21st June 1995
Ben's Laboratory
Ben carefully made a minuscule cut on the stem of a potted ficus plant resting on the worktable. Almost immediately, the wound began to heal, glowing with an intense orange light. Within moments, the cut had completely disappeared, leaving the stem as good as new.
Ambassador Spock observed the process with interest. His attention shifted towards the nearby computer monitors, where several readings were being displayed.
"Interesting."
He examined the data for a moment, noting the sudden and aggressive spike in the plant's temperature. Gradually, the readings began to fall, eventually returning to their original levels.
"The cellular and tissue repair functions of this Extremis serum are promising. However, the rapid cell division generates an immense and uncontrollable amount of exothermic energy. This could prove fatal, not only to the user but also to anyone in the immediate vicinity."
"I'm aware of the glitch," Ben replied.
He placed the cutting instrument on the worktable and turned towards the computer console.
"Before going to your universe, I was thinking about using a herb with magical cooling properties to mitigate the heat generated by the serum. However, after my recent trip to the twenty-third century, I'm considering something a bit more... modern."
He tapped a few keys on the console. The display changed, revealing a highly detailed, three-dimensional image of a microscopic robot. The tiny structure rotated slowly, exposing its intricate internal components.
Spock studied the image.
"Nanobots?"
Ben nodded.
"Instead of allowing excess metabolic and biochemical energy to accumulate as dangerous heat, we could integrate billions of specialised nanomachines into the serum, creating a microscopic thermal-management network throughout the user's body.
"Thermal absorption nanites would continuously monitor the body's temperature, detecting localised increases and absorbing excess thermal energy from cells undergoing intense Extremis activity. This would prevent dangerous temperature spikes before they could trigger the chain reaction responsible for Extremis failures.
"Rather than allowing one region of the body to accumulate excessive heat, the nanites would distribute the thermal load throughout the network. This would prevent any particular area from becoming dangerously hot.
"Additionally, the nanites would have built-in microscopic energy-storage structures, allowing them to temporarily retain a portion of the captured energy and release it when required."
Spock nodded thoughtfully.
Ben continued.
"Specialised nanites would also function as microscopic thermoelectric generators. By exploiting temperature differences, they could convert captured thermal energy into electricity. This electricity could power the nanites themselves, supply other compatible bio-integrated technologies, or be transferred through a specialised interface into external capacitors."
"I hope you realise that the nanites would only be able to convert a portion of the captured thermal energy, not all of it," Spock remarked.
"I've considered that. I believe that if the nanites were made out of Vibranium, their energy conversion and storage capabilities should increase markedly. Besides, Vibranium would allow them to withstand physical stresses and high temperatures that might damage conventional nanobots."
Spock nodded again.
He looked at the slowly rotating image of the nanobot on the computer screen before shifting his attention towards the vial of Extremis serum resting on a nearby stand.
"If you succeed in stabilising this serum, its applications will extend far beyond enhanced regenerative capabilities. It will also increase the user's strength, speed, reflexes, and durability beyond normal human limits. Are you considering using it yourself?"
Ben shook his head.
"The magical ritual I underwent has already evolved me to superhuman levels, beyond even the predicted limits of the Extremis serum. Taking it simply for its regenerative properties would be rather redundant, especially since I'm already well-versed in healing and restoration magic."
He glanced at the nanobot displayed on the screen.
"I am, however, considering installing a nanite swarm in my body. After all, these little machines have the potential to do so much more than simply manage excess heat."
Spock raised an eyebrow.
"Such as?"
Ben smiled.
"For starters, they could establish a neural interface with the user's brain, allowing accelerated information processing, enhanced memory retention and recall, improved pattern recognition, and parallel cognitive processing.
"They could also function as a biological-technological interface, allowing users to communicate wirelessly with computer systems, access digital information through neural commands, diagnose and repair compatible electronic devices, and even control drones and robotic systems."
Ben paused, looking at the rotating model.
"And if we take this idea even further... with a sufficiently large nanite reserve distributed throughout the user's body—within the bones and other engineered biological compartments—it might even be possible to assemble a complete powered exoskeleton."
He expanded the image on the display, revealing a skeletal framework of interconnected mechanical components.
"With a thought, specialised nanites could emerge from the user's body and assemble an external power armour. The armour could possess morphological transformation capabilities, artificial musculature, energy projection, energy shielding, flight, self-repair, advanced sensor systems, cloaking...and even adaptive weaponry."
Ben turned towards the vial of Extremis serum.
"If this really works, Extremis wouldn't just turn its users into people with superhuman physiology. Instead, it would create a new class of techno-organic beings."
