Vladimir Dragov's Story

Deirdre Damorte stepped down from the powder blue carriage, the last one out as usual, not that she minded. She heard Madame Maxime calling orders to the other Beauxbatons, asking for order and making sure everyone knew what to do once they entered the building. Deirdre decided to take this opportunity to take a look around the campus, taking in the stunning scenery, but once her blue eyes touched the castle, she couldn't seem to take them off of it. It was absolutely beautiful, she thought. Even better than the pictures she had seen and the descriptions of it in books.

Then she realized she was the only person still standing at the carriage, the other Beauxbatons already all lined up and ready for entrance along with the Durmstrangs who had arrived at about the same time as they did, on their ship.

"No dawdling!" Madame Maxime called, her accent thick, hastily gesturing Deirdre after the other girls. "We cannot be late!" Deirdre didn't argue, but paused for a moment, casting one last glance back the the beautiful landscape. She would honestly never argue with Madame Maxime, especially if it could possibly involve besmirching Beauxbatons image because that was a sure way to enrage the headmistress. So, instead she simply followed after the other students who were proudly donning their blue uniforms, some of the girls whispering among themselves about some of the handsome Durmstrang students who were just behind them as they made their way into the castle and the great hall. The school would be abuzz with the excitement of the new school year and the arrival of the tournament and the prospect of meeting new witches and wizards, she was sure. Unfortunately, she was still stuck in the silky blue uniform which she couldn't help but find uncomfortable in the cool weather at Hogwarts. To be completely honest, she was extremely nervous as they waited to enter and quickly reminded herself to slip back into her cool, aloof character, which she did as they proceeded into the great hall.


"Please join me in welcoming the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic!" The Hogwarts headmistress, Minerva McGonagall's voice rang out, crystal clear in the great hall, most of the Hogwarts students having their eyes fixed on all those entering, which made her extremely uncomfortable, but she kept it hidden well.

This year, Beauxbatons had unfortunately decided not to skip the intro in which they represented their school. This year they were performing a almost ballet sort of dance as they made their way down the aisle. Deirdre had absolutely no desire to dance for Hogwarts and therefore stuck to the back near Madame Maxime, half-hidden in the woman's shadow who was not surprised at all that Deirdre wasn't participating. Still, she looked disappointed.

She was relieved when the dancer's finally bowed to the Hogwarts students who were applauding. Madame Maxime told her students to go take a seat at the table with the others. Deirdre hastily followed the others to an empty table, not having to be told twice. "And from the north, The Durmstrang Institue!" Deirdre spared a glance at the other small group which was entering. The Durmstrangs were marching in, sporting their blood red uniforms. To Deirdre they looked more like soldiers than students, but that was just their opinion as she watched the new head of the Durmstrang institute enter. Since Karkaroff had died, the school had passed to another. Now, mostly disinterested, she looked around the hall at the different Hogwarts students. So far, she was trying to find the different houses - Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and so on, just so she could get a general idea of what they were like. The Gryffindors, they were supposed to be brave and chivalrous. The Hufflepuffs, kind and hard working and the Ravenclaws knowledgeable and witty.






Waiting until everyone was seated, the headmistress looked out at the different tables and hushed the crowd. Then, she strode over to a golden goblet which a mere second later, burst into bright, crackling blue flames. "This, is the Goblet of Fire. Any student who wishes to enter the tournament and is at least seventeen years of age, may write their name upon a piece of parchment and toss it into the fire before this hour on Thursday. From this moment on, the TriWizard Tournament has begun!" She called out to the crowd, which cheered.

Deirdre tilted her blonde head slightly as she studied the brightly colored flames. The TriWizard Tournament intrigued her greatly, the idea of entering her name was incredibly tempting, however she reminded herself that she should think long and hard before putting her name into the goblet, for winning it would be no simple task. Still, she would like a chance to prove herself - not for the glory, but purely for the enjoyment of being able to put her skills to the test. She then glanced around the room, at all of the other tables and silently wondered how many people were going to enter their names as her eyes reached what she was pretty sure was the Hufflepuff table.





