Magical Adventures of David the Wizard

by RazacRazer

David Shuter is no Ordinary Boy. He is a Wizard. He had spent his life without any true friends.. but that all changes when he moves to England and started going to Hogwarts. He finds life long friends.. family.. and love. He ends up part of a greater picture.. and a much bigger part than he originally thought. These are his adventures.

14. Under the Sea

I couldn't believe it.. I was...alive. I had faced a dragon.. No sword, just my wand and rudimentary knowledge of magic. I got out alive.. Not quite unscathed, but alive non-the-less. Perhaps I stood a chance at surviving the Triwizard Tournament after all! Not to mention after 3 years of slowly developing deep feelings for Hermione, I finally got up the courage to ask her out. We were going to the Yule Ball together in a month. If I had known all it would take is being entered into a contest I would most assuredly die in to finally as her out, I would have done it years ago(Not really, it still sucked)

Once Bagman had finished explaining when the next task was (Feburary the 24th) and that the clue was in the golden eggs we had recovered, the 4 of us went up to the Owlery to send letters to Sirius and my Mom. I wrote quickly

Mom

I'm sure Mrs Weasley has already told you, but I survived. The first task was a DRAGON. I fought a DRAGON and lived, just like in my books! Hermione and I found a spell that would mask my scent, I went invisible and almost made it to the golden egg I was supossed to retrieve, but I made a noise and the Norwegian Ridgeback (really scary and dangerous dragon by the way) hit me across the arena with its tail, I hit my head. Get this, I healed it, then used a levitation charm and flew! I then did some quick spell work, cleaning the blood from my robes as I plummeted to the ground (I couldn't keep up the levitation charm when I used the shield charm to block the dragon fire) Then I went invisible again to come up with a better plan. I ended up sending my patronus at the dragon to distract it as I dove for the ground, using another levitation spell to break my fall and I stole the egg! It was amazing, I'm tied for first with Harry (He flew using his broom, I didn't want to steal his idea) and Viktor Krum, the Bulgaria Team Seeker from the Quidditch World Cup!

It gets better Mom, after the task I asked Hermione to the Yule Ball, and she said yes! I have a date with Hermione Granger!

It seems Harry and I have a real chance of surviving this, and now Ron is back on our side! Thank you for believing in me. Also you don't have to worry, the next task isn't for another 3 months, and we actually get a clue to what it will be so we can prepare. I've got to go now, there will probably be a party in the Gryffindor Common Room for Harry and I!

I Love you,

David

Zeus met me and I tied my letter to him, he hooted happily and took off. Harry sent Ron's owl Pig to Sirius and we left. I had been right, there was a party, and Harry and I got to open our eggs for everyone, and they just screamed a high pitch wail. So it seemed it would not be as easy as I had thought.

In the two weeks after the task we got to meet the house elves in the kitchens (Which now that I knew the way in meant I could get a snack whenever I wanted...just had to make sure Hermione wasn't aware) which included Mr Crouch's old house elf Winky, and the house elf that had almost killed Harry multiple times trying to save him a couple years back, Dobby. We also learned that this Yule Ball would be a bit more..difficult, than I had anticipated. The Champions opened the yule ball by dancing an elaborate dance with their dates. At least I didn't have to find a date as I already had Hermione, but the idea of having to dance in front of the school... maybe another round with the Ridgeback would be more preferable.

To top that off, about 2 weeks out from the Yule Ball, Moody decided it was time to test the class on how well they could put off the Imperious Curse (He had put some people under it a couple months before but moved on to other stuff, and we had hoped he wouldn't come back to it.) After Moody had put Harry and a couple people under it, he barked "Shuter, up here, you are next" I groaned. I stepped forward, my wand clenched tightly in my hand on instinct. Professor Moody said "Put away your wand Laddie, you won't be needed it." I sighed and pocketed, clenching my eyes shut as Moody barked "Imperio"

Nothing happened at first, then Moody's voice said in my head "Dance Mr Shuter, Dance!" Okay, dance.. I could dance. Well I actually can't dance, but I could pretend... but why? "Dance!" but I don't want to. I saw Malfoy's snickering so I said "No!" Moody then growled very loudly in my head, causing me to wince "DANCE SHUTER! NOW!" I tried my best to resist, but my right leg began to do a jig of sorts. My left leg started to move but I fought it. Next thing I knew I was on the ground, my leg sore. Moody said "Good Shuter, very good, you nearly fought off the curse! Much better than most of this lot! 20 points to Gryffindor! You may take a seat." I went back and sat down beside Hermione, who I could tell was trying not to laugh and she whispered "You are going to have to really work on your dancing skills before Christmas, or I may just have to lead" I shot her a nasty look and she giggled. Then Moody barked "Granger, you next" I smirked and fake coughed "Karma!" She then rolled her eyes at me before going up front.

