Klein wasn't in a hurry. He strolled through the maze as if taking a walk after dinner.
On his left was a Black Bird, strange flames curling around its body and intelligence gleaming in its eyes.
On his right was a bewildered Man-eating Vine, surging forward over the grass.
It was clear that the Council had put a lot of thought into designing and building the final trial.
The surrounding walls were not only hard and difficult to break, but also constantly shifting.
Klein had observed them, and their movements seemed to have no pattern at all.
"What a nasty sense of humor."
He ran his hand over the rough wall and couldn't help imagining a kindly, gentle face.
No need to ask. This had to be that man's handiwork.
"Player Klein has demonstrated his incredible ability to adapt. It seems he's completely tamed the Man-eating Vine, turning it into a..."
Bagman faltered for a long moment, too embarrassed to say "pet" in case he upset the audience's fragile nerves.
When had the Man-eating Vine, a plant dangerous enough to rank among the Ministry of Magic's hazards, become a pet like a cat or dog?
Merlin help them. The world was changing too fast for them to keep up!
"All right, it seems Player Klein won't be running into any more trouble for the time being. Let's see how Player Fleur and Player Krum are doing."
Bagman gave an awkward laugh.
Even if Klein couldn't be bothered to do anything, with a magical raven and a Man-eating Vine escorting him, he could roam the maze unhindered.
They might as well focus on Player Fleur and Player Krum instead.
Now that was more like it.
Meanwhile, deep inside the maze,
Fleur no longer dared to make any light.
After what had