The corridors of Hogwarts buzzed with anticipation. Whispers floated through the air like leaves on a brisk autumn day, as students gathered along the passageways, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the foreign delegations. The Triwizard Tournament was on everyone's mind, and rumors had been swirling about the mysterious guests who were set to arrive today.
In the midst of the crowd, a young man stood, his emerald eyes surveying the scene with a mixture of curiosity and nostalgia. His dark, untidy hair gave him a perpetually windswept look, and the faint scar on his forehead—hidden partially beneath his fringe—remained a silent reminder of the extraordinary life he had led.
How fast the time has flown, Harry Potter thought to himself. I still remember the day I was first introduced to magic, that letter from Hogwarts that changed my life forever. And now, here I am—four years into this magical world, and the adventure seems never-ending.
He glanced around at the familiar faces of his classmates, many of whom had grown up with him through every twist and turn of their magical journey. Beside him stood his two best friends—Hermione Granger, the ever-studious and brilliant witch, and Ron Weasley, his loyal companion whose appetite for food and adventure was only matched by his endless wit.
Ron, as usual, was craning his neck, trying to peer over the heads of the crowd. "I heard the Beauxbatons delegation's arriving in some sort of flying carriage," he muttered, his eyes wide with excitement.
Hermione, on the other hand, looked more intrigued by the rumors surrounding the Durmstrang Institute's arrival. "If the stories are true, Durmstrang's arrival is going to be... dramatic," she said, brushing a strand of her bushy hair behind her ear.
Harry chuckled at his friends, their personalities as distinct as always. His own heart beat a little faster with the anticipation. No matter how much he'd faced in the past—dark wizards, life-threatening dangers, and mysterious forces—something about the Triwizard Tournament filled him with a sense of awe. The world beyond Hogwarts felt closer, more real, as these other magical institutions began to make their presence known.
Suddenly, the air shifted. The crowd of students murmured in excitement as a distant rumble grew louder. Harry turned, his gaze lifting toward the sky.
"Look!" someone shouted.
High above, a carriage pulled by winged horses appeared. But these weren't ordinary horses—these were magnificent, snow-white Pegasi, their wings glimmering in the sunlight as they soared through the air, pulling a golden carriage behind them. The crowd erupted into cheers as the majestic creatures descended gracefully, heading toward the landing area in front of the castle.
Ron whistled, his mouth hanging open. "Blimey, those Pegasi are huge! I wonder what they eat."
Hermione elbowed him, but even she couldn't hide her amazement. "Those are Abraxan Pegasi! They're known to be incredibly strong. Only the best-trained handlers can control them."
As the Pegasi landed, their hooves barely making a sound on the grass, the students strained to catch a glimpse of the elegant figures stepping out of the carriage. The delegation from Beauxbatons, dressed in flowing silks, made their entrance, their regal demeanor captivating the onlookers. But before anyone could focus too much on them, something else stirred beneath the surface of the lake.
The Black Lake, which had been eerily still moments ago, suddenly rippled violently. The water churned, and with a loud crack, a massive, dark shape emerged from the depths. A collective gasp escaped the crowd as the ship came into view, rising from the lake like a phantom. Its hull, dark and weathered, looked as though it had seen countless battles, its exterior adorned with grim, pirate-like decorations.
"Merlin's beard..." Harry heard someone whisper as the ship glided toward the dock, casting long shadows over the gathered students. Its sails unfurled in the wind, revealing intricate runes and symbols etched into the fabric.
"That's Durmstrang's ship," Hermione murmured, her eyes wide with awe. "It's... massive."
Harry nodded in agreement, the sheer size and menacing appearance of the ship leaving him speechless. For a moment, the crowd was mesmerized by the two grand arrivals—the flying carriage and the pirate-like ship. The buzz of excitement filled the air as students exchanged whispers and speculations about what the delegations might bring with them.
But then, something happened that no one could have predicted.
Out of nowhere, the sky darkened. A low, ominous hum filled the air, growing louder and louder until it became a deafening roar. Harry's hands instinctively flew to his ears, as did Ron's and Hermione's, as the entire crowd turned their heads to the sky.
Above them, a swirling blue vortex appeared—shimmering like a portal. The roar intensified, vibrating through the air like a primal scream. Panic washed over the students as the sky itself seemed to tear open. And then, from within the portal, a monstrous figure began to emerge.
