Chapter Nine

"Bets! Bets taken here!" George shouted as the crowd of students made their way down to the stands where they would witness the first task of the Triwizard Tournament.

Olivia smiled and shook her head as she walked down with Hermione and Ron. She really was walking with Hermione who was being tailed by Ron, or, at least, that was how she was justifying it in her mind. She couldn't be quite as forgiving with Ron as Hermione could.

"Oy! Olivia!" George shouted when he saw her.

She separated from Hermione and Ron who waited for her and walked over to George as Fred kept up the pitch. Several students were placing bets with George, but he finished the deals and shooed them away before Olivia had reached him.

"Business seems good this morning, George," she said by way of greeting.

"It's excellent. Lots of people chomping away at the bit to make a wager or two. I'll still give you 3-5 if you want."

Olivia had begun to notice that George was extremely charming and natural in the way that he handled himself. There was a self-confidence and good-naturedness in his approach that made one want to bite at his offer. Olivia held back the urge not wanting to cheapen Harry's experience by betting on it.

She shook her head. "I think I'll pass. Are you and Fred going to be here the whole time taking bets?"

George frowned and shook his head at a student that was approaching. He pointed to Fred indicating that Fred would take his wager before returning his attention to Olivia.

"No, actually, I was going to ask you to save us a seat."

"Sure thing," she agreed moving back towards Hermione and Ron. "I'll see you down there."

George nodded and watched Olivia depart for the stands longingly. She turned to look back feeling his eyes on her. Fred slapped his twin for not paying attention to the crowd gathering around them wanting to place bets. It seemed to snap George out of his thoughts wherever they were. Olivia smiled at him as she entered the stands and then turned her attention to getting a spot near the front.

The stands filled up quickly with almost more people than Olivia could have imagined. She, Hermione, and Ron saved Fred and George spots by standing apart from each other more than they usually would hoping the excess space created when they moved in would be enough for the two boys. The rocky pit where the dragons created a lot of speculation among the students who didn't know what this task would entail. Ron, Hermione, and Olivia all knew however, but only the girls felt nervous and worry.

The day George had taken Olivia for a walk around the lake Harry had gotten word from Hagrid to meet him that night. The giant took Harry into the Forbidden Forest where Harry had gotten a firsthand look at the four dragons the Ministry had gotten for the first task. Ron saw them because his brother, Charlie, had helped bring them over from Romania. Hermione learned what the first task would be through Olivia and Harry.

It had taken all week and a lot of extra practice to get Harry's summoning charm into shape. It was still uncertain, thought, if Harry's Firebolt would make it from the castle. Olivia's summoning charm was strong enough to work from even that distance, but she had learned it years ago. It was something very new still for Harry. She'd decided to summon his broom for him silently if it didn't work, and let him get it from there.

Soon it was time for the first task to begin. Fred and George pushed through the crowd towards the three friends. The crushed themselves together to give them room, and as luck would have it they all couldn't fit. George was about to order a younger student to skive off when Hermione excused herself to go wish Harry luck. There was room for them all when she left.

"So, my brother tells me you know all about being a bookie now," Fred said after pushing his way to Olivia's side before his twin could.

"I don't know that I 'know all about being a bookie,' but a certainly know more than I ever wanted before."

"We could use some help if you're interested," Fred suggested causally leaning forward and resting his forearms on the railing before them.

Olivia couldn't help her reaction. She made a face at Fred's suggestion, and couldn't stop herself in time to hide her disgust at the suggestion. "That's alright, Fred. I'm not sure I'm what you'd call 'bookie material.'"

"There's more to it than that, admit it," he coaxed turning his head to look back at Olivia with a smirk.

She turned her back on the rocky pit where the contestants would face a dragon and possible death and leaned against the railing. "Fine. I admit it."

Fred straightened and starred at Olivia. "And?"

