A/N: Direct quote HP and GoF p. 465 for the egg's song. Also 'Mind Speak'.

Chapter 10: Golden Eggs and Water Wings

Harry awoke slowly the day after Boxing Day. Ginny was still asleep, snuggled into his chest and in his arms. Harry gently grabbed his glasses and looked at the time. It was just after seven in the morning.

'Yuck! Too early!' Harry thought he heard Ginny say as she snuggled closer. Harry looked at her, but she looked like she was still sleeping.

"What was that, love?" Harry asked. Ginny growled and cuddled even closer. Harry looked at her confused. Then he remembered one of the bond abilities they had been wondering about and wondering when and if it would start. He remembered that from his mum's research, that the bond would be almost complete when it started. 'Mind Speak!' Harry thought excitedly.

Ginny growled as she glared up at him. "Why are you waking me up with all that noise!?"

'What noise?' Harry smiled cheekily.

"That noi…Wait, what?" Ginny asked with wide eyes. "Harry, your mouth didn't move!"

'Mind speak,' Harry smiled again.

'It finally manifested?' Ginny thought. Harry nodded as he leaned in to kiss her. She kissed him back, knowing their love was making the bond grow. 'We'll have to practice a bit.'

'I'd rather practice this for the moment,' Harry thought at her. Ginny giggled and snuggled even closer after she broke the kiss.

'Prat!' Ginny thought. 'Not that I don't agree, but it's too early to be up on the hols!'

'See. Already practicing,' Harry joked, earning him a swat on the chest.

Harry sat looking at the golden egg with disgust. He was so frustrated at the thing he wanted to open a window and throw it out. Every time it was opened, all it would do was scream at him and Ginny. Harry looked over the notes they had made, but none of the possibilities made any sense or could get the egg to divulge its secrets. He tossed his quill away in frustration.

The door opened, revealing Ginny, Hermione, Neville, Luna, and the twins. Harry looked up with a questioning look at Ginny.

"I enlisted some help," Ginny said with a shrug. "And who better than two very smart researchers, a Herbology expert, and two intelligent pranksters." Each blushed a little at Ginny's praise. Harry smiled at her.

"You're the best, love," Harry said as he kissed her cheek. Ginny blushed, but broke into a wide smile.

They sat discussing the egg and how it was retrieved for the next two hours. Neville sat up, looking closely at the egg. There were designs on the top and bottom. He tilted his head as he looked at the top. "Watch your ears," he said before opening it. Even knowing what was coming, he jumped and spilled his water on the egg. But instead of a scream they heard,

Come seek us where our voices sound

"What the bloody hell?" Harry cried out as the egg started screaming again. Neville slammed the egg shut again. Harry looked around at the others. They had the same confused looks on their faces. Before anyone could reply, there was a knock on the door. Harry looked even more confused. Not many people knew where their quarters were. Ginny shrugged, as Harry went to the door. He was surprised to see Cedric standing there.

"Hi, Harry," Cedric said a little uncomfortably.

"Hey, Cedric," Harry said carefully. "How'd you know where to find us?"

"Fleur told me," Cedric said. "I asked her, because I wanted to ask you something about the Tournament."

"Oh," Harry nodded.

"Figure the egg out yet?" Cedric asked after looking behind him.

"Working on it," Harry said, motioning at the gathering inside.

Cedric nodded. "Water is the key. Take a bath with it, and it will make sense."

"A bath?" Harry asked, confusion gave way to understanding and lit Harry's face.

"Yup," Cedric said. "Remember, water is the key." Cedric waved as he turned and left. Harry stood there staring at his retreating back for a few seconds. Then it hit him completely. Water. The voices they heard when Neville spilled water on the egg. His eyes flew wide and he spun around, shutting the door.

"Come on, Gin," Harry said as he grabbed the egg and her hand, heading for their room.

"Harry, where are we going?" Ginny asked confused.

"To take a bath with this egg," Harry answered. "Cedric said water is the key."

Ginny stopped for a second. "It sounded like singing… when Neville spilled water on the open egg!" she said wide eyed, comprehension clear in her voice.

"Grab some parchment and a quill, I'll get the bath ready," Harry said. "You want water or writing?"

"Writing, so the others can actually read it," she teased as she grabbed her school bag. Harry stuck his tongue out at her as she smiled cheekily at him.

Harry stepped into the large bathtub in the bathroom. Harry and Ginny had agreed they would wait for the right time to progress their relationship farther, so Harry was in a pair of swim trunks. Ginny sat on the side of the pool-sized tub, ready to write down the clue. Harry nodded at her, and she nodded that she was ready. Harry took a deep breath and sank into the water with the egg and opened it.

