Hogwarts Homecoming

Hermione's sudden high-pitched scream nearly shattered the glass in the common room. Several good friends surrounding her showed pained expressions. For a moment, they almost thought that Hermione had provoked something dirty again. Something. Cursed or something.

"I actually!" Hermione stomped her feet a little collapsed, "I actually just realized it!"

Everyone in the lounge was looking at Hermione, but she did not give any explanation. Instead, she pushed aside the Weasley brothers who blocked her way, ran towards the entrance of the cave quickly, and disappeared in the portrait of the Fat Lady. back.

No matter how stupid you are, you should know that something bad has happened. Harry and Ron's roommates, the Weasley brothers and sisters, and the Creevey brothers all stared at each other in shock for a second. At the same time, He took a step forward and chased after him.

They only lost less than ten seconds, but by the time they caught up with Hermione, she was already down to the fifth floor.

"What's going on, Hermione?"

Since returning from St. Mungo's, Neville has shown a certain leadership temperament. His calmness is very conspicuous among the underage wizards. He jumped several steps at a time and was the first to catch up. Hermione,

"Harry and Ron are in trouble?"

"The second game is below the Black Lake, Neville!"

Every time Hermione jumped, she could almost fly half a floor up the stairs. It was very easy to sprain her feet at this speed. She had to concentrate and only gave a simple explanation.

The fact that the second game was held under the Black Lake is no longer news. After all, in the past few days, the competition team has set up a stage, and everyone has already speculated about it.

"But what does this have to do with Harry and Ron?"

Neville was the only one who could follow closely behind Hermione and still have the energy to ask questions. He asked in confusion.

"You don't understand, Neville, phew"

Jumping over the trap of a spiral staircase, in the blink of an eye, this group of Gryffindor students who attracted a lot of attention had appeared on the second floor platform. The invitation notice posted in the foyer has officially informed everyone that the venue for the second competition is in the Black Lake. The deans and prefects of each college are organizing teams under the marble stairs outside the foyer to watch the competition.

"They want to take away the warriors' treasures. They must find them back within an hour. Otherwise, they will never be seen again!"

Hermione's explanation was worded upside down, but Neville understood it immediately. His face turned pale in an instant, and he screamed,

"You mean, Harry and Ron were taken to the bottom of the Black Lake by them, and your test is to rescue them within an hour?!"

"I'm glad you figured it out, Neville!"

Hermione said anxiously. She only glanced at the notice in the foyer and wanted to rush out the door, but Neville grabbed her from behind and said seriously,

"I assume you haven't had breakfast yet, Hermione."

"breakfast?"

Hermione's eyes were confused for a moment, and then she said with a ridiculous face,

"Oh, no, Neville, listen to me, Harry and Ron are waiting for me to rescue them now, I can't waste any time, otherwise"

"The game hasn't started yet, has it?"

Neville held onto Hermione's sleeve and said calmly,

"Go down to the Black Lake. Searching for Harry and Ron in such a big lake is hard work, isn't it? Hermione, you have to eat something!"

Others followed one after another. The Weasley brothers and sisters looked at Hermione, their faces drained of color. Even Fred and George, who had jumped away, stopped making jokes.

The Weasley children usually always make fun of each other, but when they face each other's danger, they always unite strangely. Hermione can clearly see some blame in their eyes, especially Ginny. , to her, both Ron and Harry were people who could not afford to lose anything.

"You're right, Neville -"

Hermione pursed her lips. She rushed to the end of the table and took a few slices of bread and pie. She devoured them and squeezed out of the crowded hall.

"I have to find Professor McGonagall first and ask about the situation."

"Get back to the team, Mr. Longbottom, and you guys too!"

When they found Professor McGonagall, she was leading the students of Gryffindor House across the lawn. Perhaps she was unhappy with the slow gathering speed of Gryffindor, and she did not give Neville a good look. But when facing Hermione, she still tried her best to show a gentle smile,

"How do you feel, Hermione?"

"Oh, not bad--"

Hermione said softly, but then she asked eagerly,

"Professor McGonagall, I heard Neville say that you took Harry and Ron away last night. What if we can guess about them now?"

"Your judgment is very accurate -" Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, "They have been taken away by the mermaids, and they are currently in the lake, waiting for you to rescue them."

