Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

The Second Task

Adrian was annoyed with me. I tried not to let it bother me. Because on the one hand, I understood it was deserved. A lot of what I'd done; getting Fleur, Harry, and Krum on board, and involving my fellow triplets, was accomplished by going behind his back. On the other hand, it was me and my little brother who'd be at the bottom of that lake. It would be my…. What was Adrian to me now? Boyfriend, yeah technically. But did the promise ring change that terminology?... It would be my boyfriend trying to overcome a life-long fear at the last minute. And I didn't want him panicking and drowning if a grindylow grabbed a hold of him and kept him under like the inferi had during his previous life.

Which is a long and convoluted way to say, I was also annoyed with him. With Fred and George now at the helm of whatever plan they were forcing down the champions' throats, I found myself taking a step back. Not because I wanted to, but because I didn't want to be a distraction for the others when Adrian and I undoubtedly ended up fighting. No, we'd save that for whispered conversations during potions class. Or heated spats in abandoned hallways.

Instead, I busied myself with YUP matters, writing mock lesson plans and grading essays for Flitwick's first years, and interrogating Fred, George, and the golden trio about what they were planning. The answers I got were very mixed. "They're mad", Ron claimed; a little pale as he thought about whatever Fred and George had concocted.

"Nothing to worry about, Holls", Fred said when I asked him and George.

"Yeah, we got this. Hook, line, and sinker", George promised.

No matter how much I pouted, pleaded, or planted mud bombs in their trunks, I didn't get a straight answer. Though the number of fishing puns and references they were making gave me ideas.

"If you're planning to reel us in like fish, that's not going to work", I told them. The wide grins on their faces made me think they overconfidently believed it would. "We'll be tied to the bottom of the lake. The merpeople will only let us go with one champion. And you think they won't cut the line attached to any magical tracking fishing hook?"

"Oh, Jolly Holly", Fred mockingly cooed. Not even a sharp kick to his shin was enough to wipe that expression off his face. "Have some faith. We know what we're doing".

"That's why you asked for our help in the first place", George reminded me.

"We thought of everything", Fred continued. "Every champion has a role to play and Pucey won't even have to get his feet wet".

"Better yet", started George, "This will be an excellent time for us to advertise our future business. We made Harry promise he'd tell the papers all the champions' success was thanks to using Weasley Wizard Wheezes' products. That's sure to help us get up and running".

"Maybe even some investors", Fred agreed.

Irate, that is where I left them; swallowing the urge to point out that no one would want their products if one of the champions ended up dead.

Hermione was a little more reassuring. "It really is a good plan", she told me after I found her in the library; researching for an arithmancy assignment. "It makes it very obvious that the champions will be working together. I think Lord Flint will be pleased".

"Yeah, that's great", I said; rubbing my forehead as I felt a headache coming on. "But Hermione, what is the plan? What are they going to do?"

Eyeing me, Hermione took a deep breath before looking left and right. Satisfied no one was listening in, she leaned in closer. "It'll be like an assembly line", She whispered. "Viktor's the strongest swimmer, so he'll go to the bottom. He'll make sure each item that was taken will be securely attached to the hooks Fred and George made. Then, once signaled, Adrian will reel them in".

I felt like slapping myself in the face for a multitude of reasons. For one, my fellow triplets actually had made magical fish hooks. And second, we hadn't figured out how to tell the others that the stolen items were going to be loved ones. There just wasn't a good reason for us to have uncovered that bit of information so only, Adrian, Fred, George, and myself knew.

"Fleur and Harry will be stationed along the way to make sure the objects don't get stuck or snagged on the way up", Hermione said. Her expression was thoughtful as she read my face. Though she took my pained look to mean something else. "I know. I didn't think it would work when I first heard their idea. But your brothers really are quite ingenious".

