The Tournament Is About to Begin

Sean spent three whole days dealing with the two juvenile Blast-Ended Skrewt.

Yes, that's right, it's about maneuvering. These creatures are extremely aggressive from a young age. If it's just about feeding them, there's no problem, but if someone like Sean keeps touching them, they can easily get injured by the explosion.

But Sean was helpless; for some reason, his [Beast Speaker] had no effect on the Blast-Ended Skrewt, and his Magical Creature Affinity also suffered a rare setback.

Coincidentally, this Blast-Ended Skrewt doesn't even have eyes yet...

So, if Sean wanted to try to "communicate" with the sensory organs of the Blast-Ended Skrewt, the only way he could do that was to handle it by hand.

However, after the series of explosions, Sean had worn the two Blast-Ended Skrewt so much that they were almost covered in patina, and he still couldn't find a way to reconnect with Blast-Ended Skrewt.

Perhaps only Hagrid, the creator of the Blast-Ended Skrewt, could truly communicate with these creatures.

Although Sean felt it wasn't that Blast-Ended Skrewt and Hagrid got along well, but rather that Hagrid was thick-skinned and didn't care about Blast-Ended Skrewt's explosions...

Having temporarily abandoned the training of the Blast-Ended Skrewt, Sean focused his attention on other things.

Since the start of the fifth grade, things have been going relatively smoothly, and the atmosphere at school has improved considerably. Sean, as the teaching assistant for the Transfiguration, also gave the new first-year students a "lively" Transfiguration.

Second and third-year students who didn't have classes at the time even ran outside the classroom to secretly watch. After seeing the freshmen's excitement turn to curiosity, then to fear, then to shock, and finally to complete surrender to the charm of Transfiguration, the second and third-year students all showed a comfortable expression.

They went through this process themselves, and now seeing new students going through it again fills them with a sense of satisfaction that words cannot describe.

Sean noticed that someone was peeking outside, but he didn't pay attention and continued to focus on the saplings in front of him during class.

Overall, it was still a satisfactory introductory Transfiguration class. The students' performance was mediocre, but Sean was confident that with his guidance, the new students would excel even more.

Of course, Capen's performance greatly pleased him. This child, who was born with a vast Magic Power Source, displayed amazing talent, making Sean's eyes light up with satisfaction.

Henry Lestrange, of course, didn't dare to act arrogantly in Sean's class, and Sean didn't target him either, teaching him as he should without holding back.

Anyway, he believed Capen was capable of handling the problem.

Besides teaching classes and teaching others, Sean didn't forget another important thing.

In that chilling speculation about the truth, "The Fly" was a special entity, and according to the information Stephanie brought during the summer vacation, the still existing Pure-blood families Nott family in England could be linked to "The Fly" from back then.

The "Mr. Unfooled Spectator" is highly likely to be the Fly in the dark allegory "The Poet and the Greedy Wisdom Snake," and he Mr. Unfooled Spectator have had a past entanglement with the Nott family of Ancient Greek Nott family, possibly even leading to their demise.

The Nott family of England today is a branch of the Ancient Greek Nott family that survived its demise.

Faced with a rare breakthrough, Sean certainly couldn't give up, and the best entry point was obviously Slytherin's student, Theodore Nott, who was in the same year as him.

The only problem is that Theodore Nott is a lone wolf, with a withdrawn and aloof personality, and rarely participates in group activities.

One day, Sean tried to greet Theodore Nott, but the other man completely ignored him, this "star" of Hogwarts, as if he were a statue.

Dejected, Sean sought out his Slytherin friend, the very few Malfoy who had managed to speak with Theodore Nott.

In the quiet classroom, anyone who could see what was happening would probably be utterly astonished.

The two, Sean Waller- Wallerup and Draco Malfoy, who usually don't get along at all, are now whispering and discussing something, looking very familiar with each other.

"Draco, how is the situation now?"

As the current president of the Society of Glory, a rising force in Slytherin House, Malfoy has recently been enjoying a period of great success.

