Although he had Dumbledore's support, Vid didn't act immediately.
He patiently waited until everyone had finished their exams, followed by the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.
Even though Vid wasn't really interested in Quidditch, it was the season's finale, and anyone with spare time in the school came to watch.
Ravenclaw's team fought hard, with several players getting injured from reacting too slowly due to their speed. Unfortunately...
Lousy skills can be disguised, but strength cannot be faked.
Some of the good players graduated last year, and even though the new players tried their best, they still lost the match.
Gryffindor students cheered loudly, while Ravenclaw barely maintained their composure, congratulating them on their victory.
"Thanks, you played great too!"
Wood from Gryffindor gave a thumbs up, grinning widely.
Ravenclaw's captain Roger snorted, showing a faint smile.
Other than Gryffindor who were still celebrating on the field, students from other houses started heading back to the castle, especially Slytherin, who were the first to leave.
So when everyone returned to the castle, they found the entrance hall blocked again, with many Slytherin students gathered around, looking up at a new announcement—
[June Challenge]
[Not long ago, Hogwarts' champions defeated the giant ball python, proving their strength and courage.
However—
Is that really the truth?
We all know that ball pythons are docile creatures, and professors are always overseeing. Facing a ball python is as safe as cutting a cake under a mother's watchful eye.
Do you dare to challenge truly dangerous creatures?
Can you stand firm even in the face of death?
Do you want to know just how far your magical powers can reach?
This is an event only for those with exceptional strength and bravery, with even the risk of death!
Warning: Cowards, beware!!!
Anyone interested in participating, please gather in the empty classroom on the third floor at 10 PM tonight. You can form teams freely, with no limit on the number.
In this event, all challengers are in a cooperative relationship.
Note: Challengers must meet the following conditions.
First, entered the finals in the May Challenge.
Second, proficiently mastered Iron Armor Spell, Impedimenta Curse, Petrification Spell…]
Following this is a list of spell names.
The warning words are highlighted and enlarged several times.
Who would admit to being a coward?
All those who met the conditions loudly proclaimed their participation. Students who hadn't mastered one or two spells immediately went to study without even eating.
So when Gryffindors returned, they found that the whole school wasn't discussing their victory anymore.
Whether it was the annoyingly self-righteous Slytherins or their own house's students, all were talking about something else.
They crowded into the entrance hall to check the notice, and when returning to the long table, except for Wood who was still fixated on his Quidditch trophy, others also switched topics.
"Hogwarts just keeps getting cooler, I thought after the games we'd just wait for results and head home!"
Fred said excitedly.
"Although looking at grades is also a kind of adventure, I still prefer this kind."
George, hands crossed under his chin, eagerly asked, "What might the dangerous creatures be?"
"Maybe centipedes as big as snakes?" Harry guessed.
"Or maybe giant spiders as big as houses, right, Ronnie Jr.?" Fred winked at his brother.
"What—Spiders?!!!"
Ron shrieked, face turning pale.
Due to a prank played by the twins when they were younger, Ron was most terrified of spiders.
"Exactly." Fred said darkly like a ghost: "They'll suddenly pounce out from the corners, and you, my dear brother, will be caught unawares in the embrace of a spider…"
George stealthily slipped off his seat, suddenly grabbing Ron's shoulders.
"Aaaahhhh—"
The hall was instantly filled with terrified screams and the laughter of the Weasley Twins.
The Weasley brothers were teasing their brother, yet students who heard snippets spread the rumor.
"Did you hear… it's spiders…"
"We've faced them plenty in the maze… School really underestimates us…"
"The entry conditions are probably just to scare us, I can handle those spiders too…"
The young wizards were eager to prove their skills.
So, when Harry and others arrived at the third floor around nine PM, they found the place crowded, surprisingly silent.
They struggled to push through the crowd, Harry following Fred and the others blindly, suddenly the way opened up in front of him, almost causing him to trip.
Someone steadied him, and Harry quickly thanked them, "Thanks—"
"Seems Mr. Potter who just won a match still yearns for the sensation of being on a broom, forgetting how to use his legs."
A cold, sarcastic voice came from above, causing Harry to freeze, slowly looking up to face his most disliked professor.
Drafted into overtime, Professor Snape held a list, his cold, empty gaze swept over the bustling students, clearing half a meter of space a moment later.
Only Harry remained under Professor Snape's gaze, receiving his cold, sweeping look.
Beside him, the twin brothers made exaggerated faces at him, gesturing for him to be brave.
Harry finally understood why the place was so busy yet so quiet.
He took a deep breath, preparing for Snape's scrutiny, saying, "Professor, I'm here for the challenge."
Snape looking as unpleasant as ever, raised his eyelids, glancing at Harry, although he said nothing, Harry felt thoroughly disdained.
He involuntarily clenched his fist, suddenly heard the professor in front say:
"Iron Armor Spell."
"What… Oh, Oh! Armor protection!"
Harry franticly fumbled for his magic wand, luckily he was quite familiar with this spell, executing it smoothly.
Snape said no more, letting him enter the empty classroom.
Inside, Harry found waiting for him a strange, disabled professor.
He tried hard not to focus on the man's missing limbs, whispering, "Professor?"
"Ah, Harry Potter!"
Professor Kettleburn excitedly patted him with his only functioning hand.
"I'm about to retire, thought I'd never see you in my class! Never expected such an opportunity at the end."
"Uh… Hello, professor." Harry said awkwardly, "What do I need to do?"
"You must first know what you face, if you feel fear, you have one chance to back out." Professor Kettleburn said.
"Face… what?" Harry didn't understand.
"Well, an old pal of a thousand years. Can't believe Hogwarts hid such a big fellow… I submitted my retirement report too early."
Professor Kettleburn regretfully said, pointing with his magic wand at a nearby wall.
Harry turned to look, feeling his blood seem to freeze.
A pair of yellow-brown eyes stared at him, a paralyzing sense of danger looming!