Hogwarts: Lacus doesn't want to be a witch who destroys nations.

On the afternoon of the day the Gobalote Award was presented, the sky in Paris was a clear, azure blue.

The venue for this event is situated on the banks of the Seine, a magnificent building constructed of white marble and magical crystal, gleaming in the sunlight. The steps leading to the hall are covered with deep red velvet carpets, and on both sides stand ritual wizards dressed in silver uniforms and holding wands.

When Lux wore the dress that Malena seemed to have suggested, but actually forced her to choose: a simple silver-gray dress adorned with tiny star-like crystals, paired with matching high heels.

Wizards dressed in colorful, gorgeous robes and adorned with glittering medals and jewels were walking in twos and threes along the red carpet toward the entrance to the hall.

The air was filled with the peculiar scent of fine perfumes, cigars, and potion ingredients. A reporter from the Daily Prophet was chasing after an elderly wizard with white hair and several medals, bombarding him with questions.

"A grand spectacle, even more extravagant than the Hogwarts year-end party," Lux muttered to herself, instinctively straightening her back.

"Don't look around, Miss Laksana, keep your composure," Malena's voice rang in her ears.

She was also dressed to the nines today, wearing a dark green velvet dress that made her skin look even whiter. Her dark brown curly hair was carefully styled up, revealing her graceful neck, making her look like a proud peacock.

She was accompanying him, linking arms with her father, Augustin Rozier.

Today, Augustine was dressed in a black robe embroidered with an intricate family crest, his expression serious, his sharp gaze sweeping over his surroundings.

He was surrounded by several equally well-dressed members of the Rozier family and representatives of vassal families. They seemed to be chatting casually, but their eyes were like those of hawks, scanning every person who approached, and an invisible pressure emanated from them.

"Father, we haven't found any trace of Armand yet," Malena reported in a low voice.

Augustine nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Lux, forcing a smile: "Miss Luxana, I hope you enjoy this grand occasion today. Malena, take good care of Miss Crownguard."

"Of course, Father," Malena replied, her arm seemingly naturally linked with Lux's arm, but in reality, it carried a force that left no room for escape.

Lux felt like a prisoner being escorted, and could only manage a forced smile: "Thank you, Mr. Rozier, I will."

Just then, a loud and enthusiastic voice rang out: "Lux! Over here!"

Professor Slughorn charged forward like a crimson cannonball. He was clearly dressed up today, with his hair neatly trimmed, his velvet robe gleaming richly in the sunlight, and a glittering gold crucible-shaped brooch pinned to his chest.

"Oh! Look at you! How radiant you are!" Slughorn looked Lux ​​up and down and nodded with satisfaction.

"This dress suits you perfectly; the Rozier family certainly has excellent taste!" He then noticed Malena and Augustin beside him and quickly greeted them warmly, "Augustin! Malena! You're here too!"

After a few polite exchanges with Augustine, Slughorn eagerly pulled Lux ​​toward the entrance.

"Quick! Quick! We have to go in! The awards ceremony is about to start! Don't miss the opening!"

Upon entering the main hall, one is greeted by a high dome adorned with countless luminous magical crystals. A massive crystal chandelier hangs from the dome, below which are fan-shaped seats covered in deep blue velvet, most of which are already occupied.

At the very front is a semi-circular award stage constructed of white marble and various colored gemstones.

A solemn yet excited atmosphere filled the air, with hushed conversations flowing like a tide.

Augustine went to the Rozier family's private box, while Slughorn, with his invitation, led Lux ​​and Malena to a seat near the front.

As soon as Lux sat down, she felt all sorts of gazes coming from all directions.

Curious, inquisitive, admiring, and even a few eyes filled with obvious envy.

The reason is that Lux is too young.

"Relax, child," Slughorn whispered reassuringly. "Enjoy this moment; this is something you'll have to accept later."

As a melodious harp tune filled the air, the doors behind the awards stage slowly opened.

Several members of the International Association of Alchemists, dressed in long gold robes embroidered with runes, walked out with solemn expressions.

The leader, an elderly man with white hair, held a wand to his throat, his voice booming throughout the hall:

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests! Welcome to the Gobalot Alchemy and Potions Awards Ceremony!"

The audience erupted in applause.

Lux's heart also jumped.

As she listened to the lengthy opening remarks, she couldn't help but glance around the entire venue out of the corner of her eye.

Augustine was in the box, Malena was beside her, and the Rozier family members were scattered throughout the venue, like an invisible net.

Armand...where are you? What will you do?

"In addition to 10,000 Galleons, this year's prize includes magical materials provided by the Rozier family. This means that this year's winner will have free access to alchemy and potion ingredients for the next year."

