The Triwizard Tournament, Moody Arrives / Experimental Backup Plan, Static Electricity

For example, the House-elf in the nursing home are now very grateful to Harry.

Harry had said he wanted them to work with Dobby, but that didn't happen, which was a pleasant surprise for the House-elf.

Driven by this gratitude, they quickly accepted the new 'clock-in work' system.

This is actually an important principle in solving the problem of House-elf: you must never provoke their rebellion.

The current state of the House-elf is determined by both the wizards and the House-elf, and changing this state would undoubtedly harm the vested interests of most wizards.

Therefore, at least in the early stages of the change, the wizards will definitely face organized opposition. If they can't even get the support of the House-elf at this point, then the only outcome will be failure!

"Put yourself in their shoes... and then take action? Yes, Harry, you're absolutely right! That's exactly the way to solve the House-elf's problem!" After carefully considering Harry's words, Hermione became incredibly excited.

If no one else were around, she would definitely hug Harry and kiss him a few times.

She had always wanted to do something for the House-elf, especially after learning about Dobby and Kreacher's ordeal, and Harry's assessment of her thinking was always 'keep an eye on things'.

However, after observing for several years, Hermione was dismayed to find that fundamentally changing the situation of House-elf was an incredibly difficult task.

Not only would wizards object, but even the House-elf themselves wouldn't agree... Kreacher's words to Hermione that day still felt like knives, causing her pain whenever she thought about them.

But Harry has now given her hope and helped her come up with a truly effective solution!

"It could only be you," Hermione said excitedly to Harry, her eyes filled with joy and pride. "No one else could have come up with such a brilliant idea!"

"The idea is actually quite simple, but most people get stuck at the very first step of 'putting themselves in someone else's shoes,'" Harry shook his head and sighed. "After all... people won't care about a group that has nothing to do with them."

"Harry, how come you also..." Hearing Harry say the same thing as Luna Lovegood had said before, Hermione was momentarily taken aback.

"He helps those House-elf only because you want to help them," Luna Lovegood succinctly explained. "Besides..."

"Besides that, the only person I'm willing to help... is Dobby," Harry replied casually, making no attempt to hide his preferential treatment.

The entire Britain Wizarding World, including all individuals who can be called 'humans,' is just a small society with a total population of less than ten thousand.

In such a small society, Harry has the time and energy to judge the relationship between two people on an individual basis, without having to divide them into specific groups.

House-elf, for example. Harry can certainly lend a hand to those willing to accept help; as for those unwilling, he might take them in out of Hermione's wishes... But those who would rather die than change—only Harry on a brain-dead diet would bother with them!

Leading a group of people with their own agendas and no real desire to rebel—how could the outcome be any better?

"Is that so..." Hermione lowered her head in disappointment, her fingers twisting together in a tangled mess.

She would feel sweetness because of Harry's 'love for Harry and his dog', but she would also feel sadness for the House-elf as a whole.

They certainly deserve our sympathy, but what about those elves who House-elf refuse to accept change... do they really deserve Harry's help?

The heavy rain outside the castle pounded against the windows, and as Hermione pondered in turmoil, the opening banquet finally came to an end.

"Alright!" After a resounding call, Dumbledore rose again, smiling at everyone. "Now that we've all eaten and drunk our fill, I must once again draw your attention to announce a few things."

"Mr. Filch, the gatekeeper, wants me to tell everyone that the number of prohibited items in the castle has increased this year, including the Screaming Bludger, the Ever-Bashing Boomerang, and a total of 437 items. Anyone interested can check the Odd Jobs Shop's inventory list."

As he said this, Dumbledore deliberately glanced in Harry's direction, and most of the other professors in the faculty section also cast resentful looks at Harry... including Filch himself~

Harry was utterly speechless. Why not just announce the prohibited items properly? Why compare them to my store's inventory list?

Besides, those ridiculous products were created by the Weasley Brothers themselves, so why should I end up taking the blame for them?

"In addition, as before, the Forbidden Forest over there is strictly off-limits to any students. However, for Hogsmeade Village, we have lowered the age limit for entry this year to second year students and added an extra extracurricular activity."

After a brief moment of whispering among the students, Dumbledore continued, "A new nursing home will be opening in Hogsmeade Village this year, where many highly respected wizards will reside. Our extracurricular activity will be volunteering there for the elderly. I hope you will enjoy this activity and learn things that cannot be taught in school."

Dumbledore's words caused a stir among the crowd. Many people knew about the new nursing home opening at Hogsmeade, but they never expected that it would be related to the school.

For some students, volunteering for the old wizards there is no big deal, but for certain pampered individuals who consider themselves superior, it is an absolute disgrace.

"Quiet!" Dumbledore interrupted the murmurs with Amplifying Charm. "I know you may have many questions, but I have to continue with what I have to say."

"It is with great regret that we announce that the House Cup Quidditch Match will not be held this year!"

As soon as these words were spoken, an even greater uproar erupted at the scene.

Chapter 589 Triwizard Tournament, Moody Makes His Appearance

"Quiet, please be quiet!"

