Hogwarts: Don't call me Wandmaker

Chapter 342 Crouch and Bagman

It must be said that Fleur Delacour was truly stunning after removing her scarf; at least Ron next to her couldn't take his eyes off her.

In order to be able to say another word to the other person, he moved the dessert that had just appeared a few inches to the right, making sure that the other person could see it clearly from the Ravenclaw table.

But this time, Furong didn't ask for the dessert.

"If you ask me, this should be a popular dessert in Durmstrang. You picked the wrong thing." Xiren casually picked up the "milk jelly," scooped out a piece, and put it in his mouth.

It tastes strange, a bit sour, like fermented cream.

Siren silently put the "milk jelly" that she had taken a bite of back into its original place.

“How did you know?” Ron asked.

“Because I saw Durmstrang students finish all the desserts right away,” Celen said. “If you put it on the left, it might attract Krum’s attention.”

Ron's eyes lit up, but he immediately realized that Xiren had already eaten a piece of the "milk jelly," and a look of disappointment appeared on his face.

Hermione glared at him, annoyed. "You don't really think Krum would cross two house tables to come here and ask you for a dessert, do you?"

The four house tables are arranged with Gryffindor and Slytherin furthest apart, at the far ends on either side, while Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are in the middle.

With two long tables in between, the other side could only see it if Ron held it above his head, and even then, it would only be a glimpse.

Ron blushed and mumbled softly, "I... I didn't mean that."

Hermione rolled her eyes, too lazy to bother with him.

She felt that Ron's mind had become a little abnormal ever since that girl from Beauxbatons came.

And this situation seemed familiar... Hermione frowned, trying hard to recall.

She remembered, at the Quidditch World Cup, when the Veela first appeared... except that Ron acted even more foolishly back then, having completely lost his mind.

"Come quick, someone's here again!" Dean Thomas suddenly said, pointing to the doorway.

Celen glanced over instinctively and saw Barty Crouch and Ludo Bagman walk into the auditorium and head to the front of the faculty section.

Crouch was still impeccably dressed. He sat down next to Ms. Maxim and spoke to her for a few words with a serious expression.

Bagman then sat down on the other side of Karkaroff and gave him a warm hug; the two looked like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

"What are they here for?" Harry asked in surprise.

“They’re here for the opening ceremony,” Sirens said. “And since the Triwizard Tournament is organized by the Ministry of Magic, they should be among the judges.”

Just as Xilun had said.

After the remaining desserts and food disappeared from the golden plate, Dumbledore stood up again and explained to everyone the purpose of their visit.

"This is Mr. Barty Crouch, Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Magic, and Mr. Ludosilon Bagman, Director of Sport at the Ministry of Magic. They will form a judging panel with me, Ms. Maxim, and Mr. Karkaroff to evaluate the warriors' efforts."

“You’re right!” Hermione turned to Siron and said, “They really are referees, three warriors, and there are five referees…”

Hermione was somewhat shocked by the number of referees, but soon her attention was drawn to something else.

That was a large, old-looking wooden box inlaid with jewels that Filch had just brought to the auditorium.

Xiren narrowed his eyes. This wooden box…fifteen-year-old oak?
He paused for a moment, thinking he was seeing things, until Filch got closer and he was sure again... It was a brand new box, brand new, probably made just last week, but magic was used to make it look old now.

That immediately made Sirion lose interest... Durmstrang's ship was much better.

Then, Dumbledore drew his wand and tapped the box three times. The box slowly opened, revealing a large, crudely made wooden goblet, unremarkable in itself, but filled with flickering blue-white flames.

This was also the first time that Xilun had ever seen the Goblet of Fire.

Unfortunately, this thing is actually an alchemical artifact; it just looks like it's made of wood and can't be used to make a staff.

"The referees have carefully reviewed the specific events for this year's Warriors games..."

Dumbledore began to explain the specific arrangements and timing of the match, and everyone listened attentively, but Siron paid no attention at all.

As Dumbledore spoke, he kept staring at Ludo Bagman in the teachers' seat.

Seemingly noticing Xilun's gaze, a few minutes later, Ludo turned his head and looked over as well.

Their eyes met in mid-air. Xiren gave a polite smile, but strangely, Ludo Bagman seemed a little nervous and hurriedly looked away.

Xilun smiled and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"The Triwizard Tournament is dangerous!" Dumbledore's voice suddenly grew louder, and he glanced intentionally or unintentionally in the direction of Gryffindor.

"To prevent some underage students from being tempted, I will draw an age line around it, so that anyone who does not meet the registration requirements cannot cross it."

"Professor, what if someone crosses over?"

"Oh, Siron!" Hermione was startled by the sudden voice and quickly tugged at Siron's sleeve, reminding him not to contradict the headmaster at this time.

Isn't this blatantly telling everyone that he's going to break school rules?
But Dumbledore didn't seem surprised; he simply glanced calmly at Sirius, who was speaking.

"Rest assured, Mr. Ollivander, that won't happen. I can guarantee that any student who is underage will not be able to cross that line, no matter what method they use." His voice was soft, but full of confidence.

Xilun smiled and said nothing more.

"Does anyone else have a question?" Dumbledore asked, looking at the others in the Great Hall.

No one speaks.

"Very good, but I still want to remind every student who wants to participate in the election that the top three competition is no child's play, and the level of danger is far beyond your imagination..."

After Dumbledore reiterated the dangers of the Triwizard Tournament, he announced the end of the banquet and that everyone could go back to sleep.

“Sirlen, you were too impulsive.” Hermione said immediately as they walked out of the Great Hall, “Now that you’ve said it, Filch and the professors will definitely be watching you closely.”

“It’s okay.” Xilun shrugged indifferently and said, “There’s no rule in the school rules that says students under the age of seventeen can’t compete for the Triwizard Tournament. Let them keep an eye on me if they want. I can’t lose points for that.”

"But what if they stop you from putting your name in the Goblet of Fire?"

"It's okay, I just won't vote," Xiren said with a smile.

……

(End of this chapter)