The announcement of the "Horus Cup" international exchange tournament was like a golden bolt of lightning splitting the gloomy skies over Hogwarts.
The schoolwide frenzy it sparked diluted, within a few short days, the collective psychological trauma inflicted by the public execution known as the academic symposium.
The students immersed themselves in fantasies of the distant African continent and anticipation of the new tournament, their pride in Hogwarts soaring higher than ever.
Yet this warm current ultimately failed to melt the solid ice of the Black Lake.
Though, this winter, it had had no time to freeze.
When the deadline for the Second Task bore down like a towering mountain of the Five Elements, its bone-chilling pressure engulfed the four champions once again.
Inside headquarters, the core members of the Contest Strategy Think Tank assembled once more.
Gone were the tragic resolve and madness that had preceded Operation Phantom of the Theatre. All that remained in the air was a gravity so clearheaded it was almost cruel.
Hermione stood before the blackboard, which had been wiped completely clean, and remained silent for a long time before finally beginning her review.
"Operation Phantom of the Theatre was a strategic success."
Her voice was calm, as though she were stating a fact that had nothing to do with her.
"Through carefully orchestrated chaos, we avoided being publicly exposed as academic frauds, preserved our last shred of dignity, and successfully regained control of the narrative."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. Her intelligent eyes held an unprecedented weariness.
"But tactically, we suffered a total defeat."
"Even after Professor Douglas's genuine open lesson, our understanding of the Black Lake's defense system remains at zero."
Fleur Delacour gently stroked her smooth wand. The cold touch of its surface seemed to settle her jumbled