Chapter 659: I Was Just Joking, I Never Thought You'd Take It Seriously
Chapter 659: I Was Just Joking, I Never Thought You’d Take It Seriously
After entering the "Lake Undergrowth", the journey ahead became much more difficult. Visibility dropped to a minimum, and all around, all Ivan could see were the black, swaying water plants that enveloped his vision.
While swimming, a dark creature suddenly emerged from the water plants ahead, extending its sharp claws to hook Ivan’s ankle. However, before it could make contact, a blinding red light struck first, blasting the claws into two pieces.
A sharp, agonizing scream echoed through the Black Lake, and the horned, fanged creature quickly retreated into the water plants, vanishing from sight.
"Another one!" Ivan shook his head in exasperation, putting away his wand without bothering to chase after it.
This green-skinned, horned water creature, which Ivan had once read about in a book on underwater Magical Creatures, was called a Grindylow.
These Magical Creatures typically lurk in dense water plants, waiting to suddenly extend their claws and drag their prey into the depths to feast on them slowly.
They are arguably the most dangerous creatures Champions face, with their razor-sharp teeth and terrifyingly low intelligence, unlike Mermaids, who know how to show mercy.
The journey ahead was fraught with trouble. Ivan had to deal with a Giant Squid over four meters long and knock out two Mermaids blocking his path before finally reaching the Mermaid village.
As he approached, the number of Stone Huts increased, and in the distance, Ivan could see the massive Merpeople Statue, with the four Hostages firmly bound to the statue’s tail.
The nearby Mermaid guards, upon seeing Ivan approach, sprang into action. They raised their gleaming tridents in a semicircle around him, issuing threatening roars.
"Stupefy! (Stupefy) Petrificus Totalus! (Petrificus Totalus)"
Facing at least a dozen Mermaids, Ivan did not back down. He swiftly waved his wand, knocking out several trident-wielding Mermaid Guards in quick succession.
The rocks hurled at him were all deflected by Protego.
Just as Ivan thought a full-scale battle was about to ensue, he was surprised to see the remaining Mermaids display looks of terror, screaming and dropping their weapons as they scattered in all directions.
Ivan was speechless. It seemed the Mermaids’ fear of Wizards was even deeper than he had imagined; they fled at the first sign of trouble.
But this saved him some effort.
Ivan ignored the fleeing Mermaids and swam to the massive statue. He pulled away the water plants binding Hermione and touched his wand to her forehead, dispelling the coma spell Dumbledore had cast.
Hermione’s tightly closed eyes fluttered, and after a moment, she opened them. Her mind was still a bit foggy, and her memory seemed to be stuck in the moment before she fell asleep.
Upon seeing Ivan, Hermione desperately wanted to speak, but as soon as she opened her mouth, lake water flooded in.
Fortunately, Ivan promptly cast a Bubble-Head Charm on her, preventing her from choking.
"Don’t rush, Hermione. We have plenty of time, and you can take your time speaking…" Ivan gently patted Hermione’s back, speaking softly.
Hermione coughed up the water that had choked her throat and then looked around in confusion, only to realize she was in the depths of the lake.
"Are we in the Black Lake?" Hermione immediately recognized her surroundings and asked Ivan.
"Yes, that's right!" Ivan nodded, then asked, "Do you remember how you got here, Hermione?"
"Professor Mcgonagall found me last night and said the second task was special. The Champions needed an assistant, and she asked if I was willing to help. I agreed, and then I don't remember anything else", Hermione explained, still a bit dazed.
Ivan wasn't surprised; this matched his expectations.
"Are you in the middle of the task now? What should I do?" Hermione quickly regained her composure and asked.
"You don't need to do anything. As long as I bring you to shore, the task is over!" Ivan smiled, then, seeing that Hermione was still a bit confused, he added, "Have you forgotten the clues given in the Mermaid's song? The Champions need to retrieve their most precious treasures from the lake bottom!"
Hermione understood the implications in Ivan's words, and her pale face, which had been washed by the cold water, turned rosy. She stammered, "So I am..."
"Hogwarts Champion Ivan Hals' most precious treasure!" Ivan replied with a straight face.
As he spoke, he pointed to the giant statue behind them. "According to the script, you were kidnapped by the Mermaids, so I'm here to rescue you!"
Hermione turned to look and noticed that the Mermaid statue had three hostages tied to it, including two women and one man. One of them she recognized immediately.
"Ginny! She's here too?" Hermione exclaimed.
"Ginny is Harry's 'treasure,'" Ivan explained. "Now, we don't have much time, so let's go!"
"What about Ginny and the others?" Hermione hesitated, unable to keep the concern from her voice.
"That's Harry's task. If I rescue all the hostages, the others won't be able to continue the task", Ivan said, as he had no intention of violating the rules. The only way to do so without disqualification would be if a Champion voluntarily withdrew.
Hermione nodded, still worried but not pressing the issue further.
Given the limited time, Ivan wasted no more time and wrapped his arms around the young witch's slender waist, lifting her into his embrace.
Hermione's body was icy cold from the long immersion in the lake, and even though he knew Dumbledore's Warming Charm was in effect, Ivan couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.
Hermione snuggled into Ivan's warm embrace, greedily absorbing his warmth.
Then, as if an idea struck her, she hesitated for a moment before quickly leaning in and giving Ivan a quick kiss on the cheek.
The soft, warm touch made Ivan lower his head.
Hermione, like a frightened rabbit, quickly hid back in his arms, but her trembling voice still reached his ears.
"According to the script, this is the Champion's reward!"
Ivan touched his cheek, a mix of amusement and exasperation on his face. He had only been joking, but he hadn't expected Hermione to take it so seriously.
(End of Chapter)
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