https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-692-It-s-Not-Like-I-m-Deliberately-Avoiding-Him-/13453089/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-694-The-Shortest-Distance-Between-Two-Points-is-a-Straight-Line-/13453097/
Chapter 693: Third Task
Chapter 693: Third Task
If he had occasionally cast a Fear Curse on Peeves over the years, he was sure the poltergeist would have a memorable impression of him.
Ivan smiled at the thought. Asia had been even more mischievous in her childhood than he had imagined.
The two of them chatted as they strolled through the sunlit grass, then went to the edge of the Black Lake to see the luxurious carriage of Beauxbatons and the massive Ghost Ship moored by the lake.
Through a series of indirect questions, Ivan roughly learned that his mother, Asia, was a year younger than Sirius Black and Snape. They had little interaction during their student days, and all the conflicts arose after graduation.
Asia wasn't particularly willing to talk much about it and quickly shifted the topic to the Triwizard Tournament.
Although the Daily Prophet had provided detailed reports on each event, she was still very interested in how Ivan defeated the Dragon and rescued the hostages underwater.
Especially the latter, because Rita Skeeter had turned Ivan's underwater rescue into a clichéd love triangle—Champion Ivan Hals and his beloved Hermione Granger sealing their love with a kiss at the bottom of the lake, only to unexpectedly encounter the distressed Miss Delacour on their way back.
The story then became even more melodramatic, with Rita Skeeter dedicating five lines to argue why Ivan would choose to rescue Fleur, another Champion, instead of Hermione, one of the hostages.
After hearing Asia's recount, Ivan couldn't help but wonder if Rita Skeeter had lost her mind, writing anything for sales. However, under Asia's inquisitive gaze, he had no choice but to explain helplessly.
"Mom, I've only met Fleur a few times. There's no messy emotional entanglement. I saved her because Hermione suggested it..."
"What about Hermione Granger? I saw in the Prophet that she was your dance partner. Is that a lie too?" Asia asked with a smile.
Ivan was momentarily speechless. Under Asia's persistent questioning, he could only vaguely say that he and Hermione had a good relationship.
But he immediately regretted it. During lunch, Asia showed great enthusiasm for Hermione, even inquiring about the young witch's family background, much to Ivan's embarrassment. He felt things were progressing too quickly.
Hermione also seemed uneasy, her usual eloquence lost as she stammered in response to Asia's questions.
In the afternoon, the Great Hall was adorned with banners from the three schools, creating a grand atmosphere.
As evening approached, Minister of Magic Fudge, accompanied by several Aurors, appeared in the entrance hall, his face grim. He managed a forced smile when he met Dumbledore.
Fortunately, none of this concerned Ivan. He was enjoying the banquet while listening to Asia's chatter.
Harry, however, wasn't so relaxed. The upcoming competition had him on edge, and despite the more elaborate dinner, he had little appetite.
When the last young wizard finished eating and put down his cutlery, Dumbledore cleared his throat and stood up from the staff table, ready to speak.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, in five minutes, I will be inviting you to the Quidditch pitch to watch the final event of the Triwizard Tournament. Please, Champions, follow Mr. Bagman to the stadium."
Ivan rose gracefully and, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, walked out of the Great Hall alongside Harry. Fleur and Krum also stood from their seats and followed them out.
Ludo Bagman was already waiting for them outside the entrance hall, a broad smile spreading across his face when he saw Ivan.
"Champions, follow me!" Ludo Bagman called out, and then led Ivan and the others towards the Quidditch pitch.
On the way, Ludo Bagman explained the rules of the Third Task in great detail.
The entire competition would take place in a giant Maze, with the Triwizard Cup placed at its center. The winner would be the Champion who retrieved the Triwizard Cup and successfully exited the Maze.
"Mr. Bagman, doesn't that mean the scores from the first two tasks are irrelevant?" Harry asked, puzzled.
Fleur and Krum, however, were quite pleased. They had fallen far behind in the previous tasks, and if the Third Task were still based on points, they would have had no chance of winning.
However, their joy was short-lived. Ludo Bagman chuckled and replied, "No, the scores are still important. The Champion with the highest score will enter the Maze first. For example, Hals will enter at least three minutes before the rest of you!"
Fleur and Krum's faces darkened. Ivan's skills far surpassed theirs, and if he entered the Maze first, his advantage would be enormous!
Moreover, Ludo Bagman mentioned "at least" three minutes, which meant that Harry, who was currently in second place, would have to wait three minutes to enter. Krum and Fleur, with their lower scores, would have to wait even longer!
The only consolation was that a Champion wouldn't win immediately upon retrieving the Cup. They could still intercept and attempt to take the Triwizard Cup from Ivan as he exited the Maze.
Realizing this, Krum deliberately fell back a few steps and turned to Fleur, seeking her support. Krum knew that he couldn't possibly take the Cup from Ivan alone. Only by working together did they have a slim chance of winning.
Fleur hesitated. Ivan had helped her significantly in the previous task, and she didn't want to repay kindness with betrayal unless absolutely necessary.
As they each pondered their thoughts, Ludo Bagman led them to the Quidditch pitch. Compared to a few days ago, the area had been completely transformed. A twenty-foot-high hedge surrounded the field, with a gap left at the front for the entrance.
From the entrance, the inside was pitch black, with only the faint outlines of the crisscrossing pathways visible.
About five minutes later, the Students, led by Dumbledore, filled the stands, creating a bustling and noisy atmosphere.
Ivan, Harry, Fleur, and Krum stood at the entrance to the Maze, waiting for all the spectators to arrive.
A massive Crystal Ball was floating above the Maze, similar to the one used in the second task. It would relay the Champions' performances to the young wizards in the Arena once the competition began.
This was Ivan's final insurance, to prevent Harry from being kidnapped in the Maze, as had happened in the original Time and Space.
(End of Chapter)
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