"He's right," Moody said he had been silent as he entered. After a while, Phoenix, he said slowly, "Someone put Potter's name in that goblet, and he knew that if the name was spewed out, Potter would have to play, and it wouldn't be hard for him to accidentally die in the game." ”

After his words, there was a tense silence. Ludo Bagman looked very anxious, his body jumping up and down uneasily, and his mouth said, "Moody, you old fellow - how can you say such a thing!"

"We all know that Professor Moody would have wasted the morning if he hadn't found out six men trying to murder him before lunch. "Apparently, he is now teaching his students to be suspicious and think that someone is trying to kill him." As a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, this quality is really rare, Dumbledore. But there is no doubt that you have your own considerations. ”

"It's true that there are people who use innocent and innocuous activities to achieve their own ends," Moody retorted in a threatening tone, "My job is to think like a dark wizard, Karkaroff—you won't forget—"

"Alasto!" Dumbledore warned. Moody was silent, but still looked at Karkaroff with a sense of disgust.

"How this situation came about, we don't know. Dumbledore said to everyone gathered in the room, "But it seems to me that we have no choice but to accept it." Both Phoenix and Harry were selected for the race. Therefore, they must—"

"Ah, but Dumbledore, there are two Champions at Hogwarts, and it's so unfair to us—"

"My dear Madame Maxim, if you have a way to settle the magical contract, I am willing to hear from you. Dumbledore waited, but Lady Maxime didn't speak, she just glared angrily.

And she wasn't the only one who showed a dissatisfied look. Snape looked annoyed, too, and Karkaroff turned grim, but Bagman looked excited.

"Alright, shall we proceed?" said Bagman, rubbing his hands together and smiling at the people in the room, "to instruct our warriors, isn't it?" Mr. Crouch seemed to suddenly wake up from his deep thoughts.

"Okay," he said, "guidance." Yes - the first item - " He took a few steps forward and stepped into the aperture of the fire. Phoenix looked up close and thought he was very haggard. There were two deep shadows under his eyes, and his wrinkled skin was as white as paper, which he didn't look like during the Quidditch World Cup.

"The first project was meant to test your mettle," he said to Harry, Phoenix, Fleur and Wickdore, "so we're not going to tell you what it is." The courage to face the unknown is an important quality of a wizard - very important - "

"The first project will be completed on November 24 in front of the rest of the students and the judging panel. ”

"Warriors are not allowed to ask for or accept any assistance from their teachers in completing their events. When the warrior faces the first round of challenges, the only weapon in his hand is his wand. They won't know about the second project until the first project is over. Due to the high demands of the game and the long duration of the competition, the Warriors did not take the school year exams. Mr. Crouch turned to look at Dumbledore.

"Great, no exams. Phoenix only heard the last sentence, "If you rush to this, you won't lose money in the competition." ”

"Uh, okay. I guess that's all there is to it, Albus?"

"Yes," Dumbledore said, looking at Mr. Crouch with a slight concern, "don't you really want to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"

"Yes, Dumbledore, I must go back to the Ministry," said Mr. Crouch, "and this is a very busy, very difficult time - I put young Weatherby in charge temporarily - he is very enthusiastic - to be honest, a little too high-"

"Well, then, why don't you come over and have a drink before you go?" said Dumbledore.

"Come on, Barty, I'm not going to leave here!" Bagman said with great interest, "It's finally happening at Hogwarts, isn't it, it's much more exciting than the office!"

"I disagree, Ludo. Crouch said, his tone revealing his usual impatience.

"Professor Karkaroff - Madame Maxim - a bedtime drink?" said Dumbledore. However, Madame Maxim had already put her arm around Fleur's shoulders and led her out of the room. Phoenix could hear them whispering in French as they walked toward the auditorium. Karkaroff greeted Krum, and they left without saying a word.

"Harry, Phoenix, I suggest you go back to sleep. Dumbledore said, smiling at the two of them, "I'm sure the Gryffindor and Slytherin classmates are waiting to celebrate with you." They finally had an excuse to make a big fuss, and it was too undeserved to take away this opportunity from them. ”

"Honestly, Professor. I just want to sleep, unless Professor Snape can give us some stimulation. ”

"What do you mean, Mr. Peverell, alcohol?" Professor McGonagall looked even more angry than before.

"I thought--come on, there's nothing wrong with that. Snape said in his characteristically oily tone, shrugging at Dumbledore.

"Okay, just a little. You're going to have to keep the amount under control, Severus. ”

The two walked out of the room together. The Great Hall was now empty, and the flame of the candles was already low, which made the jack-o'-lantern's grinning grin seem flickering and eerie.

"I'd advise you to learn a few more spells," Phoenix said with a smile, not minding Harry at all.

"Okay—thank you. Harry said. He really didn't know what to say. There seemed to be a mess in his head, as if his whole brain had been ransacked.

"Why do you believe me? I mean—" Harry said, looking up at him.

"Because of your level, it's impossible to cross the age line. Then again, we are opponents, I will do whatever it takes, you have to be careful. ”

"Ahh Harry wasn't sure if what he said was true, so he could only laugh awkwardly. "Goodbye. ”

"Goodbye. Phoenix walked up the stairs that led to the basement classroom.

Phoenix returned to the common room, where all the Slytherin students were there, all screaming, cheering, and whistling. Out of nowhere, Nott flipped out a Slytherin House flag and insisted that it be wrapped around Phoenix like a cloak. The crowd gathered around him, drinking butterbeer - Snape really kept their alcoholic beverages in check, and each person was given only a small glass of Rosmerta mead or flame whiskey.

Knott talks to him about what the first level project will look like, and they both know that the first project is about dragons. Draco was furious that Harry had deceived the Goblet of Fire.

It wasn't until late at night that the festivities ended.