Ever since Headmaster Dumbledore announced and explained the details and rules of the Triwizard Tournament at the end of last night's feast, then placed the trophy wreathed in magical flames—the Goblet of Fire—in the Entrance Hall of the Great Hall, where any student who wished to represent their school could approach it and toss in a piece of parchment bearing their name to enter the competition, the place hadn't been quiet for a moment. Not once, all the way through to noon today.
Countless students who wanted to enter the Triwizard Tournament, whether out of curiosity about the competition or confidence in their own abilities, had all come here without exception, openly or in secret. Then they'd thrown in pieces of parchment with their names written on them, watching as the magical flames reduced them to ashes and made them one of the many candidates for the Triwizard Tournament.
And then,
Naturally, apart from those confident and brave students, there was no shortage of people who weren't old enough or capable enough, but insisted on joining in anyway.
However, it was lunchtime now, and there weren't many people left in the Entrance Hall of the Great Hall...
Most people had already gone to eat, and those who wanted to enter the Triwizard Tournament had signed up last night or in the morning. Besides, the names of the chosen champions from all three schools would be announced tonight, on Halloween. So by now, only a few "people with ulterior motives" sneaking around and a handful of more reserved students were left to enter.
For example, the two twin brothers who'd covered their chins and hurried away amid everyone's laughter earlier—the prank-loving Fred and George, who liked selling strange products. And, of course, there were also all those younger students who'd been