Hogwarts - Chamber of Reception (1st Floor)

[Hollywood Heidi]

Chamber of Reception


A room before the Entrance Hall where the first year students wait before the Sorting ceremony and the Welcoming Feast. It is also where the Goblet of Fire has been placed for students to enter their name.

Fairly sparse, large square room with some two-tiered benches along the walls and a huge fireplace.

[Lady Lee-o]

Since Dray heard about the tournament, she wanted to be apart of it. Dray was known around school for her music, her kindness, her ability to love everyone. The only time she ever showed any kind of ruthlessness was on the pitch. She was a fearless captain who was tough but kind and she wanted to bring that to the tournament. She knew it would be dangerous, she knew it was probably dumb but she believed she could do it. She wanted to show people that Hufflepuff could be strong, crafty, and determined as any other house. Dray was more than her music, she was a warrior of body and mind and she would prove it.

Dray held the paper with her name on it, slowly she stood up and got ready to throw it in. "I can do this," Dray took Ellie's hand and smiled, "I'm going to show Hufflepuff can do this, that we can be as strong as any other house."

[DarkSideCookie]

Ellie was accompanying her friend, who, by now, had become one of the most important persons in her life, actually following right behind her dad, on her way to the goblet of fire. In fact, she probably felt not less excited than Dray herself. There was just a tiny weeny bit inside of her that felt somehow frightened, as the Triwizard Tournament was known for its high level of danger. But mostly was she proud; not only of her friend but also of their house. Ellie was damn sure Dray had a good chance to win that thing, and if not winning it then at least kicking arses with a high amount of points for Hufflepuff.

"I can do this,", she heard her friend's voice right next to her before she was grabbing her hand, a warm smile on her face. Just some weeks ago Ellie might have blushed at that sudden physical contact, but not today. At some point, she had finally come to the realization what this strange and yet wonderful feeling in Dray's presence did portend. "I'm going to show Hufflepuff can do this, that we can be as strong as any other house."

"Let's do it together!", Ellie suddenly suggested, not letting up on her friend's hand. The smile on her face seemed to be brighter than ever before, as she was not only filled with excitement about Dray throwing in her name but also with a whole cluster of butterflies in her stomach.

[Hollywood Heidi]

Anya sat on one of the back benches furthest away from the Goblet of Fire in her usual way of being a part of something and yet apart from it. It was nice to have a few days off from classes as part of the busy Triwizard events occurring. Yesterday, students from other schools had arrived followed by a feast to welcome them. Today, the Goblet of Fire was the centerpiece of it all, students coming and going to watch or put their name in.

Two months had passed and the novelty of the new girl, niece of the Headmaster (as the Headmaster had led everyone to believe), who came into magic later in life had worn off enough that curious glances and the questioning by a couple more forward students had stopped. It allowed her to blend into the background as she'd been accustomed to doing since losing her parents.

Anya had been sorted into Ravenclaw and her robes now reflected the House. She'd been taken to Hogsmeade for supplies and attended some of the normal classes more as an observer but spent most of her time in private tutoring to try to catch up on years worth of classes she'd missed out on.

Since that night in the library, when Ralph had helped to reveal the fact that there seemed to be more to the scar on her palm, she'd been spending a good amount of time with Callum, who'd been witness to his clever little dragon's revelation. Some might have taken note that the two who generally kept to themselves seemed to be in cahoots, always talking quietly, intently, or working together in the library on something. Their standoffish, loner personalities had kept people at bay so far and nobody had been curious or bold enough to stick their noses in Anya and Callum's business. One or two busybodies may have come up with their own assumptions but Anya and Callum could care less what some people might have been whispering.

That little snotty weasel of a brother of Callum's was the only person Anya had any real problem with. The fact that platinum-haired, stuck up, self righteous little bundle of annoyance was related to Callum puzzled her. The two were so different.


Anya sat by herself, sketching in the journal she and Callum had started regarding the scar on her palm. There were pages of notes, some sketches of different parts of the scar that seemed to be their own symbol interwoven into the overall design. Uncomfortable with the sidelong glances at her scar and also at the recommendation of Marius, Anya had taken to wearing fingerless gloves to hide the scar. She didn't want it to be a focal point and didn't like the attention it drew when noticed. Unbeknownst to Anya, Marius' real intent in suggesting it had been out of avoiding a clever student or professor realizing there was something strange about her scar.

Her left glove rested on the bench beside her. She'd taken it off to occasionally glance at as she sketched and made notes, the fact that she was left handed making it tedious. It was usually easier to let Callum do any sketching while she held open her left palm but he wasn't here right now.

The sound the Goblet emitted when a name was put in had her glancing up from her work to see who had put their name in now. There'd actually been a wide variety of people. Big and strong, tall and short, all age ranges that were allowed to enter. This was definitely not like the sports at Muggle schools. Physicality, boldness, and outgoing personalities were not requirements which, in Anya's opinion, would make these games far more interesting to observe than those dull sporting events at her old Muggle school.

However, when the sound went off again just now and she looked up, the guy from one of the other schools who'd dropped his name in looked as if he possessed all three of those things she'd just listed in her mind.

[Lady Lee-o]

The girls that followed Darleena into the chamber, she wouldn't call them friends but acquaintances. Mostly because they were only hanging around because of who she was. A Prefect, a sixth year, and because of her last name. Her family heritage had been the bane of her existence.

