DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters. I do not gain any profit from this fan-fiction. It is strictly for my entertainment and anyone who enjoys reading it! Song is from Harry Potter.
CLAIMER: I own my OMC Senya Ruikov.
WARNING: This is a Slash-Male/Male relationship fan-fiction. If you do not like same-sex relationships, then this story is not for you. Fast-paced.
BETA READER: None, so there will be some mistakes that I miss.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Parts of the second task have been altered for this story, much like the first task in the previous chapter.
P.S.: Bold is characters speaking Russian. Italics are for thoughts.
.:Chapter Two:.
"Mister Potter, Miss Granger."
Harry and Hermione looked up from where they were tucked into a reading nook, leaning against each other and whispering about their recent moments shared with their new friends…crushes…love interests while the tomes in their laps lay momentarily forgotten. Professor McGonagall stood tall and poised just at the entrance to the aisle leading to their private area, her expression showing how unsurprised it was finding the two Gryffindors together.
"Follow me, Mister Potter, we mustn't keep the others waiting," Professor McGonagall directed her student, motioning for Harry to stand and follow her before she turned on her heels and walked away.
Harry scrambled up after her with Hermione hot on his heels, unwilling to leave Harry's side unless her friend told her so.
"Is everything okay, Professor?" Hermione questions, a sheepish look crossing her face when Professor McGonagall shot a raised-brow over her shoulder.
Professor McGonagall would have seemed stern if not for the flicker of exasperated fondness shining in her eyes.
"I dare say I am in charge of dance lessons and I know Mister Potter needs all the time in the world to rid himself of his two left feet," Professor McGonagall stated bluntly, ignoring Harry stumbling at her statement and proving her point of the matter.
Hermione caught Harry's elbow, keeping him front stumbling onto the floor while maintaining their quick pace behind Professor McGonagall's long stride.
"Dance lessons?" Harry asked, his brows furrowing with confusion.
"For the Yule Ball," Hermione answered before Professor McGonagall could, the reason suddenly donning her. "All of the champions are required to attend with a date and start the first dance of the ball."
"Right you are, Miss Granger. Through here," Professor McGonagall voiced, shooing both of them into a room. "I am pleased that you have decided to join us, Miss Granger, as you will be partnering up with Mister Potter."
Harry winced, already knowing how the lesson was going to end. Hermione shared his worries, resigning herself to sore feet by the end of the night. With brief instruction for the two to hold hands while their other hand settled on the other's waist or shoulder, Harry and Hermione took the lesson slowly and with the upmost caution. A few more Gryffindor pairs were stumbling along nearby, all of them silently agreeing to keep their distance when Hermione took a heel to her toes with a yelp of pain.
A laugh cut off as abruptly as it had started, the sound catching Hermione's narrowed gaze and Harry's embarrassed frown. Ron, identified by the back of his head with ease, kept his back to the both of them as he continued his own attempt at dancing with his current dance partner. For the first time since Harry was forced into the compete in the tournament, Ron did not sound annoyed, jealous, frustrated, or angry; Ron sounded genially amused, just as he did when they were still hanging around.
Harry quickly returned his gaze to Hermione, their fingers tightening together in their grip as they remained quiet. Maybe Ron was getting over whatever was causing him to act the way he has been towards Harry…Maybe Ron would come around and be Harry's friend again. Harry loves his friends; Ron and Hermione were like the siblings he never had and it hurt him immensely when Ron acted the way he did. Hermione shared a knowing look, hurting and still more than a little mad at Ron and the way he has been acting. If Ron wanted forgiveness from her, Harry saw more bat-boogey hexes in the redhead's future.
"Alright everyone, that concludes our lesson for tonight. There will be two more lessons on every Saturday for an hour. I expect you all to practice during your free time, you especially Mister Potter," Professor McGonagall added her last statement as the room emptied with only Hermione present to overhear. "You must lead Miss Granger in the dance, Mister Potter, not follow her queues."
Harry ducked his head with a nod, heat running up the back of his neck. With Professor McGonagall's dismissal, Harry and Hermione hurried out of the room. Supper would be starting soon, so they made their way to the Great Hall.
"I'm doomed," Harry murmured with a frown just thinking about having to not only attend a ball he just learned about, but also starting off the first dance with a partner he did not have.
