Reception area
 

Jozef was the first to arrive and found a comfortable seat in the front so that he could watch the entire proceedings. You never knew when someone might cheat or perform a hidden hex that would hamper a champion's wand.

Pity the Durmstrang student who arrived late for this event.

Scowl.

In a set of silky, metallic blue robes, Maximillienne walked into the room and immediately looked around for her Beauxbatons students. Hmm, not here yet.

They better not be the last to arrive...

"My Zitnik," Enzo started to say, smiling gently as she took a seat beside the old man. "Don't you ever look...heureux? I personally think you should lighten up." Then again, this was Jozef.

"'Lo, all," Tate strode into the room and gave everyone a jovial wave. Well. Headmistress Enzo may have gotten an air kiss or two, but everyone else just got a wave. He headed right for the food and began to pile his plate with a bagel, liberally slathered with lox and cheese, and some fruit bits.

"Sorry about the early start. Come and get breakfast before we start. Mingle. Let the nice lady from the Prophet take your picture."

Aleksandra strolled into the room wearing her Durmstrang robes, of course, and her hair in a bun. Despite the look of nonchalant on her face, the young woman was excited to be here and curious about the Ceremony. This would also be the first time she would get a proper look at all the students she would be competing against. Exciting indeed.

Not surprised that she was the first Durmstrang student to arrive in the room, she nodded at all three professors, saving the best for last. Her eyes glided over the older man, with the paper no doubt, and landed on Raiden as she made her way to his side, hands clasped lightly in front of her. "Nice to see you again, Raiden. Congratulations on becoming a champion." She gave him a smile, eyes flicking at the spread of food. Hmm.

Standing back up, with the camera in her hand, she looks around at everyone, her eyes twinkling happily. however when Headmaster Tate noted her she blushed a little, smiling in return.

Walking around she thought she'd get some candid shots of the different groups and individuals before setting down to take more serious ones.

Seeing one of the Hogwarts champions smile at her she smiles back warmly.

He raised an eyebrow. "I am relaxed, Madame Enzo," Zitnik replied just as Tate entered the room and announced that everyone should help themselves to breakfast.

He stood up and offered his hand to Maximillienne. "I thought I smelled the fresh aroma of coffee. Ladies, first."

Noel stepped into the room for the weighing of the wands, having paused for a moment outside to straighten out his blue Beauxbatons uniform, and to make sure everything was looking perfect; which of course it was as usual. Taking in the surroundings of the area, he spotted his Headmistress first before taking note of who else and what else was there. A few of the champions, the other Headmasters, a small place with refreshments and such, and a photographer? He had not taken into consideration that there would be pictures taken, but the shock wore off rather quickly. Why worry when he looked his best everyday?

Smiling and nodding at people as he passed them, he had stood more towards the side where he wouldn't be in the way and was able to look around. With his nice posture, hands half in the pockets of his pants, and blue eyes scanning the room, Noel flashed a quick smile towards Sandra before looking elsewhere.

Was anyone else nervous and excited? Apparently the monsieur with the long hair who looked to be stacking a plate fit for his entire house wasn't worrying about nerves. Food actually sounded good at the moment though.

Brielle had found the note they had received, 'Come to the Weighing of the Wands....bring your wand,' quite a amusing.

Walking into the reception area, the girl was just the picture of perfection that she normally was. Her hair was back in a slicked ponytail, and she skin was flawless. It was for this reason she was more than pleased to see the photographer, a rather chic looking woman, flitering around the room.

Taking stock of the others, beside the photographer, Brielle was pleased to see her contingent over in one corner, as well as a few Hogwarts and the Durmstrang Headmaster.

Arriving at the Beauxbatons collective, Brielle proceeded to kiss Noel and Monique on both cheeks, and curtsy before her Headmistress.

With her wand currently hidden in her wrist holster, Brielle was ready for the ceremony to get under way.

Jermaine could hardly contain his excitement after receiving the owl about the wand weighing ceremony. This was it, the time had come for all the champions to get together and officially be recognized.

Checking a final time to make sure he had his wand he entered the reception area looking rather dashing in his Beauxbatons uniform. Seeing Monique, Brielle and Noel he made his way over to them passing his Headmistress on the way. "Bonjour Madame Enzo," he said with a smile.

"Good morning everyone," he said as he kissed Monique and Brielle on the cheek and nodded at Noel.

This was sure to be an exciting day for all.

Maya stomped inside the room, dressed smartly, in her usual high black hiking boots. Sure, she was sort of mudding the floor with goat feces and a bit of hay might've gotten stuck along the way - but she was here. Though she did not want to be.

Scanning the room, she targeted the refreshments table and poured herself a large glass of water. She found a mango and a knife, and started to peel it, then began slicing it to eat quickly as if she wanted to use the big seed to throw it at someone.

Because in her mind, everyone was stupid to support a tournament that could kill. Someone in here deserved to get a mango seed hitting their head.

After straightening out his Durmstrang uniform, Nikolai entered the reception area, with a tiny smirk on his face. He, of course, was not the first Durmstrang student to arrive, but that was not that mattered. What mattered was that he had arrived, and he was not the last to do so. He knew there would be photographers at the Weighing of the Wands ceremony, so he had to look his best, which was why he spent a little more time with his hair than usual. If he was going to be in the Daily Prophet and numerous other publications, he wanted to look good.