Sensing that the crowd was getting a little agitated, Dumbledore quickly spoke up again to stop them.

"Listen, gentlemen," Dumbledore announced, "We are no longer holding Quidditch Match because a large event will begin in October and continue throughout the school year. It will take up a great deal of the teachers' time and energy, but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely!"

Seeing that his speech had successfully piqued the students' interest, Dumbledore continued with a smile, announcing, "I am very pleased to announce that Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament this year!"

"You're kidding!" Fred exploded the moment he heard Dumbledore say that.

Not only him, but many students at the scene shared the same thought, and quite a few even burst into laughter.

The young wizards, who came from families with a strong tradition of wizardry, all knew more or less about the Triwizard Tournament. Naturally, they had incredibly high expectations for this traditional event that had been suspended for centuries.

"The Triwizard Tournament was established over seven hundred years ago. It was a friendly competition between the three largest magic schools in Europe, but it has been discontinued for a long time."

Dumbledore briefly introduced the tournament's overview and history, then excitedly announced, "Now, the Department of International Magical Cooperation and the Department of Magical Games and Sports of the Ministry of Magic believe that the time is ripe for another attempt! We have done much work this summer to ensure that every Champion is safe and sound."

"In October, the headmasters of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will lead their carefully selected competitors to the selection ceremony for Champion, which will take place on Halloween. A fair judge will decide which students are most qualified to participate in the competition and win honor for their schools, with each student receiving a prize of one thousand Galleon!"

The atmosphere at the scene had completely exploded. There were many people like Fred who dreamed of becoming Champion, and at this moment, countless eyes were staring fervently at Dumbledore.

However, the principal's next words poured cold water on the enthusiasm of most people in the Great Hall.

"I know you all yearn to win a trophy for your school, but the participating schools and the Ministry of Magic have agreed to set an age limit for this year's competitors—seventeen years old. Only students seventeen and older are allowed to register! So I think..."

At this point, Dumbledore raised his voice, as many people in the audience were angrily protesting. "This measure is absolutely necessary, because the Triwizard Tournament is still very difficult and dangerous, and no matter how many precautions we take, students below the sixth or seventh grade cannot possibly cope with that level of danger!"

"Are you kidding me!" George protested, waving his fist. "You can't do this! I'm almost seventeen, why can't I even try?!"

George's words undoubtedly represented the sentiments of many, but in the Great Hall today, the most dissatisfied were the students of Eagle House... because they possessed a formidable weapon that was absolutely capable of winning the championship!

Terry Boot was the first to sharply object. "If only wizards over seventeen are allowed to participate, wouldn't even Harry have a chance? I think this rule isn't for safety at all, but rather because the other two schools are worried they can't compete with Harry!"

"Exactly! Harry passed the hellish O.W.L. Examinations and even saved the entire school once. You actually think he can't handle the dangers of the competition?!"

Next to speak was Michael Corner, also a fourth-year student. He was one of the few outhouse students who received high praise from Snape. Ever since he learned that Harry had received an excellent certificate in Potions, he had been amazed by Harry's talent.

"Some of you students, I admire your unity. In fact, I personally once felt that if certain restrictions were removed, the Triwizard Tournament trophy would ultimately remain at Hogwarts." Dumbledore spoke while keeping his eyes on the long table in Eagle House. "But rules are rules, and no one can guarantee they will participate. What I hope for is that when the Champion of Hogwarts is finally chosen, everyone will wholeheartedly support him or her."

"Finally, I want to reiterate... I personally guarantee that no underage student will deceive our impartial judges. Therefore, if you are under seventeen, I urge you not to waste your time submitting your application!"

As he finished speaking, Dumbledore's gaze swept over many people, such as Harry and the Weasley Brothers, his blue eyes flashing with a meaningful light.

Click!

At the same time, a sudden clap of thunder flashed outside the Great Hall, instantly illuminating the dark night sky!

"Finally, thunder! That's great!!"

The moment Professor Tofudi saw the flash, he jumped up from his seat and scrambled out of the Great Hall. His voice was so loud it drowned out all the students in the room, and everyone temporarily forgot about the argument that had just taken place.

Harry had previously stated that his kite experiment would begin whenever lightning flashed in the sky. Therefore, Professor Tofudi, along with many members of the Wizarding Examinations Authority, had been camped out at Hogwarts for several days in anticipation of that flash of light.

The students of Hogwarts, naturally, also had a great deal of curiosity about this.

"Was that the only lightning bolt? I wish I could have seen the whole thing."

Rushing to the Great Hall door, Professor Tofty prayed with boundless anticipation for the dark night sky, while Charity Burbage, who arrived a little later, wore the same expression.

Although Harry had told them that he had made all the necessary preparations beforehand, and that even without witnessing the whole process, they would still be able to 'catch' the lightning in the clouds.

However, for these two professors who had been waiting for so long, only by witnessing the entire process of attracting lightning could the experiment be considered completely flawless.

Fortunately, Harry had prepared a backup plan for this experiment, which could completely fulfill their wishes.

"Don't worry, both of you. Once the first lightning bolt strikes, there will definitely be a second one."

