The Bard of Hogwarts

Chapter 284 Newt's Doubts, A Different Phoenix

The entry of both teams was undoubtedly perfectly timed.

They not only seamlessly filled the gap after the performance, but also elevated the atmosphere of the event to a new level.

"Now, gentlemen and ladies, the Bulgarian team is entering first. They are Dimitrov, Ivanova, Zograv, Levski, Vokanov, and Volkov."

As Ludo introduced the team, the Bulgarian team's speed increased again, becoming so fast that it was difficult to keep up.

"Finally!" Ludo's voice rose: "The Seeker, Krum!"

At this moment, the cheers almost shook the entire stadium, and even the Wizards, who supported the Irish team, immediately offered their applause and cheers.

A world-class Seeker is like a superstar returning to his home turf in the Quidditch World Cup; everyone has to avoid his brilliance.

"He's so cool..."

In the private room on the upper floor, Ron's eyes shone as he murmured unconsciously.

"Yes! An excellent Seeker!" Arthur nodded in approval.

Although I don't have high hopes for the Bulgarian team, Krum's excellence is undeniable.

Meanwhile, in another private room not far from the Weasleys' house.

The atmosphere within the Granger family is polarized; having seen the previous performances, Hermione now finds Quidditch somewhat uninteresting.

But as a sports enthusiast, Mr. Granger was quite the opposite; in his view, any opening ceremony was merely a prelude to the competition.

In any sport, the official competition is always the real highlight.

……

at the same time.

In another box at the stadium, Ino held a warm and soft phoenix in her arms and looked at the two elderly people opposite her with a smile.

"The real phoenix, I knew it would succeed!" Newt stood up excitedly.

"Congratulations! Ino and Newt! Your names are destined to be etched in history."

As Dumbledore spoke, he clapped lightly, his eyes brimming with satisfaction and delight.

"Haha, thank you, Professor! But I'd rather be a witness to history than be recorded in it. So, let Newt be the one to be remembered."

As Ino stroked the phoenix's wings, a feeling of blood connection welled up within her.

He wasn't sure if that was the case between Dumbledore and Fawkes, but the phoenix in his arms felt truly magical to him.

If I had to describe it, it would be like my own child, or another phoenix version of myself—a very strange feeling.

"A witness to history?" Dumbledore asked, somewhat surprised, but quickly smiled and said, "Yes! The phoenix is ​​a witness to history. Fawkes has witnessed generations of the Dumbledore family."

Newt ignored their conversation; his mind was now entirely focused on the newborn phoenix.

The phoenix before him felt different to him, unlike Fox's sacrifice and unlike Fireworks' courage.

Upon closer inspection, the phoenix before us embodies both great sacrifice and courageous resistance, but this is not its entirety.

"Ino, the phoenix gives me a different feeling."

Unable to find an answer, Newt chose to ask directly.

Upon hearing the question, Dumbledore gave a helpless smile. More than half a century had passed, and Newt was still the same.

He sensed something was amiss the moment the phoenix was born.

But Dumbledore knew very well that some things couldn't be asked so directly, just like the Patronus Charm and the flying magic at the beginning.

On the other side...

Upon hearing Newt's question, Ino looked down at the phoenix in her arms.

"I call it Coriber."

Unlike Fox's bright red, the color of Corabo is closer to the morning sunlight, a warm and comforting orange-red.

"Crepe? The healer and the reborn?" Newt pondered the name carefully.

He quickly realized the key point and his gaze involuntarily fell on the phoenix's eyes.

Warm, pure, clear, and bright like the morning sun...

Unlike the chaos at Fide's birth, when Kreber realized she was being observed, she gently turned her head to meet the gaze of the person observing her.

In just a moment, Newt felt as if he had returned to Hogwarts, to those carefree days.

Sensing Ke Ruibo's movement, Ino lowered her head, a flash of doting affection in her eyes.

Compared to Fied, he genuinely loved the phoenix he held in his arms. It was an intriguing feeling; the two were like a rebellious son and a beautiful, adorable daughter.

Dumbledore watched the whole thing without saying a word, but his gaze and expression were extremely relaxed.

……

Inside the private room, everything seemed peaceful and serene.

However, the competition on the field was fierce.

Both the Bulgarian and Irish teams displayed a do-or-die spirit, giving their all in every move and every flight.

A true visual feast, a treat for everyone present.

Harry held his binoculars, his eyes glued to the arena.

He had never seen such a wonderful game. Although he had been the Seeker of Gryffindor for three years and had experienced many Quidditch games, he was quite a veteran.

But when Harry saw the match in front of him, he realized the gap between the Hogwarts Cup and professional players.

Perhaps it can no longer be described as a gap; a chasm would be a more apt description.

……

In fact, it wasn't just Harry who was shocked; the intense competition of the match also left everyone feeling a sense of awe.

Fortunately, everyone present was a wizard and didn't realize there was much of a problem.

Just because wizards don't realize the problem doesn't mean Muggles don't.

"Are they using performance-enhancing drugs...?" Mr. Granger muttered to himself.

He witnessed firsthand how the two teams, in their quest for the giant flying ball, recklessly clashed head-on.

Although the two narrowly avoided each other at the last second, the danger of colliding or even falling from a great height if they had hesitated even slightly made him admire them.

Wizards are really risking their lives playing ball.

"Doping?"

Upon hearing this word, Hermione instinctively frowned; she hated all forms of cheating in driving.

"That's unlikely. Even Felix Felicis was banned before it even started, and no one can escape the Potions Master's tests."

As her potion-making skills improved, Hermione became well aware of the Potions Master's keen perception; some potions didn't even require the Scarpin Reveal Charm, and could be reconstructed simply by smelling the ingredients.

"Perhaps it's the singing!" Mrs. Granger offered her opinion.

"Ino's singing just now evoked a longing for victory, and even gave me the urge to participate in the community cooking creativity competition."

Upon hearing about the community cooking competition, Hermione gave a helpless look, as did Mr. Granger.

After exchanging a glance, the father and daughter both saw a hint of fear in each other's eyes.

"What's with those looks? I was just kidding! Besides, I'm not going to develop any new dishes."

Mrs. Granger was a little angry.

While stewing lamb kidneys with tomatoes and honey might not be the most delicious way to cook them, this dish definitely preserves the original flavor of the ingredients.

Besides, she didn't force them to finish the last dish, so why did the father and daughter look so terrified?

(End of this chapter)