Come seek us where our voices sound,

We cannot sing above the ground,

And while you're searching, ponder this:

We've taken what you'll sorely miss,

An hour long you'll have to look,

And to recover what we took,

But past an hour- the prospect's black

Too late, it's gone, it won't come back.

"That's not ominous," Harry said sarcastically as he resurfaced. He looked at Ginny who was shaking with tears in her eyes. Harry wrapped her in his wet arms. "Hey, what is it?"

"They're gonna take a hostage," Ginny said. "And I think it's gonna be me." Harry didn't know what to say. All he did know was he would fight even Dumbledore to keep Ginny safe. Ginny felt his protectiveness through their bond. She looked up at him, with a small smile. "I love you, Harry," she said as she kissed him.

"I love you, Gin." he said. "And I won't let them take you, no matter what." He sat there holding her until they were both ready to dry off and face their friends again.

"We got it," Ginny said as they reentered the sitting room after changing out of her wet clothes.

"Why'd you change?" Luna asked.

"Harry's a sloppy bather," Ginny answered winking at Harry with an impish smile. He blushed a little at the comment. The twins and Neville snickered. Luna looked confused. Hermione turned and whispered something to Fred. He stopped snickering and blushed as red as his hair.

"Let's hear it, then," Hermione said after turning away from Fred. Ginny raised her eyebrow at this. Fred grinned, despite his blush, looking at Hermione waiting for her to elaborate. Hermione blushed, but didn't say a word. George just rolled his eyes, shaking his head. Harry snickered at the look on Hermione's face. He and Ginny were enjoying the flirting Fred and Hermione were doing. It always made for a good laugh.

"The egg," George said, trying to get back on track.

"Oh, right. I wrote down the whole thing, but what it says is merpeople from the Black Lake are going to take a hostage, and Harry will have an hour to find and get back to the surface with the hostage," Ginny said. "So first we need to figure out how he can be underwater for an hour."

"Scuba gear?" Hermione thought.

"What's that?" Neville asked, confused.

"Muggle thing," Harry answered. "Let's a person breathe underwater, but I doubt the judges will allow that, Hermione."

Hermione never got the chance to answer as another knock sounded on the door. Harry sighed and went to answer it. When he opened the door, he saw the one person he least expected to see, Ron.

"Ronald," Harry said stiffly.

"Hi, Harry," said Ron quietly. "Can I…uh…come in?"

"That depends," Ginny said, joining Harry at the door.

"I haven't come to fight," Ron said, holding his hands up in surrender. "I've come to apologize to you and Hermione."

"Finally see the truth?" Ginny asked through gritted teeth. Ron nodded.

"Look, I'm sorry for how I have been acting. I just…I don't want to see you as growing up, because…because that means I have to, too," Ron said.

"Last chance, Ron," Harry said. "But don't expect to be all chumy-chumy right away."

"I understand," Ron said.

"Last chance and last warning," Ginny said. "Next time, I hex first and ask later."

"Got it," Ron said weakly as he paled and gulped.

They moved aside to grant him access. Ron went over to stand in front of Hermione. She looked up at him with a glare as she crossed her arms. The twins didn't look much happier to see him. Neville was fingering his wand, as Luna glared at him, much like Hermione.

"I am very sorry, Hermione." Ron started. "I was way out of line…"

"And your mind," George commented.

"That too," Ron admitted. "You and Harry are my best mates. I've been lost the last couple of days without you guys."

Hermione stood up looking Ron in the eye. She pointed a finger and poked him in the chest to emphasize every word she spoke. "You, listen, and you listen well, Ronald Bilius Weasley!" Ron nodded. "You hurt me in ways you can't possibly understand with that primitive common sense of yours! You have one chance! One! If you ever make accusations like that about me again, I will make your head fit up your arse, so you have a reason to be ignorant all the time! Am. I. Clear?"

"As crystal," Ron said weakly, his face white as a ghost.

"And just so we are clear on other things," Hermione continued. "I did have a crush on you. DID! Not anymore. You hurt me way too much for me to think of you as any more than a friend from now on. So, the next time you think about accusing me or anyone else about doing things they haven't or that are none of your business, I will curse you into next year! Am. I. Clear?"

"Yes," Ron squeaked. Ginny tapped his shoulder.

