"Mate, she's going to love it, you need to calm down."
"I know I know! Well I don't, but she said she'd love anything."
"Exactly!"
"Right…right."
There was a few seconds of silence.
"But what if she's lying?"
"Argh!"
It had been that way since they'd woken up, or rather Harry had woken Neville up by freaking out over Daphne's birthday gift. Again. Nothing Neville had said had helped and in the end, he simply zoned out as the Boy-Who-Lived started to babble again.
February 19th was an important day and Harry was determined it would go brilliantly for them all. Daphne didn't like Valentines day and Tracey had expressly informed Harry to do very little and to focus on her birthday. As a result he had sent her a box of her favourite eclairs but had done nothing else as he decided on what gift to get her and how he could show he appreciated her properly.
The boys were walking towards the kitchens where they would meet Tracey and Daphne for breakfast, before they planned the rest of the day. Harry had some ideas but he wanted to wait to see what everyone wanted to do first. They checked the surrounding corridors quickly before tickling the pear and descending into the organised madness that was the Kitchens and immediately caught sight of the girls sitting at the table chatting with Dobby who greeted Harry as enthusiastically as he always did. Sliding in next to his girlfriend, Harry quickly pressed a kiss to her cheek and whispered Happy Birthday while Neville and Tracey fought over the last pancake.
"Ha ha I win!"
"Bugger, ah well next time Davis. Happy Birthday Daphne."
"Thanks Neville."
"Got anything yet?"
"Parents have sent over some new robes, earrings, few duelling books and notebooks. Good haul this year." She said with a wink.
Neville gave a laugh as he turned to thank Dobby who had seen their argument and bought over a stack of pancakes for him and some toast for Harry.
"Thanks Dobby, so wanting to do anything in particular today?" Harry asked as he smothered the toast in chocolate spread.
"Hmm well, Tracey here seems to think that you'll just die if you don't tell me your plan."
The smile that had started mischievous turned warm and encouraging as Harry blushed and looked down.
"Well I might have made a vague plan…"
"A vague plan he says! The boy has been planning this since he found out, we have stages! Apparently my bathroom time overran by 1 minutes 32 seconds" Neville said in an indignant voice but the twinkle in his eye told Harry he wasn't really upset at all.
"Hey if you hadn't spent that extra time perfecting your eyebrows we would have already been here."
"Anyway." Daphne said loudly as she turned to Harry with an expectant look. "What was the plan?"
"We have several things planned, first Hagrid told me a couple of weeks ago that two unicorn foals have been born and are unusually friendly if we wanted to go and see them." He waited for Tracey's squeals to die down. "And then I thought we would go into Hogsmeade…"
"But its not a Hogsmeade day." Neville said confused.
"I may know a way out." Harry returned with a smug grin.
"Awesome." Tracey breathed out her eyes sparkling at the thought of sneaking out.
"And well I thought we could finish with dinner in the room of requirement." Harry finished, looking over to Daphne with a small amount insecurity and apprehension in his eyes that caused her heart to melt as she pulled his arm around her and snuggled in.
"That sounds brilliant."
Although Daphne didn't see it, a large grin had spread across her boyfriend's face as he puffed out a sigh of relief to both Neville and Tracey's amusement.
After breakfast they headed down to Hagrid's straight away, all of them dressed warmly with thick boots and woolly hats and some meat for Fang.
"Alright all of you then? And I 'ear its your birthday. Happy Birthday Miss Greengrass, 'ope you have lovely day." Hagrid said formally and even included a little bow his black eyes twinkling as he did so.
"Thank you, Hagrid. Harry does have a great day planned." She said greeting the groundskeeper warmly; her attitude towards the half-giant hadn't changed too much as she had always been respectful but over the few months that they'd been in closer contact due to his friendship with Harry she had come to see the warmth and kindness he had displayed to everyone as well as his embarrassment after that article had come out.
"Ah yes 'Arry is a good lad, he'll take care of you. Come on then! Lets be off before the young 'uns start sleeping."
As they walked down to the area that Hagrid had sectioned off from the students.