"Don't pout, Harry, I'm sure Rurikov will help you. Besides, you have three weeks to pick out matching dress robes," Hermione stated, catching her friend's eyes when he fumbled at her words.
"But he hasn't asked me," Harry admitted quietly, slowing down his gait until he stopped.
Hermione blinked, her lips parting slightly.
"But Viktor already…oh," Hermione trailed off, nodding to herself.
Harry's frown deepened, feeling his stomach plumet at the thought of Viktor already having asked Hermione to the ball when Senya had not even mentioned the event to him.
"The champions have to ask. Rurikov has probably been waiting for you to ask him to the ball," Hermione explained her thoughts. "You should ask him tonight during supper."
Harry's stomach churned nervously at the thought, fighting the urge to retire to his dorm early and continued to the Great Hall with Hermione. Viktor and Senya were already there, saving the two seats in front of them. Harry slid onto the spot across from Senya, quietly greeting both him and Viktor. Harry tried to find the right moment to ask Senya, but every time he thought he found it, Harry could only manage to blurt out some nonsense because of his nerves.
'What if Senya says no…what if he already has a date? Is it too late to ask?' Harry mused quietly, pushing his peas around on his plate. 'Gah, where is that Gryffindor courage when I need it?'
"Senya," Harry called out as the small group waited for a majority of the crowd of students to leave the Great Hall so that they did not have to struggle with bumping into others.
When Senya's eyes met his, Harry froze. He felt as though his breath had been knocked out of him. All Harry could think about was the stollen moments shared between them and how much he has come to cherish each time Senya was with him.
"Yes?" Senya coaxed, the small group of four finally leaving the Great Hall with Hermione secretly nudging Viktor into stopping so that Harry and Senya could keep walking.
Harry swallowed his nerves and pushed on.
"Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?"
Senya's answering smile was charming and brilliant, and it made Harry's heart flutter.
"Yes, I will happily escort you to the ball," Senya answered, pleased at Harry's request and chuckled at Harry's eye-roll. "Yes, I vill go to ze ball vith you, Little Raven."
Harry's grin threatened to split his face.
.:oOo:.
"Ow, Hermione, that hurts!" Harry huffed, rubbing his head to ease the throbbing pain brought on by his friend and her hairbrush.
"Oh, stop complaining and be still. I will tame these outrageous locks of yours, Harry Potter, even if it is only for one night," Hermione stated determinedly, brushing out the last tangle before grabbing her wand.
Harry squeezed his eyes shut at the concentrated focus that took over Hermione's face as she aimed her wand at his hair. He quickly covered his face as well, feeling a spell being cast.
"Please, please don't make me bald," Harry begged, his voice muffled by his hands.
Hermione huffed and he knew she rolled her eyes for the nth time during the two hours they spent in the second-floor girl's bathroom. A giggle erupted nearby and Harry parted his fingers to peek at Moaning Myrtle. Her ghostly cheeks were tinges a dark blue, showing off her blush as she stared straight at him.
"There, you see," Hermione boasted proudly, causing Harry to drop his hands to his lap and look at his reflection.
Harry stared; mouth gaped. His once uncontrollable dark strands were set in neatly styled soft waves. The part on the left side created a playful curtain that hid his scar and Harry smiled at Hermione's reflection, their eyes meeting in the mirror.
"You have to show me that spell," Harry breathed, raising his hands to touch his hair but stopping himself at the last minute.
"It's okay to touch. I cast a semi-permanent charm that I found in one of Lavender Brown's Witch Weekly magazines," Hermione told him, running her fingers through Harry's waves to show him what she meant. "It's supposed to last for twelve hours."
Harry watched as his waves shifted back to their exact same position before Hermione did what she did. He was so focused on his hair and it being tamed for once, that he jerked a little at his glasses being removed and put away. He opened his mouth to object, but Hermione tapped the tip of her wand to the side of his face before he could. Green eyes brightened and Harry leaped out of his chair as his vision cleared up.
"Hermione!" Harry cried out, surprised and happy as he grabbed her around her waist and twirled them around.
The two laughed with sheer joy, Harry's emotions being contagious as Myrtle joined in. When they finally slowed down, both breathless and still beaming, Hermione pushed Harry towards one of the stalls where his dress robes were hanging.
