Taking Chances and Making Changes
Authors Note - This story is an AU. It follows canon events up until the end of Prisoner.
Disclaimer - I own nothing except my OC's. Everything else belongs to JK Rowling. Basically, if you recognise it from the books/films then it is not mine. Thank you to milva281197 for the OC Bio for Lena Zabini.
Hayley POV
After a few hours of shopping, I decided to head back to the castle to relax until dinner and the detention afterwards. On the walk back I couldn't help but remember the times Hermione, Ron and I spent together in Hogsmeade last year. The fond memories made me sigh as I thought about how different things were just a year apart. Up until last night, I could still have forgiven Ron if he ever came to his senses but now I don't know if I could. Shoving those thoughts out of my head I headed back inside the castle doors as I arrived. Immediately going up to the dorms I put the gift for Blaise in my trunk along with the sweets and other trinkets that I had bought. As I hadn't seen any of my friends in the common room on my way up to the dorms I grabbed the book from Lucius and shrunk it down into my pocket before heading to the unused classroom on the 6th floor that Blaise and I use to meet up. As it was during the weekend I knew that it was unlikely that I would run into any teachers or students. As I slipped into the classroom I shut and locked the door before casting a silencing charm around the room so that if anybody passed they wouldn't be able to hear anything.
Taking the book out of my pocket I re-sized it and placed it on the table in front of me and opened it to the page where I had left the bookmark and began to practice some more of the spells. I had been hoping when I first read the book that there might have been a spell that could have helped me in the second task but there hadn't been any so far so I moved on to other books, charms and Transfiguration specifically. I still hadn't told anyone about Lucius giving me the book although I suspected that Lucius might have told Snape because he kept giving me strange looks.
It was around 2 hours later when I heard Hermione's voice in my head asking me where I was and that dinner was about to start. I knew that I wouldn't have time to go up to the dorms to put my book back and make it down to dinner on time so I quickly shrunk it back down putting it into my pocket before cancelling all of the spells on the door and heading down to the Great Hall. Luckily I arrived just on time along with a group of about 5 other students so I didn't stick out as I headed over to where Hermione and Neville were sat saving me a seat next to them.
"Hayley where were you?"Hermione asked
"Nowhere. I was just exploring and time got away from me" I lied
She frowned slightly but nodded nonetheless.
Dinner went by mostly uneventfully with general talk about what we had done that day as we hadn't actually seen each other since breakfast which was unusual as lately, we had spent the majority of each day with each other. Normally if I had detention after dinner I would leave in just enough time to get there exactly on time but this time I had finished eating early and I noticed that Professor Snape had just left so I thought I might as well go now. I told Hermione and Neville that I would meet them in the common room after my detention before I stood up and began heading down to the dungeons.
I arrived at the detention about 15 minutes early and knocked on the door of Professor Snape's office and waited. A few seconds later I heard him say "Enter" from the other side of the door so I opened the door and walked inside. Professor Snape was currently sat at his desk and he looked up at me with an unreadable expression. "Take a seat, Miss Potter"
I took a breath and sat down in the black leather chair opposite Professor Snape who was sitting on what looked to be an identical chair. The desk was a deep brown-almost black wood with everything meticulously organised. The office walls were lined with various potions of all colours, bottled ingredients such as animal and plant parts, some in liquids and some dry. Over to one side was a large jet black cauldron placed on top of a dark brown desk similar in colour to the one we were sat at but slightly lighter in colour and worn from what was clearly years of use. Aside from the cauldron, the desk held multiple other pieces of equipment for potion brewing. Much like the desk, everything was perfectly in place. The wall behind the desk contained a large bookshelf containing several books some of which were old or worn from age/use and others that were leather bound and looked new. The office was quite imposing and intimidating.
"Professor, what is it that you are having me do in detention?"I ask wanting to get started
He looks straight at me with a piercing stare before responding."I agreed to oversee your detention, Miss Potter because Mr Malfoy asked me to assist you with practising some of the spells in the book that he gave you and I felt this was the best way for us to meet without the headmaster becoming suspicious" He explained.
I nodded and smiled ever so slightly."So you knew about the book. I thought that you might"
He nods."I have a copy of the book so that we can begin going over some of the spells"He says gesturing to the parchment that was on his left.
