Abyss

Hermione took one last look at Krum, who was at his wits' end under the Kappa's harassment, then turned to leave.

She had originally been deeply grateful for Krum's help on the night of last year's Quidditch final, but ever since he had accused Professor Breen of being a Grindelwald admirer, her favorable impression of him had faded considerably.

Besides, judging by the rules of the competition, she should not have meddled. Finding Harry and Ron was what mattered most.

Yet Hermione stood there with a frown for nearly a minute. In the end, she let out a heavy sigh and turned back around.

She would treat it as repayment for his help on the night of the Quidditch final—Hermione told herself as she raised her wand.

"Ah, if I were you, I wouldn't meddle."

The sudden voice made Hermione almost think she was hearing things. Her entire body jolted, and she abruptly looked toward a cluster of coral nearby. Perched amid its tangled, brilliantly colored branches was a hazy figure, watching the show.

"Moaning Myrtle!"

Hermione wanted to call out, but she immediately realized it was best not to make a sound and startle Krum and the Kappa, who were still locked in battle. So she crouched behind a reef and waved frantically at Moaning Myrtle.

In such a dark and oppressive environment, seeing an "old friend" was undoubtedly comforting. Suppressing her excitement, Hermione whispered to the lazily drifting Moaning Myrtle,

"How did you get here, Moaning Myrtle?"

"Oh, some annoying first-year barged into my bathroom and flushed me down into the sewers. Things like that happen all the time!"

Moaning Myrtle said gloomily, cupping her face in her hands. But in the next moment, she became animated again and looked at the Kappa.

"Sometimes ghosts can see more