"The foals were born 'ere three weeks ago, the parents 'aven't wanted to move them so I've made sure to give 'em as much peace and quiet as possible so no squealing." He said with an uncharacteristically stern look towards Tracey who had already let out an "eep" as they trundled through the forest that seemed gloomy and mysterious.
"Now 'ere they are, just wait until they notice you."
"Oh Hagrid, they're beautiful." Neville breathed out as he started ahead in awe as did the others.
The two adult unicorns were laying next to each other by one of the huge oak trees that littered the forest, the gleaming white coats standing out as brightly against the shrouding darkness of the woods as the pure silver horns protruded from their foreheads and caught the attention of the children standing still, hidden slightly by the leaves of the trees around them. The two foals were skipping happily about with each other, their coats a beautiful shining galleon gold. The group stood there for roughly ten minutes just watching them, eventually the adults saw them and whinnied to the foals which immediately scampered towards their parents then edging towards the group before backing away again all the way seemingly checking with their parents who remained on the floor.
"Now if you're lucky they'll start to get curious about you, maybe let your pet 'em. I need to feed Madam Maxine's 'orses but if you promise to be careful you can stay here a bit longer."
"We promise Hagrid, we'll only stay here a little while longer." Harry said softly, his eyes flicking over the wonder that stood before him.
Hagrid nodded and with a final smile, he headed away quite quietly for such a large man.
The group remained only a few more minutes, long enough for one of the foals to gain enough courage to ever so slowly sidle up to them and after sniffing at Tracey's hand – to which her face turned pink with the effort to keep her excitement in – had reared around and dashed back to his parents. This had led the adults to standing and moving over to the group that remained frozen, slowly the foals came forward and allowed a few minutes of petting before retreating. The group left as softly as possible only speaking after they had breached the cover of trees.
"That. Was. AWESOME!"
"So incredible, they were amazing! I never knew their colours could be so bright!"
"Well being the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry has contacts."
"That's right Nev, just remember to treat me good."
"Oh great lord Potter who is so awesome and brilliant! Maybe we should petition for you to be made Minister? Or King? King Harry! Hey!" Tracey's enthusiastic and only mildly sarcastic comment stopped as Harry sent a tripping hex her way.
"Serves you right! Merlin, did you ever believe you'd see a unicorn."
"Yes." Came the response from the three born and bred magical's as they then burst into laughter.
Harry turned to them with his own grin.
"Okay okay I know, but come on I grew up thinking none of this could be the slightest bit possible, let me have my moment of shock and awe."
Daphne giggled as she wound her arm through Harrys.
"You're cute."
"No I'm not, I'm…I'm…I'm manly." He mumbled, a blush covering his cheeks as she huffed out a laugh and kissed his cheek.
"Of course, very…manly."
By this time, they had started to move along the third-floor corridor to the statue of the one-eyed witch. Harry still hadn't told Neville or Tracey about the Marauder's map not for lack of trust but mostly because he himself hadn't been using it except for in private, the only irregularities he noticed was the almost constant presence of Crouch in Moody's office as well as Moody visiting Snape's.
"Right I'm going to reveal something to you both and I trust you implicitly and because of that I want to share something with you."
Tracey and Neville looked at him in anticipation.
"The thing is…when my dad was at Hogwarts with his friends they made a map about the school that showed every room and passageway as well as the people in it."
He brought out the parchment from his bag and muttered the phrase watching his friends faces instead of the map and the incredulity that spread over them as the webs weaved together and formed the rooms they knew so well.
"Hey that's us!" Tracey said in excitement as she pointed to the four sets of footprints that gathered around the small drawing that represented the witch with Dissendium written in it.
"Yup and it looks like we're all clear." Harry said with a wink as he drew out his wand and tapped the statue saying the word clearly.
"Come on then." Daphne said brightly as she headed in first, eager to continue the next phase of her birthday.
The four of them easily moved through the passageway, taking care and laughing with each as Tracey started to hum the James Bond theme tune.
"Now, we are right under Honeydukes now. So disillusionment charms, then no talking I'll take lead, we'll join hands, I asked for a private room and she was quite happy to assist."