"How come you've never mentioned that spell before? It would have come in handy during Quidditch matches," Harry called out from his stall, Hermione getting dress in her own dress robes from across the room in another stall.
"It was in the same magazine Lavender had. Apparently, the spell became popular on the continent and is just making itself known in England and Scotland," She replied absently, using her wand to seal the back of her dress.
Harry huffed, finishing up the last button on his dress robe before stepping out at the same time as Hermione.
"Wow," They said at the same time, taking in each other's appearance.
"You look beautiful, 'Mione," Harry told her truthfully, the light rose hue of her dress complimenting her wonderfully.
Hermione stepped closer and fixed his emerald tie, before smoothing out his fitting black vest.
"Dark greens make your eyes brighter," Hermione pointed out. "We should go, before our dates think we stood them up."
Hermione's surprised gasp turned into a giggle as Harry ushered her out of the bathroom with a boost of excitement.
.:oOo:.
"I'm surprised you managed to wait as long as you did to be asked to the ball," Viktor admitted with an easy grin, his eyes filled with laughter.
Senya straightened his formal Durmstrang uniform and brushed some invisible lint off of his shoulder, taking his time to respond. He gave his dress shoes a casual once-over, making sure they were scuff free. His blood red and ebony robes were identical to Viktor's, the only difference being that he did not wear the signature fur-lined cloak as his friend current did.
Senya had waited for Harry to ask him to the dance since first learning about it, growing more anxious by the day when Viktor informed him of having asked Hermione. Senya had begun to think Harry did not want to attend with Senya by his side. Of course, he should have known his little raven had been unaware of the Yule Ball in the first place.
"Yes, well I would have asked him eventually if he failed to do so himself," Senya finally answered and Viktor clasped his shoulder with one hand.
"You like this one," Viktor stated, knowing of Senya's growing infatuation with the youngest champion.
Senya nodded, his expression one of seriousness. He honestly did like Harry and his affection for the raven grew each day. Viktor let his hand drop, maintaining his straight posture as they waited outside the Great Hall for their dates. Everyone else was inside waiting, having been shown inside for when all four champions were brought in. Fleur stood a fair distance away with her date Roger Davis, the two conversing with Cedric and his date Cho Chang.
Approaching footsteps echoed along the stone floor and all six turned their heads to see Hermione and Harry. Senya took a step forward and stopped, his words of greeting vanishing into the air at the sight Harry made. His lovely mess of raven locks were styled for the first time since Senya met him and his green, green eyes were even larger without being hidden behind his round glasses. Harry's dress robes were black and dark green, form-fitting and elegantly cut.
Seeing Harry's nervous twitch, Senya finally moved forward and took Harry's hand. He ignored the surprised sounds coming from the corner where the other two champions were standing as he brought Harry's hand up to his lips. Senya pressed a soft kiss against Harry's smooth knuckles, adoring the flush dusting Harry's cheeks.
"You look beautiful, Little Raven," Senya whispered, his eyes never leaving Harry's.
Harry licked his bottom lip, the corners slowly curving upwards as a glint of mischief entered green gems.
"You are handsome as well," Harry replied and Senya could have gleefully shouted from the rooftops when Harry's response came in Russian.
Senya opted to rest his forehead against Harry's instead, his grin wide. Knowing they were out of time, Senya stood up straight and positioned himself and Harry behind Viktor and Hermione. Cedric and Cho glanced over their shoulders at Harry from where they stood in front of Durmstrang's champion and his date. Fleur and Roger remained turned forward, leading the group inside and giving no other choice but for everyone else to follow.
Stunned silence met them, everyone taking in the details and elegant appearances of the champions and their dates. Surprise erupted at the sight of Hermione being with Viktor Krum. Then Harry and Senya came into sight and there was another brief pause in noise. Not only was Harry being escorted by another male student, one from a rival school, but Harry was barely recognizable without his messy hair and signature glasses. Loud whispers, if one could call it that, broke out.
Senya felt Harry trembling from the grip he had on the curve of Senya's elbow, Harry's fingers tightening and loosening multiple times as those whispers met their ears. Senya brought his other hand up and covered Harry's, soothing the raven's nerves in seconds. Harry smiled up at Senya, thankful for the action of support and comfort.
