The first challenge encountered while searching for the Fountain of Good Fortune.
Both of them were in a difficult position.
Hermione paced back and forth along the lakeshore, her lovely brows furrowed as she considered how to prove pain to the Snowy White Brocade Snake and pass the challenge. She also quietly assessed its Magic Power, wondering whether they could bluff their way through with the Confundus Charm or Imperius Curse. But considering its friendly attitude and the Fountain of Good Fortune's mysterious nature, she temporarily abandoned that plan.
"Prove a certain kind of pain..."
It might be related to the Cruciatus Curse.
It probably did not refer only to physical pain.
If it involved emotional and psychological suffering, it might be related to Dementors.
"What could it be..."
Hermione paced several more circles without coming up with an answer. Just as she was about to discuss it with Loren, she turned around and stopped in place.
Loren was crouching before the Snowy White Brocade Snake. With his left hand, he held the pendant at his chest, while his right hand continuously pulled things out. As though testing his luck, he held them up before the white snake. Sometimes they were potions and Alchemy materials; sometimes they were ingredients and seasonings. If a magical material got no response, he put it back. When it was food, he even tried to feed it to the white snake. When Hermione looked over, Loren was holding up a piece of Dried White Mouse to feed it. It was a snack belonging to a certain Spectacled Owl named Hānhan.
"Hisss..."
Though the white snake's eyes were vacant and its snake face could not show expressions, Hermione could still see a trace of helplessness from the way its tail swayed.
"..."
Hermione suddenly felt a