Ethan's gaze swept across the faces around him. There was curiosity, awe, admiration, and jealousy mixed together. They were respectfully seeing Ethan off as he prepared to leave Hogwarts with the other upper-year students, heading to dangerous locations for the challenge.
Who knew if this would be Ethan's last competition? Would he never return?
The students present remained silent, as if hoping Ethan would say something. Their gazes fixed tightly on him with expectation.
Just then, Madam Pomfrey's voice suddenly came from behind: "Wait a moment, Mr. Vincent, there's a letter for you here!"
Ethan paused. Even without turning around, he already guessed who would have sent him this letter.
Taking the envelope, a scent mixed with earth and fresh fruits and vegetables entered his nostrils. The corners of Ethan's mouth unconsciously curved upward.
On the envelope, as expected, was written: From Ottery St. Catchpole Village, Luna Lovegood
Opening the envelope, there was only one sentence inside: I believe you will win.
"Phew..."
Ethan took a deep breath. He looked up at the students waiting for his words. Raising his hand, he slowly and powerfully clenched it in the air, as if gripping everyone's hearts together, making them all hold their breath.
The thousands of words he had wanted to say earlier now became just one sentence: "I will win."
Thud!
These three words struck like a heavy hammer, making everyone's hearts tremble!
I will win!
Why was Ethan so confident? He had never participated in team training with schoolmates, and he was naturally several years behind others in learning. Rationally speaking, there was no way Ethan could win!
"So handsome..." a little girl murmured, shyly covering her cheeks. Already fantasizing in her mind about growing up with Ethan as childhood sweethearts.
Ethan didn't care what others thought. Whether they doubted or believed, the results would prove everything. With his newly obtained "Hell Cerberus" card, victory was within reach!
Ethan raised his chin slightly, walking through the crowd with steady steps. Michael and Mandy followed behind him like loyal guardians, wearing insufferable sly grins.
Hehehe... Only they knew what powerful and terrifying secret weapon Ethan truly possessed!
Go Ethan! Let those who doubt you see clearly who Hogwarts' greatest champion is!
When Ethan arrived at the Great Hall, the other contestants had already assembled.
"What a pity, we thought you were too scared to come. But it's not too late to withdraw now," a Slytherin spoke up, looking at Ethan with contempt and disgust.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. He turned around, pointing at that Slytherin, and loudly said to Professor McGonagall: "Professor McGonagall, he's bullying me."
His voice echoed throughout the hall, and everyone heard it clearly.
The Slytherin stared in shock, his smile freezing on his face. No... why aren't you playing by the rules?!
Professor McGonagall, who was testing Portkeys with the competition organizers, suddenly looked up sharply. Her piercing gaze shot like daggers at that Slytherin.
Great. Causing trouble in front of the competition organizers... you really think Slytherin has too many points.
"Watch your mouth, Mr. Carrow. Five points from Slytherin."
Professor Snape coldly looked down at his own student and spat: "Fool."
Even Prefect Miss Gemma Farley frowned and coldly distanced herself from him. Don't drag me down with your death wish.
Being publicly humiliated, Hamburg Carrow's face immediately turned pale, then flushed red. He gritted his teeth in resentment, his cold gaze glancing at Ethan, but didn't dare say anything more.
Once the challenge begins...
He exchanged a meaningful look with his companion Chips Flint.
Strange, why had the targeting become so obvious all of a sudden?
This thought flashed through Ethan's mind, but he didn't pay much attention to it. After all, everyone present was potential "prey."
Clap!
Professor McGonagall clapped her hands and said: "Alright, we're about to begin pre-competition transport, using Portkeys to transport everyone to the competition venue. After that, the competition organizers will take full responsibility. I won't be accompanying you to the site."
"Don't worry, Professor McGonagall, this competition guarantees safety!" A pot-bellied, ruddy-faced middle-aged man said confidently. He was Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, with short, messy, dark golden hair and round blue eyes.
"For this competition, we not only surveyed every terrain in advance but also carefully examined Herpo's old site, which could pose potential dangers. We've preserved some authenticity while ensuring no real harm comes to the students."
"Moreover, we've invited some professional Aurors to provide full protection. Absolutely foolproof! After all, this is just a competition to train oneself... no need to risk lives, right? Hahaha!"
Professor McGonagall frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with his frivolous attitude. But regardless, she felt somewhat reassured.
The Portkey was a colorful statue of a red cap goblin.
Just as Ethan was about to teleport away, three people suddenly flew into the Great Hall at lightning speed. It was Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Breathless, they rushed to Ethan and shoved a carefully wrapped package into his arms, saying: "This... this is some food we packed. We heard that challenges usually last several days..."
Hermione, blushing, elbowed the two boys reproachfully: "I told you we should get up early! Look, we almost missed it!"
Ron muttered: "But we didn't miss it..."
The three looked at Ethan anxiously and nervously. After all, their gift was rather modest, just some pies with Warming Charms, drinks, chocolates, and such.
They'd heard that Draco Malfoy had directly given Ethan a small bottle of Felix Felicis.
Hermione had also wanted to give potions or something similar, but Ethan prepared everything himself, and with Professor Snape providing guidance, his were better than hers. After much thought, she focused her efforts on food preparation.
Ethan took the package and, leaning close to smell it, could detect a fragrant aroma.
"Thank you all, I'll enjoy it thoroughly."
Ethan smiled warmly, stuffing the package into his Extension Charm bag. Then, along with the second group of contestants for transport, he placed his hand on the Portkey.
Hermione clasped her hands together, murmuring: "Ethan will be fine, Merlin bless him..."
Harry was equally worried but didn't show it, just grinning and waving at Ethan.
Ron was more excited, waving his arms enthusiastically and shouting: "At least beat those Slytherins!"
Michael called out: "Ethan! Come back with first place!"
Mandy nodded encouragingly beside him.
Seeing this scene, Professor McGonagall felt warmed. With the blessings of these good friends, Ethan would surely get through this smoothly.
Ethan raised the corners of his mouth and nodded at them.
The next second...
Whoosh!
As if his body were being stuffed into a narrow tube, everything around him instantly twisted and spun! What a novel experience!
Ethan's eyes lit up with curiosity as he felt his organs being compressed and displaced.
Two seconds later...
With a soft pop, the surroundings suddenly opened up.
Vast frozen plains stretched before them, with overwhelming fog rolling like a torrent. Beside Cedric, who had fallen to the ground with an ungraceful splat, Ethan landed lightly on his feet.
In his mind, a detailed map suddenly unfolded, with a red dot lighting up to mark his position.
He had arrived at the outer perimeter of the Great Rotting Swamp.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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