A Howler for Dumbledore

Professor McGonagall's words caught Sean off guard. He asked in surprise, "It's possible to bypass age?"

"In fact, the Triwizard Cup has not had a strict age limit since its inception," Professor McGonagall explained. "The age requirement was agreed upon by the headmasters of the schools participating in the Triwizard Tournament and the Ministry of Magic. After all, the Triwizard Cup is a traditional and very dangerous competition, even for adult wizards."

Sean nodded. The reason the Triwizard Cup was discontinued in the past was because the death rate was too high. It is said that there was once a terrifying competition in which all the contestants except the winner perished. It was not that the winner was particularly strong. In fact, no one passed the final stage, but only one person survived and became the final winner.

Professor McGonagall continued, "As you know, Hogwarts' relationship with the Ministry of Magic is very strained right now. In many cases, Hogwarts has even stopped obeying the Ministry of Magic's jurisdiction. The Ministry of Magic even tried to bring in the School Board, but many members of the School Board were unwilling to take the lead, so the matter was dropped."

Sean chuckled inwardly. Lucius Malfoy was on the School Board; it was no wonder he was unwilling to stand up for the Ministry of Magic —that old fox, unable to receive Sean's messages, simply chose to stay out of the public eye and play dead.

The highest level of being a weather vane is to never fall, to act as if you don't exist.

"With the Ministry of Magic's actual jurisdiction greatly weakened, Professor Dumbledore added several rules to the school regulations, including one concerning the Triwizard Cup."

"If a student is over fifteen years old and has received Special Contribution Award from Hogwarts, has a Hogwarts position certificate, and can prove their strength and contributions, the school will issue a personal certificate—this certificate can be used to remove Trace, to legally own dangerous Magical Creatures, and of course, to participate in the Triwizard Cup at a younger age."

Sean was speechless. He chuckled dryly and looked at Professor McGonagall, saying, "Professor, I have a feeling..."

To everyone's surprise, Professor McGonagall readily nodded. "You're not mistaken, this certificate was prepared for you. Professor Dumbledore told me that himself."

Sean: "..."

"You're a perfect fit for the admissions director position, and this role is a huge contribution to the school. Professor Dumbledore created a Points Calculation System, and I've calculated it. With this admissions process, you'll be able to get that certificate after passing the assessment—and it's not just a blank piece of paper. This certificate truly carries Professor Dumbledore's magic. When you hold it, things that require a certain age, and those age-restricted spells, will no longer limit you."

Well, it's good stuff, but the Wizarding World is quite strict about controlling minors. Although it's not a big deal for Sean, it can still cause trouble sometimes—for example, the current access pass for Diagon Alley requires an adult wizard to apply for.

However, Dumbledore actually created a new school rule specifically for me to participate in the Triwizard Cup... and, in addition, points from this recruitment activity that has not yet begun are required for approval.

Unless he used connections, Sean didn't think anyone in Hogwarts history had ever earned more points than him... He'd already won two Special Contribution Award.

Seeing Sean's somewhat speechless expression, Professor McGonagall smiled apologetically, "Sean, I'm sorry I didn't discuss it with you, but the Goblet of Triwizard Cup hasn't been awarded to Hogwarts for a long time. However, I can solemnly promise you that after you get that certificate, you can simply treat it as a useful Magical Item. The professors, including the headmaster, all agree that whether or not to participate in the Triwizard Cup is your own decision."

Sean shrugged rather nonchalantly. "Actually, I'm quite interested, and I'd like to participate if given the opportunity."

"You really are more like Gryffindor— " Professor McGonagall remarked.

"Ravenclaw and Gryffindor don't conflict, do they?" Sean replied with a smile.

He really wasn't afraid of the Triwizard Cup. According to the original story, the first challenge was Fire Dragon, Sean could defeat even if he couldn't tame his own behemoth; the second challenge was searching for someone at the bottom of the lake, but underwater movement was no problem for Sean, and he even had the Basilisk and the Selma Lake Monster, two behemoths that roamed the Black Lake; as for the third challenge, with Sean's current strength, plus his many Magical Creatures companions...

