Chapter 802: Chapter 179: Quarrel by the Stables

After the arrival of May, the temperature finally became warm. The moist sea breeze carried the fresh scent of plants, brushing past the ancient castle.

The water level of the Black Lake also rose significantly, and occasionally some shadows could be seen darting under the water, creating ripples on the lake’s surface.

After the afternoon Magic Potion Class ended, Vid pulled down his rolled-up sleeves as he walked out of the classroom, still carrying the bitter scent of the potion on him.

"Sorry, I got choked by the smoke when I stirred to the sixth circle, almost sneezed."

Theo slung his backpack over his shoulder and said, "That’s why when you stirred the seventh circle, you didn’t adjust your rhythm properly, making this batch of potion less than perfect."

"No one can avoid mistakes forever, I also can’t help it when I need to sneeze," Vid said. "But I read in a book before, that when the smoke is too thick, you can add a small spoonful of moonstone powder, and then..."

"Vid... Vid Gray!"

A breathless lower-year Gryffindor student ran in front, first casting a cautious look at the Potions Classroom doorway, and only relaxed a bit after confirming that Professor Snape hadn’t come out.

"Gray, Professor McGonagall asked me to deliver a message to you—tonight at nine, go to the vicinity of Hagrid’s Hut."

Michael came over from behind and asked, "Do you know what for? If any work needs to be done, we can help out together."

The lower-year student hesitated for a moment and shook his head: "The professor didn’t say, I don’t know either."

Leian asked, "Besides Vid, who else did you deliver the message to?"

"Cedric from Hufflepuff."

The lower-year student glanced at Vid and added, "I heard that during Transfiguration Class dismissal today, Professor McGonagall also kept Harry Potter behind."

"Thanks, I understand now," Vid said.

Michael raised an eyebrow, "Vid, I remember you seemed to have said that a month before the third project starts, the judges would inform you about the contest’s content?"

"That’s the case."

Vid nodded briefly and turned his gaze elsewhere.

Through the thick stone walls, he seemed to see the pitch-black depths of the Forbidden Forest again.

"I see... the timing is about right," Michael said.

The lower-year student ran off to find Cedric; the group walked along the stone steps and through the corridor towards the hall.

"Finally unveiling," Theo grinned: "With a whole month to prepare, the third project is surely more exciting than the previous matches."

Leian sighed, "Hope not too many people get hurt, otherwise Madam Pomfrey will surely go mad."

"Don’t harbor such unrealistic dreams, Leian."

Michael said, "Set your wishes smaller, let’s just pray no one dies, otherwise this grand event might only happen this once..."

"Only this once..."

He thoughtfully rubbed his chin, pondering for a while before suddenly saying, "Vid, what do you think of the title [The Only Eleven-School Championship Winner in History]?"

Leian’s face darkened, "Are you the devil?"

"Ahaha..." Michael chuckled dryly, "Just a joke!"

Theo asked, "Vid, what do you think the third project will be compared to?"

Vid said in an uncertain tone, "The first two projects involved tunneling and swimming through the Black Lake. This time, perhaps... a treasure hunt in the Forbidden Forest?"

Theo laughed silently, "Impossible, the judges must consider the champions’ lives, right?"

"Perhaps this time the venue will be in the sky," Michael imagined. "Think about it, champions riding brooms or fire dragons, competing in the sky for treasures more agile and nimble than the Golden Snitch, wouldn’t that be interesting too?"

...

Half an hour before nine, Vid donned his cloak and stepped out of the castle doors.

The night still carried a slight chill, the sky was overcast, it seemed a heavy rain might fall tonight.

"Hey! Vid!"

A clear female voice came from the side.

Vid turned his head and saw Natalia striding over, a fiery red cloak billowing behind her, her face wearing its usual bright smile.

Vid smiled and said, "Good evening, Natalia."

"Let’s walk together, I’ve been waiting impatiently for this day."

Natalia took out a paper bag from her pocket, opened it, and handed it to Vid enthusiastically, "Try this! My mom made these candies herself, with honey mead and cherry filling. I guarantee you’ve never tasted anything so good!"

Vid had initially picked up a candy, but on hearing this, he retracted his hand, holding the candy in his palm.

"Thanks, I’ll keep it for later," he said.

"No need to be polite, I have plenty more!" Natalia shook the bag, the candies inside wrapped in tin foil rustled audibly.

Vid said seriously, "Eating candy at night is bad for your teeth."

Natalia said speechlessly, "Are you a child? Just brush your teeth afterward. By the way, we have a Teeth-Strengthening Potion that won’t let your teeth decay for two to three years after taking it, I’ll ask my mom to send over a bottle."

No matter what she said, Vid just smiled, then put the candy into his pocket.

While talking, the lights of Hagrid’s Hut were now within easy reach, smoke wafted from the chimney, mingling with the freshly baked fragrance of rock cakes.

Jabari Viven, who had arrived in advance, was tempted by this fragrance and asked Hagrid for a piece, while Cedric watched him with the eyes of a champion.

Jabari bit into the rock cake, his face immediately showing a disbelieving expression. Under Hagrid’s expectant gaze, he chewed on the cake with his teeth, unable to voice an evaluation for quite some time.