The performance of Hogwarts students exceeded most people's expectations; many of them skillfully handled various crises that would be tricky even for adult wizards.
After nearly eighty percent of the students were eliminated, a team finally appeared in front of the ball python.
At this point, the ball python had grown under the influence of the spell; its head was about the height of a person, and its originally plump body looked even more massive.
The first student who encountered it even thought they had bumped into a wall, then realized the wall could move, and they were stunned in shock.
With a flick of the ball python's tail, the student was caught off guard and flew out.
Even though they were caught by a Thestral in mid-air, it still resulted in elimination.
Then, team after team rushed awkwardly into the central area and charged at the ball python.
The ball python was originally a gentle creature, naturally shy and timid.
But now, it seemed to take everything as a fun game, without using its expertise in coiling or its inverted sharp teeth; just swaying its tail or moving its body was enough to drive students out of its territory.
However, the competitors' goal was not to defeat the giant, but to leave their team's mark on it.
So it wasn't long before the clever students came up with a plan—
They split up some to distract the ball python, while one or two agile members rushed in to leave a name.
The snake's scales were very smooth, making it hard to climb; some teams with low requirements simply signed far from the head, just to say they participated.
One kneeled on the ground, shouting in despair, "Why did I choose the name 'Pop-Pop Boom Enthusiast, Gobstones Go to Hell'? How can I write all this?"
Their last remaining teammate stood blankly beside them, looking like their soul had already left their body.
"Hahahaha..."
The Weasley brothers were amused, and they cooperatively rushed forward.
Their team name was "Mischief Makers."
With the cooperation of their teammates, they not only successfully left their names but also conveniently erased their competitors' signatures.
So just as they jumped off the snake, a brawl ensued.
It was then Harry and his team charged into the central area.
Simultaneously, they were also the last team; others, blocked halfway or with severe losses, mostly chose to withdraw.
There were few left from Umbrella House, as Michael, Neville, and Theo had fallen halfway while covering their teammates; only Harry and Hermione remained.
Vid sat on the platform of the owlery, unable to hear the conversation over there, but he could clearly see the progress of the situation.
Though unintended, the twins' chaotic actions greatly assisted Harry and Hermione—
Teams that had signed swiftly left the fray, watching from nearby.
If all went as usual, by the time Harry and Hermione arrived, they would have to face the ball python, made irritable by the pestering flies, alone, finding ways to avoid its attacks and signing next to it.
But now, some Gryffindors and Slytherins engaged in fierce battle beside the ball python, getting knocked away by its tail.
And the teams whose names were erased had to charge the ball python again, signing while defending against its attacks and protecting their new names, while also creating havoc for others.
In a way, Fred and George completely disrupted the original order, making all students understand that signing was only the first step; whether they could protect their team's name until the end was the most crucial.
"What a chance! While this big fellow's attention is scattered, I can fly over,"
Harry took out his broom, ready to mount it.
"Wait!"
Hermione grabbed him.
The girl glanced at the time and said, "Writing 'SSC' only takes a second... wait until five minutes before the end to go up."
Harry instantly realized—Hermione was right.
He wasn't confident he could protect his signature amidst the chaos... and if he mounted the broom, he'd likely become everyone's attack target.
But waiting on the side wasn't easy either.
The agony of being so close to completing the task was just a part; more importantly, there were flying spells, huge tails sweeping by occasionally, and sneak attacks from other teams.
Luckily, other magical creatures in the maze seemed scared by the commotion, not attacking from the bushes as before.
Vid watched the chaotic scene from above.
To prevent real accidents among students, all professors, Thestrals, and most House-Elves were guarding the surroundings, ready to rescue at any moment.
From his perspective, Harry and Hermione were like tiny ants on the ground, jumping continuously.
Suddenly, Hermione's legs uncontrollably stuck together, and she collapsed to the ground, with the ball python's body crashing down on her.
Harry showed a fierce expression, seemingly shouting "Hermione" based on his lip movements.
Immediately after, the ball python's body paused, and a House-Elf appeared and instantly took Hermione away.
Before leaving, Hermione managed to give Harry an "OK" hand signal.
Harry nodded vigorously, knowing Hermione was reminding him to endure for three more minutes before charging.
He deftly dodged two intersecting spells, rolling on the ground and ending up covered in dust.
Perhaps because Harry was the smallest in size and age and hadn't actively attacked, the ball python didn't pay attention to him, nor did other teams notice him much.
This made it easier for Harry to "survive."
Three minutes had passed.
A flying broom skyrocketed, like a swift weaving through ocean waves, agile and light.
"Wow—"
A spontaneous gasp erupted from the audience.
The competitors were also shocked, and in the next moment, seven or eight spells flew toward Harry, with the Weasley brothers clapping and laughing joyfully.
The boy flew effortlessly, as if even the wild wind couldn't hinder him in the slightest.
Soon, loud cheers and applause erupted from the audience, audible clearly even at Vid's owlery.
Putting down the binoculars, Vid heard Professor Morry ask with a smile:
"Do you regret it? If you had participated, you might be the one receiving applause now."
"What's the point of that?"
Vid replied disinterestedly, "Human emotions are fickle, especially the love of strangers, which might turn into disdain or even hatred over a trivial matter."
Professor Morry laughed.
"These words... don't quite sound like something someone your age would say."
He shook his head and said, "Kids are cuter when they're lively."
Vid turned to him, asking, "Is it cuter... or easier to deceive?"
He didn't hear the professor's answer.
A House-Elf suddenly appeared with a "bang," trembling slightly, saying, "Vid Gray, sir... the maze... there's trouble..."