Maybe a new character could emerge as the 'chosen one' in the absence of Harry. This new character could have their own unique abilities and face different challenges. For example, they might have to deal with the growing threat of Voldemort in a different way than Harry would have. The story could also explore how the wizarding world copes with the loss of Harry and how it affects the balance of power between the good and the evil forces.
The story might take a darker turn. Without Harry, the Death Eaters could become bolder. Ron and Hermione could form an alliance with some of the other Hogwarts students and teachers to fight against the dark forces. They could start to investigate the true nature of the first task and find out if there was some sort of foul play involved in Harry's death. There could also be a search for a way to bring Harry back, perhaps through some ancient and dangerous magic that has not been used in a long time.
The story could continue by focusing on Ron and Hermione's journey to avenge Harry. They might discover some secrets that Harry was on the verge of uncovering before his death.
The plot could develop in a very different direction. For example, Voldemort might gain an advantage as Harry was seen as a major threat. Without Harry, the other characters would have to step up to fight against the Dark forces. Hermione and Ron might become more central characters in the fight against evil.
The playing of memories could also have a negative impact. If the memories are too distracting or if they make him overthink, it could lead to mistakes. For instance, if he gets too caught up in the memories of a champion who failed, it might make him nervous and cause him to make errors during the first task.
A young dragon tamer from a far - off land could be an interesting addition. This character could have a deep understanding of dragons and offer Harry some advice on how to approach the task. Maybe they have a special bond with one of the dragons in the task and can communicate with it, which could add an unexpected twist to the story.
If Harry were a Dragon Animagus in the First Task, it would change the whole dynamic. He could use his dragon form to create a diversion. For example, he could make the real dragon chase him away from the egg, and then quickly transform back and snatch the egg. Also, his dragon form might have some special abilities like breathing fire in a controlled way to fend off the real dragon if it attacks.
If Harry dies in the first task in fanfic, it would completely change the whole story. For one, Hogwarts would lose its hero. The Triwizard Tournament would be thrown into chaos. Cedric might become the sole focus then, but he also would be in shock as Harry was his competitor and also a fellow student. And Voldemort's plans related to Harry would be thwarted, at least for the time being, as he had some long - term designs involving Harry. It would also have a huge impact on Harry's friends, like Ron and Hermione. They would be devastated and might try to find out the real cause of his death.
Well, it would have a huge impact on the wizarding world as a whole. The Ministry of Magic would be in an uproar. They had high hopes for Harry and his role in the future of the wizarding community. His death could also lead to a change in the way Hogwarts approaches the Triwizard Tournament in the future. There would be a lot more safety regulations and restrictions. And his death would leave a big emotional void in the hearts of those who knew him, like Hagrid who had a special bond with Harry.
One possible consequence could be chaos at Hogwarts. The school has high hopes for Harry in the Triwizard Tournament. His death would shock the students and teachers. The other champions might feel guilty or be blamed. Also, Voldemort's plans related to Harry would be disrupted, as he was supposed to be a major part in the wizarding world's future battles against the Dark Lord.
A fanfiction could expand on it by adding new characters involved in the ritual preparation. For instance, an old wizard who lives near Hogwarts and has secret knowledge about the first task's true nature. He could guide Harry through a series of pre - task rituals that are not part of the original story.
Maybe Dobby could be an unexpected ally. He could use his magic to create distractions for the other contestants or help Harry find a hidden passage in the maze. Another possibility is that one of the Hogwarts ghosts, like Nearly Headless Nick, decides to assist Harry. He could float through walls and spy on the other champions' movements and relay the information to Harry.
One possibility could be that Harry, as a Dragon Animagus, uses his new form to his advantage in the First Task. He might be able to outmaneuver the real dragon more easily, flying around it and confusing it. This would give him an edge in retrieving the golden egg.