"I was practising some of the spells before dinner and I didn't have time to take it back to my dorm so I actually have it with me, "I said taking the book out of my pocket and resizing it again.
We went over a number of the spells in the book for just under two hours before it was around time for me to head back to the common room before curfew. We agreed that once or twice a month Professor Snape would give me a detention for something during Potions Class so that we could continue practising. At the end of each session, he would give me a list of spells that he wanted me to attempt and improve on. As I was headed towards the door I quickly remembered something and turned back to him.
"Professor, can I ask you something?"I ask
He frowns slightly but nods anyway.
"Over Christmas, I asked Lucius if he knew why you -know -who came after my family and I and why he seems to be so fixated on killing me. He didn't know what but he said that you might be able to tell me?"I explained nervously
He sighed and looked down momentarily."I do know why but I cannot tell you right now. You are too young to understand everything about the situation but I will tell you eventually"He says hesitantly
I sigh and nod deciding not to argue."Okay thank you" I say as I leave
After I got back at the common room both Hermione and Neville were waiting for me wanting to know how the detention had gone.
"So how was it?"Hermione asked
"He just had me cleaning cauldrons that's all" I shrugged
This caused them both to mutter under there breath about unfair punishments while I sighed. I hated lying to them but I didn't want anyone finding out about the book and the fewer people that knew the better. If people found out about the book and the type of spells that were in the book the newspaper would have an absolute field day reporting that the Girl Who Lived was in possession of and learning questionable spells. The added fact that it was from the Malfoys would just add more fuel to the flames. We hung out for a few hours before we all went to bed.
It was the next morning at breakfast when almost everything in my life that was going right started to go completely wrong. I was up late for breakfast and by the time I got there it was already nine but luckily breakfast ran until ten on a weekend. As I entered I briefly saw Hermione run out of the Great Hall. She looked to be crying but I couldn't be sure. I frowned and walked into the Hall and headed over to the table. As I entered I noticed that the eyes of almost everyone in the hall glanced at me and many people started whispering. I sat down next to Neville not noticing the multiple copies Sunday Prophet on the table.
"Neville is Hermione okay. I just saw her run out of here and it looked like she was crying"I said concerned as I reached for some juice.
"Hayley I think you might want to read this," He says handing me a copy of the Prophet.
Frowning I took it from him and started to read the article that he had pointed out.
Girl Who Lived ... To be a Heartbreaker
"As Valentine's day approaches many witches and wizards look forward to spending time with their partner. This is felt strongly all over the country but especially at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Students in their third year or above with written permission from their parent or guardian are permitted to visit the local town of Hogsmeade during pre-scheduled weekends and many choose to use the weekend before Valentines Day to spent time with their partner. Just yesterday the Girl Who Lived, Miss Hayley Potter was spotted spending the day in Hogsmeade with fellow Triwizard Tournament competitor, World Class Seeker and Bulgarian Bon Bon, Viktor Krum. The two lovebirds were spotted talking and laughing together lovingly over lunch. The news is surprising enough considering the two lovebirds are both competitors but when added with the knowledge that both competitors had other dates for the Yule Ball. Miss Potter took Ravenclaw classmate Cyrus Lovegood and Mr Krum took Gryffindor 4th year Hermione Granger - One of Miss Potter's best friends. Both seemed to enjoy their evenings with their respective dates and appearing to be in love with their dates. One would begin to question Miss Potter's moral values when she deceives friends and classmates. Is she perhaps faking feelings for the Bulgarian Bon Bon as well? How long will it be until Miss Potter has moved onto another guy?"
As I read through the article I could feel my anger growing with each line that I read. By the end, my fists were clenched holding the newspaper in a death-like grip as though it was Skeeter herself. I immediately scrunched up the newspaper into a small ball and as I stood up I threw it into the fireplace to the left of the Gryffindor Table. I ran out of the hall needing to escape the whispers and stares of the students in the Great Hall.
