CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Wormtail ungags and frees Harry from the gravestone, returns Harry’s wand, and rejoins the circle of Death Eaters. Voldemort insists on dueling formalities, magically forcing Harry to bow, then tortures him with the Cruciatus Curse and tries to subdue him with the Imperius Curse. Harry resists, refusing obedience.

Voldemort presses the duel. Harry dives for cover but chooses to face Voldemort standing. Harry casts Expelliarmus as Voldemort fires Avada Kedavra; the spells connect, forming a golden beam that lifts both into the air and seals them inside a dome of light while phoenix song fills the graveyard.

Beads of light travel along the connection toward Harry; he forces them back toward Voldemort’s wand. Priori Incantatem occurs: echoes of spells emerge—first Wormtail’s severed hand, then the shades of Cedric Diggory, Frank Bryce, and Bertha Jorkins. They encourage Harry as Death Eaters circle outside the golden cage.

James Potter’s and Lily Potter’s shades appear next. Lily quietly instructs Harry to break the connection and reach the Portkey; Cedric asks Harry to return his body. As Voldemort falters amid the encircling shades, Harry heaves his wand upward, breaking the link; the phoenix song and cage vanish, but the shades close ranks to shield him.

Harry sprints through curses toward Cedric, briefly impeding pursuing Death Eaters. With Voldemort preparing to strike, Harry summons the Triwizard Cup with Accio, grabs Cedric’s body, and activates the Portkey. Amid Voldemort’s furious scream, Harry and Cedric are whisked away back toward Hogwarts.