https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-503-Uncomprehending-Yet-Respectful/12538843/
Chapter 502: Front-Page Headlines
Chapter 502: Front-Page Headlines
Kyle walked through the side door behind the main guest seats and entered a small room with portraits of witches and wizards hanging on both walls.
Among them, Kyle spotted Fawkes, who was standing behind a house with a bearded headmaster, curiously peering out.
"I heard your name out there," Fleur said as she approached from the fireplace. "The cheers were deafening. I didn't realize you were so popular at Hogwarts."
"It's just a home-field advantage," Kyle replied. "If we were at Beauxbatons, I'm sure the cheers for you would be even louder."
"That's not necessarily true," Fleur said, shaking her silvery hair noncommittally.
Kyle turned to Krum, the legendary Seeker, who offered a simple nod upon seeing Kyle, before resuming his thoughtful pose, leaning against the mantelpiece. Becoming a champion didn't seem to bring him much joy.
Cheers continued to reverberate from outside, and it was unclear what was being said.
During this time, no one else entered the room. It was as if Dumbledore, Chris, Bagman, and the others had forgotten about the three individuals in the room.
Krum remained by the fireplace, silent. Fortunately, Fleur and Kyle were acquainted and could pass the time in conversation.
Finally, after more than ten minutes, the door to the room was opened from the outside once more.
A figure rushed in, and everyone's gaze instinctively turned to the newcomer.
"What is it?" Fleur asked, looking at the skinny figure. "Are they asking us to return to the Great Hall?"
"Oh... yes," Harry said, snapping out of his daze. He quickly averted his gaze from Fleur's face and nodded. "The people from the Prophet are here, and the headmaster has been talking to them. Oh, and the Minister for Magic—he asked me to let you know that you should head back to the Great Hall."
"Cornelius Fudge?" Fleur frowned.
Kyle, meanwhile, kept his eyes on Harry.
"Congratulations, Kyle," Harry said with a smile. "Fred and George plan to make a hundred-foot banner, and we'll all be cheering for you during the tournament."
After saying this, he waved and left at a small run.
Fleur also stood up and began walking reluctantly toward the door.
Coming back to his senses, Kyle shook his head and followed.
"You don't seem to like Fudge much," he said. "Have you met before?"
"No, but Madame Maxime has mentioned him to me," Fleur replied.
"Because of your sister, Gabrielle?"
"Yes," Fleur nodded.
"Has that matter been resolved?" Kyle asked curiously.
"Sort of," Fleur said angrily. "There were clearly six people involved... but that Fudge, he pinned all the blame on one of them and only agreed to send him to your wizard prison...
Of course, that's as it should be, using an Unforgivable Curse is unforgivable, but our demand was that all of them be punished, and he kept dodging the issue."
As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the Great Hall.
They were greeted by another round of cheers.
Kyle noticed that the Goblet of Fire placed there had completely gone out.
Upon arriving, Fleur's face no longer showed any dissatisfaction. She was well aware that it was Madame Maxime's place to deal with the Minister for Magic, and it had nothing to do with her.
She might complain about it when no one was looking, though.
"Welcome, brave champions," Fudge said with a smile.
He looked ruddy-faced, and his figure seemed to have gained a few pounds since the last time they saw him in the courtroom.
Fudge walked over and enthusiastically shook hands with each of them. When he came to Kyle, he even gave his arm an extra vigorous shake.
"Well done, young man, I knew you could do it!"
"Crack!"
Accompanied by a puff of purple smoke, the photographer from the Prophet excitedly captured the moment.
"Front-page headline, Minister!" exclaimed the short man carrying the camera.
"No, Padfoot," Fudge shook his head. "I think the front page should be reserved for these brave champions... How about a group photo?"
"What a thoughtful suggestion, Mr. Minister," the photographer immediately sprang into action, pulling the three champions, including Kyle, to the center of the Great Hall.
Although Maxime looked displeased, she stepped aside.
"No need to move, my dear... lady."
"Very well, of course, that's fine." Dumbledore said, stepping forward to stand behind Kyle. "How's this?"
"Excellent," Padfoot replied.
Maxime and Karkaroff also joined them, standing behind their respective champions.
Next were Fudge, Chris, and Bagman, representing the Ministry of Magic.
Once everyone was in position, Padfoot didn't take the picture right away. Instead, he rushed over to the Gryffindor table and pulled Harry to the very front of the table without explanation.
"What are we waiting for? Let's cheer for our champions!"
Amidst enthusiastic applause, Padfoot finally pressed the shutter.
The banquet concluded, and the students returned to their common rooms. As for Kyle, Fleur, and Krum, they once again found themselves back in the small room.
This time, the three headmasters, Fudge, Chris, and the others followed them in.
"I sincerely hope that the previous photo opportunity brought you all closer together," Dumbledore said with a smile. "The Triwizard Tournament is a grueling competition, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to make friends... I've always believed that having one more like-minded friend is sometimes more valuable than a championship."
Krum's expression stirred, but he remained silent.
"Alright, Albus, let's get down to business," Karkaroff said. "Wickedor isn't feeling well lately and needs to rest early."
"Of course, that's understandable," Dumbledore said. "Allow me to recommend Madam Pomfrey from the Hogwarts Hospital Wing. She's one of the finest healers I know."
"That's quite a compliment," Karkaroff said.
"Well then, let's continue," Bagman rubbed his hands together, beaming at the people in the room. "It's time to offer guidance to our brave champions, isn't it?"
"Indeed." Fudge smiled. "Chris, why don't you take it from here?"
"Certainly." Chris nodded and stepped forward.
"The first task... is a test of your courage, so I won't tell you what it is. Facing the unknown is an important aspect of being a wizard... The only hint I can give you is 'challenges'."
"There will be three challenges, corresponding to the three different schools. Only by reaching the end will you find the clue for the second task."
"That's about it, Chris," Bagman smiled. "We can't reveal more, or the competition will lose much of its excitement."
"Fair enough," Chris smiled back.
Kyle, Fleur, and Krum glared at Bagman, their gazes less than friendly... but he merely patted his belly with satisfaction.
"Now, for the timing," Chris clapped his hands. "The first task will take place on November 30th. In front of all the students, you will be judged by a panel of judges.
"During the competition, the champions must not accept any help from other professors. Your only weapon is the wand in your hand."
Chris emphasized the word "wand" at the end, as if hinting at something.
Fortunately, no one else seemed to notice.
"Since the competition is already very demanding, the champions are exempt from taking the end-of-year exams." Chris continued, "You have one month to prepare for the task, so focus solely on that and don't worry about anything else."
He then turned to Dumbledore. "I believe that's all, Albus."
"Yes," Dumbledore said. "How about we share a drink afterward? I have a fine bottle of whisky."
"I'm afraid not, Albus," Chris replied. "This is the busiest time, and there's much to be done at the Ministry."
"It's just one drink, come now," Fudge winked. "And I'm sure you'd like to celebrate a bit, too."
"Alright... very well," Chris nodded in agreement.
"Wonderful!" Dumbledore smiled.
He wanted to invite Maxime and Karkaroff as well, but when he turned around, he found that they had already left with their respective champions.
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
