In the side chamber behind the staff table.
The space wasn't as cramped as imagined—spanning dozens of square metres with wizard portraits lining both walls and a roaring fire in the central hearth.
The champions sat around the fireplace in a slightly subdued atmosphere.
Krum leaned against his chairback, staring at the Command Seal on his hand in contemplation.
After entering, Sakura greeted Fleur and Cassandra before sitting beside Fleur, the two whispering amiably together.
A kind-hearted, cheerful girl like Sakura with no ill intentions was someone few could dislike, let alone Fleur, who'd been on decent terms with her during their time at Beauxbatons.
The only thing that unsettled Fleur was Wayne telling her she wasn't currently strong enough to defeat Sakura.
Yet she'd never resent Sakura for this or argue with Wayne about it.
Once she won the championship, she'd make Wayne properly comfort her then.
At this thought, Fleur's lips curled upwards unconsciously. Even Sakura had to admit how breathtakingly beautiful Fleur looked in that moment.
Just then, Cedric entered, his face still flushed from earlier excitement.
Seeing the room's atmosphere, his smile faded slightly.
Due to his friendship with Wayne, Fleur, Sakura and Cassandra all greeted him amiably.
This made the others feel obliged to drop their aloof pretence, offering nods of acknowledgement.
Cedric remained standing, hands clasped behind his back as he stared into the fireplace, pondering how to bring glory to Hufflepuff and win the Holy Grail War.
Though he'd been fairly confident about becoming a champion, only now did he truly feel the immense pressure.
Every smiling face at Hufflepuff's table was both his motivation and burden.
As he lost himself in thought, the doors swung open again.
"What is it?" Fleur turned to see Harry entering with a dazed expression. "Here to summon us back to the Great Hall?"
When Harry failed to respond, just standing there blankly, Fleur frowned.
Still, she refrained from harsh words—this was Wayne's friend after all, the famous Harry Potter.
Hurried footsteps followed as Ludo Bagman entered, seizing Harry's arm.
"Most extraordinary," he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief before announcing loudly:
"May I present—however improbable it seems—Harry Potter! The eighth participant in the Holy Grail War."
Krum straightened, his expression darkening further.
Cedric wore the same bewildered look as Harry.
Vladimir rubbed his ears, thinking he'd misheard.
"Is this some new joke?" Cassandra crossed her arms, scowling. "Not only have all seven champions been selected, but he's not even eligible age-wise."
"He's not a Mahoutokoro student—couldn't possibly cross that line."
"Indeed, it's rather hard to accept," Bagman raised Harry's arm like a puppet master. "But the Grail chose him. See? Three Command Seals, identical to yours."
All doubt about this being a prank vanished as the room scrutinised Harry with complex gazes.
Cedric appeared utterly lost.
"Two Hogwarts champions?" Vladimir boomed thunderously. "This is unjust! They must've cheated—I won't accept it!"
"Correct," Buso from Uagadou chimed in. "Do hosts get special privileges? These aren't the rules I studied."
The doors burst open again, admitting a crowd—Dumbledore, Crouch, the other six headmasters, Professor McGonagall and Snape.
As they entered, the buzzing voices of over a thousand people in the Great Hall followed them. Wayne, walking last, closed the door behind them, finally shutting out the clamour.
"Madame Maxime, Wayne," Fleur immediately stepped forward. "What exactly is going on? Why does Hogwarts have an extra champion?"
"That's precisely what I wish to know," Madame Maxime said loudly. "Dumbledore, we demand a reasonable explanation."
"Indeed, Dumbledore. With two champions, Hogwarts' chances of winning have greatly increased. You must have one of them withdraw from the tournament," said Fontaine coldly.
All the headmasters now stood united, demanding answers.
Dumbledore didn't respond to anyone, instead looking down at Harry.
"Did you secretly enter your name into the Grail?" Dumbledore asked with forced calm.
Professor McGonagall, standing nearest to him, had to cover her ears, nearly deafened by his volume.
Harry had never seen Dumbledore so furious before and shook his head frantically. "It wasn't me, sir. I didn't enter. I never even considered it."
Alright, Harry admitted he'd fantasised about becoming a champion.
But that was only in dreams—what did that have to do with reality?