I then waited, nothing happened. She then came back to her seat without a word "Uh, Hermione, Moody didn't dismiss you" I hissed. She then looked at me for a few seconds, before placing a hand on my cheek and leaning in, kissing me full on the mouth. I froze. Many kids wolf whistled at this. This couldn't have been Hermione.. She would have never kissed me in the middle of class, it had to be the curse. However curse or not, Hermione Granger was kissing me, something I had secretly wanted for years, so I found myself closing my eyes kissing her back gently. Suddenly her lips froze. I opened my eyes to see her eyes wide, flashing from surprise, to hurt, to anger. She then pulled back and punched me in the face. She then screeched "DAVID! HOW DARE YOU! YOU KNEW IT WASN'T ME BUT YOU STILL TOOK ADVANTAGE OF ME!? OUR DATE, IS OFF!" She then stormed out of class. I held my nose, in complete shock. Moody then grunted "Hmf, Class is dismissed for the day" He limped back into his office.

I sat still, shell shocked, Hermione's words still ringing in my ear. In one moment of weakness.. I had not only blew my chance with Hermione.. But I may have destroyed our friendship, my eyes began to water (Partially due to the physical pain, and partially due to the emotional pain) Malfoy stops in front of me and drawls "Look at Shuter, he's crying! Poor, poor Shuter, not even the Mudblood wants to go out with you!" My eyes snap up to him and I jump to my feet, pulled out my wand and shoving it under his chin "Don't you dare Malfoy!" I growled. He pushed me back and pulled out his wand saying "I'm not scared of you Shuter!" I then yelled "Really? You should be, I took on a Dragon a few weeks ago and WON, your entitled ass wouldn't last 2 seconds" Normally I would be scared, and while my hands were shaking, it was not out of fear. Adernaline pumped through my veins. I had hurt Hermione and lost her, now Malfoy dared to insult her. I was beyond mad, I was furious, with nothing to lose. Plus, after the Ridgeback, Malfoy seemed like nothing. Hesimply smirked and said "Yes, but this time you don't have the Mudblood to back you up. That dirty, good for nothing, ugly mudblood" I had it, I screeched "CRUC-" "Expelliarmus!" My wand flew out of my hand Moody barked "Shuter! Use of an unforgivable curse by a student is strictly forbidden! 20 points from Gryffindor, and 2 weeks worth of Detention! Malfoy, be gone." Malfoy snickered and left. I had to retrieve my wand in shame and left.

The two weeks leading up to the Yule ball turned out to be some of the worst of my life. Hermione refused to talk to me at all. So because of that I kept my distance from Harry and Ron. I had already hurt Hermione enough, I wasn't about to rob her of her other friends. Because of this I felt more alone than I had felt since the first summer I spent in England, I couldn't even bring myself to write my Mom, because she would want to know why Hermione and I weren't going to the Ball together anymore, and she had seemed to happy we were going in her last letter she had sent me.

David

I am So happy you did well in the first task. I could barely eat until Molly popped up at my doorstep to tell me you survived. If the first task are Dragons, I can't even begin to fathom what the next one is, so I am glad they gave you a clue. It sounds like you would have made your father very proud in how you tackled the dragon. I for one am very proud, not only because of the dragon but because you finally admitted your feelings to Hermione! She is such a lovely girl, and you deserve eachother! If you have any questions at all about how to sweep her off her feet, just ask me! I will give you one piece of advice, us women like to be heard, so LISTEN to her, really listen! I better get some pictures from this ball, moving or not moving I don't care! Have fun! Be Safe! I love you

-Mom

Yeah.. Listening wasn't really helpful if she wouldn't talk to me. But Mom did remind me I needed to start working on that clue. So during the two weeks leading up to the dreaded Ball I spent my time between classes trying to hear for any clues in the shrieking and reading up on what kind of creature would make that noise. I still had not come up with anything better than Seamus's prediction that it would be a banshee. I of course also had to endure detention each evening with Moody, who kept putting the Imperius Curse on me, until I could fully fight it off. The problem was it was mentally exhausting, which made it hard to fight off every night. It wasn't until my final two detentions that I was able to fully fight it off, but the 12 other detentions left me with various bumps and bruises, which left me in a lot of pain.

The Morning of the 23rd I woke up to Harry and Ron still in bed, looking at me. I said groggily "What?" Ron then said "We're worried about you mate, You've barely talked to us for weeks!" I then replied "I've tried talking to Hermione.. She wont have it. I hurt her, least I can do is keep my distance from you lot as well, that way you two aren't in the middle of all this." Harry then said "I'm sure she will come around, you guys are so much alike its impossible for her not to. Without you around we get on her nerves. She's been after us to do our homework, and mad at Ron for calling women trolls" Ron then spoke up "SOME women, just the right ugly ones with the weird facial features." I gave him a look "You mean like Hermione with those buck teeth she used to have?" Ron blinked "Oh..." I nodded "Yeah. I also can't believe you guys haven't started your homework.. I'm done all mine!" Ron pointed at me "See! This is why we need you around Mate, you speak Hermione's language." I sighed and said sarcastically "Which is why we are still going to the ball together, right?" Ron then looked down before looking back at me and said "Right, about that mate.. I don't think Hermione is going to come around on that. Apparently she is going with someone else, she won't tell us who before you ask." Harry continued "You really need to ask someone else, we open the ball remember?" I sighed, looking down "Almost completely forgot. But its 2 days before the Ball, who hasn't been asked yet?!" Ron then said "I'll talk to Ginny, maybe she knows of someone in her year who hasn't been asked. The Girl ought to say yes, it's the only way she will be able to go to the ball!" I groaned "Thanks for spelling that out for me Ron." I then got up and dressed and left for breakfast alone.

