Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 170 Death

Even with the Triwizard Tournament, life without Quidditch can feel boring.

During the months-long break, students had absolutely no recreational activities. Before, they could ride broomsticks to the Quidditch pitch for a few laps, but starting in May, even that activity was taken away.

While one could still find some fun at Hogsmeade, it was ultimately a pastime limited to specific days.

"I think I already know what the third project is..."

Walking with Ike along the Black Lake, gazing at the closed Quidditch pitch in the distance, Hermione said thoughtfully.

"Yes, it's related to that place, I don't think anyone doesn't know that," Ike said with a smile. "But what exactly is going to be the competition, I'm afraid only the referees know."

"After all, you can't guess from here."

Hermione glared at him, wrinkled her nose, and said, "I think it must be related to flying!"

Hermione glanced sideways at Ike, her tone laced with schadenfreude: "I really look forward to seeing how you perform..."

"Oh dear, I forgot, your flying skills...tsk tsk tsk..."

Upon hearing this, Ike immediately put on a fierce look and lunged at Hermione with a howl, but she nimbly dodged him.

They chased each other and played around for a while before stopping and slowly returning to the castle.

"This weekend is our trip to Hogsmeade. Is there anything you'd like me to bring back?"

"Let's get some more swarms of cockroaches."

"……All right……"

Hermione did not refuse, but lowered her head slightly so that Ike next to her would not see her expression at that moment.

Over the past six months, she has lost count of how many cockroach traps she has bought...

In short, there are many, a great many...

Time flies, and it's already the last week of May. Everyone's attention is gradually drawn to two things: the final exams and the third project that starts on June 24th.

In fact, with the exception of a very few people, almost everyone else already knew the venue for the third project, but they just didn't know what it was.

But it was clear that it must have been a grand event.

"Ike, go to the Quidditch pitch at nine o'clock tonight. Mr. Bagman will tell you what the third project is," Professor Flitwick said to Ike after the Charms class.

"Okay, Professor."

"Don't be late, son."

Professor Flitwick adjusted his glasses, as if making a joke. Ike smiled and readily agreed.

That evening, after saying goodbye to Stuart and the others, Ike headed towards the Quidditch pitch. When he arrived, he realized he was the last one there; Krum, Fleur, and Harry had already been there for a while.

The Quidditch pitch had been completely transformed, now filled with countless long, low walls. These walls were intricate and winding, appearing eerie at night.

"Good evening, we've been waiting for you!" Ludo waved to Ike, who smiled and waved back, walking towards him and exchanging a few pleasantries with Krum, Fleur, and Harry beside him.

"Not bad, right?" Ludo said cheerfully, pointing to the surrounding low walls. "The progress is pretty good. In another month, Hagrid will have them twenty feet tall!"

"I think you can probably guess what's going on here by now..."

"The maze!" Krum replied in a gruff voice, still looking bitter and resentful.

"Yes, a maze!" Ludo clapped his hands and said with a smile, "The third challenge is very simple. The championship trophy is placed in the center of the maze. Whoever is the first to touch it will get full marks!"

"Just get through the maze?" Harry asked.

"Of course it's not that simple," Ludo said with a smile. "You'll need to deal with some spells, overcome some obstacles, and there are some little cuties Hagrid has to put in."

"Based on the current scores, Mr. Strayed, you'll be the first one in, followed by Mr. Krum, then Miss Delacour..." Ludo looked at Harry, "and you'll be last. But don't worry, anything can happen in the maze, and only the one who wins the championship trophy will be the final champion."

"Then, wouldn't the previous scores be meaningless?" Furong asked.

"Of course not, those who set off first always have an advantage." Seeing everyone nod, Ludo said, "Very well, if there are no other questions, let's go back to the castle."

The group walked towards the edge of the stadium, but as they walked, Ludo and Harry fell behind, huddled together talking about something. The other three ignored them; Krum walked in front with his head down, while Fleur walked alongside Ike, looking thoughtful, lost in thought.

Once off the field, the three went their separate ways. Krum headed towards Black Lake, back to Durmstrang's ship. Fleur returned to her carriage in Beauxbatons, while Ike leisurely strolled towards the castle.

"Ike!"

Not long after, Ike heard Harry's shout from behind. He stopped and turned around to see Harry running towards him.

"Thank goodness you haven't gone back yet..." Harry was a little out of breath, as if he had run all the way from the stadium.

"What's wrong, Harry?" Ike asked.

"Yes..." Harry took a moment to calm his breathing and said softly, "Mr. Bagman just told me..."

Harry had barely begun when he suddenly stopped and turned to look towards the Forbidden Forest. He could vaguely make out what appeared to be someone stumbling towards them.

"That's... Good heavens! It's Mr. Crouch!" As the person drew closer, Harry recognized him by the starlight of the night, but he couldn't believe that Mr. Crouch would look like this.

His robe was torn at the knees and stained with blood, his face was covered in wounds, and he was unkempt and looked extremely haggard. Moreover, he kept muttering to himself and gesturing, somewhat like an old homeless man on the streets of London.

"Weasley, once you've finished this..."

"Mr. Crouch?" Harry whispered.

"...You must tell Ms. Maxim..."

"Mr. Crouch, are you alright?" Harry carefully tugged at old Crouch's arm to stop him. But then, as if remembering something, old Crouch's face instantly filled with terror, and he collapsed to the ground.

He grabbed Harry's arm and shouted, "Dumbledore! I want... I want to see... Dumbledore!"

"Okay, Mr. Crouch, please get up, we'll go..."

"No, no..." Old Crouch stammered again, "I made a mistake... I must tell Dumbledore..."

Harry was frantic, trying to comfort old Crouch while struggling to pull him up from the ground.

At this moment, old Crouch's complexion suddenly improved, turning rosy.

"You...you are Harry..." He seemed to recognize Harry, and grabbed Harry tightly with both hands, almost pulling Harry to the ground as well.

"Go tell...Dumbledore..."

"...The Dark Lord...has grown stronger..."

"...The Black Demon..."

"...Get stronger..."

As they spoke, old Crouch's voice grew softer and softer. Harry still struggled to pull him up, even urging Ike to help.

Suddenly, Harry felt as if old Crouch had become much heavier in an instant, his body slamming violently to the ground. He barely managed to prevent it from happening, but the hand that had been gripping his arm loosened.

"Harry..." Ike said softly, looking at old Crouch's face, which had turned purplish-blue.

"Mr. Crouch, he's dead..."

Happy Dragon Boat Festival!

(End of this chapter)