"May the champions move into the center of the room, we shall commence with the first dance of the Yule Ball," Headmaster Dumbledore stated, using a charm to increase the volume of his voice so that everyone could hear him over their own talking.
Harry's nerves returned with a vengeance, taking a deep breath as Senya gently guided him into his arms. Their stance mirrored the other three pairs leading their dates. His hand slid off of Harry's as he positioned it on his shoulder. Senya then caressed Harry's side, before resting his hand at Harry's waist. He leaned down to where his mouth lightly brushed along the curve of Harry's ear.
"How long will your translation charm last?" Senya asked in a whisper.
Harry tilted his head slightly to the side, causing Senya's lips to brush his cheek.
"Hermione said that it should last about an hour," Harry answered, doing his best to ignore everyone around him as the music started.
"Follow my lead. I won't let you fall," Senya told him and they were off.
Professor McGonagall stood beside Headmaster Dumbledore, the two baffled and a little surprised at the sight before them. Of course, the professors had made inquiries about who young Harry's date would be, but no one expected this.
"I now understand why Mister Potter struggled with leading Miss Granger during lessons," Professor McGonagall said, catching herself when she felt a smile threatening her lips.
She took a sip of her drink to hide the action.
"They dance very well together," Professor Vector, who stood at Professor McGonagall's other side, commented in between bites of pastry. "They seem comfortable with one another in such close proximity. I wonder how long they've been together."
Professor Snape scoffed from beside the woman, trying not to look in the direction one of his existence's banes. He failed, catching glimpses of emerald pools identical to those belonging to his lost love. It caused an immense pain inside his chest, the feeling thought to have been dulled and pushed away over time in order to move forward. Merlin, he misses her.
Harry laughed breathlessly as Senya twirled him, bringing him back only to dip the raven. Dancing with Senya was nothing like the lessons Professor McGonagall gave everyone or when he practiced with Hermione. Not once since they started dancing did Harry fear stepping on Senya's toes. Senya led Harry around the dance floor with surprising skill and Harry was having fun, so much fun that it went unnoticed by him when everyone else began dancing.
Senya pulled Harry back against him and Harry automatically looped his arms around the blonde's shoulders. The fast-paced song they were dancing to slowed down to allow a moment's breath. Senya's arms slid around Harry's waist, holding him close. Senya ducked his head to rest against the crown of Harry's soft waves.
"By the gods, you are so beautiful and perfect," Senya murmured, his words heard without understanding as the translation charm had worn off seconds ago.
Despite this, Harry could hear the emotions in his date's voice and tightened his arms around him. Standing here in this moment with Senya's larger form practically encasing him protectively, Harry felt safer than he ever had in his entire life. His fingers unconsciously moved to thread into Senya's blonde hair at the base of his skull as he pressed himself as close as possible to the warmth surrounding him.
The night progressed in much of the same way, Harry and Senya dancing with barely any space between them. Almost eight songs later, Hermione and Viktor gained their attention and motioned towards the food and drinks bar. Together, they made their way through the other dancers. They split up with Viktor and Senya going to grab drinks for them while Hermione and Harry began making small plates of food.
"Hermione?" Harry said her name, getting her attention and a brilliant smile aimed his way. "This is one of the best nights of my life."
"Mine as well," Hermione agreed. "Come on, Viktor and Rurikov found us a table."
Before he could take a step, a hand grabbed hold of Harry's arm and held him back from following after Hermione. Harry turned around with a frown, blinking at the sight of Ron's regret-filled eyes. Realizing Harry was not following her, Hermione stopped to see the reason why.
"Can I talk to you?" Ron asked him, his eyes flickering over to Hermione as she started walking back over. "In private?"
Harry pursed his lips, but nodded. As soon as Hermione came up beside him, Harry passed her his plant.
"Can you take this please? I'll be right back," Harry requested and she accepted his plant despite the glare she was aiming directly at the redhead.
Without waiting for something else to be said, Harry made for the exit. Only when he cleared the ballroom did he stop and turn to face Ron.
"I'm sorry!" Ron blurted out, the suddenness of it shocking Harry.
