A/N: Anything in italics is in French

Fleur woke up to her little sister bundling onto the bed. The older girl mumbled, trying to turn away from the disturbance.

"Wake up," Gabrielle sang, bouncing on the bed. "Claire is already on her way over here. Did you know she's sleeping in Alexander's room now? Are they finally together?"

"Gabby, they've been together since the Yule Ball," Fleur groaned, hoping that bit of information would be enough to remove the annoyance.

"Where's 'Mi? I thought she said she was going to stay over?" Gabrielle changed topics suddenly, seeming to only just realise there was one body in the bed.

Fleur groaned, knowing that getting a bit more sleep was a pointless endeavor. "She needed to help 'Arry prepare for this Task."

"But what about helping you prepare?" Gabrielle asked teasingly. Fleur narrowed her eyes at her sister.

"You're not allowed to spend any more time with Alexander and Claire, they're horrible influences."

"Alexander's family, and apparently Claire will be soon too, you can't stop me!" Gabrielle exclaimed, grinning broadly as she settled against the foot of the bed.

Fleur sighed, pushing herself up and resting against the headboard. "Have you seen if they've taken anything?"

Gabrielle frowned, glancing around the room. "It looks like everything's here, maybe they'll take it during breakfast?"

"That's leaving it a bit late, don't you think?" Fleur mused, glancing around the room herself. "I guess I'll just have to work it out in the Lake."

"Where's 'Ermione?" Claire asked, walking into Fleur's room. She had taken her time to put her uniform on, her hat twirling between her hands. Fleur's eyes immediately locked onto the floating cups behind her.

"Morning to you too Claire," Fleur sighed, grabbing one of the coffee cups out of the air. "She had to help 'Arry prepare, she'll meet me before the Task."

"Very last minute, these English, aren't they?" Claire asked sarcastically, pulling out the desk chair to sit on. "Here Gabby, you can have her tea. How're you feeling, Fleur, about this?"

Fleur took a sip of her drink, suddenly hyper aware of the nerves settling in her stomach. "It's water. I hate water."

Claire hummed, nodding slowly. "I can see how that's potentially problematic."

Fleur scowled, throwing a pillow at Claire's head. "Potentially problematic, is that really the best you could come up with?"

"It's still early, plenty of time. I need to warm up to tease 'Ermione whilst you're in the water," Claire giggled, throwing the pillow back.

"Can I help tease 'Mi?" Gabrielle asked all too innocently. Claire grinned at the younger girl proudly, whereas Fleur groaned.

"You two have been a horrible influence on her," Fleur commented to Claire exasperatedly. Claire just shrugged in return, an evil smirk in place.

"Are you decent?" Came Alexander's voice through the closed door. "Madame Maxime said we all have to go into breakfast together. And that 'Ermione can join us if she wears the uniform!"

"Come in Alexander," Claire called back, Fleur already moving off the bed to get her clothes ready, coffee floating behind her.

Alexander strolled in, softly closing the door behind him. Over one arm, he had slung a set of Beauxbaton robes. "'Ermione, I got these off Angelique, they're too small, she said - wait where's 'Ermione?" The boy looked around the room, before glaring at Fleur. "Why did you scare her off?"

Fleur sighed, hitting her head against her wardrobe. "I didn't scare her off, she needed to help 'Arry prepare for the Task. And if one more person asks where she is I'll drown you all in the Lake."

Alexander held his hands up, dropping the Beauxbaton robes on the bed. "And here I thought we all wanted to see how cute she would look in our uniform."

"She's meeting 'Mi for breakfast," Gabrielle supplied happily, "She can put on the hat in the Hall!"

"I suppose we can deal with that," Alexander sighed, dropping onto the bed. He eyed Fleur and Gabrielle still in their pajamas. "You both need to go get ready, Maxime wants to leave soon."

"I'm not telling her 'Ermione didn't stay over," Claire said, "she's insistent on convincing her to transfer to Beauxbatons."

Fleur glared at the pair of students, flinging her swimsuit at Claire's head. "Gabby, go with Alexander and get ready. Alexander if you corrupt my sister any further I'll tell your mother."

Alexander's eyes widened comically, and he quickly gathered Angelique's robes and shuffled out of the room with Gabrielle. Before he shut the door, he gave the two girls a mocking bow, laughing loudly down the corridor.

