The Second Task: Entries Only - members who DID enter the first task

[Muggle_Magic]

I am indebted to Minisinoo for correcting my grammar and punctuation mistakes (I am not a native English speaker and writer) and for her valuable comments; to FleurduJardin for her constructive criticism, for finding perfect illustrations to the story - and for kicking me off my blahs; and to all of you who encouraged me to post. Well, guys and gals, you asked for it, here it is. Don't say you weren't warned. Just let me know if it makes you yawn into a dreamless sleep, maybe I can market it as a sleeping draught.

This is a story featuring Harry and Cho that takes place some time in the late spring during Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts.

999 words not counting the title.

The Merpeople's Gift

Holding hands, Harry and Cho made their way down the grassy slope towards the Lake. Other students were about, taking advantage of the warm spring day to study outside, lounge around, play, talk or just relax. Some waved at them. Harry waved back, Cho smiled. A fifth-year Hufflepuff whistled, then winked at Harry, making Cho blush prettily.

Once they reached the lake, they followed its banks to the left, away from the groups of students, until they reached a little secluded spot under the overhanging branches of a leafy tree. Harry took off his robes and spread them on a flat rock just above the water and sat down, pulling Cho beside him. He took off his shoes and socks, rolling up his pant-legs so he could dangle his feet in the water. “Is it cold?” asked Cho.

“No, it’s nice and cool, come on, try it.”

She pulled up her own robes over her knees, just covering the hem of her skirt and followed his lead.

“You’re right, this is very pleasant.” With a contented sigh, she leaned back against the tree trunk. Harry snuggled closer, pulling her against him, his arm around her waist, her head resting lightly on his shoulder.

They sat a while in companionable silence, watching the Giant Squid floating idly in the middle of the Lake, playfully hitting the surface with its tentacles to send water splashing around.

“Do you remember last year, the Tournament’s Second Task?” she asked.

“How could I forget? I was scared out of my wits. And” – teasingly – “you were Cedric’s hostage to rescue.”

She smiled wistfully. They had thoroughly made up after their disastrous Valentine’s Day date, but thoughts of Cedric still brought sadness to them both. “Yes, but you tried to rescue me too, along with the other hostages beside your own… What’s the matter?” she added as Harry stiffened.

Something brushing against his foot underwater had made him sit up and look down. A merman was there . “Hahly Potteh!” came a screechy, gurgling voice.

Harry and Cho leaned curiously over the water. “Yes?” Harry asked.

“Chieftainess ours see you wuhld like. Can you meet Chieftainess come?”

“You mean under the water?” asked Harry, puzzled. The merman nodded, a bit impatiently, implying Harry was being obtuse. He added, “your flhiend may too come.”

They looked at each other. The invitation was too intriguing to resist, but how to comply?

“Bubblehead Charm,” suggested Cho. Out of thin air, she Conjured bathing trunks for him and a swimsuit for herself. Under cover of their robes, backs to each other, they changed, then linked hands and plunged in, sharing the same air Bubble as Cho was better at making one than Harry was.

As soon as they were submerged, the merman flicked his tail, turned around and led the way down, through the weeds. Two mermaids were playing by a coral reef

at the mouth of an underwater grotto where a group of merpeople were assembled around a rock intricately carved where the Chieftainess sat enthroned, a conch-shell in the crook of her arm.

Next to her was the pretty mermaid from the Prefects’ bathroom. She gave Harry a dazzling smile and a flirtatious look, earning a jealous scowl from Cho.

“Ah, Harry Potter”, said the Chieftainess. Underwater, her voice was melodious, without gurgles, and her mastery of English was better than her messenger’s.

“We were very impressed with the moral fiber you showed last year at the Tournament,” she went on. “Such quality is rare in human youngs, and should be rewarded.

“There is unfortunately not much we can do for you. But something has come to our attention that maybe we can help you with a little.

“That young female ghost who sometimes gets washed into the Lake from your waterpipes has told us that one of your professors uses a particularly cruel form of punishment. We can give you something that will help you withstand it. Follow me.”

Rising from her throne, she swam away, leading them towards a rockwall with a fish-shaped sculpture embedded. “Put your injured hand into the mouth,” she instructed. Harry obeyed. He felt a sort of creamy substance cover his hand, invisible tentacles rubbing gently over the scarred words “I must not tell lies.” At a gesture from the Chieftainess, he withdrew his hand, letting Cho take her turn.

“From now on,” explained the Chieftainess, “though the lines will appear on your hands whenever you are punished, you will feel no pain. It is not much, Harry Potter, but we know you have had many trials in your life, with many more to come. If we can spare you physical pain – well, every little bit of help counts, does it not? But there’s more. Take this.”

She handed him a small, stoppered vial containing a light purple liquid.

“Whenever you’re about to go into battle with the Forces of Darkness, drink a few drops of this elixir. It will counter the effects of the Cruciatus Curse. Use it sparingly, and you should have enough there for several battles.”

“I don’t know how to thank you,” stammered Harry. Cho was speechless but gave a radiant smile.

“No need for thanks, Harry Potter and friend. Though they do not often interfere in human affairs, the Merpeople are on the side of Light and Good. Also, Dumbledore is a friend to us, as he is to all creatures, human or not, sentient or not. We watch what is happening, and sometimes we feel called to help – or, in this case, to reward valor and moral fiber.

“Now go in peace - with the goodwill of the Merpeople.”

Bowing as well as they could in the water, Harry and Cho took their leave and returned to the Lake bank. They changed back into dry clothes and Cho Vanished the swimsuits. Smiling happily, they walked back to the castle, tacitly agreeing to keep their strange adventure under the Lake their own little secret.

Afterword: As soon as the subject of the Second Task was posted, I thought about a story involving Harry and Cho by the Lake, with the Merpeople giving them something valuable - information on the Horcrux in the other grotto for example - but nothing really worked. Then I thought about the Cruciatus Curse and the Punishment Quill. I can't stand physical pain (a paper cut will send me howling), let alone self-inflicted pain. I really don't know how Harry, Lee and the other victims of Umbridge's "detentions" bore it. Hence this story.

[arithmancer]

Disclaimer: The characters, locations, and situations of the Harry Potter universe are the property of J. K. Rowling. I am merely borrowing them for my own amusement, and I hope that of my readers. No copyright infringement is intended.

A Mother’s Secret

A Harry Potter Universe fanfiction by zgirnius

The lake, far below the arched window, was dark and smooth as a mirror. Not a whisper of wind ruffled a surface spangled with the bright points of reflected stars. A woman stood at the window, her expression still as the water below, her hair hanging in waves as dark as the lake at night and likewise speckled with silver. Her eyes seemed to see neither the peaceful beauty of the view spread out below her, nor the beauty of her own image reflected in the window, tall and straight, with a dignity lent by the passing years.

