AN: Don't forget to put this story on your Story Alert list!

I also need a beta.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately.


Chapter Three

"You guys go," said Harry, "I think I'll have a word with him."

"Not without me you're not," said Ron defiantly. "Gin, you and the girls go to the Great Hall that way," he ordered, pointing to the now empty hallway they were supposed to travel.

"Sorting's almost starting," protested Ginny, she could hear the echoing of Dumbledore's gentle voice booming. "You can have a go at him later."

The quick tapping of their shoes echoed through the long narrow hallway. Finally, after taking a few unnecessary turns because Luna wouldn't budge anywhere near cobwebs in the corners of ceilings or walls (fearing things called Arachnabovines), they finally made their way to the huge doors leading to the Great Hall. The left door was very near closing after a flash of red hair was seen.

"Wait, stop!" Harry cried to the door as he sprinted towards the handle. Luckily, he grabbed the huge ring of iron and was able to pull on it hard enough to make a space large enough for them to slip in.

"…who run the student shop they call 'Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' on the seventh floor. The store is now located across the entrance to Gryffindor Common Room," Dumbledore said, acknowledging Fred and George Weasley who were walking towards him. Dumbledore noticed Hermione, Ginny, Ron, and Luna hurrying towards the Gryffindor table. "Ah, and these are a few late students," he said kindly, "Our Head Girl, Hermione Granger, and the brother and sister of Mr. Weasleys, all of Gryffindor House. And we have the lovely Miss Lovegood of Ravenclaw, daughter of the editor of The Quibbler." The loud bang of the doors being shut turned heads to see Harry jogging towards the group. "And of course, Mr. Harry Potter, our already well known hero." Most of the students and teachers clapped and a murmur of amazement and awe floated from them.

Harry and the rest smiled as they made their way to their tables. Hermione wondered why Dumbledore was being so boastful. Dumbledore had a patient and peaceful expression on his droopy face. Scanning the row of professors at the high table, Hermione was not only startled to see five new faces, but also to find a large jeweled, sarcophagus like box standing next to Dumbledore who was waiting at his stand. Hermione suspected he was indirectly informing, or rather bragging, to the five new people with the former and about to explain the latter. She was caused to sit up straighter and smile more pleasantly.

"Now, I have some very exciting news for you all, but first I'd like to introduce someone you may have not met before," he gestured towards the beautiful new witch at the table. She had long shiny black curls flowing all around her comely face that was formed into an attractive, serene model-like expression. She was dressed in royal purple robes that draped over her thin body. Expensive-looking jewels hung around her neck, though not as much as Professor Trelawney had, who was seated next to her, gazing at the students with her dragonfly-like eyes.

"Our new Muggle Studies Teacher, Professor Jolene Isilee." Dumbledore finished.

Everyone clapped as Professor Isilee nodded appreciatively. "Also," the headmaster continued, "I welcome Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt, though I already know most of you know him. He's the minister of magic. He would like to make an announcement as well, so, take it away Kingsley."

Shacklebolt got up from his seat. He went to the stand and magnified his voice with his wand…quite unnecessarily as Dumbledore apparently didn't have to. "Good evening, students of Hogwarts. I am Kingsley Shacklebolt, as you all know, since your headmaster took my opportunity to give my own intro. I suppose I can take his opportunity to tell you all the good news. But first, I'd like you all to acknowledge the wonderful peace bestowed on out world today. How happy I am to have the Dark Lord, aka Voldy, vanquished, gone, away forever along with his cozy group of followers. Yes, now to keep this era of peace as long and prosperous as we can, the Ministry and I as well as the Ministries of Bulgaria, France, China, Africa, Mexico, and the United States have agreed on the bold act of instituting the first ever Universal Wizard Tournament!"

On cue, the sarcophagus transformed, much like it did for the Triwizard Tournament (movie-wise). The students gasped as the magnificent Goblet of Fire was revealed.

Shadows cascaded over the wide-eyed faces of the staff and minister after the inside erupted in sapphire flames. The students all fell silent, marveling at the glorious goblet.

"Ahem," Dumbledore cleared his throat. Not many had noticed Shacklebolt resume his seat at the table and Dumbledore return to the stand. "The Universal Wizard Tournament is much like the Triwizard Tournament. For those of you what don't know what that is, the Triwizard Tournament was a competition between threeof the main wizarding schools in the world. However, the Universal Wizard Tournament is a competition between seven of the most prestigious wizarding schools: Hogwarts of Britain, Durmstrang Institute of Magical Learning from Bulgaria, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic from France, Xing Xainara Academy of Magic (Zing Zainara) of China, Omannebabwe University of Wizarding, Witchcraft, and other Magic Related Wonders from Africa, San Montecuzoma Academy from Mexico, and Tinderoga Scolarium from the United States. Now keep in mind that four of those schools that seem the least familiar are those either only recently established or most likely kept secret from most of the world.

