Night had fallen, and Harry, cloaked in his invisibility cloak, made his way to the clearing in the Forbidden Forest. The moonlight, like a silver sheen, quietly bathed the earth, its glow reflected softly on the pristine snow. Beside the Beauxbatons carriage stood a figure draped in a black robe, silent and still.
"Mr. Yang Fan," Harry approached the figure, removing his cloak. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Yang Fan's face was pale, his exhaustion barely concealed. He waved a hand faintly, his voice subdued. "No need to apologize; I've only just arrived myself."
"Yesterday, how did you all manage to escape? I mean, the spell Mr. Augustus cast," Harry asked, his curiosity evident.
Yang Fan seemed reluctant to dwell on the subject. He gave a slight wave of his hand, his tone weary. "After a day of being frozen, it broke on its own. Mr. Augustus showed mercy, clearly."
Sensing Yang Fan's discomfort, Harry quickly shifted the topic. "So, why did you ask to meet me so late at night?"
Yang Fan's expression grew serious. "Mr. Potter, have you found any clues regarding the golden egg?"
Harry hesitated briefly, then, recalling their assistance, decided to be honest. He shook his head. "Ron, Hermione, and I have tried countless methods, but we've found no leads so far."
Yang Fan's expression seemed to say, I thought as much. "Our Eastern Academy has hosted similar competitions before, so I have some experience. For objects like this, there are three particularly effective methods:
Drip a drop of your own blood onto it—it might establish a connection.
Open the golden egg underwater—it could yield results.
Place it over fire and heat it.
Mr. Potter, you might as well try them all. As we say in the East, 'Desperate times call for desperate measures.' One of these might just help solve your current problem."
Harry silently noted these suggestions, a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes. "I'll try them all once I return. Whether they work or not, I'm truly thankful for your help."
A faint smile appeared on Yang Fan's pale face as he retrieved a small, light-blue orb, about the size of an egg, from his black robe. "There's no need to thank me. If you can complete the competition, that will be the greatest comfort for us supporters. This orb is a magical item from our Eastern Academy, called the Water-Repelling Orb. When held in your mouth, it allows you to breathe underwater for up to a day. It might come in handy for you."
He extended the orb to Harry, who hesitated, casting a doubtful glance at Yang Fan. Accepting such a gift without reason felt awkward, especially when a device for underwater breathing seemed unlikely to be useful to him.
"It's just a small trinket for amusement. Why hesitate, Mr. Potter? Or do you not consider us friends?" Yang Fan's tone betrayed a hint of displeasure.
Harry nodded slightly. "In that case, I'll accept it. Also, if you have time, let's all visit Hogsmeade together sometime."
A smile appeared on Yang Fan's lips. "Of course, if time permits, we'll go."
Satisfied, Harry bid Yang Fan farewell and turned to make his way back to the castle.
As he watched Harry's figure disappear into the snowy landscape, Yang Fan's expression flickered, a strange light glinting in his eyes.
Time flew by, and before anyone realized it, only a day remained until the second task of the tournament.
In the Care of Magical Creatures class, Hagrid had returned to teaching.
Today, he had managed to capture two baby unicorns. Unlike adult unicorns, the young ones were pure gold. Parvati and Lavender were ecstatic at the sight, almost delirious with joy. Even Pansy Parkinson couldn't hide her delight, doing her best to conceal how much she adored them.
"The Young Are Easier to Spot"
"The young ones are easier to find," Hagrid explained to the class. "They turn silver when they're about two years old and start growing horns around four. They don't turn pure white until they're fully grown, which happens at around seven years old. When they're young, they're more trusting... and they're not as wary of boys. Come closer if you want. You can pet them... and give them a few of these sugar cubes..."
"Mr. Augustus, thank you for helping me out again," Hagrid said as he walked over to Augustus. He rubbed his head bashfully, looking a little embarrassed.
"It was a small matter. Even without me, Dumbledore wouldn't have let them fire you," Augustus replied with a dismissive wave of his hand.
Hagrid awkwardly wrung his hands. "I've heard about what happened between Harry and you recently. Potter is still young and sometimes doesn't know better. If he's offended you, it's truly regrettable. Please, I hope you can forgive him for his immaturity."
Draco's face twisted in indignation. "Potter's immaturity? What a joke. Comparing Mr. Augustus to a young Voldemort—is that the kind of thing an immature person would say? Hagrid, Mr. Augustus has helped you multiple times out of respect for your loyalty and straightforwardness. You'd better stay in line and not overstep your bounds."
Hagrid sighed helplessly, bowed slightly to Augustus in gratitude, and returned to the baby unicorns to continue his lesson.
The Next Morning
As dawn broke, Augustus casually stepped out of the Slytherin common room.
There were only ten minutes left before the competition began, yet Augustus remained unhurried, strolling leisurely through the castle.
"Mr. Augustus!" A small figure spotted him within the castle, excitement lighting up his face.
"I finally found you! I'm Sam Livance. Do you remember me?" The boy's face was alight with enthusiasm.
"Ah," Augustus nodded slightly. "You're the one who came to notify me about the wand testing last time?"
Sam beamed. "You remember me, sir! The champions are ready. I'm here to take you to the arena."
Augustus gave a small nod.
"Oh, and sir, do you know what was taken from you—your most treasured thing?" Sam asked, his voice trembling with excitement.
Augustus glanced at him, puzzled.
"Sir, it's Miss Lillian!"
Augustus froze mid-step. A complicated expression flickered across his silver eyes.
At the Arena
Augustus and Sam arrived at the arena, which was already packed with people. On the grandstand, Dumbledore smiled warmly at Augustus. Ludo Bagman stood amidst the champions, instructing them to line up along the shore, spaced ten feet apart.
Beside Augustus stood Fleur, clad in a vibrant swimsuit. Her wand was already in hand, and she appeared fully prepared.
Bagman returned to the judges' table. Pointing his wand at his throat, just as he had done during the Quidditch World Cup, he muttered, "Sonorus!" His voice, amplified like thunder, echoed across the dark lake and reached the stands.
"Listen closely, everyone! Our champions are in position. At the sound of my whistle, the second task will begin. They will have exactly one hour to retrieve the item that was taken from them.
I will count to three. One... two... three!"
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