Start by logging into the Old Man's Ring at Hogwarts

Harry looked completely bewildered; it seemed like no one had asked for his opinion yet.

He didn't say he wanted to participate in any three-way competition!

I heard that this competition can easily lead to someone's death if something goes wrong. He's so young, he doesn't want to die young!

Harry looked to Zicomo for help, hoping he could say a few words on his behalf.

Seeing Harry's gaze, Zicomo patted him on the shoulder and said, "Life is like that... if you can't fight it, then enjoy it. At least you have the opportunity to help Hogwarts achieve glory, don't you?"

“But didn’t you say this competition is extremely dangerous, and that people could even die?” Harry asked worriedly.

"Don't worry, with your skill level, the worst you'll get is a minor injury. Think about all the Quidditch matches you've played in the past, when have you ever been without getting injured?" Zicomo comforted him.

With Zicomo's comfort, Harry's anxiety dissipated considerably.

Crouch's decision was undoubtedly unfair to the other two schools.

So after he finished explaining the rules for the Triwizard Tournament, the principals of the other two schools left with their warriors, feeling resentful.

Dumbledore told Harry to go back to his room and rest, while Zicomo and Hermione were left behind.

Also left behind were Snape, Professor McGonagall, and 'Moody'.

When Moody heard that Dumbledore had left Zicomo behind, he felt a pang of anxiety, fearing that things might get complicated again.

Dumbledore was unaware of Moody's thoughts; he left Zicomo behind only because he had some doubts.

Dumbledore looked at Zicomo and asked, "You really didn't do anything to the Goblet of Fire?"

Zicomo rolled his eyes and said, "Really not."

"May I ask Hermione how she got her name into the Goblet of Fire?"

Upon hearing this question, Professor McGonagall looked over with equal curiosity.

Professor McGonagall was delighted that her student had become a Hogwarts champion, but she was also very curious about how Hermione had managed to do it.

As for Hermione's safety, she wasn't worried. Professor McGonagall had already witnessed Hermione's abilities last semester.

That's definitely on par with most of the professors at Hogwarts.

At the start of this semester, Professor McGonagall, wanting to check if Hermione had regressed over the summer, put Hermione to another test.

She discovered that Hermione's abilities had improved further.

I heard that Hermione went on a trip to the mysterious East with Zicomo during the summer vacation; she must have had some amazing adventures.

"Things are not as complicated as you think."

Zicomo explained, "For some reason, Hermione's actual age now meets the requirement of being 17."

"Won't this have any negative impact on Hermione?" Professor McGonagall asked with concern.

Professor McGonagall had no children of her own, and since taking Hermione as her apprentice, she has treated Hermione as her own daughter.

Professor McGonagall wasn't worried about Hermione participating in the Triwizard Tournament because she knew Hermione had the ability.

But after hearing that Hermione had suddenly aged several years for some reason, she began to worry that this might have some negative impact on Hermione.

“Please rest assured, this will only benefit Hermione and not harm her,” Zicomo replied.

Snape, who was standing nearby, seemed to know roughly what was going on.

He had visited Zicomo's "Zen Garden" and heard Zicomo talk about the flow of time.

Considering Hermione's studious nature, it's not hard to deduce that she was using the "Zen Garden" to study.

Having a magic stone really makes one carefree; they don't care at all about the lifespan loss of one or two years.

Professor McGonagall breathed a sigh of relief after receiving Zicomo's assurance.

Then she began to worry about Harry.

She turned to Dumbledore and said, "Albus, if Hermione was selected as a Hogwarts champion through normal means, then Harry's selection is definitely not normal. He doesn't even know why his name is in the Goblet of Fire."

“What are you trying to say, Minerva?” Dumbledore asked.

"Disqualify Harry from the competition. Don't let him participate."

"Bati has already said that the rules cannot be changed."

"To hell with Barty and his rules! When did you start pandering to the Ministry of Magic?"

Snape, however, held a different opinion from Professor McGonagall.

"Personally, I don't believe this is a coincidence either."

Snape initially agreed with Professor McGonagall's assessment.

He then added, "However, if we want to truly understand the truth, perhaps we should let it continue to develop for now."

"What do you mean? Are we just going to let it go and use him as bait?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Harry is a child, not a piece of meat!"

Professor McGonagall strongly opposed this, saying it was too dangerous for Harry.

However, Dumbledore preferred Snape's approach.

“I agree with Severus.”

Dumbledore looked at Zicomo and said, "Zicomo, I'd like to ask you to look after Harry from now on."

Zicomo shrugged and said, "Simply keeping an eye on him is no problem, but I can't be with him all the time."

"Don't worry, you only need to lend a hand when necessary, and Professor Moody will take care of the rest."

Then, Dumbledore looked at Moody and asked, "Alastor, is it alright to leave Harry in your care?"

“Of course, no problem,” Moody replied.

He really wanted to say that he could handle it alone.

With Zicomo around, Moody was afraid that Zicomo would discover something and ruin his master's plans.

Chapter 204 Returning to the Borderlands, Seren's Choice

Seeing that both Zicomo and 'Moody' had agreed, Dumbledore added:

"Don't let Harry realize he's already uneasy enough. There are still serious tests ahead for him."

Professor McGonagall, seeing that Dumbledore had not taken her advice, felt there was no point in staying any longer.

So she took Hermione and left.

Zicomo naturally followed.

After leaving the room, Professor McGonagall first congratulated Hermione.

Professor McGonagall was genuinely pleased that her student had become a warrior.

It would be best if Hermione could win another championship, that would make her even more proud.

However, Professor McGonagall then reminded Hermione to be careful during the competition and to prioritize her own safety above all else.

While she also wanted Hermione to achieve eternal glory, that was contingent on Hermione's safety.

It's clear that Professor McGonagall really cares about her student.

After a long chatter, Professor McGonagall told Hermione and Zicomo to go back to their dorms to sleep.

So much has happened tonight, and it's already very late.

After saying goodbye to Professor McGonagall, Hermione turned to look at Zicomo with expectant eyes.

She was more eager to hear congratulations from her cousin than from Professor McGonagall.

Zicomo saw through her thoughts, reached out and gently stroked her hair, saying, "Congratulations, my little witch, on becoming a champion representative of Hogwarts."

Hermione beamed with joy upon receiving Zicomo's congratulations.

Seeing how adorable she was, Zicomo couldn't resist giving her a peck on the cheek.

But the little witch wasn't satisfied and pouted at Zicomo.

Zicomo had no choice but to kiss her on the lips again.

Having gotten what she wanted, Hermione chuckled. She looked adorably silly.

"Alright, it's getting late, let's go back to sleep."

Zicomo led Hermione by the hand and walked towards the dormitory.

…………

The camera then shifts to Harry's side.

Harry had returned to his dormitory and was now leaning against the headboard, pondering how to prepare for the upcoming Triwizard Tournament. He had just finished washing up and was contemplating how to handle the upcoming tournament.

However, it's pointless for him to think about it now, because he doesn't even know what he'll face in the first match.

Ron walked past Harry and suddenly asked, "How did you do that?"

Before Harry could answer, he continued, "Never mind, never mind. You don't even tell your best buddies."

"Tell what?" Harry asked, puzzled.