My eye twitched involuntarily as Hermione's voice carried over to my corner of the classroom.

"You said you'd already worked out that egg clue!"

With a roll of my eyes, I crossed another spell off and read the next one. I pulled out my wand hastily when Professor Flitwick floated over, looking resigned at his place as Neville's training pillow.

Today we were supposed to practice the Banishing Charm. Instead, I was half hiding behind Neville, knowing full well he would keep Professor Flitwick unintentionally away, writing and crossing spells in my notebook, all the while trying to remember if I'd ever needed to breathe for long periods. It was a hard task because I did not want to think of the stock of spells I learned from Riddle – but to my relief, it wasn't necessary. Apparently, Voldemort's younger self didn't need to breathe under the water.

While I discarded the Bubble-Head Charm, I watched from the corner of my eye as Ron waved his wand excitedly, knocking Parvati's hat as a cushion suddenly went flying past her. The only words I caught were 'Snape' and 'second chance', and that was because the trio couldn't be quiet even if it meant saving their necks.

I wasn't bothered to be in their space, but that was only because Harry had already informed me of his whereabouts from last night. The smug smile I'd gotten at the disgruntled faces Ron and Hermione made when he told them still was firmly in place. In fact, I was pretty sure I'd scared Seamus Finnigan when he threw his juice in my lap, when everyone knew how annoyed I could get what that happened, and I just beamed at him.

It was also the reason why I hadn't given up on searching yet. After I showed Professor Flitwick my successful handy doing (he wasn't that surprised, he was the first to admit I had a knack for the complicated Charm spells) I innocently inquired about spells that allowed a wizard to hold their breath for long periods. He was more than helpful, naming a few books and also giving me a permission slip to ask for one of them from the Restricted Section. The perks of being a favorite student – how Hermione didn't back on the advantages was a complete mystery to me. Then again, she was the honest one.

I waved the piece of paper under Harry's nose, smiling as his eyes lit and snatched it from my hand.

"Does this make me your favorite person?" I asked cheeky.

"Top five, at the moment," he answered, smirking slightly when I puffed out my cheek.

"That's so rude of you, Potter."

To Neville's horror, I dragged him and James to the library more times than necessary. While James tried to stay out of Madam Pince's sight (he burned a book some time ago, and she'd threatened to hex him until he flew all over the world from the impact), Neville and I researched from old dusty tomes to the strangest looking ones, including the book that screamed back at you when you opened it.

Surprisingly, the first to snap was not Neville but James.

"Why in Merlin's beard do I have to get up three hours earlier to get in here?" he'd demanded one time. His voiced echoed all around the library, making Madam Pince's head snap around in search of the culprit.

I put a hand on his mouth. "Shh!" to my disbelief, he ran his tongue all over my tongue until it was slick with his spit. "Eugh! Why did you that?"

"I should be the one asking that!"

"Why, you little piece of –"

Next I knew I was facing the table and my head throbbed. Judging from the groan he let out, I was sure James had been hit much harder.

Neville was standing behind us, the heavy tome he used still on his hand. He looked at the two of us pointedly.

"Sorry," James and I chorused monotonously.

I couldn't but stare after him. Neville was changing, and while I had thought it would be for good, it bothered me we hadn't have a proper conversation. His behavior had improved after we visited Hagrid but there was something amiss – like we couldn't be in the same space without being awkward.

But I admitted – I didn't know what was worse. The situation I found myself or the fact he kept agreeing with James in everything.

"James does have a point, Annie."

Like he was doing right now.

"Why are we here? When we could be outside on the Black Lake –"

"– Or any other place as long as it is far away from the library!" James grumbled loudly.

"I remember someone saying, "I love the library! We should be more around here!""

"That must have been Granger," James said. "Who in their right mind would willingly say they love the library?"

"Okay, I'll tell you the truth. We're secretly helping Harry for the Second Task."

There was a beat. And then –

"WHAT?!"

I winced, shushing them.

As Neville sat down, groaning, James glared at me. "I knew something fishy was going on here!"

"You've got no idea," I muttered.

He kept on talking, ignoring me. "We have been helping Harry Potter because you fancy him!"

I jumped on my seat. "Wait, what?" I glanced at Neville, who had chorused my words.

"Yes, don't try to deny it. I know you –"

"We've known each other for five months!"

"- and you wouldn't be doing any of this if it had been another person, admit it!"

"Of course I wouldn't do this for anyone," I barked. "I haven't got more friends than you two and those three!"

I stood up, moving to face the window that faced the Black Lake. Crossing my arms, I tried to control my breathing.

Any anger evaporated as I heard Neville speak.

"…You didn't deny it."

Puffing my cheek, I pinched it.

I shrugged at the shortest note Sirius ever sent.

