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00:00Welcome to the Dream Novel channel before starting to listen to the fun in this clip.
00:13Don't forget to like and comment. So that the admin will have the encouragement to continue
00:18making clips. Let's go listen. Hogwarts. I am such a model wizard.
00:25Chapter 541 The Star Product of the Weasley Twins
00:29There was instant silence, and naturally, no one stepped forward. Everyone exchanged glances,
00:36feigning innocence. I saw it, Professor Karkaroff, said a slithering, pointing in a particular
00:42direction. It was Fred Weasley, he said it. Hey, it's George. Could you at least get our faces
00:50right? Fred retorted with a sneer. So, was that you, Mr. Weasley? Professor McGonagall asked,
00:59her tone sharp. Of course not, Fred replied with an exaggerated expression of innocence.
01:06George chimed in with a nod, I was in transfiguration class just a minute ago.
01:11I don't even know what happened. I can confirm that, Professor McGonagall interjected.
01:17They were indeed in my transfiguration class. Slandering your classmates.
01:24Sirius Black strode through the crowd, his voice laced with irritation.
01:29Ten points from Slytherin. And perhaps it was you who said that, Millicent bolstrode.
01:35I didn't. I didn't. Millicent shouted, her face flushed.
01:40You're making this up. Ah, disrespecting a professor. Sirius raised an eyebrow in mock
01:48surprise. Another ten points from Slytherin. Millicent looked ready to explode. She glanced
01:56around, hoping for support, but the Slytherins near her edged away. They didn't understand what
02:02was happening, yet they stubbornly defended Karkaroff. How did people like that even make
02:07it into Slytherin? She gritted her teeth. I should have gone to Hufflepuff.
02:13What a brainless idiot, muttered a few Slytherins nearby, casting her disgusted looks before turning
02:19away. Throughout the ordeal, Professor McGonagall remained silent. However, when Sirius deducted
02:26points for the second time, she frowned and said, You're deducting too many points, Professor Black.
02:32Really? Really? I'll try to be more restrained next time, Sirius replied with a careless shrug.
02:40Turning to Filch, Professor McGonagall added, and Mr. Filch, let Mrs. Norris rest for a few
02:45days. I've noticed she's been looking thinner. A little break might do her good.
02:52Filch, his face turning an alarming shade of purple, glared daggers at Karkaroff.
02:57After a long pause, he grunted his reluctant agreement. Karkaroff, however, was unbothered.
03:05A squib who could only clean the castle with detergent and a mop, he thought derisively.
03:10At Durmstrang, someone like that wouldn't even be allowed past the gates. He said nothing, though.
03:17His attention was drawn to the figure limping down the stairs nearby Professor Moody.
03:22While Karkaroff could brush off Professor McGonagall and Sirius, he wanted to avoid Moody altogether.
03:29Just as he began leading his students out of the foyer, a small, round object suddenly flew out of
03:35the crowd. Karkaroff recognized it instantly. That object had cost him half a month's worth of meals.
03:43Once was bad enough, but twice. Did they really think he'd let it hit him again?
03:48With a flick of his wand, he casually deflected it. The dung bomb exploded mid-air, releasing a foul,
03:56brown-green liquid. The stench spread instantly, and everyone nearby scrambled to cover their noses.
04:03Even Professor McGonagall pulled out her wand to dispel the smell. But before she could act,
04:09the liquid began coalescing and shot toward Karkaroff like an arrow. Still smug, Karkaroff
04:15didn't react in time. The substance splattered all over him, drenching him completely. Worst of all,
04:23he had been smiling. So. Ugh. The loud sound of retching echoed through the entrance hall.
04:31Karkaroff clutched his mouth with one hand and his stomach with the other as he stumbled out,
04:36followed closely by his horrified students. The sight sent waves of laughter rippling through the
04:42hall. Quiet, Professor McGonagall commanded, though the corners of her mouth twitched in spite of
04:48herself. She turned to Fred and George, her gaze sharp this time. It was clear they had been the
04:55ones to throw the dung bomb. Two points from Gryffindor, she said sternly. Then, after a moment,
05:02she added, and no more. That's a pretty severe punishment, Fred muttered as they entered the
05:08great hall. But they only took away two points, Kanna said, clearly puzzled. And Professor McGonagall
05:15didn't even give you detention. That's already pretty lucky. You don't understand, George sighed.
05:23Because of those two points, Gryffindor has dropped from third to last place in the house points.
05:28And it's all because of U.S. Kyle glanced toward the scorekeeping hourglasses in the corner of the
05:35Great Hall. Hufflepuff was far in the lead, followed by Ravenclaw. However, Gryffindor and
05:42Slytherin were trailing significantly behind. Even if their points were combined, they wouldn't make
05:47up half of Ravenclaw's total. And the culprits? None other than Snape and Sirius, who would undoubtedly
05:55take gold and silver if there were a competition for house points deductions. So how did you manage
06:01to pull it off in the end? Cedric asked, curious. Making the dumb bombs work like that?