Olivia looked to her left where George and Ron were chatting. The enthusiastic cheering of the crowds kept Olivia from hearing what they talked about and vice versa. George was watching his twin carefully—protectively, and he didn't like what he saw. He raised his eyebrows as though to ask Olivia if he needed to step in and take care of his twin. Olivia shook her head only slightly. She could handle Fred Weasley.

"Honestly?" She asked turning her attention to Fred. He nodded. "I find it morally repugnant that you're accepting bets placed on peoples' lives."

Fred whistled through his teeth and hung his head although he didn't seem truly repentant. He still had the signature Weasley twin smirk on his lips. "I didn't expect you to come right out and say it like that."

"Well, you asked for it," Olivia said a little defensively crossing her arms over her chest.

"Yes, I did," he admitted. "Why, then, do you find it so 'morally repugnant'?"

"This isn't a game, Fred. Fleur, Viktor, Cedric, and Harry could die in this competition. I don't care what the Ministry has done to make it safe. It isn't enough. They could die, and taking bets feels too much like cheapening what they're up against."

"They knew all of this when they put their name in the Goblet of Fire, Olivia. They were aware of the dangers when they were chosen."

"Harry didn't."

"You still believe that he didn't put his name in there himself, huh?"

"I don't believe. I know he didn't, Fred."

"How can you be so sure?"

"How can you be sure of George?"

"It's not the same," Fred said dismissively waving a hand. "George is my twin brother, my other half."

"Exactly," Olivia mumbled under her breath so that no one could hear.

"What?" Fred asked.

"I trust Harry. He said he didn't do it, so I believe him. End of story."

Fred narrowed his eyes and looked seriously at Olivia for a long moment making Olivia feel the urge to squirm under his gaze. She resisted, however, and starred back defiantly.

"What is the story with you and Harry?" He asked at last.

"Noth—Nothing," Olivia stuttered showing her nervousness. "I don't know what you mean."

"Be careful," Fred warned. "George likes you."

Olivia was thankfully spared from replying to Fred by the sudden appearance of Hermione. Fred stepped back to allow the girl room to reach Olivia.

"Harry's asked for you if you can get away," Hermione whispered in her friend's ear.

Olivia nodded as Dumbledore magnified his voice and began explaining the first task to the crowd of students and observers. Olivia easily got away while everyone's attention was on the Headmaster. She ducked around and behind the tent where the contestants where waiting. She heard a cannon fire and the crowd began to chant Cedric's name. He must be going first.

Olivia ducked into the tent before Madame Pomfrey saw her. Three nervous contestants spun inhumanly fast as their nerves had heightened their senses. Olivia smiled nervously and said, "Hi."

"Vee!" Harry exclaimed sounding relieved as he rushed towards her.

Viktor and Fleur quickly ignored the pair and resumed their pacing inside the tent as Cedric face his dragon. Olivia tried to ignore the rise of happiness at Harry's reaction to her appearance.

"How are you, Harry? Hermione said you wanted me."

"Will you stay until—?" Harry couldn't finish his request and looked down a little ashamed.

"Of course, I'll stay unless someone kicks me out, that is," Olivia said trying to sound light hearted.

They all heard the crowd make a collective sympathetic noise and then began to cheer wildly. Cedric must have retrieved his golden egg. Olivia looked to Harry questioningly before hearing that Fleur was up next. She sighed as the blonde girl exited the tent.

"I'm last," Harry explained taking Olivia's hand and pulling her towards a cot obviously meant for a medical emergency.

"Do you want to go over the summoning charm again?" Olivia asked sitting down beside the boy.

He shook his head and squeezed her hand. "I just feel better with you here."

Olivia admired Harry's outward calm. In the few minutes she'd been speaking with Fred, she'd managed to forget momentarily what Harry was about to do, but now the full force of her fears fell down upon her. Harry was stoic and very handsome as he sat almost peacefully. She knew he was as nervous and fearful as she was, but he hid it better.

