A/N
I'll delay the date of the second task by 1 day. The 24th is a Friday and I think the 25th would be better, allowing more spectators and less interruption to the lessons.
All those who think that Harry's behavior was a bit immature in the previous chapter, please remember: He's still a jealous 14-year-old teenager. He has every right to behave a bit immature from time to time. And I know some "matures" my age that wouldn't react better than he did – not to mention the charms at work.
I mostly omitted a description of the actual task. It follows the events in the book. Here you'll only see the differences at the start and end of it. The part about the goggles is from another story. To my regret I don't remember where I've seen that idea.
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The Second Task (1)
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Hogwarts – Great Hall – 24th of February – Lunch Time
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"I never said anything like this."
Pansy's shrill voice disturbed the silence around the four friends, especially when she smacked her newspaper on the table, thereby nearly toppling Daphne's cup of tea.
It was the day before the second task of the tournament and they were sitting at the Gryffindor table, Daphne together with Neville and – a few seats away – Harry with Hermione. More than once Daphne and Harry sent hidden glances at each other but the whole time they hadn't spoken a single word.
The last week had been awful, Hermione groaned, I don't need another one of those. After the task Neville and I should imprison them in a broom closet until we hear some intense snogging noises.
On Friday evening one week ago Madam Pomfrey had allowed the Greengrass girls to leave the Hospital wing. Apparently they were fully healed again aside from the order 'to be at ease' at the weekend. Hermione and Neville had been impressed with Daphne's use of the Sanguis Familiae Spell and it had been obvious that the connection between the two sisters had only deepened because of the events.
Harry had apologized to Astoria and the girl had accepted it gracefully. Despite the events she even seemed to like Harry more than before, Hermione had wondered. She had even caught Astoria watching Daphne and Harry a few times with a soft smile on her lips.
But still Harry and Daphne weren't really on speaking terms. It was clearly visible that both struggled with their remorse. Both wanted to reconcile with each other. But both were too stubborn to begin or perhaps only too contrite.
Harry had spent the afternoons mostly with Hermione preparing for the second task, his bad mood at least helpful in that regard. He missed Daphne at his side. Hermione was a patient and good teacher but still he liked Daphne's way to teach better – especially her rewards. Hermione had told him that she daily asked about his progress, that Daphne still cared for him.
This news had helped him when Viktor started to harass her again. He had appeared at the table more than once since Saturday, ignoring Daphne's verbal rejections and Harry's angry glares. Apparently he counted on the fact that Harry wouldn't start a second fight, wouldn't endanger another bystander. And equally apparent he didn't realize that this behaviour only cost him his very last sympathy points, especially after Astoria's remark that he never apologized to her. Viktor only stopped this awful behaviour after the intervention of Daphne's friends.
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Two Days ago
Two days ago Viktor had been on the go again, intending to woo her – or better woe, as Daphne once commented. Striding as proud as a peacock, smirking in Harry's direction while he had a red rose in his hand – one of the roses Daphne had started to hate – he apparently had intended to start one of his awful "Lady of my heart" monologues.
Instead of looking at him Daphne had only watched Harry's reaction. She knew that Hermione had begun to pocket Harry's wand before each meal to help him stay calm. She had noticed how much he had to struggle not to start another fight again. Perhaps she should allow him – no, that was a selfish thought, to put Harry in trouble only to allow her to avoid this prat.
But two days ago something had changed. Sending this annoying smile towards Daphne and watching for any attack from Harry, Viktor had been taken completely by surprise when Hermione intercepted him by stepping between Daphne and 'her gigolo'.
"Expelliarmus!"
