Chapter 188: An Unexpected Encounter

Under Dumbledore's guidance, the Hogwarts students took seats at the two long tables on the right; Harry was about to find an empty spot at the end when Ron suddenly grabbed his hand and pulled him straight toward the crowded area.

"I really want to sit here because you look just like one of my best friends," Ron said to a Beauxbatons girl. "Oh, by the way, I'm Ron Weasley, this is Harry Potter, and this is Zhang Qiu."

"What if it's more than just a resemblance?" The girl pulled off the scarf wrapped around her head, revealing smooth brown hair. "I'm Hermione Granger."

"No way? Is that really you? How did you get in?" Ron blurted out. "And you're wearing Beauxbatons uniform?"

"Quiet, Ron," Hermione tugged his sleeve, gesturing for him to sit. "Have you noticed Donald Fontroy at the teachers' table?"

Only then did Harry realize he'd been entirely focused on Madame Maxime and hadn't noticed Donald Fontroy beside her, along with two empty chairs.

"Donald hired me as Elena Caslana's personal assistant not only because of my magical proficiency, but because I speak French and German," Hermione said proudly. "Last year, I took more classes than just those at Hogwarts."

"So the Beauxbatons champion has been decided, then?" Ron asked.

"Yes, they sent only one student, so whether good or bad, it's her," Hermione said. "It's because Kodovstritz also sent only one—they're directly matched."

"So that student… she's here?" Ron said, sounding slightly bitter but also relieved.

Harry noticed his tone and the emphasis on "she," and couldn't help smiling and shaking his head—Ron still didn't realize that the person closest to Hermione right now was the beloved Professor Donald.

"Of course, let me introduce you," Hermione said cheerfully. "This is Elena Caslana, the Beauxbatons champion."

A beautiful girl with large blue eyes and shimmering silver hair smiled at him, revealing a row of white teeth.

"Elena, this is Harry Potter, the Hogwarts champion, and his team," Hermione said. "This is Knight Ron Weasley, and this is Strategist Zhang Qiu."

"Pleased to meet you," Elena said politely.

"Well, then, let's sit here," Harry said, seeing Ron had already sat down, and sat down beside him.

More people gradually entered; when Dumbledore and Karkaroff took their seats beside Madame Maxime's two empty chairs, she raised her voice again: "The Triwizard Tournament will officially begin after the feast. I now invite you all to eat and drink as if you were at home!"

"Is that the headmaster of Kodovstritz?" Harry whispered, pointing to the stern old man beside Karkaroff.

"Yes, General Vaskov—very rigid and strict," Zhang Qiu replied.

"What about the other professors? Do you know any of them?" He glanced at Hermione.

"Hermione probably knows no more than we do—she's clearly only been here a short while," Zhang Qiu said.

"It doesn't matter—let's eat first," Hermione said. "Donald told me that during non-competition periods, we'll attend classes with Beauxbatons students—you'll get to know the professors soon enough."

As Ron stared helplessly at the array of dishes before him, Harry reminded him that French cuisine, though elaborate, never included flavors so bizarre as to be inedible. Reluctantly, Ron scooped up a bowl of mixed fish soup and began eating. When Elena raved over a dish of weasel hind legs, Ron froze mid-reach, his fork trembling.

As golden plates were cleaned and returned, Madame Maxime rose. Excitement and tension spread through the hall; nearly everyone fixed their gaze on her.

"The moment has come—the Triwizard Tournament is about to begin. Before the Champion selection, I must explain the schedule for this academic year." Madame Maxime smiled at the upturned faces.

"First, allow me to introduce our guests: Professor Albus Dumbledore, who will represent Hogwarts as a judge in this tournament."

Harry joined the Hogwarts students in applause.

"This is Professor Igor Karkaroff, who will represent Durmstrang as a judge in this tournament."

The Durmstrang students, having removed their fur cloaks to reveal red robes, began clapping as well.

