In the end, Dumbledore emphasized the binding nature of the Goblet of Fire's contract. Once a name emerges from it, participation is mandatory. This revelation tempered the enthusiasm of some younger wizards who had been eager to make a name for themselves.
The Goblet of Fire was ceremoniously placed in the foyer, resting on the stool usually reserved for the Sorting Hat. As the banquet concluded, the attendees began to disperse.
"Alright, let's head back to the ship," Karkaroff announced as he approached the Slytherin table, greeting Viktor Krum with a warmth that seemed out of character for him. "Viktor, did you enjoy the meal? Would you like me to send for some mulled wine from the kitchen?"
His demeanor was unexpectedly kind and friendly, akin to a headmaster who genuinely cares for his students. However, when another Durmstrang student, Poliako, expressed a desire for some mulled wine as well, Karkaroff's attitude shifted dramatically. "I wasn't speaking to you, Poliako!" he snapped. "And you've managed to stain your robe with food again, you slovenly boy!" The abrupt change left the Slytherins taken aback.
Goyle, puzzled, whispered to his peers, "Is Krum his son or something?" The question seemed to resonate with others, but when Karkaroff caught wind of it, he shot Goyle a venomous glare.
John couldn't help but chuckle at the scene. It appeared that every school had its share of eccentric characters.
Madame Maxime approached with her students, and Karkaroff's expression softened as if the previous altercation had never occurred. "John, we meet again," she greeted him cheerfully.
John rose to his feet, responding with a polite, "It's an honor, Madame Maxime. Hogwarts is full of wonders as well. I trust you'll enjoy your stay."
His demeanor impressed the students from Beauxbatons. Madame Maxime, with a hint of jest, remarked, "You're still as charming as ever. I sometimes think I should have taken you to Beauxbatons." She glanced at the Slytherin table, where students were glaring at her, and with a smile and a slight nod to Karkaroff, she led her students away.
Fu Rong, intrigued, touched her badge and mentioned she was heading to the Star Club party. Karkaroff's attention then shifted to John, and upon noticing Heinrich beside him, his expression turned complex. "Heinrich, you should return with us," he said, though his tone lacked warmth.
Heinrich stood, disregarding Karkaroff's displeasure. "I'm afraid we're not that close, Principal Karkaroff," he replied, before bowing slightly to John and making his way to the door, leaving Karkaroff to stew in his frustration.
As Karkaroff reached the door, he encountered Harry and his friends, pausing in shock. "That's Harry Potter!" he exclaimed, only to be met by Moody's imposing presence. Karkaroff's face drained of color, a reaction not missed by Heinrich, who remarked with a hint of mockery, "Scared, Principal Karkaroff?"
Karkaroff, still fixated on Moody, managed only a weak, "Is that you?" before Moody dismissed him with a stern, "Move along, unless you have something to say to Potter."
The Durmstrang group made way, and Karkaroff, after a final glare at Heinrich, proceeded without another word.
Malfoy's taunting voice soon filled the air, mocking Harry for always needing a "nanny." His performance, along with Goyle and Crabbe's, was designed to infuriate Harry, but Moody was quick to offer support, advising Harry to ignore them. Harry, taking the advice, walked away without engaging.
Moody lingered for a moment, casting a meaningful glance towards the Slytherin table before following Harry out.
...In the Secret Chamber of the Star Society, the evening's adventures were just beginning. The lights dimmed, casting a soft glow over the room as starlight projected from the dome above. Words of various colors floated in the air, spreading out and regrouping when touched, creating a mesmerizing, hazy beauty. The shimmering baijiu poured into a crystal wine glass, releasing a sweet and fruity aroma that was utterly delightful. For Fu Rong, stepping into the secret room of the Stars Society for the first time was an astonishing experience. The round table, save for the seat opposite John, was surrounded by people.
