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Chapter 498: The Directors
Chapter 498: The Directors
Even though they had only exchanged a few words, the relationship between Conna and Fengrong began to escalate at an astonishing speed.
Just five minutes later, Kyle, who was seated between them, was mercilessly sent away from the coveted spot among the boys, relegated to sitting with Mikael.
As Kyle watched Conna talking to Fengrong, he couldn't shake the feeling that she seemed slightly different from her usual self, her expression a bit...forced.
However, Kyle chose to ignore it and continued eating the large steak and French bouillabaisse that had just been served on his plate.
If he dared to say anything, even the slightest hint of this thought, he would surely die...well, in many ways.
So, Kyle wisely decided to focus on his meal.
Perhaps there was a French house-elf in the kitchen; he could ask later if this dish could be added to their daily menu, replacing the corn chowder.
Aside from the bouillabaisse, the desserts that followed also included many unfamiliar dishes.
Kyle was eyeing a white French vanilla almond blancmange, but before he could get it, Conna pushed the plate towards Fengrong.
"This is for you...Don't you like Yorkshire pudding?"
Fengrong merely smiled, showing no intention of giving it up.
Fine...he couldn't afford to offend her.
Kyle sighed and randomly picked another pudding.
Twenty minutes later, as the golden plates regained their shine, Dumbledore stood up again.
An atmosphere of excitement and tension began to fill the Great Hall.
"The moment has finally arrived!" Dumbledore exclaimed happily, "The Triwizard Tournament is about to begin, and I'd like to explain a few things before..."
"Bang!"
At that moment, the Great Hall was suddenly pushed open from the outside, and two people walked in, one after the other.
"I hope we're not late, Dumbledore," said a familiar voice.
Kyle looked at Chris in bewilderment, wondering why he was there.
"It's a shame you missed the feast," said Dumbledore, "Those French dishes were truly amazing."
"Oh, too bad," Chris lamented, "There's been so much going on at the Ministry lately, and I was only notified ten minutes ago that I needed to be here."
"I understand," Dumbledore said, "Fortunately, you made it in time for the most important part."
Then, turning to the crowd, he said, "Allow me to introduce our guests, as some of you may not know them. This is Mr. Chris Choppy, Director of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures..."
A round of applause filled the Great Hall, with Fred and George being the most enthusiastic, and Ginny, Ron, and Hermione almost jumping out of their seats.
"He's Kyle's dad," Ron explained to Harry and Hermione, "A very easygoing person, and he remembers everyone's birthday. My only new robe was a gift from him."
Harry nodded; he only knew that Kyle's father also worked at the Ministry of Magic, but he had never heard that he was actually a director...such a high position.
"And this is Mr. Ludo Bagman, Director of the Department of Magical Games and Sports," Dumbledore continued.
Over at the Hufflepuff table, Kyle was left puzzled.
Director...Did Chris get promoted? But that shouldn't be the case. A change in Ministry directors is a significant event, second only to the election of the Minister, and it would definitely be mentioned in the Daily Prophet.
However, he had been reading the recent newspapers, and there was no such news.
Or perhaps Dumbledore thought it was more appropriate to introduce them this way?
Just as Kyle was guessing, Dumbledore had also finished introducing the judges, which included Chris, Ludo, and the three headmasters, including himself.
At the same time, the side door of the Great Hall opened, and Filch walked in carrying a large wooden box adorned with jewels that looked quite old.
The students watched in awe as Filch placed the box on a table in front of the main guest table.
"This year's Champion Competition will consist of three tasks, which will take place at different times throughout the school year... They will test the Champions in various aspects... magical ability... courage... reasoning ability... and of course, the ability to overcome danger..."
The Great Hall fell silent, as if everyone was holding their breath.
Dumbledore continued calmly, "And the selector of the Champions will be a fair chooser, the Flame Cup!"
Dumbledore took out his wand and tapped the box three times, then took out a roughly carved wooden goblet with blue and white flames dancing within.
"Those who aspire to be Champions can put their names in it. The Flame Cup will select the Champions it deems most worthy to represent the three schools on the night of Halloween tomorrow.
Of course, I am referring to students who are of age. Later, I will draw an age line around the Flame Cup to block those who are not old enough.
"Finally, I must remind you all that the Triwizard Tournament is not a game. It comes with deadly dangers, and once your name is chosen by the Flame Cup, it is like forming a contract that must be obeyed and the competition must be seen through to the end..."
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In fact, Dumbledore's last sentence was actually useless.
Instead of calming down, the students became even more enthusiastic, eager to write their names and throw them into the cup, and this mood continued until the end of the banquet when they returned to their respective Common Rooms.
Fleur was going to spend the night in the carriage, and she parted ways with Conna at the door of the Great Hall.
Kyle waited at the side door of the Great Hall.
About twenty minutes later, Chris finally came out.
"I knew you'd be here," he said with a smile. "Surprised?"
Kyle nodded. "Beauxbatons is in France, and Durmstrang is in Northern Europe. This seems like a matter for the Department for International Magical Cooperation."
"Yes, it was supposed to be Barty's..." Chris paused. "But he's a bit troubled now and doesn't have time to come over..."
"Because of Sirius Black?" Kyle asked.
"Yes," Chris replied. "After Black was proven innocent, someone accused Crouch of sentencing him twelve years ago without a trial. This major mistake has caused serious consequences for many people...
In any case, these people must now be investigated to prove that they had no personal motives back then. During this time, Barty cannot leave the Ministry."
"Many people?" Kyle said thoughtfully. "What about your position..."
"Oh, this is just a temporary appointment," Chris said, seeming reluctant to discuss Ministry matters with Kyle and only vaguely explained.
"And once the investigation is over, I will hand over the judging authority back to Barty."
He glanced at the time.
"Sorry, I have to get back to the Ministry now."
"I just wish the investigation could be faster. No one told me that being a judge for the Triwizard Tournament would involve so many things... Merlin's beard, I have to write eight reports tonight alone!"
With that, Chris hurried out of the castle.
(End of Chapter)
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