After the main course came dessert.
Many unfamiliar sweets appeared on the tables, including a strange, pale blancmange that tasted very good.
Just as Su Er put the last mouthful of blancmange into his mouth, the golden plates were scrubbed clean. Headmaster Dumbledore, who had been chatting with those beside him, wiped the corners of his mouth with a square napkin and rose with a broad smile.
The moment Dumbledore stood, everyone stopped talking of their own accord, and a mood of excitement and nervousness spread through the Great Hall.
"The moment has finally come," Dumbledore said, smiling. "I believe everyone is looking forward to this much-anticipated tournament, held again after so many years."
"Before I formally announce the rules, I would like to say a few words."
"First, I must introduce two guests. Some of you may not know them yet," Dumbledore said. "This is the Ministry of Magic's Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Madam Dolores Umbridge."
Dolores Umbridge, wearing an ostentatious pink wizard's hat, curled her lips into a smile beneath her sagging cheeks. She straightened the pink ribbons on her chest and stood.
Su Er could see at a glance that a flicker of astonishment crossed Dumbledore's face as she rose. He had to swallow the next sentence on his lips, and his smile stiffened slightly.
Clearly, this lady's speech was not on the agenda, but Umbridge paid no attention to her disruption of the proceedings. Instead, she gave a light cough and swept her gaze over the faces of all the young wizards in the Great Hall, putting on a full display of authority.
"Hello, everyone." Her voice was high, shrill, and breathy, making quite a few people rub their arms. "I am delighted to stand here once more after so many years,