"Chief, you're the only on-site referee! Besides protecting the champions, you also have the authority to rule on the spot whether they've broken the rules!"
After hearing this bombshell, Draco ran all the way back to the Common Room and breathlessly delivered the good news to Shawn, who had yet to enter his Dormitory.
A thoughtful gleam flashed through Shawn's eyes, but his expression remained calm.
"All right, I know."
The little snakes who had returned first immediately gathered around in delight, all talking at once.
"This is brilliant! The headmaster really wasn't lying."
"Haha, now the Chief can favor our champion. Hogwarts is bound to win!"
"..."
As more and more people entered the Common Room, the little snakes once again abandoned their restraint and began celebrating.
It was as though Hogwarts already had the Five-Wizard Tournament championship in the bag.
Shawn merely watched their antics calmly, neither objecting nor joining in.
Inwardly, however, he was considering the matter.
The other schools couldn't all be fools. Would they really be kind enough to grant him a privilege that seemingly allowed him to wield absolute authority?
Dumbledore had probably told only half the story to appease the young wizards.
Still, he wasn't concerned.
In this Five-Wizard Tournament, his and the Old Beekeeper's ultimate goal was hardly a mere championship.
Once everyone had had their fill of celebrating, something suddenly occurred to Shawn.
He beckoned Draco over and gave him instructions in a low voice.
"Pass the word along. Have people who know the Disillusionment Charm take turns watching the hall. Keep a complete record of who puts their name into the Goblet of Fire and when throughout the day. Pay particular attention to the hours before dawn, and tell them to stay sharp."
Draco was somewhat confused, his face full