"I said I was sorry! Please, just stop this" Daphne cried, reaching for her things. I pulled them back just before she could get her hands on them.

"I told you I was upset" I reminded her.

"Yes, but this is just madness!"

Daphne continued to reach for her various clothes and accessories as I continued to levitate them above her. As punishment for having told Draco I was setting just a few of her things on fire. A few times I had let them get close enough that she could have grabbed them but pulled back just before she did. It was cruel, yes, but, like I had told her, I was upset. Besides, they were all things she had copies of, just in different colors, but that didn't matter to her as much as I had thought it would. Having not brought the subject up for a few days she might have assumed I had forgiven her. Well that's what she gets for assuming.

I had also been waiting for a time when Pansy wasn't around. This was meant to be a lesson for Daphne and having Pansy in the background making snide and unnecessarily cheerful comments wouldn't have helped. She had been over the moon since having found out George was now my boyfriend. It was either because it made Draco angry at me, even now he was still mad, or because she thought it was a good reason to attempt to make fun of me. Knowing her, probably both.

"No!" Daphne screeched as a very pink headband turned black and then to ash. I gave her a look since sitting right behind her was the exact same headband but in a less obnoxious purple. She gave me a look back and stepped forward but stumbled back when Lev growled. "Lev, come on, you love me!"

"Yes, well, he loves me more" I replied making her sigh.

"You said you didn't care if I told anyone!" she tried to defend but shrank back when I gave her a look. "Okay, okay, I know I shouldn't have told him but I couldn't help it. He was being a jerk and how many times do I get something over him? It slipped out!"

"Well my hand is going to slip on... this" I mumbled the last bit, not sure if what I was holding was an oddly shaped skirt or some kind of scarf.

"No! No, alright, I'm sorry! Just please let go of that dress!"

"How is this a dress?" I asked, turning my head to see if looking from a different angle would help. Daphne made an anxious face at me, as if wanting to lecture me on the subject but realizing she really wasn't in a position to do so.

"Just please give them back" she finally pleaded. I shrugged at her.

"I don't know. If I let you have this back you won't learn your lesson."

"I will! I mean, I have, please! I told you it was an accident. I won't ever tell anyone anything, please" she whimpered. I rolled my eyes at her overreaction and gently lowered her things. Daphne sat down where she had been standing and held her things to her.

"You know I genuinely don't care if you tell other people" I sighed moving towards the door. Daphne looked up at me with a confused look. "I wasn't lying before, I just wanted to tell Draco myself. You know how overly sensitive he is, I knew he was going to overreact."

"Yeah I know" Daphne sighed too as Lev moved to where she was on the floor. Looking down at him she pet his head before turning back to me. "It really did slip out. I wasn't going to tell him."

"Just remember this for next time" I called and walked out of the door, closing it behind me.

I made my way down the steps to the common room, heading for the grounds. Vik and I had agreed to meet. All he had said was that he wanted to talk about something by the forest. He never went on and clarified on what that something was though. Also, I was pretty sure I was already late. We hadn't designated a particular time but Daphne's lesson took longer than expected. One thing was for sure, that girl was hard to break. I burned at least five or six of her things before she started getting desperate. I will admit, that made me respect her a little more. Once outside I stretched my hands over my head and smiled. This was the time of year the weather was perfect for me but not everyone else, making the grounds visibly empty.

Before I was even out of sight from the courtyard I felt someone grab me around my shoulders from behind. Instinctively I reached for my wand and turned to face whoever was holding me. It wasn't until I saw who it was that I calmed down and sighed.

"I just heard!" Hermione exclaimed, hugging me around my shoulders.

"Don't sneak up on me like that!" I scolded as she let go of me. She smiled and I gave her a look. "What is this? Is someone dying or something?"

"No," she giggled and shook her head, "about you and George!"

"What about me and George?" I asked but that only made her smile more.

"Don't play dumb" she joked but I frowned. I wasn't playing dumb. "I mean about you two dating!"

"That's what you're screaming about? It hardly seems worth it. And how did you hear about that so fast?" I asked seeing as even I hadn't had time to tell her.

"Well George is Ron's brother and once Ron found out... It would be hard to miss that bit of news."

"That's true" I admitted with a nod. "Still, don't you think you're making a big deal out of this?"