Not that that was hard to do.

Clasping his hands behind his back he made his way to the front of the room, he nodded his head towards Headmaster Zitnik. He doubted the man would acknowledge him, and that was okay. With another nod directed at the Hogwarts Headmaster and the Beauxbatons Headmistress, Nik stood off to the side, taking in all the Hogvartian champions. The one standing next to Sandra especially, and that Fletcher boy. The Hufflepuff had eaten a sandwich off the floor and Nik wondered if he'd do it again.

With cameras around this time.

Fletcher's head turned as someone stomped in the door... someone dressed very, very smartly. Oooh RAWRRRRRRRR. It was Tiger!Lady. And, as usual, she looked angry and bitter.

All the better.

Smoothing out his hair with his non-food-contaminated hand, Fletcher wound his way through the gathering champions toward the professor. "Gooood morning, madame," he greeted her cheerfully, being sure not to have any food in his mouth for once. "I see you like.... mangoes."

*BEAM*

"I believe ve vill be." She nodded her head, a faint smirk on her lips as she looked at him. "They don't let anyone become champions." Only the best, and she was one of the best from Durmstrang. Raiden had to be one of the best for Hogwarts, going by their previous conversation though, she was sure he would just deny it.

The humbleness just added to his good looks.

Her eyes caught site of the other champions and professors as they entered the room. Smiling, she gave a quick little wave to Noel as he entered. Fletcher got a smirk and nod as he entered. He cleaned up well.

Ignoring the woman with the camera, her smirk grew as she noticed Nik watching her. Bout time that boy showed up, but where were the other two.

"I haven't decided yet. Don't really have an appetite for food right nov." She turned her gaze back on him. "Do you care to eat?" She wouldn't stop him from having a small meal.

Chew CHEw CHEW CHEW CHE-

Her jaw stopped working so fiercly and the hand with the knife froze as Maya jerked her head to look at whomever it was that had...talked. Near her.

They weren't actually adressing her, were they?


Yup.
She swallowed and licked her lips, staring down at the boy. "No, Mister Just Fletcher, I just like to chew on this particular fruit." Really?

Allright, might be good to be a bit more nice to the boy - afterall, he might get trampled to death by something in the tournament. "Feeling nervous about the Wheighing?"

As the Headmaster had said, the Weighing of the Wands was supposed to be today, which is why Danika followed after Nikolai and entered the room.

It wasn't easy, considering she'd been up there in the tower and missed to be the first one to arrive. But, Vladimir wasn't here yet. That was simply perfect.

The girl nodded at all three Headmasters, and went over to Sandra, standing next to her and the Hogwarts Champions (Raiden), "Have I missed anything?" she asked, Zitnik better not hear her.

Enzo gave Jozef a gentle look. "I was only teasing, Monsieur," she smiled, taking his hand and getting up off the seat. "Merci.

Aahh, there was one of her students. It wasn't much a surprise to her to see that it was Noel who had shown up first. He was usually always the most eager.

Aaah. "Bonjour, Mademoiselle Bernard. Nice to see that you've made within a timely fashion. Why don't you go and grab yourself some thing to eat, hmm?" Enzo smiled at the girl as she patted her shoulder.

Ooh, three of four! "Et bonjour, Mademoiselle Lambert. Thank you for arriving so quickly. Why don't you go with Monique to get some breakfast?"

And they were four for four! "Bonjour, Monsieur Rousseau! You should get some breakfast, as well. I need my champions looking live," she smiled, making sure to look at them all.

hehe if you insist lol
 

Coming up to a Hogwarts champion with her camera in hand, she smiles sweetly at the boy. Hello there, congratulations on becoming a champion!"

Keeping the smile on her face, she winks at him "How would you like to pose for the camera?" She was gonna get a photo of each champion, whether they agreed to or not, one way or another. The simpler way would be for them to agree quickly.

But...well that may not necessarily happen, but she could always hope.

Durmstrang girls & Camerawoman
 

Smiling her soft warm smile, she nods "Yes, how and where would you like to stand, and how would you like your wand positioned?" Holding the camera in one hand she glances around quickly, "Hmmm, perhaps by the window?"

The lighting looked very nice there, or...by the Hogwarts Headmaster...no they'd get a group shot of that. Looking back at the boy, "Well, what's your thoughts?"

Eh?
Maya raised her eyebrow, but made no attempts at lowering her the knife. Did the boy look nervous? Well, he should be. Though, she eyed his toast-jamming, hoping for his sake he wouldn't talk to her with a mouth full of food.

Squint.

Ollivander wand. Yes, she had heard of that wandmaker. Not so sure it would save him though. "So, your wand is really old." She asked with a serious face. Might've sounded like she was questioning its strength, but she had a wand that had seen their years.

Uh oh.
"A test task?" Loook. Awayyyy. She sliced another piece of mango, chewed and swallowed. The seed was emerging. Good. "It does you nothing good to imagine things that are not there." Now she glanced at him sideways, "But how do you know what is there?"

Mmmmmmmmmmm... mango delicioso.

Danika turned to see the Champion that was addressing her. Oh, so he was Raiden. Huh.

