Discovering that someone was raiding their home, the merpeople guards grew even angrier. They let out piercing shrieks, abandoned their loose defensive perimeter, and surged madly toward the three contestants!
For a moment, spell light and bubbles flew together, and a chaotic whirlpool formed on the lakebed.
Harry watched everything clearly from the side, only to discover, to his amazement, that the hideous merpeople were completely ignoring him!
Several even brushed right past him, as though he were nothing but a harmless clump of waterweed.
It was Snape's potion!
Realization flashed through Harry's mind.
No wonder Snape had specifically emphasized the potion's improved effects the night before.
So the improvements came with a merpeople-repelling effect, too?
But this was no time to puzzle over the reason.
While the merpeople were all distracted by Pheobe and Cedric, Harry plunged toward the hostages.
He passed easily through the chaotic battlefield. Sure enough, the merpeople guards paid him no attention.
He quickly swam to Draco, drew his wand, and murmured a Severing Charm, cutting through the waterweed binding her.
Supporting the unconscious Draco, Harry began swimming upward.
But after a few yards, he glanced back at the chaotic battle below and remembered Krum's underhanded ambush.
No, I couldn't let him get away with that!
A sly glint flashed in Harry's eyes. He gently pushed Draco upward, then abruptly turned and dove back down.
His target was clear-Krum's hostage.
Harry once again passed effortlessly through the battle and reached the other hostage, who had also sunk to the bottom. While Krum was still unable to move, Harry scooped up the hostage and swam hard toward the surface.
That was what you got for screwing us over. Let's see how you finish your task now!
Harry felt a secret thrill of satisfaction.
With a splash,