Malachi let out a cheer when the Hogwarts headmistress has unveiled the goblet, a grin spread out onto his face. He then cast a glance at the other student closest to him at the table - Vladimir, he was pretty sure his name was. Malachi had never really gotten the chance to know him but he knew he was an excellent wizard. He wondered if he was going to enter and then glanced over at the Hogwarts crowd, tempted to go introduce himself to a group already.

(technical difficulties, ignore this one. Sorry)

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.

Malachi looked up when Vladimir clapped him on the shoulder and then made his way from the Slytherin table over to the goblet. Somehow he wasn't surprised that he was going to be the first to enter his name - He was one of the best, after all. I might as well go join him. He thought, retrieving his own slip of paper from his pocket and then following after his fellow classmate, casting a playful grin over at an attractive Gryffindor girl as he made his way down to the age line.

Once he stepped inside the shimmering line drawn by the Hogwarts professor, he leaned over and dropped his name into the blue flames, some of his classmates and even some of the Hogwarts students cheered for him and Vladimir, who he cast a smile at. That was when the Durmstrang next to him began on a speech, asking the other students why they hadn't entered yet. Malachi glanced around at the other students, several of them falling silent including Beauxbatons. He was silent for a minute, listening to Vladimir's borderline insulting speech.

About half-way through he decided to excuse himself from the circle, stepping out of the circle silently and walking past the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables who he offered a very subtle shrug to as if to say he didn't know what was up just as a blonde haired Beauxbatons student brushed past him - probably not too happy with what Vladimir said.




Deirdre's blue gaze was drawn to the Durmstrangs who were entering their names, both earning cheers from their fellow classmates. She took a sip of her pumpkin juice, arching a brow when one of them - the taller of the two - began speaking, sending out a challenge to the other schools. Somehow, she managed to refrain from rolling her eyes at his remark about Beauxbatons. Arrogant. She thought, shaking her head, a slightly amused smirk touching her lips. A few of her fellow classmates looked terribly insulted, some whispering among themselves. None of them moved. She looked over to the dark haired witch next to her, who she vaguely knew. "Give me a piece of your notebook." She said, with a sigh and the witch hastily tore off a corner and handed it to her along with a quill which she used to scribble her name onto it, just barely legible. There was no way she was just going to let Durmstrang show off and think of them as pretty, stupid girls incapable of doing anything worth while.

Then, she rose to her feet gracefully and began striding down the aisle toward the goblet, just as the dark haired Durmstrang was finishing up his speech. "Well," She said, as she neared him, just loud enough for her voice to carry to the crowd. "I see Durmstrang has grown arrogant." She let her eyes meet his as she said it, brushing her long blonde hair over her shoulder and then slipping her name into the goblet, the blue flames engulfing the parchment pale as bone. "I can't let Durmstrang have all the fun now, can I?" She looked from the dark haired student to the crowd, placing her hands on her hips.

Faye was quite pleased with the show the two foreign schools gave and clapped along with the rest of the Great Hall. After their performances, Professor McGonagall gave a short introduction to the Triwizard Tournament. It seemed that no sooner had she stepped down from raised dais where the Goblet sat that a Durmstrang student had marched up, hastily putting his name in the Goblet. Another followed shortly after him and as the second boy stepped down, the first who was the taller of the two, made a rousing speech, though unnecessary.

After he had finished, a rather determined looking Beauxbatons girl who had asked for a piece of parchment from her walked up to the Goblet, placing her own name among the two from Durmstrang. Faye had wanted to enter and she was still a little miffed about what the taller Durmstrang had said about her house, but she was not a Gryffindor and lacked a significant amount of courage to be the first from her school to enter.

No sooner had she had these thoughts that Al, her good friend from Hufflepuff practically leapt from his seat among his admirers to prove himself. As he passed her table on his way to the dais, he gave a smile and a wink, knowing that she was going to go right after him. Never one to disappoint, she got up from her own seat after hastily scribbling her own name on a piece of parchment and silently made her to the Goblet where the she let the parchment slip from her hands into the flames. She didn't longer and quickly made her way back to her seat among the Ravenclaws.






