Chương 56: Guardians of the Deep

As the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament approached, anticipation gripped Hogwarts. Students whispered about the Black Lake and what terrifying challenges awaited the champions in its dark depths. In the Gryffindor common room, Harry, Neville, and Raja huddled over an open book on magical plants, flipping between pages.

"Here it is!" Neville said, pointing at an entry with excitement. "Gillyweed. It allows you to breathe underwater, though the effect only lasts about an hour."

"Perfect," Harry replied, relief evident on his face. "But how do we get some?"

Raja grinned, patting Neville on the back. "Neville and I have been working on a version of it," he said, exchanging a conspiratorial look with Neville. "Something even better than Gillyweed. Not only will it allow us to breathe underwater, but it'll give us some... extra abilities."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"It'll make us a little faster and stronger in the water," Neville explained, clearly proud of their creation. "Think of it like… temporarily turning into a merperson, but more like Aquaman."

After testing the hybrid concoction and deeming it ready, Raja handed Harry a vial filled with a dark green liquid. "You'll take this right before the task. Just trust us. It'll work."

The morning of the task arrived, and the Hogwarts grounds were bustling with excitement as students gathered by the shore of the Black Lake. Harry, feeling a mix of nerves and determination, took the hybrid Gillyweed Neville and Raja had crafted and waited for the effects.

As soon as he swallowed it, a transformation began. His lungs felt strange, almost lighter, and his skin took on a faint shimmer. Tiny scales appeared along his arms and legs, and his fingers elongated into webbed digits. Raja gave him a reassuring nod as he adjusted to the changes.

"Ready?" Raja asked, his voice steady.

"Let's do this," Harry replied, steeling himself.

The task began, and the champions dove into the lake. The moment Raja and Harry submerged, the world transformed into an eerie underwater landscape. Raja's Patronus, the Shadow Tempest, materialized as a shimmering bird of dark energy, lighting up the murky depths like a guiding star. They swam deeper into the lake, moving gracefully as their new forms adapted to the cold, dark water.

As they ventured further, Raja and Harry encountered Grindylows, sharp-fanged creatures lurking in the shadows, but with their increased strength and agility, they fended them off easily. Raja sent a concentrated burst of magic through his Patronus, casting a protective shield around them that repelled the creatures with ease.

"Come on, let's find them," Raja gestured, pushing forward.

They finally reached the heart of the lake, where figures lay suspended, bound by magic: Ron, Gabrielle Delacour, and the Patil sisters. Harry's eyes widened at the sight of Ron, and he swam faster, his heart pounding.

Raja approached the Patil sisters, his face set with determination. Using a binding spell, he created magical tendrils to release their restraints. His connection to them as friends fueled his resolve, and he worked with quick, precise movements. As they were freed, he guided them gently, reassuring them with a nod.

He then turned his attention to Gabrielle, Fleur's younger sister. Her delicate frame seemed so vulnerable in the water. With a firm, protective grip, he held her hand, ensuring she stayed close as they began their ascent. Raja felt a sense of responsibility, knowing how much Gabrielle meant to Fleur.

Harry, meanwhile, had successfully freed Ron and was making his way back up, glancing over at Raja, who gave him an encouraging nod. The group of friends rose steadily, moving as one unit toward the surface. Raja's Patronus circled around them, illuminating the path and warding off any remaining Grindylows that dared approach.

When they broke through the surface, gasping for air, the crowd erupted in applause. Raja guided the Patil sisters and Gabrielle to the shore, helping each of them out of the water with a calm and steady hand. Harry, who had just reached the shore with Ron, was met by the roaring cheers of the Hogwarts students.

As soon as Raja stepped onto solid ground, Gabrielle threw her arms around him, her small form trembling. "Merci, Raja," she whispered, her gratitude overwhelming.

Raja smiled warmly. "You're safe now. That's all that matters."