After leaving the Great Hall I headed outside to the Black Lake glad that I had the foresight to wear warm clothes as it was still extremely cold due to it only being February. I stayed outside for a while using magic to throw small rocks and stones into the lake. It now made sense as to why Hermione was crying. Reading the article despite knowing what sort of rubbish Skeeter writes she wouldn't have any reason to doubt it seeing as she didn't know that I was currently dating Blaise and that Viktor and I had been in Hogsmeade so I could help Viktor buy her a gift. I could only hope Blaise would know that I wasn't cheating on him. After about an hour I cast a warming charm on myself to stop myself from freezing as I didn't really have any intentions of going back inside just yet. It was about another 2 hours and several warming charms later that I finally decided to go back inside.
I didn't feel like going to lunch with everyone staring and whispering so I decided to head to the kitchens to get something to eat instead. I still didn't feel like talking to anybody after lunch and knowing that Hermione would need time to calm down I decided to go up to the Astronomy Tower knowing that if Tonks wasn't already there waiting for me, she would be soon. I sat up there for about 30 minutes before I heard the door open behind me. I could tell that it wasn't Tonks instantly as the footsteps were too light. As the footsteps got closer I let a smile grace my lips now knowing it was Blaise. Blaise always smelled like a combination of pine and leather. Before I could say anything he was sat next to me and his arm around my back holding me. I rested my head on his shoulder and I could feel his embrace tighten slightly as he held me close. We stayed like that for a while not even needing to say a word.
"So I'm guessing that this means you don't believe the article, "I say quietly
"Of course I don't"He replies softly
"Good, I don't know what I would have done if you did"I smiled
"You don't have to worry about that. I will always believe you" He says
After a few moments of silence, Blaise speaks up again."If you want I can write to my uncle to see if there's anything that can be done about the article?"
I shake my head lifting it from his shoulder."There's no point the damage is already done"
He nods taking my hands."As long as your sure"
I nod smiling as he placed a kiss on my forehead.
"Blaise, I want to ask you something?"I ask cautiously
"Of course"He replies
"If you're okay with it, how would you feel if we went public about our relationship?"I ask hesitantly
"Hayley are you sure. If we went public it would be all over the school in under an hour. Not to mention all the press" He said
"I know and if you don't want to we don't have to but I mean the students and the press are already talking about the fact that I'm in a relationship. If it is going to happen I'd rather it be facts rather than fiction" I said smiling
He smiles at me."If you really want to then we can. I just want to make sure that you really want to"
"I want to, "I say
"Okay then, "He says nodding
"Let's not do it straight away though. Let's wait a few days. I want to let things die down and I need to talk to Hermione, Viktor and Cyrus about everything first okay"
"That's can do it whenever you want, "He says
We kiss for a few minutes but quickly realise that it isn't the best place considering that anyone could walk in at any minute and find us so we decide to go to the classroom on the 6th floor one at a time so that we aren't spotted together. After spending the rest of the afternoon until dinner together we parted ways. Blaise headed down to the Great Hall while I headed up to the common room knowing that it would be empty while everyone was at dinner. After arriving I headed up to the dorms and pulled the curtains around my bed and sat reading the book from Lucius.
Soon after dinner, I heard Lavender and Parvati come up to the dorms talking before leaving soon after and around 5 minutes after I heard the door open again and I knew that it had to be Hermione as Lavender and Parvati were never that quiet. I quickly put the book under my pillow before pulling back my curtains.
"Hermione can we please talk, "I ask hopefully
Even though her back is to me I hear her sigh and look down at the floor before turning to face me."I guess so"
"Firstly I need you to know that Viktor and I aren't dating."I start
"Then why were you in Hogsmeade together?"She asked
"He asked me for my help with buying a gift for someone for Valentine's day, "I explain
"Who?"She asked curiously and I could detect hope in her eyes.
"I don't know. He didn't say"I lied shrugging
She nods."So you weren't 'talking and laughing together lovingly over lunch'?"
I shook my head."We were talking and laughing over lunch yes but not lovingly. We were talking about Quidditch mostly. We're just friends that's all. I've actually been in a relationship with someone for over a month now"
"Really who?"
