A/N: Chapter two :) Read and review :)

[THE SECOND TASK- CH.2]

Harry banged his head against the table as Hermione paced the library floor, trying to come up with a suitable solution. Harry knew all to well her mind was racing over the facts, making sure there was not one shred of detail left untouched. He trusted her enough to leave her mind to work. As it were, he himself could not think of anything that would allow him to hold his breath under water for an hour. That was impossible, right? Even for a wizard..?

"Granger. Weasley. Professor McGonnigall would like a word. Not you Potter," Mad Eye Moody stormed into their section viciously as usual, "You stay put." Hermione and Ron quickly left leaving Harry to nervously turn a few pages in the book he was pretending to read. He was too distracted to actually read and therefore had not soaked up any information the book had to offer. Moody grunted and moved a few isles over.

"Longbottom, get over here and help Mr. Potter put his books away."

Neville popped up from the isle next to Harry, waist deep in books and parchments.

"Hello, Harry."

"Hi, Neville..."

Neville walked over to browse through the books on the table. He stopped at one in particular, noting that it was an Herbology book.

"You know, Harry, if you're interested in Herbology, I have a suggestion-"

"Neville, that's great and all, but unless there was some Tibetan Turnip that allows you to breathe under water for an hour, I really-"

"You mean, like Gillyweed?"

"Gillyweed?"

Harry awkwardly stood there, frantically chewing the Gillyweed in hopes of something happening. His nerves were wrecked, but somehow he always pulled through in times like these. He was ready.

"GO!"

Someone pushed him in the water the moment he swallowed the Gillyweed. Damn it, he thought. Suddenly immersed he found himself struggling to breathe, twitching and sinking lower. When he didn't surface right away speculation began to spread within the crowd of watchers.

"Oh no... I've killed Harry Potter!" Neville exclaimed in horror.

A few seconds later underwater Harry adapted to the environment. He surveyed his body and found the Gillyweed had given him gills and fins. Excitement chilled his spine as he kicked himself up through the air and back into the water.

Let's do this.

Crossing through the Lake was no easy feat for Harry, especially after fighting off a bunch of Grindylows, but nothing could prepare him for the shock of a lifetime when he reached the bottom. He heard the mermaid's song calling out to him, and so he followed it until he came upon four lifeless floating bodies. The first one caught Harry's undivided attention. This was none other than Severus Snape, in all elegance, floating as peaceful as Harry had ever witnessed in his entire four years at Hogwarts. It had to be a sin for a man to look as delectable to Harry as Severus did at that moment. His usual grease-lathered hair floated around his face, his eyes closed ceremoniously, his features devoid of emotions as he lay there. His robes were still for once, only swaying in the current of the water. His arms were in rest as if he were conducting a symphony. It was as if the man were one with the sea and nature around him, as if the Earth's energy flowed through himself, as if he were the Earth and the Earth were he. Harry had never seen a more moving scene play out before him than the one he felt gifted to observe now.

There was never a moment's hesitation that this man was not the one meant for Harry to rescue.

That is, until he surveyed the faces of Hermione Granger and Cho Chang next to Severus. He didn't recognize the fourth person- a small child.

Is this the Task? Am I supposed to choose which one means more to me? But then, who is this girl?

Lost in thought for only a moment's time, Harry realized he needed a decision and he needed one quick. He didn't count on Krum zooming past him to snap Hermione's chain and drag her to the surface, nor did he expect Diggory to catch him off guard and take Cho. Diggory threw him an awkward look and then pointed to his wrist, signaling time. Yes, time. Harry moved from his fog to take control of Snape's chain.

Realizing each Champion had a person to rescue, Harry knew the child was for Fleur; however, she was nowhere to be found by the time Harry had Snape free. In a second's choice Harry unbound the child and frantically kicked them both up to the surface.

His time was drawing closer. His gills and fins retreated. He struggled to breathe as he sent Snape and the girl up towards the top. He sank lower in the Lake. Lower, lower, lower still until he went completely still in the darkness.

