The Return to Hogwarts

"The warriors are now asleep, but when they wake up tomorrow, they will find that their most precious possession is gone. Only by accepting the challenge and winning it can they reclaim their treasure."

“Victor has a Nimbus 2001,”

Karkarov couldn't resist any longer, and he said solicitously,

"That was when he first joined the Bulgarian Quidditch team, and that's the broom the team provided him. Of course, he's started using Firebolts now, but that Nimbus was his first broom in a match, and it means a lot to him. He told me he would treasure it for the rest of his life. I think that broom is the most precious treasure to Viktor."

"If you dare to try anything funny again, Karkarov!"

Moody jumped to his feet, pointed his cane at Karkaroff, and roared.

"I swear I'll throw you out of this office window, the eighth floor! You can try and see if your warrior can make it in time to ride his beloved broomstick to save you!"

"Alastor".

Dumbledore calmly called out Moody's name, and only after Moody sat down angrily did he look at Karkaroff, whose face had darkened, and smiled.

"Ludo and Amosta didn't explain it clearly enough, Professor Karkaroff, to the point that you misunderstood. The most precious thing for each of us will never be gold, nor will it be valuable objects, nor will it be the wealth we possess, but people."

“I’m sorry, Dumbledore,” Mrs. Maxime said, frowning but maintaining her politeness and composure, “I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

"in short,"

Amosta continued Dumbledore's words.

"According to the plan, we will take away the people closest to each warrior, those who are vital to him and whom he cannot lose. After selecting them, these people will be brought here, and I will cast a spell on them to ensure that they are safe and sound for one hour under the lake, waiting for the warrior to rescue them."

Before Mrs. Maxim's outburst, Amosta continued,

"The clues in the golden egg are just meant to make the warriors nervous. In fact, even if the warriors fail to find their most important person within the allotted time, those who are taken to the lake will not be in any danger."

"That's it"

Mrs. Maxim frowned and pondered, "The most important person to Fleur."

This suggestion was indeed outlandish, and even Karkaroff became cautious for a moment, because he couldn't figure out what was best for Viktor. Should he recommend an insignificant person so that Viktor wouldn't feel guilty, or should he choose someone who was truly important to Viktor, so that Viktor might be motivated to win?

"What does Hogwarts intend to do?"

Madame Maxim could undoubtedly consider the same things Karkaroff had thought of, and she became cautious again.

"Who are the 'important people' you have chosen for the two champions of Hogwarts?"

"Oh, it hasn't started yet?"

Ludo Bagman said happily,

"That needs discussion, doesn't it? I mean, to prevent cheating, the 'important person' chosen for each warrior must be approved by everyone. Since we're on this topic..."

Ludo looked at the Hogwarts headmaster and two vice-headmasters, and said expectantly,

"Hogwarts is the organizer of this year's Triwizard Tournament, so perhaps you should set an example."

Dumbledore smiled and looked at Amos Tower, who nodded and said...

"No problem. Mr. Cedric Diggory, one of the two heroes of Hogwarts, my suggestion is to choose the fifth-year Ravenclaw witch, Miss Cho Chang. I think anyone who has paid attention to Cedric Diggory should know that Miss Cho Chang is his girlfriend, and the two are very close."

“Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang.”

Ludo Bagman offered no comment; he looked around.

"So, what are your thoughts?"

This was indeed a suitable candidate; even Karkaroff couldn't find fault with him. He looked at Amosta Blaine with a hint of surprise, somewhat incredulous that Amosta would be so 'fair'.

"So, what about Hermione Granger?"

Amosta did not immediately make a recommendation; his gaze fell on the table as he pondered.

For some reason, the atmosphere became subtle. Amostella could sense that, apart from him and Dumbledore, the hearts of everyone sitting around the table were beating faster.

"Without a doubt, Hermione Granger's best friends at school were Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, and of the two..."

Amos suddenly looked at Professor McGonagall.

"What is your opinion, Professor McGonagall? Who do you think is more important to Hermione Granger?"

Chapter 838 Argument

2024-04-02

Amos Tower posed the question to Professor McGonagall, a move that surprised everyone slightly. After all, Blaine was not someone who lacked his own opinions or liked to shirk responsibility. However, upon reflection, Minerva was the headmistress of these three young wizards and should know them better, so they could understand Blaine's actions.

There was only one exception: Professor Moody.

Moody's lips were clenched, and the magic eye in his eye socket seemed to be malfunctioning. He looked at Minerva like everyone else, but the magic eye's gaze fell on Blaine's face.

His rugged face remained expressionless, but deep down he harbored endless confusion.

