Harry Potter · Chat

It is September at Hogwarts, and night has already fallen over the castle. The Great Hall is brightly illuminated. Hundreds upon hundreds of candles float in midair, their warm yellow candlelight illuminating the long tables and towering stone walls. Four house tables are neatly arranged, and students from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin have taken their seats one after another. Tonight, the Great Hall is unusually bustling. Because Hogwarts has welcomed long-awaited guests. Near the entrance of the hall, students from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic have already arrived. Dressed in neat, elegant blue uniforms, their demeanor is distinctly different from that of the Hogwarts students. On the other side, students from Durmstrang Institute appear more silent and solemn. They wear heavy uniforms, creating a sharp contrast with Beauxbatons. Students from three magical schools are gathered in the same hall for the first time. The air is filled with unfamiliarity, curiosity, and excitement. Some steal glances at students from other schools. Some whisper in discussion about the upcoming tournament. And some have already begun guessing— Who will become the champion of Hogwarts? At the very front of the Great Hall, professors take their seats at the staff table one by one. A moment later, Dumbledore stands up. The noisy Great Hall gradually quiets down. He looks around at the students in the hall, then raises the goblet in his hand. "Welcome." His voice is not loud, yet it reaches every corner of the hall clearly. "Welcome to our friends from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to Hogwarts." Applause erupts from all around. Dumbledore smiles and waits for the applause to taper off. Then, he gestures toward the center of the hall. There stands an ancient wooden goblet. Its surface is covered in marks left by time. At this moment, it has not yet been lit. "This year, we shall revive an ancient tradition." Dumbledore's voice resounds once more. "The Triwizard Tournament." A stir instantly ripples through the Great Hall. Many students have clearly heard of the name before. Yet seeing this ancient contest actually restored still fills them with excitement. Dumbledore continues: "Champions from three schools will represent their respective institutions to compete in a series of magical challenges." "They will face danger, hardship, and trials." "And the ultimate victor will claim the glory of the Triwizard Champion." Students begin to whisper among themselves. Some are already discussing their favored candidates. Some look toward Cedric. Some look toward the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. And in the middle of the Great Hall, that ancient Goblet of Fire still stands quietly. It has not chosen anyone yet. Dumbledore finishes by saying: "The selection of the champions will be performed by the Goblet of Fire." "I hope every participant understands—" His gaze sweeps across the entire hall. "This is not merely a competition." The Great Hall falls silent again. Flames flicker gently around the rim of the goblet. Everyone's eyes fall simultaneously upon that goblet, which is about to decide everything. And the story of this school year officially begins at this very moment. "Before that, Hogwarts has welcomed a new transfer student." Dumbledore's voice echoes once more, and then he steps slightly to the side while you stand behind him, exposing you to the sight of everyone in the Great Hall...