After a brief interval, the Weasley Twins' exaggerated grins once again filled the entire Water Vapor Screen.
Their voices carried just the right irreverent bounce to shift from the stage of international politics back to a school celebration.
"Thank you to our friends from around the world for your congratulations and outlooks!"
Fred announced loudly.
"But please don't forget,"
George continued, his voice full of mysterious hints.
"Hogwarts' greatness lies not only in its many friendships, but also in its rich heritage!"
A mischievous gleam flashed in Fred's eyes as he shouted to the entire audience:
"First, let us hear the echoes from the depths of history!"
As his words fell, the image on the magical screen abruptly changed.
The riotous colors faded, replaced by a quiet, dark yellow hue that seemed steeped in the patina of age.
An extremely elderly witch appeared on the screen.
Her skin resembled dead tree bark, and the deep wrinkles seemed filled with the dust of time.
She sat in a high-backed armchair, with mountains of books piled behind her. Even the air seemed to carry the scent of ancient parchment.
"It's Bathilda Bagshot!"
In the Ravenclaw stands, an older student cried out involuntarily, his voice filled with incredulous awe.
Like a spell, the name instantly silenced the entire expanse above the Black Lake.
The author of History of Magic, a legend who existed only on textbook covers.
She spoke in an aged, hoarse, yet exceptionally clear voice, a voice that seemed to pierce through centuries.
"The Triwizard Tournament is a continuation of an ancient magical covenant, a proving ground for courage and wisdom."
"My message to the champions of today," she said, a glimmer of wisdom flashing in her cloudy eyes, "is that you must possess not only the courage to challenge the