[119] The Road of Scales

Hall jerked his head up and saw several enormous black shadows rapidly approaching him. An immense, shapeless force gripped his body, cold and hard. He felt an iron grip binding him, rendering him immobile. His mind buzzed. Countless voices screamed within him. For a moment, he forgot who he was, forgot he still held his wand.

A fine, chilling cold seeped into his skin. He couldn't breathe. His face began to pale, his lips trembling.

Until he was suspended upside down. The amulet in his pocket fell out.

Hall felt warmth spread through his body. Some of his reason returned.

"Expecto Patronum!" His teeth chattered. He forced out the words.

Hall finally understood. It was Dementors. The things in the Forbidden Forest were Dementors. These were the source of all those negative emotions.

A beam of white light rose. Hall's Patronus burst forth, its light like the dawn's first rays, illuminating the dark world. It drove back the cold, sinister creatures.

The Patronus was quite small, endearingly clumsy, like a little tiger. Its fur was golden, shimmering. It had large eyes and a pair of small wings on its back.

Hall stared at his Patronus, a strange sense of familiarity welling up inside him. He couldn't quite place it.

He released the invisible grip and plummeted toward the ground. He cast a Levitation Charm on himself, his body slowing. Once he landed, he looked toward the spot where Krum had vanished. No one was there. The Dementors had all disappeared.

Hall bent down and picked up the amulet that had fallen to the ground. It was soaked through, its effectiveness greatly diminished. But he had been fortunate to have it. If not for that lucky fall, would he have been kissed by the Dementors?

He had been careless. The approach of these things triggered negative emotions, and even he had lost his basic judgment. At this moment, he felt he could empathise with Sirius. No wonder Sirius had looked so terrible today. He must have sensed the presence of these things too.

But why were Dementors in the Forbidden Forest of Hogwarts? Was their appearance with Dumbledore's approval, or was it Fudge's unauthorised action?

"Oh, that's what your father said. I don't like exams," Hall said quickly, seeing Draco stand up to argue again.

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Hearing the word "father," Draco deflated like a punctured balloon, slumping back onto the sofa. "Fine. I know. I'll study hard."

Hall patted his shoulder and headed to his room to shower and change. The Dementors had left him exhausted. He rubbed his temples as he walked, thinking he should rest before his evening training session. Combat, more than magic, tested physical stamina. Though he possessed immense strength and could usually overpower most people, against someone like Grindelwald — who excelled in both magic and physical combat — he could barely hold his own.

When he returned to his dormitory, he was surprised to find Krum there. Krum sat leisurely in a chair, legs crossed, fingers lightly tapping the table. He saw Hall and greeted him warmly. "Hi, Hall. Long time no see. I'm back to sleep. Hope I haven't disturbed you."

Hall felt his earlier guess seemed correct. But if the person who had set the trap wasn't Krum, who was it? Krum knew about the Dementors in the Forbidden Forest and could mobilise people from the Ministry. That was unusual enough in itself.

"Long time no see," Hall said with a polite, distant smile. He observed Krum carefully. He simply couldn't believe Krum could hide it so well after what had happened that afternoon.

"Hall, aren't you curious about the first task?" A mysterious glint appeared in Krum's eyes.

"Do you know something?"

"Well... there's nothing I can't say. I mean, if you really want to know... I can take you to see it tonight."

"Why should I go with you?"

Krum stammered. "I swear, I just want to make a deal with you. Absolutely no ill intentions."

"What deal?"

"I'll get you the details of the first task. In exchange, you tell me your training methods."

Hall understood. Krum was after his strength and speed. The only time Hall had displayed his true power in front of everyone was when the Saints had arrived. He narrowed his eyes. Someone close to Krum must be a Saint — a high-ranking one at that.

"Do you think I'd agree?" Hall walked to the table, poured himself a glass of water, and took a slow sip.

"I know this sounds incredible, but I can guarantee my information is absolutely reliable! Aren't you curious about the first task? I know you're strong, Hall, but knowing your enemy is half the battle."

Hall knew Krum was right. "I can agree. But why should I believe your information is true? How do I know you're not playing me?"

Krum was taken aback. "I swear!" He raised his right hand. "I swear in the name of my family —"

"Enough. Those oaths mean nothing to me."

"Then what will it take for you to believe me?"

Hall smiled slightly. "You'll have to give me something first. Let me see your sincerity."

Krum's face stiffened. Hesitation and struggle flickered across his features. He gritted his teeth, then slowly pulled an antique ring from his pocket and handed it to Hall.

"This is a family heirloom, bound with an ancient magical contract. As long as you have it, I can't deceive you. Please return it to me after the competition."

Hall took the ring, examining it closely. It was entirely silver-white, engraved with intricate patterns resembling mysterious runes. It emitted a faint magical aura. He probed the ring with his magic and felt a powerful binding force. If Krum broke his oath, this force would backfire, causing him to pay a terrible price.

A slight smile of satisfaction appeared on Hall's lips. The Krum family was truly interesting — their family heirloom was something that bound them.

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