#363 - Chapter 363 We Are Best Friends

Whenever the champions from other schools appeared, Karkaroff always showed a disdainful expression.

His attitude always implied that the Durmstrang champion was the best in the world, and the champions from other schools were just useless trash.

But when Harry's name came out, although Karkaroff appeared disdainful on the surface, the joy in his emotions was genuine.

This just didn't make sense!

He and Harry weren't relatives or friends, so there was no reason for him to be happy for Harry.

Moreover, after Karkaroff watched Harry leave, he secretly glanced at Barty Crouch. Anyone would suspect something was wrong here.

Sebastian began to ponder secretly.

It's strange, how did Karkaroff and Little Barty get together?

Logically speaking, Little Barty should have been very disgusted with Karkaroff, even hateful.

After all, Little Barty was imprisoned because Karkaroff exposed and reported him in order to escape punishment.

To be able to put aside such irreconcilable hatred, could it be that Voldemort had spoken?

Or did Little Barty actively put aside his hatred for the sake of Voldemort's grand plan?

I can't figure it out...

These two people's brains are not very normal, and their thinking cannot be deduced by common sense.

The only thing that can be figured out now is where Little Barty got his powerful Polyjuice Potion from.

This kind of Polyjuice Potion that can last for two to three hours can only be brewed by a potions master.

Durmstrang is not short of potions masters. As the headmaster there, it would be easy for Karkaroff to get high-quality Polyjuice Potion with just a word.

As for Karkaroff, as long as Voldemort indicated that he was willing to let bygones be bygones, this guy would definitely agree to be a spy at Hogwarts with pleasure.

While Sebastian was brainstorming, Dumbledore read out the name on the second piece of parchment.

"The second champion for Hogwarts is—Cedric Diggory."

Cedric stood up and walked towards the room behind the professors' table amidst the cheers of the crowd.

"I knew it," Fred whistled, "Sure enough, it's Cedric."

"Not surprising," George echoed, "This guy has been number one since he started school. Everyone thinks he's too good to be a Hufflepuff."

Ron ignored his two brothers and stared intently at the Goblet of Fire, anticipating the last piece of parchment that was about to be released.

Finally, the blue-white flames turned crimson again, and a piece of paper was lifted high by the tongues of fire, and then accurately caught by Dumbledore.

He glanced at the Hogwarts students and calmly read out the last name.

"The third champion is—Draco Malfoy."

Cheers rang out again. This one was also a king in the canyon, and it was well-deserved to obtain the identity of a champion.

Ron stared blankly at Malfoy, who was enjoying the cheers, feeling empty in his heart.

The dream is over, it really wasn't him.

Although he had expected this result, why did he feel so uncomfortable in his heart?

"Ron..." Hermione gently grabbed Ron's hand, "Don't be discouraged, you've already done great."

Ron turned his head and met Hermione's concerned eyes. The gentle comfort and silent encouragement softened his heart.

Speaking of which, Hermione's eyes are really beautiful. Why didn't he notice it before?!

Could it be because she usually doesn't like to manage her fluffy hair, which led to her appearance being sealed?

Clearly, her student ID photo was quite beautiful.

Ron's dazed appearance made Hermione misunderstand. She stared into Ron's eyes and said gently, "If you're really unhappy, after the banquet later, shall we take a stroll around the castle together to relax?"

Hearing Hermione's words, Ron's heart beat suddenly accelerated.

At this moment, being a champion didn't seem that important anymore.

"Hermione, why are you so nice to me?"

"It's only right," Hermione smiled softly, "We are best friends."

"When I was frustrated because of the house-elf issue, you always stayed with me by the Black Lake until curfew, telling me jokes and enlightening me."

Best friends, huh...

Perhaps, what he wants is more than just friends.

A boy's maturity often begins with liking a girl.

Ron thought a lot in an instant. He had to study hard and improve his grades.

Perhaps only by becoming more excellent can he express his feelings to Hermione.

He didn't say much, just grinned and said softly, "Yes, we are best friends."

..................

When Harry walked into the waiting room, more than a dozen pairs of eyes looked over at once, giving him a feeling of suffocation.

But in just a short moment, he straightened his chest and confidently greeted the other champions.

However, no one had ever thought that the first champion from Hogwarts would be a young boy who hadn't even come of age yet.

No one underestimated Harry because of his young age. After all, this year's Goblet of Fire selected champions based on strength.

They scrutinized Harry repeatedly with discerning eyes, wanting to see what outstanding qualities this little guy had.

Krum stood up and took the initiative to chat with Harry. As an old opponent, he and Harry were not so estranged.

Just as the two were chatting, Cedric walked in, which made Harry feel a little uncomfortable.

For nearly two months, he still hadn't figured out how to get along with Cedric. Whenever he thought of the other party being intimate with Cho Chang, Harry felt uneasy all over.

It would be fine if they were just fighting in the canyon on weekdays, but to be operating as a close-knit squad for the next year, it was hard to endure no matter how he thought about it.

Fortunately, he wasn't made to wait long. Malfoy soon arrived at the waiting room.

Now the champions from the other schools were even more surprised. After all, both champions from Hogwarts were young boys, which was really too unusual.

Soon, Barty Crouch, Ludo Bagman, and the headmasters of the five schools walked into the room.

"Next, on behalf of the British Ministry of Magic, I will give everyone some pre-match guidance."

Barty Crouch stepped forward: "This Triwizard Tournament is destined to be extraordinary, not only because an unprecedented five schools are participating, but also because the rules of the competition have changed."

"The competition will be conducted in teams, which means that the competition will be more challenging and complex."

"To ensure the safety of all participants, the Ministry of Magic has arranged for dedicated security personnel to be on standby at all times. In addition, Hogwarts Headmaster Dumbledore has also personally promised to do everything possible to ensure the safety of every champion."

He glanced at all the champions: "The first task is scheduled for November 24th. The task is very difficult, so I will give you champions a few hints."

"First, this task tests not only your strength, but also your courage and daring."

"Second, the three members of the team must unite. Remember, one person cannot complete this task."

"The third point is also the most critical. This task is related to fire. You can use your brains to prepare in advance."

"That's all for the guidance. See you at the competition."

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