"This year's Triwizard Tournament differs from past editions: in addition to our three traditional European schools, three others are participating. First, Mr. Donald Fontroy, representing Ilvermorny, will also serve as a judge."

Donald bowed to the crowd; the Hogwarts students applauded warmly.

"This is Professor Yefgrafovich Vaskov, representing Kodovstritz—he is also a member of the judging panel."

Only scattered, polite applause came from a few students.

"We have also received a letter from Xuan Jun. To meet the tournament's team requirements, he has graciously agreed to participate—but humbly relinquished the chance to compete for honor. The Magical Institute will gift its Champion slot to one lucky student present here."

All the children stirred with excitement. Though they knew they might lack magical skill, everyone could dream of luck.

"Beyond our five judges, we are honored to welcome Prince Philip Mountbatten as a special guest observer, who will also serve as head judge, rendering decisive opinions when the five judges disagree." Madame Maxime bowed to an elderly man seated nearby.

"Is he really Prince Mountbatten?" Harry sat up straight. "I never thought I'd meet him in the magical world."

"Who is he?" Ron asked.

"The Queen's husband. Do you know who the Queen is?" Harry replied.

"I know who the Queen is," Ron stared for several seconds. "But isn't he a Muggle?"

"It seems the magical and Muggle worlds are far more closely connected than we imagined," Harry murmured.

"Next, we will select six Champions, who will pair off into three teams to compete in three events. Points will be awarded based on performance, and the team with the highest total score will win the Triwizard Cup," Madame Maxime continued. "The instrument for selecting Champions is the Goblet of Fire."

Madame Maxime waved her wand; a wooden box at the front of the hall suddenly opened, revealing a large, crudely carved wooden goblet floating upward, its contents flickering with blue-white flames.

"Any student wishing to compete may write their name and school on a slip of parchment and place it into the goblet," Madame Maxime said. "Those who wish to become Champions have twenty-four hours to submit their names. Tomorrow night—Halloween night—the Goblet will select the three names it deems most worthy to represent each school. During this time, the Goblet will be placed in the entrance hall, accessible to all students."

"But I must warn you: this tournament is no game. Do not enter lightly. Once chosen by the Goblet, a Champion must see the competition through to the end. Submitting your name creates a magical contract that cannot be broken—once chosen, you may not withdraw. As you all know, the Triwizard Tournament is extremely dangerous. Therefore, I will surround the Goblet with a wall of honest fire: if the parchment you submit bears a name other than your own, it will burn instantly. I will not tolerate anyone submitting another's name. Understood?"

"Good thing she didn't plan to draw an Age Line too," Ron sighed in relief.

"Alright, for those who have thought carefully and are certain they wish to compete, you may come forward to submit your names. For everyone else—I think it's time for bed. Good night!"

With Madame Maxime's final words, the children began filing out of the hall toward their dormitories. The Durmstrang students returned to their ship to sleep; Harry followed the Hogwarts crowd toward the train.

"Pay attention, children," Dumbledore called out. "Try not to fall behind in your studies this year—I've posted the Beauxbatons class schedule in the carriage with the bathrooms. You're free to attend any class you wish, or go out and play, or sleep all day."

"But note this," he added slyly. "After the Triwizard Tournament ends and you return to Hogwarts, you will still take your exams. That is non-negotiable."

"Oh, come on! Why?" Ron complained. "We're out competing!"

"The Triwizard Tournament isn't just a competition—it's a magical teaching exchange," Harry said, quoting what he'd read. "For most teachers and students, experiencing other schools' teaching methods is the real goal. The Champions and the events are merely spectacle."

"But you're the Champion—you don't need to take exams, right? So you won't need to attend classes either?"

"On the contrary—I'm looking forward to classes more than anyone else," Harry said, staring at the fourth-year schedule. "First, because I truly need to keep learning. Second, because I intend to get to know these professors well."

Besides Barty Crouch, who taught English, another familiar yet unfamiliar name caught Harry's attention: Clara Oswald, who taught Muggle Studies.