CHAPTER 366: THE SMALL CHANGE

The Great Hall was alive with anticipation. The Goblet of Fire blazed at the front, its tall blue flames flickering against the enchanted ceiling above, and every eye was fixed on Dumbledore as he raised his hands for silence.

Before he could continue, a loud voice rang out from the Gryffindor table.

"So what’s the big announcement then? Are you letting us join the Tournament, or is Quidditch finally coming back?" one of the Weasley twins shouted, to the amusement of several students. Others quickly joined in, voices rising as they speculated wildly.

Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled, but he raised his hand again, his calm tone cutting through the chatter.

"Patience, patience. It is not what you think."

A collective groan rose from the hall, particularly among the Quidditch players who had secretly hoped for better news. Professor McGonagall’s stern gaze quickly restored order, her eyes narrowing until the murmurs subsided into an uneasy silence.

"Now," Dumbledore continued, "as I was saying, there has been a small change to the arrangements of the Tournament. I have received word that, with the agreement of the governors of Hogwarts, we are to add another judge to the competition. This judge will also serve as the official representative of the governors."

The hall leaned forward in anticipation. Dumbledore’s voice softened slightly as he spoke the name.

"They have introduced Miss Eira White to be that representative, and to serve as overseer of the Tournament."

Eira blinked in surprise, her spoon frozen in her hand. She had donated to support the Tournament’s hosting, but she had never asked for involvement beyond that. Now, the entire school was turning toward her, eyes widening, voices rising in disbelief.

Students began whispering and some openly protested. A boy at the Gryffindor table scoffed loudly. Others muttered angrily about unfair advantages.

Ron Weasley leaned toward Harry, his voice low but sharp.

"See? She bought her way in, just like the Malfoys always do. First she throws money at Hogwarts, now she’s sitting with the judges. Bet she thinks she’s better than the rest of us."

Harry frowned.

"You don’t know that, Ron. It’s not like she asked for it."

Ron shook his head, refusing to let it go.

"Come off it, Harry. You think she’s really here because she earned it? She’s got everyone fooled, but she’s just another spoiled pure-blood, flashing gold to get what she wants. Bet the Slytherins love it. She’ll probably fix the scores for her friends too."

Harry sighed, though he kept his gaze fixed on Dumbledore, ignoring Ron’s muttering.

At the staff table, Karkaroff shot to his feet, his voice ringing across the hall.

"I do not accept this! You are cheating, plain as day. Adding a fourth judge, and of course British. Who do you think she will favor? Hogwarts, naturally. This was never agreed upon, Dumbledore."

Barty Crouch straightened, his face cold and severe.

"I must admit, Headmaster, I also question this decision. A child cannot be expected to serve as judge in a tournament of this importance. It could even raise diplomatic complications. I will speak to Minister Fudge at once about this matter." He glanced at Eira briefly before returning his gaze to Dumbledore. "The points system was agreed upon. Five judges, ten points each. Disturbing that balance could undermine the fairness of the competition."

Ludo Bagman leaned forward, his face breaking into an eager smile.

"On the contrary, I think it is an excellent idea. Miss White has already contributed a great deal to the success of the Tournament. In fact, most of the expenses for these events have been covered by her donations. If she wishes to serve as overseer, who better? Her involvement is not only appropriate, it is invaluable."

The hall filled with a wave of whispers at Bagman’s words. Students exchanged astonished looks, and more than a few began to murmur about Eira’s wealth and influence.

Karkaroff sneered, his eyes flashing as he turned sharply toward Madame Maxime.

"This is outrageous. Even you must agree, Olympe. They are twisting the rules for their own gain. Surely you cannot accept this."

Every eye turned toward the Beauxbatons headmistress, who had remained silent until now. Madame Maxime lifted her chin, a faint smile touching her lips.

"Actually, I agree."

Karkaroff’s face lit with vindication.

"See? Even she does not accept this—"

But Madame Maxime’s next words cut him off, freezing him mid-sentence.

"I agree that Miss White should serve as judge alongside us. She has shown wisdom beyond her years, and she will represent the voice of the younger generation. I welcome her as a fellow judge."

A ripple of shock swept through the hall. Karkaroff’s mouth opened, but before he could form another protest, Alastor Moody rose from his seat and moved to stand at his side. His scarred face was unreadable, his magical eye spinning slowly in its socket. Karkaroff stiffened, swallowed hard, and immediately fell silent.

Dumbledore’s eyes sparkled with quiet amusement. He clasped his hands together and looked out across the hall.

"Well, it seems we are agreed. Miss White will join us as a fellow judge, representing both the governors of Hogwarts and the students themselves. I am certain she will be fair in all matters." His eyes found Eira. "What say you, Miss White?"

Eira rose from the Slytherin table, her heart steady despite the storm of voices around her. She gave a small smile as she answered.

"If the governors of the school have entrusted me with this responsibility, then I will gladly accept it. I will do my best to serve fairly as judge."

For a moment, there was silence. Then a clear clap rang out. Tracey Davis had risen to her feet at the Slytherin table, applauding. Daphne Greengrass joined her a heartbeat later, and soon the rest of the Slytherins followed, the sound echoing through the hall. One by one, students from other tables joined in, until the applause filled the Great Hall.

Dumbledore’s smile widened.

"Excellent. Then it is settled. Now, let us turn to the matter you have all been waiting for."

He moved toward the Goblet of Fire, its flames still leaping tall and bright. The students leaned forward, their anticipation mounting. The moment of truth was close.