A.N.Finally I was able to finish this chapter, I hope it was worth the wait, I really do, I have no excuses for why it took so long, but I hope people enjoy it.
Fleur
I woke up early in the morning, it was the day of the Second Trial, and I needed to mentally and physically prepare for the coming fight. Adding to that there is a very real possibility that Hermione is going to be inserted into this Trial which meant there was going to be no way that I wasn't going to go at it full force. Just the thought of the girl I loved being put in harm's way was enough to set me on edge.
I left the carriage and started on my morning run along the lake, hoping it would clear the worries that plagued my mind. Making sure not to tire myself out before the Trial I settled on the side of the lake and continued to practice my magic. Making sure each part of my body, all the way down to my fingers and toes moved the exact way they should for maximum efficiency. Suddenly grateful for the harsh teachings of both my dance instructor and duel master as my body responded to my commands instantly.
Happy with the way my body moved I headed towards the Great Hall to grab a quick breakfast before I needed to head off to the Champions tent to wait for the start of the Trial. The Great Hall was packed rather thoroughly, it was early in the morning, but I wasn't surprised as the Second Trial would be starting in just a few hours.
"Fleur!" A disheveled and exhausted Emily ran up to me, it looked like she didn't sleep at all last night which practically told me what I already knew. "Hermione never returned last night, just as you feared, I stayed up all night just to be sure…"
I smiled at the young girl, I knew she stayed up because she was worried, but I wasn't going to call her out on it, sometimes you just need to let people hide how they really feel.
"Thank you, Emily… I'll see you later," I sighed as I walked back out of the Great Hall, completely forgetting about food as the image of Hermione trapped in some place surrounded by monsters filled my mind. Slowly I trudged my way towards the Champions tent, I just wanted the Trial to begin, the sooner it did the sooner I could find Hermione and stop the churning that has flared inside my stomach.
I sat in the Champions tent, counting down the minutes until the cannon would fire so I could find the love of my life. Cedric and Viktor had tried to talk to me earlier, but after several attempts and getting nothing from me other than a grunt or a nod they'd decided to just stick with speaking to each other. A rummaging outside the tent signaled the arrival of Dumbledore and Mr. Bagman, as the flap to the tent opened I saw the sight of the mountain man Hagrid as he walked to his door. I smirked a little as he glanced into the tent with a certain pride. As I focused on the two entering men and frowned as I looked towards them, each sporting an equally contrite and saddened look.
"Alright Champions, I hope you are all ready for the task ahead." Mr. Bagman started, acting as if nothing could go wrong with this Trial, sure I could get injured, but I accepted that fact when I put my name in the Goblet. Hermione, on the other hand, did not. "It's going to be a little different from the last Trial as you will now be starting the task at the same time. You all have five hours to find what we took," Ludo looked in my direction briefly before continuing on with his explanation. "Your only clue is what was in each of your Golden Eggs, if you couldn't figure them out then I am very sorry, but you'll have no chance of finding what we took, and you will lose. The search radius is clearly marked by an unbreakable red line, it ranges from the start point, through the Forbidden Forest and out to the lake."
We all nodded in unison, and I knew where I needed to go, the lake was the only place Hermione could be and I was damn sure going to make it in the five-hour time limit. I didn't know what might happen should I not make it in time, but the Tournament was supposed to be dangerous, and if something happened to Hermione because I couldn't reach her then… I don't know really.
"In your way will be various magical creatures that will try to mislead you, block you or downright stop you with force, so keep a sharp eye out. Now, if you'll all follow me I'll show you to the starting area." Dumbledore waved us along behind him while Ludo took off presumably to address the waiting crowds.
I couldn't care less for those gathered that had gathered to watch the Trials, didn't care for the other Champions nor the old Professor that was currently trying to speak to us as we walked. Only one thing was clear in my mind, Hermione was out there, and I needed to find her, needed to bring her back.
Lonely thoughts drifted into my mind, thoughts of never seeing her beautiful smile or wonderfully frizzy hair again. Those thoughts soon turned into the image of a scared, hurt Hermione drifted through my mind, causing me to clench my teeth and a stray tear to slip down my cheek.
"Alright, this is where you will all start," Dumbledore said gesturing towards three small wooden platforms each adorned with a small wooden stand, I looked down at the stand on it had one word, 'Hermione.' Rolling my eyes, I looked at the horrified faces of the other Champions before turning in the direction I knew the lake to be in.
