Ophelia Black ~ Harry Potter fanfic

The Egg

"Harry, you told me you'd figured out the egg weeks ago."

"The task is two days from now..." I remind him, just to annoy him further. He gives me a look that lets me know he doesn't find any of this funny.

"Really, Lia? I had no idea," he says, shoving me to the side. I laugh. "I suppose Viktor's already figured it out."

"Wouldn't know. We don't actually talk about the tournament. Actually, we don't really talk at all. Viktor's more of a physical being..." Hermione says, making me and Harry burst into laughter. Hermione hits us both as she tries not to laugh as well. "I just mean he's not particularly loquacious. Mostly, he watches me study. It's a bit annoying, actually. You are trying to figure this egg out, aren't you?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It just means these tasks are designed to test you in the most brutal way. They're almost cruel. And I'm scared for you."

"You got by the dragon mostly on nerve," I say, starting to worry for him just a little. "I'm not sure it's going to be enough this time."

"Hey, Potter! Potter!" We all look back at the familiar voice. I immediately smile at the annoyed look on Harry's face. He's so cute when he's jealous.

"Ophelia Black, why is Cedric running down the hall to talk to me?" Harry turns to look at me seriously as he lowers his voice. I look up at him, all innocent, with the sweetest smile displayed.

"He might've told me he had figured out his clue, and I might have told him you needed help with the egg... and I might've convinced him to help you." I smile sheepishly, knowing Harry will probably not like the idea of Cedric helping him.

"That's so sweet of him. He must really like you, O," Hermione gushes, making Harry scoff. I laugh. I'm really enjoying jealous Harry.

"Hey, Harry-" Cedric finally catches up to us.

"Cedric," Harry greets dryly. I elbow him.

"Hello, Ced," I say, giving him a little wave, which makes him smile.

"Hello, Ophelia." He also waves at Hermione, then turns back to Harry. "How are you?" he asks.

"Spectacular."

I roll my eyes at his sarcasm. I'm gonna have to talk to him... we actually haven't talked about what happened that night after the ball. We've just been acting the same but different. I don't know how to explain it. It's not awkward, though; it's nice, but I do feel a bit confused about where this leaves us. We're not just friends, but we're not a couple either. We're in that weird in-between.

"Can we talk? In private?"

"No-"

"He'd love to." I push Harry forward. "Off you go." Harry glares at me as he begins to walk away, with Cedric following. I laugh but instantly stop when I turn around and see Hermione's face. She was giving me an odd look.

"What?" I ask innocently.

"What's happened?"

"Whatever do you mean?" We start walking down the hall.

"There's something off. You and Harry... you guys seem different. You look happier. And he... he's looking at you like he's seen the sun for the first time-"

"The sun? Really..." I smile at her word choice.

"Oh, come on, O! Don't tell me you haven't noticed it. To be quite honest, I think Harry's always had a bit of a crush on you-"

"What about you and Ron?" I abruptly ask, changing the subject. "What happened between you two? What was the fight about?"

She huffs, instantly irritated as she thinks back to their fight. "Your brother is the most selfish jerk to ever exist! I just wanted to have one night. One night where I could feel special, and he had to go and ruin it! Saying he was too old for me and that he didn't really like me-" I instantly feel bad as I'm reminded of a certain event this summer that changed the way Ron acted.

"He's just worried for you. He's trying to 'protect you.' Because deep down, he really cares for you, wholeheartedly."

It's my fault Ron now feels responsible for protecting us, for fighting off anyone who, in his eyes, might be a "threat" to us. He's scared. He's been scared ever since that summer day. He's tried denying it to not make me feel bad, but I can tell. He feels guilty, and he's scared after what I told him... things I should have kept to myself. It's my burden, but now I've burdened him too by opening up to him and telling him about my past.

"Well, I don't need his protection. And he could really work on showing how much you say he allegedly cares because it doesn't feel that way."

"Well, it is that way, Mione. He cares. He's wrong for the way he acted and the things he said to you, but it didn't stem from a place of hatred. He didn't want to purposely ruin your night... I hope you can find it in you to forgive him. Even though I know I'd be terribly mad too if I were you, so I won't judge you if you choose to remain mad."

"You know I'll forgive him. I always do. I can never seem to stay mad at that bloody idiot." I smile as I put my arm around her shoulder, pulling her close.

"He's our bloody idiot." She laughs, "but that doesn't mean I won't yell at him for treating you so harshly. I might even throw a few blows at him." We both laugh.

"Good. The bloke deserves it."

And you know that as soon as I laid my eyes on Ron, I pummeled him to oblivion.

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

"Harry, tell me again."

"Come seek us where our voices sound," Harry muttered tiredly for the 100th time.

"The Black Lake, that's obvious." Hermione was pacing back and forth in the library as Ron and I tried our best not to fall asleep.

"An hour long you'll have to look."

"Again, obvious. Though, admittedly, potentially problematic." I can't help but laugh when she says that. Harry, on the other hand, did not find it the least bit funny.

"'Potentially problematic'? When's the last time you held your breath underwater for an hour, Hermione?"

"Look, Harry, we can do this. Don't worry, we'll figure it out. The three of us can figure it out." I say soothingly as I walk over to him and place my hand on his shoulder. He visibly relaxes as he lays his hand on top of mine, giving me a small smile. I could practically feel how anxious he was.

"Hate to break up the skull session." Mad-Eye Moody walked in, breaking the silent moment. "Professor McGonagall wants you two girls in her office. Just Black and Granger."

"No, no, I can't leave, not yet-" I start at the same time as Hermione.

"But, sir, the second task is only hours away, and-"

"Exactly. Presumably, Potter is well prepared by now and could do with a good night's sleep. Go. Now."

I look back at Harry worriedly and give him a hug before leaving. "Don't worry, it'll be okay... I promise. I'll think of something."

He hugs me back even tighter. He's nervous, and I am too. This tournament is made to be dangerous; if he goes out there unprepared... he could die.

I pull back from the hug just a bit as I place my hands on either side of his face. "Come on, Gryffindor, you're looking a bit scared." I joke. He smiles lightly.

"Never."

With that, I was rushed out by Professor Moody and forced to leave Harry alone.