bookpower 205: Discussion and Cold War
205: Discussion and Cold War
205: Discussion and Cold War
The Great Hall buzzed with noise. John noticed Percy trying to restore order.
"Percy."
John called out to him. Percy glanced around the hall before stepping over.
John was also curious about the fourth champion but was more interested in figuring out how to handle the situation.
"The room next door is in chaos. Madame Maxime and Headmaster Karkaroff think this is unfair, and Mr. Crouch is in a very difficult position," Percy explained without hiding anything.
There seemed to be a brewing conflict in the other room, leaving old Barty in a dilemma.
He wasn't sure if the tournament could continue. With such an apparent injustice, the Triwizard Tournament was turning into a joke.
Hearing this, John chuckled.
In a low voice, he said, "Tell old Barty that a competition full of surprises attracts more attention."
Percy's eyes widened in shock at John's casual use of Barty Crouch's first name.
However, this wasn't the time to ask questions. He gave John a deep look and headed into the adjacent room.
...
Inside the noisy room, Karkaroff and Madame Maxime were demanding an explanation from Dumbledore.
The three champions wore different expressions—Fleur raised her head arrogantly, Krum frowned deeply, and Cedric looked utterly confused.
Dumbledore, Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape were all present.
Old Barty stood to the side with a grim expression, while Bagman looked like he was thoroughly enjoying the drama.
"Hogwarts has two champions? I don't recall anyone telling me that the host school could have two champions," Karkaroff said icily.
"This is impossible," Madame Maxime added. "Hogwarts cannot have two champions. It is highly unfair."
They were pressing aggressively, and in their eyes, Dumbledore seemed like a biased, doddering old fool.
"This matter can only be blamed on Potter, Karkaroff," Snape said, his eyes glinting with hostility. "Potter is insistent on violating the rules. Since entering this school, he has repeatedly broken school regulations."
"Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore said firmly, cutting him off. Snape had no choice but to fall silent.
Dumbledore finally looked down at Harry.
Harry gulped as Dumbledore practically ran toward him.
"Harry, did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire?!" Dumbledore asked very very calmly.
"No." Harry knew everyone was watching him, and he tried his best to remain calm.
Dumbledore asked again, still being very calm, "Did you ask an older student to help you?"
"No!" Harry was growing agitated.
Is Dumbledore doubting me too? Ugh—I think he's gonna choke me next.
"He's definitely lying!" Madame Maxime accused loudly.
Professor McGonagall couldn't stand for this and spoke up. "Dumbledore, stop shaking the boy so much. There's no way he could have crossed the age line. I am certain of that—"
"Oh? But didn't John Wick cross it?"
Karkaroff interjected slyly, cutting off McGonagall's defense.
Dumbledore paused for a moment, a flicker of complexity flashing in his eyes, before asking, "Then, did you ask John to help you?"
When these words left his mouth, Harry could feel the surrounding gazes darken.
Struggling to breathe under the pressure, he loosened his collar and said, "..No."
The scrutinizing stares were piercing, making Harry feel like he had become a liar in their eyes.
The first task was centered on courage, but the details of the challenge were kept secret, leaving everyone clueless.
When the competition began, the champions' only weapon would be their wands. It was only after completing the first task that they would be given any information about the second.
All the effort and strain came with one significant perk: champions were exempt from exams.
Not to mention the sizable prize in Galleons sponsored by Sir Silverhand.
After the gathering ended, only John and Percy remained in the secret room.
Percy spoke bitterly, "Why do you call Mr. Crouch 'Old Barty'?"
"You've already guessed, haven't you?" John leaned back in his chair with a faint smile. "It's just as you suspect, Percy."
He placed his hand on the table, revealing a silver mask resting there.
Even with his earlier suspicions, Percy couldn't help but take a sharp breath, forcing a wry smile. "No wonder Mr. Crouch values me so much."
"You're mistaken, Percy." John shook his head and said, "I only gave you the chance to cross the threshold. It's your excellence that made Old Barty value you."
"Then... does Mr. Crouch know?" Percy asked hesitantly.
John shook his head—Old Barty didn't know.
This brought a gleam of hope back to Percy's eyes. He had thought his recognition came solely from John's influence.
"It's not yet the time for Old Barty to know, Percy. I hope you'll keep this a secret." John looked at Percy seriously and said, "The Triwizard Tournament isn't just a stepping stone for Old Barty—it's also yours."
"You've already shown promise at the World Cup's terrorist situation. The Triwizard Tournament can help you progress even faster."
John's words left Percy feeling fired up, and he immediately promised to carry out his responsibilities flawlessly.
...
Harry Potter becoming a champion was witnessed by the entire school.
This also meant that everyone believed Harry had cheated.
Of course, it was just what they thought.
Even Ron suspected him, going as far as asking if he had used his Invisibility Cloak to do it.
This infuriated Harry, and by the next day, he and Ron were locked in a cold war.
"Once per school year. This time, it's not Hermione, which is rare," John remarked, sipping plain water and watching with interest.
Daphne, who usually didn't concern herself with Gryffindor's affairs, couldn't help but ask out of curiosity this time.
"Why do they fight every year?"
"Probably some kind of law. Just like how Harry is always pulled into trouble, I call it the Triangle Imbalance Law."
John clicked his tongue, unsure whether to call their friendship strong or fragile.
If it's strong, then why does it fall apart every year?
If it's fragile, then how do they always reconcile and work together afterward?
By the way, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor weren't on great terms either right now.
The Hufflepuffs believed Harry had stolen the glory that rightfully belonged to Cedric.
The situation was eerily similar to Harry's second year.
Harry thought back—how did he solve it that time?
__________
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