Just like that, the fourth year at Hogwarts began.
As always, every student gathered inside the Great Hall on the first evening of the school year.
The four House tables were filled with returning students talking excitedly after spending the summer apart, while the enchanted ceiling reflected the darkening evening sky outside.
Near the entrance stood the new first-years. Some looked around in amazement at the castle, while others clutched their robes nervously as they waited for their names to be called.
Professor McGonagall carried the Sorting Hat into the hall and placed it on the old wooden stool. After finishing its yearly song, she unfolded the list of names. "The Sorting Ceremony will now begin."
One by one, the first-years walked forward. The Sorting Hat was placed upon each student's head before loudly announcing their House.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
The red-and-gold table erupted into applause.
"RAVENCLAW!"
Cheers came from the blue-and-bronze table.
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
The yellow-and-black table welcomed another new student.
"SLYTHERIN!"
The green-and-silver table clapped politely as another first-year joined their ranks.
The ceremony continued just as it had every year before, with nervous first-years becoming Hogwarts students one name at a time while the older years watched with familiar smiles, waiting for the feast to begin.
When the last of the first-years had taken their seats, Professor McGonagall carried the Sorting Hat away.
Professor Dumbledore rose from the High Table. The Great Hall gradually fell silent as every pair of eyes turned toward the Headmaster.
"Welcome," Dumbledore said warmly. "To our new students, welcome to Hogwarts. To those returning, welcome back." A ripple of applause spread through the Hall.
"Before we begin the feast, I have a few announcements."
The students settled down immediately.
"First, I should like to introduce a new member of our staff. As you know, Professor Lupin was unable to continue in the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I am delighted to announce that this position has been accepted by Professor Alastor Moody."
Dumbledore gestured toward the High Table. A grizzled-looking wizard with a wooden leg and a magical blue eye nodded briefly.
His enchanted eye spun independently around the Great Hall before settling on the students, causing many of them to shift uneasily in their seats. A round of applause followed, though it was noticeably more cautious than enthusiastic.
"This year will be rather different from any other during your time at Hogwarts." That single sentence was enough to capture everyone's attention.
"Hogwarts has the great honor of hosting a very special event, one that has not taken place here for many years."
Murmurs immediately spread through the Hall. Dumbledore allowed them a moment before raising a hand for silence. "This year, Hogwarts will host the Triwizard Tournament."
The Hall erupted into excited whispers. Even many of the older students had only heard stories about the famous competition. Dumbledore waited patiently until the noise subsided.
"In the coming days, we shall welcome guests from two distinguished European schools of magic. They will remain with us throughout the duration of the Tournament." The students immediately began trying to guess which schools would be arriving.
"Will it be Beauxbatons?"
"No, I bet it's Durmstrang."
"I've always wanted to see foreign students."
Dumbledore merely smiled at the growing excitement. "I shall not spoil the surprise by revealing their identities tonight. You will have the pleasure of meeting our guests soon enough."
The mystery only made the students even more eager.
With one final glance around the Great Hall, Dumbledore spread his hands. "And now, let the feast begin."
Instantly, the empty plates filled with food, and the Great Hall burst back into cheerful conversation as the new school year officially began.
***
The first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson of the year was unlike any the fourth-years had experienced before.
The classroom fell silent as Professor Moody limped to the front, his wooden leg striking the stone floor with a heavy thud at every step while his magical eye constantly spun around the room, seeming to look at every student at once.
He surveyed the class for a long moment before speaking. "Well," Moody growled, "I don't believe in wasting time with fancy introductions. Most of you already know who I am. Alastor Moody. Auror."
His normal eye swept across the students while the magical one appeared to be staring straight through the back wall.
"I wasn't brought here to teach you how to wave your wands around for show. I'm here to teach you about the Dark Arts, how Dark wizards think, and, more importantly, how to survive them."
Several students shifted uneasily in their seats.
Moody suddenly snatched a piece of chalk from the desk and flicked it across the room without warning. The chalk struck Seamus Finnigan squarely on the forehead.
"Ow!" Seamus yelped, rubbing his head.
Moody pointed a finger at him. "And while you're rubbing your head, you'd already be dead if that had been a curse instead of a piece of chalk."
He limped slowly between the rows of desks, the heavy thud of his wooden leg echoing through the silent classroom.
"Constant vigilance. While you're in my class, don't expect naps, daydreaming, or staring out of the window."
"If I catch anyone sleeping, you'll find yourself spending the rest of the lesson under a Jelly-Legs Jinx or a Tongue-Tying Curse. A little embarrassment is better than ending up dead because you weren't paying attention."
Several students instinctively sat up straighter. Moody nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now, let's continue with the lesson."
*****
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