He began counting the potential capabilities on his fingers.
"With superhuman physical attributes. Regenerative healing capabilities. Enhanced intelligence and cognitive processing. Technopathy. On-demand powered armour manifestation."
He regarded the vial for a moment, a thoughtful look appearing on his face.
"And perhaps even more."
---
24th June 1995
Hogwarts
Breakfast was a very noisy affair at the Ravenclaw table on the morning of the third task. Ben and all his friends were gathered together, but they could barely enjoy their meal in peace. Students from every house and year kept stopping by to wish him good luck for the final task of the Triwizard Tournament.
The arrival of the post owls only added to the commotion. A veritable cascade of good-luck cards descended upon the table, sent by Ben's fans from all over the world. As he and his friends began opening the letters, Hermione glanced at the growing pile with an amused expression.
"You know, there are times—not many, but some—when I wish you weren't a world-famous author," she remarked humorously. "This is one of them."
Ben chuckled, but before he could reply, a screech owl fought its way through the horde of birds and landed in front of Hermione, carrying her usual morning copy of the Daily Prophet.
Hermione thanked the owl and unfolded the newspaper. Ben, who was sitting beside her, happened to glance at the front page and noticed a large photograph of himself staring back at him. Intrigued, he leaned closer and began reading over her shoulder.
The headline read:
BENJAMIN CARTER
Triwizard Favourite Caught in Love Triangle
— by Rita Skeeter
Eight years ago, an unassuming little book titled The Librarian and the Legend of the Book of the Dead quietly found its way onto the shelves of Wizarding Britain's bookstores. Few could have predicted the sensation it would soon become. Readers were captivated, and before long, more books from the same mysterious author began appearing in quick succession.
The writer called himself Richard Castle. Nobody knew who he was, but that didn't matter. His stories had already won the hearts of thousands of readers.
For years, the celebrated author remained an enigma, shrouded in speculation and mystery. Then, on Halloween two years ago, he finally revealed his identity to the world. Yet nothing could have prepared the wizarding public for the astonishing truth: the mastermind behind one of the most successful novel series in magical fiction was none other than a teenager!
While some initially questioned his claims, Benjamin Carter—better known to his readers as Richard Castle—was quick to silence the doubters. Producing the necessary documents to establish his identity, he left little room for argument. His remarkable animated films, the first of which he presented in Hogwarts' Great Hall that very evening, provided further proof of his extraordinary talents.
Today, less than three years after revealing himself, Benjamin Carter has become a household name, not merely in Wizarding Britain but across the globe.
His fame is owed partly to his immensely popular books, but even more to the Wiphone, an ingenious magical device that allows people to communicate with one another across vast distances. Thanks to this invention, millions of people worldwide were able to watch the recent Quidditch Final in all its glory, and are now following the ongoing Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts.
Unveiled less than a year ago, the Wiphone has already become an indispensable commodity in the Wizarding World. With millions of units sold, its young creator has amassed a fortune that places him among the wealthiest wizards alive—quite possibly the wealthiest of them all!
But there is more to young Mr Carter than books, business and an extraordinary talent for invention.
About to turn sixteen next September, Benjamin Carter is growing into a rather dashing young man who is already breaking hearts at Hogwarts. Rich, handsome and famous, he is also regarded as one of the most powerful young wizards of his generation. Despite not yet having reached the age of majority, Mr Carter was selected by the Goblet of Fire as Hogwarts' champion for the Triwizard Tournament. So far, the ancient artefact appears to have made an excellent choice.
Despite being the youngest of the three champions, Mr Carter currently leads the scoreboard after the first two tasks with an impressive 91 points. He is followed by Durmstrang's Viktor Krum with 84 points and Beauxbatons' Fleur Delacour with 74.
Yet it is his romantic life, rather than his remarkable achievements, that has recently attracted considerable attention.
Sources report that Mr Carter is currently involved in a romantic relationship with his fellow Ravenclaw and long-time friend, Miss Hermione Granger. A pretty and vivacious fourth-year student, Miss Granger was also Mr Carter's date to the Yule Ball. She happens to be one of the brightest students of her year, a distinction she shares with her celebrated boyfriend.
The two young lovers have reportedly been together for almost two years, and those who have observed them closely describe their relationship as affectionate and devoted. Indeed, both appear quite taken with one another.
However, all may not be well in this seemingly idyllic romance, for trouble appears to have come knocking!
