Fleur

I was standing in a small canvas tent by Hogwarts' Quidditch Pitch, tapping my foot nervously as the morning slowly dragged on. I had come to the Champions tent early in the hopes of calming my nerves with a little silence, but my hopes were dashed as I found the silence and time alone only seemed to compound the effects that this first Task was having on my mind.

The entrance to the tent flapped as Harry and Hermione walked into the tent together, "Good morning, Fleur," Hermione said with a smile, "We missed you at breakfast this morning."

"I wasn't hungry, so I decided to spend some time alone, you know, prepare for the First Task," I replied, hiding my nerves as best I could.

I looked to Harry and bit my lower lip, the boy was white as a sheet, and his hands were shaking with nervous energy, "You can do this Harry," Hermione ran a comforting hand along Harry's back.

I couldn't stop the growl from escaping my lips as I was already mentally strung out, Hermione and Harry both glanced at me curiously. "I'm just angry that they are making Harry go through with this," It at least wasn't a lie, just not really why I was growling.

Quickly, I walked up to the two younger teens, "Harry, just remember what we discussed, okay?" I asked.

Harry nodded his head and I smiled comfortingly at him, placing a hand on his shoulder just as the flap to the tent rustled once again and a bright flash startled the three of us.

"My oh my, isn't this quite the triangle," Rita mused as she walked into the tent, "I wonder which witch will win the young man's heart."

Hermione glared at the blond woman while I just rolled my eyes at the insinuation, I'd read some of the woman's articles since she started covering the Triwizard Tournament and quickly realized she was just another trashy journalist hunting for a story even if none existed.

"Just get out of here, Rita," I spoke calmly, "This is the Champions tent after all, and you have no business with any of us."

The woman smiled devilishly, "That's fine. I've already got my story after all." The woman slunk back out of the tent winking back at us as she disappeared down the path.

"I hate that bloody woman," Hermione sneered.

"She's just doing her job, it's best not to let it bother you," I said, dismissing the woman as a mere nuisance.

Hermione turned to me in annoyance, "How can I not when her entire job is centered around creating fights and making up lies about other people?"

"Because if she wasn't doing it someone else would be anyway," I explained, "Besides, the simple fact is that most of what she writes is lies, so what does it matter?"

"It matters because people believe her lies and it causes friction and fights amongst people that would normally be close."

"I know, and I don't like that she does that, but I don't see the point in letting it bother me, I've got enough on my mind as it is," I said as I turned away, knowing my nerves were beginning to show on my face.

"Hermione? What are you doing here?" Professor Dumbledore asked, making me jump a little, I turned and saw that with Professor Dumbledore were Viktor and Cedric with Ludo Gagman holding the tent flap open. "This is the Champions tent."

"Sorry, sir, I'll be heading out now," Hermione apologized, giving Harry one last comforting pat on the shoulder before leaving the tent. She turned back before Mr. Bagman allowed the flap to the tent to fall, "Good luck everyone," She smiled, her eyes lingering on mine sending my heart a-flutter as I gave her a slight wave.

"Alright," Mr. Bagman began as he let the tents flap drop, "Since we're all here, it's about time I tell you about this first task.

Dragons, I thought to myself with a slight shake of my head, What fun.

"The Quidditch pitch has been converted into a kind of arena, sitting in the middle of that arena lays a solitary golden egg that each of you will need to acquire. Guarding each egg will be a Dragon that is unique to each of you, please, form a circle around me."

I took a spot beside Harry, hoping my presence would calm him at least a little, and watched as Viktor was invited to reach into a small pouch. The young man did so and quickly pulled out a miniature version of what must've been the Dragon that would be guarding his Golden Egg.

"Ooh, the Chinese Firebolt." Then it was Cedric's turn, "The Swedish Short-Snout."

My eyes widened as I took in the two already chosen Dragons, the words from Madame Maxime echoed in my mind, 'Whatever you do, be sure to keep away from the Hungarian Horntail…'

"Ms. Delacour," Mr. Bagman prompted as he shook the velvet pouch softly in front of me, "It's your turn."

