"The Triwizard Tournament was established about seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest wizarding schools in Europe.
These three schools are: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.
Each school selects a champion, and these champions compete in three magical tasks.
The Triwizard Tournament is held every five years, hosted in rotation by the three schools.
Initially seen as an excellent way for young wizards from different countries to build friendships, it was discontinued later due to too many deaths."
"Deaths?" Hermione whispered anxiously beside Alaric, glancing around in shock.
But most students in the hall were not as nervous as her; many were excitedly whispering to each other.
"Over the centuries, there have been several attempts to revive the tournament," Dumbledore continued.
"But none have been successful. However, our Ministry's International Magical Cooperation and Magical Sports Department believe the time is ripe for another attempt.
This summer, we have done extensive work to ensure that no champion will face life-threatening risks."
"In October, the heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will bring their carefully chosen competitors, and the selection ceremony for the champions will take place on Halloween.
An impartial judge will decide which students are most qualified to compete for the Triwizard Cup, bringing honor to their schools and a personal prize of one thousand Galleons."
"I'm going to participate!" whispered Fred Weasley from across the table, his voice filled with excitement at the possibility of such honor and wealth.
It seemed he was not the only one fantasizing about becoming Hogwarts' champion.
At each house table, students either stared eagerly at Dumbledore or excitedly whispered to their neighbors.
But Dumbledore spoke again, and the hall fell silent once more.
"I know you all aspire to win the Triwizard Cup for Hogwarts," he said, "but the participating schools and the Ministry unanimously agree that there should be an age restriction for this year's competitors. Only students who are seventeen years old or older may apply. We believe—"
Dumbledore raised his voice slightly as some people responded angrily to his words, the Weasley twins suddenly looking furious—"this measure is necessary because the tasks of the tournament remain daunting and dangerous, despite our precautions.
Students below sixth or seventh year simply cannot handle them. I personally guarantee that no underage student will deceive our impartial judge to become Hogwarts' champion."
His gaze swept past Fred and George's defiant faces, a meaningful glint in his blue eyes.
"Therefore, if you are not yet seventeen, I request that you do not waste time applying."
"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will arrive in October and spend much of the academic year with us.
I trust that during their stay, you will all show warmth and hospitality, and once our Hogwarts champion is chosen, you will wholeheartedly support him or her.
Well, it's late now, so it's important that you all go to bed and be refreshed and alert for classes tomorrow. Off you go!"
Dumbledore sat down and turned to talk with Moody. The hall buzzed with chatter as students stood up, moving towards the two opposite doors leading back to the common rooms.
Due to excellent grades and their achievements in the Quidditch World Cup, Cho Chang was selected as the new female prefect for Ravenclaw. She and another boy led the younger students back to Ravenclaw Tower.
Before going to bed, Hermione found Alaric in the common room.
"I've decided," she said confidently, looking at Alaric with her head held high, "I'm going to participate in the Triwizard Tournament."
"Really?" Alaric looked at her with some amusement. "But you're only fourteen this year, you don't meet Professor Dumbledore's requirements."
"There will be a way," Hermione said, undeterred. "Although I don't know who the impartial judge deciding the champions will be, I'm sure a drop or two of aging potion will do the trick."
"But Dumbledore knows you're underage," Alaric reminded her.
"Yes, but Dumbledore doesn't decide who becomes the champion, does he?" Hermione replied cleverly.
"From what I gather, the judge will simply pick the best from each school, regardless of their age. Dumbledore just wants to stop us from applying."
"You make a good point," Alaric chuckled and then asked suddenly, "What if I'm the one competing against you as Hogwarts' champion?"
This question caught Hermione off guard; she clearly hadn't considered this possibility.
However, if Alaric also participated in the champion selection, then obviously, he would be the only possible winner among all Hogwarts students—even including the professors, no one could be stronger than him.
But Hermione smiled after considering for a second, "Oh, come on, I don't know you?
In a competition like the Triwizard Tournament, you would definitely comment 'it's so boring, just like children playing house.' Then you would refuse to participate, wouldn't you?"
"You're right, Hermione," Alaric looked meaningfully at the girl, "No one understands me better than you."
The ambiguous statement made Hermione blush immediately.
"Well... of course," the young girl said proudly, "So you might as well help me figure out a way to get involved."
It seems that the success of the duel competition has indeed given the little girl a lot of confidence.
"But this competition has killed many people, hasn't it?" Alaric reminded her again.
"Yes," Hermione seemed indifferent.
"But that was many years ago, right? Besides, if it's really dangerous, I can still transform into an Animagus, I think. Most dangers wouldn't harm a dragon."
"That makes sense too."
"What do you mean makes sense!" Hermione lightly poked Alaric's belly with her elbow,
"Humph! Just now, you didn't say something like you would say, if you, like you said, you would encourage me to participate in the Triwizard Tournament, right?
Just now you were deliberately saying that, weren't you?"
"You discovered it," Alaric pretended to be touching his belly, smiled bitterly.
"I just found it a little strange that you suddenly took such initiative after all, this is a violation of the Dumbledore rules."
"Of course I know," Hermione pouted and said proudly.
"But even if I don't mention it, some people will take the initiative to mention it, right? Just like someone encouraged me to participate in the duel competition."
"I..." Alaric was speechless.
After a long time, he finally said, "I just hope you can have a goal to work hard for and a chance to practice."
"I definitely know that you are doing it for me, and I also know that you... are treating me..."
The girl suddenly kissed him, "Anyway, don't worry, I will try my best to get first place this time. "
After being bold for a while, Hermione immediately returned to the lounge.
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