The situation itself wasn't difficult for Fleur and the others to understand. The problem was that they had no idea how to deal with either of those challenges.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have come running to Tver for help.
But this time, there wasn't much Tver could explain.
He had never been down into the Black Lake himself. Aside from the giant squid that occasionally surfaced, he had no clue what kinds of magical creatures lurked beneath.
The lake was connected to underground waterways and ultimately to the outside world. There was no telling what strange creatures might wander in.
Of course, Dumbledore and the others would certainly have surveyed the area in advance, ensuring there were no truly dangerous beings before allowing the Champions to dive in.
So Tver prepared a handbook for each of them covering common aquatic creatures. He also specifically reminded Fleur to practice underwater combat more diligently. Then, quite calmly, he ushered them out of his office and told them to think things through on their own.
Apart from Harry, the Champions were all older students. Entering the water would not be especially difficult for them.
As for Harry, well, he had the respected Professor Moody.
Once that was settled, Tver finally stepped out of his office at a leisurely pace.
He was not heading to the Great Hall for dinner. Did they really think Tver was nothing but a glutton who lived to eat?
He simply passed by the Great Hall, had a quick meal on the way, and then led two slightly nervous figures across the grounds, where the snow was beginning to melt.
"You haven't learned Apparition yet, have you?"
George blinked, then hurriedly nodded. A moment later, he realized the professor's back was to them.
"That's right. We don't start Apparition lessons until next term."
Tver stopped and turned around with an amused smile.
"If you're truly worried, you don't have to come."
Given the chance to back out, George instead set his jaw.
"No. We want to see it for ourselves."
Fred nodded as well, his expression finally firm.
"Good," Tver said with a satisfied smile, continuing toward the school gates. "You should understand how we cooperate with Muggles."
"After all, once you graduate, the business side of things will be in your hands."
The Weasley twins exchanged hesitant looks.
They wanted to tell him that while they certainly wanted to make money, they had never imagined doing business directly with Muggles.
When the professor previously mentioned routing things through Gringotts, they had reluctantly accepted.
But now he was taking them to negotiate in person with Muggles.
Still, out of trust in him, they had hesitated for an entire night before finally deciding to see the situation for themselves.
"But Professor, couldn't we have the goblins purchase the supplies for us?"
A faint smile appeared on Tver's face, though the twins behind him could not see it.
"Of course," he drawled lightly. "No."
"The goblins would only buy basic flour, eggs, and milk. Are you planning to spend your time baking biscuits yourselves?"
"Well… that's not impossible…"
George and Fred dearly wanted to say it, but the words stuck in their throats.
"Alright. Hold onto my arm," Tver said as he stepped beyond the school gates. "Don't grip too tightly."
"Since it's your first time Apparating, I'll allow you to hold on a little tighter if you're nervous."
George and Fred quickly each took one of Tver's arms.
Thankfully, they were both boys. If other students had seen the scene, Tver might have ended up with a rather strange reputation.
Wait. Was this England?
In the split second of Apparition, Tver inexplicably thought of one of Britain's less flattering nicknames.
With a soft pop, they appeared in a dim alleyway. Beyond it stretched the unmistakable bustle of the Muggle world, full of traffic and noise.
George and Fred, however, were pale and unsteady, far too busy recovering to care about the bright city outside.
"So that's Apparition?" George blinked several times, still dazed. "I thought I was about to be squashed flat."
"We were squashed flat," Fred muttered. "Then put back together again."
Tver chuckled and handed each of them a piece of chocolate.
"For you, this is Side-Along Apparition. Once you learn to Apparate yourselves, it won't feel nearly as unpleasant."
"No thanks," George said with a grimace. "I'd rather walk everywhere than use that spell again."
Little did he know how often he would rely on it in the future.
Once they finished the chocolate, the lingering nausea from their first Apparition faded completely.
"Let's go. Even if we're the clients, it wouldn't look good to arrive late."
Tver stepped out of the alley, glanced around, then, to the twins' surprise, pulled out a—
map.
"Ahem. I've never been here before. And I think getting lost would be more embarrassing than using a map."
He scanned it briefly. "Found it. This way."
The twins' tense expressions immediately relaxed.
They had assumed the professor could do anything. It was oddly reassuring to discover he had ordinary habits too, perhaps even slightly amusing ones.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Fawley?"
As soon as they reached the entrance of a factory, a balding middle-aged man in a suit approached them.
"You seem very certain, Mr. Rhein," Tver replied with a smile, folding up the map and shaking his hand.
Rhein laughed heartily.
"Mr. Russell only told me you were a gentleman with an indescribably unique presence. I didn't quite understand what he meant until I saw you in person."
"And these two are?"
"George and Fred, the Weasley brothers," Tver said openly, introducing them.
The twins looked startled but quickly shook Rhein's hand, still slightly dazed by the man's enthusiasm.
As Rhein led them inside the factory, George and Fred hurried to Tver's side.
"Professor," George whispered nervously, "is it really alright to tell a Muggle who we are?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Tver replied calmly. "You might work with Rhein again in the future. Are you planning to tell him later that we deceived him?"
His expression turned serious.
"I will not tolerate you deceiving Muggles."
"Of course not!" George and Fred said at once, shaking their heads.
For all his easygoing manner, Tver was imposing when he chose to be. Combined with the natural authority professors held over students, it was more than enough to silence any further objections.