Parvati and Padma, the Patil sisters, also approached him with smiles of gratitude. Parvati looked slightly embarrassed but leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek, her cheeks flushed. "Thanks for saving us, Raja. We owe you."

Padma followed suit, offering him a kiss as well, her eyes shining with appreciation. Raja chuckled, returning their smiles. "Anytime. I'm just glad you're both alright."

Then, Fleur appeared, her eyes red from worry and relief. She walked up to Raja, her expression one of intense gratitude. "You saved my sister," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. Without hesitation, she kissed him on both cheeks, a traditional French gesture of thanks. "I can never repay you."

Raja, slightly caught off guard but deeply touched, nodded. "You would have done the same. Family is everything."

The crowd quieted down as Dumbledore stepped forward, signaling the judges to convene. The champions and their rescued friends stood together, a mix of pride and relief visible on their faces.

After a moment of hushed discussion, the judges announced the scores. Raja received top marks for his calm efficiency and powerful Patronus that had protected everyone, his strategy and magical prowess leaving an impression on the judges. Harry was awarded second place, praised for his bravery and for prioritizing the safety of others over his own.

As they left the area, Harry turned to Raja, grinning. "That Patronus was incredible. The way it lit up the lake—it was like having our own guardian angel."

Raja laughed. "I told you, Harry. You're never alone in this. Not while I'm around."

Ron, who had finally caught his breath, looked over at Raja, admiration clear on his face. "I'd have been fish food without you two. I don't know how to thank you both."

"No need for thanks, Ron," Raja replied with a reassuring pat on his shoulder. "It's what friends are for."

The evening after the Second Task, the champions were treated to a celebratory feast in the Great Hall. Raja, Harry, and the others received hearty congratulations from their friends and professors, their achievements celebrated by everyone around them.

Fleur approached their table during the feast, her demeanor more relaxed than it had been before. "Raja, Harry," she began, her French accent softening as she smiled, "you both were… magnificent. I am grateful you were there for Gabrielle."

Raja inclined his head respectfully. "It was our honor, Fleur."

She held his gaze, her eyes sincere. "You have earned not only my gratitude but my respect as well." She offered a small bow, and Raja returned it with a gentle smile.

The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and celebration as they recounted their experiences and the challenges they had faced underwater. Raja watched his friends with a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that they had each other's backs no matter what.

In the days that followed, Raja and Neville worked on refining their Gillyweed potion, incorporating their newfound insights. They spent time with Harry and Hermione, practicing spells and preparing for whatever tasks awaited them in the tournament. Raja's focus remained sharp, his commitment to protecting his friends and guiding them unwavering.

Meanwhile, rumors circulated about the underwater rescue, and students across Hogwarts marveled at the champions' accomplishments. Raja found himself at the center of attention, the whispers of his daring actions spreading through the halls. Yet he remained grounded, always quick to deflect praise and emphasize the importance of teamwork.

One evening in the common room, Parvati approached him, smiling shyly. "I never really thanked you properly, Raja. You were… amazing out there."

Raja returned her smile. "Just doing what was needed, Parvati. I'm glad I could help."

She hesitated for a moment, then added, "You're a good friend, Raja. Hogwarts is lucky to have you."

Raja felt a warm surge of gratitude. "Thanks, Parvati. That means a lot."

As the group continued to bond over shared experiences and triumphs, Raja felt more deeply connected to his friends than ever before. Each challenge they faced only strengthened their ties, reminding him of the importance of loyalty and courage.

With the Second Task behind them, Hogwarts returned to its usual rhythms, though the excitement of the tournament continued to pulse through the school. Raja kept a close eye on the unfolding events, his intuition telling him that darker days lay ahead. But with his friends by his side, he was ready to face whatever the future held.

As he prepared for the next phase of the Triwizard Tournament, Raja's resolve only grew stronger. He would remain their steadfast protector, the quiet force guiding them through the shadows, and he knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle.

The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: their friendship and courage would be their greatest strengths in the trials to come.