Harry was proud about the quickness and accuracy of her spell, watching with a broad smile how Viktor lost his wand. Angrily the Durmstrang Champion wanted to physically attack her but stopped as he noticed Neville's expression and his wand targeted at him, especially at his groin. Hermione didn't flinch, didn't make a single step back despite Krum's intimidating frame. Instead she glared at him, her face an iron mask of determination and disgust:
"Apparently, Mister Krum, you have some severe problems with your hearing capabilities. I suggest a visit to our Hospital Wing. The lady said 'no'. She said 'no' a week ago, she did it yesterday and will likewise do it tomorrow. From now on, Mister Krum, you'll stay away from our friend Daphne. You won't speak to her, you won't leer in her direction and sure enough you won't send her flowers or other presents, until she clearly shows interest in changing the situation. Every time you behave against this directive, there will be retribution."
Completely ignoring the boy who was seething with rage Hermione turned to Daphne: "I hope this was in your interest, Daphne?"
Shocked by Hermione's determination and glaring anger Daphne could only nod.
"Good," Hermione smiled shortly: "On your way, Mister Krum. Perhaps you should use your spare time to prepare for the second task. It is still possible for you to finish runner-up." She hadn't to explain whom she expected to be the winner of the tournament.
Viktor glared at her before he pocketed his own wand, surprising the careful observing Hermione as he made no move to attack her. The reason of this behaviour became obvious as he addressed someone standing behind her.
"And you'll allow this to happen without a word, allow a student to attack me without provocation?"
Hermione groaned inwardly as she realized that Madam Sprout had been around the whole time, watching the exchange.
"Certainly I do not. Miss Granger, I'm deeply disappointed." She stopped Hermione's friends when they tried to explain the situation. "Pranking other students is something I would expect from the twins but not from you. Five points from Gryffindor for spell use in the corridors."
Hermione blinked. Prank, spell use in the corridor – she certainly had expected another kind of punishment and according to Krum's expression so did he. "You can't be serious…"
"You're right again, Mister Krum. I completely forgot: Mister Longbottom… ten points to Gryffindor for standing by your friend's side like a loyal Hufflepuff. It's too bad that you don't belong to my house." Neville couldn't hide his grin as he thanked his favourite teacher.
"Now be on your way, Mister Krum. And don't forget Miss Granger's directive regarding Miss Greengrass." She narrowed her eyes on him, all friendliness gone as she showed a side only the Deatheaters at the Quidditch Finals had seen so far. "Should I hear otherwise or should there be any attack from you or your friends on Miss Granger or Mister Longbottom, we'll meet again and you'll regret your childish behaviour."
Fuming Viktor walked away, ignoring the broad smiles of everyone around. Even Madam Sprout allowed a small smile to creep onto her face. It was really time for this proud boy to be put into his place by someone. "And Miss Granger: Five points for a perfectly cast Expelliarmus." With a last smile Madam Sprout left the group.
"That was incredible, Hermione," Harry exclaimed. His friend was still trying to calm her beating heart again.
"A few more months around me and you'll be an acceptable Slytherin," Daphne agreed with a wicked smile. Luckily Hermione didn't hear her comment as she was just showing Neville her gratitude for protecting her with a passionate kiss.
.
Present
"You have to believe me, Daphne," Pansy pouted. Daphne absentmindedly patted Pansy's hand and looked at the newspaper's head line. The newspaper showed an awful article Rita Skeeter had written about Daphne.
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Slytherin Girl playing with their hearts?
Yesterday Harry Potter, today Viktor Krum and tomorrow Cedric Diggory?
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Detailed the article described how Daphne Greengrass – "a girl of moderate appearance and lacking any real talent" – seduced the poor golden boy only try her dubious charms on the Durmstrang Champion a week later.
The reason for Pansy's reaction were some quotations in the article, alleged statements of her towards Rita Skeeter about Daphne and how she could only have been able to seduce the boys with the help of love potions. It followed a quotation of Draco – "she's only pitting the boys against each other, the dirty bitch, because nobody with a spark of decency would like to be her boyfriend" – and another one of Ginny – "you can't believe how much she changed the poor boy, even setting him against his oldest friend like my poor brother Ron." It ended with the question when – not if – Daphne would try to seduce Cedric next.
