Chapter 210: The Snake Shedding Its Skin
Chapter 210: The Snake Shedding Its Skin
"Besides the Quidditch World Cup, there's something else?" Sherlock furrowed his brow. "And it's happening at Hogwarts?"
The further the plot progressed, the more hazy Sherlock's memories became.
However, this year, when Harry entered his fourth year, he was clear that it marked a turning point for the entire Wizarding World.
It was after this year that the Dark Lord, who had been out of power for over a decade, made his return.
Sherlock was unsure of the exact details of what transpired, but he knew that this change was definitely connected to Hogwarts.
Kingsley, seeing that Sherlock's attention was successfully captured, didn't intend to prolong the suspense.
"This year, the three magic schools in Europe are planning to revive the Triwizard Tournament, which has been dormant for a century. The International Magical Cooperation Office and the Department of Magical Sports and Games have already started preparing for it. Although it hasn't been officially confirmed yet, it's almost certain to happen."
Sherlock was not unfamiliar with the Triwizard Tournament. From his studies of Hogwarts' history, he knew that it used to be a regular event among the three magic schools in Europe.
After all, the entire European continent was a relatively small place, and with only three magic schools, they naturally had to determine who was the best.
Sending their most outstanding students to compete in a tournament was the most straightforward way to see who was the strongest.
This was somewhat akin to the grand competitions between sects in fantasy novels, but with the setting shifted to the twentieth-century Western Wizarding World.
However, the social order in the Wizarding World was not as brutal as one might think. While it would be laughable to call it a morally and legally sound civilization, it certainly wasn't a world of survival of the fittest.
Wizards, who generally had greater combat strength than ordinary people, often became Aurors, working tirelessly year-round, with the luxury of a family life being a distant dream. Meanwhile, less capable Wizards could live peaceful, secure lives without fear of an untimely death.
The emergence of dark forces like Voldemort was a rare occurrence. In the entire history of magic, there were only two such figures, the first of whom had initially intended to improve the Wizarding World but clashed with the majority due to differing ideologies.
In this society, where peace and stability were the main themes, the content of the Triwizard Tournament was too dangerous. Nearly every time the tournament was held, participating students would die.
These were the most outstanding students of the magic schools that year, and the tragic loss of such talented individuals was unacceptable to the three headmasters and the Ministries of Magic of the involved countries. In the end, they decided to shut down the tournament entirely.
Now, almost no one remembered this tournament. So why was it being revived out of the blue?
Kingsley, who had been working in the Ministry of Magic for over a decade, had heard some insider information about this.
"It's said that the revival of the Triwizard Tournament was initiated by Minister Fudge of the Ministry of Magic."
He spoke this one sentence lightly, leaving the rest unsaid but understood.
Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic who had always lived in Dumbledore's shadow since taking office, had never relaxed his efforts to assert his authority in the Wizarding World.
In the early years of his tenure, he had been obedient and deferential, always seeking Dumbledore's advice on major decisions at the Ministry of Magic.
It wasn't until he gradually realized that the old man, who resided in the towering castle tower, eating cockroach clusters and drinking lemon drops, had no interest in controlling the affairs of the Wizarding World.
Fudge's audacity grew bolder with each passing day.
He wanted to suppress Dumbledore's influence in the Wizarding World while boosting his own reputation, thereby extending his tenure in this position.
Successfully hosting a grand event that hadn't been held in a century would undoubtedly be a significant political achievement.
And if any problems arose during the event, or if Hogwarts, which the British magical community had high hopes for, failed to win the championship, he could easily shift the blame onto Dumbledore.
After all, the students were Dumbledore's responsibility, and the competition was taking place on his turf.
Fudge could claim the glory, while Dumbledore would bear the blame.
In politics, whether one is bold or timid, their hearts are equally dirty.
This was why, even though he was widely respected, Dumbledore had initially refused to join the Ministry of Magic and take the position of Minister.
"Ha, if our Minister could put all that energy spent on petty politics into actual work, his reputation would have spread throughout the Wizarding World by now."
Sherlock sneered.
Fudge's small-minded schemes were as transparent to Dumbledore as Harry's evasive eyes when he claimed he hadn't been wandering at night.
However, their concerns and realms of thought were different. Fudge craved fame and power, while Dumbledore viewed these things with indifference.
Kingsley, though knowledgeable about political matters, didn't want to get involved. He shook his head.
"Regardless of the reasons, the re-establishment of the Triwizard Tournament is a significant event."
Tossing the bamboo skewer in his hand into a nearby trash bin, Sherlock stood up and patted his clothes, though there was no dust on them.
"Our conversation has veered into these tiring topics again. Well, I won't disturb you further. You can continue your shopping in Diagon Alley. I have someone waiting for me at the Leaky Cauldron. If I don't go over soon, she'll be worried."
Kingsley sighed and stood up as well.
"Be cautious this year at Hogwarts."
Sherlock shrugged and spread his hands.
"What do I have to worry about? The Triwizard Tournament is for students, and it has nothing to do with me as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor."
Kingsley's expression darkened.
"After Mad-Eye Moody retired, Dumbledore privately approached him, asking him to stay at Hogwarts for the coming year. I don't know the exact reason, but something feels off."
Sherlock patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry, I'll be careful."
The two parted ways in Diagon Alley. Kingsley, having lost his interest in shopping, Apparated away.
Sherlock, on the other hand, headed straight to the Leaky Cauldron. As soon as he entered, he spotted the girl sitting quietly at a wooden table, staring intently at the teacup in front of her.
He sat down across from Silke and, noticing she had nothing with her, asked curiously.
"Where are the things you bought?"
"They were sent home by owl post."
As she spoke, she continued to gaze into the teacup, her response almost like an unconscious mutter.
Sherlock noticed her unusual behavior and leaned forward to look into the teacup. All he saw was a layer of tea leaves at the bottom.
"What did you see?"
Silke whispered softly,
"A venomous snake shedding its skin."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