"I suppose he wants to visit," I told Harry, pocketing it inside my bag.

"Is he crazy?" Harry hissed. "He could get caught."

"Sirius is a big man, Harry. Like I said before, he can take care of himself."

He groaned. "I know! I know – but I can't help it. It's like he strives for it, like he lives for the danger."

I bit my lip. Slowly, I put my hand on his shoulder. Harry tensed but relaxed as I rubbed comfortingly.

"I know. I understand," I told him, offering a slight smile. He looked away but I caught sight of his own.

Meanwhile, Hagrid was talking about the two unicorn fouls he captured to continue Grubby-Plank's lesson.

"Easier ter spot than the adults," Hagrid told the class. "They turn silver when they're abou' two years old, an' they grow horns at aroun four. Don' go pure white till they're full grown, 'round about seven. They're a bit more trustin when they're babies… don mind boys so much… C'mon, move in a bit, yeh can pat 'em if yeh want… give 'em a few o' these sugar lumps…"

I watched as he later approached Harry, doing the same as I did. However, Harry's guilty look told me Hagrid was telling him about winning the task.

The books fell from my arms. As I stared at her, Professor McGonagall waited patiently for my reply. She raised one of her cat-like eyebrows when I started to stutter, my mouth hanging open as I tried to find something to say.

"Well, Miss Barton? Do you agree or not to be the person Mr. Potter would miss the most?"

I shut my mouth close. Had I been thinking properly, I could've sworn she was teasing me. (Or I would have noticed her lips turning upwards) But I was having trouble to think through the haze she put me on.

I would be missed. Harry would miss me if I was gone. I was the person Harry Potter would sorely miss the most.

It was the evening before the Second Task. I had been on my way to the common room, carefully watching to not collide with anyone. The three heavy tomes were all about life of the Merpeople, and the little one was of touristic spots, all places known to the Wizarding World that included water spots.

I was intercepted by Professor McGonagall at some point. The woman had asked me for a moment of privacy but because of the situation I was in, she led me to one of the empty classrooms.

The rest, as they say, was history.

"Um…"

I felt the corner of my lips tugging, almost forming a smile. I started to slowly nod, turning enthusiastically at her. And then, I said:

"No."

I furrowed my brows. Professor McGonagall blinked in surprise.

"If I don't accept, that means the next one would be Ron, right?"

"Indeed, Miss Barton."

I didn't even have to think it twice.

"The answer's still no, then."

I almost knocked Harry down when I entered the library.

"Hey!" I greeted. "Found something?"

Harry shook his head glumly. I turned him around.

"Come on, let's keep looking."

"But Ron and Hermione –"

"Aren't here at the moment," I interrupted before he could even ask about them. "Better not lose time."

I led him to what had been our temporary spot of the library. James was leaning back on a chair, a book on his head, while Neville hovered around with a book. Both of them peered at us but remained silent.

"Anything?" I asked.

"I found how to not fall asleep," James slurred. "Since two hours ago, Madam Pince has been spying on us and spooked every five minutes. Does that count?"

I slapped the book on his face. He groaned.

"What have you been doing here?" Harry asked.

"What does it look like?" James shot moodily. I hit the book again. "Blimey, Anya!"

I put the heavy tomes on the table. Harry went to inspect them.

"You've been looking?" he asked in surprise. I bit my lip and nodded.

"They have been helping me. Even Marie has been dropping around with books."

He took hold of one with a plant on the cover.

"You know, if you're interested in plant's you would be better with Gorshok's Guide to Herbology," Neville said. "Do you know there's a wizard in Nepal who is growing gravity resistant trees?"

"No offense, Neville, but I don't really care," Harry said.

"Tetchy, aren't we, Potter?" James teased.

"No one asked you," snapped Harry.

James jumped from his seat. "Then stop being moody and accept the help they are giving you!"

"Okay, okay, stop it!" I moved to stand between the two. "I know you two are tired but that's no reason to be snapping at each other. So, sit down." When they didn't back from their staredown fight, I repeated, "SIT DOWN."

They reluctantly followed my order. "It's not like a Tibetan turnip would allow me to breath underwater for an hour," Harry muttered.

"I don't know about a turnip but you could always use Gillyweed," Neville suggested.

We all turned to look at him, our expressions varying; one in relief, other in surprise, and the last one of annoyance.

"You are telling me you had the answer all along?" James groused.

"Oh my god, James. You didn't hurt anyone, did you?"

He rolled his eyes, handing the jar of Gillyweed to Harry. He opened it, scrunching his nose. The plant looked like thin, slimy snakes, and smelled of sea water.

"Of course I didn't. You know that house-elf, the one who's always speaking about Potter? He offered to steal it from Professor Snape's office."