All in all Harry thought the article to be funny. Nobody with a bit of reasoning would believe a single word of it. Perhaps someone like Molly Weasley could trust this story, but certainly nobody who mattered. Only the part about her 'moderate appearance and lack of talent' annoyed him.
"You know, Pansy," Hermione responded instead of Daphne – who was still reading and apparently struggling not to have a fit of laughter about the whole matter "You're a real bitch and I would instantly believe that you said something like this about me and how I – 'a girl of poor appearance and lacking any social grace' – convinced 'poor Neville' to be my boyfriend. That would be something like you. But nobody here would expect something stupid like this from you about Daphne."
Hermione really didn't believe it – the fact that Skeeter had been the author certainly helping – and was more amused than angry that someone had chosen this way to drive a wedge between Harry and Daphne. It was simply too much, it was kind of overdose with all these unbelievable details.
"No?" Harry dared to ask with mock seriousness, only to earn himself a dig in the ribs. "You're right, Hermione. Nobody would expect that from you, Pansy."
"See," Hermione smiled sweetly in Harry's direction before she turned to Pansy again. "It is every bit as improbable as Malfoy risking Astoria's fury with stupid statements like this." Everyone at the table grinned. Since Astoria's injury the relation between her and Draco had noticeable changed and while not everyone liked their engagement – Harry and Neville certainly did not – they at least liked to watch Draco's sudden concern about his girlfriend and her new strengthened position in that relationship.
On purpose Hermione didn't mention Ginny's comment. Her name was still a sour point for Harry, but she didn't believe that the red-head would even speak with Skeeter. No, this comment was too much like something Molly Weasley would say. Without effort Hermione could imagine Molly's voice speaking about her 'poor baby Ron'.
Pansy visibly relaxed and a spark of her usual haughtiness returned. "Yes, with you the story would at least be believable, especially the money grabbing and love potion part. Sorry, Daphne, but" she continued with an evil grin "I don't remember who said that a few weeks ago… you aren't able to boil water without help in potions."
"No harm done, Pansy," Daphne grinned back, before she sighed: "With a hint of intellect she would have written something about I using my Charms to influence the boys. Whoops – now I've revealed my most evil plans of boy domination."
"Tut-tut, Daphne," Pansy mock scolded "bad blunder. You're obviously spending too much time with 'I wear my heart on my tongue' Gryffindors."
Daphne waited until Pansy had walked away before she addressed her friends far more seriously: "It still leaves the question: Why this article? Why now and how did she get these 'details'?"
"We should ask her," Hermione proposed. "But I fear there isn't something like 'action for slander' in the wizarding world. Around Muggles we could sue the newspaper until they plead for mercy. Too bad."
"Yes, too bad," Daphne agreed. "Perhaps it is time for another article in the Quibbler. Let's speak with Luna about it."
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Hogwarts – Near the Black Lake – 25th of February Midmorning
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Harry was on his way towards the Black Lake with Hermione and Neville at his side. Under his robe he was wearing the new neoprene suit Roxanne had bought for him. They had trained the heating charm this week every day but still he was very happy about the swim suit's additional protection. It wasn't too cold out here, but still a swimming class in the Black Lake was not his favourite pastime in February. Together with the newly learned 'see underwater' and the 'point-north' spells he felt more or less prepared for this day. While Hermione had taught him the spells, it had been Daphne who found them. Especially about the 'see underwater' he had no idea which remarkable Charm Books Daphne had to peruse to come upon that spell.
And then there was the 'item location' spell – Deprehensio Rei. It should allow him to find any item he knew fairly well – be it his broom or the bracelet on Daphne's arm. Hermione had feared that there would be a location veil around the target and a protection against the Accio Spell like there had been at the first task. Harry only hoped that his friend was too pessimistic about it.
