Chapter 477: The Man Who Defeated the Giant Dragon

Bai Lang swaggered back with a reckless, unrecognizable stride, muttering in English, "I've spent my life rowing without oars, relying only on the waves!" The arrogant man returned to his seat, and as he walked back everyone made way like the Red Sea split by Moses, clearing a broad path. Everyone gasped at this terrifying combat power—of course it wasn't too surprising, since not long ago the Ministry of Magic came to register Animagus forms…

The tiger the size of a water buffalo that rolled into being on the spot, its roar echoing through the castle—such a monster defeating a dragon? Not that odd. Busi Banton and the students of De Mustrang were also present, and they were, of course, very shocked that someone so young could complete an Animagus, and in such a ferocious form—at that moment the De Mustrang students completely gave up any thought of sparring with Bai Lang.

An Animagus is essentially like a Patronus, a manifestation of a wizard's inner self, so this young wizard's ferocity and strength are understandable—his provocative act of trying to knock down a giant dragon is no different from a big cat toying with its prey; if he wants to play, he plays, and no one considers anything else. Professor McGonagall didn't know what to say; her student is a fierce, brutal, fun‑loving big cat, quite different from the cat she can transform into.

In fact, since Professor McGonagall can turn into a cat, her heart is probably also wild and untamed—of course, the above is pure Bai Lang's daydream; an upright old lady keeping cats is perfectly normal, isn't it?

After this, the Goblet of Fire's four champions have been completely eclipsed by Bai Lang—those four fought to the death to obtain dragon eggs; if it were Bai Lang, the audience could picture him walking over and knocking down the dragon, taking as many eggs as he wanted. Hagrid also says Bai Lang is the strongest person he's ever seen, and might even become Hogwarts' gamekeeper. Bai Lang now has support behind and ahead, but the only ones who can truly stay close to him are those few lackeys.

He treats Goyle and his friends far more equally than Draco Malfoy does; he treats Zabini and the others as usual, "Oh, I just thought beating a dragon would be fun, not to steal the champions' spotlight—plus why would anyone need to steal this thing?" Bai Lang said with a smirk. The only one he is truly training now is Neville Longbottom; Zabini's group says they want training too, but Bai Lang made it clear that even if Neville Longbottom trains now, when he reaches adulthood he may still not be able to physically knock down a dragon alone—"I am different," Bai Lang said.

"The Demon Martial Arts Ashura isn't that easy; Neville Longbottom isn't the most suitable practitioner for it," Bai Lang said plainly, not caring that Neville Longbottom might take a hit—this kid has taken many hits, not just one from him. "But he can still become a decent knight," Bai Lang added, soothing Neville Longbottom's wounded spirit.

Ron Weasley seems to have reconciled with Harry Potter—Harry, of course, got the highest score, but Bai Lang thinks he should have been the "top scorer," though he isn't a Hogwarts champion. Dumbledore approached him, said nothing, just stared at Bai Lang, then smiled, "So you're the Animagus who turned into a tiger… Mr. Bai Lang, you may leave. No worries, you won't be held responsible for injuring a dragon."

One troublesome matter is Rita Skeeter—a professional rumor journalist—who approached Bai Lang for an exclusive interview. "A boy who can knock down a dragon!" the plump woman waved her hands and said, "That's certainly a great story." Bai Lang looked at the plump woman and replied, "I can't imagine a fat person turning into a beetle." As for how Rita would publicize him, Bai Lang was thick‑skinned and didn't care—he's far more shameless than Harry Potter.

Moreover, as a wizard that pure‑bloods call mud‑born, what else could Rita spin? Even if she fabricates, she has to make something up. Rita's interview was similarly brief: "Can you talk about your parents?" Rita asked. Bai Lang answered simply, "Never met them." The rest of the interview was equally brief, but Rita's pen flew across the notebook…

When the topic turned to his attack on the dragon, Rita was very interested in why Bai Lang did it—this was the most important part of the whole interview. "Obviously it was for fun, how simple is that. If it weren't fun, who would attack a dragon?" Bai Lang said matter‑of‑factly, and even the professional rumor‑monger Rita was taken aback, her feather‑quill scratching a long, broken ink line across the notebook.

"Fun…?" Rita could not continue, fearing only a madman would fight a dragon purely for fun.

In short, the rest of the interview, Bai Lang felt Rita was a bit absent‑minded and rushed through it.

Right now at Hogwarts, if Bai Lang wanted, he could probably raise a gang, but he doesn't want to. The second event will be held three months later, with the Christmas holidays and winter break in between, and Dio should officially enter Bai Lang's bag at that time. Hagrid will surely be sad, but it's okay—he now has a woman he's pursuing—the headmaster of Busi Banton.

Rita's article this time unusually lacked any gross fabrications; of course the portrayal of Bai Lang wasn't entirely flattering, but at least it wasn't as absurd as the pieces on Harry that forced him to stuff his head into his trousers.

"Christmas Ball? What, fourth‑years must find a dance partner? That's ridiculous." Bai Lang heard Professor McGonagall say—"The Christmas Ball is approaching—this is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a great opportunity for us to interact with foreign guests. It's open only to fourth‑year and above students—but if you wish, you may invite a lower‑year student—"

"Wear your formal robes," Professor McGonagall continued, "The ball will be held in the Great Hall on Christmas night at eight p. m., ending at midnight. Listen—" she surveyed the class calmly. "The Christmas Ball undoubtedly gives us a chance—uh—to let our hair down, to relax." She said in a dismissive tone.

"But that does not mean," Professor McGonagall went on, "we will relax the behavioral standards for Hogwarts students. If any Gryffindor student disgraces the school in any way, I will be deeply saddened." Her eyes locked onto Bai Lang—Gryffindor's shame… but also Gryffindor's glory—no ordinary person can knock down a dragon, like the griffin on Gryffindor's banner. Ancient griffins once could indeed knock down a dragon.

Potter was left behind, and Bai Lang was left behind as well. "I have a few words for both of you," Professor McGonagall said after sternly appraising the two.