The results of Sunday's matches were exactly as expected.
The strategist Ron defeated Seamus and Lavender, securing the first spot in the next round.
The other was claimed by Harry, whose outrageous luck had kept him from ever playing a third game.
He opened with Godric Gryffindor wielding a sword, followed by either the Sorting Hat or Hogwarts Castle. Dean's mentality completely collapsed, and he surrendered outright in both rounds.
Over on Black Swan's side...
They had only played two matches all day. Even with the doors open, it felt as though they were shut.
Though his side was nowhere near as lively as the other, Draco was still as arrogant as ever.
When cheers erupted for the two Little Lions who had advanced today, he swaggered over with the Black Swans.
"Only stupid cards would let stupid people advance."
"Get lost!" Ron clenched his fists, his little face flushed red.
"No one here welcomes you, Malfoy!"
Draco sneered and glanced toward the stage.
Vincent sat there as though watching a show, holding an ice cream cone he had somehow acquired.
"Weasley, I came here to announce something!"
He raised his chin high, his nostrils aimed directly at Harry.
"Listen up! I've decided to double the total prize money for Wizard Cards. If any of you are interested, you can drop out of this idiotic competition anytime and join ours!"
One hundred thousand Galleons?
Lucius could no longer hold back?
The outside world still knew nothing about Hogwarts's campus tournament. Raising the actual prize money would indeed help increase the value of Wizard Cards.
So they had calculated that no media friends would help them...
Vincent licked his ice cream as he watched their triumphant retreating backs.
He was sick of olive flavor. Strawberry would be better next time.
That