After sending a letter to Hamlin the trio headed back down to the kitchens to give Lue his clothes "Silver the Hedgehog is too good to Lue" "You saved my life, Lue. You really did". Razor was enjoying all the food the other Marmolims were bringing over "We should keep some to give to Chomps". Coral looked around "Lue, where's Momo?" "By the fire, Miss?". Momo had obviously not been taking care of herself because she was so filthy, they couldn't distinguish her from the soot covered walls in front of her. Silver noticed a few of the other Marmolims giving her disapproving looks. Lue looked sympathetic "Momo is still pining, sir. She wants to go home to Mr Puff and nothing Lue says can persuade her that she can make a new home". Silver carefully approached Momo "Momo, do you know where Mr Puff is?". Momo turned and stared at him with bloodshot eyes "Master Puff?" "Yeah, he's stopped showing up to the Tournament. They say he's ill" "Ill… Oh, no, Mr Puff is needing Momo". Coral kneeled down next to her "I don't think housework is making him ill, Momo" "Momo isn't just doing housework. Master Puff entrusted Momo with the most…" she hit herself over the head. Silver and Coral glanced at each other "What, Momo? What does he trust you with?" "Momo keeps her master's secrets. You three are nosing". Lue got angry at this "Momo will not speak to Silver the Hedgehog like that" "Silver the Hedgehog is nosing into my master's private business. Momo is a good Marmolim. Momo keeps her… her". Her head suddenly fell back and she started snoring. To Coral's horror a few of the other Marmolims appeared and threw a tablecloth over Momo to hide her from view "We is sorry you had to see that, sirs and miss. We is hoping you will not judge us all by Momo" "She's unhappy. Why don't you try and cheer her up instead of hiding her" "Begging your pardon, miss, but Marmolims have no right to be unhappy when there's work to be done". Coral stared open mouthed at their indifference before she quickly left without waiting for Razor and Silver. "We have your extra food" one of the Marmolims said happily. Silver hesitantly took it and they went to the passage way "Lue is grateful for the clothes, Silver the Hedgehog". Silver stopped, turned around and whispered so the others couldn't hear him "Hey, Lue, don't let those other Marmolims get you down. You should be proud of where you are". Lue smiled "Lue is proud, sir". Silver nodded and patted his shoulder before leaving.
Silver went up to the Aviery, Razor let him borrow Crusher and he had him send the extra food to Elias up in the mountain. Coral meanwhile was now even more motivated to research the history of Marmolims in the Wizarding World and even sent out an order for books Soleanna didn't have.
The next morning at breakfast Coral was eagerly waiting for the post. Razor didn't understand "Coral, Hamlin's letter isn't going to be here yet" "It's not that. I've bought a subscription from the Daily Prophet. I'm sick of having to learn everything from the Raijus". Suddenly multiple Flickys all landed in front of Coral fighting to deliver their letter first "How many subscriptions did you take out?" Silver said pulled Coral's goblet out of the way to stop it getting knocked over. Coral was bewildered and took all the letters so the Flickys would leave. She read the first one and went red "Oh, really!" "What?". Coral handed the first letter to Silver. It wasn't written, it was made out of cutouts from the Daily Prophet.
You are a WickEd giRL. SiLVert tHe HedGEHog desErves
BeTteR. GO back wherE you cAMe from mUGgle.
Coral looked through the others "They're all like that. Listen to this 'Silver the Hedgehog can do much better than the likes of you'". She opened another and strange yellow substance burst out onto her hands. She gasped and tried rubbing it off "It stings!". Silver handed her a handful of table cloths "You better get up to the Hospital Wing! We'll tell Chrysan where you went". Coral now had tears in her eyes and ran out of the Great Hall. Razor looked through the letters "I told her not to annoy Breezie. Look at this, she better watch herself".
