Under the Sea

Chapter Twelve

Harry stiffened as Hermione stared at him, awaiting his answer. To be honest, he didn't know exactly what to tell her. If he told her the truth, Hermione would want to know exactly how he found out and that would lead to her finding out about Ariel. However, if he lied Harry knew that it would later come back to bite him and she'd probably still wind up knowing. Either way, Hermione would end up knowing about Ariel and Harry would risk losing Hermione's friendship if she found out he had lied to her.

"It's for the tournament," Harry told her after a few minutes of incredibly awkward silence. Hey, it was the truth wasn't it? Just with some stuff omitted.

"The tournament?" Hermione parroted, looking down at the books and examining the titles as it was the first time she'd seen them. "Are you thinking the first task has something to do with dragons?"

"Well, I mean it wouldn't be the first time we've come face to face with dragons," Harry told her. "Besides, this tournament is so freaking dangerous they had to make sure the Champions would only be of age. Something tells me we won't be facing a Krup or a Hippogriff."

Hermione shot him a small smile and Harry felt a knot in his stomach develop. He hated lying to Hermione but it had to be done. Despite everything Hermione had done for him over the years, Harry knew that it was better if Ariel stayed his little secret.

The likelihood of that remaining intact at a place like Hogwarts was astronomical but he'd take his chances.

"Harry, the last time you dealt with a dragon it was Norbert," Hermione told him, a worried look glancing over her face. "A baby dragon that Hagrid could put in a carrying container along with a teddy bear. You won't be able to send this dragon away in the middle of the night with four wizards on broomsticks."

"You think I don't know that Hermione?" Harry snapped and winced as he saw the hurt flash over her face. Sighing as he ran a hand through his hair, Harry looked down. "I'm sorry. It's just...it's just more than a little stressful right now. You know, the whole dragon thing is not entirely desirable."

"That's an understatement," Hermione chuckled but then sobered up. "Harry, I know it's stressful and I would have snapped too. Honestly, it's ridiculous how people think you somehow entered yourself. The Goblet isn't supposed to spit out four names so even if you did enter yourself, the fact that there are four Champions should tell people something is seriously off. They're all treating you very unfairly."

"Well, when was the last time my life was fair?" Harry grumbled and then sighed. It was not worth delving into those memories. At least, not with Hermione around. Complaining about his life was better suited for an internal monologue. "Anyway, do you think I should tell the others? Fleur and Krum I mean?"

"They're just ideas Harry," Hermione said, placing a hand on his upper arm, ignoring the fact that Harry had only mentioned two of the three other champions. "What if the task ends up not being dragons and that's all they've prepared for? You'd make some powerful enemies, and that's not counting the other students from those schools."

"So..."

"I'm saying no. It's a good idea and fits into the idea of inter magical cooperation but no," Hermione said with a faint smile. "However, if the task does involve dragons, the books you picked would be a great start. I'd talk to Hagrid for some tips if these don't help. You know how he tends to say things he shouldn't."

Harry chuckled and then began packing up. A visit to Hagrid's sounded like a great idea. While he wasn't close with the bigger man, Hagrid's was a great spot to relax and Hagrid was a nice person to have in your corner—which Harry really needed at that moment. Hermione was great and Ariel was a great listener but Hagrid was an adult.