Chapter 75 - A deal with Moody (2/2)

”Come 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,

Too late, it's gone, it won't come back”.

After returning to his room, he pondered about the clue present in the egg, ”cannot sing above the ground. It means Merpeople who stay inside the Black lake. We've taken what you sorely miss means something important to a champion will be taken by them and I think I have to rescue.

An hour-long you'll have to look and to recover what we took means the time limit is one hour. But what's the meaning of the last sentence, does it means I just lose from the competition or will it be taken from me forever?”.

Later, when his friends asked him about the Golden egg, Neal replied, ”I already figured out the clue for the second task”, shocking them. As Tracey asked what is it, Daphne stopped Neal, ”nope, it's better to keep it as secret. There isn't only one champion. Potter was also one and there are lots of Krum's fans. Who knows when the secret will become information. Not to mention, someone has the tendency to brag to Potter and Weasley”.

Neal, Tracey, and Daphne turned towards Malfoy who wasn't paying much attention to their discussion. As three pairs of eyes looked at him, he was taken aback in surprise, ”what is it?”. Neal sighed while shaking his head, ”you are right. Better to keep it to myself”.

A few days later, in Transfigurations class, as Harry and Ron were discussing how peaceful their student life is now. Without Malfoy bothering and Snape is behaving himself outside of the classes because of Mad-eye Moody, the best teacher they had who teaches sixth and seventh-year knowledge stuff to them, Prof. McGonagall yelled at them in irritation for not paying attention to the classes.

As they went silent and began to pay attention to the class, Prof. McGonagall continued the lesson. After the class is ended, she said, ”I have something to say to you all.

The Yule Ball is approaching, a traditional part of the Tri-wizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above, although you may invite a younger student if you wish”.

And Neal who sat silently in corner shivered a little bit as several pairs of eyes looking at him.