Falling Star

The Second Task Part 2

I sleep fitfully that night-my dreams are riddled with disturbing images. In one, Harry is strangled and drowned by the Giant Squid in the Black Lake. In another, Dumbledore betrays us all and sends Ron and Hermione right into the Death Eaters' clutches. In yet another, I drown along with Harry in the lake while trying to save him.

I wake up long before any rays of sunlight filter in through the window. A cold sweat fastens my nightshirt to my back and makes my hair cling to my neck and face. I throw back the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed. My feet softly hit the cold floor, and I stand up, wanting to see if Hermione is back yet. I know I can't go back to sleep, and I don't want to be alone. 

I scoff at myself. How old am I? Getting this freaked out over some nightmares. I feel like a little kid again, running to Draco's room when I had a bad dream. I tiptoe across the short distance between my bed and Hermione's and gently peel back the curtains surrounding her bed. It's empty, which causes my stomach to tighten uncomfortably. Why isn't she back yet? What could Dumbledore need from her that would take all night? 

Letting the curtain fall back into place, I decide to go ahead and get dressed for the day and then make my way down to the common room. The common room is quiet and empty when I arrive, and I take my usual spot by the fireplace. The fire is still blazing-like it knew that I needed to feel its warmth at the moment. 

At some point I must have dozed off, because I am awakened by Harry shaking my shoulder. 

I blink away the clinging sleep and stretch. "Good morning." 

Harry cocks an eyebrow at me. "Morning. Why did you sleep in the common room?" 

"I couldn't sleep, so I came down here a few hours ago. I must have dozed off. What time is it?" I ask, seeing light streaming in the windows now and other students milling about. 

"Around 8:30. I was going to get breakfast." He's quiet for a moment. "Ron never came back last night. Did Hermione?" 

I shake my head. "I'm sure they will make it back in time to watch you complete your second task. Don't worry, Harry." 

Harry nods, looking very much worried. 

I stand and loop my arm through his. "Come on. Let's eat. You need all your strength today if you want a chance at beating Krum." 

This gets him to laugh, and we make our way to the Great Hall for breakfast. 

***

It's cold and the large gray clouds have blocked any hope of warm sunshine at the Black Lake. I look through the crowd for any glimpse of Ron-he always gives me his jacket when its cold-or Hermione. But they are still unaccounted for. I let out a huff of worry and annoyance, then huddle with the rest of the Gryffindors on the makeshift viewing platform atop the lake. 

"Could I have everyone's attention please," the announcer's voice rang out, effectively silencing the chatter rumbling through the large crowd. 

"Our Triwizard Champions have each had one very important item stolen from them last night and taken to the bottom of the Black Lake and guarded by the Merpeople. They have one hour to retrieve their stolen goods. On my mark...Begin!" A large canon boomed. 

"Something important was stolen..." The words feel like a lead ball crashing into my head. More like "someone" was stolen. Ron and Hermione are in the lake. All of my friends were now going to be underwater, surrounded by all sorts of creatures, for an hour. I feel sick to my stomach. 

Immediately after the canon, Cedric and Fleur conjure a bubble around their heads, and Krum's whole head is replaced by that of a shark's. Harry looks a bit bewildered, but he quickly shoves something in his mouth. He appears to choke on it, clutching his chest before crashing into the water. The crowd gasps, Neville wails about killing Harry Potter, and I lurch forward, wanting to jump after Harry. Something catches my arm and pulls me back. I whip around to see Professor McGonagall, who then releases my arm. 

"He will be alright, Miss Malfoy. He must complete the task on his own," she says calmly. "I have faith in the boy. You must have some, too." 

I don't reply and simply nod, afraid of my voice giving out if I dare open my mouth. I turn back to face the water, but I can feel her presence behind me, and it gives me some comfort. 

The waiting is agony. It feels as if we are collectively holding our breath, only allowed to release it once each and every Champion and loved one are returned safely to the surface. 

A little past the halfway mark, another wizard brings a gasping Fleur to the surface. She is brought to the platform and wrapped in a towel. Her arms and legs are covered in scratches, and her face is as white as a sheet. Her jaw is set tight, and her eyes are wide. She looks as if she is trying very hard to hold back tears.

Whispers pick up throughout the crowd. Fleur was attacked by Grindylows and disqualified from the task. 

What would happen to whoever she was supposed to retrieve? Surely they wouldn't just let the person die. Would they? The thought makes my mouth go dry and my heartbeat quicken. 

After another 10 minutes go by, Cedric bursts out of the water holding onto Cho Chang. Roaring applause greets them both as they swim to shore. Close behind him is Viktor Krum with Hermione. I shout with relief and join the applause. 

Everyone waits anxiously for the last Champion, Harry, to return to the surface. Minutes tick by and there is still no sign of him. I bounce impatiently from foot to foot, the anticipation making me want to crawl out of my skin. 

"He's not going to make it back in time," someone in the crowd near me says. 

"'Course he is. He's Harry Potter! He can do anything," another person retorts. 

"There's only a minute left....30 seconds....10..."

Ripples can be seen in the water. Everyone's attention is laser focused on that spot. A young girl breaks through the surface first, followed by Ron. A wail can be heard from the front of the platform. Fleur sobs in relief at the recognition that her sister is alright. Ron, in his own dazed state, helps the girl swim over to her sister. 

A few seconds later, just in time, Harry's head pops above water. The crowd goes wild-cheering, screaming, clapping, hugging each other. Harry Potter saved not only his person but Fleur's as well. I break through the chaotic crowd and run to my friends, barreling into Hermione. Fleur kisses Ron's cheek for saving her sister, and he looks starstruck. 

As soon as Harry climbs onto the platform, we surround him. 

"You did it, Harry!" 

"That was amazing!" 

"I'm so glad you're alright!" 

We all talk over each other, but we don't care. Our friends are all okay, and that is what matters. 

"ATTENTION, ATTENTION! The scores have been tallied and these are the final rankings for the second task. Fleur Delacour comes in last place as she was disqualified from the trial. Viktor Krum comes in second with his time. Cedric Diggory was the fastest to save his charge, and therefore comes in first. However, for his bravery in saving not one but two people from the Black Lake, Harry Potter will tie Mr. Diggory for first place. Congratulations!" 

All of us squeal in delight and wrap our arms around each other. 

Harry now had an advantage in the last trial of the tournament.