Hogwarts: I Am an Exemplary Wizard-Chapter 568 - 566: The Joy of Nighttime Adventures

Chapter 568: Chapter 566: The Joy of Nighttime Adventures

"You must have thought of this in advance, that’s why you didn’t let us tell Dumbledore, huh."

Fred said excitedly while patting Cedric on the shoulder, "You’re much smarter than Percy as a Prefect... but you could explain a bit more clearly next time."

Is that really what I was thinking?

Cedric felt like they might have misunderstood something; he genuinely believed they should gather more evidence before going to Headmaster Dumbledore.

After all, the other person is both a judge and a headmaster. Running to them with cheating allegations, probably no one would believe it.

But seeing their excited faces, he ultimately didn’t explain anything.

Besides, Cedric thought they had a point. With inside information about the third task, Kael definitely had an advantage over Krum being the first to enter the maze.

So, the three exchanged a glance, then spoke all at once, excitedly sharing the news they had just heard.

"The plants provided by Professor Sprout are Devil’s Snare, Fanged Geranium, and Snake Vine, all hidden in the hedges. Be careful in the maze."

"There are quite a few Fantastic Beasts, but that shouldn’t be a problem for you."

"The most dangerous creature is the Eight-eyed Giant Spider, and it’s on the wrong path. When you see it, just run, there’s no need to waste time..."

They chattered on, not once asking for Kael’s opinion throughout.

Several times, Kael attempted to add something but was interrupted each time.

He intended to say that even if Krum got this information, it wouldn’t really threaten him. After all, once inside the maze, you could just ask any Fantastic Beast.

But the three didn’t give him a chance to speak...

It wasn’t until ten-thirty that Fred and George left the Hufflepuff Common Room.

The two walked openly and unabashedly down the deserted staircase.

"I think Bagman will definitely go see Karkaroff again..." Fred said as they walked, "I reckon we need to keep an eye on him to prevent revealing any new information to Karkaroff."

"Exactly, my thoughts too." George nodded. "They can’t win, so they cheat... No wonder the adults don’t think much of Durmstrang. I initially thought it was because they taught Dark Magic."

"But now they won’t succeed." Fred waved a piece of parchment. "We’re going to watch Bagman, he won’t be able to secretly pass information to Karkaroff anymore."

The two quickened their pace, soon reaching the eighth floor. If they followed the corridor, they’d arrive at the Gryffindor Common Room.

"But I gotta say, Karkaroff did one good thing," George suddenly remarked, "Since the castle’s been rid of that cat, it’s been so much quieter, it’s fantastic."

"And Filch." Fred laughed.

"Indeed."

George said, "But without them around, our night adventures are less thrilling. It’s a bit boring."

They continued walking, but as they neared the Fat Lady’s portrait, a dim light appeared around the corridor corner.

Luckily, they reacted quickly, retreating and using the Disillusionment Charm immediately.

Soon, they saw Filch coming from another corridor, looking mean.

"Who’s there? I heard you talking, come out!" he said gruffly, making Fred and George hold their breath.

This corridor wasn’t particularly wide; if Filch came just a bit closer, he’d see the two hidden by the wall.

One step, two steps... Filch drew nearer.

Then, suddenly, a clattering noise came from downstairs, catching his attention.

Filch quickly grabbed the oil lamp and chased after the sound.

...

"It was like that, the oil lamp almost hit my nose."

The next morning, Fred animatedly described the previous night’s events.

"Who told you to skimp by not using the Disillusionment Charm?"

Kael picked up a piece of roasted corn. "Filch hasn’t been dismissed, he still does his routine patrols every day."

"Who would have thought?" George shrugged. "Everyone knows Filch only sneaks out once during curfew. By the time we went out, it was quite late already, wasn’t it?"

"Maybe he’s taken a turn for the better," Conna suggested.

"If that’s the case, not bad at all."

Fred poked at the stew on his plate. "We actually kind of miss Filch."

"Without such a rival, we’re not even interested in night exploring."

The fun in night adventures lies in outsmarting Filch? Only Fred and George could say such a thing.

"Oh, wait, Bagman is here..." George exclaimed after glancing at the Marauder’s Map.

The two quickly finished their food and rushed out of the dining hall.

Cedric initially wanted to follow them but just got to the hall entrance before turning back.

"They’ve used the Disillusionment Charm." Cedric shrugged. "I can’t find where they went."

...

Such incidents happened many times over the following period.

Bagman seemed to have become a Weasley Brothers’ target, as long as it wasn’t class time. Whenever he appeared, Fred and George would dash over, sometimes bringing Cedric along.

On the day the third task began, it was also when Hogwarts exams ended. They should’ve been preparing for their exams, but instead, they devoted much effort to monitoring Bagman and Karkaroff.

Even though Kael had mentioned several times that it wasn’t necessary, they refused to listen.

"There’s no need to worry about this, Kael."

Returning from the Quidditch Pitch once again, Cedric said, "The sixth-year courses are light, our assignments are even less than in third year, we have plenty of time."

"Yeah." Fred nodded beside him, "And there’s no need to worry about exams, as long as we score well in the O.W.Ls, that’s enough. Even if our sixth-year finals are a bit poor, Mum won’t say much."

"Are you sure?" Kael raised an eyebrow.

"Um... I think, should be fine." Fred looked a bit hesitant, but ultimately waved it off.

"Don’t bother with this; just focus on preparing for the third task."

"We’re doing this for Hogwarts." George took out something shaped like an ear, "If we can catch evidence of Bagman and Karkaroff cheating... Mum would definitely understand."

"And if you don’t, are you going to take back a poor report card?"

The two suddenly fell silent.

"If that’s the case..." after a moment, Fred said gloomily, "Kael, how about lending us your attic for two months?"

...