More than two weeks after the first task, Analeigh felt like she was being boxed in. It was already December, and she had met up with Cedric and Harry separately at least once to work out the clue, but it was extremely difficult seeing as they couldn't just open the golden egg anywhere — the screeching noise it emitted disturbed many students and professors alike. And yes, Analeigh was well-aware that Harry was technically not her partner anymore, but the least she could do was help him work out the clue as well. Besides, all the champion would be getting help from their own friends and mentors, too, so she felt that there wasn't any harm in what she was doing.

Together with that, the Yule Ball was drawing closer by the second, worrying her greatly. Fleur had asked out Roger Davies, a handsome seventh year Ravenclaw. Brigitte was going with a boy in her year from Beauxbatons. From what Analeigh heard from the gossip in the Girls Dorm, Andrei hadn't asked anyone out yet, but seeing as he was a very attractive and masculine guy from Durmstrang, she wouldn't be surprised if it turned out he had many people from all three schools wrapped around his finger. Considering Analeigh knew Viktor's Krum's situation with Hermione, she was sure he would ask her— or, he already did, and Hermione just wasn't telling anyone. Therefore, it was only narrowed down to herself, Harry, and Cedric without any dates so far.

Since it was so close to Christmas, Analeigh decided to send out letters to her parents to update them.

Dear Mum and Dad,

As you know, the First Task is over and I placed second with Cedric. I told you in my past letter that I wasn't able to go with Harry during his turn due to my injuries. Fortunately, he's fine and so am I. Also, I can't go home this Christmas. Dad, you hinted a lot about the tournament and the Yule Ball when you dropped me off at Platform 9 3/4. I still don't forgive you for that. Anyway, I hate to admit it but I have a lot of problems to solve and they're all very shallow, actually. Aside from the fact that my partners and I haven't worked out what the golden egg we retrieved from the dragons means, I haven't found a date to the ball. Hermione told me to just ask anyone because according to her, there were quite the number of boys who fancied me last year. I don't believe it, and besides, it was a year ago, and nobody really showed that they were interested in me anyway.

All that aside, I miss you both very much. I don't know when parents will be allowed to watch the tournament, but I hope it's very soon. If not, then I suppose I'll see you both in the Final Task. Mum, please write to me when if you'll have time to drop by Hogsmeade any time soon to help me find a dress for the ball... even if I won't have a date.

All the love,

Analeigh

After reading over her letter once more, she neatly folded it and placed it in a nice envelope, and then made her way to the Owlery. Her cat, Velvet, chose to follow her. There were times when the feline disappeared, only to reappear steps ahead of her, probably taking shortcuts that Analeigh couldn't reach. Up in the Owlery, it seemed empty, except for a girl with raven black hair.

Deciding to be the friendly person, Analeigh said, "Hi, Cho."

Cho looked back at Analeigh with a thin smile. "Hello, Analeigh. Sending a letter?"

Analeigh nodded, making her way to one of the medium-sized barn owls. "Yes. To my parents."

"I see. Me too. My mum wants to send me a traditional gown for the Yule Ball and asked me to choose," she explained. Analeigh's thoughts wandered back to Cedric. If Cho was so confident with her gowns for the ball, did that mean she had a date? And was it Cedric who asked her?

"I'm sure they're all lovely," Analeigh said, not really knowing what to say. They lapsed into an odd — though not completely awkward — silence. Cho sent her owl away while Analeigh fed the owl she chose with some treats she got from Harry, much to Hedwig's irritation. She promised the snowy owl that she'd buy more treats for her during their next trip to Hogsmeade, though.

And then the sound of snow crunching under a person's feet caught the two girls' attention. Their eyes were directed to the entrance of the Owlery where Cedric Diggory now stood.

"Oh, hey Analeigh," he said with a bright smile, seeing her first. When his eyes met Cho's, he stiffened a bit. "Cho."

The Ravenclaw nodded. "Cedric."

"How are you?"

"Good. Just sent a letter to my mum."

"That's nice."

Now it was awkward. Analeigh raised her eyebrows at the scene unfolding before her, not even noticing that the barn owl was pecking her hand, waiting for her to give her letter, and that Velvet was swerving around Analeigh's legs. Her feline's fur was very ticklish, but Analeigh ignored it. She could only stare at the two who stood before her.

"I'll just be on my way now," Cho finally said, breaking the tension. "Bye."

She walked away briskly and Analeigh could practically feel the awkwardness radiating off of her and Cedric as she passed by. When she was out of earshot, Cedric let out a sigh of relief.

Analeigh couldn't help but ask, "I don't want to be nosy but... what was that?"

