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Chapter 566: Triwizard Tournament
Chapter 566: Triwizard Tournament
The young wizards' expressions of fear and disgust were evident, but Alastor Moody, leaning on his cane, made no effort to tone down his intimidating presence. His magic eye roamed the hall without restraint, unexpectedly locking onto a young wizard who dared to meet his gaze.
Ivan felt nothing unusual about being stared at by the peculiar magic eye; instead, he found it intriguing.
If he wasn't mistaken, the "Mad-Eye Moody" before him was actually Barty Crouch Jr., disguised using Polyjuice Potion.
Ivan couldn't help but admire Barty Crouch Jr.'s audacity!
After all, Dumbledore was a Legilimens, capable of reading thoughts through eye contact alone.
This meant that if the old professor were to suddenly decide to probe, Barty Crouch Jr.'s disguise could be exposed at any moment!
However, Ivan also knew that Dumbledore wouldn't casually invade someone's mind, unless it involved significant strategic planning or matters related to Voldemort.
Moreover, Mad-Eye Moody was a seasoned legendary Auror, and using Legilimency recklessly could alert him. Therefore, Dumbledore had little reason to intrude on this old friend's mind before Barty Crouch Jr. slipped up.
Barty Crouch Jr. must have counted on this, coupled with his confidence in his acting skills, to execute such a daring plan!
As Ivan observed Mad-Eye Moody, the latter had already withdrawn his gaze and made his way to the magic podium.
Dumbledore extended his left hand to shake Mad-Eye Moody's, exchanged a few quiet words, and then invited him to sit in the empty seat to his right.
Mad-Eye Moody didn't hesitate, immediately pulling over the dishes of food deliberately left for him on the table.
He first sniffed them nervously, then poked them with a small knife he carried, and finally stuffed a sausage into his mouth, eating it with large bites.
Dumbledore seemed accustomed to Mad-Eye Moody's paranoid behavior and soon turned to address the crowd, cheerfully announcing that the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Master was Alastor Moody!
Scattered applause broke out, but most were too stunned by Mad-Eye Moody's appearance and actions to join in, their eyes fixed on him.
Noticing the lack of enthusiasm, Dumbledore changed the subject.
"Ah, let's return to our earlier topic! This year, we will not be holding the Quidditch Cup, but we have the great honor of hosting another spectacular event!"
"Indeed, this event has not been held for over a century, and I am delighted to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will take place at Hogwarts this year!"
Dumbledore's tone was not particularly loud, but his words were like a stone thrown into a lake, creating a massive ripple in the hearts of the audience.
No one was paying attention to the new professor, Mad-Eye Moody, anymore. Fred Weasley even stood up, exclaiming in excitement and disbelief.
"Good heavens! You must be joking! This can't be possible!"
Some informed young wizards were both excited and skeptical. Dumbledore confirmed the news and explained the origins of the Triwizard Tournament.
In essence, this competition was established over seven hundred years ago to foster exchange among the three major Magic schools in Europe!
It was held every five years, with each Magic school selecting a champion to compete in various dangerous and thrilling magical challenges. The champion with the highest score would bring great honor to themselves and their school!
However, the tournament was eventually discontinued due to the high number of fatalities. Thanks to the efforts of many, the Triwizard Tournament is finally being revived this year!
"Triwizard Tournament," Ivan muttered, rubbing his chin.
To him, this was an opportunity to gain Legendary Points, but he hadn't decided whether to participate yet. Unlike Harry, he didn't have Barty Crouch Jr. to help him cheat. Even if he managed to get his name into the Triwizard Cup, there was no guarantee it would choose him.
While Ivan was deep in thought, Dumbledore had already finished explaining the details of the Triwizard Tournament.
The atmosphere in the Great Hall became enthusiastic, and many young wizards were eager to become the Champion that Dumbledore spoke of, representing their house and bringing glory to the school!
"We have to participate!" George and Fred were very excited, especially when Dumbledore mentioned that the winner would receive a thousand Galleons. Their eyes lit up at the prospect!
"I wonder how the Champion will be chosen. Is it by drawing lots?" Ron was also tempted, both by the glory and the Galleons.
However, Ron was still aware of his limitations. If the selection was based on academic performance, he had no chance at all!
Only drawing lots would give him a slim chance.
"Forget it, Ron. A competition this important wouldn't be decided so casually! Professor Dumbledore wouldn't allow a poor Champion to represent Hogwarts and tarnish the school's reputation!" George quickly shattered Ron's hopes.
"Maybe they'll set up a dueling arena to see who's the best!" Fred suggested a more plausible idea, given that Dumbledore had mentioned the tournament was quite dangerous.
"Then we wouldn't stand a chance, would we?" George looked at Ivan, who was sitting nearby, with a troubled expression. He had seen Ivan casting spells, and if it came to a duel, no one in the school would be a match for him!
"Ivan, are you going to participate in the Triwizard Tournament?" Fred asked eagerly.
"If I get chosen!" Ivan shrugged and replied casually.
"Then we don't have a chance, do we?" George and Fred sighed in unison, both thinking that if Ivan decided to participate, they would have no hope.
Their despair only deepened when Dumbledore soon announced the conditions for participants!
"I know you all yearn to win the Triwizard Cup for Hogwarts, but for safety reasons, the participating schools and the Ministry of Magic have agreed to set an age limit for this year's competitors!"
"We will only allow students who are seventeen or older to enter!" Dumbledore's expression was very serious.
"That's not fair!" George and Fred shouted in unison. Dumbledore's words had dashed their last hope, as they were both a year away from being seventeen.
Dumbledore ignored their protests and continued, raising his voice to explain that this measure was to protect the Champions. The Ministry of Magic did not believe that Wizards under seventeen could handle the dangerous tasks of the tournament!
Ivan remained calm throughout, as he had already known about the rules and thus had no emotional fluctuations.
After explaining the necessary details, Dumbledore declared the feast over and ordered the Prefects of each house to lead the First-years and other students back to their dormitories.
On the way, everyone was discussing the Triwizard Tournament, and Ivan joined in the conversation a few times.
When they returned to the Common Room, Ivan intercepted Hermione, who was about to head to the dormitory. He pulled her aside and, hesitating for a moment, whispered:
"Hermione, remember to come out at 10 PM tonight!"
(End of Chapter)
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