At breakfast Ginny came and sat beside me "Hows my favorite chaser?" She asked. I sighed and said sarcastically "Simply wonderful Ginny, as you can see by all my mates sitting around me having a great time" She elbowed me saying "Hey! I was trying to be nice" I nodded "I'm sorry Ginny, its been a rough few weeks is all." She offered me a small smile "Just a few weeks? Didn't you go toe to toe with a dragon a month ago? Also wasn't Quidditch canceled? Wasn't there a button that most of the school used to wear that said 'Scaredy Shuter Sucks' " I chuckled slightly at that and said "Okay.. Its been a shitty few years then." She then said "Well, its about to turn up for you! I know of one girl who hasn't been asked yet that is still at Hogwarts for the Christmas break!" I let loose a long breath "Thank the gods, I was afraid I would have to do some weird dance by myself in a couple days." She then said "So she's a Ravenclaw, third year like me, blonde hair, blue grey eyes. Really nice too!" I smiled, she didn't seem half bad, until I remembered she was the last girl that hadn't been asked "Whats the catch Ginny?" Ginny's face fell slightly as she said "She's a bit of an oddball, tends to dress all funky and go on about creatures that don't exist. Her father is editor in chief of The Quibbler, a paper that's complete rubbish. Her name is Luna Lovegood, she's sitting over there." I looked over and saw the girl, who was reading her fathers paper upside down. I groaned "So my choices are be laughed at for not having a date, or being laughed at for her being my date?" Ginny gave me a look before saying "In one of those scenarios you have a date, you can thank me later." She then got up and left. I groaned to myself, trying to figure out what I wanted to do.

After breakfast I made my decision and ran to catch up with her leaving the Great Hall, I grabbed her arm saying "Sorry! Hi... Luna Lovegood right? I'm David Shuter-" She cut me off and said dreamily "I know who you are David, the whole school does. You did really well against the Norwegian Ridgeback, You must have not had many Wackspurts that day." I raised an eyebrow "Many.. What?" Luna then smiled "Wackspurts, they buzz around your head and make it difficult to think." I nodded slowly, somewhat regretting my decision and said "Ahh.. Right, Wackspurts. Anyways Luna.. I was wondering if you would like to come to the Yule Ball with me in a couple of days." Luna's eyes twinkled "Really? The Hogwarts Champions wants to go with me to the Ball?" I nodded "one of them.. But yes, I know its very last minute.. I've been kinda busy between school work, Detention and figuring out the clue to the next task.." She smiled "Of course I would David! Luckily enough I had the foresight to pack some dress robes." I tried not to let my face fall at the similarities between how both Hermione and Luna agreed to me asking them out as I said "Cool! I'll meet you here before the Ball starts?" She nodded "I look forward to it." I then took my leave.. At least I wasn't going alone.

Christmas morning I awoke to Harry being scared half to death by Dobby, who had brought Harry a present. I noticed the pile at my bed with Zeus once again sitting there, present from my mother on the bed in front of me "Who's a good boy, knowing my mom wanted to send me a gift" I said softly as I pet the feathers on his head, he hooted softly. I opened my mom's present first, its was Cologne, with a note that read Hermione will love this I groaned slightly, having forgotten I hadn't told my mom about us falling out. I placed it to the side and noticed Harry open my gift, a pair of goof glasses with a fake nose and mustache attached "I know I promised contacts.. But this way no one will recognize you in public. Play your cards right I may even get you a fake beard for your birthday" Harry laughed "A 15 year old with a full beard, nothing suspicious about that" I then opened Hagrids gift, rock hard brownies. I placed them beside my little model Ridgeback dragon, who began to soften them with fire. I then opened Harry's, which was a wand polish kit, probably having got the idea after the wand weighing ceremony. Ron's gift was a box of assorted sweets. Mrs Weasley made me a red jumper with a gold and black Ridgeback in the middle. I put that on right away. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as I noticed no gift from Hermione. I gathered then that she was still mad at me.

That evening I got dressed up in my dress robes, which were crimson red silk, very lavish, they didn't have frilly things on them that Ron's did luckily. In many ways they resembled my school robes only glossier and red, and accompanied Harry and Ron down to the great hall. Once we arrived Ron went off to his date, Padma Patil. I then looked and saw my date, which I had to say, I was pleasantly surprised to see she looked..er..relatively normal. She wore a rainbow colored dress, with blue flowers on her shoulders, her golden locks were worn down, which was nice.. She also wore raddish earings.. Which were less nice. It was safe to say we were going to draw the most attention at the opening dance. Which of course was something I was trying not to do. I walked up to her and said "Hi Luna... you look nice" She gave me an airy smile (Was that possible?) And said "Thank you David.. I had to make some adjustments, I didn't want you to be embarrassed by the extra bobbles, I also lengthened the skirt since I was going with a Triwizard Champion and needed to look more.. Well boring." I shook my head "I would never be embarrassed by you Luna, plus I think Rainbow is a smart idea.. You didn't know what I would be wearing, this way you have a higher chance of matching!" Her smile widened "That's nice of you to say.. Even if it wasn't true" I gapped at her, but Professor McGonagall saved me by saying "Champions over here please!" I made my way over and stood by Harry "Harry, Luna, Luna, Harry" I said to introduce them. Parvati cleared her throat and I said hurridly "Oh yeah, and thats Parvati Patil" Parvati then said "Er.. I love your dress Luna" Harry nodded distractedly as he murmured to me "David.. Don't look.." I of course followed his gaze and my heart dropped into my stomach, standing with Viktor Krum.. Was Hermione and a beautiful blue lavish dress.

