The Goblet of Fire had just been put out and Professor Sinistra, the Astronomy teacher at Hogwarts, had something occur to her.
Dumbledore's Age line would probably work, but there were still some what ifs.
What if an underage student used an older student to get their own name in the Goblet of Fire?
What if someone was up to no good? What if an older student entered a younger student's name in the Goblet of Fire against his or her as a prank?
And what if someone was up to something truly sinister.
The tasks for the Triwizard Tournament were certain to be exceedingly dangerous.
What if some Dark Witch or Dark Wizard found a way to manipulate the Goblet of Fire with the intent of bringing harm to someone he or she might enter?
The solution was obvious to Professor Sinistra.
The Goblet of Fire could not be left unsupervised before the Champions were selected.
As most of the staff got up and the left the Great Hall after dinner, Professor Sinistra motioned to Muggle Studies teacher Professor Burbage, Arithmancy teacher Professor Vector, and Ancient Runes teacher Professor Babbling to stay.
"Professors Babbling, Vector, and Burbage, " said Professor Sinistra firmly, "The Goblet of Fire must never be left unsupervised before the names of the champions are returned."
"Why not?" asked Professor Burbage matter of factly.
"I am concerned that the Goblet of Fire could be manipulated into accepting names it shouldn't," answered Professor Sinistra seriously.
"Older students pranking younger students?" asked Professor Vector, "Younger students using older students to enter their names?"
"Both are possible, " admitted Professor Sinistra, "And both are concerns. But my biggest worry is that a Dark Witch or Wizard will manipulate the Goblet of Fire into accepting someone who shouldn't be in the tournament with the intent of bringing him or her harm."
"What must we do?" asked Professor Babbling curiously.
"The four of us will take turns keeping watch over the Goblet of Fire, " said Professor Sinistra in a businesslike voice, "I don't trust any Head of House with this responsibility. Now, Professor Babbling, I'd like you to keep watch until midnight, Professor Vector, I'd like you to keep watch from midnight until 6 A.M., Professor Burbage, I'd like you to keep watch from 6 A.M. until noon, and at noon I'll take watch until the champions are selected. Bear in mind the watcher must not leave until the new watcher is clearly present."
"Okay, " chroused Professors Burbage, Vector, and Babbling.
"We will make sure, " said Professor Sinistra, "That the only people who enter slips into the Goblet of Fire are students who have attained at least seventeen years of age and we will verify that the names on their slips are their own names. Is that clear?"
Professors Burbage, Vector, and Babbling all nodded in understanding.
"Very well then, " said Professor Sinistra seriously, "Professor Babbling, you have the first watch. At midnight, Professor Vector will come and dismiss you."
"Okay, " said Professor Babbling simply.
Professor Sinistra looked on as Professor Babbling went and positioned herself by the Goblet of Fire.
Yes. supervision of the Goblet of Fire was necessary.
The Goblet of Fire should never have been left unsupervised. Period.