Chapter 404: Triggering the Trap

Chapter 404: Triggering the Trap

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 404: Triggering the Trap

As his body broke the surface of the water, Harry's improvised protective charm enveloped him in a shimmering bubble. Unlike Cedric's and Fleur's, which only covered their heads, Harry's magic formed a larger sphere that surrounded his entire body, allowing him ample space to maneuver without being drenched by the icy lake.

The moment he descended into the dark depths, the world above dissolved into silence. Visibility was minimal, with the lake's murky waters pressing around him.

He spotted the other champions as they began their descent. Krum had used a unique partial human transfiguration, morphing his upper body into a half-shark, complete with gills and powerful fins. It was an impressive and intimidating sight. Fleur and Cedric, by contrast, relied on standard Bubble-Head Charms, their enchanted pockets of air glowing faintly in the gloom.

Harry barely spared them a glance. His task had nothing to do with competition. The tournament didn't matter...not the fame, the glory, or the prize. The only thing that mattered was getting Lyra out of the lake safely.

Propelling himself downward with a burst of wind magic, Harry moved quickly, his wand guiding him like a rudder. As he descended further, the water grew colder, and the darkness deepened to near-total blackness.

He didn't need light charms, though. His magical senses reached out like tendrils, honing in on the unmistakable magical signatures tied to the hostages.

At the heart of the Merfolk city, he reached the plaza. It was eerily beautiful, illuminated faintly by bioluminescent algae and small glowing stones. At the center, tied to a massive stone statue of a merman, were four figures: Cho Chang, Hermione, Fleur's younger sister Gabrielle, and Lyra.

Harry's feet hit solid ground as the disorienting spin of the portkey ceased. The air was damp and cold, filled with the stench of decay. Slowly, he raised his wand, illuminating the scene.

They were standing in the middle of a graveyard. The tall, weathered tombstones and crooked iron gates were unmistakable...it was Little Hangleton cemetery. A place he was unfortunately very familiar with.

"Mmm..." Lyra stirred in his arms, groaning softly.

Harry held her upright as she regained consciousness. His wand hand remained steady, scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. The protective bubble had dissipated, leaving them exposed to the cemetery's cold, oppressive atmosphere.

Lyra's eyes fluttered open, and she coughed, the foul air shocking her fully awake. "Neville?" she croaked, her voice hoarse. "Where... where are we?"

"Not Hogwarts," Harry muttered grimly.

Lyra glanced around, her confusion giving way to fear as she took in the eerie surroundings. The darkened sky, the gnarled trees, and the cracked tombstones made it clear this wasn't any ordinary place.

"What's going on?" she whispered, clutching his arm.

Before Harry could respond, a chilling sound echoed across the graveyard...the snap of footsteps on wet grass.

Harry tensed, raising his wand higher. His sharp green eyes scanned the shadows until a bone-chilling voice broke the silence.

"Well, well. It seems our guest of honor has arrived... with company."

A.N: - Remember to comment, vote, and/or leave a review if you have the time. Those things help me a lot and I would really appreciate it.

You can Support me on P@treon if you like and get 15 advanced chapters.

You can also find images of some of the characters from the fic for free. Like Lyra, Holly, among others. I recently also added the main cast of bad guys, that also includes the Dark Lord.