At once Daphne and Harry disappeared, Neville vanished too after the first few goes but he asked Harry to complete another just in case. Tracey on the other hand only seemed slightly out of focus and this time it was Daphne who quickly helped her friend before they rose out of the trap door and made their way out of the shop. Hogsmeade was relatively empty, only a few of the locals braving to go out and no mishaps were had during their journey to The Three Broomsticks.
"This is so cool!" Whispered Tracey excitedly. "We're like the only ones here!"
"And yet you've still managed to kick my shin three times!" Came Neville's aggravated tone.
"Sorry, its hard to figure out where you are!"
Harry let out a chuckle which caused Mr Orleander, proprietor of the bookshop Tomes and Scrolls to look around in confusion as he left the pub. Once inside they all made their way to the curtained area that led to the private rooms and all breathed a sigh or relief as the spell ended and they became visible to each other. Harry quickly opened one of the doors and ushered everyone in, the room was medium size with wooden panelling and thick green carpets, there was a row of windows that looked out over the main street and a fire crackled merrily in the grate filling the room with warmth.
"I can't believe we did it! We sneaked out! Ohhhhh my grandmother will kill me if she finds out!" Neville said with an easy going grin on his face.
Just then the door opened once more revealing Madam Rosmerta who grinned at the four students who all had pink cheeks.
"Well its good to see some students still enjoy sneaking around." She said with a wink as 3 trays followed her in. "Take a seat, you have the room for a two hours."
"Thanks Madam, it's really kind of you to let us do this."
Madam Rosemerta put a hand on Harry's shoulder and smiled somewhat sadly at him.
"I remember when four boys would come to this old pub, they would burst in and hide out in the corner until either a teacher came and got them or I threw them out for giggling too much. To see that mop of hair again, with his friends, having a good time…I wouldn't have said no for the world." She gave another wink and sashayed out, shutting the door quietly behind her.
Harry felt a wave of sadness that always accompanied the longing when he thought of his parents even as he turned to laugh at Tracey who had been shoved out of her chair by Neville.
"You okay?" Came the soft voice of Daphne as she slipped her hand in his.
"Yeah, just wishing."
She gave a small smile back and kissed his cheek.
"Come on, this is your day what are you feeling?" He asked nudging her shoulder with his and pointing to the food laden trays.
The four settled quickly into the feast spread out on the four-person table. Thick sandwiches containing roast beef, mustard, tomatoes and lettuce; others with cheese, chutney, mayonnaise and ham. Three bite ones with just ham or egg mayonnaise. Then there was the nibbles; cocktail sausages, sausage rolls, smoked salmon, gherkins, olives, crisps of all flavours, chicken bites and carrot sticks.
"So how are you feeling about the second task?" Tracey had asked as they munched.
"Terrified." Harry deadpanned immediately. "Technically it might not be Daphne, theoretically I know that. And even if it was they can't do anything permanently harmful to her as not only is she a student under their care but she also Heir of Greengrass, it would political suicide. Right?" He said looking at his girlfriend for confirmation.
"True, its kind of ridiculous for them to put something so intense into the task when they must know how illegal it is, and how quickly the world would crash down around their ears if anything happened to one of the kids." Neville said thoughtfully as he placed more sausage rolls on his plate.
"Exactly, but we do have a plan. And I'm feeling more confident in this one that the first task."
"Why is that?" Tracy asked.
"Well in the first task, we weren't sure if the patronus would work against the dragon or if the egg was moveable, I know for sure that the scuba spell will work. The only thing I'm not sure about is how they will put the objects - if we're wrong – down in the water."
"If it was an object I would have thought they would attach a weight to it and send it on its way." Tracey said immediately, helping herself to some butterbeer.
"People though, will they put bubble head charms in place? "
"I guess, though wouldn't the judges need to ensure they stayed in one place? If they're awake what's to stop them from simply swimming away?"
"Try and put you in a contained area with wards?"
"But the bubble head charm only works with the person who cast it focus. I think it would need to be something stronger, more permanent until their rescuer saves them otherwise they could panic if they're there too long." Daphne said thoughtfully as she twirled her fork in her fingers.
