"No, it's just me here," Antoine said with a smile.
"Whether Mr. Grindelwald will come, or when he'll come, is classified. Even I don't know. Maybe you should ask Delaine Günther... oh, I almost forgot—you're on pretty good terms with Delaine now, aren't you?"
"Not bad. Why?" Wade asked curiously, feeling like Antoine's tone was a bit sarcastic.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm jealous," Antoine said with a mock-accusatory look. "You and I knew each other first, right, Wade? But now you and Delaine are what... close pen pals? Hmm?"
"Oh come on, what are you, a grade schooler? If I'm friends with you, I'm not allowed to be friends with anyone else?" Wade replied speechlessly. He rolled his eyes and casually changed the subject: "Didn't expect you guys to be interested in the Quidditch World Cup too."
"Who wouldn't want to be part of such a grand event?" Antoine replied, lifting the tent flap and inviting Wade inside. "Though, truth be told, we did come here for another reason as well."
Wade asked, "Let me guess—also classified?"
"Not exactly. I'm sure you've heard about it already."
Antoine poured Wade a cup of Earl Grey tea and sat down beside him.
"The tournament being hosted by Hogwarts this time is quite a big deal. The British Ministry of Magic seems very confident, as if the championship is already theirs. Mr. Grindelwald wants to take this chance to gauge the strength of magical schools of various countries."
—Various countries?
Wade raised an eyebrow. Why does it sound like the Triwizard Tournament is no longer just a private event between the three European schools anymore.
"Which countries are participating?" Wade asked.
"Huh? You don't know?" Antoine asked in surprise. "Didn't Hogwarts give you a crash course or something? Or did Dumbledore have someone better in mind?"
Wade: "..."
He looked at Antoine, blinked, and said nothing.
But his silence was the clearest answer.
Antoine burst out laughing: "Hah! You guys really don't know? What is this, some kind of twisted 'save the surprise for the last second' joke? The students from the schools I know have been in intense training all summer!"
Wade said slowly, "I know there used to be a Triwizard Tournament where Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang each selected one student every five years to compete."
"But because of the high number of fatalities, the tournament was forced to stop and hasn't been revived for centuries."
"From what you're saying, it sounds like it's been brought back—and expanded to include more schools?"
Antoine rested his chin in his hand and smiled. "Your Minister Fudge did initially want to bring back the Triwizard Tournament. And because of the ties between the UK and the US, he specially invited Ilvermorny, the American magic school."
Wade thought of the ship carrying Umbridge and several Ministry officials, which had sailed from Britain to the US.
Antoine went on, "Then Castelobruxo and Uagadou somehow caught wind of it and were eager to join too, wanting to prove their own strength."
"Especially Uagadou… you know, they claim to be the largest and most populous magical school, with a long history and prestigious reputation. They've always wanted to challenge Hogwarts—after all, your school is known as the best in the world."
"Ilvermorny received the invitation, so naturally Japan's magic academy caught wind of it too—they say they just want to see what European wizards are like. But as far as I know, their students trained the hardest over the summer."
"At this point, the news couldn't be kept secret anymore. So Koldovstoretz, Salem, Mando, and Aketim all sent word hoping to join as well."
"Rumor has it that some professors from these schools even came to inspect Hogwarts in person—so why is it that those of you who are closest to the action are the ones who know the least?"
Faced with Antoine's question, Wade was speechless. He couldn't understand how British wizards always managed to keep things secret, especially about something like this.
It was like the Hogwarts sorting ceremony—everyone went through it, yet somehow the kids never knew until the last moment that all it took was putting on a grimy old hat.
"Isn't this basically the Olympics for magic schools?" Wade muttered, sighing as he imagined the chaos it would bring. "So they're all coming to Hogwarts?"
"Definitely," Antoine said excitedly. "According to tradition, it's Hogwarts' turn to host the Triwizard Tournament—so this time the main venue is Hogwarts. So, Wade—feeling confident?"
Wade: "...Sounds like a headache. Can I not participate?"
"Of course I'd say 'you can skip it.' Hogwarts' glory has nothing to do with me," Antoine replied with a shrug. "But if your school loses… Can you stand the shame?"
Wade: "..."
Antoine patted his shoulder and said:
"Since you used the Olympics as a metaphor, you should understand—this is a stage beyond war and politics. Everyone wants to use it to prove their strength."
"Never mind the benefits the winning school and country will receive—at the very least, for the next five years, the champion becomes the biggest star in the wizarding world. Even decades later, wizards in foreign lands will recognize your name."
Wade tilted his head, awkwardly replying:
"Don't make it sound like I'm destined to win... There are plenty of outstanding students at Hogwarts, not to mention from other countries too."
Not to mention Cedric—even if Wade didn't think he'd lose to him.
But Harry… even if that kid only knew Expelliarmus, Wade wasn't sure how it would end.
The Chosen One, favored by fate—when his time comes, it's as if even the world bends to help him, ally or enemy alike.
"Have a little confidence, my friend," Antoine said. "Mr. Grindelwald thinks highly of you. I'll be going to Hogwarts during the tournament as well. If you need anything, I'll help however I can!"
Wade frowned slightly and said:
"If I can only win with your help… what would that victory even mean?"
Antoine laughed heartily:
"Silly boy. Do you think everyone plays fair and square? Aside from Dumbledore, who insists on fairness and following rules, the other schools will do everything they can to help their students win!"
"Wade," Antoine's smile faded as he looked at him seriously and said: "You should know what Mr. Grindelwald expects from you. He's never been this lenient with anyone else. So…"
"Please—don't let him down. Don't let us down. Alright?"
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