Claire grinned, holding up the swimsuit suggestively. "Hoping 'Ermione will help peel this off afterwards?"

The other witch half heartedly glared, pulling her uniform off hangers. "'Ermione is young, Claire, we're taking it slowly."

"Is that what you want? Or her?" Claire turned around to start pulling pins and hairbands out of drawers, preparing to braid Fleur's hair. "Let me guess, you haven't even spoken about it, have you?"

Fleur's face flushed, grateful that Claire was keeping the conversation away from the upcoming Task. "We haven't spoken about it, no. I don't want to push her."

"And your Aunt will kill you if you dare push your luck."

"Mari probably wouldn't, but I wouldn't put it past Ros," Fleur quickly changed into her swimming costume, strapping an empty wand holster to her thigh. Her uniform was put on top, wand stowed in her pocket.

"Did 'Ermione owl them about that reporter?" Claire asked, quickly getting to work on braiding Fleur's hair.

"I don't think so," Fleur admitted, "could you get her to talk to Ros during the Task please?"

"Of course, I'll tell them myself if 'Ermione won't," Claire sighed, holding a pin in between her teeth. "It's been a few weeks since the incident, but reporters can hold a grudge. I told her to think like a pureblood."

"'Ermione is very independent, she wants to deal with it herself… I'll try to talk to her during breakfast, but I imagine she'll be more concerned with the Task than that stupid woman."

"I like to call her stubborn, but independent works as well. There, you're all done," Claire summoned Fleur's hat, placing it carefully on the braids, before stepping back. "Now, run me through your plan again."

Fleur smiled, one hand delicately touching the braids. Standing up, she recited her plan again. "As soon as the whistle blows, I'll go straight in, casting warming charms as I dive. Bubblehead charm afterwards, then create a slipstream. Aim for the deepest point of the Lake, presumably towards the middle of it."

"And," Claire prompted, as they walked towards the main room.

"Listen for the song," Fleur intoned, hitching her bag further onto her shoulder. "The Merpeople should hopefully be singing it. As soon as I've got the item, slipstream straight up, out of the water. Pray I don't drown."

"Morning," Maxime's voice boomed as they entered the main room. The rest of the delegation were lounging about, but quickly jumped up as the last two students entered. "I trust you are prepared?"

Looking over her fellow students, Fleur felt her nerves return tenfold. The Triwizard Tournament was never about personal glory, not for her. It was for her school. Fleur didn't trust her voice to cooperate, so just nodded, her face setting in a neutral expression. Madame Maxime nodded, eyes briefly glancing over Fleur's shoulder, before turning and leading the delegation out of the Carriage.

Fleur felt her sister take her hand as they filed out, knowing that Claire and Alexander were in step behind them. Her Thrall seeped out nervously, drawing attention to the students as they filed into the Great Hall. Fleur's eyes glanced over the Gryffindor table, searching for Hermione.

"I can't see her," Alexander mumbled, buttering some toast. Claire and Gabrielle had both turned to look around the Hall, searching for a glimpse of bushy hair.

"Maybe 'Arry is still not ready?" Claire offered quietly. "He isn't here either."

Fleur locked eyes with Maribel, back to sitting at the Top Table. Her aunt gave Fleur a small wave and a smile. The older Veela mouthed "good luck", before turning her attention back to Ros.

"Auntie Mari doesn't seem worried," Fleur muttered, her stomach churning uncomfortably.

"'Mi will be down soon," Gabrielle insisted, putting some fruit on her sister's plate. "You need to eat Fleur."

The Champion sighed, eating the fruit on her plate. Her mind was racing, wondering where Hermione was, and going over her plan again.

"Claire, Alexander," Fleur suddenly said, as a horrible thought struck her. "You don't think I have to rescue 'Ermione, do you?"

Both their eyes widened, glancing around the Hall again. It was Alexander that replied, slowly. "They wouldn't have, surely."

"It would be the first time for a human hostage," Claire added, her face turning as pale as Fleur's.

"Your aunts don't seem worried, they can't have taken her."

"And Madame Maxime thought that 'Ermione had stayed over, surely she would know."

Fleur sighed, nodding her head. "Of course, I just panicked."

"We'll find her," Gabrielle said, very seriously. Fleur nodded again, her throat tight.

"She's probably running late," Claire said softly, although Fleur wasn't sure who that was aimed at.

