Chương 199: Chapter 199: The Champions’ Families
Passing through the hall and pushing open the meeting room door, Augustus found Viktor Krum in one corner, speaking rapidly in Bulgarian with his dark-haired parents. His father shared Viktor's prominent hooked nose. In another corner, Fleur was chattering away in French with her mother. Near the section where the House Cup was displayed, Augustus's father, Clovey, was casually conversing with Cornelius Fudge, while Aurora gazed nostalgically at the Slytherin hourglass, filled with emerald gemstones.
Augustus approached them slowly. "You're finally back. I take it your vacation plans have been completed?"
Aurora turned around with a joyful surprise, embracing Augustus without hesitation. Clovey looked on with a warm smile.
"Your son has arrived," Fudge chimed in with a flattering smile. "During the World Cup, I had a hunch that Hogwarts' champion this year would undoubtedly be him. And look, he's turned out to be not only the champion but the youngest one this year—and undoubtedly the best."
Aurora released Augustus and dusted off the shoulders of his black robe with a proud smile. "Minister, you flatter him too much. He's merely had some good fortune. The other champions all have qualities he can learn from."
Clovey cleared his throat with mock severity. "This boy didn't even notify us before signing up for the Triwizard Tournament, jumping into it all on his own. Reckless! But I suppose that's the nature of youth—to act without much thought for consequences, driven by their hearts. Looking at these young faces, I must admit... we're getting old."
Fudge chuckled. "Quite true. The future belongs to them." He paused before adding, "Well, Clovey, Lady Aurora, I'll leave you to catch up with Augustus. I need to join the judges for a brief meeting."
Clovey nodded politely, bidding Fudge farewell.
"It's been ages since I last visited Hogwarts, and to think, it hasn't changed a bit," Aurora remarked nostalgically.
Augustus looked at his parents and suggested, "How about I show you around?"
Clovey nodded agreeably, and the three left the meeting room to stroll through the castle.
"Sir Nicholas is likely still around," Aurora mused as they passed by several floating ghosts. "Back in the day, your father seemed to get along quite well with him. They were practically inseparable at the Slytherin table."
"Of course, ghosts don't age," Augustus replied dryly, amused at the idea of his father befriending the cold and aloof Bloody Baron. "And yes, Sir Nicholas still attends every Sorting Ceremony."
Clovey gave a small cough, then asked, feigning casualness, "Hmm, what about Sir Cadogan? I recall we got along fairly well back then."
"You mean that portly knight who constantly challenges people to duels?" Augustus looked at his father quizzically.
"Ah... yes, that's him," Clovey replied, though he now seemed to second-guess himself.
Augustus wiped an imaginary bead of sweat from his brow. "Father's friends are... quite unique." His words were polite, though he couldn't help the wry undertone.
Aurora, unable to suppress her laughter, covered her mouth. Watching Clovey's rare embarrassment seemed to be a source of great amusement.
"Augustus, Uncle, Auntie—hello," came a soft voice from the staircase. Among a group of girls stood a black-haired Ravenclaw girl, clad in a pristine white robe and holding a book. Her bright smile and cheerful demeanor lit up the corridor.
The other girls giggled, nudging her forward before scattering in all directions, leaving the girl alone. A faint blush dusted her pale cheeks as she smiled somewhat shyly.
"And who might this be?" Aurora's curiosity piqued.
"Cho Chang, a senior from Ravenclaw," Augustus explained, his tone warm. "She's from China."
"Ah, I see. You have quite a diverse circle of friends—much more normal than your father's," Aurora remarked, clearly pleased.
Clovey coughed in discomfort.
"Miss Chang, are your parents also in China? Or are they here in the UK with you?" Aurora inquired kindly.
Cho shook her head. "My parents are in the UK as well. I've actually spent most of my childhood here."
"That's wonderful," Aurora said with a smile.
Turning to Augustus, Cho's dark eyes held a gentle yet earnest look. "Mr. Augustus, please make sure to win tonight's competition. I'll be cheering for you."
Augustus smiled faintly at the determined expression on her face. "I'll do my best."
Satisfied, Cho's smile deepened. "Good luck! Uncle, Auntie, I'll leave you now. Goodbye!" With that, she waved politely and left.
The trio spent the afternoon wandering the castle before returning to the Great Hall for dinner. The atmosphere at the staff table was mixed—Ludo Bagman seemed cheerful, while Cornelius Fudge, seated beside Madame Maxime, wore a grim expression. Madame Maxime's red-rimmed eyes suggested she had been upset, and Hagrid kept glancing at her from across the table.
The dinner was more lavish than usual, but the tension left many students, including Harry Potter, too nervous to eat much. As the enchanted ceiling shifted from blue to a dusky purple, Dumbledore rose from his seat.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "in five minutes, I will ask you to proceed to the Quidditch pitch to witness the final task of the Triwizard Tournament. Now, champions, please follow Mr. Bagman to the field."
Augustus rose from the Slytherin table amidst a storm of applause from the Hogwarts students. Harry stood silently, joining Viktor and Fleur as they gathered around Augustus. Together, the four champions exited the Great Hall.
The Quidditch pitch was unrecognizable. Twenty-foot-tall hedges formed a massive maze, with a single dark and foreboding entrance visible. The maze's pathways loomed eerily before them.
Five minutes later, the stands filled with hundreds of students, their excited chatter and hurried footsteps filling the air. The night sky was a clear, deep blue, with stars beginning to emerge. Professors Hagrid, Moody, McGonagall, and Flitwick entered the field, their hats adorned with glowing red stars, save for Hagrid, whose star gleamed on his thick vest.
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