Chapter 519: The New Professor
That night, the Hufflepuff common room was alive with another spirited celebration. The table was laden with an assortment of cookies, cakes, and jugs of Pumpkin Juice and Butterbeer. However, for once, the tempting spread was not the center of attention. Instead, the crowd gathered tightly around a smaller table, their focus fixed on three red stones resting on it.
"What on earth is this?" someone asked, their tone puzzled.
"I don't know," Kyle admitted, shaking his head. "Bagman said the clue to the second task is hidden inside, but he didn't explain how to use it. We'll have to figure it out ourselves."
"Maybe we should put them in the fire and roast them," Mikel suggested. "Burn off the outer layer, and the clue will appear."
"No," Hannah Abbott said quickly, shaking her head. "What if we burn the actual clue? It's too risky. I think we should use a Revelio Charm instead."
"I'll give it a try." Cedric drew his wand and tapped one of the stones firmly. "Revelio!" he commanded.
Nothing happened. The stone remained as it was—silent and unyielding.
"Looks like the Revelio Charm won't work," Cedric sighed, lowering his wand.
"It's okay; it's only the first day," Kanna said reassuringly to Kyle. "You still have three months. You'll figure it out."
Kyle smiled but didn't respond. Truthfully, he wasn't too worried about solving the clue ahead of time. While it would be helpful, it wasn't essential. They would explain everything on the day of the task anyway.
After Kyle carefully placed the stones back on the table, everyone's attention returned to the previously neglected snacks. The biscuits and cakes were finally given their due, and the conversation shifted to Kyle's outstanding performance in the first task. Soon, the room was buzzing with cheerful chatter and laughter, the earlier puzzle temporarily forgotten.