On the last day of October, Saturday usually comes with late wake-up calls for the students. However, today's scenario was somewhat different as most of the young sorcerers got up earlier than usual weekend days. As they hurried down the stairs towards the entrance hall, they were surprised to find that there were new changes in the decorations of the hall.
Above the auditorium, a large swarm of live bats fluttered around the enchanted ceiling, while hundreds of carved jack-o'-lanterns, depicting miniature figures, tilted their eyes at everyone in each corner. Additionally, the walls were adorned with vibrant Halloween decorations in a kaleidoscope of colors.
The young sorcerer suddenly realized, today was Halloween.
In the past, the Halloween celebration dinner always made people feel excited and anticipated. However, this year, the festival had to give way to a grand tripartite competition.
Few could resist the giant pumpkin, conjured by Hagrid's inflating spell, in front of the auditorium. Instead, each of the young sorcerers, rushing down the stairs, gathered around the entrance hall, excitedly pointing and talking about a great experiment Fred and George were about to undertake.
"Why do they think they can pull it off?"
Hermione assessed Fred and George's eager demeanor with a tone that was obvious to all.
"Rejuvenating potion - it's ridiculous to think that Professor Dumbledore would be deceived by such a ruse!"
Harry was also looking forward to the results, and after hearing Hermione's chatter, he spoke fairly, saying,
"I'm willing to bet that students who attempt such a challenge are not Fred and George. Once they become champions, they will immediately gain exposure in the wizarding world and can earn a considerable amount of galleons. Many cannot resist such an allure."
"Yes, Dumbledore is indeed remarkable—"
Hermione seemed dissatisfied with Harry's words, frowning and staring at him with a piercing gaze, while Ron, beside her, watched his two brothers with equally gleaming eyes.
"But precisely because of this, he might be deceived by the rejuvenating potion, wouldn't he? Like him, wizards like that only consider who can break their spells and don't pay attention to such tricks –"
"You have made a thorough analysis, Ron –"
Hermione rolled her eyes, wryly remarking,
"But haven't you considered that if these tricks really work, the Hogwarts champion is an underage sorcerer under seventeen years old, how should Professor Dumbledore and Professor Bree accept this from the House of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang? Remember, Hogwarts is not the only candidate for hosting the Triwizard Tournament. They must have worked hard to make this happen."
Hermione's statement took Harry and Ron by surprise at the same time. To be honest, they hadn't considered that issue, and Harry was certain that Fred and George hadn't thought about it either.
"Shouldn't we stop them?"
After a moment of hesitation, Harry watched Fred and George who were giggling, and hesitated before speaking.
Professor Dumbledore and Professor Bree are the two wizards he respects the most, and Harry would of course be happy to try to become Hogwarts' champion. But if the price is that Professor Dumbledore and Professor Bree can't explain themselves to the outside world, then he would rather just be a spectator.
Ron shrunk back his head guiltily, looking at Fred and George with a few more shades of calmness. He had originally planned to make a try if Fred and George's method worked.
Now, with Hermione's reminder, considering Professor Bree's kindness to their family, if becoming the champion would cause Professor Bree great trouble, then his mother might dismember him before he can represent Hogwarts in the first event.
"Oh, I don't think we need to –" Hermione crossed her arms and looked at the twins with a disapproving expression, "They'll learn their lesson. They've forgotten all about Professor Bree's warning."
"Now, before you, is the famous Black Lake, one of the most distinctive natural landscapes in the entire wizarding world, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
In the early morning, the sunrise had just begun to cast its warm rays, which were barely able to disperse the mist over the lake. As autumn deepened, a row of willow trees by the lakeside stood with their deep green branches hanging down and gently swaying with the breeze.
Amonsta was enthusiastic -- at least, that was evident from his expression. Addressing the visitors from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang with a passionate tone, he completely ignored the expressions of some who were either dozing off or in deep suspicion.
Early in the morning, Mr. Amonsta Brea had rushed to the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang tents to passionately express his desire to introduce Hogwarts to everyone.
No one would pass up the chance to get up close and personal with the esteemed Amonsta Brea, let alone introduce them to the ancient Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which holds a crucial position in the history of magical education worldwide.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Mr. Brea led the group directly to the cool lakeside and spoke for a long time to the lake that was visible from end to end.
The silver-haired Fleur tightened her grip on her teeth, glaring at Amonsta Brea with anger.
Originally, when she left Amonsta's office last night, she felt a hint of elation, for Dumbledore had agreed to him on her request to tour Hogwarts. She thought it would be a great opportunity for some alone time with Amonsta, but little did she know that this man would bring along a 'tour group'!
"There are many aquatic magical creatures living beneath the Black Lake, such as merpeople, Green Depilos, and a giant squid. According to internal records, this squid has been living in this area since the establishment of Hogwarts, and it may have even interacted with the four great founders of Hogwarts!"
That's an interesting piece of information, which made a few people perk up and look towards the lake, hoping to catch a glimpse of the giant squid.
"All right, gentlemen and ladies, follow my lead. We are now heading to another must-see attraction in the Hogwarts campus!"
Amonsta slapped his hand vigorously, weaving through the cluster of Beauxbatons students huddled together to shield against the cold. He pretended not to see Fleur glaring at him with anger as she held onto a little girl with a well-dressed and cute appearance.
"Snapping willow!"
Amonsta led the group through the lawn, arriving at the edge of the field. He pointed to a large tree that was agitated by too many people, its willow branches snapping loudly in the wind.
"This is a very precious magical plant. It has high requirements for the environment, usually surviving only in places with ample magical energy. As far as I know, there's only one in Britain, of course --"
Amonsta flicked his fingers, causing a large piece of moss at his feet to float up and slowly drift towards the snapping willow.
Snap!
A piercing shriek broke the silence, followed by a short, crisp crack of a whip. Under the heavy blow of the snapping willow, the large piece of moss disintegrated into bits that scattered in all directions like mud, pelting the guests watching with raindrops of debris.
"As you can see, it's quite dangerous –"
Looking at the surprised guests who made various noises, Amonsta's voice had a touch more gravity.
"During your entire year at Hogwarts, so I must remind you that during your leisure time, never get curious and approach it. Every year, some freshmen try to use it to prove their agility. And as for what happens to these freshmen, you can consult Professor Pomfrey, the Hogwarts' school doctor –"
(End of chapter)
