Rita Skeeter

The events that occurred in the Great Hall at noon quickly spread throughout the entire castle.

Every Gryffindor student was excited, believing that there was finally someone in the castle who could frighten Snape.

Even Professor McGonagall couldn't get Snape to deduct points from his house without uttering a single word of protest.

Professor Alastor Moody's fame soared to unprecedented heights in Gryffindor, and the Weasley brothers' story was adapted into several versions, which were passed down among the students.

It can be said that Gryffindor played a significant role in the fact that this matter spread throughout the entire school in less than half a day.

But the price was that their House Points began to drop rapidly. The hourglass in the Great Hall seemed to have a hole in it, dropping by more than half in just a few days.

The matter was only temporarily brought to a close when Professor McGonagall, unable to bear it any longer, intervened and warned some people.

One weekend in mid-November, during the second Hogsmeade Week of the school year, students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were invited to visit the famous wizarding village.

The shop owners seemed to have received advance notice and added many foreign elements to their shops.

For example, Honeydukes prominently displays a row of dancing frosted macarons and a bucket of flaming syrup apples at its entrance.

The Gladrags Wizardwear now features more France -style long dresses and exquisite fur cloaks.

There were also Three Broomsticks. Through the window, Kyle saw Madame Maxime sitting with Hagrid, drinking a blue wine he had never seen before from a cup the size of a small bucket.

The two of them alone took up the biggest table in the store.

"Kyle, I think you should prepare more of this."

Upon arriving at the Zonko's Joke Shop, Fred shoved a whole box of Dungbomb at Kyle without a word.

"That's right," George said. "Although we don't know the competition yet, whether it's a duel or dealing with some other creature, Dungbomb are the most effective tool."

"Just a small one..." Fred raised an eyebrow, "Is enough to take down a dozen people, and its effectiveness increases in confined spaces."

"Of course, that's assuming you're prepared beforehand and use the Bubble-Head Charm ' on yourself," George reminded him.

"Forget it." Kyle put the box back on the shelf. "The rules already say that the only thing we can use is our wands. We can't bring this in at all."

"Huh?" Fred frowned, and said sullenly, "That's just too unreasonable..."

However, Kyle thought it made a lot of sense.

While it's not impossible to use it if you really want to, like with the Summoning Charm... Kyle thinks it's best not to use such a powerful weapon as the Dungbomb lightly, otherwise he might become the most smelly Champion in history.

That's not a good title.

Back at the castle that evening, Fred and George were still complaining about the strict rules set by the headmasters, insisting that a competition without the use of props would be much less fun.

The next day, after breakfast, Kyle went to the Charms classroom on the third floor as usual.

"Before class today, let's review the Summoning Charm," Professor Flitwick said. "Although this charm is simple, it frequently appears in OWL exams, and it's also indispensable in everyday life."

His gaze lingered on Kyle for a moment before quickly shifting away.

"If you need something but don't have time to get it, the Summoning Charm will solve this problem perfectly..."

For the next ten minutes, everyone began practicing the Summoning Charm as Professor Flitwick had instructed.

Until there was a knock on the classroom door.

It was Ginny; she slipped into the classroom.

"What's wrong, Miss Weasley?" Professor Flitwick asked.

"Excuse me, Professor, Mr. Bagman asked me to take Kyle downstairs," Ginny said. "All the Champion have to go."

"Of course, no problem." Professor Flitwick smiled at Kyle. "Go on, there won't be any new material in this lesson."

Kyle nodded, handed the textbook to Kanna, and stood up to walk towards the door, with everyone watching him the whole way.

"That's amazing, Kyle, you've become a Hogwarts Champion!" Ginny exclaimed eagerly after closing the door. "Mom was overjoyed when she found out, and she said she'd definitely come to watch the game. Bill and Charlie also said they'd take time off to come."

"The First Task?" Kyle asked doubtfully.

"Mom will definitely be at all three events," Ginny said. "But I don't know about Bill and Charlie. They live too far away. I guess they'll only come for the last one."

"Oh, we're here. Good luck," Ginny said, as they arrived outside a room.

Kyle knocked on the door and went inside.

This is a relatively small classroom. The desks have all been pushed to the back of the classroom, leaving an open space in the middle. There are three desks placed side by side in front, covered with a long velvet cloth.

Ludo Bagman was sitting nearby, talking to a witch dressed in a magenta robe.

Krum and Phoebe had already arrived and were standing nearby.

"Ah, the last Champion." Bagman stood up. "Come in, there's nothing to worry about, just a wand-checking ceremony, then a few photos. This is Rita Skeeter ... she's writing a short article for the Daily Prophet about the Triwizard Tournament."

This was Kyle's first time meeting the infamous Rita Skeeter... or rather, infamous.

After all, many people hate her to the core, including Chris, who was also slandered by her articles.

"Ludo, before we begin, can I speak with Kyle for a few minutes?" Rita Skeeter said. "He's the youngest Champion, you know... just to add some color to the story."

"Excuse me, Miss Rita Skeeter," Kyle said before Bagman could speak, "I think it would be better to check the wand first, since I have class soon."

"Ah, you're right..." Bagman exclaimed, "Every lesson is incredibly important before the Triwizard Tournament begins."

Rita Skeeter's expression turned somewhat unpleasant as she stared intently at Kyle.

However, Kyle pretended not to see it.

"It's good you didn't accept the invitation," Phoebe whispered. "Madame Maxime warned me to be careful of this person."

"She's right," Kyle said.

Soon, Professor Dumbledore walked in, followed by three other members of the tribunal: Olympe Maxime, Karkaroff, and Chris.

Bringing up the rear was Ollivander, the owner of the wand shop Diagon Alley Ollivander.

"It seems everyone has arrived."

Dumbledore went behind the velvet-covered table and sat down.

"Please allow me to introduce Mr. Ollivander. He will be checking your wands to ensure they are in good condition before the competition."