"I'm very happy," John began, his voice light as he pinched the crystal glass. "To have the stars gathered here tonight. This toast is for Fleur Delacour, our dear friend." He raised his glass, and the others followed suit, their smiles wide. The wine, sweet with a hint of sourness, was cold yet warmed the body from within. It was Fu Rong's first taste of such a drink, and she savored it. A meteor fell from the dome into her cup, magically transforming into wine.
"This one is for our friend Percy Weasley, who has recently graduated," John continued, his smile broadening. Percy, having gained a bit of maturity from his time working outside school, shared insights from his job as Barty Crouch's assistant, including some inside information about the Triwizard Tournament.
The conversation flowed, touching on various topics until Malfoy, slightly tipsy, hiccupped and asked John, "Are you planning to enter the Tournament?" The atmosphere tensed as the three eligible participants at the party fixed their eyes on John, their expressions a mix of competitiveness and anticipation.
John took a leisurely sip of his wine, shook his head, and chuckled, "I won't be entering." Disappointment flickered across their faces, but no one doubted John's ability to bypass Dumbledore's age line. Whether it was Fleur, Heinrich, or Cedric, the entire Stars Society had faith in John's capabilities.
As the party concluded, the next day brought an energetic start to the weekend. Students, typically fond of sleeping in, were up early, gathering around the Goblet of Fire with keen interest. Among them were the younger students, including Ron, who inquired about who had submitted their names. A third-grade girl informed them that only Durmstrang's group had signed up so far, prompting Harry to speculate that someone must have entered their names overnight.
The laughter of Fred, George, and Lee Jordan echoed as they descended the stairs, brimming with excitement. "It's done," Fred announced, revealing that they had consumed aging potions in hopes of bypassing the age restriction. Despite Hermione's skepticism, the twins, undeterred and trembling with excitement, threw their names into the Goblet. Initially, there was no reaction, but moments later, they were ejected, sporting white hair and gray beards, much to their amusement and Dumbledore's mild amusement. Dumbledore, after a brief comparison, kindly reminded them of the folly of trying to cheat with aging potions.
John and Malfoy, upon witnessing the scene, couldn't help but smile at the spectacle. The auditorium, now adorned with Halloween decorations featuring bats and pumpkins, buzzed with speculation about who had entered their names into the Goblet. John, unbothered by the commotion, simply picked up a piece of bread, his focus elsewhere, embodying a calm amidst the storm of excitement and anticipation surrounding the Triwizard Tournament. He should be grateful that Daphne had overslept today, nursing a hangover. Rumor had it she planned to prepare a feast for him, including delicacies like stone cherry steamed buns. Outside, a wave of cheers broke out as another name was submitted for consideration. It was Angelina Johnson from Gryffindor, a chaser on the Quidditch team, known for her tall stature and dark skin. The younger students, including Seamus Finnigan, were visibly excited. "Honestly, I'd rather be in your shoes than be Cedric Diggory," Seamus exclaimed, earning a few laughs. It seemed there was an unspoken belief among Gryffindors that individuals from other houses were less deserving of glory.
Draco Malfoy couldn't resist joining the conversation, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Cedric, the buttercup? He could take you down single-handedly. Potter should know better than anyone," he sneered, immediately drawing the ire of everyone present. Malfoy had a knack for making himself the most disliked person in any room.
Ron Weasley shot back, his face flushed with anger. "That's only because of the dementors. Harry lost that match unfairly!"
"But my team still won, didn't they?" Malfoy retorted, his words laced with venom. "Unlike you, who only seem to exist to prop up the so-called savior."
He didn't stop there. "And let's not forget, it was John who actually repelled the dementors that day, not by getting knocked out cold," Malfoy added, his tone sharp as a knife.
Ron was at a loss for words, his comeback falling flat. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, not just among the Slytherins but everyone present. All eyes turned to John, who had been quietly eating his bread amidst the chaos. He swallowed slowly, the unease palpable as he took a sip of water. Rising from his seat, he approached Ron, his movement causing the Gryffindors to tense up as if bracing for a confrontation.
The atmosphere had shifted dramatically, with John's actions leaving everyone on edge, unsure of what would come next.
_________
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https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge