Chapter 14
The Second Task
Over the next two months, Lyra found herself increasingly isolated. Her argument with Minerva had left a bitter aftertaste, leading to awkward, silent meals as neither of her neighbouring companions engaged in conversation. It was evident that Minerva was deeply upset with her, and Lyra couldn't blame her; she was aware that her outspoken personality could sometimes be overwhelming. Snape, on the other hand, had managed to infuriate Lyra by belittling her thoughts and conveniently laying the blame of the little relationship that was brewing between their two champions, entirely on Sarah. How she wished to confront him about what she had overheard, her suspicions about his allegiance as a supposed Death Eater working for Dumbledore. All brewing constantly in her mind.
Athena, too, had engaged in a heated exchange with Lyra over her spat with Minerva, sternly advising her to refrain from meddling where she didn't belong. In response, Lyra had retorted that all three sisters had their issues and urgently needed to seek mental intervention, effectively closing off communication with Athena as well.
The only person Lyra found herself engaging with was Dumbledore. They had grown surprisingly close in a short time, thanks to his easygoing nature, remarkable intellect, and engaging conversations. However, Dumbledore's busy schedule left little room for their sporadic chats. To fill the void, Lyra began making weekly visits to the Hogshead, where she spent time conversing with Aberforth, despite his limited conversational skills.
As February approached, Lyra distanced herself from everyone else, choosing to spend more time with Sarah. They had successfully deciphered a riddle and formulated a solid plan to retrieve the precious item they sought.
Just a day before the task, Lyra and Sarah were practicing the Bubble Head Charm, an ingenious idea Sarah had suggested. Although both were proficient in the spell, Sarah insisted on perfecting it, perhaps sensing something amiss with her aunt, who had been visibly downcast lately.
"I think we're good, Sarah." Lyra said as she settled onto the couch. Sarah followed suit, concern etched on her face.
"I am worried about Zeus, though. He's not a strong swimmer." Sarah admitted, shaking her head.
"I'm sure his mentor is can worry about him." Lyra replied dismissively.
With Sarah's increased presence came an overwhelming flood of unsolicited information about her relationship.
"Maybe...but nothing will help him become a better swimmer..."
"Maybe you should focus on your own issues, Sarah!" Lyra snapped, her patience waning. Sarah frowned in response.
"He's my boyfriend, Lyra. Of course, I'll worry about him."
Lyra scoffed, further irking Sarah.
"Do you have a problem with him?"
"I have a problem with how stupid you're being..."
"You really think he likes you? Sarah... he's clearly using you. He knows you're smarter than him, he knows you have a better chance at winning this... and you definitely have a better mentor. He's obviously manipulating you to secure his victory!" Lyra retorted.
Sarah stood there, deeply offended.
"How can you say that?!"
"He's not using me, Lyra! He...he said he loved me..."
"And you believed him? Why are you so gullible?" Lyra shook her head in disbelief.
"I don't think you should be the one dishing out advice on love...considering how you messed up your own love life!" Sarah's words cut deep, and she immediately regretted them when she saw the pain in her aunt's eyes. Lyra turned away.
"No...no, you're right. I don't know much about love, do I?" Lyra muttered darkly, refusing to meet Sarah's gaze.
"But you don't know much about this boy either...for starters, do you know what happened to his brother?"
"Brother? Zeus...Zeus doesn't have a brother!"
"Oh...you didn't know? I thought you were in love...then why is he keeping secrets from you?" Lyra challenged, turning her attention back to her niece, who appeared helpless.
Sarah was unsure how to process this information.
How did Lyra even know about Zeus's secret brother? Could her suspicions be valid? Had he deceived her to ensure she wouldn't stand in the way of his quest for eternal glory? After all, he was a Slytherin, and cunning ambition was said to run deep in that house. Was Zeus manipulating her? He had voluntarily entered the tournament, claiming he wanted to win for his own benefit.
"Something to think about...?" Lyra added with a shrug. Sarah shook her head in disappointment and stormed out of the room.
