Seraphina Picquery is younger than Dumbledore, though she is over a hundred years old. She served as the President of the American Magic Congress in the 1920s. Even now, though elderly, she remains elegant and gracious.
"Hello, Ms. Picquery."
Vid reached out to shake hands with her, saying, "You are a female leader I greatly admire. I have learned about the accomplishments you achieved during your presidency of the Magic Congress... It's an honor to partake in this grand event with you."
At a loss for words, he instinctively echoed what Hermione had said earlier.
Ms. Picquery couldn't help but laugh, and teased Morry, "What an honest and adorable child... Terence, your student is much more modest than you."
Professor Morry did not seem to catch her sarcasm, he nodded and said, "Of course... My students are naturally excellent in every aspect."
Everyone laughed.
Vid withdrew his hand, his eyes held a touch of doubt.
He had thought Ms. Picquery might use the handshake as a chance to quietly pass important information to him, but a handshake was just a handshake, with no hidden agenda.
While Vid pondered her intention, Ms. Picquery looked at Vid again and asked, "What's Dumbledore been busy with recently? I thought I would see him at the event this time! But he didn't attend."
Sitting in the center of the judges' stand, Fontana leaned over and quickly said, "As per tradition, I've invited Mr. Dumbledore to be a judge, but unfortunately, he refused!"
"What else could he be busy with?" Professor Morry chuckled, "Catching so many Death Eaters, the Wizengamot probably won't have any idle time for the second half of this year."
Everyone knew that Albus Dumbledore was not only the Headmaster of Hogwarts, but also the President of the International Wizarding Union and the Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot.
However, those latter two titles are more honorary, and Dumbledore seldom participates in actual management and decision-making, often offering gentle suggestions to others.
Yet, the capture of a group of Death Eaters who had evaded justice for over a decade meant the Wizengamot and Azkaban instantly faced a burden of heavy responsibilities.
Such a significant matter, even Dumbledore couldn't just leave behind, and it was understandable that he needed to stay in the United Kingdom to address the various aftermaths.
Everyone expressed understanding, and Silas Hawthorne curiously asked, "The arrest of a group of pure-blood wizards must be considered an earthquake for your British Magic World, right? Can the Ministry of Magic withstand the pressure to sentence them all?"
"Why wouldn't it?" Morry chuckled, "The Lestrange Family's influence was even greater back then, and they were all sent to Azkaban, none have been released till now."
Hawthorne asked, "How many years has it been? That group should be dead by now?"
"If not dead, at least driven insane." Agilbert Fontaine said, "What kind of place is Azkaban? It's the most terrifying wizard prison in the entire Magic World. Honestly, I'd rather die than end up there!"
The conversation soon shifted to the Mysterious Man and Death Eaters, with only Ms. Picquery smiling helplessly, unable to continue discussing Dumbledore with Vid.
Vid glanced at her and respectfully said in a student-like tone, "Madam, after the competition, may I visit you?"
"Of course." Ms. Picquery gave a gentle smile, "I warmly welcome outstanding young people like you as guests."
"Hey, Terence." Silas Hawthorne poked Professor Morry, deliberately using a "provocative" tone, "Look, your student is about to be poached!"
Professor Morry nonchalantly said, "If an alchemist only learns from one teacher, then he is destined to have difficulty surpassing his teacher in life, so I wish everyone would teach him their skills—"
At this point, he looked at Hawthorne with a covetous eye and said:
"So Silas, when can you spare some time to talk to Vid about your research on space magic?"
"Huh?" Hawthorne pretended to be shy and said, "Teaching... must always require tuition, right? I won't charge much, just a bag of gold..."
Morry sternly said, "No! Just casual chatting, how could there be any charge?"
Hawthorne was shocked and widened his mouth, "For free?"
The more dignified Morry was stunned by his choice of words into silence, while the others roared with laughter.
Vid looked at Professor Morry, and his eyes also showed a hint of amusement.
—He had never seen Professor Morry like this.
Professor Morry had always been knowledgeable, patient, with steady speech, generous smiles, his silver hair was neatly combed, and his wizard's robe was always clean and tidy.
He was a typical scholar, a kind mentor, a reassuring elder.
But at this moment, with these familiar people, he seemed much younger, lively enough to joke around, even teasing others, making Vid feel amused and also making Professor Morry feel more approachable.
Yet before his smile fully blossomed, Vid's heart felt a shadow of doubt again.
—Professor Morry also attended the competition, why didn't Dumbledore assign the task of passing the information to Professor Morry?
Besides...
Vid's gaze swept past Professor Morry's cuff and quickly looked away.
The deep blue robe's cuff showed slight wear marks, and the pattern at the pocket edge looked somewhat faded. This robe had been washed at least twice.
By Vid's standards, he could continue wearing clothes as long as they're not broken even after washing them two hundred times, but Professor Morry was not like that.
This elderly man did not seek luxury, but always paid attention to his appearance, wearing robes that were always bright and crisp. Especially when attending important events, he would specially tailor a ceremonial robe.
Remembering what Antoine had said earlier... Professor Morry sold most of his assets, Vid couldn't help but feel some concern.
So... Professor Morry's finances faced serious issues... and are still unresolved?
Originally respectful of privacy, when Professor Morry hadn't brought it up himself, Vid hadn't privately investigated.
But at this moment, he decided to ask Machioni after the competition— what difficulties is Professor Morry facing requiring large expenses?
If needed, the Grey family's treasury wouldn't be unable to offer support...
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
The chairman of the judges, Agilbert Fontaine, suddenly clapped his hands, urging:
"The time is almost up, everyone! The audience is mostly seated, and we judges should take our seats too! Quickly, let's make our best appearance... the next part is global live broadcast!"