Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed the last couple of chapters. I`m happy that you liked them. I hope you feel the same way after this one. The second task is going to be slightly different so hope you enjoy.
Talk to you later.
Harry awoke at six o clock in the morning. He couldn`t sleep. All through the night he kept waking and thinking about this task ahead of him. Eventually he decided to get up. He slowly rose from the bed and pulled his quilt off gently. He sat at the edge of his bed and looked around the dormitory. All his friends were asleep. He then stood up and tip toed out of the dormitory and headed for the common room. Harry did expect to find it empty but there was already someone there. She was sitting in the centre of the couch gazing into the fire.
"What are you doing up Arielle?" Harry asked walking towards her and making her jump a little.
"I`m sorry Airs. Are you all right?" He asked anxiously as he stood behind the couch.
"Yes, of course. Why wouldn`t I be Harry?" She asked smiling.
Harry quirked an eyebrow as he began to walk around the couch and took a seat beside her.
"This is me that you are talking to Arielle. What`s up?"
Arielle sat at the edge of the centre cushion with one leg curled under the other. She pulled her fluffy white dressing gown tighter around her. She continued to gaze into the fire as she said
"I was scared Harry. You are my big brother and I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you." She looked at him as she said
"I love you Harry." They smiled softly at the other. Harry came closer to her.
"I love you too Airs." He brought her into a tight embrace.
After they relinquished Arielle brushed away a few tears from her eyes and said
"The reason that I got up so early was because I needed to talk to someone. Dean is amazing he really is and so are my friends but....I needed to talk to someone else. Someone who knows exactly what I`m going through and more importantly someone who has been with us from the start."
"Who did you talk to?" Harry asked curiously.
"I spoke to Sirius. Dad is so busy with the ministry as well as the order. He is really worried about you too Harry. I knew that Sirius would be able to calm me down."
"Did he?" Harry asked.
"Yes. He and the others are on their way here now as we speak. Dad is coming with Kingsley later on." She sighed deeply as she gazed at the ground. Harry smiled a little but she didn't notice. He stroked her cheek gently with the back of his fingers and asked
"What is the matter babe?"
Arielle shook her head as she stood up.
"Are you sure that you are okay Airs?" Harry asked from the couch anxiously. Arielle smiled weakly and nodded.
"I thought I heard some commotion from down here."
"How are you Dean?" Harry asked standing up.
"I`m ok Harry thanks. How are you more importantly?"
"I am good. I`m just going to run upstairs and get dressed. Then I think I might go for a walk."
"Do you want me to come?"
"No Airs, you stay here with Dean. I`ll be all right don't worry."
Harry smiled at them both. They reciprocated but Arielle was still anxious for her brother`s safety. She ran over to Dean and threw her arms around his waist as she hugged him tightly.
Lily and Shari were in the kitchen making the breakfast when Sirius and Regulus arrived down. Lily placed the rashers
and sausages on two separate large plates in the middle of the table whilst Shari put out two jugs of freshly
squeezed orange juice.
"Here you go now boys a good English breakfast." Lily exclaimed jovially smiling at them both. Regulus grinned as he rubbed his hands together excitedly and sat down, helping himself to the food. Sirius smiled blandly. He scratched
the side of his head and asked
"Where is Prongs?"
"James has already left for the ministry. He is going to meet us over at Hogwarts later Sirius. So come on and sit
down and have something to eat." Shari said as she sat next to Lily and began buttering some toast she just made.
Sirius cleared his throat as he approached the table. He picked up a slice of toast, buttered it and waved at them all.
"Where are you going Sirs?" Regulus asked.
"I am going to Hogwarts Reg. I will see the rest of you over there later."
"Hey now wait a minute Sirius. We all said we would go together."
"Yes, Lily I do remember but I have a job to do."
"You are not well enough to be back working Sirius."
"Shari I am fine love all right? I need to make sure Harry is ok."
"Sirius…." They all called after him but he didn't come back.
"He is stone mad about that kid isn't he?" Regulus asked them.
"He lives and breathes for Harry. That doesn't mean he doesn't for the others either of course." Shari said.
"Harry was the first born within our group. Sirius was the first person James told that I was pregnant. He was there
when I when I had my first contraction, he was there all through the birth; he was there when Harry was born.
However, more importantly even though he is Harry's godfather and Harry idolised him from day one…..Harry gave
Sirius a reason to smile again. You of all people know how awful his childhood was. Harry gave Sirius a new lease of
life. He was something to brighten his life and most importantly he was his responsibility just as much as he was
ours. So yes Regulus, Sirius is stone mad about Harry and Harry is stone mad about Sirius."
At Hogwarts Sirius bumped into students who he had gotten to know either through Harry or of his own accord. He
kept looking around for Harry just in case he was outside. As he was about to go inside he saw Arielle and Dean over
in the sheltered are of the court yard talking, holding hands and smiling lovingly at each other. Sirius smirked to
himself before approaching them. He stayed on the outside as he leaned in.