"If I say you can't tell anyone and you have to promise not to freak out, "I say seriously
"Hayley relax I won't tell anyone."She says honestly
"Promise not to freak out?"I say again
"Yes, I won't freak out. Just tell me already. It can't be that bad, I mean It's not as if your dating a Slytherin or anything"She says
At my hesitance, her eyes widen and she quickly speaks again."Oh my god. You are dating a Slytherin. Please tell me it's not Malfoy"
I shake my head."It's not Malfoy. It's Blaise Zabini"I finally relent
She takes a few moments to process the information."Oh. Isn't he one of Malfoy's cronies?"
"No. There sort of friends mainly because their mothers are friends. He's kinda reclusive and prefers to be on his own most of the time"I explain sitting down
She nods."How did you two meet then?"
"At the Malfoy's new years party. We were both trying to avoid the crowds of people and we got talking. He's really nice underneath that cold Slytherin exterior"I smile
She notices the smile and smiles herself."You really like him don't you"
I notice that it isn't really a question more of an observation and I nod."I do. We've only been dating for about a month but it feels as though I've known him my whole life. He makes me so happy and when I'm with him all the pieces in my life seem to just fit together"
It was about 40 minutes later when Ginny came up to the dorm saying that Cyrus was at the portrait door wanting to talk to me so I stood up and headed down to the exit of the common room to talk to him.
"Hey Cyrus," I said as I exited out of the portrait door.
"Hey, I noticed that you were really upset about the article so I thought I would come and talk to you about it. I tried looking for you earlier but no one had seen you since"He explained
I smiled."Thanks, Cyrus. I needed to be on my own to give myself time to think. Are you okay, I'm sorry that you got dragged into the craziness that is my life"
"I'm okay. There's no need to apologise. I don't trust a word that Skeeter writes and neither does anyone in my family"He waves off
"Thank you, "I say
"It's okay. Besides, I know that you're not dating Krum because he is so not your type and I happen to know there's something going on between you and a certain Slytherin" He says with a knowing smirk
I am momentarily rendered speechless"How did you know?"
"The first weekend back after Christmas you seemed a lot happier and cheerier. I first thought that you were just happy after seeing your family but then I noticed that you kept taking quick glances and smiles towards the Slytherin table during meals. Then I saw you heading up to the Astronomy tower after dinner last week and then Blaise went up a few minutes going up a few minutes later"He explained smiling
"Why didn't you say anything?"I asked surprised
"Well, I figured it wasn't my place to say anything and I was happy for you. After everything you have gone through this year alone you deserve to be truly happy for once"He said genuinely
"Thanks, Cyrus, "I say giving him a hug
By the time Valentines Day rolled around 2 days later the hype from Sunday's article had started to die down. People weren't staring as much and if people were talking about the article they were being much more discreet about it. As I got dressed I thought about the classes that I had today. I had Potions first followed by Arithmancy. Then I had a free period followed by Charms. After charms were lunch, then I was supposed to have History of Magic which I was planning on skipping anyways. Normally first - fourth years would have another subject afterwards that would finish at four o'clock while fifth- seventh years finish an hour later with the occasional free period rather than an actual lesson. They had decided that as it was Valentine's day and a celebratory feast had been planned each year's respective final class would be cancelled so everyone would get to finish an hour earlier than normal.
So after lunch ended my day would technically be over. I had decided to spend the hour where I would be in History of Magic in the library finishing the latest homework assignments for History of Magic and Potions which were due in during class on Thursday and Friday respectively. Luckily I only had about two paragraphs left to wrote for each so I could easily get them finished today.
Hermione, Neville and I were all sat at breakfast together but I didn't really have much of an appetite due to nerves. The feast at dinner tonight was going to be different than others because rather than being seated at our House tables we were going to be sat on circular tables similar to the ones we were sat at for the Yule ball and everyone would be able to sit with either their respective partner. Blaise and I had discussed it last night and had decided to sit together. I was looking forward to not having to sneak around in order to see Blaise but I was still really nervous that everyone would know. I wasn't embarrassed or ashamed I just didn't want to have to deal with the drama of another article about my love life. There would be a small dance after dinner but it wouldn't be as formal as The Yule ball had been so that was good. When lunch rolled around I still didn't really have much of an appetite and rather than eating in the Great Hall I went to the kitchen so I could eat on my own. After eating I headed to the library to finish off my Potions and History of Magic homework.
