Chapter 193
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"Sigh… why aren't there girls like that at Hogwarts?" Ron muttered, pretending not to hear Hermione.
He clearly had no intention of arguing.
"Hogwarts girls aren't bad either," Harry said casually, glancing a few seats away—
At Cho Chang.
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"By the way… are you going to enter the Triwizard Tournament?"
Fleur asked, turning back toward Malfoy.
There was a hint of expectation in her tone.
"Maybe," Malfoy replied lightly.
"My father wants me to participate, but I'm not particularly interested."
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"I hope we become opponents," Fleur said, resting her chin on her hands.
She smiled.
"That way, I can take revenge on you properly."
Her tone remained gentle, but the meaning was unmistakably sharp.
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"That would be an honor," Malfoy answered calmly.
"I'm looking forward to it as well."
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When the golden plates cleared themselves once more, Dumbledore stood up again.
A wave of anticipation spread through the hall.
"The moment has come," he said, smiling.
"The Triwizard Tournament is about to begin."
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"Before we proceed, allow me to introduce two guests."
"This is Mr. Barty Crouch Sr., Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation."
Sparse applause followed.
"And this is Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
This time, the applause was much louder.
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Bagman nodded cheerfully.
His eyes scanned the hall—
Then stopped on Malfoy.
A friendly, almost ingratiating smile appeared on his face.
Anyone perceptive enough would have found it strange.
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"Over the past months, Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have worked tirelessly to organize this tournament," Dumbledore continued.
"They will join myself, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime as judges."
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At the word warrior, the hall grew noticeably quieter.
"Mr. Filch," Dumbledore said,
"please bring the box."
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Filch emerged from the corner, carrying a large, jewel-encrusted wooden chest.
It looked ancient.
Students stared, whispering excitedly.
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"So this is your caretaker?" Fleur commented quietly.
"You must have it rough, seeing that face every day."
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Dumbledore ignored the distraction and continued:
"There will be three tasks, held throughout the year."
"They will test magical ability, courage, reasoning… and the ability to face danger."
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The hall fell completely silent.
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"There will be three champions, one from each school," Dumbledore said.
"They will be scored on each task."
"The one with the highest total will win the Triwizard Cup."
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"The selection will be made by an impartial judge—"
He tapped the chest.
"—the Goblet of Fire."
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Dumbledore opened the box.
From within, he lifted a rough wooden goblet.
Inside it burned blue-white flames.
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"This is the Goblet of Fire," he said.
"Any student wishing to compete must write their name and school on parchment and place it inside."
"Entries will close tomorrow night—Halloween."
"The goblet will then select one champion from each school."
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A murmur spread through the hall.
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Dumbledore continued:
"After discussion, we have revised the selection rules."
"For Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, all present students may submit their names."
"They represent the finest of their schools."
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"As for Hogwarts…"
He paused.
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"All students may attempt to enter—regardless of age."
"But…"
"They must first pass a barrier that I will personally set."
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The hall erupted into noise.
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"In other words," Dumbledore added calmly,
"the previous age restriction is no longer absolute."
"If you can overcome the barrier, you may compete."
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Madame Maxime and Karkaroff both nodded.
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Immediately, the older Hogwarts students began complaining.
"If we can't even break through Professor Dumbledore's magic…"
"That's embarrassing!"
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Despite the complaints, many had already made up their minds.
Even if they tried—
They would do it quietly.
Out of sight.
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