Hi everyone, I apologize that this chapter is shorter than normal. I have been busy so I'm a little behind one posting. I wanted to get some kind of update posted for you guys so here it is. I am already working on the next chapter which will be posted within the next week or two, that will be the stories normal chapter length.

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Thank y'all for your patience and I hope you enjoy the update.

I do not own the original Harry Potter characters. All Review are greatly appreciated.

"To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." – Dr. Suess

Chapter 28

Second Task – Part 1

Harry frowned as he stood on the platform next to the other champions, glancing around at the crowd that had gathered. He couldn't help rubbing his arms, attempting to ease some of the chill from the cool February weather. The water crashed against the small stadium structure that had been built for the occasion, doing nothing to help the uneasy feeling that had settled in the bottom of his stomach. Even though he'd been working with Draco and their friends, the thought of having to find something hidden in the lake before the hour was up scared him.

"Ready for this Potter?" Cedric questioned, glancing down at the smaller Gryffindor. He felt bad that the younger heir had been forced into the tournament when from what he'd seen, Harry hadn't wanted to even attend Hogwarts that year. While he didn't know much about the Potter Heir since there was such an age difference, he'd seen how much he'd seemed to change over just a few short months.

"I just want to get this over with already. What are they waiting for?" Harry muttered, glancing over to the area that had been designated for the judges. A small amount of the nerves seemed to fade away when he caught sight of his parents standing with Remus and Tonks, smiling as Narcissa offered him a reassuring look.

"I've got this. Everything is going to be ok." He whispered, tightening his fists as he turned back to face the water. Dobby suddenly popped into view beside Harry, though from the lack of reactions from the other three students standing with him he could guess the house elf had used his magic so only Harry could see him.

"Heir Longbottom send Dobby with Gilly. Master Harry Potter forget in room." The elf whispered, holding out the slimy plant for him to take. Harry quickly took it, berating himself for forget the one thing that would make it even possible for him to attempt the task. His nerves had been all over the place since he'd gotten up that morning, even after he'd repeatedly tried to remind himself. Dobby offered him what Harry assumed was a reassuring smile before disappearing again.

"Each of our champions will have one hour to find and rescue their hostage. There will be an added bonus for each student depending on the order they return; however, points will be deducted for those that return either without their hostage or after the hour is up." Ludo Bagman announced. All four champions shared a concerned look at the word hostage. He raised his wand, releasing the signal to start the time with a cheerful good luck.

Narcissa couldn't help tightening the grip she had on her husband's arm as she watched her youngest dive into the water. She knew that Draco and the other heirs had been working with him on learning how to swim but the thought of him having to fight Merlin knew what still scared her.

"Lady Malfoy, have you seen Draco? No one in Slytherin have seen him since dinner last night but we thought perhaps he had decided to attend the tournament with you today." Daphne questioned as she moved to stand beside the Malfoys. Lucius glanced down at the heiress his youngest had started to show feelings for, frowning at the mention of his heir being unaccounted for. They hadn't had the chance to speak with either of their twins when they'd arrived at Hogwarts to watch the second task since they'd assumed Draco would be with Harry getting ready. They both had known just how nervous Harry was and since both Tonks and Remus were already in the stands neither of them had thought much of their eldest absence.

"What do you mean you haven't seen him since dinner last night? Where did he sleep at if not in his dorm?" Narcissa suddenly demanded. Her pureblood mask had slipped for a moment, showing just how worried she truly was. Lucius carefully patted her hand before pulling away, slipping through the crowd. He intended to find either Severus or Dumbledore and demand answers to his heir's whereabouts. Theo and Blaise shared a concerned expression before each claiming a seat, figuring there wasn't anything else they could do to help.

Harry pushed himself forward, casting a weak Lumos in an attempt to see through the dark water for any signs to show which way he was supposed to go. He thought he'd seen a half-transfigured shark that could have possibly been Krum swimming further ahead but because of how murky the water was he wasn't entirely sure. As he forced his way through the overgrown seagrass, he could barely make out what looked like a blue glow in the distance.

The ruins that the Grindylows called home was bathed in a magical glow, the stone structures casting shadows. In the center of the village, he could barely make out four figures. 3 of them were dressed in what looked like Hogwarts robes while the fourth was dressed in blue robes that looked like the uniform for Beauxbatons. Harry was caught off guard by how much smaller the fourth looked compared to the others. Several of the warriors were located around the area, armed with sharp, twisted spears, standing guard over the champions hostages to make sure that the rules were followed.

Harry couldn't help the growing pit that had settled in his stomach as he swam closer, fighting through the last bits of seaweed that surrounded the ruins. A strong pull pushed him faster, recognizing the fear and distress his twin's magic was currently giving off. Anger flared in his veins at the knowledge that actually people, students, had been used for their sick task, and if his brother's distress was anything to go by, they hadn't been asked before being spelled asleep and placed under the water as hostages for the Grindylows to guard. He could only image what the Malf…his parents were currently doing once they discovered Draco had been taken as a hostage.

Draco gasped, taking in a deep breath as his head broke the surface of the water, jerking his eyes open as air rushed into his lungs. Harry broke the water next, loosening the grip he had on his twin's arm. The two teen wizards floated as they attempted to regain their bearings. Draco was still disoriented from having been first charmed asleep and then having the charm broken the moment he was above water. A soft whimper caught his attention, drawing notice to the little girl that was on Harry's back. Her blonde hair was tangled from the water and shivers shook her body.

"Harry…what—" Draco began. He didn't understand. Why did his twin have who he guessed was the Beauxbaton champion's hostage. It didn't make sense why the Tournament coordinators would even use someone so young.

"Let's get back to the platform. Maybe one of the headmasters or judges can give us some insight to this whole mess." Harry muttered. Draco quickly nodded before swimming at Harry's side, occasionally glancing at the little girl clinging to his back.

Narcissa quickly stood from her seat when she caught sight of both of her sons in the lake, easily moving through the crowd to get closer. Daphne followed Lady Malfoy, concern growing at the sight of the little girl with them. That explained the commotion that had been happening since the Beauxbaton champion had returned injured and without rescuing her sister. She'd managed to hear some words in during her panic about the creatures under the lake and someone having veela blood. Neville and the Weasley twins met the two witches at the dock, helping pull Draco and the little girl out of the water. Harry reached out to grab George's hand, hissing as the cool air brushed against the scratch marks visible on his side.

"Oh Harry." Narcissa gasped, reaching her hand out for a moment before holding it against her chest, wanting to comfort her youngest but knowing she wouldn't be able to. Harry offered her a small smile before turning his attention to Draco. She saw Lucius and Severus hurrying over, both wearing matching expressions of anger and worry. Daphne had barely wrapped a tower around his shoulders when both of them were nearly knocked to the ground by Fleur. She repeatedly expressed her thanks for saving her sister for several moments before returning to her family. Draco wrapped the towel tighter at the feeling of another strong gust of cool wind. Narcissa quickly pulled her wand, casting a drying charm on both of her boys.

"Attention everyone. After some deliberation the judges are ready to announce their final scoring." Bagman announced, amplifying his voice with a spell so he could be heard over the noise of the crowd. Lucius crossed his arms as he glared at the group of judges, his fury clearly evident on his face at the knowledge that his heir had been used in their stupid tournament without his knowledge or approval. It was already bad enough his second born was forced to participate in it. Harry glared at Dumbledore as he boasted about Hogwarts' two champions placing first and second after points were announced. The meddlesome old man seemed oblivious to the furious gazes he was receiving from several around him.

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I truly appreciate all my readers for sticking with me as this story continues.

Until Next Chapter,

Snowbeam12