Instead, her mind’s eye saw a magic-wrought tracery of light, floating over the same lake, its surface the intense blue of the sky, ruffled playfully by a breeze as the setting sun painted a glint of bronze onto each wavelet. Her colors, Rowena had noted bitterly. She doubted she would ever forget that sight.

Rowena had cast the Tracing Charm when she found the tiara missing. Obedient to her will, the image of that which she sought had formed in the very room in which she now stood. A hooded, cloaked figure, tall and slender, with a long braid peeking out in front, was traced out in a cold, pale light. The thief had removed the small chest from the cabinet in which Rowena kept it, then had seemed to float down the spiral staircase, through the castle to the Great Hall, and on to the underground harbor below. As the image of the thief had approached the water, a silvery image of a boat had appeared as if to serve her need. Seating herself, she had flicked her wand imperiously to cast a soundless charm, and a dreadful misgiving Rowena had been fighting off since she had discovered her loss had again reared its ugly head.

…a gangly girl, black braids swinging behind her, skipped to the lakeside and placed a leaf-boat carefully in the water. Mama! she had demanded, and Rowena had smiled proudly and handed over her wand. An imperious flick of a bony wrist, and the boat had sailed smartly into a stiff breeze. Not yet ten, and she could already cast Locomotion Charms…

Despite her misgivings, Rowena had followed in another boat. Once out in the lake, the thief had sent her boat rapidly away from the castle and towards the opposite shore. Pulled up onto the opposite shore, Rowena could make out the actual boat the thief had taken, and knew she had escaped successfully. There could be no doubt she and her prize were gone.

Dreading what her intellect already told her she would see, Rowena had cast the spell that would dissolve only the outer layer of the image she followed. The cloak seemed to evaporate like a mist in the sun, and Rowena saw what she had already known she would see. With the utmost effort of will, she had restrained herself from screaming the name of her daughter and begging her to think better of her decision, to come home, to return to her mother. Helena wasn’t there to hear, anyway, she had probably left with the dawn. Only her silver phantom remained, to show Rowena what she had done.

Instead, Rowena had stopped her boat and watched as the ghostly boat bearing the likeness of her daughter away had grown ever smaller. Rowena had watched her leap out of the boat, levitate it onto the far shore, and mount a silvery Thestral with a single fluid motion. Finally, she had watched the Thestral as it flew south, until it was nothing but a silver speck that vanished in the distance. Then she had banished her Tracing Charm and returned to the castle.

It amazed her that she had been able to speak calmly to the groundskeeper about the missing boat, keep two appointments with her students, and appear as usual in the Great Hall at suppertime. Helga alone had sensed something was amiss, but Rowena had told her nothing as she picked at her food.

Rowena had wanted nothing more than to throw her arms around Helga and sob her heart out. She had gone instead back to her rooms. She knew what her friend would say. She had heard it before, two decades ago, when Osric had left: that it hadn’t been her fault, that she was kind, supportive, and lovable, that she was a good mother and would have made a good wife, and that a person of her gifts had a duty to apply them for the greater good.

But Rowena knew Osric wouldn’t have left her if she had given up Hogwarts. He was now married, she knew, to a witch by whom he had four other children. He had a good reputation as a Healer on the South Coast, a reputation he certainly could have made as well in the thriving wizard community of Hogsmeade. The wife assisted him when family obligations left her time. Now his daughter had left as well, and Rowena knew, knew neither would ever have left if she, too, had chosen a life of quiet domesticity.

Like her father, Helena wanted to be first in everything, like her father, and like her father, she lacked the confidence to strive for excellence for its own sake, instead of the recognition she hoped to win. Rowena had taught the most intelligent students at Hogwarts for a generation, and recognized it was not just her mother’s heart that insisted Helena was special. Perhaps Helena would achieve the renown that was her heart’s desire, away from home, away from her mother’s shadow. Perhaps then, she would come back...

With a pang of apprehension, Rowena sank into the window-seat. Helena must never doubt her welcome here. The theft of the tiara must remain a private grief. Surely, she would come back… As she hugged her arms tightly to herself, the tears finally came.

[Nadia]

First of all, I'd like to state that I'm not a native speaker, and this was not beta'd, so I apologize for the grammar (or lack thereof :P)

Reflections

George was sitting by The Lake, looking but not seeing.

Ever since that night, the night of the final battle, he felt detached from reality, as if he was seeing the world through a window... All those colours, all those possibilities presented to him had lost their meaning; even now, as a new, brighter world was beginning to blossom after Voldemort's downfall, he only saw grey, and he only felt cold.

All his family and friends tried to talk to him, telling him they understood... But they didn't, no one did. How could they?

He tried to get over it, tried to convince himself to let go, but his mind kept coming back to that night, to the sparkle in his brother's eyes, right before his whole world came crashing down in a cascade of stone and dust.

And while he was replaying the scene in his head for the untempth time, he looked up; he saw the lake, and saw his reflection staring at him… Or was it...?

He noticed the understanding look in his eyes, their eyes, and that's when it dawned on him; he wasn't alone, he would never be… Whenever he went, whatever he did, Fred would be there. He was part of himself, he could never leave him, they would always be one, as they always were.

And when he looked at the lake again, he saw himself smiling for the first time since that night. And he felt, he knew, that Fred was smiling, too.

(252 words)

Ok, this made me cry!

[CathyWeasley]

Here is my offering

The Mistake by the Lake

The September sun beat down, burning the back of James’s head as he walked across the lawn with Sirius. It had been a difficult morning. Coming out of transfiguration, Sirius had run smack into his brother, Regulus, who had wasted no time in telling his older brother that he was a muggle loving blood- traitor and that his mother had blasted him off the family tree. Sirius had replied in no uncertain times that he was actually glad to no longer be considered part of the family and was enjoying life among decent wizards. From there it had degenerated into a fierce duel which had taken Professor McGonagall’s prodigious skill to break up. As it was, both brothers earned themselves a detention and a trip to the hospital wing.

So it was with some relief to James, that Sirius agreed that they should use their first free period to make the most of the late summer sunshine.

They wandered towards the lake which was still as a mill pond and shone like a sheet of glass in the sun.

“C’mon Padfoot let’s go and sit under the beech tree out of the sun. I know” James added as an idea struck him “I challenge you to a non-verbal duel!” and he pulled out his wand with a flourish.

“Someone’s beaten us to it” Sirius said dejectedly, nodding towards a figure already lying under the tree apparently asleep, but as he looked at the figure on the grass Sirius’s face changed. A wicked smile curved his lips and his eyes glinted.

“Snivellus!” he said softly

James grinned, a thousand ideas chasing through his head as to what they could do to the Slytherin as he slept, but before they had decided which curse to use first the figure stirred and sat up He looked around stupidly before clumsily pulling out his wand. It was all the excuse Sirius needed.

“Afternoon Snivellus,” he called. The figure swung around.

“What?” he said staggering to his feet and looking distinctly nervous. James frowned, it was very unlike Snivellus to show fear.