"Dobby stole it?" Neville asked. Harry, after pocketing the Gillyweed, said, "Never mind that. Are you sure about this Neville?"

My friend nodded. "Absolutely."

"For an hour."

"Most likely."

I blinked up at him. "Most likely?" I repeated slowly.

Neville began to jabber, "Well, there is some debate among herbologists as to the effects of fresh water versus salt water."

"You're telling me this just now? You must be joking!" said Harry.

"I just wanted to help!"

"And you did Neville," I assured him. I turned to Harry, shooting him a pointed look. "Just eat the questionable plant and don't look ridiculous, Harry. Don't stress it out, neither of you. Okay?" Without turning, I pointed at James, and said, "And that includes you!"

"Dammit Anya!" I relished in the string of curses he spat.

"All champions here!" Ludo Bagman beckoned. I squeezed Harry's shoulder and left to climb one of the platforms above the Black Lake.

James, Neville and I joined the Weasley clan, minus Ron, and Lee Jordan, who was speaking enthusiastically to a bored looking Marie.

"They aren't exactly happy," she said, pointing at the water. I watched as it rippled, leading me to believe a Merperson had talked with the judges moments ago.

The Judges, with Percy Weasley, were sitting at table at the bottom of the platform in the middle, the rest of the Champions standing next to them. Ludo Bagman walked among them, ending in front of Harry who was shrugging off his jacket, leaving him only with a vest and swimming trunks.

"Welcome to the Second Task!" Dumbledore's voice boomed across the water. "Last night something was stolen from each of our champions." I crossed my fingers, wishing for Ron and Hermione to be alright. "A treasure of sorts. These four treasures, one for each champion, now lie on the bottom of the Black Lake. In order to win, each champion needs only to find their treasure and return to the surface. Simple enough." I heard the Weasley twins snort disdainfully. "Except for this, they will have one hour to do so and one hour only. After that, they'll be on their own."

"Well, all our champions are ready for the second task, which will start on my whistle. On the count of three, then. One… two… three!"

The champions prepared: Cedric Diggory and Fleur Delacour waved their wands around their heads, identical bubbles shooting from the tips. Viktor Krum pointed his wand at himself and he screamed, his head lengthening painfully, gills growing on the sides of his neck. Marie gasped and I turned her so she could hide on my sweater. The Durmstrang champion had tried to turn himself into a shark but the spell had gone array; only his head had transfigured. Without a care, he jumped into the water, leaving only Harry on the platform.

The Slytherins jeered and catcalled. Harry was having a fit of coughs.

"What the hell is going on?" I yelled over the sounds of the crowd.

Neville shook his head rapidly. "I don't know! He hasn't entered the water yet!"

At that moment, Mad-Eye shoved Harry. I watched as he fell on the water, sinking, his leg jerking until it disappeared.

Seconds ran by, and the ripple of bubbles that indicated he was alive stopped. I held my breath.

"What's the matter?" said Seamus, who leaned on the railing. Dean knelt next to him and peered at the water.

"I don't know; I can't see him."

Ashen, Neville turned away from them. Eyes almost bulging, he pulled harshly at his hair with both hands.

"Oh my god!" he shouted. "I killed Harry Potter!"

Then, behind him, there was a loud splash and a familiar boy whooping. The crowd cheered as Harry dived back into the lake.

"Neville, you did it!"

"I did?" He said dumbly. "I mean – I did!"

Half an hour later, a body rose from the water. The first thing I noticed was the silvery, long hair.

"The Bauxbatons champion Miss Delacour has unfortunately been forced to retire," Dumbledore said over the loudspeaker. "She will take no further part in this task."

Fleur Delacour was brought back into consciousness as one of her classmates waved something under her nose. Fleur jerked and began to cough. When she was calm enough, her eyes widened and began to shout.

"My sizter! Gabrielle!"

I looked away uncomfortably. I tapped my fingers on the railing, staring at the water.

"You knew," said Marie quietly, an unnecessary effort as everyone was being busy cheering their champions. She kept talking, guessing on a whim. "The treasures are people and your friends are all down there."

I muscle ticked on my jaw. I didn't answer her.

The hour finished, and a minute over the limit, the second one to surface was Cedric Diggory, Cho Chang held tightly to his side. The badly transfigured Viktor Krum came no longer than a beat after the Hufflepuff, bringing Hermione with him.

I ran toward her by crossing the delicate bridge between the three platforms. Just as Madam Pomfrey finished forcing a potion down her throat, I jumped at her and hugged her tightly.

"Anya!"

"You alright?"

"Yes." Her brow furrowed. "Ron and Harry?"

I shook my head. "Still down there. They are last."