Hermione walked silently at Harry's side. The task was nearly done. She felt relieved to have some calmer weeks ahead. The last two had been so crammed that she seldom had time or simply the energy to use her new book to write her parents. She had promised to write them right this evening about the task. Hermione still felt immensely grateful about this present.
She noticed Harry's searching looks around and sighed. She had to tell him now. "Tracey told me that Professor Flitwick wanted to see Daphne. She has not returned."
He reacted better than feared. Perhaps he simply wasn't very surprised at all. "So she had been right. Dumbledore is using her as my hostage."
"She'll be alright, Harry," Neville tried to reassure his friend. "She'll be safe."
"Safe, my ass," Harry growled. "As safe as Hermione and Ginny had been in Second Year. As safe as we have been last year with all those Dementors around. You know, Neville, there exist Texan bandit camps that are safer for a fourteen-year-old girl than Hogwarts."
Neville had no idea what Texans were but he understood the meaning of the statement nonetheless.
"She'll be safe because you're looking after her," Hermione clarified. "You'll find her, you'll rescue her." Her voice showed clearly that she had no doubts about him finding and rescuing Daphne.
Harry smiled at his friend. She always knew the right words to say. Suddenly Hermione stepped in his way and stopped him, her hand against his chest: "And afterwards, after the rescue, you'll apologize to her and snog her senseless, do you understand? This stupid hassle ends today."
Harry's smiled only deepened. "That's the plan."
.
Professor McGonagall was watching the arrival of the spectators – students, teachers, Aurors, Ministry officials and a large number of family members – and the Champions. Every Champion was allowed to have a friend at his side. Viktor Krum was exchanging last tips with his Headmaster – not in the sense of the arrangement but equally not against the rules – and Cedric Diggory had one of his housemates at his side. While Harry was nearing the landing stage with Hermione Granger beside him, Minerva glanced at Fleur Delacour.
Charlie Weasley, former Gryffindor Quidditch Team Captain and now Dragon tamer in Romania, was a sight to behold and a surprise to add. Minerva had heard rumours about both mothers not being very happy about the relationship. Molly apparently had problems to accept a French Veela – both parts being equally damn worthy in her mind – and Fleur's mother certainly had hoped for someone with more money and a better social standing. But they are a beautiful couple; Minerva smiled, hoping that both families would come to their senses eventually.
"Do you have the goggles?" Filius asked. The diminutive charms professor was standing at her side and watching the last preparations on the lake.
Minerva tapped on her bag. Sometimes I wonder what idiots are working at the Ministry, she pondered. Four months ago, when she heard about the second task, the question had been the same. Rescue a hostage from the ground of the Lake – sounded interesting at first glance. But what about the spectators, waiting at the Lake's shore for an hour only to have the Champions arise from the water hundreds of yards away – with the location of the hostages nothing near the shore?
At least the 'finish problem' had been solved by one of the Unspeakables from the Department of Mysteries. 100 feet above the hostages there would be the real target of the rescue: A floating circle with four attached portkeys, one for every Champion, only working for him or her and his/her hostage, intended to send him to its counterpart, which was floating near the spectators' tribune. According to Lugo Bagman the keys had been checked and double-checked, prohibiting any messing with them.
"Your goggles are a marvel of charm working, Filius."
"Thanks," Filius smiled back. After Minerva's remark about the absurdity to let the spectators watch the empty lake surface, he had spoken with Colin Creevey – under the pledge of secrecy – about Muggle ways to observe such an event. Hearing about cameras and television, live camera and big screens at racing events, he had created these five underwater goggles and five big screens linked to them that allowed the spectators to see what the Champions saw. Ludo Bagman had already shown great interest in using these charms at other sport events.
"Everything okay with the hostages so far?"
"Yes," Minerva responded after a look on her instruments. She was still angry about the Headmaster's lack of interest in ensuring the security of the hostages. Charm them to sleep, create a bubble of air around them and leave it to the mermen that they stay safe. Merlin, sometimes she wondered how the students' parents could ever trust him with the welfare of their children – how she could ever trust him the same.