06:08That's the genius of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, Fred said with a grin. We've modified the dumb
06:14bombs to jump again after exploding. Just like chocolate frogs, George added. We were inspired
06:21by sweets. But the drawback is they only jump once and can't change direction. So if someone dodges it,
06:29it's useless. But that's a minor flaw, Fred interjected. And as you can see, even Durmstrang's
06:36headmaster fell for it. That's proof of success. We're planning to sell these special dumb bombs
06:43alongside the skiving snack boxes as the first products for Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, George
06:48said. No, they should be the star products. Karkaroff's reaction is the best advertisement.
06:55He's already helped us make them famous. Fred smirked. And if we get another chance,
07:03George said with a mischievous gleam in his eye, we'll let him try some skiving snack boxes.
07:08Every single variety. I'd advise you to tread carefully, Kyle warned, shaking his head.
07:16If there's a next time, Professor McGonagall won't let you off so easily.
07:19Durmstrang is Hogwarts' guest, and Karkaroff is a headmaster. They have to show some respect.
07:28That's okay, Fred said confidently. We've already got a plan. We won't get caught.
07:34Seeing their smug expressions, Kyle decided not to press the matter. As long as they weren't caught
07:40red-handed, the worst that could happen was suspicion, a few deducted points, or detention.
07:45Detention, for Fred and George, was hardly a punishment, it was more like a trip home.
07:53As for points, well, Gryffindor barely had any left to lose anyway.
07:58The Great Hall buzzed with lingering excitement over the scene that had unfolded earlier.
08:03Even Harry and the others, who normally couldn't stand Karkaroff's antics,
08:07had to admit that he had done something good this time, getting Mrs. Norris out of the castle.
08:11At least, that's what they thought. Harry and Ron had long since lost count of how many times
08:18Mrs. Norris had caught them in the act over the years. Every time, Filch would appear out of nowhere
08:24to scold them for making noise or dirtying the floors. They lost countless house points this way
08:30each turn. For Harry, the cat was a constant threat during his nighttime excursions. Even the
08:37cloak of invisibility couldn't shield him from her keen eyes. This had left him with an almost
08:42instinctive reaction, every time he spotted a cat in the corridors, his heart would race,
08:47and he'd feel an urge to flee. Now, that problem was finally gone. Whether it was Harry, Ron, or anyone
08:55else, the relief was palpable. No more worrying about Mrs. Norris suddenly materializing when they
09:02least expected it. Filch remained a nuisance, but on his own, he was far easier to avoid.
09:09The festive mood in the Great Hall swelled, as if Christmas had come early.
09:14Hogwarts. I am such a model wizard.
09:18Chapter 542 The second task time seemed to have sped up after February began.
09:24In what felt like the blink of an eye, there was only a week left until February 27th, Fred and George
09:29were noticeably disappointed. Since the incident in the foyer, Karkaroff had not returned to the castle,
09:35robbing them of the opportunity to execute the elaborate, skiving snack box, plan they had spent
09:40so much time preparing. The second task is in a week. Are you really not going to spend some time
09:47studying the stone? Fleur asked, exasperated, as she watched Kyle playing chess with Cedric in the
09:54common room. She had assumed Kyle was joking about his lack of interest in the stones, but she was
10:00now convinced he was serious. Her reasoning was simple the three stones had been sitting untouched
10:05on a cabinet in the common room for over a month. If not for the diligent cleaning by the house elves,
10:11they would have accumulated a thick layer of dust by now. To test him, Fleur had once secretly taken
10:18the stones during the night, expecting him to notice their absence. But for half a month,
10:23Kyle didn't even seem to realize they were gone, carrying on with his usual routine without the
10:28slightest concern. It was as if he had seen Merlin himself. Not really, Kyle said casually in response
10:36to her question. If he had intended to investigate the stones, he would have done so on the day Nicholas
10:42Flamel visited. To Flamel, the secret of the stone was as clear as if it were written on its surface,
10:48obvious at a glance. Since Kyle hadn't bothered to ask Flamel then, he saw no reason to waste time
10:55on it now. Do whatever you want, but if I have to deal with you again, I'll be a leprechaun.
11:02Fleur huffed and turned on her heel, dragging Kanna with her as she stormed back to the dormitory.
11:07I feel like I've heard that before. Kyle mused, shifting in his seat. It's like she said that
11:14two months ago. Cedric shook his head, glancing at the shelf in the lounge where the three untouched
11:20stones rested, then said, honestly, I thought you were joking too. But you really don't seem the least
11:27bit worried. There's no need to be, Kyle replied with a laugh. The judges will reveal what they need
11:34to during the task. And let's be real, only the third task is a true competition. The first two
11:41are just warm-ups, giving a slight advantage. That advantage is fixed, whether you score 100 points
11:47or 80. While that's technically true, I think only you could stay so calm, Cedric said with a sigh.
11:55The other day, Fleur was so anxious she was flipping through books in the lounge at 1 in the morning.
12:00I didn't notice that. Of course not, Cedric replied. Then, changing the subject, he added,
12:09but have you noticed how much Fleur has changed recently? Changed? Kyle thought for a moment.
12:16No, hasn't she always been like that? Well, for you, maybe, Cedric said with a shake of his head.
12:23But I remember when she first arrived, she had such an arrogant attitude towards everyone.
12:28And now, yesterday, I saw her helping a third-year student correct the hand gestures for the
12:34cheering charm. That would have been unthinkable three months ago, wouldn't it?
12:39Fleur Delacour. Helping a third year with a charm? Kyle asked incredulously.
12:46Are you sure you didn't see it wrong? Since Bozbaden's arrival, countless students had
12:52approached Fleur under the pretense of asking for help with charms. Regardless of their gender or age,
12:58Fleur usually ignored them outright. Even Cedric had once asked her a casual question about
13:04transfiguration, only to be met with a frosty silence. I felt like she was looking at me as
13:10if I were a sprouted potato, Cedric had said at the time. It was hard to imagine that such a Fleur
13:16would willingly teach someone the hand movements for a charm. Of course I didn't see it wrong,
13:21Cedric said firmly. She's the only one at Hogwarts with silver hair.
13:27Then she really has changed, Kyle muttered. In the days leading up to the second task,
13:33the atmosphere in the castle grew increasingly electric. The cheering badges that had been
13:38tucked away since the first task were now being retrieved from suitcases and proudly displayed.
13:43For those who had lost their badges or never had won, Sirius offered replacements for free.
13:48He had made an entire suitcase full of badges and left it by the door of the defense against the
13:54dark arts class, allowing anyone to help themselves. Initially, he had placed the suitcase inside his
14:01office, but after Professor Moody overreacted to the constant knocking on the door, leading to three
14:06separate repair incidents, Sirius decided to leave it outside instead. Fred and George took things to
14:12the extreme, pinning nearly half the box of badges onto their robes. They clanked with every step,
14:19resembling knights in shining armor. With only one day left until the second task, the castle was abuzz
14:25with anticipation. Cheers echoed through the halls, not just from students but from professors as well.
14:33Wherever Kyle went, he heard his name being shouted in support. During the second period of care of
14:38magical creatures that afternoon, Hagrid approached Kyle with a broad grin and asked in a hushed voice
14:44how his preparations were coming along. When Kyle reassured him, Hagrid clapped him on the shoulder
14:50with such enthusiasm that Kyle nearly stumbled into the mud. I worried about you before the dragons,
14:56Hagrid said, beaming. But now I know, when you set your mind to something, yeah can do it.
15:02I ain't worried at all. I can feel it, you'll succeed. Thanks, Hagrid, Kyle replied, grinning as
15:11he pulled his feet free from the soft mud. Sirius was right, Hagrid really should have realized how
15:17strong he was by now. By evening, the excitement in the Hufflepuff common room reached its peak.
15:24With two of the three champions staying there, the room was packed with students, snacks,
15:29and drinks. As soon as Kyle entered, people began stuffing his pockets with sweets and dried beef,
15:36as though afraid he might not eat before the competition and end up starving during the task.
15:41Despite Fleur being from Beauxbatons, she had been living in the Hufflepuff dormitory for a while,
15:46and the students didn't discriminate. They offered her snacks too, although not nearly as many as Kyle
15:53received. To ensure the champions got enough rest, everyone cleared out of the common room before 9pm,
16:00retreating to their quarters voluntarily. Soon, only Kyle and Fleur remained in the lounge.
16:06Fleur was preparing to head back to the Beauxbatons carriage, as Madame Maxime seemed uneasy about her
16:12staying in the castle overnight so close to the task. But as Fleur reached the door, she paused and
16:18turned back to Kyle. If you don't feel like sleeping early tonight, go for a walk, she said.
16:25Take those stones with you to the lake. Place them in the water where the moonlight can shine on them.
16:31Well, that's about it. Kyle blinked, caught off guard by the sudden suggestion.
16:37He turned his head to respond, but by the time he looked up, Fleur had already left.
16:42All that remained was the closed wooden door swinging gently shut behind her.
16:48Hogwarts. I am such a model wizard.
16:52Chapter 543 Wisdom and Judgment
16:54The next day, morning. Kyle had just finished breakfast when Professor McGonagall summoned him.
17:01This time, the viewing area for the competition was even closer, directly across from the castle gates,
17:07encircling Black Lake. By 9.50 a.m., just 10 minutes before the competition's start,
17:13the seats were already packed with spectators. Despite the biting cold, the crowd seemed unbothered,
17:20energetically waving flags and eagerly awaiting the event. The five referees were already in place,
17:26and after a month's absence, Dumbledore made his return to Hogwarts. His face looked slightly haggard,
17:33as though he hadn't had much rest, but his eyes remained sharp, and his expression brimmed with
17:38excitement. As Kyle passed by, he caught Dumbledore cracking a joke to Professor McGonagall,
17:44who walked behind him. However, Professor McGonagall was far too tense to laugh.
17:51Her gaze was fixed nervously on Black Lake and occasionally darted to Kyle standing beside her.
17:57As the start time approached, Ludo Bagman stepped forward, raising his wand to his throat.
18:02Sonoros, he declared, his voice instantly booming like thunder, echoing across the lake.
18:09The champions have all arrived, and the competition is about to begin.
18:14Allow me to explain the rules for the benefit of our audience.
18:18This task tests both wisdom and judgment.
18:21The champions will first venture into the Forbidden Forest to locate three keys,
18:26then use those keys to rescue their most precious treasures, which are trapped in Black Lake.
18:30I'm sure the champions are already aware of this, so I won't go into further detail.
18:36However, let me remind you of one crucial point.
18:39Make good use of the stones in your possession.
18:42Each stone can be traded with a centaur in the Forbidden Forest for a clue to a key.
18:47Three stones, three keys.
18:50Your ability to decipher these clues swiftly will be pivotal to your success.
18:54He paused, scanning the crowd before turning toward the judges' table.
19:00After receiving an approving nod from Chris, he continued,
19:03There is one more thing.
19:05We've made some minor adjustments to the scoring criteria for the second task,
19:10dividing results into broader categories.
19:13Firstly, champions who complete the task within one hour will receive a minimum of eight points.
19:18Secondly, those finishing within two hours will earn between five and eight points.
19:24And lastly, those who exceed two hours will receive fewer than five points.
19:30Time, therefore, is critical.
19:33Every decision counts.
19:35Kyle, Fleur, and Crum listened attentively to Bagman's explanation.
19:40The clock ticked closer to ten.
19:42Bagman checked his watch and raised his whistle.
19:45All right, when I blow this whistle, you may begin.
19:50I'll count down.
19:51One, two, three.
19:54A sharp whistle pierced the frigid air,
19:57immediately followed by thunderous cheers and applause from the stands.
20:01Without a moment's hesitation, Kyle sprinted toward the Forbidden Forest.
20:06Waiting at the forest's edge were three centaurs,
20:09standing in place as though anticipating their arrival.
20:11This spared the champions from losing precious time.
20:16Each competitor instinctively chose the centaur nearest them.
20:20By a stroke of fortune, or perhaps coincidence,
20:23Kyle's centaur was Forenza, with whom he was most familiar.
20:27They had met not long ago.
20:30Kyle wasted no time.
20:32Handing over a stone, he said,
20:34I need a clue to the key.
20:36Forenza accepted the stone and began to chant softly,
20:40his voice almost melodic.
20:42The thing you seek is hidden in the eyes of the constellation of Eucus.
20:46When the hour hand ticks ten times and the serpent swims five times,
20:51you will see it.
20:52Kyle furrowed his brow, mulling over the riddle.
20:56The hour hand likely referred to direction, ten o'clock.
20:59As for the serpent swimming five times, it must represent the distance.
21:05This direction.
21:07Forenza's calm, resonant voice came again as he pointed his tail diagonally to the side.
21:12He lowered his voice deliberately, adding,
21:15Go five miles ahead.
21:17Five miles.
21:19Kyle was taken aback.
21:21He hadn't expected the centaur to offer such a direct hint.
21:24Once he recovered, he gave a small nod in acknowledgement,
21:29but Forenza had already disappeared into the depths of the Forbidden Forest.
21:33Without dwelling on it, Kyle raised his wand.
21:37Accio Firebolt.
21:39He stood in place, waiting.
21:42A few minutes passed, but nothing stirred.
21:45Kyle quickly deduced the issue.
21:48His summoning charm wasn't the problem, he was certain of that.
21:51The likely explanation was that this task either didn't require champions to use their flying skills
21:57or that the judges had explicitly forbidden broomsticks to increase the challenge.
22:02Left with no other choice, Kyle set off running toward the Forbidden Forest.
22:07The forest was dense, its towering trees forming a canopy that blocked out much of the daylight.
22:13The only visible path twisted and turned erratically, making navigation slow and laborious.
22:18After ten minutes, Kyle stopped abruptly, a frown creasing his brow.
22:24Something was off.
22:26It's too quiet.
22:28Kyle had ventured into the Forbidden Forest multiple times before,
22:32so he was intimately familiar with its usual ambience.
22:35Even near the outskirts, the forest was alive with sounds,
22:39chirping insects, rustling leaves, the occasional bird call.
22:43But now, apart from his own footsteps, there was nothing.
22:48This level of silence wasn't natural.
22:51Unless, this area is enchanted, like the Quidditch pitch during the first task.
22:57He thought back to the clue Forenza had given.
23:00Five miles.
23:02On paper, it didn't seem far.
23:05Even without a broomstick, a well-placed charm could make the journey manageable in about ten minutes.
23:10But that calculation didn't apply here.
23:14The Forbidden Forest's dense growth made it impossible to walk in a straight line.
23:19Twisting paths and obstacles meant the journey would likely take twice as long, 20 minutes, at minimum.
23:25Kyle's frown deepened as he began to add up the time.
23:2920 minutes to find a key.
23:32Three keys in total.
23:34Add the time needed to solve each centaur's riddle, plus the journey back to Black Lake.
23:38No matter how he calculated, it seemed impossible to complete the task within an hour.
23:45And yet, the judges wouldn't set an unachievable benchmark arbitrarily.
23:50There's something I'm missing.
23:52Kyle's mind raced as he recalled Bagman's earlier words,
23:55This event tests wisdom and judgment.
23:58Wisdom, that was solving riddles.
24:01But what did judgment mean in this context?
24:04He walked slowly forward, his thoughts churning.
24:07As he mulled over the challenge, Bagman's amplified voice rang out,
24:1220 minutes have passed already.
24:14Champions must hurry.
24:17No.
24:18Kyle froze.
24:20His eyes widened as realization struck him.
24:23Without a moment's hesitation, he turned and sprinted back the way he had come.
24:28I'm a wizard.
24:29Why am I fixating on physically finding the key?
24:33The real challenge wasn't about running to fetch the key but about understanding how to
24:38save time.
24:39If the goal was to finish the task within an hour, the solution had to involve skipping
24:44unnecessary steps.
24:46This is what judgment is about, Kyle concluded.
24:49It was a gamble, but one he was willing to take.
24:53As he raced back, he encountered Fleur heading in the opposite direction.
24:58She slowed, her expression puzzled as she watched him run past.
25:02Listen.
25:04Kyle said urgently, barely slowing his pace.
25:07I don't think we need to find any keys.
25:11It's a waste of time.
25:12There's no way we can finish in an hour.
25:15I'm going straight to the Black Lake.
25:18What?
25:20Fleur stared at him, incredulous.
25:23But the rules say that only by finding the key, don't forget, we're wizards, Kyle interrupted.
25:29Fleur still looked hesitant, her brow furrowed in uncertainty.
25:34Kyle didn't press further.
25:35After all, his theory was just that, a theory, and there was no guarantee he was right.
25:42Without waiting for a response, he sprinted back toward the forest's edge.
25:47Ten minutes later, he emerged from the forbidden forest, his breathing heavy but his resolve
25:52intact.
25:54Oh, a champion has already come out.
25:57Bagman's amplified voice boomed across the arena.
26:00Has he already found the key?
26:02At the judge's table, Dumbledore and Chris exchanged subtle smiles, their expressions suggesting
26:08approval.
26:10In contrast, Karkaroff and Madame Maxime wore distinctly displeased looks.
26:16Kyle didn't catch what Bagman said.
26:18But seeing the judge's reactions was all the confirmation he needed.
26:22He hadn't even reached the first key, yet returning halfway had already eaten up 30 minutes.
26:27Attempting to locate all three keys would have made completing the task within an hour impossible.
26:34Without hesitation, Kyle made his way to the edge of the Black Lake.
26:39There were various methods for navigating underwater.
26:42Gillyweed was a popular choice, and Kyle had some on hand.
26:47He had purchased it from an herb shop in Diagon Alley and had made sure to take it out of his
26:51suitcase the previous evening.
26:53But Kyle wasn't planning to use it.
26:56Gillyweed's effects lasted only an hour, and with half of that time already gone, it wasn't the most
27:02efficient option.
27:04Instead, he pulled out his wand, muttering the incantation for the bubblehead charm.
27:09A large, clear bubble enveloped his head, allowing him to breathe freely.
27:14Without hesitation, he dove into the icy depths of the Black Lake.
27:18Although the bubblehead charm wasn't as agile underwater as Gillyweed, it was still a highly
27:24effective choice.
27:26The stands erupted into loud cheers and applause as Kyle disappeared beneath the water's surface.
27:32The spectators didn't care much about the mechanics of the task.
27:36All they knew was that Kyle had surged ahead while Fleur and Crumb were still in the Forbidden
27:40Forest.
27:42Hogwarts.
27:43I am such a model wizard.
27:45Chapter 544 Helena Ravenclaw Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Kyle dove straight into the lake
27:52despite the bubblehead charm encasing him.
27:55Though the charm allowed him to breathe and move freely underwater, it offered no speed
27:59advantage.
28:01Without hesitation, Kyle drew his wand and cast a transfiguration spell, conjuring a pair of
28:07flippers.
28:07The added propulsion made swimming significantly faster.
28:12The Black Lake was vast and seemingly bottomless.
28:15As Kyle swam further downstream, the water grew darker and more oppressive.
28:21Using the shoreline bleachers as his reference point, he adjusted his course toward the lake
28:26center.
28:27Through the shimmering bubbles in front of him, the murky water seemed to pulse with an unsettling
28:31hue.
28:33Small fish darted around him like silver arrows, their movements sharp and graceful.
28:38Yet the scene was far from idyllic.
28:40Alongside the fish, shadowy grindylows lurked in the dark recesses of the lakebed, poised
28:46to attack any creature that ventured too close.
28:50Kyle encountered two of these dark creatures, but he spotted them in time.
28:55With a quick flick of his wand, he stunned them before their claws could lash out.
28:59A revulsion jinx was usually sufficient to repel grindylows, simple enough when dealing with
29:05one or two.
29:06But if they appeared in groups, the situation could quickly spiral into something far more
29:11dangerous.
29:12He pressed onward, mindful of the ticking clock.
29:15Only 30 minutes remained, and he needed to locate the correct spot as soon as possible.
29:22The grindylows, however, were relentless.
29:25More emerged from the shadows or the tangles of underwater plants, each one attempting to
29:30hinder his progress.
29:32One particularly bold grindylow lunged at the bubble encasing Kyle's head.
29:37With a knockback jinx, Kyle sent it flying out of the water, its flailing form disappearing
29:42into the depths.
29:43Just as he dispatched this latest foe, a voice broke the eerie silence of the Black Lake.
29:49You seem to be in a bit of trouble.
29:52Kyle whipped his head around, his heart racing.
29:55A pale, translucent figure floated beside him, its pearly glow dimly illuminating the
30:01dark water.
30:02Are you, the Grey Lady of Ravenclaw?
30:05He asked, his voice muffled by the bubblehead charm.
