Hogwarts: Chill, I'm Not That Riddle-Chapter 518: A Secret Meeting

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"Just like the Triwizard Tournament, the Goblet of Fire will serve as the impartial judge of our championship."

Dumbledore gestured toward the tall wooden cup on the cabinet, blue-white flames dancing inside it. His voice was steady and resonant.

"Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet. We have preserved that tradition. This time, selection will still be made by the Goblet of Fire, though we’ve made a few minor adjustments."

"Those who wish to enter must first collect a special sheet of parchment from the professors. You must use your own wand to inscribe your name onto it before placing it into the Goblet."

"Take note. Any form of cheating is strictly forbidden. That includes asking someone else to write your name or to submit the parchment on your behalf."

"But what if I don’t know how to write with magic?" Fred suddenly jumped to his feet and shouted.

"Then I suggest you consult a third-year student, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore replied.

The Great Hall burst into laughter. Fred didn’t seem offended in the slightest. He grinned cheekily and plopped back into his seat.

"This is a test as well, my children," Dumbledore continued, his gaze sweeping across the eager faces below. "The Goblet has been modified under the supervision of the headmasters. It will determine eligibility based on magical power and one’s true name. It may not be perfect, but it is absolutely impartial."

"However, to reduce its burden, a magical barrier will be placed at the registration site. Only those who can break through it by their own ability will be allowed to submit their names."

"Registration begins tomorrow. The Goblet will make its decision at the Halloween Feast."

Just as excited murmurs began to swell again, Dumbledore abruptly added, "Before that, I must pour a bucket of cold water on your enthusiasm. Once chosen by the Goblet, a champion must complete the challenges, no matter the circumstances. This involves several extremely ancient binding contract magics. Even I cannot dissolve them. So please consider your decision carefully."

Unfortunately, his warning barely made a dent. Most students were already lost in their excitement.

The selection criteria sounded fair enough. Who’s to say they didn’t have a chance?

Dumbledore sighed inwardly. He knew he couldn’t stop them, but there wasn’t much to worry about. Some things weren’t officially predetermined, yet they might as well be.

Seeing that the chatter refused to die down, Dumbledore flicked his wand and used an Amplifying Charm to suppress the noise.

"I understand your excitement, but please restrain yourselves for the moment. There is another important announcement to be made."

That did the trick.

The students immediately straightened in their seats, staring at him with wide, expectant eyes.

They couldn’t imagine what could possibly outrank the Goblet of Fire and the selection rules, something important enough to be saved for last.

"During the period of the Goblet of Fire Tournament, Hogwarts will also host a major event jointly organized by Astra Abyssum and the participating schools: the ’Wizard Ranking Assessment.’"

"Mr. Crouch will now provide a preliminary introduction."

Crouch rose to his feet. After quietly thanking Dumbledore, he spoke in his usual stern tone.

"First, my gratitude to Hogwarts and the other magical institutions for their support."

"Although the Astra Abyssum Guild has existed for less than a year, under Mr. Riddle’s leadership, its contributions to the wizarding world are plain for all to see."

Grindelwald’s eyelid twitched. The look he shot at Crouch was deeply peculiar.

Who would’ve thought you, with those thick brows and that perpetually serious face, were capable of flattery?

"Ahem..."

"In order to provide better service and to refine the classification of magical strength," Crouch continued, "as well as to assist Ministries of Magic and various professions worldwide in selecting top talent, Astra Abyssum has partnered with the major schools to conduct this assessment."

"Each school will send two to three professors to participate in the evaluation. The assessments will take place after each champions’ task. Prior to the first test, the Guild will publish the rules and grading standards."

With that, Crouch sat down.

After a brief stunned silence, the Great Hall erupted into an uproar far louder than before. Many students were practically trembling with excitement.

Worth it. Absolutely worth it.

This term was insane. Not only were the students competing, now the professors were stepping into the ring as well. And the whole thing would be broadcast live.

