Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 171 We'll See You Again

The death of Crouch was a major event. Even though he had been missing for a long time, as long as his death was not confirmed, there was still a glimmer of hope.

Clearly, all hope has been dashed.

The death of a high-ranking Ministry of Magic official enraged Fudge. That evening, after receiving the news, he led some Ministry of Magic officials to Hogwarts, where he and Dumbledore talked for a long time before leaving with Crouch's body.

They needed to give old Crouch a dignified funeral, and with the Crouch family all dead, only the Ministry of Magic could afford it.

"The third event in the championship may have to be canceled."

Inside the castle, many people were discussing the matter, but Ike knew very well that the more difficult the situation, the less likely the tournament would be to stop, and the Ministry of Magic would do everything in its power to ensure the smooth running of the competition.

Sure enough, in mid-June, the Auroras moved into Hogwarts. They were assigned to the vicinity of the Quidditch pitch, partly to ensure the safety of the grounds, and partly to look after the little darlings Hagrid had put into the maze.

Another task was to act as a rescuer on the day of the third event, ensuring that the Warriors could arrive at the scene as soon as possible to provide assistance after they gave up.

In Fudge's opinion, Hogwarts' own strength might not be enough to do this, and he didn't want to see any more casualties.

After the final exams, as the competition drew closer, the atmosphere at Hogwarts grew increasingly joyful. The young wizards didn't care about any danger; all they wanted to do after the exams was over was watch the excitement.

But for Harry, the tension was mounting.

Throughout June, he spent most of his time learning and practicing new magic. Knowing the competition events in advance, he was definitely prepared in a targeted manner.

This matter was inseparable from Hermione's help; if it were just him and Ron, they would have taken many detours.

When it comes to being unreliable, there's no such thing as two negatives making a positive.

As a result, Ike hadn't had a chance to enjoy some leisure time with Hermione for quite some time, until the night before the match when Hermione finally finished dealing with Harry's affairs.

"You don't seem nervous at all." On the top floor of the tower, the two leaned against the railing, gazing at Durmstrang's ship in the Black Lake, and Hermione said softly.

"There's nothing to be nervous about in this competition," Ike replied.

"Yeah, those probably aren't even dangerous for you." Hermione sighed. "Harry's been really busy for a while now, and we don't even know if some of the spells will work."

"He'll definitely be fine," Ike said, looking at Hermione with a smile. "He's our 'savior'."

"Yes, the savior..." Hermione murmured, her eyes gazing absently into the distance.

Ike sensed something and stopped smiling.

"You've already made up your mind, haven't you, Ike?" Hermione said slowly.

"……kindness."

Ike turned around, leaned against the railing, and lowered his head slightly.

Even though he was mentally prepared, his mind was still a little flustered when Hermione revealed it.

"Actually, you decided a long time ago, didn't you..." Hermione continued gazing at the distant Black Lake, "Those books, those notes, and that manuscript..."

"Looking back now, you never really hid the fact that you wanted to leave..."

"The Ike I remember would not reveal all his secrets."

"But this school year, you've revealed your secret more than once..."

"Professor Moody, killing a fire dragon, and that sea control spell..."

Hermione turned her head and looked at Ike quietly.

"The place you're going to must be very dangerous..."

Ike couldn't bear to look into Hermione's eyes; that gaze was slowly eroding his courage and resolve.

"call……"

Hermione noticed Ike's hesitation, closed her eyes slightly, let out a long sigh, and when she opened them again, her eyes were full of determination.

"Go do what you need to do..."

"Hermione..."

"Ike!" Hermione stared intently at Ike. "You made your choice, and I made mine."

So, there's no need to overthink it...

"because……"

"I'll come find you!"

"It definitely will!"

Slowly raising his hand, Ike gently wiped away the tear stains on Hermione's cheek and shook his head.

"If you still feel that way when you know where I'm going..."

"Then I promise, I will protect you..."

"No need! Don't underestimate me, Ike..." Hermione raised her hand and slapped Ike's hand away. "Do you think I don't know where you're going?"

"That black mark on your left arm, which you've been covering up for a whole year, isn't it?"

"You... you knew?" Ike never expected that Hermione would even guess this.

"Don't underestimate me, Ike, I'm not some weak little girl!" Hermione wiped away the tears that had accidentally fallen. "I'm Hermione Granger of Gryffindor!"

"No!" Ike shook his head slightly. "I've never underestimated you, but you need to be well prepared beforehand."

"At least, it should be..."

"Learn and master those books and those spells, I know how."

Looking at the resolute Hermione in front of him, Ike suddenly laughed.

"Have you thought it through?"

"kindness."

"Alright then, I'll be waiting for you." Ike extended his little finger, and Hermione hooked it with a smile.

"I'll tell you a secret..." she whispered in his ear, "Dumbledore knows about this..."

"I know..." Hermione's lips curled into a slight smile. "I guessed it too..."

"So, you need to learn Occlumency."

"I will..."

.........

On the day of the match, Ike arrived at the meeting room next to the auditorium very early. This was something Professor Flitwick had told him long ago. As a privilege, the warriors' relatives were invited to watch the final.

Pushing open the door, one finds a large crowd already inside. Krum is speaking rapidly in Bulgarian with his parents, his usual gloomy demeanor completely gone. Beside him, Fleur is talking to her mother, while Gabrielle holds Fleur's hand, curiously looking around.

In front of the fireplace, Mrs. Weasley was talking to Julianne, while Bill was standing not far away.

"Little Ike!" Julianne spotted Ike immediately and waved excitedly. Ike rushed over and was immediately embraced by Julianne.

"I didn't expect them to invite you, after all..."

"I'm a Muggle?" Julianne laughed. "A wizard's family has the right to know, don't you remember?"

"I really forgot..." Ike scratched the back of his head; he had indeed forgotten about that. "Let me show you around."

"Okay, I also want to see what the magical world is like." Julianne naturally raised her hand to pat Ike's head, but suddenly realized that the child in front of her had grown up.

Even if you have to stand on tiptoe, you still have to raise your hand as high as possible to touch it.

(End of this chapter)