"Should you move from your platform before the cannon it will count as an immediate disqualification, that being said, the cannon should be firing soon, you will not be able to see the crowds this time as they will be watching from afar." He looked at towards each of us in turn, lingering on my hardened features for a moment. "I wish you all good luck," and with that he Disapparated away, leaving the three of us standing on our platforms.
"This is bullshit! What gives them to right to take such valuable items!" Viktor growled out as he smashed his fist into the stand, breaking the brittle wood into two pieces.
"Woah, calm down Viktor," Cedric tried.
"Calm down!? They took my damn broom! Do you have any idea how insulting that is to a professional Quidditch player!?" I felt there was more to his anger, but I had a much more pressing issue to consider pursuing the feeling. However, I continued to listen to their griping as it afforded me the slightest of distractions.
"I don't bloody care right now, they took my badger! A living thing, not just some wooden stick!"
"Oh boohoo, you lost your rat. That broom was the first broom I ever rode, it propelled me into becoming the best Seeker in the world!" Viktor growled as he turned to Cedric.
Cedric turned towards Viktor himself, scowling as he did so, "He is not a rat, you overblown arse."
I stayed silent as the two hormonal idiots prepared to fight, which I'm sure was going to happen as soon as the cannon fired. I looked back in the direction of the black lake, my wand in hand, I focused back on my goal.
I heard the loud crack through the air from the cannon and immediately bounded into the forest, but as I did so another loud crack sounded from directly behind me as I was sent flying through the air, splinters of wood flying past me as I rolled along the ground. Jumping to my feet I held my wand at the ready, but as I looked up the two quarreling men were in a heated duel, shrugging I continued into the dense trees, this time not getting sent flying by a stray spell.
I ran far into the forest, the sounds of battle slowly fading, replaced with a silence that made no sense as I was running through a forest. Slowing my pace, I focused on my surroundings, listening for any trace of life around me, glancing at a nearby tree I could see birds moving around quickly, saw their beaks moving but heard no sound. Listening harder I was finally able to hear them, however faintly the chirping was it was definitely there.
I continued on my way at a slow jog, my hearing was impaired, and I needed to focus on hearing things as the world outside the forest seemed to just disappear in the thick canopy of trees. The panicked sounds of frantic chirping filled my ears as dozens of birds flew past me at an alarming rate, I turned on my heel, and my jaw dropped at the sight in front of me.
A massive, three-headed dog charged through the forest, barking loudly as it chased the fleeing birds, spittle-flinging from its massive mouths covered the plants it crushed, leaving a sticky green mush in its wake. Getting over my shock I sprinted to the side as the dog came barrelling ever closer, the massive thing took notice of me and halted in its tracks.
His three heads curiously turned to the side as he softly sniffed at the air, his curiosity changed quickly, however, as he started to bark ferociously in my direction. I took that as my cue to run and sprinted as fast as I could away from the beast, happy that the large trees slowed its pace, but it was still able to keep fairly close to me.
I jumped into the air, quickly turning myself around with my wand raised, I flung it towards a large tree that stood next to the charging monster, "Expulso!" I yelled. The tree exploded in a magnificent blue color, sending bits of wood flying in every direction, I quickly covered my face with my arms, feeling the barrage of wood shred through my jumpsuit and effectively slicing open my arms.
Lowering my bloody arms to my sides, I smiled as the massive dog lay unconscious next to where the tree used to sit. Turning on my heel, I continued onwards through the trees at a run, worried the dog had eaten up precious time I ran harder than before.
It felt like I had been running for hours thanks to having to constantly dodge underbrush and traps that had been set up in very effective places, making the path to my mate that much longer. But I pushed on. Nothing was going to stop me from reaching my goal.
Shivering, I stopped dead in my tracks as the air around me started to feel wrong, somehow tainted, and so very cold. My hot breath created clouds of smoke as frost started to cover the green forest floor, I looked around frantically for the source.
The culprits quickly made their presence known as grey, cloaked figures flew through the dense canopy of trees, spreading an unfamiliar feeling of deep fear through my veins. I froze up at the mere sight of the Dementors, unable to move my hands, mouth or my body as a trio of the foul creatures descended upon me.
My body trembled as one of the three dropped down directly in front of me, even without eye's I could feel its stare like it was staring directly at the soul that resided in my body. Slowly the non-being in front of me flew out of my vision as the next circled around me, staring at me with the same intensity before the next did the same.
Still, I couldn't bring my body under control, couldn't will my arms to move, I closed my eyes tightly, images of a lost and scared Hermione filled my mind, I saw a hand reaching out for her, my hand. But the edges of the vision started to dull, the color fading from my world as I tried to reach my love.