Lyra watched her niece's departure with a sigh. She hoped she had planted the seed of caution in Sarah's mind. However, Sarah's remark had stung deeply. She was right; Lyra wasn't in a position to dispense advice on love, having long ago shattered her own chances at happiness.
Sarah stood at Minerva's door, her heart racing with uncertainty. She had come here in search of guidance, driven by an urgent need to confide in someone she trusted, someone she knew would know more about this. As she knocked softly on the door, she hoped beyond hope that she would find some answers within.
The door creaked open, revealing Minerva's surprised expression. Sarah couldn't help but feel like an intruder, barging into her great-aunt's Sunday unannounced.
"Aunt Minerva, I know...this is unexpected, but I didn't know where else to go..." Sarah stumbled over her words, her anxiety rising.
"You did mention that if I ever needed anything, I could come to you..."
Minerva's eyes softened, and she gestured for Sarah to enter.
"Of course, come inside..." She said warmly.
"Would you like some tea?"
Sarah nodded, grateful for the offer. As Minerva prepared the tea, Sarah took a deep breath, attempting to gather her thoughts.
"I...I honestly don't know where to begin." Sarah confessed, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Take your time." Minerva reassured her, her calm presence a source of comfort.
"Well..." Sarah began
"As you know, Zeus and I have been seeing each other. And, um, I know it might sound silly, but in these few months, we've fallen in love."
Minerva's response was understanding and supportive.
"I don't think that's silly at all, Sarah. Zeus is a wonderful young man, and he deserves happiness."
Sarah's tension eased a bit as she went on.
"It's just...something Lyra said."
"Don't take what she says too much to heart. She's probably just being protective." Minerva stated rolling her eyes.
"At first, I thought so too," Sarah admitted.
"I thought she was acting out because my dad must have asked her to. But then she told me something that made me suspicious. Lyra doesn't say things without good reason. She knows something I don't. And, in a fit of anger, I said some hurtful things to her. She didn't reveal much, except for a surprising piece of information. But then I started thinking...if anyone I trust knows about it, it would be you."
Minerva's expression turned serious, and Sarah could sense the weight of what she was about to reveal.
"Does...does Zeus have a brother?" Sarah asked with trepidation.
"And if he does, why would he keep it a secret?"
Sarah could see the truth written on Minerva's face, confirming her suspicions. Zeus had indeed kept something significant from her...but why?
"What I'm about to tell you must not leave this room, Sarah!" Minerva warned, and Sarah nodded earnestly, fully aware of the gravity of the situation.
"Zeus Shorthorn does have an older brother—Aries Shorthorn." Minerva disclosed.
"He was three years older than Zeus, a Ravenclaw, and exceptionally skilled in magic, particularly transfiguration. I had plans to recommend him for a role at the Ministry. However, something unfortunate happened two years ago. The Shorthorn family is known for their pure-blood elitism, but Aries and Zeus didn't share their parents' views. Aries was in love with a Muggle-born girl from Hufflepuff. After he came of age, he revealed his intention to marry her, causing a rift with his parents. But what really happened that summer was far from what we were told. Aries got into a duel with his father and was gravely injured. He was sent to St. Mungo's long-term damages ward and was never seen again."
Sarah listened in shock, absorbing the painful truth. Why had Zeus kept this from her?
"And what happened to the girl?" Sarah asked, her voice filled with sympathy.
"She finished Hogwarts with a broken heart..." Minerva replied sadly.
"Last I heard, she married someone in France, and they have two children."
The revelation left Sarah horrified. She couldn't believe Zeus had hidden such a significant part of his life from her.
"Thank you for telling me this, Aunt Minerva..." Sarah said, her emotions a whirlwind.
"I wish Zeus had confided in me, even a little. Carrying such a burden must have been incredibly hard."
Minerva offered a gentle smile.
