When Bryan used a humorous and elegant sentence to eliminate the negative impact of his malicious joke, Vipor Dreghorn immediately realized that the young man in front of him who was pushed out by Dumbledore was not that simple.
A flicker of hesitation arose in his mind, as he did not wish to overly offend Dumbledore either, but at this moment, Karkaroff suddenly spoke up,
"No need for modesty, Mr. Watson--"
Karkaroff's lips curled into an amused smile.
"Everyone knows Hogwarts is the oldest wizarding school in Europe, and also the greatest today. Whether Beauxbatons or our Durmstrang, we have many aspects to learn from Hogwarts in teaching."
"Precisely so--"
The wizards gathered here came from all over the world and graduated from various wizarding institutes. Karkaroff's statement touched a nerve in their pride. Perceiving the simmering displeasure, Dreghorn instantly resolved his stance as he smiled in agreement,
"We've gathered here to choose the host school for the Triwizard Tournament, but I believe Hogwarts already has an advantage, doesn't it?" Oh, I've worked with Dumbledore for many years; he must be extremely confident to replace the representative at the last minute."
This was precisely why Bryan was reluctant to 'network' among so-called elite society. These folks have always preferred using sneaky strategies to undermine their opponents. Under the pretense of stable social rules, he had to resist his urge to resolve everything through force.
"I agree with part of Headmaster Karkaroff's statement--"
Bryan smiled at Karkaroff, without showing any emotion.
"It is well known that Hogwarts is indeed the oldest of the three major European wizarding schools. However, on the matter of 'greatness', my humble opinion is that every wizarding school is a cradle nurturing magical communities - they are all great. The word 'great' cannot be quantified with 'most'."
Having said that, Bryan turned to face Dreghorn, continuing before the other could respond,
"As for why Headmaster Dumbledore has temporarily made me Hogwarts's candidate representative, Mr. Dreghorn--"
Bryan chuckled, "Perhaps the reason he is unwilling to appear here is to avoid stealing your limelight!"
The lavish banquet hall erupted in laughter and applause, with many casting admiring glances at Bryan, marveling at this emerging star's excellent spur-of-the-moment adaptability in the European wizarding world.
Gazing at the graceful yet unruffled Bryan Watson, Fleur Delacour's deep blue eyes burned with passion. Truth be told, though she did not believe Beauxbatons was weaker than Hogwarts in any way, she had to admit that one could not find a wizard like Bryan Watson at Beauxbatons.
Handsome, elegant, and witty - moreover, from his renowned feats it could be seen that he was an immensely powerful wizard. Given his age, Bryan Watson's prospects were limitless!
Barty's expression was conflicted. Although Bryan's superb handling had saved face for the British Minister of Magic, the thought that this man covertly supported Amelia left Barty unable to feel pleased. However, when his gaze fell upon Dreghorn, who had been toyed with by Bryan and was struggling to maintain composure, a glint of malicious glee flashed in Barty's eyes.
"It seems that our Mr. Watson possesses more than just extraordinary skills--"
Sensing the situation was verging on slipping from his control, Dreghorn said with a forced smile,
"Oh, speaking of skills--"
Dreghorn smacked Bryan's back in a mock friendship, his eyes widening as if he suddenly remembered,
"We all know Mr. Albus Dumbledore is the most powerful and influential wizard in the Wizarding world today. Now it seems Hogwarts has produced another another wizard of great skill; why not let everyone witness it? I mean, isn't the greatest way for us to get to know you through your amazing magic?"
'Foolish—' Barty Crouch thought coldly.
It seemed that Dreghorn considered Bryan to be all talk, and that his exceptional magical skills were just fabrications by the Daily Prophet. However, Barty knew the truth - he had heard from Cornelius, Dolores, and Rufus about the chilling, sky-scorching inferno they witnessed upon arriving at Hogsmeade.
"Since the astounding Battle of the century between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, has there been such a surprising event - I mean, one man able to face a hundred vicious werewolves."