My eyes shot open, filled with rage as one of the Dementor's lips inched closer and closer to mine, "Expecto Patronum!" The incantation left my lips, and in an instant, the form of a silvery-blue lioness erupted from the tip of my wand running circles around me as the magic forced the Dementors back in fear.
I stared at the prowling cat in astonishment, it was not my usual Patronus in the least, in fact, my Patronus had always been just a swirling blue wall that extended between myself and whatever was in front of me. Quickly I decided such questions could wait and continued through the forest, there was no telling what else I needed to face in the forest.
Having pushed the Dementors back, I continued through the forest, my pace quickening, I needed to get through this, for her sake and her sake alone.
"AHH!" A deep yell of pain drew my attention in the opposite direction of the lake. Stopping in my tracks I turned towards the sound, multiple large figures bounded in the distance, bringing the yells of pain closer towards me.
The sound of hooves pounding the forest floor filled my ears, mixing with the yells of pain forced me to stay still. I wanted so badly to just take off and continue with my mission, but there was still time, and if one of my fellow Champions were in such danger I felt I needed to help. I cared much more for human life over winning this stupid Tournament.
The beating hooves grew louder and louder as the seconds ticked passed and before long a small group of Centaurs came into view. They each stared down at me, their eyes showing an odd mixture of disdain and protective at the same time. I glanced around the large creatures, getting a glimpse of a pale man wearing a black, shredded cloak.
A large female Centaur pushed the back of a spear into my stomach, "Don't get too close young one." She looked back at the man that lay on the floor, her white hair flicking up as she did so, "Caught this creature trying to feed on one of your fellow students."
I cocked my head to the right in confusion, "Creature? He looks normal to me, aside from the very pale skin."
"Then you clearly haven't seen his face, not surprising as it is currently buried into the forest floor, but this is actually a Vampire, could've killed that kid." The Centaur shook her head back and forth, "Can't believe the school is allowing this…" She trailed off.
Without another word they took off into the forest, leaving me standing there staring at nothing, kicking the forest floor, I continued on my mission. I ran through the forest, picking up more speed as the seconds ticked by. Within minutes I was running as fast as I could, branches and leaves whipping my face as I ran.
The silence was starting to get to me, the only noise that followed me now was the sound my own footsteps. With each thump of my shoes on the forest floor my heart would thump twice in my chest, my breathing became shallower and shallower as I ran, but I couldn't stop. I needed to keep going, for my own sake.
I fell to the ground with a grunt of pain, my foot having caught on the root of a tree that was, annoyingly, sticking out of the forest floor. I growled as I sat up glaring at the stupid piece of wood, raising my wand I whispered, "Confringo," and the root blew to pieces before me.
"Stupid nature," I snarled as I stood up, my frustration with the whole situation starting to get the better of me I threw another curse at the base of the tree and smiled as a large hole was left in the base.
Without warning a massive amount of a sticky white substance shot at my left foot, rooting it in place, struggling with all my might, I tried to remove my foot, and after a lot of struggling, I was able to wriggle free. Kneeling on the ground I examined the substance more closely, it looked a lot like a spider web, just on a much grander scale.
I gasped as a flash of white flew past my face, flicking the few strands of hair that had shaken free from my ponytail into my face, on the floor sat another lump of spider web. I jumped up and looked up at the tree's, sitting above my head I could see a bunch of scurrying spiders, each one roughly the same size as a large dog. My heart started pounding in my chest wildly as I ran through the forest, the sound of thumping alerted me as the spiders dropped to the floor.
I kept running forward, not daring to look back knowing that if I did all it would achieve is slow me down, knowing where these things were would not help me. I waved my wand behind me, casting a string of curses hoping that I could get lucky and land a hit on at least one of the spiders. But before long I realized it was futile as the continued beating of legs showed no falter in their advance, my only solace is that the sound was not getting louder.
A little while later the beating faded to nothing behind me, I wanted to stop and turn around to see what was going on but I forced myself to continue, just in case it was a ploy to get me to stop. No one knows how smart Acromantulas really are and I was not a fan of getting eaten alive by the giant spiders. Before long the sound of hooves beating against the floor once again filled my ears, explaining why the Acromantulas had dropped off of my trail.
The same white-haired centaur bounded into view from in front of me, her bare breasts bouncing as she came to a halt. I looked away as a feeling of guilt overtook me, a flash of brunette hair slipped through my mind as I remembered my mate.
"Keep moving," the Centaur ordered, "The damn spiders won't be deterred for long."
