Harry Potter : Bloodraven-Chapter 292: The Opening Gambit (I) (CH - 311)

Even in the past, the Triwizard Tournament was widely regarded as one of Europe's grandest magical traditions, holding deep cultural significance, especially for the three magical countries and the schools that took part.

And now, in this modern era where magical entertainment and competitive sports captivated the public more than ever, the announcement of the tournament's return was welcomed with even greater fanfare, as waves of enthusiastic reactions spread swiftly across European borders.

As such, beginning the very evening after the selection ceremony, news of the chosen champions swept across Europe, and especially through the participating countries, like wildfire.

The British Daily Prophet, the German Der Magische Bote, and the French La Gazette des Sorciers, rushed to print the champions names, and it did not take long before all six were being spoken of in bustling streets, crowded shops, and quiet corners alike, their fame spreading from one conversation to the next as headlines continued to follow them everywhere.

If it were not for the champions residing at Hogwarts, there was no doubt they would have been swarmed by paparazzi by this point. At least until the day of the trials, however, they would be spared such disturbances, plus, there was no way Dumbledore would allow just anyone to wander the grounds, journalists included.

As for Hogwarts' champions, unlike in the original story, Harry did not have to hang his head low and was instead hailed as a true champion alongside Cedric during this time. His best friend did not turn cold out of envy or jealousy, his housemates did not scrutinize him, and Hogwarts as a whole celebrated that he was among the two chosen to represent their school.

But with great power, or rather fame in this case, came great responsibility, and more than anything now the two boys had to ensure they did not bring embarrassment upon their school, otherwise all that praise and glory would surely turn against them.

Fortunately, the school did not leave the two boys to shoulder everything on their own. Although the rules made it clear that champions could not ask teachers for help during the trials themselves, that did not mean the professors were forbidden from preparing them beforehand.

So beginning the very next day after the champion selection, Harry and Cedric were put through a rigorous, carefully tailored training routine under the guidance of multiple professors across the school. The sessions were designed with the tasks in mind, even if the champions were never told as much. But if they happened to figure it out on their own, well, good for them.

And speaking of the Hogwarts professors, alongside their regular classes, their schedules this year were especially busy because of the tournament. Even before the school term began, Dumbledore had organized specific responsibilities for each of them to ensure everything ran smoothly.

In particular, Maverick and Flitwick were entrusted with one of the most crucial duties, maintaining security both within the school grounds and beyond them throughout the year.

Of course, there was an underlying purpose behind this arrangement that only a select few were aware of, one steered directly by Maverick, and suffice to say, things were progressing exactly as intended under the greater plan unfolding quietly behind the scenes. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

---

Inside Hogwarts' Headmaster's office, the sunset light of late summer filtered through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, softly illuminating scattered parchments, glowing instruments, and the quiet stillness that had settled over the room.

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, filling the office with a gentle warmth. Behind the large oak desk, Albus Dumbledore leaned back, looking ahead with a faint, knowing smile, then, as if a decision had been made, raised the Elder Wand and traced a slow circle above his head.

Magical energy visibly rippled through the air, causing the space itself to seem to unravel as though an invisible curtain had just dissolved around the room, before a low exhale finally escaped his lips.

With another smooth motion and a softly murmured incantation, he turned toward the portraits lining the walls. Where painted figures should have been, the frames were completely blank, but then, one by one, the portraits returned to their places, colors bleeding back into canvas as familiar faces reappeared.

Dumbledore then offered his predecessors an apologetic smile, only to be met with a collection of eye rolls and a few choice remarks. In fact, it was hardly the first time this had happened, and in recent years, especially whenever the school's new alchemy professor was present, they were routinely warded from listening in on anything discussed within the office.

Some of the portraits muttered about excessive caution, others complained aloud about being shut out of conversations. What was the point of such overcautious behavior? What could they possibly do? They were merely alchemical constructs, not spies sent to eavesdrop on secret meetings.

Dumbledore, however, paid no heed to their remarks and did not rise to their protests. And now, with everything restored, he finally turned his attention back to the occupants of the room. In truth, whatever needed to be discussed had already been settled. All he had done was return the office to its original state.

"My friends." He raised his glass slowly, eyes settling on each of them in turn. "Shall we toast to a fruitful cooperation, then?"

Across from him sat three figures, Maverick at the center, with his mentor Edward to his right and Olympe Maxime to his left. This meeting had been arranged precisely to bring the towering woman into the fold, and Maverick had even been prepared to summon Daddy Merlin if necessary, though fortunately it never came to that.

Just as he had expected, convincing her had proven surprisingly easy. That said, it was not a difficult choice for her, because when four of the most powerful mages stood in agreement, it was already a safe bet from the very beginning.

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