"What are you doing here?"
The compartment door slid open, revealing the familiar platinum blond head of Draco Malfoy. He frowned, his expression suspicious as he looked at the two of them.
"I've been looking for you everywhere. Why aren't you with everyone else?"
Jane Yu quickly used the excuse of wanting some peace and quiet to brush off his inquiry, but Draco insisted on squeezing into the compartment along with Crabbe and Goyle, leaving the small space packed to the brim.
"Did you know?" he began babbling, "My father told me there's going to be a Triwizard Tournament this year—between Beauxbatons and Durmstrang…"
He was still capable of starting conversations with "My father" and single-handedly generating 99+ messages worth of chatter. The small compartment quickly turned into his personal stage:
"My father originally considered sending me to Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts. He knows the headmaster there, but my mother didn't want me going so far away for school."
"Father says Durmstrang has a much more reasonable attitude toward the Dark Arts than Hogwarts. Durmstrang students actually learn Dark Arts, unlike us, wasting time on rubbish like Defense Against the Dark Arts…"
After three years, Jane had learned to selectively tune out his overly long monologues.
But the mention of "Durmstrang" and "Beauxbatons" piqued her interest.
Other magical schools in Europe… Their education seemed pretty good…
She thought she might as well consider transferring!
Though she wasn't sure if the wizarding world had the concept of exchange students.
...
The train soon arrived at the station, and the students swarmed into the Great Hall.
The opening ceremony for the new school year didn't seem to have anything particularly special about it.
The professors sat at the staff table, the Sorting Hat sang, first-years were sorted… applause… dining…
It wasn't until the plates were cleared of their scraps and gleamed clean and shiny that Dumbledore stood up once again.
"Alright!" he said loudly, "I ask for your attention as I announce a few notices!"
"This year's banned items include: Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The complete list consists of four hundred and thirty-seven items…"
Jane had no doubt that the list included most of the products she and the twins had smuggled into the school.
"Game consoles will be permitted this year, but you'll need to submit them to your Heads of House to set time restrictions for usage—"
"I also regret to inform you that there will be no House Cup Quidditch matches this year."
The Great Hall erupted in boos—half for the gaming restrictions and half for the loss of Quidditch.
"This is because a major event will begin in October and last throughout the school year—I believe you'll find great enjoyment in it—"
But his speech was interrupted as the doors to the hall slammed open.
A man with gray-white hair, leaning on a long staff and wrapped in a black cloak, strode toward the staff table. His face was scarred and menacing, with one small eye and another large, bright blue eye that moved around in its socket, scanning the hall and the students.
"Allow me to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor—Professor Moody."
Almost no one clapped, as everyone was too stunned by the eerie blue eye.
Jane didn't pay much attention to his appearance.
She had already realized, as Slughorn had once said, that Defense Against the Dark Arts professors were essentially annual hires.
It was just one year; why bother focusing too much on him?
Seeing that no one was applauding, Dumbledore cleared his throat and tactfully returned to his previous topic:
"I am delighted to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be held at Hogwarts this year."
The tense atmosphere finally broke, and students exclaimed and laughed, beginning to whisper excitedly.
"…Our Department of International Magical Cooperation and Department of Magical Games and Sports believe the time is ripe for another attempt…"
Dumbledore continued to elaborate on the Triwizard Tournament, but Jane's mind was racing.
In "Harry Potter," it seemed like every school year had its signature protagonist's trophy—like the Philosopher's Stone, the Basilisk, Dementors, and Sirius Black from previous years…
So this year's trophy was clear and straightforward—the Triwizard Cup!
Following the normal plot progression, Harry would undoubtedly win the championship trophy and gain international fame!
She felt it was her duty to give him a push, ensuring the plot stayed on track and the protagonist received ample training and growth.
There mustn't be any incidents of her taking matters into her own hands.
Meanwhile, she had another task: to build good relationships with the headmasters of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang and seize the opportunity to propose the idea of exchange students.
She thought Percy, with his connections in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, might be able to help with the paperwork.
She doubted Dumbledore would have any reason to oppose her exchange study plans.
Perhaps he might even help facilitate it—
She could sense his resolve wavering… because of Trelawney's prophecy… her staying here might bring misfortune.
Such an arrangement would benefit everyone.
Soon, Dumbledore announced one final piece of news from the stage:
"For this new school year, I've discussed with the Heads of Houses and decided to implement a curriculum reform!"
"Some of our classes will begin pilot programs, where groups will consist of students from all four Houses!"
The students exploded into chatter, their discussions so loud they nearly lifted the roof.
"What should I do?" Daphne grabbed Jane's arm in panic, exclaiming, "I can't latch onto a big name… I won't be in the same group as you!"
Theodore's expression was equally grim.
Across from them, Draco's face had turned pale, and he was muttering prayers under his breath:
"Merlin save me—people shouldn't, at least shouldn't, be grouped with Potter or Weasley!"
The Slytherin students looked visibly distressed, collectively realizing one thing—
Their survival depended on their other three group members! And worse, it depended on Gryffindor!
Clearly, the Gryffindor students had realized this too, their gazes meeting the Slytherins' in midair.
Mutual disdain was evident as they exchanged looks of disgust.
But Jane remained calm.
Her gaze met Hermione's across the hall.
Both of them exchanged satisfied smiles.
They had confirmed through eye contact: they were capable teammates.
Jane was already envisioning a scenario where she could relax while Hermione carried the team to victory!
Little did she know, Hermione shared the same thoughts.
Although lying back and letting someone else do all the work felt a bit embarrassing… but this was Jane, a true genius!
Working on group projects with her—was there any difference from lying back?
She was the pinnacle of excellence!
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