The most dangerous preparation, and the one that demanded the most acting skill, unfolded deep in the heart of the castle-the Slytherin Common Room.
Pheobe and Krum abandoned the idea of acting together. They would draw too much attention that way, and it would not fit their opposing roles as champions. They decided to split up and put on a double act.
That afternoon, Krum stopped Draco Malfoy in a secluded corridor.
Ever since he had egged Krum into a disastrous high-stakes gamble at the last "Blind Box Grand Sale," Malfoy had not had an easy time.
His father, Lucius, had sent him an icily worded letter full of disappointment, explicitly stating that if Draco could not restore the family's standing with the Durmstrang Headmaster, he need not come home for the Christmas holidays that year.
It left Malfoy on pins and needles.
He desperately needed a chance to prove his worth again.
Before Krum could even speak-
"Krum, what a coincidence!"
Malfoy's eagerness to ingratiate himself made his customary air of arrogant gentility look rather ridiculous.
"I've been reflecting on my earlier rash advice. If you're willing to give me another chance, I'll offer you Slytherin's true strength."
Krum stared coldly at Malfoy without a word.
He had not yet worked out how to begin, and had not expected the other boy to speak first.
Seeing that Krum did not immediately walk away, Malfoy felt a surge of delight and hurried on with his sales pitch:
"I hear you're having trouble with the second task. Believe me, no one but Slytherin can help you. The real advantage always lies hidden in the dark waters, within Slytherin's view."
Krum did not want to waste any more time beating around the bush. He went straight to the point, speaking in a