She moved passed Dray and Ellie with a smile. "The idea is to put your name into the Goblet, Lopez, it's not going to suck it out of your hand." Darleena smirked and patted Dray on the shoulder before throwing her name into the goblet. The Slytherin's around her cheered, chanting her last name.

"Lestrange, Lestrange, Lestrange!" She could see some of the first years watching on, clearly uncomfortable by the chanting. They knew the name, knew once that it belonged to one of the strongest wizarding family's in the wizarding world. She hated that she was named after such a wicked woman, she was nothing like her and she would prove it one day.

Darleena made her way over to the side and sat down, watching as people thought about putting their name in.

[Lady Lee-o]

"Let's do it together!" Dray grinned as Ellie held her hand and cheered her on. Before she could say anything she heard the doors to the chamber open and in came Darleena Lestrange. She watched as the group came closer to them and Dray stepped aside to let Darleena in.

"The idea is to put your name into the Goblet, Lopez, it's not going to suck it out of your hand." Dray chuckled and shook her head.

"Thanks, Darleena." Dray chuckled and watched as Darleena threw her name into the cup. She sighed when the large group of Slytherin's started to cheer her last name. She knew that Darleena hated it but she just let them go. "Good luck, Darleena." She called out as she walked off.

Dray got closer to the Goblet and took a shaky breath, this was it, this was her moment. She tossed her name in and a loud cheer happened from the other side of the room. She blushed when some of her fans cheered, she hadn't even seen them come in.

"Dray, Dray, Dray, Dray!"

[DarkSideCookie]

With a high amount of self-confidence, and that without appearing boastful in any way, Dimi wordless entered the hall. Other than most of the students around he felt no need to wallow in the jubilating crowd, whenever someone was heading towards the goblet. Instead, he walked over to it with straightforwardness and with a harsh expression on his features even; something that often was misconstrued as peevishness, in truth wasn't more than just his face of concentration though.

Once Dimi has reached the goblet, passing two girls who seemed to have shared the moment of throwing in a name, he raised the parchment with his own name on it into the magical fire's direction. On his way to do so, he suddenly noticed a girl sitting all alone on one of the back benches. For a moment their eyes even met, which caused Dimi's facial features to lighten up at once. And yet again, no way had he been peevish before at all. He sent a self-confident wink towards the girl, as the parchment landed in the goblet, whereupon a brief splendorous flame got spit into the air. And then it was his cheering to start around a group of other Durmstrang's.

"Dimi, Dimi, Dimi!"

Dimi addressed them with a wave of his hand, and yet again without appearing boastful before he threw another look at that girl on the back bench. Quite a cutie. And smart as well, he assumed, judging by the book she had stuck her nose in. As Dimi didn't want to act intrusive, he turned his attention away from her eventually and instead allowed his school colleagues to celebrate him at least a little bit. He might not be boastful, but who didn't like to get celebrated anyway?

[Ariel]

The icy eyes of the mysterious Ravenclaw boy scanned the room of boastful students, surrounded by there celebrating friends. It was finally that time where the boldest and most daring students put their names in the goblet of fire, in hopes of bring chosen to fight through tasks that sent students near to their death. All for fame and fortune. The idea was so controversial, barbaric even for school kids. Ash thought it was an intriguing concept and knew he could roast any opponent who would try and go up against him. Easy game. However, Ash spared any sort of interest in putting his own name in the Goblet. But he had a sinister idea, one that would help him fulfill what he had come to this school to do. Perched on the farthest spot on the benches, he scanned the entrance to the chamber like a vulture, waiting for his prey. His grand idea was already in motion and it was only a matter of time before his prospect would arrive through that door. Hazily, to boot.

[Ariel]

Physically Morgana was entering the chamber full of fellow peers, but mentally she had officially checked out the moment a peculiarly friendly Ravenclaw in the common room had offered her most very favorite cup of tea. She usually wasn't one for accepting gifts and treats from others, however this student happened to have an extra cup of piping rose petal tea. Morgana would have preferred to not have seen the delectable cup of tea go to waste, and thought she might as well simmer her nerves by drinking the whole cup dry. And now she was like a mindless zombie in a room full of excitable students. Everyone was so busy rooting for their own champions, they all didn't notice Morgana's lifeless expression heading for the goblet with a paper in had. A paper with her very own name on it.

Stepping through the protective circle with ease, Morgana's arm slowly lifted her hand high enough to reach the cup. Her hand hovered for a slight few seconds before her fingertips let the paper float down into the blue flames. Oblivious to the commotion around her once more, Morgana slowly turned her body around and made her way through the crowd to the exit. Outside of the chamber and back in the corridors, Morgana gasped as her mind returned to her body. She slowly turned her head left and and right, wondering how in the hell she had gotten here. Slightly frightened, she scurried back to the common room to be by herself with her books, unaware of what she had just done.

*** Morgana exits ***

[Ariel]

"And here we are," Ash whispered to himself as he spotted Morgana enter, excited to finally be able to have his chance to make some progress with his mission to fulfill the prophecy. He watched Morgana closely as he was curious to see if she would succeed in making it through the protective circle. He had made sure to have concocted a mind control potion ancient enough that the glowing ring would not detect the strain of dark magic within the girl, however security had tightened a tad ever since the incident with Harry Potter. 