“Padfoot!” Snape said

“Only my friends call me that” Sirius said and flicked his wand. Snape was yanked up into the air by his ankle, his robes falling over his head and to reveal his pale, skinny legs and a surprisingly white pair of underpants

“See you’ve changed your pants at last,” Black said conversationally. “It’s no good though, Evans still won’t speak to you will she.”

“Stop!” Snape shouted as he struggled to free himself from the tangle of robes.

“I overheard her telling McDonald that you’d been hanging around her house all summer. Frankly I never understood why she was friends with a greasy slimeball like you in the first place.”

“Hey Prongs,” he said nudging James who was still frowning, “ I think we should do something about him fouling up the grounds,” and as he spoke, Black flicked his wand again and Snape move out over the smooth surface of the water.

“You’re making a mistake!” Snape yelled.

“Oh, are we” Sirius said, a dangerous note in his voice.

“You know Padfoot,” James said “I think you’re right. What he needs is a lesson in how to wash that greasy hair of his.”

“My thoughts exactly Prongs,” said Sirius and flicked his wand.

Snape barely had time to yell “NO!” before he landed head first in the water. His arms flailed, but with his now soaking wet robes over his head he could neither see nor breathe.

Sirius flicked his wand and Snape was once more hanging by his ankle, but now he was coughing and spluttering and the weight of his dripping wet robes was pulling heavily on his arms and shoulders.

“Remember Snivellus” Sirius said “Lather, rinse, repeat,” and with another wand flick, Snape was once again flailing in the water. James was doubled up with laughter, but managed to say through tears of mirth,

“Careful you don’t drown him Padfoot.” Black yanked Snape out of the water.

“Nah, he won’t drown” Sirius said as Snape hung in the air dripping and struggling with his wet robes.

“No one ever drowns in the lake, the giant squid sees to that,” and as if to prove his point a tentacle broke the surface of the water close to where Snape had been dunked.

“Well perhaps you’d better give him a final rinse then, Padfoot” James said.
Snape was once more dropped into the lake and was immediately grasped by a large tentacle and thrown unceremoniously onto the bank. Sirius and James roared with laughter.

“I’m not sure the squid’s too pleased about the oil slick you’ve left behind, Snivelly” Sirius said as his knees buckled and he fell to the floor, clutching his sides, helpless with mirth.

James looked over at the sodden figure struggling to find a way out of the robes. Something was different. The legs were no longer pallid and stringy, but short and rather pudgy. James frowned and walked towards him just as a head finally appeared from the tangle of wet material.

“Wormtail!” James said in shock and horror. “What?... How?...” James muttered incoherently as Sirius came to join them.

“Wait a minute,” Black said “You’ve got a Slytherin tie on!” The three boys looked at each other.

“Snivellus!” they said together, and as they looked up towards the huge castle doors they saw a figure on the steps turn and give a victory salute.

(920 Words)

[lovehedwig]

Here is my poetry entry, which is a short 250 words (not including the title).

Ours by lovehedwig

I remember the days before the end.
Those days when we would run, run, run
and end up facing the perpetual view
of the Lake.
The minute waves would ripple onto the shore
and every once in a while,
treasures beyond imagination would
get lost from its wondrous owner
and find its way to us.
We would skip pebbles and rocks,
my two friends eyeing the distance
that their rocks glided across the water.
My pity pebbles would splash,
cascading down onto the eerie bottom of the Lake,
waiting for the legendary Squid to
throw it back onto the shore.
As The Boy Who Lived continued skipping rocks,
his best friend helped me hop pebbles,
his disguised and fervent glances
causing me to blush every second.
But our innocent love was kept concealed
and we resumed our fun.
We sat, our legs crossed, on the velvety grass
and listened to the Mermaids’ song,
mythical and supernatural,
but pure and angelic.

Years passed, and as we grew older,
treasure remained buried under the ground,
never found by its owner or a stranger.
Rocks and pebbles piled higher and higher,
all the debris of the Lake floor cleaned away.
And the grass grew taller and taller,
not a finger plucking or twirling their fingers around it.
The end was almost near,
our last moments were approaching.
With our hearts filled with bittersweet joy,
we fed the Giant Squid pebbles and rocks
for the last time.

I hope to see the Lake again.



*a little note* This poem takes place in Hermione's point of view, who is looking back at the childhood memories by the Lake. Also, "the end" is refering to the end of childhood (and innocence).

[The_Green_Woods]

Severus Snape in the Afterlife

by The_Green_Woods

Severus Snape was dying!

Nagini had attacked him, even as he was struggling to understand about the Elder wand. Snape tried to desperately stem the flow of blood and to somehow stop the spread of poison, until he could tell Harry Potter about Dumbledore’s message. If he could not reach Potter, then, he would have failed in his life’s mission, and Snape was desperate.

Providence though, was kind that one time. His eyes widened as Harry came to him and he willed for, not only the memory of Dumbledore’s message but also of why he had turned to the Light.

For the past so many years he had been fighting a war within himself to accept a boy who had been James Potter’s. Snape lost the war at the time of his death, finally acknowledging Lily’s son. Snape willed the memories of his love for Harry’s mother, looked into those lovely green eyes; Lily’s eyes and died.

A second later he blinked.

He was dead…, wasn’t he? And he was alive as well? Snape was astonished. So there was an afterlife. Not bad, thought Snape. A sudden thought struck him and he pushed his sleeves off his left arm, and blinked again. No dark mark. Snape smiled. If this was death, he would have opted for this long ago.

He looked around and saw he was by the Hogwarts Lake. His mind went to the many times he had walked around this lake in what was the happiest time of his life, with Lily, as they discussed a thousand things. Suddenly,

“Severus! Sev!”

Snape turned in disbelief at the voice he had not heard in more than twenty years. Lily was racing down, looking as young and gorgeous as he had seen her last. Snape stared, unable to take his eyes off her.

She screeched to a halt beside him smiling widely, her lovely hair flying everywhere. Snape tried to say something, but could not speak at all. She looked at him for a long minute and then to Snape’s shock she crushed him, hugging him fiercely. He was stunned and it took him a while to get a hold on himself and slowly push her away. He stared at her wanting to tell her so many things and beg for her forgiveness, but he could not say a word and he just stood there.

Her lovely green eyes softened, she understood everything. He opened his mouth to cry to her, when she spoke softly.

“Sev, it’s okay. I know.” She said, and he stared at the girl for whose sake he had turned. “Lily …” he started, but words would not come. What could he say anyway? That he was sorry for killing her? There was nothing; nothing he could say in his defence.

“Thank you Sev.” She told him, softly.

“Why?” he was bewildered. He was the criminal; her killer, why was she thanking him?

“Harry won the war against Voldemort; and he could not have done it without you. I can never thank you enough Sev.”

“Potter survived… the Dark Lord died?” he asked, astounded and greatly relieved. Lily nodded and pushed him down on the grassy banks by the lake and told him about the Final Battle. Snape heard her out in silence and simply sat there quietly. A long while later, he spoke softly.

