The storm had died down by the next morning, but the ceiling of the Great Hall remained shrouded in gloomy clouds.
As expected, everyone was talking about the Super Goblet of Fire, speculating about who the impartial judge would be and how the champions would be selected.
A huge notice had gone up on the noticeboard bright and early, explaining the entry procedure in detail.
"Teams may be formed freely, with a minimum of five members... substitute/support positions may be left vacant. Each member may belong to no more than two teams, meaning they may only help prepare two teams.
Eligible teams must provide: a team name and a list of members' full names.
..."
The young wizards at the front read the notice aloud. The bustling crowd scarcely dared breathe as they listened intently.
Malfoy lowered himself from his tiptoes, his eyes sparkling.
"Our chances look pretty good. We need to form a team!"
Zhang Xiao fell silent for a moment.
"Um, Draco..."
"What do you think of the Azure Luan Team? Or Slytherin the Greatest?"
"No, that's..."
"Or Pure-blood Pride?"
"Huh? Wait..."
"All right, all right, I know. You're going to say we need unity. Then-Hogwarts World's Strongest!"
Watching Malfoy's enthusiasm, Zhang Xiao sighed. Never mind. He might as well let Malfoy enjoy himself for now. By his reckoning, plenty of people would be inviting him soon anyway.
Something was wrong. Very wrong!
Zhang Xiao sat at the Slytherin table, frowning as he tried to work out where things had gone wrong.
It was a question that deserved serious thought.
Me! The esteemed Little Celestial Master of Dragon-Tiger Mountain, defender of Hogwarts, redeemer of ghosts, reformer of the kitchen, Slytherin's finest student, the champion who slew the basilisk, the Dragon Knight!
*And nobody wanted me on their