The Beauxbatons champion, Miss Fleur Delacour, seems to have developed a strong interest in her fellow Hogwarts champion. Unlike the many young maidens who secretly harbour feelings for the famous Mr Carter, the French champion appears unwilling to admire him from a distance. She made her interest unmistakably clear when she kissed him openly following the second Triwizard task, during which she had been gallantly rescued by young Mr Carter.
A rather bold declaration of affection, wouldn't you say?
While we have no concrete information about the immediate repercussions of this incident, it is worth noting that Mr Carter was subsequently absent from Hogwarts for a period of three months and has only recently returned.
Sources have since reported that all appears to be well between Mr Carter and Miss Granger. The couple have been seen together again, and there are no obvious signs of discord. Nevertheless, whether the events of several months ago have left any lingering undercurrents beneath the surface of their relationship remains anyone's guess.
Will young Miss Granger retain the affections of her famous boyfriend? Will the beautiful French champion make another move? Or will Mr Carter find himself caught between two determined young witches?
One thing is certain: the final task of the Triwizard Tournament is not the only drama unfolding at Hogwarts right now!
Here at the Daily Prophet, we wish Benjamin Carter the very best of luck—not only in the dangerous challenge that awaits him, but also in untangling the messy threads of his heart.
——————————
Having finished the article, Ben glanced sideways at Hermione, trying to gauge her reaction. She noticed his look and raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
Ben shook his head. "Nothing."
Hermione smiled. "I told you, didn't I? I don't care about all that stuff anymore. As long as we're together."
She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"That's all that matters."
Ben smiled back at her.
Meanwhile, Daphne had finished reading the article as well. She frowned slightly as she lowered the newspaper.
"This is good. No snide remarks, no thinly veiled accusations of wrongdoing, and no calls for people to watch your future actions. Completely different from her usual character assassinations."
She looked at Ben, studying him with suspicion.
"What kind of leverage do you have on Skeeter to make her act like a trained housecat around you?"
Ben smirked.
"Let's just say Ms Skeeter knows that bugging me is a terrible idea."
Professor McGonagall then approached the Ravenclaw table, making her way through the students gathered around Ben.
"Mr Carter, the champions are congregating in the chamber off the Hall after breakfast."
Ben frowned slightly. "Please correct me if I'm wrong, Professor, but isn't the task not until tonight?"
"That is correct. However, the champions' families have been invited to watch the final task tonight. This is simply an opportunity for you to greet them."
"Oh. Well, in that case, I guess I'll go and say hello to Mum and Dad."
Professor McGonagall nodded before walking away.
The others had exams in a few minutes, so they said their goodbyes to Ben and made their way towards their respective classrooms. Ben remained at the table, finishing his breakfast as the Great Hall gradually emptied.
He noticed Viktor Krum getting up from the Slytherin table and heading towards the side chamber. A moment later, Fleur rose from her seat on the far side of the Ravenclaw table. Their eyes met, and she smiled at him.
Ben quickly averted his gaze.
He still hadn't spoken to her since his return. To be honest, he didn't know what to say.
He knew he loved Hermione. He had known that for years, and he wanted her in his life. At the same time, he was aware that, in all probability, they were going to live for a very long time—thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands of years. The prospect of having more than one partner wasn't something he was particularly opposed to. And Fleur was, quite frankly, utterly gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to have a girl like her. Somehow, unbelievably, even Hermione had given him the green light.
The problem was that he knew next to nothing about Fleur. More importantly, she knew next to nothing about him. She knew only what the rest of the world knew: the carefully crafted image he had always presented to others. She knew nothing about his dreams, his goals, his abilities or his achievements. She didn't know that he would be leaving this world behind next year. And she herself would be returning to France in about a week.
What Fleur felt was a passionate, perhaps temporary infatuation—one that would likely fade with time and distance. Ben was reluctant to encourage something that might prove little more than a fleeting romance.
Eventually, he rose from the table, crossed the Great Hall and opened the door to the adjoining chamber.
Viktor was standing in a corner, conversing with a dark-haired man and woman in rapid Bulgarian. Ben assumed they were his parents. He also noticed that Krum had inherited his father's prominent hooked nose.
On the other side of the room, Fleur was speaking in French to a beautiful older woman with silvery-blonde hair, who could only be her mother. A handsome older man, presumably her father, stood nearby, listening with a calm smile. Fleur's little sister, Gabrielle, was holding her mother's hand. When she noticed Ben, she smiled and waved at him.
Her family followed her gaze and turned towards him. Not wanting to appear rude, Ben smiled and waved back before making his way towards his own parents, who were standing in front of the fireplace and beaming at him. Wanda and Pietro were also there with them, waiting for his arrival.