"But it is a big deal! You two are dating" she insisted and hugged me again. I sighed and patted her back in response.

She seemed happy. George was her friend too so I guess it made sense for her to be happy about was also very insistent on forgetting I was a Slytherin. In a way she might be thinking this made me an honorary Gryffindor. I'm sure she and George both would love that. But behind her were two people I doubted agreed with them. A little ways back stood Ron and Harry, both looking at us. Ron was frowning while Harry just looked confused. Both seemed to be waiting for Hermione to be done however. After another second I tapped her shoulder and she leaned back.

"Did you forget something?" I asked pointing to the two impatient boys.

"Oh, right" she mumbled seeming to have actually forgotten. She gave me an apologetic look and let go of me. "But we're going to talk about this later."

"Didn't we just talk about this now?" I asked and she laughed. I rolled my eyes at her and turned back, now very late to meet Vik.

Hurrying but not quite running I moved quickly past the Durmstrang ship. We weren't meeting in our usual spot by the lake this time. In front of the Forbidden Forest Vik sat, waiting for me. Having heard me stepping closer, Vik stood to greet me. On the ground behind him was the golden egg, the item each of the champions had received after completing the first task. I looked at it curiously and Vik began to explain, as we walked further into the forest. He explained why he had asked to meet me; he needed help.

The egg's puzzle was too hard for him to figure out on his own. It really must've been if he was willing to ask for outside help, especially since he was technically not supposed to. Being the goody-goody type I'm sure that was very far down on his list of options.

Obviously I agreed. He was nervous, either from breaking the rules, because for some reason that was something some people got nervous about, or because he didn't want to fail this test. I nodded along to his explanation, waiting for him to get on with it. But it wasn't until he opened the latch that I understood just how serious the issue was.

"Close that thing before I shatter it to pieces" I screamed trying to speak over the screeches of the golden egg. Vik did as I said and closed the egg. I heard him sigh as I took my hands off my ears but I could still hear the ringing the stupid thing had caused. With a nod Vik set the golden egg on his lap and turned to me.

"Now you understand vhy I need help" he told me in a resigned sort of tone.

"Yes, I do" I replied, shaking my head trying to stop the ringing that was still annoyingly persistent. I sighed when it finally stopped and turned to Vik. "But why ask me? Why didn't you ask Professor Karkaroff?"

"I vould rather not use his methods to solve this problem" Vik answered with an innocent sort of expression that made me giggle.

"You do realize that my methods won't be too far from his" I reminded him. He smiled.

"Yes, I understand, but you vill at least consider other options before relying on those methods."

"True enough" I admitted and outstretched my hands to him. Vik understood the meaning of the gesture and handed me the golden egg to look at more carefully.

I brought it closer to my eyes to inspect it. By shape and size alone it was no different than a regular dragon egg. But it was cold. Dragon eggs were always warm, hot even. It was what was necessary for the dragon to grow safely inside of it. But the color, along with the hinges at the bottom and handle at the top, made it distinguishable from the real thing. Then there was that screech, that ear-piercing screech that was somehow a clue to the second task. I didn't understand it. I didn't understand how it was helpful and it was aggravating me.

"I brought you here so ve could try to solve it… I brought you here even though ve are not allowed" he muttered looking around at the forest around us.

"Just because it has the word 'forbidden' in the name it doesn't mean it's not allowed" I answered waving off the comment.

"Yes but it is forbidden" he turned to give me a look.

"I know I'm just saying the name doesn't necessarily have anything to do with it" I smiled at him and Vik smiled back, both of us knowing what he had meant.

Vik stood from the fallen log we were sitting on and began looking around. I doubted he had ever been this deep into the forest before. It wasn't the sort of thing he would do on his own merits. But knowing how loud the egg would be, and that he was supposed to solve the puzzle on his own, he didn't really have much of a choice in where to go. He kept curiously looking at the surrounding nature as I attempted to find the answer to the clue, but it wasn't very easy.

I tried to think. Carefully I began to memorize how it looked, though I doubted it would be of any help. I began to think of the sound it made. That screech was the only clue we had to go on. Perhaps the second task had something to do with catching something that made that sound. But what creature from the Forbidden Forest would make that sound? This was the only place a creature who made that loud of a shriek could live and still be kept hidden from the students. It wasn't making any sense. There was no way this was the only clue, it wasn't enough.

