Hogwarts Overexposed Chapter 19: The Second Task
Jamie was exceedingly thankful when Evan, Emily and Caitlin all decided to go outside and entertain themselves in the snow This sounds so wrong given that this is Hogwarts Exposed after lunch. She wanted to be able to talk privately with Harry and Hermione without being too obvious about it.
Being too obvious about what?
Jamie watched distractedly as Hermione fed Ben. She wondered if all wizard parents pretended that the spoon was a broomstick flying toward their child's mouth. Just in case you forgot that this is supposed to be a Harry Potter fanfiction. Jamie remembered her own mother playing a similar charade when she fed a then baby Emily. That seemed like it had been a lifetime ago.
"Jamie, what's bothering you?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing," Jamie lied. "I'm fine!"
Neil, this is too chlichéed even for you.
"No you're not," said Harry emphatically. "You're not yourself. You barely touched your lunch and now you seem lost in thought."
"Professor Flitwick told us that he finally discussed the position with you," Hermione confided softly.
"Finally!" Jamie cried, startled by Hermione's declaration. "How long have the two of you known that he was considering me?"
Yeah, it comes up again and again how each time the plot barely thickens, they cry.
"He never really thought seriously about anyone else," Hermione admitted. "Harry and I didn't think it was in our place to say anything before he personally talked to you. Besides, we didn't wish to raise your expectations in case either the Headmaster or the Board of Governors withheld their approval."
Jamie nodded her head in understanding. "Has the Board approved my selection?"
What do you think, Jamie Sue?
"Yes," Hermione answered. "I'd be lying if I said it was undisputed. There was some dissension based primarily on your age and lack of experience, but given that you´re the Main Sue of the Saga, these issues were quickly dismissed. All bow down to the Main Sue!" Severus can be very persuasive when he puts his mind to it. Of course Exposed!Severus would bend the rules for the Main Sue. There will be a chair waiting for you at the head table next autumn if you decide to accept the position."
Again Jamie nodded, but she continued to stare impassively at the wall, as suddenly Death Eaters broke in and killed them all. I wish.
"It's Alex; isn't it?" Harry asked. "You two have intentions to train together as Aurors. You're concerned how he'll react if you change those plans."
"I can't lose him," Jamie cried, bursting into tears. "I love him so much. Yet this is a dream come true and I don't, if truth were told, think I'm actually cut out to be an Auror. What am I going to do?"
What is so special about the relationship she has with Alex?
Why is it treated like the most important thing in the world by everyone?
"Trust Alex," Harry said. He placed his arm around Jamie as she buried her tear filled face in his shoulder.
Hermione also wanted to comfort Jamie, but tending to Ben had her at present occupied. "Harry is right," she said caringly. "If he truly loves you, he'll understand. He'll want what is best for you and what will make you happy."
"But I love him," Jamie pleaded. "What if during three years away from each other, he finds someone else?"
*gasp*
"Then it wasn't meant to be and it's best you find out now rather than be miserable together," Harry replied. "If your love for each other is genuine, it with How many betas are there again? survive both time and distance. You need to have faith in both him and your feelings for each other."
Sure, sure.
"Harry and I didn't see each other for five years," Hermione interposed. "In school we were delusional enough to think we loved others. For us it took time and separation to realize that we wanted to be much more than platonic friends. Fortunately, we both realized, before it was too late, that our school relationships would not survive the test of time."
Because this is a Harmonian fic, it has to reiterated over and over again that Harry and Hermiones relationship is the greatest thing ever.
Harry chuckled. "You and Ron would have ended up killing each other if you had gotten married."
You see?
"We weren't married and I wanted to kill him when I found out about all the girls he was sleeping with," Yaay, it´s been a while since we had Ron bashing! Hermione retorted. "But he's changed. Sam and Ron have a wonderful relationship." Hermione looked at the floor and shook her head as if trying to shake out unhappy memories from the past.
Isnt that what she is doing here?
"But we're not talking about Harry and my past mistakes," she said. Hermie Sue you were the one who brought them up to begin with. "We're talking about you and Alex. When I look at you two, I see Harry and I and the way we feel about each other now. We took some wrong turns on the way to find true love. You and Alex took the straight route and I believe your love will withstand the worst of times."
Neil can´t write.
"Jamie, you can't keep secrets from someone you love and you can't lie to them either," Harry said. "You have to go to Alex. You have to tell him how you feel about him, how you feel about being an Auror and about the opportunity you have been presented with. Have faith in the Flying Spaghetti Monster him and his love for you."
