Chapter 5 The Second Task

Crystal sighed. She couldn't find the right word for the Transfiguration essay. She glanced at Cedric, he'd been looking at her too. She smiled and he winked at her. She blushed and went back to her exam. She finished up the paragraph just as the bell rang. She got up and handed Professor McGonagall her essay.

"Miss Vatios, may I speak to you?" She shrugged and waited for everyone else to leave. Cedric hung back outside the door and gave her a questioning look. She mouthed 'go' and turned back to Professor McGonagall. "As you know, the second task is coming up. I'm sure Mr. Diggory has informed you of the clue the egg held. The thing that is being stolen, is you. Our champions are having their closest friends being taken by the mermaids. Harry's is Mr. Weasly, Krum's is Miss Granger and Fleur's is her little sister. All you have to do is, an hour before the second task, come here. We'll put you to sleep and then down into the lake. Will you do this?" Crystal nodded. "Good, be down here next Tuesday at three," Crystal then left and went back to the common room.

"Hey, what did McGonagall want?"

"Just to talk about my last essay," Cedric shrugged and kissed her cheek. Next Tuesday, Crystal went down to McGonagall's office. All the other people were already there. Hermione went over to Crystal and introduced herself. Crystal smiled and shook her hand.

"Nervous?" Hermione asked.

"Kinda, I'm excited, too," McGonagall then came in and cast the spell on them. Cedric sighed in anticipation as he changed into his swim trunks. The second task was in a few minutes and he hadn't seen Crystal all day. He made his way to the Black Lake along with the other champions. He dived into the cold water using a Bubble Head Charm. The water became murky as he swam deeper. He saw mermaids appear from the depths of the lake. His eyes widened as he saw Crystal at the bottom. He shot sparks at her binds and grabbed her waist. He could see the sun shining when he felt something pull on Crystal. He looked down and saw about 20 squid like things pulling her down. He shot stunning curses at them, but there were too many of them. He dragged her upwards, kicking the squids out of the way. He finally broke the surface and the squids receded. Cedric swam over to the dock and with Crystal and hauled himself from the water.

"Crystal, you alright, baby?" Crystal slowly opened her eyes. Cedric's hair was wet and dripping and clinging to his forehead. His cheeks were red from exhaustion and his eyes held concern. She nodded and sat up. He embraced and kissed her. "I was worried about you," He said. She smiled and kissed him. Krum then came up with Hermione and Harry came up the hero. Cedric wrapped a towel around her.

"Ced, stop, I'm fine," She said, wrapping her towel around his shoulders. He smiled that smile and kissed her forehead.

A/N: Yeah, short chapter. It was the first day of school give me a break. New freshmen in the building, locker problems and the 1st day and the new vice principal lectures me on my headphones. That has gotta be a new record!