Five years passed, and the green-eyed fifth year sauntered down the corridor to the feast Hall. Every other student would be gathering there as well. A few weeks ago Professor Dumbledore announced that the Triwizard Tournament would be taking place at Hogwarts that year, and the lean fifth year wanted to take part. His pocket held a piece of paper containing the name Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.
As he entered the Hall, he was greeted by stares and gasps. One thought was on everyone's mind: The Ravenclaw Prodigy. Hiccup was indeed the top of his class, and all of his fellow house members envied his skills. Though Hiccup never thought of himself as such; it never crossed his mind to even think he was the best. After all, at home, he had been the runt, a mistake, a hiccup. The auburn haired boy shook his head slightly to skew his thoughts and push them down into the deepest part of his mind; to forget them.
Hiccup approached the golden cup on the raised dais. The Goblet of Fire. Dumbledore had put an age ring around the pedestal to prevent first-years from entering. (The professor didn't want them to enter and end up dead in the process). The fifth year stepped inside the floating mist and pulled the paper out of his pocket. He dropped his name in the Goblet, the cup accepting the paper.
Moments after Hiccup stepped out of the ring, a short, burly man burst through the door. His short black hair sticking up in all directions. He was dressed in a dark red coat and pants, a black leather belt around his waist. He carried a scrap of paper in his hand, with his name: Snotlout Jorgenson. Some of the crowd gathered there cheered. Snotlout was Durmstrang's finest student. Hiccup knew that the stronger man's magic matched his physical abilities and that no one dared challenge him. The Jorgenson was just that popular.
As Snotlout dropped his name into the goblet, woman strode up, a piece of slightly ruffled paper in her hands. She had no bounce in her step like the other Beauxbatons' girls did. Instead her stride held dignity and determination. She entered the age ring just as Snotlout left it, her blond braid swayed behind her, softly thumping against her back. Her slip read Astrid Hofferson in semi-cursive letters. A chorus of feminine cheers echoed through the hall as Astrid dropped her name into the Goblet. She strode up to Snotlout and held out her hand.
"Good luck." She said shortly. He reached out to shake it firmly, nodding to her, as is Durmstrang custom. Though on the inside he was not as gracious, but he would not show it in front of an audience.
Many people came that night, to place their names in the golden cup. For all they wanted was the promise of eternal glory, to be forever known as a champion.
The next day, all three schools were packed into the feast hall, and just after eating a rather large dinner, Professor Dumbledore called for silence. Next to the white bearded man rested the Goblet on a carved stone pedestal, light reflecting off its polished surface. The blue flames floating above the cup waver and begin to turn red. Vibrant red fire leapt into the air and out sprung a piece of paper. Dumbledore caught its charred edges and unfolded the parchment. He read the name out loud.
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third!"
At the sound of his name, the green-eyed fifth year heard chuckles from the Slytherin table. Of course they're laughing… Hiccup thought glumly. However his motivation was undeterred as he stood and made his way to the front of the hall. He shook hands with the old professor and was then guided to the front tables that faced the huge mass of witches and wizards. Applause erupted from the other three house tables, as well as the other two schools. Hiccup waved slightly in appreciation, smiling, though didn't bask in the glory of it all.
The cheers and whoops died down as the cup emitted more red flames. A frilled piece of paper flittered about before landing in Dumbledore's hands.
"Astrid Hofferson!" The professor stated.
The blond stood and hastily made her way to the Goblet, where Dumbledore shook her hand and ushered her to the front where Hiccup already sat; big green eyes watching. A chorus of female cheers and cries worked its way through the hall, dying after the Goblet spewed red fire for the third time. The Headmaster watched intently as the last name fell into his outstretched hand. He unfolded it and proclaimed the name on the slip.
"Snotlout Jorgenson!"
Male cheers erupted from the crowds of students. Professor Dumbledore called for silence moments after. He had the three champions stand and said, "Congratulations to these three fine students. We wish you luck and good fortune in the games." Then to the assembly gathered he bids them a quick send off, "Goodnight, sleep well."
Everyone filed out and went to their respective quarters; that night, no one fell asleep until very, very late. Too excited and anxious about the events to come.