I felt as if I should feel relieved. But couldn't be further from it. Fred and George were good at creative solutions. That's why I asked them. I trust them. But it was maddening to not be as involved as I had been at the beginning of this… endeavor. It was me who brought Harry and Fleur in. It was me who put a bug in Hermione's ear to talk Krum into participating. I organized all those practices in the prefects' bath. Even a few of the starting ideas had come from me. Like the water-repellant charm. The lack of control was making me twitchy whenever I thought about the second task. Which was often.

Adrian's disapproval of my actions and his ire at my methods didn't help to calm these feelings either. As January turned into February, the days leading up to the second task were exhausting when in his presence. Neither one of us knew how to fight. As Jessie, I always broke off relationships before they got the chance to endure disagreements and hurt feelings. And I have a suspicious feeling Regulus Black was the sort to only enter fights he knew he could win.

There was no shouting. And minimal name-calling. One minute, we wanted to be close; cleaving to each other and stealing little touches as we walked the halls or shared a desk in class. Other times, distance is what we craved. When the sight of the other was enough to send waves of anger and disappointment washing over us.

So, I stayed away from practice for the second task. Adrian and I could yell and make up afterward. Right now, the important thing was to give the four champions their best shot. The important thing was doing everything I could to get Adrian through this. Even if it meant he would be mad at me forever. It was a steep price. But worth it… Adrian was worth it.


The evening before the second task, Fleur found me in the library. Sitting at one of the tables close to the restricted section, I was trying and failing in researching possible topics for some big project Flitwick wanted me to undertake. "Conducting your own research will help you stand out", Flitwick claimed. "Imagine having that on your resume when you apply to your first teaching position".

Except, I didn't bloody know how to conduct research. Hell, I was struggling even to form an interesting enough question that was also original enough to warrant the effort. As if my head weighed the same as one of the suits of armor decorating the halls, I let it thump heavily against the open pages of my book. Ancient Charms and Why They Were Forgotten by Marie Davenport was on Flitwick's list of suggested readings. But I was finding it particularly painful to get through. I mean, if there were forgotten spells, how would this witch be able to write a whole tomb about them?

Fleur sank delicately on the bench from the other side of the table. I didn't notice until she politely demanded my attention. "I would like to 'ave words with you", She said; breaking me from my slightly hysterical musings.

Blearily eyed, I raised my head; grumbling a little. Though one look at Fleur's perfect posture and neatly manicured hands that rested in front of her had me trying to copy her. There was something about Fleur that just made you want to put your best foot forward.

When she saw she had my attention, Fleur continued. "Zat gentleman of yours, 'e is afraid of ze water".

It took a split second for me to switch from obscure charm knowledge to everything relating to the upcoming task. But when I did, I frowned; unsurprised. "Did Adrian tell you?"

"Non" Fleur replied with a small shake of her head. The movement was so small that her hair wasn't even disturbed.

Again, I wasn't surprised. Honestly, it was more curious that it had taken Fleur or even Krum this long to bring it up. Sighing, I looked Fleur in the eyes and nodded. "Yeah, he is. I can't tell you why. That's Adrian's business. But I promise, he isn't a coward. What happened to him was… truly terrible. Anyone in his shoes would be…"

I shook my head to cut off my rambling. Fleur didn't move. She offered nothing. And after a long moment of silence, I found myself compelled to continue.

"Adrian needs help in this task. Though he's too prideful to admit it. And he really will help you. If you should need it or ask for it in the final task. I will too, if I can. Harry as well. We're not trying to take advantage of anyone. This isn't a one-time thing concocted just to give Adrian a pass. I just… We just-"

"You love 'im" Fleur interrupted.

And thank Merlin she did. Who knows what would've slipped out of my mouth if she hadn't? "Yes". I agreed. That one word comes out quicker and stronger than all the others. "Yes, I love Adrian". Saying it out loud to a semi-stranger was easier than saying it to Adrian, I thought as fidgeted with his ring on my finger. Wonder why.

