Hogwarts: Starting with full Unforgivable Curses

Why isn't Dylan in Chapter 328?
After establishing a link with the Goblet of Fire, Dylan experienced it firsthand.

It must be said that the overall design of the Goblet of Fire is truly ingenious.

The choice of fire as the central medium of the entire ceremony is particularly brilliant.

Flames inherently carry multiple meanings.

It is a symbol of purification, capable of removing impurities from the mark.

It is also a vehicle for awakening, capable of connecting latent qualities.

It can also serve as a benchmark for selection, making judgments based on its own energy attributes.

During the process of accepting the mark, the burning of the flames is not a physical harm, but a gentle exploration of energy.

It will travel along the lines of the mark, and in the "burning" process, it will stimulate the hidden potential of the applicants.

It can be the composure when facing unknown energy, the logical thinking when processing complex information, or the speed of response when encountering sudden interference.

These awakened qualities are precisely what allow the Goblet of Fire to form a comprehensive understanding of applicants.

This corresponds exactly to the core of the game that Dumbledore mentioned yesterday.

The three projects tested more than just the strength of magic.

It also concerns whether the Warriors have the courage to withstand unknown challenges, the wisdom to solve difficult problems, and the ability to stabilize the situation through on-the-spot adjustments.

On Halloween Eve, the air at Hogwarts was filled with the sweet aroma of roasted pumpkins early in the morning.

White smoke carrying a burnt aroma billowed from the kitchen chimney, the fragrance spreading through the corridor vents and seeping into the cracks of every classroom window, even seeming to linger in the gaps of the armor.

The pranks in the castle also took place on time.

Several upperclassmen dressed in Gryffindor uniforms have become the new generation of "Weasley Twins".

They led a group of curious freshmen toward the armor display area, and as the freshmen reached out to touch the armor, they secretly poked the joints of the armor with their wands.

The armor clattered open, and the arms shot up sharply, startling the freshmen so much that they either jumped back or grabbed the arms of those around them and screamed.

The imitators immediately covered their mouths and burst into laughter, their shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

The hall was decorated with an even stronger Halloween atmosphere than it had been in the previous days.

Hundreds of paper bats hung from the ceiling, swirling and fluttering with the air currents, their wings flapping and making a rustling sound.

Several skeletons leaned against the wall, their joints wrapped in silver ribbons, swaying back and forth with invisible magic, dancing a bizarre dance around the silk banners of the four academies. The skulls would occasionally bump into the banners, making soft sounds.

The lobby was even more lively than the auditorium.

Many students stayed here all day, clutching their juice cups and staring at the Goblet of Fire.

They had no intention of signing up, but they made observing who would sign up their top priority before the dinner.

Hufflepuff's students are considered the most authoritative intelligence hub here.

They haven't left since the dinner ended last night.

Some people were wrapped in blankets and leaning against the stone pillars, while others were holding notebooks and taking notes.

“Durmstrang’s men arrived in the middle of the night!” A Hufflepuff student cleared his throat as he saw the crowd gathering. “They were all barely able to keep their eyes open and were staggering as they walked. They were probably dragged out of bed.”

He paused, then gestured toward the teachers' table, "Karkaroff was standing right next to the Goblet of Fire, yelling himself hoarse. One minute he was telling people to hurry up, the next he was waving his wand to chase them away. Tsk tsk, he showed no mercy whatsoever."

“Only Krum arrived in the morning,” another Hufflepuff student added, flipping through his notebook. “I heard he caught a cold last night and was coughing badly, but Karkaroff didn’t rush him and let him sleep a little longer.”

This remark sparked a murmur of discussion.

It was obvious to everyone that Karkaroff had a particular fondness for Viktor Krum.

As the Quidditch star walked through the foyer.

Karkaroff's previously tense face softened.

She even proactively asked if he was feeling better, which was clearly different from her attitude towards other students.

During breakfast time, Hogwarts students arrived one after another to register.

Someone hurried forward with bread in their mouth, threw in a note, and ran towards the auditorium.

Some people carefully checked the card several times before solemnly tossing it into the Goblet of Fire.

After breakfast, the students of Beauxbatons, led by Mrs. Maxime, entered the foyer.

She didn't squeeze next to the Goblet of Fire, but stood at the entrance of the hall directing: "Take your time, and watch your step."

Perhaps because she was too tall, she was afraid of accidentally bumping into the students around her, so she even raised her hand to signal them gently.

Dumbledore, as the organizer, remained composed throughout the entire event.

He paced back and forth in the foyer, his gaze constantly glancing near the age limit line, as if searching for something.

When Professor McGonagall told him that Fred, George, and Lee Jordan had all been flung away yesterday and had grown white beards just like his,

He couldn't help but shake his head, his tone tinged with regret: "If only I had gone back later yesterday, or lingered in the lobby longer. It's such a pity I couldn't see the scene with my own eyes."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and touched his long beard, his eyes full of smiles.