"I suppose you are wondering why no students from these schools have arrived." He was right. Each and every living or dead thing (the ghosts were there and Peeves had postponed his dung bomb stuffing of students trunks ritual) was captivated by the grand news. Most of the students just couldn't contain themselves and were trembling in their seats. "Not to worry. Since their arrivals have been scheduled to be all on the same day the date, sadly, could not be on this day. They will instead be coming on the twenty-ninth of September.

"I must warn you that this year's Welcoming Feast announcements will take a VERY long time. Unfortunately, you can not eat until after, but the actual feasting will take place longer and you are allowed to stay up until eleven tonight. Plus, classes will not start until the day after tomorrow. Hurrah hurray!

Most students cheered, as did some of the teachers (silently, of course)"Well now, who are these people sitting over there?"

The students turned to the table many had been eyeing. It stood before the teacher's and other staff table. Three foreign looking guests sat there, looking as superior and different as double-decker buses are to Americans.

"Miss Ichigo Akinari," Dumbledore announced. The students clapped politely, though Miss Akinari did not seem so overwhelmed. She went gracefully to the stand as Dumbledore stepped back.

"Good evening, Hogwarts," said Miss Akinari in her heavy Chinese accent. "I am Ichigo Akinari of Xing Xianara Academy. I am head healer there and have come in the place of the headmaster to represent our school. I want to tell you that the grounds around the lake will be the temporary home of my students and buildings will be under construction there. It will not disrupt any of your studies at all, fortunately. You may watch our architects work if you like, fill your minds with as much as possible I say. But please, however, do not touch the unicorns…" She bowed and turned to leave, but her jade green Chinese-style silk robes flew up into the air as she quickly turned back and said, "or my dragon!"

The students whispered excitedly to each other. Professor McGonagall shifted uneasily in her seat and squeezed her lips tightly together, Professor Hagrid chuckled happily at the students. Professor Isilee clapped, but Professor Snape remained still, carefully keeping an eye on his Slytherins. The teachers had still not seen the dragon, but had heard it roaring in the night and were just as excited about as the students were. It had a distinct roar. Its general species couldn't be determined, but relief was brought as the general suspicion was confirmed true.

"Mister Kovo Ebube!" Dumbledore boomed, drowning out the noisiness.

An old African man dressed in colorful African clothes laughed as he made his way to the stand. "Hello, I am Kovo Ebube!" he said in his heavily accented and very jolly voice. The students somehow knew he was this positive all the time, not because just because of the dragon business. "I am co-headmaster of Omannebabwe University of Wizarding, Witchcraft, and Other Magic Related Wonders. I am very very very joyful and fantasticized to be amidst, within, and hopefully welcomed in your presences. I want to say that my students will be sharing home with the wonderful house you call Pufflyhuff----"

"Hufflepuff!" the Hufflepuff corrected and then cheered and clapped.

"Oh, sorry. Hufflepuff! Yay!" cried Ebube and skipped back to his seat.

The students ceased the thunderous chatting. While the Gryffindors commented the guests, the Slytherins rolled their eyes at Ebube and talked nastily about him. Draco Malfoy scowled the most while Pansy Parkinson agreed loyally to his every word, inching ever so closely to him with an adoring look in her eyes.

"Mrs. Joanne Kathleen Blume." Dumbledore once again successfully shut the students up. A portly, powder blue dressed woman waddled to the stand. "Hi, y'all!" she greeted in her Texan accent.

"Good," the students mumbled.

"Well!" Mrs. Blume shrieked. "Well! 'Good' isn't correct English!"

Most of the students were annoyed, but many Ravenclaws felt foolish.

"Yes well, anyway," continued Blume. "I am Charms professor at Tinderoga Scholarium and I just want you all to know that I am very happy be here and appreciate your hospitality. I'm sure you're all great students and I want you all to do as best you can with school and try not to be so distracted by this Tournament doohicky. But I want you all to have fun. There probably won't be another one for about hmmm I don't know the next hundred years or so? Well, I hope you enjoy everything but don't break any rules. I'm watching you and I've become very good friends with Professor McGonagall. I hear she really likes detentions.

"Fortunately for you we won't be using your grounds to live on. My school has prepared their own living spaces. Yeah and um I think that's it. Thanks for you're time." She smiled sweetly at everyone and returned to her seat.

Dumbledore stepped forward. "Just a bit more information: the Universal Wizard Tournament is made up of five different tasks, not three. It will take place throughout the whole school year. Once again, you must be at least seventeen to compete and, to be fair, no entry submissions until all other school students have arrived. But the Goblet of Fire will be displayed in Meridell Hall which is a mini-museum and information center located in the library. Hmm, we have one last thing before we can finally eat and that is, of course, the sorting!"

Argus Filch, who no one had noticed had disappeared, hobbled down the walkway in the middle of the Grand Hall carrying a stool. Professor McGonagall rose from her seat and brought the esteemed Sorting Hat and a long roll of parchment up front. Dumbledore sat and looked on expectantly. Everyone else did so too, with angry grumbling stomachs and droopy eyelids.

The Sorting Hat was singing its carefully created song; the students were once again captivated, but most seventh years didn't pay attention. They were all huddled inwards over their tables whispering in lively conversation.