The creature that came through was like nothing Harry had ever seen before. It was gigantic, its form covered in green, scaly skin that glistened in the unnatural light of the portal. It let out a deafening roar that echoed across the grounds, making every single student freeze in place. The once excited crowd fell into a terrified silence. The creature's wings spread wide, blocking out the sky, and its yellow eyes gleamed with terrifying intelligence.
Harry's breath caught in his throat. "What is that...?"
It was then that he noticed something else—someone stood atop the creature's back. A figure, cloaked in dark clothing, commanding the beast like it was an obedient pet.
Hermione grabbed Harry's arm, her voice trembling. "Harry, we need to go... now!"
But before they could react, the creature descended with terrifying speed. In a matter of seconds, it reached the landing area, causing the ground to tremble beneath its weight. The figure atop the beast leaped off with fluid grace, followed by a second individual, both of whom landed with a precision that suggested immense power and control.
The creature, having delivered its passengers, gave one last thunderous roar before retreating back into the portal, which sealed shut with a soft crack, leaving behind a tense, uneasy silence.
And then, it happened.
Screams. All of Hogwarts erupted into chaos as students fled in every direction, the once curious crowd now overwhelmed with terror. The sight of the monstrous creature and the mysterious figures had thrown the entire school into disarray.
----
After the commotion outside had finally settled , the students of Hogwarts returned to their routine. The halls were abuzz with murmurs of speculation, everyone wondering who the strange figures were and what business they had at Hogwarts. But for now, the attention had shifted back to the Triwizard Tournament, and the excitement of the legendary event began to overshadow the unsettling incident.
In the Great Hall, the atmosphere was electric. The long tables were packed with students eagerly waiting for the start of the feast, the Sorting Ceremony having just concluded. New first years sat wide-eyed, their gazes darting around the majestic hall, while older students discussed the day's events in hushed tones. Above, the enchanted ceiling reflected a calm, clear night sky, the perfect backdrop to the evening's grandeur.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat together at the Gryffindor table, glancing toward the staff table where Professor Dumbledore stood, ready to address the entire school. Despite the calm now settling in, Harry could still feel a lingering tension in the air, as though everyone was waiting for something extraordinary to happen.
Dumbledore raised his hands, signaling for quiet. The hall fell into a respectful silence as the headmaster prepared to speak.
"Well," Dumbledore began, his voice warm and commanding, "now that we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement."
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the hall, the students hanging onto every word.
"This castle will not only be your home this year..." he continued, "but it will also be home to some very special guests."
The excitement in the room rose once more. Everyone had heard whispers of the Triwizard Tournament, but now it was official. Dumbledore's twinkling eyes shone with excitement as he made the grand revelation.
"You see, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event... The Triwizard Tournament!"
A ripple of gasps and whispers flowed through the hall. The younger students leaned forward eagerly, while the older ones exchanged knowing glances.
"For those of you who may not know," Dumbledore explained, "the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single student is selected to compete. Now, let me be clear—if chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say... these contests are not for the faint-hearted."
Harry felt a twinge of nervous excitement, as did many others. He had always known the Triwizard Tournament was dangerous, but Dumbledore's solemn tone gave it a weight that sent chills down his spine.
"But more of that later," Dumbledore said, his tone shifting to something lighter. "For now, please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic... and their headmistress, Madame Maxime!"
The doors of the Great Hall opened with a soft creak, and in walked the delegation from Beauxbatons, led by the towering figure of Madame Maxime. The Beauxbatons students moved gracefully, performing a mesmerizing dance as they entered, their charm radiating through the hall. The boys, especially, were captivated, their gazes following the graceful witches as they glided down the aisle. There were audible sighs and dreamy stares from nearly every table, as the Beauxbatons students finished their performance just below the staff table, their movements as delicate as silk.
Dumbledore smiled warmly, waiting for the applause to die down before stepping forward again. "And now, our friends from the north... Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang, and their high master, Igor Karkaroff!"
The doors opened once more, and this time the Durmstrang delegation entered with fiery intensity. The boys from Durmstrang performed incredible fire spells, twirling batons ablaze with magic, the heat of the flames palpable even from the furthest tables. The students of Hogwarts watched in awe as Durmstrang's hot-blooded energy filled the hall. Girls across the room exchanged excited whispers as Viktor Krum, the famous Quidditch player, entered alongside Igor Karkaroff. His presence caused a wave of excitement, both among the Quidditch fans and admirers alike. Boys and girls alike marveled at the sight of their idol.
As the Durmstrang students took their place, the room buzzed with admiration and fascination. Harry, Ron, and Hermione shared a glance, all equally impressed by the display.
