The Bard of Hogwarts

Chapter 423 The Significance of the Goblet of Fire

The end of each weekend is the prelude to the beginning of a new week.

Whether you're busy or leisurely, the past is the past.

……

Monday evening.

Hogwarts held another grand banquet.

Nothing more than today is the day the Goblet of Fire will select its warriors.

As the host country, the English Ministry of Magic also sent familiar faces: the Director of Magical Sports, Bagman, and another newly appointed Director of International Exchange and Cooperation.

On the professor's seat, Ino looked at the slightly aged Bagman, who also nodded in a friendly manner.

He had a high opinion of this Director of the Sports Department; he was capable, had excellent judgment, and knew how to assess situations. The growth and expansion of the film and television industry over the years had owed much to the other party's efforts.

Of course, no one is perfect.

Bagman's biggest flaw was his greed and gambling.

Although the original Quidditch World Cup and its thrilling, unexpected betting match are missing, Bagman's essence remains unchanged.

But none of this concerns him.

After nodding to Bagman, Ino's gaze also turned to another old acquaintance in the main seat, Durmstrang's principal, Kakarov.

Compared to Bagman, Karkaroff was much more shrewd and cunning. He not only successfully evaded Voldemort's eventual downfall but also managed to retain his position as headmaster through a series of maneuvers.

The latter, under Ino's gaze, gave an almost ingratiating smile.

Perhaps, there really are no fools in this world.

Whether it's Karkaroff from the original story, or the Lucius couple, or many others...

Many people seem to follow only one path, but in reality, they also have no other choice.

Deep-seated hatred forces many people to take the opposite side.

……

8:30 p.m.

As Professor McGonagall stood up, the entire auditorium fell silent.

After a long time, Filch once again carried the Goblet of Fire to the main seat.

The azure flames continued to burn.

Suddenly, a phrase from deep within her memory came to mind—passing on the torch.

At that moment, Professor McGonagall also walked over to the Goblet of Fire.

"A fair selection! The warriors from the three schools will be chosen fairly by the Goblet of Fire!"

As Professor McGonagall finished speaking, the entire Great Hall suddenly went dark, with only the burning Goblet of Fire emitting a blue light.

Perhaps it's a difference in mindset.

Nowadays, when Ino sees such major events, he always maintains a calm attitude and has no intention of cheating.

He didn't care which of the three schools ultimately won the championship.

The reason why the Three Kingdoms Tournament has been able to continue for so many years is perhaps the most fundamental reason why it is fair.

That's the truth. Any competition that loses its fairness truly has no meaning.

……

The banquet proceeded smoothly.

There were no surprises in this three-way battle, and there was no so-called fourth warrior.

After the three warriors entered the room next to the auditorium, the ordinary banquet truly began.

A variety of exquisite dishes appeared on the table. While enjoying the delicious food, everyone also took the time to discuss the three warriors who had just been elected. Everyone looked very busy.

……

Time flies, and it passes in the blink of an eye.

A week has passed in a blur.

With the champion already confirmed, the talk of the castle over the past week has revolved entirely around the Goblet of Fire champion.

Supporters, questioners, and debaters... all sorts of rumors and gossip seem to have never stopped.

Amid the castle's fervent atmosphere, Ino quietly remained a spectator.

He once aspired to be a true spectator after entering Hogwarts.

However, due to unfortunate timing and various external factors, the storyteller eventually became entangled in the story.

But things are different now. No one, whether in the magical world or among Muggles, can sway his thoughts.

……

A weekend evening.

The sky was overcast and gray.

Hogwarts was also gently covered by a light drizzle.

The rain was fine and long, gently tapping on the windowpane, making a pleasant sound.

The second floor of the castle.

The Mechanical Magic Class Office.

Ino stood quietly by the window, her shadow stretched long in the orange magic light.

The slender shadows seemed to blend into the tranquility of autumn.

Outside the castle, the leaves of the willows fall slowly with the rhythm of the autumn rain, swirling and fluttering in the air before gently touching the ground.

This is a scene with a touch of desolation.

But amidst this desolation, there is also an indescribable tranquility and peace.

By the window, Ino's gaze followed the trajectory of each falling leaf, and a faint thought welled up in her heart.

Some are nostalgic for the past, while others are aspirations for the future.

But mostly I feel nostalgic.

A gentle breeze drifted in through the window, carrying the freshness and moisture unique to the area after the rain.

The wind seems to have thoughts too.

Feeling the gentle breeze brushing against her cheeks, Ino took a deep breath of the slightly cool air and immediately felt incredibly refreshed.

……

The rain continued to fall in a light drizzle.

At this moment, it seems to transform into a bard, telling the story of autumn in its own unique way.

On this quiet weekend evening.

Ino stood quietly by the window, listening to the rain and watching the falling leaves, trying to be the first listener to the autumn rain.

But not all the turmoil and noise will go away. As dusk fell, rhythmic knocking could be heard in the quiet office.

"Knock! Knock knock!"

The story of Rain seemed to have been interrupted, but Ino wasn't annoyed, because he had already sensed the identity of the one who had come to the front.

……

"I'm so annoyed by them! They want it to be entertaining, fair, fun, and even have some gambling involved..."

"Merlin, I can understand fairness and fun, but I can't understand why a three-way championship needs betting..."

As soon as she entered, Professor McGonagall began to complain incessantly.

Ino listened quietly to the complaint. In fact, he knew that Professor McGonagall wasn't really to blame.

After all, in such a large place as Hogwarts, there aren't many people who would allow Professor McGonagall to let down her guard and communicate freely.

As far as he knew, it seemed that only Professor Sprout, the Hufflepuff Dean, had been able to communicate with Professor McGonagall without any reservations over the years.

Previously, with Dumbledore above her, Professor McGonagall, though tired, didn't feel too much pressure. But now that she's the headmistress, all the responsibilities fall on her shoulders.

"I was so angry I lost my temper. I'm sorry to have you listening to my rant."

As if realizing her behavior was inappropriate, Professor McGonagall said somewhat embarrassedly.

"It's alright, it's good that you can say it, it's better than keeping it to yourself."

Ino didn't care at all about Professor McGonagall's complaints, but he understood the problem from her explanation.

"Professor, do you remember the challenges you two set up together when Harry enrolled twelve years ago...?"

Upon hearing this, Professor McGonagall paused for a moment, seemingly recalling a distant memory.

……

half an hour.

"You mean?" Professor McGonagall asked, puzzled.

"Yes, let's use the same level that once protected the Philosopher's Stone. We'll find the key while riding brooms, play Wizard Chess... Leave the security to me, but the way to complete the level can be varied."

Ino calmly shared her thoughts.

Since the Goblet of Fire has already been rekindled, what harm is there in another historical event repeating itself?

The challenges of entering school twelve years ago are being faced again, making it a perfect cycle, like the final curtain call of a stage play.

Similarly, stirred by the recent autumn rain, Ino also wanted to make up for past regrets.

As someone outside the story who didn't participate in the first year's treasure hunt, it always seems like something's missing.

Xiao Di's sharing today: Wizengamot

Wizengamo is the highest court in the wizarding world, functioning as a combination of a court and a parliament, and was established before the Ministry of Magic was founded.

The trials here are conducted by questioning by the interrogator, with the clerk recording the proceedings, and the final verdict is decided by a show of hands by the members of Wizengamo.

The Wizengamo currently has approximately 50 members, and its highest-ranking officer is known as the Wizengamo Chief Magician. All members must wear a crimson robe when attending trials, with an exquisite silver "W" embroidered on the left breast.

(End of this chapter)