After the banquet ended, Vid's first task was still to find Professor McGonagall and retrieve the Time Turner.
The flames in the fireplace flickered slightly. Professor McGonagall sat in the chair, her expression much calmer than it had been in the hall.
"Sit down, Vid."
Professor McGonagall took out the box containing the Time Turner from the cabinet, opened it, but didn't hand it to him immediately.
"I know your class schedule is much freer now, even if you don't use the Time Turner you can manage… but I still helped you apply for this Turner."
Professor McGonagall looked into Vid's eyes and said in a solemn and sincere voice: "Because I also know you've set a lot of tasks for yourself, even doubling the time wouldn't be enough, so you really need the Time Turner."
Vid smiled and said, "Indeed, thank you very much for your help, Professor."
"Then you must still remember the few prohibitions of using the Time Turner?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Vid nodded: "Can't directly intervene in what's happened, can't exceed five hours, can't be used frequently at the same time, can only be used for learning, not for gaining other benefits, and… absolutely can't tell anyone else."
Professor McGonagall's lips turned up slightly, quickly reverting to a serious expression. She pushed the box in front of Vid, saying, "Very good, remember to strictly adhere to the rules."
"I will."
Vid said, taking out the Turner, hanging the long golden chain around his neck, and tucking the hourglass into his collar.
"One more thing," Professor McGonagall added: "If you plan to participate in the league, remember—absolutely can't use the Time Turner to influence the outcome of the matches, understood?"
"Of course." Vid said, "If I have to resort to cheating to win, I would rather honestly admit defeat."
Professor McGonagall revealed a barely noticeable smile: "Very good, Vid, you may go."
…
Watching as the student she was quite proud of left the office, Professor McGonagall unfastened her tight bun and tapped her left ear.
Then, she heard Flitwick's eager voice: "How was it, how was it? Minerva, did Vid go to get the Time Turner? What did he say?"
"Vid just left." Professor McGonagall poured herself a glass of Butter Beer, stood by the window, and looked at the distant Black Lake, saying: "You guessed wrong, he's already prepared to participate in this league."
After two seconds, Flitwick asked sharply: "Are you sure? He really will participate?"
"Yes, I've already talked with him." Professor McGonagall said confidently.
"Wonderful!"
On the other end of the call, Flitwick jumped for joy, saying: "I thought he certainly wouldn't like such attention-grabbing activities! I kept thinking about how to persuade him to participate, thought about it for several days!"
Professor McGonagall laughed: "It seems the child is more eager than you thought…"
"Haha… maybe he decided to compete for Hogwarts' honor." Professor Flitwick shook his head excitedly: "If you ask me, as long as Vid participates, the trophy certainly belongs to Hogwarts!"
Professor McGonagall wasn't so optimistic, she took a sip of the drink, her gaze carrying a tinge of worry.
"I naturally trust his ability, but compared to adults, Vid's magic power is still somewhat lacking, other schools surely have excellent students as well."
She sighed, saying: "Moreover, this league is unprecedented in size, eleven schools competing… the danger level certainly far exceeds before, anything could happen during the match…"
"And Dumbledore is watching! The Ministry of Magic learned from the previous World Cup, they will surely prioritize the safety of the matches."
Professor Flitwick said optimistically: "Minerva, you really should see those spells Vid showed me… absolutely perfect! He's totally qualified to get the N.E.W.T.s certificate for the Spell Class now!"
"My Transfiguration Class is the same, but the match requires not only perfect spells, it needs some other things as well…"
Professor McGonagall said softly: "Like trusting companions, like seeking help at the right time. And… guarding against means outside the arena."
Flitwick rubbed his chin and said thoughtfully: "I understand… I will talk to him again. Thanks for your reminder, Minerva! You've been a great help!"
The communication ended, Professor McGonagall heard two beeps in her ear, blinking in confusion.
—Filius… what exactly did you understand?
…
When Vid returned to the lounge, he saw everyone else had already gone to sleep, leaving only Anthony Goldstein sitting in front of the fireplace, holding a book of "Practical Defense Magic."
An unknown person's cat lay on the mantel above the fireplace, its tail hanging down, swaying leisurely.
Vid glanced at the cat, confirmed it was just a normal pet, walked over and sat opposite Anthony, asking: "Anthony, is there anything I can help with?"
Anthony put down the book, hesitated for a moment, and asked: "Vid, will you participate in this league?"
Vid nodded, saying: "Of course."
Anthony exhaled, showing a relaxed smile: "Then I'm at ease."
"At ease?" Vid said curiously: "Why?"
"Because this way, I don't have to lose sleep over how to reply if many fans write to me after I win the championship." Anthony said earnestly.
Vid was speechless: "You're looking for me just for this?"
"Hahaha… Of course not."
Anthony laughed, then put down the book, wiped his face, and sighed: "I have an aunt married to Russia, she told me, Kodostorians students received the news months ago, they selected a batch of the best students and trained for at least two months targeting the match."
Vid said nothing, he already knew these things.
"Also Magic Institute, Ilvermorny, Durmstrang… other schools all started training their students in advance, especially Durmstrang, did you know that school teaches the students Dark Magic?"
"I've heard of it." Vid said.
"So I'm a bit worried… I previously asked Professor Flitwick if Hogwarts had any training plans, and the professor said no…"
Anthony said helplessly: "But Professor Flitwick also said, if we organize training and learning ourselves, the school can't possibly prohibit it…"
With this said, Vid already knew Anthony's purpose for finding him.
Sure enough, then he heard Anthony say: "Vid, I know your time is very tight, but… if we want to ensure Hogwarts doesn't lose face in the league, someone has to lead everyone in training… and that person can only be you!"