"Alright, relax a bit." Bagman said with a smile, rubbing his hands together, "Actually, chances of getting to the second round are quite high, right? Um... As for guidance on the first task, Barty, how about you explain it?"
Crouch lifelessly lifted his eyes, took a couple of steps forward, and said, "The first task is designed to test your courage, intelligence, and overall magic ability."
"The competition will take place on November 24th. During the tournament, champions are not allowed to request or accept any assistance from anyone outside the grounds, and are not allowed to bring poppets, anti-curse vests, or other magic items..."
Many people's eyes swept over Vid's face, revealing a look of relief, as if feeling that this would greatly reduce the abilities he could rely on.
"—Your only weapon is the magic wand in your hand."
"An important quality of a wizard is the courage to face the unknown, so we will not provide you with any clues about the task before the competition."
"Only after the first task is completed will you understand the situation regarding the second task. Also, considering the high demands of the tournament and its long duration, the champions will not participate in the school year exams."
After speaking, he thought for a moment and then said, "I think that's about it... You can go back now."
The crowd turned to leave the cabin, and as they headed out the door, Vid heard Bagman say in a cheerful voice:
"The main work for today is done, Barty, shall we go have a drink in Hogsmeade? I miss Madam Rosmerta's butter beer!"
"No, there's still a lot of work at the department." Crouch flatly refused, and then asked Bagman, "Have you contacted Machioni? Regarding the broadcast of the tournament..."
Cedric closed the door, leaving their voices behind.
The hall was now empty; students and Hogwarts professors had left, leaving only the headmasters of the eleven magic schools chatting at the faculty table.
The crowd approached their respective headmasters, discussing in their own languages as they returned to their resting places.
Seraphina from Ilvermorny complained to Professor Fontaine, "Besides knowing the first task is going to eliminate half of the people, we don't know anything else..."
"I know as much as you do, child." Professor Fontaine said, "No matter what difficulties lie ahead, break through them! Also, when the competition comes..."
He lowered his voice, muttering.
"Isn't this... not quite right?" another dark-haired boy, Adam, said hesitantly.
"It's for the honor of Ilvermorny, children." Professor Fontaine said, "Think about the consequences of failing this competition... Some principles can be appropriately relaxed..."
...
Dumbledore smiled at the three students in front of him, saying, "I suggest you return to your common room... I believe the other students are waiting to celebrate once you return!"
The three didn't say much, and after bidding farewell to the headmaster, they left the hall together.
"So, does this mean we're competitors now?" Cedric said with a smile in the corridor.
Vid shook his head, "From 33 to 16, if possible, of course, let's eliminate people from other schools first."
"Sounds good." Harry breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "In any case... let's do our best!"
"You're right, well then—"
Cedric extended his fist, Harry and Vid exchanged a glance, and they also extended their fists to bump.
"Good luck!" Cedric said with a bright smile, "Hope we all make it to the finals!"
"Great!" Harry responded happily.
Vid nodded, his eyes scanning Cedric's face with a warm smile, remaining silent.
Soon the trio parted ways, Cedric heading down, and Vid and Harry heading up the stairs.
The staircase was empty, with only the slight snoring of the portraits on either side. As they walked past, some portraits would suddenly open their eyes and shout:
"The Triwizard Tournament is back, Hogwarts is still the best!"
No sooner had they finished saying this than the figures in the paintings fell back into a deep sleep.
Once everything quieted down, Harry finally spoke frankly about his thoughts—
"I didn't expect it to really be me... Actually, Angelina is quite capable, and I originally thought I had no chance."
Harry showed a hint of apprehension: "Among all the students who signed up at Hogwarts, am I really one of the top three?"
He looked at Vid beside him, who was unwavering, unsure of what kind of answer he wanted from him—was it to objectively acknowledge Harry's shortcomings, or to affirm that he indeed held this capability?
"The Goblet of Fire chose you. It deemed you qualified, so you are undoubtedly a champion."
Vid said, "That goblet surely considered the magical ability of the applicants, but it wouldn't be just magic ability. Perhaps it also includes factors like courage, determination, perseverance, morality, psychological quality."
The implication was clear: perhaps Harry's magical power wasn't as strong as Angelina's, but in other aspects, he received a higher evaluation from the Goblet of Fire, hence becoming 'the chosen one.'
Even if he didn't know if this was the case, Harry indeed felt a lot more at ease, thinking about it:
"Vid, why do I feel... you don't seem surprised at all? About me being chosen as a champion."
—Because, in Vid's understanding, Harry was already one of the champions.
"Someone who can defeat Voldemort twice, what's strange about being chosen?" Vid said calmly.
Harry said shyly, "You know, the reason Voldemort vanished was because of the magic my mother left me, not my own ability."
Vid said, "Wealth, power, wisdom, appearance, strength, magic... no matter which of these you possess, it is part of your capability. Fleur Delacour is so beautiful, and that becomes her advantage too. Should she be turned into an ugly person for others to feel it's fair?"
Harry burst into laughter, the sound shaking his shoulders, dispelling the anxiety and confusion on his face.
At the fork in the road, the two said goodbye, with Harry heading toward Gryffindor Tower. Vid looked at the long, winding staircase, which occasionally moved, and sighed softly.
Moments later, a falcon swooped through the window, flapping its wings as it flew towards Ravenclaw Tower.
While flying in the air, in the distance, he saw a cheetah running around the Black Lake, its slender body almost stretching into a straight line. Each time its hind legs pushed against the ground, it propelled its whole body forward.
It was another form of freedom on the plains, when it ran, it seemed to embody speed itself.
The falcon's eyes showed a faint smile, and then with another flap of its wings, it flew through the darkness, landing on the pinnacle of the high tower.