"Any ideas?" Vik asked walking back towards me. He gave me a sympathetic look seeing my frustrated expression. I sighed.

"I have a few though not ones that seem likely. I'll think it over" I grumbled, upset I didn't understand. Vik smiled at me and placed a hand on my head.

"You are a great help" he thanked me with a sincere smile. After a second Vik took his hand off my head and gave me an apologetic look. "Sorry, I know how you hate this."

"Thank you" I told him and he nodded. "So, do you have any ideas on this thing?"

"None I can think of" he sighed. "And vhenever I try to inspect the sound, to see if I'm missing something hidden, I get a headache and end even more confused than before."

"Figures…" I muttered scowling at the golden egg. Vik was frowning at it too, looking upset. It was obvious neither of us had the slightest idea of where to start. "If it makes you feel any better, I don't think most of the other champions have solved it yet."

"Vhat makes you say that?" he asked me curiously.

"Well Diggory might have solved it already. He was chosen by the goblet of fire when I know there were some good options so I figured I shouldn't underestimate him. But I don't think the girl is smart enough to get it. Just because she's good at magic doesn't mean she's a good puzzle solver. She doesn't look like the type who does them on her spare time."

"Vhat about Harry Potter?" Vik asked and I shrugged at him.

"If he had solved it I think Hermione would have told me, but all she has said is that he's working on it. He might be close but he's not there yet. Although, considering how Hermione gets when Ron and Harry put off their homework, he might just be saying that so she'll stop pestering him and really he has no clue how to solve it either."

"That makes me feel slightly better" he admitted.

"Yeah, other people's incompetence make me feel better too."

I smiled at him as I stood up. Vik let out a chuckle and shook his head at my remark. Stretching to reach I patted his head as a last form of reassurance. He nodded at me, comforted, as I handed him back the golden egg. With that I began to move forward, he followed. We made our way out of the Forbidden Forest. There wasn't anything else to do in there. Now that he had shown me the clue I needed to give the puzzle some thought. Also, if we stayed too long in the forest Vik would end up giving me a lecture about how this was a one-time thing and how I should really follow the rules more often.

"I'll let you know if I think of anything" I said once we got to the edge of the forest. Vik nodded at me before turning to frown into the forest.

"If you do please meet me by the ship" Vik replied with a smile back to me. I nodded in response and waved goodbye. We went our opposite ways, both confused by the puzzle at hand.

I made my way to the other side of the grounds. I wasn't yet ready to head inside. Knowing Daphne, she was probably still upset about her punishment. In my opinion, I thought she was overreacting. Also, the weather was quite nice. Snow was still on the ground but it wasn't fresh fallen so I didn't have to worry about where I stepped. If it had been fresh snow then more people would have wanted to be outside. This was why I loved January; the empty grounds made it the perfect time of year.

After a few minutes of idle wandering I saw Draco. With a smile I made my way towards him. Unfortunately as I did someone else came into view. Rita Skeeter was standing in front of him, babbling about something animately as her stupid Quick-Quotes Quill wrote hurriedly beside her, trying to keep up. I frowned in their direction. She wasn't supposed to be on the grounds. And she didn't have any reason to be talking with Draco. There was no reason for them to be talking. Slowly I walked towards them, making sure to stay out of their field of vision. I moved behind a nearby tree and listened.

It didn't take long to get the gist of the conversation. The two were talking about Hagrid. Great. If those two were talking then that wasn't a good sign. That was enough to get me out of my hiding place. I stepped outside of the tree with a sigh. Draco should not be associating himself with her, especially for something so stupid. I lowered my eyes at Draco before taking a step towards the two of them.

As if having felt my glare Draco turned to look at me. His face went from a devious smile to an anxious one as he saw me getting closer. Skeeter turned to look at me too, giving me an unpleasant expression before faking a smile. Next to her Draco looked to the side, probably contemplating if he should run away, but inevitably sighed and stayed where he was.

"What are you two doing?" I asked as pleasantly as I could manage. But Draco knew me better than that.

"Nothing" he mumbled looking to the side again.

"What were you two talking about?" I smiled at him.

"Just… things. Nothing important" he muttered but Skeeter had another thing in mind.