She had to talk herself blue in the face until he allowed her 'to be one of the mermaids'. She would be near the hostages, wearing the fifth pair of goggles, watching them, prepared to intervene. Filius would stay at the beach and watch the instruments she had prepared, instruments that allowed knowing the condition of the linked target at every moment.
With these measures in place Minerva felt reasonable certain that nothing would happen to the hostages. With Daphne one of them and a very angry Agatha Pinegrew watching the task, it was far better this way.
Now she only had to wait for the Headmaster.
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Fifty feet away Agatha Pinegrew was watching Minerva and the preparations intensely. Daphne had told her a while ago about her suspicion regarding the target of the task and she had shared her opinion. That now only Astoria and not Daphne was sitting at her side – together with Roxanne, Anne and a few friends – only confirmed it.
Like three months ago at the first task Cyrus was watching the task together with Lucius and some of their political friends, while Narcissa and Draco had joined the Pinegrew Clan. Again Narcissa tried her best to be at least polite to her sister and niece, completely ignoring the glares of her husband.
If only Sirius could be exonerated of the charges, Agatha sighed. Through Roxanne she had heard about the conversation between Sirius and Narcissa, heard about their reconciliation. Narcissa had even asked him about ways to help him restore his position as the Head of the Black Family. Yes, Roxanne had been right. Something was very wrong in the House of Malfoy – or very right, Agatha smirked.
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"The time has come," Headmaster Dumbledore started, his voice reaching every corner of the tribune thanks to a Sonorus spell. "In a few minutes the four Champions will enter the second task of the Tournament. It will be their duty to find 'something precious they lost'. They have one hour to find their target. With the help of charmed goggles we prepared…"
Minerva coughed at the word 'we' and Filius showed his best death-glare, but the Headmaster ignored both.
"You will be able to follow their progress."
At his sign Minerva handed over the goggles together with a small potion. "This is only for emergencies. It allows you to stay under water for an additional ten minutes but you'll lose ten points for using it." Viktor refused to accept the potion, but the others thanked Minerva for her prudence. The potion had been another point of debate but Ludo Bagman and Percy Weasley – who now was a member of the committee because of Mister Crouch's 'sickness' – had agreed together with Madam Maxime after some hints about possible bad publicity.
"Before we start it is time to unveil the targets of this rescue mission."
Daphne, I'm coming, Harry promised silently, nodding thankfully when Hermione shortly pressed his hand. He expected Cho and Roger Davies to be the hostages for Cedric and Fleur – even with Fleur not being on speaking terms with Roger 'I-drool-into-your-cleavage' Davies since the Yule Ball. But whom did they chose for Viktor? Katie? She had been angry with Viktor since the fight in the Great Hall nearly two weeks ago.
"One person is waiting for every Champion to be rescued somewhere in the Black Lake, charmed to sleep and in a bubble of air lasting for one hour."
With disgust Hermione noticed that most of the spectators seemed to be more excited than appalled to hear this announcement: Like watching news about some natural catastrophe, shivering with anticipation.
"For Mister Diggory the hostage will be Miss Cho Chang." This was greeted by a number of giggles and catcalls especially from the Ravenclaw girls.
"For Mister Potter the hostage will be…"
Miss Daphne Greengrass, Harry finished silently. Go on, old man, my girlfriend is waiting for me.
"Miss Ginny Weasley. For Mister Viktor Krum…"
"What?" The equally angry voices of Harry and Charlie interrupted Headmaster Dumbledore's little speech.
"Why should I rescue Ginny?" Harry asked flabbergasted.
Charlie glared at him and likewise did Hermione "Harry…"
Harry groaned. "I mean: Why did you choose her of all girls? Daphne Greengrass is my girlfriend, Hermione Granger is my best friend – why Ginny?"
Restlessness arose among the spectators. While they were unable to hear what Harry and Charlie were saying, it was quite obvious that this choice of hostage was unexpected.