Ash rejoiced inwardly as Morgana succeeded to pass through the security spell. Do it....do it...Ash thought repeatedly as Morgana's hand raised higher and higher to the cup. The moment the paper she held dropped into the cup, Ash slowly stood up from the end bench and did about five slow claps. Though, he wouldn't be too quick to celebrate as he would have to see if her name gets picked. "And now we wait, my pet. Now we wait..." Feeling good, Ash decided to hang tight in the chamber and people watch for a bit. Peering down a few aisles of seats, he noticed Darleena Lestrange. A fan of her bloodline, Ash had always admired her from afar in the classes they shared. Not in a romantic way, but in awe that she shared the same blood as some of the most powerful and dark wizards in history. Though he knew she wasn't like the rest of them. Or didn't want to be at least.

Slithering down the benches, he stealthily made himself a seat next to hers. Ash hovered quietly in her shadow for a few moments before finally beginning to speak. "Looks like you have some fans already," Ash motioned to the first years that cheered her on, "And what does Darleena Lestrange look to achieve from competing on one of the most daring tournaments of our time?"

[Ariel]

Scorpius mingled with the first years in the chamber as they watched all the older students arrive to place their names in the goblet. Amidst all the laughter and playful chat with his peers, Scorpius kept his eyes peeled for his brother, Callum. He had his doubts that his brother would have the guts to put his name in the cup for the choosing, however he remembered their father mentioning this event over the summer and how gratifying it would be to have the first Malfoy triwizard champion. Scorpius almost hoped that Callum didn't show to put his name in, as he knew this would make their father proud. And Scorpius couldn't have that. He doubted Callum had paid attention anyways.

Scorpius excitedly patted the shoulders of his peers as he pointed at his own cousin, Darleena, approaching the cup. "That's my cousin! Merlin's beard,  she's gonna do it!" And once she dropped her name in the cup, they all cheered. Scorpius and Darleena didn't necessarily see eye to eye, however it was exciting for one of their own house mates to have a chance at the glory. "Lestrange, Lestrange, Lestrange ! " Scorpius led the first year chant which lasted for a few moments. Scorpius clapped and sat back down, scanning the room for any other takers.

[Lady Lee-o]

"That's my cousin! Merlin's beard, she's gonna do it!" Darleena was very surprised as it was Scorpius that led the cheering for her. She smiled over at him and gave him a wink and a nod of appreciation. "Lestrange, Lestrange, Lestrange!" It was nice that he was cheering for her, even if they didn't get along- he was family.

Darleena went back to chatting with her friends, smiling when Dray put her name in the cup. She clapped half-heartedly and hoped that she didn't lose to a Hufflepuff; how embarrassing for her. "Did Lopez just put her name in the cup?"

"If she gets picked jinx me now, I don't want to see Hogwarts lose because of some Puff."

"As long as Hogwarts wins, It doesn't matter." Darleena added quickly, "She's a good witch, leave it alone." She watched as the students came into the chamber one by one, some in groups, some in pairs. Most of them chickened out, others blocked by magic for being underage. She laughed as students flew back and landed with a thud.

The noised died down when the chamber doors flung opened and in came Durmstrang.

"Oh, my, ladies I'm having an outer body experience." Darleena fanned herself and watched as Dimitrij Saizew, the hunk of Durmstrang came into view along with his fans fellow students. During the welcoming feast, the boys of Durmstrang made themselves known and shot every single girl into puberty. They were certainly a fan favorite among the ladies of Hogwarts and Darleena was among those fans.

Darleena was very distracted by the boys and paid no attention to anyone else until-

"Looks like you have some fans already and what does Darleena Lestrange look to achieve from competing on one of the most daring tournaments of our time?" She was brought back into reality and looked to see a Ravenclaw beside her- Jones.

"Ashworth Jones, I'm just looking for a little separation. To prove I'm nothing like my family, I've fought against that every single day of my life."

[Hollywood Heidi]

It was a group of boys from Durmstrang standing near the cup that had just caught her attention. Actually, the attention of nearly all the girls, though most of them watched starry-eyed while Anya's glance was mostly curiosity. Mostly, not all. She wasn't blind. They were definitely something to admire. It wasn't just the guy reaching to put his name into the cup that seemed to possess all the qualities of a star athlete but all who'd paraded through upon introduction last night looked the part.  And the girls from the all girl school, they flitted with the grace of, well, the butterflies that flew from their palms every few steps.  'What are they feeding them at those private schools?' she wondered.

Suddenly, the one reaching for the cup glanced right in her direction and smiled, keeping his sight on her as he dropped his name into the Goblet. As if that hadn't been boldly confident enough, he threw her a wink. Rather than getting all swoony and blushing like most of the heavily sighing girls would have, Anya instead couldn't help but grin with amusement at his audacity. She chuckled as she shook her head and returned her attention to her journal, hearing them chanting his name. 'Dimi', she noted. 'Definitely need to watch out for that one.'


Anya noticed Scorpius had showed up and that was yet another reason to keep her head down and keep to herself. She was not in the mood to deal with him. Anya wondered where Callum was. She figured he'd at least drop by out of curiosity as she had. They had plans to meet up at some point today in the library to take advantage of it most likely being nearly empty as everyone else was taking advantage of the day off to mingle and socialize. Their meetings were usually tentative, deciding on a certain night but not really setting an exact time. One of them would be there, already absorbed in books when the other would show up and they'd collaborate, going over what each of them had learned since they last talked.