"There he is!" Andrew Carter exclaimed with a smile, pulling his son into a hug. "How are you doing, son?"
"I'm fine, Dad." Ben smiled before turning to his mother. "Morning, Mum."
He gave Miranda a hug before greeting Wanda and Pietro.
"Hey guys. Good to see you here."
"Good to see you too, Ben," Wanda replied with a cheerful smile, while Pietro exchanged a high five with him.
"Rachel says hi. She'll join us after the exam," Ben added.
Fleur approached with her family.
"Excusez-moi, Ben."
Ben turned towards her. "Fleur."
She smiled. "I would like to introduce you to my mama and papa."
The older man stepped forward and extended his hand.
"How do you do? Sebastian Delacour."
Ben shook his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mr Delacour. Welcome to Hogwarts."
"Thank you. And thank you for helping my girls during the second task. Goodness knows I was beside myself with worry."
"Think nothing of it, sir. It was the least I could do."
Apolline Delacour smiled warmly at him. "Ah, a gentleman. It's so nice to finally meet you, Mr Carter. Fleur has told us so much about you."
She extended her hand. Ben glanced briefly at Fleur before taking it and placing a gentle kiss on its back.
"Enchanté, mademoiselle."
He then gestured towards his family.
"Allow me to introduce my Mum and Dad. Andrew and Miranda Carter. And this is Wanda and Pietro Maximoff."
The two families exchanged greetings and pleasantries, quickly settling into conversation.
"Have you both been to Hogwarts before?" Andrew asked.
"I'm afraid not," Apolline replied. "This is our first time here."
"Then allow us to give you a tour of the place," Miranda offered. "And while we do that, you can tell us what it's like living in France."
The suggestion was warmly received, and the four adults soon set off with Ben, Fleur, Gabrielle, Wanda and Pietro accompanying them.
With the students occupied in their examination halls, the castle was considerably quieter than usual. Ben took the opportunity to show the Delacours around, pointing out some of Hogwarts' most familiar features, including the library, the greenhouses and the moving staircases. He also showed them a few of the castle's secret passageways.
One particularly memorable encounter occurred when they passed the portrait of Sir Cadogan and his fat grey pony.
"What villains are these who trespass on my private lands?" the knight bellowed, drawing his sword. "Come to scorn at my fall, perchance? Draw, you knaves, you dogs!"
Ben barely spared him a glance.
"Ignore him, please. He is, unfortunately, quite mad."
"Stand and fight, you mangy cur!" Sir Cadogan shouted as they continued walking. "You don't frighten me! Go and boil your bottom, son of a silly person!"
Apolline looked back at the portrait, bewildered.
"What a strange person."
The group eventually made their way outside and explored the grounds. Sebastian was particularly fascinated by the Whomping Willow, a violently thrashing magical tree that attacked anything foolish enough to approach it.
As they walked along the shore of the Black Lake, Sebastian turned his attention to Ben.
"So, tell me, Benjamin, what do you think about your chances tonight? Apolline and I will, of course, be supporting Fleur, but it's quite clear that you are the strongest contender in the tournament."
"I haven't given it much thought, really. I've prepared as best I can, and I'll perform to the best of my abilities, of course. But beyond that, win or lose, it doesn't matter."
Apolline looked at him with surprise. "It doesn't?"
"It doesn't. The reason I took part in this tournament wasn't because I was lacking in gold or fame, but because I was looking for a challenge."
He smiled.
"All I ask for is a good time."
After spending the morning exploring Hogwarts, Fleur and her family eventually took their leave, heading towards the Beauxbatons carriage to join Madame Maxime and the other students.
Ben and his parents returned to the castle for lunch. They were soon joined by Rachel and Ben's friends, who had just finished their tests. With the exams finally over, everyone was free to enjoy the rest of the beautiful summer day. They spent the afternoon roaming the castle and its grounds, making the most of the pleasant weather.
By evening, they returned to the Great Hall for the feast.
The staff table had acquired a few additional guests. Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch Senior had joined the Hogwarts staff, along with Cornelius Fudge, who was attending as the evening's special guest. Bagman and Fudge appeared quite cheerful, while Crouch remained as stern and joyless as ever.
There were more courses than usual that evening, but hardly anyone seemed really interested in the food. The excitement surrounding the final task had taken precedence over everything else.
As the enchanted ceiling overhead gradually faded from blue to dusky purple, Dumbledore rose from his seat at the staff table. The Great Hall fell silent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, in five minutes' time, I will be asking you to make your way down to the Quidditch field for the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament. Will the champions please follow Mr Bagman down to the stadium now?"
