Goblet of Fire

Under Dumbledore's lead, a round of less-than-enthusiastic applause rose in the Great Hall. The students' minds were now focused on the upcoming Champion selection.

"They will join me, Mr. Kamba, Madame Maxime, Madam Picquery, and Mr. Karkaroff in forming the judging panel, which will evaluate the Champions' performances."

The moment Dumbledore said the word "Champions," the students immediately became focused.

He did not keep them in suspense. With a wave of his wand, he conjured a stone pedestal, then stretched out an arm toward the entrance to the Great Hall with a broad smile. "Mr. Filch, please bring the box up!"

The students turned their attention to Filch. He was carrying a wooden chest in his hands, an ancient-looking box studded with jewels.

Quite a few students had poor seats and had to stand up just to get a clear look at what the wooden chest actually looked like.

As Filch walked along, the students whispered among themselves the entire way.

Once the jeweled chest was placed on the stone pedestal, the students fell silent in perfect unspoken agreement, waiting for Dumbledore to continue. The entire Great Hall became exceptionally quiet.

Dumbledore raised his wand. "I must make this clear... The Five-Wizard Tournament consists of three tasks, which will take place at different times throughout the school year..."

"The three tasks will test the Champions in many ways... Not only their magical ability, but also their courage, wisdom, and ability to adapt under pressure..."

He tapped the jeweled chest three times with his wand. Accompanied by a series of creaks, the chest opened.

Inside the jeweled chest was a wooden goblet. Its bowl was larger than a person's head, and its stem was thick and sturdy as well.

Yet aside from being large, the wooden goblet looked almost excessively ordinary.