Chapter 301: The Goblet of Fire
By now, those who knew had already guessed that Fleur had Veela heritage.
In the magical world, examples of wizards possessing magical creature bloodlines were everywhere. Though Madame Maxime wouldn't admit it, everyone actually knew she had giant blood like Hagrid. Professor Flitwick had goblin blood, and someone like Fleur with Veela heritage wasn't really that rare. It was just that the enchanting power carried in Veela blood was very uncommon.
Jensen was fine. Though surprised by Fleur's arrival, he already knew about Sean and Fleur's relationship. But Blaise and Andy had wanted to ask how Sean and Fleur met many times. However, every time they saw Fleur chatting happily with Sean, they felt interrupting would be a crime, so they never managed to ask.
After a long while, most people had finished eating and were either having dessert or drinking.
Only Goyle and Crabbe were still clutching half a turkey each.
Dumbledore stood up and clapped his hands lightly. Golden plates were wiped clean, and everyone's attention turned to the risen Dumbledore. At this moment, Filch struggled to push up a huge, jewel-encrusted, aged-looking box on a cart, then laboriously placed it on a small table in front of the staff table, presenting it before everyone like a displayed art piece.
"The competition tasks for this year's champions have been carefully reviewed by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman. They have made many necessary arrangements for each task. There are three tasks in total, taking place at different times throughout the school year. They will test the champions in many different aspects.
Testing their magical talents, testing their courage and reasoning abilities, testing their ability to overcome danger."
The seriousness in Dumbledore's final words made the students in the Great Hall hold their breath.
"As you know, three champions will participate in the Triwizard Tournament, representing the three great magical schools. We will score them based on the quality of their completion of each competition task. After the three tasks are finished, the champion with the highest score will win the Triwizard Cup.
Next, I will introduce the impartial selector responsible for choosing the champions. It is...
The Goblet of Fire!"
Dumbledore drew his wand and tapped the box three times.
A point of golden light flew from the box, followed by a second, then a third. Like a sandcastle blown by wind, countless golden sands flew from the box, increasing from few to many. As the golden sand increased, the box gradually decomposed, revealing the Goblet of Fire inside.
The Goblet of Fire was made from some unknown wood, carved with intricate reliefs representing the three schools, with blue-white flames burning atop it.
"Every student wishing to compete must write their name and school on a piece of parchment and throw it into this goblet. Registration is within twenty-four hours. Tomorrow night, Halloween night, the goblet will select the names of those it considers most capable of representing the three schools. These three will be the champions of this Triwizard Tournament.
Starting tonight, the Goblet of Fire will be placed in the entrance hall, accessible to all students willing to participate in the competition.
However, to avoid unnecessary temptation that might cause underage students to take risks, I will draw an 'Age Line' around the Goblet of Fire. Anyone under seventeen years old will be unable to cross the Age Line.
Finally, I need to remind all students that this competition is not child's play. Do not participate rashly. Once a champion is selected, they must see it through to the end. Whoever puts their name into the Goblet of Fire and is chosen as a champion has essentially signed a magical contract with the Goblet of Fire and cannot change their mind.
Therefore, everyone, think carefully!
Finally, it's already quite late. I wish you all good night."
As Dumbledore's words ended, everyone gradually stood up and walked toward the exit of the Great Hall.
Just then, Fleur also rose to bid farewell to Sean and rejoined Madame Maxime's side. You could see Madame Maxime quietly asking Fleur something while looking toward Sean. Obviously about him.
Fleur was Madame Maxime's most valued student. Her specially seeking out Sean to eat together and the apparent familiarity and intimacy between them. During the meal, Sean had already noticed many professors at the staff table looking their way, not just Madame Maxime, but also Dumbledore, Snape, and other professors.
It was reasonable that Madame Maxime would ask Fleur about him.
After Fleur returned to Madame Maxime's side, Blaise finally had a chance to ask: "Sean, is this the friend you mentioned knowing at Beauxbatons?"
Usually, when Sean wrote to and received letters from Fleur, he hadn't hidden it from Blaise and the others, so they knew Sean had a friend at Beauxbatons. But they hadn't known this friend would be such an incredibly beautiful and excellent girl like Fleur.
Sean naturally understood what Blaise and the others meant. He immediately smiled and nodded: "That's right, she's my friend from Beauxbatons. Her name is Fleur, Fleur Delacour."
While discussing this, Sean suddenly saw Moody striding forward.
Frowning slightly, he looked toward the Great Hall and saw Karkaroff looking at Harry, whom he had encountered by chance. Moody walked directly over, blocking Harry's path. His magical eye spun rapidly as he looked at Karkaroff, whose face had turned pale upon discovering him. Moody showed a fierce grin and growled at Karkaroff: "You're in the way, Karkaroff!"
Karkaroff looked at Moody, forcibly suppressing the urge to retreat. He waved his hand sharply and directly led the Durmstrang students out of the Great Hall, returning to their ship.
That's right.
Neither Durmstrang nor Beauxbatons would stay in Hogwarts castle. They would stay on their own ships and carriages.
With Undetectable Extension Charms, both ships and carriages had much more internal space than they appeared to have from outside, enough for them to live comfortably inside.
Of course, from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang's perspective, this also protected their students.
After ending this complicated day, Sean returned to his room in the Slytherin common room. He poured himself a cup of tea and sat in a chair reading alchemy-related books. Just then, a yawn sounded. Kulkan, who had slept for so long, finally woke up.