"WELL, NOW we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement," Dumbledore spoke from his podium. "This castle will not only be your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well."

Zola have listened. She already knew that the special guests would be the two other Wizarding schools around the world that would take part in the Triwizard Tournament — she had heard about the challenge from her family members and had never had a large interest in the activity. She had her school work to focus on, she didn't need some dangerous challenges making her life twice as hard to add to it.

In fact, she thought the whole tournament was ridiculous. Having three 17 and 18-year-old students fighting for their life just to win a cup when they should be learning and striving for a career. Stupid, really, Zola believed. No wonder Fred and George want to join.

Her attention was gained by Argus Filch running down the middle isle between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff table. She caught Lorelei's gaze from across the room and the two started pulling faces at each other, causing the other to stifle laughs. It had unfortunately caught Zion's attention so he elbowed his twin's ribs making her stop quickly, sending her best friend an apologetic look before turning back to Dumbledore's speech.

"You see, Hogwarts has been chosen..." Dumbledore stopped as Filch approached the stand. The two men whispered amongst each other until Filch ran back down the aisle. "So Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: The Triwizard Tournament," The hall broke out in excited and confused murmur. "For those who don't know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single student is selected to compete. If chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say, these contests are not for the faint-hearted. But more of that later. For now, please join me in welcoming... the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic!"

The doors opened revealing a group of girls wearing knee-length blue dresses and interesting matching hats strutted down the aisle. They were all incredibly beautiful and whimsical that Zola couldn't help but stare at them in awe. Following them was a giant woman, clad in dark browns, blacks and fur. Magical blue butterflies flew from their cloaks and flew around the hall as they finished their performance.

A round of applause rippled through the Hogwarts students, even some whistles from the older boys too. Zola noticed some of the girls weren't clapping as enthusiastically as some of the boys, some didn't even bother. Zola couldn't blame them, especially those who's boyfriends were cheering just as loud.

Dumbledore silenced the cheers so he could continue. "And now our friends from the north. Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang and their high master, Igor Karkaroff!"

A group of teenage boys dressed in dark military-like uniforms stormed into the hall, all banging their staffs on the floor before running towards the front of the hall and doing their performance. At the door, Igor Karkaroff and the head boy of the Durmstrang entered in the same manner.

"Oh my god! It's Krum!" Zola gushed, gripped her brother's arm and shaking it excitedly.

Zion nodded, his face stricken with awe as his eyes followed the Bulgarian seeker.

"I think I might faint," Zola whispered.

THE STUDENTS all commenced in their meals. The Beauxbatons sat near the first year Ravenclaws, while the Durmstrangs sat next to the first year Slytherins.

Many students, including Zola, watched as Filch and a few of the other school workers brought in a golden sculpture.

"Your attention, please!" Dumbledore exclaimed as she stood next to the sculpture. "I'd like to say a few words. Eternal glory. That is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament. But to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks. For this reason, the Ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain all this, we have the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation - Mr Bartemius Crouch."

Before they could continue, the magical ceiling of the hall broke out in a storm, light flashing across the room and thunder roared overhead. They watched as a spell shot out towards the ceiling, calming the storm quickly. Everyone turned to see a large man with a fake strap-on eye, soaked head to toe from the rain. Zola recognised him as Mad-Eye Moody — the Auror.

Bartemius Crouch takes to the podium. "After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that, for their own safety, no student under the age of 17 shall be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament. This decision is final," Chaos broke out amongst the younger Hogwarts students. Seh heard Fred and George shout 'That's rubbish!' They turned to look at the Slytherin girl with annoyed looks.

"I told you," she mouthed clearly with a smug look.

"Silence!" Dumbledore shouted, the shouts die down immediately. The Hogwarts Headmaster tapped his wand on the top of the golden sculpture. A second later, the gold dissolved away, revealing a bronze goblet. A large blue flame rose from the cup causing mainly student to murmur in awe. "The Goblet of Fire. Anyone wishing to submit themselves to the tournament need only write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it in the flame before this hou on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly. If chosen, there's no turning back. As from this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun."