The imposing figures of the Hogwarts Heads of House and the visiting dignitaries turned as one, their gazes locking onto Karkaroff.
Karkaroff felt his stomach plummet. Was this a targeted setup? He nodded frantically. "I know, I know! Durmstrang students are taught discipline. Mr. Potter is not at fault here!"
Erwin nodded, satisfied. "It's getting late, Professors. Please, get some rest."
Harry Potter followed Erwin out of the office.
"Thank you, Mr. Erwin," Harry said once they were in the corridor.
"It's nothing," Erwin replied smoothly. "I simply spoke the truth. This isn't your fault, Harry. However, I suggest you prepare thoroughly. Discuss the upcoming events with the other participants. The Tournament is far more dangerous than it appears. A moment of carelessness could be fatal."
Harry nodded gravely. "I understand, Mr. Erwin."
Erwin smiled and vanished on the spot.
Harry stared at the empty space, a pang of envy shooting through him. If only I could Apparate at will. He headed straight for the study room.
Inside, Draco and Hermione were already at their usual table. As Harry entered, the room buzzed.
"Look who it is! Harry Potter, Hogwarts's champion!" a voice called out.
"You'd better be careful! The Headmaster said the Tournament is dangerous!"
They were in the Slytherin study room. The comments weren't mocking; surprisingly, they sounded like genuine warnings.
Harry scratched his head, unsure what to say.
Draco stepped in. "That's enough, you're going to scare him to death!"
The group laughed, the atmosphere surprisingly warm. The young wizards clearly trusted Erwin to handle the situation, and by extension, they looked out for Harry.
Draco waved him over. "Sit down, Harry."
Harry took his seat, and the study session resumed.
"Harry, what did the Heads of House say?" Draco asked.
Hermione looked at him with wide, worried eyes.
"Mr. Erwin and Headmaster Dumbledore said I can compete," Harry explained. "They'll handle the fallout."
Draco frowned. "They warned you it's dangerous. Are you sure you're up for it?"
Harry shook his head. "No idea. But what about Charlotte? Have you seen her?"
"I haven't," Hermione said. "She missed study session. She's probably with Erwin. After something like this, they must have a lot to discuss."
Harry nodded. "I'll ask her later. Honestly? I'm terrified."
Draco clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. We've got your back."
Harry looked at Draco, a sense of warmth spreading through his chest. Hermione watched them, suddenly feeling like an intruder, though she couldn't quite say why. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
Back in Erwin's quarters, he stood by the open window, the cool night breeze washing over him. Charlotte stood a few paces back, head bowed.
"I apologize, sir," she said. "I failed."
Erwin chuckled softly. "It isn't your fault, Charlotte."
"I'm certain of it," she insisted. "No adult wizard entered anyone else's name. Every eligible candidate submitted their own. We verified the history."
"I know," Erwin said, his eyes narrowing. "It must have been my dear teacher himself. No one else has the skill to pull this off right under our noses."
"I don't understand how he managed it," Charlotte admitted. "We screened everyone."
Erwin looked thoughtful. "Neither do I. But that's what makes this intriguing. As expected of him. His capabilities are... impressive."
"What are your orders?" Charlotte asked.
"Simple," Erwin replied. "We play along. If he wants Harry in this game, we'll let him play. It keeps the tempo within our reach once things start moving."
"Shouldn't we sabotage his plan?"
Erwin shook his head. "Attempting to stop him now would only cause more chaos. It's better to let it play out. The truth has a way of surfacing. Besides," he added with a smirk, "it's more interesting this way."
Charlotte nodded. "Understood."
"Go to the study room," Erwin dismissed her. "I won't be there tonight. Keep an eye on the students and the champions. Don't get careless."
"We won't, sir," Charlotte promised. "We'll bring it home."
Erwin smiled. "Do you want me to leak you the answers?"
She shook her head firmly. "No. We can handle any problem ourselves. That would be unfair to the others and ruin the challenge."
Erwin waved her off with a laugh.
Once she was gone, Erwin turned back to the window.
Where are you, Voldemort?
The champions Charlotte had stationed around the Goblet were elite. No ordinary wizard could bypass them unnoticed.
Only Voldemort himself could manage it.
So, dear teacher... where are you hiding?
Erwin's mind raced, running through faces and profiles like a high-speed processor. Suddenly, he stopped on one specific figure.
Was it him?
He hadn't acted strangely. There was no scent of Polyjuice Potion. Just what was his teacher planning?
Erwin's curiosity was piqued. What intrigued him most was how his teacher seemed to have suddenly grown so cunning.
Meanwhile, somewhere deep within the castle, a figure sneezed.