Chapter 29: Fate

Jeremy smiled, lowered his wand, and said, “Any last words, Mr. Potter?”

Harry simply said, after pause, “What did Krum have to do with this?”

Jeremy cackled and replied, “Your such a loser, Potter! Krum had everything to do with this. In fact, if he wouldn't have been a coward, you wouldn't have anything to do with this. Krum was challenged first; he was the Chosen Seeker.

“But he refused to give me a Challenge and he paid his price. The power of the Green Snitch had conquered him and that is why he was killed during the match.”

Harry frowned and asked, “So, why did you send a letter to me?”

Jeremy simply replied, “I needed a back up.  If Krum failed to challenge me, you would be my next target. I was right, wasn't I?

“So, if those are your final words, let’s get on with it, shall we?”

As Jeremy opened his mouth, the Green Snitch started wobbling uncontrollably in his hand. He looked at it in horror. Suddenly, there was a loud screech; the Snitch split in two and swiveled in the air.

There was a spark and something bright red emerged from the Green Snitch. It lengthened and wrapped around Jeremy's neck. 

“Wh… what!? No! What's happening?!” screamed Jeremy.

Even though Jeremy tried to get the Green Snitch off, it stuck tightly against his throat. He started turning red, shook his hands towards Harry, and choked out, “’elp me!”

Harry folded his arms and stared at Jeremy. Suddenly, as though someone was speaking through a loud speaker, they heard a voice echo, “The Fate of the Cheater is fitting.”

With that, there was sick crunching noise, and Jeremy’s neck was parted from his body.

Harry grinded his teeth and closed his eyes to avoid the sick spectacle. The next moment, there was a loud bang, and the Green Snitch blew up, its dust spreading around the room like snow.

There was silence afterwards as Harry slowly climbed down the pillar and stumbled toward the exit. Momentarily, there was another bang, and the door of the room opened itself to reveal Ron, Luna, and George grinning at him.

Harry simply stared at them for a moment.  Slowly but surely, warmth spread over him and realization hit: it was over. The Challenger was gone.

When they left the Department of Mysteries, he saw Draco Malfoy leaning against the wall with his arms folded . As Harry stepped towards him, he nodded at Harry, “Well done! I knew you wouldn't fail, Harry.”

Harry frowned at him and said, “How?”

“Because he cheated. He chose Krum and you at the same time, which is not allowed. He probably didn’t know at the time. He thought that his strength was greater than the Snitch's. And also, I knew you had succeeded because if you would have died, the Vow would have too. The Unbreakable Vow with Jeremy is not effective now that he is killed. So, I live on,” said Draco.

Harry heard Ron shout, “Long live the Chosen One!”