"Mister Potter, we thought…" Dumbledore's attempt to calm Harry with his friendliest smile failed spectacularly.
"If Daphne is not his hostage, why did you call her away after breakfast," a very agitated Hermione asked a confused looking Professor Flitwick.
"Err… she is one of the hostages," he answered. "I prepared her for the task. I assumed she would be Mister Potter's target."
"No," Dumbledore explained with an unctuous voice. "Miss Greengrass is the hostage for Mister Krum. You certainly understand…"
"I certainly do not," Harry growled furiously.
Minerva glared at her superior and it needed the combined effort of Charlie – "Please, Harry, she's my sister and still your friend, it's not her fault" – and Hermione to convince Harry to continue with the task and to rescue Ginny.
"Alright, Professor Dumbledore, I'll do it. But this issue isn't over."
Viktor Krum's smirk nearly caused Harry to attack him and only Hermione's grip held him back.
With a last happy smile Dumbledore addressed the spectators to announce the last hostage. "And for Miss Delacour we have chosen someone who isn't already a student of Hogwarts but will be in the near future – Gabrielle Delacour."
Fleur paled and nearly fainted from shock. Charlie had to embrace her to prevent her fall.
"How could you allow this?" Harry fumed. "To mess with our friendships and choosing the wrong hostages for Vicky and I is one thing. But Gabrielle is still a child. Merlin, she's ten year old. What responsible adult would allow such a disgusting choice?"
Someone had cast another Sonorus Spell in the meantime, allowing everyone to hear Harry's accusation. The choice of a ten-year-old hostage apparently was not to their liking. Luckily Fleur was too occupied with her concern about her little sister to see how her father flinched and her mother glared at him. His decision to propose Gabrielle as the target – to further motivate his older daughter – would have some repercussions later, this glare promised.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Minerva sighed, ignoring Dumbledore's attempt to stop her. "I wanted Miss Roussevalle to be Miss Delacour's hostage, but the decision wasn't mine to be made."
"You'll find her, Fleur," Charlie tried to calm his girlfriend, before he addressed Minerva: "Will there be someone down there to watch the hostages?"
"Yes, I'll be there."
"Good, I'll accompany you." Charlie locked eyes with Minerva, daring her to deny his request. But after a glance at Fleur she only curtly nodded.
"I can't allow this." Headmaster Karkaroff yelled. "He'll influence the task and…"
"Shut up!" Perhaps it was only the fact that Gabrielle Delacour wouldn't be visiting Beauxbatons next year. Perhaps it was the fact that she really didn't like this choice. Whatever the reason was, Madam Maxime had enough of all this. "Stop being this stupid and let's start with this task already. I trust Professor McGonagall ten times more than a former Deatheater."
Her statement caused quite a number of gasps from the spectators and was enough to silence Karkaroff for a long time.
Headmaster Dumbledore coughed several times. "Alright, let us begin now."
"I wish you luck, all of you. I'll see you at the finish," Minerva stated before she grabbed Charlie's hand and used her portkey to reach the raft that was floating above the hostages. When they arrived, Charlie suddenly relaxed: "Now, Minnie, what was that about Miss Roussevalle?"
Minerva glared at her former favourite student for using that nickname, before she sighed: "You know me to well, Charles." Now it was Charlie's turn to flinch. Not even his mother called him Charles anymore. "It's the idea that counts, don't you think so? As long as Miss Delacour is expecting to find her younger sister at the finish, it would be insignificant whether Gabrielle is really there or perhaps someone else."
Charlie grinned: "Someone like Miss Roussevalle under a Polyjuice Potion perhaps? You old minx."
Minerva slapped his arm but grinned: "I take that as a compliment."
.
Minerva was growing restless. The last forty minutes hadn't been very interesting. She was floating within sight to the hostages with Charlie Weasley nearby. All four hostages were still sleeping.