Harry went to say something, but stopped. For over two months, Ron has avoided Harry like the plague and would glare at him whenever he was within sight. Nevermind all of the hurtful things Ron said about Harry under his breath or behind his back. Harry wanted nothing more than to forgive Ron, to have his other best friend back…but Ron hurt him with his instant betrayal. When Ron only stared in waiting for Harry to say something after he said I'm sorry, Harry remained quiet.
"Well?" Ron demanded, his face turning red as Harry's silence remained. "Say something!"
Biting the inside of his cheek, Harry glanced down the empty corridor. Taking a deep breath, he turned on his heel and went back to the ball's entrance.
"I told you that I'm sorry! What can I do to make you believe me?" Ron cried out in frustration and a little hurt. "Harry, please!"
Harry paused with his hand on the doorknob.
"If I have to tell you, then you're not sorry at all," Harry said just loud enough for Ron to hear him.
Harry step inside the ballroom once more, leaving a gapping Ron standing alone. Just as the door shut behind Harry, Cedric stepped in front of him. Harry withheld a huff of frustration, not wanting anything to ruin the rest of his good mood. Cedric took a step close enough that his words could be heard by Harry, the closeness surprising him as he could feel Cedric's body heat.
"You should take a bath with your egg," Cedric stated, throwing a nonchalant glance around for those who might have been listening. "Go to the fifth-floor prefect's bathroom. It's located four doors left of Boris the Bewildered's statue. The password is pine fresh."
An arm slipped around Harry's waist, pulling him against a firm chest and he jerked his head up to see Senya staring intently at Cedric. In response to Senya's sudden arrival, Cedric took a step back and tried to smile, but the fire inside Senya's hazel gaze burned fiercely. Cedric cleared his throat nervously, before quickly leaving to find his date. Harry had not stopped staring at Senya the entire time it took Cedric to flee.
"He told me the secret of how to open my golden egg," Harry told him, his voice pulling Senya out of his thoughts and the blonde finally looked at him.
"You don't have to explain, Little Raven," Senya stated, carefully leading Harry over to the table where Viktor and Hermione still waited.
"I know," Harry sighed fondly, pressing his side closer to Senya's.
Senya's chuckle vibrated against Harry, causing his smile to widen.
.:oOo:.
"Pine fresh," Harry whispered the password Cedric had given, not wanting to risk being overhead by anyone patrolling nearby.
A click sounded from the prefects' door, so Harry pushed it opened and stepped inside. He shut the door behind him and made sure the lock was secure before turning to face the room. Harry spotted a couple of toilet stalls on one side of the room before his eyes froze on the massive in-ground bathtub.
Outlining the entire bathtub had to have been around a hundred or so golden taps, each with a different bathing product. The tub was already filled to capacity and bubbles overflowed in edges like a waterfall. The scent of spearmint and eucalyptus filled the room, the calming smell immediately relaxing Harry.
Stepping over to where he assumed the edge of the tub was, Harry gently set down his golden egg before removing his clothes. He shivered despite the steam rising from the tub. Grabbing hold of a matching gold railing, Harry carefully stepped into the tub. When his feet touched the bottom, the water met his chest and the scented bubbles threated to hide him completely. He blew some bubbles away, almost breathing in a mouthful by accident.
"Way too many bubbles," Harry uttered under his breath and in a split second, the quantity of bubbles had halved.
Harry blinked before grinning, a surprised chuckle escaping him. Opting to bathe first, Harry took his time and enjoyed the hot bath. After rinsing his hair, Harry floated on the water's surface, staring up at the high ceilings just thinking about his time at the Yule Ball the night before. A familiar giggle came from above him and Harry quickly stood up, hiding his lower body in the water.
"Myrtle!" Harry shouted in outraged embarrassment; his entire body flushed as the blushing ghost twirled around.
"Oh, Harry, sweet Harry," Myrtle sang, giggling up a storm. "Why isn't your boyfriend here with you? I don't mind sharing."
Harry's back hit the side of the tub, not realizing he had been backing up while trying to keep Myrtle in sight. His cheeks grew a blazing red at her words. She hovered on her stomach a couple of feet in front of him with her head propped up on her bend arms. She playfully kicked her legs and her pigtails bounced.