The mermaids took the one person out of this world who meant the most to each Champion individually. Who was that for you, Harry? Why did the mermaids choose Severus for you? No, no. That is not the correct question to ask. Why did you choose Severus for yourself? When did this fascination of yours with Snape start? That's all it was to you, though. Fascination. Not meant to be anything more than that. Well, it happened. Somehow, you have fallen for the man. Somehow, you've fallen in love with Severus Snape...

"Ascendio!"

Harry shot out of the water and plummeted on the stand with a loud thud. Instantly he was surrounded by Hermione and Ron, who exchanged bewildered looks with Harry. The crowd roared in response to Harry's bravery and chivalry for saving two innocents. Fleur rounded on Harry, kissing and thanking him for saving her sister. Once Harry got his bearings he searched the crowd for Snape, but to no avail. He must have fled. Or maybe it was just a dream.

"ATTENTION!" Dumbledore's voice echoed across the Lake. The noise quickly subsided. Harry took this time to consistently check around the Lake for any sign of Snape.

"Placing first for the Task- Viktor Krum!" Durmstrang voices and shouts rang from the crowd.

"Second- Cedric Diggory!" The crowd fired up for a quick applause.

"Third place- Harry Potter!" Roars of 'well done' echoed around Harry.

"And in last place, Fleur Delacour, who could not finish the Task. However, we have agreed- since Harry performed above and beyond the task of rescuing his own innocent and that of Ms. Delacour's, we award Mr. Potter second place in overall standings!"

"Second place, Harry!" Hermione shouted out as the crowd's mixed chorus erupted yet again.

"Yeah... Second place," Harry chimed back, only half listening. He needed to find Snape, he needed to see his face. He needed to know if the man was angry or confused. He needed.. to explain himself.

Harry never got the opportunity he needed before the Lake was cleared out.

Exhaustion.

That's what Harry was experiencing on his walk back to the Common Room. If he thought conditioning for Quiddich left him sore every season, this was far worse by comparison. His whole body felt two times heavier than he actually was. He was dry and in warm clothes from his dip in the Lake, but what he needed now was rest.

"I'm telling you, Snape, it's a sign!"

"Karkaroff!"

The door to Snape's personal storage slammed open right as Harry was about to pass. Harry caught a glimpse of Karkaroff holding his sleeve up, and Snape deep in concentration. Snape snatched his head up; as he caught sight of Harry his sneer slid right in place. Karkaroff didn't even bother with a goodbye and stormed off, leaving Harry feeling a bit awkward. Harry was not ready to deal with this now, honestly he just wanted to crawl in bed and never wake up again. He was about to walk off when Snape called him back.

"Potter! What's the... rush? Care to have a little chat?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Ah, an astonishing performance today. I can assure you, whatever little game you are playing did not work to your advantage."

"I'm not quite sure what you mean, Sir," Harry asked as politely as he could with an honest look of confusion.

"Gillyweed? As it just so happens," Snape examined a spot on his shelf that was clearly empty, "I am missing a slice of Gillyweed from my storage."

"I don't know, Sir," Harry replied, heat rising to his face.

"You don't... Know. Ah. And care to explain to me how it happened that I was the one for you to save in the Lake today, Potter?" Snape nearly spat his name at him, like a disease. Harry really did not want to talk about this now.

"I don't know, Sir," he answered shyly. He honestly didn't have an answer for Snape.

"Of course. Four years of school have obviously taught you nothing, you idiot boy."

Harry looked up at the assault, eyes glaring right into Snape's. If he wanted to insult, he would get it back. Harry was not in the mood.

"No, Sir, I don't have an answer for why you were at the bottom of the Lake. What I do know is that come Hell or high water, I knew in the instant I saw you that I would risk my life to save yours."

Snape's eyes betrayed his mask for a split second, showing confusion at Harry's words. In the second the emotion lifted, Snape slipped right back into his Mask. He needed to figure Potter out before this got out of hand.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor. I shall advise you and your friends to stay out of my storage. Next time I won't be so... lenient. Get out of my sight."

With one last infuriating glare towards Snape, Harry hurriedly left the Storage cupboard and made his way to the Common Room, silently cursing Snape and himself for this infatuation with the man.

