Chapter 289: Press Conference

    In this world, there are two kinds of smart people.

    One kind seems to see through the future, read the thoughts of others, and know everything.

    Such people are rare—almost nonexistent.

    The other kind is those who are thoroughly prepared and can respond to anything that happens.

    At this moment, Voldemort had made all the necessary preparations. Regardless of what Dumbledore and Cyrus were planning, or whether Grindelwald genuinely wanted to cooperate with him, Voldemort was ready to face it all.

    Once he regained the power of the Elder Wand, Voldemort vowed he would never lose it again.

    But for now, his priority was to become a champion.

    To become a legitimate champion chosen by the Goblet of Fire!

    ...

    Today, countless wizards had arrived at Hogwarts.

    The Great Hall seemed to have doubled in size, packed not only with over a thousand students but also with numerous wizard journalists holding magical cameras.

    Naturally, the Daily Prophet was present, but in addition, reporters from the New York Elf Gazette in America and the Howl of the Gargoyle from France had also gathered, setting up flashing lights aimed at the long, large table at the front of the hall.

    Prior to this, Dumbledore had firmly stood his ground, deciding that the third task of the tournament would proceed as planned. And now, it was time for Beauxbatons Academy of Magic to choose their new champion.

    Disguised as Madame Maxime, Barty Jr. sat upright in his chair early in the day.

    Of course, the reporters weren''t just here for the Triwizard Tournament—they were also hoping to capture some sensational news.

    Not long ago, the scene of Cyrus defeating Grindelwald had been recorded by magical drones. While most people hadn''t witnessed the full duel itself, that single captured image was enough to cause a massive stir throughout the wizarding world!

    In fact, for a long time afterward, The New York Elf Gazette and Howl of the Gargoyle ran daily reports on the event in every possible variation. Wizards across Europe and North America had seen the vivid image on the front pages—Cyrus knocking down Grindelwald with his wand.

    The story had even spread to more remote parts of the world.

    Naturally, Voldemort was also a major headline.

    However, Cornelius Fudge had recently prohibited The Daily Prophet from publishing such news, which suppressed its popularity. Beyond Britain, few people cared much about the Dark Lord''s affairs.

    Nevertheless, Voldemort and Grindelwald remained two of the most terrifying wizards in the world. Any news about them was inherently explosive, which, in turn, elevated international attention on the Triwizard Tournament to an unprecedented level.

    They knew the snake''s name—Nagini.

    As soon as the reporters saw them appear, they swarmed forward like sharks catching the scent of blood. The flashes from their cameras lit up the dim hall like sunlight reflecting off mirrors, creating an almost blinding and disorienting effect.

    "Mr. Dumbledore, is it true that You-Know-Who has returned?" a female reporter pushed through the crowd, shouting her question toward Dumbledore while her Quick-Quotes Quill hovered at the ready.

    Her lead sparked a flurry of questions from the rest of the reporters, each one more eager than the last to get an answer.

    "Mr. Cyrus, is it true that you defeated the Dark wizard Grindelwald?"

    "Minister Fudge, can you explain why the Ministry of Magic remains silent on the matter of You-Know-Who''s return?"

    Fudge''s expression darkened. Unlike Dumbledore, he lacked composure under pressure, and the sharp-eyed reporters seemed to notice this, immediately directing most of their attention toward him, hoping to provoke a sensational response.

    "Minister Fudge, what''s the real reason for covering up You-Know-Who''s return? Does this suggest the Ministry is preparing to submit to him?"

    "You-Know-Who is dead!" Fudge roared, his face turning an alarming shade of reddish-purple.

    "Are you suggesting Dumbledore is fearmongering? There are reports claiming you''ve privately said that Dumbledore is senile—are those true?"

    "Of course—Those are just senseless rumours!"

    Fudge''s eyes widened as he glared at the reporter, looking as if he wanted to punch them right then and there.

    Behind closed doors, Fudge could badmouth Dumbledore all he liked, but now?

    Here, in front of so many people, with Dumbledore seated not far from him—separated by just one chair? In this situation, Dumbledore could practically poke him in the throat with his wand!

    And you dare to ask such a question?

    Which newspaper do you even work for?

    Fudge wanted nothing more than to send this tactless idiot straight to Azkaban to keep company with the Dementors. But he couldn''t—because this reporter was from France, outside his jurisdiction.

    Now, faced with the reporters'' pointed questions and Dumbledore''s calm, gentle gaze, Fudge could only force himself to shake his head.

    "All those rumors are nothing but rumors. Everyone knows I have a very close relationship with Albus... I don''t know what you''ve heard, but it''s all baseless rumors."

    Dumbledore chimed in, "Cornelius is absolutely right. In fact, if it weren''t for his consistent support, the third task might have been canceled. I''m truly grateful to Cornelius for that."

    __________

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