"Wow, that's quite a generous gesture!" Slughorn looked at Malena in surprise, not expecting the Rozier family to be so generous.

Augustine smiled and waved from his box on the high platform, as if this was nothing to the Rozier family.

"Now I will announce the nominations: 'The Production and Theoretical Research of the Illusion Potion,' 'An Exploration of the Possibility of Compound Drugs Transforming into Non-human Forms'..."

"Relax, Lux, relax..." Slughorn listened nervously, telling Lux to relax, but he was actually the most nervous one.

"The final winners and academic papers selected by the committee for this year's Gobalot Alchemy and Potions Prize are..."

"A Study on the Mechanism and Effect of Wolfsbane in the Werewolf Metamorphosis Process!"

The winners are: Laksana Crownguard, Horace Slughorn, and Albus Percival Woolfrick Bryan Dumbledore!

"Congratulations to them! We regret that Mr. Albus is unable to attend due to official business. Now, please welcome Miss Lacus and Mr. Horace to the stage to speak!"

Professor Slughorn's round face lit up with excitement, and he practically dragged Lux ​​onto the stage by her arm.

The dazzling magical lights focused on them, while the audience consisted of the most outstanding figures in the world of alchemy and potion-making, drawing countless curious, admiring, or scrutinizing gazes.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" the association member's voice rang out again, filled with heartfelt admiration, "Let us once again give a warm round of applause to Miss Laksana Crownguard and her outstanding collaborators! Their research has solved a problem that has plagued the magical world for hundreds, even thousands of years, making a tremendous contribution to the survival of werewolves in the magical world. At the same time, their pioneering work on dragon blood potions has immeasurable academic value."

Applause erupted like a tidal wave. Slughorn cleared his throat and began his acceptance speech, which he had prepared in advance and rehearsed countless times in private.

His voice was loud and clear, full of emotion, as he spoke of thanking Merlin for his beard and the Merlin Medal selection committee, subtly emphasizing his guidance at crucial moments and his visionary choice of the project.

Lux maintained a polite smile and nodded in response, but her gaze was rapidly and discreetly scanning the entire hall.

The masters in the front row, the dignitaries in the private boxes, the standing waiters, even the corners in the shadows... she tried to find traces of Armand in every face and every figure.

He must be here, Lux was certain. The Rozier family had laid a trap; where else could he possibly be hiding?

The most likely option was to blend into the waiters' line. She lingered on each waiter carrying a tray for a fraction of a second, comparing their height, build, and hair color.

However, she still gained nothing until Professor Slughorn ended his lecture with the exaggerated statement, "By Merlin, this is the true glory of Potions!"

Armand disappeared without a trace, like a drop of water merging into the ocean.

Another round of enthusiastic applause erupted, and an association staff member in a gold robe stepped forward, followed by a meek waiter carrying a silver tray covered in deep blue velvet.

"Congratulations again to you both," the staff member said with a smile. "This is the key to Gringotts' vault. You can go to Gringotts at any time to retrieve this generous reward, which includes this prize money and the Gobaloth Trophy."

Slughorn's eyes were practically glued to the golden cauldron. He rubbed his hands together, preparing to step forward and accept the honor.

Just then, the system, which had been silent for a long time, suddenly reacted.

[Detecting rune energy; please be aware of surrounding objects.]

The system's warning rang sharply in Lux's mind, jolting her awake.

Her gaze instantly locked onto the tray—next to the keys, there was an inconspicuous little crystal bottle with no label on it, and a faint halo of light was faintly shining through it!

"Uh... Professor," Lux instinctively tugged at Slughorn's sleeve and whispered quickly, "What... what's that extra potion?"

Slughorn's attention finally shifted from the keys, and he pushed up his half-moon glasses in confusion: "Hmm? What? A souvenir from the association? Or perhaps some kind of newly developed stimulant?"

He also noticed the bottle of medicine that he had not been told would appear, and a look of confusion appeared on his face.

The waiter, who had been keeping his head down, suddenly raised his face.

Just as Lux picked up the potion, the waiter's face and body distorted like ripples on water, and before anyone could react, they quickly transformed into Armand Rozier's pale and resolute face.

"Loud voice!" Almost at the same time he appeared, Armand pulled out his wand and pressed it against his throat. His voice was amplified by magic and exploded like thunder throughout the silent hall.

"In the name of Rosier and justice! I, Armand Rosier, hereby declare: Grindelwald's shadow has fallen upon France. His henchmen have manipulated my family using evil collective memory manipulation magic and are attempting to seize this potion. I demand that Hogwarts take custody of the potion, and that the French Ministry of Magic immediately apply 'All Curses of Death' to all members of the Rosier family! Immediately!"