https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-582-Are-You-Sure-You-Want-to-Copy-My-Homework-/13449265/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-584-Beauxbatons-Academy-of-Magic/13449267/
Chapter 583: Ordered to Cheat?
Chapter 583: Ordered to Cheat?
"Ivan, what does it say up there?" Harry struggled to squeeze in, but his short stature made it impossible for him to see the notice over the heads of the other young wizards.
"It says that Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will arrive at Hogwarts on Friday at six in the evening, and everyone has to go to the front gate to welcome them," Ivan explained.
"Friday afternoon? Great, the last class should be Potions!" Harry's first thought was that they might not have to attend Snape's Potions Class, which was indeed a cause for celebration for him.
"What about the Champion? Have they already been chosen?" Ron asked eagerly.
"It doesn't mention that. They'll probably wait until the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students arrive to select the Champions," Ivan replied casually.
The other young wizards gathered around were also discussing the topic, debating who might become Hogwarts' representative for the Triwizard Tournament. Each of the Four Houses hoped that a student from their house would be chosen, and the older students were already thinking about how to secure the spot.
Cedric from Hufflepuff was mentioned the most.
As for Ivan? Although he had consistently excelled and frequently made headlines, Dumbledore's Age Limit was a significant obstacle. Most young wizards didn't believe Ivan could find a way to bypass it.
Otherwise, why bother selecting a Champion? They might as well just go to bed.
The announcement in the entrance hall sparked a flurry of activity over the next few days. The Triwizard Tournament became a hot topic, dominating conversations during breaks and meals. Even the castle itself underwent a new round of decoration, more elaborate than when Ivan received the Order of Merlin!
Dusty portraits that hadn't been moved in centuries were taken down, cleaned thoroughly, and then rehung. The armor lining the corridors was polished to a shine, almost mirror-like. The Great Hall, the reception area, was transformed with large silk banners and the flags of the Four Houses fluttering high on the walls, all bearing the marks of recent magical enhancements.
The staff and professors were particularly tense, ensuring that every student was dressed and behaved appropriately. Anyone looking unkempt would be scolded by Filch.
All this was to ensure a grand welcome for the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. No professor wanted to embarrass Hogwarts in front of the other schools' staff and students.
During the last Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall, who rarely lost her temper, was furious. Neville had accidentally grafted his ear onto a cactus while practicing a Transfiguration Spell.
"You should see Hals. He probably learned this simple spell in his first year!
I don't expect you to be like him, but I implore you to try harder. Don't embarrass yourself in front of the Durmstrang students by showing that a fourth-year can't even master a basic Transfiguration Spell!"
Professor McGonagall's harsh words nearly brought Neville to tears.
After class, Professor McGonagall asked Ivan to stay behind.
"Such a pity, Hals! You are likely the most outstanding student Hogwarts has ever had. If it weren't for the Age Limit, you would certainly have been the Champion, bringing glory to Hogwarts!" Professor McGonagall looked at Ivan, her voice filled with regret.
"Professors, you're in favor of me participating?" Ivan looked at her in surprise, finding it strange that the usually strict and orderly Professor McGonagall would hint at encouraging him to enter the competition.
"Why not, if you can?" Professor McGonagall smiled. While she hadn't fully gauged Ivan's strength, she had a general idea.
The numerous trials of the Triwizard Tournament would not pose much of a threat to Ivan, so she had no qualms about it.
On the contrary, McGonagall believed that if Ivan was chosen, the outcome of the Triwizard Tournament would be a foregone conclusion. Even the Aurors from the Ministry of Magic might not be a match for him, let alone his peers.
More importantly, aside from Ivan, Gryffindor House had no other standout senior students.
McGonagall did not want the other houses to take the lead, and she certainly did not want Hogwarts to lose the competition.
The rivalry among the Three Great European Schools had been ongoing for centuries, and everyone wanted their school to be the best in Europe!
If Ivan could somehow bypass the Age Limit and enter his name into the Triwizard Cup, she believed that Headmaster Dumbledore would turn a blind eye to it.
"The Age Limit was proposed jointly by Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. It might very well be aimed at you!" McGonagall said with a hint of dissatisfaction.
Ivan rubbed his nose, not responding. He didn't think it was that extreme.
In the original timeline, where he didn't exist, the Triwizard Tournament still had this restriction. This indicated that it was genuinely intended to ensure the safety of younger wizards and prevent casualties due to insufficient skill.
However, from an outsider's perspective, it seemed quite targeted.
"Anyway, if you have any questions, feel free to come to me!" Professor McGonagall patted Ivan's shoulder, speaking in a rather subtle manner, then tidied up her teaching materials and left the classroom.
Left alone, Ivan had a rather odd expression. He muttered to himself, "So, this means I'm being ordered to cheat?"
Thinking about it, Ivan felt much more relaxed. At least he didn't have to worry about Dumbledore causing trouble if he managed to bypass the Age Line and enter the competition.
When he stepped out of the classroom, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were waiting for him in the corridor.
"Ivan, what did Professor McGonagall just talk to you about?" Hermione asked, holding a stack of books in her arms.
"It was about some Advanced Transfiguration Techniques. You know, the material we cover in class is no longer useful for me," Ivan said, brushing them off. He didn't want to reveal the truth, fearing that the big-mouthed Ron might spill it.
...
Time passed quickly, and soon it was October 30th, the agreed-upon date.
Everyone at Hogwarts was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang contingents. Even the lessons seemed to lose their luster, with the young wizards frequently looking out the windows, though there was nothing to see.
To Harry's disappointment, Snape's Potions class continued as usual, with the only difference being that the class ended half an hour early, allowing them to leave and suffer a bit less.
When the bell rang, the young wizards were incredibly excited. They rushed back to their Common Rooms to drop off their belongings, then lined up and headed to the entrance hall to wait.
(End of Chapter)
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