"Hey Dean, Arielle. Have either of you seen Harry?"
"Hey Sirius. He has been up since six this morning but as far as I know he is in the great hall."
"Okay. Thank you angel." He replied as he smiled and winked at her.
"Is everything all right Sirius?" Dean asked anxiously.
"Yeah, don't worry Dean. All is cool." Sirius called back.
Sirius ran into the great hall and approached the Gryffindor table where he found Rob, Ron and Hermione but no
sign of Harry.
"All right troops? Have you lot seen Harry. I'm surprised he isn't with you Hermione."
"Yes, I did want him to come down but he didn't want anything to eat."
"Are you for real? He is facing the second phase today and he decides to go on a diet?" The three smirked at him as Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Okay well thanks you guys. Is he up in the common room?"
"Yeah as far as I know." Rob said.
"All right. I'll talk to you later."
"See ya Sirius." They all chimed.
"Hey Sirius long time no talk mate." Fred exclaimed as he hopped up from the table with George and ran out of the
great hall after Sirius.
"Yeah I know fellas. Listen are either of you heading up to the common room?"
"We are indeed. What's up?"
Sirius sighed deeply as he said
"Harry is not eating anything before the next task apparently and I need to talk to him."
"We got a marauder in need of a fellow marauder." Fred said humorously.
"Yes, we sure do Fred." Sirius said gravely.
As they entered the common room they found it empty.
"Oh where is that plonker? HARRY! Harry are you here?" Sirius asked walking over to the stairs leading up to the dormitory.
Harry descended the stairs slowly and looked down from the top as he asked
"Sirius what are you doing here?"
"I came to see how you were coping but now it seems I have to get you some breakfast."
"I am not hungry Sirius." Harry said flatly sitting on the top steps.
"I am not taking no for an answer Prongslet so shift your ass now because you and me are going to Hogsmeade."
Harry sighed a little before standing up and walking down to Sirius.
"Fred, George if anyone is looking for us tell them we will be back in an hour."
"Sure thing Padfoot." They exclaimed as Sirius and Harry exited the tower.
Sirius ordered them both a full English breakfast in Leo's restaurant.
"This place brings back some memories don't you think Harry?"
"Yeah it does. I can distinctly remember kicking Malfoy in here one day and in turn mom read you the right act."
They both laughed heartedly.
"Lily is always reading me the right act mate ever since we were in school together."
Harry smiled to himself. He could imagine his mother always being like that.
"So what is this big news then?" Harry asked curiously.
"After some revelations I feel ready to come back to work at Hogwarts."
"Are you serious? I thought you wanted or needed a month's rest before you would be allowed to come back though Sirius."
"Since when does Sirius Black play by the rules Harry?" Sirius asked winking as he picked up the daily prophet he
bought on the way down. Harry smirked at him.
"Is there anything in there worth reading?" Harry asked leaning on the table with his arms folded.
Sirius closed and folded up the paper as he put it back down on the table and shook his head.
"There are just some odds on who will win today."
"Oh yeah? Who has the biggest odds Padfoot?" Harry asked gleefully as he leaned over the table to try and look at
the paper.
"Never you mind." Sirius said slugging back the remainder of his cup of tea.
"Do you want another hot chocolate?"
"No I am ok thanks." Harry said waving his hand as he sat back down with his arms unfolded and his legs uncrossed.
Sirius tapped the table with the paper as he said
"Let's go so kid." They smiled as they rose from the table.
"Thanks again Al." Sirius said as he passed by the counter.
"See you again Sirius. Good luck today Harry."
"Thank you Al." Harry replied reciprocating his smile.
As they got outside the door Harry began walking in the direction of Hogwarts. Sirius hit him over the head lightly
with the paper as he asked
"Where do you think you are going mate?"
"I was going back to Hogwarts Sirius. Why what's up?" Harry asked quizzically.
"We are going to the three broomsticks first kid. We both could do with a drink before this dam task so come on."
He said winking at Harry who in turn laughed lightly but followed Sirius nonetheless.
As they entered the pub they found it deserted. There were only two wizards in there sitting at the bar but they
ignored Sirius and Harry as they were engrossed in conversation.
"Sirius what a pleasant surprise. What brings you and Harry here this time of day?"
"Well Rose my love Prongslet and I have just had one hell of a feast over in Leo`s so I thought since as we are in the neighbourhood why don't we call in for a quick one to my darling, precious, beautiful Rosemerta?" He exclaimed
winking at her as he leaned one arm on the arm, facing Harry sideways.
She smiled as she shook her head at him.
"What woman can resist the Sirius Black charm huh?" She asked and laughed lightly.
"I have yet to meet one love."
"One fire whiskey and one butter beer?" She asked smiling broadly at him.
"Yes but make mine a large one love." Sirius exclaimed as he took out the money required for the drinks.
"Are you sure it's not too early to be drinking that stuff Sirius?" Harry asked anxiously.
