The star, his moon and their comets

CHAPTER 59 The Goblet of Fire

The Great Hall was abuzz with anticipation as students from each of the four Houses lined up neatly, their excitement palpable. October 30th had finally arrived, and the anticipation for the arrival of the Triwizard Tournament's delegations was at its peak.

The Hogwarts students chattered and exchanged speculations about the different modes of transportation the foreign delegates would use. The excitement was infectious, and everyone's attention was focused on the massive wooden doors, waiting for them to swing open and reveal the visiting representatives.

First came the flying carriage, a magnificent sight as it descended from the darkening sky. It gracefully touched down in the courtyard, and a hushed awe filled the hall as the doors swung open to reveal the Beauxbatons delegation again. The students from Beauxbatons made a grand entrance, displaying their elegance and grace. The hall erupted into applause as they took their place.

Moments later, the second delegation arrived via a submerged ship. The entrance was equally dramatic as the ship rose from the Black Lake, water cascading around it before finally emerging fully onto the shore. Durmstrang's delegates, clad in fur-lined robes, disembarked with confidence, and their arrival was met with resounding cheers from the Hogwarts students.

As the delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang took their seats at the Ravenclaw and Slytherin tables, respectively, the Hogwarts students filled their usual places, eagerly awaiting the Welcoming Feast to commence. The Great Hall buzzed with excitement, and all eyes were on the high table.

Headmaster Dumbledore stood and welcomed the visiting schools with his usual warm and theatrical demeanor. "Ladies and gentlemen, students, esteemed guests, we are gathered here tonight to officially open the Triwizard Tournament, we welcome back our guests. We are honored to host our friends from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute, who have come to join us in this thrilling event."

Dumbledore's words were met with thunderous applause, and the magical ceiling above them twinkled with stars. It was clear that the entire school was thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion.

Dumbledore began, his eyes twinkling with an infectious enthusiasm, "I would like to introduce two additional members of our judging panel for the Triwizard Tournament. We are honored to have Mr. Ludo Bagman, a former Quidditch star and experienced sportsman, and Mr. Barty Crouch, the esteemed head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, as part of our team of judges."

A round of applause and polite nods of acknowledgment filled the hall as the two newly introduced judges took their places at the head table.

Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds, stood there as well, looking slightly disheveled after his journey to fetch the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons delegations. His massive frame and hearty laughter were a welcome sight to many. Dumbledore continued to address the assembly.

"Each of our judges will play a vital role in assessing the Champions' performances during the challenging tasks they will face in the Triwizard Tournament. Their experience and knowledge will ensure that the competition is conducted fairly and with the utmost integrity."

The students from all three schools listened attentively, aware of the significance of the upcoming tasks and the role these judges would play in determining the victor.

As Dumbledore concluded his introductions, he transitioned to the heart of the evening's events. The anticipation in the Great Hall was palpable, with students and guests on the edge of their seats, awaiting the moment of great significance.

"Now, for the most crucial part of the evening," Dumbledore continued, his voice carrying a sense of gravity and excitement, "I am pleased to introduce the magical artefact that will select our Champions. The Goblet of Fire!"