Chapter 537: House-Elf Tata
Chapter 537: House-Elf Tata
After chatting with Viktor Krum for about fifteen minutes, Ludo Bagman returned with a gloomy expression, muttering under his breath as if the conversation had left him displeased.
He hurriedly left The Three Broomsticks, and the goblins standing behind him followed, their expressions stern. Fred and George, sensing something amiss, refrained from approaching Bagman for their promised Galleon and instead huddled together, intrigued by the unfolding events.
"Do you think Bagman wanted to talk to Krum about something related to the Triwizard Tournament?" Fred asked.
"Maybe," George pondered. "As one of the judges, Bagman should have some inside information... including what the second task will be."
"Do you think he might intentionally leak information to Krum?"
Cedric frowned slightly. "He probably wouldn't do that. It's strictly forbidden for judges to assist champions in any way. As the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Bagman would surely understand this."
"And if word got out, his position as Head would be in jeopardy."
"I know," Fred said, "but it's suspicious, isn't it? It's not normal for a judge to deliberately avoid others and have a private conversation with a champion before the competition."
"Krum probably turned him down," Cho suggested. "Remember how Bagman looked when he approached us? It could have been an act, a pre-arranged performance for our benefit."
Kyle raised his eyebrows, sensing a sour note in the air. Cedric, at this moment, seemed to have mistakenly entered the wrong password into the Gryffindor common room, only to be drenched in vinegar.
Fred and George noticed this as well, and they couldn't help but whisper, "Why don't you two go to Madam Patil's Tea Shop..." Fred drawled.
"Exactly," George laughed. "That's where you should be, enjoying a nice cup of syrup."
"No, it should be coffee..."
"Okay, syrup disguised as coffee..."
They both chuckled.
In the end, Cedric and Cho didn't go to Madam Patil's Tea Shop. After leaving The Three Broomsticks, they returned to Hogwarts together.
As they walked through the gates and strolled across the grounds towards the castle, chatting and laughing, Cho suddenly said, "That house-elf over there looks different from the ones in the kitchen. Could it be Dobby?"
"What?" Kyle followed her gaze.
Cho was right. Standing in the open space next to the castle was indeed a house-elf. Unlike the kitchen elves, who wore only tea towels and pillowcases, this elf was dressed rather fashionably.
He wore tall boots, a brown leather jacket that made him look like a racer, and a cowboy hat with a pair of goggles underneath.
"Wow, that's cool..." Fred couldn't help but exclaim. "This house-elf is so stylish. Do you know where he works in the kitchen?"
"No," Cedric shook his head. "To be honest, I've never seen him in the kitchen."
Of course not...
Kyle's lips twitched as he recognized the elf. In the entire Wizarding World, only one house-elf dressed like this—Tata, who worked for Niko Lemer. Even Dobby wouldn't embrace such trendy attire.
But how could Tata be here? Didn't he stay with Niko all the time?
Or... had Niko arrived? Because of the crown? Kyle's heart skipped a beat.
Just then, the house-elf approached them and stood before them.
"Are you Tata?" Kyle asked.
"Yes, sir. Tata greets you," Tata replied, removing his hat and bowing slightly. "Professor Dumbledore and my master are in the castle. They sent me to find you, sir."
"Oh, Kyle, you know this house-elf?" Fred exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, he works for Niko," Kyle explained.
He then turned to Cho, "Sorry, I might have to go find Professor Dumbledore first. Let's meet for dinner, and if all goes well, I might have a surprise for you later."
After Kyle finished speaking, he followed Tata into the castle, while the others stood in place, staring at each other in disbelief.
Finally, Fred broke the silence, saying, "Did Kyle just mention Nick? Nearly Headless Nick?"
"I heard that too," George said, scratching his head. "Do ghosts need house-elves too?"
"Use your brains," Cho said irritably. "Obviously, Kyle wasn't talking about the ghost Nick that you know."
"I was thinking of someone," Cedric said softly. "Remember when Kyle went to France during the holidays?"
"France..." Fred exclaimed, lowering his voice as well. "You mean... Niko Lemer?"
"That's right," Cedric confirmed. "Don't forget that the house-elf mentioned the Headmaster's name earlier."
"If that's the case... he's quite a big shot," Fred marveled. "Now I'm curious about the surprise Kyle mentioned."
...
Meanwhile, Kyle had already accompanied Tata to the Headmaster's office on the eighth floor of the castle.
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In the spacious Headmaster's office, Dumbledore was seated in his usual spot, and across from him was an elderly man with white hair.
It was Niko Lemer, wearing a yellow-striped shirt with a pocket on the chest, and a badge of the Ravenclaw Crown pinned to it.
"I was just saying that you should have returned by now," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"It's been a while, Kyle. How have you been?" Niko greeted with a smile.
"I'm doing well," Kyle replied. "Niko, did you come here for that item again? You didn't have to come all the way to Hogwarts; a letter would have sufficed."
...
It might have been a mere illusion, but after Kyle finished speaking, he noticed that Niko's expression seemed slightly unnatural.
"Oh?" Dumbledore's azure eyes shifted towards them. "I suppose this is not the same matter we were about to discuss."
"Ahem, it's nothing, Albus," Niko said. "Kyle had asked me to help repair a small trinket for him."
"I see," Dumbledore smiled. "Kyle always manages to find some novel trinkets; I've witnessed this many times."
"You're absolutely right," Niko Lemer agreed, nodding in deep approval.
The Ravenclaw Crown! There probably wasn't a more novel trinket in the Wizarding World than this. Kyle must have obtained it from somewhere extraordinary.
"Well, let's discuss that later," Dumbledore said, changing the subject. "I had considered inviting you to the manor again, but Albus told me that you're now a Triwizard Champion. To avoid distracting you, I thought it best to come here instead."
"That's not necessary," Kyle shook his head. "The competition hasn't started yet, so it's not a distraction."
"I disagree," Niko said with a smile. "The Triwizard Tournament is a grand event, especially for the champions involved. Every second counts towards their ultimate victory, and they can't afford to be careless."
Kyle remained silent. He felt that Niko's reason was a bit far-fetched, but since he had already come to Hogwarts, there was no point in discussing it further.
"I'm glad they restarted the Triwizard Tournament. I watched the first task, and it was fantastic, even more exciting than the previous tournament... In my opinion, you shouldn't have held the tournament at Durmstrang. Every Triwizard Tournament they host is subpar."
Niko seemed lost in his memories, rambling about how terrible the previous Triwizard Tournament had been and how poorly organized it was.
After more than ten minutes, Dumbledore had to interrupt him.
"While the history of the Triwizard Tournament is fascinating, let's focus on the matter at hand, Niko."
Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, Kyle had a hunch that Niko's visit to Hogwarts was not solely about the crown, but something else.
"Alright then," Niko said, choosing not to continue. He turned to Kyle and spoke seriously. "The main reason for my visit is to borrow something from you."
"What?" Kyle asked.
"Phoenix ashes."
(End of Chapter)
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