There was a ripple of bubbles and soon, Harry, with Ron and Fleur Delacour's sister, surfaced. Not only that, they were surrounded by the Merpeople, a particularly ferocious-looking female standing out with her vicious grin as she swam toward our platform. Like her, all of the Merpeople looked like oversized reptiles with green hair and sunken, yellow eyes. They were also holding pointy spears.

Percy Weasley appeared at my side, promptly helping Ron with Gabrielle – her hair was just as shiny as her sister's but she was younger, roughly the same age as Marie; I held out my hand and waited until Harry grasped it and I pulled, hugging him when he stood with wobbly knees. I jerked back at the coldness of his skin.

"You're freezing!" I fussed. My hands hovered over him until I started to rub his arms. I used slow, long strokes, as I wanted for him to warm up faster. I only moved aside when Madam Pomfrey came in barging with a thick blanket and another steaming potion in hand. I grimaced in empathy as she forced the drink down his throat, and steam came out from Harry's ears in streams.

"Harry, well done!" Hermione cried. "You did it, you found out how all by yourself!"

"Well -" Harry started, but suddenly stopped. I followed his gaze and saw Karkaroff staring at him. "Yeah, that's right."

"You haff a water beetle in your hair, Herm-own-ninny," Krum said. He was looking between her and Harry with an odd expression.

She impatiently brushed the beetle. "You're well outside the time limit, though, Harry… Did it take you ages to find us?"

Hary scowled and muttered, "No… I found you okay…"

Professor Dumbledore was crouching at the water's edge, deep in conversation with the female Merperson from before. He straightened up, turning to his fellow judges, and said, "A conference before we give the marks, I think."

The judges huddled. Madam Pomfrey had gone to rescue Ron from his older brother's clutches; she led him to Harry and the others, giving him the same treatment as them, then went to fetch Fleur and her sister. Up close, I saw Fleur's beautiful face marred by cuts, but she didn't seem to care. She neither allowed Madam Pomfrey to clean them: purposefully, she turned to Harry, still holding her sister's hand.

"You saved 'er," she said. "You didn't 'ave to but you did, even though she was not your 'ostage."

Harry still looked glum. "Yeah."

I stared in surprise as Fleur bent down so her face was at the same height as his. Closing distance between them, she kissed him on both cheeks, and more steam came out from Harry as he blushed. My eye almost twitched but I bit my cheek and looked away from them. I caught Hermione's stare, which turned mutinous for a second. She wiggled her eyebrows in understanding and jerked her chin behind me. Curious, I looked back, and saw Ron staring numbly after Fleur, who reunited with her sister.

The ginger was touching his cheeks, looking completely dumbfounded.

"Merci..."

I jumped when Ludo Bagman's voice boomed out louder than before. Scowling, I tried to clear my ears.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our decision. Merchieftainess Murcus has told us exactly what happened at the bottom of the lake, and we have therefore decided to award marks out of fifty for each of the champions, as follows...

"Fleur Delacour, though demonstrated excellent use of the Bubble-Head Charm, was attacked by grindylows as she approached her goal, and failed to retrieve her hostage. We award her twenty-five points."

There was applause from the other platforms. Fleur shook her magnificent head.

"I deserve zero," she said.

"Cedric Diggory, who also used the Bubble-Head Charm, was first to return with his hostage, though he returned one minute outside the time limit of an hour." The Hufflepuffs cheered for their Housemate. Next to Cedric, Cho Chang glowed with pride for her boyfriend. "We therefore award him forty-seven points.

"Viktor Krum used an incomplete form of Transfiguration, which was nevertheless effective, and was second to return with his hostage. We award him forty points."

The Durmstrangs roared their congratulations. Karkaroff clapped particularly hard, looking very superior.

Bagman continued, "Harry Potter used Gillyweed to great effect. He returned last, and well outside the time limit of an hour. However, the Merchieftainess informs us that Mr. Potter was first to reach the hostages, and that the delay in his return was due to his determination to return all hostages to safety, not merely his own."

Unlike Hermione and Ron, who shot Harry exasperated looks, I smiled at him fondly.

"Most of the judges," at this, Bagman gave Karkaroff a very nasty look, "feel that this shows moral fiber and merits full marks. However... Mr. Potter's score is forty-five points."

The rest of the students yelled their cheers, clapping loudly and laughing joyfully.

Harry stared around, a smile playing on his lips.

"I probably should start looking for Dobby," he said to me. "I ought to say he deserves a lot of pairs of socks for the rest of the year."

I stopped in mid-clap to laugh as I imagined Dobby bursting in tears at the sight of mismatched socks. Shaking my head, I dared to look at Harry for a long time without worrying if I got caught.

"You're unbelievable," I informed him. To Harry's immense surprise, I kissed his cheek. He stiffened.

I quickly turned away from him, a blush spreading from my neck to my face. My smile stayed frozen. Inwardly, I felt like jinxing myself.