Chapter 242: Special Guests

As each golden plate gleamed freshly polished, Dumbledore rose once more. An excited yet tense atmosphere filled the Great Hall. 

The young wizards felt a surge of anticipation, eager to discover the upcoming events. Many leaned forward, intensely focused on Dumbledore.

"The moment has finally arrived," Dumbledore said, smiling at the expectant faces.

"The Triwizard Tournament is about to commence. Before I bring in the Goblet, allow me to explain our activities for this school year—"

"—and introduce our two guests, as some may not yet know them. First, Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Sr., Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation."

Sparse applause echoed through the hall.

"And Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."

The applause for Bagman was considerably louder, perhaps due to his reputation as a Quidditch player or simply his amiable appearance.

He waved cheerfully in acknowledgment, unlike Crouch who neither smiled nor waved.

"Over the past months, Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have tirelessly worked on organizing the Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore continued.

"In addition, we have a special guest whom I have invited, and I am honored that both Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman have agreed to include him in the Tournament as a guest participant. He is none other than our renowned prodigy— Alaric."

Although Alaric had declined participation in the Triwizard Tournament, Dumbledore extended the invitation to keep him bound to a certain course, ensuring the integrity of the event.

After Dumbledore's invitation, all eyes from the students of the three houses turned to Alaric.

Hogwarts students looked on with admiration, pride, and relief, while those from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang showed disdain, not understanding why such a young boy would be involved in the Triwizard Tournament's proceedings.

Under the scrutiny, Alaric calmly stood and nodded to everyone.

Privately, Dumbledore had discussed this with Alaric, who readily agreed. 

For Alaric, it was an opportunity to execute his plans openly during the Tournament and ensure he could also look after Hermione, if needed.

Once Alaric sat back down, Dumbledore resumed his address.

"The three of them—Mr. Crouch, Mr. Bagman, and Mr. Alaric—along with Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime, will form the panel of judges to evaluate the champions' efforts."

Upon hearing "champions," the students seemed even more attentive. Dumbledore, noticing their sudden silence, smiled faintly and continued, " Filch, please bring up the Goblet."

Unnoticed until now, Filch emerged from a corner of the hall and approached Dumbledore, carrying a large wooden chest adorned with jewels, appearing quite aged. 

The students watched in fascination, eagerly discussing amongst themselves.

"Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman have thoroughly reviewed the specific tasks for this year's champions," Dumbledore said as Filch carefully placed the chest on the table in front of him.

"They have made necessary arrangements for each task, which will test the champions in various magical abilities—courage, reasoning, and their ability to face danger."

At the mention of the last criterion, the Great Hall fell silent, as if everyone held their breath.

"As you know, three champions—one from each school—will compete," Dumbledore continued calmly.

"They will be judged based on the quality of their performance in each task. 

Once all three tasks are completed, the champion with the highest score will win the Triwizard Cup. The impartial selector of the champions is none other than the Goblet of Fire."

With these words, Dumbledore withdrew his wand and tapped the lid of the chest three times. 

Slowly, the lid creaked open. Dumbledore reached inside and pulled out a large, roughly-hewn wooden goblet. 

The goblet itself looked unremarkable, but inside, blue and white flames flickered and danced.

Closing the chest, Dumbledore placed the goblet on its lid so everyone in the Great Hall could clearly see it.

"Any student who wishes to compete must write their name and school on a piece of parchment and drop it into this goblet," Dumbledore explained.

"Those aspiring to be champions have 24 hours to enter their names. 

Tomorrow night, on Halloween, the Goblet will select the three students it deems most suitable to represent their schools. 

Tonight, the Goblet will be placed in the Entrance Hall for all interested students to access."

"To prevent underage students from succumbing to temptation," Dumbledore added.

"I will draw an age line around the Goblet once it is in the Entrance Hall. Anyone under the age of seventeen will be unable to cross this line."

"Lastly, I would like to remind all prospective champions that this Tournament is not to be taken lightly. Once the Goblet selects a champion, they must see the competition through to the end. 

By placing their name in the Goblet, they enter into a magical and binding contract. Once chosen, a champion cannot change their mind. 

Therefore, I urge everyone to carefully consider their intentions before submitting their names. 

Now, I believe it is time for everyone to retire for the night. Goodnight, everyone."

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