Dreghorn's eyes glinted as he stared at Bryan, behaving like an adoring fan.
"I'm sure everyone here would love to witness your extraordinary magic. Come now, Bryan, show us your skills - if spectacular enough, it may even help Hogwarts gain extra points in the selection!"
Bryan's lack of immediate response led Dreghorn to think he had found a way to make Bryan make a fool of himself. He increasingly believed that those staggering exploits in the newspapers were staged by Dumbledore to pass authority to him.
In truth, quite a few in the European wizarding world harbored such thoughts. After all, a previously unknown wizard so young suddenly becoming so powerful seemed rather abnormal.
Even the young Albus Dumbledore had begun accumulating fame while he was still a Hogwarts student, ultimately becoming the great wizard admired by many - unlike Bryan Watson, who shot to widespread fame within a year due to some incidents.
"A display of magic--"
After going around in circles for a long time, he actually chose this to make a fool of himself. Bryan sighed in his heart.
In fact, Bryan's greatest vulnerability was the unknown blank period after graduating from Hogwarts until his return - if someone investigated what he had been up to during that time, it could indeed prove troublesome.
"Well, Mr. Dreghorn, what method did you have in mind?"
Bryan asked with interest.
"Of course, we need an opponent!"
Vipor Dreghorn exclaimed excitedly. His gaze immediately swept over the gathered crowd, feigning a search for Bryan's opponent. Suddenly, his eyes landed on Fleur Delacour, who also hoped to witness Bryan' skills, and he called out with feigned surprise,
"You there, Miss Fleur Delacour - I think you would make a suitable opponent!"
"What?!"
Fleur cried out in bewilderment, completely unprepared to find herself the opponent.
"I think this is hardly a wise choice, Mr. Dreghorn,"
Madame Maxime stepped forward, her tone laced with anger.
"Fleur is indeed Beauxbatons's most outstanding student. However, I believe everyone understands there is still quite a gap between her and Mr. Watson, so this would not be an evenly matched battle."
"If you want an even match, Madame Maxime--"
Karkaroff immediately interjected,
"Then Dumbledore himself would have to take the field. None here could single-handedly face a thousand-year-old Basilisk, or a hundred werewolves in an enraged frenzy!"
Karkaroff seemed to be joking, but his eyes were full of indifference, without a trace of smile
"Quite right--"
Dreghorn clapped his hands, affirming Karkaroff's statement.
"Miss Delacour is still a student at Beauxbatons, while Mr. Watson is a professor. This is a rare opportunity, is it not? To receive his tutelage, Miss Delacour may well benefit greatly!"
Sly fox!
Those with clear minds saw through Dreghorn's scheme.
Of course, Bryan could not lose to Fleur Delacour, or he would be utterly disgraced. Yet neither could he engage in an all-out battle, as that would likewise embarrass Bryan.
However, if he swiftly and cleanly defeated Fleur Delacour, then Madame Maxime would lose considerable face.
Vipor Dreghorn wanted to have some fun at Hogwarts's expense, while Igor Karkaroff from Durmstrang wanted to amuse himself at the expense of both Hogwarts and Beauxbatons.
In the banquet hall, hardly anyone failed to grasp Dreghorn and Karkaroff's scheme, which they had orchestrated so clearly that almost everyone caught on.
Dreghorn's words did not entirely convince Madame Maxime; she looked unhappy, wanting to say something. However, but when she saw that her favorite student, Fleur, was actually quite moved, she hesitated and swallowed the words on her lips.
Fleur had always been the pride of Beauxbatons. Her veela heritage gave her outstanding beauty, and her exceptional magical talents made her idolized by her peers. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad thing to let her face some hardship for once.
With this thought in mind, Madame Maxime ultimately said nothing and even prevented the French Ministry officials who wanted to defend Fleur.