"It's almost time to head down," Alexander said, a little while later. Fleur had long since stopped eating, her nerves growing with every passing minute.

As soon as Madame Maxime stood up, the Beauxbaton delegation rose. The chatter in the Hall was no more than buzzing in Fleur's ears. Automatically, her hand found Gabrielle's, piercing blue eyes searching the entire way down to the Lake.

"You okay?" Gabby's voice broke through the buzzing. Fleur glanced down briefly, giving her a small smile and nod, before she was back to looking for bushy hair.

The seats that encircled the Dragon enclosure now stood on the bank of the Lake, already beginning to fill up with students. A golden table for the judges stood empty in front of the stands. Fleur vaguely heard her fellow students wish her good luck, sounding like she was already underwater. Gabrielle kept hold of her hand tightly. Madame Maxime squeezed at Fleur's other shoulder before moving towards the Judges table.

Thankfully, Claire and Alexander kept close, moving towards the bank as one unit. Fleur focused on her breathing, eyeing the water with distrust.

"She's not here, Fleur," Alexander said softly, eyes taking one more glance around the stand.

"It's not like 'Ermione to not show up," Claire muttered.

"Sorry, are you looking for Hermione Granger?" Cedric Diggory interrupted. He flushed slightly when four sets of eyes stared in his direction. The Hogwarts student was halfway through a series of stretches. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, it's just I haven't seen Cho this morning either, and I heard you say Hermione."

"Oui," Claire cut across his rambling softly. "Nobody 'as seen eizer of zem zis morning?"

"No, I asked a few of the Ravenclaws, but she hasn't been seen since last night. Cho that is."

"Zat ees very weird," Alexander mumbled, placing a hand on Fleur's arm when she tensed.

"I need to speak to Maribel," Fleur muttered to Alexander, her stomach rolling violently. "Zank you, Cedric, eet ees ztrange zey 'ave not told anyone w'ere zey are."

"I'll go speak to Maribel," Alexander whispered, "you stay here, get out of your uniform and get ready. Task is due to start any minute."

Fleur nodded to Alexander, tuning out whatever Claire and Cedric were talking about. She watched as Alexander jogged to where her aunt was talking to Maxime, Ros already leaning against the Judges table talking to Ludo Bagman. The stands were almost filled, the last few stragglers settling. Victor Krum and Durmstrang had arrived silently, their champion already in just a pair of trunks.

Quickly, Fleur stripped off her uniform, revealing the silver swim costume. Her long cloak went back over the top of it, and wand was tucked neatly in her thigh holster. Fleur's attention went back to Alexander and Maribel. Together, they strode to the Judges table, Madame Maxime in tow, to speak, heads down, to Ros. Fleur's stomach dropped as she watched Ros turn pale, quickly glancing where three Champions were assembled, before turning to speak to Professor Dumbledore.

"What are they talking about?" Claire asked quietly, following Fleur's piercing stare. The Beauxbatons Champion was tense, her worst fears about to come true, she was certain.

"I zink," Fleur said in a slightly louder voice and in English for the Hogwarts Champion, "zat zey are w'o we 'ave to rescue."

Fleur missed Cedric paling rapidly, but heard him pass the message along to Victor Krum. Claire gasped, reaching out to touch Fleur's shoulder. Fleur wasn't sure if that was to stop her jumping in the Lake early.

The three Champions now kept their eyes on the assembled Judges, Fleur watching for any hint that it was her Hermione, her mate in that Lake. None of them could hear what was happening, but Fleur watched as Alexander was moved backwards, Maribel and Ros both gesturing furiously. Even Madame Maxime and Karkaroff seemed mad about whatever it was. Ludo Bagman looked even more excited than he did at the start, and a redheaded boy kept to the back of the group. Professor Dumbledore seemed as calm as he always was, even with the four others seemingly shouting at him.

With all the commotion, nobody noticed as Harry Potter, the final Champion, raced into line. He was clutching at his side, breathing heavily, still in his robes. Claire's grip on Fleur got stronger, as the four previously arguing judges deflated, Maribel giving Fleur a heavy look. Ros placed an arm around Maribel, alternating between glaring at Dumbledore, and looking apologetically at Fleur.