"We were talking about your 'professor'" Skeeter announced, stepping closer to me. "He has been found to be a half-giant! To think such a creature was walking around right under your noses! Do you have a few words to share to our avid readers on the matter?"

"Do I have to remind you to stay away from me?" I turned to scowl at her. She shrugged lightly as if it wasn't something to concern herself with.

"Have you read my latest article in the Daily Prophet."

"No, definitely not" I half laughed, shaking my head. Skeeter gave me a fowl look but after a second shook off the comment. Instead she smiled ingenuinely sweetly at me.

"Scared of that giant, I understand. Not everyone has the stomach for this kind of thing" she said with a smirk. I smiled back.

"No" I said simply. She frowned.

"It's okay, you know. You can tell me, sweetie."

"No" I repeated with a scowl now. Draco sighed and turned to me. "And don't call me sweetie."

"Can't you go along with this" he whined, stepping closer to me. "This way we can be sure to kick out that oaf once and for all."

"I don't want to kick him out. I think he's a fine teacher. Besides, with him gone there would be a risk of Care for Magical Creatures being cancelled. I am not willing to take that risk. And you promised you wouldn't mess up the class this year!" I scolded, reminding him of that. Draco rolled his eyes at me.

"He's a giant!" he argued and now I rolled my eyes.

"Half-giant," I corrected, "and obviously."

"What makes you say that?" Skeeter asked, inserting herself into our conversation. I gave her a look, making her cough and look away.

"You think people are generally that size?" I scoffed at her.

"If you knew about this, why didn't you think of mentioning this to anyone?" Skeeter asked, pretending she didn't see her quill scribbling notes behind her.

"Like I said, it's fairly obvious. And it doesn't affect how he behaves as a teacher—"

"Everyone hates him" Draco interrupted me. I frowned at him in return.

"No, you hate him. I'm fine with being his student. And I may not read your stupid articles but I swear that if I see my name anywhere near your next one I will have some issues with it" I warned her, lowering my eyes at her.

Skeeter gave me a look and, taking her quill in hand, began to walk away. It seemed like she had enough, otherwise I'm sure she wouldn't have thought twice about prying. I made a face at her before turning back to Draco. As a way to make up for the nonexistent greeting earlier I walked closer and hugged him. But he didn't return it.

"Hi" I smiled, ignoring the fact. Draco frowned down at me making me sigh. "Really? Draco—"

"I'm still angry" he replied in a rough voice. Draco had been acting differently in front of her, like I had kind of expected he would.

"I know" I sighed looking back to make sure Skeeter was out of the way. Draco followed my gaze before continuing.

"You're dating him" he continued, saying the words through gritted teeth.

"I am" I replied but leaned into him more.

I had told him about the talk George and I had. With things turning out how they had when he found out about the kiss I thought that it would be more appropriate if this bit of news were coming from me. I didn't want to risk Daphney slipping up again. Though I was sure she had learned her lesson I still thought it had been the right decision. After all it was partly my fault, I should've told him sooner. This was the very reason why I told him everything in the first place. It was because I wanted to, of course, but also because if I waited too long then he got all sensitive and found something to whine about.

"Did you tell her?" I asked, remembering that was still current news, George was my boyfriend now. Even if it was as unimportant as it was I'm sure Skeeter could've found some way to twist this to her benefit.

"I'm angry, not an imbecile" he said to me with a look. I giggled a little and nodded.

"Good" I smiled before giving him a look. "Anyway, you know I don't like you talking to her."

"Yeah, well, I'm not the only one who talks to those I don't like now, am I?'

"What?" I laughed. Partly because he wasn't making sense and the other part because I actually understood the sentence. He scowled at me in return, also knowing I understood what he meant.

"Shut up. Just go back to talk to your boyfriend or whatever" he grumbled, looking in the direction in which I had come. I looked at it then turned to give him a confused look.

"I was talking to Vik."

"Oh" he replied, suddenly in a much better mood. It made me smile. "What about?"

"About the second task. The champions got a puzzle inside the golden dragon egg but all it does is shriek when you open it" I frowned, still upset I hadn't yet worked out the answer.

"So it's got replica of your voice in it?" he joked to which I gave a sarcastic laugh in return.

"No, idiot. But it might be someone's voice. Or rather, something's" I mumbled the last bit, mostly to myself. "No human could make a sound like that. Not even Pansy."