"Albus, I believe Potter didn't do this," Professor McGonagall shielded Harry. "He couldn't have crossed the Age Line. I'm sure we all agree on that!"
"Quite right," Crouch nodded. "Even ten Potters couldn't break through Dumbledore's enchantment."
Harry: "..."
Though they were defending him, why did it sting so much?
"Perhaps he had someone else do it for him?" Snape sneered. He knew this was all Dumbledore's scheme, but he didn't care—he'd never pass up a chance to torment Harry.
Professor McGonagall glared at the traitorous bat, but before she could retort, Crouch—having received a signal from Wayne—spoke first. "Snape, I'll give you a chance now. If you can successfully enter any student's name, I'll resign as Head of International Magical Cooperation immediately."
"Do you think this is the Triwizard Cup? That someone else can enter on behalf of another?"
"It's precisely because of the Grail's higher level of security that we chose it."
"But who could have anticipated something like this happening?"
"So we're just letting this go?" Fontaine said darkly. "I demand a reselection, or each school gets an additional champion."
"Impossible," Crouch flatly refused. "The Grail has now gone dormant. The champions bound by the contract must complete the tournament. Even if your schools select more champions, they won't receive the Command Seals' enhancement."
"What happens if one doesn't participate?" Headmaster Koga of Mahoutokoro suddenly asked.
"Slightly worse than breaking the Triwizard Cup's contract," Dumbledore said lightly. "Magical backlash—they'd become a Squib."
Harry's face instantly paled, and he shook his head wildly.
Participate! He had to participate!
Anyone who wanted to turn him into a Squib and exile him from the wizarding world would have to go through him first!
"Ahem, I actually think Hogwarts is the one at a disadvantage here."
Wayne, having calmed Fleur, suddenly spoke up. Everyone present turned to stare at him with bewildered expressions.
Do you even hear what you're saying?
With Hogwarts having two champions, you're making it sound like you're the victims here?
Even Dumbledore's gaze flickered slightly.
He knew some things were better left unsaid by him, which was why he'd gone to the trouble of inviting Wayne here.
But this was stretching credibility too far.
"Because Hogwarts bears higher risks," Wayne said, stepping beside Harry and patting his shoulder reassuringly.
"As you all know, the Triwizard Tournament was discontinued precisely because the competitions were too dangerous."
"The Age Line was established for this very reason – older students possess greater magical proficiency and resilience."
Wayne pointed at Harry. "If we'd rigged the selection, why would we choose a fourth-year student?"
"Harry hasn't even mastered animal Transfiguration yet, barely scrapes through Potions class, and his charms work is thoroughly average. Apart from Defence Against the Dark Arts, there's practically nothing noteworthy about him."
"And should anything happen to Harry, given his... special status, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar across the wizarding world."
Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!
Harry felt as though several arrows had pierced his heart in rapid succession, staring at Wayne with dazed eyes.
Thanks for that glowing character reference!
"Logical and convincing," Madame Maxime nodded instinctively.
Had she been capable of adding another champion for Beauxbatons, she too would have chosen an older student.
"This is a conspiracy!" A furious voice interrupted as Moody barged into the room, slamming the door open.
"What benefit would becoming champion bring Potter? Clearly, someone wants him dead!"
"What happens when casualties occur in the tournament? The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, dies in a tragic accident – undoubtedly the work of certain Death Eaters!"
As he spoke, his magical eye remained fixed on Karkaroff while his normal eye glared at Snape.
Snape inwardly cursed the old man for overacting, turning his head aside.
"Why are you looking at me?" Karkaroff bristled like a cat with its fur raised. "Moody, I'll protest to the International Confederation of Wizards! This is beyond unacceptable!"
Moody sneered. "Did I mention any names? Why so quick to claim the accusation?"
"Ah, my apologies. I forgot – some people may appear respectable now, but only they remember what dark deeds they've committed in the past."
"Moody, you @#(*!%@#"
Karkaroff erupted into curses, with Moody returning the verbal barrage with equal venom.
The headmasters frowned and silently distanced themselves from the two crude individuals who were exchanging greetings about each other's family trees.
Only after Professor McGonagall had 'escorted' both of them out did peace return to the room.
"What's done cannot be undone," Dumbledore said softly.