I began to chew on the inside of my cheek as I delicately slipped my hand into the soft pouch, enjoying the warm, velvety sensation of the fabric as it slid across my skin. Then I felt it, or them, two small scaly creatures tumbled and tussled around my hand, scratching and nipping softly at the skin on my fingers. I looked down at Harry, the boy was watching the pouch intently. I could see fear swimming in his eyes. I couldn't blame him; he had seen these Dragons up close and knew that my Headmistress had recommended I stay away from the Horntail.

I sighed as I slipped my fingers around a slim tail, grimacing as a few small thorns pierced my skin. I felt as the critter tried it's hardest to escape my grasp, throwing its body this way and that to try and break out of my hold. I pulled the Dragon completely free from the small pouch and felt my heart speed up as I looked at the menacing creature, its eyes boring into mine with hatred.

"The Hungarian Horntail…" Mr. Bagman said what I already knew before prompting Harry to reach into the pouch to pull out the last Dragon. "And lastly the Green Welsh. Now then, Fleur, you're up first."

I snapped my head up and away from the Dragon dangling in between my fingers and leveled my gaze on Mr. Bagman. He smiled in what seemed to be an attempt at comfort. "You'll be starting in thirty minutes; I suggest you take this time to prepare."

"Sure, I'll prepare to fight a Dragon," I spoke sarcastically, almost spitefully at the man,

"You put your name in," Cedric said from his spot, "You should be ready for things like this."

I rolled my eyes at the brunette as I left the tent, and headed down the short dirt pathway that led to the Champions entrance of the Quidditch Pitch turned Arena. A Hogwarts Professor stood with a sour look set on his pale features as he leaned against the light-colored stone wall that lined the arena. He stood near a smallish hole in the wall that had magically been made an opaque black to give the feel of extreme darkness.

"Are you up first?" The Professor asked from his place by the entrance, his eyes staring at our surroundings, apparently on the lookout for something.

"Yeah," I spoke with a nod.

"That's fine, just don't head into the Pitch until you hear the sound of a cannon, it should be firing in about fifteen."

Silence followed the man's words, and I wondered if the area had been magically quietened as I was sure that I should be able to hear cheering coming from the students that no doubt lined the outside of the arena.

I sighed quietly as I took a seat on the ground, hugging my knees to my chest and resting my head on my arms, I closed my eyes, forming a very clear image in my mind of the one thing I wanted most in the world. A smile graced my lips as I could practically feel Hermione's brown hair wrapping around my face as I pictured the girl comforting me much the way I wished she would.

A loud explosion rocked me from my daydream, and I was on my feet in seconds, I blinked rapidly as I looked around worriedly.

"What are you waiting for?" The sour Professor asked, "That was the cannon, it's time."

I nodded my head and walked inside, not trusting my voice enough to say anything as I passed through the opaque veil. The tunnel, lit with torches, was a short walk with a very bright light filtering through the hole at the end.

I stood right at the entrance to the arena and took a deep breath as the sounds of cheering filtered into my ears. From my spot, all I could see was a short drop to the floor and a boulder that stood directly in front of me. The sound of running water brought my eyes back to the ground and I cringed. The second I stepped foot in the arena, the Dragon will know where I am and I'll still be in the dark about just about everything.

I pulled my wand from the holster on my leg and made a few quick movements before casting the hover charm on myself so I could float over to solid ground and bypass the sound of landing into the water. As I emerged from the tunnel, the sounds of cheering died down as I floated across to the hard ground on the other side of the stream.

"Quietus," I cast the quietening charm on my shoes so I could try to sneak up on the Dragon, but as I looked up, the massive, scaly creature's shadow was cast over the ground. I glanced over a large boulder and had to quickly dive to one side as its massive jaw snapped at the rock smashing it to pieces. I ran as fast as I could to the other side of the arena, swinging my wand behind me as I tried to damage the massive beast with a few harmful curses.

