The Judges

Serafina Picquery was somewhat younger than Dumbledore, but she was still over a hundred years old. She had served as President of the Magical Congress of the United States of America in the 1920s. Though elderly now, she remained elegant and gracious.

"Hello, Madam Piquery."

Wade reached out and shook her hand. "You are a female leader I greatly admire. I learned that you achieved a great deal during your tenure as President of the Magical Congress... It is an honor to take part in this grand event alongside you."

At a loss for words, he instinctively borrowed something Hermione had said before.

Madam Piquery could not help but laugh. Looking at Professor Murray, she teased, "What a frank and adorable child... Terence, your student is far humbler than you are."

Professor Murray seemed not to catch the sarcasm. He nodded and said, "Of course... My student is naturally outstanding in every way."

Everyone laughed.

Wade withdrew his hand, a trace of puzzlement flickering through his eyes.

He had thought Madam Piquery would take advantage of the handshake to secretly pass important intelligence to him. Instead, a handshake was simply a handshake, with no hidden trick involved.

As Wade pondered her intentions, Madam Piquery looked at him again and said, "What has Dumbledore been busy with lately? I thought I would see him at the competition this time! Yet he did not attend."

Fontana, seated in the middle of the Referee stand, leaned toward them. Hearing this, he hurriedly said, "As customary, I invited Mr. Dumbledore to serve as a judge as well, but unfortunately, he declined!"

"What else could he be busy with?" Professor Murray said with a smile. "With so many Death Eaters captured, the Wizengamot will probably have no time to rest for the second half of