Chapter 195
Krum's eyes narrowed as he learned from one of the Durmstrang students that Albert had been the one to tamper with the Goblet of Fire to submit his name. From that moment, Krum took Albert as a rival in the tournament.
Fleur Delacour spoke up, incredulous: "There must be some mistake… he can't compete, he's far too young!"
Bagman smiled and replied calmly, "Well… it is remarkable. But as you know, the age restriction was only added this year to ensure the safety of participants. Since his name emerged from the Goblet of Fire, there's no law preventing him from entering. All Albert has to do is give it his utmost effort."
Krum's face darkened with anger. "But he's still a child! He could die in this tournament since he lacks experience!"
Albert didn't remain silent in the face of such harsh words. He looked directly at Krum and replied coldly, "And are you so sure you'll survive? I've heard that in the last tournament, the participant who was a student of the Great Merlin himself died. And are you so confident that you can surpass a student of the Great Merlin to survive this tournament?"
Bagman chuckled at Albert's sharp retort, but Krum said nothing, turning away with a scowl.
The door behind them opened, and a large group entered: Professor Dumbledore, followed by Mr. Crouch, Professor Karkaroff, Madam Maxime, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape. As soon as the door closed, Fleur exclaimed, "Madam Maxime! … They say this young boy will compete too!"
Albert bristled at the phrase "young boy," muttering to himself, Damn this girl! How did Bill Weasley tolerate having her as his future wife?!
Madam Maxime demanded, "What does this mean, Dumbledore?"
Karkaroff added, "I want to know as well, Dumbledore."
Dumbledore smiled faintly, replying, "Isn't this in the best interest of your schools? A boy too young, inexperienced in magic, chosen for the tournament? And as for how he was selected… I suggest you ask him."
Both Karkaroff and Madam Maxime turned to Albert in astonishment, exclaiming in unison, "How did you do it?!"
Albert's lips curved into a confident smile. "Because of my wand," he said, pointing it toward Madam Maxime and Karkaroff.
Karkaroff, hearing the truth, glared at Dumbledore. "I suppose age and wisdom have little effect, if a child can bypass your enchantments!"
Albert and Professor McGonagall felt anger at Karkaroff's insult to Dumbledore. Albert stepped forward, forcing a smile to mask his fury.
Though Albert had no particularly strong relationship with Dumbledore, he would not allow the Headmaster to be insulted Dumbledore oversaw his education, and Albert studied at Hogwarts.
Albert spoke firmly, addressing Karkaroff:
"Yes, Dumbledore may be old, but he could kill you in your sleep! And don't forget the humiliating defeat you suffered in the First Wizarding War against the Dark Lord."
Karkaroff glanced back at Dumbledore, who returned Albert's look with silent fury but remained speechless.
Snape, with quiet cunning in his eyes, commented, "This is not Dumbledore's fault. Blame Black himself he has been bending the rules since he arrived here."
Albert chose not to engage Snape in a heated argument, leaving the remark aside. Dumbledore thanked him politely: "Thank you, Severus."
Snape shot him an angry glance. Karkaroff then said to Bagman and Crouch, "You are the official judges, and you will agree that this is inappropriate!"
Bagman and Crouch exchanged a knowing look. Bagman said, "Rules must be followed. The rules clearly state that anyone whose name emerges from the Goblet of Fire must compete."
Crouch added, "Indeed… Mr. Moody knows the rules perfectly."
Karkaroff's anger flared again, thinking of the potential consequences if Albert were to die in the tournament: Durmstrang would owe Hogwarts five thousand Galleons. He growled, "I will file a complaint with the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards they will not approve this!"
Moody interrupted, shouting, "If anyone has a reason to complain, it is Albert… yet amusingly, he says not a word!"
Fleur retorted, "Why complain? He has the opportunity to compete, doesn't he? We all dream of being chosen, of the honor and the grand prize. It is a pinch anyone would wish for, even at any cost!"
Moody's voice darkened, "Perhaps someone wishes for Albert Black's death…"
Silence and tension fell. Bagman asked cautiously, "Moody… what do you mean?"
Karkaroff spoke loudly, "We all know it otherwise, there would be no effort to discover at least a year of schemes to kill him. The students fear death the reason is clear."
Crouch suddenly seemed to wake up. "Yes… the instructions… the first task!"
He walked toward the fireplace, exhaustion and shadows under his eyes evident, his face paler than it had been during the previous tournament.
"The first task is designed to measure your courage. You will not know in advance what it is bravery in the face of the unknown is a vital trait for any wizard."
He continued:
"The task will begin on November 24th, in front of the students and the judging committee. Contestants are forbidden to ask for or accept help from any teacher. The champions will face the challenge with only their wands. Instructions for the second task will be given after the first is completed. Due to time constraints and the nature of the tournament, participants are excused from end-of-year exams."
Crouch looked toward Dumbledore. "I believe that's all, isn't it?"
Dumbledore, still observing him carefully, replied, "I believe so… Are you sure you do not need to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Crouch?"
"No, Dumbledore… I must return to the Ministry. I am very busy. I left my office responsibilities to young Weathersby."
Dumbledore added, "At least we will have a drink together before you leave?"
Bagman chimed in cheerfully, "I'll stay, Barty. Everything happening here is more interesting than the office."
Crouch, impatient, said, "I don't think so, Ludo."
And that ended the discussion. Madam Maxime and Fleur quickly left, speaking in French, while Karkaroff and Krum exited silently.
Dumbledore turned to Albert. "Albert… I suggest you retire to your bed. I am sure the Gryffindor students are eager to celebrate with you, and I have every reason to prevent this noise more than your sleep does."
To be continued…