The Admiral of Hogwarts

Because there were no classes afterward, Hugo and the other two stayed at Hagrid's invitation, planning to chat, drink tea, and return to the castle after dinner.

Of course, considering Rita Skeeter, who was practically omnipresent in the original text, Hugo carefully checked the surroundings with magic as soon as he entered the hut and set up defensive spells to ensure that annoying beetle wouldn't come eavesdropping.

"Olympe told me that as part of a school exchange, her students might want to audit Hogwarts' Care of Magical Creatures class," Hagrid said as he poured tea for everyone.

"I figured the French probably wouldn't appreciate animals that are too strong, so I prepared some pretty little creatures for them. And today, this horse is for practice."

As he spoke, Hagrid walked to Hugo's side and whispered while pouring tea. "Thanks for the warning, too. I've heard from quite a few people that Olympe has been under a lot of pressure these years. It's true that some things are better left unsaid."

"Olympe? Have you and Madam Maxime started calling each other by your first names? Looks like your relationship is progressing quickly," Hugo said after taking a sip of tea.

"I think I need to change my teaching plan. Madam Maxime thinks my course content isn't very popular with the girls, at least. Hermione, Vineto, what do you think?"

Faced with Hugo's teasing, Hagrid awkwardly changed the subject. If he didn't have a full beard, his whole face would probably be red right now.

"Yes, I think you could add some animals that most people like among those, um—more popular animals with you. That way, the teaching effect should be better."

Hermione carefully offered her opinion. Seeing Blast-Ended Skrewts every class was really terrible for most people, although she wasn't worried about those animals hurting herself now, the animals' appearance alone made people unhappy.

"Yes, Hermione is right," Vineto nodded. "And even just from the perspective of the course, it's very inappropriate to spend several weeks talking about Blast-Ended Skrewts, a magical creature that's not even on the syllabus—"

"Okay, I think, I think you might be right." Hagrid, in love, wasn't as stubborn as he used to be. In the following time, he even discussed with Hugo and the others which animals would be more suitable to study in the second half of the semester.

"I hope Hagrid can maintain this state," Hermione said on the way back to the castle.

"That depends on how long this relationship of his lasts?" Hugo also silently prayed that Hagrid's love life would go smoothly. Unless Hagrid could improve the Blast-Ended Skrewt species to make them edible, he would definitely not like this thing that looks like a deformed snot slug.

The following days were just the same as usual, until the arrival of Hogsmeade Day in mid-January.

After finishing breakfast early this morning, Hugo, Hermione, and Vineto left the castle together, crossed the cold, damp grounds, and walked towards the school gate.

When they passed the Black Lake, they saw Krum walk from the cabin to the deck, wearing only swimming trunks.

Then he walked all the way to the ship's side and jumped into the lake.

"Looks like Krum already knows what the next task will be," Vineto said as Krum splashed a burst of water on the calm lake surface. "I hope he can withstand the water temperature of the Black Lake in spring."

While strolling on the streets of Hogsmeade, Hugo tried to find someone suspicious. For example, someone who had taken Polyjuice Potion, but his luck wasn't enough to let him directly encounter the target on the street.

Fortunately, he didn't expect this method to succeed in waiting for the rabbit, so after strolling around the street, they walked together towards the Three Broomsticks pub to get something to drink.

The tavern was as lively as usual. After all, the British traditionally regarded the tavern as the main social venue, which caused Hugo to spend some time squeezing to the front of the counter to order two butterbeers with heated ginger powder and maple syrup.

Through the mirror behind the bar, Hugo saw Ludo Bagman's figure reflected in the mirror. He was sitting with a group of goblins in a dim corner.

Bagman was lowering his voice and quickly saying something to the goblins, who were crossing their arms with ugly faces, looking aggressive.

It seemed that Ludo was likely setting up bets on the Triwizard Tournament again, and according to the current situation, the situation of this bet was obviously not optimistic.

Bagman looked around as he spoke. Because Vineto's silver hair was so special, he immediately noticed Vineto's existence.

Obviously, what Bagman was about to do was not very suitable for others to know, especially the Triwizard Tournament contestants. So, not long after discovering Vineto, he and the goblins left the bar.

When they went out, they happened to brush past Harry, Ron, and Ginny. As a result, Bagman grabbed Harry to the side as if he had seen a treasure, wanting to explain something.

Seeing this scene, the Weasley siblings could only shake their heads helplessly. Then, after looking around at the door, they walked to the round table where Hugo and the others were sitting and sat down.

"Has Harry figured out what the third task is yet?" After exchanging greetings, Hugo asked Ron.

"Not yet." Ginny shook her head helplessly at this time, "But Harry said he already had some ideas before, and sitting in the castle all day doesn't seem like he can figure anything out, so coming out for a walk today should be a good idea."

"That makes sense." Hugo nodded, "Sometimes changing the environment may be able to give people some new inspiration, which is much better than just sitting there and racking your brains."

Soon, Harry came over from Ludo Bagman's entanglement and sat down at the table. At the same time, a look full of anger appeared on his face.

"What did he want?" Ron asked as soon as Harry sat down.

"He offered to help me unlock the secret of the golden egg," Harry said. To him, he felt that Bagman's approach was clearly insulting his ability and intelligence.

"He shouldn't do that!" Everyone at the table was shocked when they heard this news, and then Ginny stared into Harry's eyes and said, "He's one of the judges! And, didn't you say you already had some ideas—"

"Um…sort of." Harry stammered.

"We've also figured out what the second task is." After quickly exchanging opinions through the Telepathy Network. Hermione said. "As long as you soak the golden egg in water and open it, then you can hear a new sound."

"Is that so, Harry?" After hearing Hermione's words, Ginny turned to look at Harry and asked.

"Sorry, I lied just now." Harry pursed his lips hard and said with a look of shame, then looked at Hugo and the others: "Thank you, thank you very much for your help."

"It's nothing, I think you would have found the correct solution to this puzzle in the next few days even if we didn't tell you." Hugo shook his head lightly. "This puzzle is just a small problem. You'll know that the real difficulties have just begun after you hear it."