“Lily, I am so sorry.” He said and placed his face into his hands unable to look at her. “I know.” She replied softly. “After I died, I came here. And I saw everything with James. This is the Wizarding World’s afterlife, where we will be until we are born again.’

“You saw everything?’ Snape lifted his head; his black eyes, incredibly sad as he looked at the woman who had the power to change him so.

“Not everything, but enough to know Sev, that you repented and…loved me.” She finished quietly. Snape flushed. “I never wanted you to know Lily,” he stammered, “and I don’t want to…to…”

“I know Sev.” She murmured and clasped his hand.

Snape did not answer and there was only silence as both of them sat by the lake, looking at the calm waters. Sitting with her, Snape’s despair and sorrow slowly lifted and he felt completely at peace with himself for the first time ever.

Some time later, three figures ran down silently to the lake, led by a bespectacled man with messy black hair followed by two others. James grinned as he came close, and raised his wand; a blob of shampoo shot out towards Snape. Sirius shook with laughter as he flicked his wand stunning Remus, who was trying to stop James.

Snape was sitting happily with Lily, when something landed on his head. He turned and was hit by an Expelliarmus from Sirius that threw him straight into the lake.

“Stop it, James! Sirius!” Lily shouted, freeing Remus. A spluttering and furious Snape came out; ducked further shampoo that came his way; erected a shield and dried himself. He was about to fight back, when Lily whispered something to him, a wicked look on her face. He smirked and nodded.

“Remus you are the referee.” she shouted; the next second, James and Sirius were hanging upside down.

“Wha…Lily, free us! You can’t take the git’s side.” James shouted.

“GIT? This is war James.” she shouted back, laughing as she released them.

“You’ll regret this Lily.” James warned as he fell down.

“Anything goes?” Snape asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Anything. We cannot die again.” Lily laughed, and turned to James. “No one insults MY friend, Potter! CHARGE!”

Snape laughed as he fought alongside his best friend, who loved him, and yet would never love him the way he loved her, but Snape was ecstatic. He had been given another chance.

From a little away, Dumbledore laughed at their frolic. He heard Snape laugh in delight for the first time ever, and his tears mixed with his laughter.

(994 words)

English is not my native language.

[Kitunen]

A Pearl Among Rotten Oysters

Albus Dumbledore paced slowly towards the dark lake that bordered the Hogwarts grounds. It had been merely days ago when he had sailed across its murky depths accompanied by his peers…a lively but not particularly intelligent hodgepodge of first years. They, unlike him, were back at the castle taking advantage of the first parent-free weekend of their lives, undoubtedly getting into all kinds of magical mischief. Albus, however, desired a quiet place to contemplate his ambitions for his first year at Hogwarts.

As Albus approached the lake, a slight mist began to fall from the saturated clouds that obscured the sun. Picking up his pace, he strode over to an old, wise-looking tree on the sloping shore of the lake. Performing an Impervius Charm on the damp earth surrounding the tree, he sat down contentedly amongst its gnarled roots. He placed his long-fingered hand on the rough bark of the largest root, but quickly retracted it as something gray and worm-like rolled out of a small fissure that had been disturbed by his movement.

Albus grasped the wriggling mass and lifted it to eye level, above his crooked nose. He peered over his half-moon spectacles at the plant, which, he deduced, seemed to be a bit of gillyweed. Undoubtedly, some forgetful student had left it there, possibly intending to explore the depths of the lake. He pocketed the wet plant, intending to place it with his other prized possessions in his growing menagerie of magical items.

***

Albus did not realize that he had dozed off until he was woken by the feel of large raindrops dripping down his long nose. His Impervius Charm had worn off, and the soil was quickly turning into Hogwarts’ customary muddy mess. Calmly, he picked himself up off the sodden earth and looked disapprovingly at his dripping robes. Believing that a nasty head cold would not be to the benefit of his mental capacity, he reluctantly marched back up the sloping lawns towards the castle. He had not walked more than a few yards, however, when a chilling sound made him stop abruptly in his soggy tracks.

His curiosity stirred, Albus walked back down the slippery incline to the shore of the lake. The shrill, screeching notes of a foreign song reached his ears, their melody shrouded by the churning surface of the lake. They seemed to beckon him to their depths, calling out to his adventurous spirit. Albus remembered the gillyweed that he had found by the tree. Glancing back at the flickering windows of the castle, he retrieved the damp plant from his pocket and popped it into his mouth, as if it were no more than a lemon drop. Albus strode into the lake, undaunted by the pain that told him the gillyweed was working, giving him gills. As the water reached chest height, Albus dove into the frigid waters, following the song’s temptation into the first adventure of his days at Hogwarts.

As the swirling water enveloped him, Albus heard the mysterious song clearly for the first time:

Possessor of the gillyweed,

Come find us in the tangling reed.

If you succeed beneath the shores,

Our secret language will be yours.

As he propelled himself deeper into the lake, the song became louder. He could now distinguish the many croaky voices issuing from the murky depths. Lighting his wand with a nonverbal lumos, Albus peered inquisitively into the murky depths obscured by swaying reeds and grasses. The water was getting colder and darker at an increasing rate. He knew that he must be nearing the bottom, as the reeds were getting thicker and the song rose from chorus to thunderous chorus, resonating all around him. Before long, he broke through a swaying curtain of sea grass and emerged into open water. In front of him lay a small settlement of strange buildings made of stone. Paddling into the avenues between the buildings, Albus made his way towards the music emanating from the barely visible crowd at the base of a tall, worn statue of a selkie.

Albus no longer wondered what awaited him at the statue. Rumors existed of a mer-colony at the bottom of the Hogwarts loch…these rumors were now affirmed. Albus sped towards the crowd of merpeople, eager to discover the information they were offering. As he entered the clearing where they were assembled, the merfolk’s singing ceased. Albus came to a slow stop, drifting slightly with the currents of the lake bottom.

One member of the group, a wild-haired female, came forward. “I’m Murcus, head of human affairs in this community,” she croaked. “You must be Albus…Albus Dumbledore. I assume that you heard our song?” Albus nodded. “Yes, that’s what we presumed…you are a pearl among rotten oysters, Albus Dumbledore…you have been chosen,” the mermaid said. Albus looked questioningly at Murcus, who was staring intently at his face. “It’s not just the centaurs who’ve divining powers. We’ve our means as well…and we sense…calamity…in coming years. We need a link to the human world…it’s for this reason that we called you. Too young for corruption, yet wiser than most…” Albus nodded comprehendingly, yearning for more information. He looked questioningly at Murcus once more. “You will learn our native tongue for the benefit of both of our races,” she explained. “This will allow communication wherever it is needed.” Not waiting for a response from Albus, she placed a waterlogged book in his hands. “This tome is the basis of our society and language. You will be trusted to read, memorize, and protect it. You alone were chosen for this task, and you’ll do well to complete it. I daresay it will be crucial in the future.”

