#418 - Chapter 418 Pre-match

Harry pointed to the map, which showed a maze in the shape of an inverted pyramid, located on the Quidditch pitch. Unlike ordinary pyramids, this one had five corners, each serving as a starting point for one of the five champions' teams.

It was divided into three levels, with the bottom two buried underground.

The entrance to the second level was located in the very center of the first, and both levels were filled with magical traps, magical plants, and fantastic beasts. The third level was empty except for a solitary trophy.

The map that Malfoy's father had obtained was extremely detailed, clearly marking out the entire layout.

Harry pointed to the connection point between the first and second levels and said, "Once we get the trophy, hiding won't be enough. Because the trophy can be tracked, we're bound to be ambushed. So, we can take the initiative and set up an ambush on the second level."

"It says here that there's a magical barrier on the door between the second and first levels, which can block sound from both sides. So, no matter how intense the fighting gets on the second level, the sound won't reach the first."

"As long as we make good use of the time difference and defeat all the opponents, we can easily take out the trophy!"

Malfoy's eyes lit up as he listened.

Good on you, Harry, this idea is truly after my own heart.

To defeat the champion teams from the other four magical schools with our own strength... just thinking about it is exciting and impressive.

Moreover, waiting for the rabbit to come to us will reduce our consumption and avoid being surrounded. No matter how you look at it, the chances of success with this method are high.

When the time comes, once we've defeated everyone, we can take the trophy however we want, no matter how much it pings our location.

"Good idea!" Malfoy added, "I'll go back and carefully gather information about the members of the other teams. When we ambush them, Cedric, you'll be responsible for defense first, and then Harry and I will take the opportunity to use a quick-attack strategy to eliminate the weakest member of the other teams. Once it's three against two, it'll be much easier."

He made a fierce gesture, looking as cool as possible.

"Alright!" Seeing that both of them were enthusiastic, Cedric nodded. "Then let's think carefully and try to consider all the situations. We should also find a few more ambush points and adapt to the circumstances accordingly. If necessary, we can also use the traps in the maze itself."

"Otherwise," he said with a hint of regret, "we'll have wasted such a detailed map."

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

On the last week of May, Ludo Bagman arrived at Hogwarts and announced the detailed rules of the competition to all the champions, exactly the same as what was written on the parchment that Malfoy's father had obtained.

With this, the three of them were completely relieved and began to prepare for the competition with all their heart.

After entering June, time passed even faster. After the fifth and seventh year students finished the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams that determined their life's fate, the younger wizards also began their final exams.

Even so, the atmosphere in the castle became more lively day by day.

The area around the Quidditch pitch was completely cordoned off and began to be remodeled for the final competition. Even the Ilvermorny students who originally lived nearby moved their positions and rearranged their magical tents.

Regarding this, more than one young wizard expressed that they couldn't wait to finish the remaining exams, then watch the final competition, and start welcoming the wonderful summer vacation.

On the evening of June 23rd, Harry had a dream. In his sleep, he once again entered Voldemort's perspective. A young man with an indistinguishable face was kneeling in front of him.

After that, there was nothing more. In less than three seconds, Harry's Occlumency automatically took effect.

In a daze, Harry turned over, adjusted his pillow, and continued to sleep.

What was Voldemort so excited about that he could stimulate Occlumency?

Never mind him, who knows if the other party was deliberately trying to deceive himself, continue sleeping.

The next morning, the Great Hall was extremely lively. During breakfast, Professor McGonagall walked in and gathered Harry, Malfoy, and Cedric together.

"You three, after you finish breakfast, remember to gather in the meeting room next to the Great Hall."

"Professor, isn't the competition tonight? What are you looking for us for now?" Harry asked in confusion.

"That's right, the competition is indeed tonight," Professor McGonagall nodded, a rare smile appearing on her face. "However, I think you will definitely be interested in this matter. The champions' families have all been invited to watch the competition. They are currently in the meeting room."

Facing these three champions, Professor McGonagall's tone was no longer strict, but rather very gentle: "You can spend today with your family and have a good time exploring Hogwarts. A relaxed attitude will help with the competition tonight."

After speaking, she smiled at the three of them, then turned and left. As the Deputy Headmistress, she had many things to do.

"My parents are here?" Cedric said happily, "How about this, Harry, Draco, you two go over first, I haven't finished breakfast yet."

"Oh yeah, help me tell my mom and dad that I'll bring them two jam tarts later."

Harry nodded and walked towards the meeting room with Malfoy.

Walking on the road, he kept muttering in his heart.

Champions' families? Who is my family? It wouldn't be the Dursleys, would it? Today is destined to be not peaceful, don't scare them out of their wits.

The two passed through the hall and pushed open the door to the meeting room, which looked very lively.

Fleur's little sister, Gabrielle, was holding her mother's hand, her face filled with a sweet smile. She waved vigorously at Harry, smiling like a kitten. Harry was slightly stunned, then waved back in a friendly manner. Gabrielle happily whispered a few words to her mother, showing off that she knew this famous Hogwarts champion.

On the other side, Krum's parents stood in a corner, communicating in low voices in Bulgarian, speaking as fast as a Firebolt. The expressions on their faces were calm, obviously not worried that the people around them would eavesdrop, or they simply didn't care.

The Ilvermorny champions gathered in a small circle, chatting and laughing with their families. Their parents' faces were full of excitement after traveling across the Atlantic, and their words were full of curiosity about Hogwarts, this ancient magical school.

As for the champions from Uagadou, they had already gotten up with their families, excitedly preparing to tour the campus. The magnificent Hogwarts castle was undoubtedly a visual feast for these visitors from afar.

Harry also saw his family, none other than Sirius Black, his godfather.

However, unlike the families of the other schools' champions, Sirius and Lucius stood far apart, as if looking at each other again would pollute their eyes.

Harry shrugged helplessly, first greeted Cedric's parents, then smiled and walked towards Sirius.

"Let's go, Harry, after so many years, this is the first time I've openly returned to Hogwarts. Today I'll be your guide and take you on an in-depth tour of Hogwarts."

On the other side, Malfoy was already in his mother's arms, being looked up and down and asked about his well-being, making Malfoy blush again.

Lucius smiled and helped Malfoy out of the situation: "Draco, don't stay here, let's go, take us out for a walk."