A few minutes ago Filius had informed her about Fleur's fight with a bunch of Grindylows. They had destroyed her bubble-head charm and required her to use the emergency potion. It had been enough to allow her a secure ascent to the surface of the Lake, but regretfully Fleur had been forced to give up. Ten minutes of air simply weren't enough to reach the hostages.
At least she's safe, Minerva sighed. The potions were a good decision. Shortly she smiled in Charlie's direction. He knew about Fleur too and had been relieved to hear about her arrival at the surface. Now he had to wait till the end of the task hour to rescue 'Gabrielle'.
"There," Charlie suddenly pointed towards something. Minerva was surprised to really see someone this early. Not even forty-five minutes and it was… Harry. Carefully watching the terrain the boy surrounded the area. He seemed well enough. Minerva couldn't detect any injuries at least. The gills and fins that allowed him to move around this quickly were clearly visible.
At last he neared the hostages and – after a short wave towards Professor McGonagall and Charlie – started to cast some spells. Healer Examination Charms, Minerva mused. Where did he learn those? He seemed to be content with the result but instead of freeing his hostage he slowly swam around Ginny and Daphne, waiting for something – or perhaps someone.
.
Somewhere above Hermione was standing at Neville's side, grinning and looking at the screen that showed the pictures from Minerva's goggles: "He doesn't like Dumbledore's plan, it seems."
"Yes, it looks like he has other ideas about the matter," Neville agreed.
Fleur, still disappointed that she had to give up but simultaneously happy to know Charlie near her sister, looked quizzical at the teenagers. Instead of explaining their weird statements, Hermione only smiled: "Good that Charlie is down there."
"Yes," Neville nodded "knowing Harry and his 'I have to rescue every damsel in distress' complex he would certainly stay down there to rescue Gabrielle otherwise."
"He's a real Gryffindor, isn't he," Fleur asked.
"You know only half of it," Hermione sighed.
.
After a few minutes the last Champion arrived. Cedric had just rescued Cho after exchanging a greeting with Harry, when like a dark shadow Viktor Krum – partially transformed into a kind of shark – rushed on towards Daphne, his mouth wide open to snap at the rope that was holding her in place. Seconds before he reached his target a red beam hit his side, stunning him instantly. Minerva and Charlie blinked heavily, watching what happened quite in front of them in stunned surprise. Minerva hadn't to be an Oracle to know the waves of angry consternation that were ruling the spectators at the same time. Through Minerva's goggles they were able to observe how Harry now pocketed away Viktor's wand and tethered Ginny Weasley to the unconscious Champion.
"Enervate!"
Viktor needed some minutes to regain his senses, to understand what happened. For a moment he wanted to attack Harry, but the sight of an armed Harry was enough to convince him otherwise. Harry's gestures were clear enough – ascend towards the portkey, rescue Ginny and stay away from Daphne. Asking for help Viktor looked towards Professor McGonagall who had been able to overcome her shock in the meantime.
What shall I do, she asked herself. Albus apparently wanted to mend the friendship between Harry and Ginny, but this way obviously didn't work. He should have expected it.
In the end it was the simple fact that she wanted to avoid a further fight between the Champions that convinced her to signal Viktor to ascend with Ginny as told by Harry. With relief the young boy watched Viktor depart and port away two minutes later. The task hour was nearly gone now and Harry hurried to free Daphne and swim towards his own portkey, leaving behind a Professor in deep thoughts.
.
"I demand that he is evicted from the tournament."
Headmaster Karkaroff was fuming since Harry, Viktor and their hostages had left the water. Harry, who had given Viktor's wand to Professor Flitwick to avoid a further fight, was not listening to him and his ramblings. Only Daphne was important now.
Nervous he waited for Professor Flitwick to lift the Sleeping charm and Daphne to wake up. He ignored Viktor's glare, he didn't notice the depressed look of Ginny, who was awake again and watching Harry and Daphne now. Nobody cared for her, neither Viktor nor Harry. Everyone knew that Harry hadn't wanted to rescue her.
