On Monday evening, Hogwarts' Great Hall was transformed into a wondrous banquet hall unlike anything seen before.
For the first time, the barriers between the Four Houses' long tables were broken down, and the tables were joined end to end into a huge arrangement of nested squares.
Hogwarts students occupied the outermost ring, guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang sat in the middle ring, and the innermost area was reserved for the staff and tonight's true stars-the three Champions.
Over a thousand small, antique brass hot pots floated before the diners, their differently colored broths bubbling and steaming.
The air was filled with a rich, unusual aroma that mingled spicy heat with savory fragrance, along with the humming sounds stirred up by House-elves darting excitedly back and forth.
The stars wheeled across the enchanted ceiling, as brilliant as ever, but the floating candles had been given a special enchantment, casting a warm, orange-red glow like a campfire and bathing every face in anticipation.
Douglas stood at the head of the table. Today, instead of his ever-present black trench coat, he wore a well-tailored Chinese long gown, looking more like a generous host from the East.
He spread his arms and announced to the entire hall in an exaggerated tone:
"Welcome, everyone! Come taste the mysterious magic of the distant East-hot pot!"
"The principle is simple. Put anything you like into this boiling pot, wait a moment, and then enjoy!"
"Most importantly," he added with a sly wink, "tonight, it's on me!"
"Woo-hoo!"
The students erupted in thunderous cheers, all their reserve and unfamiliarity vanishing at that promise.
Hermione had already obtained a parchment menu specially prepared by Douglas and was busily circling and marking things with her quill, full of interest.
"Ron, look. It says here that lamprey tentacles need to