Coral didn't turn up at Herbology nor Care of Magical Creatures. Silver had to endure mockery from the Raijus, but he ignored them. Big had announced that they finished their course on Sprites and revealed a pile of wooden crates. Silver's heart sank, surely Big hadn't bred more Plasmas. Thankfully when they fearfully appeached the crates they found inside yellow one eyed creatures "Drill Wisps. Useful little treasure hunters" Big explained. He gestured to a large patch of freshly turned earth "Thought we'd have some fun with 'em today. I've buried some gold coins. I've got a prize fer whoever picks the Drill that digs up most. Jus' take off all yer valuables, an' choose a Drill, an' get ready ter set 'em loose". Silver took off his bracelets and took one of the Drills. It was very cuddly as it affectionately nuzzled his face. Big noticed their was an extra Drill "Where's Coral?" "Hospital Wing, we'll tell you later" Silver said knowing that Cassia was listening. It was easily the most fun they ever had at Care of Magical Creatures. The Drills lived up to their name as they would literally spin at high speeds allowing them to go through the ground without issue. They would come back up carrying coins in their legs and would give them to the student that released them. Razor was very happy to see that his Drill was doing the best "Can you buy these as pets, Big" "Yer mum wouldn' be happy, Razor. They wreck houses, Drills". While they waited for the last of the rings to be collected Coral had finally arrived, her hands were heavily bandaged". Big saw that the Drills had stopped "Well, let's check how yeh've done! Count yer coins! An' there's no point tryin' ter steal any, Rough. It's Guardian Shark Gold. Vanishes after a few hours".
Rough put the coins back looking sulky. After counting them all Razor was the one who had the most and Big awarded him with a slab of chocolate. Once the bell went the trio stayed behind to help Big put Drills back in the box. Silver noticed that Windermere was watching them from the window of her carriage. Big then noticed Coral's bandages "What yeh done ter your hands, Coral". Coral told him about the hate mail but Big brushed it off "Don' worry. I got some o' those letters an' all, after Breezie wrote abou' me mum. 'Yeh're a monster an' yeh should be put down'. 'Yer mother killed innocent people an' if you had any decency you'd jump in a lake". Coral was horrified "No?" "Yeah. They're jus' nutters, Coral. Don' open 'em if yeh get any more. Chuck 'em straigh' in the fire". Once they finished, they head back up to the castle "You missed a really good lesson. Those Drills are really good, aren't they, Razor?" Silver said. But Razor didn't answer, he was staring at the chocolate sullenly. Silver glanced at Coral before asking "What's the matter. Wrong flavour?" "No… Why didn't you tell me the coins disappeared?" "What coins?" "The Guardian Shark coins I gave you at the World Cup. The ones for the Treasure Scope". It took Silver a moment to remember what he was talking about "Oh, I dunno. I guess I never noticed it had gone. I was more worried about my gloves, wasn't I". Razor looked really guilty "You shouldn't have gotten me that Setting Dawn Hat for Christmas" "It's fine. Forget it". They sat in the Great Hall for lunch. Razor seemed inconsolable, whether it was jealousy or guilt, Silver didn't know but he barely spoke through the whole lunch. Coral however had a lot to say. As she struggled to handle her cutlery with her swollen bandage hands "I hate that Breezie woman! I'll get her back for this if it's the last thing I do!".
Coral took Big's advice and stopped opening the letters, the problem was some of them were Howlers which resulted in them exploding and yelling insults at her in the middle of the Hall. It got so bad that even those who didn't read the article themselves now knew of the supposed Silver-Coral-Reynard love triangle. Silver was getting sick of telling people Coral wasn't his girlfriend. Coral was determined to find out how Breezie was sneaking around "She's not using a Chaos Emerald. I asked Striker and he said she wouldn't have gotten past him that way" "Maybe she has the place bugged" Silver suggested. Razor stared at him "Bugged?". Silver explained about electronic devices that allowed you to listen in on people, Razor was fascinated. Coral shook her head "She couldn't do that" "Why not" "Magic and electricity don't mix. If you brought any device more complicated than a watch into a place full of wizards it would go haywire. No, she's using some type of magic I just have to find out what".
Coral thankfully didn't ask Razor and Silver to help her in her quest for vengeance. They had too much to do with their ever-growing workload, Silver was amazed that Coral was managing her own work while still having enough time for researching Marmolims and magical eavesdropping. As easter rolled around Silver was able to send more packages to Elias containing foods and updates. It wasn't until the end of the Easter holidays did they receive a reply from Hamlin. It was enclosed in a delivery of Easter Eggs sent by Mari-An. Silver and Razor got giant chocolate eggs while Coral received one smaller than a chicken's egg. Silver guessed that Mari-An might have read Breezie's article. Razor showed them Hamlin's letter.
As I am constantly telling the Daily Prophet, Mr Puff is
taking a well-deserved break. He is sending in regular Flickys
with instructions. No, I haven't actually seen him, but I think
I can be trusted to know my own superior's handwriting. I
have quite enough to do at the moment without trying to
quash these ridiculous rumours. Please don't bother me again
unless it's something important. Happy Easter.
