead!" "He's dead!" "Cedric Diggory! Dead!"
"He'll need to go to the hospital wing!" Fudge was saying loudly.
Amos Diggory, Cedric's father, could not believe his ears. He came running from the stand, pushing away the crowd gathered around his son.
"That's my son," he yelled as Amos Diggory finally made his way to his boy. There it was, his beautiful boy, lying still as if he was sleeping, but all the blood scattered on his body was giving a different feeling.
Hermione's eyes darted around the chaotic scene, and her concern grew. She turned to Ron with a furrowed brow.
"Ron, where's Harry? He should've come out by now. Why isn't he here?" Hermione's voice was urgent, cutting through the confusion.
Ron's face mirrored her worry. "I dunno, Hermione. He should've been out with Cedric. This doesn't make sense."
As the realization of Cedric's fate sank in, more people, especially those journalists, tried getting closer, but several professors and Aurors were quick to form a barrier. Apart from the buzzing murmur from the crowd, the only other sound was the crying from those who were close to Cedric.
Albus Dumbledore was crouched over the body of Cedric, examining it. Then he whispered.
"He's back. Voldemort."
Cornelius Fudge's pupil expanded to the maximum as the color from his face drained.
Fudge, with a grave expression, motioned for the crowd to calm down. "Please, everyone, return to your seats. We need to assess the situation and provide assistance. There will be an explanation shortly."
Inside his mind, Dumbledore could only ask, "Where are you, Harry?"
----
At the same time, in the crowd, there was a person who was behaving completely differently from all the others around him.
It was Mad-Eye Moody. But behind that face was someone who had taken the Polyjuice Potion. In reality, that person was Barty Crouch Jr.
Just as he saw the lifeless body of Cedric appear, he felt a burning sensation on his arm, and immediately after, Barty Crouch Jr heard the heavenly voice of his master.
"Well done, Barty. While the rest of my Death Eaters cower in fear, you, my loyal servant, have finally allowed your Lord to gain his body back." Barty Crouch Jr had to force himself not to show a happy emotion on hearing Lord Voldemort's voice after so long. Instead, he continued to listen.
"Now, pay heed. I shall not announce my return immediately. I currently have Harry, the boy, with me. Your instructions are as follows:
First, do not show any sign of rush. Dumbledore is suspicious of you. Wait for him to take the lifeless body away, and then you get back to your room.
Secondly, the effects of the Polyjuice Potion are waning. Act swiftly. While Dumbledore is preoccupied, secure Harry's invisible cloak. Leave no trace behind. The boy Ron Weasley can be used for this task.
Lastly, utilize the cloak to make a stealthy escape and return to me. Take with you the real Moody."
The cold, commanding tone ended with the Dark Lord's orders.