Chapter 133: The First Challenge Begins

"By the way, Sirius, why did you suddenly run here?"

A few of them ate the food Sirius brought while chatting idly.

Sirius usually has no adult airs at all, so the kids felt no restraint chatting with him.

"Aw, I originally came with Harry."

"But he and Ron got stubborn with each other, so I thought I'd walk around on my own, and then thought of you."

Sirius said very naturally.

The group looked at each other in puzzlement—Harry and Ron got stubborn?

Sensing their confusion, Sirius continued.

"They aren't fighting, are they, because of that Triwizard Tournament?"

"Today they came together to Hogsmeade because Hermione arranged it, saying she hoped they could clear the air."

"In the end, they both acted like stubborn donkeys, refusing to lower their heads first; they were probably still squabbling inside the Three Broomsticks."

Sirius said, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

"Ron might have been... hmm, perhaps jealous earlier, always feeling Harry stole his spotlight."

"In fact, he knows deep down it's not Harry's fault, but it still feels awkward."

"And Harry wouldn't elaborate either, letting Ron's misunderstanding grow deeper."

"Sigh, but it's understandable; after all, they're both at that age."

Sirius shrugged and gave a helpless smile.

Titus and the others listened, half-understanding, because none of them had ever quarreled.

John nonchalantly ate fish and chips.

The youths were just fighting for pride; no one wants to admit defeat first.

But it's precisely that stubborn refusal to back down that makes reconciliation especially precious.

What they need isn't a verdict on who's right or wrong, but a chance—a moment to naturally lower their guards.

Sirius understood this, so he didn't forcefully intervene.

At this point John was more concerned about Hermione, being sandwiched between those two stubborn donkeys, probably with a pounding headache.

As they chatted, perhaps full and sleepy, Sirius turned into a Black Dog and went to sleep with Big Orange.

He plans to look for Harry after they're about to head back.

The others just went on playing by themselves, ignoring him.

Honestly, John felt a bit uneasy seeing him in Black Dog form.

Especially his swaying lychees.

A few days passed quickly, and finally the moment arrived for the highly anticipated first event of the Triwizard Tournament.

On the competition day there were no classes; the entire Hogwarts faculty and students would go to watch.

The arena was built on a small hill outside the castle.

It was a circular structure resembling an ancient Roman coliseum, except the central arena wasn't a flat ground but a pile of rocks simulating a Fire Dragon's nest.

From time to time, roars of a Fire Dragon echoed from within.

The Spectator Seats were a roar of voices—cheers, tense whispers, and many students holding signs supporting a Warrior.

Even those placing bets were present—yes, Fred and George.

Outside the arena stood a large tent, the contestant tent the school prepared for the four Warriors.

Inside the tent the atmosphere was heavy; Furong looked nervous, unconsciously rubbing her wand with her fingers while pacing back and forth.

Presumably Ma Ke Xi Mu Fu Ren had already informed her about the Fire Dragon matter.

Krum sat in the corner, solemnly changing into the special robe the school had prepared.

Harry was so nervous his palms sweated, and he kept rubbing his hands like a fly to ease his tension.

John was fiddling with the gloves the school gave him.

"Hmm, they don't fit well; did my hands get bigger?"

"Then am I going to grow taller?"

Thinking that way, John felt a bit happy.

"Please note! Today everyone will feast their eyes!"

"The first event of the Triwizard Tournament is about to begin!"

"In this challenge, the four Warriors will sequentially face a ferocious Fire Dragon, snatching a Golden Egg from its guarded nest!"

"This is a true trial testing courage, wisdom, and magical skill!"

"Next, for everyone's safety, please do not leave your seats at will."

"And also, please wish the four Warriors may receive the favor of the Goddess of Luck!"

Outside, Dumbledore's stirring opening speech rang out.

Along with the audience's thunderous cheers.

"John... Harry..."

At that moment, Hermione's lowered voice came from outside the tent.

She peeked her head through a corner where the tent curtain had been lifted.

John and Harry both turned their heads, seeing Hermione walk in with a hint of worry on her face.

Behind her followed Sirius.

"How are you feeling?"

Hermione looked at them, asking with great concern.

"Uh, oh, it's okay."

Harry looked at Hermione, then at Sirius, forced out a smile, but sweat seeped onto his palms.

Hermione instantly saw Harry's forced composure, she gently grasped Harry's hand, her fingertips conveying warmth.

"You can definitely do it; you've done so much training for this."

Sirius also stepped forward and patted Harry's shoulder.

"Remember, stay calm."

Harry took a deep breath, nodded, and his nervousness eased a bit.

Hermione turned her head toward John and saw him standing there as if nothing were wrong.

He looked completely untroubled.

John even winked at her, raised his gloved hand and gave it a shake.

"Hermione, look, my glove got tighter."

"Does that mean my bones are developing, getting ready to grow?"

Hermione instantly walked over, both annoyed and amused.

Then she took John's hand and helped adjust the glove's elastic strap to a proper position.

John felt the glove become quite fitting again.

"......"

The scene suddenly turned a bit awkward.

He had thought that the strap on the glove was just decorative...

"Idiot, focus, that's a Fire Dragon, not a toy."

Hermione glared at John, her tone full of helplessness and reproach, yet she couldn't hide the concern in her eyes.

John scratched his head, then grinned, "Don't worry, I'm not planning to gamble with my life."

As he said that, his expression turned serious again, a confident smile lifting his lips.

Seeing this, Hermione felt a little reassured.

But looking into John's eyes, she couldn't help giving him a big hug.

John was slightly startled, but immediately returned the embrace.

"Be careful, don't overdo it."

Hermione's worried voice whispered softly in his ear.

"I will."

John replied softly.

"Crack!"

At that moment, a flash suddenly lit up inside the tent.

It was LiTa Skitt and her photographer.

The camera's lens had just focused on the embracing pair.

"Oh, what a cute couple~"

"How moving the outpouring of emotion, the tenderness that blossoms on the eve of life‑or‑death trials, often pierces fate's eye the most~"

LiTa twisted her waist as she walked in, then opened her mouth and kept chattering nonstop.

"If something happens to you in the upcoming competition, you two will definitely make the headlines."