"By the way, what treasured possessions do you think the organizers will put in Black Lake for tomorrow's task?"
"Yours will probably be that Playing Card. You take it out to polish it ten times a day, after all. Even a blind person would know how much you love it.
As for mine, I think it'll be my Firebolt."
As the two chatted and laughed, just before they reached the Castle, Krum approached from another direction along Black Lake.
The big fellow had already taken to wearing a tank top. He hadn't used Water and Fire Immunity to dry his hair, either; steam rose from his close-cropped head, and his solid, sculpted muscles made the passing young witches cover their mouths and squeal.
Harry and Draco had both grown considerably taller and stronger, but next to Krum, they looked like bean sprouts.
With a dark expression, Krum shot the two a cold glance, then strode into the Castle.
"I heard Durmstrang has already pledged allegiance to the Chief, but he seems pretty hostile toward us."
At Harry's puzzled remark, Draco curled his lip.
"Ever since Hermione went to the ball with the Chief, that ugly ox who doesn't know his place has been hostile toward us. We'll have to watch out for him in tomorrow's task."
Harry perked up, eager for gossip.
"Was it really like you said? Was Hermione that beautiful at the ball? Even more stunning than Pheobe?
Otherwise, how could she have driven Krum to this, when he's so popular with the other young witches?"
No sooner had he asked than he noticed Draco frantically winking and signaling at him. Harry felt a chill down his back and hurriedly changed his tune.
"Ahem, I'm not questioning Hermione's beauty. She's the prettiest little eagle in Ravenclaw-no, wait, she's