Murcus promptly retreated into the crowd, which began to sing another, gloomier melody. As Albus swam pensively back towards the surface, he pondered the song:

You’ve been chosen, accept the tome,
Take it safely to your home.
The future is grim, we’ve seen the sign
You must know the language of the brine.

(1000 words exactly, not including title.)

[sholeigh]

I'm afraid life has caught up with me, but I really don't want to be out of the Tournament just for not entering. So here's a quick one:

________________________________

The mist had curled and settled sadly,
A ghostly shade across the water,
When from the depths of deepening forest,
A centaur cried for the Merchief's daughter.

With breaking heart he tore up the shore,
Beating the turf with galloping hoof,
From the trees his herd were watching,
But kept their distance, ever aloof.

Never again would he see her face,
Her bubbling laughter and fins like lace,

For he who lives above the water,
Should never have loved the Merchief's daughter.

[Hes]

I never really write fiction let alone in English. Didn't count the footnote as part of the story. I think I might write more about my main character (even though I might have killed him at the end of the story) in the future because I don't think due to the word count I did him justice. I also nearly called the female Squid Jessica but thought the better of it. Anyhoo I had fun writing it even though I know I am not a great writer. I had to incorporate a bit of non-fiction in the story.

__________

A feeling that he ought to be somewhere else was pressing on Alfred Huxley’s brain. Thoughts crossed his mind of his home in London. But he couldn’t for the world imagine why. He had just come down from Cambridge and had not found a job yet. No appointments with friends either. So why give into the urge to go home?

He turned his thoughts to the here and now. It was very early in the morning, fog was still covering part of the lake and shores. On the other side of the lake Alfred could distinguish a ruin. When the mist cleared he could see that the ruins would have been an impressive castle in it’s heyday. Not that impressive anymore and according to the signs dangerous to come close to.

Even the lake was deemed unsafe, but surely not every lake in Scotland would have a monster of Loch Ness hidden beneath it’s calm surface? The lake didn’t seem to attract visitors at all. Alfred loved to swim and therefore he wouldn’t rob himself of an opportunity to take a dip on what promised to be a hot day.

Just when he decided to walk to the shore and jump into the lake something happened that stopped him in his tracks. He wasn’t alone after all. A person appeared out of the ruins and walked towards the lake. When the person came closer, Alfred could see it was a young boy with black hair.

The boy got something out of his pocket and stuffed it in his mouth. After removing his shoes he stepped in the water and dived. Alfred waited and waited for the boy to appear again, but he didn’t.

A rescue mission might be in order now. But before Alfred could move two more men appeared out of the rubble. They came swiftly towards the shore of the lake. Huxley couldn’t quite hear what they were saying yet, but it seemed that the younger of the two was quite agitated. They came closer.

“… did you see the Muggle paper yet Professor?” asked the young man while struggling to keep up.

The older man, who was very tall and dressed in a purple dressing gown that remind Alfred of his grandmother’s ballgowns, replied.

“Yes I did and I agree that it’s very worrying, I am afraid it will only get worse.”

“Do you think it’s him, Professor Dumbledore?”

“Him? Are you referring to Grindelwald? No I am afraid it’s not him. If it was him we could easily put an end to what is happening. A Muggle is responsible for all the problems on the continent. A fact that bars us wizards from taking action.”

A sigh of relief escaped the smaller man.

“Don’t be too relieved Apollyon, even we will most likely not be spared from trouble.”

All three men stared at the water and Alfred, who was hidden, let out a loud gasp when quite suddenly the young boy was lifted out of the water by a tentacle. The boy was hanging suspended in the air, head down, lifted by the tentacles of… a Giant Squid? Alfred rubbed his eyes. A Squid in a fresh water lake? No that wasn’t right, make that two Giant Squids.

Alfred was by this time wondering what bottle he had cracked the evening before but whatever it had been, he thought it better to remain hidden and wait.

"Ah, there is our culprit. Tom Riddle, perhaps you can explain to me what you are doing in the lake at this time of the day? Well what do you have to say for yourself?”

The boy called Tom remained silent, it was clear to Alfred that Tom really didn’t want to explain himself.

“Tom, really, this is the third time that I catch you in a place where you do not belong. Snooping around in the dungeons in the middle of the night, going through forbidden books in the Library and now this.”

“I was just taking a swim, I like it when I have the lake for my own particular use,” said Tom.

“Well do not let me see you here alone again. The Squids are not mean but they prefer to have the lake to themselves at night. Appolyon, since you are new here, let me introduce you to the Squids, they are a couple.”

Alfred was understandably bewildered by the spectacle he had witnessed. It was unbelievable that Squids lived so far inland, even more mind blowing was the fact that the man called Appolyon was blowing steam out of a stick all over the Riddle boy. Unbelievable things deserved to be written down.

What Huxley didn’t know though was that Professor Dumbledore had heard his earlier gasp and had even now discovered his whereabouts. Huxley was still trying to figure out what happened when he heard food steps and a voice.

“I am very sorry to do this, but… OBLIVIATE.”

Alfred suddenly remembered that he had to go to London.

***

A few hours later while sitting in the railway restaurant, he tried to remember why he had to go to London. Why were there flashes of a lake surrounded by mountains passing before his eyes? Had he been to that lake? He couldn’t recollect it. But he promised himself he would return to see the lake again and explore it. His thoughts were interrupted by an announcement on the radio:

“I am speaking to you now from the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street. This morning the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government a final note, stating that unless we heard from them by 11 o'clock that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you that no such undertaking has been received and that consequently this country is at war with Germany."1

Alfred Huxley would never see the lake again.

___________________________________
1 This is part of Neville Chamberlain’s Declaration of War speech against Nazi Germany, held on September 3rd 1939.

[gipro2003]

My entry has no title. Word Count is 222.



He gazed ahead at the smooth water.
He was appreciative of the vastness,
The magnificence,
The mystery,
And above all else,
The serenity.

It was this that he yearned above all else.
It was his desire,
He wanted to be free,
To release the burning passion,
That lay deep inside.
It was causing him too much pain,
Too much suffering,
And too much regret.

His heart had room for only one smile,
One set of green eyes,
One luscious scent.
His heart had only room for her.

And now his heart was shattered,
As if countless daggers had been run through it,
And it was beyond repair.

He could no longer play his role,
He had grown weary of acting.
He was tired of gazing into her eyes on a daily basis,
Of feeling his heart flutter in a false hope,
And having reality hit him in the face.

His love had been too strong,
And thus it was his weakness.
And he had succumbed.
So slowly, he took the plunge.

And as cold water encompassed him,
He knew he would soon be reunited with her presence.
He would soon be hearing her soft voice.
He would have a chance at living his dreams.

And now he was engulfed in vastness,
In magnificence,
In mystery,
And at last, Serenity.

He had failed.

[HarryPotter]

The Sun had just appeared shyly for a fraction of a second between the clouds of that windy Sunday morning at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry, Ron and Hermione were descending the path that connected the castle with Hagrid’s Hut to pay him a visit as they had promised, when they spotted the sinister figure of Professor Snape hurrying across the rustling blades of grass and past Fang into the hut.

