Karkarov posed the question to two senior officials of the British Ministry of Magic, and in response to his inquiry, Bagman became extremely excited, preparing to express his views. However, upon glancing at Amos Diggory Baggins's expressionless face, Bagman was momentarily struck dumb. Then, he cautiously looked at Barty Crouch.
Hermione immediately directed her gaze towards Crouch, little realizing that her fate was to fall into the hands of the official she disliked so much.
Mr. Crouch stood outside the circle of light cast by the fire. Half his face was in shadow. He looked strange, and the dark half made him look much older, as though he were a skeleton. However, when he spoke, he remained as abrupt as ever.
"Amos Diggory is right; Hermione Granger has no other choice, and we must also adhere to the regulations. The regulations clearly state that anyone whose name is drawn from the Cup of Fire must compete in the Triwizard Tournament."
"That's exactly right!"
Ludo Bagman said that he let out a smile, turning around to look at Karkarov and Miss Maxime, as if the matter was already resolved.
"If it has to be like this!"
Karkarov seemed to have grasped the essence of Crouch's tone of voice, as his smooth speaking voice became harsh, and the smile on his face disappeared. The back of his clenched fist was visible, with veins popping out.
"You must put the Cup of Fire back on display. We have to keep adding names until every school has two warriors. This is the only way to be fair, Diggory!"
"But Karkarov, that's not going to work--"
"Neither Amos nor Dumbledore said anything, so Bagman awkwardly spoke up, saying, "
"The Cup of Fire has just been extinguished - it won't be reignited until the next Triwizard Tournament..."
There was a silence, Fleur looked over at Amos's stern expression, while Viktor watched Hermione. He was quite fond of this witch from Hogwarts. On the night of the final of the World Cup, this little witch used to argue with a much more powerful dark wizard in the box, which demonstrated her bravery.
As for Hogwarts' official champion, Cedric Diggory, he was now rather at a loss, as if everyone in the room didn't particularly care about him.
"--Next year's Triwizard Tournament, Durmstrang won't be participating!"
Karkarov burst into a rage,
"We've had so many meetings, Diggory! After all that negotiation and discussion, we thought this wouldn't happen! I can't believe it! I'd like to leave right now!"
"Hogwarts' door is always open, Karkarov. You can leave at any time, but your champion has to stay --"
Amos spoke in a cold tone, "
"Just like Miss Granger, I cannot stand by and watch Mr. Kremt be rendered a dud by the Cup's curse."
Karkarov's face turned beet red, as he fixed his gaze on Amos, grinding his teeth and saying,
"You're threatening me, Baggins! I swear, I will sue you to the conference like they did, don't think just because you're the vice-president you'll be exempt from punishment for your mistakes!"
"Posturing with threats, Karkarov!"
A voice roared from the doorway, "
"You're not going to give up on the Triwizard Tournament, Karkarov! I've been listening to you complain as if you're the biggest victim, but the real victims haven't said a word for themselves yet!"
Moody hobbled up to Karkarov, and with each step of his right foot, it made a very loud noise.
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't understand what you mean--"
Karkarov stepped back instinctively, then realized he was being watched by so many people, so he took a step forward again and said irritably,
"Don'tDurmaxstromandBusbyBartongetthepunishmentthatwasdueforthem?Andwhatdoes'theonestoolesincare'mean?"
"I know what you're thinking!"
Moody shouted, "
"You still suspect that someone at Hogwarts put Hermione Granger's name in the cup, which gives Hogwarts two chances!"
"Is it not?"
Miss Maxime raised her chin, indignant, saying.
Perhaps it was because Miss Maxime replied that Professor Moody showed restraint, but his disdain for this tone was audible to everyone.
"Everyone knows Miss Hermione Granger is just a young witch, not yet an adult. If the person who did this really intended to give Hogwarts two chances, why wouldn't they pick someone who looks like they could win?"
Professor Moody's large and small blue eyes were fixed on Karkarov, and a terrifying smile appeared on his face.
"In my opinion, there are only two possibilities. Either the person who did this has a deep grudge against Miss Granger and wants her to die in the tournament, or..."
Professor Moody's tone grew more menacing.
"Miss Granger is just an innocent person who got caught up in this. The person who did this has a grievance against Hogwarts and wants to see Hogwarts in trouble. If she loses her life, Hogwarts will be making a big mistake - creating two champions and losing one -"
Hermione's scalp prickled instantly, and she felt that Professor McGonagall, who had her arm around her shoulder, also tightened her grip on the arm at this moment.
"Professor Dumbledore, Amos, are we not--"
The firelight reflected on Professor McGonagall's face, making her worried expression appear vivid and lifelike. "Let's think of another way, about getting Miss Granger safely removed from the position of a champion?"
Karkarlov obviously understood what Professor Moody was implying, and he was about to vehemently object when Professor McGonagall's words made him temporarily silent. If there really is a way to get this mud-brained little witch out of the tournament, that would be the best thing possible.
"There will be a way..."
Dumbledore's words shocked everyone into silence. Could there really be a way to ensure Miss Granger doesn't become a champion without being disqualified? Then what were they arguing about all this time? Was Dumbledore just joking around?
Amos's eyebrow barely twitched.
"If we all agree to destroy the Cup of Fire, the curse's backlash will not exist, and Miss Granger can safely withdraw from the Triwizard Tournament. We can also continue to recognize the identities of the other three champions."
Dumbledore calmly looked at Amos.
Amos's eyelid twitched, and he understood Dumbledore's meaning.
Destroy the Cup of Fire?!
Even the most excited Karkarov fell silent. To him, Dumbledore was joking. The Flame Cup is an extremely precious magical artifact and historical relic, neither the Ministry of Magic nor the International Confederation of Wizards would agree to this, but if Dumbledore insists on doing so...
Professor Moody's magical eye almost caught as a result of Dumbledore's sudden proposal, he never expected that the conclusion he reached led to this result.
"I absolutely will not allow--"
"Tonight, Barty Crouch stood up straight for the first time, not looking at Dumbledore, but walking out from the firelight, staring at Karkarov with a terrifying gaze."
"The Flame Cup is a valuable artifact that has passed through many centuries, I will not allow it to be destroyed just because it has finally been activated after many centuries, the Ministry of Magic will never agree to this plan!"
Karkarov was frightened by Crouch's gaze, filled with grievances. His lips trembled as if he was trying to explain that he was not the one who proposed the plan.
"If you think it's unfair, Karkarov, Miss Maxime, then we all agree that the score of Hogwarts in the final round is the average score of Cedric Digory and Hermione Granger. That is the solution, everyone must participate in the tournament!"
"According to your theory, now is Dumbledore who should complain, right?"
As soon as Crouch's voice fell, Professor Moody showed a ferocious smile to Karkarov.
"No one would think a young witch could perform well in the tournament, and Hogwarts now has a weak link!"
be a weak link
Even though Hermione had so many worries on her mind, she still took a moment to be angry about Professor Moody's words.
Dumbledore and Amos's gaze briefly intersected for a moment, but then they looked away.
"Hogwarts has no objection--"
Amos spoke calmly.
"Then how should we explain to the public?"
Ludo Bagman inquired happily.
"The new regulations of the Triwizard Tournament--" Amos glanced at Bagman, "the hosting school can have two champions."
Amos turned his gaze towards Karkarov, who was looking increasingly flustered.
"You're right, it can be retained as a routine, Professor Karkarov, I hope this will keep you in high spirits when you host the next Triwizard Tournament--"
(End of chapter)