What exactly is Amosta Blaine trying to do?

By now, she and Amosta had been quite frank with each other. She had given Amosta many hints that she would take action in the second match. Someone like Amosta couldn't possibly ignore them, but he remained indifferent to how things would unfold, seemingly not caring about her actions at all.

Under everyone's gaze, Professor McGonagall felt slightly nervous. She pursed her lips and said...

“Oh, as Amosta said, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are Miss Granger’s best friends. The three of them have been inseparable since first year and have overcome many difficulties together.”

Professor McGonagall's eyes showed difficulty.

"But if you ask who is more important to Miss Granger, you must understand that this is not like grading a student's essay, so you can't make a precise judgment. In fact, I think both Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are important to Miss Granger."

No one laughed at Professor McGonagall for rambling on. Everyone present knew that neither friendship nor love was easy to quantify. However, after listening to Minerva's narration, Karkaroff's dark yellow eyes flickered, and the corners of his mouth subtly curled up.

If I remember correctly.

Madame Maxim stroked the opal ring on her large fingers and said thoughtfully,

"At the Christmas ball, Granger seemed to be with that Weasley; perhaps that signifies something."

Amosta smiled, but he noticed that Moody, who was hiding under the table, had clenched her fists at that moment, and he also noticed the expectation in her eyes.

With a blink, Amosta understood her conflicted feelings.

For some reason, she was forced to take action, but she also hoped that her original plan would fail legitimately.

"Oh, that doesn't mean anything, does it?"

Surprisingly, it was Ludo who gave his opinion at this moment.

Amosta was a little confused as to whether Ludo's current excitement was due to what he was about to say, or whether the guy had placed some inexplicable bets at some shady casino again.

"Harry Potter and Miss Fleur Delacour attended the ball together. If I may be so bold, I doubt any young wizard could resist Miss Delacour's charm. So, perhaps Miss Granger originally intended to invite Harry Potter, but missed the opportunity and had to settle for second best?"

Ludo said with great interest,

"In my opinion, Harry Potter would be more suitable, wouldn't he? He's a legendary figure, and people would obviously prefer to see Harry Potter on the Triwizard Tournament stage."

Ludo's words made Professor McGonagall's face tighten. She knew Potter well and knew that he didn't like to be in the limelight and had always been burdened by his reputation. Of course, if Hermione really valued Harry more, she wouldn't mind supporting Harry to make an appearance in the Contest of Champions, but definitely not to please the audience or create a buzz.

"From what I understand, Ludo—"

Moody said in a dark, hoarse voice,

"Miss Delacour invited Harry Potter to the Christmas Ball after Granger acknowledged Weasley as her dance partner, so your assumption is incorrect."

Amosta's eyebrows twitched; he was indeed unaware of this situation.

Moody's questioning caused Ludo's smile to freeze for a moment, but he did not abandon his suggestion.

“Even so, Alastor, you heard what Minerva said. For Miss Granger, both Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are important people. In that case, why not choose one that the audience would rather see?”

"Oh, sorry!"

Professor McGonagall interrupted Ludo's speech with a cold expression. She glared at Ludo, her tone clearly angry.

"Mr. Potter isn't a monkey in a circus; he doesn't have to show up just because the audience wants to see him!"

After successfully silencing Ludo in embarrassment, Professor McGonagall looked at Dumbledore and Amosta.

“In my opinion, either Albus or Amostella can meet the condition of ‘the most important person’; it’s up to you to choose.”

After going around in circles, the problem returned to Dumbledore and Amosta, but before they could voice their opinions, Karkaroff, who had been observing coldly, once again put on a fake smile.

"Since we are now facing a dispute, Dumbledore, I have an opinion, ah, of course, it may be premature."

"Stop bluffing, Karkarov!"

Moody immediately roared,

"I bet you've got some bad ideas up your sleeve again, haven't you? Hmm, don't lie, you know your tricks won't fool me!"

"Alastor".

Dumbledore called out Moody's name for the second time tonight, but this time the warning was stronger. After asking Professor Moody to sit down, Dumbledore smiled and looked at Karkaroff, whose face was flushed.

“We are sitting here for fairness, for the public, and for brainstorming. Professor Karkaroff, you can certainly share your thoughts.”

Seeing Karkaroff regain his composure, Amosta interlaced his fingers again, a hint of coldness flashing in his deep eyes.

My opinion is—

Karkaroff forced a smile, a sly glint in his eyes.

"Since we are finding it difficult to make an accurate judgment between Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, then, to avoid making the wrong choice, I think it would be better to have both of them attend?"

"mean!"