"Watch and learn kid." Sirius whispered.
"Now then Sirius. It's on the house."
"Are you sure?" Sirius asked disbelievingly.
"Yes, of course". She replied smiling at him.
"Thank you very much Rose."
She nodded and smiled at them before heading into the back of the bar.
They headed over to a table in the corner next to the window. They sat down and began sipping their drinks. Sirius
put his down on the mat, leaned over the table and whispered
"Take a few more drops of that Harry."
"Why?" Harry asked quizzically.
"Just do as you godfather asks mate." Sirius said flatly.
Harry sniggered as he picked up his glass and drank some more butter beer. He put it down when it was quarter
gone and asked
"Is that enough Sirius?" He asked holding the glass up to him.
Sirius nodded as he took the glass from Harry and began pouring a little bit of fire whiskey into it.
Harry stared at him incredulously. Sirius then shoved his glass back to him and smiled.
"Are you trying to get me drunk?" Harry asked shocked at what Sirius had done.
Sirius laughed lightly before he said
"That is just something to steady your nerves. We all need a bit of it sometimes kid."
"You do realise that mom is going to kill us both right?"
"How is she going to know? I`m going to say nothing but I don't know about you." Sirius replied humorously as he
picked up the paper from the seat and opened it.
Harry exhaled loudly and shook his head. Sirius smirked at him from over the paper but Harry didn't see him.
He put the paper down as he said
"Why don't you go up and ask Rose for a spoon to stir that up Prongslet. You know that I wouldn't give you
anything that would harm you mate. If you want another butter beer though...."
Sirius dug his hand into his jacket pocket and took out three sickles and placed them on the table.
".....here you go." Harry eyed him quizzically.
"Sirius I don`t want any money from you all right? I`ll just go up and get a spoon on the condition if I don't like it...."
".....I`ll buy you a fresh butter beer Harry." Sirius sniggered as he jolted his head in the direction of the bar.
Harry smiled as he got up to walk towards the bar.
Sirius kept an eye on Harry. He then took his mirror out of his pocket and contacted James.
"What`s up Padfoot?" James asked
"Are you back at Hogwarts?" Sirius asked in a low voice.
"Kingsley and I are just leaving the ministry now to head up there. Where are you?"
"I`m in the three broomsticks with Harry. I don't think I can stall him for much longer though."
"You don't have to mate. Just have your drinks and go. Everything has been taken care of."
"Yes, but Crouch is still sniffing around." Sirius said firmly keeping an eye on Harry who was ordering now.
"It wasn`t Crouch who put Harry`s name in the goblet that night Sirius." James said flatly.
"Well who was it then? How can you be sure James?" Sirius asked anxiously.
"His whereabouts have been accounted for by secure sources. It was someone who is already in Hogwarts."
"I`ll bet it was Snivelus." Sirius seethed.
"I don`t think he is that callous mate but we are not ruling him out."
"Sorry I have to go mate. Harry is on his way back from the bar."
"Oh so that's why you were whispering. I`ll see you soon mate." He shoved the mirror into his pocket.
"You got the spoon I see." Sirius said smirking.
"I had better not become an alcoholic from this Sirius." Harry said humorously as he sat down.
"Oh don't talk daft." Sirius said smiling as he opened the paper again.
"Man that`s hot." Harry exclaimed after taking a sip from his glass.
Sirius smiled as he read the paper.
"It takes a while for the pallet to adjust."
"Obviously....." Harry said flatly.
"Do you want a fresh butter beer?" Sirius asked looking at him over the paper.
"No it`s good. I can hardly taste the whiskey anymore. "Harry said as he coughed.
Sirius laughed a little as he shook his head. Rosemerta was cleaning a table near them so he called her over.
"Rose love could we get two butter beers over here please?" He said putting the money into her hand.
"No problem Sirius." She replied smiling at him.
"Why do you want two Sirius?" Harry asked leaning across the table.
"If Shari smells drink on me she will have a fit." Sirius replied before going behind the paper again.
Harry clapped his hands together as he leaned back on the couch and laughed.
He then made the sign and sound of a whip. Sirius shook his head humorously as he continued to read the paper.
Ten minutes later Harry and Sirius left the pub and walked back to Hogwarts.
As they got to the court yard Sirius bet Harry that he could beat him in a race to the end of the great hall.
Harry accepted and took off ahead of Sirius. Sirius ran after him.
James was standing just inside the entrance of the castle talking to Remus, Kingsley, Moody and Regulus when
they heard what they thought was thunder but it turned out to be Sirius and Harry charging towards them.
They all jumped out of the way as Harry and Sirius ran past them at a frightening pace and almost knocked down
Snape and Mc Gonagall in the process.
"You had best watch yourselves there." James said smirking.
Snape just walked away but Minerva approached them.
"I thought that when Sirius graduated from here I would have a break from his chaotic behaviour but I was wrong."
Mc Gonagall said with a smirk. The others laughed.