"Why so shy, Harry? Don't you think Senya is dreamy?" Myrtle asked with a mocking frown, her laughing eyes giving away her teasing attitude.
Harry smacked a wave of bubbles at her, causing her to squeal with laughter and float away.
"Stop it, Myrtle. Leave me alone! This is entirely inappropriate for you to be in here when a guy is bathing," Harry yelled at her, his heart pounding against his chest.
Grinning, Myrtle pressed her hands together above her head in a triangle and Harry shouted as the ghost dived right into the water. He quickly covered himself and twisted around. After a minute or so, Myrtle final popped up and did a backwards stroke while pouting.
"You're no fun, Harry. I just wanted a little peek," Myrtle stated bluntly, before smirking teasingly. "Have you given Senya a peek?"
Having enough, Harry grabbed his wand from where it was by the egg and aimed it at her. She laughed as she flew through a nearby wall, angering the mermaid when Myrtle splashed her. Grumbling under his breath, Harry set his wand down and snatched the egg up. He ducked his entire body under the water and watched as the egg opened up and began playing a beautiful tune.
"Come seek us where our voices sound,
We cannot sing above the ground,
And while you're searching ponder this;
We've taken what you'll sorely miss,
An hour long you'll have to look,
And to recover what we took,
But past an hour, the prospect's black,
Too late, it's gone, it won't come back."
Harry coughed as he came back up for air and set the now closed egg back on the side of the tub. Having enough of being in the water and not wanting to risk Myrtle coming back to harass him some more, Harry got out of the tub and dried off. Tossing on his change of clothes, he grabbed his wand and egg. Leaving the bathroom, he hurried as cautiously as he could back to the Gryffindor dorms.
'Taken what I'll sorely miss? What did they take? Have they even taken anything yet?' Harry wondered to himself, trying to come up with the answer. 'I'll only have an hour to complete the next task and it seems like it'll be underwater.'
"Ugh," Harry groaned as he rubbed his brow, already feeling a headache forming.
.:oOo:.
Senya looked around him as he walked beside Harry through the small wizarding village of Hogsmeade. The cobblestone footpath was crowded, not only with third-year students and up, but also residents seeking to make a few galleons from the mass of flocking teens. For the second time in a short amount of time, someone bumped into Harry's shoulder, pushing him into Senya. He heard Harry's whispered apology and wrapped an arm around the raven's shoulders instead.
The action was barely even thought of, Senya having reacted out of instinct as he continued taking in the sights. Walking a few paces in front of them, Viktor and Hermione were in almost similar positions; although Viktor's arm was slipped casually around her waist instead. Senya glanced down at Harry when he felt the younger male shift closer, catching the hint of a flush dusting Harry's cheeks.
"Vere to first?" Senya asked the group, watching students of all ages pour into different shops.
"We can get something to eat at the Three Broomsticks and then maybe check out Honeydukes?" Harry suggested.
Harry had been thinking about Honeydukes' assorted chocolates and their treacle fudge all week. He regrets not having gone to Hogsmeade back in November during the first Hogsmeade weekend, but he had been busy training with Senya for the first task. Together, the group of four entered the Three Broomsticks, fighting their way towards one of the last available tables near the back.
As they waited for their meal order, they talked about anything and everything in between swallows of warm butterbeer. Eventually, their conversations focused on the second task and the clue they were given. All four agreed that it would be underwater, most likely in the Black Lake with only an hour to complete.
"I'm still unsure about what will or has been taken," Harry voiced thoughtfully, moving his drink back as Madame Rosmerta brought over the group's food order. "The clue mentioned that something had already been taken…but I'm not missing anything."
"They might be waiting for the second task to drawl nearer," Hermione suggested, taking a bite of her fish and chips.
"Seeing as how ze second task will commence underwater, zere are plenty of zings one vill need to prepare for," Viktor spoke up as he finished his butterbeer, only for his empty mug to be replaced with a new one without him having to ask.
Viktor nodding in thanks to Madame Rosmerta, her having banished the empty mug to the kitchen and summon a waiting mug for whenever a customer needed one. Harry mulled over what he would need to survive underwater in the Black Lake and tried to make a list of possible spells that would help him.
