[148] Whispers at Midnight

After putting his glasses back on, Dumbledore's mood returned to normal. He smiled at Hall. "Hall, you need not explain everything. But there is one thing I would like you to clarify."

Hall, who had just been laughing like a fox in a henhouse, felt a jolt of fear. Here it came. Dumbledore's trump card, chosen perfectly to catch him at his most vulnerable — when he was euphoric.

"Karkaroff was taken to St Mungo's. His injuries have been examined." The light glinted off Dumbledore's glasses. "Karkaroff's burns are very likely caused by the Fiendfyre Curse."

Snape jumped to his feet. His eyes held shock as he looked at Hall. The Fiendfyre Curse — dark magic, inextinguishable hellfire.

"You! How dare you!" Snape's eyes burned with fury.

Hall blinked, shrinking back. "Professor... it was not me..."

He would not admit it. Learning dark magic was one thing, but letting others see him use it was another. And Karkaroff would not dare say a word.

"Headmaster, if you do not believe me, you can check my wand — review the last spell it cast. It was definitely not Fiendfyre." Hall spoke confidently. Indeed, the last spell he had used was Finite Maxima.

Snape scrutinised Hall from head to toe, then turned to meet Dumbledore's gaze. "Dumbledore, compared to my student, is Karkaroff not a more suspicious fellow? Do you truly believe Karkaroff would sacrifice himself to protect others?"

Snape stood before Hall, his wide black robes completely shielding the boy from Dumbledore's view.

Dumbledore smiled and met Snape's eyes.

Inside the Great Hall, the ceiling was brightly lit. A long table was laden with delicious food. Students from the four houses mingled happily, eating and drinking. This was the scene Hall saw when he entered.

Krum and Fleur, who had somehow regained consciousness, were also seated in the crowd.

Hall wanted to keep a low profile. Reality would not allow it.

"Our champion has finally arrived!" Professor Flitwick, small in stature but exceptionally sharp-eyed, spotted Hall entering. He waved his wand, and a beautiful winged golden goblin danced around Hall.

"Champion!" George and Fred were always at the forefront.

The students of all four houses applauded together. Champion. Honour. For this alone, they could temporarily set aside house differences and enjoy a harmonious evening.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

The Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students, who had endured several waves of boasts, were numb to it. To show sportsmanship, they might as well clap along.

The only ones truly shocked were Krum and Fleur, who had just woken up.

"Hall Weasley..." Krum showed no interest in the food; his gaze was fixed on Hall.

Fleur's eyes, looking at Hall, were filled with resentment. She was older. Why had a twelve-year-old, the seemingly weakest child, won?

"Sister, this is not your fault." Gabrielle sat down next to Fleur. "My sister has always been the most amazing in my eyes. But that Hall..."

Gabrielle quietly described the events in the maze — the Imperiused Krum, the Portkey Cup, Karkaroff burned and sent to St Mungo's.

Fleur's eyes widened. She had sensed it — the dangers hidden beneath the surface. If she had been the one to touch the Goblet of Fire... she dared not think further.

"You are right, Gabrielle. I was being paranoid." Fleur let out a breath, her jealousy and resentment gradually fading. She hugged her sister tightly.

The atmosphere around Hall was much livelier. Before he could reach the Slytherin table, Harry, flanked by Ron and Cedric, swarmed towards him, with the twins clearing a path.

"Our dear little brother!" George and Fred grabbed Hall's shoulders.

"He won a thousand Galleons!"

The familiar squeeze made Hall not even think about struggling. "Let go, or whatever you are thinking is off the table."

George and Fred quickly stepped back, then pointed at each other and laughed loudly.

Harry, Ron, and Cedric formed a circle around Hall.

"Hall..." Harry looked at him hesitantly.

Hall raised an eyebrow. Had Harry sensed something? He held up his palm. "You and Cedric brought me money?"

Harry and Cedric pulled out their wallets with pained expressions and handed over their remaining Galleons.

Ron popped his head in. "Hall, what did you encounter in the maze?"

Harry remembered. "It was not in the maze. It was after you were taken by the Goblet. What danger did you encounter!"

Hall hesitated.

"Hall!" Harry's voice grew louder, startling everyone around. Under their gaze, he flinched and lowered his voice. "Hall... do not lie to me. My head hurt so much. You know the kind of pain."

Harry gripped Hall's hand tightly.

Hall abandoned any intention of lying. He understood — the connection between Harry's scar and Voldemort.

"I was teleported to Tom's grave," Hall said softly.

Ron looked confused. Cedric seemed to remember something.

"Tom Riddle."

Harry's face changed. "Voldemort —" He quickly covered his mouth. He could not shout that name here. His eyes darted around, blinking frantically at Hall. There was more. Hall must have omitted something even more dangerous.

Hall gave a mischievous smile. "Harry, how am I supposed to know what you want to ask if you do not tell me? I am not a mind reader."

Harry glared at him.

"You did that on purpose!"

Hall smiled. "I know what you want to ask. But I am not lying to you. There was no danger at all."

Danger — that was for Harry and Cedric. For Hall? Calling it a trap gave the fragment too much credit.

"Headmaster Karkaroff is a good man." Hall nodded vigorously.

Harry wavered under Hall's overly sincere expression. Could it be true? Was Karkaroff actually a good person? After all, headmasters were supposed to protect students.

"Well... anyway, Hall, I am so glad you are really alright!"

"I am fine! Do I look like anything is wrong?"

Harry looked him up and down. Rosy complexion, eyes full of smiles, genuinely happy. Harry felt relieved. But thinking of his wallet, his eyes welled up.

Cedric stepped forward and gently hugged Hall. "I am so glad you are alright. Enjoy your victory celebration, champion."

Hall smiled and waved, then walked to the Slytherin table.