"That bad?" Draco asked, sounding almost impressed by that. I nodded.

I paused for a moment to think. Off the top of my head I couldn't think of what could make that kind of noise. It couldn't be a banshee, it's sound kills whoever hears it. And even if that were the creature making the sound it would have to be one that could live in the Forbidden Forest. As far as I knew, they didn't keep banshees in there. And while I had considered Pansy as an option, if she was truly involved in the second task, she wouldn't have let any of us hear the end of it.

"What's wrong with your face?" Draco asked, frowning down at me. I frowned back up at him. He smirked and shook his head before I had time to insult him back. "I mean, why are you making that face? What are you thinking so hard about?"

"I can't think of any creature from the forest that would be able to make that kind of sound" I explained though still frowning.

"What makes you think it's a creature from the forest?" he asked curiously. I turned my head to the side.

"It's the only place where the sound couldn't reach the castle, I believe" I explained, partly as a way of thinking out loud. "But what land creature would make a sound like that?"

"What about a non-land creature?"

"What?" I asked, fixing my attention on what he had just said.

"Yeah, like, what about some kind of bird..." Draco went on but his voice seemed to drift away as I thought about what he just said.

I never thought of that as an option. If the sound didn't come from a land creature then there weren't very many other options, which was actually a good thing. If it wasn't from land, it could be from sky. A flying creature could possibly make that sound. For example, dragons are known for their roars, and some where even hidden in the forest for the first task. But they were already involved in the first task, they wouldn't be used again. And there wasn't enough of a variety in flying creature, which could mean...

"The lake!" I exclaimed, turning quickly towards the Durmstrang ship.

"The lake?" Draco repeated slowly, as if just realizing I had been ignoring him. "What about it?"

"Of course, it makes perfect sense!" I screamed happily. Before he could make any insults or snide remarks I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me. Swiftly I kissed his cheek before smiling and pulling away. "You're brilliant. I love you!"

Without looking back, I turned away from Draco and headed towards the ship. It was so obvious, how could I not have seen it before? The Durmstrang ship was right next to the lake, that should've been my first clue. But I didn't let my thoughts dwell on that as I closed the remaining distance to the ship and knocked hurriedly on the door. The door opened to show a very surprised and anxious looking boy.

"H-hey, Katerina. W-what, um—"

"Hey Bobby, where's Vik?" I interrupted not wanting to drag out the conversation.

"His room?" Robert answered still sounding concerned. I nodded and shoved past him into the ship.

Most of Durmstrang didn't pay me any mind as I made a beeline for Vik's room. Even with the "ban" still technically in place it wasn't rare for me to visit the ship. It was a new, and temporary, instalment to the Hogwarts castle so I was taking advantage of my special treatment from the Durmstrang headmaster and explored from time to time. And having explored it several times I knew exactly where to move to quickly get to Vik's room.

"I think I've figured out the puzzle! Partially, but still" I happily announced as I barged into Vik's room. Vik stumbled back, having been closer to the door than I thought he would have, giving me a confused expression. He didn't comment on the sudden intrusion but instead closed the door behind me and waited for me to continue. "Mermaids."

"Vhat?" he asked after a second, not finding that to be enough information.

"In the lake, there's merpeople."

"Are you joking?" Vik asked, looking concerned, like he was hoping I was. I shook my head and moved to sit on his bed. He looked at me for another second before sighing and moving to sit next to me. "I suppose you vouldn't have come all this vay if you vere. Then again, there is that giant squid living there... How do you know this?"

"Draco helped me figure it out."

"But vas he not angry that you are dating that boy?" Vik asked a little curiously.

It wasn't like I was hiding the fact so I had told Vik too. Mostly because I had to explain the latest argument Draco and I had but still, he knew. I actually hadn't had to explain much. As soon as I said I was dating someone that seemed enough information for Vik. Either way I shrugged at him.

"Yes, he is, but he's fine talking to me as long as it doesn't have to do with George. Either way it was not intentional but he did help me broaden my sources to find the answer. The merpeople have been known to swim around the windows of the dungeon that look into the lake so I knew they lived there. Every once in a while they'll even stop to greet some of the students."

"But is a mermaid's voice not suppose to be beautiful?" Vik asked, turning to frown to the side. The frown was directed to the golden egg, sitting on a cabinet in one of the corners of the room.

