Forever, I Promise

The Second Task

The stormy sky churned above us as we marched down to the Black Lake. Hundreds of students and teachers all shuffled on the dirt paths towards a large commotion by the docks.

"Where's Potter?" a voice shouted over the ruckus. A squeaky voice... Professor Flitwick.

"Potter?" came a chorus of voices.

"Shit," I murmured under my breath, stepping onto my tiptoes.

"What's wrong? Potter's missing?" I rolled my eyes at Draco next to me. "Figures."

"Draco, not the time. This is serious. Harry has to compete."

"Should we go look for him?" I peered above the crowd and a flash of ginger hair swirled in the sudden breeze.

"No, but I found Ginny. Come on." Draco grumbled as I dragged him through the crowd, his slender fingers tugging on his emerald hat. Even though he and Harry weren't on the best terms, I forced him to wear a Gryffindor shirt underneath his jacket. He hadn't complained so far, so I guess that was a win.

"Rue!" Ginny waved me over. "The boats are full and Fred and George just tipped a Beaubattons one in the middle of the lake." Draco smirked and I elbowed his ribs. He grabbed them, shooting me a dirty look.

"Where's Harry?" I whispered, pulling her closer so only she would hear.

"He's not here?" Ginny's eyes widened slightly, her eyebrows raising.

"They were calling for him just a second ago. Flitwick, I think."

"Oh," her lips pursed, "I haven't seen him all morning. I thought he was with Ron. They never showed last night. I wanted to wish him luck." She winked.

"Yeah, Neville said they never came home from the library. He was up all night waiting. Where would they be?" I glanced around again as Ginny frowned.

Draco stepped closer. "Going with Vin and Greg. See you on the platform?" I nodded and he did the same. "Weasley," he said, matter-of-factly. She flipped him off and he smirked, turning and disappearing into the crowd.

"What an ass," she murmured. I pretended not to hear. Suddenly, an idea sprang to my mind.

"I'm going to ask Dobby to find him." Ginny beamed.

"Yes! That's perfect." She squeezed my hand. "You're so smart, Rue-rue." I blushed slightly at the childlike nickname.

We pushed our way to the edge of the crowd and stepped into the tree line. Our footsteps crunched on the leaves and twigs beneath our heavy boots. It really was freezing. Hopefully, Harry would be done quickly.

When the voices and ruckus of students moving to the docks had quieted to a whisper, I whispered into the air, "Dobby?" 

Nothing.

"Dobby!" Ginny screamed. I glared at her, though a laugh escaped my lips. "Dobby!" she called out, "we need you!" A loud snap rang out through the winter air. I spun around and peered at the little elf in front of me.

"Hello, Miss Rue," his high-pitched voice echoed through the trees.

"Dobby! Oh, it's so good to see you again!" I bent down and hugged him quickly.

"Miss Weasley, a pleasure to meet you."

Ginny gave him a firm handshake and smiled up at me. "You too, Dobby. I've heard of your bravery."

He giggled, making my mouth turn up into a grin. "Miss, you are too kind." Her laugh trickled up into her eyes and they shone in the dim, smoky light of the forest.