In the following week, life at Hogwarts almost went back to normal for Penny. Soon after Hogsmeade a group of five lower N.E.W.T. students had ambushed her on her way to the library without her entourage. Three had ended up in the Hospital Wing, and the remaining two had made a run for it after been forcefully flung along the corridor. Having come away with only a bleeding nose and a torn robe, Penny had become something of a legend, and her respect among the older students had increased dramatically. Following that with only the odd jeer and hex had come her way. Her own House had briefly been under the impression Penny would approve jeers and attacks on Longbottom, but after a few well-chosen hexes, they had left the nervous boy in peace. Neville had tried to thank her in various ways but Penny had awkwardly brushed him off, his gratitude making her feel uncomfortable.
As well as fear, Penny reasoned part of this was probably due to the news of her official relationship with Harry spreading through the school. As a school Champion and The Boy Who Lived, Harry's affection definitely didn't hurt her popularity. Narcissa had written much to that effect in a letter Artemis delivered.
"Dear Penny,
Word has reached me that you are officially involved with Potter (Draco, Penny thought with a groan). Whilst I do not consider this a good match long term, I can see the benefit for the time being. Being the girlfriend of The Boy Who Lived will hopefully take the edge of Skeeter's latest article. Speaking of which Lucius' contacts have discovered Terry Cattermole,a Junior Ministry Official was the one who leaked the information about your trial. Lucius is making sure he is dealt with accordingly. My main advice is to keep your head down as best you can for the time being, and end your relationship with Potter once this has all blown over.
Narcissa"
Penny had scowled at her aunt's letter, she was certain her aunt's disapproval was to do with Harry being a half-blood, hypocritical seen as she was a half-blood herself. Stuff her advice, Penny thought sourly, screwing up her aunt's letter, her love life was none of her business. Penny's mind wandered to her trial and the violet haired witch at her hearing; Nymphadora Tonks, her cousin. Daughter of Andromeda, the estranged sister who dared marry a Muggle-Born. Penny had planned to write to Andromeda ever since the trial, but what on earth was she supposed to say? "Hi, I the daughter of your Pureblood supremacist sister, oh and apparently we look identical?" Penny imagined, wincing in disgust. Watching Artemis take off Penny followed his flight with her eyes. She would have to borrow a school owl, she decided, anything to avoid dealing with Narcissa's wrath.
A couple days later Harry had reluctantly admitted that he had finally figured out the clue from his egg, and that he had to somehow survive in the lake for an hour. His pride prevented him asking, but he looked relieved when Penny promised to help him look for a solution. In his relief he had gone on to tell her about his encounter with Snape and Moody, and his suspicion that Snape had been a Death Eater.
"Well, yer" Penny had said, completely unsurprised by this information. Harry looked at her questioningly as they sat beside each other in the library. "Snape, Uncle Lucy, Karkaroff. Have you not seen the way they react to me? To Moody?" Penny said, as Harry watched her frowning. "Think of it this way, you work for Voldemort for years, alongside his most faithful followers, only to lie and betray him and others to avoid Azkaban whilst others go in your place. How would you react if you thought you saw one of the faithful followers virtually come back from the dead?" Penny said as Harry nodded in understanding. He had written to Sirius, updating him on the situation. Penny herself had only written once since his arrival back into the country, as he had pointed out too many owls would draw too much attention to his hide out. Researching in the library, Harry Ron, Hermione had all become increasingly edgy as the Second Task grew nearer.
"Of course there is the Bubble Head Charm" Penny said, twirling her wand distractedly "But that's a very tricky charm" She went on, her wand becoming a blur "It's all very well you mastering it up here, the air is easy to filter, but that lake must be fifty foot deep at least, the likelihood of you managing to produce a powerful enough one to withstand it for a whole hour…"
"Will you stop that!" Ron snapped, as he got showered in ciders that were shooting like a fountain from Penny's wand tip. "Why do you keep telling Harry what he can't do? First you suggest Transfiguring himself, then say he wouldn't be able to and you won't even attempt to do it for him, now this Bubble Charm. Shut up and help him!" Ron snarled, the page he was on tearing as he turned it.
"I am helping him!" Penny shot back fiercely as Hermione mended the book with a hiss. Penny lowered her voice as Madam Pince frowned in their direction. "It's not my fault I can't do it for him. Besides, I've never done human Transfiguration, sorry that I am not quite ready to take me N.E.W.T.s just yet, Weasel!"
"I thought there wasn't anything the Great Persephone Black couldn't do" Ron said sarcastically.
"Will you two stop it!" Hermione's voice cut through their exchange as Penny opened her mouth to retort. "Can we focus on keeping Harry alive rather than you two killing each other?" She snapped, Harry making a noise in agreement as he pushed his glasses higher on his noise.
"Sorry Harry" Penny and Ron muttered, still giving each other daggers as Ron shoved his book away and slouched away to find another. Laying his book down, Harry turned to Penny as she flicked through another book.
