Harry's Decision

"I remember now!" Harry said in sudden realization. "A few days ago, I heard Filch had been giving you trouble, and I thought it was strange. He'd never been so rude to you before... That was when you discovered his identity?"

Wade silently praised Harry for his unwitting cooperation. His gaze fell on the Triwizard Cup as he said,

"Yes. But before he escaped, he revealed that what Voldemort wanted was one of the Champions competing in the third task. I checked. This trophy really is a Portkey, but someone erased its original destination and changed where it ultimately leads."

"Where it leads..." He looked at Harry. "I think you already have some idea."

Harry's heartbeat suddenly accelerated. He stared fixedly into Wade's eyes, trying to find any trace of deception or manipulation.

But there was none.

Those gray eyes held only their familiar certainty and sincerity.

"So what's the plan?" Harry asked quietly. "We just jump into the trap like this? Without telling Dumbledore?"

"And then?" Wade countered. "Even if the Headmaster believed us, examined this Triwizard Cup, and found its destination, do you think Voldemort would stupidly stand there waiting by the time we arrived?"

"Of course not."

Harry muttered, unconsciously rubbing the scar on his forehead as he endured its faint ache. "He'll lie low like a venomous snake, change locations, and try again and again until he achieves his goal!"

At the thought, he could not help shuddering, a lingering fear quietly rising in his heart.

"Voldemort will stop at nothing to achieve his goals! The World Cup was proof of that... And this time, if your Golem hadn't eliminated the other competitors, maybe every Champion would have been in danger!"

He could not help looking toward the school. Through layer upon layer of shadows cast