"When underwater, yes. But I've read above ground it is said to be almost as horrible as a banshee's. I say almost because, you know, it doesn't kill people. But it's still pretty terrible" I grumbled, frowning at the egg too.

"You are sure?" he asked, turning back to me. I nodded.

Vik sighed and pushed himself off the bed, moving towards the egg. Without warning Vik opened the egg, letting out the screech, and forcing me to instinctively cover my ears. I frowned at him for not having told me beforehand that he was planning on doing that. As Vik closed the egg to stop the sound I got up and moved to join him.

Vik moved to open the door of his private bath. It was one of the many perks he received for being a famous professional quidditch player. Everyone visiting from Durmstrang got their own rooms on the ship but Vik was the only one with his own lavatory, and in term, his own bath.

I watched as Vik began to fill the bath. He wanted to test out our theory as quickly as possible I suppose. We waited until the bath looked full enough yet didn't look like it would overflow if someone entered it. Vik handed me the golden egg and slowly began to ease himself into the bath. I hadn't noticed until now but apparently he hadn't been wearing shoes. He was, however, fully clothed.

"Really?"

"Vhat?" Vik asked pausing halfway through entering. Only one of his legs had made it into the bath, as well as the slacks he was wearing.

"You're going to get in with clothes on?" I said with a look. Vik sighed realizing that's what I meant and proceeded the rest of the way into the bath.

"It is not appropriate for a man to undress in front of a girl such as yourself" he explained, making me frown at him.

"Like myself? So if it were another girl you'd be fine with it?" I complained, crossing my arms across the egg I was still holding. Vik gave me an adoring smile.

"I meant any girl in general. It is not appropriate."

"But it is stupid," I grumbled and Vik shook his head before lowering the rest of the way into the bath.

"To you, perhaps, but I do prefer it this way" Vik smiled and outstretched his hands to me. I rolled my eyes but complied, handing him the golden egg.

Vik gently lowered the egg into the water, as if afraid it might cause some sort of reaction. When nothing happened he let out a breath and opened the latch, letting the screech out. Except, this time there was no screech, just a slight gurgling and a few bubbles. Vik looked at me for a second, then at the egg, before leaning down and submerging his head into the water. He stayed longer than I had expected but it couldn't have been more than half a minute before he burst back out with a slight cough.

"You vere right, it vas a song" Vik explained with a small frown.

"Well what did it say?" I pressed when he didn't continue.

"Come seek us vhere our voices sound, ve cannot sing above the ground..."

"What else?" I asked, figuring there was more. If that was all the message had to say then this was the worst clue ever.

"And vhile you're searching, ponder this: ve have taken vhat you'll sorely miss," Vik paused and began to take a few deep breaths.

"Is that all" I asked but he shook his head. With a nod I waited. After a few more breaths Vik lowered his head into the water and listened to the message repeat itself. When he came back up he started coughing once again but did not wait too long before sharing.

"An hour long you'll have to look, and to recover vhat ve took, but past an hour—the prospect's black, too late, it's gone, it von't come back."

"So you'll have one hour to look for something valuable to you and take it back from the merpeople or you'll lose it forever. The lake is a bit murky but if that is where the second task will be that shouldn't be a huge problem to get around. The problem is, how are you going to hold your breath for an entire hour?"

I frowned, slightly annoyed that I solved one puzzle only to be given another. Vik frowned too, though if it was about the actual task or just our new puzzle I wasn't sure. Most likely it was both. He began to stand up and I offered him my hand. Vik took it but I felt none of his weight, meaning he took if just to be polite. I rolled my eyes at him and took the egg instead, that way he could manage himself out of the bath. He gave me a very small smile and climbed out, dripping water on the tiles of his private lavatory.

After setting the egg back on the cabinet I walked towards Vik's bed and sat, waiting while he gathered some dry clothes. While he changed I closed my eyes and leaned against the headboard of the bed. There was some shuffling as he undressed, and the usual sloshing of wet fabric. I let out a bored groan and heard Vik chuckle because if it

"So it'll be in the lake" I said when he didn't. It wasn't hard to tell he was already beginning to stress over the task. January had barely began and the task wasn't until mid February. He had plenty of time to prepare, almost a month and a half.