Jamie hugged Harry, and then moved to embrace Hermione. She knew that they were both right. She had to tell Alex. But she was frightened; more scared than she had ever been in her entire life.
More scared than when they were captive in the lair of the Great One?
Cut for a boring scene where Emily, Kim and Tyler go to the Room of Requirement to take nude photos of Tyler to make Denise jealous.
We return to what is allegedly the plot:
"Nott, I detect concern in your voice," Slytherin noted. "Recruitment seems to be progressing smoothly and the Ministry is still ignoring my existence. Why the concern?"
Why would the Ministry ignore the resurrection of an evil wizard for the second time, while the media here already kisses both Harry and Hermiones arse 24/7?
Knott Is it Nott or Knott? studied Slytherin, not certain if he dared to answer frankly. Although Slytherin at times treated him almost as an equal, he knew his master possessed the power to kill him with no more than a mere thought. But of course we never see him do this, after he ended Emma Wrong that way. He hesitated to upset his master.
"Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with someone highly proficient in Legilmency," Slytherin said, a hint of irritation evident in his voice.
"I'm sorry, Lord Slytherin. It's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Name dropping the book Neil is incorporating canon from while still using those two other fanfics as canon. Knott admitted fretfully. "Although the Ministry continues to refute your very existence, the Order has been successful in convincing many. Their numbers have grown evenly with ours and..." Knott took a deep breath. "I fear that the loyalty of their membership to their cause is greater than that of many of our constituents."
How does word go of the Order of the Phoenix, when it´s supposed to be secret?
Slytherin nodded his head. On the surface he didn't appear troubled by Knott's comments. "You are not the first to voice concern over the commitment of many of our number. Keane has voiced similar worry. He suggests that perhaps it is time I reveal myself to the wizarding world with an impressive show of strength. I take it you concur with his thoughts."
"I would never be so bold as to question your judgment, Great Lord, but perhaps now would be a good time to give our world a demonstration of your great power," Knott said, trembling.
"I'm inclined to agree with you both," Slytherin said, much to Knott's surprise. "But as long as the Ministry refuses to acknowledge my return, there is no need to rush into anything haphazardly. If we time this properly, we might be able to eliminate Harry Potter at the same time. Without their leader, the Order of the Phoenix will crumble into ashes."
I honestly just love how all scenes with Salazar Slytherin after his resurrection is just him doing monologues and asking for logistics to his minions.
"Do you have a plan?" Knott asked, uncertainly.
"Eric has given me a suggestion that has great merit. It will involve the gratuitous killing of a number of students, but sometimes sacrifices must be made for the sake of advancement. I prefer not to go into further detail until all preparations have been finalized."
In case you have forgotten, Eric is the dude who Rishard Simone had meetings with.
And yeah, I almost forgot about it either.
Slytherin abruptly changed the subject. "Have you contacted Malfoy concerning the Mudblood?"
"Yes, My Lord. He informs me that she infrequently leaves the castle and when she does it is more often than not in the company of Potter. Draco, however, pledges to be vigilant and inform us at once if she leaves unaccompanied."
What could possibly happen?
"He had better," Slytherin replied, impatiently. "I am quite eager to discover what it is about that woman that has this body and mind that I occupy so entranced."
I think this is the last time Damien is ever hinted at.
Cut for the scene where Jamie finally tells Alex that she doesnt want to an Auror because she had to kill Madam Hooch.
And of course Neil copy pasted the entire scene in just in case we forgot what happened.
Alex of course tells her she did the right thing as Hooch would have killed Caitlin and Emily, but Jamie is soooo pure that she can´t pull through something like that again.
Cut for yet another pointless Caitlin and Evan scene.
We then return to Jamie and Alex. Alex is happy that she doesnt want to be an Auror, because he only wanted to be an Auror to not lose Jamie. What a codependent twit. He instead wants to be a Lawyer.
Cut for a boring scene with Caitlin and Emily talking about their relationship drama.
I know this is many cuts, but these scenes were so incredibly boring.
We return to the actual plot:
Friday, February 17, 2006
"Do you want to head to the library and finish that charms essay for Flitwick?" Emily asked as she and Kim departed the Great Hall after finishing dinner.
"I can't," Kim replied. "Remember, I have that meeting tonight about the second task." Kim checked her watch. "Actually I'd better hurry. I'm supposed to be meeting the others at the Quidditch Pitch in ten minutes."
