When dessert vanished from the tables, Dumbledore rose again and called for quiet.
The murmurs around the Great Hall stopped at once. Only the wind howling outside and rain hammering against the windows remained.
"Everyone!" Dumbledore smiled warmly, his gaze sweeping over the students. "I trust you've all had enough to eat and drink. Before you return to your dormitories, though, I have a few important announcements. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the list of items forbidden in the Castle has been updated again..."
As usual, Dumbledore took the opportunity to repeat Hogwarts' rules: stay out of the Forbidden Forest, no trips to Hogsmeade for students below third year, and so on.
What he said next, however, jolted the drowsy, well-fed students wide awake.
"I regret to inform you that this year's Quidditch Matches have been canceled."
Some students had heard the news already and guessed why, but most stared at Dumbledore in stunned silence. Shock and confusion spread through the Great Hall.
"This is because, beginning in October, Hogwarts will host an extraordinary event that will last throughout the school year. It will inevitably demand a great deal of our staff's time and attention," Dumbledore said gently but firmly. "This year, Hogwarts will host..."
Before he could finish, thunder crashed overhead. The doors of the Great Hall flew open, and a gust of cold, rain-scented wind swept inside.
Mad-Eye Moody stood in the doorway, gripping a long staff for support, a heavy black cloak wrapped around him.
Moody slowly lowered his hood, revealing a tangle of long, gray-white hair. He limped toward the staff table, each step landing with a heavy thunk that echoed through the hall.
A flash of lightning across the enchanted ceiling lit Moody's face. Scars crisscrossed it, his mouth