"Awww Sirius is just showing Harry a good time. We all need to be like him and have some fun during these times."
"It is good to see you both so united Regulus." Mc Gonagall said sincerely.
Regulus smiled as James said
"Moony lets go and see what they are up to."
James and Remus headed towards the great hall and the others followed.
They saw Sirius and Harry running up the great hall; zig zagging in and out between tables.
Sirius then knowing they had an audience winked over at Harry. The both stood up on two of the house tables;
Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. They stood a few metres from the edge and then ran to the edge.
As soon as they got to the edge of the table they looked over at each other, nodded and jumped mid air,
somersaulted and landed on staff table area upright. They stretched their arms out and shouted
"TAH DAH!" As they faced each other and laughed.
"If Lily was here she would kill them both." James muttered to Remus.
Remus laughed a little and said
"It wouldn't be Sirius and Harry if it was anything less."
"Now that is just typical of you Potter. You always desire attention. Who better to get if from than blood traitor
Sirius Black!" Draco said menacingly approaching them both.
"Oh shove off Malfoy!" Harry seethed.
"I wish you all the best today in the next task. The chances are you probably won't survive it.
My father and I have a bet. He reckons you are sure to pass out soon."
"OI! NOW ENOUGH FROM YOU, YOU FILTHY LOW LIFE!" Sirius roared making Draco jump.
"You are calling me a low life? YOU ARE THE ONE WHO TURNED AGAINST YOUR FAMILY!"
Sirius stepped off the staff area and approached Draco. He caught him by his jumper and said
"I despised my family and I don`t hide that from anyone. Your father is the biggest piece of scum to walk this earth.
You are no better it seems so do us a favour and stay out of our way kid." Sirius let him go and patted him on the
cheek as he walked out of the great hall. Draco took out his wand to curse him.
Harry saw this so in turn got out his but Moody got there first. He turned him into a fluffy white ferret.
"I WILL TEACH YOU TO CURSE SOMEONE WHEN THEY`RE BACK IS TURNED!"
Harry burst out laughing and hearing this Sirius turned around and couldn`t help but do the same.
"WOOOOO look at him go Harry." Sirius said laughing at Moody moving Draco up and down like a Yo-Yo.
"You want to have a go Sirius?" Moody asked turning to face him.
"You bet I do Mad-Eye." Sirius pulled his wand out from his pocket and started twirling Draco up in the air in circles.
James and Remus walked further up the great hall to get a better look.
"Now this is fun. We`ll show him not to mess with a marauder huh Harry?" Sirius exclaimed at a grinning Harry.
Moody joined in the fun with Sirius and Harry was about to when he saw Mc Gonagall rushing towards them.
"Alastor what is going on here?"
"Sirius and I are just teaching this ferret some manners. Want to help?" He asked winking at Harry who laughed even harder.
"Is that a student?"
"Well technically it's a piece of scum." Moody said firmly. Sirius stopped messing with Draco and headed up to his
two friends who were standing there unable to wipe the smile off their faces.
"Did you have fun Padfoot?" James asked as Sirius sat up on the Gryffindor table.
"I did but then I thought maybe he had enough." Sirius said humourously picking up an apple from the bowl on the
table and taking a bite out of it.
"Don`t tell me you have gone all soft in your old age Sirius." Remus said.
"There is more than one way to skin a cat Moony." Sirius said winking at his friends.
Mc Gonagall transfigured Draco back. He just stared at Moody and ran quickly out of the great hall.
Harry`s friends had just witnessed Draco charging out of the hall and wanted to know what happened.
Regulus told them. They all thought it was brilliant even though Hermione did think there would be repercussions.
Harry and his friends walked up to the marauders.
"You all right there Prongslet?" Sirius asked slapping his palm.
"That was brilliant Sirius. It really made my day."
"I`m glad to help Harry." Sirius replied bringing an arm around his shoulder.
"You had best go up and your broomstick Harry since you need to be ready to go in twenty minutes."
"Yeah dad all right. Are you coming guys?"
"We`ll stay here and wait for Hagrid. Hermione you should go though." Rob said nudging her.
She smirked as she caught Harry`s out stretched hand and walked up to the common room with him.
"TEN MINUTES HARRY SO NO STALLING!" James shouted after him. Harry nodded in response.
Rob, Ron, Neville and Dean left the great hall to go and meet Hagrid who had just entered the castle.
"You can`t beat young love can you Prongs?" Sirius said as he hopped off the table and vanished the heart of his apple.
"Hermione is good for him. I just hope it stays that way."
"Alrigh` there you lot." Hagrid exclaimed jovially to Rob, Ron, Neville and Dean.
"Hey Hagrid." They replied in unison.
"Where is Harry?" Hagrid asked looking around in case he spotted him.
"He is gone upstairs with Hermione to get his broomstick." Dean said matter-of-factly.
"Oh I see. They are still together I take it. That`s good to know." Hagrid said smiling warmly at them.
"How are you Hagrid?" Regulus asked walking towards him.