"Zat is why you did all zis", Fleur stated.

It wasn't a question, but I treated it as such. "Yes. It's why I asked you for your help in this task. And for Harry's help. It's why my brothers came up with that plan for all the champions". My only regret was that I hadn't been enough to find a solution for Adrian on my own. But I refused to let that regret take up too much space in my head. It wouldn't do me any good moving forward. Looking Fleur squarely in the eyes, I tried to impress upon her how deeply my feelings ran. "I'm sorry we weren't honest about it from the beginning. Adrian, he's…" Pausing, I reframed what I wanted to get across. "From one woman to another, his pride would've allowed him to ask for help or to be honest about why he needed it. So, I did it for him. If you're angry, please take it out on me. And not him. I didn't give him a choice".

There was an unturned quirk in Fleur's lips that made her look like some benevolent savior. It was veela genes, I suspect. "From one woman to another", she repeated. "I would 'ave done ze same if I loved someone as much as you do".

It was this that finally gave me a sense of relief. Not Fred and George's plan. Or Hermione's assurances that she thought it would work. A friendly smile stretched across my tired face and I found myself liking Fleur more and more. So much was behind her pretty face; a truly intriguing person. It made me curious about how often others got to see past her outward appearance. "You know", I started carefully. "I have older brothers". Fleur raised a poised eyebrow. I'd thought her to be offended if it wasn't for the humor dancing behind her eyes. "A dragonologist and a curse breaker. Just in case you're interested in finding love, I could give you recommendations".

Fleur didn't laugh or snort. Too ladylike to acknowledge my attempt like that. But her smile was light and welcoming. "We will 'ave to talk more after zis task", Fleur decided. "I did not zink I'd find enjoyable company at 'ogwarts. But you may 'ave proven me wrong".

Whatever we might have said after that to further this new budding friendship of ours didn't happen. Because, at that moment, Lupin found us. "Miss Weasley", He called; making himself known. Fleur eyed him in her normal intensity that seemed to intimidate most. But Lupin was not affected. All he did was cast one glance in her direction before keeping his attention on me. "I'm afraid you'll have to say goodbye to your friend. Professor McGonagall would like to see you in her office".

Immediately, I felt myself tense and shiver. Uh-oh. It must be 'bottom of the lake' time. Closing the book in front of me, I turned on the bench to face Lupin. "Is this about how those gnomes found their way into Filch's office?" I asked; just to test the water. "Because I promise I know nothing about that".

Lupin tried to school his features but a slight mischievous twitch coming from the corners of his mouth gave him away. "It's a different matter, I believe. Though I'm sure Professor McGonagall would love to hear about the gnomes in Mr. Filch's office if you have anything to share".

Damn. With slumped shoulders, I climbed to my feet and waved bye to Fleur. One hundred percent, without a doubt, I'd be at the bottom of the lake in the very near future.


When I came to, I was wet, cold, and shivering. Stands in the water; built tall and made to float like docks loomed over me as the people occupying them loudly cheered, shouted, and stomped. Confusion had me blinking more than was needed as I took in some simple facts. It was daylight. The last thing I remembered was drinking a draught in McGonagall's office at night. And now the sun was out. I was surrounded by water, and people were applauding.

A strong hold on my waist and a tug from the front of my robes propelled me closer to the stands. With my head snapping to the left, I got an eyeful of Viktor Krum. Whose head was still transfigured to resemble a shark. Complete with sharp teeth and everything. "Oh, Merlin!" I said getting a mouthful of lake water in the process. Krum grinned at me; something his transfigured state turned into a menacing expression. To my right, Fleur surfaced. The water rippled around her a lot more delicately as she released her bubble head charm and gave the watching spectators a pageant smile as she swam.

A splash behind me had me trying to look over my shoulder, but Krum and the tugging on my robes kept me gliding forward. I only got a brief glance of black hair and a triumphant smile as Harry also released his bubble head charm.

