"Yes," Dumbledore said, his voice carrying over the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall, "I am pleased to announce that next year, Hogwarts will host the first-ever Underage Wizard Duel Championship."
He paused for effect, the corners of his lips curling in amusement as hundreds of young witches and wizards leaned forward, eyes wide.
"As of now," he continued, "five magical academies have officially agreed to participate , Ilvermorny of North America, Castelobruxo of South America, Beauxbatons of France, Durmstrang of Northern Europe, and, of course…" he smiled, his gaze sweeping across the four long tables, "…our very own Hogwarts."
The silence before the eruption was deafening.
And then,
"WHAT?!"
The Great Hall exploded with sound , cheers, gasps, frantic whispers, and the unmistakable noise of benches scraping as students leapt to their feet in excitement.
An international dueling tournament for students? It was madness , the best kind of madness.
Those who loved competition were practically shaking. Those who loved chaos were already planning strategies.
Hogwarts hadn't seen this much excitement since the Triwizard Tournament , and that one hadn't even gone well.
If they could take home the championship this time, Hogwarts' reputation as the premier magical institution in the world would be undeniable.
This wasn't just cultural exchange , this was war, dressed in academic robes.
But not everyone was thrilled.
"Next year?" someone groaned. "Why does it have to be next year?! I graduate this term!"
"I haven't even seen students from the other schools yet!" another wailed.
And then came the skeptics. "Why announce it now if it's a year away? They're just torturing us with suspense!"
Laughter and arguments overlapped in waves until Dumbledore raised his hand again, instantly restoring order with that calm, unshakable authority only he could wield.
"I understand your enthusiasm," he said warmly, "but as this is the first of its kind, there are many details that must be carefully arranged. Preparations take time."
Then, with a glimmer in his eye, he added, "However, I didn't call this assembly merely to tease you. There's more."
He paused for dramatic flair.
"After Easter break, delegations from Ilvermorny and Castelobruxo will visit Hogwarts for a short-term exchange. Their best students will spar and study alongside you , a taste of what's to come in the official tournament."
The Great Hall erupted again.
The announcement had barely settled before the chatter returned twice as loud as before.
"Ilvermorny's coming here?!"
"What's a Castelobruxo wizard even look like?"
"I heard they duel with snakes!"
Dumbledore let the excitement run its course, then raised his voice once more.
"That is all I will say for now. Use this time wisely. Those of you wishing to represent Hogwarts in the championship, I encourage you to train diligently. Your professors," he added with a glance toward the staff table, "will gladly assist you."
Professor Flitwick immediately bounced to his feet, barely visible over the table. "Indeed! My classroom is open to any student who wishes to refine their dueling form , regardless of House!"
"Filius," Professor McGonagall said sharply, pulling him down by the sleeve, "please , decorum."
Back in the Slytherin common room, the atmosphere was electric. The emerald flames in the fireplace flickered with excitement as students gathered in tight groups, already speculating about rival schools, exotic magic, and the coming duels.
Even the normally aloof older students looked eager. Hogwarts' rivalries were one thing , but international competition? That was glory worth chasing.
"Who's planning to sign up?" someone called.
The room fell silent for a moment, and then, almost as one, every eye turned to Tom Riddle.
Tom blinked, halfway through a cup of tea. "What?"
Then, without warning, a familiar voice echoed inside his head:
[Mission Detected: "Fair Competition Among Peers."]
Objective: Win the Underage Wizard Duel Championship.
Reward: 200 Achievement Points, 2000 Academic Credits.
Tom froze. Then his lips curved upward in a slow, confident smile.
"Of course," he said smoothly, "I'll participate. For the honor of Slytherin , and Hogwarts itself , I'll face any challenge. As long as no one accuses me of bullying the competition."
The room burst into laughter.
Because everyone knew , if Tom Riddle entered the tournament, the real question wasn't if he'd win. It was whether the other schools would survive the encounter.
"If he loses," someone snickered, "I'm calling foul play. Polyjuice, mind control, something."
Rosier leaned forward, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Shame it's only between schools. If we could duel Hogwarts students too, Riddle could finally teach those Gryffindor idiots a lesson."
A nearby girl rolled her eyes. "Forget that , we don't even know the rules yet. Dumbledore's being too secretive. Maybe we can coax something out of Professor Wilkinson."
"Daphne, what's wrong?" another voice asked suddenly.
All eyes turned. Daphne Greengrass, who'd been uncharacteristically quiet, sat with her arms crossed and cheeks puffed like an irritated squirrel.
Tom looked at her, puzzled. "Did I say something?"
Her sister, Astoria, leaned in and whispered just loud enough for him to hear. "Beauxbatons."
Daphne's glare could've melted steel. "Hmph!" she huffed, turning away. "I suppose you're happy now, aren't you? Your precious little Veela princess is coming."
Tom blinked , then realization dawned, and he couldn't stop a small grin from creeping across his face.
"Oh. Right… Fleur's from Beauxbatons, isn't she?"
That was a mistake.
The moment his smile appeared, Daphne's hair practically stood on end. She leapt to her feet, flailing her arms.
"AAAAHHH! TOM! YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO THINK ABOUT HER!"
The entire Slytherin common room erupted in laughter , Rosier doubled over, Pansy Parkinson clapping her hands in delight, and even Blaise trying to smother a grin.
Tom, meanwhile, could only rub his temples and mutter under his breath.
"Merlin save me from jealous women and Veela both…"