The room was starting to feel crowded making it hard to concentrate and she contemplated leaving for the library. Anya decided to stay a bit longer, enjoying the camaraderie of the students from the sidelines. This simple thing of putting one's name into a cup seemed to bring everyone together.

[Anduin]

Sherlock knew that Dray decided to put her name into the Goblet of Fire.
Of course, he worried about her since the Triwizard Tournament was known as really dangerous – at least since Cedric Diggory...
But he didn’t try to stop her.
"Be careful", was all he said when she told him about her decision.

And since Dray started to spend much of her time with her friend Elliotte, the young man started to write a cheering-song for her. It should be a surprise for her if Dray will be chosen for the Tournament. The other band members were well-informed and so they did some secret rehearsals during the last weeks.


This morning the Goblet was ready for the students to put their names into it. And as another surprise for Dray Sherlock called their Little Fanclub to shout approval when the young and brave Hufflepuff woman would do so.
And when she looked over at them he just gave her a nod and a smile.
His lips formed a few mute words: "I’m proud of you, my dear!"

Sherlock wouldn’t even think about taking an active part in the Tournament. Not because he was a coward but because he didn’t like any kind of sports.


Suddenly some students who were underage tried to put their names into the Goblet and flew back because of the magical security precaution.
Some of the other students around even laughed about them.
Not very kind.
It was Darleena Lestrange. That girl really seemed to be a bit strange sometimes...
Sherlock headed to the poor ones and reached out to them.
"I’m very sure you are not the first ones who tried to cheat the Goblet of Fire, but I will give you a piece of good advice: Don’t try it again – not before you will be old enough.", he said with a warm-hearted voice and a cheery smile.


Then he took a look around him. There were many students from different years and houses.
His eyes came to rest on the Headmaster‘s niece. She became a Ravenclaw as well. And she often was seen with a book in her hands. Surely, she had to catch up on many subject matters.
Sherlock came toward her.
"Hello, Anastasia.", he approached her.
"It is most odd that they all are all so excited to take part in an adventure despite the fact that they were able to do so by reading some thrilling books. What do you think about it?"   

[Ariel]

"Ashworth Jones, I'm just looking for a little separation. To prove I'm nothing like my family, I've fought against that every single day of my life"

"I see," Ash spoke in a curious tone, side glancing to the sudden roar of excitement from a group of dainty young ladies in elegant, blue dresses. Surrounding the cup, they cheered for one of their own as she submitted her own scribbled piece of parchment into the flames. Beauxbaton girls. Graceful like ballerinas, but never to be underestimated. Perfect opponents for the tournament. 

"Well I'm sure your family would be proud to have one of their own representing the entire school in the race for fame and fortune. That is, if it's your destiny,"  Ash slyly grinned as his attention diverted back to the blonde Slytherin who seemed to be less than pleased to have Ash in her company. But then again, that would be the majority vote of all who had the pleasure to cross his path.

[Ariel]

The clanking of Cami's blue heels came to a halt at the entrance to the Chamber of Reception. This was it, it was the moment she had been waiting for. Her gaze shifted around the room at all the students from different school, together again for another daring competition. Cami had prepared herself for this tournament for a while now, and nothing was going to get in her way. Taking in the atmosphere of excited students, it was slightly different for Cami. Many of these students who entered their names in the cup daydream of the fame and glory they will receive in the end if they do their school justice and sweep the competition. But not Cami. She was doing all of this for her family, her muggle mother and father who struggled to make ends meet at home. She kept her entrance into the tournament in the dark from her parents, as she didnt want to burden them with more worry. But she loved her parents and she loved their beloved farm. She couldn't just srand by, not this time. Standing tall and proud, Cami would win this tournament for her parents in hopes that the prize money would suffice. 

"Cami ! Cami ! " not far behind did her fellow Beauxbaton peers follow her into the chamber, a couple of the youngest ones grabbing her hands eagerly to escort her to the glowing goblet in the middle of the room. A playful giggle escaped Cami's lips as she gracefully glided forward with the supportive girls surrounding her every move. They fell silent as Cami stepped through the ring and found herself in front of the cup. Beaming from ear to ear, Cami marveled at the cup as she enjoyed every last drop of this moment. Then finally, her porcelain hand that grazed the paper with her name on it let it fall into the dancing blue flames. Cami's hands clasped together in excitement and as she turned around, the fellow girls in blue dresses hollered and clapped proudly for their dear friend.

Cami basked in the joyous attention she had received from her peers, but couldn't help but notice a rather painful sight in the near distance. Two students of the host school in conversation, though one seemed to be enjoying it much more than the other one. Cami knew there was nothing worse than a beautiful girl being stuck in a conversation with a low life leech, she had dealt with these situations before. She admired the girl for being patient and gracious with this boy, as Cami would have rid of him the moment he stepped foot into the conversation. Seeing the uncomfortable expression on the pretty one's face, Cami just had to step in for the rescue. 

" 'Scusez-moi, si vous plaît," Cami patted the girls shoulders as she exited the excitement and attention and sashayed her heels directly up to the blonde girl and the strange boy.

