As the music ended, Augustus and Qiu returned to their seats amidst a wave of astonished praise. Augustus scanned the dance floor and noticed that two male students from the Eastern Academy had also managed to invite Hogwarts girls to dance.
"The exchange students from the Eastern Academy must be your compatriots," Augustus remarked casually, glancing at Qiu.
Qiu nodded. "Honestly, I was surprised when they arrived. I didn't expect our country to have a magical academy. Most of my childhood was spent in Britain, though, so I suppose I'm half-British in a way."
Augustus smiled faintly. "China, known as the Middle Kingdom, has always been a melting pot of cultures and knowledge. It's not surprising that a magical academy might exist there. However, their coincidental arrival during the Triwizard Tournament seems... too opportune."
Qiu looked puzzled. "It should just be a coincidence. The two academies are far apart. If there's any intent, it's likely only to witness such a rare and prestigious event."
Augustus nodded slightly, his serene expression revealing no emotion.
At this moment, the Weird Sisters began playing a new tune, faster than the previous one.
Qiu glanced at Augustus and, summoning her courage, began to speak. "This song—"
Before she could finish, a gentle voice interrupted them. "Senior Qiu Zhang, it's an honor to finally meet you. I am Bei Chenke. May I have the privilege of inviting you for a dance?"
Emerging from the dance floor, a young man who called himself Bei Chenke strode confidently toward them. He glanced challengingly at Augustus before gazing at Qiu with intense sincerity.
Qiu's expression turned cold. She gave him a curt glance, clearly annoyed that this stranger had disrupted the atmosphere she and Augustus had carefully built. "I'm sorry, we've never met. Please excuse me."
Bei Chen's face stiffened. Given their shared heritage, he had assumed Qiu would give him some face. Instead, he felt thoroughly humiliated.
Shaking his head slightly, he sighed and turned his attention to Augustus. In a slow, deliberate tone, he said, "Some people should tread carefully. This world isn't as simple as it seems. Arrogance and overconfidence often lead to a grim fate. And when that happens, who's to blame?"
Augustus smirked faintly, sparing the young man a dismissive glance. This was Bei Chen's first close look at Augustus's gaze, and he felt overwhelmed. The silver eyes were deep and vast, like stormy oceans, exuding an imperial majesty that seemed to command life and death. It was the gaze of one who sat high on a throne, wielding ultimate power, or a deity watching over all creation with both mercy and judgment.
A cold sweat broke out on Bei Chen's once-confident forehead. At that moment, he began to understand why the Main God had deemed Augustus a significant force.
"My apologies. I have companions waiting. Enjoy yourselves," Bei Chen stammered, bowing to Augustus and Qiu before retreating hastily, his departure bordering on disgraceful.
Qiu watched the young man's retreating figure, puzzled. A moment ago, he had been all swagger and bravado. Now, he fled like a defeated dog.
Propping her chin with her hand, Qiu wore a perplexed expression.
After turning down invitations from several girls representing the three schools, Augustus stood up. "It's stifling in here. I think I'll take a walk."
Noticing Augustus's apparent lack of enthusiasm for dancing, Qiu nodded. "In that case, I'll join you."
Augustus cast a glance at the crowded hall. The main table was now empty: Professor Dumbledore was dancing with Professor Sprout, Ludo Bagman was with Professor McGonagall, Madame Maxime and Hagrid were waltzing, creating wide swathes through the students on the floor, and Karkaroff was nowhere to be seen. A crimson-eyed girl still hadn't made an appearance. Augustus sighed softly. "Alright."
The two stepped out of the hall into the cool night air. The main doors were open, and as they descended the steps, the fairy lights in the rose garden twinkled enchantingly. Low hedges, ornate winding paths, and towering statues surrounded them. Following a winding trail through the roses, a sullen voice suddenly broke the stillness.
"... I don't see why you're so alarmed, Igor."
"Severus, you can't pretend this isn't happening!" Karkaroff's voice trembled, hoarse and anxious, as though terrified of being overheard. "For months, it's been growing more obvious. I'm truly worried—I can't deny it anymore—"
"Then run," Snape interrupted impatiently. "Run, and I'll cover for you. But I intend to stay at Hogwarts—"
Snape wielded his wand, blasting apart the rose bushes. His expression was grim, and the motion startled several figures hiding among the flowers, who scattered with startled cries.
"Ten points from Ravenclaw, Fawcett!" Snape barked as a girl ran past him. "And ten points from Hufflepuff, Stebbins!" he added as a boy dashed after her.
Spotting Augustus and Qiu on the nearby path, Snape's dark gaze fixed on them. "And what are you two doing here?" Karkaroff appeared equally startled to see them, nervously twisting his goatee.
"The hall was a bit stifling, so we decided to take a walk," Augustus replied politely.
Snape scrutinized them briefly before nodding. "Carry on. Make sure you return before the feast ends." His black robes billowed as he strode past them.
Karkaroff glanced at Qiu with a peculiar look before hurrying after Snape.
Under the glittering stars, Augustus and Qiu resumed their stroll along the silver-lit path.
"Why is Professor Snape so familiar with Karkaroff? They even call each other by their first names," Qiu asked softly.
"Karkaroff and Snape once served the same master. Naturally, they're well acquainted," Augustus replied calmly.
Qiu's dark eyes flickered slightly, as though she had guessed the identity of this master. She chose not to press further.
Continuing along the path, they reached a large stone statue of a stag. Beyond the statue lay a tall fountain, its cascading water glimmering like diamonds. They sat on a stone bench beside it, the moonlight shimmering over the crystalline waters.
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