"Like they need to be knocked out?" Tracey asked.
Daphne shrugged.
"I guess, I'm just not sure of any spells like that."
They were all quite for a moment as they finished up eating.
"Man I would hate to be you." Tracey said, looking straight at Harry who rolled his eyes at her.
"Gee thanks."
"Oh you know what I mean, you have all that pressure from everyone and yourself. Not to mention her father." Harry paled causing Daphne to shoot her friend a warning glance that she took no notice of. "A father who adores his family and has made several enemies simply by refusing marriage contracts and being in the war etc. I mean forget You Know Who, Lord Greengrass is who you have to really watch out for I mean he-"
"Tracey! Enough."
Tracey immediately shut her mouth seeing how ashen her lion friend had gone.
"I'm sorry, I get carried away you know that."
"Its okay Trace, and actually you've given me an idea."
"She has?" Neville asked confused.
Harry turned to Daphne.
"What if we told your father our suspicions. We get him to find out what precautionary measures they will take?"
Daphne thought about it, nodding her head slowly as she ran the idea around her mind.
"Yeah, that could work."
They quickly moved the subject onto happier things and were once more laughing with each other when Madam Rosemerta came in with a slightly regretful look on her face.
"Alright you lot, time to be off with you. You're welcome back any time." She said as she handed each of them a small box with leftovers in it.
"Thanks Madam Ros-"
"Oh tch, none of that now. You lot call me Rosie." She gave another wink and Neville blushed a bit.
"O..okay Rosie. We'll erm yes goodbye and thankyou." He said quickly as he walked over to the door.
"Erm, Nev…Disillusionment charms?"
"Oh right!" He blushed harder and waited for them all to disappear before they left with Madam Rosmerta smiling after them.
Tracey even managed to stop herself from teasing him until they were safely back in the passageway, heading towards Hogwarts.
"Blushing Nev, you were blushing!"
"I was not!"
"You were too, you went all pink and cute and cuddly and stuttery. You're adorable."
"I am not adorable! And I wasn't blushing!"
"Are and were! Especially when she said Rosieeee." She completed in a sing song voice.
"She was just very you know…very nice."
"Hm yes very nice and pretty and kind and –"
"Okay okay come on now, lets leave him alone. We're almost at the room." Harry said taking pity on his friend whose eyebrow was starting to twitch.
"Can I hold the map?" Tracey asked excitedly she eagerly took it but nodded solemnly as Harry made her swear to be careful.
10 minutes later they were heading into the room of requirement having dodged three groups of people thanks to Tracey's need to be a spy.
The room had been created to Tracey's taste, large and bright with pale stone and a giant purple rug on the floor with light pink sofas and bright green bean bags. They all flopped down and Neville rubbed his stomach in exaggerated pain.
"Man I am stuffed!"
"It was rather delicious, thank you Harry." Daphne said as she put her feet on her boyfriend's lap.
"Not a problem."
"What's the next phase then?"
"Well this…and this." Harry said as he pulled the brightly wrapped gifts from his bag.
"PRESENT TIME!" Tracey yelled immediately shuffling forward.
Daphne looked amazed at the selection in front of her. She had received her presents from her parents this morning and a book plus hair stuff from Tracey but when Harry hadn't given her anything that morning, she had assumed the days plan was his present. The objects were varying size and all brightly wrapped in light blue sparkly paper with a darker blue ribbon attached to it.
"That one is from me." Neville said as he pointed to a slightly bulky, squidgy one. "I forgot to buy wrapping paper so had to borrow Harrys." Daphne laughed but thanked him for the consideration as she peeled back the paper to reveal a dark green sweater with a snake embroidery around the sleeves.
"Oh Neville, its gorgeous! Thank you so much" She said in delight pulling off the black one she had on and replacing it. "It's a perfect fit too, thank you!"
"I noticed your Slytherin one seems to be wearing a bit thin, glad it fits." Neville said with a pleased smile.
After giving him a quick hug, she returned to her seat and turned back to the other gifts.
Harry held his breath as she selected the smallest one and started to delicately unwrap it. The small box was revealed and she opened it as her lips twitched up in a pleased smile.