"Do you 'ave nothing else to do than bother ze poor girl?" Cami folded her arms over her chest as she boldly entered their conversation, throwing dagger eyes at Ash, "She shouldn't 'ave to waste 'er grace an' beauty on you. Now shoo!"  Cami firmly moved her hands in a shooing motion then proceeded to sit down between them, the boy having no choice but to make his exit. Cami watched Ash pick himself up and leave, as he did so she shook her head in disbelief. "What iz 'is deal? Ex-boyfriend ? Stalker?" Cami asked the beautiful blonde girl, as she was lead to believe most boys were all the same who thought with their parts than with their mind.

[Ariel]

"Do you 'ave nothing else to do than bother ze poor girl?"

Ash slowly turned away from Darleena, in surprise to find the Beauxbaton girl confronting him out of the blue. He froze, not replying to the hot headed girl as he felt that she had more to say before he could even think of opening his mouth. 

"She shouldn't 'ave to waste 'er grace an' beauty on you. Now shoo!"

Ash put his hands up in surrender. He also forgot that the beauxbatons were strong willed and stubborn, more than the average witch to say the least. "Until next time, Lestrange," Ash stood up slowly and shot a glare at the intrusive french girl before making his exit.

*** Ash exits the chamber of reception ***

[Ariel]

The strumming of a guitar was enough to divert the attention of the entire room to the entrance where uniformed Ilvermorny students poured in, singing at the top of their patriotic lungs. 

Where'er we roam
Where'er we roam
Our one true home
Our one and own

Is Ilvermorny dear!

The students hooted, pumping their fists in the air out of excitement for their potential future champion. Right front and center of the noise was Shane Hudson of Thunderbird house. And what a following he had! The students adored their MVP Quidditch captain, and girls swooned over the charming athlete. He had been entering races and competitions ever since he was young, and barely did he ever suffer a loss. And the Triwizard Tournament being one of the most daring races of them all, Shane was more than up to the challenge. He wasn't about to be beat now.

Shane approached the cup and as he did so, his fellow peers shouted "Shane of Thunderbird ! Shane of Thunderbird !" Laughing rather humbly, Shane lowered his hand in a motion for everyone to ease their praises to a minimum. He hadn't made it into the competition yet, this was the entry into the lottery of names. Though, it took guts to even submit your name into the goblet of fire, and his peers admired and looked up to their local celebrity. Shane didn't waste much time dropping his name into the goblet. As soon as the deed was done, the ilvermorny crowd cheered some more, the guitarist strumming their anthem once more.  Clapping along, Shane thanked everyone for their support before taking a seat on a bench nearby, taking in the moment.

[Hollywood Heidi]

"Hello, Anastasia.",

Surprised to hear her name coming from a voice that wasn't one of the few people she often spoke with, Anya looked up from her journal with a quizzical expression. Seeing it was Sherlock, who appeared to be eternally cheerful and always kind to everyone, herself included the handful of times they'd communicated, she smiled easily. "Hi Sherlock," she said, closing the journal and letting it rest on her lap as she gave him her attention.


"It is most odd that they all are all so excited to take part in an adventure despite the fact that they were able to do so by reading some thrilling books. What do you think about it?"

Anya watched one of the Beauxbaton girls put her name into the goblet as she considered his question. "I guess some people would rather live an adventure than just imagine it." Cheers had followed as with every entrant and Anya noted how happy and excited everyone seemed. There was a camaraderie like she'd never seen, even beyond the ones amongst athletes in Muggle schools. "It's put everyone into such a festive mood."

As if to further prove her statement, a guitar strummed the entrance of the American students while they proudly sang their school song on their march to the goblet, drawing Anya's attention again. One of the boys stepped ahead of the rest and dropped his name in as well. 'Blimey, but there are a lot of good looking boys from the visiting schools,' she thought. Enough to have her mentally use the word 'blimey.' She nearly snorted at herself and got her hormones in check before addressing Sherlock once it quieted down again.

"It actually seems like it might be fun." She really had no idea what all the tournament entailed. There had been hesitation and hint of trepidation showing on some who'd entered.  Anya attributed that to the fact those chosen would be under the scrutiny of four schools' worth of peers. That didn't seem like it'd be something that would bother Sherlock's positive and outgoing personality so she curiously inquired. "You're not going to put your name in?"

[Lady Lee-o]

"I see," Did he really see or was he just saying it to say it? Either way, she wanted him gone because he always gave her the creeps. "Well I'm sure your family would be proud to have one of their own representing the entire school in the race for fame and fortune. That is, if it's your destiny," Darleena sighed.

"I'm not doing this for my family, I'm going this for me so I can stand on my own two feet." She didn't pay much attention to Ash, she cared about so few people but she was getting that creepy feeling again. She was going to tell him to go away but she didn't need to.

"Do you 'ave nothing else to do than bother ze poor girl? She shouldn't 'ave to waste 'er grace an' beauty on you. Now shoo!" Darleena smirked when the girl sat down next to her.

"Until next time, Lestrange," She hoped not...

"What iz 'is deal? Ex-boyfriend ? Stalker?"

"We are just classmates, he's always given me this weird feeling and I'm not the only student who feels that way. Thank you for saving me, I'm Darleena-" She contemplated leaving her last name out of it but Ash already said it before he left. "-Lestrange."

Darleena looked over to see a group of American's making their way into the chamber. Shane, she didn't know his last name but they cheered his name as they dropped his name into the Goblet.

