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Chapter 594: Champion Selection
Chapter 594: Champion Selection
To welcome Halloween, the entire Great Hall was decorated with a somewhat eerie and spooky atmosphere.
A large group of bats, each carrying a Jack-o'-lantern in their mouths, wandered around in the air, making the usually bright candles much dimmer. Ghosts, who were rarely seen, emerged to greet the young wizards passing by.
The long tables of the Four Houses were already filled with students, and the Triwizard Cup, which was originally placed at the center of the magic podium, had been moved near the teachers' table.
The young wizards below were restless, whispering to each other, their eyes frequently turning to Dumbledore at the teachers' table, anxiously awaiting the announcement of the Champions.
After Ivan sat down, Hermione asked curiously.
"Ivan, what did Professor McGonagall want with you?"
"Just to help set up the castle!" Ivan replied casually.
Harry and Ron also joined in, curious about whether anyone had crossed the Age Line set by Professor Dumbledore.
"Well, I signed up last night!" Considering the results were about to be announced, Ivan decided to be honest. Before the excited duo could speak, he continued.
"You were both sleeping so soundly at midnight that I couldn't wake you up. The Triwizard Cup requires the person to vote in person, so even if I wanted to help, I couldn't."
Ivan's explanation successfully silenced Ron, but Ron still grumbled inwardly that Ivan wasn't a good friend. Such an important matter should have been done by dragging them along, even if it meant waking them up forcefully.
Harry was also somewhat disappointed, but he quickly adjusted his mindset.
Although he often fantasized about becoming the Champion and winning the tournament, he was well aware that his abilities were not sufficient. Being the Champion would likely bring shame to Hogwarts.
As they were talking, the previously noisy hall suddenly fell silent. Ivan looked up to see Dumbledore standing from his seat at the teachers' table.
This meant it was time to announce the results!
The young wizards craned their necks to look, and even Ivan felt a bit nervous.
Dumbledore walked to the table where the Triwizard Cup was placed, glanced at the clock, and then surveyed the crowd before speaking.
"There's just a short while left! Before we officially announce the results, I have one more thing to say—once the Champions' names are called, I hope they will walk to the top of the Great Hall, then follow the teachers' table to the adjacent room. They will receive initial instructions there!"
Dumbledore pointed to the door behind the teachers' table, nodded in satisfaction when he saw everyone paying attention, and then pulled out his wand, waving it dramatically.
Instantly, the hall grew dark, with only the candles inside the Jack-o'-lanterns remaining lit. The Great Hall was plunged into a state of half-light, half-darkness.
At the same time, the flame of the Triwizard Cup shot up, turning into a brilliant scarlet, and sparks flew as it spat out a scorched piece of parchment.
Dumbledore reached out to take it, glanced at it, and then read out the contents with a strong, clear voice.
"The Champion from Durmstrang—Viktor Krum!"
The Slytherin table erupted in particularly enthusiastic applause, and many students from other houses also clapped, being Krum's devoted fans.
Ron, for example, was extremely excited. When Dumbledore announced Krum's name, he was so thrilled that it was as if his own name had been called.
Dumbledore raised his hand and pressed it downward, and the applause and chatter gradually subsided. Then, a piece of parchment, propelled by a flame, flew out and landed in Dumbledore's hand.
"Beauxbatons Champion — Fleur Delacour!" Dumbledore called out.
Fleur's face lit up with a smile as she gracefully rose from the Ravenclaw table, and the boys in the Great Hall applauded enthusiastically in congratulations.
A few seconds later, the flames from the Triwizard Cup turned red again, and sparks burst forth.
The young wizards in the audience watched the goblet with a mix of tension and excitement, knowing that the Hogwarts Champion would be announced next!
The third piece of parchment soon flew out.
"Hogwarts Champion —" Dumbledore announced loudly, his face showing a well-timed look of surprise. His gaze shifted to the Gryffindor table, and he said, word by word, "Ivan Hals!"
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Ivan stood up calmly, nodding to those around him.
The noisy Great Hall fell silent instantly, and the young wizards stared at Ivan with a mix of amazement, skepticism, and admiration.
Fleur and Krum, who had not yet left the Great Hall, also stopped and turned around.
"Wait a moment," Karkaroff slammed his hand on the table and stood up, looking at Ivan and then glaring at Dumbledore. "Albus, if I recall correctly, the rules state that the Champion must be a Wizard aged seventeen or older, not a fourteen-year-old boy!"
"Patience, Karkaroff, your memory serves you well... As for why this has happened, perhaps you should ask Mr. Hals!" Dumbledore said with interest.
Although he knew McGonagall had already spoken to Ivan and should be aware of how he crossed the Age Line, Dumbledore had no intention of asking.
Sometimes, the unknown is a delight.
Ivan's face showed no hint of panic. He replied calmly, "I wrote my name and the school I represent on a piece of parchment and submitted it to the Triwizard Cup within the designated time.
Clearly, the Triwizard Cup recognized me as the most qualified student among all the candidates and deemed me worthy of being the Hogwarts Champion!"
Ivan's words were undeniably arrogant, causing many older students to glare at him angrily. Yet, they could not refute his statement, leaving them seething in frustration.
"We are not asking about that, Mr. Hals. You have yet to explain how you managed to cross the Age Line!" Karkaroff frowned, persistently pressing on, suspecting that Dumbledore had given Ivan a backdoor entry.
The young wizards in the Great Hall were equally curious, all eyes fixed on Ivan, waiting for his response.
"No, you misunderstand. I cannot break Professor Dumbledore's magic!" Ivan shook his head and replied honestly.
This statement caused a stir, and this time, not only Karkaroff but also Maxime stood up, questioning whether Ivan had cheated to secure his place as Champion. Many of the young wizards who had not been selected were also outraged, demanding that Ivan's status as Champion be revoked!
Despite the wave of skepticism, Ivan remained composed. He pointed to the Triwizard Cup on the magic podium and said, "Who says you have to break the Age Line to submit your name? All you need to do is have a student who meets the conditions take the Triwizard Cup and submit the name for you."
(End of Chapter)
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