Astra Abyssum had played a brilliant move. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Why should teachers be the only ones giving exams and handing out grades? Now it was their turn to be "tested."

Each school would send two or three professors to compete. But who?

The students immediately began eyeing their own teachers, trying to read something from their expressions. Unfortunately, the professors clearly knew about this in advance. Not a flicker crossed their faces. No clues to be found.

Harry stared at Snape, who was deliberately keeping his face stiff and severe, and silently prayed to Merlin.

"Merlin, please let Snape compete... and run into a little accident. Doesn’t have to kill him. Just embarrass him so badly he can’t stay at Hogwarts anymore."

Plenty of students shared the same wish.

Some were even more vicious about it.

"Alright, everyone," Dumbledore said cheerfully, cutting through the noise. "You may ponder these matters while enjoying a fine meal. Let the feast begin!"

He waved his hand, and the plates instantly filled with delicious food.

Tom went straight for the French dishes. Madame Maxime was a woman of her word. She had truly brought ten house-elves to Hogwarts, and one of them was assigned exclusively to him. As long as he remained a member of Beauxbatons’ board of governors, that elf would serve him personally.

The chatter around him did nothing to slow his eating.

But someone else was in a hurry.

Dinner ended earlier than usual. Dumbledore was eager to send his sister to Aberforth and tell him everything that had been discussed, so they could think of a solution together.

"Minerva, I’ll leave the lodging arrangements for our Uagadou friends to you," Dumbledore said to McGonagall.

"No need for all that trouble," Okoye replied casually, picking at his teeth. "You see the luggage we’re carrying, don’t you? Just give us a patch of land in your forest, Dumbledore. We’ll build our own houses."

"Too many people wanted to come, so we didn’t want to pressure you... we’ve brought everything we need for the coming months. We can easily take care of ourselves."

"....."

The professors were stunned into silence. McGonagall’s eyes widened.

Were the Uagadou teachers and students really going to build their own housing?

So details like that had been planned ? They had brought all their supplies with them and offered to construct their own homes, deliberately avoiding any inconvenience to the Hogwarts staff or students. There was a quiet dignity to their actions, a clear sense of self-respect and pride in their independence. They traveled not just as guests, but as capable, thoughtful people, fully prepared for months on end and determined not to burden anyone.

Meanwhile, the Hufflepuffs who had been worrying about the food earlier were left completely ashamed.

Dumbledore tried to persuade him otherwise, but Okoye insisted it was a Uagadou tradition and refused to accept the arrangements. In the end, Dumbledore had no choice but to respect their customs—though he insisted that they eat Hogwarts food in the Great Hall, saying he would be ashamed as a host otherwise.

He then asked McGonagall and Hagrid to lead them toward the Forbidden Forest, repeatedly stressing that the campsite must be set up far from the Whomping Willow.

He did not want students being attacked by the tree.

Nor did he want the tree being damaged by students.

Especially the latter. If something happened to it, Tom would explode.

In the past, he might have been able to calm him down.

Now?

He could only wish anyone who angered Tom a peaceful farewell.

After watching Uagadou’s group leave the Great Hall, Dumbledore hurried off with Ariana. As for where that crowd chose to sleep, so be it.

---

Late at night. The lively castle fell into silence.

Grindelwald strolled through the courtyard. A faint sense of being watched pressed down from above. His brows knit slightly.

The next second, he flicked his wand. A dark glimmer flashed at its tip, and a heavy black veil spread instantly over the entire Hogwarts Castle, cutting off every prying gaze.

"Damn it..."

Up in one of the towers, Moody clenched his wand so tightly his knuckles turned white. His face was dark as a thundercloud. His magical eye spun frantically, yet it couldn’t pierce the seemingly thin black curtain. All he could see was endless darkness.

"You can come out now," Grindelwald said, turning toward a side entrance of the castle. "Moody can’t see you anymore. You’ve been following me all night. What exactly do you want?"

A moment later, the door creaked open.

A tall, bat-like figure stepped into the moonlight and stood before Grindelwald.

Severus Snape.

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