Alistair was rather amused by the Durmstrang's speech. He had never seen the Gryffindors and Slytherins so put in their place, and it made him chuckle. Not a moment after the pretty girl from Beauxbatons had put her name in the Goblet, Al jumped up and practically strutted to the Goblet smiling and winking at Faye on the way. He'd show that Durmstrang that he wasn't just another stereotype.

Using the slip of paper that he had taken from Kaylee, who had been sitting beside him, he entered the Tournament feeling confident. He passed Faye on his way back to his table as she made her way towards the Goblet and wished her good luck. It was the Hufflepuff in him to wish his competition good luck. It most certainly wasn't because he had a crush on her that's spanned four years. At least that's what he told himself.

Stupid. Why are they celebrating this stupid thing?

That's the driving question behind Olivia, sitting with the Slytheryns during the whole opening ceremony. The Tri-Wizard Tournament. This is the reason why Olivia tried so hard to be allowed to just not attend Hogwarts this year, but her parents had adamantly refused with a threat of the cruciatus curse. Not knowing if they were serious or not, Olivia decided not to risk it. There had to be a reason why they wanted her at Hogwarts so badly, but no matter how hard the girl twisted and turned her mind, she couldn't think of anything she could do that no one else could, unless all of a sudden paper summons are the new favorite weapon of the Death Eaters. The only real advantage she can think of is that she can operate easily within school grounds.

There's something planned. Unfortunately, Olivia has no idea exactly what's in store.

These stupid seventh-years, getting so riled up at the idea of competing. And don't forget all the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang prospects. Is there really a not a single person even slightly wary of anything?

"'Course, it'll be me who gets in." Bragged a Slytheryn seventh year. "I'll pay back those other houses... we won't be looked down upon any more!"

Olivia vaguely knows his name to be Tobias something or other. She doesn't really know his last name, nor is she all that interested. All she knows is that she really wants to challenge him to a duel and test out a new attack pattern for her conjured paper creatures, designed to penetrate shields and bypass spells in order to attack the victim's wand arm. She practiced it on a fifth year Gryffindor before the ceremony, and it worked well, but he was an idiot to not be battle-ready at all times, anyways. The Head Nurse has probably already fixed up his arm. While Tobias stood up to enter his name into the Goblet, to the cheers of the Slytheryn House, Olivia just sat with her head propped up on her elbows, rested on the table, rolling her eyes with annoyance.

Still, Olivia didn't mind Tobias something or other's goals. Ever since the whole Voldemort thing, the Slytheryn house has been looked down upon with suspicion and distrust. Sure, perhaps it was for good reasons, but nonetheless. It still hurt, each time, even a little bit, when they were ignored in favor for valiant Gryffindors, loyal Hufflepuffs, or genius Ravenclaws.

One by one, students were writing down their name to put into the goblet, and one by one, all Olivia could think of was that they were willingly volunteering to become a sheep to the slaughter.

I hope they don't expect me to kill anyone.

The Hufflepuff table was all chatter and cheer, but especially so around a little blonde girl from the badger house. Currently, it seemed like she was scribbling times and names into a little pocket calendar; people for her to tutor for their OWLs. Of course, once the visiting schools were announced and began their entrances, the booklet was hastily tucked away in her robes.

The whole thing was exciting; it had been a long time since the Triwizard Tournament was at Hogwarts. Actually, it had been a long time since the Tournament had been allowed anywhere. Watching the elegant ballets and military-style entrances, the little blonde Hufflepuff was almost envious that they didn't get to do a grand entrance as well. After the speech had been made, she tugged out her calendar again and tore out two scraps of paper. Handing one to Alistair, who had been sitting next to her, she scribbled her name on the other she had. Standing up, she filled the lull in people going to put their names in the Goblet.

Skipping across the age line, she adjusted her bright pink fedora, which the teachers would likely scold her about later, and reached up to put her name in the Goblet. Of course, she came up just short and had to bounce up on tiptoe to reach the fluorescent flame. Watching the parchment be devoured, she turned heel and paused by the Durmstrang that had spoken up.