"See you later," Emily said as Kim rush off. "Good Luck!"
It was just a meeting; Kim certainly hoped she wouldn't be in need of any luck tonight, but with Rishard Simone running the events one could never be certain. She reached the door just as the remainder of the team was ready to depart.
"It's about time," Jamie scolded in a kidding way. Why in a kidding way? "You had Nora quite worried. She thought you were going to chicken out and that she would be required to take your place tomorrow."
Oh the conflict, can´t you feel it?
"She still might have to participate," Kim said. "Simone doesn't seem to like anyone to sit out."
"Yeah!" Nora agreed. "I think he just figures that the more of us running around in his scanty costumes the better the chance of one of us exposing ourselves."
Yeah, this really is the Main Conflict and plot of this fic.
"Well, unless someone knows some excellent warming charms, we're going to be colder than a witch's tit tomorrow," Nora declared.
Several of the boys and all the girls just stared at Nora.
Seriously?
"It's just an expression," she said contritely. "Oh Come on now. Don't pretend you've never heard it before. I've often heard Muggles use it."
I haven´t.
"That's not all that will ice up tomorrow," Dick commented. "The temperature is supposed to be well below freezing all day with little if any sun."
The Hogwarts team arrived at the Pitch to find the American team already assembled and looking rather forlorn. It didn't take long to figure out their dejection; it appeared that the challenge involved water and no one was looking forward to getting wet in sub freezing temperatures.
Considering that this is supposed to be a Harry Potter fanfic - why aren´t there used any heating charms?
Before the teams had a chance to exchange comments, Rishard arrived along with Harry and the American coach. Rishard seemed to have regained his nauseatingly bubbly personality.
"It's so good to see all your happy little faces again," Rishard said in his little singsong way. "Although I'm disappointed that you didn't wear your uniforms tonight. You all look so adorable in them."
THE MAIN CONFLICT.
"He'd look cute with my fist in his face," Dick mumbled.
Jamie and Kim, although neither fans of Dick's, both giggled at his comment.
"Please be sure that you dress appropriately tomorrow, I don't want to see any of you gorgeous people out of uniform tomorrow," Rishard warned.
"The hell he doesn't," Caitlin cursed. "He'd piss his pants if a couple of us ended up partially exposed, the fruity pervert."
Hello, unfortunate implications!
"Caitlin! You're starting to sound more and more like Emily," Jamie scolded. "I think she's becoming a bad influence on you. You're right though. He is a pervert."
So just like the Suethor.
"Now then," Simone started. "Tomorrow's task is rather straightforward; it is called 'Bridging the Gap'. As you can see we have two small ponds, one for each team. The ponds are ten foot deep at all points. There is a platform secured in the middle of each pond. The distance from land to the platform is approximately seven feet.
I still have a hard time imagining what this would actually look like.
"Each team must traverse across the two expanses. You will have only two boards with which to make a bridge. The two boards are four and five foot in length and quite inflexible. Also, only three people may occupy the center platform at one time."
"Are their any questions so far?" Rishard asked.
"Yeah!" Dick yelled out. "What about that water? With the temperature as low as it is someone could freeze to death if they fell in."
I smell a plot twist coming.
"Very good question," Simone said, putting his arm around Dick's shoulder. "Do you notice anything peculiar about the pond water?"
"No," answered Dick, shrugging his shoulders.
"Does anyone?"
Quite a few of the students raised their hands, but Rishard seemed to show preference to calling on the boys. "Yes, you handsome devil," he said indicating one of the American boys.
"I don't believe that is water sir," the student answered. "Water would be frozen with the temperatures being as low as they've been the last few weeks."
"Very good," Rishard said reaching out and patting the boy's arse. "The ponds do not contain water. Although it closely resembles water this fluid is actually Petrificus Potion."
Jamie gasped causing the other students to stare in her direction.
Of course it´s the Main Sue who gets all the attention here.
"I take it you are familiar with Petrificus Potion?" Rishard asked.
"Yes! It is the potion equivalent of the Petrificus Totalus spell," she replied. "Any part of the body that comes in contact with the solution becomes rigid."
Sounds rather wrong considering this fic.
"Quite correct. If I were your professor, I'd award your house ten points for that correct answer," Simone giggled. "Touch it with your fingers and you will lose their use. Submerge an arm or a leg and they will become incapacitated. Fall completely in the potion and you will become dead weight for your team, only your eyes will move for the next hour. Foreshadowing! Remember all member How did the Betas miss this? of the team are required to finish the task, even any that are debilitated."
