Prophecy was something Tver had never been able to understand.
Grindelwald had once tried to awaken his prophetic ability, but the result was obvious. The gift was far too rare. Even now, many wizards simply didn't believe true Seers existed.
After all, most people would never meet a genuine Seer in their lifetime, nor had they ever witnessed a real prophecy.
Even so, Tver held a certain reverence for it. To him, prophecy stood alongside time travel as one of the two things that simply could not be studied.
So he didn't press Grindelwald further about the premonition. Instead, he began thinking about the tournament itself.
If he needed to become a Champion, then participating must bring him some benefit.
But what benefit?
"What's wrong?" Cynthia asked gently when she noticed him fall silent.
"Do you think competing in this tournament does me any good?" Tver voiced his doubt.
"The students dislike you even more," Grindelwald answered without hesitation.
"They came to watch a competition, and not only did you use the Dragon's fire to practice your magic, you left them with homework. They're probably cursing you right now…"
"Professor, that move you used to defeat the Dragon was amazing!"
The moment they stepped onto the staircase, a student above them shouted in excitement.
"Professor, teach us that spell!"
"Even if you got the lowest score, in my heart you're number one!"
Tver waved back cheerfully at the students while Grindelwald remained expressionless.
"Looks like you've got it backwards. The real benefit of this tournament is that the students like me even more~"
Of course, it wasn't that simple. And even his teacher didn't seem to have a clearer answer.
In the end, Tver decided to take it one step at a time. The premonition had already guided him this far. He might as well follow where it led.
"Cockroach Clusters."
By then, Dumbledore had brought them to the entrance of the Headmaster's office.
"Does anyone actually enjoy eating these? I've always suspected they were invented as a prank."
The moment Grindelwald stepped inside, he spotted the large basket of Cockroach Clusters on the desk.
Dumbledore shot him a cold look, then deliberately picked one up and popped it into his mouth.
Seeing the two men glaring at each other, Tver quietly tugged Cynthia toward a corner and sat down, doing his best to make them as inconspicuous as possible.
Dumbledore had long been irritated by Grindelwald's wandering about. Now he had even come directly to Hogwarts.
In Dumbledore's eyes, this was practically a provocation.
Sensing the tension about to explode, Tver naturally chose to keep his distance.
"What would you like to drink?" Dumbledore asked stiffly.
"Pumpkin juice… will be fine," Tver replied, trying to keep his voice both quiet and clear.
Dumbledore drew the Elder Wand and lightly tapped the porcelain cups and teapot on the desk.
Three steaming cups of tea rose into the air and floated toward them.
...
Tver and Cynthia exchanged a glance, then obediently lifted their cups and took small sips of tea.
Grindelwald gave a soft chuckle, completely ignoring Dumbledore's cold stare. He sat down across from him at an unhurried pace, cradling his teacup and breathing in the fragrance rising from it.
"You seem quite attached to that wand."
"At the very least, it's better off than when it was in your hands," Dumbledore shot back.
"Now answer me. Why did you put Tver and Harry's names into the Goblet of Fire?"
So it really was about Harry…
Tver had nearly forgotten that Dumbledore still hadn't realized the current Moody was Barty Jr. in disguise. He had no idea how Harry had truly become a Champion.
That was what Dumbledore cared about most.
"I did put Tver's name in," Grindelwald admitted calmly. "I won't deny that. But little Potter…"
He exchanged a subtle look with Tver.
The moment he saw the warning in Tver's eyes, he understood. Moody's identity couldn't be exposed yet.
"Not what?" Dumbledore immediately sensed something off and lifted his head sharply, suspicion flashing in his gaze.
"Not my doing. As for who did it, that's something you'll have to investigate yourself."
"And your evidence? You expect me to take the word of a habitual liar?"
Though clearly meant as an insult, Grindelwald seemed almost pleased.
"I have none."
"Don't push me, Grindelwald!" Dumbledore shot to his feet, anger written plainly across his face.
"I understand your desire for freedom. But can you understand me? If Harry suffers any harm in this tournament, the consequences are not something even you could bear!"
"Understand what?" Grindelwald rose as well, meeting his gaze without yielding. "Your distrust of me?"
"Dumbledore, I am nothing more than an old man visiting the only family I have left in this world!"
"What, did you think I came to Britain to rally my old followers? A group of relics as old and worn as I am?"
"Dumbledore, why would I put Potter's name in?"
"I could tell you directly—"
Sensing his teacher's intention, Tver and Cynthia both stood up at once.
"Don't—"
"There's no need. Since Dumbledore wants an answer, I'll give him one." Grindelwald waved a hand, pressing them back down into their seats.
"Dumbledore, I learned through a prophecy that Tver needed to participate in this tournament. So I made it happen. That's all there is to it."
This time, even Dumbledore fell silent.
His anger had flared earlier because Grindelwald had infiltrated Hogwarts.
But now that he calmed down and thought about it, Grindelwald truly had no reason to involve Harry. He had no real connection to Harry or to Voldemort.
As for Tver entering the tournament, in some ways it even eased Harry's burden and reduced the danger he might face alone.
"What kind of prophecy would require you to come here in person?" Dumbledore asked, his tone less rigid than before.
Grindelwald pressed his lips together, carefully hiding the hint of smugness that had surfaced.
"I don't know the details. I only know that it needed to be done. What happens next depends on Tver himself."
Dumbledore pondered this.
On matters like this, Grindelwald had little reason to lie. After all, protecting Harry was something he and Tver agreed on.
"Very well. You may remain at Hogwarts, but only under the identity of Ludo Bagman. And without my permission, you are not to make any moves beyond your role."
"Oh? So this is your new bot—"
Tver caught sight of Dumbledore's darkening expression and hurriedly cut himself off.
...