"Hello there Regulus. I didn't see you there. Are you all set for this nex` task?"
"Yes, well lucky for me Harry is performing in it. My nerves are shot though never mind what his are like."
"Alright there Hagrid. How`s it going mate?" Sirius asked softly.
"I`m alrigh` thanks Sirius. Are the rest of the clan coming along?"
"Yes, we hope that they will be here shortly before Harry has to go down to the lake."
"Hey fellas is Harry not back yet?" James asked coming out of the great hall with Remus in tow.
"Yes he is en route." Sirius said looking up the hall way and seeing Harry running down to them.
"You all sorted Prongslet?" Sirius asked swinging an arm around his shoulder as Harry stood beside him.
"I got the broom anyway. Man, I can`t wait till it's all over. How are you Hagrid?"
"I`m alrigh` Harry. How are you feeling?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders and said
"I`ll be a right side better in another hour or so." Hagrid and his friends laughed lightly at him.
The marauders were too busy talking to each other to hear anything else.
Cedric arrived with Cho as Krum arrived with Karkaroff. Hermione tapped Harry on the arm.
He turned to face her and he saw Karkaroff grinning menacingly at him.
"IF YOU GOT SOMETHING TO SAY THEN WHY NOT JUST COME OUT AND SAY IT?" Harry shouted at him.
All of his friends and the marauders turned their attention to him.
Dumbledore who had arrived down as Harry was shouting looked over at Mc Gonagall before approaching her.
"I think it would be best if you and Alastor escorted our foreign students to the lake."
Minerva immediately approached Karkaroff and Madame Maxine who was outside the castle with Fleur.
"I will see you all down there." Moody said gruffly before hobbling off after Mc Gonagall.
Dumbledore eyed Harry anxiously but he was talking to his friends. The marauders felt the same way though.
"I think someone needs to be speak to Harry, James before it gets too serious." Albus said gravely.
"I reckon he thinks it was Karkaroff`s fault that I ended up in hospital and now he doesn't want me worked up."
"Even so Sirius he must control his temper. Regardless of whether Karkaroff is the reason Harry is in this
tournament is not the issue. We all how dangerous he is. Keep Harry at bay."
They all nodded as Dumbledore walked over to Cedric and his father who were talking with Cho.
Sirius called Harry down to them.
"You have got to stop letting Karkaroff rise you mate."
"Sirius...."
"Sirius is right Harry. That guy is dangerous." James said gravely.
"Dad I am not scared of him." Harry replied defiantly.
"We are not suggesting that you should be Harry but don't go around getting into fights with him."
"Moony hold it right there. Karkaroff was the reason Sirius almost died...."
"Harry I did not almost die. I do appreciate you defending my honour mate but please steer clear of his likes...for me."
Sirius pleaded with Harry. Harry stared at them all individually with his arms folded.
Eventually he bowed his head and sighed as he dropped his arms to the side, looked up and said
"All right Sirius. I`ll back off from Karkaroff. If it`s going to make you all happy...."
"Yes, it will." Remus said softly smiling at Harry who returned it.
"Thank you Harry." James said as he winked at him before approaching Dumbledore.
"Good job kid." Sirius replied as he stroked his godson`s cheek and followed James` suit.
Hermione walked up to him and caught his hand and kissed the back of it.
Harry smiled at her before she rested her head against his shoulder and he then kissed the top of her head.
"Hermione could I borrow Harry for a moment please?" Remus asked politely.
"Yes, of course." She said sweetly as she smiled at them both and headed to her friends.
Harry followed Remus over to the doorway of the great hall. Remus looked around before he said
"I want to sincerely apologise to you Harry for not being there as much as I know I should be."
"Remus please don't apologise. You have no reason to feel guilty or ashamed here. Tonks needs you more so."
"That does not excuse my negligence of you though. I took on this job so I`d be there more for you....."
"It`s cool for real Moony ok? You and dad have higher priorities I know that."
"You are our highest priority Harry and you always will be. If you wasn`t for you this family wouldn't be as strong."
"Oh don't talk daft Remus..."
"I mean it. Tonks and I wouldn't be married and expecting our first child if it wasn`t for you."
"Yes you would Moony. I mean maybe ye wouldn't right now but I know you would have made it."
Remus shared a warm smile with Harry before he said
"Tonks and I have been talking recently about who we would want as godparents for the twins.
We feel it's an important decision and it should be with people we trust and can rely on. James has already agreed.
All I need to now is to ask you."
Harry stared at him incredulously. Remus smiled broadly and said
"Harry, will you agree to be the godfather of mine and Tonks` child?"
Harry stared at Remus with his mouth open for a few seconds. He closed it, smirked and said
"Are you for real? Remus I would be honoured to be godfather to any child of yours."
He hugged Remus tightly. Remus smiled to himself as he hugged Harry back securely.
After they broke apart they heard Dumbledore asking them to step forward.
Harry hurried over to Dumbledore and Cedric after getting his broom from Rob.
