Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 506 The Fairest Referee—The Goblet of Fire
Under the watchful eyes of the entire school, Dumbledore drew his wand and tapped the lid of the box three times.

The lid slowly and creaked open.

Dumbledore reached in and pulled out a large, roughly carved wooden goblet.

The cup itself is unremarkable, but it is filled with dancing blue and white flames.

Dumbledore closed the box and placed the cup on the lid so that everyone in the Great Hall could see it clearly.

Dumbledore continued calmly:
"Please allow me to first invite everyone to look at this magical creation that shines with blue flames—the Goblet of Fire."

It has witnessed the inheritance of courage and glory since the Three Kingdoms Tournament hundreds of years ago, and today, it will carry a new mission.

After multiple rounds of discussions among the Department of Magic, the school boards, and the judging panel of the three participating schools, we have jointly decided to revise the selection rules for this year's tournament.

On behalf of all decision-makers, I hereby announce this important adjustment.

First, regarding the Warriors' selection process.

The Goblet of Fire will act as an absolutely impartial judge, selecting three of the most courageous and promising wizards from each of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang as representatives for their respective schools.

"The three of you—"

Fred couldn't help but shout, "Are you kidding me?"

Three warriors, not one warrior.

Although it was interrupted for more than a hundred years
The tense atmosphere was immediately broken, and almost everyone burst out laughing. Dumbledore also chuckled approvingly.

“I’m not joking, Mr. Weasley,” said Dumbledore. “But since you’ve brought up joking, I’ve heard a very funny joke about a shrew…”

Dumbledore clearly wanted to finish telling the joke he hadn't told last time.

However, this time he had only just begun when Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.

"Oh—it's probably not appropriate to talk about this now...it's not appropriate..."

He immediately changed his tone and decisively admitted defeat:
Where was I?
Oh, right, the new rules!
Although the Three Strongest Tournament, which was established more than 700 years ago, has always revolved around the model of each of the three schools sending one person, it has been suspended for more than 100 years due to various reasons.

With the restart this year, some rules should also be changed.

In addition to the fact that each school's representative has changed from one warrior to three warriors, as I just mentioned, the Goblet of Fire will also appoint a captain based on comprehensive traits to coordinate the team's mission collaboration.

Rest assured, the core magic of the Goblet of Fire remains unchanged; its standards for judging courage, wisdom, and responsibility remain the cornerstones we trust.

Dumbledore raised his voice slightly, silencing the excited young wizards:

"Secondly, there's the age requirement for the Warriors."

To balance the professionalism and safety of the competition, we have added the following regulations:

Of the three warriors from each school, at least one must be seventeen years of age or older.

This measure is necessary because the competition remains challenging and dangerous, no matter how many precautions we take.

This seventeen-year-old warrior will provide the team with necessary guidance and support based on his richer experience in magical practice, especially taking on more coordination responsibilities when dealing with high-risk missions.

Some students may ask, why break the long-standing tradition of solo competition?
I'd like to share our considerations with you from two core perspectives.

“I don’t care why we’re breaking this tradition!” Fred said enthusiastically.

“That’s right, traditions are meant to be broken, and good for them!” George chimed in decisively.

If it were proposed that only students aged 17 and above be allowed to register, then everyone would definitely object.

But now each school has three participants. Although it was said that at least one seventeen-year-old participant was required, there are still two more spots available besides that one!

Although they may be at a disadvantage compared to students who are already seventeen years old, they still have a chance.

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Weasley, but I still need to explain the changes to the rules:"

First, it's to better protect everyone's safety.

As everyone knows, the Triwizard Tournament is always accompanied by formidable challenges.

From battling powerful magical creatures to breaking complex ancient spells, any mistake in any step could bring unpredictable risks.

When three warriors fight side by side, they can remind each other and complement each other's weaknesses:
Students skilled in magic spells can solve puzzles, those proficient in herbs can deal with poisonous obstacles, and experienced older warriors can control the overall rhythm.

This collaborative model minimizes the risks of solo adventures, which is a top priority for the Ministry of Magic and all headmasters.

Secondly, it is to highlight the true value of the magical world.

Teamwork is far more commendable than lone-heroic adventures.

The significance of the Triwizard Tournament has never been to cultivate lone wolf champions, but rather to showcase the overall spirit and character of a school.

How to communicate, how to build trust, and how to find the optimal solution to disagreements.

When three warriors join hands for a common goal, the cohesion they demonstrate reflects the fruits of magical education far more than individual victories.

I know that some students may have doubts about teamwork and worry that their individual brilliance will be overshadowed.

But believe me, true courage never comes from walking alone, but from daring to walk alongside others.

The Goblet of Fire will recognize the contributions of every warrior to the team, and the judging panel will fully consider collaborative contributions in the scoring.

Actions such as postponing missions to protect teammates and listening to suggestions to improve plans will earn extra honor points.

What I want to say is that the value of tradition lies not in its immutability, but in its ability to continuously improve as times change, so as to better serve the values ​​we cherish.

The rule revisions for this year's competition are precisely to allow courage and wisdom to flourish in a safer and fairer environment, enabling every participant to gain more valuable growth from the challenges than simply winning.

After he finished speaking, the entire school's teachers and students began to applaud enthusiastically.

The young wizards, especially those under the age of seventeen, were particularly excited.

The Weasley twins clapped their hands until they were red, almost the same color as their hair.

"Every student who wants to run for the Warriors must write their name and school on a piece of parchment and drop it into this goblet."
Anyone aspiring to become a warrior can register within 24 hours.

Tomorrow night, Halloween night, the Goblet will select the names of nine students it believes best represent the three schools.

