[105] The Fox's Shadow

Grindelwald's previously calm expression shifted the moment he heard the question. A hint of surprise flickered in his eyes, as if Hall had asked something utterly ridiculous.

Hall bit his lip. "No, I mean — if someone wanted me to participate in the tournament, who do you think that person would be?"

Grindelwald narrowed his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Of course you could. If you ask me, you should go up and defeat everyone to win the Goblet of Fire." His tone was full of confidence and pride, as if he had absolute certainty about Hall's abilities. "My student — how could they possibly compare?"

At first, Hall thought Grindelwald was joking. The Triwizard Tournament was so important and dangerous. But when he saw Grindelwald's expression, he realised his teacher was serious. An indescribable emotion spread through his heart. Could it be that in his teacher's eyes, he was already that powerful?

Grindelwald saw through him immediately. He rolled his eyes, a gesture that seemed to say how ridiculous Hall's doubts were. "Don't you know who your teacher is? If you lose the competition —" his voice dropped, low and serious, as if proclaiming a terrible fate, "be prepared to be handed over to the mermaids of the Black Lake."

Hall shuddered at the thought.

Unfortunately, he didn't get an answer to his real question before leaving. Hall didn't even know how the topic had turned into him definitely participating in the Goblet of Fire. No, no, he wouldn't enter such a dangerous competition. Professor Grindelwald probably didn't know about the Ministry's new regulations.

Hall made a mental note to explain later.

Although he didn't get an answer, his mind was racing. He had reason to suspect Krum might be connected to someone, or perhaps Durmstrang as a whole was problematic. Once this thought arose, it spread like a vine through his mind, impossible to ignore.

He needed to tell Snape about this.

The moment this thought crossed his mind, Hall seemed to understand why Snape had placed Krum in his room — was it to have him monitor this person? Hall laughed in exasperation. What was this? Using the help you know well?

Hall stood in the clearing of the Forbidden Forest and turned the Time-Turner. Time moved rapidly forward, arriving at eleven o'clock the previous night — after Hall had already left the Forbidden Forest. Dumbledore had warned him repeatedly: you must not meet your past self, or terrible things could happen.

Back in his dormitory, Hall gently pushed open the door and was met with Krum's gaze. Krum's chair was facing the door. He had been waiting for him for some time.

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Hall frowned. Had the sleeping charm on Krum been lifted? Or had someone come in and removed it?

He immediately dismissed that thought. If someone had come in, he would have known. Though Hall had removed the defensive wards, he had still cast a simple alarm charm before leaving.

Hall's alarm charm had worked exactly as intended — it would alert him if someone entered. Which meant Krum had broken free of the sleeping charm on his own.

He's stronger than I thought. No wonder he represents Durmstrang. Perhaps I was careless.

Before Hall could finish processing his thoughts, Krum spoke. "Hall, where have you been?"

Hall felt a surge of annoyance. He didn't even bother to open his eyes. "Your snoring is so loud, I couldn't sleep. I went out for a walk to clear my head."

Putting the blame on the other person was always a good strategy.

Hall washed his face again. Krum walked over and leaned against the doorframe. "You're stronger than I thought." He chuckled coldly. "But I'm not as weak as you think."

Hall sneered. "Is that so? I don't care."

He reached for a towel on the shelf, but Krum grabbed it first, forcing Hall to open his eyes and look at him.

"You don't need to be so wary of me. Maybe I can help you." Krum's voice was low. "Besides, I know some things you don't. How about we make a deal?"

Hall snatched the towel, dried his face slowly, and bumped into Krum's shoulder as he walked out of the bathroom. "You're blocking my way."

Krum's eyes widened in surprise at the strength of Hall's frame. He had built his physique through daily training — how old was this kid?

"Wait. I'll show you my sincerity."

"We'll talk about that when you actually show it," Hall shrugged.

The next day, at breakfast in the Great Hall, Krum stuck to Hall like glue, impossible to shake off. Draco and Goyle walked in and saw this scene. They were furious. Draco deliberately pulled out a chair, making a loud noise.

"Goyle, look at him," Draco said loudly, sarcastically. "Yesterday Master Weasley was all coy, and today he's made a new friend?"

Blaise was frantically winking at Hall from behind, and Draco caught him.

"Even you want a new friend? Is that it, Blaise?"

"Oh, don't overthink it," Blaise replied, pouting.

Draco was about to say more when someone pressed down on his shoulder. Before he knew it, he was sitting in a chair.

"That's enough, Draco."

Draco whirled around, only to see a corner of a robe being pulled away. He looked to his left, where Hall was quietly cutting pancakes on his plate.

"You... you... how dare you..." Draco's face flushed red, his lips trembling.

The voice hadn't come from Hall at all. Krum was struggling to suppress his laughter, and Blaise, sitting on the other side, also covered his mouth with his hand. When had the young master of the Malfoy family ever been humiliated like this?

Hall stepped aside, revealing Krum on the other side. "Draco, you know, he really wants to be your friend."

"We talked yesterday," Krum said with a friendly smile. "Thank you for your hospitality, Malfoy. I'm already very familiar with Hogwarts."

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