Fleur snarled, trying to break free from the grip to go rescue her Hermione. Her mate was trapped underwater, with Merpeople. The rational side of Fleur argued with her more in control Veela that Merpeople would recognise the mate of a Veela. The distant cousins would not allow any harm to come to her Hermione. The Veela part of her was not listening, focused on saving Hermione. Fleur knew that her eyes were changing colour, washing from blue to gold. Thankfully, as a part-Veela, the rest of the transformation was impossible, so Fleur did not have to worry about feathers sprouting.

"Fleur, think about this," Claire pleaded quietly, silently pushing Gabrielle away slightly. "If you go in before the whistle they'll disqualify you and pull you out before you can get to 'Ermione. Give me your robe, get ready to go as soon as. You jump in before the whistle, you can't save her."

That seemed to settle Fleur enough for her to throw off her cloak, trusting that Gabrielle picked it up. With a final nod to Claire and Gabrielle, Fleur moved forward, the other Champions forming a line right at the edge of the water. Her hand held the top of her wand, still holstered. None of the Champions could draw their wand before the whistle.

Fleur could somewhat hear Ludo Bagman talking, but, like with the well-wishes of her school, it sounded muffled, like she was submerged. Then, Fleur heard it, clear as day. The all important whistle, echoing shrilly through her head.

Without looking back, Fleur leaped forward, as quickly as she could, into the deeper water. For the first time since she had worked out the clue, the water was not an issue for her. Wand drawn from the holster, warming spells were cast, threaded into her costume with ease.

As she dove into the deeper water, all thoughts of the Bubblehead went out the window. The Bubblehead Charm would only slow her down, and impair her vision. Whilst still diving down, Fleur started her transfiguration. Firstly, gills stretching over her neck, the transfiguration going deeper and altering her lungs to allow the water. A dangerous change, one that had only been covered in theory during class.

Next, webbing between her fingers, still allowing a grip on her wand, but making her move that little faster through the water. Followed quickly by a charm to alter her vision, allowing her crystal clear eyesight whilst underwater.

Fleur's final transfiguration delved into her Veela roots. More specifically, the Veela's roots with the Merpeople. A tail rather than two legs. More agile, allowing her to move faster.

As Fleur sped downwards, her Veela seemed to know which way to go, and where to avoid. Sharply, she swerved around a meadow of what looked like grass. When she saw the Grindylow try to latch onto her tail, it was barely a flick of her wand for the small horned creature to be burnt off her.

At one point, she was sure there was a ghost of a girl in the water, swimming with the fish. However, Fleur turned away from the spectre, changing direction slightly. Her thoughts were filled with finding Hermione, and she barely recognised it when she passed into the Merpeople territory.

Fleur looked around the small village she came across, swimming much more carefully now. Whilst they were distant cousins, if they had been ordered to fight, no family relations would help her. The houses were no more than crude stone dwellings, some with gardens of seaweed outside.

She wearily stopped at a pair of Merpeople, both armed with spears. However, the two nodded at her in welcome. "Veela, cousin. Many blessings to you and your flock."

Fleur nodded back at the pair, taking care to clearly pronounce the return. "Merfolk, cousin. Many blessings to you and your tribe."

With that over with, the pair pointed towards the middle of the village. "Your Chosen is there, cousin. Had we known, we would not have agreed."

"Many thanks, cousins." Fleur said carefully, making sure to fully pronounce every word. They nodded, and Fleur swam as fast as she respectfully could. She could not sit through her Grandmother lecturing her on etiquette if word got out she swam rudely through their land.

The French Champion swam past a few more Merpeople, but thankfully none offered a greeting, seeming to sense her haste. They were nothing like paintings, with greyish skins, and long, wild green hair. Thick ropes of pebbles were strung around the adult's necks. The further into the village she swam, the more of her cousins were outside.

Finally, Fleur came to the main square. In the back of her head, she recognised the Merpeople singing the clue from the Egg, but she quickly went back to ignoring the sound. Her attention came to the Merchieftainess, behind whom was her Hermione, bound to a statue, seeming to be asleep.

"Veela, cousin," The Merchief said, voice echoing over the noise of the choir. "Many blessings to you and your flock."

"Merchieftainess, cousin," Fleur replied, taking great care to look at the imposing figure in the eyes. Once again, she was focussed on her accent, giving a deep bow. "Many blessings to you and your tribe."

Unlike the other Merpeople, the Merchief had a choker of shark fangs, with a neat green beard. He was also significantly larger than the other Merpeople, and held a trident, rather than a spear.