"There will be a few additional challenges to make the task slightly more difficult, but I don't want to ruin the fun by discussing them just yet. I'd rather they be a surprise in the morning. Now unless there are any further questions I suggest you all get a good nights sleep. Before you leave please see your coach who will give you a bottle of a specially prepared potion that you should immediately drink. It will help take your mind off the cold tomorrow."
What could possibly go wrong here?
"What is it Harry," Jamie asked as he handed her a sealed flask.
"I haven't the slightest idea," Harry answered. "Mister Simone refused to divulge the actual contents, but he assured everyone that it is harmless and that the effects only last eighteen hours from the time of ingestion."
This is so stupid.
"Must we drink it?" Caitlin asked.
"Yes!" Harry confirmed. "Rishard insists that I make sure that everyone completely downs their bottle. He says it would be an unfair advantage if one of the players were slighted." Harry watched as each player finished his or her drink. By the comments, it sounded like there were three different beverages each with their own unique taste.
But these tastes are never ever described.
Once the teams separated, Jamie called her group into a huddle.
"This doesn't seem like that difficult a challenge," she said. "We just need to work together as a team and take care that no one falls into that potion."
Oh Jamie, have you forgotten the last task?
"That's for sure," Dick agreed. "I certainly don't intend to be burdened with carrying anyone through the entire contest."
This type of attitude from Dick seemed to surprise no one.
"Okay, call me stupid if you must," Nora said, "but I don't understand how this is possible. Neither of the boards is long enough to reach for land to the platform."
"You're not stupid," Kim assured Nora. "It took me awhile to figure it out myself. What we have to do is lay out the first board with enough weight supporting so that someone can walk out on it sort of like a diving board. That person carries the second board with them and lays it from the end of the first board to the platform and then walks across. The tricky part is that we can't have more than three people on the platform at a time. That means we have to keep communicating and shifting the boards around so that no one gets stranded."
This all sounds so stupid.
"It's going to be another circumstance of making sure we have people of proper strength and weight at the correct position at the right time," Jamie said. "I'll try and figure out a strategy tonight," she said resisting yawning. "Assuming I can stay awake. Suddenly I can barely keep my eyes open."
What a way to introduce the sleepiness.
"Me, too," said Kim and many of the others yawned in agreement. "I wonder if those drinks had a sleeping draft in them so that we couldn't stay awake to make plans."
*HORRIFIED GASPS*
"It's possible," Jamie said. "We better all hurry back to our dorms before we fall asleep out her -_- and freeze to death."
Once inside the castle, everyone separated and then scurried toward their common rooms and then into their dorms. Dick and Kim were silent as they hurried to the Slytherin common room only exchanging yawns as they head toward their separate dorm wings.
This sounds like slapstick.
"What happened? What's the second event?" Emily asked excitedly as Kim sat down on her four-pollster bed.
Kim opened her mouth to speak, but instead yawned and then collapsed in a motionless heap.
Emily just shook her head and smiled. The strain of trying to juggle two boyfriends was obviously taking its toll on her best friend. She didn't even try to wake Kim, but instead removed her best friend's clothes and then tucked her in for the night. She knew Kim had a hard day ahead of her.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
The loud talking of Janice and Denise awakened Emily. They had no respect for anyone else. Remember, they´re only evil for not wanting Emily and Kim to be naked in their dorms. And they summoned off Emlys nipples, but I guess that is forgotten now. If they were sleeping, they expected everyone to walk around on tiptoes, but it they were awake then everyone else should be too.
Emily checked her watch. It was good that Janice and Denise were so rude. If she and Kim didn't hurry they'd miss breakfast. Emily stuck her hand through the drapes of Kim's bed and gave her a gentle shake. "Time to get up sleeping beauty or we'll miss breakfast."
Ready for the twist?
Kim stretched and then rubbed her eyes before slowly opening them. "Emily why are you waking me in the middle of the night? Its pitch dark."
"What are you going on about," Emily retorted, pulling Kim draperies open. "It's the middle of the morning. Open your eyes and get out of bed, lazy."
Kim didn't answer Emily; instead she screamed and then started crying uncontrollably. Her eyes were open. She was blind.
DUN DUNN DUNNNNN
End of Chapter 19
It´s been a while since I had to cut so much during a chapter, but now it´s thankfully over.
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