Hermione smiled at Harry "Hiya Harry, Parvati!" She looked very happy. I for one, was not. Not only did she go with another Champion to the ball, but with one from another school.. The famous Viktor Krum. She literally traded up for a more famous version of me (If my only defining features was I played Quidditch and was a Triwizard Tournament) Luna linked arms with me which brought me back down to earth and she said "Shall we take a seat David? They will be serving food soon" I nodded saying "Yeah.. It should be a good one, The House Elves have been working on the meal since this morning" She then asked "How do you know that" I shrugged "I know an elf" she giggled and we made our way up to the lead table.

I tried not to pay too much attention to Hermione and Krum during the feast, it was hard of course. I had so many emotions running through me. Hurt, betrayal, longing. Although I could hardly fault her.. It was my fault it was Krum who's jokes she was laughing at and not mine. I overheard a few good stories that Percy was telling Harry, about Mr Crouch being sick and him getting a promotion. As well as Dumbledore telling a particularly funny story about him running into a washroom one morning when he needed it, but not finding it again. This caused both me and Harry to snort with laughter. I noticed Dumbledore wink at us, which told me right there that Hagrid had not being lying.. Dumbledore did believe we did not put our names in the Goblet, which made me smile.

Luna began to engage me in conversation again "Were you scared.. Facing down that Ridgeback?" I nodded "Who wouldn't be, although its not really my first time dealing with a dragon" She looked at me quizically "Really? I did not know that" I shrugged "Well its not exactly well known, and I guess it was from before your time at Hogwarts." She then nodded "I figured my first year at Hogwarts was as eventful as a first year could really be, but you dealt with a Dragon!" I raised an eyebrow before realizing what she meant "Oh yeah.. Your first year was the year the Chamber was opened, that must have been scary for you." She shook her head "I had nothing to worry about, Salazar Slytherin's mission was to keep muggleborn students from learning magic, I am not Muggleborn." I raised eyebrow towards her "You didn't have any friends who you were scared for?" She shook her head and said airedly "No one really talks to me, they call me Loony you know? I didn't want anyone to be harmed though, So I was happy when you, Harry and Ron Weasley found the Chamber and stopped the monster." I felt bad for her, so I said "Honestly.. Ron and I did very little, I got trapped under ruble. Harry is the real hero." Harry chimed in "You are being modest Mate, you put all the pieces together on where the Chamber was, and you pushed me out of the way, saving my life. Not to mention how helpful you were the year before with the stone. You even saved my life" Luna asked "What stone?" Harry gave me a smirk and mouthed 'you're welcome' before turning back to his conversation.

I said, trying not to sound full of myself "The Philosphers stone, It was being kept safe at Hogwarts in my first year. The four of us uncovered a plot to steal it, so we decided we needed to try and protect it. The professors had all left their own form of protection, and we had to make our way through it all. I uh.. Flipendo-ed Professor Quirell of Harry, since he was trying to kill him for the stone. It was nothing really.. Professor Dumbledore was right beside me and would have done something if I didn't. I uh.. Wanted to finish my fathers work, of protecting the Potters." She smiled and said softly "I'm sure your father would have been proud of you." I nodded "I hope he would be.. I never got to know him.. He died when I was 1." She nodded and looked far off saying "I lost my mom when I was 9.. She taught me to be myself, no matter what anyone thought. Despite you not knowing your dad I believe he taught you something too. He taught you strength, and it is because of that that I know you will make it through the next two tasks" I was taken aback.. I didn't know she also lost a parent, and it then explained a lot as to why she was the way she was. I said softly "You're very wise Luna." She smiled at me "I'm In Ravenclaw." I chuckled at this.

Soon the food was consumed, and Dumbledore magiked away the tables. Then the Wizarding band The Weird Sisters took the stage and began to play a slow tune. I then said to Luna "Now I know we have to do it... but would you like to dance." She nodded and took my hand saying "I would love to David, but lets avoid the Mistletoe, Nargles are known to infest them" I had no idea what she was going on about, but I nodded my agreement. I then lead her on to the floor and we began to dance. I had to admit, it wasn't as bad as I was thinking it would be. Luna was actually quite graceful, however I could tell she was a little tense. She probably wasn't used to these many people staring at her. I couldn't help but notice Hermione dancing with Krum though, and it still burned me up. Hermione and I locked eyes for a second, before we both hastily looked away. I then focused on the dancing and avoided looking at anyone. Before long other people joined us on the dance floor, students and teachers alike.

