Around the arena, this market was clearly much livelier than before, with vendors creating many special products for the competition.
For example, Zonko's Joke Shop sold unique badges for the four houses; when stimulated with magic, they would emit the roars and cries of animals.
"Snakes are quiet, they only make low threats, they don't roar; that's more in line with Slytherin's style." A joke shop employee was promoting snake badges to a Slytherin.
"Hmm, makes sense." The Slytherin nodded contentedly, then paid for it.
The two also went to the Literati's Quill Shop; their stall was deserted, and the employee, while grumbling that he wouldn't be back next week, served them.
Harry bought a quill, as he always carried paper for notes.
In front of the Three Broomsticks Pub, Percy, along with several student council members, was inspecting a newly launched special mixed drink.
"Contestant-Exclusive Refreshing Juice"
"Young sir, there are absolutely no banned herbs in here, I know you want fairness in your competition." The employee said awkwardly.
Percy was very satisfied with the employee's attitude; honestly, this feeling made him a bit intoxicated.
However...
"False advertising!" Percy picked up a small cup and took a sip: "It's just lemon juice with some exhilarant. Your brand name needs to be changed!!"
He could taste that??
Meeting the employee's gaze, Percy chuckled, his head held a little higher: "I have twelve OWLs certificates. If I didn't have some ability, would Professor Jones entrust this to me?"
Harry raised an eyebrow in surprise from the side.
Thinking about it, he also curiously wrote with the newly bought quill: "Twelve certificates? All self-taught? Can you take the exam if you're self-taught?"
After writing, he handed the paper to Hermione; he remembered Hermione had looked into this recently.
Hermione glanced at it: "Harry, do you have this idea too? Honestly, I think the more certificates the better; it's beneficial for our future job hunting."
Harry could only shake his head; he was just curious. Could you really sign up for the corresponding OWLs exams without attending classes?
"Oh, well, actually I don't know either. Percy just told me mysteriously that if I wanted to do that, I should tick all the courses."
Clearly, Hermione already had this plan.
Soon, it was ten o'clock.
The Second-Years, who were competing today, did not go to the audience seats but came to the stage.
Draco also rushed over, his face flushed, his hair a bit messy, but with a smile on his face, clearly very excited now.
"You didn't take any drugs, did you?" Harry wrote on the paper.
"Hehe." Draco kept bouncing on his toes: "I just ran three more laps, and I'm in great shape now! Hurry up and put me first, no matter who it is, I'll kill him!!"
Beside him, Crabbe and Goyle had clearly just done the same thing as him, but they weren't as excited, though their heavy breathing proved they were also in good shape.
This week, there were students willing to perform, a few boys from Hufflepuff.
At first, they were very awkward on stage, like they had lost a bet with friends and were forced to perform.
But very quickly, they got into the swing of things and livened up the whole place.
In the teachers' seats, many teachers gave enthusiastic applause. Professor Sprout even stood up and clapped loudly.
"Wonderful, talented students." Dumbledore smiled and wiped away a tear, as if deeply moved.
"Such activities should be greatly promoted." Professor McGonagall also nodded in agreement and clinked glasses with Howl: "Brilliant idea, Howl.
These children may have aspects that are not so magical, but still shine, aspects that we once overlooked.
You brought them into the sunlight, brushing away the dust."
"I also hope there will be more children willing to perform." Howl smiled and sipped his drink.
Soon after, Howl turned his gaze to the children drawing lots below.
"Hopefully... I'll get some exciting matches." He whispered.
Below, the familiar children were comparing their numbers.
"I'm number six," Hermione quickly said.
Harry unfolded the slip in his hand—number two.
It seemed they wouldn't be facing each other.
"Next, please welcome contestant number one and contestant number twenty-eight to the stage!!" Jordan's roar echoed through the arena.
Soon, number one walked out. A sturdy body, tall for his age.
Crabbe!!
And number twenty-eight was Neville.
"Go for it!" Hermione patted Neville's shoulder, sending him into the arena.
The two walked in, and the terrain began to change under the influence of a Fifth-Year spell.
"It's a desert!!" Seeing the rising and falling yellow sand, Hermione whispered: "One of the terrains I'm most looking forward to. Give me this one, I have a lot of room to maneuver."
Harry nodded, his gaze fixed on the arena. Only a few knew about Neville and Grindelwald's studies, and he was also curious about Neville's current strength.
Soon, the one-minute countdown ended.
"Bombarda—" Neville violently waved his wand, like a taut string suddenly snapping.
Crabbe quickly dodged backward, but the explosion kicked up dust.
Suddenly, this scene left him momentarily stunned.
"Bombarda—"
Another spell pierced through the dust and hit him.
Immediately, Crabbe's clothes in front of him exploded, and he flew backward, his eyes rolling back, and he fainted.
It ended extremely quickly; the Blasting Curse was not a spell they could even access. The entire audience was silent; they had initially thought it would end up in a fistfight like last week.
Madam Pomfrey quickly went over, checked him, found nothing serious, and then raised her hand to signal.
"Neville Longbottom—victory!!" Jordan roared, announcing the result, and then a thunderous cheer erupted from the Gryffindor audience.
Neville walked down timidly.
"Why are you trembling?" Draco's mouth curved up, still with that disdainful tone.
"I didn't... sorry, did I hit him too hard?"
"It's no big deal." Draco shook his head indifferently: "Go back to your Gryffindor and enjoy the cheers."
At the same time, as the terrain gradually returned to normal, Jordan began to make another announcement.
"Next up is today's second match. Please welcome contestants number two and number twenty-seven."
Harry walked up, and at the same time, he saw his opponent.
"Harry." The red-haired boy greeted him.
Harry nodded, pointing to his mouth.
Ron also nodded, but his mouth curled up, and he whispered: "Harry, you need to be careful. Others don't know, but you know me. I won't lose."
Harry nodded, rubbing his wrist.
Indeed... quite tricky.
Provided Ron didn't make a wrong move.
Then, the two walked into the arena. After Fred gave Jordan many glances, he finally got a chance to draw the competition terrain.
"Fireworks Flash—"
Crackling, brilliant fireworks fell into the arena,
Suddenly, the ground began to heave, like an earthquake.
Harry also nervously watched the ground, somewhat anticipating his terrain.
Soon, the terrain was set. The ground was still grass, but all around, it had become towering cliffs. Two large rocks inexplicably appeared nearby, and a biting wind swept past the two of them.
Above the Cliff—
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