The Goblet of Fire

"But before we might proceed, a few rules are to be announced. These rules have been approved by the British, French, and Bulgarian Ministries, as well as the ICW. We will also be announcing some of the finer details as of now. Mr. Crouch, the floor is yours."

At Dumbledore's words, the entrance doors to the Great Hall swung open, revealing the Auror Guard, as well as what appeared to be a dozen reporters. Each of them settled into the back of the hall, where they stood quietly with the Aurors. Many of them pulled out pieces of parchment and quills, a few even holding cameras.

Harry also noted that four of the Aurors seemed to be struggling with a large crate, though most seemed to not notice them.

"Excellent." Ron whispered excitedly, "It's the press."

Mr. Crouch made his way over to Dumbledore's lectern, placing a few pieces of parchment onto it. He quickly put on a pair of reading glasses, and began to address the hall.

"The Triwizard Tournament is, as you know, a competition between the three premier European Schools of Magic. The International Confederation of Wizards, or the ICW, would like to confirm that we will indeed be using the Recorder Glass created by Camille Estelle. This will allow for witches and wizards all over the world to view the tournament, in public areas that are approved by the ICW."

Many of the reporters hastily jotted down what Crouch had said. Harry watched them with interest, before catching Hestia's eyes. She shook her head slightly, before nodding towards Crouch. Harry turned back towards Mr. Crouch against his will, listening to the stream of monotonous words that flooded from his mouth.

"There will be six different parts to the tournament, four of which will be broadcasted."

There were many mutters at this statement. Ron in particular seemed as though he were about to explode in happiness; it could not be more clear that he desired championship very dearly.

"There will be the Selection of Champions, the Wand Weighing Ceremony, the Yule Ball, and the Three Tasks. The Wand Weighing will be a private event, only seen by the champions, their headmasters and headmistresses, the wand judge, and a few reporters. As for the Yule Ball, that will be an event only held within the school; only the students, staff, and select guests will be allowed."

The tension in the hall was very great now. It was silent to the point where Harry was sure a pin could be dropped and everyone would hear it.

"If you would please bring the Goblet of Fire." said Crouch, looking at the Aurors in the back of the hall. The four Aurors who were struggling with the crate now walked forward, stopping just before Dumbledore's Lectern. With a wave of his wand, Crouch vanished the crate, revealing a rather large (and equally beautiful) goblet.

"If one wishes to enter the Triwizard Tournament, they are to enter a slip of paper into the Goblet of Fire, containing their name and school. The goblet will then select the student it believes to be the most worthy of competing. The selected students will be the ones to represent their school."

If possible, the hall had gotten quieter.

"By entering yourself, you are agreeing to a magical contract. Should you choose to back out of the Tournament, you risk the loss of your magic."

Nobody in the hall was moving, not even the reporters or Aurors.

"Lastly, the Triwizard Tournament is only open to those over the age of seventeen."

It was as though a bomb had gone off; the silence was now a thing of the past, with students from all four tables standing and yelling, voicing their anger. The Slytherin table even tried (and failed) to do so in a dignified manner, though it was clear that they too were clearly upset. Many of the reporters observed the reaction of the students, jotting down the occasional note or two.

"Son of a bloody bitch!" yelled Ron, although most could not hear him, as they too were yelling.

"SILENCE!" roared Dumbledore, sending a firecracker from the tip of his wand.

The hall quieted down, although the anger and rage of many had not even slightly vanished.

"To ensure that nobody breaks the age restrictions," continued Crouch, "Professor Dumbledore will be placing an age line around the Goblet of Fire, to ensure that no one who is underage may compete. The age rules have been added due to safety reasons; as many of you may know, the Tournament is not the safest of events."

With that, Mr. Crouch reclaimed his seat at the staff table, Dumbledore moving towards the Lectern as he did so.

"As that is all, I bid you farewell and good night!" said Dumbledore in a cheerful tone, although there was a touch of anger hidden deep within it.

To be fair, our reactions weren't the best.

Harry rose from his seat at the Gryffindor table, others in the hall doing the same. Harry had chosen to walk with the three chasers, not interested in dealing with Ron at the moment. The four of them paused at the door, allowing for the Durmstrang Headmaster to lead his pupils through.

"Thank you," said the man, turning to look Harry in the face. He froze when he did so, his eyes looking at Harry's scar with fear. By now nearly a fourth of those who remained in the hall stood still, waiting for the Durmstrang Headmaster to continue. A few of the students even stood on their tippy-toes.

"Yes, Karkaroff, that's Harry Potter." said Mad-Eye Moody from behind the two of them. Out of the corner of his eyes, Harry saw the Veela girl's eyes narrow slightly at that. The other delegations seemed equally intrigued, many whispering to one another (although just as many of them had their eyes trained on the Veela's backside). The students of Hogwarts had no visible reaction, all of them knowing exactly who he was.

Within a few short moments, Harry and those around him had made their way out of the entrance, now walking towards Gryffindor Tower. Harry listened as many of the students complained, the loudest being Ron, Dean, and Seamus.

"It just isn't fair!" Ron roared as they entered the common room.

"Well, to be honest, the sixth years are the most likely to succeed," said Harry to the others, "You know, they have learned more magic and all that."

"So? We've been in more life threatening situations, we can do this!" Ron said angrily, "We have more experience with dangerous stuff!" The whole of Gryffindor House had now taken seats with the common room, either listening to the conversation or fuming quietly to themselves.

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