[108] Starlight and Soot

Snape, true to his word, kept his promise. For the past few days, Hall hadn't seen Krum except in the evenings, and Krum hadn't engaged in any further conversation beyond polite pleasantries.

Early Sunday morning, the Great Hall's decorations had been completely revamped, with many new and interesting additions. The ghosts darted in and out, as excited as mischievous children. Nearly Headless Nick was particularly enthusiastic, his translucent body appearing and disappearing in the play of light and shadow.

Ron was startled when he entered. He yelled and suddenly hugged Hall, who was following behind.

"Oh, Merlin!" His red hair stood on end instantly, making him look like an angry hedgehog.

Hall, who had been dozing off, was instantly wide awake. His face paled slightly. "Ron, let go of me!"

Hall was always very tolerant of his timid older brother, but no one would feel comfortable being hugged so tightly.

"Too tight! I can't breathe!"

Ron jumped off apologetically, about to say sorry, when a shrill laugh rang out from behind.

"Even in those secondhand robes, you're still such a coward. Are you related to rats by blood?"

Hall looked at the newcomer with displeasure. "Draco."

Ron flew into a rage. "Shut your stinking mouth, Malfoy! Don't act like you ate dung for dinner!"

Draco's eyes practically rolled to the ceiling. "Is that so? I don't know if some people can't understand human language."

Feeling Draco's gaze, Hall slightly turned his head and curled his lips into a faint smile. He yawned. "Good morning, Draco."

Draco's face lit up. His eyes sparkled with joy as he awkwardly sidled closer, struggling to control his grin. "Good morning."

Ron's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. This preferential treatment was too obvious! "Hall, you haven't said good morning to me yet!" He grabbed Hall's shoulder and turned him around.

"We came together. What's there to say!" Hall rolled his eyes.

Ron's face was full of protest. Hall sighed and ruffled Ron's red hair. "Good morning, Ron."

Ron grabbed his hand and pulled him into the Great Hall.

Just then, Harry rushed up from behind, his face beaming with excitement. "I just saw Angelina throw her name in! I'm so glad Gryffindor has someone participating too..." His eyes sparkled with anticipation, the longing in his gaze unmistakable.

Hall chose to ignore him.

Hall knew Harry and Ron weren't really interested in participating in the competition — they just wanted to join in the fun, and a really cool kind of fun at that. But he still refused. This kind of fun wasn't something to be taken lightly.

"Potter, is your brain filled with slugs?" Draco sneered from behind the group. "Even if you manage to cheat the Cup and get selected, what good will it do? Use your scars to make your opponents submit?" He wore a mocking smile, his eyes filled with disdain. "You won't help him, will you?" He looked at Hall, trying to ascertain his stance.

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"You have no right to speak here!" Ron put his arm around Hall's shoulder.

The red-haired boy in his green school uniform, sandwiched between the opposing Gryffindors and Slytherins, felt utterly overwhelmed. Hall's face showed a helpless expression. He chose not to answer anyone and walked straight inside.

At that moment, Beauxbatons students gracefully entered through the front door. Ron's gaze was instantly drawn to them. There was a shimmering, Veela-like beautiful girl among them. Led by Madame Maxime, they threw parchment into the Goblet one after another.

Harry and Ron walked to the Gryffindor table and began a lively discussion. As Ron spoke, he still stared at the beautiful girl, his eyes practically bulging.

Hall parted ways with them and headed towards the Slytherin table. Draco, without hesitation, left Goyle and the others behind and hurried to catch up. Hall heard the footsteps and deliberately slowed his pace.

"At least you have a conscience, knowing to wait for me," Draco muttered, excitedly catching up to walk alongside Hall.

They sat down.

"Are you free after the banquet tonight?"

Draco was taken aback. "What?"

"The thing you asked me to do last time..."

Draco's eyes immediately lit up. "Oh, Hall, I can't wait to get stronger. Are you going to give me special training after the banquet?" His face was full of anticipation, his eyes sparkling, afraid Hall would say no. He was utterly tired of boring theory classes. He should be like Hall, picking up a wand and fighting.

Draco couldn't help but steal glances at Hall beside him. They were the same age, yet Hall possessed so many mysterious qualities. The Malfoy heir was always proud, but in Hall's presence, he felt like a timid first-year.

"If you have time," Hall said.

Hall was increasingly realising that remaining aloof wouldn't guarantee his and his family's safety. Some key figures needed to grow up quickly and gain power. For example, Harry, Cedric, Draco.

Draco nearly jumped for joy.

Just then, Krum arrived, accompanied by several classmates. Upon seeing Hall and Draco, he immediately approached enthusiastically. "Hall, it's so good to see you! You left so quickly this morning, I didn't even have a chance to say hello."

Hall had a good idea what Krum's mission was. Either to eliminate him or to recruit him. His attitude towards Krum was naturally far from pleasant.

Finally, Hall remembered something and stopped mid-sentence.

He turned. Harry sat in his chair, lost in thought, completely unaware he had been forgotten.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Hall asked quickly, noticing Harry's troubled expression.

Harry frowned. "Why is Voldemort trying to kill Hall? I mean — I always thought I was the target. The prophecy — only one of us can live. Logically, Voldemort should be trying to kill me."

Gellert paused, lowering his head. "I can't answer that. Only Voldemort himself knows." He raised an eyebrow at Hall. "Perhaps you have an idea."

Hall frowned, thinking. What had he done to offend Voldemort? Was it really because he had tricked him several times? But Voldemort had blocked his path first.

"It's possible — I tricked him several times, and he's angry?" Hall's tone was uncertain.

Grindelwald's brow twitched. He did not know his student completely, but he knew him well enough. If Hall said he had tricked him several times, Voldemort had probably been tricked quite badly.

"You're quite bold," Gellert said, shaking his head — but a hint of worry flickered in his eyes.

"I'll keep searching the books for that symbol," Gellert said. "You write to the Saints as well. Have them help investigate."

Hall nodded.

"I could also ask Barty directly," Hall planned. "Use Veritaserum."

"Dumbledore won't allow you," Gellert said, shaking his head.

"No," Hall said firmly. "The Headmaster will agree."

Hall knew that Barty had touched a nerve with Dumbledore. Gellert raised an eyebrow. He did not know what had happened, but from Hall's certainty, the boy was confident.

Before they left, Gellert placed a hand on Hall's shoulder. The hand, though old, was still strong. "Protect yourself until everything is clear."

As he spoke, Hall noticed Gellert's gaze flicker to Harry — a look that seemed to hold deeper thought.

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