There was muted applause from the disgruntled competition. As tradition dictated, they were forced to stand aside while Albus destroyed each of their pots one by one with a flick of his wand. Each time the sound of smashed pottery filled the courtyard, and shards of clay flew out across the garden. As was the custom, the contestants thanked Lord Albus after their creation was wantonly destroyed. This went on for some time until the last pot, the winning pot, stood unharmed. Nobody had cried this year, Albus mused, as the last disappointed guest left the gardens leaving only Ligo and himself.