Author: Jadea

Chapter 2: I Hate the Library

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Oh, God. What *now*?

You know, I'm getting a bit sick of losing consciousness in one place and waking up in a completely different place. Usually the hospital wing.

I can't see. My visions all blurry for some reason--

There. Now at least I can see the. . .

Sky?

Lake?

Ooookaaayyyy. Definitely not the hospital wing.

Err. . .why am I all wet?

You know, I bet normal people don't suddenly wake and find themselves swimming in the middle of a cold lake in the middle of February.

Then again, normal people don't have Harry Potter for a best friend.

There he is. Heh. At least he's as wet as I am. Soaked actually. His black hair's all pasted to his forehead and glasses, poor boy can't see a thing.

OY! Harry, will you let go of my robes! A man's got to breathe, you know!

Oooh, smooth, Weasley. Trying to talk with a mouthful of lakewater. Drowning *after* you've been rescuedfrom the lake. That'd be impressive, that would.

Bleah. Stuff tastes terrible. Probably got some Giant Squid urine in it, or something.

Ewwwwwwwwwwwww.

Aaaah! There he goes again! Harry, I'm conscious you prat, but I won't be much longer if you keep trying to strangle me with my own robes!

Boy, he looks knackered.

"Wet, this, isn't it?"

Well, thank Merlin. At leasts he knows I'm conscious.

Why's everyone making such a racket?

He's *still* clutching the neck of my robes in a death grip. We're both just treading water, and he's got his other arm around--

Fleur's sister?

"What did you bring her for?"

Ummm, Harry, maybe you didn't catch on to this, but you only get to retrieve *one* hostage.

Whoa. He looks *beyond* knackered. The boy needs some rest.

Breathe, Harry. Breathe. It doesn't make a good impression on the judges if the hostage saves the champion.

And I am *not* doing mouth to mouth on you.

You're my best mate, but. . .

No.

"Fleur didn't turn up, I couldn't leave her."

You. . .You PRAT!

We worked for *weeks* in the library--hunting for something, anything that could help with the task--and evidently you found something, you must have--and then you just chuck it all away? Do you know how many points you lost?

You honestly thought that Dumbeldore would let a hostage *die*?

Harry, you are a git.

"Harry, you prat, you didn't take that song seriuosly, did you? Dumbeldore wouldn't have let any of us drown!"

Fleur's sister isn't moving. Just watching us argue, eyes wide. Probably doesn't understand a word we're saying. Hmmm. I just got this sudden urge to adopt this completely fake accent and start waving my arms wildly.

Maybe later.

"The song said--"

"It was only to make sure you got back inside the time limit! I hope you didn't waste time down there acting the hero!"

Ummmm. . .oops.

Maybe I should have been a bit more, well, nice about it. I mean, sure, he acted about as thick as Crabbe and Goyle, but. . .

He did rescue me. I mean, I was going to be Ok either way, but he's been through a tough stretch here, and. . .

I *am* the thing he'd miss most.

Whoa.

I'd almost forgotten that. Waking up in a freezing cold lake tends to occupy your thoughts for a bit.

Damn. Harry looks a bit miffed at me. Smooth, Weasley. Next time I think of something smart to say, I'll just bite my tounge.

"C'mon, help me with her, I don't think she can swim very well."

Ow. Stupid tongue.

It was such a good one, too.

Boy, we *are* out in the middle of the lake. Never really realized how big this thing is when you're going over it in the boats. Never realized how cold it is, either, but then, I've never swum in it in February.

Hmph. Wonder why.

Ah. There's Dumbeldore, and Bagman. Karakoff looks like someone just canceled his birthday party, scrowling and grumbling. Probably wanted Harry to drown, just so his Bulgarian Bozo could win the tournament. Yellow toothed little scum, he looks just like--

PERCY!

What the hell is *Percy* doing here?

And what the hell are those merpeople *doing*? Trying to make everyone *want* to drown themselves, so we don't have to listen to them screech?