"I only shared this with you, Sarah, because I believe Lyra had a good reason for revealing what she did. I'm not sure about the extent of Lyra's knowledge on this may be or where she obtained it, but I don't think she said those things to hurt you."
"Lyra can be infuriating most of the time!" Sarah admitted, frustration evident in her voice.
Minerva maintained her calm demeanor as she responded.
"Be that as it may, Sarah. But it's crucial to remember that the Shorthorns aren't known for their kindness. They're a powerful family, and both of their sons have defied their expectations. They'll stop at nothing to ensure their own lives remain uncomplicated. Do you understand what that means, Sarah?"
A troubled expression clouded Sarah's face.
"Lyra was attempting to caution you, Sarah." Minerva continued gently.
"She was advising you to proceed with caution, to think before you act."
Sarah let out a weary sigh, her mind grappling with the complexity of the situation.
"Love is blind..." Sarah mused, crossing her arms defiantly. Minerva chuckled softly at her words.
"You're young, Sarah. Don't let your emotions blind you to the truth. Love may be blind, but that doesn't mean you should act blindly."
Sarah nodded, grateful for the advice but still grappling with the multitude of emotions swirling inside her. She knew she needed time to figure out how to broach this delicate topic with Zeus.
"What should I do then? I mean, I can't just end things with him...we love each other!" Sarah's voice trembled with uncertainty.
"Sarah, you don't have to consider ending your relationship, but it's essential to handle this situation with care. Zeus is intelligent, but he's also quite sensitive." Minerva offered.
"I understand. I just need some time to figure out how to approach this with him..." She admitted, her voice filled with the weight of the situation.
"You're a bright young woman, Sarah. I'm confident you'll find a way to navigate through this." Minerva smiled warmly at Sarah.
With a determined yet uncertain expression, Sarah contemplated her next steps. For now, the silent treatment seemed like the most prudent approach for a 17-year-old faced with such a profound revelation.
As the morning sun cast a gentle glow over the landscape, Lyra's daily ritual began with unwavering precision. She rose promptly at 6 AM, ready to start on her morning swim. However, on this particular day, she felt a extra boost of adrenaline. Since the day ahead promised to be filled with even more challenges, she decided to incorporate some additional training into her routine.
Lyra unzipped her sweatshirt and kicked off her trainers. As she prepared to dive into the water, an unsettling sensation washed over her, she got the feeling of being watched from the shadows. Instinctively, she reached for her wand.
"Lumos..." She whispered, casting the spell that bathed her wand's tip in a soft, illuminating light. Yet, before she could fully grasp the source of her unease, darkness suddenly descended, snuffing out the light.
"Wow...that was easy!"
"It would have been even easier if you hadn't been rustling about in the bushes like that! I'm amazed she didn't hear us!"
"You're the auror here, not me! She didn't notice us because she's here without her Phoenix. If that bird had been around, we'd be in serious trouble!"
"Merlin! You're really angry at her, aren't you?" Athena asked, raising an eyebrow at Minerva, who had expertly incapacitated her niece with a single, precise spell.
Athena waved her wand, lifting Lyra's unconscious form and gently carried her toward the lakeshore. Minerva followed closely behind, wrapping her warm cloak tightly around herself.
"Are we simply leaving her here, like this...out in the cold?" Minerva questioned, her uncertainty apparent.
"That's the task at hand. Sarah will have an hour to rescue Lyra from the lake..."
"Shouldn't the mentors be assisting the champions? How is this helping them at all?"
"Ask your boyfriend Ludo Bagman; he's the one who concocted this plan..."
"Stop it...he's not my boyfriend!" Minerva retorted, her gaze fixed on Athena, who couldn't help but chuckle mischievously.
"Anyone would be an improvement over the last one."
Minerva shot her sister an exasperated look, prompting Athena to laugh lightly, teasing her about her terrible taste in men.
Suddenly, four scaly hands emerged from the depths of the lake, reaching out for Lyra's unconscious body and dragging her beneath the surface.