"Okay, first there is the whole breathing part. Then being able to see in the dark," Harry counted off out loud. "It'll be freezing this time of year, so definitely need something to stay warm. Also…"
Three pairs of eyes focused on Harry as he trailed off, his eyes not leaving his plate as he nervously shifting his fork around in his shepherd's pie.
"Vhat is it?" Senya asked, placing his hand on the middle of Harry's back, the action hidden by the table.
Harry bit his bottom lip before exhaling heavily.
"I can't swim," Harry murmured and quickly looked up at the sound of a fork falling on a plate.
Hermione gapped at him, wide-eyed.
"Zat is all? No problem," Viktor stated, breaking Hermione out of her frozen look of growing terror for her friend, taking a hearty mouthful of steak and kidney pie. "I have plan."
Senya smirked at his best friend, already knowing how Viktor planned to go about the second task. He only wondered how Viktor would be assisting Harry in it, if that is what Senya grasped of the brunette's nonchalant statement.
"Do not vorry, Little Raven, Viktor vill vatch over you," Senya whispered into Harry's ear, feeling the tremble course through the raven's body from being so close.
Harry should have been annoyed by those words of someone else needing to hold his hand during a dangerous task, but he could feel nothing but relief and a sense of calmness wash over him. He did not want to win the tournament. Harry never agreed to be a part of it in the first place. If not for the risk of losing his magic, Harry would have refused to partake in the dangerous games. Harry will not win, having decided prior to the first task that winning belonged to one of the real champions, but he will survive. Harry will survive and he had friends doing everything to help him do so.
.:oOo:.
The day of the second task arrived quickly, much too soon in Harry's opinion. As he made with way to the Black Lake with Viktor, Fleur, and Cedric, he could not help but to look around for Hermione and Senya. Scanning the crowd was easy with the use of the vision-correcting charm Hermione had taught him back in December.
Harry did not want to wear his glasses with the fear of losing them and the fact that they were actually useless underwater. While he searched unsuccessfully, Neville jogged up beside him and thrust something slimy into one of his hands. Harry jerked back and would have dropped whatever it was, but Neville's hand clamped down around his.
"Eat this right before you jump into the water. It'll help you," Neville said, a determined glint in his eyes.
"What is it?" Harry questioned his fellow Gryffindor, glancing down at what he was now holding and scrunched up his nose at the gray-green slimy strands that looked similar to rat tails.
"Gillyweed. All at once," Neville warned, letting Harry immediately know that the taste would be less than desirable.
"Hey, Neville, have you seen Hermione?" Harry asked, still unable to find his friend.
Neville shrugged.
"I haven't seen her since she stayed late to speak with Professor McGonagall about yesterday's transfiguration lesson," Neville stated, catching Viktor's attention.
The muscular Durmstrang champion slowed his gait enough to walk alongside Harry.
"Senya has been gone since yesterday afternoon," Viktor admitted, sending Harry a tiny smirk. "I figured he vas vith you."
Harry rubbed the back of his neck as he looked down at the footpath they were on, feeling the warmth spreading. Looking back up, Harry pressed his lips together to hide his smile.
"We parted ways shortly after supper. Senya said that he wanted to look up something," Harry admitted. "Do you think Hermione's and Senya's absence has something to do with the second task?"
Viktor nodded.
"I was afraid so," Harry stated solemnly as they finally arrived at their destination.
.:oOo:.
Harry gritted his teeth in pain as the gillyweed caused a stinging sensation along with neck, hands and feet. If not for the icy water surrounding him, Harry knew the throbbing pain could have been much worse. As breathing became easy, Harry touched his neck and felt slits fluttering every time he inhaled and exhaled. The thin film of skin between his fingers caught his eyes and he took a moment to exam his newly webbed hands and feet.
"A little warning would have been nice," Harry said to himself, his voice sounding surprisingly clear.
Something shot past him at an alarming speed, circling back around and then coming up beside him. Two very important reasons kept Harry from jumping back out of the water at the sight of the large shark; Hermione and Senya were still missing and possibly at the bottom of the lake, and the shark's bottom half gave Viktor's half-transformed body away. Taking the hint, Harry quickly grabbed hold of Viktor-shark's dorsal fin, tightening his grip as they sped off.