"Penny." Harry said gently as Hermione's brown eyes appeared over the top of her book. Penny looked at him, his pretty green eyes sizing her up. "This bickering with Ron…it's got to stop. He's my best friend." Harry said as Penny pouted. "If you two can't get along….we can't be together." Harry said blushing slightly but staring her out determinedly. Penny watching him intently, her chin tilted sideways slightly, her eyes roaming over his face as if mesmerised. He really meant it, Penny realised with a jolt in her belly, a rush of affection for his loyalty. Suddenly unconcerned by Hermione's curious gaze Penny leant forward, placing her lips on Harry's, silencing his startled noise. For a moment Penny lingered before she felt Harry move to return the kiss, somewhat uncertainly. A noise of disgust broke them apart, as Ron dropped his book noisily on the table as Harry coughed nervously.
"I don't see how that is helping him" Ron said sourly. Penny's eyes flashed as a touch of pink appeared on her cheeks. She opened her mouth to respond, shutting it again with an effort.
"My apologies Wea…Ronald." Penny corrected herself, forcing her tone into one of politeness. Supressing a snigger at the ginger boy's shocked expression, Penny readjusted herself and pulled a book towards herself. Looking up she met Hermione's brown eyes that were regarding her closely as if trying to decipher something. Looking back down Penny scanned the pages before her, trying to ignore the weird tingling in her gut.
A few days before the Task, they had still not found anything Harry could manage and were becoming increasingly desperate. Penny had suggested to Harry that they sneak out after hours to continue looking into the night. Planning to meet just outside the library Penny had cast a Disillusionment Charm on herself, twirling her wand round the top of her head. Looking down Penny had frowned as her body poorly mimicked the wall behind her. Not ideal, Penny thought, but in the darkness it would do. Walking through the corridors holding the Hand of Glory Penny had waited by the library doors, listening intently as she knew Harry would be wearing his Invisibility Cloak.
"Penny?" Harry whispered, lifting his Cloak to stare into the apparent darkness, the tip of his wand lit. Squinting, he stared at her blurred outline. "What did you do to yourself?" He asked as he made out her poorly camouflaged body.
"Disillusionment Charm" Penny said, twirling her wand to lift it. Holding up the Hand of Glory Penny worked the bolts and latches.
"Not very effective camouflage" Harry commented, causing Penny to pout.
"It's a difficult charm" Penny retorted defensively, her pride slightly stung. Harry's raised his beam of light to the Hand Penny was holding.
"Isn't that Draco's?" He asked, looking sideways at the taller witch, who starting pushing the library doors open, smiling sheepishly at him.
"Might be." She answered, smirking. "Life of crime starts early" She teased as Harry smiled back at her.
"I would say you are a bad influence luring me out at night but I can't say this is my first time" Harry said sniggering as Penny cackled, stifling the sound with her fist. Pulling books off the shelves the two of them worked in silence, their search still fruitless. A couple hours later they called it quits and left the library together, Harry threw his Cloak over Penny too, insistent on walking her back to her dormitory, as he didn't have his map haven given it to Professor Moody and couldn't check to see the coast was clear. Under the Cloak, both of them held the Hand of Glory between them, lighting their path as they walked.
"There must be a way to do it" Harry speculated, hopelessness in his voice.
"There are ways to do it" Penny said without thinking, regretting it as Harry grimaced.
"Yer that you can do, but I am just too useless to do them" He said bitterly, making Penny stop walking and face him, her hand snaking round his face tilting his chin slightly upwards, forcing him to look at her.
"You are not useless." Penny began hotly "You are a perfectly talented wizard, you are just a lot younger than these challenges are designed for." She said, releasing his face. "I shouldn't be able to do them" She went on pulling a pained face "I just happen to be a freak of nature." Penny finished, a note of disgust in her voice. Looking away she could feel Harry's gaze as she continued walking, Harry following closely under the Cloak.
"I don't think you are a freak of nature" He said quietly, almost to himself. "I think you are brilliant." He said, blushing as he realised what he had said. Reaching the entrance to the Slytherin Common Room Penny turned to Harry, her blue eyes peering into Harry's thoughtfully.
"We'll find a way." Penny promised as she leant into him. "Can't have you making a fool of yourself in front of Cho." She said thoughtfully before kissing him goodnight. "Night Harry." She said ducking out of the Cloak.
"Night Penny." Came the reply from the darkness.
…
Despite their night time excursions and all of their best efforts none of them could find anything in the library that Harry could manage to survive for a whole hour under water. The evening before they were still in there, Penny frustrated beyond belief, an unprecedented feeling of helplessness at her inability to aid Harry. Though she never said it, she was beginning to blame Harry for his shortcomings magically, but kept that thought to herself, instead expressing herself hexing the Creevey brothers as they past.
Penny and Hermione both felt the insult to their pride at being thwarted by this Task, and the library failing them. Penny's head was throbbing at the excessive amount of new spells she had memorised, and yet somehow not a single one was suitable for Harry to try. He had tried the Bubble Head Charm in vain as it had popped on each attempt with only a sharp jab from Penny's wand. Fred and George had appeared, taking a bewildered Hermione and Penny with them. In McGonagall's office Dumbledore had explained the task and how he wished to use them as hostages to be rescued by the Champions, as the thing they would miss the most.