"Potter, you must participate in the tournament, but winning isn't what you should consider – surviving is what matters most."
"As compensation, even if Hogwarts' two champions become the final victors, both the Goblet of Fire and the Holy Grail will be entrusted to the next-ranked school, which will then host the next tournament."
"Does anyone have any objections?"
The headmasters huddled together to discuss. Fleur shrugged, "I don't care. To win the championship, one must defeat six other competitors – one more makes little difference. You feel the same, right, Sakura?"
"Mhm," Sakura replied softly, having been the least concerned from the beginning.
Cassandra snorted, "No matter how many there are, I'll be the final winner."
Cedric gave Harry a complicated look before shaking his head.
Vladimir had already fallen asleep, having drunk too much vodka earlier. Buso considered for a moment before also withdrawing his opposition.
Only Krum remained silent, his face as gloomy as ever. With his headmaster already expelled, what use was his opinion?
"Dumbledore, we have one more condition," Madame Maxime finally announced after their discussion.
"Before the final task begins, Potter and Cedric must each lose ten points as punishment for Hogwarts."
Dumbledore didn't immediately agree. Instead, he asked, "Mr Diggory, I cannot decide for you. What are your thoughts?"
After a long silence, Cedric nodded. "I agree."
"Thank you for your cooperation." Dumbledore gave a slight bow, which Cedric hastily avoided. "I'll arrange appropriate compensation for you."
Seeing the terms agreed upon, the other headmasters' expressions softened considerably.
Under the circumstances, they had no better solution. They might as well use this fourth-year student to secure some advantages for their own champions.
After all, none believed Harry could actually influence the final outcome.
"Thank you all for your understanding," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Hogwarts will absolutely ensure fairness and justice."
Wayne gave him a sidelong glance.
You old fraud... Hogwarts guarantees fairness, but your personal actions have nothing to do with the school, eh?
The headmasters paid him no mind. After such a major incident, talk of fairness was meaningless – their own thoughts had already turned devious.
If you won't be righteous, don't blame me for being unscrupulous...
What did it matter if Hogwarts had more participants? They'd provide their champions with some small... 'assistance'.
"Barty, shouldn't we brief our champions now?"
"Quite right." Crouch stepped forward towards the fireplace. The champions all turned to look at him, Harry growing increasingly nervous.
"The first task is designed to test your courage," Crouch announced. "Therefore, we won't tell you what it entails. Facing the unknown is an essential quality for any witch or wizard."
"Improvisation and knowledge are equally important – this will thoroughly examine a wizard's comprehensive abilities."
"The first task will take place on November twenty-fourth. The only thing you can rely on is your wand. As for the subsequent tasks, you'll receive clues after completing the first one."
"That's all, isn't it, Albus?" Crouch looked at Dumbledore.
"Yes," Dumbledore nodded. "Please make good preparations and use this time wisely. If needed, you may seek help from your professors—they'll be delighted to assist you."
...
The people in the room departed, and the students in the Great Hall were led back to their dormitories by the Prefects. Fleur clung to Wayne's arm as the two walked towards the castle grounds.
Dumbledore invited the other headmasters for a nightcap, but all declined. They weren't in the mood.
"Harry, why haven't you left yet?" Dumbledore asked curiously, looking at the boy still standing in place.
"Headmaster, I think I know who's been targeting me," Harry said softly, his head lowered.
Dumbledore's heart skipped a beat. "Who?"
Harry peeked outside to ensure no one was there before leaning back in, his voice trembling with excitement. "Professor Moody—it has to be him!"
"And what's your evidence?"
"I don't have any!" Harry waved his arms. "But I just know it's him!"
"You have to believe me—I've been let down by Defence Against the Dark Arts professors for three years straight! Even Professor Lupin took me to see Sirius before he'd proven his innocence!"
Dumbledore gazed at the boy with pity, recalling Harry's ordeals over the years. He understood the sentiment.
"But Alastor just spoke in your defence earlier. You can trust him."
"No! I can't!" Harry grew even more agitated. "I've been through this before! Lockhart fooled me the same way—I trusted him completely, and he was working for Voldemort!"
"I've realised it now—none of the Defence Against the Dark Arts professors are any good!"
Dumbledore: "..."