While Viktor led them down into the depths of the Black Lake, Harry scoped their surroundings in case of any of the lake's inhabitants appeared out of curiosity or hostility. The light filtering through the surface of the lake dimmed the further they went and as the darkness began to creep up on them, a soft greenish glow began to emit further down. Harry stared in wonder as a rocky village began to manifest.
'It kind of reminds me of that book on Ancient Greece Hermione showed me last year,' Harry thought as Viktor leveled off their decent and slowed his speed to taking in everything as well.
Shadows moved off to the sides, the murky waters making it difficult to tell if the movement was the underwater plants or merpeople keeping guard. Nearby some stone pillars, Harry spotted silver-blonde hair belonging to Fleur. He frowned as he realized that she was not getting closer to them, but instead swimming to the surface as fast as she could and away from a swarm of grindylows after her.
'She won't be able to complete the task if she surfaces so late into the task,' Harry voiced silently to himself, a frown pulling at his lips as he and Viktor casually made their way through the center of the mer-village.
Viktor's body jerked, getting Harry's attention and he looked ahead to see what caused such a reaction. Floating in the cold waters with rope tied to their ankles were Hermione, Senya, Cho Chang, and a young girl similar in appearance to Fleur. Harry's chest tightened at the seemingly lifelessness of all four, his main focus being on Hermione and Senya.
"Taken what you'll sorely miss…" Harry murmured with confliction.
He floated next to Viktor, both glancing back and forth between Hermione and Senya. Harry wanted to go to Hermione, his best friend that he considered his sister in all but blood. Then his gaze would shift back to Senya, someone who had become to mean so much to Harry…someone he found himself falling for harder each and every day.
Viktor bumped into his side and made Harry's decision for him, quickly darting forward and snapping the line holding Hermione down. Following Viktor's lead, Harry kicked his webbed feet in the same way he remembered his Aunt Petunia teaching his cousin. It was slow going, but Harry finally managed to get close enough to grab hold of the rope tied around Senya's ankle.
With careful movements, Harry pulled his wand from his calf holster. Touching the tip of his wand to Senya's rope, he cast a minor cutting hex taught to him in second year for Herbology. It took two more times before the thick rope broke free and Harry quickly kicked his feet upwards until he was face-to-face with Senya. Wrapping his arms around Senya's chest, Harry looked up in an attempt to gage the distance to the surface.
Movement out of the corner of his eye had Harry turn his head to see Cedric working to free Cho. It was then that Harry recalled seeing Fleur fleeing to the surface in order to escape a swarm of grindylows that had attacked her. He glanced at the young girl floating on the other side of Cho and pointed at her when Cedric glanced at him. Cedric shrugged, hesitance in his eyes as he looked around for the last champion.
Harry pointed upwards, silently answering Cedric's unspoken question. Furrowing his brows, Cedric moved around with Cho in one arm and reached out for the girl only to have one of the surrounding mer-people wield a sharp trident-like spear to his throat. Cedric jerked back, his eyes wide as the mer-person bared their razor sharp teeth.
"Only one," It hissed, pressing the sharp blade of their spear closer.
"Time is almost up!" Harry shouted as best he could, feeling the effects of the gillyweed fading away.
It was taking more and more effort to keep himself and Senya in one place as his webbed feet and hands slowly began to recede.
"Only one!"
As the mer-person shouted, Cedric aimed his wand at the rope around the girl's ankle and shot a severing hex at it. Chaos erupted and Harry kicked his feet as hard as he could towards the surface with Cedric doing the same, both having grabbed hold of the girl's dress robes and dragging her up with them. Harry fumbled, fighting back his panic as the remaining webbing vanished.
As the surface approached and the reflecting light grew brighter, Harry felt something wrap around one of his ankles right before he was jerked down. Harry cried out in surprise and the small amount of pain caused by spiny tentacles latching onto him. The swarm of grindylows that had previously attacked Fleur were merging upon him. Harry aimed his wand at the grindylow dragging him down, but another curled around his thigh.
Wincing, Harry tried to shake them off without losing his grip on Senya. Glancing up, Harry saw Cedric breech the surface with Cho and the young girl. Gritting his teeth, Harry pushed Senya upwards towards the surface just as three more grindylows grabbed hold of him and began to drag him back into the depths of the lake. Harry gasped for breath, taking a lungful of water as his gills were the last to go.