The Lonely Dragon of Hogwarts

As it gets darker and darker, the Hogwarts Express finally arrives.

The weather outside was very bad, and lightning flashed from time to time in the dark sky.

Then the rumble of thunder will sound.

As usual, John carried the magic suitcase, used the [Unified Protection Spell] that had been re-solidified on it to protect everyone from wind and rain, and escorted everyone to an open space outside the station.

One hundred carriages pulled by thestrals were waiting for them.

Everyone gets on the bus one by one.

The door slammed shut, and a moment later, with a violent jolt, the long carriage team began to move towards Hogwarts, splashing with water all the way.

Draco was still discussing the 'big thing' with John with great interest.

In his opinion, through this incident, Slytherin's voice in Hogwarts will surely reach a new and higher level.

It wasn't until the carriage, swaying under the roar of the wind, passed the gate with winged boar sculptures on both sides and arrived at Hogwarts that Draco finally stopped talking.

Under the command of Professor McGonagall, everyone sat in the auditorium and began to wait for the sorting ceremony to begin.

The old students have begun to adjust their emotions and deliberately put on serious expressions.

This is specifically designed to scare freshmen.

That's what they like to do.

But John's eyes kept wandering around the faculty seats, hoping to find Moody.

Unfortunately, although there was indeed an empty seat next to Snape, John did not see Moody.

Apparently, Moody was late on his first day reporting for work as the newly minted Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts.

And Moody was not simply a few minutes late.

He did not appear in the entire subsequent sorting ceremony or even the welcome dinner.

The strange thing is that none of the professors, including Dumbledore, have any intention of looking for him.

It was as if there was a tacit understanding that Moody would not attend.

"It's not surprising at all!" Draco explained. "As I said before in the car, Mad-Eye Moody has severe persecution delusions! He never eats food cooked by others. , and offered water, even by his closest friends. It’s strange that such a person would come to a dinner party!”

John nodded, indicating that he understood.

Then he put the last dessert pudding in front of him into his mouth with a spoon.

And when he swallowed all the food in his mouth, the dinner was over.

The messy dining table in front of everyone instantly returned to its neat and clean appearance, and even the plates were wiped until they sparkled and were rearranged.

At this time, Dumbledore stood up.

The buzzing voices in the hall suddenly stopped, and only the howling of the wind and the pounding of heavy rain could be heard.

"All right!"

Dumbledore smiled and said, "I think everyone has eaten and drank enough now. Then please allow me to make a few announcements.

First of all, Mr. Filch, the administrator, would like me to tell you that this year, several more items are prohibited in the castle. They are the Screaming Ball and the Wolf Fang UFO.The entire list, which roughly includes 430 seven items, can be seen in Mr. Filch's office, and those who are interested can check it out. "

After saying that, Dumbledore may have felt that this amount was a bit outrageous, and the corners of his mouth twitched a few times.

He continued:

"In addition, I would like to inform you with great regret that the College Cup Quidditch Tournament will not be held this year."

As soon as these words came out, the whole auditorium immediately became noisy again.

The Quidditch Cup is arguably Hogwarts' most popular large-scale entertainment event.

Especially now that the Quidditch World Cup has just ended and the heat has not passed yet.

Dumbledore canceled it when he said it was cancelled, which was really dissatisfying.

Gryffindor is already in trouble.

John could even see George and Fred rolling up their sleeves and getting ready to step onto the long table in protest, while Michelle and Ginny were tugging on them.

Of course, people like John and Draco who knew the situation did not express much surprise.

John and others just looked at Dumbledore quietly, waiting for his next words.

Dumbledore continued:

“This is because there is a big event that starts in October and runs throughout the school year, taking up a lot of teachers’ time and energy – but I’m sure you will all have a lot of fun doing it.

I am very excited to announce that the Triwizard Tournament will be held at Hogwarts this year! "

After Dumbledore finished speaking, the entire auditorium fell silent.

After a few seconds, the noise, even louder than before, started again.

Fred broke free from Ginny's pull and stepped directly onto the chair.

However, he did not protest against Dumbledore's decision to cancel the Quidditch Cup, but instead shouted in surprise:

"Are you kidding me?"

Being interrupted by him, many people in the auditorium laughed out loud.

Draco came closer to John and snickered:

"Look, the ignorant and impolite Weasley! He dared to interrupt Dumbledore's speech. I guess he will be in trouble!"

John shook his head and said nothing.

Dumbledore is not such a stingy person.

Sure enough, Dumbledore said cheerfully:

"I'm not kidding, Mr. Weasley.

But since you mentioned joking, I heard a very funny joke about a troll, a hag and a leprechaun, and they all entered the same tavern..."

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.

Dumbledore immediately changed his words:

"Oh - it's probably inappropriate to talk about this now, let's talk about the Triwizard Tournament. Some of you still don't know what this tournament is about, so I hope those who know the situation can forgive me for saying this. Explain a little bit.

The Triwizard Tournament was founded approximately 700 years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest magic schools in Europe.

The three schools are: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.

Each school selects a warrior, and then the three warriors compete in three magic projects.

The Triwizard Tournament is held every five years, and the three schools take turns hosting it. Everyone agrees that this is an excellent way for young wizards from different countries to establish friendships - but later, too many people died, and the Triwizard Tournament It was interrupted. "

"There have been several attempts over the centuries to bring back the Tournament," continued Dumbledore, "but none have been successful. However, we at the Department of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Sports at the Ministry of Magic believe that another attempt The time has come. We have done a lot of work this summer to ensure that the lives of every Warrior are not in danger.

In October, the principals of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will lead their carefully selected competitors, and the ceremony to select the warriors will be held on Halloween.

An impartial referee will decide which students are most qualified to compete for the Triwizard Cup, win honor for their school, and receive a thousand Galleons as an individual. "

The whole auditorium was boiling instantly.

A thousand Galleons bonus is no small sum.

George and Fred, two guys with entrepreneurial dreams, went completely crazy when they heard about this amount.

John could also feel that the Slytherins around him were very excited.

They chattered non-stop, staring at John with intense eyes as they talked.

They value honor more than gold galleons!

And if a warrior must be selected to represent Hogwarts!

Then when they think about it, there is only one candidate!

"John! It must be you!" Draco said excitedly, "You will be the warrior of Hogwarts and win the Triwizard Tournament! Glory for Hogwarts and Slytherin! When that time comes , we Slytherin are not only the most outstanding house in Hogwarts, but also the most outstanding in all of Europe!"

As soon as this was said, the surrounding Slytherins also cheered and echoed.

Apparently, they think so too.

Amid the cheers, John didn't react much and just continued to stare at Dumbledore.

"I know you are all eager to win the Triwizard Trophy for Hogwarts," Dumbledore raised his voice, "However, the participating schools and the Ministry of Magic have agreed to set an age limit for this year's contenders.

Only students who are over 17 years old - that is to say, students over 17 years old - are allowed to register!This measure is necessary because the events of the competition are still very difficult and dangerous. No matter how many precautions we take, it is unlikely that students below the sixth or seventh grade can handle it.

I will personally ensure that no student underage can deceive our impartial judges and become a champion of Hogwarts. "

The cheers of the Slytherins stopped abruptly.

They all stared at Dumbledore with great anger.

Because John is not over 17 years old either!

There were many others in the auditorium who were equally angry.

Dumbledore glanced at everyone and said meaningfully:

"Therefore, if you are under 17, I ask that you do not waste your time making an application.

Finally, I must emphasize it again!

Delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be with us for much of the academic year.

I hope that you will all be warm and friendly to our foreign dignitaries during their stay here.

Okay, now, go to bed!hurry up! "