Krum in the Crosshairs

"Oh? A Sphinx." Fleur calmly looked at the creature before her.

Its body resembled that of a terrifyingly huge lion: enormous paws, a long yellow tail with a tuft of fur at its tip.

And the head of a woman.

To the spectators in the stands, it was undoubtedly terrifying and sinister.

Just imagine it: you happily opened the door, only one step away from victory, and behind it stood a dangerous magical creature.

But Fleur was instead wondering whether Ryan would hint to Kate tonight about borrowing this Sphinx's shadow.

Ryan was utterly obsessed with beast-eared girls.

He had once sighed in disappointment because she could not transform wings.

"You know me? That's good.

Then I won't need to use force to make you understand that answering my question is your only option." The Sphinx sat back on her hind legs, licked her forelimb, and spoke.

"A question? Perfect, I can relax a little." Hearing that there was a question to answer, Fleur loosened her grip on her wand.

The Sphinx inexplicably shivered.

But she took it for an illusion. "First, think of someone who always wears a mask, acts mysteriously, and tells nothing but lies.

Then tell me what is always mended and patched, the middle of middle, and the end of end.

Finally, when you cannot think of a word, which word do you often say?

Now put them together and answer me: what animal would you not want to kiss?"

"A word riddle?" Fleur raised an eyebrow. "Wears a mask, acts mysteriously, and tells lies? Easy. A spy.

The middle of middle and the end of end are both d.

When you can't think of a word, which word do you often say?

It's—no, wait.

You said it in English. You British people always say 'er.'