Will looked at the Triwizard Cup not far away and stopped. He was in no hurry to approach—he had to wait for Harry.
Will stayed at the edge of the clearing and waited quietly. He wasn't worried Harry would fail to make it through.
After all, the kid had that old relic, the Sorting Hat, helping him, and Dumbledore was lending a hand both openly and behind the scenes. If Harry couldn't even get through a maze, he might as well go back and start over, then wait for Dumbledore to step in.
Five or six minutes later, hurried footsteps sounded in the passage behind him.
Cedric Diggory burst out of the darkness, his Wand glowing. His robes were torn in several places and dead leaves clung to his face, but his eyes were shining.
"Will!" Cedric paused when he saw him, then smiled. "You're already here?"
Will nodded. "I only just arrived."
Cedric came up beside him and looked at the glittering cup on the stone platform. He drew a deep breath. "That's the Triwizard Cup. Will, why haven't you taken it? If you do, we win."
Will glanced at him. "I'm waiting for you and Harry, of course. I won't claim all the glory of the Triwizard Cup for myself."
In truth, Will was working out how to take Cedric down. He had no intention of bringing Cedric along and handing Professor Riddle a fresh victim.
Cedric nodded, flashing his sunny smile. "You're right. We should do it together."
They stood at the edge of the clearing, waiting for a third figure to appear.
"Mr. Diggory and Mr. Behrens are both waiting for Mr. Potter!" Bagman sounded moved. "They've chosen to share the glory! Such sportsmanship has never been seen in the history of the Triwizard Tournament!
"Of