Chapter 243 "The Champions Families"

At that moment, Skyler's gaze shifted from Harry to Hermione, who sat beside him. A peculiar, dreamy expression washed over Hermione's face as she slowly raised a hand to smooth her hair.

Skyler observed Ron and Harry casting concerned glances her way, inquiring about her well-being. Hermione appeared to hold her breath as she murmured something, then repeated the gesture of smoothing her hair before mimicking the action of holding a walkie-talkie to her mouth. Perplexed, Harry and Ron exchanged bewildered looks.

A subtle gleam flickered in Skyler's eyes as he recognized Hermione's astuteness; she had likely deduced Rita's true identity as an Animagus.

In the original plot, Hermione would soon uncover Rita's secret, gaining leverage over her. However, now that Rita had become Skyler's subordinate, he couldn't allow that to happen.

With a glance at Cassius Warrington, the sixth-year male prefect at the Slytherin table, Skyler conveyed his instructions. Cassius promptly left the table, heading straight for the headquarters of the intelligence team.

As soon as Cassius departed, Skyler wasted no time. He utilized the double-sided mirror to inform Rita that Hermione had uncovered her identity as an Animagus, cautioning her to cease any attempts to approach the trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Meanwhile, Hermione suddenly rose from her seat with a look of revelation on her face. She appeared to have pieced together something significant and stared blankly ahead. Despite speaking for an extended period, she continued to clench her fists and gesture in front of her.

Skyler, seated at the distant Slytherin table, was out of earshot. Although there was a listening charm in place, it only provided partial insights. Fragments of phrases such as "I know," "No one can see," "Climb onto the windowsill," "Not allowed," and "Library" were vaguely discernible from her lip movements.

Observing Hermione's abrupt departure from the hall, Draco seized his schoolbag and dashed out like a whirlwind.

"I might consider commissioning Rita for more articles like this in the future. After all, I still have plenty of stories to share," Draco whispered triumphantly.

"Draco, it's time for your exams. As the next Patriarch in line, I won't be letting you off easily if you fail without even being present," Skyler retorted angrily.

"Ah, blast it; only ten minutes left! Catch you later!" Draco's expression soured as he hastily packed his belongings and dashed off to the History of Magic classroom.

"It's your turn to go, Daphne," Skyler murmured softly, planting a gentle kiss on Daphne's cheek. "Although the exam shouldn't pose much of a challenge for you, I still want to wish you good luck."

Daphne offered a faint smile, rolled her eyes playfully, and whispered in Skyler's ear, "This semester, we sisters have devoted a lot of time to reviewing for the Serpentis Vigil Club. You must properly 'compensate' us!"

"Sure, sure. As long as you do well on your exam!" Skyler said while waving his hand, smiling toward Daphne.

With a graceful motion, she dabbed her lips with a napkin, gathered her belongings, and left the hall, leaving a hint of fragrance in her wake.

Professor McGonagall descended from her seat at the professor's dais and beckoned Harry and Skyler over to a secluded corner of the auditorium.

"Malfoy, Potter, and the other champions are to assemble in the conference room adjacent to the auditorium after breakfast," she instructed.

"But the tournament doesn't start until tonight!" Harry protested.

"I am aware, Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall replied evenly. "The champions' families have been invited to observe the finals. You may greet them there." With that, she strode away.

Skyler offered a polite smile to Harry before returning to his place at the Slytherin table to finish his breakfast.

After a leisurely breakfast, Skyler strolled towards the conference room adjacent to the auditorium.

The room was already bustling with activity. In one corner, Eleanor conversed rapidly in German with her parents.

Upon spotting Skyler's entrance, Eleanor turned and greeted him with a radiant smile. Her father, Cordes von Hohenheim, offered a friendly nod, his majestic demeanor exuding warmth.

"Mr. Hohenheim," Skyler called while bowing before turning his body toward Mrs. Hohenheim and doing the same, "Mrs. Hohenheim."

While Eleanor had inherited her brown hair and eye color from her father, her facial features bore a striking resemblance to her beautiful mother.

The way her mother regarded Skyler was peculiar, almost as if she were scrutinizing and silently passing judgment...

"Hmph!" A little scoff could be heard as Skyler offered his bow.

Catalina, too, sported an uncharacteristic smile. Since the second project, Skyler has had minimal contact with her.