"Merlin's beard...how will she breathe down there?" Minerva asked, her concern palpable.
"That's the Merpeople's concern...they agreed to assist us with this challenge." Athena replied, finally turning away after Lyra had vanished beneath the water's surface. Minerva stared at the silent lake, hoping Lyra would be alright.
"Minerva, let's go!" Athena ordered, urging her sister to follow her back to the castle.
Sarah found herself standing in her AIMS swimsuit, her heart racing with anxiety. Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch had just revealed the nature of the second task to the champions. It was a startling revelation: that very morning, their mentors had been incapacitated and submerged underwater for the champions to rescue. They had only an hour before the mentors' air supply would run out.
This challenge was even more daunting for Sarah because she had to undertake it without her aunt by her side. Sarah couldn't fathom how Lyra, who was known for her extreme caution, had been stunned? It was a baffling mystery.
"Are you ready, champions?" Barty Crouch's voice boomed from the podium as the champions positioned themselves.
Zeus gave Sarah a reassuring nod, as if to wish her luck. She averted her gaze, her mind racing with a multitude of thoughts.
"Sarah, are you alright?" Zeus asked gently, taken aback by her distant demeanor. She chose to ignore him and instead watched as he pulled something out of his pocket and gestured for Harry Potter to do the same.
Barty Crouch shot a blue flare into the air, and the makeshift stadium around the lake erupted with excitement and cheers for the champions.
Without hesitation, Sarah dived off the board and skillfully cast the Bubble-Head Charm to create a protective air bubble around her head. She began swimming toward the depths of the lake, where darkness enveloped her. Thankfully, the charm allowed her to keep her eyes open, but the depths of the lake were still eerily dark. She passed Harry, who appeared to be struggling for air, and started to swim towards him. However, he suddenly swam away and sprouted gills from his neck. Sarah was astonished; it seemed Harry had somehow mimicked Zeus. Had Zeus provided Harry with Gillyweed in gratitude for his help with the dragons? Were the Hogwarts champions secretly assisting one another?
Sarah pressed on, descending deeper and deeper into the water, aiming for a large clearing. The inky water made it difficult to see, so she used a non-verbal spell to conjure light from her wand.
Being underwater was a disconcertingly silent experience, and the deeper she went, the more she felt like she could hear her own heartbeat. She was constantly on edge, fearing that some sharp object might pierce her protective bubble. She needed to descend faster, so she cleverly cast a Depulso spell that propelled her downward at a speed she could never have achieved on her own.
It appeared she had been the first to figure this trick out. Sarah reached the clearing that held all the mentors before anyone else. She swam to Lyra, who was clearly stunned and bound by kelp ropes that had risen from the lake's bottom. What was curious was that they were still alive underwater; Lyra had a makeshift Gillyweed rope around her neck, with the end crudely shoved into her open mouth. It was a grim sight to see her floating in that manner. Sarah swiftly used a cutting charm to free her aunt from the kelp restraints and then replaced the Gillyweed noose with a Bubble-Head Charm. Holding Lyra's hand, she pointed her wand upward and cast Ascendo to lift them out of the water.
When they broke the surface, Sarah released their Bubble-Head Charms and swam toward the ledge of the diving platform. Athena was waiting there with warm towels. First, Sarah helped Lyra onto the platform and then pulled herself up. She lay down next to her aunt, taking deep breaths to reacclimate to the air.
Lyra regained consciousness a few minutes later. She opened her eyes, rolled onto her side, and threw up water along with a substantial wad of Gillyweed residue.
"Are...you...okay, Ly?" Sarah asked, panting beside her aunt. Lyra quickly looked around, disoriented, and then pulled Sarah into a tight hug.
"You...saved my life!" Lyra exclaimed, still coughing up bits of Gillyweed.
"All on your own, Sarah! I'm so proud of you..." Lyra said, panting with immense relief, as Sarah finally hugged her aunt tightly.
"That was the most terrifying yet thrilling thing I've ever done on my own!" Sarah replied.
