The room fell into stunned silence. Every professor stared at Erwin, jaws slack. Even Dumbledore looked utterly blindsided.
This wasn't a plan. This was sheer exploitation—forcing them to work through the night!
Erwin shifted uncomfortably. "I had no alternative," he said, though he sounded somewhat apologetic. "Building these prototypes requires a specific level of expertise. In the entire wizarding world, only a select few possess the necessary skill."
Dumbledore sighed, rubbing his temples. "Erwin, you should have informed us sooner. We could have commenced days ago."
Erwin didn't answer. He simply glanced pointedly at Karkaroff.
The Durmstrang Headmaster stiffened. "Me? What does this have to do with me?"
The implication was clear to everyone. Erwin didn't trust him not to leak examination details. While the implication was discourteous, the professors were too exhausted to protest. They accepted the sacrifice for their students' benefit.
Erwin exhaled, relieved they hadn't pressed the issue. To be honest, Karkaroff wasn't the primary reason. The real truth was that the design for these devices had only crystallized in Erwin's mind the previous night. He simply hadn't had sufficient time to begin earlier.
In the days that followed, the students of Hogwarts witnessed a peculiar phenomenon. During lectures, the usually sharp professors were yawning incessantly, dark circles under their eyes so pronounced they resembled bruises. Some of the younger witches even speculated that "smoky eyes" were the new fashion trend at Hogwarts. Erwin himself moved through the corridors like a wraith, listless and drained.
The Slytherins were particularly concerned. A stream of worried witches visited him, though Erwin offered no explanations.
Finally, February 22nd arrived. The atmosphere in the castle grew thick with tension. The exchange students from Kunlun and the Hogwarts contestants retreated to their common rooms, mentally preparing for conflict.
A storm was brewing.
The Headmaster's Office, Late Night
Grindelwald placed the final component onto the assembly.
Instantly, the professors slumped back in their chairs, staring blankly at the ceiling. Even Snape looked paler than usual.
"Finally," Dumbledore whispered, his voice hoarse. "I never imagined I'd be working through the night at my age."
Erwin gathered the finished equipment. "Consider it evidence of your vitality, Professor."
Dumbledore managed a weak chuckle. "A comforting perspective, but let's not establish a precedent. I'm retiring for the evening."
The others nodded in exhausted agreement and filed out.
Erwin returned to his quarters and handed the heavy crate to Old Tom, who was waiting patiently.
"Proceed, Tom. Set up the arena."
"Yes, Master," Tom bowed.
"I've already coordinated with the Forbidden Forest creatures," Erwin added. "When the second round commences, they'll be relocated to the habitats we prepared. Show them my badge; they'll vacate immediately."
Tom nodded and Disapparated with a sharp crack. Erwin collapsed into bed, grateful that Charlotte had changed his linens earlier. If she hadn't, he would have lost another five minutes of precious sleep.
Diagon Alley
The Cavendish Mansion was ablaze with light throughout the night. Wizards packed the hall, understanding the final clash between Hogwarts and Kunlun was imminent. They weren't willing to miss a single moment. Inside the castle, a Daily Prophet reporter—granted special access by Erwin—stood ready to broadcast the confrontation the moment it commenced.
February 23rd, Thursday. 5:00 AM.
The castle was asleep. Or it was, until a thunderous explosion shattered the silence.
Erwin groggily opened his eyes. "Blast it all... a surprise attack at this hour?"
He didn't need to check the Marauder's Map. The final battle had begun. He glanced at the enchanted projection screen beside his bed. It displayed the Hogwarts contestants' lounge. Sunny Finch, wielding a massive war hammer, was already exchanging blows with Charlotte. The other combatants had found their targets and were dueling furiously.
Panic rippled through the dormitories as the other students awoke.
"Why are they fighting now? What time is it?"
"I feel absolutely dreadful."
"You lot are still lounging about! Get dressed and reach the Great Hall!"
"They're broadcasting it live! If we miss this, we'll regret it forever. It's the showdown between the East and Hogwarts!"
The drowsiness vanished. Students scrambled into their robes and sprinted toward the Great Hall. The professors were jolted awake, scowling at the commotion.
"Reckless children! Creating chaos before dawn!"
Dumbledore and Grindelwald, already dressed despite the early hour, made their way to the Great Hall with considerable yawning. It was packed. Students were transfixed by the massive projected screen. Dumbledore waved his wand, summoning breakfast early. "Eat while you observe," he grumbled. Primarily, he was simply hungry.
In the Slytherin common room, Erwin sipped coffee brewed by a house-elf, eyes fixed on the battle.
On the screen, Sunny Finch swung her hammer, closing the distance on Charlotte. Charlotte's wand was a blur, casting silently and rapidly, desperately attempting to slow the girl's advance. The other Hogwarts contestants were faring similarly.
The corridor was absolute chaos.
The Hogwarts side had formed a seamless barrier of magical fire, a relentless volley of spells leaving absolutely no openings. It was textbook suppression tactics. Meanwhile, the Kunlun students were doing everything possible to close the distance.
It was a clash of combat philosophies. Kunlun relied on superior physical conditioning and close-quarters engagement, aiming to overwhelm the "fragile" wizards. Hogwarts, fully aware of this strategy, refused to let them approach within ten feet.
For a moment, it appeared to be a stalemate.
Spells of every color ricocheted off the walls. Sunny Finch was blasted backward by another perfectly timed Stunner from Charlotte. She gritted her teeth and roared, "Activate the formation!"