That evening Hermione and I got ready together. I wasn't dressing in anything to fancy but I had a few nice dresses that would work for the dance. Hermione wasn't going to bother as she didn't have a partner but I was able to convince her to dress nicely with the excuse that it would be fun and that someone might ask her to dance. I tamed her hair slightly and pinned it back in a nice bun and convinced her to put a little bit of makeup on. I let her borrow one of the dresses that I had asked Andy to post after Viktor had told me that he was asking Hermione to be his girlfriend. It was a dark blue dress with lace at the top and went to just above her knees at the front but was longer at the back and a simple pair of silver heels. I had my hair in a french plait over my shoulder and was wearing a little bit of makeup too. My dress was a red lacey cold shoulder dress that hit just above my knees and I wore some simple black heels.
When it was time to go down to dinner we headed down together and I remembered to grab Blaise's presents from my trunk and placed it in my small black velvet pouch that I wore around my wrist that had a feather-light and an undetectable extension charm on. When we got down to the entrance hall I noticed Viktor waiting standing with a few of his friends from Durmstrang. Hermione headed into the Great Hall which had been decorated for the occasion and went to sit at a table where Neville, Ginny, Luna and Cyrus where already sat while I went over to where Blaise and I were meeting.
I was waiting for only a minute or two when Blaise came over and I smiled. We kissed and I was glad that we had chosen to meet slightly out of the way of everyone else. We talked for a few minutes so I could calm my nerves before we linked arms and we walked in together. I knew that there were a few people already staring but I ignored them and focused my gaze elsewhere. As we sat down I was able to let out a slightly nervous breath and was able to focus on talking to my friends. When the dancing started after dinner Blaise and I shared a dance but luckily Blaise noticed how uncomfortable I was with how much people were staring so we decided to head up to the Astronomy Tower so we could be alone and exchange gifts in private. We sat in the tower looking out at the stars glad that there were hardly any clouds in the sky. After talking for a while we exchanged presents. Blaise had told me once that as he was getting older he was having to attend more high-class social events due to his mother's insistence and therefore I had decided to get him a set of three cufflinks. One pair was silver with emeralds, the second was gold with diamonds and the third was black with sapphires. The emeralds were to represent him being in Slytherin, the diamonds were to represent his birthstone and the sapphires were to represent his mother's birthstone. Blaise had gotten me two bracelets and a notebook. The bracelets both had a silver band with one having rubies to represent my birthstone and the other had blue amber stones. The notebook was made out of black leather and had a lily design on the front.
(Small Time Skip)
The day of the second task had arrived and I was extremely nervous. I felt sick to my stomach and had little to no appetite but I knew that doing the task on a completely empty stomach wouldn't be a good thing either so I managed to eat a few slices of toast and jam. Since revealing that Blaise and I were dating there had been a lot of whispers and stares for the first day or so but had luckily calmed down. Ron and a few of the Gryffindors were still giving me grief about it but I mostly ignored everything they said. Tonks who was very good at transfiguration had taught me how to transfigure my feet into flippers to help me swim faster and made sure that I could cast the bubble head charm perfectly. I knew when I got down to breakfast and saw that Blaise wasn't there that it was definitely someone that we would sorely miss rather than something. I also noticed that Hermione was missing which lead me to believe that she had been chosen as Viktor's hostage. I left breakfast earlier than I needed to so I could walk slowly down to the lake. As I headed outside I saw someone stood in the entrance hall next to the Great Hall. She looked familiar and it took me a few moments but I was able to recognise her as Blaise's cousin Lena. Blaise had told me about her a few weeks ago but we had yet to properly meet. I walked over to her and smiled.
"Hi, it's Lena right?. Your Blaise's cousin"I ask
I watch as she nods shyly."Yes, I am. Do you happen to know where he is? I know you're his girlfriend" She asks timidly
I sigh slightly and nod."I'm just about to walk down to the lake for the second task. Would you like to come with me and I can explain things on the way?"
As we head outside the castle and I explain where Blaise is and his involvement in the task.