"Not to be rude or anything, but just because you're the first one up with your name in, it doesn't mean that the rest of us are cowards or bad examples of our houses or schools." giving a slight bow, she headed back toward her seat.

On her way, she was sidetracked by the Beauxbaton students, but mostly the blonde girl that had entered her name in the tournament as well. Making her way to the girl, she gave another slight bow and adjusted her fedora slightly.

"Hi, I'm Kaylee Schaefer from Hufflepuff house. I saw you entered the tourney too and thought you might like to pop over to our table and meet some people and chat or something?" she smiled brightly at the other girl.

Vladimir made a point of being the first clapper when a Hufflepuff girl and the Beauxbaton girl who hadn't danced came up to the Age Line. With arguable success, he even managed to make eye contact in an effort to express his warm thoughts towards his fellow candidates. His taunt however, seemed a bit more effective than he had expected since both of them directly answered his words. In true Hufflepuff form, at least that's what he'd been lead to believe, the Hufflepuff rather politely reminded him not to look down upon those not yet ready to enter their names. The Beauxbaton on the other hand, directly challenged taunt with taunt. Then again, since he'd rather arrogantly stated his own opinion to act as Durmstrang's the correlation was to be expected.

Less than a day and it would appear I've unintentionally made nearly everyone an enemy. In conjunction with the two girl's words, he could only wear the warmest smile possible and shake his head. If he'd thought ahead and had used Sonarus to boost his voice magically, he might have been able to correct the image he'd accidentally created. As it stood, he'd have to resort to Leglimency if he wished to communicate- something that be at best rude and at worst an attack on a fellow student. When a male from Hufflepuff came up, he still extended his applause- even extended his hand out. But from a quick image from excess mental noise from the fellow Vladimir realized he was invisible to him. He took it in stride, after all everyone had their own drive.

It was when the Hufflepuff girl began returning to her own table that he vaguely caught a name...Kayla- well something along those lines. But since there was no formal introduction, Vladimir wouldn't make use of this bit of information. In his current state, conversation would be awkward at best- and since no one else seemed interested in crossing the Age Line, he excused himself from the Hall. This was performed with a simple wave, and then he just walked out of the Hall. Though when in Hogwart's large Entrance Hall, he encountered a dilemma... explore the school out of curiosity's sake and risk trouble. The alternative option was simply going back to his room on the ship and amusing himself in there somehow. He really wasn't good at making such decisions, in a rather comical manner, he ended up standing by the door with an overly contemplative look on his face- complete with right hand rubbing his chin.

Well, apparently the Durmstrang's speech had accomplished it's goal because not longer after she had entered her name in the goblet, two students from Hogwarts had gone and entered their names as well - the first one a boy from Hufflepuff and the other a tall girl with short hair from Ravenclaw. Guess he can't complain now. She thought, casting the Durmstrang a quick glance before starting on her way back down to her table where the Beauxbatons were whispering among each other in rapid French. Another Hufflepuff entered, this one a girl with a bright pink hat who had apparently decided to say something to the Durmstrang, however she didn't hear much of it.

Just as she was about to take her seat, she saw the blonde girl was no longer at the goblet, but at her side and adjusting her fedora hat. Deirdre cocked her head slightly in puzzlement, wondering what the Hufflepuff wanted. No sooner had she thought that, than the girl had started speaking.


Admittedly, she was a little taken aback by the offer and for a minute she just kind of stared at her blankly. She wasn't normally offered to sit with anybody, somewhat of an outcast in her own school. She glanced to the Hufflepuff table, where Hogwarts student who had entered right after her was, then to the two Durmstrangs who had gone before her - The taller one already looked like he was planning to leave - and then to the Ravenclaw. She finally looked back to the Hufflepuff, apparently by the name of Kaylee. "Um, sure." She said, a bit awkwardly. "But we should invite some of the others, after all the whole point of this competition is supposed to be about...International Magical Cooperation, right?" She asked, figuring she would probably end up being silent at the table anyway, despite the friendly Hufflepuff's offer. She might as well fulfill the tournament's purpose though, right?