"And you better pray to Merlin I'm not around with Harry, because I will hex your bits off, while holding Harry's hand! Am I clear?" Ginny said through gritted teeth.

"Yes," Ron squeaked again.

"Good," Ginny said. "Sit down and hush." Ron nodded and sat next to Neville. "Now, as you were saying, Hermione?"

"I can look in the library for spells and charms to help," Hermione said.

Ron looked lost. Neville took pity on him and handed him the clue. Ron didn't listen to any of the discussion that followed as he thought about the clue. He looked thoughtfully at the people gathered. At one time he would have been who Harry would sorely miss. Now, Ron knew it was Ginny. He didn't like the idea of Ginny being involved in this stupid Tournament. An idea struck him on how to start making everything up to them.

"Excuse me, I need to go talk to someone," Ron said as he stood and hurried for the door.

"Where are you going?" Neville asked.

"To help start making things right with us," Ron said looking at Harry and Ginny. He was out the door before anyone could ask anything else. They all looked at each other confused.

When Ron finally got in to see the headmaster, Dumbledore looked at him as he waited for Ron to finish explaining.

"Sir, take me and not Ginny," Ron said as he looked into the headmaster's eyes.

"Why is that, Mr. Weasley?" Dumbledore asked calmly.

"I've done some stupid things over the last several months," Ron answered. "To make it up to Harry, Ginny, and even Hermione, take me as the hostage, instead of Ginny."

"Very noble of you, Mr. Weasley, but…"

"Please, sir. I can't let Ginny be put in danger like I did in her first year again," Ron pleaded.

Dumbledore looked at him thoughtfully. "Alright, Mr. Weasley. I shall make the changes."

"Thank you, sir."

"You may go," Dumbledore said in dismissal. Ron turned and hurried out of the Head office.

Neville rubbed his chin deep in thought as the discussion continued around him. His eyes flew wide as the answer came to him.

"Gillyweed!" he shouted without meaning to. Everyone went quiet and looked at him. "Gillyweed, that's how you can breathe underwater for an hour."

"Where do I get some?" Harry asked.

"Write your mum and dad," Luna said. "They can get some from Diagon Alley and send it to you, or bring it to one of your extra lessons."

"You two are brilliant, you know that?" Ginny said.

"Thanks," Neville said shyly.

"All in a days thought, Ginevra," Luna smiled. A knock at the door startled them all. Ginny went to answer it. Ron burst in, after she opened the door, smiling wildly.

"Hostage problem solved," he said.

"What are you talking about?" Ginny said with narrowed eyes.

"I talked Dumbledore into switching you and me as hostage," Ron said proudly.

"You did what?" Hermione shouted.

"Why in Merlin's left toe would you do that, Ron?" Ginny said shocked.

"Look, I did it because I've been an arse to all of you."

"You can say that again!" Fred spat.

"It's done," Ron said. "I knew with your bond, you'd be going nutters over them taking Ginny, so I volunteered. They still get their hostage. You still have your saving people complex to satisfy," he said looking at Harry. "And I start making amends to what I've said and done by taking your place," he said turning to Ginny.

"Makes perfect sense," George said.

"Put yourself in danger," Fred said.

"To save our sister…"

"And her husband…"

"From danger and…"

"Going nutters."

"Brilliant plan, little brother," they said sarcastically. Luna giggled at the twins' assessment. Neville looked at Ron like he had grown a second head. Hermione just frowned.

"It still doesn't change my feelings for you, Ron," Hermione said.

"I just want your forgiveness, and to be friends again," Ron replied.

"You get to tell mum," Ginny said, looking at Ron like he had lost his mind.

"Well, thanks, I guess," Harry said a little uncertainly.

"That's what mates and brothers are for," Ron grinned.

The morning of the second task dawned as Harry and Ginny heard a knock on their door. Ginny rolled out of bed to answer it. She saw Lily and James standing on the other side as she opened the door. She waved them in blurrily.

"Morning, sweetheart," Lily said as she hugged Ginny. Ginny grunted. Lily laughed. "You sound like James in the morning."

"I do not sound like that," James protested.

"Yes, you do, dear," Lily said patting his arm. "Don't argue with your wife."

Ginny chuckled at James' speechless mouth movements.

"Hi, dad. Morning, mum," Harry said as he came in. He hugged his parents as they sat down to wait for Ginny to change.

"Here's the Gillyweed, Harry," Lily said handing it to him. "Just chew and swallow. It tastes awful, so choke it down quickly."

"Got it," Harry replied.

