Staying Alive // D.M *On Hold*

2.3 - Things That Shouldn't Concern Mia

Harry had been frantic after the second task. He had barely waited for the judges to give their points before he started yelling at everyone for letting such a thing happen. It was as if he was possessed by some kind of demonic spirit. The veins on his forehead popped as he told Hermione off, walking over to Cornelius Fudge to give him a piece of his mind. How dare they use his sister like that? What if something happened? What if she had drowned? Hadn't he lost enough already? 

His sister was not a pawn to be used in their games of glory. It was what he shouted to the faces of three judges. No one has ever seen Harry go against Dumbledore so openly and most were shocked to see the way he slapped the old man's hand away when he tried to reach for him to calm the boy down. Madame Maxime's face turned paper white after hearing about the girl's aquaphobia and lack of swimming skills for she had no idea. She thought the chosen students were capable. Karkoroff hasn't done much other than sneer towards Harry and demand points to be added to Viktor Krum for his student was the one who saved the girl. His reasoning was rightful to his mind but none of the other judges cared to think on the matter.

Mia watched the scene unfold on the other float as Draco cast warming charms one after one as they fade away. She was dry when they reached the shore again on small boats. Her brother was waiting for her on the small dock. Draco took her towels, casting one last charm and telling her to go visit Madame Pomfrey as soon as she could before leaving. To her utmost surprise, her brother stopped him with a hand on his elbow. Draco turned to face him with an eyebrow raised in surprise.

"I thought I would never say this, Malfoy." Harry licked his lips, offering Mia a small smile over the blond boy's shoulder before looking right into Draco's icy eyes. "Thank you...for helping my sister. I-uh, I heard how you tried to jump into the lake after her." 

Draco was good at hiding his emotions but Mia could see the slight softening in his eyes as he gave Harry a nod. Her brother gulped down, letting his arm go weirdly. "I didn't do it for you." 

Harry shrugged, "I know...still,"

Draco spared her one last glance before turning around. "See you later, Potter." It wasn't clear which potter he was talking about but Mia had a feeling that he said that for the both of them. She found it sweet when they were being at least civil to each other. She jumped into her brother's arms as soon as she could. 

"I'm so sorry, Effie," Harry mumbled into her hair, his hand petting it softly. "I would never let them do that to you if I knew." 

"I know, Harry." Mia nodded, sniffing Harry's relaxing scent. He was still a bit wet and sweaty but he smelled like cookies their neighbor Arabella would offer them and of the sea. It was a wonder how something that scared her to death would have a relaxing effect on her. She worked in mysterious ways. She knew he would always try to keep her from harm, she felt so safe in his arms, like she was at home. "I figured it moments before McGonagall called me, I fainted on the way." Harry let her pull back to look into her identical eyes, emerald green was the only thing they had as same other than their last name. The only thing proving their shared blood. "I half expected her to let me go and chose someone else, maybe Ron, but she didn't. I felt like I was dying, Harry. I couldn't breathe for a moment." 

Harry watched tears fall down her cheeks with a pained expression, his hands raised to wipe her tears away. He wanted to chase all her fears away like he did when they were younger. They have been in this situation countless times now. Mia would cry and Harry would comfort, it was rarely the other way around. He pulled her into another hug, kissing her temple as he did so. Mia sobbed against his chest for a few more minutes. "I know I can't chase that fear away, Mia, but I promise I will try harder." 

"You don't have to try harder," she whispered, her voice cracked. "you're already perfect. You're the best brother I could ever wish for." 

"So are you Mia, I love you so much."