Through Fire and Water

Chapter 11: Steady Steps

Harriet's POV

Getting back to normal was easier said than done. Although Madam Pomfrey had given me the all-clear to leave the hospital wing, the lingering effects of the cold still clung to me. I couldn't shake the exhaustion that seemed to settle in my bones, and every now and then, I'd be caught by a cough that reminded me just how long I'd been submerged in that icy water. Still, I was determined not to let it hold me back.

Caden had been keeping a close watch on me, even more so than usual. His protective side had come out in full force, always making sure I was warm enough, that I wasn't overdoing it, and that I took things slow. As much as I appreciated his care, I could tell he was just as eager as I was to get back to our usual routine.

The first few days back were quiet. Too quiet. The other students were already buzzing about the upcoming third task, whispering about what new danger the champions would face. Meanwhile, I was stuck on the sidelines, trying to find my footing again.

"You know you don't have to pretend to be okay," Hermione said one afternoon, sitting beside me in the common room. I had been staring at the fire, lost in thought, while she worked on her homework. "It's alright to take your time."

I smiled at her, appreciating her concern. "I'm fine, really. Just... tired."

Hermione gave me a knowing look. "Well, tired or not, you've been through a lot. That lake wasn't exactly a relaxing swim."

I laughed softly, though it quickly turned into a cough. "No, it definitely wasn't."

She frowned, clearly not convinced. "Just promise me you won't push yourself too hard."

"I won't," I said, though I knew that wasn't entirely true. I couldn't stand the idea of being stuck in this in-between state-too recovered to stay in bed, but not strong enough to really jump back into my usual routine.

Caden's POV

Watching Harriet struggle to get back to normal was harder than I'd anticipated. She was strong, determined, but I could see the frustration in her eyes every time she had to stop and catch her breath. It reminded me just how close we had come during the second task, and it made me even more determined to stay by her side, to make sure she didn't push herself too hard.

We spent most of our days together, finding quiet corners of the castle to relax in, away from the noise of the other students who were all too eager to talk about the tournament. I could tell Harriet was still exhausted, though she tried to hide it. Every now and then, I'd catch her wincing or pausing to take a deep breath, and it reminded me that she wasn't fully recovered yet.

"You don't have to rush this," I said one afternoon as we walked around the grounds, the crisp air biting at our faces. Harriet had insisted on getting outside for some fresh air, though I wasn't sure it was the best idea. The weather was still cool, and I didn't want her getting sick again.

"I know," she replied, her breath coming out in soft puffs of mist. "But I hate feeling like this. I'm not used to... being weak."

I frowned, stopping to face her. "You're not weak, Harriet. You're recovering. There's a difference."

She gave me a small smile, though I could see the frustration behind it. "I know. I just... I want things to go back to how they were."

I reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, my fingers brushing against her cool skin. "They will. You just need time."

Harriet sighed, leaning into my touch. "I feel like I've been stuck in this state for too long. I hate waiting."

I smiled softly, pulling her closer so that her head rested against my chest. "Then don't think of it as waiting. Think of it as getting stronger. Every day, you're closer to being fully back to yourself."

She sighed, her arms wrapping around me as we stood there, the cool breeze rustling the trees around us. The Black Lake stretched out before us, the place where everything had changed, yet somehow, it was still peaceful.

Harriet's POV

As the days went on, I slowly began to regain my strength. My steps became steadier, the cough less frequent, and with Caden by my side, I felt more grounded. There were still moments when I'd have to sit down, when the fatigue would hit me harder than expected, but I was getting better.

The third task was drawing closer, and I could feel the anticipation building in the air. The other students were buzzing with excitement, each one speculating about what the champions would face next. But for me, it was a reminder that I had nearly lost something during the second task-something that had nothing to do with the tournament itself.

I wasn't worried about Caden's abilities. He had proven himself time and time again. But the idea of watching him go through another dangerous challenge, of seeing him in harm's way again, sent a wave of anxiety through me that I couldn't quite shake.

One evening, as we sat together by the fire in the common room, I voiced the fear that had been gnawing at me.

"Are you... worried about the third task?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Caden looked over at me, his silver eyes filled with quiet confidence. "A little. But I'm ready for it."

I nodded, trying to match his confidence, but the anxiety still lingered. "I just... I hate that they keep putting you in danger."

He reached over, taking my hand in his, his thumb gently stroking the back of it. "I know. But this is the last task. After this, it'll all be over."

I smiled weakly, leaning into him. "Promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise," he said, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. "I'll come back to you, like I always do."

I nodded, resting my head against his shoulder as we sat in the warmth of the fire. Despite the anxiety, there was comfort in his words, in the steady presence he always provided. No matter what the tournament threw at us, I knew we'd face it together.

Caden's POV

The days leading up to the third task were filled with preparation. I spent hours in the library, researching spells and strategies that would help me through whatever challenge lay ahead. The third task was a mystery-none of the champions knew what it would entail, only that it would be something more dangerous than the previous ones.

But no matter how much time I spent preparing, my thoughts always drifted back to Harriet. She had been growing stronger, her recovery steady, but I could still see the worry in her eyes whenever the tournament was mentioned. She had always been fiercely independent, but this time, I could tell she was scared.

And that scared me too.

One afternoon, as we were walking back from a quiet spot by the Black Lake, I stopped and turned to her. "You know I'm going to be alright, don't you?"

Harriet looked up at me, her green eyes soft but troubled. "I know you'll be fine. But I can't help worrying."

I smiled, pulling her closer so that her head rested against my chest. "I'll come back to you. Always."

She nodded, though I could still feel the tension in her body. "I know. But the tournament... it's just dangerous, and after the second task..."

I tightened my hold on her, understanding her fear more than I wanted to admit. The tournament had already taken its toll on both of us, but this was the final task. After this, it would be over.

"I'll be careful," I promised, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "And when it's done, we'll have all the time in the world."