Snippet #2423363

Vladimir found it rather symbolic that the two guest schools would arrive near simultaneously. Unconscious habit resulted in him pulling out a Muggle cigarette, they helped him think, and light it. Before he could truly begin to smoke, it was destroyed by a nearby professor. He should have expected something like that, but he was still annoyed at the prospect. The walk from the ship into the Great Hall was much longer than he would have liked. In fact, he had to put on a poker face to disguise the fact he was getting winded. It was at this point, the host school would get a show from its guests- his school and Beauxbaton.

The french students went first, and they chose a rather graceful ballet. But he couldn't help but note that one student in particular hid in Madam Maxime's sizable shadow. His own school went next, a more militaristic show went under way...but he found himself preferring the more delicate show of the ballet. He seated himself at the Slytherin table with his fellow students, one in particular was immediately next to him but for the life him...a name couldn't be associated to face. At this point the Hogwarts Headmistress began the speech for the Triwizard Tournament- something he entirely zoned out. He used this chance to glance around the hallway, in particular a couple students at each table stood out to him. Of most importance from what he could measure was the girl from Maxime's shadow, a Ravenclaw girl as tall as himself and two Hufflepuffs- a male and female. It was really more gut instinct than anything that caught his eye. A family teaching was- the powerful naturally command their environment as they see fit. The two Hufflepuffs naturally had all the attention of those nearby. The French girl and the Ravenclaw girl had caught his eye with how inconspicuous they were attempting to remain. He was unable to examine the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables before the speech ended.

"Guess it's time for us to set the standard," he clapped the crimson robe next to him as he stood up. For his family, reputation was highly important. The Triwizard Tournament demanded the best students, his own accidental reputation demanded utmost pride and utter control. This made him stride to the Goblet of Fire with deliberate ease, he dropped his name in on a sheet he had also prepared in advanced. This let him get himself together, catch his breath and provide a better atmosphere.

"Is there no one else prepared at this night," he loudly called out to the full hall. "Beauxbaton, you provided a most excellent dance...but is that all you learn at your school?" His gaze traced the full carpet of blue,ultimately falling onto the one from before. He pointed to the Gryffindor student, "I heard your house is prized for its courage...I'm not seeing it now."

He arbitrarily chose a random student from the Hufflepuff table, one too young to enter. "Surely your House has its own pride, or is the stereotype true?" He instantly rounded towards the tall girl from the Ravenclaw table, " Your house is claimed for its genius." Oddly enough, another girl caught his eye...one a bit closer to himself, "Could you think of a better validation of your methods than this very tournament...the ultimate test is right here." From here he looked to the Slytherin table...a rather young girl in particular- one just entering her teens.

"To your House I'd like to offer the thanks of my school for welcoming us to your table. In fact I'll thank everyone present for the Tournament. But Slytherin, your House is known for cunning, nobility and ambition. I simply ask this: prove it." He deliberately kept his tone challenging and defiant. He also stood his ground inside the Age Line, he'd be a poor sport to not welcome those he himself had just called out. He had to force himself from grabbing his throat, addressing the entire hall had been like swallowing a glass of needles with each syllable. Due to an issue from birth, his voice was naturally quiet and talking somewhat painful...this had been his equivalent to screaming his voice out. As he swallowed, hoping to lubricate his raw throat- a metallic taste filled his mouth.