"All right......you both know what the task involves. You need to fly into the forest and talk to the sphinx.
Whatever the sphinx tells you, you must then fly back to the black lake and go in search of your treasure.
Assuming that you solve the riddle you will pass the task. Is that understood?"
Harry and Cedric nodded.
Harry turned around and asked Rob where Ron and Hermione were.
"When you were talking to Remus, Dumbledore asked them to go down to the lake alone. That`s all I know mate."
Harry furrowed his eyebrow and nodded his head. He turned around hearing James call him.
"You and Cedric fly down to the lake now ok and the rest of us will meet you down there champ."
"Yeah dad ok." Harry replied still confused by Ron and Hermione`s absence.
"Good luck Harry." All his friends chimed as they slapped him on the back. He smiled at them in turn.
The marauders hugged him all at once for a few seconds.
"Where`s Reg?" Harry asked mounting his broom.
"He is gone down with Kingsely and Hagrid but you just focus on the task. Have you got the gilly weed?"
Harry felt the inside of his pocket. He smiled at James and said
"I sure do dad. I`ll see you all down there. You ready Cedric?"
"Yes, Harry let`s go." They smiled and took off into the air and down to the black lake.
Down at the lake Lily was already there with Shari and Tonks. They had conjured a chair for Tonks to sit on.
Karkaroff was constantly looking over at Lily and sneering. Lily eyed him quizzically.
"What the hell do you suppose is up with him?" Lily asked her friends.
"Who are you talking about Lils?" Shari asked anxiously.
"That fool Karkaroff. He keeps looking over here the slimy git." She said focusing on him as he spoke to Krum.
He had his back turned to her.
"You had better watch it Lily. You are starting to sound like Sirius now."
"Did I hear someone call my name?" Sirius asked walking towards them with James and Remus in tow.
"Hey Sirius." They all chimed despondently.
"Oh well do cheer up girls. I`m not dead yet." He said walking over and kissing Shari on the cheek.
She smiled at him but continued to keep watch on Karkaroff with Lily. Sirius quirked an eyebrow and asked
"Is there something the matter Lily flower because my wife seems to have gone off me."
They both turned to face abruptly and said
"Oh no...."
"Sirius I`m sorry sweetie it's just Karkaroff has been eying Lily since he got here."
"Oh I would just love to know what he is up to!" Lily exclaimed irritably.
"Hey baby is everything all right?" James asked hearing her mini tantrum.
"Oh yes James I`m fine. I just have been off for a while and now Karkaroff is driving me mad the pillock."
James smiled over at Sirius before wrapping an arm around Lily`s shoulder and rubbing her arm up and down.
He then guided her back to where Tonks and Remus were so she was away from Karkaroff.
"No James I need to keep an eye on Harry." She said walking back. James caught her hand and said
"Harry is perfectly fine babe. Moody, Dumbledore, Hagrid, Kingsley and Reg are keeping an eye on him."
"Yes but..."
"Lily stop fretting ok? He is going to be fine." He kissed her lightly on the lips and then she agreed to go with him.
"Are you sure that you are comfortable Tonks?" Remus asked bending down next to her seat.
"I would be a right side better if you stopped fretting like an old woman!" Remus laughed lightly at her.
He kissed her hand and brought it against his cheek. Tonks smiled as she kissed him softly on the lips.
"Harry has agreed by the way." He whispered into her ear.
"Aww really? That`s great babe." She said amiably.
"Yes it is." He kissed her on the cheek and then on the lips before he stood beside the chair and held her hand.
"ATTENTION!" Dumbledore bellowed making everyone cover their ears.
"NOW OUR FOUR CHAMPIONS WILL BEGIN THE TASK. ONE BY ONE THEY WILL FLY INTO THE DARK FOREST, GET
THEIR CLUE FROM THE SPHINX AND COME BACK HERE. THEY WILL NEED TO FIND THEIR TREASURE WHICH IS AT
THE MOMENT IN THE BLACK LAKE. THEY HAVE ONE HOUR. SO LET US BEGIN."
Dumbledore then spoke in a low voice to the four contenders who were gathered around him.
"Now Harry I want you to go first; fly into the forest, get your clue from the sphinx and come straight back here."
"Why is Potter the one chosen to go in first Dumbledore? Krum is far more superior to him."
"Harry is not only the fastest flier Hogwarts has seen in years but he is also remarkably skilful. Now Harry away you go."
Harry mounted his broom and was about to take off when Dumbledore said
"One more thing before you go Harry. As soon as you find the sphinx I want you to send up red sparks so the next
person can go."
"Ok no problem sir." He smiled back at Dumbledore who patted him gently on the back on his shoulder.
Harry took off and flew into the forest. He circled around the forest until he saw Hagrid waving down at him.
Beside him lay a sphinx with a rope tied loosely around its neck, tied to a tree.
As Harry landed a few inches away from them he stared at this creature with a human head and a lion's body.