Yes, she'd met him before!

If only Zitnik would be listening to this...

"Raiden, yes" she smiled, eying her Headmaster, and then nodding when he mentioned her name. Yes, that was her. "It is great to meet you" she said, with a nod, "I mean, officially" because who gets to be officially introduced while at war?

Then she eyed the one with the camera.

Why was she only wanting to take pictures of Raiden? What about them all?

Miles walked unwillingly down to the wand weighing ceremony like the owl indicated, his feet scrapping the stone floor as he didn't pick his feet up to walk. He didn't want to be here, he didn't, he didn't, he didn't. Stupid JD talking him into it....

Sighing he walked in and after staring at the food table suspiciously decided the corner was the safest place for him. He didn't forget that Professor V said that if his wand wasn't in proper order that wouldn't survive today. Standing in the corner he tried to do his best impression of looking menacing instead of fearful, his wand tucked safely in his pocket.

Danika, Raiden and little bit of the camera lady
 

"A dozen out of thousands of students at least." Even if they did exclude the student who weren't of age, the count would still be high. An honor to be chosen she thought. Kinda cool. She glanced at him with a smirk dancing on her lips. "It is very cool, Champion."

Her eyes were on his ear as he played with the stud, her own clasped loosely behind her back. "Maybe...I may just vait til this," She let her eyes sweep over the room. "Is over vith." That sounded like a good plan actually.

Maybe one of the handsome champions would accompany her. That would wonderful.

Sandra's eyes did not return to Raiden after they swept the room. They instead landed on her best friend. A smile crossing her face as she nodded at the girl.

"You have missed nothing important." She added to Raiden's statement. Sandra looked at the camera woman who wanted Raiden's picture, and then at said boy who seemed dumbstruck. This was highly amusing to her, and kinda cute.

Pose Prefect.

Camerawoman who confuses us so and pretty Durmstrangers
 

Taking pictures of the champions would be glorious. And much more glorious and palatable since Danika, his special friend (?) from Durmstrang, was a champion.

Cedric paved his way in quick paces to the reception area, and soon caught a glimpse of Danika who was standing next to Raiden, and oh, there were their Quill editor as well. He'd got to talk with Professor Maya as soon as he'd been given the chance. But she seemed busy talking with Fletcher so, yeah, his first stop would be Danika.

"Hey Danika," he greeted her, and smiled. He nodded and smiled at Raiden as well. "I'm here to take pictures," Ced grinned, and held adroitly his decent camera upward. "... and to ask questions as well, I think."

Now, should he start taking pictures? He better.

:o( sorry but after I'm done with Raiden it's off to bed meeting early in the morning
 

Out of the corner of her eye she spots another Hogwarts champion enterring and darting off to a corner. Her eyebrows narrow a bit Hmmm, next one... she thinks smiling to herself. She'd make it easy and do one school at a time.

"Alright!" she says happily, all set to get him posed. "Excuse us a minute please." she says to the girls around him. Prodding him toward the window nearby. "Just take your wand out, please."

Moving backward a little she points the camera toward him. Wondering what he might do. She hoped he'd make this easy, but had a feeling it may not be. He didn't seem to keen on getting a photo done...

my French amis
 

Noel smiled and nodded happily at the two girls when he saw them enter, first to Monique, and then to Brielle; both looking lovely as usual. He really, seriously hoped this ceremony had started soon. He may have had no problem in eating anything at the moment, but he knew if he spoke, he may as well feel as if he just have eaten a whole feast for the entire Hogwarts school. He needed to get a hold of himself. It was just the weighing of the wands ceremony.

Aw and here was Jermaine. They were all here finally! "Bonjour." he smiled, and spoke finally, nodding back as he stood in place, beaming. Alright, now that everyone was here, he could relax, oui? Yes, he could. Forget the nerves, it was all proud and excitement now.

Raiden wasn't the one for pictures, now, was he?

It was rather amusing, and also very interesting...because Nikolai hadn't even taken the spotlight with that particular photographer.

She gave her best friend a smile. It was all good, then, she didn't miss anything important but what about the non-important? So, she missed something. She'll ask Sandra later.

Right now she was almost in shock to see the woman taking Raiden away, not that her face showed any sign of shock, really. "Hello Cedric" she smiled, but then looked puzzled, "Ask questions?" she couldn't help to smirk. What kind of questions? Weren't they only supposed to give the Daily Prophet the answers?

Danika stood close to Sandra, though, "Cedric can take our picture" she said, gesturing to the Hufflepuff Prefect.

I apologise for his being a socially awkward penguin...
 

It seemed the boy had not understood what she had said. Phew, good save there. If you couldn't destroy their focus, make them confused and give them a gentle push towards another direction - away from you.

Maya nodded slowly...and the mango slicing resumed. She needed to start working on an apple soon.

"You better get something in your stomach before the Weighing-" she paused, pondering, "Or maybe...a light breakfast would be better. Just incase." She eyed his plate. How's THAT for advice, ey?

Hehe.

lol he's cute ;o) // I'll be back tomorrow for more champion pics guys ;o)
 

Smiling encouragingly Kenzie nods "Just like that, perfect." Snapping a photo of Raiden, her smile faulters slightly, well...in the paper it won't show the confusion as well, she was sure. It won't be as obvious anyway.