Rumor had it she had become considerably more reserved, seldom venturing beyond the Beauxbatons carriage and only gracing Hogwarts with her presence during mealtimes in the Great Hall.

Engaging in lively conversation with her parents in French, Skyler caught snippets of their discussion about her experiences at Hogwarts.

Mr. Moreau, head of the esteemed first pure-blood family in France, was impeccably attired, befitting his status.

The simple black wizard's robe exuded a noble aura typically reserved for royalty. With Skyler's keen eye, he couldn't help but notice the distinguished air surrounding the garment.

What set it apart was the ethereal "charm halo" it emanated. While Supreme Wizard robes boasted a similar enchanting aura, they merely enhanced Skyler's charisma, making it easier for him to garner favor. Mr. Moreau's attire, however, was on another level altogether.

Indeed, France had long been known for its fashion prowess, excelling in both the wizarding and Muggle realms.

Mr. Moreau's seemingly understated robe belied its true splendor. Crafted from luxurious silk satin, it was adorned with meticulously embroidered phoenix tail feathers—each dyed black with a special ink.

Integrated seamlessly into the fabric, these feathers imbued the robe with an unparalleled sense of natural nobility. Like moths drawn to a flame, beholders felt an instinctive pull towards its magnificence.

As Skyler entered the meeting, Mr. Moreau's gaze seemed to flicker with an imperceptible regal presence, subtly acknowledging Skyler's presence with an air of dignified authority.

Not long ago, such a palpable presence would have left Mr. Skyler feeling suffocated and overwhelmed, perhaps even stumbling over his own feet in a display of vulnerability.

But now, as the invisible coercion approached within three feet of Skyler, it seemed to dissipate into nothingness, like a gentle breeze swirling around him before vanishing into thin air.

A smirk danced across Skyler's lips, his eyes briefly morphing into serpent-like slits before returning to their normal state in the blink of an eye. Meanwhile, Mr. Moreau experienced a momentary flash of crimson light before a sudden dizziness overtook him.

As he regained his senses, he realized there was something amiss on his chest—a small, broken fragment of the amber stone pendant that had hung around his neck now lay scattered against his skin.

His complexion paled, a bead of cold sweat forming on his forehead. This seemingly unassuming amberstone held great significance—it was one of the Moreau family's three treasures, a legendary alchemical artifact on par with Catalina's Aspen Feathered Serpent Wand, bordering on the status of a quasi-artifact.

The broken pendant held a profound significance—it was more than just a mere trinket. Its enchantments served as a shield, safeguarding the wearer's psyche, ensuring unwavering calmness and rationality, and acting as a barrier against the intrusion of dark magic like the Imperius Curse or Legilimency.

Yet, in the wake of its destruction, there was no room for the slightest pang of regret or sorrow in Mr. Moreau's heart at this moment. Instead, all that remained was an overwhelming sense of fear—an indescribable dread that gripped him to his core.

What manner of power, what unfathomable means could have brought about the silent demise of such a formidable artifact in a split second, without even a glimpse of the wand that wrought its destruction?

Meanwhile, Mrs. Weasley and Bill awaited Harry by the fireplace, their presence exuding warmth and familiarity.

Mrs. Weasley's kind demeanor and Bill's distinctive appearance—long hair and fang earrings—added to the familial charm. Harry's surprise and delight were evident as they engaged in lively conversation.

In the distance, Skyler caught sight of Lucius and Narcissa; both his parents were showing a bright smile as he approached them.

Clad in their customary elegance, the Malfoys epitomized refined British sophistication.

While Mr. Hohenheim from northern Germany boasted a sturdy, imposing physique, and Mr. Moreau of France epitomized opulence with his lavish attire, Lucius and Narcissa embodied the quintessential essence of the British aristocracy.

The family's distinctive aristocratic aura easily rivaled that of their counterparts, evoking a sense of equality rather than inferiority.

"Darling, we rushed here as soon as we received word from the school," Narcissa greeted with a warm smile. "How have you been?"

"Quite well, Mother," Skyler replied, returning the smile. He cast a brief glance at Lucius, noting the rare hint of warmth softening his usually stern countenance.

"How have you been, Father?" Skyler asked while putting his arm around Lucius' body and hugging him.