Just as the hall began to settle once more, Dumbledore raised his hands, silencing the murmurs with a single gesture. His tone grew more solemn, yet somehow filled with anticipation.
"And now," Dumbledore said, his voice commanding attention, "we will be joined by a very special friend of Hogwarts... a friend of the founders. Please welcome the most ancient and prestigious family house of Phoenix."
The Great Hall doors creaked open once more, and this time, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. There was a sense of elegance and power that accompanied the two figures who entered. Riser Phenex, dressed in a sharp black suit, led Yubellena by the hand, her black gown flowing effortlessly as they walked in sync. Their beauty and charisma were undeniable, leaving the students of Hogwarts—and even the visitors from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang—wide-eyed and breathless.
The students at the Hogwarts tables whispered amongst themselves, stunned by the pair's regal appearance. Teenage boys and girls alike found themselves mesmerized by the elegance with which they moved, their presence casting a spell on everyone in the hall.
Even the visitors from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang couldn't help but glance in their direction, equally entranced by the duo.
Dumbledore's voice rang out over the whispers. "Please join me in welcoming Lord Riser Phenex and Lady Yubellena."
Riser and Yubellena walked gracefully toward the staff table, taking their seats with the dignified air of nobility. There was an unspoken respect as the other students watched them, clearly recognizing the power they carried with them.
Dumbledore took center stage once more, his tone lightening as he addressed the students. "Now that our guests have been introduced, I would like to bring forth Bartemius Crouch, head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, to explain the rules of this year's Triwizard Tournament."
Barty Crouch stood and approached the center of the room. His demeanor was serious, and he wasted no time getting to the point.
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. As many of you are aware, the Triwizard Tournament is a dangerous and challenging event. Due to the risks involved, there is one rule that must be followed without exception: No one below the age of 17 will be allowed to participate in the tournament."
There were immediate grumbles and protests from the younger students. Fred and George Weasley exchanged glances, clearly disappointed.
Harry, on the other hand, let out a small sigh of relief. Thank God I've turned 17, he thought.
Crouch, undeterred by the students' reactions, continued. "The tournament's challenges are not for the faint-hearted, and we will not make exceptions to this rule. Should you be selected to compete, you will face dangers that go beyond normal magical education. But for those brave enough to take on the challenge, the reward is eternal glory."
As Crouch finished, the murmur of voices in the hall rose again. The ceiling above them began to darken, the enchanted sky now swirling with storm clouds, as if reflecting the mood in the room.
And then, the doors burst open again. This time, however, the figure entering wasn't part of any delegation.
The clank of metal on wood echoed through the hall as a man limped in, wearing a long, tattered coat. His face was heavily scarred, and one of his eyes whirled unnervingly in its socket. It was Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the notorious ex-Auror.
Moody stepped into the hall, his magical eye scanning the room as if expecting danger to leap out at any moment. Without saying a word, he raised his wand toward the stormy ceiling, and with a single flick, the clouds dissipated, returning the sky to its calm, starlit state.
Dumbledore greeted him with a nod, and Moody returned the gesture before taking his place at the staff table.
With the hall now in complete silence, Dumbledore stepped forward again, his voice calm yet commanding as he directed the students' attention to the center of the room.
"Now, I present to you... the Goblet of Fire."
With a flourish, Dumbledore waved his wand, and the cabinet before him vanished, revealing the Goblet of Fire. The cup was ancient, its surface glowing with an ethereal light. The fire within flickered in shades of blue, casting eerie shadows across the hall.
The students gasped in awe as they stared at the Goblet. It seemed to pulse with power, its flames dancing hypnotically as if calling to them.
Riser, seated beside Yubellena, leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he felt the magic emanating from the Goblet. There was something about its power that resonated with him, and without hesitation, he raised his hand toward it. With a single pulse of his magic, he sent a spark into the Goblet, igniting the flames in a brilliant display of red and gold.
The Goblet roared to life, its flames growing taller, brighter. The room was bathed in a fiery glow, and a sense of anticipation hung thick in the air.
Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling, addressed the students once more. "This Goblet will select the champions for each school. If you wish to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, you must place your name in the Goblet. But be warned: once your name is entered, there is no turning back. The Goblet's decision is final."
He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "If you are brave enough to tackle the dangers ahead... eternal glory awaits."
The room was silent, save for the crackling of the Goblet's flames. The Triwizard Tournament had officially begun.