"Can you believe it, Draco?" Pansy Parkinson giggled. "A Universal Wizard Tournament! Are you going to enter, Drakkie-poo?"

"Yeah, Draco," asked Goyle, "Are ya?"

"I'm going to," Blaise said proudly.

"Of course not, you sad primitive crotch-suckers," hissed Draco. "I'm Head Boy, people. I have way too much responsibility and not at all enough time to even think about the bloody Tournament. And you too, Zabini. What's the matter with you?"

"You chicken, Drakkie-poo?" asked Blaise mockingly. "Huh? Chicken?"

"Buck buck buck," went Crabbe. Goyle and the others laughed.

"Just shut it, you blundering baffoons, I'm not afraid. Why would I ever be afraid? Its not like there's any competition. The Bulgarians are as empty-headed as you all are. The French are too fancy-like. I don't expect anything coming from them. Do you remember the veela girl? The Africans…please, they'll be too busy with their trash talking, rap singing, and yo-mamma jokes."

"Draco, those are American Africans."

"So, what, Bulstrode? Still pathetic, I mean look at their headmaster. He's gotten himself high on imported drugs or something."

"The drug-dealers are the Mexicans, Draco."

"Bulstrode, why don't you just cram your face with cream puffs or something. I know that. I said imported, didn't I?" Draco waved her away. "Anyway, Blume's just faking propriety with her grammar corrections. Americans aren't serious about anything, I mean, 'I want you to have fun'. " He imitated Mrs. Blume in a high, squeaky Texan accent. "And the Chinese! Come on. They place next to last in every international competition!"

"Drake, they place next to first in every international competition."

"Whatever. They still don't win."

"So you're not entering…chicken?"

"Bulstrode, you ---! You know what, just to shut you all up, I will."

"So Harry, you're name going in the Goblet again?" asked Dean Thomas.

"I didn't enter that last time," Harry said angrily.

"Sure you didn't, Harry. Sure you didn't." Seamus said.

"You don't believe me anymore?" whimpered Harry.

"Nah, Potter," laughed Dean. "Just playin'. Hey, that reminds me of the D.A. Good times, my friend. Very good times." Harry was about to tell him some unfortunate news, but Dean struck up a conversation with a reminiscing Neville Longbottom.

"So are you going to enter, Harry?" asked Seamus..

"No he's not," Hermione answered, slamming her hand on the table. "It would be ridiculous," she turned to Harry. "You almost died last time."

"But now Voldemort's gone," Seamus was happy to say. Nobody was afraid to say the name anymore.

"Oh," Hermione sighed. "The Tournament is there to make everyone closer together and it is possible to do that without any Harry Potter."

"Oh, Granger you're such a prude. Be adventurous. You can't possibly be happy with all the excitement ending just because the war ended. Live a little," said Parvati Patil. "As Marie Antoinette would say, let them have cake."

"I think Marie Anoinette was an irresponsible, ostentatious pathetic excuse for a queen. Oh wait! Calling her a queen would be an embarassment to France. If I did that, I'd be insulting myself by posing as one huge… Pansy Parkinson!"

"Don't listen to her, Harry," said Parvati. Hermione glowered at her, then stopped to sulk quietly amid her jumpy classmates. "Marie Antoinette lived one heck of a life."

"She was guillotined!"

"So? Harry gets in trouble all the time. And no matter how hard everyone tries, he just doesn't die! I mean, I we could stab each other right now and he'd walk away unscathed and unpunished. Why, I wouldn't be surpised if he got an award for it."

"Harry. Harry. Harry." chanted Ginny.

"Harry. Harry. Harry." the Gryffindors chanted quietly. Hermione was still sulking, ready to tear out Parvati's hair and just blame it on Harry. She had to admit, it was true.

"Ugh."

"Er, yeah okay! I'll do it!" Harry announced with a goofy grin.

"Gee, Susan," said Hannah Abbot, "This is all so exciting."

"Yeah, Hanna," said Susan Bones, "Did you hear? Justin Finch-Fletchey said he heard the Slytherins talking about Draco Malfoy entering."

"No, I didn't. But that can't be good. The Gryffindors are talking about sending Potter."

"Oh that can't be good…but that Ebube guy sounds so nice."

"Yeah, he does, doesn't he? If nobody from Hufflepuff gets into the Tournament, I'm definitely rooting for Africa."

"Traitor." Susan said playfully. The two girls giggled.

"Cho! Hey, Cho!" Padma Patil called. Cho Chang turned. Some of the seventh years of last year had returned to Hogwarts because they felt they didn't get a good enough education from last year because of the war.

"Mmm?"

"Guess what I heard."

"Knowing what you hear, I'd say it wasn't true."

"Oh you're gonna like this."

"Floor's all yours, Padma." she sighed.

"No, he's not," Luna said, "he's already told me how much he dreaded the Triwizard Tournament. He's not going to enter this one."

"Ah, but Draco Malfoy's going to try and get in too."

"No. No no no. Hermione wouldn't ---"

"I think she lost." Padma pointed to the Gryffindor table.