cynosure ― r. weasley

three

After everyone had their fair share of food, Professor Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement. Alice already knew what this was most likely about after Jade had unintentionally spoiled the surprise. Not that Alice cared.

Everyone in the hall silenced, eager to hear what their headmaster had to tell them. He began his speech, which included a list of banned items courtesy of Mr. Filch, a reminder that the Forbidden Forest is forbidden, and a shock to most of the students.

"It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year," The students seemed appalled at this information. Some gasped, other began talking and wondering why. Others just stared dumbfounded, and some just weren't all that affected by the announcement. Alice was one of the latter. She thought it was fun to watch, but she could live without it.

Dumbledore continued. "This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy- but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts-"

He was interrupted by a loud rumble of thunder as the doors to the Great Hall opened with a bang. He wore a black cloak and leaned on a cane, and if you listened closely you could hear a dull thunk with every other step. A flash of lightning lit up his face, but Alice was too far from the man to get a good look at him. He finally reached the front of the front of the Hall, as lightning struck again.

His face was scarred, so much that it was almost indescribable. His eyes were the most terrifying. One was small, as well as dark and beady. The other was almost a perfect sphere, with a vivid blue iris as beady as the other. The blue eye looked all around and even rolled back into the man's head, leaving only white.

He stepped up to Dumbledore, shook his hand and the two mumbled some words no one else could hear. The strange man sat down, and Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Professor Moody," Dumbledore said brightly to his confused audience. Unlike the previous years, no one applauded the new teacher. Well, no one except for Dumbledore and Hagrid.

Alice recognized the name, as he was a famous Auror. She knew he was called Mad-Eye Moody as almost a harsh but true nickname. Alice looked over at Kianna as if trying to see if she knew who the man was as well. It seemed she didn't, but before Alice could explain or Kianna could ask her to, Dumbledore began speaking again with a smile.

"As I was saying, we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

Immediately following, someone yelled, "You're JOKING!" Anyone who knew of the Weasley twins would recognize the voice as Fred Weasley. Everyone laughed and the tension in the room was shattered.

"I am not joking, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore replied and was about to tell a joke when Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, bringing him back on track.

"Where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament... well, some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely," Dumbledore continued explaining the premise, and Alice tuned out. She already did know a lot about the tournament after reading countless history books when her mom was at work. She didn't go out to play much, as she didn't have a lot of friends to play with. When she did, she never really felt like they really cared. Their parents probably told them to play with her, and she didn't want their pity. So, instead, she read stories, whether they be true or not. It was her own little escape from the world. And sometimes it was better.

Alice tuned back in at the mention of the two schools that would be staying at Hogwarts- Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.

Dumbledore explained further, and eventually, everyone was sent to their dorms. Alice sat on her bed, reading a fantasy book her mother had given her. It was called Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and she found it fascinating.

Alice yawned and decided it was a good idea to go to bed. She marked the page and set it on her nightstand. She turned out the light, rolled over and drifted off to sleep.