Smiling she winks at him, "Me thinks, you might like to join your friends. Thank you for taking the time for the shot, good luck to you!"

Turning with the camera in her hand she looks right at Miles, Next! she thought, heading toward the second Hogwarts champion.

Miles stood in his corner doing his best to become the wall itself. He was doing pretty well though since no one had come up to him and bothered him at all. Why did he ever think this was a good idea? Triwizard champion....pfft....sure great if you wanted to DIE. His eyes landed on a lady who was taking Raiden's picture and widened slightly as she approached him. Closer and closer she came and his means for escape was vanishing abruptly. He felt like those creatures on those animal shows with the predator approaching. Now would be a great time to learn how to become invisible!

Ask questions, yeah. She should wait for the questions he'd ask. Actually, he had no questions in mind... yet. But he sure would come up with some. He just got to use his creativity and humor and his questions would turn out fine and academical which he was striving for.

"Yes, I'm here as a representative of our school's newspaper. The Quill, that is." And take their pictures? Great. He was just about to ask Danika that. And it was fair enough to know that she seemed not scared of camera.

Scanning the room, he recognized the Ravenclaw Prefect who seemed to be avoiding... press people? Well, he could join the little photo shoot he was about to conduct.

"Hey, Miles, right?" He called over, smiling half-crookedly. "Would you care to join the two lovely French girls here for a little shoot?" Miles should. Ced wouldn't torture him that much since they were colleagues. The Daily Prophet representative probably would.

Pick the lesser of two evils. Hehe.

He agreed?
The boy, Maya observed, was acting rather twitchy. Why, she didn't know, but it was obvius it had something to do with nerves. The Mexicana's lip twitched at one corner as the boy started edging away. "Juice, ofcourse." She nodded, waving her knife in a sort of goodbye-wave.

Now, who could she throw the mango seed at? Or perhaps she should save it for later.

And...what was he doing?
Stomping her way towards the boy with the camera, she placed a firm hand on his shoulder, getting a good grip on the boy. "Is everything allright here?" Her eyes landed on whomever it was Cedric was adressing.

"Durmstrang ladies." Her eyes flicked over to the boy with the camera. There was the slightest edge in her voice, but besides that her expression remained the same as it did when she was watching Raiden take his pictures. His awkwardness was amusing to her. Cute too. This boy only slightly amused her.

At least he was cute. And he seemed to know Danika.

She supposed she could forgive him for the slip up.

Moving closer to her friend, she nodded her head. "Pictures first. Then ve can ansver questions." Her eyes flicked back to Raiden. Would he be joining them as well. Because he was more than welcome too.

"Hello, Congratulations!" greeting him with a smile, she holds up her camera. "Now, how would you like your pose done?" Not really noticing his discomfort at that moment, she had a job to do, and was determined to do it.

Miles looked up as someone said his name and sighed inwardly. What he wouldn't give now for an invisibility cloak Looking back and forth between Cedric and the woman who was approaching he nodded frantically, "Yup sure thing." If he was going to be bothered it was going to be by someone he knew at least and it was with some cute girls.

Just as he was abut to move the reporter lady got in front of him and he sent Cedric a pleading look for help. Listening to her question he swallowed, "Later?" And with that he ducked under her arm and headed toward Cedric smiling at the two ladies there, "Hi there. Hi Aleks." HA, at least one he knew.

These photos had to be done, and whether some of these champions wanted them done or not, was pointless because they were gonna get done. She was determined of that.

Her eyebrow going up as he ducked under her arm and went in the other direction she shook her head. Hmmmm.... Turning she searches out the other two Hogwarts champions. Spotting Mr. Fletcher she heads directly for him shifting her camera from one hand to the other.

The feeling of nostalgia as Nathan walked into the castle was rather odd considering he never attended Hogwarts for his education, nor set foot in the place before. The energy in the school was so extraordinary that you could feel it. The air was almost crackling it was so strong. Young minds being educated, concentrating and focusing their magic was the only explanation.

He sauntered into the reception area where he had been directed to find it bustling with life in a rather pleasant sort of way. He sent smiles to a few of the champions and took some candid shots with the compact camera Egypt had bought him recently (although he missed his old trusty Polaroid). He wasn't a photojournalist, but there was no reason why he couldn't help out his colleagues a little.

He spotted the young lady with the fantastic name, Mackenzie Skeffington, who was on her way across the room, and went to join her. “Hello there, love.” He greeted her warmly. “Having any success so far?” And was there anything he could do to help? Perhaps he should try and round up some of these teenagers so Kenzie could get a few more professional shots.

Hearing a voice behind her she turns around seeing Nathan. "Well, hello! Hmmm, I've gotten one of Raiden, but trying to get the students one by one seems to be a bit difficult." she replies eyeing Miles across the room. "I was hoping to go school by school, to make sure we got all twelve, but...perhaps that's not the best approach." Considering all the Hogwarts ones were avoiding the camera.

Reaching down she readjusts her robes a bit, she needed to get bigger ones soon, the baby wasn't giving her much room to move any longer in her normal robes.

"Perhaps a few individual shots can wait, maybe some group ones would be better, for now." She might manage the individuals while the wands were being weighed if she couldn't catch them right then.

