Chapter 580: The Department of Mysteries’ Targeted Magic
Kyle followed Professor McGonagall and the others through the silent foyer, deep in thought. Soon, they arrived at the Hospital Wing.
Filch was placed on the innermost bed, and Mrs. Norris immediately leaped onto it, curling protectively beside him. In the adjacent bed lay Viktor Krum, unconscious.
"Professor, why is Krum here?" Harry asked curiously. He hadn't seen the match and had no idea what had happened.
"He encountered the Three-Headed Dog," Professor McGonagall replied in a hushed tone. "If he hadn't fired the red signal into the sky in time, it could have been far worse than just a coma."
"I've said before—Acromantulas and Manticores are dangerous enough for the maze. There was absolutely no need to include a Three-Headed Dog!"
Madam Pomfrey, who had just approached, twitched at McGonagall's comment, her lips pressing into a thin line. Every mention of a Magical Creature seemed to fray her patience further.
Though Madam Pomfrey understood the inherent risks of the Triwizard Tournament, she couldn't reconcile herself with its constant endangerment of students. Her grievances against Dumbledore had begun with the First Task and had continued without pause.
"I truly hope we won't host another of these tournaments," she muttered, her voice tinged with exasperation. "At least not at Hogwarts. Dangerous beasts like that have no place in a school."
"You're right," McGonagall agreed with a sharp nod. "But don't worry. The Triwizard Tournament only happens once every five years, rotating between the three schools. It won't be Hogwarts' turn again for another 15 years..."
She hesitated before adding, "If the tournament isn't canceled outright."
The Triwizard Cup being turned into a Portkey had caused a scandal, and with Voldemort's return now undeniable, there was a real possibility the event might be permanently suspended.