Director

Although they only exchanged a few words, after that, the relationship between Kanna and Phoebe began to escalate at an incredible speed.

Even five minutes later, Kyle, who was blocking the way, was ruthlessly driven away, and his coveted seat, which was the envy of all the boys, was reduced to sitting with Mikel.

Looking at Kanna, who was talking to Phoebe, Kyle felt that she was acting a little differently than usual; her expression was slightly... affected.

However, Kyle pretended not to see anything and just kept his head down eating the large steak and French fish soup that had just popped out of his plate.

Because if he dared to say it aloud, even just express the slightest hint of it, he would be dead... well, in every sense of the word.

So Kyle wisely chose to bury his head in his food.

To be honest, the France food was quite delicious, especially the fish soup, which tasted almost exactly like the one he had at Nicolas Flamel's house.

There are probably House-elf from France in the kitchen; I can ask them if I can add this dish to my regular menu to replace corn chowder.

Besides the mixed fish soup, many of the desserts that followed were ones I'd never seen before.

Kyle had his eye on a white French vanilla almond panna cotta, but before he could get it, Kanna pushed the plate of panna cotta to Phoebe.

"This should be reserved for the guests... Don't you like Yorkshire pudding?"

Phoebe simply smiled, showing no sign of modesty.

Fine... I can't afford to mess with them.

Kyle sighed and could only randomly pick another piece of pudding.

Twenty minutes later, when the golden plates were shining as new again, Dumbledore stood up once more.

A feeling of both excitement and nervousness began to fill the Great Hall.

"The moment has finally arrived!" Dumbledore exclaimed happily. "The Triwizard Tournament is about to begin. I'd like to explain a few things first, and then..."

"Bang!"

Just then, the Great Hall doors were suddenly pushed open from the outside, and two people walked in one after the other.

"I hope we're not late, Dumbledore." A familiar voice rang out.

Kyle stared blankly at Chris, who was walking at the front, not understanding why he was there.

"What a pity you missed a sumptuous feast," Dumbledore said. "The French food was truly superb."

"Oh no," Chris said, annoyed. "There's been so much going on at the department lately. I was only told to come here ten minutes ago."

"I understand. Fortunately, you've caught the most important step," Dumbledore said.

He then turned to the crowd, "Please allow me to introduce these two guests, as some of you may not recognize them. This is Mr. Chris Choba, Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at the Ministry of Magic..."

A round of applause rang out in the Great Hall, with Fred and George being the most enthusiastic, while Ginny and Ron almost stood on the table.

"He's Kyle's father," Ron explained to Hermione and Harry beside him. "A very easy-going man, and he remembers everyone's birthday. He gave me my only new robe."

Harry nodded. He only knew that Kyle's father worked at the Ministry of Magic, but no one had ever told him that he was actually a Director... that was a very high position.

"This is Mr. Ludo Bagman, Department of Magical Games and Sports," Dumbledore continued.

Meanwhile, Kyle was completely puzzled by Hufflepuff.

Director... Chris got promoted?

But that shouldn't be the case. Changing the Minister of Ministry of Magic is a major event, second only to the Minister election. The Daily Prophet would definitely mention it.

But he'd read the recent newspapers, and they didn't mention any of that.

Or perhaps Dumbledore thought this was a more respectable way to introduce him?

Just as Kyle was speculating, Dumbledore had already introduced the members of the judging panel: Chris, Ludo, and the three headmasters, including himself.

At the same time, the side door of the Great Hall opened, and Filch walked in carrying a large, old wooden box inlaid with jewels.

The students watched in a daze as Filch placed the wooden box on a table in front of the High Table.

"This year's Champion Competition consists of three events, held at different times throughout the school year... They will test the Champion in different ways... their magical talents... courage... reasoning abilities... and of course, their ability to overcome danger..."

The Great Hall fell silent; it seemed as if everyone was holding their breath.

Dumbledore continued calmly, "And the one responsible for choosing the Champion is a fair selector, and that is the Goblet of Fire!"

Dumbledore took out his wand, tapped it three times on the box, and pulled out a roughly carved wooden goblet with flickering blue-white flames.

"Anyone aspiring to become Champion can cast their name in, Goblet of Fire will select the Champion it deems most worthy of representing the three schools on Halloween night tomorrow."

Of course, I'm referring to students who are old enough. I'll draw an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire later to block out those who aren't old enough.

"Finally, I must remind everyone that the Triwizard Tournament is no child's play. It is fraught with deadly danger, and once your name is chosen by the Goblet of Fire, it is as if a contract has been formed that must be obeyed, and you must see the competition through to the end..."

In fact, Dumbledore's last words had no effect whatsoever.

Instead of calming down, everyone became even more enthusiastic, wishing they could write their names down and throw them in right now. This feeling lasted until the end of the banquet, when they returned to their respective common lounges.

Phoebe was going back to the carriage to spend the night, and she parted ways with Kanna at the entrance of the Great Hall.

Kyle waited at the side door of the Great Hall.

About twenty minutes later, Chris finally came out.

"I knew you'd be here," he said with a smile. "Surprised?"

Kyle nodded. "Beauxbatons is in France, and Durmstrang is in Northern Europe. This is clearly a matter for the Department of International Magical Cooperation."

"Yes, it was supposed to be Barty's..." Chris paused for a moment, "But he's having some trouble right now and doesn't have time to come..."

"Because of Sirius Black?" Kyle asked.

"That's right," Chris said. "After Black was acquitted, there were accusations that Crouch convicted him twelve years ago without trial, a major oversight that had serious consequences for many people..."

In short, these people must now be investigated to prove they had no ulterior motives back then. During this time, Barty cannot leave the Ministry of Magic.

"A lot of people?" Kyle said thoughtfully. "And your position..."

"Oh, this is just temporary." Chris didn't seem to want to talk too much about the Ministry of Magic with Kyle, and only gave a vague explanation.

"And once the matter is thoroughly investigated, I will return the jurisdiction to Barty."

He glanced at the time.

"I'm sorry, I have to go back to the department now."

"I really hope the investigation comes soon. Nobody told me that being a referee in the Triwizard Tournament would be so busy... Merlin's beard, I have to write eight reports tonight alone!"

After saying that, Chris hurriedly walked out of the castle.