Trapped

Chapter 11

That morning at breakfast I had walked in late due to my lack of sleep the night before. I sat down with my group at the table in silence, as I was too distracted by Potter to focus on anything else, but nobody had even tried asking me what was going on. Not a single one of them asked why I was late.

I was almost grateful, however a piece of me wondered if any of them worried as I always did when one of them was late. 

Potter looked terrible. Playing around with the food on his plate instead of eating it, not talking to the people around him even when they talked to him. I just watched as he sat there, anxiety and fear taking over his face. Watched until he left the Great Hall to head to class.

Classes were cut early that day due to the task taking place shortly after lunch. And as I sat at the table back in the Great Hall with my friends, I saw Harry leave the Hall with Professor McGonagall. The entire morning I had no desire to check in with him and see how he was doing, for I could see it all in his face, but for some odd reason as he walked out I felt the urge to follow. Felt the urge to ask him how he felt. Whether he thought he was ready or if he wanted me to help him one last time. If he needed any advice, or maybe if he needed a sense of comfort. . . 

No. I don't care how Harry Potter feels right now. I just need to know if he feels ready. That is my job after all. I'm punished if he can't follow through. It's just making me anxious that both of our fates are in his hands right now.

As my friends and I all made our way down to the field where the task was taking place, I found myself debating checking on him. I was distracted the entire walk, staring at the tent I knew he was in. Draco was leading everyone up to the stands, but something took over my body and I tapped Daphne's shoulder. 

"I'll be right back, I'll meet you guys up there, alright?" I whispered to her. She nodded and I split directions and started heading towards the tent. Nobody else was walking down there except me. 

I stood outside the tent, a feeling gnawing at me that I should just walk back up to the stands. I stood there debating with myself for a few seconds until I heard his voice outside the tent. He was talking to Bagman. I listened in, and when I heard Bagman walk away, I whispered through the tent.

"Potter? Potter?"

I could hear shuffling through the thin walls until an opening appeared and Harry was standing there, looking scared as ever. I just started at him for a moment and we stood in silence.

"Are you doing alright?" I asked slowly. He nodded awkwardly. 

"I thought you said you weren't going to see me before the task?" he asked skeptically, turning his head to the side.

"Just trying to make sure you're not freaking yourself out. You know, feeling confident," I said. He definitely did not believe me.

"Right," he said slowly, "well it's not going as well as it could be-"

"Don't say that," I cut him off. He stared at me and I could see the fear in his face. "Just in case you've forgotten, you are more advanced than the dragons. Don't believe that they can beat you, and remember to concentrate," he began nodding. It looked like he was actually taking in my advice.

"Okay," he responded, right before Bagman entered the tent and began calling over all the champions. He turned his head to look at everyone then turned his head back to me. It seemed like he didn't know what to say.

"Go," I whispered. "Don't die," I gave a small laugh. He cracked a smile and I could sense him loosen up. He turned to leave and I turned around to walk back over to the stands, eventually finding my friends at the top.

"Where'd you go, Rina?" Draco asked, as he scooted over so I could sit.

"Down to the tents, I truly have zero confidence in him right now. Basically had to reteach him the spell," I spit out quickly. Why did I say that? Why did I lie?

Anyone who heard laughed as we waiting for the first contestant to start. Fleur went first, and we all watched with anxiety as she completed her task. All they had to do was collect a golden egg hiding under the chained down dragon. Easy.

We watched Victor, and then Cedric complete the tasks successfully. Cedric got burned by the dragon - we didn't know they would be fire breathing - but that was the worst that had happened. Watching how smooth the others went through my confidence in Harry grew slightly. Then he walked out onto the field, and my stomach dropped.

He looked around the arena, out of breath already, and eyed the dragon. I stood out of my seat, having been inching off of it already I had to stand. Only Blaise and Pansy stood with me, I assumed so they could get a better look. 

The dragon attacked him first, since Harry failed to make the first move. Merlin, Potter. What an idiot.

He hid behind the rocks and I could tell he was panicking. The dragon was spitting fire at him left and right.

I let out a sigh and rolled my eyes. "YOUR WAND, POTTER."

I guess he had heard me as he quickly pulled out his wand and summoned his broom. Successful use of the charm I had taught him. The broom landed in his hand and I let out a breath. Then he continued to be stupid and flew around so high the dragon followed him, breaking off the chain. They both disappeared behind the castle and we were all left sitting there in worry and confusion.

"Okay, I did not waste my time sitting here to have Potter die behind the arena," Draco said sarcastically. I was able to let out a laugh but I couldn't stop thinking about what was happening where we couldn't watch.

"If he dies right now I am going to be pissed," I said, sitting back down. Draco rubbed my back to calm me down. He knew this was bringing me anxiety , but he didn't know to what extent. I was not only worried about myself and my father, but also Potter. All that work didn't go for nothing.

Potter zoomed back into the arena and I stood up immediately. He swooped down and grabbed the egg as the dragon followed close behind. I let out a sigh of relief and sat back down, more comfortably than before, as Potter walked back into the tent. He seemed hurt . . . but Draco pulled me by the arm and dragged me back down to the castle. I didn't have time to think about if he was hurt or not, he was alive and that was all that mattered to me.