"You will get him back safely won't you?"She asks and I can easily detect the concern and worry in her voice
"Lena I promise you that I will get Blaise back safely, "I say honestly
By this time we were already halfway to the lake where we would get in wooden boats that would take us out to the platforms that were in the middle of the lake. As the tournament was due to start in around 30-40 minutes we continued on towards the boat as I knew that most people would be starting to head down pretty soon anyway. When we reached the boats at the edge of the lake I was able to see a few tournament officials and Aurors already on the platforms making sure things were ready. We waited by the boats for another ten minutes until a few more people showed up. The first people to show up were Fleur and Madame Maxine. The four of us got into one of the boats that was magically enchanted to set off towards the platforms after it was tapped with a wand. It was a few minutes later when we arrived at the centre platform. Fleur and Madame Maxine got off first and then I got out before helping Lena out. As I bid goodbye to Lena and she headed up the stairs to one of the spectator decks. I walked over to the main area taking a seat as I waited for things to begin. In between watching the water and trying not to picture Blaise down in the water, I looked over at Fleur who rather than looking calm and composed like I was accustomed to seeing her she looked extremely nervous. I stood up and walked over to her and sat next to her."Are you okay Fleur?"
She looked at me and shook her head."No. I am very nervous about this task. Veela's are fire-based creatures and are weakened when in water. Even though I am only a quarter Veela the effect is similar. I am also scared about Gabrielle" She explains
"That's your little sister right?"I clarify
She nods."I realised this morning that the person who is most dear to us was taken as a hostage for us to rescue"
"I realised that too when Blaise wasn't at breakfast," I say
"Blaise is your boyfriend?"She says
I nod."I'm worried that if we are unable to rescue them in the hour that there going to be in danger. After all the riddle said, "But past an hour the prospect's black, too late it's gone It won't come back".
Within the next 20 minutes, the platforms filled up as more people arrived to watch. Each champion was allowed, 2 friends on the main platform with them for support before the tournament started. Fleur had 1 of her friends from Beauxbatons, Madeline and her boyfriend Declan. Cedric had two of his friends Andrew and Noah. Viktor had decided against having people with him on the platform, choosing to stand on his own with his headmaster. I had Neville and Ginny stood with me. I had asked Cyrus but he declined, saying that he was going to be staying with Luna. When Dumbledore started a speech to introduce the task I took off my burgundy hoodie that was over my black and gold swimming costume. Ginny took my hoodie from me and placed it on the chair so that I could put it back on after the task. I shivered slightly and quickly cast a warming charm over myself. I knew that it wouldn't last long and would be rendered useless after about 30 minutes in the water but at least it would work for a little bit. When Dumbledore ended his speech there was a horn signalling the start of the hour and the 4 of us dove into the lake. As soon as I dove into the lake I quickly cast the bubblehead charm and the spell to transfigure my feet into flippers. I noticed that both Fleur and Cedric had also chosen to use the bubblehead charm and Viktor had partially transfigured himself into a shark. Once I had cast the spell I quickly began swimming towards the Merfolk village. I overtook Fleur due to my flippers helping me to swim faster but I didn't see Cedric or Viktor after we first initially dived into the water.
After swimming for a while I finally approached the merfolk village and began to swim towards the centre where I assumed the hostages would be. During the swim, I hadn't seen anyone else since I overtook Fleur and I hoped that they were all okay. I soon arrived at a set of 4 stone merpeople where each of the hostages were tied to the tail. They looked to be unharmed and appeared to be in some kind of sleep state but I was still unsure as to what would happen after the hour was up. I swam over to Blaise and cast Diffindo on the rope holding him before grabbing his arm. I stayed for a few moments to look around to see if any of the others were arriving as I didn't want to leave anybody behind. Just as I made my mind up to leave Cedric swam over and began to free Cho and just as he freed her Viktor showed up. As he had partially transfigured himself he was having difficulty freeing Hermione so I passed him a sharp rock that was laying by the statues. Cedric began to swim back with Cho and Viktor did the same thing after freeing Hermione. As they began to swim back to the surface I noticed that Fleur still hadn't arrived and I was beginning to worry. If she was okay she should have been here by now. After glancing towards Gabrielle and then back at Blaise I pointed my wand at the ropes binding Gabrielle severing them as I had done with Blaise. When I did this a few of the Merfolk hissed and pointed their tridents at me threateningly. I grabbed Gabrielle's arm with my other hand and began to swim as quickly as I could while holding them both. I noticed that the Merfolk were following me but as I swam out of whatever the village boundaries were they stopped following. I continued to swim but quickly grew tired and swam much slower. Just as the lake surface became clearer I was suddenly surrounded by a large group of grindylows. I knew that I wouldn't be able to fight them off while holding both Blaise and Gabrielle. I quickly let go and pushed them up so they would float up to the surface while I fought off the grindylows.