The three of them instinctively increased their pace down the hill.

They carefully advanced towards the back door, and they attempted to overhear Snape and Hagrid’s conversation.

“The headmaster has his reasons to believe what he believes. He is on his right to be concerned about this whole matter, regardless of what you may think.” The cold voice of Snape hissed.

“Are yeh sayin’ I doubt Dumbledore? Never!” Hagrid roared – “Just sayin’ I doubt that student of yours-”

“Don’t doubt the intelligence of my students” Snape interrupted in a low voice. “It is no news he wants to… impress the Dark Lord, and this would be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what he is capable of.”

“Yeah, I know, but how would he get past all the guardians? The Giant Squid, the Merpeople, all the creatures that protect it! It’s nonsense! No one but Dumbledore could possibly reach the Lady, and not even he has managed to get past her!” Hagrid exclaimed, annoyed.

The trio looked at each other, perplexed. What was hiding in the lake that could be of use to Voldemort? Who was that Lady?

Hermione was biting her lower lip as though she was onto something the boys were not aware of, her eyes glimmering out of excitement.

“I guess Professor Dumbledore is just too noble to force her into letting him pass. However, the Dark Lord knows of many ways to break her will with just a flick of his wand.” Snape replied softly, and his lips curled into a thin smile “Shall I explain you how his methods work?”

“No need to.” The half-giant replied, playing nervously with his beard. “So what did yeh need my help for? Yeh mentioned somethin’ ‘bout creatures.”

“Let’s go.” Harry whispered, gesturing towards the lake. “We need to stop him.”

“Are you mental?” Ron asked, confused, as they all moved towards a spot from where they couldn’t be seen or heard “We have nothing to do with all this business, and they are managing well on their own!”

“Actually” Hermione said very serious “I’m going to agree with Harry just this time. We need to do something.”

“I have no idea what they were talking about, but it has to be really serious, if Malfoy thinks it could impress Voldemort!” Harry shrugged. “Maybe that Lady is guarding a Horcrux or a powerful artefact-”

“Avalon.” Hermione replied calmly, observing proudly their puzzled expression “It makes sense. The lady they were talking about is the famous Lady of the Lake. Come on; don’t tell me you have never heard about the legend!”

Ron and Harry shrugged and they shook their heads.

She rolled her eyes. “The Lady is the one who gave Excalibur to King Arthur, and also she is who guards the access to the island of Avalon. It is also said she learnt her magic from Merlin himself, and-“

Hermione was unable to continue her explanation, because Ron’s hand pulled of her behind a tree. He pointed at Draco Malfoy, who had just reached the shore of the lake. He looked around nervously to make sure he was alone. Then he cast a spell.

Nothing happened at first, but soon a ripple started forming in the centre of the lake, expanding quickly in all directions. A soft chant started sounding. They didn’t know if the music came from the lake or from inside themselves, but it was warm and welcoming.

“Who’s there?” An ethereal voice asked.

“I…” Draco hesitated “I want you to show me the way to Avalon”

“Who’s there?” The voice insisted.

“Draco Malfoy”

The figure of a pale, young woman with long silver hair and pearly eyes emerged slowly from the water. “Of your loyalty to my beloved Merlin, I need proof. Tried you to deceive me, this memory and Avalon I’ll take back to the depths. Think well, if you want to pass, for there won’t be a second chance.”

Draco stepped away from the water. He perfectly knew that if the Lady felt threatened, all the guardians of the lake would make sure he regretted it deeply.
“Excalibur! If I draw it off the rock it means I’m loyal to Merlin, doesn’t it?” Draco exclaimed, positive that was the way to prove his loyalty.

“You shall not pass.” The Lady whispered, as she started sinking slowly into the lake.

“No! Wait! Don’t go!” Draco called, stepping hurriedly towards her. As soon as his foot touched the water, he thought he saw a large tentacle darting towards him, ready to strike.

Draco covered his head with both arms, terrified.

Suddenly, he looked around, lost and clueless. He didn’t remember anything that had happened. He started returning slowly towards the castle, confused.

After some minutes, the trio stopped staring perplexed at the lake, and they returned to Hagrid’s hut, hoping Snape was already gone. As they were about reaching it, they saw Dumbledore coming out of the hut. He looked at them, smiling “I think I’d be really mistaken if I assumed you don’t already know all what is going on, so shall we go straight to the point?”

“Professor, why didn’t you go to Avalon? I’m positive you knew the right answer to get in.” Hermione asked, curious.

“As a matter of fact, I did know the answer, but I deliberately decided not to go to Avalon. On my return, my memory of her would be erased from my mind, and as you may guess, I chose to remember her.”

Dumbledore winked at the three of them, and he walked away.


Word count: 999

[IgoRetla]

Lake Sunshine

Ginny Weasley sat under the beech tree at the edge of the lake, her Advanced Transfiguration text forgotten on the grass next to her. Fast approaching N.E.W.T. exams notwithstanding, most of Hogwarts’ students were enjoying one last Hogsmeade weekend on a sunny Spring day. Yet when Hermione Granger had elected to carry an immense stack of books to study in the library over butterbeer, Ginny had half-heartedly settled for some sunshine with her studies.

Ginny knew her Transfiguration, her Charms, her Defense Against the Dark Arts and all of her other classes backwards and forwards. It wasn’t as if she felt any obsessive need to study, as her friend Hermione obviously did, but aside from George’s new shop in Hogsmeade, in her seventh year there wasn’t much exciting to see in the village anymore. And Ginny still couldn’t look George too closely in the eye, she knew that her presence distracted him from business. Each of them painfully reminded one another of Fred.

Movement caught her eye, and Ginny squinted against the bright sunshine. A pair of tall, hooded figures were moving along the lake, for a moments shocked disbelief, she thought they were dementors, but this pair were far too solid—and they walked. Still, Ginny’s hand strayed to the comforting bulge of the wand in her pocket as the two heads turned towards one another in apparent consultation, then one veered off the path towards her as the other continued towards the castle. Her hand slipped inside her robes to clench the wand as the tall, anonymous figure loomed closer, then something about the way that it moved made her gasp and leap to her feet.

“Harry James Potter! What are you doing here!”

Ginny rushed into his arms as her boyfriend slipped off the hooded cloak to reveal familiar tousled black hair and green eyes behind black rimmed glasses. Her first kiss stifled his answer, and some sunny days later she found herself looking up at Harry expectantly.

“Well? I asked you a question?”

“Oh, right.” Harry grinned crookedly as Ginny scowled—or tried to. “Well, it’s an Auror’s duty to explore every lead when pursuing a suspect, and he or she can go anywhere in the course of an investigation. Tonks showed me that sixth year. So Ron and I came to Hogwarts to question potential witnesses. Ron,” Harry paused dramatically. “went to question Hermione Granger.”