"Oh Harry, its beautiful." Tracey leaned over to see the small charm that had a link to attach to the bracelet Harry had got her for Yule. The charm was a clear silver ball that had a colour changing light inside it morphing the colours from dark purple to lilac to light blue then dark blue then back again, it was a simple but beautiful piece.
"Thank you, it really is wonderful."
His only response was to blush and she quickly moved onto the medium gift in case Tracey saw and teased further. The second gift was revealed to be a wooden box, it was about 25 centimetres long, 15 centimetres in width and 15 centimetres in height. The outside was beautifully carved with dips and swirls that reminded Daphne of the waves and in each corner on the surface was the same four words that she had put on his photo frame 'Virtus, Fidem, Spe, Amicitia' (courage, faith, hope, friendship) She opened it up to reveal a jewellery case, different sections opened out to reveal plush emerald green silk.
"I sent a letter to your parents asking what you might wish for and they mentioned you might like this, I brought the box and then Hagrid helped me to carve it so its really a joint gift I suppose. Anyway your parents say you have lots of sparkly things."
He sent a cheeky grin in her direction and her heart swelled at how easily he found it to joke with her, she shoved him playfully and set aside the box carefully before throwing her arms around him hugging hard.
"I love it!" She said quietly.
Easing back, she gripped his hand as she pulled the final present onto her lap; eagerly ripping the paper to find the stunning black cloak with the Greengrass crest on the left side, it had a deep purple inner colour and she found two deep pockets on either side that already contained a packet of chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate eclairs. Jokes and stories of childhood birthdays were shared until Neville and Tracey silently decided to give the couple some privacy and suddenly remembered they had homework. As they departed the room shimmered, leaving them with a smaller room and a pale blue sofa that held them comfortably as they snuggled deeper into the warmth of each other.
"So a good day?"
"Hmmm, the best." She returned, with a happy smile.
They remained cuddling occasionally exchanging kisses but mostly talking about childhoods, things they missed and past presents.
"What are you going to do for Padfoots?"
"Well, I was thinking of a nice prank first of all."
"Oh Harry that's mean!"
"I'm just going to do this nifty potion that changes his hair and –"
She was still berating him as they left for the Slytherin commons rooms just after curfew struck. Standing just past the corner he wrapped his arms around her. She tightened her own around him and rested her head on his shoulder, pressing her face into the side of his neck.
"Best birthday ever." She mumbled sleepily and felt him smile as he pressed a kiss to the side of her head. He waved her inside and the grin on her face kept him warm as he made his way back to the common room.
Starting down to the lake early on the morning of the 24th February feeling worried but cautiously optimistic, they'd sent a letter to Lord Greengrass who – from the sounds of it - had stormed into Dumbledores office with Minister Fudge trailing behind him spluttering and categorically refused the idea that Daphne would be placed in the lake and if anything happened to the contrary it would be the start of World War 3, what followed was a lengthy 2 hour discussion about the security measures they had in place and the many protections that would be around to ensure the champions and their 'hostages' remained unharmed and presented with necessary challenges and obstacles that would test their abilities. Unfortunately, the hostage had to be a person to 'make it necessary for the champions to try their best' and Dumbledore had reluctantly admitted that most of the school would probably be left under and therefore it was between Neville, Tracey and Daphne. In the end Lord Greengrass had initiated a contract that would place Dumbledore and Fudge in very uncomfortable positions that swore Daphne and the rest of the hostages would be safe and Lord Greengrass himself would place the necessary charms on his daughter.
Harry and Daphne had remained calm as Professor Snape had come to retrieve his student from the library the night before but as she had left she had squeezed Harry's hand; whispered that she trusted him and if anything happened they wouldn't be having any alone time any time soon…Now he stared over the calm grey waters of the lake, it was freezing already and he was running the plan through his head, step by step and going over anything that could go wrong. He was startled out of his thoughts by Neville and Tracey who came to stand quietly beside him as a few students also stared to settle in the stands a little way away, Harry was doing his best to ignore them and keep his thoughts focussed on Daphne though as Lord Greengrass came up to them and slapped a hand onto his shoulder turning the young man to face him the father knew his daughter was in safe hands at the determination, worry and strength shining from the emerald eyes.