Hmmm, there's Cho and Cedric. A rampaging hippogriff could charge them right now, and they wouldn't notice. Staring in each others eyes. Poor Harry.

He doesn't seem to notice, though. Still helping me tow Fleur's sister to the lake. Fleur. . .

Whoa.

This is the *best* day of my life.

She's soaked. Completely, totally drenched.

She's wearing these light blue robes, and they're like, glued to her.

This was *so* worth it.

Oooh, she's got this little hole in her robe right above her knee, and if I tilt my head this way, I can see--

PERCY!

What in the bloody hell is he *doing*?

Wading into the lake? He's wearing his brand-spanking new dress robes he was so proud of, and he's ruining them!

Looks awfully pale, too. Maybe he just saw Hagrid and Madame Maxine snog, or something.

Ewwwwwwwwwwww.

Percy, what in the hell--

Oh, no. Let go of me, you prat!

Hey, stop! I'm supposed to help Harry take Fleur's sister to her!

Ow. Boy, thanks, Perce. I just got a right good faceful of water with that one. Next time you decide to yank me out of the lake, make sure you actually get a grip on my arm.

Oops. Sorry, Harry.

God, what did I do? How could I do anything, unconscious in a lake?

Great. Just great. I've been conscious for less then five minutes and I'm already going to get a scolding.

That *must* be some sort of record.

No, wait. Fred and George.

Not even close.

Oy, Percy. *Let go of me!* You're worse then Hermoine when she get's scared. . .Clench my arm any harder, and I think the bloody thing's going to fall off.

"Geroff, Percy, I'm all right!"

Whoa.

That was a look worthy of Mum.

What's his problem, anyway? He never acts like this. Perfect Percy, losing his cool in front of. . .

Bloody HELL.

How many people are watching us?

Thousands.

My God.

This is so bloody embarassing.

No. *No* Don't you dare, Percy. Don't you dare, or I'll tell Penelope about the time Fred and George hexed you and made you say everything in limericks--

Damn.

God. I can't breathe.

Again.

I just got enchanted, held hostage by some giant fish, and dragged out of a freezing cold lake. And now thousands of people are watching my brother treat me like a bloody first year.

He's hugging me. *Hugging* me.

And I thought *Harry* had a death grip.

He's all stiff, and trembling.

I'm almost as tall as he is, now, but he's still gathering me in, clutching tightly. One arm around my shoulders, the other hand on my head, my wet hair against his cheek.

Percy never acts like this. Never.

Wow. He must have been really worried.

I didn't mean to worry him. I didn't even think about it. Nice to know he cares, though.

Good, he's calming down. Stopped shaking, anyway.

"Perce? It's Ok, really. I just got a nice long nap in. Kinda like Divination."

Hmm. Nope, still can't move.

You're my brother and everything Perce, and I love you, but eventually, you're gonna have to let me go.

I'm not spending the rest of my Fourth year attatched to you.

Ah. There. He's still got his hands on my shoulders, but at least I can breathe again. Finally. Wonderful thing, really, breathing.

Let's see. Today I've been strangled twice--once by my best friend, once by my older brother.

Percy. Stop. Stop staring at me as if you've never seen me before. Percy. . .

Damn.

If Harry looked knackered, Percy looks. . .

Bad.

Just. . .bad.

He's got these dark circles under his eyes, and he's still paler then usual.

And he *still* won't let go of my robes.

"Percy? Are. . .are you, you know, all right?

His robes are ruined. Brand new, they were, and now he's trashed them from wading into the lake and hugging me.

Heh. He's almost as wet as I am, everything except his hair.

C'mon Perce. Talk to me. You're scaring me.

Please?

Damn.

Damn. Damn. Damn.

Nothing.

That look is creeping back into his eyes: that "Prefect, Head-Boy, Ministry Official" look. That stupid bloody mask he wears all the time, now.

I *hate* it.

"I'm fine, Ron."

Brrrrr. The wind's picking up.

God, it's cold out here.

"Perce--"

"MR. WEASLEY!"