[Ariel]

"We are just classmates, he's always given me this weird feeling and I'm not the only student who feels that way. Thank you for saving me, I'm Darleena-""-Lestrange."

Cami nodded in understanding regarding the weird boy, hoping that he got the memo loud and clear. And if not...well, Cami had told her headmistress that she would be on her very best behavior however no exact promises were made. 

" It iz a pleasure, Darleena. My name iz Cami Laroux. Of Beauxbaton 'course, if you 'aven't already noticed by ze presance of my fellow sisters," Cami extended a hand outward, gesturing to the excitable girls dressed in blue from head to toe and as was Cami. "And as for saving 'ou, it was my duty, for us girls 'ave to stick together, oui?" Grinning at Darleena, Cami gave away a playful wink just before one of the fellow Beauxbatons came to retrieve her to meet with the headmistress. 

"I guess I 'ave been beckoned," Cami chuckled as she rolled her eyes at the fact that she had to leave so soon. She stood to her feet and turned to face Darleena before making her exit, "I 'ave a feeling we will meet again,  Darleena. Au revoir!" And with a graceful wave of her fingers, Cami retreated out of the room surrounded by her classmates.

*** Cami exits the chamber of reception ***

[Lady Lee-o]

"It iz a pleasure, Darleena. My name iz Cami Laroux. Of Beauxbaton 'course, if you 'aven't already noticed by ze presance of my fellow sisters, and as for saving 'ou, it was my duty, for us girls 'ave to stick together, oui?" Darleena smiled at the girl, she was very nice but no way would Darleen underestimate her. Soon she was being called away and she said her goodbyes, "I guess I 'ave been beckoned, I 'ave a feeling we will meet again, Darleena. Au revoir!"

"Goodbye, Cami." Don't get Darleena wrong, she would love to become friends with someone like Cami but she was also a potential opponent.

Darleena scanned the area of all the potential players, many of them were older and more experienced. She wondered how much physical activity would go into this tournament?

Getting up she walked around the room, She paused when she heard someone say; "It actually seems like it might be fun." She stopped next to Sherlock and Anya...

"Fun? This is one of the most difficult tournaments in the entire wizarding world. The last time this tournament happened a boy died, killed by the dark lord himself."

[Anduin]

"It's put everyone into such a festive mood."
Yes, it did. But at the beginning it seemed that all the students forget the dangerousness of the Tournament.
But before Sherlock could add this statement, a guitar raised a song and some foreigners sang along.
Music diverted his attention and thoughts as always.
Until the song was finished the young man listened to it in silence.

"It actually seems like it might be fun."
Anya’s words brought him back to the Chamber.
He wanted to answer that it won’t be fun at all, but another one got there first.
"Fun? This is one of the most difficult tournaments in the entire wizarding world. The last time this tournament happened a boy died, killed by the dark lord himself."
"Hello, Darleena", he turned to the Slytherin girl.
"Yes, you are right. His name was Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff. The Tournament is really dangerous. But – to be honest – it was the Dark Lord who killed him as you said before. If everything had been regularly, there only had been casualties but no deaths..."

To Anya he added: "At least it is like you said. They all felt camaraderie."
After a short pause he continued:"But I won't throw my name into the goblet. That would be the furthest thing from my thoughts. I do not like sports and matches. I will just watch - especially if Dray would become a part of it."

[Anduin]

Sirius was too late – as most of his time at Hogwarts.
Quidditch lessons and – of course – breaks were the only ones he was punctual.
Actually he wanted to be the very first one who throws his name into the Goblet of Fire. Damn it!


His teammates were already waiting for him/her and making jokes.
Emillisecond-too-late had become his/her moniker during the last weeks.
Oh, by the way, Professor Boyle called him one of his more common suspects.


Just as Sirius/Emily and his/her friends wanted to enter the chamber, a group of girls left it.
"Au revoir!" was all he noticed – and the adorable graceful wave of her fingers!
They had to be the girls from Beauxbatons!
He and his friends stepped aside to let the Graces pass.
    "Beautiful", some of them whispered.
Oh, hell yeah – they are!

Suddenly Sirius remembered that he was pretending to be a girl.
He really hoped none of the others had seen his facial expression. He went red in his face for a moment and was staring wide-eyed at the Beauty...

Someone gave a little cough.
"Yeah, we should go inside", Sirius tried to cover up his agitation.
Then he/she entered the room followed by the others.
He fished the slip of paper with his name (not his real one) out of his pocket while he straight walked over to the goblet with his fellowship. The paper was a bit crinkled because he carried it with him from the very first day when they were told that the Tri-Wizard-Tournament would take place at Hogwarts.
Rash as always Sirius didn’t even think about the fact that there will be students from his former school Ilvermorny – and that some of them could perhaps recognize him.
Jaunty as always he turned around and threw his paper across the shoulder into the goblet. As though it was a sort of sports and he was the champion.
Of course he struck.
    "Emily! Emily! Emily!"
    "Hooray for our Captain!"
The others cheered.
Sirius liked it. He didn’t blush.
And he didn’t take a look around to see who was standing or sitting in the room.
    "Your father would be proud of you! Hooray for J.J. Hill! Hooray for Emily Hill!", one of his friends shouted out loud.

[Lady Lee-o]

Staffan wanted to make his entrance, just as he and his brothers had done the night before. He wanted everyone to know that he would be a contender, he would be a force. "We go," They started off down the halls of Hogwarts in silence until the beats of drums started to pick up.