"Good luck, Mr Potter. I look forward to your success." With a nod to Neville, Lord Greengrass left them to go to the stand dedicated to those who had paid enough to attend like Lucius Malfoy and other members of the wizardengamont.
"It will be alright mate, we're fully prepared and ready and you know exactly what to do. Just go and get her."
"Thanks Nev, see you on the other side."
Tracey simply hugged him and informed him sternly to return her best friend back to her.
The three parted ways and Neville and Tracey headed into the lower stands so they could have the easiest access to the lake's edge, as they sat Tracey grabbed his hand in a tight hold. No matter how much trust she had in Harry, her best friend was down there and she needed some comfort. Harry moved towards to where the judges – Percy once more standing in for Crouch who was ill yet again- and the rest of the champions stood on a small pier in front of the stands. He ignored Bagman's blustering how proud they should all be of their first performances and listened as the former Quidditch player talked about the second task, his voice magically amplified so that all in the stands could hear as well. He knew about Bagmans bet, the twins had found out a while ago when he had refused to pay them back for the Quidditch World cup and they had hounded him until he had let slip that he owed the Goblins more, because of this Bagman had been trying to offer his help to Harry ever since but having figured that the judge would only kill him – the ex-quidditch player thought that flying a broomstick near a dragon would have been a good idea for heavens sake! – he had politely declined all offers for help.
"We're here for the second task, the Champions have had two and a half months to figure out the clue that was provided in the golden egg and to prepare accordingly, now I shall reveal to you all the task. In a few moments time the champions are to set out into the lake to find a hostage, you may notice that some of your classmates are missing…They are unharmed so far, the champions have 1 hour to find them and return them to the surface where they will be released from an enchanted sleep. Champions to your starting places." Each of them moved towards a section of the pier which had a flag with the Beauxbaton symbol, two wands crossed on pale blue fabric. A red double headed eagle for Durmstrung. A badger next to the Hogwarts crest and also a lion next to a Hogwarts crest, Harry scowled at the last one and with a quick wave of his wand changed it to the Potter and Black coat of arms. Dumbledore winced as he saw the change and resolved himself to have another conversation with him, maybe if he spoke to Sirius' lawyer it might make Harry happier to speak to him. He had no idea that Madam Bones and Monsieur Allard had been working round the clock in order to prepare the trial and that there was nothing he could offer to them.
Harry kept his gaze out on the water ready for when the whistle was blown. Quickly pointing the wand to himself he whispered "Flatu Aquam" before doing a neat dive - courtesy of Daphne's lessons - and sighing in relief as air flowed into his lungs, casting a quick lumos to make sure he could still speak normally he set off for the middle of the lake keeping close to the surface to have better bearings, sunlight and less trouble. It worked. Barely 5 minutes later and with plenty Aqua Eructo charms which allowed him to speed on Harry started heading down and thanks to Myrtle's directions knew exactly where he was. Drifting left he immediately saw a small group of huts and he also noticed a few Merpeople who although stared as he swam past, they didn't move towards him except for a flick of a tail. In the centre of the huts there was a statue of a merman lifting a spear heroically above his head and placed around this statue were four people, their hair and clothing moving slowing with the water. The first two Harry didn't recognise though one had the long silvery hair like the French Champion did. The other was a young man of 17 years with light brown hair, strong jaw, long nose and robes of Durmstrung. Cho Chang's long black locks trailed around her face and her pale face had a greenish tinge from the surrounding water but Harry's attention was immediately on his girlfriend and he swam quickly to her side, settling his hands on her face and feeling how cold she was.