"No way." Penny said with a snort, backing away from the Professors. Dumbledore regarded her carefully over his half-moon glasses.
"You have my word you will not be harmed Persephone. You will be perfectly safe." Dumbledore assured her.
"I am not being some kind of prize for Harry to come and rescue, like some damsel in distress." Penny said, her noise wrinkling in disgust. Looking at Hermione, the dark haired witch sniggered at Hermione's bashful face. "You are actually up for this?" Penny asked in disbelief. Hermione pursed her lips slightly at Penny's expression.
"If that is what the Professors want, I don't see the problem." Hermione said defensively as Penny's eyes went skyward. "Who else are they going to take?"
"Take Weasel." Penny said snorting "Would help his ego somewhat wouldn't it?" Penny said with a shrug as McGonagall continued to observe her thoughtfully.
"Very well." Dumbledore said eventually. "I am not going to force you to participate. I will send for Mr Weasley. You, Miss Black will have to return to your dormitory." He said, holding up a hand to silence her protest. "Harry is not to know what the Task is. And neither can your house mates." He finished sternly, his blue eyes penetrating the young witch. Penny glared at him momentarily before muttering her ascent. Returning to the dormitory she sat by the window, staring into the depths of the lake accusingly. Juno had curled onto her lap as she sat, Penny stroking her absent-mindedly. She was relieved to know Dumbledore was in charge of the safety precautions, as much as she disliked the man, she knew he was more than capable of keeping Harry and Hermione safe. But Harry could still be humiliated, which, Penny thought as she curled up in bed, a prideful Gryffindor would consider worse than death.
The next day Penny barely touched her breakfast, fiddling subconsciously with her hair as she scanned the Great Hall for any trace of Harry. Penny noticed Ginny sat with an equally nervous expression, their darting eyes suddenly meeting across the Hall. Penny felt a strange pang in her gut as a look of shared worried was exchanged between the two before both looked away from each other. He wouldn't have run away? Penny thought wildly before cursing herself. No, that wasn't Harry, Penny thought as the school headed down to the lake. The other Champions were being prep talked as Bagman wandered up and down the bank in a curiously agitated way, looking everywhere for Harry. Penny gave a sigh of relief as she saw him finally skidded onto the scene, out of breath and dishevelled. Penny watched him from the stands, trying hard to see what he was going to do. The other three Champions drove in almost immediately, but Harry stood waist deep in the water and yet looked completely out of his depth. Do something, Penny thought desperately as the crowd staring laughing at him. Penny heard Pansy jeering and with a flick of her wand and a bang, Pansy had cursed then fallen silent. Suddenly he staggered before plunging into the water. Penny stared at the spot he had disappeared, expecting to to see him resurface.
When he didn't Penny had tried to occupy herself but eventually took to pacing the stand, blocking out Bagman's continuous narration. Nearly forty five minutes had past when the surface of the water broke with the brilliantly blonde head of Fleur. Covered head to foot in cuts she was dragged to shore, even she fought hard to return to the water. Minutes past and Cedric returned with Cho, who was beaming in a sickly sweet way, Penny sneering at her as Cedric pulled her to the shore. A few minutes later Krum surfaced with Hermione, pulling the brunette to the bank. Helping Madam Pomfrey wrap a blanket around Hermione, Penny gave her some Pepper Up potion.
"Is Harry not back yet?" Hermione asked worriedly, Penny shook her head, her black locks contrasting with her pale face. Assured Hermione was being cared for Penny resumed pacing the bank, her guts clenching more as time went by. More minutes past as the crowd watched the unmoving surface of the lake. Looking along the bank Penny's eyes found Dumbledore and watched his face as he peered into the water, his usual twinkle absent.
"Aren't you going to do anything?" She muttered to herself bitterly. Looking away from the lake their blue eyes met and Penny frowned as his eyes roamed her agitated face, his expression politely curious. Ron's brother Percy was beginning to pace too, his face as pale as Penny's. A few seconds later the surface broke and three heads appeared.
"Harry!" Penny called, magic and pride forgotten as she and Percy Weasley rushed into the water to meet them. Percy pulled Ron towards the bank as Fleur rushed to grab Gabrielle. "What took you so long?" She shouted accusingly at the dark haired wizard as he gulped down air. Panting he tried to reply only to have Penny kiss his response away as she gripped his shirt tightly. "Come on." She said as she pulled away, half dragging him to the bank to be cocooned in a blanket by the matron. After drinking Pepper Up potion Fleur had come over and gratefully kissed both Harry and Ron on the cheeks. Penny and Hermione both glowered at the blonde as she walked away, Penny scrubbing Harry's cheeks unnecessarily roughly with the towel.
Dumbledore had spoken with the Mer-Chieftainess and had a conference with the rest of the judges. When it got to Harry's results Penny had looked exasperatingly at him on finding out as usual he had played the hero. Removing his towel Penny had dragged her wand carefully over his clothing, steam issuing from it. Watching her in a daze Harry seemed to come to terms with his success and had suddenly beamed, Penny's face splitting into a grin as his green eyes sparkled, water droplets dangling from his long eyelashes.
Stupid idiot of a hero, Penny thought affectionately as she ruffled his hair with the towel.