I wanted to thank her, but she bounded off once again, leaving me staring at nothing for the second time that day. Sighing I continued forwards with haste, I had no idea how much longer I had, my perception of time seemed to have slipped throughout the numerous interactions.
Finally, I was able to escape the clutches of the Forbidden Forest, coming out into a small clearing that separated the forest and the lake. The clearing had been magically shrunk so the distance I needed to run before I reached the water was greatly reduced. Upon reaching the side of the lake I looked down at the ring Hermione had given me, I wondered how the hell she'd been able to afford such an extravagant gift, but it definitely made my gift look like nothing.
The poultry offering I'd given to her on Christmas was nothing compared to the beauty in the ring, "A scarf…" I sighed as I dropped my hand, tears welling in my eyes, "She got me this amazing thing, and I gave her a damn scarf!" I growled, allowing my tears to fall. She said she loved it, that it was amazing, and she always wore the thing but…
I breathed deeply before my thoughts could spiral anymore, now was definitely not the time for such things. Raising my head, I looked out over the enormous body of water, the sight of it daunting, but somewhere in there was the love of my life, the only person I could ever be with.
I slipped out of my tracksuit, having donned my swimsuit underneath it earlier in the day, I slowly walked into the water, allowing my body to get used to the freezing water. Before long I could no longer reach the lake's floor, casting a quick bubble-charm, I submerged myself and started to swim. The depths of the lake were dark, so dark I needed to cast a Wand-Lighting charm, but the light that was created was barely enough to see even a meter in-front of me. Never-the-less, it was better than nothing, and any advantage I could get was one I was going to take.
My arms and legs burned with the constant motion, my endurance was high, but this crap was ridiculous, even so, I continued. It didn't matter how far I needed to go or what got in my way, I would eventually find my Mate. In front of me the water seemed to darken even more, not that I thought it was possible, and very soon a forest of seaweed flooded my vision. I looked around, wondering if there was a way around the underwater forest, but in both directions, all I saw was more seaweed.
I continued onwards at a cautious pace, the seaweed forest was much denser than the Forbidden Forest, the soft, slimy fauna tangled in my limbs before slowly slipping away. My visibility was at an all-time low, with the darkness over-shadowed by the giant seaweed that was constantly in my way.
As I continued through some movement in the corner of my eye drew my attention to my left, but as I looked in the direction whatever it was, if anything, had disappeared. The same scenario played over and over until I was sure that I was not alone, a fact that was confirmed only seconds later as I felt whatever was out there swim past me at quite some speed.
Moments later something latched onto my wand arm with seemingly crushing force, I ripped the thing from my arm, thankful that the grip it had wasn't as great as it originally felt. Although now my arm was seeping blood into the water around me, attracting more of the creatures towards me. As they approached I recognized the creatures as Grindylows, the horrid beasts approached with reckless speeds, lashing onto my arms and legs as they swam past.
The disgustingly green creatures started to drag me towards the bottom of the lake, swinging my arm frantically I cast the Revulsion jinx over and over again, shooting out jets of boiling water towards the beasts. I continued on casting, but they just kept swarming me, their mouths continuing to bite into my flesh with each pass, flooding the lake with more and more blood while simultaneously spurring the beasts on harder.
It wasn't long before I was nearing my limit, my arms and legs grew weak, as I slowly started to drift through the water rather than swim while the Grindylows continued their assault. A small shaft of sunlight shone through the water and glinted off of the ring on my left index finger, the sight filled me with determination as I clasped the wand that had started to float away. I waved it frantically, yelling out as I did so, "Immobulus!" The word didn't even reach my own ears, but it still had the desired effect. Every Grindylow around me froze momentarily, their eyes spinning around in a terrified frenzy while their bodies remained motionless.
As they slowly regained control of their own bodies they swam away in fear, I smiled faintly as I continued to swim, my pace completely diminished, but I was still moving. I came out of the seaweed into a large clearing, littered around the place at seemingly random intervals sat small huts that had been crafted into the lake floor. Small faces sat in the windows, their large eyes following me as I slowly swam forwards.
The sound of singing drew my attention forwards, focusing my vision ahead I saw a large gathering of Merpeople they remained stationary, each carrying a spear or some other long weapon in hand. Their mouths moved in unison, drawing me in as they sang the same song that was hidden in my golden egg.
"Come seek us where our voices sound, we cannot sing above the ground. Five hours long you'll have to look, to discover what we took." As they finished the chorus, they parted, allowing me through their line, in front of me, tied to the ocean floor by her ankle my beautiful girl floated. Bathed in sunlight, the girl looked almost as amazing as the first time I laid eyes on her, her porcelain skin and red lips beckoning me towards her. Her Frizzy hair splayed out in the water making it look so soft and smooth that I just wanted to run my hands through it.
