Even five minutes later, Kyle, who was standing in the middle, was ruthlessly driven away. He was reduced from having the best seat that all the boys envied to having to sit with Mikel.

Looking at Kanna who was talking to Furong, Kyle always felt that she was a little different from usual, and her expression was a little... artificial.

But Kyle pretended not to see anything and just lowered his head to eat the large piece of steak and French fish soup that had just come out of the plate.

Because if he dared to say it, even if he just expressed a little bit of this meaning, he would definitely die... well, in every sense.

So Kyle wisely chose to concentrate on eating.

Not to mention, the French-style food was quite delicious, especially the fish soup, which tasted almost the same as what he had eaten at Nicolas Flamel's house.

Maybe there are house-elfs from France in the kitchen, and I can ask them if I can add this dish to the daily menu to replace corn soup.

In addition to the mixed fish soup, many of the desserts that followed were things I had never seen before.

Kyle set his eyes on a piece of white French vanilla almond panna cotta, but before he could take it, Kanna pushed the panna cotta to Furong.

"This is for the guests... Don't you like Yorkshire puddings?"

Furong just smiled, without any intention of giving in.

Okay... I can't afford to offend.

Kyle sighed and could only pick another piece of pudding at random.

Twenty minutes later, when the golden plates were shining as new again, Dumbledore stood up again.

An atmosphere of excitement and nervousness began to spread in the auditorium.

"The moment has finally arrived!" Dumbledore said happily, "The Triwizard Tournament is about to begin. I would like to explain a few things first, and then..."

"Bang!"

At this moment, the door of the auditorium was suddenly pushed open from the outside, and two people walked in one after the other.

"I hope we are not late, Dumbledore." came an all too familiar voice.

Kyle looked blankly at Chris who was walking in front, not understanding why he was there.

"What a pity you missed such a wonderful banquet," said Dumbledore. "The French food was excellent."

"Oh, shit." Chris said in annoyance. "There's been a lot going on in the department lately, and I was only notified to come here ten minutes ago."

"I understand. Fortunately, you have caught up with the most important step," said Dumbledore.

Then he turned to the crowd, "Please allow me to introduce these two guests to everyone, because some people don't know them yet. This is Mr. Chris Chopper, Director of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures of the Ministry of Magic..."

There was applause in the hall, with Fred and George applauding the most enthusiastically. Ginny and Ron were almost standing on the table.

"He's Kyle's father." Ron explained to Hermione and Harry beside him, "He's a very easygoing man, and he remembers each of our birthdays. The only new robe I have is given by him."

Harry nodded. He only knew that Kyle's father also worked in the Ministry of Magic, but no one had ever said that he was a director...which was a very high position.

"This is Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Sports and Sport at the Ministry of Magic," Dumbledore continued.

On the Hufflepuff side, Kyle was confused.

Director... Chris got promoted? But that shouldn't be the case. The change of Director of the Ministry of Magic is a big deal, second only to the election of the Minister. The Daily Prophet will definitely mention it.

But he has read all the recent newspapers, and these things are not found in them.

At the same time, the side door of the hall was opened, and Filch walked in holding a large wooden box inlaid with jewels and looking very old.

The students watched in fascination as Filch placed the box on a table in front of the head table.

"There are three specific events in this year's Warriors Competition, which will be held at different times throughout the school year... They will test the warriors from different aspects... magical talent... courage... reasoning ability... and of course the ability to overcome danger..."

The auditorium fell silent, as if everyone was holding their breath.

Dumbledore continued calmly, "And the one responsible for selecting the champions is an impartial selector, and it is the Goblet of Fire!"

Dumbledore took out his wand, tapped the box three times, and pulled out a crudely carved wooden goblet with blue and white flames.

"Anyone who aspires to become a warrior can submit their name, and the Goblet of Fire will select the warrior it thinks best represents the three schools tomorrow on Halloween night.

Of course, I'm referring to students who are old enough. Later I will draw an age line around the Goblet of Fire to block those students who are not old enough.

"Finally, I must remind you that the Triwizard Tournament is no joke. It is accompanied by deadly dangers. Once your name is chosen by the Goblet of Fire, it is equivalent to forming a contract that must be observed. You must persist in the competition to the end..."

In fact, Dumbledore's last words actually had no effect at all.

Instead of calming down, everyone became even more enthusiastic and couldn't wait to write their names and throw them in. This mood continued until the end of the banquet and they returned to their respective common rooms.

Furong was going back to the carriage to spend the night, and she separated from Kanna at the door of the auditorium.

Kyle came to the side door of the auditorium and waited.

About twenty minutes later, Chris finally came out.

"I knew you were here." He smiled and said, "Are you surprised?"

Kyle nodded. "Beauxbatons is in France, and Durmstrang is in Northern Europe. This is the Department of International Magical Cooperation's business anyway."

"Yeah, it should have been Batty's..." Chris paused, "But he's in a bit of trouble right now and doesn't have time to come over for now..."

"Because of Sirius Black?" Kyle asked.

"That's right," Chris said. "After Black was acquitted, some people accused Crouch of convicting him without a trial twelve years ago, a major mistake that had a serious impact on many people...

In short, these people must now be investigated to prove that they had no selfish motives. During this period, Barty cannot leave the Ministry of Magic for the time being. "

"A lot of people?" Kyle pondered and said, "Then your position..."

"Oh, this is just a temporary replacement." Chris didn't seem to want to tell Kyle too much about the Ministry of Magic, and just gave a vague explanation.

"And once the matter can be investigated clearly, I will return the refereeing power to Batty."

He glanced at the time.

"Sorry, I have to get back to the ministry now."

"I really hope the investigation can be completed soon. No one told me before that being a referee of the Triwizard Tournament would involve so much work... Merlin's beard, I have to write eight reports just tonight!"

After saying that, Chris hurried out of the castle.

(End of this chapter)