Senior Barty glared coldly at Vipor, furious at his persistence. He had already made up his mind to go back and say hello to Dumbledore. When this matter was over, he would give Dregorn a lesson, but the most urgent thing was to remind Bryan not to fall into the trap.
However, when Barty noticed Bryan's relaxed demeanor and calm gaze, his slightly anxious mood suddenly eased.
"Don't be stingy, Bryan!" Ludo called out joyfully. "Let us see your skills!"
Dreghorn's scheme did not faze Bryan, but Ludo Bagman's eager anticipation for the show made two tick marks appear on Bryan's forehead.
'This guy, was he truly as stupid as the rumors said, or did he have ulterior motives?'
Bryan also noticed the expectation in Fleur's blue eyes and couldn't help but inwardly laugh. After all, she was just a young girl who hadn't even graduated from school, and her mind was simple.
She was probably the only one in this banquet hall who genuinely wanted to witness his abilities.
"Well, then--"
Bryan's mind raced, and after a few moments, he smiled at Fleur.
"Miss Delacour, shall we have a little contest?"
Dreghorn and Karkaroff simultaneously looked pleased, but before they could say anything, Bryan continued,
"However, I have an opinion on the way we should contest."
"What did you have in mind?" Fleur asked with great interest, taking graceful steps into the center of everyone's attention.
"In my humble opinion, since the Triwizard Tournament is meant to foster friendship between us, and this banquet is being held to prepare for the tournament, it would be rather inappropriate for me, representing Hogwarts, and you, from Beauxbatons, to directly duel."
Bryan gently swirled his crystal-clear wine glass, a playful smile on his lips.
"I have an idea--since Mr. Dreghorn suggested a contest, why don't we involve him as well?"
Vipor's expression changed instantly. Before he could remove himself from this whirlpool, he heard Bryan's proposal:
"Let's each compete against Mr. Vipor, and the contest will be who can disarm him faster."
"I believe this is a very appropriate suggestion," Barty Crouch stepped forward, a cold smile on his face as he clapped his hands.
"This is not appropriate--" Vipor Dreghorn's expression was not pleasant now.
Of course, he did not think that he would be disarmed by a young girl who has not graduated yet, but Bryan's proposal almost threw back the difficult problem he had thrown to him before. Now, he is the one who urgently needs to maintain his face and consider the dignity of Beauxbatons and the officials of the French Ministry of Magic.
"I find it very appropriate!" Barty asserted strongly, raising his voice to cut off Dreghorn's protests. Then, he looked kindly at Fleur. "I'm sure Miss Delacour would not refuse this more dignified and illustrative way of contesting, would she?"
Truthfully, Fleur seemed more interested in contesting against Bryan. However, she could not refuse Mr. Watson's suggestion. Just as she was hesitating, Fleur suddenly noticed Madame Maxime giving her an imperceptible nod.
"I think Mr. Watson's idea is not bad--" Fleur nodded, though her expression showed slight disappointment.
Whoosh!
There were troublemakers among the crowd besides just Ludo. In an instant, the tables spanning the banquet hall were magically moved aside, clearing a spacious area.
However, preparations still took some time since Fleur could hardly 'fence' while wearing high heels and a form-fitting, low-cut gown!
"Well done--"
Everyone focused on the confrontation between the eager Fleur Delacour and the sullen Vipor Dreghorn.
Barty took the opportunity to approach the faintly smiling Bryan and murmured something.
Truthfully, Barty's praise did surprise Bryan a little since he knew the Head of the International Magical Cooperation Department did not particularly like him.
"The real show is yet to come--" Bryan sipped his sherry, arching an eyebrow with a smile.
"Very well, then--"
Fleur, who had changed back into Beauxbatons's school uniform, held her wand and performed a standard duel preparation in a heroic manner, which won the applause of many people.
"Please excuse me, Mr. Dreghorn."
"Oh, I hope these old bones of mine can last!" Despite his gnawing hatred, Dreghorn still tried to present himself with dignity.
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