Ron waited up for Harry to return. Harry knew the instant he walked through the portrait that he would want an explanation. He was just so tired, emotionally and physically. Harry didn't think he could do this, not again.

"Hey, mate. Are you okay? You look pale," Ron was at his side immediately to help him up the stairs.

"'M just tired, s'all."

"Well come on, let's get you to bed."

"Ron, I-"

"You don't have to explain it to me, Harry."

Thankful for Ron's understanding, Harry remained silent for the rest of the walk.

"If it were me... I would have let the greasy bastard drown."

Harry laughed at his friends words, but he knew Ron was telling the truth. It would be hard to explain this to them, Harry thought. They will understand, his brain told him back.

"'Night, mate."

"Night, Ron."

Severus needed a drink. He sat at his desk within his personal rooms and poured himself a glass of Scotch. Thinking juice, or numbing juice, he could never tell the difference. No matter how much he drank lately, his mind seemed to revolve around one entity altogether. Harry Bloody Potter.

He hadn't allowed himself much time to break down exactly what progressed that day due to his classes and the fact that Karkaroff had been on his trail lately. Any downtime Severus had was never really devoted to relaxation. In some way or fashion he was always working. True to his Slytherin blood, he just couldn't rest knowing there was still work to be done.

He downed his first shot and poured another set.

This was certainly.. unnerving. Severus just couldn't decide which part was more unnerving than the rest. The fact that he had been taken underwater as Harry Potter's precious person, or the fact that the boy obviously had some sort of 'feelings' for him.

Bloody hell, Severus needed something stronger in his system.

He noticed all the tell-tale signs of the boy's so called infatuations- Potter's face stayed tinged pink lately, the boy couldn't keep eye contact to save his life, he couldn't even form a coherent statement in Severus's presence. The only thing Potter missed was "LOVESTRUCK" written in permanent ink on the boy's forehead.

This, if anything, confused Severus to no end. Potter hated him, Severus made sure of it. Severus gave him no room for praise, he expected and demanded far too much of the boy. Severus would never take no as an answer when it came to Potter. He would continue to push the boy until the end, until the goal was met. He promised Dumbledore, all for the sake of Lily. Severus would continue to antagonize the boy for his own good. It would only complicate the scheme of things if the boy ended up with feelings for Severus. Simply put, it was not the role Severus was expected to play. He had no intentions of being Potter's plaything.

So then, the question that stumped Severus the most- why? Why and how had the boy's mind created these feelings, and why was the boy accepting them with ease? Why Severus, of all people?

Foolish boy, Severus thought to himself. He poured a third round of Scotch and downed it, his anger rising by the round. It just didn't make sense. If this was some sort of joke, Merlin help him, Severus would see to it that Potter serve the proper punishment (he ignored the fact that punishing Potter excited him).

An unruly disturbance shook Severus from his thoughts. His wards told him someone was approaching his chamber. Severus had every intention of ignoring whoever dared to disrupt his peace when he heard a strangled moan outside the door.

"Professor Snape...?"

Oh Merlin, no. Anyone but him, Severus groaned to himself.

Harry knocked quietly, not wanting to disturb his Potions Master, but desperately needing to explain himself. He would not rest until Snape heard him out at least. His heart was pounding so fast he thought he might have a heart attack right then and there. This was it, there would be no turning back after tonight. Snape would know the truth.

After a pause Harry knocked again, louder this time.

"Professor Snape, please.. I need to-"

The door sprang open to reveal Severus Snape in the most state of undress Harry had ever seen the man. His crisp white long sleeve shirt, usually buttoned to his neck, was open as far as Snape's chest. Harry could see the man's torso plastered through his shirt, Snape's body outlined by the sheer simplicity of it. He was still in his trousers, but Harry took a look lower and noticed his bare feet. Snape's feet. Harry's brain ceased function at the sight of Snape's pale white, bony toes.

Snape impatiently cleared his throat, clearly not amused.

"Mr. Potter, you have saved me the trouble of patrolling the halls. 50 points from Gryffindor for being out after curfew."

"Professor, please! I need to explain-"

"Explain what, Mr. Potter?"