Brielle smiled at her Headmistress in reply to her greeting, as she rose from her Curtsy.

"Merci Madame, but I 'ave already eaten," she smiled, "Ze up-zide of zleeping near ze kitchens!" It was the truth, but also Brielle didn't like to eat whilst standing......that was so Spanish!

Speaking of Spanish, Brielle couldn't help but be impressed by the Oh So chic Magical Creatures Professor. And the girls style metre only went up as the History or Magic teacher arrived as well, "Ze zure do no 'ow to dress 'ere" Brielle smiled to her French friends, however the teachers had nothing on the Professors back home.

Spotting the camera woman, and then a student photographer as well, Brielle felt a flush of confidence, being in front of the camera was somewhere she loved to be, and she wasn't afraid to show it.

Twirling her wand between her fingers, Brielle waited for further instructions, hoping they would not come from the creepy dinosaur that was the High Master of Durmstrang.

Hecate sat at the table annoyed that she had to be here and not working in the potions lab. But she had to be here... and she would support Kururugi... the Slytherin Hogwarts champion.

Oh, Cedric also worked for the school newspaper? How convenient. "I see" she said, before he turned to face the other Champion, the one that seemed to be glad he was away from everyone?

Raiden was the Slytherin one, and Fletcher was the Hufflepuff one, she already knew Cameron was from Gryffindor...which meant that one was the Ravenclaw.

But then her eyes widened. 'French girls'. What? "I assure you, Cedric, ve are not from France" alright, so, Cedric knew they were from Durmstrang, perhaps he caught a glimpse of the Beauxbatons ones and his mind slip up? If it had been someone else, she'd already be walking away, but she'll let this one go, as long as he doesn't say they're French again.

Danika nodded when Sandra spoke and entirely agreed. "Yes, pictures first" because Raiden would probably like it to get over with, no?

The Ravenclaw, Miles, from what she heard Cedric called him, decided to head over where they stood, Danika smiled, "Hi Miles, I am Danika" she said, with a slight nod.

He was supposed to be smart, right? Ravenclaw and all.

When Madam Donovan entered the Reception area the first thing she noticed was the noise. Frowning, she walked through the sea of overlapping conversations, determined to find a place to sit that kept her present, yet well out of the way of the bothersome chatter.

She thought she'd found the perfect spot until her eyes happened upon the person sitting in the next seat over. 'Oh lovely,' she thought, rolling her dark eyes. Yet still, she moved towards the table, nodding politely to each champion as she strode by.

"Good Morning, Professor," she said, taking the empty seat beside her.

"Kimber..." She said lifting her tea and sipping it. "And you can call me Hecate." She said to the woman. "I trust you received the books I sent you by House Elf?" She said putting the cup back on the saucer.

Lots of people. People she didn't know. Man.. This was meeeggggggaaaaa awkward. The red head scanned the room for anyyone but yeah.. It looked like a scary way for adults and ransoms to come ad take photo's and she preferred taking them to being in them.

Leaning against the wall, she reasoned that perhaps if she made it through this alive, she'd be ok. There was a sort of nervous excitement building up within her - she wanted to prove herself. Shereally, really did. It was just the fact that she doubted herself so much.

"Hello!" she replies with a smile, tugging one last time on her robes, to settle them more evenly...she'd really need to go to Madame Malkins once this was all over, she really did need bigger robes, so this wouldn't be an issue.

"You must be Mr. Fletcher. Congratulations on your becoming champion!" Lifting her camera she winks at him "Shall we have you pose?"

Trying not to stare as the photographer kept adjusting her robes (maybe she had a flobberworm in there somewhere?), Fletcher smiled broadly again and nodded.

"A pose, sure sure. I'll be happy to oblige." He quickly whipped a chair around and rested one leg upon it with his hand on his knee. His other hand held his wand out like a sword. It was a pose not unlike a certain pirate captain named Morgan. Fletcher flicked back his luscious locks and beamed a smile that could rival Gilderoy Lockhart's.

"Ready."

Danika, Cedric, Cameron
 

Miles smiled as Danika introduced herself and nodded in return, "Hello Danika, I'm Miles obviously." He laughed and looked around spotting the photographer lady busy with Fletcher. Phew. Of course Fletcher was acting in such a way that Miles wanted to roll his eyes but he stopped himself as he spotted Cameron. Grinning he waved at her against the wall, "Cam, over here." Please.

At least with all the people around he seemed to feel a little less...like he was going to die. As long as he kept his wits about him he was going to be fine....hopefully.

Trying not to giggle as he posed, she fights to keep a straight face. Well, she certainly wasn't gonna have to help him pose.

Raising her camera she adjusts the depth, and snaps the picture. "Very nice." she says with a straight face, her eyes twinkling. "Best of luck Mr. Fletcher!"

This place was....crowded.

More crowded than she had expected it and she could not say that she liked crowded places. So Freja directly walked to the table and chose a seat away from the others. She had lots of things to do after all so she wanted to rest a little before she started to work. But of course, for her, no resting could take place in a crowded area and that was why she preferred to stay away from the others.

Just for now.

"We're going to have plenty of time for posed shots and interviews later," Tate clarified, waving his bagel at people. WHY WEREN'T PEOPLE EATING???