"Heiress, cousin, I extend an apology," The Merchief continued, bowing deeply, much to Fleur's surprise. "Had I known that it was your Chosen being held hostage, I would never have offered my tribe."

"Chief, cousin," Fleur was trying not to shake from nerves, needing to get to her Hermione, but needing to show respect. It was only the fact that all four hostages were still there made Fleur relax slightly. She was in the lead over the others. The Merpeople would not allow Hermione to come to harm. "There is no need for apologies, but I accept and thank you for it all the same. It is not you and your tribe at fault."

"Heiress, cousin," the Merchief replied somberly. "We will make amends, name your price."

Fleur was silent for a minute, before replying carefully. "Chief, cousin, I ask for you not to take the blame. This blame lays at the feet of another."

The Merchief went silent himself, and Fleur wondered if she had unknowingly insulted the tribe. However, her thoughts were broken by his booming laugh, a large smile breaking apart his face, arms held wide to his side. "Cousin, you bring honour to your flock indeed. I accept your price. I will offer an extra, however."

Before Fleur could question the Merchief, he turned, striking against Hermione's bindings with his trident. The Merchief waved Fleur over, and she rushed to Hermione's side, thankful for the bubbles escaping her mouth.

"Heiress, cousin," The Merchief said, laughter still playing at the edges of his tone. "You bring great honour to your flock, you may call me Murcus."

"Murcus, cousin," Fleur smiled, clinging desperately to Hermione, webbed fingers taking solace in the steady pulse at the girl's neck. "You bring great honour to your tribe, please call me Fleur."

Murcus's attention was drawn to the entrance of the village, seeing things that Fleur could not make out. "Fleur, cousin, go with speed. Please, give our apologies to your Chosen. Many blessings."

"Murcus, cousin, many thanks and blessings to you. I will tell my flock of your great honor."

With a final nod, Fleur finally sped off, barely glancing backwards as Harry swam towards the square. In her arms, she kept Hermione close, not once thinking about the points, or the time limit of the Task. Hermione was pale, and still dressed in her school robes. Fleur wondered if she had been taken the night before. However, she must have only been placed in the Lake in the morning, as the Merpeople would not have allowed her to stay overnight.

As the surface came closer, Fleur cancelled the transfiguration on her fingers, allowing the webs to fade. Her vision became grainy, spell fading, but the surface was so close it no longer mattered. With one last push, she allowed her tail to morph back into two lean legs. Just before she broke the surface, she cancelled the transfiguration on her neck and lungs. As her head emerged, Fleur cast one last spell to expel the water left in her lungs, leaving a burning feeling in its wake.

Fleur gripped Hermione close as they both finally breathed in air. Hermione choked suddenly, coughing violently. The French witch panicked, holding Hermione above the water. Finally, the younger witch shuddered, blinking rapidly against the harsh light. Fleur could vaguely hear the screaming from the crowd, the cheers, and her fellow students singing as loud as they could.

"Fleur?" Hermione said weakly, starting to kick her own feet to keep them afloat.

"Thank the Goddesses, 'Ermione, you're okay, you're okay, je t'aime," Fleur held onto her tighter, not caring of the tears that were streaming down her face.

"Hey, Fleur, mon amour, I love you too, come on," Hermione mumbled, stroking at Fleur's braids. "I'm okay, we're both okay, let's get back to shore, hey?"

Fleur nodded, allowing Hermione to take some of her weight, feeling exhaustion settle into her very bones. They swam closer to the edge, stumbling at the transition from swimming to walking. Claire and Alexander rushed into the water, standing on opposite sides to help take their weight.

Madam Pomfrey stood on the edge of the water, Maribel rocking next to her. As soon as they got close enough, towels were thrown over them. Claire and Alexander led them towards a bench, Fleur collapsing gratefully onto it. The movement, after so long with a tail, left her feeling weak.

Maribel wrapped more towels around the pair, as Madam Pomfrey cast warming spells, and diagnostics. "Here, drink this, the pair of you," the matron ordered, handing both girls a steaming potion. Hermione laughed when they drank it, steam billowing out of their ears.

"I'm so sorry," Maribel mumbled, tears in her eyes. "Dumbledore never told anyone who the hostages were. He decided on Yule dates, and Mr Weasley. He never told us, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," Hermione replied softly, bringing the older girl into a hug. It was made awkward by Fleur keeping Hermione practically on her lap, plus the Beauxbaton students surrounding them. "Fleur was brilliant. It's not your fault."

