"I can't believe it, all the magic schools are here!" Terry exclaimed excitedly as he stepped onto the staircase. "I mean—it's so cool, isn't it?"
"I'm curious, if Hogwarts goes to other schools for a competition, what kind of transportation would they use?"
Michael imagined, "Surely something unusual..."
"Maybe the Hogwarts Express." Padma said expressionlessly as she walked past them.
"Come on, Padma." Michael said with dissatisfaction, "What's the fun in that?"
"I suppose people at other schools might find it spectacular too?" Vid said, stroking his chin.
"I'd want something more special." Anthony joined the conversation. "Steam trains are everywhere."
"How amazing would it be if it were the Sun God's Chariot from the myths!" Michael said dreamily. "Or the Abyssal Giant Beast Leviathan... it would scare everyone into submission upon its appearance!"
"Pfft—"
In the crowd, someone let out a light laugh, not in mockery, but seemingly just amused by his words.
Vid looked in the direction of the sound and saw some Slytherin and Ravenclaw students passing by, seemingly chatting among themselves, with no indication of who had laughed.
Michael's face blushed slightly, and he said, "Of course... the victory of the competition definitely depends on strength..."
After passing through the entrance hall and entering the castle, you could see students from other schools already seated. The four long tables were much longer than usual, enough to accommodate everyone.
On either side of the Ravenclaw table sat students from Beauxbatons, Magic Institute, and Salem Academy. Durmstrang and Kodostorians were at the Slytherin table, Ilvermorny and Castelobruxo at Gryffindor, leaving the remaining three schools at Hufflepuff.
Meanwhile, the principals and professors of the various schools sat at the staff table, with the principals of the eleven schools at the front row. Two additional rows of seats at the back accommodated other professors.
Among the students, exclamations rose because when students from other schools untied their scarves or cloaks, many noticed that there were several famous figures among them, like the Quidditch star Victor Krum from Durmstrang, and a student from Uagadou transforming into a cheetah in public.
Not to mention, at the Ravenclaw table, there was a breathtakingly beautiful girl with waterfall-like silver hair that shimmered in the candlelight. Many boys stared at her in awe, forgetting everything else.
Dumbledore stood at the center of the staff table, smiling at the students, causing the hall to gradually quiet down.
"Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, ghosts, and—especially—distinguished guests,"
Dumbledore said with a smile, "I am filled with great joy in welcoming you to Hogwarts! Now, please begin enjoying our dinner!"
The principal's speech was as short as always, and as soon as the words fell, the plates on the long tables were piled high with food, as usual, including many foreign dishes.
Vid casually picked out a few appetizing dishes, barely starting to eat when he felt a gaze often drifting towards him. He looked up to see Antoine raising his glass, signaling from afar.
Vid nodded with a smile, and when he turned his gaze, he was surprised to find that Michael wasn't staring obsessively at the silver-haired girl Fleur but was instead focused on cutting a piece of roast meat.
Two figures passed through the corner of his eye, and Vid looked over to see Ludo Bagman and Barty Crouch from the Ministry of Magic entering the castle. They shook hands and talked with the principals before sitting in two empty pre-prepared seats.
Behind Bagman, seldom seen in the hall, was Professor Trelawney, who stared at his back like a female ghost, her gaze almost tangible with resentment.
However, Bagman calmly sliced a piece of steak, chatted with Uagadou's principal for a few seconds, seemingly having entirely forgotten about the victims of his betting in this school.
Vid and the others had been waiting outside the castle for nearly two hours, starving and with little chance for conversation, focusing solely on the feast to fill their stomachs.
After they were full, the golden tableware gleamed anew, and Dumbledore stood up again, scanning across every upturned face, causing the hall to quiet down instantly, even the candles seemed to stop flickering.
"Dear friends, tonight, we witness the gathering of eleven great magic schools—a historic first, where we sit together, participating in a grand event!"
"At this moment, we are the history!"
The hall erupted in enthusiastic applause, with many students trembling in excitement at the thought of this night being recorded in future Magic History, even if their names wouldn't appear there.
After the applause subsided, Dumbledore introduced each of the magic school's principals, as well as Bagman and Crouch, before speaking about the competition process.
The Triwizard Tournament, which lasted for seven centuries, would have certain traditional aspects echoed in this magic school league—
For instance, using the Goblet of Fire to select champions from each school, and the competition comprising three events that take place at different times throughout the school year. The specific events for each competition would remain completely secret before they officially began.
Considering some schools' students start attending very early, and the different "adult" standards across nations, this competition placed no restrictions on the participants' age, with even the number far surpassing previous years.
A crude wooden goblet stood on the table with blue-white flames flickering inside, this was the Goblet of Fire.
"Each school will have three champions. Students wishing to compete as champions should write their names and school names on a piece of parchment and drop it into this goblet."
Dumbledore instructed, "You have twenty-four hours to register. Tomorrow night, on Halloween night, the Goblet of Fire will select three champions who can best represent each school!"
"Lastly, I want to remind every student participating in the competition—this is not a game, not an ordinary House Cup competition! Even though we will have a team of Healers from St Mungo's on standby and the finest Aurors to protect you, dangers still exist."
"So, before deciding to participate in the competition, please carefully consider the risks before acting! Only when you are determined to wholeheartedly participate, then drop your name into the Goblet of Fire."
"Alright, I think everyone should get to bed, good night everyone."
The hall echoed with the sound of chairs scraping as students made their way towards the exit, various discussions happening concurrently.
"Did you hear that, three people from each school, we all have a chance!"
"I think we haven't learned enough...the previous Triwizard Tournaments often had fatalities..."
"I must participate. I'm sure I can become a champion!"
Amidst the bustling crowd, Vid quietly left the group, heading to an empty classroom rarely traversed by others. After a while, he heard the sound of the door opening.
Antoine entered with a smile, closed the door behind him, and cast a sound-blocking spell.
"What are you doing here?" Vid asked. "And you even blended into Salem Academy."