Once he truly accepted Sean's explanation, Pure-blood honor was no longer about foolish bullying and insults. Unwarranted attacks on non- Pure-blood Wizard were now considered very low-level behavior in Malfoy's eyes.

Where have you put the glory of Pure-blood Wizard?

If someone called a wizard from the Muggle Family Mudblood, Malfoy would ask that question.

Malfoy, who completely agreed with Sean's point of view, also adopted Sean's original rhetoric. With his already illustrious family background and Sean's occasional guidance and help, he stirred up a wave of "Pure-blood glory" in Slytherin.

"Make Pure-blood great again"—this slogan has become a familiar phrase to many Slytherin students.

Thanks to Malfoy's tireless efforts, many of the Pure-blood ' original ideas have begun to change. They were students, and although they had been influenced by their parents for more than a decade, their original way of thinking has changed significantly after spending a long time with someone like Malfoy, whose ideas are completely different.

Which approach is truly the Pure-blood and orthodox? The ever-growing membership of the "Society of Glory" has already proven this point.

Of course, to further solidify Malfoy's leadership, Sean continues to play the role of his adversary—although many feel this is Sean unilaterally teasing Malfoy ...

Upon hearing Sean's question, Malfoy puffed out his chest arrogantly. "Needless to say? The number of members is increasing. Although there are quite a few stubborn and ignorant guys, they can't cause any trouble. Besides, we are the only force that has any real power."

"As expected of young master Malfoy, he's quite adept at winning people over and spreading slogans." Sean flattered Malfoy in a joking tone.

The young master immediately curled his nose. "It's just a small achievement. Besides, I've already shifted my focus to the lower-grade students. They're less affected. Before long, by the next school year, most of the lower-grade Slytherin students will probably agree with my point of view. Hmph, a bunch of guys who don't even understand the honor that Pure-blood represent. Let me teach them a lesson."

"Then I'll be looking forward to your good news. If there's anything I can help you with, feel free to contact me anytime." Sean patted the other person on the shoulder.

Malfoy swayed his upper body somewhat awkwardly, but didn't try to forcefully get rid of Sean's hand.

He still has a very complicated feeling about Sean.

Malice? Almost none.

Hatred? Perhaps there was some mixed in as well?

Friends? Of course, the proud young master Malfoy would not admit to that.

An admirable peer? In Malfoy's words, it would become: This guy is quite something.

Draco Malfoy still harbors a subtle hostility and rivalry towards Sean, but he won't resort to the foolish tactic he used to employ.

He knew deep down, but was unwilling to admit it, that he truly considered Sean a very good... partner...

"Partner" is the highest word he can use; the word "friend" is not suitable for the naturally noble young master Malfoy —especially since the other party has beaten him up.

"Alright, I know. Why did you suddenly call me out? Is there something you need?" Malfoy asked slowly, still in his usual tone, but without that annoyingly condescending air.

"Theodore Nott, you should be quite familiar with him, right?"

"Theodore?" Malfoy frowned his long, thin golden eyebrows. "Of course I know him. That guy is quite capable, and also quite arrogant. I wanted to recruit him when I first created the Society of Glory, but he always preferred to act alone. I invited him several times without success, and in the end, it just fizzled out—what, did he offend you? Want me to teach him a lesson for you?"

Sean smiled and said, "How could that be? I wanted to make friends with him, but I didn't have a good idea of how to start. He didn't even respond when I greeted him."

At this point, Malfoy became smug again. "Of course, Theodore is very proud; the only people he'd take the initiative to greet are..."

Sean chimed in, "So, it's just you?"

"Of course."

"That's why I came to ask you for help." Sean shrugged.

Malfoy glanced at him, his eyes narrowing as he also became shrewd. "Why would you want to see him? Don't even mention wanting to be friends with him. You two have never crossed paths before, let alone had any grudges. You have enough friends already, there's no need to specifically seek out a reclusive guy."

Sean flashed a bright smile. Malfoy was getting smarter and smarter, but dealing with smart people saved him a lot of trouble.

"Okay, I'll be honest—" Sean shrugged. "I'm very interested in the history of the Nott family's ancestors. I've recently discovered some interesting things that happen to be related to their family history."

