Vincent looked at Dumbledore's smug face and couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
Deng Xiaoping's cunning schemes ultimately came to naught, and his true colors will surely be even more fascinating.
"You're kidding!" Fred's voice was particularly loud.
The students burst into laughter.
Dumbledore laughed along with him. "Mr. Weasley, I wasn't joking."
He was quite pleased with Vincent's wide-eyed expression. "Since we're on the topic of jokes, I've heard a really funny one. It's about a Troll, a she-devil, and a Leprechauns who all went into the same tavern..."
"Cough cough—" McGonagall's crisp cough interrupted him.
Dumbledore's smile faded slightly. "Oh—it's probably not appropriate to talk about this now... not appropriate..."
His gaze left Vincent. "Where was I? Ah, right, the Triwizard Tournament... Some of you don't know what this Triwizard Tournament is all about, so I hope those who do will forgive me for giving a brief explanation. I'll allow your minds to wander for a moment."
The Triwizard Tournament was founded in the 13th century and has a history of more than 700 years.
It is a friendly competition between the three largest magic schools in Europe: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.
Each school will select one Champion, and then the three Champion will compete in three magical events.
The Triwizard Tournament is held every five years, with the three schools taking turns hosting it.
However, due to the high number of deaths, the Triwizard Tournament had to be interrupted.
"For two centuries, people have tried to revive the Triwizard Tournament several times, but none of them have succeeded."
However, our Department of International Magical Cooperation and Department of Magical Games and Sports Ministry of Magic of Magic believe that the time is ripe to try again.
This summer, we did a lot of preparation to ensure that every Champion would not be in mortal danger.
Dumbledore paused,
"In October, the principals of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will lead their carefully selected competitors."
The selection ceremony for Champion will be held on Halloween, where an impartial referee will determine which students are most qualified to compete for the Triwizard Cup, bringing honor to their schools and awarding each student a prize of one thousand Galleon.
The twins at the Gryffindor table had a gleam in their eyes.
The R&D funding is sufficient, but who would complain about not having enough?
1000 Gold Galleons is enough to cover the development of new products this year.
Of course, there are many students like them, whose faces are beaming with excitement.
Whispers were heard at every long table, and Vincent pretended to chat with Neville for a few minutes.
The Great Hall fell silent once Dumbledore spoke again.
"I know you all yearn to win the Triwizard Tournament trophy for Hogwarts."
He glanced at Vincent. "However, the participating schools and the Ministry of Magic agree that an age limit should be set for this year's competitors."
He raised his voice, "Only those who are seventeen years of age or older—that is to say, students who are seventeen years of age or older are allowed to register."
"No—" the twins cried out in agony.
"I protest! I strongly protest!"
Their angry protests garnered support from many students.
Dumbledore glanced at Vincent, who was beaming with smugness, and raised his voice again.
"We feel this measure is necessary because the Triwizard Tournament is still very challenging and dangerous, and no matter how many precautions we take, students below the sixth or seventh grade simply cannot handle it."
He glanced at the twins who were still protesting, "I personally guarantee that not a single student under the age of majority will deceive our impartial referees and become a Hogwarts Champion."
His deep blue eyes flashed with a meaningful light. "Therefore, if you are not yet seventeen, I request that you not waste your time submitting your application."
Vincent took the opportunity to rub his sore face.
Old Deng is indeed Old Deng; he needs to confirm a reaction several times.
If he hadn't practiced with the big shots in the Wizarding World during the World Cup, he might not have been able to pass the test smoothly.
"The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will arrive in October and spend most of the academic year with us."
I know that you all treated our distinguished foreign guests with warmth and friendliness during their stay at the school, and that you will all wholeheartedly support the chosen Hogwarts Champion once he or she is finally selected.
Dumbledore smiled and said, "It's getting late, but I have one last thing to announce."
He looked mysteriously at the closed Great Hall doors, and the students all looked over as well.
"Please welcome our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for this year!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Moody pushed open the door and walked into the Great Hall.
He was leaning on a long cane and was wrapped in a black cloak.
The face covered in horrific scars frightened many students.
Neville shrank back in fright at the blue demon eye that kept darting around on his face. "It's... it's Mr. Moody..."
Neville's parents were both Auror, so they naturally knew this legendary Auror.
Moody slowly walked up to the staff table and stopped next to Dumbledore.
"Welcome, Professor Moody."
Dumbledore reached out and took his scarred hand, then turned to the students.
"Yes, I believe many people already know about our new professor this year, but I still want to give him a proper introduction— Alastor Moody, who will be the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Vincent glanced quickly at Snape at the staff table.
His complexion looks off; surprisingly, Old Bat doesn't have a dark expression this year.
That makes sense, though. They're legendary Auror, so even if they're unhappy, they wouldn't dare show it out in public.
Dumbledore led the applause, followed by Vincent and his friends, and then a sparse clapping sounded in the Great Hall.
Moody's appearance and presence were so striking that the students are still quite taken aback.
Dumbledore stopped clapping. "Alright, that's all. The most important thing is that you all walk into class tomorrow morning refreshed and clear-headed."
Now, everyone go to bed! Hurry up!
At his urging, the students got up and left the Great Hall.
Then he pulled Moody to sit down. "How are things, Alastor? The students are all very energetic, aren't they?"
Moody glanced at the students who were "fleeing in panic," and then at Vincent, who was surrounded by his friends.
His magical eyes stopped moving. "They really are all very energetic."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Alastor, don't treat your students like prisoners."
Moody shook his head. "Albus Dumbledore, I know where I am, but I hope you won't interfere with my class."
"Of course," Dumbledore solemnly promised. "With you as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, I have one less thing to worry about this year."
The Triwizard Tournament seems to be a sure thing, and he only needs to worry about two things.
First, there are Horcrux.
Second, Voldemort and the Death Eaters.