𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑢𝑝𝑜𝑛 𝑎 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 \\ 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗷. 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

𝑋𝑋𝑋𝑉𝐼𝐼.

— ✩ ☽ ✩ —

𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝘳 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙮-𝙨𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣

— ✩ ☽ ✩ —

IN THE LIBRARY, Harry laid his head on a book, as Hermione and Caroline worked to decipher the message from the egg. Christmas break was over, and the four friends were busy. Ron sat in a chair, not helping in the slightest. As Hermione paced, Caroline sat on the table Harry rested his head on with her legs crossed, skimming through a book.

      "Harry, tell me again." Hermione requested. Caroline looked up from her book.

      "'Come seek us where our voices sound.'" Harry recited, hitting his chin into the book on every word. He glanced up at Caroline, who gave him a half-hearted smile.

      "Well, the Black Lake is the most obvious clue." said Caroline, putting her book down. It gave her no help whatsoever.

      Hermione handed Ron the egg, waking him up. "'An hour long you'll have to look.'" Harry recited again.

      "Again, obvious. Though, admittedly potentially problematic." Hermione said. Caroline tilted her head to the side.

      Harry lifted his head from the book, looking at Hermione. "'Potentially problematic'? When's the last time you held your breath underwater for an hour, Hermione?" he put his head back on the book.

      Caroline placed her hand on his shoulder, making him look up at her. "Harry, calm down. We can do this. The four of us can figure it out." she said as Ron stood up, walking towards the group.

      "Hate to break up the skull session," said a voice belonging to Professor Moody. "but Professor Mcgonagall wants to see you in her office." Harry and Caroline began to move, when Professor Moody stopped them. "Not you Potter and Taylor-Jones, just Weasley and Granger."

      "But sir, the second task is only hours away, and–" Hermione began, but was cut off.

      "Exactly. Presumably, Potter is well prepared by now and could do with a good night's sleep. Go. Now!" Hermione and Ron left after Ron placed the egg on the table.

       Caroline left seconds later, bidding Harry and the professor goodnight. She fell asleep in her dorm soon after, not noticing Hermione wasn't there until the next morning. Caroline just assumed she left early to wish Viktor good luck.

— ✩ ☽ ✩ —

JACOB STOOD ON Caroline's right side, walking next to her. They were walking with Harry and Neville towards the Black Lake for the second task. Neville handed Harry a green substance known by all but Harry. "You're sure about this, Neville?" Harry asked, holding it in his hand.

      "Absolutely." Neville said, nodding.

      "For an hour?" Harry clarified.

      "Most likely." said Neville. Caroline's eyes widened.

      "Most likely?" Harry gaped.

      "Well, there is some debate among herbologists as to the effects of fresh water versus salt water–"

      "You're telling me this now?" Harry seethed. Caroline rolled her eyes, pushing Jacob's hat further on his head. "You must be joking!"

      "I just wanted to help." Neville said quietly.