Ben stood up. Students at all four house tables broke into applause, wishing him luck as he made his way towards the exit. His friends and fellow Ravenclaws offered their own words of encouragement before he joined Fleur and Viktor.
The three champions followed Bagman down the stone steps and out onto the grounds.
"Feeling all right, Ben?" Bagman asked as they walked. "Confident?"
"I'm fine."
They soon reached the Quidditch field, though it was almost impossible to recognise it. A twenty-foot-high hedge now surrounded the entire perimeter, forming the outer boundary of a vast maze. Directly ahead of them was a wide opening, the entrance to the labyrinth. Beyond it, the passageways were dark and foreboding, their towering walls blocking out most of the evening light.
Over the next few minutes, the stands began to fill. Excited voices echoed throughout the stadium as hundreds of students filed into their seats. The sky was a deep, clear blue, and the first stars were beginning to appear.
Hagrid, Professor Moody, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick soon entered the stadium and approached Bagman and the champions. Each of them wore a large, red, luminous star on their hat, except for Hagrid, whose star was attached to the back of his moleskin vest.
Professor McGonagall addressed the champions.
"We are going to be patrolling the outside of the maze. If you get into difficulty and wish to be rescued, send red sparks into the air, and one of us will come and get you. Do you understand?"
The champions nodded. Satisfied, the four patrollers dispersed, taking up their positions around the maze.
Bagman raised his wand to his throat and muttered, "Sonorus." His voice was magically amplified, echoing throughout the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament is about to begin! Let me remind you how the points currently stand!"
He paused for dramatic effect.
"In first place, with 91 points—Mr Benjamin Carter of Hogwarts School!"
The stands erupted into cheers and applause. The noise was so loud that birds from the Forbidden Forest fluttered into the darkening sky.
"In second place, with 84 points—Mr Viktor Krum of Durmstrang Institute!"
Another round of applause followed.
"And in third place—Miss Fleur Delacour of Beauxbatons Academy!"
The crowd responded with polite applause.
"Based on the current rankings, the champions will enter the maze at five-minute intervals. Just like the second task, individual Argus drones will follow each champion, allowing the audience to observe the skills and strategies they employ to overcome the challenges within the maze."
More applause rose from the stands.
"I wish all the best to our champions!"
Bagman turned towards Ben.
"Now, on my whistle, Ben! Three... two... one..."
He gave a short blast on his whistle.
Ben stepped forward and walked through the entrance, disappearing into the dark corridors of the maze.
The towering hedges cast long, black shadows across the path. Whether because of their immense height and thickness or the enchantments woven into them, the sound of the surrounding crowd was almost completely silenced the moment Ben stepped into the maze.
With a thought, he summoned a sphere of pure white light. It floated above his head, illuminating the path ahead.
Ben continued at a leisurely pace. There was no reason to hurry. His Magesight was already active, allowing him to perceive the magical energies surrounding him. Countless enchantments had been woven into the hedges, the ground and the various obstacles scattered throughout the maze. Somewhere ahead, he could also sense the distinctive magical signature of the Triwizard Cup.
He had barely been walking for five minutes when he encountered his first obstacle.
A gigantic spider occupied the narrow passage ahead.
The Acromantula was enormous, its dark, hairy body nearly the size of a small carriage. Eight powerful legs supported its bulk, while numerous eyes fixed upon Ben the moment he appeared. Its enormous pincers clicked menacingly as it advanced, spreading its legs to block the entire passage.
Ben stopped.
"Hello there."
The Acromantula hissed and lunged.
Ben casually raised his wand. A brilliant red bolt shot from its tip and struck the creature squarely in the head. The sheer power behind the Stunning Spell was far greater than anything an ordinary wizard could produce. The Acromantula's enormous body was thrown backwards, crashing against the hedge before collapsing onto the ground, completely motionless.
Ben examined it briefly, satisfied that it was no longer a threat. He then stepped over one of its legs and continued along the passage.
The corridor eventually opened into a junction where three paths converged. Ben was about to choose one when the hedges began to move.
A deep grinding sound filled the passage as the walls shifted. Branches twisted and intertwined, and entire sections of the maze rearranged themselves. Within seconds, the corridor behind him had disappeared, replaced by an entirely different arrangement of hedges.
Ben stopped and activated his spatial perception.
The world around him changed. Instead of seeing ordinary hedges, he perceived the underlying spatial structure of the maze. Its corridors, junctions and boundaries appeared as an intricate network of interconnected spatial coordinates.
He watched as the maze shifted again. The enchantments followed a repeating sequence, although the available routes changed periodically.
