Although they only chatted briefly, after this, the relationship between Conna and Fleur began to rise rapidly at an incredible speed.
Even five minutes later, Kael, who was in the middle, was mercilessly kicked out, falling from an enviable position among the boys to sitting with Mikel.
Watching Conna talk to Fleur, Kael felt she was a bit different than usual, her expression slightly... contrived.
However, Kael pretended not to notice anything, just lowered his head to eat the big piece of steak and French fish soup that had just appeared on his plate.
Because if he dared to say anything, even just hint at it, he would, in every sense of the word, be... very dead.
So Kael wisely chose to keep his head down and eat.
I have to say, those French dishes were quite tasty, especially the fish soup, which tasted almost the same as the one he'd had at Nicolas Flamel's house.
Probably the kitchen had a house-elf from France, so he could ask later to see if the dish could be added to the regular menu to replace the corn chowder.
Apart from the fish soup, many of the desserts that followed were ones he'd never seen before.
Kael fancied a piece of white French vanilla almond panna cotta, but before he could take it, Conna pushed the panna cotta to Fleur.
"This is for our guest... don't you like Yorkshier pudding?"
Fleur just smiled, with no intention of being polite.
Alright then... better not provoke her.
Kael sighed and picked another piece of pudding at random.
Twenty minutes later, when the golden plates were once again shiny as new, Dumbledore stood up once more.
A mix of excitement and tension began to fill the auditorium.
"The moment has finally arrived!" Dumbledore said happily, "The Triwizard Tournament is about to begin. I would like to explain briefly before we..."
"Bang!"
Just then, the doors of the auditorium suddenly swung open from the outside, and two people walked in one after the other.
"I hope we're not late, Dumbledore." A voice all too familiar echoed.
Kael stared blankly at Chris, who was walking at the front, puzzled as to why he would appear here.
"It's a shame you missed a sumptuous feast," said Dumbledore, "The French cuisine was truly excellent."
"Oh, darn." Chris said regretfully, "There's been so much going on in the department lately, I only got notified to come here ten minutes ago."
"I understand, at least you made it for the most important part," said Dumbledore.
Then he turned to the crowd, "Please allow me to introduce these two guests, as some may not know them. This is Mr. Chris Chopper, the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at the Ministry of Magic..."
A round of applause erupted in the auditorium, with Fred and George clapping the loudest, and Ginny and Ron nearly standing on the table.
"He's Kael's dad," Ron explained to Hermione and Harry beside him, "A very easy-going man, and he remembers each of our birthdays. My only new robe was a gift from him."
Harry nodded, he only knew that Kael's dad also worked at the Ministry of Magic, but no one had ever mentioned that he was a Head... that's a very high position.
"This is Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports," Dumbledore continued.
Meanwhile, over at the Hufflepuff table, Kael was full of confusion.
Head... Chris got promoted?
But that shouldn't be, a change of Head at the Ministry is a big deal, second only to the election of the Minister. The Daily Prophet would surely mention it.
But he's read the recent newspapers, and there's been no mention of it.
Or perhaps Dumbledore thought introducing him this way was more respectable?
Just as Kael was speculating, Dumbledore had already finished introducing the members of the judges' panel, which included Chris, Ludo, and the three headmasters.
At the same time, the side door of the auditorium was also opened, and Filch walked in, carrying a large wooden box embedded with jewels that looked very old.
The students watched entranced as Filch placed the wooden box on a table in front of the main guest seat.
"There are a total of three specific events for this year's champion tournament, which will take place at different times throughout the school year... They will test the champions in various aspects... magic skills... courage... reasoning ability... and of course, the ability to overcome dangers..."
The auditorium became deathly silent, as if everyone was holding their breath.
Dumbledore continued calmly, "The one responsible for selecting the champions is a fair chooser, it is the Goblet of Fire!"
Dumbledore took out his wand, tapped the box three times, and pulled out a crudely carved wooden goblet with blue-white flames dancing atop it.
"Those wishing to become champions can place their names inside. The Goblet of Fire will choose tomorrow night on Halloween who it believes most capable of representing the three schools as champions.
Of course, I mean students who are of age. Later, I will draw an age line around the Goblet to prevent younger students from entering.
"Lastly, I must remind everyone that the Triwizard Tournament is not a game, it comes with deadly dangers, and once your name is selected by the Goblet of Fire, it becomes a binding contract that must be honored to the end..."
In fact, Dumbledore's last words had no effect whatsoever.
Everyone became even more enthusiastic instead of calming down, eager to write their names down and throw them in immediately, and this excitement lasted until the end of the banquet as they returned to their respective common rooms.
Fleur was heading back to spend the night in the carriage and separated from Conna at the auditorium entrance.
Kael went to wait by the side door of the auditorium.
About twenty minutes later, Chris finally came out.
"I knew you'd be here." He said with a smile, "Surprised?"
Kael nodded, "Beauxbatons is in France, and Durmstrang is in Northern Europe, it all seems like business for the Department of International Magical Cooperation."
"Yes, it was originally supposed to be Barty's..." Chris paused, "But he's a bit tied up right now, he couldn't make it for the time being..."
"Because of Sirius Black?" Kael asked.
"That's right." Chris said, "After Black was cleared of all charges, someone accused Crouch of convicting him twelve years ago without a trial. This major oversight has seriously impacted many people...
In short, these people must now undergo an investigation to prove they had no ulterior motives back then. During this time, Barty can't leave the Ministry."
"Many people?" Kael thought aloud, "Then your position..."
"Oh, this is a temporary arrangement." Chris didn't seem to want to delve into Ministry matters with Kael, offering only a vague explanation.
"And once everything is clear from the investigation, I will return the judging rights to Barty."
He glanced at the time.
"Sorry, I have to get back to the office now."
"I really hope the investigation wraps up sooner, no one told me before that being a judge for the Triwizard Tournament would be this busy... Merlin's beard, just tonight, I have to write eight reports!"
With that, Chris hurriedly made his way out of the castle.