January might be the longest month of the year, but the time between the Yule Ball and the morning of the first task flew by for Violet and her friends. Violet as before needed a plan to deal with two things. She needed to be able to swim and breathe under water in the Black Lake. She considered the Bubble Head Charm and she considered Gillyweed.
That was the hint she received again through a note. But she had a plan.
The morning of that task brought clear skies and actually decent warm temperatures for February. But those temperatures would mean nothing at the bottom of the Lake.
Violet did not see Draco for breakfast that morning, nor did she see him for the early lunch that she had. She didn't have time to worry however.
After lunch she changed into a full one-piece bathing suit. She put her robes on over them for warmth and coverage. Then she walked with her five friends to the platform set up by the Lake. Violet lined up next to the other champions and watched as Bagman moved among the champions giving them space between. He put Violet at the end of the line next to Krum. Then, as time approached, each champion took off their outer robes revealing their swimming trunks.
Bagman took an extra moment to stand in front of Violet and he seemed to shake her. "You have a plan, Potter?"
Violet resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but looked up at him and smiled sweetly. "Yes, Sir," she said.
Chuckling a bit, Bagman wandered off and cast, "Sonorus!"
"Well, all our champions are ready for the second task, which will start on my whistle. They have precisely one hour to recover what has been taken from them. On the count of three, then. One … two … three!"
The sound of the whistle was high pitched and echoed all the way across the lake. The crowd went wild. Then, everyone one after the other jumped into the water. Violet swam as she had learned in lessons with Ginny in the pond by the Weasleys at first. She did so until she found a rock sticking up near the shore. She pointed her wand at it and transfigured it into serpent. Then, she placed a bubble charm on her head, she held on to the tail of the serpent. She hissed at it in parseltongue with no one able to hear and it started to make its way deep into the water.
Small silver fish swam around her, darting away if she got too close. The weeds at the bottom swayed like they were caught in an invisible breeze.
She suddenly remembered her third-year warnings about grindylows. Rather than go through the weeds, Violet kept carefully above them, she had her wand at the ready.
She could see dark shapes twisted about in the weeds, and once in a while there was a flash of something that looked like a tiny clawed hand, but none of them were able to reach her. Satisfied, Violet gazed around trying to choose her direction. She needed to hear the voices of the Merpeople, and they could be anywhere.
Violet went for the center of the lake. Seemed like the best place to try and listen for singing.
It wasn't terribly long before she started to catch low, musical noises. Heart skipping a beat, Violet identified the direction it was coming from and hissed at the serpent under water directing it to move deeper and swifter. Soon, she saw rocks with the images of Merpeople on them. She saw images of Merpeople with spears and chasing giant tentacles.
A few minutes later she came across little house-like structures made of rock. Merpeople swam about, watching her warily. They looked nothing like that portrait in the Prefect Bath. Instead they were all greyish skin and long, green hair. Their eyes were wild and their teeth sharp. In Fact, the only thing that really looked like the portrait were their tails, which were sleek and powerful looking.
Violet directed her serpent to swim around these dwellings, trying to figure out where they would hide Draco and the other people. In the distance, she saw a grouping of blurred figures, and her eyes slowly focused on them. Four people were tied against the tail of a giant stone Merperson. They were surrounded by a crowd of Merpeople, all swimming around with spears watching the hostages and her carefully.
Among the humans was Draco, tied between Cho Chang and Hermione Granger. On the other side was a little girl with the same hair as Fleur. Draco, like the other three, was fast asleep, hanging limply in the water.
She hissed to her serpent to swim toward Draco. To her surprise, the Merpeople let her pass without any fuss. Violet ran her hands over the blonde's face, looking for damage.
When she found none, she sighed, a stream of bubbles escaping from her.
Directing the serpent, she had it use its sharp fangs to bite the ropes for Draco. Once Draco was floating freely, Violet tied him to herself, then she held on tight to her serpent and told her to begin the return swim. The Black Lake was deepest at its center, apparently, and it was slow going at first with Draco's weight. She did see the Giant Squid in the middle of the Lake. A few times, Violet had to make a dead stop or put on a burst of speed to avoid being hit by that thing's huge tentacles. Luckily the creature didn't seem to be after her so much as she was simply in the way.
It took a full five minutes before Violet broke the surface with Draco. At first there was no reaction other than Draco starting to squirm, as though air was the key to waking him from that enchanted sleep. A few seconds later she heard someone shout, and then the crowd went nuts.
She and Draco, who was now going on about how stupid contests put him at risk, made their way to the judges' table, who were standing up to help them get out.
Violet and Draco were quickly helped up out of the water. Draco reached over and kissed Violet passionately. When they broke apart, he whispered, "Thank you."
"You're welcome" was her reply.
Violet looked around seeing the pride on her Head of House's face – perhaps even a smile.
Suddenly, there was a splashing of Fleur, who had been captured by grindylows. She had to be retrieved from them. She was distraught, because she thought her sister was in danger. Fleur was pulled out of the water and another was sent to get her hostage. Next to return was Cedric Diggory, just a minute outside of the time limit. Cho Chang was clinging to him like a limpet, looking starry-eyed. Violet remembered how she felt getting out of that water.
