Chapter 185
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"Malcolm Bardock!"
"Slytherin!"
"Eleanor Branston!"
"Hufflepuff!"
One by one, the first-year students were assigned to their houses.
Many of the nervous freshmen approached the three-legged stool with anxious expressions, afraid they might be sorted into a house they disliked.
The line gradually grew shorter.
Soon Professor McGonagall finished reading the final name.
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Professor Dumbledore then stood up.
He smiled warmly at the students and spread his arms wide in welcome.
"I have only two words to say to you," he announced. His deep voice echoed throughout the Great Hall.
"Eat!"
The students immediately began attacking the food on the tables.
The first-years were stunned by the sight of the feast before them.
But their shock was quickly overcome by hunger.
Compared with the meals cooked at home, the dishes prepared by the house-elves of Hogwarts were far more delicious.
Outside, heavy rain continued pounding against the tall windows.
Thunder rumbled.
Lightning flashed across the enchanted ceiling, illuminating the golden plates.
As soon as the main dishes disappeared, the plates instantly filled again—this time with desserts.
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"Alright!"
After a while, Dumbledore stood again.
"Now that we have eaten and drunk our fill, I must ask for your attention once more."
"I have a few announcements."
"The caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to inform you that several more items are banned within the castle this year."
"These include Screaming Yo-Yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Exploding Boomerangs."
"The full list contains roughly four hundred and thirty-seven items. Those interested may consult Mr. Filch's office."
The corner of Dumbledore's mouth twitched slightly.
He continued.
"As always, I must remind everyone that the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits to students."
"And students below the third year are not permitted to visit Hogsmeade Village."
Then he paused briefly.
"I must also inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not be held this year."
The hall erupted into stunned silence.
Many students stared at Dumbledore in disbelief.
Their minds struggled to accept the news.
Why would the Quidditch Cup be cancelled?
Dumbledore continued calmly.
"This is because an important event will begin in October and last throughout the entire school year."
"It will require considerable time and effort from the staff."
"However, I believe you will find it most exciting."
He smiled.
"It gives me great pleasure to announce that this year at Hogwarts—after more than a century—we will once again host the Triwizard Tournament."
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"You've got to be joking!"
Fred Weasley shouted loudly.
The sudden news had clearly shocked him.
George looked equally stunned.
After all, many of the banned prank items Dumbledore had just listed were inventions of the Weasley twins.
"I am not joking, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore replied calmly.
"Though if you would like a joke, I happen to know a very good one—"
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.
The sound interrupted Dumbledore before he could continue.
Malfoy watched the scene coldly.
Dumbledore's playful manner made him seem more approachable in the eyes of the students.
It was a clever way of shortening the distance between headmaster and pupils.
Yet Malfoy knew very well that the old man was not nearly so carefree at other times.
Soon Dumbledore's expression turned serious.
His sharp gaze swept across the hall.
"…However, the Triwizard Tournament was discontinued many years ago because too many participants died."
"Died?"
At the mention of death, many younger students trembled.
Especially the first-years.
They had not expected such terrifying news on their very first night at Hogwarts.
They had come here to study magic—not risk their lives.
Most of them were so nervous they barely listened to the rest of the explanation.
Meanwhile, the older students reacted very differently.
They whispered excitedly and looked eager to participate.
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"Over the centuries, several attempts were made to revive the tournament," Dumbledore continued.
"Unfortunately, none succeeded."
"However, the Department of International Magical Cooperation and the Department of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic now believe the time is right to try again."
"This summer we have made extensive preparations to ensure that the champions will not face mortal danger."
"In October, the headmasters of Beauxbatons Academy and Durmstrang Institute will arrive with their selected students."
"The selection ceremony will take place on Halloween."
"An impartial judge will determine which students are most worthy to compete in the tournament and bring glory to their schools."
"And the champion will receive a prize of one thousand Galleons."
At once, many students' eyes lit up.
They cared little about deaths that had occurred over a century ago.
The generous prize money was far more exciting.
"Merlin's beard!" Ron exclaimed.
"How many years would Dad have to work to earn that much? That's a thousand Galleons!"
"I know that many of you are eager to win the Triwizard Cup for Hogwarts," Dumbledore continued.
"However, the participating schools and the Ministry of Magic have agreed on an age restriction for this year's tournament."
"Only students who are seventeen years old or older may enter."
The Weasley twins immediately looked furious.
"This is a very unwise rule," Dumbledore admitted with a small cough.
"There are certainly young witches and wizards who possess exceptional magical talent."
He briefly glanced toward a particular direction among the students before raising both hands to quiet the hall.
"However, most students follow a simple rule—the older they are, the more powerful their magic becomes."
"Then can we participate or not?!" Ron suddenly shouted excitedly.
Hermione jumped in surprise beside him.
"The names of those wishing to compete will be submitted to the Goblet of Fire," Dumbledore explained.
"The Goblet will use its own magic to select the champions."
"I will also place an Age Line around it."
"This spell will prevent underage students from approaching."
"Only those capable of overcoming my magical barrier will be considered by the Goblet."
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"Finally," Dumbledore said, "I have one more announcement."
"I would like to introduce two new members of our teaching staff."
The students, however, seemed less interested now.
After the excitement of the Triwizard Tournament announcement, new teachers felt rather unimportant.
"First, your new Care of Magical Creatures teacher—Professor Grubbly-Plank."
"She kindly assisted us last year."
An elderly witch stood from the staff table and nodded.
Her gray hair was cut short, and her chin was rather prominent.
Although she was not particularly beautiful, her kind expression was obvious.
Polite but scattered applause followed.
"And finally," Dumbledore continued,
"your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher…"
He smiled.
"Professor Alastor Moody."
"You should already be somewhat familiar with him."
"Last year he came to Hogwarts to assist us as an Auror."