Maribel gave her a watery grin, pulling away from the hug. "Right, I'll go let Ros know you're okay. I love you."

"Love you too," Hermione said, a smile in place.

"Auntie Mari," Fleur called as the witch stood up. "I spoke to the Merchieftainess, he kept 'Ermione safe."

Maribel smiled, placing a kiss on both their heads. "I'm so proud of you."

As the older Veela walked towards Ros, who was sitting on the edge of her seat anxiously at the Judges table, the other Beauxbaton students came even closer.

"You finished really quickly," Angelique called out, "You still had ten minutes on the clock."

"Did you actually speak to the Merpeople?" One student asked, amazement in his voice.

"Oui," Fleur replied shyly. "The Merchief is huge, but has a really loud laugh."

"You always get to have all the fun," Claire moaned teasingly, moving slightly to allow Gabrielle to climb into Fleur's lap.

"Can I speak to them Fleur?" The younger girl asked excitedly, wrapping Fleur in a hug.

"What did you mean," Hermione asked quietly, leaning against Fleur, "when you said he kept me safe?"

"The Merpeople and Veela are distant cousins," Alexander explained, as the rest of the delegation filed back to their seats. "You're Fleur's Chosen, and they would recognise that."

"Murcus wants me to give you his apologies," Fleur continued, raining kisses on Hermione's cheeks. "Had he known you would be a hostage, he never would have agreed to it."

"You got the Merchiefs name?" Claire asked in amazement.

"He told me it when I said the blame wasn't with him."

Alexander whistled lowly, although their attention was quickly drawn towards the water. Suddenly, Cedric Diggory broke the water, dragging Cho Chang with him. Fleur managed to make out a Bubblehead charm before it was spelled away. The Hogwarts students began a cheer at the sight of one of their Champions.

"Weird," Fleur muttered, pressing a kiss to Hermione's head. "'Arry arrived there just as I left, and I was first."

"Maybe he got into trouble," Hermione offered, settling closer to Fleur, who just shrugged in return.

Cedric and Cho were rushed onto a bench near the other Champion, Madam Pomfrey fretting around them both. Cedric had scratches over his chest and back, but insisted the mediwitch checked over Cho first.

With the other two Champions not breaking the water, Alexander turned to face Hermione. "You avoided eet zis morning," he teased, "we were going to dress you in ze uniform. 'Owever, do not worry, I bought ze 'at wiz me!"

Hermione giggled, playfully swatting the older boy as he balanced the blue silk hat on her head. Fleur grinned broadly as the Hogwarts student made no move to remove the hat. Claire had put Fleur's hat back on her, her own hat lopsided. Gabrielle amused herself with trying to put a braid at the end of Hermione's hair.

Cheers broke out from the Durmstrang students suddenly. Their attention turned to the water, barely making out Viktor Krum breaking the water, the student in his arms wearing the school's red uniform.

"Wonder w'o zat ees," Alexander said, joining in the clapping. "Zee looks angry, would not want to meet 'er in a dark alley."

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked, eyes scanning the water. "We didn't have a clue what to do when we left him."

"W'en did zey take you?" Claire asked, as Fleur peppered more kisses to bushy hair.

"Last night," Hermione replied absently. "We got told Professor McGonagall needed us, but when we got there, someone else hit us with a spell. Next thing I knew, Fleur was holding me afloat in the water."

"Zey did not even tell you?" Fleur asked, a dangerous edge in her voice. "Zey just 'it you wiz a zpell?"

Even Alexander and Claire looked furious at that, both turning to face Hermione straight on. She flushed under their gaze.

"No," Hermione said slowly. "I just know it wasn't Professor McGonagall, I was looking at her, she didn't have her wand out."

"'Ermione," Claire said carefully. "After zis ees done, you go tell your family zat. Do not argue wiz me. Zat ees not a good zing, no warning, no choice."

Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but snapped it shut at the look on the older girl's face.

"And you tell zem about zat reporter too," Claire added, leaving no room for arguments. Hermione just nodded in return.

Cheers started back up again, and Hermione, quick to avoid Claire's wrath, spun around to face the water. Gabrielle jolted her hands away quickly, throwing a glare to the older student. Hermione joined in the cheers as Harry and Ron broke the surface. The cheering continued as the two made their way to the shore, Percy rushing forward to help them out of the shores.

