"This is a rule we have unanimously agreed upon and cannot be changed. We believe that underage Wizards do not possess the ability to cope with these challenges. I personally strongly urge any student under the age of seventeen not to attempt to deceive our judge."
His gaze lingered on the Weasley Twins for a second; it was obvious that these words were directed at them.
"Now, Mr. Barty Crouch and Mr. Ludo Bagman, please bring in the goblet of fire."
Two officials from the Ministry of Magic stepped out from the door next to the staff table. Together, they carried a quaintly carved wooden chest. The chest was inlaid with jewels but looked ancient, filled with a sense of historical weight.
They carefully placed the wooden chest on the table in front of Dumbledore.
Dumbledore tapped the chest lightly with his magic wand, and the lid slowly opened.
He reached inside and pulled out a large, roughly carved wooden goblet.
The cup itself was unremarkable, without any decoration.
But in the next second, blue-white flames suddenly erupted from the rim, dancing and twisting playfully in the air, illuminating the entire Great Hall.
The flames carried a strange magic—neither hot nor cold, just burning purely.
"Any student wishing to enter the selection must drop a piece of parchment with their name and school written on it into the goblet of fire," Dumbledore announced. "You have twenty-four hours to make your decision. Tomorrow night, after the Halloween feast, the goblet of fire will select the three champions."
He held the goblet of fire high and then placed it steadily in the center of the entrance hall.
Then, he drew his magic wand and drew a large, complete circle on the floor around the goblet of fire.
A golden light flowed from the tip of his magic wand, leaving a shimmering line on the stone floor.
"This is the Age Line." Dumbledore withdrew his magic wand, his voice echoing in the empty entrance hall. "Anyone under the age of seventeen will be unable to cross this line."
Fred and George's eyes lit up immediately.
They winked and nudged each other, huddling together to discuss possible methods in low voices.
Lia stared curiously at the golden line.
The dinner was over.
Students left the Great Hall in small groups, many older students discussing excitedly, their eyes gleaming with a desire for glory.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, Hermione took Lia's hand.
"Let's go find Dumbledore," she said in a low voice, her gaze incredibly determined.
Lia nodded and followed obediently by her side.
They did not return to Gryffindor Tower, but instead detoured to the Gargoyle leading to the Headmasters Office.
"Sherbet Lemon," Hermione whispered the password.
The Gargoyle rotated, clearing the way.
They walked up the spiral staircase and arrived at the door of the Headmasters Office.
Hermione took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Dumbledore's gentle voice came from inside.
The office was warm and bright, with various strange silver instruments spinning and puffing out smoke.
Fawkes the Phoenix stood on his perch, tilting his head to look at them.
Dumbledore sat behind his desk, without the slightest hint of surprise on his face.
"Miss Granger, Miss Lia, good evening." He smiled. "I assume you've come to see me about Professor Moody?"
Both Hermione and Lia were stunned.
"You... you know?" Hermione asked in surprise.
"I had my suspicions." Dumbledore pointed to the chairs opposite him. "Sit down and let's talk."
Hermione pulled Lia down to sit, and then told Dumbledore everything Lia had discovered at the dinner.
"She said Professor Moody smells like two people—one on the outside and one on the inside. The one inside smells very dirty."
The smile on Dumbledore's face vanished. He looked at Lia, his azure eyes full of praise.
He said gently, "You did very well, Hermione, and you too, Lia. Your alertness and composure exceeded my expectations."
"Then... what should we do?" Hermione asked nervously. "Should we expose him?"
"No." Dumbledore shook his head, interlacing his fingers and placing them on the desk. "Now is not the time."
His gaze became profound, as if he could see through the mists of time.
"Our enemy has sent a spy to our side. This is certainly dangerous, but it is also an opportunity. An opportunity for him to expose his own plans."
"Professor Snape and I, as well as the other Professors, will keep a close eye on him. What you need to do is pretend you know nothing and attend classes and live your lives as usual." Dumbledore looked at the two girls, his tone gentle. "Do not let him realize that you have seen through his disguise. Can you do that?"
Hermione glanced at Lia beside her and nodded heavily.
"We can do it, Professor."
Dumbledore smiled with relief.
"Very well. Now, go back and rest. Remember, stay alert, but do not be afraid."
As they left the Headmasters Office, Lia looked back.
Dumbledore was standing by the window, gazing at the night sky over Hogwarts.
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