A couple songs in Luna had really loosened up and was leaning into me. We seemed to glide along the dance floor, until I happened to look up and tensed up "Oh.. Mistletoe.." Luna looked up and was thoughtful for a second before saying "Maybe it was fate, I guess it couldn't hurt." I then said "What about the uh... Nargles?" She then looked into my eyes and said softly "Forget the Nargles.. Just this once." She then timidly stood on her tippy toes as her lips moved towards mine. I found myself closing the distance and meeting her lips. It was a soft kiss, very timid, nothing like my ill-conceived kiss with Hermione, which had been supercharged with intent. It was over fairly quickly, with Luna giggled and murmured something under her breath something which sounded like "I just kissed THE David Shuter.." I blushed slightly and then we continued to dance without another word.

Soon the music picked up and we broke apart to dance more wildly and just have fun. I then couldn't help but notice Hermione, Ron and Harry together and I felt a pang on envy. That was until I saw Ron and Hermione get into it, even above the music I heard some of it. Ron accusing her of fraternizing with the enemy, that Krum was just using her to get close to Harry or me to jinx us. ( a small part of me agreed with Ron) This got Hermione very upset and she stormed out. Luna followed my gaze. I felt torn, before I said "I'm sorry Luna.. I've got to check on her... despite everything she is one of my best friends." Luna then said softly "You were originally supposed to go to this ball with her, were you not." I nodded, glancing back at Hermione as she left the Great Hall. Luna then said "I knew I didn't have a real chance with you anyways.. I understand.. Do what you need to do." That pulled at my heart strings. Luna was a good girl, she wasn't Loony, just misunderstood. I had grown to like her over the course of the evening, so I grabbed her hand and said "I'm not some mystical guy Luna.. I'm just a regular guy, one who is no stranger to being alone. I just happened to sit in a train compartment one day with someone famous that fantastical things always seem to happen to. So don't doubt for a second that you have a chance with me. I'll talk to you later.. Okay? I would very much like to pick up where we left off" I kissed her hand. She blushed and nodded. I then took off to look for Hermione.

I found her at the foot of the stairs up to the great staircases. She was sitting, crying. She looked up at me and then asked shakily "are..are you here to have a go too?" I shook my head "No.." I then sat down beside her, she looked at me, tears still leaking from her eyes. I then said "I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry about what happened a few weeks ago. You are right.. I should not have taken advantage of you.. It hurt that I hurt you, something I never, ever wished to do.. And then I had to live without you, and the guys... I.. I'm really, really sorry.." my eyes started to well up. She was silent for a few moments before saying "I'm sorry too.. I shouldn't have lashed out at you.. I.. I was upset.. That it wasn't my conscious choice to kiss you, and that our first kiss was something Professor Moody forced on us, and not of our own free will. I reacted poorly once he released the spell. And then... and then you got detention, and I saw what Moody was doing to you.. And the toll it was taking on you.. And it was my fault..I couldn't even look you in the eye.. I'm sorry David." I held up a hand "No Hermione.. You have nothing to apologize for you, you reacted exactly as you should have.. Had I just 'reacted poorly' when Malfoy insulted you, then I wouldn't have ended up with detention, and Malfoy would have ended up with a bloody nose. You are not the one to blame for any of it.. That is all on me" Hermione shook her head and said between sobs "No.. I just.. Want my best friend.. Back.." tears fell from my eyes at those words and my throat felt constricted as I said "That's all I want.. Truly." She then threw her arms around me and I hugged her too. We just stayed there for a long time. Enjoying eachothers company. So the night turned out really well.

The next few weeks were interesting to say the least. It turned out Hagrid was half giant, and somehow that Rita Skeeter woman found out, releasing a scathing article insulting both Hagrid and Dumbledore. Since I had also been on the bad side of her articles I felt for Hagrid, but he seemed to be avoiding us every time we went to go visit him. Finally Hermione had enough and we went down one last time, she began banging on the door. After she had said her piece about not caring about his mother being a giantess, I then added "You can't listen to the vile Skeeter woman! She never gets ANYTHING right! If that were the case then I would be some evil little git who is biding his time to murder his best friend because it is in his blood! Completely ignored the fact my father was a spy for Dumbledo-" the door opened and Dumbledore himself stood there. He smiled down at us "Good Afternoon." I then stammered "And of course I meant Professor Dumbledore..uh.. Sir." Hermione added "We just really wanted to see Hagrid" His eyes twinkled "I surmised as much, come in!" We then all sat down.

Dumbledore conjured up some tea for all of us and then Dumbledore asked "Did you perhaps hear what Miss Granger and Mr Shuter were shouting? It seems Harry, Hermione, Ron and David want to continue to know you." Harry said his piece, then I added "You know Hagrid, my mother sent me a letter before the first task. She called you out by name as one of my greatest strengths. Not because of who your parents are, but who YOU are. We need you, I need you. Come back to teaching. Please." Dumbledore said some more about not accepting his resignation, and then he left. Hagrid then went on to compare himself to Harry, and then said he wanted Harry to win the Tournament. I tried not to be offended, but Hagrid must have noticed as he added "An' yer o'course David. I would be happy wit either of yer winnin' af'er tha' amazing performance against them dragons, yer proven yer can do it!" I knew it was an afterthought, as him and Harry have always been closer, but I still smiled. I never really thought about winning the tournament, just surviving it.. But I did hope either Harry or I did.