Damn. I'd give just about anything for Harry's invisibity cloak right now.

Time to get pulverized by Madame Pomfrey.

OW! I thought you were supposed to *heal* people, not dismember them! I like my arm right where it is, thank you very much! Percy already tried to yank it off earlier! I can walk without you tugging me along like a six year old!

Ha Ha, Harry. Glad *you* think this is funny; your best friend being ripped limb from limb by his own brother and the school healer. This is all *your* fault anyway. If you hadn't chosen me. . .

Never mind.

It's still not funny, you prat.

Pepper-up Potion. Lovely. My whole head must look like it just burst into flame. Harry's still smoking. So's Hermoine. The Bulgarian Bozo is hovering around her like some ape. Idiot.

Hmmm. I'm getting a bit famished. I wonder what time it is? I could really go for some steak and kidney pie right now. . .

Well, at least Harry doesn't look irritated anymore. That's good; I hate it when he's angry with me.

Yuck. Why won't he *leave*? Her-mo-ninny, indeed. It's called "English." Learn how to pronounce it correctly, or go home.

On second thought, just go home.

Hmph. I wonder if she realizes that it sounds like her precious *Vicky* is calling her a ninny.

If I called her Her-mo-ninny, she'd probably clout me upside the head with Hogwarts: A History.

Heh. I'll save that one for the next row.

No. I will not fight with Hermoine. Today. I will not mention what an idiot *Vicky* is. I will not care that he's got his hand on her shoulder, that she is the thing in the world he'd miss most. I've only been awake for ten minutes, and I've already managed to irritate Percy and Harry. I will not do *anything* to irritate Her--

OH MY GOD!

Harry, you are one lucky, lucky bastard.

Fleur just like. . .swept in on him. . .and kissed him! BOTH cheeks!

Heh Heh. Boy looks like he just swallowed a whole liter of pepper-up potion. Steam's gonna start coming out of his ears again, soon.

What--

What's she doing *now*?

She isn't--

She IS!

"And you too--you 'elped--"

Helped with what?

Who the bloody hell cares?

*Please, please*

"Yeah, yeah, a bit--"

YES!!!!!

Perfect.

I just got kissed by a *Veela*

Twice.

I really should thank Harry for saving Gabrielle, now.

This is perfect. Absolutely *perfect* Nothing could ruin this moment. . .

Well, hell.

What was *that* for?

If 'Moine's looks could kill there'd be one less Weasley in the world, I can tell you that.

Oy. She hasn't looked at me like that since. . .

The Yule Ball.

What is *with* her these days?

Mad. Barking mad.

Hmph. They should have given Fleur more then twenty-five points. I'd have given her full points just for showing up. Her robe is still wet, and the fabric is really thin. . .

Damn. Diggory just got fourty-seven points. No way Harry's going to beat that, not with what he pulled. Kinda nice, though. Stupid, but nice. I mean, if there *had* been a possibility of any of us dying, it would be nice to know that Harry wouldn't have left anybody. . .

Not like *Vicky* I bet he didn't care. Stupid git. Oh, he only got fourty points. Incomplete Form of Transfiguration, eh? What's he do, transfigure himself a brain?

Eh? What's Bagman saying?

". . .however, the Merchieftainess informs us that Mr. Potter was first to reach the hostages, and that the delay in his return was due to his determination to return all hostages to safety, not merely his own."

Harry, you moron!

First? You got their FIRST? Before Diggory and Krum! You could have won!

Blimey. You *were* worried.

Stupid Karakoff. Ah, don't like 'moral fiber' do you? There's a shock. . .

YES!!!

All right, Harry!

He did it! He did it! FOURTY-FIVE POINTS!! Take *that* you lousy Bulgarian. . .

He's tied with Diggory for first place!

"There you go, Harry! You weren't being thick at all. . .you were showing moral fiber!"

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Blimey. I'm famished. Damn. Still another hour till lunch. All I can taste is Pepper-up potion. . .Madame Pomfrey gave us *more* when she herded us back in the castle. . .some dry clothes, too. That was nice.

