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CHAPTER NINETEEN: The Black Lake
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A LOW MIST CURLED OVER THE GROUPS OF HOGWARTS, VEILING THE BLACK LAKE IN A THICK SHROUD OF SILVER GREY. The early morning was bone-cold, the kind of cold that clung to skin and crept into your lungs, leaving every breath misting in front of your face. Frost crunched beneath students' shoes as they trudged down from the castle, scarves wrapped tightly and hoods pulled low. The lake, usually rippling and glassy, lay eerily still, a dark, silent expanse barely visible beneath the swirling fog.
Tara's breath fogged in front of her as she made her way down the slope, her cloak pulled tightly around her shoulders. Fred and George had already attracted a crowd near the boat dock, standing atop an overturned crate beneath Hogwarts banners which flapped violently in the wind.
"Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen!" Fred bellowed over the wind, parchment flapping madly in his gloved hands. Tara rolled her eyes at her brothers' antics.
"Will Viktor Krum charm a grindylow?" George hollered just as Ginny joined Tara. The two shared an exasperated look.
"Will Fleur Delacour make it out with perfect hair?" Fred added with dramatic flair, earning a groan from Tara.
"Will Harry Potter need rescuing?" George continued, until Ginny cut in sharply.
"Don't be so mean!" Ginny snapped. Tara laughed when the twins paused for a split second before resuming shouting.
"Don't forget our sister, Tara!" Fred continued after spotting her next to Ginny.
"We've got three Galleons on her alone, she better not let us down!" George yelled as the crowd sniggered. Tara rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched at the corners as she stepped into their ring of chaos.
"You two are ridiculous," Tara muttered, crossing her arms.
"We're ridiculous?" George asked, faking hurt.
"You're the one about to jump into the Black Lake," Fred added pointedly.
"Not voluntarily," Tara mumbled before turning away from them.
"We mean it! Don't mess this up for us!" they called in unison.
"You're not helping!" Tara called back over her shoulder with a grimace.
Before they could throw another quip, a commanding voice echoed across the lake. "Champions, this way!"
Professor McGonagall stood by a cluster of enchanted boats, beckoning them forward. Tara gave her brothers one last glare before jogging toward the boats and joining the other champions near the water's edge. Cedric was already standing with Professor McGonagall when she arrived, he stood with his arms crossed over his chest and his shoulders were slightly hunched due to the bitter cold.