Harry closed his eyes tight, gathering his courage to face the man he was so desperately in love with. Harry opened his eyes to look directly in Snape's coal black ones.

"I am in love with you, Sir, and I am deeply sorry."

Severus's face gave away nothing- nothing to the fact that he had been drinking that evening, nor to the fact that Harry Bloody Potter had once again managed to knock him right on his arse. Infuriated with this impossible boy, Severus grabbed Potter by his collar and dragged him into his room. He slammed the door and pushed Harry roughly against it.

Keeping himself at an arm's length from the boy, Severus let his anger take control.

"You idiot boy, what did you actually believe to accomplish by visiting me tonight? Do you ever stop and think- for once in your insignificant life- that the world does not revolve around you? What about how I feel? Have you forgotten that I am your Potions Professor? That I am old enough to be your father? That I knew- and loathed- your father?"

Harry whimpered as Snape's verbal abuse lashed him sharper than a whip.

"I didn't-"

Severus cut him off, violating his own self restraint as he inched closer to the boy. He couldn't help a little self indulgence. Especially with Harry Bloody Potter.

"You obviously didn't think. What would your beloved friends think, Potter, if they knew you were here tonight? What would the world think, if you told them you love someone like me? You are just as arrogant as your putrid father, barging in here and acting high and mighty. As if I owe you the time of day."

"I'd never act on it!" Harry's cheeks blazed in embarrassment and anger at Snape's cruel words. He tried to get out of Snape's hold but Snape's hand on Harry's chest roughly pushed him harder into the door. Snape was getting closer with each argument and the effects were starting to take hold of Harry. Harry's chest constricted tighter, conflicting emotions whirling in his head. He briefly told himself he didn't care if they were fighting, he'd give anything for Snape to touch him more.

"Yes, that's what the Wizarding World needs right now, the supposed Golden Boy giving chase to his greasy Potions Master!"

"I am no-"

"Oh yes, Mr. Potter, you so practically screamed it at the top of your lungs at the Second Task!"

"That was not my-"

"Don't you dare stand there and say it was not your fault, you idiot boy! I was taken as the person dearest to you! That is entirely your fault!"

"No, that's not-"

"And you dare deny the fact that you just admitted your love for someone like me?"

"No, Sir. Not someone like you. I am in love with you," Harry finally admitted, his eyes on the verge of tears.

Snape was so close Harry could feel his breath on his face. Oh, Harry wished he would kiss him. Harry's breathing was out of control by now. His knees were going to give any moment. Kiss me, kiss me dammit.

"Get out, you wretched boy, get out and don't come back," Snape whispered to Harry, his face gone pale white. It took a few seconds for Harry's brain to process that Snape was not going to kiss him, but had in fact kicked him out. Rejected.

Harry stormed off, cheeks burning and eyes stinging. He knew Snape could be a git but this was a new level. Harry only came down to apologize for any inconveniences he may have caused! It wasn't his fault the stupid mermaids kidnapped the man! As if Harry knew what the task was! He barely found out how he was going to deal with breathing under water for an hour!

Harry never registered the fact that he made it to Gryffindor Tower until he found himself lying in bed, incredibly aroused and cursing Snape for all he was worth.

Snape watched the boy flee the dungeons, tears falling from his heartbroken teenage face.Better to hate me than fall under the false accusations of love, Severus thought to himself. He's probably never even had a real relationship. Teenagers often misconstrue their hormones for deeper feelings. To just come out in point blank range and admit love, and for someone he's hated for so long, just wasn't proper for young Harry.

Severus had to admit, Harry was not just a boy this year. He was growing older and growing stronger. His body's physical endurance being was in top shape from Quiddich and the physical strain of the competition added endurance. His toned muscles showed through his school uniform, not that Severus noticed.

Severus could imagine holding such an exquisite youthful body under his own. He could imagine how it would feel if Harry were his, nubile, young, and inexperienced. He could feel the boy's muscles just from holding his chest.

Stay focused, Severus. Harry is your student, not to mention underage at that.

Right, then. Severus indulged in one last glass of Scotch before stumbling into bed.