I also spent much of my time during those few weeks with Luna. We had officially began dating. I liked her, she was different and interesting. She also knew loss. She also believed me when I said I didn't put my name in the goblet of fire. Was she Hermione? No.. But after almost losing Hermione, I knew I could not go through that again, that we were better off as friends. We spent most of our time hanging out around the castle, talking and reading. She showed me some of the Quibbler, her fathers magazine. I had to admit it did seem like most of it was superstitious nonsense, but I had to be fair. Had someone told me vampires and werewolves existed 5 years ago, I would have been calling them Looney as well.

One day near the end of January I was walking Luna to class when I ran into Malfoy. Now he had mostly left me alone since I almost cursed him, however I guess he felt braver as he drawled "What a taste in women you have Shuter. The Mudblood wouldn't have you, so now you go for the Looney one! What does Looney have that the Mudblood didn't.. Is it that she makes love good" He then snickered at his 'clever' workplay I then hissed "Shut it Malfoy, or you will regret it." I then walked past him, bringing Luna in tow. He then drawled "Ouuu did I touch a nerve.. I bet she does.. All the right ones." I twisted around and barked "I'm warning you Malfoy, drop it!" He then said "Maybe I should do you a favor and ensure she can never spread those legs for you again." He then whipped out his wand, pointed it at Luna and said "Petrificus Totalus!" I jumped in front of her, ripping out my wand and yelled "Protego!" I blocked the spell. The hallway cleared for us, students stepping back up against the wall. I then cried "Reducto!" Malfoy dove out of the way, and I blew up a cauldron. Then a deep voice cried "Expelliarmus!" both our wands flew out of our hands.

Snape asked "What is going on here?" Malfoy then said "Professor, Shuter tried to blow me up!" I then snapped "After Malfoy tried to curse my Girlfriend!" Snape looked at us both and then said "No spells in the corridors, 20 points from Gryffindor and detention Mr Shuter." A Ravenclaw girl then said "But Shuter only did it to save Luna... he's soooo brave" I tried to ignore that comment as the unmistakable sound of Professor Moody walking up could be heard. Moody barked "I saw it all Snape, Malfoy fired the first spell, and at an unprepared target! Cowardly little Ferret he is." Snape shrugged and said "Perhaps if Shuter did not needlessly provoke Mr Malfoy, then none of this would happen, my ruling stands" Moody then barked "Fine, in that case I take 30 points from Slytherin and 3 detentions for Mr Malfoy for attacking another student. I also award 40 points to Gryffindor for Mr Shuter's quick spell work defending a fellow student." Snape huffed and handed us our wands before stalking off. Moody looked at me and said "Wandwork like that Mr Shuter could lead you to a successful career as an Auror" He then hobbled off. I looked at Luna who smiled and gave me a quick kiss "Thank you David. Although your reaction could lead to others thinking we are having sex." I shook my head "Malfoy is off his rocker, I'm sure no one thinks that, we aren't even 15 yet." although I did blush at the idea of it. I liked Luna.. But I wasn't sure I was ready for anything like that. I finished walking her to class and then tried to forget about the subject.

Soon after that Harry figured out the Golden Egg.. Well.. Technically Cedric did and told Harry, and Harry decided to wait a month before telling me. That annoyed me a little.. As apparently that would have given me an extra month to figure out how to survive an hour under water without air. This lead to the 4 of us spending a bunch of time leading up to the second task in the library. When Harry and Ron were busy, it would then just be Hermione and me. We tried many spells books but still did not find anything that Harry and I could use. At this point we did not care about using the same method to survive, they could only be a few methods to breath underwater anyways. Had we only been through 6th year to learn human transfiguration, that would have solved everything.

The day before the task we still had not found a solution, therefore I once again was forced to spend the day in the library. As I made my way to the Library Luna caught up with me "More alone time with Hermione Granger?" She asked me. I looked at her "No.. Well yes, but Harry and Ron will be there." She then said "You spend a lot of time with her... I am your girlfriend you know.." I raised an eyebrow "I know that, I told you we are researching a way I could survive under water. You don't want me to die do you?" She then shook her head "You could have been doing that with me.." I sighed slightly and responded "Hermione is the brightest witch of our year, I think I have told you before, we would never have survived the things the four of us have without her. I trust her with my life." Her eyes began to well up "But you don't trust me.." I shook my head "No I never said-" She cut me off "Fine.. I know you have feelings for her. You would never be with me if she hadn't rejected you.. Say you would still be with me, go ahead, say it!" my mouth opened, but then shut. She had a point.. I couldn't lie. I didn't even know she existed until I was forced to find someone, anyone, to go to the ball with. She then said softly "Fine.. Part of me always knew. If you want her, you can have her. I deserve to be someone's FIRST choice.." I found my voice and said softly "Luna.." She held up a hand "No, don't. We're over David. Go enjoy your time with the girl you actually want to be with." She then walked away. I blinked, not sure how to process it. I then decided it was best to focus on tomorrows task, I could deal with Luna after that.

