Kakarov professor and Mrs. Maxim exchanged glances, but before the British Ministry of Magic officials, the two kept their guarded silence and did not respond.
Their concerns are easily understood. Firstly, the projects of the championship require warriors to deal with them independently, including the heads of schools and professors, none of whom should interfere. In this situation, if one were to be aware of the progress in deciphering the warrior's secret, it would seem suspicious.
Secondly, they are not certain about the progress of other warriors. If they reveal critical information, it would be equivalent to helping others.
"Oh, don't worry, everyone—"
This situation was anticipated, said Ludo with a smile.
"From the moment you step into this office until the beginning of the competition, you will not be allowed to meet with warriors and students from their respective schools alone. In other words, until now, the decryption of the second competition has been thoroughly completed. What follows is for warriors to complete corresponding challenges according to the clues provided by the golden egg."
"As such—"
Kakarov's eyes were filled with distrust for everyone. He was not at all willing to reveal Krum's decryption progress, instead offering a cloying smile.
"Since the decryption has been completed, Mr. Bagman, there is no need for us to reveal anything, is that not so? Moreover, I must honestly say that I do not know how far along the progress of Wektor is. To be honest, I am worried. You all know that this child's talent lies in sports, and he may not be particularly good at decoding such games. Maybe he is the only warrior who has not yet understood what he needs to do."
The others didn't want to pay attention to Kakarov's affected speech. Only Moody showed his disgust without any reservation, waiting for Kakarov and loudly reprimanding him for his hypocrisy.
"What exactly are we supposed to do, Mr. Bagman?"
Mrs. Maxim seemed to be a bit impatient at the meeting, 'The battle' was approaching, she wanted to accompany her students and give her encouragement and comfort, but Ludo Bagman said that they had been 'softened up', which made her even more annoyed.
The lack of cooperation from the heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang made Ludo feel rather lost. He helplessly cast his gaze towards Amortentia.
"Let me say this first--"
Amortentia straightened his posture and said with a smile,
"The warriors need to dive into the Black Lake for the second competition, and they have one hour to find the treasure we have taken from them in the lake. If they exceed one hour, they will forever lose their treasure. This is the hint that the warriors received from the golden egg they obtained in the first competition."
Just as Kakarov, who had just been scolded by Moody, opened his mouth to say something, he caught sight of the repulsive scarred eye of Moody staring at him. He let out a cold snort and said nothing.
"So this is the case,"
Seeing that Amortentia had already said what he needed to, Mrs. Maxim finally no longer held back.
"We are gathered here to discuss the treasure that the warriors have lost?"
"You are absolutely correct, Mrs. Maxim,"
Ludo said in a light, cheerful tone.
"The warriors are all asleep now, and when they wake up tomorrow, they will find that their most precious thing has disappeared. Only by accepting the challenge and winning it can they retrieve their own treasures."
"Wektor has a broomstick named the Nimbus 2001,"
Kakarov couldn't hold back any longer; he said eagerly,
"That was when he first joined the Bulgarian Quidditch team, of course. Now that he has started using the Phoenix Feather, the Nimbus 2001 was his first broomstick in a competition, which holds great significance for him. He told me that he intended to keep it for life. In my opinion, this broomstick is the most valuable treasure for Wektor."
"If you dare to make fun of me again, Kakarov!"
Moody lurched to his feet, pointing his crutch at Kakarov, and bellowed,
"I swear I will throw you out of this office window, on the eighth floor! You can try to see if your warriors can get to you in time to save you on their beloved broomstick!"
"Alastor."
Dumbledore calmly called out to Moody, and only after Moody had sullenly sat down did he turn to the dark-faced Kakarov, smiling.
"Ludo and Amortentia did not explain it clearly enough, Professor Kakarov, which led to your misunderstanding. For each of us, the most precious thing is not gold, not expensive tools or the wealth we possess, but people."
"Sorry, Dumbledore," Mrs. Maxim frowned, maintaining politeness and grace, "I'm not quite clear about what you mean."
"In short,"
Amortentia continued Dumbledore's words,
"According to the plan, we will take away the closest and most important people to each warrior, those they cannot afford to lose. After selecting them, these people will be brought here and I will perform a spell on them to ensure their safety underwater for an hour while they wait for the warriors' rescue."
Before Mrs. Maxim could erupt, Amortentia continued,
"The hint in the golden egg was just meant to scare the warriors. In fact, even if the warriors fail to find their most important people within the specified time, those brought into the lake will not be in any danger of life."
"Oh, I see."
Mrs. Maxim frowned and pondered, "the most important person to Fleur"
This proposal was indeed outlandish, and even Kakarov became cautious, as he couldn't decide whether to recommend someone trivial to Wektor in order to ease his psychological burden, or to choose someone truly important to Wektor, which might inspire him to strive for victory.
"What does Hogwarts plan to do?"
What Kakarov was thinking, Mrs. Maxim could not have failed to consider, and she was careful again.
"Who have you selected as the 'important person' for the two warriors from Hogwarts?"
"Oh, haven't we started yet?"
Ludo Bagman said cheerfully,
"This needs to be discussed, doesn't it? I mean, to prevent any cheating. The 'important person' chosen for each warrior must be approved by everyone. Since we're on the subject..."
Ludo looked towards the headmaster and two vice-headmasters of Hogwarts, awaiting their response with expectancy.
"Hogwarts is the host of this year's Tri-Wizard Tournament. Perhaps you should set an example."
Dumbledore smiled and looked at Amortentia, who nodded in response.
"No problem. As for the two warriors from Hogwarts, I suggest selecting a Ravenclaw fifth-year witch, Cedric Digory, Miss Cho's girlfriend. Everyone who knows Cedric Digory should know that their relationship is very intimate."
"Mr. Cedric Digory and Miss Cho Chang."
Ludo Bagman did not offer any objections; he looked around the room.
"Then, what is everyone's opinion?"
This was indeed a suitable choice, and even Kakarov could not find any fault with it. He looked at Amortentia Blaine with slight suspicion and astonishment, somewhat disbelieving of Amortentia's 'fairness'.
"So, regarding Hermione Granger."
Amortentia did not immediately recommend someone, and he looked down at the table, deep in thought.
For some reason, the atmosphere became delicate, and Amortentia could sense that, along with Dumbledore, the people sitting at this table were increasing their heartbeats in a way or another.
"There is no doubt that Hermione Granger's best friends at school are Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, and of the two..."
Amortentia suddenly looked at Professor McGonagall.
"What is your opinion, Professor McGonagall? Who do you think is more important to Hermione Granger?"
(Chapter ends)