Every time a curse landed, the creature grunted in pain, yet it's advance never faulted as it continued to chase after me through the rocks and rivers of the small arena. I dove to one side behind a rather large boulder, darting around it and running straight for the little nest where the golden egg sat waiting for me.

A blood-curdling roar broke out in the arena as I moved as fast as my feet could take me, I turned back and watched as the giant beast started to beat its wings, taking some time to take off from a still position. I drew my wand, using the beasts' position to my advantage and cast the Bewitched Sleep Charm on the Dragon.

I watched the Dragon's head bob down and sway from side to side, as it did so I took the opportunity to continue running for the Golden Egg. As I ran, I could hear a soft grumbling from behind me. I ignored the sound as I focused on the goal ahead of me, just a few more meters and I would be able to snatch the Golden Egg into my arms and end this trial.

As I came within inches of the egg, I felt the air around me begin to warm up, the warm breeze felt nice for just a few moments, but within seconds the warm became hot before becoming an almost unbearable heat.

Hermione

I turned away from the field in horror as the flames grew ever closer to a fleeing Fleur. I gritted my teeth and squeezed my eyes shut as the roar of the crowd drowned out the pleas inside my head for Fleur to get out of the First Task alive. I risked opening my eyes and tentatively glanced into the modified Quidditch Pitch just in time to see Fleur being rushed out of the field by two Wizards.

I looked around, trying to gather someone's attention so I could ask what happened, but the crowd was too busy cheering for anyone to hear me. I took minimal comfort in the sound as I began to push my way through the crowd slowly. As my feet hit the steps that led the way down to the path back to Hogwarts, I wondered whether or not I should keep moving.

I began to feel guilty as it dawned on me that I would most likely miss Harry's Task if I left to check on Fleur but then on the other hand, I knew I wouldn't have watched Harry in the end. It would have turned out much the same as when I was watching Fleur with me turning away, not being able to watch as one of my closest friends put his life on the line. Even watching a stranger like Viktor Krum would have had me acting in much the same manner.

As the cannon sounded once again, I immediately began walking down the stairs. There was no way that I was going to be able to 'watch' three more Dragon 'fights' let alone watch another one involving my friend. I reached the bottom of the stairs and felt a kind of relief wash over my mind as my feet came into contact with the stone path that led back up to the castle. I found myself smiling as the sounds from the arena were magically drowned out and I began to run along the path. I wasn't sure why I felt so happy and decided not to question the feeling as moments of pure joy, free from worry and stress, were becoming few and far between as I grew older.

A clear picture formed in my mind as I ran towards the castle of Fleur sitting in a bed in the Hospital Wing without a single scratch on her as she chatted happily with her sister. The fantasy continued as I reached the large entryway to the castle and didn't fade until I arrived at the wooden door to the Hospital Wing.

My smile disappeared as I looked at the cold, dark metallic handle of the door, a feeling of dread beginning to overtake me at the lack of sound coming from behind the door. The fantasy I had concocted was shattered in my mind and I struggled to hold onto a shard of the fantasy that was quickly disappearing from my thoughts.

With a shaky hand, I reached out and grabbed the cold handle. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before pushing the door open confidently, making myself believe that everything was fine. I peered into the large room and noticed various students occupying a few beds in the Hospital Wing with minor injuries and ailments. I smiled at an older student that was sitting up in a bed with a hand covering her mouth and received a slight nod in return.

I focussed back ahead of me, my eyes glancing from left to right as I scanned the empty and occupied beds, searching out what had become a familiar head of silvery blond hair. As I got closer to the Nurse's office, I found the person I was looking for and felt my heart begin to thump hard in my chest.

Fleur lay on top of the bedsheets, with her eyes closed she looked almost serene as her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. I came up beside the French girl's bed and couldn't stop myself from gasping as I took in the sight of the girl in front of me, her legs, lower torso and right arm covered in bandages. I fell into the chair beside the girl's bed as tears filled my eyes, "Fleur?" I asked quietly, hoping the girl would answer but not wanting to wake her.

