Hogwarts in the shadows

Dumbledore continued.

"First, please allow me to introduce two guests. This is Mr. Percy Weasley, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Magic."

There was immediate warm applause in the auditorium.

After all, Percy had only graduated for a few months, and almost everyone knew him except the first-year wizards.

It's just that the other members of the Weasley family behaved a little strangely.

The twins and Ron just looked gloomy and didn't even look at Percy.

Ginny just patted twice and put her hand down.

Dumbledore waited until the applause in the Great Hall died down before speaking.

"Next, this is Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Sports and Games at the Ministry."

The applause rang out again, but it was much smaller than before.

"Mr. Bagman and Mr. Weasley have worked tirelessly over the past few months in preparation for the Triwizard Tournament."

"They will serve as part of the judging panel alongside me, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime, to witness and judge the warriors' extraordinary performances."

He continued, "Mr. Filch, please bring up the box."

Filch appeared from a corner of the hall, holding an ancient wooden box inlaid with dazzling jewels in his hands.

He carefully placed the wooden box on the long table in front of Dumbledore.

"Mr. Weasley and Mr. Bagman have thoroughly reviewed and planned this year's competition."

"The competition is divided into three events throughout the school year, and each event will be a challenge to their limits. It will test the warriors' magical talent, courage, wisdom, and ability to respond to danger in all aspects."

“As you all know, each school will be represented by a Warrior.”

"We will grade them based on their performance in each event, and the Warrior with the highest score will win the Tri-Power Cup."

"And the one that decides all this is the Goblet of Fire."

Having said that, Dumbledore drew his wand and knocked on the wooden box three times.

The lid of the wooden box slowly opened with a slight creaking sound.

He reached in and pulled out a roughly carved wooden goblet.

The blue and white flame in the cup kept jumping.

"Any student who aspires to become a warrior need only write their name and school name on a piece of parchment and throw it into this Goblet of Fire."

Dumbledore's voice echoed throughout the Great Hall.

"Registration will be open for the next twenty-four hours, ending on Halloween night. The Goblet of Fire will then select the champion it believes best represents the three schools."

"The Goblet of Fire will be placed in the entrance hall tonight. All students who wish to participate in the election are welcome to come and try their luck."

"In order to prevent students who are under the age of 17 from being tempted, I will set an age limit around the Goblet of Fire. Those under the age of 17 will not be able to cross it."

Dumbledore glanced at everyone seriously.

"Finally, I would like to solemnly remind every applicant that the Triwizard Tournament is no joke. Once your name is selected by the Goblet of Fire, it means that you have signed a contract that cannot be violated, so please think twice before you act."

"So please think twice before you act."

"Now good night everyone, sweet dreams."

Hephis said goodbye to Fleur and walked towards the Slytherin common room with Draco.

"Hephis, you must be able to deal with that age limit!" Draco continued to mutter.

"Age limit? It's not a very difficult spell."

Hephis smiled slightly, and the thin golden line drawn by Dumbledore flashed quickly in his mind.

If he wanted to get through, there were at least ten ways.

"Hephis, are you really not going to participate?" Draco asked reluctantly.

"I..." Hephis was about to answer when he heard Hermione's voice behind him, "Hephis, wait for me."

Hephis turned around, looked at Hermione who was rushing over, and greeted her, "Slow down."

"Huff...Huff..." Hermione took a few deep breaths.

After she caught her breath, Hephis asked, "What's wrong, Hermione?"

Hermione took a deep breath, "Do you have any way of passing that age limit?"

"Sure!" Hephes responded.

"Then you should sign up," Hermione said firmly.

"Why?" Hephis looked at Hermione in confusion.

He had discussed this with Hermione before.

He had no interest in the Triwizard Tournament, so why did this little girl come here so suddenly?

Hermione looked at the little snakes passing by one after another and felt a little hesitant.

Seeing this, Hephis snapped his fingers and cast an ear-blocking spell.

"Okay, now only you, me and Draco can hear it."

This time he did not isolate Draco because it involved Snape's privacy.

Now Draco's eyes lit up when he heard Hermione also wanted to persuade him to take part in the competition.

So it’s better to let Draco hear it, so he doesn’t have to explain it again.

"I know you don't want to participate and think it's pointless to bully children," Hermione explained.

Hephis stared at Hermione and listened carefully.

"But I thought about it for a long time after I went back. What you need to do in the future requires the support of huge reputation. And this kind of reputation needs to be accumulated over time before it can be deeply rooted."

"Your actions in the World Cup camp may be amazing, but they will soon be forgotten. So you need to do something amazing every once in a while to make people remember it more deeply."

"The Triwizard Tournament is a great opportunity to show your strength to wizards all over the world and make a deeper impression on them."

Hermione finished stating her reasons in one breath.

It seemed that she had been thinking about it for a long time and finally revealed it all today.

Hephis rubbed Hermione's little head. What this little girl learned this summer vacation was not in vain!

He has indeed grown up.

He showed a bright smile on his face, "Our Hermione is still very comprehensive and will listen to you."

Hermione also looked very happy, with a faint blush on her cheeks.

It was a great encouragement to her that Hefeth accepted her advice.

As long as she keeps working hard, one day she will be able to stand beside Hephes with dignity.

Draco also looked delighted, but he didn't quite understand what Hermione said.

But he knew that the only one who could persuade Hephis was Hermione.

"Okay, Hermione, go back and rest. Tomorrow at noon, I will put my name into the Goblet of Fire under the watchful eyes of everyone. I think the Goblet of Fire will make the right choice."

Hephis's voice was firm and powerful.

At noon the next day, Hephis walked into the auditorium.

He was followed closely by seven years of Slytherin House.

They lined up neatly, just like they did yesterday when they welcomed the two schools.