It might be a bit like bullying...

Even with the increased difficulty, it's not too hard for Sean. Winning the Triwizard Cup will add a glorious chapter to his resume, which is a worthwhile experience.

After Professor McGonagall finished explaining everything, she left the reception room with Sean, satisfied.

Hermione, Daisy, and Stephanie hadn't left; they were sitting on the sofa, their backs straight, chatting with Sean's mother Mrs. Wallop.

Upon seeing Sean and Professor McGonagall emerge, everyone stood up in unison.

"Things are almost done. Sorry to bother you, Mrs. Wallop."

Sean's mother replied politely, "I hope I haven't offended you, Professor McGonagall."

"Thank you very much for your hospitality. I'll be going now. Goodbye, everyone."

After Professor McGonagall left, everyone in the room looked at Sean.

Sean shrugged. "It's just a small thing, I'll run an errand for you..."

Hogwarts Castle.

When summer vacation arrived, all the students returned home, and most of the faculty and staff also returned to their residences, leaving the classic castle somewhat empty.

Fortunately, the talking murals, the ghosts that throw parties, and the chattering armored figures—these magical beings prevent the castle from becoming lifeless.

On this day, the castle became a little more lively.

A table was set up in the Great Hall, House-elves weren't just staying in the kitchen; they were carrying plates on their heads, happily delivering delicious food to the returning people.

Sean savored the new dishes developed by Boris (the House-elves who decided not to wash his hands after shaking hands with Sean) and chatted with the people around him.

"I was surprised when Professor McGonagall said she wasn't in charge of admissions this year, but it turns out it was you." Charlotte downed a glass of ice-cold beer with gusto, casually crossing one leg without a care for her image.

Now that there are no students at Hogwarts, she no longer needs to maintain her authoritative image as a teaching assistant.

Colton, standing nearby, was elegantly cutting a steak with a knife and fork. He picked up a cube- Slicing Charm piece of steak, put it in his mouth, chewed it carefully for a while, and then swallowed.

"Sean did a good job. It's normal for him to take charge," Colton said casually, wiping his mouth, which wasn't even stained with sauce, with a napkin.

Charlotte scoffed, "Do you even need to tell me? Sean is way better than that utterly ungentlemanly and persistent guy!"

Colton remained unfazed. "There's still an hour before the mission—you might have a slightly more convincing argument if you don't drink before the mission."

"You! It's just a beer, do you think my alcohol tolerance will be affected?" Charlotte's eyes widened. "Besides, we're here to recruit students, not to fight and kill. Mr. Sterling, who only knows how to 'do missions'!"

"This proves nothing but your carelessness and lack of awareness of the seriousness of the matter. Moreover, the external situation is tense, and only about 60% of the wizards who escaped from Azkaban have been captured. Shouldn't your own safety be the priority at a time like this?"

"You!"

Colton fired off a barrage of words, but each one was a flat, sarcastic remark.

"By the way, even if you don't consider your own safety, do you think the parents of the new students would be willing to entrust their children to Hogwarts after seeing such a drunkard?"

"How could this be..."

"I know you want to say that you can use magic to cure a hangover, but that represents an attitude problem. When it comes to their children's major life choices, parents are far more perceptive than you can imagine."

"What a disappointment. You should be glad Professor Dumbledore isn't sitting here right now."

"Oh, Professor McGonagall is here—will she be disappointed?"

Colton unleashed a torrent of fire, infuriating Charlotte to the point of rage. She, who hadn't blushed even after drinking several beers, now had a flushed face.

"Hmph, mind your own business!" Charlotte snorted, but didn't take another sip of her ice-cold beer.

She grabbed a glass of chilled Pumpkin Juice and grumbled as she drank, "It's such a wonderful holiday, and I still have to work with you."

"That's because you had nothing else to do during the summer vacation, so you immediately agreed when Professor McGonagall asked for help." Colton cut another square piece of beef and put it in his mouth.

Charlotte rolled her eyes. "On the first day of my holiday, I just arrived at Knockturn Alley and ran into you, you disgusting guy—tch, I'd rather work at Hogwarts than see your stinky face."