"Oh, and get in the water quickly after," Lily said. Harry looked up at her puzzled. "It gives you gills and webbed feet and hands."

"Got it."

"Ready?" Lily asked as Ginny came back.

"As I'll ever be for one of these dumb tasks," Ginny grumbled.

"Harry and Ron will be fine," Lily said soothingly. Harry and Ginny shared a quick look. They knew Lily was way too calm for this.

"So, when do we get to know what you seem to know, mum?" Harry asked. Lily looked shocked at the question.

"Soon," she sighed. "How did you…?"

"We overheard several things," Ginny said. "And you were too calm about the first task, and too calm now."

"Plus, we think the bond is growing. We've discovered some hidden abilities," Harry said. "My reflexes are sharper and so are my senses."

"And I'm sensitive to emotions around me," Ginny said.

"Empathic?" James asked. Ginny nodded. "We'll get some extra help with that. I know someone."

"Thanks, James," Ginny said. "It gets hard when I'm around a lot of people."

"Well, let's get to breakfast so you have some energy for your swim," Lily said. Harry frowned, but motioned to the door.

Ginny watched as Harry dove in the water. She had to smile to herself as he did a leaping backflip out of the water and dove back in. Lily giggled at Harry showing off. James was grinning, proudly. Ginny was wondering where Hermione was. She glanced at Fred, who was looking nervously at the water. Then she realized she must be in the lake for Viktor Krum to rescue. She spotted Luna, and waved her over.

"Did Cho get picked last night?" Ginny asked when Luna arrived.

"Yes," Luna said. "Cedric was quite beside himself this morning when he was told."

"I wonder who they got for Fleur?" Ginny asked idlily.

For twenty agonizing minutes, nothing happened. Ginny heard various conversations going on around her, but nothing that gave any information. Suddenly the surface of the water broke. Ginny could see the silver blonde hair of Fleur stagger to the shore. She could see the red welts over most of the French girl's body. Ginny could tell she was struggling as Madam Pomphrey ran up to Fleur. Ginny had a bad feeling about this and started making her way to the shore to find out what was going on.

Ginny saw Fleur burst into tears and start yelling at those around her. She could feel the fear and frustration, the sense of failure coming from her French friend. Ginny knew she had to do something.

'Harry!' Ginny thought quickly.

'I'm alright, Gin,' Harry answered back. Ginny opened her mind to find Harry, to feel where he was. He was in the mer-village waiting for the other Champions to arrive.

'Fleur had to drop out. She got stung pretty bad by the grindylows,' Ginny thought to Harry.

'Got it, Gin! Let Fleur know I got her back,' Harry responded.

'I would, but she's rather distraught. It's her little sister down there,' Ginny answered.

'Do your best. I got her,' Harry thought back. Ginny felt his concentration slip back on task. She turned to the French girl, inspiration coming to her in that second.

"Fleur!" Ginny said as she ran over and hugged the French girl tightly. The surprise brought Fleur out of her hysterics. "She'll be fine, Fleur," Ginny whispered in her ear. "She's in good hands with my husband."

Fleur's tears stopped and she pulled Ginny tighter. "Are vous sure?"

"Yes," Ginny said with a smile. She looked the other girl in the eyes. "Harry has her. Besides, he has this adorable 'saving people complex'. It's one of the reasons I love him."

"Merci," Fleur gave her a watery smile.

"Just so you know, he saved me a couple years ago," Ginny said reassuringly.

"Eez zhat 'ow your zoul bond waz formed?" Fleur asked quietly.

"Yes," Ginny smiled.

Soon the surface of the water rippled and a red head, a silver blond, and a raven-haired head broke the surface. Ginny smiled at Harry. He still had a couple of minutes to wait for the Gillyweed to wear off. Fleur bolted for the younger girl being helped to shore by Ron.

"My son, the hero," Lily said from beside Ginny.

"I wouldn't have him any other way," Ginny said. As soon as Harry stood from the water, Ginny and Lily rushed to hug him. "Great job, love! You're the first one back."

"'Arry," Fleur said as she grabbed him in a hug as well. "Zhank vous for saving 'er!" Fleur placed a kiss on each of his cheeks.

"You're welcome, Fleur."

"Come on," Lily said. "Let's get you three checked out and dried off."

A/N: Just so everyone is clear, I am rotating each chapter I write with the other two I am working on. I have finally got my outlines finished, plus several hand written sections waiting to be put on file. FYI: Answers to the many questions my readers have with be answered shortly after the Tri-Wizard. As always. thanks for the R/Rs.