Right, the second task. I was in the lake. At the top and awake… that meant it was over… Why was that hard to wrap my head around? The bottom rung of the stands, acting as an actual dock, was still a ways ahead. But we were close enough that I started to make out the people waiting for us. In the front sat Adrian. His legs were stubbornly crossed and avoiding all chances of touching the water as he held a fishing pole with one hand. In the other was his wand that he kept waving in circles. Adrian never blinked; his jaw set in a determined and pained line. The fishing pole; was that what was tugging on my robes?

Behind him, wrapped in towels and grinning with rosy cheeks were Hermione, Ron, and a little girl I didn't know. Though I had a good guess. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but they seemed to be encouraging Adrian and their respective champions as we swam closer and closer. And behind them were the judges and reporters. Also flanked by Sirius and Lord Flint. Probably waiting to receive Harry and keep him far away from the media sharks as they could.

Feeling more awake and alert now, I started kicking. That way Krum didn't have to drag me the whole way there and to reach Adrian faster. Though I spared a moment to look in Fleur's direction. "Thank you", I said; teeth chattering. Turning to Krum, I repeated it to him. "Thank you". Since he was swimming behind me, I could give Harry my gratitude. That would have to wait for a later time. Adrian was fine. Ron was fine. I was fine. Being on the tail end of it without having to witness any harrowing bits made all the stress and fear I felt seem almost silly.

Once at the docks, Krum was hauling me up before I could do that myself. Adrian dropped the fishing pole. Which I could now see was purple with a very familiar W etched into its handle. His hand grabbed onto my elbow in a grip strong enough to bruise. At that moment, I liked it. Merely because it suggested that Adrian would not let me go. Even though there was a large body of water right under his feet.

Though he had help. Ron was there the next second. One towel wrapped around his shoulders. Another around his waist as he grabbed my other arm and pulled. Between the three of them, Adrian, Ron, and Krum made short work of getting me onto the dock. Above us on the upper levels, the spectators stamped and shouted their excitement. My knees shook as I knelt on the hard work. The cold and hours of disuse made them feel weak. "You okay?" I shouted up at my little brother as Hermione came forward; Dropping a towel over my head and wrapping another one around Krum after he pushed himself up next to me.

"Yeah", Ron yelled back; beaming. It was necessary to be heard over the audience "I was third out".

There wasn't time for Ron to say much else. He became busy when Fleur used a ladder to exit the water. And Harry right behind her. "Harry!" I heard Ron say as he moved away to meet him.

Strong hands pulled my towel tightly around my shaking form and pushed matted, grimy hair out of my face. I found myself leaning into the attention as my brown eyes came to meet Adrian's grey eyes. His hands came to rest against my shoulder blades as we stared at each other; each silently asking the same question. 'Are you alright?'

Despite the cold and knowing there was a pepper-up potion in my future, I knew I was. And Adrian wasn't a trembling, pale mess. So, he must be too. It was enough… More than enough. Lunging forward, I wrapped my arms around Adrian's neck and just about collapsed on top of him. Only his stiff spine kept us upright. Only his hands on my back kept the towel from slipping off me.

Adrian hadn't been wet before, but he was now; with my drenched self pressed up against him. We started shivering; clinging to each other as if we were a new lovesick couple. "I'm still unhappy with you", Adrian murmured in my ear.

"I know", I assured him.

"You should have asked me before involving the others".

"I know", I repeated; relishing in the strength of his hold and the closeness of his voice. It was enough that I didn't feel the need to comment that I regretted none of my actions. Adrian would have been difficult to get to accept the help of others if I hadn't forced it on him. Who knows what would have happened if he had to get in the water? This… this was the best outcome. But that could be an argument for a different day.

The next thing Adrian said was softer, and yet still strongly stated. "I love you".

Squeezing Adrian tighter; there was absolutely no space between us. "I know".

