[125] Blood in the Water

At the door, the three looked at each other. Finally, they decided to return to their respective dormitories.

On the way, Fleur and Hall parted ways — she headed for Ravenclaw tower. Hall and Krum returned to the Slytherin common room. It was already late at night. They were both exhausted. They collapsed onto their beds as soon as they entered their dormitory, not wanting to say a word.

The next morning, Hall was listless. He entered the Great Hall, completely unaware of the eerie atmosphere settling over the room.

"Are you alright?" Ron spotted him and pulled him to sit at the Gryffindor table. He handed Hall a glass of milk.

"I'm fine. Just tired." Hall forced a smile.

"Hall, you went to the Forbidden Forest yesterday, didn't you?" Harry emerged from behind Ron, his expression certain.

Hall was about to explain when he realised all eyes were on him. Students whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with curiosity.

"What's wrong?" Hall frowned, turning to Ron and Harry.

"The whole school knows," Harry said. "That bright light last night kept everyone awake. Gryffindor tower is high up — the light lit up the entire sky like daytime."

"But how are they so sure it was me?"

"I don't know," Harry said, shaking his head. "Some classmates said Malfoy spread it, but I don't think it was him. He wouldn't dare."

"It was Malfoy!" Ron exploded at the mention of the name. He threw his knife and fork onto his plate with a clatter, drawing the attention of nearby students. He rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront someone.

"Ron! Can't you control yourself!" Hermione, furious, hurled a bread roll at Ron's head.

"Ouch!" Ron clutched his head.

Hall heard the thud clearly. He silently pushed his own bread away. That was not food. That was a weapon.

"Hall, what if this reaches the professors?" Ron asked, anxious.

Hall calmly took a bite of his sandwich. "It's fine. Headmaster Dumbledore already knows."

Ron and Harry nearly stood up. Luckily, they covered their mouths in time.

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"For the next month, I'll be in detention in the Headmaster's office," Hall said to Ron. "Don't come looking for me in the Slytherin common room."

Ron sat back down, worry etched on his face, hesitant to speak.

Finally, Hall could not bear it. He picked up the bread roll that had hit Ron and stuffed it into his mouth.

Time flew. Tomorrow was the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. A tense atmosphere gripped Hogwarts. Students excitedly discussed their favourite champions.

Hall, however, felt no joy. Ever since returning from the Forbidden Forest, he had been restless — sensing that something was about to happen.

That night, Hall lay in bed, tossing and turning. His mind churned with recent events. Who had Voldemort sent this time? Could it be Crouch again?

A soft knock came at the dormitory door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Draco."

Hall got up and opened the door. "Draco? It's late. Why aren't you asleep?"

"I need to talk to you." Draco's face was grave. He glanced at the other bed in the room — its curtains drawn — and said, "Let's talk in the common room."

Hall nodded and followed.

The common room was empty. The fire had gone out, leaving only a few charred embers casting a faint red glow on the tapestries.

"What happened?"

Draco pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket and handed it to Hall. "Someone slipped this into your book — the one you borrowed from me this afternoon."

Hall took the parchment and read it by the dim firelight.

Hall Weasley, I know you have many secrets. I know what lies hidden deep within the Forbidden Forest. The evidence I hold could send you straight to kiss a Dementor. But rest assured — I only wish to be your friend. If you want to know who I am, come alone to the Black Lake at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. I will be waiting. Remember — come alone, or you will regret it.

At the bottom was no signature. Only a black skull symbol.

Hall's expression turned serious. He traced the symbol from a distance. He did not need to guess — he knew exactly who it belonged to.

"Hall? Are you going?" Draco's tone was hesitant.

Hall understood from Draco's tone that he had read the letter. But Draco had still chosen to give it to him. That pleased Hall.

"What do you think?" Hall handed the letter back.

Draco read it again, brow furrowed. "I think we can't sit idly by. We need to take the initiative and find out the truth."

Hall nodded. He felt the same.

"Hall... if I told you it wasn't me who spread the news about your outing last month — would you believe me?" Draco asked hesitantly.

Hall paused. Then he smiled faintly.

Draco's eyes welled up. "You believe me? It really wasn't me!"

"I thought I'd made it obvious by not coming to you about it. That means I believe you."

Draco still looked awkward. "Then why have you been avoiding me lately?"

"Huh?" Now it was Hall's turn to be bewildered. For the past month, Dumbledore had been sending him to extra lessons with Mr Grindelwald every day — he had not heard a thing.

"I wanted to ask you something, but I could never find you," Draco said, his voice full of grievance.

"Could it be after dinner?" Hall offered.

Draco retorted confidently. "Of course! How could I possibly be studying during the day!"

Hall covered his head in exasperation. "I've been locked up in the Headmaster's office every night for the past month. How could I possibly run into you, my dear Malfoy?"

Draco's face flushed red — whether from Hall's address or from having misunderstood him, it was unclear.

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