Ginny(POV)
About 20 minutes into the task Fleur had resurfaced alone after getting attacked by the grindylows. She had been hysterical and severely upset due to her fears about her sister. She had tried to dive back into the lake but her headmistress had restrained her in order to stop her. I watched as the large clock that was provided for the task struck signalling the end of the hour. I exchanged a worried glance with Neville as no one had yet resurfaced. One minute after the hour Cedric resurfaced with Cho Chang who was his hostage. They swam towards the platform and were both helped up onto the deck before being given towels and checked over. About two minutes after Viktor surfaced with Hermione and the process repeated. After Madame Pomfrey had checked that she was okay she came over to stand with us and I could tell she was worried that Hayley hadn't yet come back considering Viktor had told her that Hayley had arrived at the village first. It was a further 5 minutes later when two more people surfaced from the lake. I was immediately relieved but when I looked closer we all realised that it wasn't Hayley. It was Blaise and Fleur's sister Gabrielle. They were brought up onto the platform and Fleur immediately started fussing over her sister. We all became much more worried that Hayley hadn't yet surfaced. That worry was intensified when the gem in the centre of the communication rings that Hermione and Neville were wearing changed colours from gold to red indicating that Hayley was injured.
Draco(POV)
I was sat on the middle spectator deck watching the task waiting for something interesting to happen. I was with a group of friends and we had resorted to playing Exploding Snap and Wizard's chess to entertain us for the hour. I had been mildly interested when the Delacour girl had returned after about 20 minutes. I had been unable to hear why but it seemed as though she had been attacked by one of the creatures in the lake. About a minute after the hour Diggory returned with his hostage and shortly after Krum returned with the Granger girl. I was beginning to worry that Hayley hadn't returned with Blaise yet. It was about 5 minutes later when Blaise surfaced with a young girl who I deducted had to be the hostage of the Delacour girl. They looked similar so I assumed they were likely siblings. That had me stand up nervously as I waited for Hayley to resurface. I had almost been tempted to go down to the bottom deck to ask Diggory or Krum where Hayley was as they had been the last to see her down there but the fact that hardly anyone knew that I and Hayley were family/friends stopped me. As I consoled myself with the knowledge that Hayley was still alive as the gem hadn't changed to black I felt my heart drop and my breath became caught in my throat when I looked at the ring and saw it had changed to red and it took all of my will to not dive in the lake to help her.
Hayley(POV)
Fairly soon after I began to fight off the Grindylows it was clear that I was outnumbered and was getting attacked from all sides. I had felt several scratches on my legs and arms and the fight was wearing me down and my movements were becoming much slower and sluggish. I felt a searing pain spread through my body as two of the grindylows sank their teeth into my shoulder and ankle. The pain somehow brought me back to my senses and I remembered a spell from the book that I had been practising on my own and with Professor Snape. I focused as much as I could and cast a spell that was similar to Diffindo but rather than having to aim at an individual target, would instead spread out in 360 degrees and cut anyone/anything that was nearby. This gave me the opportunity I needed to swim upwards the rest of the way to the surface.
As I resurfaced above the water I breathed in relief and weakly cancelled the bubblehead charm and transfigured my feet back to normal. I attempted to swim back to the platform but due to the injuries from the grindylow attack, I had barely enough energy to keep myself above the water. I saw Blaise jump into the water before swimming over to me and dragging me over the edge of the platform where Cedric and Viktor pulled me up onto the deck. I barely registered people talking to me and wrapping towels around me before I closed my eyes letting darkness consume me.
