Chapter 16
"Earlier today Professor Moody placed the triwizards cup deep within the maze. Only he knows its exact position. Now as Mr Karlsson, and Mr Potter tied for first position they will be the first to enter the maze. Followed by Mr Krum," Dumbledore spoke loudly through the loudspeaker. Kalevi and Draco sat together in the front row of the stands, watching the maze carefully.
"The first person to touch the cup will be the winner. I've instructed the staff to patrol the perimeter, if at any point should a contestant wish to withdraw from the task he or she need only send up red sparks with the" Dumbledore continued.
Draco and Kalevi leaned in closer to catch every word. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they watched Karlsson and Potter step forward, ready to enter the maze. Krum followed closely behind them, his determined expression mirroring their own excitement. As the three champions disappeared into the towering hedges, the entrance closing behind them, a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes were glued to the entrance of the maze, waiting anxiously to see what challenges awaited them inside.
The crowd stood in silence, their confusion mounting as they watched the towering hedges of the maze. No sound came from within, leaving them to wonder what challenges awaited the champions inside. Whispers and murmurs spread through the spectators, each person speculating on what could be happening beyond their view. The tension in the air was palpable, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. All eyes remained fixed on the entrance, waiting for any sign of movement or indication of what lay hidden within. It was as if time stood still, and the only sound that filled the arena was the beating of their own hearts.
"Where are they," Kalevi mumbled to Draco, who responded with a shrug, being just as confused as Kalevi was.
Kalevi's heart raced as he grasped Draco's hand nervously. The silence in the arena was deafening, and the absence of any movement from within the maze only heightened their anxiety. Their eyes remained fixed on the entrance, searching for any sign of the champions. Kalevi could feel his palms growing clammy, but the reassuring grip of Draco's hand provided a small measure of comfort. They had been eagerly anticipating this moment, but now uncertainty filled the air. What challenges awaited Karlsson, Potter, and Krum inside? The crowd whispered in anticipation, their voices mixing with Kalevi's racing thoughts. As seconds turned into minutes, Kalevi couldn't help but wonder if something had gone wrong.
"I'm sure they'll be fine," Draco mumbled trying to comfort Kalevi, even though he was uncertain and it was evident in his voice.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Harry emerged from the maze, cradling August's lifeless body in his arms. Triumphantly, they celebrated, not fully comprehending the events that had transpired. The air filled with triumphant music, amplifying their joy and masking Harry's sorrow. Tears streamed down his face as he wept over August's still form, the weight of loss heavy on his shoulders.
"Is that August?" Kalevi practically screamed, shooting up out of his seat and making his way to the stairs, Draco following close behind.
"Harry! Harry!" Dumbledore screamed, making his way to the maze as well.
Dumbledore gently reached out to pry Harry's trembling hands away from August's lifeless body. Harry resisted at first, his grip tight and unyielding. The weight of loss was heavy upon him, and he couldn't bear to let go. But Dumbledore persisted, his touch firm yet compassionate. Slowly, Harry released his hold, tears streaming down his face as he found himself being guided away from August's still form.
"Harry," Dumbledore's voice was gentle yet commanding, "Tell me what happened!"
"He's back, he's back! Voldemort's back. August, he asked me to bring his body back. I couldn't leave him, not there," Potter yelled.
"It's alright Harry. It's alright, he's home, you both are," Dumbledore whispered to Potter in a comforting tone.
"Keep everybody in their seats. A boy has just been killed. The body must be moved Dumbledore, there are... too many people," Fudge commanded.
Kalevi felt his heart sink, as he couldn't breathe.
"Let me through! That's my brother!" Kalevi screamed as the crowd made room for him. Kalevi made it onto the field, collapsing right in front of his brother's body.
As Kalevi collapsed in front of his brother's lifeless body, the crowd fell silent. The weight of grief hung heavy in the air as everyone watched, their hearts breaking for Kalevi and Harry. Dumbledore knelt down beside Kalevi, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Kalevi's sobs echoed through the silent crowd, his grief pouring out in waves. The weight of loss seemed unbearable as he clung to August's lifeless form, unable to comprehend a world without his brother. Tears streamed down his face, mingling with the dirt and blood that stained August's still body.
The onlookers watched in solemn silence, their own hearts heavy with sympathy and sorrow. Dumbledore knelt beside Kalevi, offering a comforting presence amidst the overwhelming pain. He understood the depth of grief that consumed Kalevi's soul, knowing that no words could truly ease the ache.
In this moment of profound loss, the world stood still. The air was thick with shared sadness, a collective mourning for a life cut short. And as Kalevi sobbed over August's body, those around him offered quiet support, silently standing witness to his anguish.
Draco approached Kalevi, his heart heavy with sorrow and love. He gently reached out to touch Kalevi's trembling shoulder, offering a silent gesture of comfort. Their eyes met, filled with shared grief and understanding. No words were needed in this moment of profound loss.
"I'm so sorry," were the only words spoken at that moment, the words uttered by Kalevi, barely above a whisper in his quivering voice. Though in that moment Kalevi didn't even know what he was apologising to his brother for.
The sound of Kalevi's apology hung in the air, a fragile thread connecting him to his brother. It was a plea for forgiveness, for any perceived wrongs or missed opportunities. But August could not respond, his life was extinguished too soon. The weight of regret settled heavily on Kalevi's shoulders as he clung to his brother's lifeless form.