Chapter 99: Choosing

Hogwarts students entered the hall along with people from several schools. Today’s scene was a feast for the eyes of too many people. Even though they knew it was impolite to do so, many people still couldn't help but secretly look at the students from Kyushu and the United States. The students of Ilvermorny wore blue and raspberry robes with a thick black cloak outside. They were very familiar and were already talking to the people around them when they first entered the auditorium.

"Your castle is spectacular, but it's lifeless."

"The place I just passed by is the Forbidden Forest of Massachusetts, where many magical creatures live. We also have a similar forest there, and we also have a mountain."

And Kyushu's People are too quiet in comparison. They all wore large white robes with logos embroidered on the hems. A sign like this on the outside unifies things a bit. There are only three types in total. One is a brush that looks like a sharp sword. The proper pen body was replaced by a sword body with simple patterns, and only the end was condensed into the shape of a brush tip. One is a Bagua diagram containing the colors of the five elements, and the last one is simpler, just a clump of green bamboo.

Although they were dressed differently, they all had rehearsed scrutinizing expressions when they entered the castle, as if they were secretly comparing Hogwarts to their own colleges.

After the people from Jiuzhou entered the auditorium, several eyes fell on Mu Yu intentionally or unintentionally. Some were curious, some were disdainful, some were concerned, and some were unabashedly malicious. Mu Yu and the others walked towards the Slytherin table as if nothing had happened. The Beauxbatons people had already sat down at the Ravenclaw table. After a moment of hesitation, the Durmstrang people took the lead and walked towards the Slytherin table. Malfoy's pale face brightened the moment he walked over.

The Ilvermorny students walked towards the Hufflepuff table without much hesitation, and a small number headed towards Gryffindor. Most of the people in Kyushu also went to Gryffindor. They didn't seem to want to contact Mu Yu. Unsurprisingly, only Shen Qitong sat next to her.

The two of them look nothing alone, but sitting together creates a distinct visual impact. Mu Yu's beauty is like a clear mountain spring, refreshing the heart and mind, while Shen Qitong is like a burning flame, and her brilliance can be felt from a distance.

Several boys turned back this way frequently.

"Xiao Yu, I missed you all this summer. If it weren't for..." She looked gloomy and dropped the topic, "I should have watched the World Cup with you."

Mu Yu pulled her sleeves to indicate that she was not talking now. At that time, there was no trace of regret or sadness on his face: "I...I didn't expect it either."

There were only extremely low-pitched discussions around him. This also makes the conversation between them abrupt.

Daphne opposite Shen Xitong had been staring at her curiously since she sat down.

"Did you see that? That's the Eastern Magic School. Is that their school uniform? I've never seen that pattern before."

"Their clothes look pretty cool."

From time to time, whispers of this kind came from all directions.

The auditorium was cast with a traceless stretching spell, so even if there were dozens more people, it wouldn't feel too crowded. The faculty and staff have taken their seats one after another. In addition to the principals of each school, there are also two more officials from the Ministry of Magic. One of them was Barty Crouch, whom he hadn't seen for many days. His eyes were slightly dull, and he was wearing a wizard's robe very strangely.

Mu Yu held the empty goblet in her hand. The Imperius Curse she cast seemed to be a bit too much. Even after it was lifted, Crouch was basically useless. But he wouldn't live long.

Ning Yue, who was sitting on the staff table, nodded to her, and she immediately adjusted her attitude and showed a shy smile.

Ning Yue sat next to Dumbledore and couldn't tell who was older for a moment.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts, and, especially, distinguished guests," Dumbledore stood up and looked at all the foreign students with a smile. "It is with great joy that I welcome you to Huo Huo. Gwartz, I hope and believe that you will spend a happy and comfortable time here."

A Beauxbatons girl with her head wrapped in a scarf sneered.

"The competition will officially begin after the banquet. I now invite everyone to eat and drink as much as you would at home." After

Dumbledore sat down, Karkaroff immediately went up to talk to him.

The house elves in the Hogwarts kitchen must have been busy preparing for today's banquet for a long time. They were piled with a variety of dishes, which was more sumptuous than any dinner party.

She picked up a crabmeal dumpling. The house elf put a lot of thought into it, and it tasted more authentic than the first grade. But she can no longer taste the same taste as before.

She sucked the fresh soup bit by bit. Daphne suddenly let out an ouch and was sprayed with juice, with a few drops pouring on her plate.

Daphne carefully waved her wand and chanted a spell to clean herself up: "Sorry, Yu. This is magic food from the East." She looked at the food on the plate suspiciously, not daring to eat it.

Shen Qitong burst out laughing, without any malice, and explained to Daphne gently: "There is no magic. If you take a fork and poke it through the small hole on the top, the soup will not spurt out. Then use the fork to make a hole on it. Small hole, slowly suck the soup."

