great-warnovel Chapter 473 Drink this cup to the brim
Chapter 473 Drink this cup to the brim
Chapter 473 Drink this cup to the brim
To Hermione's displeasure, even after the guests had entered the house, Grindelwald still refused to come out to greet them, instead hiding on the third floor, sulking.
The gathering of the seven schools, also an important banquet for the opening of the Fireball Tournament, was entrusted entirely to Hermione for management.
With Halloween approaching once again, the chilly November winds have already blown in, and apart from Hermione and the Dark Lord, no one knows that an invisible threat is quietly brewing.
The banquet was held in the grand hall on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.
This space is usually used for holding UMNO (Malaysian separatist) meetings, so it is spacious enough.
Seven long tables radiated out in a fan shape, with the seats for the principals and professors in the center.
This is the first time the UMNO has received a visitor with such formal protocol.
Wizards and elves were nervous and busy, and this time they didn't even allow Muggles to serve as waiters. In the minds of the saints, this was a pure magical event.
The number of teachers and students from various schools alone could not possibly fill such a large hall. In fact, in addition to the seven long tables, there were rows of neatly arranged tables to accommodate wizards who came from all over the world to watch the opening ceremony.
At this moment, most people had already taken their seats, except for the two chairs in the very middle that were still empty.
That was the spot reserved for Grindelwald and Hermione.
Beside them were McGonagall, Rozier, and further away, Mrs. Maxim, Principal Ifamoni, and others.
The banquet couldn't begin without their arrival, and even the saints didn't know when they would arrive.
Although they all appeared calm on the surface, they were actually all wondering what was going on inside.
Finally, just as the guests were getting impatient, Hermione finally arrived, albeit belatedly.
She had a stern face, and those who knew her well knew that this was a sign of her displeasure.
She had just given up on one last attempt to persuade Grindelwald to go out; the old man was determined to have her take the lead.
"Grindelwald isn't coming. Let's begin the banquet."
Regardless of what others thought, she tapped the table, and suddenly various dishes from different cultural styles appeared on the plates in front of everyone.
French-style mixed fish soup, black pudding, and milk pudding are all in line with traditional European aesthetics.
However, the fried worms and ostrich jerky from Africa, and the chili chicken and earth pot from South America that appeared later were beyond the reach of ordinary people. Not only were they difficult to accept in appearance, but their taste and texture were also too complex.
Of course, not all of them are so terrible. Delicious African mushroom soup, as well as South American orange-marinated raw fish and corn beef pie, are all very exotic and taste pretty good.
This banquet adhered to high standards and specifications, with all ingredients sourced from the Magic Eco-Dome; the Wusili Party spared no expense in preparing them.
Hermione noticed that Ron was frowning as he threw a still-wriggling little fish into his mouth and chewed it vigorously. It was clear that he was quite receptive to new things.
The Hogwarts long table was probably the liveliest place, with not only the seventh-year students but also the extra children who had defeated them, such as the Weasley twins in sixth year, all the Gryffindors in fourth year, and a little snake.
Oh~ that little snake is nominally the heir to Malfoy Castle! Draco pushed Harry away expressionlessly, who was recommending an ice cream with an African head that would make screams.
Unlike the lively atmosphere at the seven long tables, everyone at the principal's and professors' tables appeared much more reserved.
Although they had interacted quite a bit in private, this was the first time many of them had ever been to New Paris.
And even though Grindelwald isn't here, everyone knows the Dark Lord has a divine purpose, so it's best to behave properly in every word and deed here.
Hermione felt a little awkward sitting there. Apart from Professor McGonagall, everyone was engrossed in eating, and the long table was so deserted that the roast turkey was practically freezing to death.
The headmistress of Ilfamoni is a stern-looking old woman named Elowin Sandcrowd. She is a wizard of Irish and North American Indigenous descent, but in addition to inheriting European magic, she is also skilled in Iroquois witchcraft, making her quite formidable.
However, because Hogwarts had taken Newt Scamander from North America, she kept a straight face when she saw McGonagall and Hermione.
The headmaster of Vagado is named Jabari Nyoka, a wizard who looks like a middle-aged man, but is said to be a hundred years old. He has many tattoos on his head and body, and is said to be very powerful in his animal form, but Hermione has never seen him.
The headmistress of Castorbuscher was a mysterious old witch named Iara Verdijant, who wore a rather bright emerald green robe adorned with anaconda scales, velvet, and other decorations.
Hermione wanted to ease the tension, so she stood up, picked up a wine glass filled with pomegranate soda.
"This is the first time that seven schools have come together. Even in the pre-war world, it is a rare and remarkable event that deserves celebration."
She smiled as she looked at the principals.
"I think we should raise a glass to this."
Following her suggestion, the principals naturally did not refuse. They were also troubled by the awkward and stiff atmosphere, and at this moment they all stood up and picked up their drinks.
It wasn't just them; it spread outwards from the long table.
Professors from various schools, students who follow the professors' lead, and even the guests on the outermost perimeter.
A large number of people stood up in a flash, and the sound of chairs being dragged on the floor echoed throughout the auditorium.
This made McGonagall, who was standing next to her, momentarily dazed. Had this child become this kind of person without her noticing?
Others need to follow her lead; when she doesn't raise her glass, no one has the right to initiate such a proposal.
When she raises her glass, everyone must stand up, wait for her to speak, and then drink first.
"This is a grand event, a grand event that unites the seven schools, and indeed the entire magical world," Hermione declared.
"Following the Quidditch World Cup this summer, we stand even closer together to hold this Championship of the Seven for the purpose of making the world a better place."
Reporters' cameras flashed incessantly; media outlets from different regions had gathered here.
Hermione didn't want to say any more pleasantries. She waved her hand, and the house-elves brought up a goblet burning with blue and white flames. "Just like two hundred years ago, we will, in the coming week, select the champions who will represent each school—by this absolutely impartial Goblet of Fire."
Her gaze swept over the eager students below. They had different skin colors, wore different clothes, and came from different regions, but at this moment they were all full of confidence.
"Applicants must write their names and schools neatly on parchment and then throw the parchment into the cup."
"It is important to note that, unlike the ancient practice, we will not set an age limit this time. Anyone who believes they are capable and qualified can apply."
She saw six lonely children sitting at the long table in Cordosdorez, their expressions stern but not fearful.
"At the same time, I would like to remind everyone that this competition is not one that can be entered casually. Once selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she must see the competition through to the end!"
"Because once your name is placed in the cup, a binding magical contract is formed, and once you become a player, you can't change your mind!"
"Therefore, please think carefully before you throw your name into the cup."
After saying this long speech, she raised her glass again.
"Finally, let us drink this cup to all of this!"