The Academic Affairs Office ruled with an iron fist; Filch was ecstatic: My time has come!

"In short."

He rolled up the parchment and tapped it against his palm with a sharp snap.

"This term, the Academic Affairs Office will strictly enforce discipline, curfew, Forbidden Forest restrictions, and contraband rules... Don't even think about testing our limits. That is all."

Before he had finished, a lone but exceptionally loud burst of applause rang out. Filch!

He did not care in the slightest that the Academic Affairs Office would take away some of his authority. All he knew was that an era when those unruly little brats could be properly taught a lesson through wizarding means had finally arrived!

Sirius sat back down and nodded to Moody.

The blue magical eye turned toward him, lingered on his face for a second, then resumed scanning the hall.

Finally, Dumbledore stood up once more.

The sternness had faded from his face, replaced by a mysterious, sparkling smile.

"Now, before you finish digesting all this good news and prepare to enjoy dessert, I have one last announcement."

He paused, enjoying the pleasure of keeping everyone in suspense.

"I am delighted to inform you that a grand event, suspended for over a century, will be held at Hogwarts this year."

He spread his arms, his voice echoing throughout the Great Hall.

"The Triwizard Tournament will return to our world!"

"You're joking!"

Fred's voice rang through the hall, breaking the frozen silence.

The Great Hall instantly erupted.

Exclamations of astonishment, wild delight, and disbelief flooded the entire space like a tide.

Dumbledore laughed cheerfully.

"I am not joking, Mr. Weasley."

He explained in detail the origins of the Triwizard Tournament, the arrival of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, and... the appalling death rate.

"Death toll?" Hermione's voice held a slight tremor.

But more people, like Fred, had eyes burning with a longing for glory