Harley paid no attention to the crowd of sycophants—or rather, sycophantic fish.
She landed steadily in the middle of a plaza at the heart of the Merpeople Village.
The plaza was spacious, with Merpeople lined up all around it. They were singing loudly, guiding the Champions toward their destination.
Making their song carry across most of the lakebed was clearly exhausting work, so every one of the Merpeople chosen for the task was strong and muscular.
At the very center of the plaza stood a huge Merpeople Statue, clutching a long, thick trident.
But the statue's face was unlike that of ordinary Merpeople. It had an indescribable quality to it.
When they saw Harley, several Merpeople shuddered, fear flashing in their eyes.
An elderly female Merperson at the head of the group hurried over. She deliberately kept her head half a foot lower than Harley's and spoke respectfully in halting English:
"Honored Hogwarts Champion, great Lady Harley Potter, welcome once more to the Merpeople Village."
"You should remember me. I am Aloyev Selo, leader of the Merpeople."
"Have you come to collect the map for the competition? As Headmaster Dumbledore instructed, we have it safely in our keeping."
"Headmaster Dumbledore told us to select a Warrior at random to fight each Champion who came here."
"But if you wish, you may take the map now. There's no need to bother with those unimportant formalities."
"No need," Harley replied, glancing at the lake water overhead. Her gaze seemed to pierce the surface and reach the screen above.
"I should at least go through the motions. It'll save Professor Dumbledore some trouble."
"Choose a Warrior at random to fight me. Don't worry, I'll go easy on them."
The female Merperson grimaced, but didn't dare object. She respectfully backed away and shouted, "Assemble!"