During the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament, Viktor Krum attacked Fleur Delacour because he was under a powerful bewitchment cast by Barty Crouch Jr., who was secretly impersonating Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody.
The Manipulation Behind Krum's Actions
Viktor Krum's assault on Fleur Delacour was not an act of his own volition but a tragic consequence of a meticulously planned scheme to manipulate the Triwizard Tournament. Barty Crouch Jr., a loyal Death Eater, had spent the entire school year disguised as the formidable Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. His primary objective was to ensure Harry Potter would win the tournament and be delivered directly to Lord Voldemort.
Barty Crouch Jr.'s Deceptive Strategy
Crouch Jr. used his position and the guise of Moody to interfere with the champions throughout the tournament. During the Third Task, which involved navigating a dangerous maze, his interference became more direct and aggressive:
- Bewitchment of Krum: Crouch Jr. specifically targeted Krum, casting a powerful bewitchment upon him. This spell effectively controlled Krum's actions, compelling him to turn against his fellow competitors.
- Elimination of Rivals: The attack on Fleur was a strategic move to remove another champion from the competition, thereby clearing the path for Harry Potter to reach the Triwizard Cup.
Key Details of the Third Task Incident
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Attacker | Viktor Krum |
| Victim | Fleur Delacour |
| True Instigator | Barty Crouch Jr. (under the disguise of Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody) |
| Method | Powerful bewitchment (likely the Imperius Curse) |
| Context | The Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament, held in a magical maze |
| Immediate Outcome | Fleur Delacour was incapacitated and removed from the competition |
| Broader Implication | Part of a larger plot to ensure Harry Potter touched the Triwizard Cup, which was a Portkey to Lord Voldemort |
Impact on the Tournament and Champions
Krum's bewitched attack left Fleur Delacour unable to continue, effectively knocking her out of the running. This left Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory as the primary contenders navigating the treacherous maze. The true dangers of the maze were compounded by Crouch Jr.'s manipulations, leading to other incidents, such as Harry helping Cedric escape an Acromantula before they both reached the Triwizard Cup.
The entire incident underscored the sinister depths of Barty Crouch Jr.'s plot and the pervasive threat posed by Dark Magic, especially mind-controlling spells like the Imperius Curse, which strip individuals of their free will and can force them to commit abhorrent acts. Krum's attack on Fleur was a clear example of how innocent individuals could be exploited as pawns in a larger, malevolent game.