30:08He hadn't expected to encounter a ghost here, let alone the enigmatic Grey Lady of Ravenclaw.
30:15Her melancholy expression remained unchanged as she drifted closer, gesturing with a faintly
30:20glowing hand.
30:22You can go that way, she said, her voice soft but clear.
30:27Kyle didn't move immediately, his confusion keeping him rooted in place.
30:30If it had been any other ghost, whether the cheerful fat friar of Hufflepuff, the ever-dramatic
30:36nearly headless Nick, the morose Myrtle, or even the mischievous Peeves, he wouldn't
30:41have hesitated.
30:42He knew them well enough, they might plausibly offer assistance, and their motives, while varied,
30:49were understandable.
30:49But the Grey Lady?
30:52Kyle couldn't recall ever speaking to her.
30:55Not a single word.
30:57She was known for her aloofness, spending her days wandering the castle in silence, distant
31:02even from the Ravenclaw students.
31:05Why would she come to his aid now?
31:08It couldn't possibly be for the glory of Hogwarts, even Peeves would scoff at such a notion.
31:13I overheard you the other day, you and an invisible wizard.
31:18As if she had sensed Kyle's hesitation, the Grey Lady spoke again, I also heard you mentioning
31:23my mother's diadem.
31:25I want to know if what you said is true.
31:28Your mother.
31:30Kyle began uncertainly.
31:32Rowena Ravenclaw, the Grey Lady interjected.
31:36I am her daughter, and when I was alive, my name was Helena Ravenclaw.
31:40At her words, a memory stirred in Kyle's mind, as if it suddenly clicked into place.
31:47Ah, yes, he replied hastily.
31:50I found the Ravenclaw's diadem.
31:52Can you tell me about it?
31:55The Grey Lady, or rather Helena, whispered.
31:58I heard you mentioned preparing.
32:01Is the diadem broken?
32:03I'm sorry, but it's not something I can explain in just a few words, Anne.
32:08Kyle gestured towards the surface of the water.
32:11I might not have any time to spare right now.
32:15Then wait until the end of the competition, Helena said.
32:18I'll be waiting for you at the castle.
32:21Kyle nodded and swam off in the direction she had indicated.
32:25Having lost some time during their exchange, Kyle picked up his pace.
32:29About ten minutes later, intermittent shouting and the pained neighing of an animal reached
32:34his ears.
32:35The water ahead turned murky, and through a tangle of waterweed, Kyle spotted an open
32:40area where a group of about a dozen mare people wielded spears and ropes.
32:45They were chasing a strange creature.
32:48Its upper body resembled that of a horse, while its lower body was more akin to a fish.
32:52Its body was covered in broad-leaved cattail grass that resembled a mane.
32:58A kelpie.
33:00Kyle was momentarily surprised.
33:03Did such creatures still exist in the Black Lake at Hogwarts?
33:07He quickly composed himself.
33:10After all, the Black Lake was vast and mysterious, with depths no one had fully explored or charted.
33:16It wasn't unreasonable for a kelpie to be here.
33:19The kelpie before him had likely wandered into the merpeople's territory by accident and
33:24was now being pursued.
33:26On its own, a kelpie might be a formidable foe, but against a coordinated group of armed
33:31and skilled mare people, it stood no chance.
33:35Several spears were embedded in the kelpie's body, and thick ropes bound its front hooves and
33:39tail.
33:41Blood flowed freely from its wounds, staining the surrounding water.
33:44Around the scene, Kyle noticed several unmoving mare people, evidence that the kelpie had fought
33:50fiercely before being subdued.
33:53It was clear that the mare people had suffered heavy losses in the struggle to capture it.
33:58As Kyle processed the chaotic scene before him, the mare people noticed his presence.
34:04Several spears immediately turned in his direction, their sharp tips glinting menacingly
34:08even in the murky water.
34:09Who's there, a shrill voice demanded.
34:14It came from the leading merperson, whose appearance was far from the serene depictions
34:18in the castle's portraits.
34:20His yellow eyes gleamed with suspicion, and his mouth revealed jagged, missing teeth.
34:26His iron-colored skin had a rough texture, and his unkempt hair resembled a tangle of waterweed.
34:32Around his neck hung a crude necklace of pebbles strung on a thick rope.
34:35I'm a student at Hogwarts and one of the Triwizard Tournament champions, Kyle said quickly, keeping
34:41his tone calm.
34:43I need to complete the second task underwater.
34:47Professor Dumbledore should have informed you about it.
34:50The merch of Tainous's stern expression softened slightly, and she lowered her spear, though
34:55she kept her focus on the captured kelpie.
34:58Wizard, the merch of Tainous said gruffly, this is not where they are trapped.
35:03You need to keep going.
35:04Hurry up and go.
35:06It's dangerous here.
35:09Kyle hesitated.
35:10I think I can help you, he said, swimming a bit closer.
35:15The merch of Tainous's eyes narrowed.
35:18The kelpie is going mad, Kyle continued.
35:21If this goes on, even if you manage to kill it, you'll lose at least half your crew.
35:26This is our responsibility, not yours, the merch of Tainous replied curtly.
35:31I can help, Kyle repeated firmly.
35:35I've seen how Newt Scamander handles kelpies.
35:38You should know who he is.
