Ch. 4 Feast and Surprise

All the student filed into their house tables buzzing with excitement as Professor Longbottom brought in the new students, ready to be sorted. Lily waved to both Louis and Roxanne. They looked nervous and Lily hoped they would be sorted into Griffyndor.

"Don't worry, Lils, they'll be okay. When was the last time a Weasley was sorted into a different house?" Scorpius stated plainly. Lily jumped, not expecting Scorpius to be so close.

Professor Longbottom set the Sorting Hat on the stool and away he went with his song.

Gather round me

And hear the tale

Of how Hogwarts

Came to be unveiled

Many years ago,

four wizards sought,

A place to teach young wizards and witches

And encourage free thought… (I tried to make up my own song, but I couldn't think of one good enough. So use your imagination haha)

And then Professor Longbottom called up the first students. We had to wait forever for the 'Ws.' Finally, we got to "Weasley, Louis." The hat was place upon his head and after a few moments it yelled out, "Gryffindor!" And the entire Gryffindor table erupted in cheers. 'Whew, one down, just one more to go. Come on, Roxanne.' thought Lily.

"Weasley, Roxanne," said Professor Longbottom. Roxanne sat down and after what seemed like forever the hat shouted, "Gryffindor!" It was during the cheering, Lily felt Scorpius lean over and say, "Hey, Lily, could you let go of my hand? I think I'm losing my blood flow." He laughed and so did Lily. She didn't realize she had reached over and held Scor's hand for support. Lily was embarrassed and took her seat.

Then Professor McGonagall walked towards the podium and held her hands up, a sign for all students to be quiet.

"Good Evening, students," began Headmaster McGonagall, "I hope your summer holiday provided you with time to relax, but now it's time to prepare for the upcoming school session. I wish our students in fifth and seventh years luck with their studies in anticipation for their tests.

"Now, I would like to introduce our new staff member. Students, please keep in mind I expect you to treat our new member with as much respect as you would any other professor. Now, to my right you should see a familiar face. This is Professor Teddy Lupin. He will be working with Professor Blight in Transfiguration as Professor Blight plans to retire next year. Also you will see there are two empty seats next to Professor Hagrid. I want you to know we have exciting news.

"This year we will see the return of the Triwizard Tournament and Hogwarts will again serve as hosts. In the coming month, both students from Durmstrang and Beauxbaton will arrive to compete and those chairs will be filled with their Headmasters. Now let's talk about the tournament.

"The tournament will consist of three challenges completed by three students, one from each school, known as the Champions. Champions will be chosen from the Goblet of Fire. The Goblet will choose the student it sees as the best from each school. The ceremony will be held in two weeks after the arrival of the other students. There will be Ministry officials and judges staying with us as they ensure the safety and rules of the competition. The first challenge will not convene for more than a month and a half.

"Now, as for our Champion. You must be Year Five or above. You have the next two weeks to enter your name. Students in Years 1-4 will not be allowed to even get close to the Goblet of Fire. So don't try to injury yourselves cheating. So please think as you enter your name in the cup. The Triwizard Tournament is not to be taken lightly. I expect the best, because Hogwarts is the best! Right?!" The students called out their agreement loudly.

"Now for a little bit of history and then we will eat. In 1972, the Tournament did see death. Action had been taken to ensure that it did not happen again. However in 1994, we had a death during the final challenge. That was due to Lord Voldemort. I want you all to know, we have taken more precautions to ensure your safety. I have also sent this information to your parents, if you are eligible to compete. Now before you all waste away, let us have a great year." And with that, the tables were laden with delicious food and everyone dug in.

" 'o 'ous ' go'n t' enner?" asked Hugo through a mouth full of food.

"I'm sorry, what was that, Hugo? Please act like a human and chew your food before you talk," Rose was not happy with her brother's manners.

Lily spoke up, "Don't worry, Rosie, I speak fat kid. He asked who was going to enter the Tournament? I'm definitely going to enter. I think it would be exciting. I think Dad competed in the 1994 Tournament. Wouldn't it be fun?"

"No, no, no. Absolutely not. Not a chance, Lils. You're my baby sister and you are not going to put your life in danger. I forbid it." Al was quite convinced his opinion was right.

"Oh, really, Albus? Who are you to forbid me to do anything? Did you birth me? Do I call you 'Dad'? No, I don't. So you better take a good look at yourself and realize you don't control my life. I will enter that Tournament and you can't stop me. And if you try, I hope your best friend will be ready to heal you. Look alive, Scor!" Lily was furious. Both of her brothers always thought they knew what was best for her. If she got to compete then she could show them she wasn't so little.

Scorpius tried to calm the siblings down. "Lily, I know you don't like being told what to do, but Al does make a…" Scorpius didn't finish that sentence because he was met with a cold, death stare from Lily. He should have known better. "I mean, Lily-flower," now he was going to lay on the apology, "I know you can do it. Go ahead and enter. You're one of the strongest girls I've ever met. And I trust your judgment." Scorpius smiled sweetly at Lily.

Al heckled Scor, "Laying it on a little too thick, don't you think?"

"No, after knowing Lily for the past six years, I have learned my lesson. Funny, you have lived with her her whole life and you still don't know when to stop." Lily punched Al in the arm, while thanking Scor.

"I'm glad somebody knows me well enough." Then Al leaned over and whispered in Scorpius' ear "That's because you're in love with her." And with that, Scorpius gave Al another punch in the arm. "Ow, sorry. Stop punching me."

The fist fight was interrupted by Professor McGonagall, "Alright students, it is now time to get your beauty rest before the beginning of classes. First years, please follow the Head Boy and Girl out of the Great Hall and returning students, please learn your passwords. Professor Longbottom requested that I remind you about the importance of remembering your passwords. It seems many of you rely too much on your Head of House for that. And now, off to bed. Goodnight."

Al blushed red, "Um, do any of you know the password?"

Lily was the first to speak up, "I know it, but I will not tell you unless you tell me you are sorry for your outrageous act of stupidity." Lily looked at her brother, waiting for his decision.

"Sorry?"

"Not good enough." Then Lily walked out of the Great Hall and heard Al ask everyone else.

"Someone is going to tell me the password right? You all aren't going to make me sleep with Filch." And Lily laughed.

A/N: Alright everyone, thanks again for reading. Next chapter will get into a little more of the action and then we're going to have some Kevin time!