"So can you control the Flame Cup?" Harry asked curiously.
"Of course." Dumbledore said with a beaming smile, "The warriors from each school have been predetermined. The warrior from Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour, while the warrior from Durmstrang is Victor Krum... This decision was made after discussion among the three headmasters. As for Hogwarts' warrior, I'm still hesitating between you and Cedric."
Harry was stunned; he originally thought that the Flame Cup was really supposed to spit out names.
"Isn't doing this a bit presumptuous then, like an appointment?" Harry asked.
"That's not something you should be concerned about, Harry." Dumbledore winked, "My answer is—no comment."
"Alright then." Harry shrugged.
On Friday, Dumbledore announced in advance that there would be an announcement regarding the Triwizard Tournament at the Great Hall that evening.
The notified students were unusually excited, they were murmuring in small groups, debating who would become the final warrior.
In the evening, everyone gathered together.
Among the faculty seats, there were two additional persons, Ludo Bagman and Batty Crouch.
Once everyone was assembled, Dumbledore stood up.
"The moment has finally arrived," he said, smiling at the upturned faces, "The Triwizard Tournament is about to begin. I would like to explain a few things and then bring in the box—"
As soon as he finished speaking, Mr. Fitch, who was initially standing at the entrance, turned smartly and left the hall's entrance.
The students didn't notice his departure as they were all fixated on Dumbledore speaking.
"I want to clarify our program for the academic year, but first allow me to introduce the two guests, as some of you may not know them. This is Mr. Batty Crouch, Head of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Magic."
Sparse applause sounded in the Great Hall.
"This is Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Ministry of Magic Sports Department."
Both stood when introduced. Mr. Crouch appeared very stern, just standing without any expression on his face; while Ludo Bagman seemed much more approachable, cheerfully waving at everyone, appearing quite happy.
This resulted in Bagman receiving much louder applause than Mr. Crouch, perhaps because Bagman was somewhat famous as a batter, or simply because he was so friendly and down-to-earth.
"I don't like Crouch," Ron whispered to Harry, "He really seems pretentious, don't you think?"
"I agree." Harry whispered back.
"Over the past few months, Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have tirelessly worked to arrange the Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore continued, "They, along with myself, Professor Karkaroff, and Mrs. Maxim, will form the panel of judges to evaluate the warriors' efforts."
Upon hearing the word "warrior," the students appeared more attentive. Dumbledore seemed to notice their sudden silence, he smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Fitch, please bring the box up."
No one noticed that Mr. Fitch had already reached the entrance; at that moment, he walked toward Dumbledore, holding a large gem-encrusted wooden box in his hands, which looked quite old.
The students watched fascinated, discussing enthusiastically.
Dennis Creevey stood on a chair to get a better view, but he was still too short, even standing, his head didn't reach much higher than others.
"Are you planning to sign up?" Ron whispered to Harry, "It would be great if you could sign up. Gryffindor doesn't have any standout candidates in the senior years right now. I don't want the glory of our house to be stolen by that pretty boy Digory."
"I've already spoken with Dumbledore." Harry responded in the same way, "Don't worry, I'll participate."
"Then I'm relieved." Ron grinned, playfully patting Harry's back.
No one noticed their conversation, as everyone's attention was drawn to the Flame Cup.
At the main guest table, Dumbledore had finished a brief introduction to the Triwizard Tournament.
"You already know that three warriors will compete," Dumbledore continued calmly, "Each representing one of the competing schools. We will score them based on their performance in each task, and after three tasks, the warrior with the highest score will win the Triwizard Cup—the selection of warriors will be made by an impartial selector, that is the Flame Cup."
Upon hearing this from Dumbledore, Harry couldn't help but feel internally expressionless and even somewhat amused.
An impartial selector, huh?
Are you sure this cup is truly impartial?
Dumbledore took out his magic wand and knocked thrice on the box lid, which then slowly creaked open.
Dumbledore reached in and pulled out a large, roughly carved wooden goblet.
The goblet itself was rather unremarkable, but inside it was filled with pulsing blue and white flames.
Dumbledore closed the box and placed the goblet on the lid so everyone in the Great Hall could see it clearly.
"Can you guess what's burning inside it?" Seamus craned his neck, looking at the fire burning within the Flame Cup, "I bet it's a very advanced magic..."
"Could it be the Ancient Burei Immortal Fire?" Hermione said uncertainly, "It fits the description; it might be the only kind of flame that suits... but I'm not sure..."
"Every student wishing to compete as a warrior must write their name and school name on a piece of parchment and throw it into this goblet," Dumbledore said, "Students hoping to become warriors can sign up within twenty-four hours. Tomorrow evening, the goblet will select the names of the three students it considers most qualified to represent the three schools. Tonight, the goblet will be placed in the entrance hall, accessible to all students wishing to participate."
"Besides." Dumbledore continued again, "Students under the age of seventeen can express their desire to participate in the Triwizard Tournament to their head of house before the deadline tomorrow. We will have thorough discussions to determine whether you are suitable for this tournament."
Upon hearing this, the long tables of the four houses were momentarily stunned, then erupted in a fervent cheer.
Under seventeen, a thorough discussion to determine suitability for the tournament?
Long live the headmaster!
In conclusion, Dumbledore didn't forget to pour cold water on the students' enthusiasm.
"Lastly, I'd like to remind every student who wishes to compete that this tournament is not a trifling matter, do not impulsively participate—once a warrior is chosen by the Flame Cup, they are bound to see the competition through. Anyone who submits their name into the goblet essentially forms a binding, magical contract."
Saying this, Dumbledore gravely scanned the students in the Great Hall.
Under Dumbledore's gaze, the previously heated hearts of the students slightly cooled down.
"Once chosen as a warrior, you can't change your mind, so please think carefully, ensure you're wholeheartedly committed to participating before submitting your name."
After the serious topic, Dumbledore winked at everyone.
"Alright, I think it's time for everyone to sleep, goodnight everyone."
With that, Dumbledore turned and left the center of the Great Hall.