Sensing that the other group of Grindylows had recovered from his banishing charm, Harry turned and cast "Expulso!" The explosion curse was surprisingly effective, taking out two of the Grindylows and injuring a third. The other Grindylow in the group seemed to realize that the battle had been lost and fled, taking along its injured fellow attacker with it. Harry returned his focus on the last two Grindylows to see that they were surprisingly close. Harry summoned a rock towards him and then banished it at the vicious little creatures head, knocking it out or killing it (Harry wasn't sure), as its friend reached Harry and bit into his ankle. Harry screamed in pain and then sent a "Reducto" at the animal which hit it in the chest with enough power to disintegrate almost half of its body.
As Harry cast a healing charm on his ankles he looked around the valley, surveying the damage he had caused. Pieces of the Grindylows were still floating everywhere and the water was pink with their blood. It was enough to make Harry feel a bit nauseous. All in all he had done well getting out of what was basically an ambush with only a few little bite marks. Even his spell variety was better than it had been against Barty Crouch Jr. Of course he had not been frightened today like he had been against the Death Eater, but perhaps it was also a sign that he was getting more and more used to fighting. He also felt a little more confident about the second task, knowing that a pack of angry Grindylows was one of the most dangerous things that a wizard could expect to find in the lake. 'I've had a productive day.' Harry thought as he began swimming to the surface, happy with the day's events.
...
Daphne found Harry shortly after he re-entered the castle from his trip to the lake. Harry was walking swiftly towards the Gryffindor dorms when she saw him pass by, though he apparently did not notice her. Grinning, she decided that simply calling out his name was too easy of a way to get his attention. When her silent sticking charms hit his shoes and pinned them to the ground Harry's eyes began darting around, looking for danger. By the time he noticed Daphne standing off to the side laughing he had already dispelled the sticking charm.
"Ten points from Slytherin, Ms Greengrass. There is to be no spell casting in the halls, you know that." Harry said playfully.
"Just checking your reflexes, Mr Potter." Daphne answered as she walked towards him and took his arm. They had taken a few steps when she stopped and sniffed the air. "What is that smell? What have you been doing all day?"
"I've been in the lake for the last few hours actually. As for the smell, I suspect it might be Grindylow guts. I was actually on my way to get cleaned up."
"You obviously need it." she replied. "So, how did the first time under the lake go?"
"Pretty good, but I think the gillyweed will definitely be a better solution. I can't hear or smell anything with the bubble head charm, I won't have that problem with gillyweed." Harry answered as they continued walking. "Plus gillyweed is supposed to change your hand and feet to make them better suited for swimming. I am going to have to look for a spell to increase my speed under water if that doesn't work."
"I see. What about mapping out the lake?"
"It's too big. I'll keep going down there and learn the major landmarks, but I won't have time to do more than that. I need figure out where they are going to hide whatever they take from me." Harry said, still a little frustrated that his original idea didn't work out.
"Or a way to find it…" Daphne said as a thought struck her. "There might be a way to do that, assuming you can figure out what they are going to take. Think about it."
"Alright. Are you still interested in coming with me next time?"
"Yes, assuming I don't end up smelling like you." she answered, smiling. "You need to talk to Hermione."
"Why?" Harry asked, wondering if his friend was in trouble.
"Not my place to say. Just do it." Daphne commanded. Harry nodded, hoping there wasn't a problem.
"I will." Harry promised. "Hey Daphne, next weekend is a Hogsmeade weekend and I was wondering if you would like to go with me."
"A second date then Harry? My, I must have made a good impression." Daphne said while Harry blushed. "Of course I will, Harry. I'd kiss you, but I have no desire to let that smell taint me. Go get cleaned up first."
"Great!" Harry said, now sporting a huge smile. "See you after dinner, ok?"
"Sure, now go. Your stench is making me sick." she joked as they both turned and went their separate ways. Neither of them had noticed Draco Malfoy standing in a nearby doorway listening to their conversation. Nor had they seen him grin as an idea began to form in his mind.
....
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