The Protector

The Second Task

"Bridget, don't do that to your lips. They'll get chapped," Harry knew me all too well. I had been eating off the skin from my lips. But I couldn't help it. I was, as one would say, petrified.

Neville came up behind us. He pulled something out of his pocket. It was almost like a worm. Green and coiled into a circle.

Harry took it, "And this will last me an hour?"

"Most likely," Neville nodded.

"Most likely?" I asked.

"Well, in the Herbology community there was some debate whether it works in salt water verses fresh water but-"

"Why are you telling us this now and not earlier?" Harry groaned.

"I was trying to help and this was my only option."

"We're thankful for it Neville," I smiled and reassured him. "Better than what we would've came up with. Besides it should work."

•••

"Welcome Students," Dumbledore told everyone, "to the second task."

My heart was racing.

"Last night, we had stolen valuables from our champions. The four valuables are now waiting at the bottom of the Black Lake. Each champion has an hour to retrieve their valuables."

I could feel my stomach twisting and turning with every word Dumbledore was speaking. How will I even be able to help?

"Ms. Meadows," McGonagall came up behind me as I stood next to the four champions. "You must wait five minutes before you can jump into the water. You will need to fend off anything that comes at them. And here," McGonagall handed me a necklace. It had light blue, transparent beads. "I have bewitched it. You should be able to breath underwater. But whatever happens, don't break it."

I nodded and placed the necklace around my neck. "Good. Now, be careful."

The cannon sounded and the champions went into the water. Harry had to be pushed in though. That didn't seem right.

I watched the clock. One minute. Two minutes. Three minutes. I watched as Harry practically did a back flip in mid air.

Four minutes. Five minutes.

I dove into the water. The water was dirty and murky. I didn't like it. I swam into the seaweed. I didn't see much. Just seaweed and little tiny creatures. I scanned the area once more.

I saw blonde hair, and swore I heard choking. I swam over to see Fleur being attacked by these little gremlin creatures. Not the same I saw only seconds ago. "Immobulus."

Everything stood at a pause. I threw off the creatures best I could, and grabbed Fleur. I swam back to the surface. She coughed continuously.

I set her up on the tower. Her headmistress thanked me, and I nodded. I dove back under the water.

I went through the seaweed, and stumbled upon old relics and buildings of what used to be a city. I could hear the mermaids singing, which made me realize I was in the right place.

Three of the valuables were left standing, and a mermaid had her trident to Harry neck. I whipped out my wand, "Don't even think about it."

"The rule is only one," she hissed.

"That doesn't matter. No threatening," I swam closer. The mermaids looks behind me, and began to swim away. I turned to see a shark head bolt last. I held my breath, until I saw the human legs it was carrying. Oh, it's Krum.