Ben quickly memorised the pattern. As the hedges settled into their new positions, he turned left and proceeded through a narrow passage. By the time he reached the next junction, the walls had begun shifting once more. This time, however, he already knew which route to take.
Within minutes, he had navigated the entire section without difficulty.
The maze was growing darker as the sky overhead deepened to navy. Ben followed the passage until it opened into another junction. Taking the left-hand corridor, he soon found himself facing a massive stone figure standing directly in his path.
It was roughly twelve feet tall, with thick limbs and a broad torso. Runes covered its body, glowing faintly with an eerie blue light. The moment Ben entered the corridor, the creature's head turned towards him.
Its eyes illuminated, and a deep rumbling sound emerged from its chest as it began to move. The golem raised one enormous arm and brought it down towards Ben.
With a casual swipe of his wand, Ben conjured a translucent dome of magical energy around himself. The golem continued hammering away at the barrier, each blow producing a dull vibration across its surface.
Ben activated Magesight and studied the creature's magical structure.
Its body contained numerous enchantments responsible for movement, coordination, defence and structural integrity. However, all of them were connected to a central control runic node located on its upper back.
Ben smiled and flicked his wand.
The barrier disappeared, and several precise cuts appeared around the golem's knees, elbows and shoulders. Its movements immediately became uncoordinated. One enormous arm dropped uselessly, while its legs buckled beneath its weight.
Before it could recover, Ben calmly stepped behind it and cast another non-verbal Diffindo.
The control runic node shattered. The blue light vanished from the creature's eyes, and with a tremendous crash, the golem collapsed onto the ground.
Ben stepped around its motionless body.
"Someone should really upgrade the security systems around here."
He continued down the corridor, passing through another junction before the passage suddenly opened onto a massive chasm. A deep abyss separated the two sides of the maze, its depths obscured by a thick layer of magical mist.
Several large stone platforms floated above the void, moving slowly in different directions. Some rose and descended, while others drifted sideways, occasionally disappearing into the mist before emerging somewhere else.
Ben studied them for a moment. The platforms were clearly intended to provide a crossing. Their trajectories followed predetermined gravitational patterns, although their timing and direction changed periodically.
He stepped onto the nearest platform. It immediately began descending.
Ben adjusted the gravitational force acting upon it, stabilising its movement. He then decreased the gravitational pull beneath his feet just enough to propel himself towards the next platform.
His enhanced reflexes allowed him to adjust his trajectory almost instantaneously. He crossed the remaining distance in a series of effortless jumps, landing on the opposite side before the first platform had even completed its descent.
Brushing some imaginary dust from his sleeves, Ben continued along the path.
The next corridor curved sharply before opening into another stretch of the maze. He had barely taken a few steps when a loud growl echoed towards him.
Standing in the middle of the passage was a monstrous three-headed creature. Its enormous body resembled that of a particularly muscular lion, although its hide was covered in thick scales. Each of its three heads possessed a different set of features.
The first opened its mouth and unleashed a stream of fire. The second spat a globule of poisonous liquid that hissed as it struck the ground. The third released a deafening sonic roar that made the surrounding hedges tremble.
For a moment, Ben wondered why he seemed to be encountering so many obstacles one after another. Then he remembered that he was taking the shortest route through the maze, which was probably also the most heavily guarded.
With a shrug, he stepped forward and raised a protective shield.
The flames struck its surface and dispersed harmlessly. The poisonous liquid splattered against the ground, while the sonic attack produced a brief ripple across the barrier.
Ben responded with another simple but overpowered Stunning Spell.
The massive beast collapsed onto its side, its three heads hitting the ground almost simultaneously. After making sure it wasn't going to get back up, Ben lowered his wand and continued along the corridor.
Another turn brought him into an unusually narrow passage. Thick vines covered both hedges, their dark green leaves twitching occasionally. Several enormous flowers grew among the foliage, their petals opening and closing like the mouths of hungry animals.
Ben took another step.
The vines suddenly came alive. Several thick tendrils shot out from the hedges, attempting to wrap themselves around his arms and legs.
A couple of precise flicks of his wand produced a series of razor-sharp wind blades that swept through the corridor. The attacking vines were sliced apart, their severed pieces falling to the ground. More tendrils emerged almost immediately, filling the passage once again.
Ben sighed and raised his wand.
A wave of fire swept through the corridor, engulfing the vines and reducing their thick foliage to ash. Several flowers responded by releasing clouds of poisonous spores, which drifted towards him.
The spores entered his nostrils, but his enhanced immune system immediately identified and neutralised the foreign substances before they could cause any harm.