Cedric chuckled nervously. "Well, um, it's quite a long story." Analeigh was ready to nod and say that she understood if he didn't want to tell her, but he continued anyway. "We just became good friends at the start of the year. My friends told me she had taken a liking to me, and since she was a really good friend already, we spent a lot of time together. I didn't see her that way but I think her feelings grew."

"So, what happened?"

He sighed again. "I told her I couldn't keep seeing her. We went out a few times, but I only saw it as friends hanging out, you know?" Analeigh didn't know, of course, but she nodded anyway. "I know it might sound selfish of me since I continued to spend time with her even though I knew how she felt. I eventually confronted her about it, though, because it didn't feel right."

It all made sense now. Analeigh didn't tell him that she'd heard the gossip going around from Hermione, who had heard it from other girls from different years.

"Oh," was all she could say at first.

"You don't have to say anything. I'm sure my friends have spread a lot about Cho and I already, even though they aren't even sure what the whole story is," Cedric chuckled awkwardly. "Anyway, are you here to send a letter to your parents as well?"

Analeigh almost forgot about that. She blinked a few times, nodded, and looked back at the barn owl before replying.

"Oh, yeah. Just updated my parents and told them about not coming home this year."

"Because of the Yule Ball, of course."

There was humor laced in his voice, giving off the vibe that the Yule Ball was a very casual event to him. Of course it was — he was Cedric Diggory. He didn't have to worry about such trivial things like what to wear or who to take.

Analeigh laughed it off, wanting to stray away from the topic of the ball she was dreading.

"The Triwizard Tournament in general."

"Got a date to the ball yet?"

She flushed, caught off guard by his question. "No."

He grinned, and Analeigh didn't know why. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find someone soon enough."

★ ★ ★

At breakfast on Wednesday that week, Analeigh was seated with Dean, Seamus, and Neville nearby since Hermione was still on her way down while Harry and Ron were still asleep — it would be their fault if they were late to classes.

The chirping and hoots of owls caused the students in the Great Hall to look up. It was around this time that the owls would swoop in and deliver their mail and packages. Analeigh was half-expecting a letter back from their parents, but she knew they were busy and would probably still write back in a few days. Hence, she was actually quite shocked when two large owls swooped down and dropped a thick, rectangular box in front of her, nearly knocking down hers and her friends' goblets.

"Merlin's beard," Analeigh jumped.

"Is that yours?" Seamus asked from her right.

Analeigh searched for any writing and found a tag that read To: Analeigh, From: Mum.

"Yes, it's from my mum."

"Why don't you open it? Just to take a peek."

Analeigh automatically agreed for she was very curious. She untied the twine that held the package together, lifted the lid, and was met with shades of blue.

"Whoa." She didn't just want to peek anymore. She completely removed the lid and carefully unfolded the fabric she held in her hands. Her mum had sent her a gorgeous dress that she did not expect to receive at all. It was sleeveless, the torso area a light shade of blue, the colors gradually becoming darker as it reached the bottom, forming a gradient effect. She didn't unfold the dress all the way, but she could see that the bottom half was a tule, a puffy skirt that would accentuate her figure.

"Bloody hell. Now that's a dress," Dean complimented.

"It really is beautiful," a voice said from behind her. Analeigh quickly stuffed the dress back in the box and looked over her shoulder.

"Oh, hi Cedric," she said, coming face to face with the fair-skinned boy.

"Mind if I sit here?" She shook her head at his request. He slid into the seat next to her and said, "I thought you said you didn't have a date yet?"

Analeigh's cheeks turned pink, not particularly liking how everyone would always up the fact that she might as well be going alone. "I don't," she confirmed. "Just because I have a dress doesn't mean I need a date."

Cedric nodded. "That's true."

"Besides, my mum sent me this. I thought she'd want to pass by Hogsmeade and help me look for a dress during our visit there this weekend, but I guess she's always one step ahead."

"Do you like it?"

"Of course. She knows exactly what I like."

"That's good. I'm sure you'll look amazing in it."

Analeigh glanced sideways at Cedric as she folded her dress more neatly back into the box.

"So, what's with the interrogation regarding my date?" she couldn't help but say. It was her chance to put him on the spot. "I think it's my turn to ask you who you're bringing."

He smiled, leaning down a bit to look at her intently as she focused on folding the gown.

"Go to the Yule Ball with me."

Analeigh whipped her head in his direction. She blinked a few times, completely caught off guard as he continued to stare at her with a small smile playing on his lips.

"What?"

"Sorry, let me rephrase that. Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?"