“Oh, he did, did he?”

“Yes, he did.” Harry suddenly grinned impishly. “Besides, when our girlfriends don’t show up at the Three Broomsticks on a Hogsmeade weekend, sometimes events call for extraordinary measures.”

“Really?” Ginny’s face was suddenly impassive, and she pushed slightly away from Harry. “All right then, so what do you want to know?”

“Do you know where Roderick Muckleroy is?”

“Who?” Confusion flashed across Ginny’s face.

“Roderick Muckleroy.” Harry looked at her intently. “He’s a Death Eater who escaped right after the final battle. We have witnesses that swear that he was a Death Eater, tortured Muggles and Muggle-borns, and there were papers in his house supporting those allegations. But no one has seen him since. So, do you know where Roderick Muckleroy is?”

“Er, no.” Suddenly Ginny was hesitant, unsettled. Harry was being entirely too earnest. “I don’t have the least idea where this Roderick Muckleroy character is.”

“All right, then.” Harry settled back on his elbows and grinned, green eyes suddenly sparkling. “One witness interviewed and eliminated. I guess I’m on my break then.”

The next thing Ginny knew, an Auror, in fact the Hero of the Battle of Hogwarts, was leaning forward to kiss her. She didn’t resist his arresting eyes.

Some endless time later, the two were sitting by the lake, still in the shade of the beech tree. Ginny noticed Harry cast the tree a wry glance, but before she could ask, he stood.

“Well, I reckon I’d better go find Ron. They have the whole castle to hide in, where do you think I should start?”

“The girl’s dormitories,” Ginny replied immediately. “You know he always wanted to see what was up there, and if an Auror can go anywhere—“

“Yeah, right.” Harry chuckled, and pulled out his wand. “They won’t be doing anything, but maybe I’d better—“

With an immense splash, the water of the lake exploded, and Harry’s wand went flying as Ginny was knocked to the ground at the base of the tree.

“Potter!” a voice roared. “I don’t know how you found me, but you’re not going to take me!”

Shocked, Ginny saw a man rising from the lake in sodden robes, a Bubblehead Charm vanishing as she glanced at him. A green jet burst from his wand, exploding at Harry’s feet as he dove desperately for his wand, lost in the tall grass. The dripping wet man, trailing lianas of lakebed grass, trudged toward the shore, shooting another spell at Harry.

“I’ve been in this blasted lake since the Dark Lord fell, and if you think I’m going to stay underwater and eat raw fish all that time just to go to Azkaban, you’ve got another think co—“

The man’s voice ended in a scream, just as Harry reached his wand. He turned to see an immense quantity of flapping objects emerge from the man’s face as he flailed his arms wildly to fend off the great circling bogies.

“You do not,” Harry was shocked to recognize the fierce voice as Ginny’s, “attack my boyfriend,” Muckelroy’s wand went flying into the lake—Ginny looked quite like a saber-toothed tiger, “when it is the first time,” ropes flew from Ginny’s wand, and bound the Death Eater tightly, “that I have seen him in weeks.”

Ginny turned towards Harry, a satisfied smile on her face.

“I take it back, Auror Potter.” She tilted her head, red hair falling along her shoulder. “It seems that I do know where Roderick Muckelroy is.”

[Gwenhwyfara]

This tale takes place in the early spring of the Marauders' fifth year. I had a lot of fun with it, and, best of all, 1,000 words exactly!

Moonlight Stroll

“Roanna – wait!” Remus half-called, half-whispered into the night. She was too quick for him; lithe as a deer, she had bounded, danced, teased, and led him a merry chase. The bright moon—now one night before full—sufficiently illuminated the grounds so there was little danger of tripping, but also meant that Remus was in no shape for running. He finally lost sight of her and stopped, panting near the eaves of the forest.

This was a distinctly bad idea, he decided. Not that he had known beforehand the invitation he accepted was for a moonlight stroll by the lake, but he might’ve guessed they weren’t staying in the castle when she asked him to meet her in the entrance hall at midnight. He’d been too elated to ask questions, or to remind her that they were both prefects. He privately suspected the studious Ravenclaw was capable of mischief to rival anything the Marauders could dream up, but she wasn’t flashy with it, and had never been caught. He admired her brains and her style.

Presently, he was irritated. He thought he heard her laugh from behind a bush. Moving to investigate, he was startled as she pounced from behind, her grip on his shoulders tightening to pull him back upright as he overbalanced toward the water.

“Careful, slowpoke!” she laughed, amused at his reaction.

“So you decided to join me at last?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at her and trying (unsuccessfully) to look stern.

“Don’t be silly!” She grabbed his hand and towed him to a nearby rock and scrambled onto it, pulling him up behind. “Look! Isn’t it beautiful?” she sighed, gesturing across the silvery lake.

Remus looked. The most noticeable thing about the landscape to him was the sickening quantity of moonlight, which reminded him of his upcoming transformation, which was the night before an exam on Liquidity Charms, for which he should be studying now. “Beautiful” was not the word that sprang to mind.

Ignoring his silence, she chattered on, “The breeze is delicious, too, and the blossoms should open soon; I’m so glad it’s spring! This is my favorite place—I just love to come here when the moon is full and watch the ripples on the lake—sometimes I stay on this rock for hours. Once, I fell asleep, and I’m sure a mermaid sang to me; it was the loveliest dream!” She sighed happily. “I’ve never brought anyone here before,” she added confidentially.

While it didn’t escape him that she was doing him a considerable honor, letting him into her secret, her revelation horrified him. “So, you . . . you come here often? Alone, when the moon is full?” How many times had she lain unprotected on this rock, oblivious to the fact there was an equally oblivious werewolf roaming the vicinity?

“Of course I do. That’s what I just told you.”

“Er, you know, there are . . . dangerous things in the forest. And, well, there’s the squid to consider. What if it came up while you were sleeping here? No one would know what happened to you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Remus Lupin, I can take care of myself! The squid’s diurnal, by the way, and a vegetarian. Just what are you implying?”

“Nothing! I’m just worried about you, Roanna, that’s all. It’s dangerous out here.”

She considered a moment. “If you’re worried about me going out alone, you can come with me again tomorrow night.” She smiled beguilingly.

“Tomorrow night? What about the Charms exam? Don’t you think we ought to study?”

“I’ve already done it. Are you coming with me or am I going alone?”

“What about O.W.L.s?”

“There’s plenty of time left. Why are you making excuses? What, exactly, is it about the idea of taking another moonlight walk with me that you find so distasteful? If you don’t want to come, just say so!”

“No! No! It isn’t that! It’s just . . . I . . . well, I . . . er . . . .”

“Yes?”

“I’m allergic to moonlight!” he blurted. While she glared at him, Remus reflected on the sublime stupidity of that statement, but it was too late to take it back now. He wished he hadn’t asked James to borrow the invisibility cloak for getting to the entrance hall. James and Sirius wouldn’t rest until they’d drug the full story out of him. He could hear their reactions now. James would snort “That’s a gem, Moony! Is that honestly the best you could do?” Sirius would be too busy laughing.

