Countdown

Draco watched his love dive back under the water. He waited to see him surface, but he didn't. Draco looked at the 2 profesors and 2 Gryffindors, to find them looking lost and confused. Draco tried to thing what had happened. He'd seen Harry talking with Severus, Dumbledore, Weasley and Granger. He seemed to be telling them something that they didn't like. But Draco didn't know what. He watched the Headmaster come down, followed by the other 3.

'I want all of you to return to the castle.' said Dumbledore. 'Lessons are cancelled for the rest of the day.'

The questions about Harry started to begin. Dumbledore didn't answer and just told them to go. Draco saw Blaise and Ginny talking. The two had started dating, much to the Weasleys dismay. Blaise came running over.

'Potter went.' he said, anxiously.

'What?' exclaimed Draco.

'He didn't want to change back. Gin just told me. He said something about finally being free, and all the worriness and heart ache being free.' explained Blaise.

Draco felt the world around him fall silent. Harry was gone. Blaise put a hand on his shoulder,. Blaise was one of the few who knew of Draco's love. Draco looked back at the Black Lake. His heart ached, at knowing his love was gone.

Harry swam trough the water, loving every minute. He looked around, admiring the Lake. Sure he'd been in here before, back in 4th year, but now he had time to admire the view. The lake was amazing. Harry flicked his fin, and smiled as a mereperson came up to him.

'Who are you?' the creature asked.

'I am Harry Potter.' answered Harry, feeling the water rush down his throat but still ebing able to brethe.

'You are a wizard.' said the mereperson.

'I am also a merman now.' corrected Harry.

'In that case.' said the mereperson, taking a bow. 'I welcome you Harry Potter.'

'Huh?' asked Harrry, getting confused over the change of attitude.

'Mermen and mermaids are rare and are the kings and queens of the lake.' answered the mereperson.

'Are there anyother mermen or mermaids?' asked Harry.

'No Mr Potter, there is only you.' answered the mereperson.

'Oh well I'm going to look round for now.' said Harry.

'Harry Potter is always welcome in the merepeople kingdowm.' said the mereperson.

Harry swam away, and continued looking around. He felt a small chill run across his body, but it was soon gone. Harry just shook his head. Not realising that his heart was slowly becoming cold and heartless.

Draco was sat in the Common Room feeling totally alone. It had been 6 hours since Harry had gone. His friends had tried to comfort him, but it didn't work. Harry was gone and he felt his heart break in two. He stood up and left the Common room. Maybe his godfather could help him, or falling that he could then firecall his father. When he got to Severus's quaters, he heard the voices of Severus and Dumbledore, coming from the room.

'What is the problem Severus?' asked Dumbledore.

'I was researching the sea creature potion, and found something out about those who turn into mermaids or mermen.' replied Severus.

'Wat is it?' asked Dumbledore.

'Well it seems that Mr. Potter has only 12 hours to change back, before the change will kill him.' answered Severus.

Draco froze. 12 hours. That meant Harry had only 6 hours tops to change back. Draco listened to the rest of the conversation.

'How long till has he got?' asked Dumbledore.

'Well I'm going on 5 hours.' answered Severus. 'In other words until midnight.'

'What are we going to do? said Dumbledore.

'I have no idea.' said Severus.

Draco did though. He had 5 hours to get back his love. He had 5 hours to save Harry Potter, and he had an idea how to do it.