"Just mingle for now... enjoy yourselves." He gave Miles and Cameron a LOOK before gesturing at them. Come here, little champions.

"Madame Svealand!" He waved at the wandmaker as she entered. "Let us know when you're ready."

Looking up blushing that was her, well it wouldn't hurt to get it started already, would it? There were after all 12 of them for individual poses. She didn't see Egypt so she knew that her and Nathan were the only ones there so far.

Holding the camera in her left hand, she continues wandering around the floor, smiling at anyone who glanced her way. She wouldn't say no to any of the champions if they asked to have their pose taken.

With a chuckle, Enzo nodded her head at Brielle. "I take it that you are enjoying your sleeping quarters?"

Enzo's stomach growled. Hmmm, she needed some food. Perhaps a coffee? And a plate of fruit? Mmm, that sounded really good. Now, which one of these lovely students (or professors) could she talk into getting that for her...

Jozef wanted to speak with all four of his Durmstrang champions prior to the event but he was only able to locate two of them. Perhaps he needed to put a tracking spell on the young men. Regardless, he fully intended to speak with all of them privately after the ceremony was over.

He gave his four students THE LOOK and made his way to his seat for the Weighing of the Wands Ceremony. At least he was prepared for events to occur at the specified time.

Re-arranging posts. xD.
 

Excellent. Miles had definitely picked the lesser of two evils. And as promised, he wouldn't harass him... just a little, probably. "No matter what, you'll have a picture taken by the Prophet woman," Cedric chuckled. Should he be sorry for stating the obvious?

"Oh, yeah, Durmstrang ladies," he told the other Durmstrang girl timidly upon shifting his attention from Miles to her. He'd just forgotten that they weren't from France but from the north, was all.

Hmm. The girl sounded... kind of domineering. He despised that sound but he managed to smile decorously, however. "Sure thing."

"Of course, I know that, Danika. The word just stumbled out of my mouth," he gave her an apologetic look but wasn't really sorry, "No harm intended." He was excited to photograph Danika. He was doubtless that Danika would look enticing at the pictures.

And ooh, Raiden was coming. Was he ready for a little shoot? Ced's Minolta XD11 had been waiting for the Hogwarts Champions. Good thing that their champions were punctual.

Smiling broadly, Ced addressed the guy as he approached them, "Hey, Raiden! Say hi to my cam," Just a click and there, a blinding flash of light appeared and vamoosed, and a picture of the Slytherin prefect was perfectly taken.

Hmm. He wondered how the picture would look like, or how Raiden would look like. Perhaps surprise... or even shocked.

It didn't hurt to be a bit... playful, did it? Pardon, buddy.

"Would you care to join the two Durmstrang ladies here?"

And then someone gripped on him...

Merlinnn. Let go of him! Prof. Saylen's tight grip made him twitch slightly. He cocked his head to the professor, and smiled reluctantly, "Everything's all right, Ma'am. I uhh, I'm assigned to cover this event for the Quill, take pictures, ask questions, and all."

Now, would she let go of him? He was irked. But he still liked the CoMC professor none the less.

Facing the champions again, Cedric told them gleefully. "So all right, group photo first, unless you want to be photographed one by one, first."

And their headmaster had wholly caught his attention, and so he tilted his head and listened carefully. Mingle first? Alrighty. His camera could wait.

FOOD!

Professor Vindictus followed his nose to the location of the Weighing of the Wands Ceremony. He promised Miles that he'd be there (of course he'd be there - he was the Ravenclaw Head of House) but first he had to take care of one very important thing - EAT.

He made a beeline to the food table and immediately began to pile his small plate with as much sugar as humanely possible - cheese danish, chocolate croissant, apple fritter, and chocolate chip cheese muffin. Then he grabbed a cup of black coffee before sitting himself down so that he could eat and enjoy the 'action.'

The look Zitnik gave was enough to send shivers down one's spine, but not Nikolai's. He was used to being on the receiving end of the Headmaster's looks, and it did not phase him anymore. He simply nodded his head in acknowledgment, and went back to scoping out the other Champions. All the Hogvarts and BeauxbaBLAH Champions had arrived, but Durmstrang was still missing someone; Vlad.

Where was he?

Surely Zitnik will not care though, Vlad is his favorite.

Scowl.

Danika nodded at Miles. Yes, he was Miles, obviously. And she caught a glimpse of the Hufflepuff Champion's behavior. Champion much? He seemed to be enjoying himself very much. And a bit nervous, too. Danika couldn't help but smile his way, without any reason.

Until Cedric spoke.

To Sandra.

Mmm. Yes, he'd better act nicely, Sandra was her best friend.

The girl smiled while Cedric explained himself. See? It was just a slip, "It is alright, just do not do it again" and directed a wink towards him, before Raiden was attacked by the flash of the camera. Poor boy, really, he seemed like the one to run away from the camera, and now he had no choice but to endure until this was over.

Perhaps Nikolai may give him a lesson about posing, though.

But their Headmaster spoke. No pictures yet. Okay, they can wait, no big deal.

Her eyes were stuck on Nikolai. Why was he on the outside? He should come here, join them as well. And that's when he noticed he was nodding towards...Zitnik. And Zitnik's look.