Last to come up was Viktor Krum. Hermione Granger came up clinging to a shark-headed Krum as he flew up out of the water. Krum had done a self-transfiguration. His Professor Karkaroff helped him out of it. Violet saw the toned body of the Quidditch star. Hermione Granger was with him. Once everyone was up out of the water, a few heads of dark green hair bobbed up, carrying the stirring body of Gabrielle. The girl was snatched up by Fleur, who finally seized her fitful cries. Madame Pomfrey went to check on her. Then, the Merpeople went up and spoke to Dumbledore, who seemed to know Merrish.
Finally, the judges stopped murmuring and Bagman stood up to announce the winners.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our decision," said an overly loud Bagman. "Merchieftainess Murcus has told us exactly what happened down there at the bottom of the lake. The Champions are awarded points out of fifty. Fleur Delacour demonstrated an excellent grasp of the Bubble-Head Charm, was defeated by grindylows and therefore was unable to retrieve her hostage. Therefore, she earned twenty-five points!" There was a round of polite clapping.
"Cedric Diggory also used the Bubble Head Charm, and was able to get his own hostage, though he returned just outside of the time limit." He was interrupted by wild cheering from the Hufflepuffs. "Therefore he is awarded forty-seven points."
"Viktor Krum attempted a difficult self-Transfiguration. He was only partially successful in the change, but it was nevertheless very effective. However, he too arrived last out of the Champions and well outside of the limit. Therefore, he earned forty points." There was a loud cheering from the Durmstrang stands, and Karkaroff looked rather smug as he applauded vigorously also.
Pausing then, Bagman pointed to Violet. "Finally, we have Violet Potter. Miss Potter also used the Bubblehead charm and transfigured a shore rock into a serpent. Somehow able to communicate with the serpent she led it to retrieve her captive.
She was the first to arrive at the camp, forty-eight minutes in. Therefore, we award her forty-nine points!"
Violet grinned. That put her in first place. Draco grabbed her in a hug and looked very smug indeed. Violet felt smug. Pansy and Daphne waved excitedly in the stands.
Waving a hand to settle everyone, Bagman continued. "The final task will be at dusk on June twenty-fourth. Champions, you will be informed of the challenge a month before the task. Be sure to support your Champions!" With that he stepped down. With nothing else to worry about until the end of the year, Violet settled into Draco's side.
"You are in first place!" he said, kissing her again.
What a wonderful day!
Violet was able to be carefree now that the first two tasks were over. The youngest champion was clearly winning the competition to the shock of everyone. The weekend after all that excitement was Valentine's Day. Violet was again Draco's date at Hogsmeade. For the first time, they were trying the traditional make out center, Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop.
First of all, it was nice because both Violet and Draco were able to enjoy a warm cup of tea. Violet had peppermint tea with a blueberry scone. Draco had mulled cider with blackberry apple crumble.
Violet and Draco snuggled inside of the warm and musty building. Once their drinks and snacks were done, Violet and Draco were able to take advantage of the dark building and the smoky interior. Violet reached over and began to get close to Draco, her lips engulfing his. Draco pulled her closer with his arms and pushed her chest into him.
For several long minutes they fought for dominance on the bench, only coming up to breathe to take a sip of their tea or finish a bite of crumb. Sadly, the two of them were not ready to go much farther than that in their relationship yet.
Time went on through February and March and April was almost over when Violet was called to meet with the Headmaster and her godfather in the Headmaster's office. Violet sat in the chair awaiting the lecture that was sure to come.
Sirius Black looked at Violet with the same scowl he seemed to have every time they had one of these meetings and Professor Dumbledore had a twinkle in his eye as Violet sat there patiently. Violet used the time without talking to occlude the events of the last day. When she still didn't hear anything from either, she reviewed with her Occlumency every other interaction she had with Professor Dumbledore in this office.
It was not Violet or Dumbledore that lost their patience first, but Sirius Black.
After fifteen minutes, he threw up his hands and said, "I know you two like to play this game, but I don't have the patience for it." He turned to Violet and with a pleading look in his eyes he said, "Violet, Dumbledore is going to share some very important things with you, and for once I just want you to listen and do what he says."
Violet smiled at her godfather, but said nothing, and then looked expectantly at Dumbledore. He sighed and shook his head gravely at Sirius and then looked at Violet.
"Violet, my girl," he began.
Violet wanted to cringe at the familiarity he continued to try to show her, but was able to repress any reaction. She looked at him, waiting for him to get to his point.
"I feel that you do not understand the dangers you are in. On October 31, 1981 Voldemort – "
Violet cringed at the use of the name, and her reaction made Dumbledore's face turn in disappointment.
"Remember Violet, my girl. Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself." He said.
Violet smiled, but said nothing, still sitting waiting for him to get to his point. "Well, Voldemort," Dumbledore continued, "Has been showing signs that he might not in fact be dead. While you have been galivanting through this tournament –"
"And quite admirably, I might add," Sirius added trying to gain points with her.