As the last rays of the setting sun swept over the castle spire, Dumbledore, along with two staff members, moved the Goblet of Fire to the Great Hall and placed it securely on the stone seat to the right of the Owl's Pedal.

The blue-white flame danced quietly at the rim of the glass, reflecting off the silverware on the podium and becoming the most eye-catching feature in the entire auditorium.

Tonight's Halloween Eve dinner is even more lavish than yesterday's welcoming dinner.

The long table was piled high with roasted turkeys, glistening with oil, sauce dripping down their crispy skin.

The pumpkin soup, simmered until tender, was steaming hot, with a layer of golden cream floating on top.

The various desserts were arranged like a small mountain, chocolate frogs hopped around in the plate, and the frosting on the pumpkin pie shimmered.

But most students didn't have the time or inclination to savor it.

Someone forked a potato and stuffed it into their mouth, but their gaze went past the plate to the Goblet of Fire.

Someone took a couple of bites of bread, and their gaze unconsciously drifted toward Beauxbatons' long table.

There, Hibiscus de Lacour was gently stirring her pumpkin soup with a silver fork, her profile clearly visible in the candlelight.

Not everyone is indifferent to food.

Hagrid treated this dinner party as a top priority, even dressing up in his finest attire.

He splashed most of a bottle of cologne on himself, and the strong scent could be smelled across several long tables.

Her originally messy hair was carefully combed into two strands with lubricant and hung down on both sides of her shoulders.

He was wearing an ill-fitting brown fur suit with sleeves that were noticeably too short, and a yellow and orange checkered tie around his neck with a crooked knot that exuded a sense of solemnity.

He sat in the corner of the faculty desk, and with each bite of stew, he would secretly glance in Mrs. Maxim's direction, his eyes filled with a hint of anxious anticipation.

Seeing that the other person had just turned their head, he quickly lowered his head again, pretending to focus on the grilled meat on his plate.

As the dinner progressed to dessert, the noise in the hall grew quieter.

Only a few people, like Dylan and Luna, are still seriously enjoying their food.

The other students had already put down their knives and forks, craning their necks to stare at the Goblet of Fire, even holding their breath.

Some people clasped their hands together in front of their chests, while others unconsciously clenched their fists, their eyes fixed on the flickering blue-white flames.

The moment the last empty plate was taken away by the house-elf, and its surface returned to its pristine shine, the entire Great Hall fell completely silent. Hundreds of eyes turned to the teachers' table, and even the headmasters, who had been conversing in hushed tones, stopped talking and looked at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore sensed the eager anticipation of the entire audience, slowly stood up, straightened the hem of his robes, and walked gracefully to the Goblet of Fire.

"I think everyone is getting impatient."

He smiled and spoke, his voice gentle yet penetrating, "However, we'll have to wait a little longer."

As he spoke, he raised his wand and waved it gently. The chandeliers on the ceiling of the hall dimmed slightly, leaving only the candlelight and the glow of the Goblet of Fire, which made the blue and white flames appear even brighter.

"The Goblet of Fire will make a choice soon."

He pointed to the room with a velvet curtain next to the teachers' table, "When I call out the names of the warriors, please go there immediately. Wait inside for a while, and once all the warriors have been identified, we will inform everyone of the test content for the first task."

The voice just fell.

The blue-white flames in the Goblet of Fire suddenly surged, their light so dazzling that it was impossible to open one's eyes, instantly illuminating every corner of the entire auditorium.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the flames gradually turned bright red.

Immediately afterwards, a strip of parchment with its edges charred black flew out of the flames, carrying a faint smell of smoke.

"What perfect timing, I just finished speaking." A smile flashed in Dumbledore's eyes as he steadily caught the note.

The flames of the Goblet of Fire quickly returned to their original blue-white color. By the light of the flames, he unfolded the slip of paper and clearly read the words on it: "Let us see the first warrior."

"This is a warrior from Beauxbatons School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—"

The words have not yet fallen.

Karkaroff's taut jawline softened slightly.

The flames in the cup seemed to understand the command.

Before Dumbledore could finish reading, the blue-white flame suddenly turned bright red.

A scorched paper strip was spit out with a "whoosh".

Dumbledore reacted quickly, pinching the note between his fingers to steady it.

Just as he was about to unfold it, a second slip of paper flew out. He simply caught it with his other hand and quickly twisted it open with two fingers: "The first warrior of Beauxbatons, Fleur Delacour! The second, Claudia LaRoche! The third, Adele Lefebvre!"

Fleur Delacour stood up in response, her long, silvery hair cascading in soft waves with her movement. She slightly lifted the hem of her light blue silk robe, her steps as light as if she were walking on moonlight.

Claudia Laroche immediately moved closer to her, his hands unconsciously gripping Fleur's sleeves, his mouth almost stretched to his ears, and his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Adele Fever smiled and adjusted her hood. The three of them walked side by side toward the common room. Before Dumbledore could say anything more, they lifted the curtain and went inside.

When it was Durmstrang's turn, Dumbledore waited a moment.

