Early morning fog shrouded London, seeming to be everywhere. Even though the goblins worked hard to clear the droplets of water condensed on the walls, everything still felt damp.
Witches and wizards of all sizes taking part in the event came from the "Event Village" at the New York Sanctuary Tower through the Floo Network fireplaces to the hall on the eighth basement level of the Ministry of Magic. They packed the place full.
A young wizard from some unknown country seemed far too nervous. He had left behind the good-luck pendant his mother had given him at the Event Village, and burst into tears.
His school's professor quietly tried to comfort him, but it didn't seem to help much. The crying grew louder, making many of the other young wizards nervous too.
Ring, ring, ring~~~
At the crisp, hurried sound, Lockhart, the host, appeared beneath the space gate in the middle of the Fountain of Magical Brethren.
He wore an enormous, exaggerated hat shaped like a fish head and a light blue wizard's robe. Silver threads shimmered with his movements, like rippling water. Clearly, he had chosen the outfit especially to suit the theme of this competition.
Lockhart raised a magic bell in one hand and held his wand to his throat with the other, casting a spell to amplify his voice.
"All spectators, parents, and staff participating in the competition, please gather over here. A large ship will be arriving shortly. Aurors, please help keep order. No pushing, no pushing~"
Just then, a vast amount of water burst through the space gate behind him, as if a gigantic creature beneath the sea were about to leap out.
First came the mast, then the sails and rigging, followed by a wooden hull that looked sturdy and ancient, covered in