Looking around he could see no sign of any of the other champions and although it was barely 20 minutes into the task Harry's gut insisted something was wrong. A movement out of the corner of his eye had him noticing that the Merpeople had moved closer and one with a sharp looking spear was motioning to Daphne and then up to the surface. Harry quickly waved his wand at the other hostages – Lord Greengrass had informed him of the stasis spell they would be placed under – and on another thought also a warming charm and lightening charm. At this point the Merpeople were definitely grumbling at him and several others with spears started to move in close, flicking his wand at the bindings that held her he propelled them to the surface. Feeling nothing but pure joy and relief as ice blue eyes settled on his, he summoned the boat from where it had been waiting at the waters edge, casting warming charms while they waited and then drying charms as they clambered in. Daphne moved straight into his lap, wrapping her arms around him and with another muttered spell the boat began moving to the shore and they held onto each other as Harry handed a pepper-up potion to her.
For Daphne, who even though she had complete faith in her father could only feel relief when her body had come back to her as soon as her head had broken the surface, the air had filling her lungs and emerald eyes staring into hers. Now sitting comfortably in his lap, feeling warm and safe she figured she had the perfect patronus memory. As they arrived at the pier Harry immediately helped her out just before a blonde cannonball collided with her, Astoria babbled about how happy she was they got out and how she KNEW Harry would rescue her as her father shook Harry's hand, squeezed his daughters shoulders before admitting he would now leave to inform their mother who hadn't been able to make it. They settled onto the stands with Daphne sandwiched between her sister and her boyfriend and waited, chatting quietly between themselves but welcoming the other two of their group as they came and settled, Neville giving Daphne a small smile but relief present in his face while the two girls gave a quick but strong hug to each other before Daphne returned to Harrys lap. At some point Ron came to intrude on the fives peaceful bubble but the quickly erected privacy wards had him unable to come nearer than 3 feet away and his voice was muffled. The one piece of excitement in the next 20 minutes was when a struggling and screaming Fleur Delacour was pulled from the water with her one piece slightly torn and scratches on her limbs, she clung to Madam Maxine crying "Mon soeur" and had to be given a calming draft. Harry tightened his arms around Daphne's waist and bent his head to nuzzle into her neck, breathing her in and loving the tightening of her own hand in his, he couldn't imagine the fear of the thought he wouldn't have seen her again but he refused to do anything that would cause him to leave the woman in his arms, the Minister of Magic might be a complete incompetent but even he wasn't going to risk international relations by harming a student from another school.
As the hour mark ticked over Cho Chang was handed out into Madam Pomfreys waiting arms who immediately plied her with pepper-up potion and warm blankets, Cedric pulled himself over the wooden beams with minimal effort and grinned as he saw Harry already there. The couple made their way over after the nurse had declared them fit to leave.
"Alright, Harry?"
"Piece of cake." The quake in his voice and the way his yes flickered to Daphne belied the carefree grin on his face. "How was your swim?"
"Can't complain, small run in with some eels but they left me alone after a few aguamenti's. I don't suppose you saw Krum did you?"
"Nope, something you want to share?"
"I'll say the guy only turned himself into half a shark!"
At their incredulous expressions he nodded enthusiastically. "Yep I was shocked but glanced to my left just as I entered the water and he had a head of one! Partial transfiguration isn't exactly frowned upon but I was surprised he picked such a dangerous animal."
Just then a shout came from the stands as the Durmstrung boy pulled himself over the side with a shark head by his side that quickly shrunk to reveal Viktor Krum. Just then another scream came from the crowd as several Merpeople appeared with a young girl with silvery hair in the middle of them, as soon as her head was fully above the water, she also opened her eyes and started to panicking calling out in French and clearly struggling in the water. Fleur finally broke free of her headmistress and flung herself back over the pier and eventually the two of them made it over to the side again where they flatly refused to let go of each other while Dumbledore seemed to have a conversation with the Merpeople. Ten minutes later the champions and their hostages were called to the front of the stands where the judges stood.
"Ladies and Gentleman the second task is finished and we shall now reveal the points." Bagman began. "In fourth place with 24 points we have Mademoiselle Fleur Delacour, with an excellent use of the bubble-head charm unfortunately Miss Delacour was attacked by Grindylows and unable to rescue her hostage. In third place with 40 points I present Mr Viktor Krum who performed an outstanding partial transfiguration into a shark and managed to rescue his hostage, however he was outside the time limit by thirteen and a half minutes and therefore he has points deducted. In third place we have Hogwarts own Cedric Diggory, he completed a marvellous use of the bubble-head charm, managed to defeat the eels that he came across and rescued his hostage just 2 minutes out of the hour, we award him 45 points. And in first place arriving well within the time limit with the use of a scuba-spell that has been unseen for many years as well as the summoning of the boat and providing care for not only his own hostage but the others by placing warming, lightening and checking the stasis spell was intact, we award Mr Harry Potter 50 points!"
