Scarlet and Gold

Chapter 3

Not that Katsuki showed it, but he was happy to be back at Hogwarts. The Great Hall was as splendid as ever, and the Sorting Ceremony seemed to go by faster compared to last year. The feast was over, and all eyes turned to the High Table.

Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, stood to speak. The tall, thin man had long, silver hair and an equally long beard. Bright, light blue eyes were behind half-moon spectacles. His long, crooked nose looked as though it had been broken at least twice.

Katsuki paid attention to his words, knowing that more objects were banned because of Mr. Filch, the caretaker. The Forbidden Forest was still forbidden, and Hogsmeade Village was available for students in their third year and above.

"It pains me to inform you all that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year," Headmaster Dumbledore said.

Katsuki stood and slammed his hands against the table. "What?" he roared.

He had been Gryffindor's Seeker since his first year, all thanks to Professor McGonagall, and he wasn't going to let anything stop him from playing. He became captain last year and planned on carrying that position until Gryffindor won the Inter-House Quidditch Cup next year. The sport was one thing in life that gave him joy. In fact, growing up, he had aimed to be not only the world's best Seeker but the world's best Quidditch player!

His Gryffindor Quidditch teammates all look equally aghast.

Without saying a word, Headmaster Dumbledore motioned with a hand for him to sit down.

Huffing, Katsuki indignantly sat down. Eijiro patted his back, and he shook him off.

"Hogwarts is hosting an event," Headmaster Dumbledore continued, "that will begin next month and will continue throughout the school year. It will take up the teachers' energy and time, but we know you all will thoroughly enjoy it."

It better be damn good if it meant no Quidditch!

"Hogwarts will host the Triwizard Tournament!"

The sullen mood over Quidditch evaporated. A low buzz filled the Hall.

Headmaster Dumbledore digressed into the history of the tournament. Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang, the three largest European schools of wizardry, would be involved. A champion from each school would rise to compete. Some students shuddered when "death toll" was mentioned, but they were assured the International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports had been involved. No champion would find themselves in mortal danger.

"Next month, the heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will arrive with their short-listed contenders. The selection of the three champions will take place on the last day of October, Halloween. Now you may be wondering who will be the champion for Hogwarts, hm?"

Katsuki grinned. It would be him.

"An impartial judge shall be the one to decide which students are most worthy of competing. The champions will compete for the glory of their school, the Triwizard Cup, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money."

The buzz in the Hall grew louder, and Headmaster Dumbledore settled it down before he said more. "Students in their sixth and seventh years will be able to enter. It was decided by the heads of the three schools and the Ministry of Magic—" He raised a hand to silence students who protested the age restriction. "The requirement was set due to the difficult tasks the champions will face and endure. And I will see to it"—he winked—"that it is held accountable."

Shortly afterward, he dismissed the students to bed since lessons began in the morning.

Katsuki had a fire in his eyes. No Inter-House Quidditch Cup? Fine. He'd enter the Triwizard Tournament, become Hogwarts' champion, compete, and win.