“Allergic to moonlight?” she hissed. And, without further ceremony, she shoved him into the lake.

By the time he resurfaced, she had vanished. He sighed wearily, wiped off as much algae as possible, and trudged back to the castle. He was halfway across the entrance hall when he noticed the trail of slimy wet footprints he was leaving and realized Roanna had also managed to hit him with Liquidity Charm of Non-Evaporation. Damn it! He didn’t know the counterspell. Now he would have to squelch all the way to the dormitories and hope not to wake anyone before he could look it up in his textbook. With darkening mood, he retrieved the cloak and set off, scourgifying the evidence as he passed.

He backed through the portrait hole and proceeded invisibly across the deserted Gryffindor Common Room, still erasing his footprints behind him. He’d made it to the stairs; the worst was over, Filch couldn’t catch him now. He was going to make it.

“So,” a voice came from a shadowy corner by the fireplace, causing Remus to jump so the cloak slid halfway off him and he slid on the stairs in puddle of lake slime. Sirius leaned casually against the mantelpiece where he had stood the whole time, motionlessly watching his friend’s curious procession across the room. James’s head appeared around the edge of a winged armchair. Both grinned, looking extremely amused.

“How did it go?”

[Tenshi]

Please read carefully. This is a short do-it-yourself-story. It's you who creates the outcome of the story, so make your choices wisely. [/drama drama] Depending on the way you choose you'll get a different story. The name of the story is meant literally here.


For the mods. The actual story is in bold. The one in italics are instructions to continue the story.

EVERYTHING CHANGES

“Moony?”
A familiar voice rushed to my ears, but I didn’t want to answer it. I wanted to rest, the transformation was exhausting as always and I didn’t feel well. I kept my eyes closed and pretended to be asleep.
“HEY MOONY!”
The voice was ringing in my head and someone stepped on my tail, which made me sit up facing the intruders.

“Get off my tail, Sirius.” I demanded at once and the dog lifted his paw to settle down next to me.
“So what are we going to do tonight?” James’ voice sounded rather expectant.
“As if you haven’t made your plans already”, I muttered and lifted an eyebrow at him.
“Guilty!”, the laughed and nodded towards Sirius. “We thought we could head down to the lake this night to explore it.”
“Maybe we’re lucky and Snivellus is stumbling around tonight”, a wide grin appeared on the dogs face.

I never really felt comfortable leaving the Shack in werewolf form, I never lost the fear that something bad will happen one day even with the escort of the others. And somehow today the odd feeling was stronger than ever, but I wasn’t sure if they would understand it.

“Can’t we just stay here tonight?”, I asked. “I don’t feel like doing anything today.”
“Oi, are we being a spoilsport today?” Sirius pouted and also James was looking at me as if I said something offending to them.
“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to leave the Shack today. It has nothing to do with being a spoilsport. I just don’t want to go out this night. OK?” from the look of their face I guess my voice sounded rather angry.
“Whatever” and without giving me a second glance they left the room leaving me alone again.

When you feel it was wrong to get at them like that and you want to follow them to apologize, continue with part 2.
When you still think your right and want to stay in the Shack go to part 3

Part 2:    

---

As soon as I was outside the tunnel I turned my head towards the moon. So beautiful and yet so dangerous. I shivered and started to make my way to the Lake. I was able to make out their voices and scent from farer away, but something was wrong. I got closer and saw that both, Sirius and James, standing with the back to the lake and faced the angry looking Centaur. The fear was written on their face and held at arrow-point they didn’t dare to move. I slowly approached and hid in the thicket close to the group. Do you attack the Centaur to save your friends then head to part 4 If you decide that it's better not to get involved, read part 5

Part 3:    

---

I was so angry at them. After this I wondered if we are even friends. I started to stare at the wall in front of me pondering about it. I don't know how long I stared at it, it seemed like hours. I perfectly could hear little hoofs running upstairs. James I thought and then the door bursted open. "Sirius..." James panted. "Sirius was attacked by a Centaur. He's lying at the edge of the lake, bleeding." I jumped up and stared at him. If I was in human form my face surely would be plain white. “No!” I gasped. - The End -

Part 4:    

---

I couldn’t bear it anymore. Sirius was still my friend and I had to do something. I lunged forward from my hideout and got between the Centaurs and the other two. Surprised by the sudden attack the black horse backed off a bit. Without a warning I shot at him, but unfortunatelly I underestimated the Centaur. The hoof hit me hard on the temple and I lost my balance and fell off the scarp. The last thing I recongnised was the frightened face of Sirius and how my body hit the surface of the lake and then everything went black. - The End -

Part 5:    

---

I knew we will be in greater danger when I attack now. He would start to shot arrows at me without thinking and then the others could get hurt as well. I kept still at my place and watched the other three on the edge of the lake. The Centaur was making clear that this was their terretorium and that creatures like us should keep out of it. It was really smart of the others not to argue with him about this. The situation cleared itself pretty soon and the Centaur headed into the forest again leaving the others unharmed. - The End -

Authors Note:
I'm no native so please excuse the mistakes.
Wanted to make it more complex, but lack of time.
And if you haven't noticed it. The box texts are all drabbles + the last part of the first part.
For those who don't know. Drabbels are short stories which must be exactly 100 words.

[Jessica]

Attention all members!

The judging of the Second Task has begun and it is in your hands! Which Champions should be triumphant? Vote in the poll to decide.

A few points of order:

1) You MAY vote for yourself.
2) You may vote for THREE entries in the Champions thread, in the non-Champions thread you may only vote for one.
3) Voting will close on Monday March 31 at midnight GMT, Champions will be announced shortly thereafter.
4) Cheating is a traditional part of the TriWizard tournament, however voters are encouraged to take their role in this seriously. Please read all entries if you intend to vote rather than just voting for your friends or favorite characters. We'd also like to encouarge you to recognize that English is a second language for many of our Champions.
5) This thread is open for poll related purposes only, comments below this will be deleted. Comments go in Triwizard Tournament!

We've revised the judging due to popular demand. Each entry will have three scores 1-10 as we did last time. The poll voting will count as one of these three scores. The other two scores will come from members of staff.

We have always planned on Special Awards but we will have an extra Member's Choice award in addtion to the staff chosen Special Awards.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in with suggestions. Hopefully this compromise will suit everyone.

[Jessica]

This thread is now open for Feedback Only. Have fun

[Tenshi]

No feedback on my story please!

[Tonks]

I wanted to say that I loved LucyBird's entry, it was so moving! And there are so many others I wanted to comment on *goes off to recap*

[Potter_fan]

for those who want to say "Potter_Fan yours was good" save it.

The votes are all I need to see.

[DixieWitch]

it was good, Potter_fan. it's only worth what you think it is, though. it was a good effort. honestly. sulking about it won't up your votes. not trying to be mean or anything.