Immortal Magic (Book 1)

Chapter Sixty

Allison's Point of View.

"Harry, tell us again," Hermione said for what felt like the hundredth time. It had been four weeks since Harry and I had figured out the clue hidden inside the golden egg. 

During those weeks, Harry had written to Sirius, telling him everything that had happened the night we went to the Prefects' Bathroom. Moody, Snape, Mr Crouch, all of it.

Yesterday, Sirius finally replied, asking us to meet him during the next Hogsmeade weekend. Unfortunately, that still didn't help Harry solve the biggest issue.

He still had absolutely no idea how he was supposed to survive underwater for an entire hour. ''Come and seek us where our voices sound,'" Harry recited tiredly from where his head rested on top of an open book.

"The Black Lake," Hermione said immediately. "That part's obvious." She nods. "An hour long, you'll have to look," Harry continued miserably. "Again, obvious," Hermione sighed, "but potentially problematic."

Harry lifted his head slightly and stared at her. "Potentially problematic?" he repeated flatly. "When was the last time you held your breath underwater for an hour, Hermione?"

I snorted quietly beside him while flipping through another book. Ron, who had been dead asleep in the armchair behind us, suddenly jerked awake when Hermione shoved the egg into his stomach.

"Ow!" Ron complained groggily. "What was that for?" He asks her. "You were snoring," Hermione replied shortly. Ron muttered something under his breath and slumped farther into the chair.

I reached over and rested my hand gently on Harry's arm. "Harry, we'll figure this out," I told him softly. "The four of us." Before Harry could answer, the portrait hole swung open.

"Sorry to interrupt this scholarly gathering," Moody growled as he limped into the Common Room, "but Professor McGonagall wants to see you lot." He pointed directly at me, Hermione, and Ron. "Not you, Potter." Harry frowned immediately. "What? Why?"

"But, sir," I protested as I stood up, "the second task is only hours away." I remind him. "Exactly," Moody replied gruffly. "And I'm sure Mr Potter is well prepared and could benefit from a good night's sleep."

His magical eye spun toward Harry. "Go. Now." Ron, Hermione, and I exchanged confused looks before gathering our things. Ron handed me the egg so I could pass it back to Harry.

As I gave it to him, I squeezed his arm reassuringly. "You'll figure it out," I whispered. Harry didn't look convinced. As we passed Moody, he suddenly barked, "Longbottom!"

Neville nearly jumped out of his skin. "Yes, Professor?" Neville asks him. "Need a word with you." I frowned slightly but followed Ron and Hermione out into the corridor. When we reached McGonagall's office, I knocked carefully on the door.

"Come in," Professor McGonagall called. I opened the door, and the three of us stepped inside. Immediately, we froze. Fleur Delacour's younger sister was sitting nervously in one of the chairs.

Ron blinked. "Uh." McGonagall folded her hands neatly atop her desk. "You are all probably wondering why I've called you here."

"That would be helpful," Ron muttered. McGonagall ignored him. "As you know, the second task is tomorrow morning," she began calmly. "And the four of you will be participating in it."

All three of us stared at her. "What?" Ron blurted. "In a manner of speaking," McGonagall corrected. "Something important has to be taken from each champion. Something they must retrieve from the Black Lake."

Hermione frowned thoughtfully before realisation dawned on her face. "You mean, us?" Hermione asks her, shocked. "Yes," McGonagall replied. "You four are what the champions must recover."