Well, thank Merlin. I am not going back in the hospital wing. No way, no how. Not for the rest of the year. I hate that place, and somehow, I always wind up there for some stupid reason or another.

Oh, fine, Hermoine. Just go off with 'Mr. Potential Death-Eater' there. Wants to talk to you, does he? Well, far be it from Harry and me to intrude on your love life. We're only your best friends.

Lousy Krum.

Whew. I feel wiped out. Weeks and weeks of studying--was it just last night that we were still in the library? Hey, that reminds me--

"So how'd you figure out the task, Harry?"

Harry hasn't stopped smiling ever since they announced the scores. Heh, neither have I. First 's just bloody brilliant, that is.

"Err--I had a little help."

"Well, I know that, Harry. As a matter of fact, your *help* would love some of those chocolate frogs you've got in your trunk upstairs right now. . ."

"Not you, you git. Dob--"

"Harry Potter, Sir!"

Good God! That little house-elf just about gave me a heart attack!

Crazy little thing, bouncing off the walls. Grinning from ear to ear.

Heh, would you look at that. He's wearing my Christmas sweater.

I hate maroon.

Looks a bit smaller, of course. And I never wore it with a tea cozy on my head. Blimey, I can just imagine what Fred and George's responses would be if I did that. . .

"Harry Potter rescued his Wheezy!"

Rescued his. . .WHAT?

What did that little elf just call me?

"Harry Potter fought off the merpeople? The Gillyweed Dobby found worked, Mr. Harry Potter?"

Whoa, whoa. Back the Hogwarts express up, here.

We spent all those weeks in the library--the *library*, which I hate--researching so much we were half nutters--

And all we had to do was ask *Dobby*?

This is insane. Completely, raving, mad.

That's it, I give up. Absolutely nothing today--not Perce, not Fleur, not Hermoine--has made sense.

Cripes. Neville's probably going to come by and tell us he's getting full marks in potions, or something.

Or Snape's gonna come around the corner and give Dobby here a snog.

Ewwwwwwwwwww.

Yup. I really, really need to learn how to 'Obliviate' myself. Or stop thinking about all teachers, and anything to do with snogging.

Still, this is hilarious. I can't stop laughing. Dobby's just giving me this bewildered little look, and Harry's glaring--but he's got this little grin tugging at the corners of his mouth .

Oh, hell. This is priceless. Ow. Ow. My sides are aching, and I can't breathe, but I still cant' stop laughing.

I wonder when Harry's going to tell Hermoine--

Oh my God. Yes.

Whoa. My head is swimming, and I can't even stand anymore. Harry's laughing now too, probably from watching me land on the bum on the floor of the hall. But I just can't

stop laughing. This is priceless.

*Hermoine*

I can' wait for this. I can't. Little Miss Know It All didn't know something--but Dobby the House Elf did! Oh, I want to be there when Harry tells her how he figured out how to survive underwater.

It's obvious Dobby thinks we've both gone completely nutters. He just a squeaked a goodbye and fled, probably back towards the kitchen.

Ok, Weasley, breathe. Breathe. You won't get to tease 'Moine if you pass out in the hall on the way to Gryffindor Tower. Plus, it would mean yet *another* trip to the Healers Wing and Miss Pulverizing Pomfrey.

"Harry, Harry. . .we have to find 'Moine. I can't wait to see the look on her face--" Breathe, Weasley. "I can't wait to see the look on her face when you tell her that *Dobby* --"

Damn. There I go again. Can't breathe for about the tenth time today, but I don't care.

Heh. Harry's still chuckling, cleaning his glasses with the corner of his robes.

"Sure. Let's go find her. She's probably done talking with Krum by now."

Stupid Bulgarian twit.

"Where do you think she is?

"She said they were going to talk in the library."

Of course. Where else would Hermoine be?

"C'mon, Harry. . .let's go get her, then get some lunch."

I hate the library.