[133] The Gilded Cage

After failing to find its target, the Ukrainian Ironbelly huddled in a corner and fell into a deep sleep.

Ron stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief, his gaze blank. His body slumped into a chair as if all the bones had been removed.

George, Fred, and Percy rushed to his side, patting him repeatedly until he finally regained consciousness. The moment he came to, tears streamed down Ron's face as he collapsed onto Percy, wailing.

Inside the tent, Harry clutched his hair, his hands trembling, his eyes filled with panic and despair. He rushed out and tried to search the arena but was stopped by security. He could only repeatedly call Hall's name, hoping for a response.

The professors had lost their usual composure. Some paced back and forth, brows furrowed. Others stood motionless, eyes vacant.

Headmaster Dumbledore gripped his wand tightly, his knuckles white. He gazed at the empty arena and let out a long sigh — a sigh that seemed to carry endless despair.

A heavy cloud of despair hung over everyone.

"I believe in Hall," Molly said. Contrary to her usual self, she held firm to the belief that Hall would be alright.

Arthur did the same. He held Molly's hand, clinging to the same unwavering hope. To those around them, their actions appeared pitiful.

They looked at the parents who had just lost their child with pity.

The sky was overcast. A chilling breeze blew. Harry's heart felt as if a boulder was pressing down on it. Panic and despair nearly overwhelmed him. He inwardly berated himself: if only he were stronger, if only he were not so weak, he would not have needed to ask Hall for help. He would not have needed to use Hall's gadgets.

Every cry Harry made was filled with deep fear. He feared no response.

Even Snape, usually so icy, broke his silence. He paced, stopped, paced again — his anxiety plain. He glanced countless times into the arena, worried about Hall's safety, yet powerless to change anything.

The Ministry official beside him kept saying that if Weasley did not appear soon, it would be considered a defeat.

"Wait! He will be back!" Snape shouted, more out of control than ever before.

Dumbledore's face turned grim. His expression sent a chill down the official's spine, making him shrink back and retreat.

Suddenly, a figure appeared, swaying, in everyone's sight.

The first to notice was Harry, standing at the exit. His gaze met the spot where Hall had appeared. Disbelief filled Harry's eyes, then joy overwhelmed him. His hand trembled as he pointed. He was too excited to speak.

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"Hall's back! Hall's back!"

His voice echoed clearly in the silent arena.

Everyone looked in the direction Harry was pointing. A small boy was walking unsteadily. Everyone was stunned at first, then their eyes lit up.

Ron jumped to his feet, tears still streaming down his face, but an incredulous smile spread across his face. He felt the ecstasy of something lost and found. All his previous despair vanished.

"It's Hall! It's Hall!"

Ron screamed and cheered, sharing his excitement with everyone.

The professors seemed to awaken from a dream. The solemnity on their faces gradually faded. Their anxiety vanished, replaced by relief. Snape tried to straighten his face, but the upturned corners of his mouth betrayed him. Dumbledore patted the two-way mirror in his hand, his fingers tapping out a rhythm of joy.

Molly and Arthur were overjoyed. They hugged each other tightly, then quickly released each other to lean forward and look at the boy. Hall was exhausted. His soaking wet clothes clung to his body. Blood still seeped from his wounds.

Molly covered her mouth. Tears welled up again. Joy, worry, and self-reproach intertwined within her, overwhelming her. Arthur hugged her tightly, his eyes filled with relief.

The audience erupted in cheers upon seeing Hall's return.

Hall raised his head. A weak smile crossed his pale face. But his steps were unsteady, as if he were walking on clouds. His body swayed, as if a gentle breeze could knock him over. He struggled towards the exit.

Each step felt as if it drained all his strength. He smiled bitterly. He knew he must look utterly pathetic. It was not that he did not want to heal himself before returning — he had left all his belongings at the arena.

After the formation activated, when Hall regained his senses, he found himself in a lake deep within the Forbidden Forest. The lake was not large, but it was incredibly deep. He tried to swim upwards, but the depths seemed to possess a suction force, pulling him down. He almost exhausted all his magical energy to resist.

He managed to swim out. Standing on the shore, he panted heavily and looked back. The lake was no more than half the size of a classroom, its water a deep blue, like a giant mirror. The surface was calm. But it had almost become his final resting place.

Molly, Arthur, Ron, Fred and George, Draco, and the others rushed down from the stands and ran towards the exit. Their faces were filled with joy and excitement. Tears welled in their eyes.

When Molly saw Hall's battered body, a wave of heartache washed over her. Once Hall reached her and was completely out of the playing area, Molly could no longer hold back. She hugged him tightly.

"My darling Hall! You scared us to death! Do you know how worried we were? We thought — we thought we'd never see you again." Her voice trembled. Tears streamed down her face.

Ron, his eyes red-rimmed, hugged him next. He held Hall's shoulders tightly, as if afraid that if he let go, Hall would disappear again.

"Hall, you're amazing!" Harry hugged them both from the outside, his voice trembling.

"You're really amazing, Hall!" Draco was incredibly excited and wanted to join the hug, but seeing Harry was already part of it, he hesitated. He stood by Hall's side instead, though undisguised concern flickered in his eyes.

The bells rang, announcing Hall's victory. But none of those around Hall paid any attention. Their eyes were fixed on his injuries.

"Oh, my children. Please let go of Weasley. Let us see him, alright?" Dumbledore's gentle voice sounded behind them. A relieved smile graced his face, but his eyes were filled with worry.

Harry and Ron blushed and stepped aside.

"Poppy. Take a look at our little warrior," Dumbledore said.

Madam Pomfrey was about to step forward — but someone else rushed forward first.

"Professor! Glug glug —"

Hall was about to greet the Headmaster when Snape forced a vial of healing potion down his throat.