Drumbeats, Clap! "skål, Drumbeats, Clap! "skål!" Drumbeats, Clap! "skål!"

The sound of the drums, claps, and cheer grew louder as they neared the chamber. Loud enough it would cause pause, it would make everyone wonder. His brothers would know of it, for he had done this many times during competitions at Drumstrang. The force practically shook the room as it neared until the doors of the chamber opened.

Drumbeats, Clap! "skål, Drumbeats, Clap! "skål!" Drumbeats, Clap! "skål!"

His friends entered the room first, hooting, hollering, getting into the other student's faces. As the others beat the drums, chanting skål- a form of cheers old and new. Staffan's usual school robes had been switched to his quality Viking attire; A long sleeved red and gold tunic, down to his knees. A large cloak lined with marmot skin, with black wool pants and brown boots.

Drumbeats, Clap! "skål, Drumbeats, Clap! "skål!" Drumbeats, Clap! "skål!"

Staffan held up his hand and they were silenced before anything else was said. The Rowdy boys returned to Prince Staffan's side and watched as he moved closer to the goblet, tossing his name in with a smile on his face. They started up again, drumbeats, claps, and cheers growing in volume.

Staffan couldn't help but flaunt himself around a little, arms raised as his friends gathered around to clap him on the back and lifting him in the air.

[Hollywood Heidi]

Anya was unaware that someone had joined their conversation until the voice of the girl she hadn't officially met yet piped in with her two cents on Anya's comment.


"Fun? This is one of the most difficult tournaments in the entire wizarding world. The last time this tournament happened a boy died, killed by the dark lord himself."

There was that dark lord mention again. She'd heard it once before. Anya had attempted to make a conversationally safe comment on another magical world based thing she knew nothing about but more often than not, she was striking out, leaving her feeling like an idiot. She was again faced with the annoyance of ignorance and it showed on her face, which might be misconstrued as annoyance aimed at the girl who'd made the comment. Anya wasn't sure and wasn't going to stick around to make even more of an ass of herself. This was her own fault for sticking around far longer than she should have.


"Hello, Darleena", "Yes, you are right. His name was Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff. The Tournament is really dangerous. But – to be honest – it was the Dark Lord who killed him as you said before. If everything had been regularly, there only had been casualties but no deaths..." "At least it is like you said. They all felt camaraderie." "But I won't throw my name into the goblet. That would be the furthest thing from my thoughts. I do not like sports and matches. I will just watch - especially if Dray would become a part of it."

As Sherlock added his comments to Darleena's, Anya had pulled her glove back on and stood, tucking her journal under her arm. "Right. Well, I have some place I need to be." Another round of cheering started up, this one for a Hogwarts student. Still annoyed but not wishing to be overly rude, she shouted, "Thanks for the chat," over the volume of the celebrating before starting to make her way out.


Anya's eyebrows furrowed and her lips pressed into a hard line with her continued annoyance. The sight and sound of camaraderie were less enjoyable now and only seemed to add to her annoyance. Lost in her thoughts, she scooted and weaved her way around bunches of students, mumbling ''scues me' and 'pardon me' while keeping her eyes downcast.

Why had she thought she could join in the festivities? Even from the sidelines, she'd managed to muck it all up with a simple comment that turned out to be completely asinine. ''I mean, deaths?' she thought, flabbergasted. Who the bloody hell would have guessed with this amount of excitement and cheering that these tournaments had deaths, plural? Why would they even have them again if they were so dangerous?


Just as Anya had made it halfway through the room, which also happened to be the general area of the Goblet, another round of unfortunately timed cheering hit the air. Anya was jostled by another group of Durmstrangs hurrying forward to congratulate their classmate. She dodged left, then right, not able to avoid being bumped several times trying to work her way out until one bump put her into a half spin that dislodged her journal from her hand and sent it skidding along the ground. "Just brilliant," she muttered in angry annoyance under her breath. Anya caught brief glimpses of her notebook being shuffled and knocked around between the crowd of students and adjusted her course to try catch it, all the while wishing it had been one of the willowy, graceful Beauxbatons that had put their name in just now rather than the rugby-built bulldozers.

[DarkSideCookie]

Dimi didn't pay particular attention to anyone around but the girl with the book on the back bench while everyone else continued their bawling and cheering. There was just something about that girl that was extraordinary. Maybe not exactly extraordinary but a lot more interesting than the average of all other female students around. Even her reaction to the wink he had sent her way when he threw his name into the goblet was quite different; almost refreshing compared to the usual swooning and blushing. But then again, he wasn't paying enough attention to those other female students around to make a comparison anyway.

Next time his eyes were going to dart over at the girl on the back bench she was gone all of a sudden. Dimi turned to search the room for her. It normally wasn't his nature to stalk someone, though this surely was still far away from stalking, this girl really had raised his interest.

"I've just gotta nip out.", he casually informed one of his fellow Durmstrang colleagues, giving him a smack on his elbow before slinking off through the crowd of students that meanwhile had grown to a real big knot.

In passing Dimi sent a "Welcome aboard, mate!" to another Durmstrang who had just thrown his name in and was hailed as a king; well, a prince that guy even was indeed. Dimi and Staffan were actually far away from being friends, as different as they were, but this was all about team spirit.