Tonight, the wine glass will be placed in the foyer, so that all students who wish to run for office can have access to it.

Here, I would like to remind every student who is going to participate in the election that this competition is not a game, and you should not participate rashly.

Once a warrior is chosen by the Goblet of Fire, he must fight to the very end.

Whoever puts their name into the cup actually forms a magical contract that must be obeyed.

Once you become a warrior, you can't change your mind.

Therefore, please think carefully before you put your name in the cup, make sure you are truly determined to participate in the competition.

Finally, let us give a round of applause to the Ministry of Magic and our sister schools for their trust and support, and look forward to the Goblet of Fire selecting brave warriors who possess courage, wisdom, and teamwork.

May this year's Triwizard Tournament become a grand event that truly embodies the spirit of wizards.

Okay, I think everyone should go to sleep now.

Good night everyone.

Amidst enthusiastic applause, the Halloween gala concluded. "Fantastic!"

Fred's eyes lit up. "This makes things much easier! They've actually increased the number of spots from one to three!"

“Two, only two,” Hermione shook her head. “You’re not even seventeen yet, so you can only compete for the remaining two spots.”

“That’s enough!” George said with a laugh. “This change is brilliant!”

At this moment, the students all walked through the auditorium toward the double doors leading to the foyer.

"Where is he?"

Ron's attention was not on the Goblet of Fire at this moment. He didn't listen to a word the others were saying and was only focused on searching for Krum in the crowd.

"Dumbledore didn't say where Durmstrang's men sleep, did he?"

However, his question was answered almost immediately.

Because by then they had reached Slytherin's table, and Professor Karkaroff hurried over to his student.

"Alright, let's get back to the ship."

He said kindly to Krum:
"Victor, how are you feeling? Have you eaten?"

Should I send someone to bring some mulled wine from the kitchen?

Krum shook his head without saying anything, and simply put his fur cloak back on.

"Professor, I'd like to have some wine too."

Another boy in Durmstrang, upon hearing Karkaroff's words, said with drooling anticipation.

I didn't ask you!

Karkaroff's gentle, fatherly expression vanished the moment he faced Krum, and he spoke sternly to the boy:

“I noticed you’ve spilled food on the front of your robe again, Poliaco, you’re such a nasty boy—”

Karkarov gave a reprimand, then turned around and led his students toward the door.

As luck would have it, they ran into Sherlock and his group as they were walking to the door.

Sherlock didn't stop, and Hermione followed him.

In her opinion, although Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang are considered the three most prestigious schools in Europe, Hogwarts is the best magic school in Europe and even the world.

She had firmly believed this since before the start of first grade.

So she not only looked down on Beauxbatton, but also on Durmstrang.

It felt like some people from a stinky hometown had come to our Hogwarts to beg for food.

However, Ron deliberately slowed down so that he could get a better look at Krum.

Harry, being the kindest-hearted one, stopped in his tracks upon seeing this and gestured for Professor Karkaroff and his students to go ahead.

"Thank you."

Professor Karkaroff, seeing this, didn't stand on ceremony and casually glanced at Harry.

But the moment Karkaroff saw Harry, he was completely stunned.

He slowly, very slowly turned his head back to Harry, staring intently at him as if he couldn't believe his eyes.

Durmstrang's students, who had been following behind the principal, all stopped when they saw him stop.

As Karkaroff's gaze slowly shifted to Harry's face and fixed on the scar, Durmstrang's students also looked at Harry with curiosity.

Several people had expressions of realization on their faces.

The boy whose chest was covered in soup stains, who had just been severely criticized by Karkaroff, nudged the girl next to him and pointed at Harry's forehead without any attempt to hide it.

Harry immediately regretted letting Karkaroff pass; he should have gone out with Sherlock.

At this moment, Sherlock, who had taken in everything, also frowned.

Karkaroff and Durmstrang's behavior has seriously affected their friends.

Just as he was about to step forward, an angry voice came from behind them:

"That's right, that's Harry Potter."

Karkarov suddenly turned around.

Mad-Eye Moody stood there, his heavy body leaning against his cane, his demonic eye fixed on Durmstrang's headmaster.

"It's you!"

Karkaroff seemed surprised that Moody would take the initiative to talk to him, and couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

"Yes, it's me."

Moody said grimly, “Unless you have something to say to Porter, Karkaroff, get on the way. You’ve blocked the doorway.”

This is the truth.

At this moment, half of the students in the auditorium were waiting behind them, vying to get over the shoulders of the people in front of them, wanting to see what was causing the blockage.

Professor Karkaroff said nothing more, waved his hand, and walked away with his students.

Before leaving, he took one last deep look at Harry.

Moody stared at him until he was out of sight.

His demonic eye was fixed on Karkaroff's back, and an expression of extreme disgust appeared on his mutilated face.

Sherlock, who had witnessed the entire scene, smiled.

As more and more people got involved, things started to get more and more interesting.

It seems I won't be bored today.

Halloween is a holiday.

Generally speaking, students eat breakfast very late on this day.

However, today is an exception.

When Sherlock returned to the dormitory with Harry and Neville after their morning exercise, they found that Ron and Dean were not there.

When they entered the hall to eat, they saw more than twenty people gathered there, some of whom were still eating bread, all carefully examining the Goblet of Fire.

As Dumbledore said, the Goblet of Fire was placed in the center of the foyer, on the stool where the Sorting Hat was usually kept.

Hermione and Sherlock's two roommates were among them.

Upon seeing Sherlock, Hermione immediately smiled and asked, "Want to go eat?"

Harry asked curiously, "Has anyone put their name in?"

(End of this chapter)