"Most likely" I heard Vik sigh, and the bed lowered next to me. I opened my eyes and found him sitting there. He slouched forward, with his new clothes on and a towel on his head. Vik shook his wet hair with the towel, frowning down.

"Well now we know what it is, so you can relax" I smiled at him. He gave me a sweet smile but rubbed his temples. Vik sighed again, deciding to change the subject slightly.

"Vhy are you not helping your own school like this?"

"Truthfully, I don't care much for Diggory so I have no reason to help him," I shrugged. "And if Harry actually asks me for help then I'll gladly tell him. But I doubt that will ever happen. Don't worry, just take the help."

"This all seems unfair" Vik mumbled. "First the dragons, now this."

"They do seem rather challenging" I noted and shrugged. "I guess that would explain the age ban."

"No, I don't mean the tasks" Vik said softly, looking at me. "No one is playing fair. I should have figured this out on my own, should I not have? But if I didn't have your help, I doubt I vould have solved it. I'm not up for these tasks. I'm not fit to be a champion."

Vik looked over at where he had placed the egg sullenly. He didn't believe he was good enough, he didn't think he could win. I giggled a little and smiled.

"Vik" I called and waited until he looked at me to continue, "do you know what makes for a good king?"

"Vhat do you mean?" he asked, confused at the sudden change of subject.

"What do you think makes for a good king?" I repeated with a smile.

"A good leader?" he more asked than answered.

"And what makes for a good leader?"

"Someone who can command others properly" he said, slightly more confident. I shook my head.

"Wrong" I called, crossing my arms in front of me to form an X. Vik still looked confused but cracked a smile at my gesture.

"Then I do not know."

"A good leader is someone who can take information that was given to them and use it to their advantage" I began to explain. "For example, pretend you are the leader and I am your subordinate. We are now in the midst of a battle. If you found out I was good at potions where would you place me? In the front lines as a soldier or at the camps with the healers?"

"Vith the healers" he answered quickly and I smiled.

"Correct" I nodded. "Now if instead of potions I was good at charms…"

"In the battle field—"

"In the front lines you mean?" I interrupted but he shook his head.

"No, not in the front. If you vere good at charms then the best position vould be somewhere in the middle, between the battle and the camps. You could be used to place barriers and repellent charms and such."

"Correct again" I smiled and patted his head. Vik chuckled at me. "That kind of strategising makes for a good leader and a good leader makes for a good king. If the king simply had others obey him, he could send healers into the first wave of battle and make them all perish. Then, because there are no healers, anyone with an injury would either be in serious pain or have a high probability of dying. Technically, they listened to their kind, but would you call that a good king?"

"Vhat does all of that have to do vith me?"

"Think of a king like a champion. If he can do that, why can't you? Use the information given to you and fi the best strategy to win in battle. Kings can have spies, right? Just pretend I'm one of those" I smiled at him.

"I am no king" he shook his head at me and took the towel off his head. Vik leaned over behind me and placed it on the headboard to dry.

"You may not be a king but you are a champion. You were chosen for a reason, so stop doubting yourself, alright?" I smiled and he smiled back. After a second my smile turned into a frown. "Seriously though, it's getting annoying. What are you, a little girl?"

Vik laughed making me smile again. It was good to hear him do that. As a lot of good kids unnecessarily do, he worried too much about things he didn't need to worry about. He was a talented guy and if he wasn't so unsure of himself he could have figured out the puzzle himself. Scooting closer to me, Vik wrapped arm around my shoulders and kissed my forehead.

"You are really an amazing person, you know that" Vik said softly, placing a hand on my head.

"I do know" I admitted, smiling at him.

"Katerina..."

"What is it?" I asked noting his quiet tone.

"After this is done… let us keep in touch, alright?" he mumbled, gently running his hand through my hair.

"You say that like I wasn't planning to" I frowned at him. Vik smiled at me and sighed.

"I know. After vhat happened vith your brother... I understand your desire to cut all ties to Durmstrang, including myself. But please, don't do it again this time."

"Alright" I answered and he leaned in to kiss my forehead one more time. Vik rested his head against mine. I laughed and began to pull away. "You're getting my hair wet."

"Sorry" he chuckled but didn't move away. I giggled back and patted his head. He was a sweet kid. Of course I would keep in touch with him. Whether he liked it or not that was going to happen.