35:41He knew from experience that mentioning Newt's name often worked when dealing with intelligent
35:45magical creatures, especially near Hogwarts.
35:49The effect was immediate.
35:51Scamander.
35:53The merch of Tainous's tone shifted, and she turned fully to look at Kyle, her suspicion now
35:58mixed with curiosity.
36:00He helped us find this habitat, the merch of Tainous said, her voice tinged with respect.
36:06He is a friend to our tribe forever.
36:09Do you really know him?
36:11Of course, Kyle said without missing a beat.
36:14I visit his family every holiday.
36:17He swam closer, carefully observing their reactions.
36:20This time, the Mare people didn't raise their spears or try to chase him away.
36:26Hogwarts.
36:28I am such a model wizard.
36:30Chapter 545 Kelpie's Rider, we have lost more than ten warriors since it was discovered,
36:36the merch of Tainous said, her expression heavy with grief.
36:40If you can help us get rid of this monster, you will also become friends of our tribe.
36:44No problem, leave it to me, Kyle replied confidently, swimming towards the Kelpie.
36:50The Kelpie, under the relentless assaults of the Mare people, appeared to be on the brink
36:54of madness.
36:56It thrashed wildly, shaking its body in desperate attempts to escape, transforming into different
37:01shapes in an effort to break free from the ropes binding it.
37:05The Kelpie, much like a metamorphmagus among magical creatures, possessed the ability to
37:10morph into various forms.
37:11However, the Mare people had clearly adapted to this tactic, quickly restraining it with
37:17new ropes each time it transformed.
37:20Kyle initially considered calming the Kelpie, but the creature, sensing his approach, immediately
37:25lunged to bite.
37:27He wasn't surprised, this reaction was predictable.
37:31Kyle had several strategies in mind, but all required time, and the one-hour deadline loomed
37:37closer.
37:38He couldn't afford to waste any more time.
37:40He opted for the simplest, most direct solution.
37:45Raising his wand, he conjured a small, golden-red fish made of flames.
37:50The water around him began to warm rapidly, causing the Mare people to scream and scatter
37:55in panic.
37:56Moments later, Kyle dispelled the fiery fish with another wave of his wand.
38:01Kyle had mastered the fiend fire curse to a high degree.
38:04Though dangerous, he kept the conjured flames minimal to avoid any harm to himself while submerged
38:11in the Black Lake.
38:12Even at this reduced intensity, the effects were significant.
38:17The frigid lake water now felt like a soothing hot spring, and more importantly, the Kelpie stopped
38:22its struggle.
38:24Its eyes, once wild and frenzied, grew calm and lucid as it regarded Kyle.
38:29I wish you'd calm down sooner, Kyle muttered, swimming closer to the creature.
38:34Don't worry.
38:36I'm here to help.
38:38Come with me, and I promise the Mare people won't attack you again.
38:42He began untangling the ropes binding the Kelpie, and once freed, he climbed onto its back.
38:48The Kelpie remained placid, showing no signs of resistance.
38:52Kyle gripped the broad-leaved cattail grass growing from the creature's body and pointed
38:57ahead.
38:58Let's go.
39:00We need to hurry, I'm on a tight schedule.
39:03The Kelpie, now freed, cast a wary glance at the Mare people before letting out a horse
39:08whinny and surging forward with incredible speed.
39:12Riding the Kelpie felt like being on an underwater broomstick.
39:15The current distorted the bubbles rising above Kyle's head as the creature powered through
39:20the water.
39:20Grindylos and other aquatic creatures were left far behind, and all Kyle could do was
39:26hold on tightly to avoid being thrown off.
39:29In less than five minutes, he began to hear the faint strains of a song.
39:34An hour is almost up.
39:36How long are you going to delay?
39:39To take back the treasure we took.
39:41Kyle patted the Kelpie's side, urging it towards the source of the singing.
39:45Soon, he found himself in the heart of the Black Lake, near a towering rock pillar adorned with
39:51Mare people carvings.
39:53This was clearly the Mare people's settlement.
39:56Surrounding the pillar were stone huts resembling houses, some with small gardens and even tethered Grindylos as guards.
40:03As Kyle arrived, Mare people began to gather, their powerful silver tails slapping the water in a show of strength and warning.
40:10They surged towards him, but upon seeing the Kelpie beneath him, their demeanor changed dramatically.
40:18The once melodic singing turned into panicked shrieks.
40:21The Mare people scattered, scrambling to arm themselves.
40:25Why has this monster returned?
40:28Run!
40:29The Merch of Tanis has been eaten by it.
40:32Get the weapons, get the weapons.
40:35The Mare people erupted into chaos.
40:38As creatures of the water, their deep-seated fear of the Kelpie was evident.
40:43Their frantic movement sent ripples and waves across the lake, their voices echoing in shrill panic.
40:49This unexpected reaction worked in Kyle's favor.
40:52The pandemonium provided a distraction, allowing him to approach a stone statue of a merperson without needing to explain himself.
41:01Tied securely to the statue's tail were three figures.
41:05On the far left was someone Kyle didn't recognize, though his attire suggested he was from Durmstrang.
41:11Karkaroff hadn't been seen around the castle recently, and neither had Victor Krom or most of the Durmstrang students.
41:18As such, the boy left little impression on Kyle.
