Chapter 132: Gryffindor's Treasure
Fred thought for a moment and said,
"It's really possible."
While they were talking, the mermaids in the water, angered by the fireworks, began to surface and move toward the four of them.
"Alright, let's talk later. Let's deal with these brutes first," said Lee Jordan, casting several Blasting Curses.
"Sectmsempra !"
Phineas shouted as he unleashed spells at the approaching mermaids, swiftly taking them down.
Though this was their first real fight, George, Fred, and Lee Jordan moved with surprising agility and coordination. Perhaps it was because they had experience helping at home with handling animals, or maybe they simply didn't see the mermaids as humanoid, but rather as magical beasts.
This group of mermaids was significantly smaller than the one they encountered in the Black Lake, so the battle didn't leave them nearly as exhausted. Still, fending them off took effort.
"Alright, let's take a break. Now that the only thing left in the water is that giant squid,which might be Gryffindor himself, if that's true, we shouldn't be in any danger," Phineas said.
Fred raised an eyebrow.
"If that's the case, then isn't the treasure right there in front of us? Why not grab it first and rest after?"
Phineas shook his head.
"You know the saying: 'Ninety-nine out of a hundred miles.' The closer you get to success, the more careful you must be. Better safe than sorry."
Accepting his reasoning, the group cleaned up the mermaid corpses and sat down to rest. Lee Jordan pulled out some food from his bag, and they all shared a simple meal.
Despite sitting near dead bodies, none of them felt nauseated. Perhaps they were too tired to care.
After eating and catching their breath, the four of them approached the water's edge. The squid's long tentacles stretched out over the surface, swaying ominously.
Then the massive squid head emerged. Two protruding blue eyes stared at them as its eight limbs flailed around, blocking the path.
Though the squid looked menacing, it didn't actually attack. Instead, it blocked every attempt they made to cross.
Fred decided to test it and dove into the water, trying to swim to the other side. The squid immediately scooped him up and gently placed him back on shore.
"See? He doesn't want us to pass," Phineas said thoughtfully.
George sighed.
"After all this, and we can't get through? What a waste."
Fred nodded.
"Yeah. Still, it was one heck of an adventure."
Phineas frowned, eyes fixed on the squid.
"It's not in my nature to give up so easily."
He raised his wand. Several stone pillars erupted from the ground near the water, coiling around the octopus like bindings.
The octopus began struggling against the stone pillars, entangling itself.
"Now!" Phineas shouted.
Without needing an explanation, the others followed as he dashed forward. With a sweep of his wand, a stone bridge began to rise from the water, stretching toward the island in the center. The four ran across it, reaching the central platform.
Behind them, the squid was still wrapped up with the pillars and couldn't stop them.
Lee Jordan punched Phineas lightly in the shoulder.
"You're brilliant! I can't believe you thought of all that."
Phineas shrugged.
"As we suspected, that squid might actually be Gryffindor. If that's the case, his actions make sense."
Fred tilted his head.
"What do you mean?"
Phineas explained,
"He's either testing whether we're worthy of inheriting his legacy and treasure—or protecting us. Maybe there's something in the water even more dangerous, which is why he won't let us near it."
George blinked, glancing between Phineas and the massive squid.
"Wait... you think that was a test?"
Phineas nodded.
"It's possible. But just in case it was protection instead, I chose this method. See? The bridge kept us out of the water. If something else dangerous is hiding there, it won't affect us. Meanwhile, the squid is still tangled in the stone pillars and couldn't stop us."
George and Fred nodded in understanding, but Lee Jordan looked puzzled.
"Still, Phineas, you know plenty of spells to control magical creatures. Why go with Transfiguration?"
Phineas smiled.
"Lee, remember what Gryffindor's notes said? He cast a permanent Animagus transformation on himself. That's not just an incredibly advanced spell—it also suggests he was a master of Transfiguration."
Lee Jordan's eyes lit up.
"You're saying… if Gryffindor left an inheritance, it might be related to Transfiguration. So the test would naturally involve that branch of magic!"
"Exactly," Phineas said, pointing at the octopus.
"And I think I was right. Look."
The others turned and saw the stone pillars vanishing. The octopus now floated calmly, gazing at Phineas with a look that could only be described as… proud.
Of course, if it had been a human or a magical humanoid, the look might have been comforting. But having a giant squid stare at you with warm, human-like approval?
It was more than a little creepy.