Slowly I swam up to her embracing her limp body as convulsions rocked my body, tears slipping out of my eyes as my happiness overtook me. I pulled away ever so slightly so I could just stare at her face, I lowered my wand, waving it ever so slightly, a thin red line slipped from the tip of my wand and severed the rope holding Hermione to the floor.
As I did, the edges of my vision began to blur, the blood-loss and exhaustion finally getting to me, but I was determined to get back to the top. I raised my wand back towards the surface of the lake, I swung it with everything I had, "Ascedio," I tried, but it came out as barely a whisper. However we began to rise, much slower than I had wanted, but we rose anyway, I closed my eyes, gripping the brunette tightly, I never wanted to let her go again.
A loud gasp rang in my ears as Hermione regained consciousness immediately upon returning to the surface. Her arms wrapped around me, "Fleur?" She asked, her voice sounding far away. I opened my mouth to answer, but her finger moved to my lips immediately, "You don't need to answer, you should save your strength."
I nodded as Hermione swam the both of us slowly towards the shore before we could make it however we were teleported out of the water. Landing softly on a soft ground covered in green grass. I groaned as fell to my knees, not having the strength to hold myself up, but the sound of cheering slowly gathered my attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Our last Champion has returned from her task! Bringing with her the object she was sent to find!" The cheering got louder as Ludo finished his announcement. "Alright settle down, settle down, we need to make the final placings official," Hermione helped me to my feet, holding me up and allowing me to stand tall for the announcement. "In second place, we have… Cedric Diggory!" A loud applause erupted from the stands above as Cedric's smiling face was projected onto the ground beneath us, he waved at the cheering students with enthusiasm.
"In first place…Viktor Krum!" The applause that erupted from the stands seemed to double as Viktor's stoic yet proud face was projected on the floor, Cedric looked to the floor, looking a little upset over the massive applaud difference between himself and Viktor.
"And of course, we cannot forget everyone's favorite, seemingly action-loving and only female Champion this year, in last place… Fleur Delacour!" The stand erupted, somehow even louder than what Viktor received as my own bloodied face was projected beneath us.
"Action loving?" Hermione whispered into my ear causing my cheeks to flush, now more than ever I was grateful that my face was covered with blood.
"Uhhm… I'll tell you about it later…" I whispered back.
"And that concludes the Second trial! We shall see you all at the next Trial very soon!" Ludo exclaimed as I was ushered away by Madam Pomfrey.
In the Infirmary, I was told that all I needed was bed rest but that Madam Pomfrey wanted me to stay in the infirmary for the night, just in case. So, I was stuck laying in the Infirmary for the next twelve hours, at least.
Hermione was also forced to have a check-up, but because she would not leave my side, she forced Madam Pomfrey to give her the check-up right next to me. Her brows furrowed as she concluded the test.
"Well, ahh, there is nothing wrong with you, but… You may want to sit down," sweat started to coat my forehead as I worried over what was to come next. Hermione's hand slipped into mine, her grip almost painful but I dealt with it, I wasn't one-hundred percent sure of what was to come, but I had a pretty good feeling. "Miss Granger… You are pregnant."
Silence filled the room after Madam Pomfrey's statement, I could feel Hermione's hand trembling in mine, I tugged on her hand, pulling her down into the bed with me. Tears started to flow freely from her eyes as I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into me. Madam Pomfrey stood up to leave, "I'll return once you have calmed down, there are some things we must discuss," and with that, she left the two of us in peace.
"Hermione, it's okay, everything will be okay," I soothed her, a hand running through her hair. She didn't respond, but she did smile a little as she nodded her head.
The sound of the Infirmary door opening signaled the arrival of Emily, she rushed towards us and, without warning, jumped onto the bed giving both Hermione and me a tight hug. "I'm so glad the both of you are okay…" She trailed off as she noticed Hermione was crying, "What's wrong?"
Hermione shook her head, still not able to speak, "Its nothing major," I lied, "We'll tell you about it later."
I knew Emily didn't really believe me, but she didn't press the matter further, "Okay… Well now that I know you're both… Okay, I'm going to get some sleep." She rose off of the bed and stumbled towards the Infirmary door, she did not make it, however, as she collapsed onto the bed that was actually right next to ours and fell into a deep sleep.
I laughed softly at the poor girl while still holding onto Hermione, "Good night," I called out to the blond, receiving no answer I closed my own eyes, allowing the exhaustion to pull me into a deep sleep of my own.