Dumbfounded

Albert bypassed the crowded students, entered the Great Hall, and sat down beside the Gryffindor table.

There were still plenty of empty seats in the Great Hall, while a large crowd of students had packed around the entrance, waiting for Krum's autograph. The star athlete was rather frustrated as well, having discovered that Hogwarts students apparently knew he was coming and had actually prepared Quills and parchment for him to sign in advance.

Krum had really wanted to refuse, but in the end, he signed for the enthusiastic girls one by one. Only when Durmstrang finally took seats beside the Slytherin table did he manage to shake off his eager fans.

Beauxbatons had no such problem. They chose seats beside the Ravenclaw table. Albert suspected it had something to do with the banner hanging above Ravenclaw's table. Beauxbatons clearly preferred blue; it was obvious from their carriage and school crest.

"Look at Professor McGonagall's expression!" Shanna gestured for Albert to look toward the teachers' table.

Professor McGonagall's face was rather dark. The sight of so many Hogwarts students begging Krum for autographs made her feel humiliated, and the other professors did not look much more comfortable.

Only Dumbledore remained unaffected, still smiling as he chatted with Madame Maxime on his left.

"I got Krum's autograph." After sitting down beside Albert, Lee Jordan excitedly announced the good news to everyone.

"Honestly, it's impressive you managed to get Krum's autograph. Those girls were packed over there—they were so annoying." Fred sounded irritated. He and George had been blocked outside by the girls and had failed to get Krum's autograph right away.

"Don't worry. Krum will be staying at Hogwarts for quite a while. You'll get a chance to obtain his autograph sooner or later," Albert consoled him casually.

Once all the students