Hogwarts: I will not become the Dark Lord

In the sun-drenched grounds of Hogwarts, Jerry strolled leisurely with Bathilda Bagshot, their conversation flowing pleasantly throughout the morning.

"Besides the people, Hogwarts hasn't changed much compared to the past!" Bathilda said slowly, "The Muggle world, however, is developing rapidly. Compared to them, the wizarding world lags far behind, and Hogwarts is the same, compared to a hundred years ago."

Upon hearing this, Jerry couldn't help but feel curious. He looked at the old lady in surprise and asked, "In that case, are you inclined to abolish the Statute of Secrecy and agree with the ideals of the Wizengamot?"

"No, child, I am actually very opposed to their extreme behavior. They have created too much hatred and killing in the wizarding world," Mrs. Bagshot shook her head, "Moreover, I have always believed that looking back on the past is better than looking forward to the future. History tells me that Gellert's theory of overturning the Statute of Secrecy and prioritizing wizarding interests above all else is, in my opinion, too idealistic and impractical. After all, this world is dominated by Muggles, and the wizarding population is simply too small!"

"So, you think they were wrong?" A hint of doubt flashed in Jerry's eyes.

"Not right... not wrong either, just failed!"

Bathilda Bagshot's words plunged them both into silence. Afterward, Jerry helped Bathilda Bagshot to a bench on the sidelines to sit down and rest.

"Mrs. Bagshot, have you ever thought about leaving England temporarily and seeing other places, just as a vacation?" Jerry asked cautiously.

"Alas, you know I'm an old woman!" Bathilda suddenly sighed, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her mouth, with a hint of jest in her tone, "It seems the wizarding world will be turbulent again in the next few years! How do you plan to stir things up?"

"Why do you think it's me?" Jerry smiled wryly, scratching his head unconsciously, "People at school who are close to me think I'm a well-behaved and academically excellent student!"

"If not you, who else could it be, Voldemort?" Bathilda Bagshot retorted, "I don't think Voldemort can make any waves with Albus and Gellert around!"

"Albus, when he was young, was also a well-behaved, academically excellent, and talented student at Hogwarts, but his madness at the time was no less than Gellert's!" Mrs. Bagshot's words contained a bit more emotion, "If there hadn't been an accident back then, Albus would definitely have been with Gellert... but that's all in the past."

"Your parents, as well as Albus and Gellert, were not peaceful or mediocre people when they were young... As for you... I just hope you don't turn the wizarding world upside down!" Bathilda patted Jerry's hand, "My eyes are not as bright as they were when I was young, but my heart is clearer than ever. I'm more accurate when I look at people with my heart!"

In the afternoon, Mrs. Bagshot dragged Jerry around the castle again. The old lady's steps were faltering, but she didn't seem tired at all, until the sun set, she slowly returned to the Great Hall to prepare for dinner.

During the dinner, Ludo Bagman, with his signature smile, sat down at the staff table with Cornelius Fudge.

Cornelius Fudge was at Hogwarts in place of Barty Crouch Sr. Originally, it should have been Percy, but he was also under investigation since Crouch's disappearance.

As the dinner progressed, the magical ceiling in the Great Hall gradually changed from azure blue to a deep violet. Dumbledore stood up at the right time and announced the upcoming grand event at the staff table: "Ladies and gentlemen, in five minutes, we will all go to the Quidditch pitch together to witness the final of the Triwizard Tournament. Now, please let our champions go with Mr. Bagman to the Quidditch pitch to prepare."

After speaking, the entire Great Hall fell into a silent anticipation. Jerry and the other participants stood up in response and left the Great Hall with Bagman.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Green?" When they arrived in the entrance hall and descended the stone steps, Bagman suddenly squeezed between Jerry and Harry, "This is the last match of the Triwizard Tournament! The last match! The last match!"

Ludo Bagman emphasized it several times to Jerry. His entire fortune was bet on Potter. Whether he would be able to enjoy the high life or have to work hard depended on tonight!

Stepping into the Quidditch pitch, the scene before them had been completely renewed. A majestic hedge, twenty feet high, surrounded the edge of the field like a verdant barrier, leaving only a deep gap as the entrance to the vast maze.

Inside the maze, the passages were intricate and dark, faintly exuding an aura of horror.

As time passed, the stands gradually became lively, and hundreds of students poured in like a tide, each searching for the best viewing position.

Under the night sky, a deep blue sky slowly unfolded, and the stars began to twinkle.

At this time, Hagrid, Professor Moody, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Flitwick entered the arena and walked towards Jerry and the others.

The professors all wore bright red stars on their hats, but Hagrid hid his behind his back.

"Champions, please pay attention," Professor McGonagall's voice was clear and powerful. She said to Jerry and the others, "During the competition, the four of us will patrol the perimeter of the maze to ensure the safety of the participants. If you encounter difficulties in the maze and need rescue, simply fire a red spark into the night sky with your wand. Upon receiving the distress signal, we will immediately send someone to rescue you. Understood?"

"Good luck, children!" Hagrid waved his hand, and then the four professors walked in different directions.

Bagman waved his wand lightly, aimed it at his throat, and whispered "Sonorus". Instantly, his voice was endowed with magic, echoing in the air above the stands, clear and shocking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the highly anticipated final battle of the Triwizard Tournament is about to begin! We will determine the order of entry into the maze based on the total scores accumulated in the previous two rounds. Currently, the top-ranked contestant is Mr. Jerry Green from Hogwarts School. Therefore, he will be the first champion to step into the maze!"

Hearing Bagman's introduction, Jerry smiled and waved to the audience. The stands erupted in thunderous cheers and applause, even faintly drowning out Bagman's voice amplified by the wand.

"Mr. Green, please pay attention to my whistle." Bagman's voice sounded again, "Three, two, one!"

With a crisp, short whistle, Jerry quickly stepped into the maze.