Danika nodded as well when she noticed it.

He shouldn't be sitting down, though, he should be concern about why Vladimir was not here yet. Then again, Zitnik never showed his feelings, if he had any.

Monique returned the kisses all around. Kisses for everyone! Oh, she loved being French.

She nodded at the Headmistress and looked at the food. Was she hungry? Ehh... she didn't really feel anything other than a hint of butterflies. A slight hint. It wasn't because she was nervous, she was just anxious. She had been chosen and now it was time to prove herself.

She looked at the others and wondered if anyone else had a case of the jitters. "Oui. They do not look too bad." In fact, most of them looked quite the opposite... but now was not the time to compliment them.

She then looked around. Ooohhh! Camera! "Are we going to get interviewed?" she asked. She loved talking. And she especially loved talking about herself.

Her eyes flicked to Danika. There weren't French girls. Nothing close. Even though she was sure the boy had mistaken them for the Beauxbatons' girls, it still didn't mater to her. They looked so much hotter then those two girls. Sandra spared the girl's a brief glance.

So much hotter.

She didn't address the boy any more since Danika had set the boy straight. Being called a French girl twice would not be acceptable. At all.

Looking away from Raiden when yet another camera was flashed in his face, she listened to the Hogwart's Heamaster spoke. No camera time now. That was good. Meant she could chat with the other champions a little more.

The young woman looked at the food once more.

Nope. Still not hungry.

When Zitnik gave them the look, she simply nodded in return.

Where was Vlad?

Her eyes searched for them, but she only found Nik being antisocial. That was odd. Especially with the Beauxbatons' girls. She was surprised he wasn't standing between them both.

Giving the room one last sweep with her hazel eyes she turned back to Raiden, still wondering where Vlad was. Zitnik surely wouldn't be pleased.

"Not used to taking pictures, Raiden?"

Having continued to stare at the buffet table and feeling his stomach rumble, Noel was about to take a step over there when the girls started to speak. Not to mention that a few others were starting to enter the room as well. It came to no surprise to him that Brielle and Monique would be talking about fashion at the moment. Then again, he was thinking about food.

Interviewed?

Her had figured about the picture being taken, but had not thought about being interviewed. "I do not know." he whispered, looking back over to the table. "I'll be right back." Nodding at the three of his friends, Noel stepped around them and headed towards the table.

Not before passing his Headmistress first of course. What was that? Pausing, he glanced her way for a moment, wondering if that stomach grumble came from him, or her. "Excuse me, Madame Enzo..." he said, taking a step towards her. "Would you like anyzing from ze table?"

He was headed that way, so might as well be polite and ask, oui? He could definitely carry two plates, or one plate and drink. Whatever she wanted of course.

More people arriving! Great. Now, could this thing go any faster?

And now Cedric was explaining he was from the Quill. Yeah, she sort of got that what with her being one of the...helpers. Heh. "I see." Dull voice. "Carry on." Or whatever.

Walking over to the food table again, the Mexicana scanned the thing again. Sighing, she put down the knife besides the fruit bowl and proceeded to pick out an apple to eat. This reminded her, she needed to chop more wood for her fireplace. Hm. Yes, the faster this sillyness was over the sooner she could get back to work.

And that man looked like he wanted to be one with the wall. Smirk.
Swallowing the piece of apple she'd been chewing on, Maya approached the Groundskeeper, "Trying to find some espace?"

Bah, good luck with that.

"Of course," she said, getting comfortable in her seat. She'd always preferred the use of first names. It was something her parents loathed.

"Ah yes, the books. Grazie," she nodded in response, offering the woman a small smile. She had been quite pleasantly surprised to find the books waiting for her when she arrived that following morning.

He was late?

So be it.

Vladimir was one of Sputnik's favourites, and though the man didn't shower him with praise and adoration yada yada yada he was still not allllllways like, treated like a common student. For the most part. Still... he wasn't cocky about it, so Vlad entered the reception area and immediately took a seat, proudly wearing his Durmstrang uniform and avoiding the food.

Yeah.

Not hungry. Vlad rarely ate.

''Headmaster Tate'' Freja greeted the man back with a small smile appearing on her lips and standing up she took a few steps towards him. ''Looks like we have lots of wands to work on to-day.'' and as she said that she looked around the crowded place. Those students, no doubt, were the champions. Hmm. Freja hoped that they knew how to respect their wands.

''I think i am ready'' The sooner she started, the better it was.

Cinn, Wenz, Ern and Freya?
 

The Gryffindor did not like camera's. She did not like crowds and she most certainly did NOT like being pulled into a hailstorm of people begging to talk to her.

"Miles." Levelly. She didn't want to join the crowd of chattering champions because meeting new people was frankly the most awkward and unsettling thing she could imagine.
"I don't like photos.. But she walked over anyway and stood next to the giant boy and eyed him.
"What are we doing her anyway?" She'd been summoned, yes summoned, to the second floor to participate in Champion Stuff. She did 't know WHAT though..

There was a lot of people here - more people than she'd expected. Not all were champions - some were obviously reporters grommets auspiscious way they were clicking their little flashy camera things.