On the last week of May, Silver was finally shown what the Third Task was going to be. He followed Echo's instructions and headed down to Sky Chase field. On his way down he met up with Sonic "So, what do you think it's going to be? Mina reckons we have to go down some tunnels to find treasure" "That wouldn't be so bad" Silver said hopefully. The two walked through the auidence stands onto the field and stopped dead "What have they done?" Sonic said stunned. There were small hedges crisscrossing in every direction across the field. They were soon joined by Mina, Reynard and a beaming Barker "Looks good doesn't it? Within a month Big will have them twenty feet tall. But don't worry, you'll have your stadium back to normal once the Task is over. Now, I wonder if anyone could guess what we're making here". After a few seconds Reynard spoke "Maze" "That's right, a maze. The Emerald Cup will be placed in the centre of the maze and the first to touch it will win. The crowd will be watching from the stands and when the remaining Champions are out of sight near the centre of the maze we will wait for the winner to appear at the meeting point. Your score from the previous Task will determine how much of a head start you will have, and you'll have to get past obstacles around the maze. Big has provided many creatures for use". Silver gulped; he knew what kind of creatures Big had. Barker continued "I suggest you all do your research on any kind of spell you believe will be useful, you won't know what to expect in there".
Once they were briefed, they were allowed to go back up to the castle. As they left the stadium Reynard tapped Silver's shoulder "Could I haff a vord?" "Uh...Yeah" Silver said surprised. The two walked together, at first Silver thought they were heading to the Grimm ship but instead they were going to the Deep Woods "Why are we going this way" "Don't vant to be overheard". When they reached the edge of the forest Reynard turned to face Silver "I vant to know vot there is between you and Core-Al". Silver was taken a back and was close to smiling then he suddenly realised how much taller Reynard was "Nothing. We're friends. She's not my girlfriend and she never has been. It's just that Breezie woman making things up" "She talks about you often" "Yeah, because we're friends". Silver couldn't believe he was having this conversation; it was as if Reynard the famous Sky Chase player saw Silver as an equal rival. To Silver's relief Reynard then smiled "I watched you at the First Task. You fly very well" "Thanks. I saw you at the World Cup. The Wronski Faint, that was-". Silver spotted something behind Reynard and instinctively pulled Reynard forward "Vot is it!?". They both watched as someone staggered out of the trees, it was Mr Puff. He looked terrible, like he had been travelling for days. But his appearance was nothing compared to his behaviour, he was muttering to himself. Reynard leaned down and whispered "Isn't he part of your Ministry?". Silver nodded and slowly approached Puff who was now talking to a tree "…and when you've done that, Hampton, send a Flicky to Locke confirming the number of Grimm students who will be attending the tournament, Benedict has just sent word there will be twelve" "Mr Puff?" "Then send one to Lady Windermere because she might want to up the number of students she's bringing, now Benedict's made it a round dozen. Do that, Hampton, will you? Will you?". Puff cluctched his head and he started to cry. He fell to his knees and Silver tried to help him "Reynard, go up and see if you can-".
Puff suddenly grabbed Silver "I need… to see… Locke" "Okay. Okay, Mr Puff, we'll go up and see him" "I've done… a stupid thing. Stupid thing". His eyes widened "Who are you?" "It's me, sir. It's Silver. Remember? We met at the World Cup" "You're one of Locke's I need… to speak to Locke" every word seemed to be costing him considerable effort. Silver tried to free himself from Puff's grasp "Sir, I can take you to Locke if you just let go of me" "My wife and son will be arriving shortly. Yes, twelve G. , very proud of him now could you bring me that report". He started to cry again and released Silver who got to his feet "You watch him. I'll go find Locke" "He's mad" "Just stay here with him". Puff reached out for Silver "Don't leave me…. I escaped…. It's all my fault. It's all my fault. Agnes, because of me" "I'll be back, Mr Puff. I promise". Silver ran up to the castle and eventually made it to the stone ant which took you into Locke's office "Mint Candy!" he yelled. Nothing happened, the password must have changed "Oh, come on. I need to get inside!" "Hedgehog, what're you doing!?" Infinite had just emerged from a nearby staircase. Silver pointed at the statue "I need to see Professor Locke" "The Headmaster is busy, Hedgehog" "No, you don't understand. It's Mr Puff, he just turned up. He's saying something-" "What're you talking about?". Silver was beginning to lose his temper "Look! Mr Puff is outside, there's something wrong with him, he keeps saying-" the stone ant suddenly spun around revealing Locke "Is there a problem?". Before Infinite could say anything, Silver responded "Sir, it's Mr Puff, he's in the woods. He wants to speak to you". He expected Locke to ask questions but he simply said "Lead the way".
