Professor Dumbledore's announcement

No. This could not be happening. Dumbledore cannot be serious. Quidditch cannot just be canceled. No that was unfair. This would be the year. We would have the best team ever. Ginny would be on it. Pansy would be on it. It might have taken a little persuading, but she would be on the team. We would all beat Gryffindor together.

Whatever this big surprise is, I already felt a lot less enthusiastic. Dumbledore ignored all the whispers of the students and calmly continued. "I have a great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts.."

Then the door smashed open and a stranger stood in the doorway. He leaned upon a long staff and was covered in a large black travelling cloak. He walked towards the professor's tabled. Then another lightning struck and lighted up a scarred face, with a small, dark, beady eye and a vivid electric blue eye.

As he reached Dumbledore, they shook hands after which he took place at the empty teacher's chair for defence against dark arts. "May I introduce our new defence against dark arts Teacher?" Dumbledore said brightly. "Professor Moody."

I recognized the name immediately. "Pansy, wasn't that the retired auror who was fighting some garbage cans last week?"

Pansy looks at me with large eyes. "I think so, that was in the Daily Prophet."

I am looking transfixed at professor Moody. I had never seen anyone who looked like him. His face was battered with scars, he missed a leg that was replaced by some chunk of wood and his blue eye just kept searching the room.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "As I was saying," he said, smiling at the sea of students before him, all of whom were still gazing transfixed at Mad-Eye Moody, "we are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century.

Now I am getting a little curious again.

It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

"You're JOKING!" said Fred Weasley loudly. I laughed from the surprise. "I am not joking, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said, "though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar..."

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly. I smirk, of course the strict McGonagall would not be amused by professor Dumbledore's joke.

"Er - but maybe this is not the time…no…" said Dumbledore, "where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament… well, some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely."

I feel kind of excited now. Could you imagine that? Representing the entire school?

"The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang," professor Dumbledore went on, but I was no longer listening.

Mom and dad would be so pleased. Everyone would be proud. No, this would still be my year, I thought. Maybe quidditch was canceled. Frankly that was disappointing, but still. Representing the school. Of course Potter would try to put in his name. Typical. No, it would not all be about Potter. I would put forth my name.

"Do you think the goblet would pick me, Panse?" I ask, mustering a confident smile.

Pansy however does not look pleased. "What on Earth would you want to be picked for?"

I pout at her. "Don't you want me as your school champion?"

"I like having you alive. Did you not hear that oaf talking about a death toll. That was why it was outlawed.." Pansy looks at me as if I am being a major dunderhead.

Then Theo interrupts. "Surely, you know there is an age restriction. You are not going to be able put your name in it."

"I hope a Slytherin will be picked," Pansy then says, looking curiously at Warrington.