EIGHTEEN

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The morning of the second Triwizard Task was colder than usual, with a sharp breeze sweeping across the grounds of Hogwarts

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The morning of the second Triwizard Task was colder than usual, with a sharp breeze sweeping across the grounds of Hogwarts. The Black Lake loomed ominously before us, its surface eerily still, reflecting the overcast sky above. The stands were already filling with students, professors, and visitors, all buzzing with a mix of excitement and nerves. Banners fluttered, and cheers echoed around the grounds, but I barely noticed. My stomach was in knots as I stood on the edge of the lake, watching Harry, Cedric, Viktor, and Fleur prepare for the challenge ahead.

Ron and Hermione were already missing—taken as part of the task. I had barely slept the night before, knowing that they, along with the loved ones of the other champions, were the "treasures" hidden deep beneath the Black Lake. Harry hadn't said much during breakfast, but I could see the tension in his jaw, the worry in his eyes. He didn't know who they'd taken for him, but I was sure it would be Ron or Hermione. The thought made my heart twist painfully.

"Don't worry," Neville said quietly, standing beside me. "Harry's got Gillyweed. He'll be able to breathe underwater for an hour."

"Thanks Neville." I said patting his back as I moved towards Dean and Seamus. Seamus is shivering beside Dean, trying to hide it, while Dean's sitting there like he's somehow not bothered by the cold. Typical.

"Honestly, how is this not over yet? I can't feel my feet. If I lose a toe, I'm blaming Harry." I say, sitting down next to Dean.

Seamus grins. "Better than blaming Ron. You know he's probably getting eaten by the squid right about now."

I snort, picturing Ronald flailing about, screaming like a madman. He can add being trapped underwater onto his list he's afraid of.

"Nah," Dean smirks, "Ron's probably made friends with it by now. He's definitely told the squid his tragic backstory. Your mum will be knitting another Christmas jumper by now S for Squid coming up I bet."

I burst out laughing.

"Oh, one hundred percent. And next thing you know, he's inviting it over to The Burrow. Mum's there pouring tea, and the squid's waving its tentacles like, 'Pass the scones, Mrs. Weasley!'"

Seamus is practically wheezing. "And Percy's sitting there with his nose in the air, saying, 'I don't trust the squid. It's breaking Ministry regulations.'"

That just about kills me. Percy, with his clipboard, giving the squid a safety lecture. Percy and me never got on as children due to his level head. Dean's laughing now too, shaking his head.

"Percy's probably out there right now, standing at the lake, clipboard in hand. 'Please adhere to all lake-dwelling creature protocols, Mr. Squid.'"

I'm laughing so hard I'm crying. "Meanwhile, Fred and George are probably trying to sell it joke products. 'Oi, Squiddy! Ever wanted to prank a mermaid? This trick gillyweed will make you sound like a troll.'"

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