Hermione went to stand up, but Fleur still had a tight grip around her waist. Thankfully, the two boys were rushed to the bench next to them, Hermione beaming at the pair.

"Harry," Hermione cried, "well done! You did it, you found out a way by yourself!" The Gryffindor witch ignored the dramatic look Fleur playfully gave her.

"Well," Harry said quietly, but his voice quickly became stronger. "Yeah, yeah I did, that's right."

"'Mi," Gabrielle cut in suddenly, picking at something in her hair. "You have a beetle in your hair."

"I've got it," Fleur said softly, flicking the beetle towards the water impatiently.

"You're well outside the time limit though," Hermione said, squeezing Gabrielle's shoulder in thanks.

"Yeah mate," Ron continued, "did it take you ages to find us or something?"

"No," Harry said, deflating slightly. "No I found you okay, I just…" Harry let his sentence trail off, the attention now turning to where Dumbledore was crouched, speaking to the Merpeople in their scratchy voices, in the shores of the Lake..

"Zat ees Murcus," Fleur whispered into Hermione's hair, pointing subtly at the largest one. As Dumbledore rose and collected the Judges, Murcus raised his trident in a salute at Fleur and Hermione. The other Merpeople followed his lead, raising spears in a salute.

Fleur nodded in return, holding her wand up in a salute. Hermione nodded at the Merchief as well, giving him a smile and a small wave. Without any further fanfare, the Merpeople went back underwater. Gabrielle's eyes were wide, babbling excitedly in French.

Finally, the Judges broke apart, Ludo Bagman's voice echoing magically over the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our decision. Merchieftainess Murcus has told us exactly what happened at the bottom of the Lake, and we have therefore decided to award marks out of fifty for each of the Champions, as follows."

"He shouldn't use Murcus's name if he hasn't been given it," Fleur mumbled angrily into Hermione's hair. In return, Hermione placed a hopefully calming kiss to the corner of her mouth.

"Miss Fleur Delacour," Bagman's magically enhanced voice continued, "demonstrated incredible use of Human Transfiguration, was the first to arrive at the hostages, and return to the surface with her own hostage. She also returned with ten minutes remaining of the Task." Ludo paused for dramatic effect, before continuing. "We have therefore decided to award her forty eight marks."

Enormous cheers broke out from the Beauxbatons students, Hermione pulling her Champion in for a lingering kiss in celebration. Claire and Alexander both clapped Fleur hard on the back, Gabrielle swinging from her sister's neck.

"In second place," Bagman continued once the cheering had died down. "Was Mr Cedric Diggory, who used the Bubblehead Charm to great effect, was the second to return with his hostage. However, he returned one minute outside of the time limit. We therefore decided to award him forty five points."

Cheers started again, mostly from the Hufflepuffs. This time, however, they died again quickly, wanting to hear the last two scores.

"Mr Viktor Krum used an incomplete form of Human Transfiguration, but it was nevertheless effective, returned third with his hostage, ten minutes outside the time limit. We therefore decided to award him forty points."

More cheers from the Durmstrang, although they were a lot more subdued.

"Finally, Mr Harry Potter, who used Gillyweed to great effect. He returned last, twelve minutes outside of the time limit of an hour. However, the Merchieftainess informs us that Mr Harry Potter was in fact, second to reach the hostages. His delay in his return was due to his determination to rescue the remaining hostages to safety, not merely his own."

Bagman paused again, to build suspense, before continuing. "Most of the Judges feels like this shows outstanding moral fibre, and we have decided to award him forty four points."

Cheers sprung up again, Ron clapping him on his back roughly. "You weren't being thick at all Harry," Ron cheered over the noise. "You were showing moral fibre!"

Hermione was clapping so hard her hands hurt, burrowing herself closer into Fleur.

"The third and final Task," Bagman shouted over the noise, "will take place at dusk on the twenty-fourth of June. The Champions will be notified of what is coming precisely one month beforehand. Thank you all for your continued support of your Champions!"

Students began filing out whilst the Beauxbaton delegation started up their song again. Hermione pulled Fleur closer, uncaring of the public display of affection.

"My Champion," Hermione whispered against Fleur's lips. The Gryffindor broke out in giggles as Fleur lifted and spun her around, uncaring of the eyes on them.