The Goblet of Fire dimmed briefly, then spat out three strips of paper, like strings of charred leaves.

He laid the three slips of paper out in his palm and read them aloud, word by word: "Warrior of Durmstrang Magic School, Viktor Krum! Maria Wilman! Franz Schmidt!"

The cheers in the auditorium instantly rose a notch.

The Gryffindor students, in particular, recognized Krum, the Quidditch star, and many stood up and waved their fists.

Karkarov clapped his hands excitedly, his palms turning red, his mouth stretching to his ears, and he turned to the faculty member next to him and said something loudly, his eyes full of pride and boastfulness.

After the cheers subsided slightly, Dumbledore spoke with a smile, his tone tinged with anticipation: "Finally, it's the turn of our Hogwarts heroes."

The students at Hogwarts immediately fell silent.

Some people subconsciously moved forward, some put their hands together in front of their chests, and Dylan also looked up at the Goblet of Fire.

The blue and white flames flickered with remarkable stability.

Almost the instant Dumbledore finished speaking, the Goblet of Fire "poofed" out a slip of paper, which landed perfectly in his palm.

He unfolded the note, his eyes scanning the handwriting, and said solemnly, "Let us congratulate Hogwarts' first champion—Cedric Diggory!"

As the event organizers, the students of Hogwarts erupted in the loudest applause in the entire arena the moment Dumbledore finished speaking.

The Hufflepuff table became the center of cheers.

The students stood up one after another, their palms clapping until they were red. Some even stood on tiptoe and stomped their feet, making the wooden benches thump and thud. Even the Slytherins sitting at the next table could feel the vibrations.

Several girls waved Hufflepuff badges in Cedric's direction, their voices filled with excitement: "Cedric! You're amazing!"

Cedric stood up from his seat, an uncontrollable smile spreading across his face.

He subconsciously turned his head, his gaze passing over the crowded people and looking toward the Gryffindor table, as if confirming something.

The Gryffindor students also sensed something was wrong and turned their attention to Dylan, whispering among themselves.

“This isn’t right.” George frowned, tapping his fingers on the table, his tone puzzled. “How could it not be Dylan?”

Fred bit his lip and leaned closer to ask, "What's wrong? Isn't Cedric pretty good?"

“Think about it,” George glanced at the long tables of the other schools and explained in a low voice, “Every school’s first champion, isn’t that the most prestigious? Beauxbatons’ first was Fleur Delacour, Durmstrang’s first was Viktor Krum, and both of them were the best in their respective schools.”

Fred nodded, then glanced at Dylan.

The latter were calmly watching the Goblet of Fire, seemingly indifferent to the outcome, but their doubts deepened.

“Cedric is indeed excellent, but Dylan is lacking in both academics and practical skills…” He didn’t finish his sentence, only raising an eyebrow.

"Let's wait and see." The people around shrugged and gestured towards the Goblet of Fire. "Maybe he'll be the second one."

As if in response to this expectation, the blue-white flame in the Goblet of Fire suddenly turned bright red, and with a flash of light, a charred piece of paper flew out with a "whoosh".

Dumbledore caught it steadily, his gaze unconsciously sweeping over the Gryffindor table, a smile playing on his lips, and announced loudly, "The second hero of Hogwarts is—Harry Potter!"

The cheers of Gryffindor instantly drowned out all the previous sounds.

The students suddenly stood up. Some threw their hats into the air, some hugged the shoulders of the people next to them and screamed, and some slammed their fists on the table and sang the Gryffindor house song.

Fred and George pulled two palm-sized magical fireworks from their pockets, exchanged a quick glance, and then stole a look at Professor McGonagall on the faculty desk.

Seeing that the other person was looking at Harry, he quickly lit the fireworks with his wand.

Two dazzling beams of light shot straight up to the dome, exploding under the starry sky above the ceiling. Golden and red sparks rained down, drawing cheers from even more people.

Professor McGonagall had actually noticed the twins' little actions long ago, but she just shook her head helplessly and affectionately.

Her own palms were red from clapping, and her eyes behind her glasses shone brightly. Like the students, her face was filled with uncontainable joy.

Harry stood up, a bewildered smile on his face, just like Cedric's expression had been.

He subconsciously raised his head, his gaze passing through the crowd and landing on Dylan.

Not only him, but many students in the auditorium also turned their heads.

"Could it be..." George muttered to himself, his brows furrowing even more. He raised a hand to scratch his head, his eyes filled with confusion, "that there's actually no ranking of strength at all, and it's just a random selection?"

He looked at Fred beside him, trying to find the answer in the other's eyes, but Fred just shook his head, looking blank.

"Given the situation, I guess that's how it is, right? After all, Harry is very capable, well, but it seems like he can't compare to Dylan." Fred blinked.

George's lips twitched: "Doesn't that mean everyone has a chance?"

Fred shrugged: "Hey~ Cedric is great, I admit it, but both spots have been filled and Dylan still isn't on it, I don't understand."

(End of this chapter)