He gazed at Hagrid dumbfounded. He simply smiled at him. The sphinx looked up at Harry and then at Hagrid.
Hagrid nodded at the sphinx that then turned to Harry and said
"Harry Potter what is rare and red but not quite dead?"
Harry stared at the sphinx with his open unsure what he meant.
Hagrid seeing his quizzical expression said
"That`s the riddle Harry. You must now figure out what it means because that is what you must save from the lake."
"What is rare and red but not quite dead?" Harry asked aloud starring at Hagrid and the sphinx in turn.
Hagrid nodded and said in a low voice
"Just think what you are missing right now. The sphinx won't tell you anymore." Harry nodded.
He then sent up the sparks as Dumbledore said, took one last look at the sphinx, smiled at Hagrid and left.
As he was flying back he saw Fleur flying into the forest. Harry still was clueless as to what the riddle meant.
He landed smoothly on the dock of the lake where Dumbledore, James and Moody greeted him.
"Are you all right Harry? What did the sphinx say?" James asked anxiously.
"What is rare and red but not quite dead? I have no idea what I am supposed to rescue."
James looked at Moody who winked at Dumbledore who smiled softly.
"The task is to retrieve the thing that matters most to you champ. Whatever you are missing....or whoever maybe."
Harry looked at his father pensively. James winked at him. He then went back to Kingsley who called him.
Fleur then returned as Krum took it off into the forest.
Harry overheard what her riddle was and he realised then he knew what he was missing.
"What is sweet and kind but is not blind?"
Dean, Arielle, Ryan, Rob and Neville rushed down towards Harry and asked
"Well how did you get on?"
"The sphinx gave me a riddle. What is rare and red but not quite dead?"
They all looked at him confused but he smiled at them and said
"It`s Ron you guys. I have to save Ron." He turned his back to them as he looked into the lake.
"Are you sure about this Harry?" Neville asked.
"Yeah, I thought it would have been Hermione mate." Dean said.
"You know what you guys?" Harry asked turning to face them
"I think Krum must save Hermione. They are still really good friends so.....it makes sense that she is in there too."
Krum came back and told Karkaroff what his riddle was. Arielle sneaked over to them to hear it.
"What is fierce and bold but never cold?"
"Harry was right." She whispered.
Karkaroff saw her and sneered. She stared at him fearfully.
"You are trying to sabotage Krum`s chances."
"No....I wasn`t...." She replied shakily.
"I will show you." He caught her by the wrist and threw her into the water.
Only for her screaming nobody would have noticed. Harry and his friends saw this and shouted
"ARIELLE!" Harry threw off his jumper, and jumped into the water in his shorts and t-shirt.
Everyone heard the splash. They all wanted to know what happened.
Dumbledore and company rushed over to Harry`s friends who informed them of what Karkaroff did.
"What happened? Where are my children?" Lily cried rushing down with Sirius and Shari behind.
"Karkaroff pushed Arielle into the lake and Harry has gone in after her." James said.
"WHAT? HE CANNOT GET AWAY WITH IT!" Sirius screamed staring over at him.
"Sirius leave it. Dumbledore is handling it." Moody said.
"THOSE ARE OUR KIDS!" James and Lily shouted. Sirius was getting ready to jump in when he saw Harry.
"Oh thank god you are ok." Lily exclaimed relieved as James and Sirius rushed over and helped them up.
Arielle was unconscious though and Harry had tears coming down his face.
Lily hugged him as James and Sirius attempted to revive her.
"Oh my god Arielle...." Dean said as he began to cry.
Shari put an arm around his shoulder as Remus rushed down hearing from Ginny what happened.
Sirius was giving her mouth to mouth as James attempted to re-start her heart.
After a few more seconds Arielle began to sit up as she coughed all the water out of her lungs.
"That`s it baby come on....." James said helping her up.
"You`re alright angel." Sirius said as he tapped her back and rubbed it soothingly.
She stood up then with James and Sirius helping her. Lily hugged Harry tightly as he kissed his head.
"If it wasn`t for you Harry she wouldn't be here."
"Mom she`s my sister. I was hardly not going to save her." He smirked a little.
"I know....I know...." She hugged him again as she wiped away tears streaming down her face.
James lifted her up and said he was taking her to see Madam Pompfrey. Shari went with him.
As he left Sirius approached them with Remus. Lily relinquished Harry as she hugged Remus.
"You did good kid. That cockroach over there will be sorted out don't worry." Sirius said.
"I can't do this Sirius. I can`t ...." Sirius brought Harry into a tight embrace.
"Shhh come on now Prongslet. You saved Arielle. She is going to be fine. Do this for her mate."
"Harry are you all right?" Remus asked turning to him.
"Yeah I`m good Remus. I was just so scared that she wasn't going to make it."
"It`s all over with now ok? You just focus on the task of saving.....who must you save?"
"Umm...Ron. Yeah I have to save Ron."