When I got into the Library Ron said "There you are, you are really going to have to work on your time management if you are going to make it tomorrow. The egg did say only 1 hour." He of course was joking, but I simply sat down saying "Luna dumped me." Hermione's head jerked as she looked up from her book at me, her eyes full of concern "Oh David.. I'm sorry.. What happened?" I opened my mouth again, but decided it was best not to mention the real reason we broke up, so I just said "Difference of opinion, anyways, Luna dumping me won't kill me, not finding a way to breath underwater by tomorrow morning will, so lets get cracking." Harry gave me a nod before turning back to his book.

Later that evening Hermione and Ron were called into Professor McGonagall's office, leaving Harry and I to do the reading. Soon the Library was due to close. In desperation I even took out a book on herbology, hoping there was some plant that would supply me with an hour of oxygen. We took our books to the Common room and spent the night reading them. Harry ended up getting through his pile first so he snuck back to the library for more books. I had a much larger pile so I stayed in the common room. I then got to my last book on Herbology, and found a promising lead. Gillyweed., a rare magical weed that if consumed would allow the user to grow gills and breath under water. 1 hour per use. Perfect. Seeing as it could be used in potions as well I knew Snape had some in his private stores. It was worth the detention if I was caught. So I quickly performed a disillusionment charm on my self and set off.

Once in Snapes Office I snuck my way to his private stores, where I found the door open, and a house elf rummaging through the ingredients. I removed the charm and then hissed "Dobby?!" The house elf jumped and turned around "David Shooter! Yous scared Dobby yous did!" I then asked "What are you doing here Dobby?" He then said "Getting Gillyweed for yous and Harry Potter for the task tomorrow! Harry Potter must save his Wheezy, and yous yous Hermyon!" I held up my hands "Wait what? You mean.. They took Hermione and Ron?!" Dobby nodded fervishly "Yes yes! Wheezy and Hermyon!" My heart began to pound "The school let them take students?! That doesn't.. Make sense.. But.. I guess people have died in past Tournaments.. Maybe they weren't all Champions.. Okay Dobby.. I don't know where Harry is, so can you find him and take him some Gillyweed? I've got to get some sleep or I'll never be able to save them" I took some Gillyweed and Dobby said "Good luck tomorrow David Shooter!" I nodded "Thank you Dobby." I then left to get some sleep.

The next morning I woke, barely rested as my sleep had been plagued of nightmares of drowning and visiting Hermione and Ron's funerals. I got changed, and noticed Harry had not made it to bed last night, which had me worried, but I had to focus on myself. I made my way down to the lake, where I saw Cedric, Krum and Fleur already there in their swimwear by the judges table. I held the gillyweed in one hand, and my wand in the other. Professor Dumbledore gave me a glance and asked "Are you okay David? You look... very worried, and stressed." I gave him a death glare, furious that he would agree to Hermione and Ron potentially being kept by the Merpeople. First he set my father on a path that would lead to his death, now two of my best friends. So I simple said "I'm fine." He smiled and said "That is good, I am sure you will do wonderfully today." We then waited, and just when the task was about to start Harry ran up. I looked at him "You okay Mate? Did Dobby.." He nodded "Yes, just in time. So you know?" I nodded "Lets split up, cover more ground." He replied "Good idea. Hopefully this works."

The whistle sounded and both of us stuff the gillyweed into our mouths, We then wadded into the lake, soon I couldn't seem to breath through my mouth, So I dove underwater and gulped in some water, my newly formed gills expelled the water and I felt oxygen hit my brain. I smiled and noticed my hands and feet had become webbed, to help me swim. An added bonus. One final look at Harry told me he was experiencing the same thing. We nodded to eachother and split up. I dove deep into the water and began to search.

Things went well as I was able to avoid most creatures for 20 minutes. That was until I reached some seaweed, and then I could feel multiple tentacles wrap around my legs and try to pulled me down into the seaweed. I saw they were Grindylows, a creature Professor Lupin had taught us about the previous year. I pulled out my wand and shouted (Although only bubbles came out of my mouth) "Imobilus!" I shouted the spell a few more times, immobilizing the creaturesone by one. I then began to swim fast, shooting through the water like a bullet. After about ten minutes I outran them.

10 minutes later I still hadn't found them, and I started to worry, I did not have much time left. I stopped in my tracks as a trident came up from the weeds, narrowly missing me. I scamble back, to find a Merman blocking my path, they laugh as they began to stab at me with their tridents. I pointed my wand at one and yelled (again only bubbles came out) "Stupify!" He gets stunned, allowing me room to dodge the other tridents. I then twisted around and yelled "Confrigo!" The next one is blasted back. I am left facing the last two. Until fear crossed their faces and they fled. I turned to see two beautiful meremaids come towards me. The first one says "Sorry about that, They were never supposed to actually attack you, Professor Dumbledore will deal with them. Are you alright?" I nodded. They then pointed "Your friends are over that ridge there. We hope that makes up for things." I grinned and nodded my appreciation.

