Adriana

Snow was falling lightly on the grounds of Hogwarts. Everyone was inside, enjoying the Christmas holidays drinking Butterbeer and playing chess in the Great Hall. Laughter could be heard drifting through the warm corridors. All the students were having a great time.

Except for Harry Potter.

The fifteen-year-old wizard was outside in the cold, walking slowly on the path around the lake. Harry preferred being alone these days; after all, he'd rather not risk anyone else's life as he had Cedric's. He distanced himself from everybody, especially Ron and Hermione.

There was a large patch of ice on the path before him, but Harry wasn't paying attention. His feet slipped out from beneath him and he lost control, skidding wildly before crashing through the thin layer of ice atop the lake.

* * *

Hermione and Ron were just finishing dinner when Hermione brought up Harry.

"Harry's been kind of quiet lately, don't you think Ron?" Concern was etched on her face.

"But Hermione, Harry's always quiet," Ron said thickly through a mouthful of treacle fudge.

"Don't be stupid, Ron," Hermione said darkly. "You know what I mean. He left for his walk ages ago. Shouldn't he be back by now?"

Ron stared back at her blankly. "So?" He turned back to his food. "Better get something now, Hermione, it'll be gone soon."

I'm not hungry," Hermione snapped. "I'm going to look for Harry. And you are coming with me." Standing, she grabbed a protesting Ron by the elbow and dragged him over the bench.

* * *

The water was freezing cold. His glasses were askew on his face, but he was too busy trying to stay above the water to notice. Harry's nose filled with water, and he began to choke and splutter. He flailed his arms around, sending water flying everywhere. He tried to scream for help, but only a small gurgle escaped from his mouth.

The lack of oxygen began to make Harry feel dangerously light-headed. His limbs became weaker and heavier as he fought to stay alive. Images that were once clear were beginning to appear hazy, and Harry attempted one last cry for help before unconsciousness took him.

***

Hermione and Ron stepped out of the warm castle and onto the snowy Hogwarts grounds. "It's freezing out here, Hermione," Ron whined. "Can't we go back inside? Harry can take care of himself."

"Nice try, Ron," Hermione said, glaring at him. "I'm not going back inside until I make sure Harry's all right."

Ron grumbled slightly under his breath, but said nothing else. Hermione tugged at his elbow and they walked on.

The snow was up to their ankles, and Ron shivered upon stepping into it. He knew better than to say anything, but Hermione gave him a reprimanding glare all the same. They continued their path toward the lake before them.

Upon looking at the lake, Hermione immediately felt something was wrong. She began to walk faster, and more urgently. "Hermione, slow down!" Ron panted, trudging through the snow to keep up with her.

Hermione's eyes widened in shock and she gasped as she caught sight of the person thrashing in the freezing lake water. She knew immediately who it was, and ran to the lake's edge.

"Harry!" Hermione yelled wildly, hoping he would hear her. "Ron! Ron, come quick, it's Harry! He's drowning!"

Ron was at her side in a flash. "Do something!" he snapped at Hermione.

Hermione was wringing her hands together. "Like what?" she wailed.

"Anything!"

Hermione fumbled for her wand, and pointed it towards Harry's soon to be dead body. "Er..." she mumbled.

"Swish and flick!" Ron yelled at her exasperatedly. "Swish and flick!" He demonstrated with his own wandless hands.

"Oh! Right," Hermione said, nodding. "Wingardium Leviosa!"

The two on the shore watched in astonishment as Hermione raised Harry's lifeless looking body from the water. "Take off your cloak," she demanded, and Ron painstakingly removed it. "Now spread it on the ground," she continued.

"Uh, Hermione, this isn't really the time or place for...." Ron said, blushing and letting his voice trail off upon receiving a horrendous glare from Hermione.

"That's not what I mean, Ron!" Hermione shouted. "I want to put Harry on it!"

"I don't think he's in the mood either," said Ron, still not quite getting the idea.

"Oh, sod off, Ron. Go get Professor Dumbledore or somebody. Go!" Hermione gently lowered Harry onto the cloak and tried looking for a pulse. She felt a tiny pulsing in his neck, and checked his wrist for reassurance.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione said softly, watching as Ron emerged from the castle with Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall in tow. "Please don't be dead...."