The condition for victory was to collect more badges.
In other words, protect the badges in their own hands, then steal everyone else's badges?
Viktor, Fleur, Cedric, and Hermione instinctively tightened their grips on their badges.
The rules did sound simple, but they also did not seem quite so easy.
"Looks like you all understand."
Professor Breen apparently had no intention of offering any further explanation. He glanced at his watch.
"You have ten minutes to discuss your tactics. When time is up, Mr. Bagman will give the signal."
Uh.
Harry raised his hand, hesitating to speak.
"Oh, I forgot to mention it."
Before Harry could say anything, Amosta understood first.
"The only tools you may use are your wands and anything you find in the Forbidden Forest. All other magical items are prohibited in this match."
At those words, Harry's face immediately fell.
People were beginning to enter the stands. Hundreds of students filed in, and the air filled with excited chatter and the cluttered sound of footsteps.
The sky was a clear, brilliant blue, without a single cloud overhead. At least that meant rain was unlikely today.
Harry spotted Sirius, Remus, the Weasleys, and Amelia making their way up to the platform.
He had thought Sirius would greet him, but instead, Sirius was eagerly talking about something with Amelia and had forgotten to even glance his way.
A strange feeling stirred within Harry as he watched.
After the students had taken their seats, several staff members stepped onto the platform—Professor Snape, Professor Viktor, Madam Hooch, and others, each carrying a broomstick.
"We will patrol the skies above the Forbidden Forest," Madam Hooch told all the contestants.
"If you can't continue and decide to withdraw, use your wand to fire red sparks into the sky. We will come rescue