The arena of the Three Strong Competition, in terms of both size and grandeur, is undoubtedly much inferior to this summer's Quidditch final.
However, there's nothing to complain about it. After all, the latter was created with the coordination of the Ministry of Magic and almost all of the resources from the British wizarding world. In contrast, the arena for the Triwizard Tournament was solely managed by one person - Amortia. So, it has its current appearance due to Amortia's efforts.
But when it comes to the level of spectators, it's definitely not inferior at all.
Although none of the Ministers of Magic from the different countries were present in person, to emphasize the importance, in addition to the judges Rubeus Hagrid and Barty Crouch Jr., Lady Amelia Bones, the Director of Magical Law Enforcement at the British Ministry of Magic, and Mrs. Fudge also made a personal appearance to show support for Hogwarts.
Besides that, Gellert Burnand, the president of the Goblet Bank and the head of the goblin race who has not been seen in public for nearly half a century, also attended the event, both for business purposes and to support his personal friend Amortia Breanne.
And that's not all, here are also the presidents and vice-presidents of the Wizengamot, Albus Dumbledore, Verpuis Derengon, and Amortia, who also bear the title of vice-president.
He can be counted as a major figure in the underground world of British magic, with a significant position in the shadow world of European magic, Cacofonix Flick also attended the event, sitting among the pureblood families. Lucius Malfoy looked up at Cacofonix Flick chatting arm in arm with Amortia Breanne, and his face turned green with jealousy and his teeth clenched.
Now he finally understands how Amortia Breanne uncovered the grand spectacle he had orchestrated at the Quidditch World Cup, done to please the approaching return of the Dark Lord.
However, looking around the surrounding area of the judges' bench, enjoying the best view and those wizards with significant positions in their respective fields, Lucius can't help but feel scared. Bringing so many people to Hogwarts to watch the Triwizard Tournament at once is not an easy feat, even for Cornelius Fudge. It's impressive that Amortia Breanne has been quietly accumulating such a vast network of contacts.
Of course, Lucius also understands that Albus Dumbledore's influence is also significant. Gazing at the two faces standing side by side, one old and the other young but equally tall, Dumbledore and Breanne, Lucius's eyes that were already unwavering were even more determined.
Today and tomorrow, the sky is clear without a single cloud.
Otherwise, considering Amortia's sometimes eccentric personality, if the weather didn't cooperate, he might fly up to the uppermost sky and break up those rain clouds with magic before he was satisfied.
However, with the tail of November, it's almost impossible to enjoy warm and comfortable sunshine in Hogwarts, as the cold wind on the barren hills is still harsh. Fortunately, Amortia had also considered this in advance. To provide everyone with a comfortable environment, all the winds blowing into the arena are gentle and warm.
The match is scheduled for the afternoon, and it's obvious that the guests coming to watch cannot all rush into the Great Hall of Hogwarts for lunch at once. Although none of them came for the food and drink, they can't possibly express their appreciation for Hogwarts on an empty stomach either.
So, at the time of meal, the little wizards patrolling the corridors dividing the viewing areas announced to everyone in a polite but firm tone that there was a menu hidden in the space between the armrests and hidden table in their seats. As long as they recited the desired food out loud, the kitchen at Hogwarts would promptly deliver it to them.
"Amortia Breanne's idea is very interesting, isn't it, Barty?"
Ludo seemed to have forgotten about the failed negotiation with Amortia early in the morning, and he said to Barty, who still looked rather unspirited, with a smile.
"When the Ministry of Magic holds a large-scale event next time, we can also draw inspiration from this idea. Let me think -"
The seating space on the judges' bench is much larger than that of the viewing stand, accommodating a few long tables in front of the seats. Ludo tentatively shouted.
"How about a steak?"
Bang!
A slight explosion sounded after which a sizzling, steaming steak was immediately placed on the table in front of him!
"Remember to control your appetite, Ludo..."
Amortia smiled and said,
"While designing this building, I forgot to add restrooms. So if you feel sick in your stomach, you'll have to go outside and find a solution yourself..."
The people around burst into kind-hearted laughter, and the goblin, Bane, cast a meaningful glance at the embarrassed Ludo.
"Master Breanne——"
At that moment, a goblin quickly ran out from the small room behind the judges' bench. The goblin's eyes hesitated for a moment between Breanne and Bane, but it still approached Bane and whispered something to him.
"We've already adjusted the viewing equipment we installed at all the venues. You see, is it not—"
"Oh, of course--"
Amortia stood up smiling, and the people beside him, including Dumbledore, all knew what he was going to do. They turned their attention enthusiastically towards the giant screen for viewing.
Amortia immediately left his seat and turned into the broadcasting studio. After a slight hum, the black screen that had always been dark suddenly flashed with several dazzling blue lights. Then, under the curious gaze of hundreds of eyes, the frequency of the light flashing on the screen became faster and faster until, after a collective gasp, the central competition ground with its complex terrain was finally projected onto the screen.
"Truly amazing, Amortia--"
Having been briefed in advance, Amelia exclaimed.
"Your invention is incredibly practical. If it could be widely—"
Amelia stopped in the middle of her sentence, clearly realizing that she should be more careful not to say any sensitive comments in this occasion.
The arena was filled with exclamations of praise and astonishment, especially in the area where the pureblood wizard families were seated. These heads of families who control the key industries in the magical world all realized the broad applicability of this invention. Even Lucius Malfoy, whose mind was full of thoughts, looked at the clear projection on the opposite side and his eyes sparkled with different colors.
Of course, not everyone expressed admiration for this monitor that was first displayed to the public.
Below the arena, Moody, who was patrolling and inspecting the environment, felt a bit of panic when he saw his own reflection in the corner of the projected image on the giant screen above. He also saw the flying mirroring mirrors dancing in the air above. He turned his head and looked at Amortia Breanne standing on top of the platform and chatting with various dignitaries. His one good blue eye betrayed a look of shock and alarm!
Buzz—
Suddenly, the ground shook slightly. As the buzzing sound became clearer, the voices of the little wizards cheering became more and more prominent.
"Oh my God, they're here—"
Amortia made a small sound of surprise.
"Come on, Ludo, Barty, the warriors are about to arrive. We'll witness them picking their own opponents too."
(Chapter End)
