whispers (h.g x fem oc) book 2

Chapter #21

The Gryffindor common room buzzed with energy as Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Alexia gathered around the fireplace, discussing the upcoming Triwizard Tournament task. Harry, his face lit up with excitement, announced triumphantly, "I've cracked it! The clue in the egg—it's about something underwater."

Ron's eyes widened in disbelief, while Hermione leaned forward eagerly. But it was Alexia's reaction that stole the show. Her expression shifted from curiosity to sheer panic in an instant, her eyes widening as she blurted out, "Water?!"

The room fell silent for a moment before erupting into laughter. Ron doubled over, clutching his stomach, while Hermione giggled behind her hand. Even Harry couldn't help but chuckle at Alexia's unexpected outburst.

"Are you serious?" Ron managed to choke out between laughs. "The girl who tames a giant three-headed dog is afraid of water?" Ron exclaimed incredulously, his eyes wide with amusement.

Alexia rolled her eyes, shooting him a playful glare. "Hey, that was different," she protested, though a hint of laughter danced in her eyes. "Fluffy wasn't so bad once you got to know him." 

Hermione reached out to pat Alexia's arm reassuringly. "Don't worry, Alex," she said with a smile. "You're not the one going underwater."

"Thanks, that's helpful.", Harry says sarcastically while rolling his eyes, making the other three laugh. 

The four friends gathered around a table in the library, their heads bent over a stack of books and parchment scattered across the surface. Hermione, as always, was flipping through a tome with remarkable speed, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"We need to find a way for Harry to hold his breath underwater for thirty minutes," she said, her voice determined.

Ron leaned back in his chair, scratching his head. "Thirty minutes? Blimey, that's a long time. I can barely hold my breath for thirty seconds."

Harry nodded, a worried expression crossing his face. "I don't know if I can do it," he admitted, his eyes darting between his friends.

Alexia, ever the optimist, flashed him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Harry, we'll figure something out," she said, her tone confident.

With renewed determination, they delved back into their research, poring over books on magical breathing techniques, underwater charms, and potion ingredients that might help. Hours passed in a blur as they scoured the library for answers.

The quartet huddled around the table in the library, frustration evident on each of their faces. Book after book had been combed through, yet they still hadn't found a solution to Harry's dilemma.

"This is hopeless," Ron muttered, running a hand through his hair in exasperation.

Hermione let out a sigh, her brow furrowed with concentration. "I can't believe we haven't found anything yet. We're running out of time."

Harry's shoulders slumped, his anxiety growing with each passing minute. "What are we going to do? I can't just go into the lake and hope for the best." Alexia, usually the one to offer a glimmer of hope, looked equally frustrated. 

---///---

The next morning, the quartet is eating breakfast, Hermione, with a copy of Witch Weekly in her hands rolls her eyes annoyingly as yet another rumour about her girlfriend, Alexia, makes the front page, as Rita Skeeter keeps writing articles about her.

Hermione's frustration was palpable as she scanned the latest issue of Witch Weekly, her lips pressed into a thin line. The magazine's sensational headlines never failed to irk her, especially when they targeted someone she cared about.