Dean, Seamus, and Neville, who were practically right beside Analeigh, all wore shocked expressions as they heard Cedric's question. Neville even dropped his fork on his plate, the clattering noise giving a dramatic effect. Hermione, who had walked in at the perfect time, halted in place a few feet away where she had heard everything. There weren't many people in the Great Hall yet, but those who passed by and overheard eagerly watched them.

"Um..."

The look on Analeigh's face gave Cedric the impression that she did not want to go with him. With a tight-lipped smile, he leaned back.

"If you don't want to, I can handle the rejection, Analeigh," he said with a soft chuckle. "It would make me upset but —"

"No!" Analeigh cut him off quickly.

Cedric didn't actually expect her to say no right away in such a forceful tone. She thought she would at least let him down gently like the kind yet fierce person he figured she was. His face noticeably dropped and he said, "No?"

"No. I mean, yes." Furrowing his eyebrows at her confusing words, Analeigh clarified, "What I meant to say is: no, I'm not rejecting you. So, yes, I'll go to the Yule Ball with you."

★ ★ ★

"I cannot believe you, Leigh. You have a date to the ball, now? And with Diggory?"

"Yes, Ron, I do," Analeigh replied in annoyance. The youngest Weasley boy would not stop bringing it up, though the mention of Cedric as her date made her heart flutter a bit.

He scoffed in disbelief and turned to Harry and Hermione. "Unbelievable. Now the three of us have to find dates fast."

Hermione raised her eyebrows at him. "What makes you think I don't have a date?"

With Hermione facing Ron, her back was turned away from Analeigh, so the blonde did her best to signal Ron to stop talking that instant before he could insult Hermione. Luckily, Professor Flitwick raised his voice and ordered the whole class to practice the charm he taught that day.

After Charms, the last class of the day, the topic of Yule Ball dates had thankfully been dropped. Analeigh didn't want to endure any more teasing from the boys and Hermione would've surely made Ron pay for assuming that she didn't have someone to go with to the ball.

"Leigh," Hermione pulled the blonde girl backwards and let the boys go ahead, the latter too immersed in their conversation to notice.

"Yeah?"

"Er, I know you have a dress already," she began in a hushed tone. "But would you mind going dress shopping with me in Hogsmeade tomorrow anyway? It might be boring for you, but I'm gonna need a second opinion when looking—"

"Hermione," Analeigh cut her off. "You didn't even have to ask. Of course, I'll help you find a dress. It's going to be fun."

The two girls turned the corner, Harry and Ron having gone out of their sight and were far away from them. They didn't mind, actually enjoying quality time with one another without the boys' obnoxiousness for once. They made their way down one of the staircases, just in time for it to move to another direction.

As the girls made their way down, a voice said from behind, "Analeigh!"

Analeigh jumped with a start at the voice and as the staircase started moving. She turned around and caught a glimpse of Cedric just as he took a brave jump from the edge of the hall to the staircase that had just began to move. Thankfully, the bronze-haired boy landed on the first step, right above Analeigh and Hermione.

"Cedric!" Analeigh exclaimed, heart beating rapidly at the stunt he just pulled. "What in Merlin's name was that? You could've fallen —"

"But I didn't," he grinned, looking out of breath as if he had just ran a mile. Confirming her thoughts, Analeigh spotted a group of Hufflepuffs who were supposed to be right behind Cedric, jogging down the hall and coming to a stop at the edge where the stairs would have been had it not moved.

"Nice one, Cedric!" they called out, having seen his impressive leap.

"Well, what is it?" Analeigh prodded.

"Is that what you say to me after all I did just to catch up with you?"

Analeigh blushed, not knowing what to say. She still felt quite awkward around him, especially after he had boldly asked her to the Yule Ball only two days ago.

"I came to ask if you were free tomorrow so we could work on the clue for the Second Task. Mostly everyone in the castle will be in Hogsmeade, so I think it will be less of an inconvenience to reopen the egg without everyone around."

Analeigh glanced at Hermione for she had already promised the bushy-haired girl that she'd help her find a dress. She wanted to help her friend, but she couldn't put off figuring out the clue that was essential to succeeding in the next task and making sure that they'd come out alive. She opened her mouth to say something, but she didn't know what to do. However, Hermione gave a small sigh and nodded ever so slightly, silently telling her that it was okay.

"Well, I already promised to go help someone in Hogsmeade," Analeigh began.

"Leigh," Hermione interrupted. "You have to prioritize the Second Task —"

"Don't worry," Cedric reassured. "We can work around it. Would it be better to meet up after lunch, then?"

"Yes, that sounds great. Are you sure it's alright with you?"

