Chapter 544: Helena Ravenclaw
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Kyle dove straight into the lake despite the Bubble-Head Charm encasing him.
Though the charm allowed him to breathe and move freely underwater, it offered no speed advantage. Without hesitation, Kyle drew his wand and cast a Transfiguration Spell, conjuring a pair of flippers. The added propulsion made swimming significantly faster.
The Black Lake was vast and seemingly bottomless. As Kyle swam further downstream, the water grew darker and more oppressive. Using the shoreline bleachers as his reference point, he adjusted his course toward the lake's center.
Through the shimmering bubbles in front of him, the murky water seemed to pulse with an unsettling hue. Small fish darted around him like silver arrows, their movements sharp and graceful. Yet the scene was far from idyllic. Alongside the fish, shadowy Grindylows lurked in the dark recesses of the lakebed, poised to attack any creature that ventured too close.
Kyle encountered two of these dark creatures, but he spotted them in time. With a quick flick of his wand, he stunned them before their claws could lash out. A Revulsion Jinx was usually sufficient to repel Grindylows—simple enough when dealing with one or two. But if they appeared in groups, the situation could quickly spiral into something far more dangerous.
He pressed onward, mindful of the ticking clock. Only thirty minutes remained, and he needed to locate the correct spot as soon as possible.
The Grindylows, however, were relentless. More emerged from the shadows or the tangles of underwater plants, each one attempting to hinder his progress. One particularly bold Grindylow lunged at the bubble encasing Kyle's head. With a Knockback Jinx, Kyle sent it flying out of the water, its flailing form disappearing into the depths.
Just as he dispatched this latest foe, a voice broke the eerie silence of the Black Lake.
"You seem to be in a bit of trouble..."
Kyle whipped his head around, his heart racing. A pale, translucent figure floated beside him, its pearly glow dimly illuminating the dark water.
"Are you... the Grey Lady of Ravenclaw?" he asked, his voice muffled by the Bubble-Head Charm.