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Chapter 252: Ved Says I Can Too!
Chapter 252: Ved Says I Can Too!
On the morning of May 16th, almost everyone woke up early, and after breakfast, they made their way to the maze area.
Regardless of how confident they had been before, at this moment, Harry, with his messy hair, felt his stomach churning at the thought of competing against many older and more talented young wizards.
He forced himself to eat a little and then drank some pumpkin juice. He dared not eat too much, fearing he might throw up later.
"Let's go."
Hermione, equally tense, walked over and patted Harry's shoulder.
"Everyone's ready."
"Okay... good."
Harry hurriedly stood up and instinctively glanced at Ron, only to see him sitting with Percy.
It seemed that Percy was imparting some advice, and Ron looked a bit silly with his mouth slightly agape.
This time, they were on different teams, not friends but competitors.
Harry walked towards the group near the Umbrella House.
Michael's smile was taut as he silently extended his palm and high-fived Harry.
"Go for it! You can do it!"
Padma clenched her fist and said.
She disliked the idea of fighting and was afraid of getting injured, so she chose to be a spectator.
As they reached the center of the long table, Neville joined the group, his legs trembling with nervousness as he stood up.
The rules stated that each participating team could have a maximum of six members.
Harry, Hermione, Michael, Theo, and Leon were the five confirmed participants.
Padma and Ved withdrew, and the Weasley twins teamed up with the older students, leaving Neville to reluctantly step up.
"I... I can't..."
Neville's voice trembled as he registered, "I get so nervous that I forget all the spells..."
"Then bring a sword!"
Ved grasped his shoulder and said firmly, "Trust me, you can do it!"
He then made a sword for Neville, its cold light flashing and appearing incredibly sharp.
Ved hesitated for a moment before handing the sword to Neville.
"I think you should know, this thing can't be used on people—of course, be careful not to accidentally use it on yourself either."
Neville took the sword with trembling hands and asked,
"Can't I... not use it?"
"Of course—it's your decision," Ved said.
Michael also asked, "Can we bring this into the competition?"
"The rules don't say it's not allowed, so it's permitted," Ved replied.
At this moment, in the hall, Neville had the sword, as long as his calf, hanging by his side, and he was dressed in comfortable clothing, looking quite dashing if you ignored his pale face.
Neville's face was ashen, and he looked like he might faint at any moment.
"Don't forget to breathe, Neville," Theo reminded him.
"Take a few deep breaths; I think it will help you."
Michael felt uneasy but still encouraged him,
"Go for it! We don't have to win, but we must walk in with our heads held high."
"Michael, are you being this pessimistic?"
Leon couldn't help but tease.
Amidst the banter, Neville's tension finally eased a little, and then they heard Theo ask,
"Harry, didn't Ved mention you had an advantage? What is it?"
Harry shook his head, "He said I'd know when we enter the maze... but I think it's probably..."
He bit his tongue, letting out a soft hiss, and Neville realized,
"Oh, that..."
"Don't say it!"
Padma immediately stopped him, and Neville hurriedly covered his mouth with his hand.
But Theo shook his head, "I thought so too... but I don't think that's the case."
Michael agreed, "Don't forget, it's not just other teams on the field. The Ministry of Magic will be there too. What if they find out..."
His voice trailed off meaningfully, leaving the rest unspoken.
Everyone understood the implication—though no one knew what the outcome would be, it would undoubtedly be terrible.
Michael then changed the subject, "But in an emergency, we can still use it secretly. We'll cover for you; just make sure no one finds out."
Harry nodded slightly, but his heart remained heavy.
They exited the castle.
The weather that day was pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold, with a thin layer of clouds blocking the increasingly scorching sun.
The participating teams had already gathered at various entrances to the maze, with Filch and Hagrid checking the list. Professor McGonagall stood sternly, keeping a close eye on the students to prevent them from sneaking in.
"Today's maze is different from usual, with many dangerous elements added. If anyone wants to withdraw, now is the time!" Professor McGonagall announced loudly.
Harry heard her words and thought, "Everyone is well-prepared, and it's too late to back out now!"
Before the echo of his thoughts could fade, he saw a team of first-year girls suddenly raise their hands and giggled as they ran out of the participant line.
Another Hufflepuff team was pleading with Filch, "That guy was too nervous yesterday and had a drink. He's been throwing up all morning and can't get up. But even with just five of us, we can still compete, right?"
"No!" Filch replied sternly.
"Even if just one person withdraws, the entire team forfeits! That's the rule!" He struck their names off mercilessly.
One by one, people left the participant line, and Neville was both tense and anxious, almost wanting to leave the team himself.
At that moment, a group of people approached, led by Harry's most despised Malfoy.
He glanced at their team and mocked, "I heard you're participating too, Lombard? Are you planning to entertain the enemy with your clumsy antics and hope they'll spare you?"
Neville's face remained pale, but his body stopped trembling.
"I can! Ved said I can!"
"Oh?" Malfoy said coldly.
"Then I must say, his judgment has been off lately. He should borrow Potter's glasses for a while."
"Get lost, Malfoy!" Harry clenched his fists and stepped forward angrily.
"Or we can fight right now!"
"What are you doing?" Professor McGonagall noticed the conflict and strode over, her voice severe.
"Malfoy, I remember you're not at this entrance! Get back to your team immediately!"
"Yes, Professor," Malfoy said reluctantly, shooting a fierce glare at the two Gryffindors from an angle the professor couldn't see, then heading towards another entrance nearby.
Professor McGonagall looked at the mixed team of students from three Houses, her tone slightly softer but still serious.
"Please, just be quiet today! Many people from the Ministry of Magic are watching your performance!"
Following her gaze, Harry and the others saw Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge from the Ministry, as well as Ved standing there.
(End of Chapter)
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