The Girl Who Fought | h.p |

Third Task

For a month, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Nova were frequently found in an abandoned Transfiguration Classroom practicing for the third task. Nova asked Remus to send her his seventh-year DADA textbook and any other books he thought might be useful.

Within two weeks, Harry and Nova mastered the Impediment Curse, a spell to slow down and obstruct attackers; the Reductor Curse,which would enable them to blast solid objects out of their way; and the Four-Point Spell, a useful discovery of Hermione's that would make the caster's wand point due north, therefore enabling them to checkwhether they were going in the right direction within the maze. 

Nova taught Harry, Ron, and Hermione the stunning spell which would prove useful in coming years. 

"Alright, Nox," Ron began, walking across the classroom near the cushions. Ron being the Godsend savior he is, allowed Harry and Nova to practice spells and jinxes on him. "I'm ready."

"Are you sure about this?" Nova asked nervously. 

"You'd have better chances if you can control your extra magic. You already mastered small spells," Hermione began. "Try stunning him."

"Ron, if this hurts, I'm sorry," Nova apologized. 

If there was one thing anyone should know about Nova, she had a very small inner circle. She was only ever nice to her inner circle. 

"'s alright," Ron replied. 

Nova thrust her hands forward. She focussed on the spell coming from her hands. Her small calloused hands began to heat up. In the blink of an eye, Ron was sent flying backward onto a cushion. 

"I didn't!"

"Good job, love!" Harry congratulated. 

"Nice job, Nox," Ron groaned as he stood. 

"Sorry, Ronnikins," Nova smiled sympathetically. 

***

The morning of June twenty-fourth, Nova was alert and full of adrenaline. The down next to Harry, out of uniform. She wore her leather jacket (per usual), her Quidditch hoodie, and jeans. 

Hermione raced off to the library for some unknown reason. Nova turned to say something to Ron but caught Moody's eye. Something was off about him, but she couldn't put her finger on it. 

She was brought from her thoughts by Minnie walking towards her. 

"Lupin-Black, where are your robes?" she asked. 

"In my wardrobe," Nova stated, taking a bite of her sausage. 

"Well, you and Mr.Potter are to proceed to the champion chamber off the Hall after breakfast."

"But the task's not till tonight!" said Harry, accidentally spilling scrambled eggs down hisfront, afraid he had mistaken the time. 

"I'm aware of that, Potter," she said. "The champions' families are invited to watch the finaltask, you know. This is simply a chance for you to greet them." 

She moved away. Harry gaped after her. 

"She doesn't expect the Dursleys to turn up, does she?" he asked Ron and Nova blankly. 

"Dunno," said Ron. "Harry, I'd better hurry, I'm going to be late for Binns. See you later."

"It's alright, darlin," Nova assured. "Even if the Dursleys don't come, you can hang out with me and Pa if he comes." 

Nova practically dragged Harry over to the Champion Chambers. She knew the Dursleys wouldn't come. She wasn't sure if her Pa was coming, depending on how he felt after last night's full moon. But the two went anyway.