"You should go to him," Molly Weasley urged her daughter. Hermione watched it with disgust, noticed Ginny's gloomy look and her crestfallen head-shaking. The small red-head tried to ignore her mother's ramblings and Ron's temper tantrum. Luckily the twins at least noticed her state. Shielding her from the rest of the family they hugged her and led her away. "You have done more than enough, Mum," was George's only comment before they left.
While the five jurors tried to solve the matter – with Karkaroff still fuming and Ludo Bagman the most outspoken in favour of Harry – Hermione and Neville watched happily how Daphne awoke. Hermione grinned as she noticed Professor Flitwick casting secretly a new Sonorus spell, allowing the spectators to listen to the jurors' debate – and to Daphne.
"Harry… this mad old goat chose me to be Vicky's hostage," she yelled angrily. "Please tell me that you didn't allow this poor excuse of a Champion to rescue me."
As expected these words caused more than one face to redden with anger but also hundreds of spectators to erupt in laughter. This only increased when Harry simply stated: "Certainly not; never would I dare to allow someone else to rescue you. You're my personal damsel in distress."
"Good," she smiled for a moment, before her expression turned into a frown again. "But that doesn't mean that you're forgiven for your former behaviour."
"I know," Harry sighed. "I'm really sorry. I was a prat. Please forgive me. I'll really try to behave better in the future." The spectators were completely silent now. More than one boy was annoyed be the sentimental look on his girlfriend's face as they listened intensely. The fallout of the former dream pairing – golden boy and ice princess – had caused too many questions.
Thoughtful Daphne looked into Harry's face before she turned to Hermione: "What do you think, is this promise believable."
"Mmm, I don't know…"
"Hey…" Harry growled, while Neville stomped on Hermione's foot. "Okay, okay, he's trustworthy."
"Alright," Daphne smiled. "You better keep your promise, Harry."
Both teenagers blushed deeply when the following kiss was commented by a large number of catcalls from the tribune.
"Ouch… Sonorus," Daphne observed with a tormented expression.
.
"The jury decided that Harry Potter will be allowed to continue the tournament. The task was 'to rescue something precious that was lost'. Forcing Mister Krum to take Miss Weasley with him fulfilled the task. But we'll deduce ten points for attacking another Champion. With that the new order is: Mister Diggory on place one, followed by Mister Krum. Miss Delacour and Mister Potter are placed third together."
"That's not okay," Viktor Krum stepped forward. "She was my hostage. Potter had no right to rescue her."
When Harry moved to respond, Daphne's gently grip stopped him. Instead of him Daphne answered to Viktor's accusations: "Viktor, you may be a great Quidditch player. And I even assume that you're a worthy Champion for your school. But only a complete moron could think I was the right hostage for you. Harry's is my boyfriend, not you. He's my friend, not you. How could I ever be 'something precious you lost'? Viktor, please stop behaving as a prat. Leave me alone. I don't want your presents, attention or mushy poems."
Unable to speak a single word Viktor crestfallen stared at Daphne. For a moment Harry felt pity for him, but then it turned into anger again, anger directed at the Headmaster for messing up again.
After a moment of silence Daphne suddenly continued, her voice very serious now: "I swear on my magic that I never intentionally led Viktor Krum on, I used neither Charm nor Potion to influence him. So mote it be."
Harry watched her, a bit pale. With a soft smile Daphne turned to him. "I need a happy thought," she whispered, before she kissed him.
"Expecto Patronum!"
In awe the spectators watched a feathered, winged snake rising into the sky, circling the tribune in joyful motions.
"I think that settles it," Filius commented with a grin and Minerva could only agree.
.
A/N
In the next chapter we'll solve some questions about Harry's and Viktor's behavior. Whom do you think would the Pinegrews involve: Minerva (House), Filius (Charms) or Poppy (Potions)?