"ATTENTION! DUE TO THE UNEXPECTED INCIDENT WE HAVE JUST COME FROM. THE CONTESTANTS WILL HAVE AN
EXTRA TWENTY MINUTES IN THE LAKE. INSTEAD OF THRITY MINUTES THEY NOW HAVE FIFTY MINUTES."
"Ok Harry you can do this mate. Just stay strong and try to focus." Sirius said hugging him lightly.
"HARRY!" His friends shouted at him as they ran and hugged him at once.
After they relinquished him he smiled back at them as he stood at the edge and jumped in within seconds.
Amos Diggory rushed over to the marauders and asked
"Is your daughter going to be all right then Lily?"
Lily was standing with an arm across her as she played with her necklace with her other hand.
"Hmm oh yes Amos. Arielle will be fine. James has just taken her up to the hospital wing now."
"Well that is brilliant news Lily. I overheard Albus saying that he was going to deduct some point sfrom Krum...."
"Why is he going to do that Amos? It was Karkaroff who pushed Arielle and not Krum!" Sirius barked.
"I have no idea Sirius. That is just what I heard. Anyway let me know how Arielle is." He smiled and left them.
"Ok thank you Amos." Lily replied smiling weakly at him. She continued to stare into the water anxiously.
"Harry will be fine Lils." Sirius said softly as he rubbed her back.
"Who is Harry saving?" Amos asked as he approached them again.
"Oh umm....Ron Weasley I think." Lily replied flatly.
"Oh yes one of Arthur`s boys. Cedric is saving Cho or so he thinks anyway."
"What was his riddle?" Sirius asked taking his hand off Lily.
"What is slender and slight that dare not bite?"
"Yeah well that does sound like Cho." Sirius said smirking. Amos went back to Dumbledore who called him.
"Hey why don't we go back to Remus and Tonks love. Come on. It's got to be better than standing here babe."
Lily smiled at Sirius as she accepted his offering hand and walked back with him to their friends.
Down below in the water Harry, who had now gills and fins from taking the gilly weed was trying to find Ron.
So far he had not come across any of his team mates so he hoped he was going in the right direction.
After overcoming attacks by all sorts of creatures he saw ahead of him four statues being guarded by merpeople
He quickly swam over to Ron and used his wand to untie the ropes. Nobody appeared to be coming for the others.
Suddenly both Cedric, using the bubble head charm and Krum looking like a shark appeared.
The both rescued Cho and Hermione and beckoned Harry to hurry up.
"We can`t leave her here. Fleur must not have made it. You go and I`ll take care of it."
They both shook their heads. Looking around to make sure Krum had scared off the merpeople, Cedric freed her.
Harry and Cedric between them caught a hand of Fleur`s sister and brought her up to the surface.
Krum made it first with Hermione. He brought over to the dock before going back down to Harry and Cedric.
Krum caught hold of Gabrielle around her waist and brought her up to the surface as Harry followed with Cedric.
Krum swam over with Gabrielle to the dock where Karkaroff and Dumbledore were waiting and helped them up.
Harry and Cedric swam over to the dock also with Ron and Cho.
James and Sirius helped Harry with Ron as Cedric was aided by his father and Moody.
"Are you all right Ron, Harry?" James and Sirius asked.
"Yeah. Ron?" Harry asked as Ron stood up shivering with a towel around his shoulder that Sirius gave him.
"I`m ok thanks mate." They smiled and hugged. The rest of their friends came and hugged them all at once.
After they relinquished them Harry turned to James and said
"Is Arielle going to be ok?" He asked as James threw a towel around his shoulders.
"She will fine mate. Poppy is keeping her there for the night and has given her something for the shock."
Harry breathed deeply in relief and said "That`s good."
"You did good champ." Harry smiled as James brought an arm around his neck and kissed his head.
"HARRY! Oh thank god you are all right!" Hermione exclaimed as she threw her arms around him.
"I`m fine Hermi. Don`t worry. Are you ok?" She nodded as she smiled sweetly at him. He returned it.
Lily ran towards him with a bath towel and threw it over him as she hugged him tightly.
"Well done Harry." Remus said ruffling his hair. "You okay?" He asked softly.
Harry nodded. Remus smiled at him as Dumbledore bellowed for attention again.
"THE WINNER IS......HARRY POTTER!" Harry stared around aghast as his friends and family jumped around him.
"HAVING BEING INTENT ON ENSURING EVERYONE WAS SAFE ONLY FIRST PLACE WOULD SUFFICE."
"You did good kid." Sirius said winking at him.
"I still can`t believe it. Where is dad?"
"He is over there with Kingsley and Moody. They are organising more protection mate."
"Why more protection Sirius?"
"We think Karkaroff is the reason you are here." Sirius said sadly as Harry stared at him horrified.
"All right come on now Harry. Let`s go celebrate." Dean said.
Harry smiled as he followed his friends back to the castle.
Ok so........what did you think? Should I quit writing now or do ya want some more? ;)
Let me know bud!!! Talk to you soon. :)