For the third time in the school year, Harry sat in the Gryffindor common room with the rest of his house, all of them listening to McGonagall as she spoke with a stern tone. He was thanking his lucky stars that they were told to wear their regular robes; they had been told to bring dress robes with them for the school year, and Harry had been under the impression that they would be using them today.
That did not mean, however, that they were not forced to dress nicely. They had been told to be in the common room fifteen minutes before they needed to leave, so that Professor McGonagall could make sure they were all appealing to the eye. By her side stood Professor Trelawney, who was helping Professor McGonagall look over the student. For the sake of time, each house was being looked over by their head of house, as well as another professor.
It could not have been more clear that Professor McGonagall did not approve of Professor Trelawney's fashion tastes. She had proved that by reprimanding nearly all of the students who had been given the approval of Professor Trelawney.
"Miss. Patil, if I have to tell you to remove that ghastly ornament from your hair one more time, it will be detention!" McGonagall said in a shrill voice.
"But Professor, - "
"No buts, especially not at a time such as this! Gather around now, all of you!"
The students of Gryffindor did as they were told, settling themselves down in the many armchairs, couches, and some even on the floor. Harry moved over to the back, attempting to stay out of Professor McGonagall's line of sight.
The last thing I need is for her to stare at me when she starts talking about following the rules.
He continued to stroke Hedwig's feathers from his seat on the stairs of the boy's dormitory. After confirming that Hedwig had been perfectly fine after the ritual, Harry had decided to bring her with him. It would be nice to have her with him so that she too could enjoy the event.
"I am not going to repeat the rules and guidelines for this event, as we do not have much time." said Professor McGonagall, "I am sure that all of you remember them after the two previous meetings we have had in this very room. I assure you that those rules have not changed in the slightest, and that the punishments for misbehaving are much harsher."
Professor McGonagall's eyes looked around the room. Harry was willing to bet several galleons that they were either searching for himself or the Weasley twins.
"Instead, I would like to review the plans for the evening. As many of you may have heard, we have several international guests visiting tonight. The French, Bulgarian, and British Ministers of Magic will all be joining us, as well as a few members of the ICW and British Ministry. There will also be others, such as Celestina Warbeck, the Weird Sisters, Camille Estelle, and a few others."
Many of the Gryffindor students seemed to somehow get even more excited at that. Harry, however, was not one of them. He had long learned that nobody was really who they portrayed themselves to be; the only people he would ever be excited to see would be those of personal value or sentiment to him.
"These guests will simply be here to enjoy the selection. They will not be performing tonight, or anything of the sort. If you wish to meet them, you will have to wait until after the Champion Selection, and only if they are fine with it. Do not make a fool of yourselves, or I will have you banned from any future events."
A few Gryffindor's nodded excitedly, though most simply slumped downwards in defeat.
"We will first be having our feast, as usual. After this, a Recorder Glass will be set up, and the selection of the Champions will begin." she paused slightly, before continuing on, "You will be on your best behavior, and if you do not your punishment will be much more severe than detention. The Recorder Glass, if you did not already know, allows for the Tournament to be broadcast live. The last thing you should do is make a fool of yourself in front of potentially several million witches and wizards. After the Champion Selection, the Recorder Glass will be shut off. I will let you know when it is. Any questions?"
"Professor, what should someone do if they get chosen as Champion?" asked Angelina from the front row.
"You will make your way to Professor Dumbledore and shake his hand before heading through the door behind the staff table, where you will be given your set of instructions. Do not panic once your name is called, simply smile and walk."
McGonagall motioned for everyone to stand, walking towards the portrait hole.
"Good luck to Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Lee Jordan." said Professor McGonagall in a crisp voice, "Oh, and Mr. Potter, wherever you are, please refrain from bringing your owl with us for a third time."
Harry scowled as the rest of the Gryffindors chuckled gently. The house exited the common room together, all organized neatly (or as neatly as they were capable of). As they made their way over to the Great Hall, Harry let Hedwig fly off to the Owlery.
.....
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