Just as Harry was smiling and comforting the two professors, the once pitch-black rainy night suddenly blazed with light again. A long arc of lightning descended from the sky, shattering the heavens in two before striking the kite that had been fluttering in the air for some time...

However, at the very moment the lightning struck the kite, a sudden curse was also shot into the sky. It exploded brilliantly in the air like fireworks, attracting everyone's attention and completely dispelling the thunderclouds above the Great Hall...

They even managed to blow up Harry's kite!

"This is... Weather Charm? And it's also accompanied by Blasting Curse..."

Harry looked sharply toward the path near the Great Hall and spotted a limping figure holding a wand aloft!

"Mad-Eye Moody?"

Harry's expression gradually darkened. He hadn't expected Moody to arrive at this time and even sabotage his experiment!

Wizards are very superstitious and believe in what they see. Now that Harry's kite has been destroyed on the spot, everyone present will think his experiment has failed!

But Moody's, on the other hand, still maintained an indifferent attitude.

"Flying a kite in this kind of thunderstorm is very dangerous, especially with so many people standing here!"

As if completely unaware of what he had done, Moody walked through the crowd and went straight to Dumbledore.

"Albus, I'm not too late, am I?"

Chapter 590 After the Experiment, Frictional Electrification

"Not too late at all, you've come at just the right time, Alastor Moody."

Dumbledore opened his arms to greet Moody, but the latter did not embrace him as expected, but simply shook his hand.

"You're still the same, Alastor Moody."

Dumbledore laughed heartily, clearly not seeing anything wrong with it.

My old friend has become somewhat neurotic as he's gotten older, and he's unusually sensitive to many things, including physical contact.

"I hope I'm not too late," Moody's magical eyes darted around, as if he had been constantly on guard about his surroundings. "Albus, what are you doing?"

"It's a rather novel experiment, but unfortunately, you just dispelled the lightning needed for it," Dumbledore jokingly, but there was no hint of blame in his words.

Similarly, due to Moody's reputation, Tofudi, Charity Burbage, and others, though disappointed, could only helplessly accept the 'fact' of the experiment's failure.

"Class, please allow me to introduce you to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Moody!"

It must be said that Albus Dumbledore truly lives up to his title as principal; his ability to control the situation is unparalleled. With just a few words, he shifted everyone's attention from the experiment to Moody.

Moody certainly lived up to expectations, attracting everyone's attention. Even after Dumbledore finished his introduction, only the headmaster and Hagrid gave a token slap, while everyone else was completely dumbfounded.

They were all terrified of Moody.

Whether it's the terrifying scars and demonic eyes on his face, or his roughly designed prosthetic leg, everything seems to foreshadow the deadly battles between the body's owner and the dark wizard, and just looking at them sends chills down your spine.

Alastor Moody, the most renowned legendary Auror in the Britain Wizarding World, and the dreadful Mad-Eye Moody who single-handedly filled half of Azkaban!

It's no exaggeration to say that his name could truly stop children from crying in wizarding families.

"You might be afraid of me, but I don't care, because I'll only teach you for a year. Consider it helping Albus, and then I'll go back to my peaceful retirement."

Moody seemed unconcerned by the fearful looks from the students. His Magic Eyes darted around before finally settling on Harry was standing at the back of the crowd.

"Granger, we haven't seen each other since our trip to Albania, have we?" Moody limped over and greeted Harry familiarly. "Albus said you were just conducting an experiment? I really have to apologize. I had no idea that such dangerous behavior was an experiment. Or, if you're really not satisfied, I can offer you some compensation."

Hmph... did you really not expect that?

Harry responded to Moody's statement with an undisguised sneer.

The fact that I was going to conduct kite experiments was known to most, if not everyone, at least a large part of the Britain Wizarding World.

Furthermore, he and the Order of the Phoenix have been exchanging information about each other recently, so how could Moody not know about his movements?

His appearance was so coincidental, and he disrupted the experiment the moment he arrived. Can you honestly say this wasn't intentional?!

However... even so, Harry absolutely has to do his experiment today!

Because he needed to make one thing clear to everyone, including Old Albus Dumbledore... No one could stop Harry Granger from accomplishing what he wanted to do!!

"Harry, I hope you're not too angry. Alastor Moody only intervened to disperse the thunderclouds for safety reasons," Albus Dumbledore chimed in, trying to smooth things over. "It's getting late, and there's no chance of thunder anymore. Perhaps we could reschedule your experiment..."

"I'm sorry, Headmaster, I don't think so." Harry shook his head expressionlessly, raising his wand towards the sky. "All professors and students, those who aren't interested can go back and rest, but I've been waiting for this day for a long time, so I must continue the experiment! Besides... who said there won't be any more thunder later? Cloud Charm Reversal!!"

Harry released a beam of light into the air, instantly turning the once clear night sky overcast again.

The Cloud Charm Reversal is a counter-charm exclusive to the Weather Charm, capable of undoing Moody's previous alteration of the weather. Therefore, the sky above Hogwarts quickly returned to the appearance of an impending downpour.