Blaise(POV)
When I noticed Hayley surface above the water I was extremely relieved but I noticed that she was struggling to stay afloat and she looked injured and paler than usual. I quickly shrugged off the towels and jumped in to pull her over to the edge of the platform where Cedric and Viktor helped pull her up onto the deck. As I got back onto the deck and knelt at her side I saw that her arms and legs were covered in several long scratches and her left shoulder and right ankle were both bleeding from what looked to be deep bite marks. Madame Pomfrey hurried over and began examining the wounds while I moved the hair out of her face and began talking to her to try and keep her awake. She didn't respond to anything and soon fell unconscious.
Hayley(POV)
The first thing I recognised as I woke up was the pain I felt in my shoulder and ankle. I hissed as I shifted slightly and a jolt of pain ran through my body. I slowly forced my eyes open before quickly shutting them as I was assaulted by a blinding light. I tried again a few moments later and the light was now less harsh. I heard what sounded like Madame Pomfrey speaking before I felt my glasses being handed to me. I slowly slid them onto my face and I was able to see things much clearer. I was now able to focus on what was being said to me enough to respond.
"How are you feeling Miss Potter?"Madame Pomfrey asked looking at me carefully
"Okay, I guess. My shoulder and ankle hurt but only when I move them"I say
She nods."That's good. Feeling pain means that there healing and that there isn't any nerve damage. The bites were quite deep but you luckily didn't lose too much blood. You will still feel quite weak and tired for some time though."She explains
"How long was I out for?"I ask as I slowly attempt to sit up hiding a wince as the movement caused pain once again
"Only a few hours. Your family and friends are outside waiting" She says
"Can I see them?"I ask
"If you're sure that you feel up to visitors then of course"She nods
She went outside and then came back in a few moments later clearly after talking to them about how I was. She then went into her office while Dora, Andy and Tonks came over to my bed. We spoke for some time about how I was and what happened. Not long later though Andy had to leave for work but said that she would hopefully see me tomorrow if I hadn't already been allowed to leave. Dora had to go and back on duty and Ted also decided to take his leave so that I could see my friends. My friends came in after they left and they all stood around my bed. They all wore similar expressions of worry and concern and a few had been crying. We sat and talked and I asked them about what had happened after I had passed out.
"Well Madame Pomfrey brought you to the hospital wing and Blaise and Dora went with you. The rest of us stayed to hear the results of the task"Ginny explained
"What were the scores?"I asked
"Apparently the Merchieftainess explained to the judges that you had arrived at the hostages first but stayed behind the rescue Gabrielle when Fleur never arrived. Fleur came last, Viktor came third, Cedric came first and you came second. Even though you came back last they gave you second place for outstanding moral fibre" Neville explained
"Did they say anything about the final task?"I ask
They shook their heads."Just that the next task would take place on the 24th of June"Hermione said
It wasn't long later that I felt tired again and began to fall asleep so my friends took their leave. A few hours later after waking up and Madame Pomfrey bringing me something to eat Fleur visited. Fleur's eyes were red and puffy and it was obvious that she had been crying a lot and when she came in she started to cry again.
"Fleur don't cry"I smile
"I'm sorry this is all my fault, Hayley," She says sitting on the chair next to my bed.
"Fleur this isn't your fault. You are not responsible for this at all" I say firmly
"But if I had been able to continue the task you wouldn't have felt obligated to save Gabrielle," She says
"Exactly. I'm the one who chose to save her as well, you didn't make me or ask me too"I say
"But you wouldn't have had to make that choice if I had been able to get past the Grindylows," She says looking down at her feet
I sigh."That may be the case. but it doesn't matter, there's no lasting damage apart from a few scars which don't bother me and besides it was the right thing to do. I would hope that if the roles were reversed you would have done the same thing. After all, that is what friends are for"
Authors Note - Hey Guys hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had such a fun time writing this chapter. There were so many ideas and plots that I was able to write about. It is officially the longest chapter of the story. I probably won't be attempting another one this size for a while though. The next two/three chapters will be much shorter in comparison. This will be my last chapter upload of 2018. I hope that everyone had enjoyed reading my story so far and will continue to read throughout 2019. I can't believe how much people have enjoyed the story. When I first began writing this story back in late June/early July I had no idea that it was going to be received this well. I had no idea how much fun I would have writing it so I would just like to say thank you to everyone to who reads, reviews, follows and favourites the story. I hope everyone has a happy New Year and I will see you again in 2019!