Harry's hair was as messy and wild as it ever was, but it lent him an air of adeptness that reassured Olivia. Flying was his element. He as talented if not more so on a broom as she was and he would be safe in the air against the dragon. His eyes were a brighter shade of green as his competitiveness began to flare up. Olivia knew him well enough after three years of playing Qudditich that Harry was psyching himself up for what lay ahead.

The crowd laughed as a group and then began cheering. Fleur had gotten her egg after extinguishing her skirt which caught on fire. Viktor looked at the two younger students with a stony expression before exiting the tent leaving them alone.

Harry had looked up when Viktor moved, and he turned his sparkling emerald eyes towards Olivia as the crowd welcomed Viktor to the arena. Olivia's blue eyes met Harry's green ones.

"Vee," Harry said barely over a whisper.

They didn't need words as the two clung to each other in their fear and nerves. Their eyes communicated for more than words could ever express, but Olivia did want to say one thing to Harry.

"Just remember to stay out of the dragon's way until your broom shows up, get on your broom, and get the egg."

"What if it doesn't show? What if the charm doesn't work?"

"It will," Olivia said looking directly into his eyes. "I believe in you, Harry."

They starred at each other for a long, charged moment. Neither realized that their bodies had positioned them for what their hearts seemed to long for—a kiss. Only a few inches separated their lips, and each had tilted their heads to the side instinctually. Olivia hesitated only waiting for Harry to make that choice. Her heart cried out, Kiss me! Pick love over friendship! Choose! Kiss me!

The crowd began to cheer again just when Harry had begun to make up his mind. The two jumped apart as the magic of the moment was broken abruptly. Harry jumped up as the Headmaster announced that the third champion had retrieved his egg.

Olivia stood and walked Harry to the tent flap where he would emerge to face his dragon. She stopped him by grabbing his arm there and threw her arms around his neck for a quickly hug. Harry shocked, at first, slowly wrapped his arms around her returning the embrace.

"Good luck, Harry," she whispered into his ear and then let go of him.

Harry nodded and slowly exited the tent.

Olivia took two deep breaths before running to the back of the tent. She checked to make sure the coast was clear before bolting towards the stands. She pushed her way to her friends and managed to reach the railing in time to see Harry ducking out of the way the Hungarian Horntail's massive spiked tail.

"Your wand, Harry! Your wand!" Hermione shouted

Harry must have heard her, for he pulled out his wand and summoned his broomstick. The dragon inhaled deeply while Harry was exposed, and Olivia gripped the railing before her in a death grip as Harry jumped behind a rock only barely missing the jet of fire the dragon breathed.

Olivia had managed to get beside George without realizing it. He placed a comforting hand over her white knuckled one. Olivia looked down at the sudden contact and traced that hand up its arm to its owners face with her eyes. George smiled encouragingly and pried Olivia's hand from the railing replacing his hand in her grip.

That was when they heard the approach of Harry's broom, and Olivia watched it speeding towards its owner with relief. She felt her heart stop several times as Harry battled the dragon on his broomstick. She didn't relax until he swooped down and grabbed the golden egg with in his seeker trained grip.

The crowd cheered loudly. Harry's battle had been the most entertaining of them all. Hermione, Ron, and Fred were shouting and jumping madly beside her as Olivia felt her knees go weak. Only George's feeling her fall kept her from hitting the floor of the stand. He quickly caught her with his arm around her waist and supported her at his side.

"Are you okay?" He shouted over the screaming of the stands.

Olivia shook her head, which was beginning to feel light. "I have to go through this two more times."

George felt Olivia's pain as his own as her face paled and then began to grow rosier as she got over her shock. He couldn't complain, though. She fit perfect at his side, and he would hold her up every day for the rest of his life just to feel her so close to him.

"We'll get you through it," he replied with a wide grin showing his excitement at Harry's success which was beginning to seep into Olivia. "I'll get you through it."