Ten Questions (Harry Potter x Slytherin reader)

Chapter 31

For about the millionth time that night, I glanced behind my shoulder to see if anybody was nearby. Usually, sneaking into places I wasn't supposed to be in was a particular talent of mine, but tonight, I couldn't help but feel the oddest mix of emotions; On one hand, I was relieved the tri-wizard tournament was almost over. I had spent far too much time worrying about a specific Gryffindor, and because of it, I was far too attached for my own good. But on the other hand, I was nervous. The tournament was so close to being over, but if just one thing were to go wrong...

I pushed the thought out of my mind and shifted my attention back to Harry.

"How are you feeling?" I asked as I adjusted the sleeves of Potter's tri-wizard robes, not making eye contact while doing so. I wasn't technically allowed to be in the champions test just ten minutes before the final task- I hadn't planned to be in there either- but I didn't have much of a choice. The morning of the third task, I had hardly made it to the Great Hall before Hermione Granger ran up to me, telling me that Harry was currently having a mental breakdown in the Champions tent and that he needed my help. To be fair, Potter wasn't supposed to be in the tent, either. According him, he was supposed to be down in the Quidditch field with the other champions in a matter of minutes.

Potter didn't meet my gaze. "Nervous," he replied, his voice tight. Finally, he looked at me and gave me a weak smile. "I always am, though, I suppose. I think it's a tradition at this point- almost throwing up my guts before one of the tasks."

"You'll do fine," I reassured him. "You always do. Just remember the spells we practiced and you'll do great." I let go of the sleeves and took a few steps back, taking in the sight of him for just a moment before nodding. "Ok," I said slowly. "That should be about it."

"How do I look?" Harry asked nervously, a sheepish smile crossing his face. "Because if I'm being completely honest, these robes are ridiculous." To prove his point, he tugged at his slightly-oversized pants that nearly covered his entire shoe. "See? Ridiculous."

"Potter, you're about to compete in the third task. Looks should be the least of your concern. But... if you must know, you look okay."

Harry grinned. "I was hoping for a more encouraging answer, being that you seem to be so helplessly and obviously in love with me." I nudged him hard in the shoulder in response, rolling my eyes while doing so. Potter laughed at this, then paused for a moment, looking unsure of himself before speaking again, "But, er, thanks, Y/n." He saw the puzzled look on my face, then explained, "You know, for helping me with all of this." He began to fidget nervously with his fingers. "I... I don't think I could've done any of this without your help."

I opened my mouth to agree, but stopped mid-sentence and looked Potter in the eye, sighing. "Harry..." I paused, "...you know you could've done this without my help, right? As much as my big ego and I like to tease you, you're actually a pretty brilliant student."I stopped for a moment, then added, "And person, for that matter."

A smug look crossed Harry's face. "I don't think anyone's ever told me I'm a good student before," he said, amusement lacing his voice. "A good seeker and person, sure. But never student." His amusement was quickly replaced with surprise. "Wait, were you just being nice to me?" He pretended to be worried. "Where's the real Y/n Pucey and what have you done to her?"

I tried my best not to laugh, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Shut up," I told him, rolling my eyes. "You know I can be nice when I want to."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Then say something nice about me if you're so kind."

Reluctant at first, I agreed. "Fine." I smirked, then said, "You're very handsome. How about that?"