A flash of bright light and the sound and smell of a puff of smoke reminded us where we were. Adrian and I separated just in enough to turn our heads in the direction of the disturbance. A few feet away, as the judges talked and the champions checked in with their loved ones were the reporters. A camera pointed in our direction had made the light and sound. And next to the cameraman stood Skeeter in all her bedazzled glory. "Marvelous", she said. Too quiet to be heard over the still boisterous crowd, but I could read her lips.

Adrian's hands flinched from their positions on my back. I understood why. From how we were holding each other, I was pretty much on top of Adrian; his crossed legs trapped beneath me. And from how tightly he kept his hold… And Skeeter had just gotten photo evidence. If this got printed… When our mothers saw this… Well, that would be the end, wouldn't it? Both Adrian and I would die of embarrassment.

Ludo Bagman's suddenly amplified voice spared us from having to take any immediate action. "Ladies and Gentlemen", he roared; quieting the crowd almost at once and redirecting Skeeter's attention in the process. "The judges have finished conversing and I have their verdict. Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would see these brave young men and this lovely lady come together in the face of adversity to tackle this task together. But as we have all witnessed, that is exactly what they chose to do".

Studying the judges; two seemed very unhappy with this turn of events. Umbridge and Krakoff specifically. Though McGonagall looked on in satisfied pride as Sirius forced one of Madam Pomfrey's potions down Harry's throat and Lord Flint stood close by them. Which probably explained why Skeeter was over here instead of harassing them. Likewise, Madame Maxime appeared pleased as she watched Fleur fuss over her little sister.

"The second task was designed as a race", Bagman explained. "The champion who returned with their hostage the quickest would have been awarded the most points. However; seeing as our champions chose to operate as a team and each had a role to play in rescuing all hostages, we have decided to judge the champions on their efforts and abilities. As we had done during the first task". Bagman paused. Either to let his words sink in or for dramatic effect. I'm not sure which.

Adrian and I used this time to slowly separate. Me moving to stand next to Adrian instead of sitting on top of him, and Adrian to his feet. If only so he could turn his back to the reporters entirely. "Miss Fleur Delacour along with Mister Harry Potter acted as relay men to safely see the hostages safely out of the lake onto the dock. They both used the bubble head charm and showed great care in their handling and supervision of all hostages. Therefore, the judges award them each, forty points!"

Another bout of cheers and shouts started as Skeeter's quick-notes-quill scribbled away. But Bagman kept going before they could become too loud. "Mister Viktor Krum impressed the judges and all watching with his magnificent display of human transfiguration. He bravely swam to the bottom of the lake where the merpeople were keeping the hostages and remained there; dealing with the locals and keeping guard over the hostages until each was safely on their way. For his physical and magical strength and his bravery, the judges award him fifty points!"

Karkaroff clapped his hands hard though nothing could distract from the uneasy and displeased grimace on his bearded face. Standing side by side each other, Adrian started drawing impatient circles on my back. With the towel and my robes in the way, I barely felt them.

"And Finally!" Bagman shouted. "Mister Adrian Pucey. Who used an array of inventive magic and tools to direct and communicate with his teammates throughout the second task. His role was to see the hostages safely to him and help keep his teammates organized during their rescue attempt. However; as moved as we were by Mr. Pucey's leadership, some felt it prudent to mention that he did not enter the water at all during the task. Therefore, taking on less risk than the others. The judges see fit to award him twenty points!"

Now, Bagman allowed the crowds over our heads to applaud and cheer for their chosen favorite. Though it felt a little more lackluster than it had prior. Before Skeeter could approach us, Adrian was softly pressing on my back; urging me forward. "Let's get you to Madam Pomfrey", he said.

Bagman gave the audience their moment but only briefly before he closed out the second task by saying, "The final task will be held on June fourth. The champions will be informed of what to expect exactly one month before. And I'm sure all will agree with me, we are very curious to see what our champions will do".