356 Chapter 356

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"What do you mean by grandson, Mrs. Flamel?" Madame Maxime asked respectfully, not knowing about the rumors that spread around the school this afternoon since she was busy almost the entire day.

"I think it's obvious what I meant Olympe" Penny said, still staring at a paralyzed Karkaroff, "Ethan is my grandson, and I don't like seeing you two bothering or threatening him"

And it seems that hearing Penny say again that I was her grandson made the realization finally hit Karkaroff, who turned away from me as he turned to her, trying to put a respectful smile on his face.

"Oh, you got it wrong Mrs. Flamel" he said.

"Really?" she said with a raised eyebrow, "Then why don't we ask my grandson if I really got it wrong?"

And saying this she turned to me, and I could see Karkaroff freeze.

And feeling the nervousness and fear coming from Karkaroff I couldn't help but smile mischievously, and I could swear a similar smile was on Moody's face and even on Professor Snape's face.

"Oh, don't worry, Grandma," I said, going over to Karkaroff and putting my hand on his shoulder, "Bitcharoff and I were just messing around, weren't we?" I asked, looking at him.

And hearing the nickname I gave him, Karkaroff felt an anger rise within him, but knowing that he was being stared at by two people he couldn't mess with, he swallowed his pride that we all knew was almost non-existent.

"Yeah, yeah, we were just kidding," he said, with a forced smile.

"And he was also agreeing that Harry is not to blame for being the fourth champion, and that even though he is excited to see two amazing young wizards from Hogwarts compete, he will still help with the investigation to find out how Harry's name ended up on the cup" I continued, 'lightly' squeezing his shoulder.

"Yes of course. I agree that Mr. Potter is not to blame for having to compete in the tournament, and I will help to the best of my ability to investigate this matter" he said gritting his teeth and trying not to grimace in pain as he felt that his shoulder was almost being crushed.

And as soon as he finished speaking I nodded in satisfaction, before turning to Penny, smiling happily at her, who had an amused and proud look on her face.

"See? Bitcharoff may be ugly and have a disgusting appearance, but he is very nice inside" I said, patting him on the shoulder.

And looking at him out of the corner of my eye I could see the veins bulging in his neck as he struggled to remain calm.

"Hmm, I see" Penny said, looking at Karkaroff one last time just to make him nervous, before ignoring him.

And while all this was happening, those present in the room watched the scene with the majority finding Karkaroff's constipated and irritated look amusing, and it was no surprise to anyone that he was not very liked by the people present in the chamber, and not even his star student, Krum, liked him.

But ignoring the cowardly and traitorous ex-Death Eater, Penny turned to the Headmaster, Madame Maxime and Mr. Crouch.

"I think we're all in agreement that there should be an investigation into how Mr. Potter's name ended up on the cup, right?" she asked.

And obviously everyone nodded, not wanting to upset this woman.

Of course, Mr. Crouch didn't care because he was still being controlled by his son's Imperius Curse, and the Headmaster was the one who most wanted to know who put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire and why.

And Madame Maxime, even though she was still irritated by Hogwarts having 2 champions, wouldn't say anything, as that would be the same as facing Penny, who is a woman she respects a lot as someone of great importance in the French wizarding community.

And seeing that no one had anything to say, Penny nodded satisfied.

"Well, in that case then I think we should refocus on why the champions were called to this room" Nick said, this being the first sentence that came out of his mouth since entering the chamber.

And when he saw that the mood became a little lighter, Bagman took a step forward.

"Mr. Flamel is right!" he said, smiling slightly at everyone, "We called you here to talk about the rules of the tournament and give you instructions for the first task" he looked at me, Harry, Fleur and Krum, "And for a better explanation, I'll let Mr. Crouch will have the honors"

And Mr. Crouch, who looked tired and seemed to be disconnected from the world, blinked when he heard his name mentioned.

"Oh, yes... the instructions..." he said, walking to the front of the fireplace and looking at the four champions.

"The first task is intended to test the audacity and courage of the champions, so you will not be informed about what the task will be until the day it occurs, which will be on November 24th, in front of all students, school staff, and the bench of judges"

"Facing an unknown danger is a great way to show how brave you are, and that is a very important quality for a wizard... Being brave to face the unexpected adversities that may come your way."

"Champions are prohibited from receiving or asking their teachers for help in trying to complete tasks…" and when Mr. Crouch said this I resisted the urge to snort, knowing how well that rule worked in canon.

"Champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands, and you will only receive information about the second task once the first is over."

"Since you will have to prepare for the tasks, and since the tournament will take a long time, you will all be exempt from end-of-year exams" and when Mr. Crouch finished saying this he turned to the Headmaster with a tired look.

"I think that's all, is it, Albus?" he asked, and the Headmaster nodded.

"I think so," he said, looking worriedly at the ministry official who had a mustache that was very famous in 1945.

"Well, in that case I'll go back to the ministry then, it's very busy there and we're in a difficult time, and I've left young Weatherby to take care of things in my place, and he's... enthusiastic about the work... too much." Mr Crouch said with a slight grimace, this being the first different expression he had made this evening.

"Weatherby?" Harry asked in a whisper to me, confused.

"He's talking about Percy," I whispered back, and Harry snorted.

"Then I will not take up any more of your time," the Headmaster said, nodding to Mr. Crouch before turning to the others present in the chamber.

"Well, how about one last drink before we call it a night?" he asked, looking at Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, Nick and Penny.

But Karkaroff didn't even wait for the Headmaster to finish speaking before pulling Krum by the arm to leave the chamber, but before passing through the door he took one last look at me, and I simply showed him my middle finger, hidden from the eyes of others.

And seeing this, Bitcharoff gritted his teeth, but knowing he couldn't do anything he left, not wanting to be in my presence any longer.

Madame Maxime also thought about leaving the chamber with Fleur, but then she looked at Nick and Penny who were behind the Director, unsure whether she should accept the invitation or not, as this would be a unique opportunity to sit down for a drink next to the most famous wizard and witch in France.

And after thinking for a few seconds Madame Maxime nodded, "I accept" she said, "But first I would like to take Fleur back to the Beauxbatons carriage"

"Of course" the Headmaster nodded.

Madame Maxime then placed an arm around Fleur's shoulder and led her out of the chamber, with the Veela girl discreetly looking at me.

'Okay, now I'm really starting to get curious as to why she keeps staring at me' I thought, frowning in confusion.

"Harry, Ethan," the Headmaster called, turning to us, "I suggest you go to your dormitories... I'm sure Gryffindor and Ravenclaw are waiting for their champions to start a celebration."

"I agree... And today we have a reason to use all those fireworks I bought in Diagon Alley" I said.

"Fireworks?" the Headmaster muttered, now wondering if he should keep me locked in this chamber until the next day.

But ignoring him I nodded at Nick and hugged Penny, before starting to walk towards the door with a happy look, which only made him more worried.

And Harry, seeing this, shook his head with an ironic smile before following me.

End.

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