"This is Shen Qitong, the disciple of the vice president of Kunlun College," Mu Yu immediately introduced the two of them before Daphne asked any questions, "Qitong, this is Daphne Greenglass. "

I know you. Xiaoyu wrote about it..." Shen Qitong's eyes lit up and he wanted to continue talking, but he was attracted by the brooch that Daphne was wearing.

Mu Yu's face remained as calm as water, but secretly he quickly made a gesture under the cover of the tablecloth. Everything happened in a flash of lightning. Shen Qitong blinked. She had just vaguely felt that the brooch was covered with a formation, but when she looked over it again, there was nothing special about the brooch.

Maybe I was dazzled by the fatigue of traveling.

"I have been very curious about you for a long time," this little incident was quickly revealed. "Actually, I am very curious about the entire Western magical world. There are a few words about the West in some books on Kyushu, but..."

She looked around before whispering: "Master has taught me since I was a child to see with my own eyes, listen with my own ears, and think with my own head."

When she spoke of Master, her tone was heavy and she looked towards him in a veiled way . Come to Mu Yu.

There is no doubt that the master here does not refer to Ning Yue.

She didn't notice that Mu Yu's grip on the goblet tightened. Daphne had been wearing this brooch for more than a day. Even Dumbledore and the school professor didn't notice anything unusual, but Shen Qitong seemed to be aware of it.

The real strength is not that simple when you think about it.

Daphne became more interested: "It just so happens that I am also very curious about the East. Unfortunately, Yu has never been to Kunlun."

They soon chatted so happily that Mu Yu had to change places with Shen Xitong so that they could sit together. Social interaction is Daphne's specialty. In recent years, Daphne's ability in this area has improved by leaps and bounds. She is no longer as immature and deliberate as she was in first grade. Shen Xitong didn't know anything about the Western magical world as he claimed, and soon they became like close friends who had known each other for many years.

"Kunlun officially has three official emblems. The upper part of the first one is the sword body, and the lower part is the pen tip. The ancient sword means birth, and the tip of the brush means joining the world. The whole logo together symbolizes the practice of one's heart in joining the world. Find the way out of the world under the grind of the world. Bamboo means perseverance and noble character, indicating that you should be as persevering as bamboo in the pursuit of the road, while the Yin and Yang Bagua represents the foundation of the academy and its emphasis on life and soul. It has been combined with the original local school, so the Yin and Yang Bagua emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang in the five elements, and the interdependence of each other." Shen Qitong explained the symbolic meaning of each to Daphne, and it was rare for her to explain so many complex concepts clearly in English.

"It's a bit like the four houses of Hogwarts. People with different characteristics and pursuits are divided into four houses. Ravenclaw symbolizes wisdom, Hufflepuff symbolizes hard work and loyalty..."

"Every magic school in the world There are always some similarities."

Mu Yu let the two of them talk independently, and she would add a few words from time to time. The dessert on the plate had disappeared, and the golden plate was spotless. Dumbledore had already stood up and was about to announce the tournament.

Her eyes met the blue magic eye of Barty Crouch Jr., and she quickly moved away. Barty Crouch Jr. was hinting to her that tonight it was time to fiddle with the selection process for the game.

The candlelight hanging above the head swayed slightly, casting a silhouette, and a star in the night sky swayed tremblingly, losing its luster weakly under the cover of dark clouds.

Snape seemed to be aware of it and looked at Barty Crouch Jr., but in his eyes, "Moody" was staring at Karkaroff who was talking to Dumbledore. While Dumbledore was talking to Karkaroff, he was paying attention to everyone's reactions with his peripheral vision. His fingers tapped happily on the thick oak table, as if he was performing a piece of music silently.

Mu Yu clenched the goblet and drank the last drop of juice in one gulp.

When Dumbledore stood up, everyone leaned forward. Facing a face full of expectation, he did not hesitate: "This moment has finally arrived, the most special competition for hegemony in centuries." The game is about to begin. Before explaining the program, please allow me to introduce two guests, Mr. Barty Crouch, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Magic, and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Director of the Department of Sports and Sports of the Ministry of Magic. "The

latter . Won significantly more applause than the former. When Dumbledore introduced him, Barty Crouch just stood up mechanically. Fortunately, his character was like this, and no one paid much attention to him.

"...They will form a panel of judges along with several of our principals to judge the efforts of the warriors. This year's competition items have been reviewed by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman, and after careful discussion we have decided to retain the past There are three events in total, held at different times during the school year. They will test the warriors in different aspects."

At this time, Filch handed over a box, and Mu Yu stared at the box. She was not the only one to do so. , everyone’s eyes were attracted to that box. It's just that what she asked for was completely different from them...

"The person responsible for selecting the warriors is a fair selector, and it is the Goblet of Fire." Dumbledore slowly tapped the box three times with his wand, and the lid creaked. Ga opened it, and Dumbledore took out an extremely rough wooden goblet. Bright blue-white flames danced in the goblet. "Every student who wants to run for the Warriors must send him a goblet." Write the name and school on a piece of parchment and throw it into the cup. Tomorrow night, the goblet will select the warrior it thinks best represents the five houses. In order to prevent the students who are not old enough from being unable to withstand the temptation, I will draw a line. There is an age line. No one under the age of seventeen can cross this line. "

"Although I understand the reason why they do this, it's a pity, isn't it?" Shen Qitong whispered to Mu Yu, "You are not old enough, otherwise. We can have a fair and just discussion."

