The results of the second task were swiftly announced. All participants successfully rescued their 'treasures' within the allotted time, resulting in commendable scores across the board. However, Cassandra, who emerged first, outscored Harry—who came last—by a significant margin.
Aggregating the scores from both tasks, the standings were:
First Place: Cassandra Volle
Second Place: Cedric Diggory
Third Place: Harry Potter
Fourth Place: Fleur Delacour
Fifth Place: Viktor Krum
Cassandra's consistent top performance in both tasks cemented her undisputed lead. Cedric's showing in the first task was merely adequate; his improved score stemmed from being the second to complete the second task. Harry, who excelled in the first task, suffered from his last-place finish in the second, pulling down his overall score. Fleur and Krum's performances were comparable in the first task, but Fleur's earlier finish in the second secured her fourth place by a hair.
The reason for Krum's slight delay was likely due to Igor Karkaroff being considerably heavier than Gabrielle Delacour. Krum, naturally, didn't voice any complaints, but Karkaroff wore a perpetual scowl. He was arguably the most ill-tempered of the three headmasters.
Albus Dumbledore, blessed with exceptional students and Elara Volle by his side, remained jovial and lighthearted. Madame Maxime, while facing the reality that all of the Triwizard Tournament top three came from Hogwarts, maintained her composure. At least Fleur wasn't at the bottom, and she'd found someone her own size; a chance of finding a partner! She was in a good mood.
Only Karkaroff looked as if the world was about to end. He wouldn't even bring up his ordeal at Hogwarts, let alone his experience there. Besides, with his school ranked last in the Triwizard Tournament, survival was a daily struggle. Gellert Grindelwald did take a moment to chat with him, but it was only for a few words before he went off to find Albus Dumbledore.
...
The group left the Black Lake and returned to shore. The professors busied themselves with their own affairs, while the champions buckled down in preparation for the third and final task. Even students with no obligations found ways to occupy themselves, flocking to the Quidditch pitch or the Library.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, no one noticed "Moody" staring intently at a Ministry of Magic employee as the Ministry officials departed; his expression was twisted in conflict.
To be honest, I want to act; I, Barty Crouch Jr., want to kill my own father, Barty Crouch.
But he couldn't afford to risk it. If he failed and ruined Tom Riddle's plans, not only would Bellatrix Lestrange murder him, but he'd be overcome with the urge to take his own life.
So…
"Enjoy your career a little longer…" Barty Crouch Jr., disguised as "Moody," muttered, turning and heading towards the castle. "My father."
...
With some time to spare before the final task of the Triwizard Tournament, Severus Snape sought out Albus Dumbledore.
Inside the Headmaster's Office, Severus Snape entered to find Albus Dumbledore in the company of both Tom Riddle and Gellert Grindelwald.
"…"
Are these three plotting world domination? What else could they possibly need to discuss?
Seeing Severus Snape enter, Albus Dumbledore halted the preceding conversation. "Ahem… Severus, what can I do for you?"
Tom Riddle, standing nearby, hadn't anticipated that what began as a casual chat with Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape about "whether the Kelpie from the second task was their doing" would lead to further revelations.
"A significant amount of potion ingredients have gone missing from the herb storeroom recently," Severus Snape stated, his tone as measured as ever.
Albus Dumbledore appeared unconvinced. "Haven't we always done this?"
He was well aware of Tom Riddle's frequent excursions to the herb storeroom to procure ingredients difficult to obtain elsewhere.
"…"
What? Are you implying I stole your potions? Tom Riddle shot Albus Dumbledore an irritated glance.
Severus Snape glanced impassively at the two men, then continued, "More than usual."
"That's where I must interject, Tom," Albus Dumbledore said, not mincing words as he addressed Tom Riddle. "While I encourage you to procure materials for potion-making, it would be courteous to ask beforehand! Even Severus agrees."
"???"
"…"
Wait, don't drag me into this!
Severus Snape panicked, but upon noticing Tom Riddle's indifference, he calmed down, maintaining his composure.
"You old geezer," Tom Riddle said, producing the Elder Wand. Albus Dumbledore immediately shielded Gellert Grindelwald, rendering him speechless.
Despite the playful threat, Tom Riddle flatly denied the accusation. "I took a few ingredients, but certainly not as many as you claim!"
"Ahem, I believe you," Albus Dumbledore nodded, then turned to Severus Snape.
Severus Snape, understanding the cue, continued, "Especially the ingredients for Polyjuice Potion."
"Potion?" Gellert Grindelwald's eyes flashed with thought. He glanced instinctively at Tom Riddle.
There are only two individuals in this castle likely to cause such mischief!
One was himself, but he was certain he hadn't done it. That left only Tom Riddle.
But if Tom Riddle claims he didn't take it… then he must have instructed someone else to do it!
Even if Tom didn't act himself, he's definitely connected!
After all, they were both seasoned villains, and Gellert Grindelwald had orchestrated such schemes countless times, allowing him to understand Tom Riddle's methods.
"…"
Tom Riddle remained calm and silent. No one could penetrate his Occlumency barriers, so his thoughts remained a mystery.
The potion ingredients were, of course, being pilfered by Barty Crouch Jr. disguised as "Moody." And because Barty Crouch Jr. outwardly appeared to be a part of the "socket-wielding" faction, Tom Riddle's Death Eaters couldn't easily deliver the ingredients to him.
Thus, he was forced to resort to stealing from Severus Snape.
---
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