With the passage now clear, Ben walked on.
He continued navigating the maze, occasionally consulting Magesight to ensure he was still heading in the right direction. His enhanced hearing also allowed him to pick up the sounds of Viktor and Fleur making their way through the labyrinth. Both were still behind him, quite some distance away.
The Triwizard Cup's magical signature, however, was growing stronger with every passing minute.
As he turned into the next corridor, another figure came into view. The sphere of light floating above him illuminated a creature he had previously encountered only in illustrations in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
A sphinx.
It had the body of an enormous lion, complete with great clawed paws and a long yellowish tail ending in a brown tuft. Its head, however, was that of a woman. As Ben approached, she turned her long, almond-shaped eyes towards him and slowly rose to her feet.
Then she spoke in a deep, hoarse voice.
"You are very near your goal. The quickest way is past me. To continue, you must answer my riddle. Answer on your first guess—I let you pass. Answer wrongly—I attack. Remain silent—I will let you walk away from me unscathed."
Ben considered her words for a moment before nodding.
"Very well, my lady. Let's hear it."
The sphinx settled onto her hind legs in the middle of the path and recited:
"First think of the person who lives in disguise,
Who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies.
Next, tell me what's always the last thing to mend,
The middle of middle and end of the end?
And finally give me the sound often heard
During the search for a hard-to-find word.
Now string them together, and answer me this,
Which creature would you be unwilling to kiss?"
Ben repeated the riddle silently.
A person who lives in disguise. Who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies.
Espionage. An agent. A spy.
The middle of middle and end of the end.
Easy enough. The letter D.
The sound often heard during the search for a hard-to-find word.
Uh. Um. Or er.
Spy. D. Er.
Spider.
A creature he would certainly be unwilling to kiss.
Ben smiled and looked up at the guardian.
"Is the answer spider?"
The sphinx smiled.
"Correct."
She rose to her feet, stretched her front legs and moved aside, leaving the passage clear.
"Thank you," Ben said as he walked past her.
He was close now. Very close.
Magesight confirmed that he was heading in the right direction, and the magical signature of the Triwizard Cup was almost unmistakable. At the next junction, he had another choice of paths. After a brief glance at the two corridors, he took the one on the right.
A faint glow appeared in the distance. The Triwizard Cup stood gleaming atop a plinth, roughly a hundred yards away.
But he wasn't alone.
In the middle of the dark corridor leading towards the Cup, someone was sitting quietly on a large boulder. Someone who looked very familiar.
The person—or, more likely, creature—had his face. He appeared somewhat older, perhaps in his forties. His hair was longer, and faint lines marked the corners of his eyes. He wore elegant black robes adorned with intricate golden lines that ran along the fabric.
There was an unmistakable aura of power surrounding him—not deliberately projected, but one that seemed to be just...there. Yet, despite the immense power he appeared to possess, he looked tired. Not physically exhausted, but weary in a way that seemed to reach much deeper.
As Ben approached, the doppelganger lifted his head and watched him. He said nothing.
Ben studied him for a moment before nodding slowly.
"Let me guess. A boggart."
To his surprise, the doppelganger answered in a deep, baritone voice.
"Guess again."
Ben blinked.
"You talk. Didn't know boggarts could talk."
"They can't."
Ben folded his arms.
"All right, I'll bite. What are you supposed to be?"
"Why don't you tell me?"
"While I have a few guesses—chief among them that you are, indeed, a boggart—the Triwizard Cup is right there, and I'd rather not waste time. So let's get cracking, shall we?"
The doppelganger nodded.
"Fair enough. I'm you... the you from much further down the line."
Ben regarded him sceptically.
"Uh-huh. And what brings you here, future me?"
The older version of himself gave a sad smile.
"Nostalgia. I wanted to remember... remember how happy I once was. How filled with optimism and purpose. Surrounded by people I loved and who loved me. What I would not give to just stay here and never go back."
Ben studied him curiously.
"Why?"
"Because the future is not as bright as we once hoped it to be."
"What do you mean?"
The doppelganger took a deep breath.
"As the years pass, we become more and more powerful. We build cities. We rule entire planets in all but name. Our name is uttered with reverence across the Omniverse."
He shook his head.
"But none of it matters. Not anymore."
Ben frowned. He briefly turned towards the Argus drone that had been silently following him since he entered the maze. Fortunately, it was only transmitting video to the audience in the stands, not audio. Satisfied that their conversation was not being broadcast, he turned back to the older man.
"Why?"