The cheering was immense but Harry kept his eyes on Daphne and barely noticed the people chanting his name. He only glanced away when he realised the female champion was walking towards him her hand wrapped in the little girl's who looked barely 12 years old. Fleur Delacour stopped in front of them and waited until they had stood before speaking.
"You helped her, even though she wasn't yours to help. My sister, Gabrielle is well because of you." With a quick glance at the witch by his side she held out a slim, pale hand. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Harry shook it and smiled at Gabrielle was blushing madly and was half hidden behind her sister.
"I am glad you are well."
The girls turned to head back to their headmistress before the older turned back to look straight into the Boy-Who-Lived eyes and a smile graced her lips.
"When your name came out I called you a little boy, I listened to the stories and believed you would do it for your fame and fortune. I see now I was wrong, I apologise for my lack of manners and the pain I may have caused. Forgive me?"
Harry was taken aback but about to respond indifferently when he felt a small tug towards her, like when he had gone to the world cup. Of course she was a quarter Veela! He struggled to bring himself back under control as the power of the veela reached out to him. He felt the allure to do whatever she wanted, to accept her fully and felt it became stronger as he tried to enforce the occlumency he was now becoming quite proficient in. It was only when he focussed once again on the blonde beauty by his side that he managed to reply stiffly.
"It was wrong of you to assume so much about me, you who must feel all manner of prejudice. However you also do not know me and I doubt you ever will therefore you are forgiven for listening to the lies."
She looked surprised that he hadn't turned into a blubbering mess and a flash passed through her eyes as she looked at him calculatingly before nodding and turning back to her headmistress and school friends.
Daphne was barely containing herself as she glared after the French twit that had tried it on with HER boyfriend. How dare she attempt to use the veela in her for all her sins to be forgiven! As Harry squeezed her hand she got caught in his gaze and the grin on his lips she felt her whole being become infused with happiness. He had fought it off for her, he had turned away from the power shown and returned to her. She reached up uncaring of the witnesses and kissed him full on the lips, angling her head and sliding her arms around his neck as his lips softened and moved with hers. Catcalls galore were present when they pulled back and Neville and Tracey were struggling to hide their laughter but the four friends plus Astoria moved quickly through the crowds ignoring the calls of their names as they quickly escaped to the kitchens for some peace and quiet.
Dobby greeted them enthusiastically and hugged Daphne tightly blubbering about how happy he was the Mistress Daffy was safe as the other elves also crowded around them asking what they could do for them and Winky even gave a shy nod to them from where she was sweeping up some dust and vanishing it. Her eyes weren't as bloodshot and although she wasn't smiling at least she wasn't sobbing and carried on with her work after Daphne gave her a small wave.
"Well thank goodness that's over." Daphne said with her hand gripping her boyfriends. Astoria also had her arms wrapped around her sister.
"What was it like?" She asked hesitantly.
"It was okay, sweetie. When Professor Snape came to get me, he took me straight to the hospital wing when he, Professor Dumbledore and Dad explained what would happen and how the spells would work. They had all of the hostages there and apart from Fleurs sister we all knew what was happening and were pretty calm. Dad told me he would be right there the whole time and that he trusted Harry to protect me. Then it was just like I fell asleep and when I woke up Harry was there and I was wet and cold. Nothing more or less." The fact she still hadn't let go of her rescuers hand gave Astoria the only hint her sister had been scared.
"Well Harry got you out so its all okay now." Astoria said determined to make her favourite person feel better.
"Yeah, he got me okay." She answered, and the shadow in her eyes finally faded as the two leant against each other. Neville and Tracey, smiled indulgently at the pair as they soaked in the happiness of having got through another trial together.