Ergh.
*scowl*

She couldn't decide whether Tate was always so brusque or whether he just despised her. She giggled. "Enjoy?" She repeated and laughed with a shrug. "I'm not a fan of these... shindigs.." Flashy lights and lots of talking? Umm.. no.

And speaking of which.. why was Pygie!Stealer here? Odd. And why did he have a camera? Had he stolen that too?
"Cedric. What are you doing here?" Or was he a Champion too?

Hecate looked over at the French woman... she seemed like the type of woman that had everything brought to her on a silver platter... she didn't much fancy that type... She turned and didn't speak to her.

"Headmaster Zitnik," she said bowing her head to him. "I trust you are finding your accommodations adequate?" She said and smiled to the man. "I must say I've been watching one of your students, the Malik girl? She seems to be quite apt in potions. If I wasn't supporting the Slytherin Champion, I would support her in the tournament."

Not her too... She shook her head and opted not to say anything. "Kimber, have you met Durmstrang's charming Headmaster? Josef Zitnik?" She said introducing the woman.

"Great," Tate offered the woman his arm. "Why don't we move with the champions into the next room, and we can begin the ceremony? Afterwards, we'll move on to picture taking and interviews."

"Fan or not, you're a Hogwarts representative," Tate dropped his voice to address the young Gryffindor. "And a representative for your house. You're also the only Hogwarts female champion. You volunteered for this position. Chin up, child, or we'll find someone who wants to be here. Make us proud."

Lexy a little...mainly Lisa and Droo...hope you don't mind us cutting in. <33
 

Sort of... everyone. ^.^
 

Di decided she knew that voice. Half-turning her head, the blond spotted - as she had expected to spot - a colleague. Her lips turned up into a smile - a sort-of-warm, sort-of-polite type of smile.

"Professor Welton," she acknowledged, the smile still in place. "How are you, this morning?"

Sylvie returned the smile and gave a small shrug. "I'm quite well and yourself, Professor Markovic?" she replied as she got a good distance between herself and the food table.

"It is a bit early for my liking though, but everyone does seem to be in good spirits." Yes, everyone did look to be happy at the moment.

Cameron stared at her Headmaster.

Thanks for the great encouragement, Sir.

But she did want it - not the photography and press conferences and what not. But the challenge and the feeling of doing something properly and well and .. Perhaps showing herself that she could do it.

"I was chosen, right? So I'm going to do my best. She was Hogwarts only Gryffindor AND female champion. She might not be a micro genius but she knew what hard work meant and she was stubborn. She would give it her all - well perhaps not to the extent that.. anyway..

"That's my only hope, sir," She told him in a quiet voice. Proud. Well.. she'd try her very best, wouldn't she?

Herself? Fine, fine. Because Di had no doubt that the History of Magic Professor did not expect a different answer.

So. In accordance with [what was likely to be] her expectations...

"Fine, thank you," Di said. Being a rise-'fore-the-sun-does kind of person, Di did not find this an early time to be up and about, but to each his or her own. "It seems like the excitement has officially begun now, does it not, Professor Wel... Sylvie?"

Nathan smiled warmly. Kenzie was a nice woman indeed. “It might be easier to wait until we're ushered into the press conference.” Nathan suggested, taking in what the Headmaster had said. “I've got a few candid shots but that's all. It might be easier in a more formal setting to get the kids to pose."

“Are you alright there, love?” He asked her as she shifted her robes. She seemed sort of... uncomfortable.

According to the Headmaster, they should be mingling... chatting to the champions and what not. Nate spotted a young redheaded girl among the other students and sent a smile and a nod her way. She looked sort of... familiar. Strange. Perhaps she just had one of those faces.

“Hello, love. Congratulations on becoming a champion.” He addressed her in his laid back way. Yep.. he recognised that face.

Was it normal for strangers to smile and nod at you?

Odd. Really odd.

She sent the stranger a cautious smile back - hoping maybe that would discourage him if he was tempted to come over and speak to her.

Alas.. nup. He was one of those annoying 'friendly' people. But she pushed up a smile and winced over his 'love' introduction. Another scottish. He had pretty eyes though. Very pretty.

Erm.. "Umm, thank-you.." She trailed off, awkwardly. She had no idea what she was supposed to do..

OH YEAH!

"I'm, um.. Cameron. Cameron Caddock. Gryffindor Prefect?" She didn't know why that had sounded like a question but she was so nervous. Was he going to take a photo? Oh merlin no.. that little compact camera/critter looked hella scary.

Kimber eyed Hecate a moment. Was she flirting with the man? He looked old enough to be her father. ODD. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure," she replied.

Turning in her seat, she held out her hand. "Good morning, Headmaster," she said convivially. "Kimber Donovan, Hogwart's school Librarian."
When Kimber heard her name, she turned and smiled. "Good morning, Jeremy," she said. Already she was starting to think of him as a new friend.

"Won't you join us?" If she was going to be stuck at this table then so was he.

Nodding, she smiles in return. "Perhaps, as long as they don't dash away as a few have tried already." Laughing lightly she shakes her head "Apparently some of them don't care for pictures, others are delighted about them."

A sigh escaping, she nods "They're just starting to get a little tight, I suppose I'll have to get bigger ones soon. That's all." a smile flittering across her face again, she really didn't mind it, it just bothered her they had to start irritating her on the day of the ceremony.