AN: This is my first fanfiction, so please be nice :D *Offers virtual cookie* Some events are going to be switched around in this. So, for starters, let's pretend that everyone already knows the Tournament will happen. *Waves cookie wildly, hoping that everyone will see it*
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
The Great Hall was as Harry remembered. Long tables, laid with glittering gold goblets and plates, occupied the middle of the hall. Candles hovered mid-air, casting curious shadows and glowing brightly in the evening light. The ceiling was, as always, velvety black, dotted with twinkling stars.
Bursting with the excitement of finally being back at Hogwarts, he made his way to the Gryffindor table with Ron and Hermione.
"Grand being back, isn't it?" Ron said. "The only place with cooking as good as my mother's. Can't wait for the beginning of term feast." He grinned, and as if to show its agreement, his stomach growled. Hermione smacked him lightly on the shoulder, but Harry could see that she was stifling a smile.
"You know, Ron, food isn't the most important thing in the world."
"Says you."
"There are things of much greater importance. For example, I came up with a fantastic idea on the train ride here. Remember Winky from the Qudditch World Cup?"
"Yeah, the squeaky-"
"Ron! Like I was saying, all house-elves are treated so horribly. Worked to the bone, the poor things. And they don't seem to mind at all!"
"Hermione, Hermione, Hermione. Let's focus on the interesting things in life, shall we? Such as the feast? Or the Triwizard Tournament? I wonder when the other students are arriving."
Dumbledore cleared his throat, and they sat down at their usual seats just as he began his customary speech.
" Welcome back, students. I hope this year will be an exciting one, as you clear out all the fluff from your heads and get ready for the thrill of filling it with new information. And, of course, the thrill of watching one of the most famed wizarding tournaments of all time will surely be an added bonus."
Sounds of agreement filled the hall at this.
"As most of you are aware," Dumbledore continued, " Hogwarts has been given the great pleasure of hosting the Triwizard Tournament this year. This tournament will test all its competitors in various fields, such as those of magical prowess, deduction, and calm in the face of danger. Traditionally, three champions will compete. One champion selected by an impartial judge, from each of the participating schools, Durmstrang, Beaxbatons and Hogwarts will fight for the honor of winning the Triwizard Cup and a thousand galleons. However, this year, we have decided that a break in tradition couldn't quite hurt." He paused for effect, blue eyes twinkling with child-like delight. "The panel has decided that having a competitor of a rather different sort would be an interesting change."
A collective intake of breath followed this announcement, and an excited murmur built up among the students. "Perhaps they're letting in other magical creatures", Ron speculated, looking extremely hopeful.
"Maybe a Veela or two…" Harry rolled his eyes, no doubt already thinking that whatever Ron had up in his head involved him and a Veela engaged in rather compromising positions. Unfortunately, Hermione seemed to think the same, which earned Ron a swift kick in the shin. "I seriously doubt that, Ronald. In any case, even if a Veela did arrive, the idea that she would take even the slightest interest in you would be under serious debate." Harry snorted into his dinner, leaving Ron proceeded to sputter indignantly.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, trying to recapture the attention of the crowd. "As I was saying, we shall be allowing another competitor in this year's tournament. And", with a pointed glance in Ron's direction, "it will most likely not be one you are expecting. This year, there will be a competitor from Camp Half-Blood."
Please review if you have time :D I want to know what I'm doing wrong.
