https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1704-A-War-Without-a-Victor-Part-154-/12938242/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1706-A-War-Without-Winners-Part-156-/12938244/
Chapter 1705: A War Without a Victor (Part 155)
Chapter 1705: A War Without a Victor (Part 155)
Unlike the students of Hogwarts, most British witches and wizards were left perplexed after seeing the promotional ads for the Wizard Card Tournament in the Daily Prophet.
What in the world was this Wizard's Card Game?
Many witches and wizards were genuinely clueless about it.
However, upon noticing the prize of one hundred Galleons for the champion, they found themselves intrigued by this so-called Wizard's Card Game.
A hundred Galleons was not an extraordinary amount for most competitive events, but it wasn't too shabby either, equivalent to a month's salary for many witches and wizards. This was quite an attractive sum for numerous individuals, as many believed they were skilled players and were eager to try their luck. They assumed it was some sort of card game and decided to learn the rules beforehand.
"Oh, you're talking about Wizard's Card Game? I know about it. It's a game that Mr. Anderson invented with his friends during his time at Hogwarts, and it's currently being sold at Joyful Home..."
Old Tom, having received his Galleons, enthusiastically introduced the Wizard's Card Game to the customers, primarily due to George's promise. For every participant he could attract to the tournament, Old Tom would receive an additional Galleon.
For this reason, Old Tom generously allowed Fred and George to post advertisements for the Wizard Card Tournament at the Cauldron Pub.
Before leaving, the twin brothers gave Old Tom some Wizard Card magazines to distribute to those interested in the game.
However, after reading the magazines, many witches and wizards realized that the Wizard's Card Game wasn't the card game they had imagined. They lost interest in the tournament advertised in the newspaper, but there would always be a few who were genuinely intrigued by the game, or perhaps, by the Galleons.
Indeed, compared to the game itself, the Galleons held far more allure.
This was true for everyone.
Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the tournament.
At the entrance of Hogwarts, where snowflakes gently floated, a crowd of students gathered, all intending to travel to Hogsmeade to participate in the Wizard Card Tournament.
Filch, wrapped in a thick cloak, was grumpily registering the students while Cedric stood beside him, frowning as he glanced at the lengthy list of participants. He seemed to have an idea and proposed checking the contestants' card decks to ensure no one was using this opportunity to sneak out and play hooky.
With such a large crowd, all sorts of troublemakers might take advantage of the situation.
"I didn't expect you to play Wizard's Card Game as well?"
Hagrid was aware that most people in Albert's circle played the game, but he was still surprised to see Hermione showing interest in it.
"I'm just going along to check it out. It's a rare opportunity, and I believe many students think the same, or else there wouldn't be so many of us gathered here," Hermione explained, understanding the students' thoughts. Otherwise, Cedric wouldn't have to inspect everyone's card decks.
This move further reduced the number of registered students to a third of the original count, leaving around thirty participants. The Wizard's Card Game had taken root at Hogwarts years ago and had its loyal followers.
Moreover, the annual championship reward of ten Galleons was quite enticing.
Especially after the registration fee was waived, many students were willing to take their chances. If not for Luna, the successor, being a bit of a slacker, the Wizard's Card Club might have thrived.
"What are you looking at? Get back to your seats!"
Filch rolled up the parchment and glared at the students around him before shutting the school gates, preventing any daring students from sneaking out when he wasn't looking. This was a common occurrence among the troublemaking students.
Meanwhile, the lucky Hogwarts students who managed to leave the school followed Hagrid along the path leading to Hogsmeade. After about a quarter of an hour's walk, they arrived at the venue for the Wizard Card Tournament:
It was a customized tent, and a wooden signboard was placed not far from the entrance, with glittering writing that read: "First Wizard Card Tournament Entrance."
The cold participants hurried into the tent, only to find that many contestants had already arrived.
Just as Albert had predicted, as long as the championship reward was generous enough, there would always be people willing to take a chance.
At the counter by the entrance, George was waving and beckoning to the rowdy students, "Come here to register your names and collect your number plates."
"With your number plate, you're entitled to a free first cup of Butterbeer," Fred said as he distributed the number plates after a quick inspection of their card decks.
"Next, you'll participate in a knockout round where you need to collect four number plates, including your own. Then, hand the number plates to Madam Rosmerta at the bar. Only the first sixteen contestants who collect the required number plates will qualify for the subsequent rounds."
Lee Jordan, while distributing warm Butterbeer to everyone, explained, "Of course, if you make it into the top sixteen, all drinks here will be free for you. For now, we only have two types of drinks available."
"Don't get yourself drunk if you want to continue in the tournament," he added.
The inside of the tent was spacious and warm, with many round tables that resembled a large pub.
The bar was located right by the entrance, where Fred and George were registering the contestants, while Lee Jordan and Madam Rosmerta were serving warm Butterbeer to warm everyone up.
"Isn't Albert coming?"
Hermione had already scrutinized the entire tent while Lee Jordan was distributing the Butterbeer, but she didn't spot Albert in the crowd.
"This thing reacted just now," Lee Jordan glanced at the scrying mirror on the table, "Albert went out to check the defensive magic around the area to ensure no one causes trouble during the tournament."
There was no other way; with Hogwarts students participating in the tournament, they had to ensure everything went smoothly, or there wouldn't be another Wizard Card Tournament.
Soon enough, Albert returned.
"How was it?"
Hagrid, sitting at the bar, drinking whisky, and eating peanuts, asked.
"A pesky thief, but I taught him a lesson," Albert glanced at the clock on the wall and turned to George, "How many contestants have arrived?"
"Seventy-eight, including thirty-four from Hogwarts, eleven from Avalon just here for the fun, and the rest are newbies trying their luck," George replied with a sense of helplessness; Wizard Cards were still a niche card game.
"That's already more than we expected," Albert consoled, "It's the first tournament, so holding it successfully is already a success. The main thing is to gain experience."
(End of Chapter)
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