Come Back to Me (Don't Save Me Book 3)

Chapter 20: The Second Task

The blood of his daughter. Those words had been ringing in my head for the last several weeks as we approached the second task. My father wants my blood to return and finish what he started. The thought terrified me and yet I couldn't help but replay the other words he had said over and over in my mind. We need the girl but I want no harm to come to her, Crouch. I mean it. You harm her at all and you are dead. Why did he care if any harm came to me? Why did it matter to him? And I couldn't help but wonder how he discovered I was his daughter. How did he figure it out? How long has he known? Why hasn't he reached out to me? All these thoughts were running through my mind before I felt Severus's hand squeeze my own, bringing me back to reality.

"What's on your mind, darling?"

"Nothing of importance, Sev."

"You know I don't believe that, darling."

"I'll be fine, love. Come, we'll be late." I squeezed his hand, pulling him toward the boats on the Black Lake as we headed to where the second task was taking place. I knew Severus didn't believe me but he was willing to let me change the subject and we climbed into the boat.

We reached the platform soon after and Severus helped me climb out of the boat. Dumbledore began announcing the task and I could see Harry place something in his mouth and he began gagging on whatever green substance he had ingested. The canon sounded and Harry was pushed into the water by Alastor. I gripped Severus's hand tightly as everyone grew silent. Harry had been jerking and writhing before he was pushed into the water and I worried if he was okay. It wasn't long before I saw him jump out of the water, cheers filling the stands before he dived right back in. Now we wait.

...

It felt as if ages had passed before Harry shot out of the water, having rescued Ron and Fleur's sister. I quickly ran down the stairs, pulling Harry into a hug. His body was freezing and he shivered as I held him.

"Harry, that was amazing!"

"I finished last, Aunt Y/n... I-I'm sorry if I let you down."

"Oh, Harry, no! You didn't let me down! You could never let me down! You saved two people! Besides, you didn't finish last."

"Fleur never got past ze Grindylows," Hermione said, mocking Fleur's accent.

"You behaved admirably, Harry. I'm very proud of you," I said and a smile spread across Harry's face. Suddenly Albus made his way through the crowd, calling for silence. I held Harry tightly, trying to warm his freezing body as Albus announced Cedric as first place and Harry as second. Cheers filled the stands as Harry beamed up at me.

"I'm so proud of you, my boy," I said as Harry whipped a few tears that had slipped down his cheeks. Severus came gliding down the stairs and he breathed a sigh of relief when his eyes fell on Harry, though he stayed at a distance, refusing to let anyone know he actually cared.