"Because the people who made it all worth it are no longer there. They left. One by one, they all just... left."
The doppelganger looked directly at him.
"Tell me, younger me. Have you ever considered what your beloved friends might think of you if they came to know everything you've done? And I mean everything."
Ben's expression remained blank.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
The doppelganger scoffed.
"Don't you? Then let me jog your memory. Barty Crouch Junior."
Ben's expression changed almost imperceptibly.
"...How do you know about that?"
"I told you, I am you. You executed—not fought and defeated—executed Crouch in cold blood. How do you think Harry, Hermione and Neville would react if they came to know of this?"
Ben offered no response.
"The Quidditch World Cup final. You knew Malfoy and the other Death Eaters were going to attack. You could have alerted the Aurors. You could have told Dumbledore. Instead, you orchestrated that fake alien attack and used the chaos to massacre dozens of people. Evil people, no doubt, but people nonetheless."
Ben briefly looked away.
"And let's not forget Fenrir Greyback and his pack. You know, the ones you're holding captive right now while experimenting on them against their will, trying to develop a cure for Lycanthropy."
Ben's expression hardened.
"What's your point?"
"My point is that you're afraid. And rightly so."
The older man sighed.
"The reason you're so close to your family is because you understand that they're fundamentally good people. The reason you trusted Harry, Hermione, Neville and Luna so readily, becoming such fast friends with them, was because you knew they were good people."
He paused, looking at Ben.
"But we—you and I—we're not. We're not all good. We are necessary."
Ben lowered his gaze.
"Something few people can understand. And fewer still can live with."
The doppelganger watched him for a moment before continuing.
"Trust me, there will come a day when you'll look around and find yourself alone."
Ben slowly raised his head.
"...How can you be so sure?"
The older man smiled sadly.
"Because we are different. And sooner or later, different scares people."
Silence settled between them.
For a few moments, neither spoke. Ben stood motionless, looking at the man who wore his face. Then, without another word, he raised his wand.
A brilliant flash of light erupted from its tip and struck the doppelganger squarely. The figure exploded into a cloud of black dust, which quickly dispersed into the air. A moment later, the boulder stood empty.
Ben lowered his wand.
"You're not me," he said quietly. "If you were... you would be here with a solution. Not with the problem."
He quietly walked past the boulder towards the Triwizard Cup.
The enchanted trophy gleamed atop its plinth, radiating a powerful magical signature. Ben could sense the enchantment surrounding it. A Portkey charm had been placed upon the Cup.
For a moment, he wondered where it would take him. Then he decided that he didn't really care. All he wanted now was to get out of the damned maze.
He reached out and grasped one of its handles. The instant his fingers touched the golden metal, he felt a powerful magical pull.
His surroundings blurred. The ground disappeared beneath his feet, and he was dragged forward through a whirlwind of wind and swirling colours.
The next moment, he found himself standing on the grass just outside the maze's entrance.
For a fraction of a second, everything was quiet.
Then the stands erupted.
Thousands of spectators rose to their feet, cheering, clapping and shouting his name. A spectacular display of fireworks exploded above the Hogwarts grounds, filling the evening sky with brilliant flashes of red, gold and blue.
Ludo Bagman was practically bouncing with excitement on the raised platform.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" he roared. "WE HAVE OUR WINNER! THE TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT CHAMPION IS BENJAMIN CARTER!"
The cheering grew even louder.
Ben stood there holding the Cup, looking somewhat bewildered by the sheer scale of the celebration.
Meanwhile, Hagrid, Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Moody hurried towards the maze entrance to retrieve the remaining champions. A few minutes later, they reappeared with Fleur and Viktor in tow. Both looked exhausted, but thankfully, neither appeared to have suffered any serious injuries.
Ben was then called onto the raised platform that had been erected for the occasion. A large banner bearing the Hogwarts crest hung behind it, while Barty Crouch Senior and Cornelius Fudge stood waiting beside Bagman.
The Minister of Magic, wearing an enormous smile and his customary green bowler hat, stepped forward and vigorously shook Ben's hand.
"Congratulations, Mr Carter! An outstanding performance!"
He then presented Ben with a magical pouch containing the prize money: one thousand Galleons.
With Fudge and Bagman standing on either side of him, Ben raised the Triwizard Cup above his head. Cameras flashed, and the crowd erupted into another round of cheers and applause.
Yet, beneath the smile fixed upon his face, Ben's thoughts remained elsewhere.
He looked towards the stands, searching for his friends and family. He found them easily enough. They were on their feet, cheering, applauding and celebrating his victory.
None of them had any idea about the tempest of emotions raging inside him.