After a few moments with no reply, I reached forward and took the girl's uninjured hand in my own, enjoying the warmth that radiated off of her skin. I leaned forward, and I rested my head on the girl's bed next to hers and breathed in her scent, I grimaced as the usual scent of vanilla was mixed with the odd smell of something burnt.

The smell was only slightly unnerving, so I decided to leave my head where it was and closed my eyes, focusing on the sound of Fleur's light breaths and the feel of her hand in mine.

"Are you okay?" I wondered aloud, not expecting an answer.

"She'll be fine," The non-committal voice of the Head nurse sounded quietly from somewhere nearby.

I opened my eyes and raised my head, fighting the blush that was creeping onto my cheeks from being found in such a position. "What happened to her?" I asked, being careful not to wake Fleur.

"Weren't you there to watch the Task?"

"I… I couldn't bring myself watch it," I said sadly as I looked to the injured girl.

"She was hit by the tail end of the Dragon's flames," Madam Pomfrey spoke in a softer tone, "Her injuries aren't too bad, although we did have to put her to sleep. The pain incurred from an injury by a Dragon's flames can be quite severe, even if the wounds are not so. Thankfully though, the intense pain dissipates within a few hours with the right treatment, although a dull burn will continue to annoy the victim for weeks after the injury is healed."

I nodded along with the nurse, thankful for the complete explanation of the injuries that Fleur had sustained, minus the various cuts and bruises that marred her beautiful figure. I looked around the Hospital Wing as I realized, with my worries alleviated, that Gabrielle wasn't sitting by her sister's side.

I quickly found the younger blond lying down on the bed beside her sister. Her were eyes closed and a line of drool ran down the pillow she was using as she slept soundly. I smiled at the cute face the girl was pulling beside her sister as she slept blissfully.

"We had to sedate that one," Madam Pomfrey said with a shake of her head, "Poor thing was hysterical, wouldn't listen to a word we were saying. Hopefully, a nice rest will help her calm down or at the very least, we hope that Fleur will be awake and able to calm the girl down herself."

I felt sorry for Gabrielle but couldn't help the little giggle that escaped my lips, "Of course she would react like that." I said with a small shake of my head before resting my head back on Fleur's bed, not wanting to leave the girl's side.

Fleur

I groaned as I slowly opened my eyes, my mind, cloudy with fog, slowly began to start working as the raging fire I used to feel down to my bones had calmed and become nothing more than a minor nuisance. I looked to my right and smiled, Of course, you never left, I thought to myself as a smile spread across my lips at the sight of my younger sister.

I was drawn to my left by a surprising warmth as my mind continued to become clear, I only got burned on my right arm… Didn't I?"

I looked down at my left hand and, in the dull light of the Hospital Wing, took in the sight of another person's hand lying limply in my own. I cocked an eyebrow as my stomach filled with butterflies, "Are You?"I asked I followed the pale hand to dark robes covering a slender arm. My heart began to beat faster as a sea of bushy brown hair covered the girl's face and shoulders.

"Hermione?" I asked loudly, eliciting a quiet shush from somewhere in the large room.

The girl in question moved her head to the side sleepily, her eyes still closed as she remained asleep. My heart started to hammer in my chest. Hermione wassitting beside me, not only that she had stayed with me for so long that she had even fallen asleep by my side while holding my hand. I smiled as intense happiness overcame my body, and I went numb for a few moments. I tried not to read into what this might mean for the two but I couldn't help but get my hopes up.

I moved closer to the brunette by my side as I felt something begin to overtake me. I didn't stop moving until my face was mere millimeters from the brunettes. I closed my eyes as I closed the last little gap between myself and the love of my life. As our lips met in a sleepy kiss, tiny fireworks seemed to explode beneath my eyelids and I quickly pulled back a little.

"I love you," I whispered as I fell back to sleep, now closer to the girl I would no doubt be seeing in my dreams very soon.

A.N. Merry Christmas everyone! And isn't it great that I was finally able to get a chapter out? Sorry for the long wait, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!