41:22In the middle was an eight-year-old girl, Gabrielle, Fleur Delacour's younger sister.
41:28On the far right was Kanna, who had been absent since Professor McGonagall summoned her the night before.
41:34All three appeared to be in a deep, enchanted slumber.
41:38Their heads drooped back limply, and streams of bubbles escaped steadily from their mouths, keeping them alive underwater.
41:45What bound them to the statue were three large, interlocking circular locks.
41:50The intricate mechanism meant that all three had to be opened simultaneously to release the captives.
41:56Kyle didn't have the keys, but he didn't need them.
42:00He had his wand.
42:01As Kyle raised the hand holding his wand, the kelpie beneath him suddenly shifted uneasily.
42:08It thrashed slightly, as though it recognized the wand's power and wanted to flee.
42:13Kyle quickly placed a calming hand on its neck, murmuring soothingly,
42:17Don't worry, it's okay.
42:19Though still a little restless, the kelpie gradually stilled, its trust in Kyle holding firm.
42:26Kyle raised his wand again and muttered,
42:28Sectumsempra.
42:30An invisible force cut cleanly through the water, slicing through all three locks as though they were made of paper.
42:36The pieces fell away, and the captives were freed.
42:39Without hesitation, Kyle hoisted Kanna onto the kelpie's back and carefully secured her.
42:46He used the same method to retrieve Gabriel, making sure both girls were safe and stable.
42:52Well, that's that.
42:54Kyle muttered to himself.
42:56Turning back, he saw a large group of mere people charging towards them,
43:00brandishing spears and other makeshift weapons.
43:03Everyone in the stands along the Black Lake's shore was grumbling.
43:07An hour ago, they had been full of excitement, anticipating a thrilling second task.
43:13Instead, they had spent the entire hour shivering in the cold wind,
43:17staring at the lake's still surface with nothing to entertain them.
43:21Who on earth came up with this second task?
43:24Fred muttered, tugging idly on the string of a flag in boredom.
43:29First the forbidden forest, now the bottom of a lake, there's nothing for us to see.
43:34Why can't Headmaster Dumbledore just move the ceiling of the Great Hall here?
43:40George chimed in, exasperated.
43:43That ceiling's enchanted to show the weather outside, right?
43:47Surely it could show what's happening underwater.
43:50Exactly.
43:52The Headmaster's really being stingy, Fred sighed.
43:56I'd give anything to know how Kyle's doing right now.
43:58It should be soon, Cedric said, glancing at his watch.
44:03There are only a few minutes left before the hour is up.
44:07I believe in Kyle.
44:09He'll definitely finish on time.
44:12I believe so too, but still.
44:15George trailed off mid-sentence, his words catching in his throat.
44:19Suddenly, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief, staring intently at the lake.
44:24By Merlin's beard, he murmured, am I seeing this right?
44:29Is that, a horse coming out of the Black Lake?
44:32This wasn't the edge of the forbidden forest, this was the Black Lake.
44:37Yet emerging from the water was, unmistakably, a horse.
44:41What made it even stranger was that Kyle was astride its back, looking every bit like a gallon knight.
44:47The Kelpie carried him onto the shore with a graceful leap, droplets of water cascading off its powerful frame.
44:54George's brain struggled to process what he was seeing, but his body responded instinctively.
45:00Along with the crowd around him, he began clapping thunderously.
45:04That's a Kelpie!
45:06Cedric exclaimed, excitement lighting up his face.
45:10There is fast as broomsticks underwater.
45:12I had no idea there were creatures like that in the Black Lake.
45:17The stands erupted with cheers and shouts.
45:20People jumped to their feet, yelling and applauding, their earlier complaints forgotten.
45:26Even the judges joined in, though the sincerity of a few of their claps was questionable.
45:31On the shore, Kyle dismounted the Kelpie.
45:35Just as he stepped onto solid ground, Kanna stirred awake.
45:38Blinking a few times as her eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight, she looked up at him.
45:44I knew you could do it, she said softly, a faint smile playing on her lips.
45:50I'll admit, you've got good instincts, Kyle replied with a grin.
45:54And guess what?
45:56We're the first ones out.
45:58Kanna's smile widened, but her expression quickly turned serious.
46:03What about Fleur?
46:05Has Gabriel been rescued?
46:06She's still so young, the professors really shouldn't have sent her into the lake.
46:12I don't know where Fleur is, Kyle admitted, but Gabriel's fine.
46:17He leaned to the side, revealing Gabriel, who lay slumped on the Kelpie's back.
46:22The young girl stirred, coughing up a mouthful of lake water before looking around in a daze.
46:28Her wide, confused eyes made it clear she hadn't yet grasped what had happened.
46:32At that moment, Kanna noticed something odd beneath her.
46:37She glanced down, realizing that she was sitting on what looked like a massive, moving aquatic plant.
46:44What, is this?
46:45She asked, alarmed.
46:47Kyle chuckled.
46:49I rescued the Kelpie from the Black Lake, he explained.
46:53In return, it's happy to give us a ride.
46:55Now the fun in this clip is over.
46:59Which listeners haven't liked and commented yet?
47:02You can press like and comment to encourage the admin find the fun in the next clip.
47:07May the listeners be happy forever.
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