Dumbledore smiled with a grandfather look at Sirius and then her before he went on to say, "But Voldemort has been growing stronger. I'm afraid he might try to do something with the last task of the Tournament."
Violet gave a look of shock, but she wasn't. She had this feeling – a premonition or dread of something building.
"What are you going to do, Professor?" She asked.
At this, he gave her a look of absolute confusion. "What do you expect me to do, my dear girl?" He finally asked after a moment of silent confusion.
"Well," Violet began. "I don't know. Perhaps you should cancel it for the safety of the Champions, visitors, and students, don't you think?" she asked innocently.
Dumbledore did not respond right away but gave her a hard look. Violet decided to press on while he seemed to be confused.
"I am just a student at your school, participating in a Tournament that did not have enough security in place to prevent me from being forced to compete," she said with a voice as sweet as honey. "What am I going to do should something happen in this final task?"
Sirius slammed his hand on the desk in front of her, and Violet was unable to prevent herself from jumping at the violence.
"Bloody hell, Violet," he said. "Can't you just trust Dumbledore?"
Violet turned to her godfather and took a deep breath. "Trust him to do what, my dear Godfather?" She responded. "He hasn't told me what he is going to do. I am simply asking what it is he wants me to do?"
Dumbledore's eyes lost their twinkle. "I feel you need to stop your dancing, Violet my dear." He then pulled the Sorting Hat out. "You need to renounce Slytherin and your friends. You need to forsake the dark and come back to the light. Very soon, it will be too late."
Violet looked at him with confusion. "Dark?" She asked. Then, she asked. "Light? What does Slytherin have to do with either? Besides, wasn't Pettigrew a Gryffindor?"
Sirius growled, "Violet –"
Violet looked between the Hat, Dumbledore and Sirius. "You have reason to believe that the Dark Lord who was cast down on October 31, 1981 is going to make a return, and he is going to make a spectacle at the Tri-Wizard Finale. You believe that my life is in danger, so you want me to change my house. But you haven't explained how this is going to protect me."
Dumbledore sighed and that disappointed Grandfather façade reappeared. "Violet," he said, but Violet shook her head and stood up. "I don't need to stay here for this." Then, she was up and moving.
Sirius yelled, "VIOLET LILY POTTER!" But she didn't hear anything else. She nearly ran for the fastest escape and made her way back to the Common Room.
The days and weeks after the confrontation did not have Violet assaulted again. She saw little of Dumbledore nor did she see any of her godfather. The next time she saw Dumbledore other than at the Head Table for meals was on a cool May day when she stood with the other three champions to discuss the final task.
Violet looked up and saw Cedric approach. His head was down as he marched his way toward Violet. She just sat in contemplation as he stood nearby.
Just then, Bagman, Dumbledore, Fleur, and Krum all joined them. Bagman was beaming but refused to say anything. Instead, he beckoned them to draw closer. Violet stood up and smoothed her robes before smoothly moving into the huddle.
"This last task is one of skill and logic. It's designed to push you in ways you've never been pushed. To explore the heart of who you truly are …" Dumbledore said with a low voice.
"A maze –" Cedric whispered and Dumbledore nodded his head sagely.
"But it isn't a normal maze," Bagman added. He clapped Cedric on the shoulder and gave him a look. "This one is filled with nasty things."
Krum grunted in irritation. Fleur snorted out, "Not monsters!"
"Zat ees insane!" Krum shouted.
Violet and Cedric remained quiet.
Bagman shushed them. "There will be precautions, I assure you, but for now, that is all I can say."
Violet wanted to interrupt, but instead she gave a meaningful look at Dumbledore. His eyes twinkled madly as he returned her look, but he said nothing. Violet just rolled her eyes and moved away, done with the madman.
On the eve of the Final task, Violet had a dream. She saw a snake long and black slither past her. The snake slithered through an open door, and then heard the muffled sound of Parseltongue. Violet found herself stand up and walk into that room that was lit by a fire. There she saw what she only saw in the newspaper, Wormtail. He was prostrating himself on the dirty floor. The snake was coiled around his knees and wove around the wing-backed chair, clearly delighting in his fear.
"You are in luck, Wormtail," a cold, high-pitched voice that came from herself said. "You are very fortunate indeed. Your blunder has not ruined everything. He is dead."
"My Lord!" gasped the man on the floor. "My Lord, I am … I am so pleased …. And so sorry …"
"Nagini," said her cold voice, "you are out of luck. I will not be feeding Wormtail to you, after all …"
The snake hissed. Violet could see its tongue fluttering.
"Now, Wormtail," said her cold voice again, "perhaps one more little reminder why I will not tolerate another blunder from you …"
"My Lord … no … I beg you…"
The tip of her wand emerged and pointed at Wormtail.
"Crucio!" said her cold voice.
Wormtail screamed, screamed as though every nerve in his body were on fire, the screaming filled Violet's ears. Violet smiled as she held the curse on Wormtail. She poured all her anger and hatred at the dumb rat, Dumbledore and Sirius Black and –
But suddenly she woke up.
Her breathing was shallow and quick, and her body felt cool with sweat. She sucked in a breath and looked blearily around the room.
"I had a vision," she whispered to herself.