章 46: Planning for the Unknown
Harry paused for a moment before answering. He wasn't sure that he trusted his head of house fully. Yes, she had helped him a bit more this term. Professor McGonagall had been aware of the type of home that he was imprisoned in all of those years ago. Yet, she still had not checked up on him. He said simply, "I'm not sure that I trust her."
Hermione knew why he felt this way. They had spent many evenings talking about his childhood. She correctly figured this was about the Professor's role in not checking up on him as he grew up.
Making up her mind she said, "I know you don't really trust her, for a very good reason, but do you think we should ask for her help anyway?"
"Perhaps; I just don't know what she will do and that bothers me. This is your safety we are talking about." Harry said in a concerned tone.
"I love you too much to see you hurt in some meaningless tournament."
She was fighting back tears from his declaration and his emotions that she could feel roiling within him. "I know; and I love you too. We will do what you feel comfortable with, I trust you Harry."
"Come on, we should head back to the castle. I have runes next and you have Arithmancy and I need to get my books." Harry said, surprising Hermione that he had her schedule memorized.
The truth of the matter was that Harry had memorized her schedule and the most likely spots where trouble could occur in the halls. He had quietly watched everyone in the halls that she encountered, making a mental note whenever one of the people on his list came near her.
He knew it was only a matter of time before someone tried something. She was a target because she was dating him. He knew it would be worse if people knew the true extent of their relationship, one that he was still coming to grips with himself. Harry silently vowed to do his best to prevent anything from happening if he could, anything.
Later that evening they were sitting in the Gryffindor common room talking with Neville and Ginny about the second task.
"What do you guys know about breathing underwater?" Harry asked his friends.
Neville looked lost in thought while Ginny had an amused expression on her face. Not knowing why Ginny looked like she was relishing something Harry asked her "What's that look for?"
If possible, her smile grew even wider before she answered. "Does this have to do with Hermione trying on that;" she turned to face Hermione and asked, "What did you call it again?"
"A bikini." She answered her red haired friend, the blush creeping up her cheeks.
"Oh yes, did this have anything to do with Hermione trying on a bikini the other day in the girls loo?" Ginny asked as innocently as she could, her eyes wide to add to the look.
Harry was blushing almost as bad as Hermione by this point. Doing his best to reign in his mounting blush he replied, "Yes. She was teaching me how to swim for the second task. I have to go into the Great Lake to retrieve something." he purposefully kept his answer vague. He did not want them to know that Hermione was probably what the judges would want to take from him.
Neville piped up "What's a bikini?"
His question caused Hermione to go red again. "Trust me mate, you'll love it when you see Ginny in one." Harry answered cheekily causing Ginny's face to match her hair.
"Harry!" Hermione squealed at his answer. "Would you like me to tell them about your reaction to the first time that you saw me in my bikini?" her voice was innocent, yet playful, and it sent a blush up Harry's cheeks that rivaled Ginny's hair.
Harry knew he wouldn't be forgetting that moment anytime soon. It was a memory he had planned to use to power his next Patronus. "Nope." he managed to squeak out, much to the amusement to the others.
Getting things back to the task Hermione said "Do either of you know anything other than the bubble head charm to allow Harry to breathe underwater for an hour or more?"
Neville looked as if a light bulb had gone off inside of his head. He quickly asked, "Does it have to be a spell?"
"The only thing we know is that Harry has to go into the lake to retrieve something." Hermione said helpfully.
"There's gillyweed." Neville said simply. "It allows the person that consumes it to breathe underwater for a time depending upon how large a dose you take."
"That's brilliant Neville!" Hermione said happily, causing the boy to blush bright red at the praise.
"How much do you think I'll need for an hour underwater?" Harry asked softly.
"One hour?" Neville clarified. Seeing Harry's nod in the affirmative he speculated, "I think more than a handful but you should probably get some and test it first to be safe."
"Thanks, Neville. I'll do that." Harry said with relief in his voice.
After Neville and Ginny had headed off to bed, Harry and Hermione were the only two left in the common room. "Dobby." Harry called out softly.
There was a small pop and the excitable house elf appeared before the two teens. Pulled up above his knees were mismatched socks." What can Dobby do for you?"
"Can you get me enough gillyweed to practice with before the second task? I want to make sure that I'm comfortable with using that stuff before the task." Harry said to his tiny friend.
"Of course, sir. I will retrieve some for you immediately." and with a pop the little elf was gone again.
...
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