Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 513 Not Permitted To Compete

"I'm going for it!" Fred whispered at the end of the table.

"How can such a thing be without us?" George nodded.

Their faces lit up with excitement at the prospect of so much glory and wealth.

They were not alone, picturing themselves as the champions of Hogwarts. At each House table, people were either gazing captivated at Dumbledore, or fervently murmuring to their neighbors.

But then Dumbledore spoke again, and the Hall quieted once more.

Although I know all of you will be eager to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts, he said, the heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on the contenders this year. Only students who are of age... that is, 17 years or older... may put forward their names for consideration. This

Dumbledore raised his voice slightly, as several people had expressed their indignation at these words.

I hope you understand that this measure is necessary, given that the tasks of the tournament will remain challenging and dangerous, no matter the precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below 6th and 7th year can face them. I will personally ensure that no underage student deceives our impartial judge to become Hogwarts champions.

His bright blue eyes shimmered as they scanned the defiant faces of Fred and George.

Immediately, his gaze fell upon Evan, and it seemed to grow deeper.

Dumbledore continued, Therefore, I implore you not to waste your time putting yourself forward if you are under 17 years old.

The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will arrive in October and stay with us for most of this year. I know all of you will extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and offer your full support to Hogwarts' champion once selected. And now, it is late, and I understand how important it is for all of you to be alert and rested when entering your classes tomorrow morning. Time to go to bed! Quickly, quickly!

Dumbledore sat back down and turned to speak with Mad-Eye Moody.

There was a loud noise of scraping and banging as all the students stood up and hurried toward the double doors leading to the entrance hall.

They can't do this, said George, who did not join the crowd heading for the door but stood up and glared at Dumbledore. We turn seventeen in April, why can't we give it a try?

They won't stop me from competing, said Fred stubbornly, also frowning at the head table. Champions will be able to do all sorts of things they wouldn't normally be allowed. And a thousand Galleons prize!

Yes, Ron said, with a distant look. Yes, a thousand Galleons

It's most unjust for Evan. He is the most powerful wizard in the school, and he's proven it, Hermione frowned and said, But now he's not allowed to compete because of his age

If Evan can't be a champion, I don't see anyone in the school who's qualified, Harry nodded.

This is truly ridiculous!

Yes, we must speak to Dumbledore and ask him to change the rules said Fred.

Come on, said Evan, we'll be the only ones left here if we don't move.

In fact, he wasn't worried at all.

No one could stop him from becoming a champion if he managed to place his name in the Goblet of Fire.

Evan had several ways to circumvent Dumbledore's magic and allow young wizards under 17 to enter.

Evan, why aren't you angry at all? George said. His age restrictions are completely

Please come here, Mr. Mason, the Director has something to tell you, Professor McGonagall said seriously, approaching them, looking unsatisfied, The five of you, hurry back to the Common Room, and don't block the door like this.

Under Professor McGonagall's watchful eyes, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George glanced at Evan and headed to the entrance hall.

Evan returned alone to the teachers' table, where only Dumbledore and Mad-Eye Moody were seated.

"I have my own opinion on the matter..." Moody suddenly stopped, his magical blue eye falling on Evan, and he said hoarsely, "Ah, the second encounter, Evan Mason. I didn't expect you to cause such a stir at the Quidditch World Cup. You truly surprised me."

He arrived and clasped Evan's hand. His hand was as marked as his face. It was riddled with scars.

From a closer distance, Mad-Eye Moody seemed even more fearsome.

Evan had met him at the Ministry of Magic before. Other than the two of them, only Sirius and Mr. Weasley were present.

This impostor Moody in front of him was aware of it too. He had truly gone to great lengths to disguise himself.

"Pleasure to meet you, professor," Evan said softly. "I didn't expect you to come to Hogwarts to teach."

"I hadn't thought about it before, but I'll only teach for a year to do Dumbledore a favor," Moody said, chuckling with a hoarse voice. "Yes, just for a year, and then I'll return to my quiet retired life."

This was the first time Evan had seen him smile. He grinned, and his scarred face looked even more distorted and peculiar.

"There's always a shortage of staff in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. It's not easy to find the right person," Dumbledore said gently. "If you can, I hope you can stay. Your valuable experience is exactly what we need."

"I'll think about it!" Moody said, waving his rough hand.

"Well, Evan, I apologize for disturbing your rest time, but I have something to tell you," Dumbledore said calmly, turning his gaze to Evan, "about the Triwizard Tournament."

"Professor, I hope I can compete!" Evan said hastily, "and I'm confident..."

"Of course, I know you can definitely surpass the Age-Line magic I've put in place. There's no doubt about that," Dumbledore said seriously. "But Beauxbatons and Durmstrang specifically asked us to prohibit you from competing in the Triwizard Tournament, because your age doesn't meet the requirements. Of course, from what they mean, they seem concerned that your magic is too strong and no one will be your match."

Evan's previous performance at the Quidditch World Cup had been too conspicuous.

Not only young wizards, even adult wizards wouldn't have such great and powerful magic.

In this case, it was not surprising that they requested Evan not to participate in the tournament.

"Hah, what the weaklings think!" Moody said contemptuously. "Those blokes are afraid..."

"That's true, but they view this requirement as one of the conditions to restart the Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore said, looking at Evan. "So, I'm sorry, Evan, I must ask you to assure me that you won't participate in the competition."