"Silence please!" A hush begrudgingly crept over the Great Hall. All eyes turned to their headmaster, who was smiling genially.
"I hope you have all enjoyed this scrumptious meal as much as I have. Now I have a few announcements to make before we all head to bed.
"Firstly, a new rule is being introduced this year. It is now prohibited to invite Peeves anywhere near the common-rooms. Please note that this includes encouraging him to fly though the bedroom windows."
Naturally all eyes swivelled to the Gryffindor table, where Sirius Black proudly clapped James Potter on the back.
"And now-" His tone suddenly changed. "It is with great sadness that I announce this next piece of news. " Dumbledore's smile waned as he looked down at his students. "Most of you will have heard of Professor Galatea Merrythought. Infact, she no doubt taught many of your parents. She guided a generation of young wizards and witches in the defence against the dark arts, and it with much regret that I must inform you of her passing. She died peacefully on the Isle of Mann at the grand age of 99 years old, surrounded by her family. She was in no pain and in great spirits; just the day before she had turned her grandson into a toad." Dumbledore chuckled sadly.
"Her family have contacted the school; and in memory of Galatea, have arranged a sort of -" Dumbledore waved his hand calmly, searching for the word. "I suppose you could call it a competition, especially for sixth years."
A portion of the students suddenly sat up straight, while the others sagged, and began a torrent of complaints to their neighbours.
"I do apologise to the other years, but Ms Marrythought's family made it quite clear this was only open to sixth years. Ms Marrythought's favourite syllabus was the sixth year one after all." Dumbledore had to raise his voice to be heard over the mutinous mutterings.
Peter Pettigrew leaned across the table to James, in the process knocking over a bowl of gumdrops. "Do you reckon you'll enter it James?"
"Dumbledore hasn't even said what's it about yet." Remus Lupin muttered as he brushed the sweets off his lap.
"Nah course he will Pete. Anything to impress that Evans." Sirius Black ruffled James' hair, smiling playfully.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." James laughed and pushed Sirius' hand away. He still glanced up the table to see if Lily had heard though.
She hadn't. She was busy mouthing something to the Slitherin table. No doubt to that Snivellus.
"Silence please!" Dumbledore's voice boomed once again. He waited a moment. "Thank you.
"The tournament will be run through the whole year, with the winning pair receiving their prize on the last day of the year."
"Pair! Looks like you could be in for a chance Potter!" Sirius muttered and was rewarded with a friendly shove.
"The teams have been made up like so. Whoever got the best O.W.L scores last year will be paired with whoever got the lowest O.W.L scores in their House, and so on until a pair with the average ability of their House will be made up." Dumbledore glanced behind him at the teachers' table, where Professor McGonagall nodded at him.
"Professor McGonagall has already made the teams, and the list of pairs can be found in the common-rooms."
Even before he'd finished the excited commentary started up again.
"Now off to bed."
As the students poured out of the doors, Dumbledore, almost as an afterthought said, "And good luck!"
"Luck?!" Sirius snorted. "We make our own luck."
"Oh is that what you call it?" Snape muttered under his breath as he passed them, head down.
"I'd kill him but then we'd have nothing to amuse us for the whole year." Sirius said casually. James laughed along but quickly made sure Lily hadn't been in hearing distance before sighing. That girl had certainly seemed to have casted a spell on him. Pity she despised him.