"The first champion has been chosen, from Durmstrang-" Dumbledore paused playfully.
"Viktor Krum!"
Applause and cheers instantly swept through the Great Hall, particularly enthusiastic at the Slytherin table. Malfoy clapped until his palms turned red.
Wasn't that a little odd? Krum was the one chosen, not Malfoy. What was he so excited about?
Amid the applause and cheers, Su Er clearly heard a cry from the back left of the Great Hall: "No surprise there!"
It was no surprise at all. Su Er clapped perfunctorily and watched with everyone else as Viktor Krum rose from the Slytherin table and walked toward Dumbledore, then turned right, walked along the staff table, and went through the door into the adjoining room.
He looked a little listless, though.
"Wonderful, Viktor! I knew it! You were destined to be a champion!" Karkaroff's booming voice drowned out the applause in the Great Hall.
Once Krum disappeared through the doorway, the applause and cheers gradually subsided.
The blue-white flames danced, scattering sparks in both colors, and Su Er joined everyone else in fixing his gaze on the goblet.
Unless something unexpected happened, there would be no surprises.
"The second champion, from Beauxbatons!" Dumbledore caught the second piece of parchment spat out by the flames, which had turned red and leaped up just seconds earlier, and announced,
"Fleur Delacour."
Fleur tossed her shining silver hair and rose gracefully from the Ravenclaw table. With delicate steps, she made her way toward the platform amid the applause, her feet as light as if she were dancing.
A smile played on her lips as she bowed slightly to Madame Maxime, then went straight into the adjoining room.
Next came the turn of Hogwarts' champion.
This was also the moment all the young Hogwarts wizards had been waiting for most. Those