90 The Three Wizards Tournament

The little wizards and witches were shocked when after the house selection ceremony, Dumbledore announced that the school would be participating in this year's Triwizard Tournament along with its sister schools Beauxbaton and Durmstrang, who would be arriving at the school in a week's time.

He explained that he expected exemplary behavior to uphold the honor of Hogwarts and a few additional things that Soisen ignored as he happily ate the tacos that were served.

A little too spicy for his taste, but he had to admit they were tasty.

But everyone's excitement quickly turned to dissatisfaction, when Barty Crouch took the floor and explained that for this occasion they decided to set an age limit for everyone's safety.

Soisen looked quizzically at the newly arrived first year wizards who were protesting loudly.

What are you complaining for, you even know how to turn on a light with your wand and you want to participate?

It seemed more natural to him the protests of students near the boundary like the Weasley twins.

He was unaware of the quizzical look Cedric gave him at some point in the excited discussion, wondering to himself if Soisen had the Gift for Divination or was it just a coincidence.

-Soisen, do you seem to be very calm? -asked Ginny, who was sitting next to him- -Doesn't that added rule seem unfair to you?

- "I'm not interested in participating," Soisen shook his head, showing a strong contrast with the others, "I did some research on past tournaments when I heard about this competition and I know there were cases of death. It's not worth putting your life in danger for something as inconsistent and relative as 'eternal glory'. And my life is priceless, I will not risk it for a thousand measly galleons.

-Really?

-Of course. Besides, did you see the cup they showed for the champion? -Soisen pointed to the silver cup with blue engraved crystal. The champion won't even keep it for himself, he'll just hold it for the photo. And looking at the materials, it doesn't even have much value, it's more symbolic than anything else.

-That's the real reason you're not interested, isn't it? -Luna, who was sitting in front of him, suddenly asked, "None of the prizes appeal to you.

Soisen froze for a moment and looked at Luna with wide eyes.

Was she really that predictable? Ginny couldn't help but roll her eyes along with the other members of the House, except for the first years who didn't know what was going on.

Yes, by now the members of Galegold House had a pretty good idea of their senior's character. Put something out there that really piques their interest and then even the masters will be knocked down to claim it.

-Anyway, who do you think can become the Hogwarts champion? -Soisen asked them after coughing to change the subject, "I would put my cards on Cedric. Of those who meet the conditions, he seems the most suitable.

Ginny and Luna nodded. If they had to support someone, they would naturally choose a friend or member of the Order of the Hippogriff. They saw how capable Cedric was in meetings and there was a good chance he would be chosen.

The Goblet of Fire would only be transported to the school once the three participants arrived and would be up and running after the welcome banquet for a limited period of time, after which the champions representing each school would be announced.

Naturally, all the students pitched in to leave Hogwarts looking like gold. Armor was scrubbed, paintings were dusted, oil was put on hinges, and dungeon chains were greased among other things. A quick and brief etiquette lesson was also provided, so as not to make any serious mistakes when dealing with students from the other two schools.

Soisen was actually invited to explain his experience at Beauxbaton and remarked on what things to avoid offending the female students. Many did not even know he was gone for a period of time and were envious of his explanations.

Naturally, this did not go unnoticed by Soisen, but he did not care.

Why on earth was he sent there as an exchange in the first place?

Wasn't it because students get depressed when they see the differences between their abilities?

They couldn't blame him, so let them put up with it.

Dumbledore was very surprised when Soisen sought him out later and introduced him to the den den mushi while explaining what it was for. Upon learning how Hagrid was involved in its creation and how "cheap" it was to rent one, he quickly ordered several for the tournament.

The bill? The Ministry will take care of that, they won't hesitate to spend to promote the event after the effort they invested in bringing it back.

Moreover, Soisen was not worried about someone stealing his den den mushi or the Ministry asking for some to "verify", because he took special measures so that even if they were taken, he could ensure that no one else would be able to produce this lovely snail.

Such a measure was in his suitcase, where a gold-colored metal den den mushi lived. If one went missing while on loan, it was as simple as pressing a button and... surprise!

Oh, and how could we forget the spectacular and spooky entrance of Alastor "Ojoloco" Moody.

Opening the big doors as the storm acted in the background, walking with a limp as everyone looked into his magical eye. Though Dumbledore treated him like an old colleague, the students who knew him had pale expressions.

And when it was said that he would become a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?

Soisen swore he heard several students faint from shock.

He wasn't entirely sure if he had already been substituted and what he had in front of him was the compulsive drinker of the multijuice potion, but as long as he got close enough during one of his classes, he had no doubt he could pick up the distinctive smell of the potion as soon as he took a sip from his flask.

Now, should he set the hare off from the start?

For one thing, they will have someone "capable" teaching them for the first time.

After all, who knows better how to protect themselves from the Dark Arts than a Death Eater?

On the other hand, the real Moody was a qualified Auror who would have a really awkward year if he did nothing. Maybe he could earn a favor? And if he acted, Neville wouldn't get the plant book where the brachialga Potter would wear in the second test was mentioned.

This is bad, but tempting?

He's very curious as to what alternative method Potter would use if he didn't get Neville's help at the last minute.

On the bad side, he could "casually" comment on the existence of this plant to Neville instead. Although he didn't remember if the herbology experts agreed on whether fresh or salt water affected the time it worked.

Heck, now he was curious if it really did affect the duration.