Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 4.16: The Second Task

Students streamed down the hill towards the Black Lake, the excitement in the air palpable as small boats awaited to ferry them to the viewing towers. The chilly morning air was filled with the hum of eager chatter and the rustle of winter cloaks. Hogwarts students mixed with those from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, all heading towards the towers that had been erected to give the spectators a clear view of the lake.

The Champions waited at the base of the towers, each preparing in their own way. Fleur Delacour stood imperiously, her striking features set in a mask of calm confidence. She seemed oblivious to the group of Beauxbatons girls who buzzed around her, offering words of encouragement and admiration.

Nearby, Igor Karkaroff whispered intensely to Viktor Krum, who remained impassive and focused, his eyes fixed on the lake. Cedric Diggory, in contrast, was rolling his neck and stretching, trying to ease the tension in his muscles. He turned to Lyanna, who was standing beside him, her expression a mix of determination and nerves.

"Feeling ready?" Cedric asked, giving her a reassuring smile.

Lyanna nodded, though she couldn't hide the flicker of anxiety in her eyes. "As ready as I'll ever be. You?"

Cedric chuckled softly. "I think so. Just trying to stay loose. It's not every day you dive into a lake for a competition, is it?"

She laughed, the sound easing some of the tension between them. "No, it certainly isn't. Just remember to keep your wits about you, and don't take unnecessary risks."

He nodded, appreciating her concern. "Same goes for you. Stay safe out there, Lyanna."

They shared a brief, meaningful look before bidding each other good luck. As they made their way to their assigned positions, Lyanna couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for Cedric's warm presence. It gave her a small measure of comfort amidst the looming uncertainty of the task ahead.

The viewing towers loomed tall, providing the perfect vantage point for the spectators. The students clambered into the boats, which began to glide smoothly across the lake towards the platforms. Lyanna took a deep breath, the cold air filling her lungs, and glanced back at the cheering crowd. She spotted familiar faces—her friends, her fellow Ravenclaws, and even some Slytherins and Gryffindors who waved and shouted encouragement.

Reaching her assigned spot, Lyanna took a moment to center herself. She remembered the vision from the Crystal Ball, the sight of her friends and the other champions' loved ones suspended underwater. The memory steeled her resolve. She would do whatever it took to ensure their safety.

The judges, including Dumbledore and the other heads of the schools, took their places, and the crowd fell into a hush of anticipation. Ludo Bagman's magically amplified voice rang out across the lake, announcing the start of the Second Task. The champions stood at the edge of the platforms, ready to dive into the frigid waters below.

Lyanna glanced over at Cedric one last time, their eyes meeting in silent support. He gave her a small nod, and she returned it, feeling a sense of solidarity. The competition was fierce, but there was also an unspoken bond between them. They were in this together, facing the unknown with courage and determination.

As the signal was given, Lyanna took a deep breath and dove into the lake. The cold water enveloped her instantly, and she kicked her legs to propel herself downward. The noise of the surface world faded away, replaced by the eerie silence of the underwater realm.

Her vision adjusted to the dim light, and she began to swim, her mind focused on the task ahead. The weight of the magical compass Professor van Houten had given her hung around her neck, and she clutched it tightly. The needle pointed forward, guiding her towards her goal.