Hagrid didn't press for details about the magical creatures, but the conversation didn't stop there. He was practically starry-eyed about Greece, gushing over how its magical creatures perfectly matched his love for massive beasts.
After Hagrid's earnest pleading, Cohen agreed that if he came across a homeless Hydra or Chimaera, he'd take it in—and, if possible, keep it in the Forbidden Forest.
"A Hydra's fine, but a Chimaera might be tricky," Cohen said. "Not all of them are smart or speak English… They can be pretty dangerous for wizards."
"That'd be amazing," Hagrid said dreamily, making Cohen wonder if he'd even heard the second half of his warning. "Just thinking about coming back and seeing them… Hey, wanna come check out that last Blast-Ended Skrewt with me later? The Ministry folks pulled it out of the maze—I'm kidding, kidding!"
Hagrid quickly added that last bit when he saw Harry's face pale.
The last few days of the term flew by. Days without classes always passed quickly for students.
"If only we could be students forever—no classes, no exams," Ron said during the end-of-term feast.
"Very ambitious," Cohen quipped.
At the feast, Dumbledore announced Voldemort's return to the entire school.
As Cohen expected, most students looked terrified—except for the Slytherins.
Harry's glare toward the Slytherin table was so intense it practically reached Cohen.
"They look thrilled," Harry said through gritted teeth. "I'm starting to think your 'Slytherin extinction plan' wasn't such a bad idea…"
"That's how prejudice starts, so I'm proudly prejudiced," Cohen nodded. "I equally discriminate against every living person."
"The Ministry didn't want me to tell you this," Dumbledore addressed the hall. "Some of your parents might be shocked by my decision—either because they can't believe Voldemort is back or because they think you're too young to know."
The students stared at him, hanging on his every word.
"But I believe a harsh truth is often better than a comforting lie, especially when that truth could affect your safety," Dumbledore continued. "Knowing he's back will help you protect yourselves and your families more carefully."
He then spoke about the Triwizard Tournament's purpose: to foster understanding and unity in the wizarding world, preparing everyone to face tough challenges together.
The feast's atmosphere grew heavy and tense, lingering into the next day as students prepared to leave. In the crowded entrance hall, waiting for carriages to the train station, the usual chatter was replaced by an eerie quiet, with only a few hushed whispers.
"Bye, Harry, Cohen," Fleur said, hurrying over to say goodbye as she left with the other Beauxbatons students. Since Harry saved her sister, she was a far cry from the aloof girl who'd first arrived at Hogwarts. "I hope we meet again—I'm thinking of finding a job in England to improve my English."
"You could use the practice. You just used the present perfect tense for 'find a job in England,'" Cohen pointed out.
"She got it wrong?" Harry asked, surprised. "I didn't even notice."
"That's why you'd fail an English exam in China," Cohen sighed.
"See you," Fleur said with a smile, waving. "It was great meeting you both."
She turned, her silver hair catching the sunlight like waves as she ran toward Madame Maxime. Several boys stared after her.
"What happens to Durmstrang's students now that Karkaroff's gone?" Ron wondered. "They won't be stuck because they can't sail the ship, right?"
"Karkaroff didn't steer," Krum said, squeezing through the crowd behind them. "We did all the work. You two were impressive in the tournament," he added, nodding at Cohen and Harry.
"I got stuck at the Sphinx," Krum admitted. "Its riddle was in English, and I couldn't quite piece the words together."
"Sounds like linguistic bullying—classic Ministry move," Cohen said. "You should file a complaint."
Krum waved it off. "I've won enough trophies. Making friends is worth more." He turned to Hermione. "Can I have a word?"
Hermione nodded, and they stepped aside to the lawn. Ron stayed silent but craned his neck to watch.
"Krum's actually pretty decent," Harry said approvingly. "No wonder the Goblet picked him for Durmstrang—they sent a lot of students."
"He's alright," Ron said dismissively.
"You mean I only got picked because I'm the only talking Dementor from Azkaban?" Cohen teased, pursing his lips. "I'm super insecure, you know. You owe me compensation for emotional damage."
"Good thing you weren't dragged to Voldemort," Harry said. "He said he pulled you in to trap you…"
Looks like Voldemort's a thorough villain, covering for his spy—though that spy might be a double agent, or maybe a triple agent…
Hermione and Krum returned quickly, Hermione looking unfazed while Ron watched her nervously.
"Oh, here," Krum said, handing them a few crumpled paper balls.
"What's this?" Harry asked.
"Addresses for letters—if we keep in touch," Krum said, suddenly shy. "I don't have many friends at Durmstrang. Meeting you all here was great."
"Great, huh? What if I asked for three thousand signatures to sell in Diagon Alley?" Cohen joked.
"As long as you don't mind the price crashing," Krum laughed. "See you."
"Wait—" Ron said, looking like he'd made a tough decision.
"Yeah?" Krum asked.
"Can you sign something for me?" Ron mumbled.
Krum looked surprised but pleased. Hermione, not looking at Ron, had a small smile.
"Clichéd love triangle," Cohen muttered. "Harry, you better not pull this with some snake. Or I'll send three old serpents to slither into your bed."
"I've never even been in love!" Harry hissed back.