"Alright, relax a bit," Bagman said, rubbing his hands with a smile. "Actually, the chances of making it to the second round are pretty high, aren't they? Hmm… Barty, how about you give them some guidance on the first task?"
Crouch raised his eyes listlessly, took two steps forward, and said, "The first task is designed to test your courage, wisdom, and overall magical ability."
"The competition will take place on November 24th. During the task, champions are not allowed to request or accept any help from anyone outside the arena. You are not permitted to bring magical puppets, anti-jinx vests, or any other magical items…"
Many eyes swept over Wade, subtly revealing expressions of relief, as if they felt this would drastically reduce the abilities he could rely on.
"—Your only weapon is the wand in your hand."
"Daring to face the unknown is an important quality for a wizard. Therefore, we will not give you any clues about the content of the task before the competition."
"Only after the first task is over will you learn about the second task. Additionally, given the high demands and long duration of the competition, champions will be exempt from the end-of-year exams."
After speaking, he thought for a moment before adding, "I think that's all… You may go back now."
Everyone turned to leave the room. As they were heading out, Wade heard Bagman say in a cheerful voice:
"The main work for today is done, Barty! How about we go to Hogsmeade for a drink? I'm craving Madam Rosmerta's Butterbeer!"
"No, there's still a lot of work to do for the Ministry," Crouch flatly refused, then asked Bagman, "Have you contacted Marchioni? For the live broadcast of the competition…"
The door was closed by Cedric, who was the last to leave, shutting out the voices of the two men.
The Great Hall was now empty; students and Hogwarts professors had already left. Only the headmasters of the eleven magic schools remained, chatting at the teachers' table.
Everyone walked towards their respective headmasters, discussing something in their native languages as they returned to their accommodations.
Seraphina of Ilvermorny complained to Professor Egbert, "Besides knowing that half the people will be eliminated in the first task, we don't know anything else…"
"I know as much as you do, child," Professor Egbert said. "No matter what difficulties lie ahead, smash through them! Also, you can do this: when the competition starts…"
He lowered his voice and mumbled.
"This… isn't that good, is it?" another black-haired boy named Adam hesitated.
"This is for the honor of Ilvermorny, children," Egbert said. "Think about the consequences of failing this competition… Some principles can be relaxed appropriately…"
…
Dumbledore smiled as he looked at the three students in front of him and said, "I suggest you return to your common rooms… I'm sure your classmates are waiting to celebrate with you!"
The three said nothing, bid farewell to their headmaster, and walked out of the Great Hall together.
"So, we're rivals now?" Cedric said with a smile in the corridor.
Wade shook his head. "33 into 16. If possible, of course, we'd eliminate students from other schools first."
"That's good," Harry said, letting out a sigh of relief. "In any case… just do your best!"
"You're right, so—"
Cedric extended his fist. Harry and Wade exchanged glances, then extended their fists to touch his.
"Good luck!" Cedric said with a bright smile. "I hope we all make it to the finals!"
"Okay!" Harry responded happily.
Wade nodded, his eyes scanning Cedric's warm smile, remaining silent.
Soon, the three parted ways. Cedric went down, while Wade and Harry walked upstairs.
The staircase was empty, with only the faint snores of the portraits on either side. As the two walked by, some portraits would suddenly open their eyes and shout:
"Triwizard Tournament restarted, Hogwarts is still the best!"
As soon as the words fell, the figures in the paintings fell back into a deep sleep.
Only when the surroundings quieted down could Harry finally express what was on his mind—
"I can't believe it's actually me… Angelina is actually very capable, I originally thought I didn't have much of a chance."
Harry showed a hint of apprehension: "Among all the students who signed up at Hogwarts, am I… am I really one of the strongest three?"
He looked at Wade, who stood steadfastly beside him, unsure what answer he wanted to hear from him—an objective acknowledgment of Harry's shortcomings, or an affirmation that he indeed possessed this strength?
"The Triwizard Cup chose you; it judged you worthy, so you are undoubtedly a champion."
Wade said, "That cup would certainly consider the magical ability of the entrants, but it couldn't be just magical ability. Perhaps it also includes factors like courage, determination, perseverance, morality, and psychological fortitude."
His implication was clear: perhaps Harry's magic wasn't as strong as Angelina's, but in other aspects, he received a higher evaluation from the Triwizard Cup, which is why he became the "chosen one."
Although he didn't know if this was true, Harry did feel instantly relieved. He thought for a moment and said:
"Wade, how come I feel… you don't seem surprised at all? About me being chosen as a champion."
—Because in Wade's mind, Harry was already one of the champions.
"What's so strange about someone who has defeated Voldemort twice being chosen?" Wade said calmly.
Harry said awkwardly, "You know, Voldemort disappeared because of the magic my mother left me, not my own ability."
Wade, however, said, "Wealth, power, wisdom, looks, strength, magic… No matter which one you possess, it's part of your strength. Fleur Delacour is so beautiful; that also becomes an advantage for her. Should she be turned into an ugly monster just to make others feel it's fair?"
Harry chuckled, his shoulders shaking with laughter, and the anxiety and confusion on his brow vanished.
At the fork in the path, the two said goodbye, and Harry headed towards Gryffindor Tower. Wade looked at the long, winding staircases, some occasionally shifting a bit, and sighed softly.
A moment later, a hawk flew through the window, flapped its wings, and soared towards Ravenclaw Tower.
As he flew through the air, he saw a leopard in the distance running around the Black Lake, its slender body almost taut in a straight line, each push of its hind legs against the ground propelling its entire body forward.
That was another kind of freedom on the prairie; when it ran, it was as if it was speed itself.
A faint smile appeared in the hawk's eyes. Then, with another beat of its wings, it cut through the darkness and landed on the high spire of the tower.
-----------
Machine Translation by: https:// randomtranslator.com/
Read ***+ original & fanfic translations in English, Español, Português, Deutsch, Français, or Русский
Or Translate for free at : https:// randomtranslator.com/translate
Join our Discord: https:// discord.com/invite/XXUR9nkjwa
-----------