The Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament officially began beside the Black Lake, amid the biting cold wind.
Dumbledore stood on a makeshift platform, his magically amplified voice carrying clearly to every corner:
"Welcome, everyone, to the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament! This time, our champions will face a challenge underwater."
He briefly introduced the background of the task, then turned his gaze toward the graceful figure beside him.
"The specific rules will be explained by this task's safety supervisor, Miss Hermione Granger."
Hermione stepped forward, calmly sweeping her gaze over the four champions below and the students watching eagerly around them.
"For the Second Task," Hermione said, her voice cool and clear, "each champion must rescue someone... very important to you from the depths of the Black Lake within the allotted time."
As soon as she finished speaking, Harry's expression shifted slightly.
Harry urgently searched for that familiar platinum-blond hair.
Krum... his gaze swept through the Hogwarts crowd before finally settling on Hermione, his expression unreadable.
The dance partner who had been so lively yesterday was indeed nowhere to be seen today.
"That's right," Hermione said evenly, as though she had seen through their thoughts. "The people you're looking for are at the bottom of the lake right now. You have one hour. Once time is up, you must return, whether you have succeeded or not. Now, champions, please get ready."
Hermione took an oddly shaped signal gun from her pocket and raised it high.
"Ready-"
The four champions walked to the end of the jetty.
Bang!
A sharp report split the air, announcing the official start of the task.
Almost simultaneously, four figures plunged without hesitation into the icy Black Lake, throwing up four enormous splashes.
Hermione lowered the signal gun, walked to the lakeside, and calmly