"Hogwarts is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers," Mu Yu calmly responded to her, "Even if I reach the age, the Goblet of Fire may not choose me."

"Then...do you want me? I'll help you put it in," she joked, but obviously didn't take it seriously.

"Dumbledore will also think of this. He will definitely take precautions. I guess everyone can only vote once."

"That's right," Shen Qitong chuckled, "And if I do this, Master will definitely kill me. By the way, don't be too busy to leave later. Master has something to say to you."

At this time, Dumbledore was already giving his final instructions: "Finally, I want to remind every participating student that the Goblet of Fire is not a child's play. The contract has a strong effect. Once you are selected to become a warrior, you are not allowed to withdraw. Okay, I think everyone should go to bed. Good night."

Shen Qitong patted Mu Yu on the shoulder and said hello to Daphne. , then stood up and followed the others out of the foyer. People from several schools should have already discussed where to live.

"Xiao Di, you should go back first, you know..." Mu Yu looked at Ning Yue who was already walking towards her.

Daphne nodded understandingly: "I understand, Yu, good night."

"Good night."

Everyone must be exhausted. After a while, the four long tables were empty, and the candlelight reflected on the smooth tabletop gradually eroded the din of the banquet. Covering the entire auditorium with a layer of ice.

Ning Yue had already sat down next to her: "Xiaoyu." He only said one sentence and then refused to say more.

"Grandpa Ning, what's the matter?" Mu Yu remained as obedient and calm as ever in front of him.

It was as if Ning Yue had met this girl for the first time, whom he had always thought was introverted and sensible. She is taller than last year. Girls of this age always grow very fast. She also became more reserved, and it was difficult for him to guess what she was thinking.

In the summer, Dumbledore went to Kyushu to have a secret talk with Xu Yu. No one knows what they talked about. Soon after, Xu Yu was killed inexplicably and someone broke into Kunlun. Even if his reason told him that it must be those deacons who were behind this.

But it was all too much of a coincidence. It was such a coincidence that he encountered a possibility that even he didn't want to believe and couldn't believe.

Not to mention Dumbledore's tactful hints in his letter after the Quidditch World Cup incident.

Xiaoyu is only fourteen years old. She neither pursues pure-blood supremacy nor desires immortality. What reason does she have to get involved with Voldemort?

"Xiaoyu," Ning Yue stared at Mu Yu's eyes seriously, feeling quite stressed in this situation. She remained calm under his gaze, "You don't know how worried I am since I found out about what happened at the Quidditch World Cup. The four deacons who went to England to watch the game all disappeared inexplicably. Fortunately, nothing happened to you."

"Yes . "" She said softly, "At that time, a large group of people stormed the camp and everything was in chaos. I was separated from Mr. Greengrass. When I went back, he told me that someone was missing that night, and I didn't expect it to be the deacon."

She said . Just the right amount of surprise, all reactions spotless.

Ning Yue sighed heavily: "Someone broke into Kunlun College in the summer, and something happened at the Quidditch World Cup. The situation has not been good recently, and I haven't had time to write to you. My position is also..." "

I understand everything. ," Mu Yu said softly, "You have too many things to do. I am not a child anymore. I can take care of myself, so you don't have to worry about me too much. But there are still people who break into Kunlun College and are too courageous. He's older..."

Ning Yue looked at her for a while, but didn't answer. Instead, he directly mentioned her grandfather: "Actually, I have the same son and are sworn brothers."

She acted extremely shocked, but she had already guessed. A few minutes: "I, I don't know..."

"It was Zihuai who told me to keep a distance from them, otherwise I wouldn't be in the position I am in now."

He patted her back as if coaxing a child. Even though she had passed away, she would still have infinite feelings when mentioned again: "We advocate escaping from the world and directly returning power to the world, but many people don't think so. Zihuai once said that if it doesn't make sense Sooner or later, we will all disappear. Innovation also needs people to watch the sparks in secret," he choked, "It's a pity that I couldn't fulfill his wish."

"Grandpa Ning..."

Ning Yue raised his hand and stopped. He received her comfort: "Apart from the world, he only has you as his only concern in this life. You must live safely and happily."

Mu Yu clenched his fists secretly, and then quickly released them: "I always remember grandpa's wish. "

Xiaoyu, I have no children in my life. Although I can't express my emotions clearly, I have watched you and Qitong grow up. You have to remember that I will help you no matter what happens, just like when I was pregnant with Zi." "

The tears fell very naturally, and they were all sincere.

"You don't have to be like this."

She once again took advantage of her feelings.

There is no family affection on the chessboard, and there is no trust or vision. On the cold chessboard, there is only life and death on the endless void.