Malfoy glanced at Sean, then rested his chin on his hand and said thoughtfully, "I do know a little about the Nott family. What's their history?"

"Uh-huh."

Malfoy didn't ask Sean what the "interesting thing" was. After thinking for a while, he said, "I can help you find out, but Theodore rarely talks about his family, and he's not the kind of person who likes to share secrets."

"That's alright, I just need to know the general situation. Of course, more detailed information, even things Theodore Nott doesn't know, is fine too. I just need the current status of that information, for example..."

"Where is it stored?" Malfoy narrowed his eyes.

Sean smiled and said, "Draco, you're getting to know me better and better."

"Tch, do you think I don't know what you're thinking... But I have to remind you, all Pure-blood families value their family history, genealogy and such very much. Even if I find out some information for you, it's not very realistic for you to sneak into the Nott family."

Sean was speechless. Malfoy certainly knew his own style of doing things well. However, although Sean had this idea, there was no need to carry it out now. Knowing that Old Man Nott had returned to Voldemort's embrace, rashly exploring Nott family's old house would easily alert them.

"Forget it, how you handle it is your own business. I will try my best to find out as much information as possible for you. Of course, it's best if Theodore knows for himself."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Draco."

"It's a minor issue."

Time marched on, and the Blast-Ended Skrewt slowly grew. Of course, "slowly" might not be the most accurate word. In just one month, the tiny creature, originally three inches long, had grown into a two-foot monster, its shell covering its entire body— Sean still hadn't found a way to communicate with it.

Meanwhile, Malfoy's intelligence gathering on the Nott family was progressing steadily. Malfoy, who had previously spent a lot of time at the Society of Glory, rekindled his friendship with Theodore Nott.

According to messages that Malfoy occasionally sends back, he and Theodore Nott are now discussing Pure-blood families, and Malfoy has begun to steer the conversation toward the history of the other's family.

I believe it won't be long before I can bring back some useful information for Sean.

October arrived, and when they returned to the castle from the herb greenhouse, a large group of students had already gathered around the bulletin board.

Sean tiptoed over the crowd and read the words on the notice board to Hermione, who wasn't tall enough.

Four-School Tournament

Representatives from Newmontgard, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang will arrive at 6 p. m. on Friday, October 30th. Afternoon classes will end half an hour early.

Please return your schoolbags and textbooks to your dormitories and gather in front of the castle to welcome our guests and then attend the welcome banquet.

After reading it aloud, Sean snapped his fingers, "Good news, the last class that day is Snape's Potions, so I can avoid half an hour of torture."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps Snape will choose to shorten the time and increase the intensity of his torment on you?"

"Hermione, can we talk about something cheerful?" Sean's smile vanished.

Hermione shrugged. "That's reality."

"The reality is that people from other schools are coming, Four-School Tournament are about to begin—those canvases on the fifth floor that were covered in stains Scouring Charm, even though they haven't been cleaned in all the years I've been here."

"Because it is indeed a very important event," Hermione said, stopping and turning to look at Sean. "And you're planning to participate, aren't you?"

"Why not? It's so much fun," Sean said with a smile.

Hermione rolled her eyes at him and said in a tone that was both admonishing and worried, "But I must remind you, this is not child's play. The Four-School Tournament are dangerous, and you must not go into the competition with this kind of mentality!"

Seeing Hermione's attitude, Sean also dropped his playful demeanor and said seriously, "I assure you, I won't let my guard down."

Hermione's expression finally brightened: "That's more like it—"

A week passed quickly, and on the morning of October 30th, when they went downstairs for breakfast, they found the Great Hall had been completely renovated overnight. Huge silk banners hung on the walls, each representing a house of Hogwarts: Gryffindor with a golden lion on a red background, Ravenclaw with a bronze eagle on a blue background, Hufflepuff with a black badger on a yellow background, and Slytherin with a silver boa constrictor on a green background. Behind the faculty desks hung the largest banner, bearing the Hogwarts emblem: a lion, eagle, badger, and snake linked together, encircling a large letter H.

They've arrived.