"Of course," Cedric said. "I'll meet up with you in the entrance courtyard at 1."

★ ★ ★

At 12:45 in the afternoon, Analeigh and Hermione walked out the dress shop and into the cold streets of Hogsmeade. The girls had spent an hour looking for Hermione's dress for the Yule Ball, and needless to say, it was so incredibly stunning that even Analeigh was excited.

"Now that we've got that over with," Hermione began. "We can get some nice Butterbeers with Harry and Ron like we told them."

"Do you think they even remembered?" Analeigh laughed. "You, of all people, should know. They'd need you to remind them, but unfortunately, you're with me."

Hermione sighed. "That's true. Let's hope they're thirsty enough to find their own way to the Three Broomsticks."

"Wait, is it already past twelve?" Analeigh said.

"Yes, it's about ten minutes 'til one —"

"Oh my Godric, I almost forgot I have to meet up with Cedric! Will you be alright on you own?"

"Of course. I'll just have to find the boys, then."

"I'm really sorry about this, Hermione," Analeigh apologized, already backtracking on her way back to the castle.

"Don't worry about it. Thanks for helping me find a dress!"

"No problem! Bye!"

Analeigh rode one of the carriages that moved on its own alone. The ride back was peaceful, the only noises being the sound of the wheels on running concrete and birds chirping in the distance. When she finally made it back to the castle, it was a little bit past one. She was not one who liked being late, so the moment the carriage halted, she ran as fast as she could without slipping on the snow-covered ground.

When she made it to the entrance courtyard, she immediately spotted Cedric standing there in a thick black jacket, his Hufflepuff scarf wrapped snugly around his neck, and his hands holding the golden egg that held the key to the Second Task.

"Cedric," Analeigh called out. He smiled when he saw her jogging towards him. "Sorry, I'm late. I got too caught up helping Hermione with dress shopping."

He chuckled and shook his head. "It's alright. I just arrived a few minutes ago."

The two students then made their way through the doors and back into the warmth of the old castle.

"So, where are we going to work on the clue?"

"About that," Cedric began. "Moody actually said something really interesting. Follow me."

"Oh, really? When?"

"I asked him a question after his class a few days ago. I didn't get the chance to tell you because I didn't want to risk it being overheard. Anyway, after he answered my question, he made small talk about the Second Task."

"So, where we're going now will help us figure out the clue?"

"Yes. If not, our last resort is the Black Lake."

Analeigh gaped at him, almost tripping when they walked up yet another set of stairs. "Are you serious?"

"Hopefully, no."

"You're being very mysterious right now, you know?"

He smirked. "It's more fun that way." The blonde scoffed as they turned the corner to another corridor. "Anyway, he asked the common questions, like how I'm coping with the school work while being in the tournament, if we're any step closer to figuring out the egg... Then, I admitted how we were pretty stumped because every time we opened it, it would just screech. So, he asked me when and where we've opened it."

Analeigh could practically feel connections being made in her brain as Cedric retold what Moody said to him. "So we've opened it in the tent after the first task..."

"I opened it once in my dorm — never again."

"And I heard that Harry opened it in the Gryffindor common room when I was stuck in the hospital wing, too..."

"So," Cedric prodded, wanting Analeigh to realize it herself. "They were all inside the castle grounds."

As if a light bulb lit up above her, Analeigh said, "They were all opened on land."

"Exactly," Cedric grinned, glad that she had caught on quickly.

"So, can you tell me where we're going? There isn't exactly a body of water in here — or a pool, for that matter." Then again, Analeigh only entered Hogwarts last year. There could be many more places that other students know that she didn't. For all she knew, there could actually be a pool in the castle. "Um, is there?"

Cedric chuckled, clearly amused. "No, Analeigh, there isn't. There's something really close to it, though."

Analeigh frowned, deep in thought, just as Cedric stopped walking. She found herself staring at an unfamiliar portrait.

"This is the prefect's bathroom," Cedric explained.

"There's such thing as a prefect's bathroom? Interesting."

"It's actually a pretty good perk. Much better than the ones we have in our dorms. I trust that you won't spread the password." Analeigh nodded and Cedric faced the painting. "Pine fresh."

The portrait swung open, and Cedric gestured for her to go in first. Analeigh complied, stepping inside and taking in what she saw. He wasn't lying; this bathroom was a great perk for prefects. It was quite grand, everything made of smooth marble from top to bottom. A large tub was located at the center, resembling a small pool.

"Wow."

"You can even change the color of the water and soap bubbles too," Cedric informed her, turning on the taps. "It's very relaxing."

Analeigh watched as the tub gradually filled up despite its size, a new question coming to mind: how will they both get into the tub? In their clothes? Undergarments?

