"Attention!" Dumbledore used Sonorus to override all the chattering students.
"According to the results from our panel of judges, one student who returned to shore, Aiden Prewett, demonstrated unparalleled Transfiguration skills. Therefore, he shall claim victory with forty-seven points."
As Dumbledore's words fell, the Ravenclaw wizards applauded and cheered enthusiastically for Aiden.
"Next, Harry Potter, although he was late, demonstrated unparalleled moral character in the process. With recognition from the vast majority of judges, he achieved 45 points, earning second place!"
The Gryffindor wizards cheered wildly, rushing to Harry's side to lift him up and repeatedly toss him into the air.
Meanwhile, Karkaroff kept making disgusted spitting gestures at Dumbledore.
"Next, we believe that Durmstrang's champion also demonstrated impressive Transfiguration skills in the competition and rescued his treasure. Therefore, he received forty points, claiming third place."
"Krum." "Krum." "Krum..."
The Durmstrang students chanted his name in unison, cheering him on with obvious pride.
"Finally, our Miss Fleur, although she did not complete the rescue, we are still moved by the courage she showed in bravely facing the Grindylows. Therefore, we will award her twenty points, fourth place."
Madame Maxime hugged Fleur gently, patting her back to comfort her disappointed student.
The second task ended, and Barty Crouch came to the shore to congratulate the champions.
"Congratulations, Mr. Prewett, Mr. Potter, on magnificent magic and noble morality."
"Thank you." Harry thanked Barty Crouch politely and then left with the enthusiastic twins.
"Oh, Mr. Prewett, seeing you reminds me of your father, that brave young man."
Barty chatted warmly with Aiden, while Moody, seeing their intimate conversation, also interjected.
"You wouldn't be trying to entice him to intern at your department during summer vacation, would you?"
When Moody spoke, he habitually licked his lips, a gesture that old Barty noticed with growing suspicion.
Old Barty leaned forward, widening his eyes to look at Moody, while Moody's gaze was somewhat evasive.
"Haha, the Department of International Magical Cooperation is also a nice place, isn't it? My brother is interning there."
Aiden's interruption eased the tense atmosphere between the two men.
"Oh, yes." Barty said, shaking his head and continuing to lead Aiden forward.
"Mr. Crouch, I'm sure you've already noticed." Aiden spoke meaningfully.
At the same time, abilities from Sequence 4 brought the two into the blind spots of consciousness.
"You, what are you talking about?" Old Barty's voice trembled somewhat.
"Moody is little Barty, your son. You recognised him, didn't you?" Aiden asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No... he's already dead." Old Barty was still being stubborn.
"Come on, Mr. Crouch, few people in this world can hide their minds from me anymore."
Aiden tapped his index finger lightly, his dragon eyes looking straight into old Barty's heart.
"What do you want?" Barty asked, giving up his pretence.
"Nothing special, just want to chat with you."
A staff materialised in Aiden's hand. With a thud, the staff hit the ground.
Two comfortable sofas appeared on the ground, and Aiden gestured for him to sit down.
"There's nothing to chat about. He's a faithful devotee of You-Know-Who. I should eliminate him."
Old Barty covered his head in pain, his expression showing obvious anguish.
"But what if I could make him change his mind?" Aiden asked, narrowing his eyes.
"You see, his persistence in pursuing goals, his own magical abilities, and his courage and boldness are all exceptional. It's just a pity that he used this talent in the wrong place."
Aiden's expression showed genuine regret.
"You want him to serve you, and not just him, but me too. You... do you want to become the next Dark Lord?"
Barty's voice trembled. He was horrified to discover that yet another talented young man had different ideas.
"But this time, we uphold destiny and righteousness, and we don't achieve our goals through killing. Why would we become Dark Lords?"
Aiden waved his hand, and the surrounding forest began to fold impossibly.
The Department of Mysteries, Deep Realm Kings, Beyonders, and Perfect Werewolves.
All of Aiden's past achievements appeared before old Barty one by one in vivid detail.
"Wouldn't it be good to free your son from corrupt, ignorant pure-blood ideology?"
Aiden raised his hand to old Barty with invitation.
"Join us, join this evolution, for a better future."
The surrounding images froze on the scene of Aiden shooting an arrow of love through the Deep Realm King.
Old Barty was shocked speechless by these incredible visions, his mind struggling violently.
Aiden's words were subverting the regulations he had upheld and dedicated his life to.
Yet his heart unknowingly felt a glimmer of secret joy.
It was longing for his son and for all the beautiful future ahead.
Once human hope is born, even the most solid walls will collapse.
Old Barty lowered his head, took Aiden's extended hand, and performed a respectful hand-kissing ceremony.
"Very good, you made a wise choice." Aiden nodded with approval.
"Then, what should I do?" Old Barty asked.
"I need you to fall silent once." Aiden said with a mysterious smile.
That evening, Harry, who had gone to Hagrid's hut with the twins to celebrate, was preparing to return to the castle.
Hagrid was drunk and rambling nonsensically.
"I remember when I first met you guys; it was four years ago. You were the most antisocial first-years I'd ever seen, reminded me of when I was little..."
Harry and the twins walking in front of Hagrid suddenly stopped, and Hagrid bumped into them, making them stumble.
"Oh, sorry." Hagrid apologised with obvious confusion.
He walked past Harry and the twins to the front, wanting to see clearly why they had stopped.
But the man lying on the ground sobered him up instantly.
"Mr. Barty Crouch!"
Hagrid and the three boys quickly took Barty to the hospital wing.
At the same time, an owl carrying an urgent letter flew to the Ministry of Magic.
When Harry arrived at the headmaster's office, there was a heated discussion going on inside.
"This is too ridiculous, Dumbledore. At times like this, people need to draw courage from their leaders." A sickeningly sweet voice spoke.
"Then you should go out and demonstrate yourself." A clear young voice responded sharply.
"The Triwizard Tournament cannot be cancelled, otherwise everyone will just think the Ministry of Magic is cowardly."
The sickeningly sweet female voice spoke again while Harry came to the door.
"True leaders only do what's right, they don't care about others' opinions."
This voice Harry knew very well. It was Dumbledore.
"Excuse the interruption, but someone is already eavesdropping at the door." Moody said, drawing his wand and opening the door.
"Oh, Harry Potter, pleased to meet you. I'm Dolores Umbridge." A pink toad rushed out, preparing to shake hands with Harry.
"Professor, I can come back later." Harry said politely.
"Oh, no need. Miss Umbridge and I still have matters to discuss. You play with Aiden here, I'll be right back."
Dumbledore walked out, with Umbridge following closely behind.
Aiden gestured to Harry with his hand, reminding him as Dumbledore left, "Well, you can eat the sherbet lemons freely, but be careful, they have quite a strong taste."
Then Moody also left, leaving only Harry and Aiden in the office.