"We came in FIRST!" Sarah added, as Lyra coughed again and spat out more Gillyweed.
"THAT'S SPECTACULAR!" Lyra exclaimed, laughing in relief.
Krum and Chomsky were the next to surface.
After a few more minutes, Zeus emerged from the water as well. However, he returned without his mentor. He wanted to dive back in to help but was prevented by the committee. He sat on the ledge, deeply worried and unsure of how to help Snape.
Zeus had been attacked by at least fifty Grindylows and couldn't fend them off. His Gillyweed had proven insufficient to sustain him underwater. So, he had surfaced, hoping to return later.
Moments later, Harry Potter burst out of the water. Moody was with him, and he had brought Snape to the surface as well. Zeus finally agreed to seek the medical attention he needed after confirming Snape was safe.
However, Snape didn't seem pleased that it was Potter who had saved his life.
The judges deliberated this act of extraordinary bravery and decided to place Potter at the top.
Lyra was furious and argued vehemently against this unfair decision. Her mentee had completed the task first and should have been recognized. But her protest fell on deaf ears. Sarah, initially disheartened by the judgment, ultimately agreed that Potter deserved first place for his selflessness. After all, if he hadn't saved Professor Snape, the outcome could have been much worse.
Lyra was displeased that her niece had surrendered her victory so easily. Yet, something Sarah said filled Lyra's heart with immense pride. The formerly spoiled witch was finally maturing.
"I don't care about winning this. I'm honestly just happy we're all alive."
Lyra stood tall on the expansive diving pad, her gaze fixed on the spectacle unfolding before her. Burst, soared gracefully over the Black Lake, executing joyful somersaults in the twilight sky. Over the past few months, Burst had transformed from a feeble, newly reborn chick into her magnificent self once more. Although not as imposing as when they had first arrived at Hogwarts, Burst was steadily regaining her former size and splendor.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, orange glow over the castle, Lyra let out a sharp whistle, beckoning Burst to return to her. Without hesitation, the phoenix complied, landing gracefully on Lyra's shoulder and nuzzling her affectionately. This affectionate gesture was a clear indication that Burst was hungry and would soon fly away into the night to hunt for her next meal.
Lyra chuckled at her feathery companion, realizing that it was also time for her to seek some food. Her body still bore the lingering fatigue from the morning's stunning experience, and she decided that dining in the comfort of her rooms before drifting off to sleep would be the wisest choice.
With the sun now completely set, Lyra began her journey back to the castle. The pathway was dimly lit by a few floating lanterns, but she had traversed this route daily for her swim, knowing it like the back of her hand. As she passed the distant forest on her right, her gaze shifted towards it, and she did a double take.
A green light like that could only signify one thing!
Lyra's breath caught in her throat, and she instinctively looked at Burst, who had already taken flight from her shoulder. Without hesitation, Lyra drew her wand and ventured towards the source of the eerie light. She silently prayed that it was nothing more than a trick of her imagination. She hoped it hadn't been any students dabbling in dark magic.
However, her next sight sent a jolt through her veins. Alastor Moody loomed over the lifeless body of Barty Crouch. The hulking ex-Auror regarded Crouch with a mixture of anger and disdain, even spitting at the dead man. He then released a chilling, menacing laugh, his strange tic, something Lyra had observed during the Yule Ball.
Lyra grappled with indecision, torn between confronting Moody and rushing back to the castle to summon reinforcements. She remained frozen in place, her wide-eyed gaze fixed on the horrifying scene unfolding before her.
Moody abruptly shifted, his magical eye swiveling erratically before locking onto her position. A sinister, knowing smile spread across his face, as if to convey that he was well aware that Lyra had witnessed his actions. That smile made Lyra's insides churn, as she watched him turn and saunter away into the darkness.
AN/- Hey Everyone! Would love to know what you think. Don't fret! Lots to come. Next chapter, you'll be able to witness a glimpse of her elemental magic.