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Chapter 334: Visiting Relatives
Chapter 334: Visiting Relatives
The final event of the Triwizard Tournament was held a week before the summer holidays at Hogwarts.
As the tournament began, the castle also entered the exam period, but the students' attention was clearly not on their final exams.
After all, a poor exam result would only mean a scolding at home, but an event like the Triwizard Tournament only came around once every hundred years.
The first day of the exam period was for History of Magic.
As a champion, Harry had the privilege of not having to take this exam, but he didn't miss a single session. He sat in the back of the classroom, watching the other students with great interest.
The third task was to take place in the evening, and on the morning of the day the event was to begin, Harry, Hermione, and Ron were eating breakfast in the Great Hall as usual.
"Crouch's Death Eater son hasn't been caught yet", Hermione said, studying the Daily Prophet. "But the Ministry of Magic has stripped him of all his positions. He's currently being held in a holding cell. Some have suggested that if Barty Jr. isn't found by July, he should be transferred to Azkaban."
Ron, who didn't subscribe to the newspaper, listened to Hermione's daily news updates.
"Percy is devastated. According to Mum, he comes home every day looking like he's lost his soul. But I'm sure this is just a temporary reaction. His ambition has always been great, and while Crouch was his idol, it's only to that extent."
Harry didn't comment much on the topic. He was eating a jam toast and eavesdropping on a few Gryffindor students nearby who were complaining about how difficult this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts final exam was.
Noticing that Harry wasn't contributing to the conversation, Hermione and Ron looked at him curiously.
"Aren't you nervous at all, Harry?"
Harry finally turned his attention to them and shrugged nonchalantly.
"It's not time to be nervous yet. Besides, I haven't had to take any exams these past few days, and the joy of watching you all take your exams has already eased my nerves."
"Oh, come on! Stop talking about that. During the History of Magic exam, I was trying to get your attention to give me a hint about whether it was Griselda Slash or Troll Shank, and you didn't even respond!" Ron said, pained.
Before Harry could answer, Hermione glared at him.
"That's a despicable act."
As they were arguing, Professor Mcgonagall suddenly approached Harry.
"Potter, the champions are to meet in the conference room next to the Great Hall after breakfast", she said.
Harry was puzzled and blinked.
"The event isn't until tonight, right?"
"I know", Professor Mcgonagall said. "The champions' relatives have been invited to watch the final. You can meet them."
With that, she walked away, leaving Harry looking bewildered, while Hermione and Ron stared at him with wide eyes.
"Did I ever tell you that Aunt Marge and the Dursleys were coming to watch my competition?"
"Are you brain-dead?" Ron said, eyes wide. "Think about it—would your so-called family ever come to watch your competition? If it were Sirius Black, that would be different, but that's impossible."
Harry pulled at the corner of his mouth. He also thought it was impossible, but since Professor Mcgonagall had come to him specifically, it meant that someone from his family was indeed at Hogwarts. After all, Professor Mcgonagall didn't seem like the type to joke about such matters.
After a quick breakfast, he stood up from his chair. At this moment, he noticed that Krum and Fleur had already entered the meeting room that Professor Mcgonagall had mentioned.
Hogwarts' other champion, Cedric, was standing by the door to the meeting room. When he saw Harry looking in his direction, Cedric waved, clearly waiting for him.
Harry didn't hesitate and walked straight up to Cedric.
"We've been waiting for you", Cedric said, still as warm-hearted as ever.
They walked in together.
Krum was chatting with his parents, who also had dark hair, while Fleur sat with her mother. Her sister, Gabrielle, was by their side.
Mrs. Delacour and Gabrielle smiled and waved at Harry when they saw him.
Although it had been two years, they still remembered Harry from the night he stayed at the Delacour estate with Sherlock.
Harry smiled back and then walked past Cedric and his parents. He saw Mrs. Weasley and her eldest son, Bill, standing by the fireplace, both wearing warm smiles.
"Surprised, aren't you!" Mrs. Weasley said enthusiastically. Harry smiled and stepped forward.
"We came to watch your match, Harry!" She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"How are you doing?" Bill said with a smile, shaking Harry's hand. "Charlie wanted to come, but he couldn't make it. He said your fight with the Acromantula was incredible, simply amazing."
Harry's face lit up with a gentle smile as he looked at the mother and son. He said softly, "Thank you."
Mrs. Weasley and Bill were trying to avoid mentioning the Dursleys, who were supposed to be here instead.
The Weasleys held Harry's hand and reminisced about their days at Hogwarts. Harry remembered what Ron had said earlier and asked, "How is Percy doing?"
Bill shook his head.
"Not well. After Crouch's incident, it was a huge blow to his morale and his career at the Ministry of Magic. Since Crouch had entrusted him with all the affairs of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, the department has been keeping a close eye on him and has already interrogated him three times. They also canceled his appointment as a judge for the Triwizard Tournament, replacing him with Cornelius Fudge."
Harry's eyes narrowed involuntarily.
"Fudge is coming personally?"
Mrs. Weasley tapped his head disapprovingly.
"You should call him Minister or Mr. Fudge and give him the respect he deserves."
Harry clicked his tongue and mumbled, "Maybe."
The match was scheduled for the evening, but the exams continued during the day. Harry spent the morning showing Mrs. Weasley and Bill around the school. They then returned to the Great Hall for lunch.
Ron was obviously surprised to see them, and the twins, George and Fred, along with Ginny, joined them. They were all very excited, and being at Hogwarts made them feel like they were back at the Burrow.
(End of Chapter)
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