The Hogwarts students performed better than most expected, with many of them skillfully handling various crises, some of which would even be tricky for adult Wizards.
After nearly eighty percent of the students had been eliminated, a team finally appeared before the Ball Python.
At this point, the Ball Python had grown very large under the influence of a Spell. The diameter of its head was almost as tall as a person, and its already plump body in the middle appeared even more massive.
The first student to encounter it thought they had run into a wall. When they realized the wall could move, they were immediately stunned into immobility.
The Ball Python flicked its tail, and the student was sent flying, caught off guard.
Although he was caught in mid-air by a Thestral, he was still eliminated.
Then, team after team rushed chaotically into the central area and charged at the Ball Python.
The Ball Python was originally a docile animal, naturally shy and timid.
But at this moment, it seemed to be treating all of this as an amusing game. It didn't use its characteristic constriction or sharp fangs. Instead, it simply flicked its tail or shifted its body to drive all the students out of its territory.
However, the participants' goal wasn't to defeat this giant creature, but to leave their team's mark on it.
So, it wasn't long before the clever students came up with a plan—
They would send some people to distract the Ball Python, and then one or two agile individuals would rush in to leave their names.
The snake's scales were very smooth and difficult to climb. Some less demanding teams simply signed their names far from its head, prioritizing participation.
Someone else knelt on the ground, calling out in despair, "Why did I choose a name like 'Crackle-Pop Brand Enthusiast, Go to Hell Gobstones!' How am I supposed to write all that?"
His remaining teammate stood blankly beside him, looking as if his soul had left his body.
"Hahahaha..."
The Weasley brothers were amused by them. The two of them, working in perfect sync, rushed forward.
Their team name was "Mischief Makers."
With their teammate's cooperation, they not only successfully left their names but also conveniently erased their competitors' signatures.
So, as soon as they jumped off the snake, they were met with a chaotic brawl.
Harry and the others rushed into the core area at this moment.
They were also the last team. Other teams that were stuck halfway or had suffered heavy losses had generally chosen to withdraw.
Few of the Umbrella Room members remained. Michael, Neville, and Theo had all fallen along the way while covering their teammates. In the end, only Harry and Hermione were left.
Wade sat on the platform of the Owlery. Although he couldn't hear the conversation there, he could clearly see the progress of events.
Though unintentional, the twins' mischief greatly helped Harry and Hermione—
Teams that had already signed generally quickly disengaged from the fight and watched from nearby.
If everything had proceeded as usual, by the time Harry and Hermione arrived, they would have had to face the Ball Python, which was terribly annoyed by these "little flies," and figure out how to dodge its attacks to get close enough to sign.
But at this moment, several Gryffindors and Slytherins were fighting fiercely around the Ball Python, and it swept them all away with a flick of its tail.
And those teams whose names had been erased had to rush towards the Ball Python a second time, signing while simultaneously defending against the Ball Python, protecting their new signatures, and causing mischief for others.
It could be said that Fred and George completely disrupted the original order, making all the students understand that signing was only the first step. The most important thing was whether they could protect their team's name until the very end.
"Good opportunity! While this big guy's attention is distracted, I can just fly over."
Harry took out his broomstick, about to mount it.
"Wait!"
Hermione grabbed him.
The girl glanced at the time and said, "Writing 'SSC' will only take one second... You can go up five minutes before the end."
Harry immediately realized—Hermione was right.
He wasn't confident he could protect his signature in that chaos... and once he got on the broom, he would probably become everyone's target.
But waiting nearby wasn't easy either.
The agony of being so close to completing the task but unable to finish it was only a small part. More importantly, there were flying Spells, the huge tail occasionally sweeping past, and sneak attacks from other teams.
Fortunately, the other magical creatures in the maze seemed to have been startled by the commotion here and didn't suddenly emerge from the bushes to attack them as before.
Wade looked down at the chaotic scene.
To prevent any actual accidents to the students, all the professors, Thestrals, and most of the House-elves in the maze were standing by, ready to intervene and rescue at any moment.
From his perspective, Harry and Hermione were like little ants on the ground, constantly scurrying around.
Suddenly, Hermione's legs stuck together uncontrollably, and she fell towards the ground, followed immediately by the Ball Python's body crashing down on her.
Harry's face contorted into a snarling expression, and his mouth shaped a loud shout of "Hermione."
Then, the Ball Python's body paused, and a House-elf instantly appeared, taking Hermione away.
Before leaving, Hermione quickly gave Harry an "OK" gesture.
Harry nodded forcefully, knowing Hermione was reminding him that he still had to endure for three more minutes before he could make his move.
He very agilely dodged two intersecting Spells, rolled on the ground, which left him covered in dust.
Perhaps because Harry was the smallest and youngest, and didn't actively attack, the Ball Python didn't pay him any mind. Even the other teams barely noticed him.
This made it easier for Harry to "survive."
Three minutes were up.
A Flying Broomstick shot into the sky, agile and light, like a swift battling the waves.
"Woah—"
Gasps rose simultaneously from the stands.
The contestants were also startled. The next second, seven or eight Spells flew towards Harry. The Weasley brothers clapped, cheered, and laughed.
The boy flew as if in his element, as if the strong winds posed no hindrance to him whatsoever.
Moments later, loud screams and cheers erupted from the stands, clearly audible to Wade even in the Owlery.
He put down his binoculars, then heard Professor Murray ask him with a smile:
"Regret it? If you had participated, it might be you receiving everyone's applause right now."
"What's the point?"
Wade said disinterestedly, "Human emotions are fickle, especially the affection of strangers. It can turn into disdain or even hatred over something trivial."
Professor Murray smiled.
"That... doesn't sound like something someone your age would say."
He shook his head and said, "It's cuter when children are more lively."
Wade turned to look at him and asked, "Is it cuter... or easier to trick?"
He didn't hear the professor's answer.
A House-elf suddenly appeared with a "thump," trembling slightly as it said, "Mr. Wade Gray... the maze... something went wrong..."
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