I then swam over the ridge, just as I saw Harry making his way towards the hostages. I smiled and waved, he waved back. We then came face to face. I looked over the hostages, there was Ron, Hermione, Luna, Cho and a girl I did not know. Time was running out, with only a few minutes left. I then yelled, using hand gestures to help "GO! TAKE RON, I'LL MAKE SURE THE OTHERS ARE RESCUED!" Harry shook his head, gesturing to Hermione and then up. I shook my head, pointing to the others yelling "I HAVEN'T SEEN THE OTHERS, I'M NOT LEAVING THEM!" He then pointed at himself and then down, saying he would stay down here to ensure they were all rescued. I groaned, knowing we were just wasting time arguing, so I pointed my wand at Hermione's rope and said "Diffindo!" the rope was cut and I grabbed on to her, I then pointed my wand at Luna's rope, knowing she had been meant for me, but a Merman came up and said "No, only take one, leave the rest." Harry nodded at me, saying it was okay, he would make sure the others were rescued. I then kicked up towards the surface. I noticed as I got close my webbed feet were gone, and I was losing my ability to breath.

I then breached the surface, and Hermione seemed to wake up from whatever sleep she was put under. She smiled at me and said proudly "You figured it out! I knew you would!" She then hugged me tightly, kissing me on the cheek. I blushed slightly, before helping her back up on shore. I noticed Fleur run towards me, handing towels to both of us. "My Zister, did you see 'er? Is zhe alive?!" I nodded "Yes, Harry is down there now making sure they are all rescued." Hermione looked at me "You mean you two took the song literally? Oh David, Professor Dumbledore would not have allowed the Merepeople to keep us!" I blinked "I mean.. He put my father in a position that lead to him being killed, people die in this Tournament, so I thought. Thats why I argued with Harry.. Why I took you.." That was when Krum walked up, furious "Vhy did you take Herm-on-ninny? She vas mine to save, not yours! I had to take zis Lovegood!" I locked eyes with Luna, before looking away and saying "Listen Mate, I've known Hermione for 4 years, you've known her for 5 minutes. She was the most important person to me down there.." I side glanced at Hermione before adding hastily "Aside from Ron of course. I tried to save both of them but the Merpeople wouldn't allow it. I even argued with Harry to stay down there, he won so here I am. No harm no foul." He then said "I lost valuable time looking vor her. I vould duel you right here if I weren't too powervull for a little 14 year old." I took a step closer saying "Watch it Krum, I've been through more in the past few years than you have in your whole life. This little 14 year old has beat you in two tasks now. I'm also smart enough to know when to catch a snitch, and when not to." Krum took a step back and gripped his wand tightly "I vould blast you into a million bits!" I tightened my grip on my wand too, ready to duel.

Hermione then said "Stop, look. Harry!" I took a deep breath, before stepping away and running off with Hermione to Harry. Fleur ended up joining us saying "Gabrielle! Gabrielle! Iz she alright, iz she alive?" Harry nodded and the Sisters hugged. Fleur then hugged Harry "Zhank you! You Zaved my Zister!" She then hugged me saying "And you 'elped! Zhank you both!" She then took off. I looked at Harry and said "Well we made it." Harry nodded "We did." I then said "Next time I'll stay behind to make sure everyone is safe." he smiled "Deal." We then made our way over to the other champions.

Bagman then said "After a meeting of judges, and Merpeople Chieftain Murcus told us what transpired beneath the surface this morning, we have decided to mark each champion out of 50. First Miss Fleur Delacour, while demonstrating excellent use of the bubble head charm, she was attacked by Grindylows and failed to rescue her hostage, we therefore award her 25 points." Fleur then muttered "I deserve 0." He then said "Next Mr David Shuter. He used Gillyweed to great effect, and was first to return with a hostage. He was also the only one to arrive within the time limit. However he did not return with the right hostage, which may have been an error on our part in choosing the hostage, therefore we award him 45 points." Hermione grinned "You're in first place David!" I grinned, not quite believing it myself. Bagman continued "Next Mr Cedric Diggory, He also used a bubble head charm. He was second to return with his hostage, but was one minute outside the time limit, we therefore award him 47 points." I did some quick mental math.. That meant I was now tied for first with Cedric. Bagman then said "Now Mr Viktor Krum used an incomplete form of transfiguration, though it was effective. He was third to return with a hostage, however we will not remove points for him returning with the wrong one as he did not have a choice. He arrived 5 minutes outside the time limit. We award him 40 points." I heard Krum huff, however I knew he couldn't get mad at me for his score, as I lost points for retrieving Hermione, and he did not for retrieving Luna. Bagman then finished "Lastly Mr Harry Potter, he too used Gillyweed to great effect. He was last to return with hostages, and was well outside the time limit, however Murcus informs us he and Mr Shuter were the first to find the hostages. After a quick argument Harry was elected to stay behind to ensure all hostages made it to safety. Most of the Judges agree this shows moral fibre and merits full marks. However we award him 45 points!" I then grinned at him "You, Diggory and I are tied for first place Harry!"

Bagman then said "The 3rd and final task will take place at dusk on June the 24th , and the Champions will be notified what is coming exactly one month ahead of time!" I smiled, I had 3 months before I even had to worry about the last task, and what's more, I had a serious chance at actually winning it too! It seemed whoever put our names in the goblet may have their plan backfire, which all in all, was the true victory here.