"Very well, that's what I think too. A consensus, you foolish Miss Hawke?"

"Do you believe I'll stab you to death with a fork right now?!"

"Let's wait and see."

Sean shrugged, ignoring the bickering duo.

Charlotte and Colton's bickering has become a daily occurrence. At first, Sean would try to mediate, but now he just treats it like watching a comedy movie.

However, it was this very pair of rivals who came to Sean's house to recruit students in the first place, and now Sean is going to go with them to recruit others, and even Colton from Newmontgard is working for Hogwarts.

It has to be said, fate is truly a wondrous thing.

Today, all the admissions staff gathered at Hogwarts. Before lunch, Sean had already assigned tasks to everyone. With the help of Colton, the "traitor," he also obtained information about the key areas for admissions in previous years for Newmontgard. Of course, Sean left the tough challenges to himself.

After the regular admissions process is over, he still plans to secretly poach students from Durmstrang's territory...

Dumbledore, who rarely makes an appearance, was also at the lunch table today. Sean tried to talk to him before the banquet began, but the old riddle master just pretended to be stupid and didn't say anything.

As the meal was about to end, an owl suddenly flew into the Great Hall.

The brownish-yellow owl looked old and frail, but its movements were surprisingly agile. It quickly circled once and then dropped a package.

The package landed in front of Dumbledore.

"Oh, another gift?"

Dumbledore smiled and said something. He didn't hide from the people at the table. After putting down the Pudding he had just picked up, he unwrapped the package.

Inside was a red letter.

After Dumbledore unwrapped it, the red letter slowly floated to his face.

"Oh? Someone actually sent Howler to Professor Dumbledore?" Sean said in surprise.

He was incredibly curious. Howler were usually Magical Item used by parents to discipline their children. Sending Howler to Dumbledore was truly audacious...

Dumbledore didn't seem to intend to open the Howler. Smoke began to rise from the four corners of the red letter, while Dumbledore remained calmly smiling.

"Old—!!!" A huge word burst out, Dumbledore waved his hand lightly. The Howler, which should have shaken the dust off the ceiling, suddenly fell silent, with only the mouth in the center of the envelope opening and closing silently.

"Enjoy dessert," Dumbledore said with a smile to the others.

For some reason, Sean had a feeling that Dumbledore actually seemed quite happy after receiving that Howler...

"The seventh one—" Charlotte, standing to the side, wasn't surprised at all, but instead said to Sean.

"Hmm? Professor Dumbledore received seven Howler?" Sean asked curiously.

Colton added from the side, "There were nine letters in total. Even though that drunkard next to you missed two nights of dinner, Professor Dumbledore still received the letters."

"Thanks for reminding me!" Charlotte rolled her eyes and ignored him, then said to Sean, "We came back a few days ago. Professor Dumbledore eats with us every day, and he receives a Howler for lunch and dinner every day. Including today's, that makes nine."

"Sending Howler to Professor Dumbledore repeatedly... and Dumbledore didn't even get angry?" Sean asked in surprise.

"No, Professor Dumbledore always prevents the Howler from making a sound, and he seems quite pleased with himself—a bit like a kid who's successfully pulled off a prank... But, the professor can be quite childish sometimes, can he?"

"Anyway, whoever sends Howler to Professor Dumbledore must be incredibly audacious," Colton said.

Sean nodded in agreement. Yes, incredibly audacious...

Um--?!

Sean looked over suspiciously, Dumbledore had already put the letter away.

It seems like only Grindelwald would dare to send Howler to Dumbledore...

Good heavens, what's going on here? Grindelwald looks really unhappy—that old man is hiding under the Invisibility Cloak and he's actually sending Howler to Dumbledore?

Sean's questions remained unanswered, lunch ended quickly, and it was time to get down to business.

"I hope everyone has a safe journey. Also, given the tense situation outside, please remember to prioritize your own safety."

At Dumbledore's instruction, everyone moved using the Portkey.

Phew, I finally wrote it...