They hurried down the castle to the woods "He's not in his right mind. He doesn't know where he is. I had to leave him with Reynard" "Did anyone else see you?" "I don't think so". He reached the edge of the woods "Reynard!?" there was no answer "They were around here, sir, I swear". "Lumos" Locke said and a ball of light appeared in his right hand. They looked around the trees until finding Reynard lying unconscious with no sign of Puff "He's been stunned" "Should I get Madam Vanilla, sir?" "No. Stay here". Locke raised his hand and without uttering a word released a Patronus. It was a Burst Wisp which flew across the grounds in the direction of Big's cabin. He then performed a spell on Reynard which woke him up. He tried to move but Locke stopped him "Lie still for a moment" "He attacked me. That old man hit me from behind". There was loud footsteps and Big had arrived carrying a crossbow and Froggy on his shoulder. His eyes widened at the sight "Professor Locke, Silver, what the-" "Big I need to get Professor Benedict. His student has been attacked. Then I want you to fetch Striker-" "No need, Locke. I'm here" Striker was walking down the hill. He limped "Damn leg, would have been here sooner! What's happened? Infinite said something about Puff" "Puff?" Big said. "Benedict, Big" Locke told him and Big turned and ran to the Grimm ship. Locke then looked to Striker "It is essential that we find Puff" "I'm on it" Striker raised his gold claw and slowly walked into the woods. Locke helped Reynard to his feet as Big returned with Benedict "What is this? What's going on?" "I vos attacked. Mr Puff or vatever his name is" "Puff? The Tournament judge? He attacked you?". Locke raised his hand calmingly "Benedict-" "Treachery! It is a plot! You and your Ministry of Magic have lured me here under false pretences, Locke! This is not an equal competition! First you sneak another student into the tournament, though he is underage! Now one of your Ministry friends attempts to put my champion out of action! I smell double-dealing and corruption in this whole affair, and you, Locke, you, with your talk of closer international wizarding links, of rebuilding old ties, of forgetting old differences. Here's what I think of you!" he spat at Locke's feet.
In one swift movement Big had grabbed Benedict and slammed him into a tree "Apologize!". Benedict desperately tried to free himself from Big's grip. "BIG, NO!" Locke shouted and Big immediately released him. Silver noticed Reynard didn't look that angry that his Headmaster was just attacked. Locke sighed "Big, if you could take Silver back up to the castle, please?". Big glowered at Benedict who clutched his throat "Maybe I better stay here, Professor" "You will take Silver up to the castle. And Silver, I want you to stay in Shinobi Tower. Anything you need to do, any letters you need to send can wait till tomorrow" "Uh, yes, sir". Locke somehow knew that Silver was thinking of going straight to the Aviery to warn Elias about what happened "C'mom, Silver" Big said. Big led him back up the grounds "How dare he! How dare he accuse Locke. Like Locke'd do anythin' like that. Like Locke wanted you in the tournament in the firs' place. Worried! I dunno when I seen Locke more worried than he's bin lately. An' you!". Silver jumped as Big roared at him "What were yeh doin', wanderin' off with ruddy Reynard? He's from Grimm, Silver! Coulda jinxed yeh right there, couldn' he? Hasn' Striker taught yeh nothin'? 'Magine lettin' him lure yeh off on yer own" "Reynard's alright. He wasn't trying to jinx me he jut wanted to talk about Coral" "I'll be havin' a few words with her, an' all. The less you lot 'ave ter do with these foreigners, the happier yeh'll be. Yeh can' trust any of 'em". Silver had to hold in a scoff at Big's hypocrisy "What about you and Windermere?" "Don' you talk ter me abou' her! I've got her number now! Tryin' ter get back in me good books, tryin' ter get me ter tell her what's comin' in the third task. Ha! You can' trust any of 'em". Big was I such a bad mood that Silver was happy to say goodbye to him at the portrait hole. Silver clamoured through and ran over to Razor and Coral in the corner of the Common Room to tell them what happened.