Dimi was just about to continue his way through the jam, as he suddenly bumped right into someone else. "Prosti..."^*, it escaped him in Russian language, something that happened at times when he was really surprised or also angered. This time he wasn't angered of course; especially not as it had been his fault, and all the more not once he saw who he had collided with. It was the girl from the back bench.

He wanted to help her grasping the book that got sent to the ground, people recklessly shuffling and knocking it around. "Hey, you piece of shit! How about using your eyes?", Dimi suddenly ranted at one of the jubilating students before he finally managed to get his hands on the girl's book, almost risking to get his fingers trampled. His articulation sometimes might not be the nicest but it was the act that was counting, wasn't it?

"This had seen better days I suppose", Dimi delivered the book into the by now pretty annoyed looking girl's direction. Most understandable. "But here you go. Sorry again."

--------------------------------

^{* translation: Sorry}

[DarkSideCookie]

"The idea is to put your name into the Goblet, Lopez, it's not going to suck it out of your hand."

Ellie's heart almost made a jump when suddenly someone was speaking up right next to them. Other than her best friend she hadn't noticed Darleena approaching them. Could it be that she was just too obsessed with the thought of becoming more than just best friends with Dray that he allowed herself to act like a jolted chicken once anybody else was speaking up in their close proximity? Ellie had to chuckle quietly at her own given association.

"Thanks, Darleena."

With a smile on her face, she watched the much-loved Slytherin throwing her name into the goblet before she walked off again.

"Good luck, Darleena."

Once her friend was addressing herself to the goblet again herself, Ellie's full attention was drawn back to her immediately. This was Dray's big moment. Their big moment. Hufflepuff's big moment. Even if it wasn't her own name that got tossed in, she couldn't feel any more glad and proud.

"Dray, Dray, Dray, Dray!", their fellow Hufflepuffs already started the cheering from the other side of the room.

"Dray, Dray, Dray, Dray!", Ellie joined in and raised both their hands high up in the air. From the side, she noticed the blush on Dray's face which she found pretty cute as this wasn't happening very often.

[Ariel]

Shane observed the room as students went up to the goblet and one by one put their names in.Another student from Hogwarts went up to the cup, and she seemed to have a pretty decent following.

"Emily! Emily!"

Watching the girl place her name into the hehe cup, there seemed to be something oddly familiar about her. The way she walked and carried herself. Shane shook it off though, as this was his first time anywhere outside of America and there was no way he could have ever come across this girl. Or so he thought. 

"Your father would be proud of you! Hooray for J.J. Hill! Hooray for Emily Hill!"

J.J Hill... the name definitely rang a bell in Shane's mind for sure, as there was a J.J Hill in America who had been a famous Quidditch player. That was, until the accident that led to his demise. Shane knew his son, Sirius who was also a great Quidditch player and had run into him on occasion on the field. He was a good bloke, until he disappeared after his father's death. Sure, Shane figured that the name Hill was common in the world, yet he thought this girl being dubbed J.J Hill's daughter was a striking coincidence. Perhaps she knew Sirius? Unlikely, though his interest caught the best of him and Shane just had to know.

Intrigued by what he had overheard and had contemplated, Shane walked over to Emily who was celebrating with friends. "Thought I'd come and introduce myself to my potential competition," Shane chuckled as he flashed a charming smile, "I'm Shane, from Ilvermorny. And you're Emily, if I heard right?" His hand reached up to scratch the back of his head as he faced the girl, who to his surprise seemed to have resembling features to his missing collegue. 

[Lady Lee-o]

"Dray, Dray, Dray, Dray!" Hearing her friends cheer for her, it made her feel good. Knowing she had people on her side, rooting for her, wanting her to win. Seeing not only Sherlock there but her other bandmates and then of course Ellie. They had been friends since the start, Dray was so glad to have her here. Dray hugged Ellie, picking her up a little and spinning her around.

"You're the best!" Before much else could be said, more people were coming towards the cup. One of Durmstrang's students; Dimi. She was worried about going up against Durmstrang, they were strong and very intimidating. She moved Ellie back as they neared, not wanting them to get trampled. "Come on, let's go sit and see who else throws in." She led Ellie over to where her fans were, sitting down next to Ellie close. She got a bit distracted as her fans neared but her attention was quickly drawn back to the cup when the ladies of Beauxbaton came into view.

They are pretty girls but Dray wasn't interested in their looks- just the competition. Cami, she would no doubt be a formidable contender.

Then in came Shane from Ilvermorny with his American friends cheering him on. She knew who he was, Dray being a huge Quidditch player fan. She did her best to know players from every school, especially champions. "Ellie, that's Shane Hudson from Ilvermorny. MVP player of the Thunderbirds, this is the best day of my life!" and then the gushing was over as she watched Emily Hill make her way to the cup, "Damn it, why?" She sighed and watched as she trick-shot her name right into the goblet. Dray thought she had a good chance to win the cup but doubts were starting to rear their head. "I have never wanted to get picked more than I do right now." She sighed.

The sounds of drums could be heard, which caused a great deal of confusion. Until the doors swung opened and in came Prince Staffan of Durmstrang. She had never seen a prince up close and after the display she witnessed never again. She shielded Ellie as the Durmstrang students started to get rowdy around them.

"Bugger off!" When it was safe she turned to Ellie, "You okay?"