"Oh, by the way," Cedric started as if reading her mind. "There are swimsuits here so we won't be, um..." He cleared his throat, beginning to look uncomfortable. "Anyway, some prefects wear them when they go here together. I know a lot haven't used them yet, so there should be some new ones in the cabinet over there."

"Er, okay." Analeigh felt her face grow hot at their awkwardness, so she hurriedly made her way to the cabinet that Cedric pointed out. Sure enough, there were swimsuits inside. She grabbed whatever size she thought would fit her and went into one of the stalls to change. She heard the cabinet open again followed by the opening and closing of the stall next to her, assuming that Cedric got a pair of trunks for himself and was also going to change.

For some reason, he finished ahead of her. Analeigh stuffed her clothes inside her small bag, charmed to be larger than as seen on the outside, just like Cedric's school bag — she clearly remembered when he took out a box of cake to give her when she was stuck in the Hospital Wing. However, it was actually her dad who told her this trick last summer. He advised her to try it in school, which she did so just recently considering it wasn't easy to learn the Undetectable Extension Charm on her own.

Analeigh exited the stall and walked towards the tub which was already filled to the brim with Cedric sitting in it. She stepped inside quickly, not wanting to be seen so bare (and Cedric had the decency not to look, either) a few feet away from Cedric.

"Ready?" he asked, finally looking at her. Analeigh nodded. He unlocked the egg and dunked it under water. When they didn't hear anyone except for muffled voices, they both frowned.

"Should we go under as well?" Analeigh said thoughtfully.

"Well, we have no other options," Cedric shrugged. The two of them took deep breaths and submerged themselves under the water. To their shock, instead of hearing screeching, they heard beautiful voices singing:

Come and seek us where our voices sound,

we cannot sing above the ground,

and while you're searching ponder this:

we've taken what you'll sorely miss.

An hour long you'll have to look,

and to recover what we took,

but past an hour- the prospect's black

too late, it's gone, it won't come back.

When Analeigh was sure that the song had finished, she resurfaced for air, followed by Cedric.

"Come seek us where our voices sound, we cannot sing above the ground," she repeated once she had caught her breath. "Who are we talking about here?"

"What can't sing above ground?"

"What even sings underwater?"

Cedric sighed. "The song also mentioned that they've taken what we'll sorely miss. I'm guessing it's a treasure of some sort."

"Sounds like we're going treasure hunting underwater."

"In the Black Lake?"

"Where else?"

"So, who are we going up against?" They lapsed into silence. However, that silence was broken when a bubbling noise came from the stalls. Analeigh and Cedric looked over in that direction in mild panic. Was someone else with them?

Suddenly, something white, almost transparent, shot out from one of the stalls. It was one of the ghosts — Moaning Myrtle.

"Myrtle?"

"Hello, Cedric," the girl cooed. "Well, what do we have here? A boy and a girl inside a bathtub together. It's not very appropriate, you know." Both Analeigh's and Cedric's faces turned red.

"We're not doing anything... indecent," Cedric explained.

"Well, what are you two doing here, then?"

"We're trying to figure out the clue for the next task in the Triwizard Tournament," Analeigh replied.

"Ah, yes, I overheard you two talking about what sings underwater."

"Do you happen to know?"

Myrtle giggled. "Of course, but why would I tell you?"

"Why shouldn't you?" Analeigh tried to turn it back on her.

"Come on, you two are smart enough. Think!"

"Well, I know Grindylows live in the lake."

"Selkies, too," added Cedric.

"And there's the giant squid..."

"Merpeople!" Analeigh's eyes widened at Cedric's words. Of course, it would only make sense that merpeople were the ones singing. But, she didn't know they actually inhabited the waters in her school.

"Myrtle, there's merpeople in the lake, right?"

"Of course, there are," the ghost answered Analeigh. She then flew around the bathroom, giggling and letting out a cry before going back into the stall, a splashing noise signaling that she had left.

"Now, how do we stay underwater for an hour?"

Cedric leaned back, thinking hard. "Transfiguration is my strong point, but I doubt we can successfully transfigure ourselves into animals that easily. It's going to take a lot of practice, especially if we're teaching ourselves."

"It could be dangerous," Analeigh agreed. "Transfiguration isn't my best subject, either. The judges can deduct points as well if we don't do it right."

"Wait, you're good at a Charms, right?"

"Er, I suppose."

"Great. I just remembered I came across this charm in my book while practicing for Flitwick's class. I don't recall exactly what it does, but its name seems fit for our situation."

"What's it called?"

"The Bubble-Head Charm."