429 Starting Line

The next day Reima finds himself underwater... Looking left to right he sees Cho Chang, Hermione and Gabrielle Delacour, Fleur's little sister. He knew he'd have to try his best to act like the spells worked on him but it was more difficult than he'd thought...

Flashback :

Reima had just woken from his meditation when he spotted a letter on his desk, what was inside was what he was expecting.

"Mr Ludvig, the Ministry requires your presence in the Headmasters office immediately, any attempt to disregard these orders will be met with force."

...

Reima "Either they're incredibly stupid or haven't met anyone who'd refuse... I wonder how they'll kidnap Fleurs sister? If she refused would they risk bringing the French Magical community on their heads? I doubt it." he mutters to himself.

He'd already dealt with everything that need doing yesterday and so quickly got dressed and headed to the Headmasters office. Once there he noticed the doors were already wide open, he briskly walks inside expecting to be asked to be placed underwater, however he wasn't expecting to immediately be blasted with a few stunners. Upon realising what they intended to do he let them hit him and crumpled to the floor in an attempt to look unconscious.

Crouch "With how I heard he dealt with Krum I was expecting a bit more resistance..."

Dumbledore "Are you sure you have to use this method? Most would gladly accept your proposition."

Crouch shakes his head, "With how many of these hostages die in the tournament do you really think they'd be crazy enough to agree? No, we'll do it my way... We've got everyone except... Cho Chang?"

Dumbledore sighs, "I'll send a letter." he says reluctantly.

Reima who is hearing all of this can't help but to retort to everything they say, he wonders if this is even legal or that they had found a loophole to weasel out of should they be called on it. Not long after his "Stunning" he's lifted by Hagrid and transported to the lake where a few wizards apply charms to him unsuccessfully and then allow the Mermen to place him underwater.

Flashback End :

Reima was shocked at the fact they didn't even bother to check if their charms had worked on him, if he was anyone else he would've drowned immediately... However, now he's just holding his breath and awaiting rescue. His legs are tied together with a chain that's holding him underwater, he crosses his arms and glares at the Mermen who shiver in his focus.

On the bright side atleast he could monitor how Gabrielle and Hermione were doing, he'd save them if there was any danger present but he doubted Harry would need any help... Fleur on the other hand as a Veela would probably still be unable to make it, not because of the water, but because of the creatures that are naturally attracted towards Veela.

Back on land was a boisterous atmosphere, large stands were erected for people to watch the lake, despite most of what'd be happening not being visible. There were a few flags being held by various people from each school, however one attracted everyone's attention...

It was a large bed cover that seems to have been painted over with a black paint in the shape of a rabbit with red eyes... Luna holds her wand upwards to continue levitating it while Snuffles chitters in a manner reminiscent of laughter at her antics. Ciri glanced over to it and spotted Snuffles and immediately felt relieved.

Eventually everyone was gathered, the audience, press, judges and champions.

Ludo Bagman "GREETINGS EVERYONE! I welcome you all to the Second Task of the Tri-Wizard tournament! I hope you are all as excited as I am because this is looking to be an amazing event!" he shouts, causing everyone to cheer with unrestrained anticipation.

Ludo "I am sitting here with my fellow judges Albus Dumbledore, Olympe Maxime, Igor Karkaroff and last but not least, Barty Crouch!.. The task for today is another retrieval, hold your groans in because it's so much more exciting! The champions must retrieve someone precious to them who had been hidden in the black lake, they have an hour to bring them back or they will be lost forever!" he shouts, causing a few people to look at the judges and champions in shock.

Ludo continues, "As was stated not long after the First Task, Magical weapons will not be permitted, of course this does not disqualify your wands. Also, the points from the last task are as followed : Victor Krum with 34 points! Fleur Delacour with 40 points! Harry Potter with 43 points! Ciri Rivia leading them all with 45 POINTS!" he shouts as loud as his voice can handle.

Crouch "Would all champions make their ways to the start please?" he asks.

Ciri glances at Fleur and Harry before walking forwards and taking her place on the wooden scaffolding presumably built for this event. He grips her staff and hopes Reima's plan will work as doesn't think her staff will be the more conducive to fighting underwater...

Fleur has had a frown since she found out her sister was missing, her emotions were high and she felt he she spoke she'd begin shouting. Hopefully they were bluffing about "Losing them forever" as she'd tear whoever set this task up apart.