Many people were listening in on their conversation with their ears bent, and when they heard Professor McGonagall say this, an uproar broke out.

"Quiet!"

Professor McGonagall glared at the students sternly, and then gently pushed Hermione's shoulder.

"Go, Hermione, I believe they are already gathering the warriors. Don't worry, Professor Brain will cast the spell for them himself. They will be fine."

Hermione's pale face made Professor McGonagall feel pity, and before Hermione left, she murmured something softly.

The sun was shining brightly today, but after approaching the Black Lake, Hermione still felt a chill coming over her. She had no time to think about what would happen when she entered the water later, and ran desperately along the lakeside towards the other side of the lake.

The venue for the second game was not as grand as the venue set up on the high ground for the first game. It only had seats one after another by the lake. In addition, there were four platforms for the warriors to launch into the water. Of course, they were used for live broadcasts. The big screen for the game was still set up.

Hermione saw many small winged things flying along the lake, and then she realized that they were Professor Blaine's surveillance cameras.

She has heard that this thing cannot work underwater. This makes Hermione relieved. If her long tail is enlarged and projected on a big screen for the entire European wizarding world to see, then she would rather be in St. Mungo's Stay for another half month.

After approaching the arena, Hermione saw a table covered with a golden tablecloth on the grass next to the lake. Cedric, Fleur, and Krum were all standing at the referee's table. They watched Hermione jump over several tables like a flying swallow. A small puddle, approaching quickly.

"Sorry, I'm late, aren't I?"

The ground near the table was wet. Hermione slid on the mud for more than ten feet as if skating, and stopped firmly on the edge of the table.

"Oh, there's still half an hour left!"

Ludo said with a smile, seeming to appreciate his strength after running for so long, while Hermione was only panting slightly.

Professor Moody was patrolling the lake. After seeing Hermione, he walked around pretending to take a walk. He only glanced at Hermione who was listening to Ludo's introduction, and then turned his attention to Cedric, who hesitated. Next, he nodded imperceptibly.

"I am Cho Chang and Fleur is her sister. Krum's choice is very strange. They chose the headmaster of Durmstrang and he is also the referee. Who are you, Hermione?"

Ten minutes before the game, Professor McGonagall finally led the Gryffindor students over. The field was in chaos. Cedric avoided Ludo and chatted with Hermione.

"I think it's Harry and Ron."

Hermione looked at the sparkling black lake, deciding which direction to look for after entering the lake.

"two?"

Cedric said in surprise, with sympathy in his eyes.

"They probably can't find the one who is most important to you, so they might as well save the trouble. Have you found a way to breathe under the lake?"

"I came up with it just a few days ago." Hermione's eyes were still wandering around the lake, dealing with Cedric, "But I'm not sure if something went wrong. You know, the magic spells that work are only used by seniors. I know how to practice, I’m just guessing--"

"oh--"

Cedric nodded, pretending not to care, he approached Hermione and a dark green thing slipped into his palm.

He gently touched the back of Hermione's hand with the back of his hand, and also pretended to look at the Black Lake.

"You helped me in the first game, Hermione, so, I think, I have to—"

Absently, Hermione was immediately alert. She noticed Cedric's small movements and recognized what he was trying to hand to her.

She had seen the pattern in the book that Sirius gave her. This thing had helped Sirius' ancestor get through difficulties. It was rare and very precious.

"No!"

As if she was electrocuted, Hermione moved away from Cedric,

"Oh, I appreciate it, but no, Cedric, this is the method you came up with. You should use it yourself, and I have my own plans."

Hermione said firmly.

"This is actually-"

Cedric glanced behind him guiltily, fearing that his entanglement would be revealed to the people on the referee's bench. He anxiously wanted to explain, but Hermione had already followed Fleur and Krum and ran towards his diving platform.

After shrugging helplessly, he had no choice but to stuff the gillweed into his pocket. He had no intention of using it.

"So!"

On the referee's bench, Ludo's voice was like thunder, passing over the dark black lake and reaching the stands.

"Our warriors are already in their positions. As soon as I blow the whistle, the second project will begin. They have a full hour to take back what they have snatched from their hands. I count to three. One, two, three, start! "