[109] Weavings of Shadow

Draco, seemingly oblivious, flashed a wide smile. "Viktor, I was just asking Hall about you."

Krum was unusually friendly, squeezing between Draco and Hall and putting his arm around Draco's shoulder. He tried to do the same to Hall, but Hall shrugged him off.

"We're not acquainted, Mr. Krum," Hall said coldly.

"Hall!" Draco frowned, looking conflicted. But he had no reason to raise his voice at Hall because of Krum, even though Krum was his idolised Quidditch player. He could only shrug helplessly at Krum.

"What are Hall's thoughts on the Triwizard Tournament?" Krum asked Draco in a low voice.

"I haven't heard him express any interest." Draco found the question odd but answered truthfully.

Krum, still unwilling to give up, pressed on. "With his abilities, didn't he even consider trying?"

Draco shook his head. "Please, he's only twelve. How could he participate?"

Krum looked at Draco, his gaze carrying a strange undertone. "And you? What are your thoughts?"

"Me?" Draco seemed to have heard a ridiculous joke. "I'm not interested! Besides, even if I participated and got selected, what could I do?" He wasn't strong enough. He muttered to himself, wishing he were as powerful as Hall. His eyes involuntarily drifted towards Hall once more.

Krum frowned, lost in thought. He left hastily without even eating breakfast. Draco had been eagerly anticipating inviting him to play Quidditch today. He had even planned to invite the Slytherin Quidditch team for a friendly match, with the excuse of promoting friendly exchanges between the two schools. A perfect reason.

"Stop looking. He's already gone," Hall's voice floated over.

Draco snapped out of his reverie, a hint of regret on his face.

"You'd better stay away from him. I think something's off about him." Hall's expression was serious, hoping Draco would listen.

Draco thought Hall was overthinking things, but seeing Hall's earnest expression, he reluctantly nodded.

Evening arrived quickly. Hogwarts nights always carried a mysterious air; the ancient castle appeared especially solemn under the moonlight. After tonight's banquet, the list of champions for the Triwizard Tournament would be announced. The Great Hall was packed, filled with a tense yet excited atmosphere, everyone craning their necks to look. The enchanted ceiling loomed in the dim light, and the figures in the portraits on the walls seemed affected by the tension, each silently watching the crowd below.

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Draco, standing beside Hall, would occasionally stand up to check if Dumbledore had finished eating. His eyes gleamed with anticipation and nervousness. "Hurry up, hurry up, announce it already!"

George and Fred, not far away, winked mischievously at Hall, as if to say one of them was sure to be a candidate.

Finally, the plates cleared away, and the chatter in the Great Hall grew even louder. Everyone was speculating about who would be the champion representing the school.

Dumbledore stood up from the platform, his deep blue eyes gleaming. He slightly raised his chin, a gentle smile on his face. This time, no amplification was needed; the Great Hall fell silent the moment he stood up, as if time itself had stood still. All eyes were fixed on him.

Krum sat close to Hall, leaning forward slightly, his hands clenched tightly together, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"Alright, students, the Goblet of Fire has made its choice," Dumbledore's voice rang out in the quiet Great Hall. "The champions whose names will be called, please walk over to the staff room next door. You will receive your initial guidance for the Tournament."

He raised his wand above his head. The next moment, the lights in the Great Hall dimmed, leaving only the candles in the ceiling chandeliers still lit. The Goblet of Fire burst forth with a dazzling light. Everyone instinctively squinted, yet no one wanted to miss this moment.

The flame quickly turned blue-white, flickering. Suddenly, it turned red, sparks flying. Then, a tongue of fire was spat out by the Goblet, and a charred, curled piece of parchment shot out, landing steadily in Dumbledore's hand.

"A champion from Durmstrang," he enunciated clearly, "Viktor Krum!"

A cheer erupted from the Durmstrang table. The moment Krum heard his name, his eyes gleamed with victory. He pumped his fist and stood up from beside Hall. Before leaving, he placed his hand on Hall's shoulder, leaned down, and whispered, "Hall, I'll be waiting for you."

Everyone who saw this thought they were close friends. Even Draco looked on with envy.

But Hall's expression changed. Waiting for him? What did that mean? Soon, he guessed a possibility. His face darkened, as if shrouded in a stormy cloud.

Draco noticed and leaned closer. "Hall, what's wrong?"

Hall shook his head.

Krum entered the room next door. The clamour in the Great Hall ceased abruptly as the flames turned red once more. A second parchment was spat out, twirling in the air before landing in Dumbledore's hand.

"Fleur Delacour of Beauxbatons," Dumbledore read.

It was that beautiful girl, captivating like a Veela. After she entered the room, the flames turned red again, and the third candidate was about to be chosen.

"The Hogwarts champion..." Dumbledore paused, his voice hesitant after recognising the name, but continued reading, "Cedric Diggory."

The Hufflepuff table erupted. Cheers and whispers filled the Great Hall.

"This isn't right! Diggory is only a fourth-year student!"

"He's only fifteen! This isn't fair!"

"So that's how it works?"

"Why not us!" came from Fred and George. They believed that if the Goblet wasn't going to choose someone seventeen or older, then it should have chosen them, since there were two of them!

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