Sad?
Percy was a bit puzzled.
If such a perfect way could shift the focus of the media and the public and greatly increase Mr. Crouch's importance, it could be said to solve a dilemma effortlessly.
Then why would I be sad about such a good way?
Thinking this, Percy also expressed the doubt in his heart.
"I don't understand." He frowned and asked, "It's clearly such a mutually beneficial good thing, why do I feel sad?"
"Because~" Vivi absentmindedly stirred the coffee cup with a small spoon, "because this matter is closely tied to your superior—"
"Are you saying..." Percy's heart skipped a beat, and he had a bad suspicion.
"What did I say?" Vivi did not continue, she just gave Harry a sweet smile, then lowered her head again, pretending to be a quiet beauty sitting there.
Before Percy could say anything, Kreacher walked into the kitchen and handed a letter to Little Sirius.
"A letter for Master who brings glory to the family." Kreacher muttered, "If the Master could be considerate of Kreacher, and don't make the room full of people, it would be even more pleasant."
That's Kreacher, always sneaking in a few jabs at Little Sirius when he speaks.
Little Sirius restrained himself, resisted Kreacher's rambling.
After all, just a few words, nothing to get angry over.
Besides, if Kreacher were punished, who would cook for everyone? Who would clean the rooms?
He received the letter, opened it and took one look, then laughed and raised his head.
"What's up?" Mr. Weasley asked curiously.
Little Sirius handed the letter to Mr. Weasley, chuckling: "We were just saying the Ministry of Magic needs to use bigger news to cover up the mishaps of this World Cup... Sure enough, they brought out a bombshell piece of news."
Mr. Weasley took the letter, Percy immediately leaned over his shoulder to start reading it together.
Meanwhile, the Weasley Twins and Ron acted high and mighty, as if it didn't concern them.
"Looks like they're really out of options, such a thing can be announced ahead of time." Mr. Weasley put down the letter and sighed.
Percy furrowed his brows and asked puzzledly: "I remember the Ministry of Magic stressed repeatedly the important event this year at Hogwarts... You know what kind of contest..."
"Come off it, Weasley." Fred raised an arm and loudly interrupted Percy, "Since the letter already reveals it, why are you even bothering to keep their secret?"
Hearing the teasing of the twin brothers, Percy's ears turned crimson.
"Shut up!" he reprimanded, "The Triwizard Tournament is top secret, Mr. Crouch himself said so..."
Fred and George did not speak but made a face at Percy.
"Triwizard Tournament?" Ron looked up, curiously asked, "What's the Triwizard Tournament?"
Seeing the clear foolishness in Ron's eyes, Percy showed a very self-satisfied expression, cleared his throat, and in an informative tone explained: "The Triwizard Tournament is a magical contest held among the three major European magic schools: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Durmstrang Institute, and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, each school has a representative competing."
"The chosen champions compete in three tasks—traditionally judged by the headmaster or headmistress of the competing schools—designed to test magical ability, intelligence, and courage. The champions vie for the honor and glory of winning the tournament, for the Triwizard Cup and a monetary prize. The first tournament took place around the end of the thirteenth century."
"But the tournament became infamous for being extremely dangerous: many champions died during the contest, due to the high death toll, it ceased around 1792 or sometime thereafter."
"So we are reviving such a tournament?" Hermione asked, frowning: "That's too barbaric!"
But only Hermione felt it was barbaric, while the Weasley Twins even showed expressions of eager anticipation.
"This is a good thing!" Fred laughed and said to George: "Perhaps we could participate in this tournament, win the championship, and ultimately become heroes of Hogwarts—what do you think?"
"Oh, don't be silly, Fred." George rolled his eyes: "Unless something unexpected happens, the tournament only allows one participant from each school, meaning—only one of us can enter."
"You're talking like it's set in stone and you've confirmed you'll be in the tournament." Percy sighed helplessly: "When the decision to resume the tournament was made, the three headmasters unanimously agreed that participants must be seventeen years old or older to enter—while you two... Haha, unfortunately, you're underage."
"We've got our methods, so you need not worry, Weasley." The twins said in unison, laughing.
Percy held back again, his forehead pulsating, still restrained from retaliating.
Just as expected, the news of the Triwizard Tournament's revival quickly shifted focus away from the unpleasant incident at the World Cup.
Partly because the faux magic wand that was a rubber duck caused only chaos at the campsite, but no one was harmed.
If considered, perhaps only those unfortunate enough to be scared and fall by the Dark Mark flying overhead could be counted.
Harry was somewhat dissatisfied with this age restriction.
If the Triwizard Tournament doesn't allow him to participate, it feels a bit unreasonable.