MADDOX WAS HERE.

And time to see if he would enjoy this more just watching rather than commentating. Which was fun with Miss Water Bottle Thrower AND OH THERE SHE WAS HE EVEN FOUND OUT HER NAME.

"HI DAISY"

See look Maddox Jesus and Louise were still in it so he had peeps to root for. It would have been cool to make a giant banner for Jesus. But will he liked Louise and that would been heavily bias thing to do. Good thing he had went to get food. He need a burger and brought his own bottle this time. He stepped next to Blakeney and smiled.

"We are cheering right"


Théo was wondering what they could possibly come up with this time since it was pretty crazy last time with dementors and everything else. Cool but not something Théo was expecting to see at this school. Maybe they had to catch crocodiles but nah that would make sense. It would have to be more challenging that that. The second year had no idea. These competitions were no joke.

He was here in his #TeamLevi shirt again and thank you Derf again since the shirt was awesome.

Now where should he sit

He could sit next to Daisy Carden. She was too cool for him to sit next to and yeah. Maybe by Hirsch and Professor Paul. Oh wait he forget to get food!

It was cold, she wasn't feeling the cold. After a great winter break, she was now ready for it to warm up. It wasn't though and she was wearing her Ilvermorny sweater and layered pants, with a cute hat to keep her head warm. She had left her new pompoms in the room this time, but she wasn't going to be quiet. She was a cheerleader who had started a cheer club at school, of course, she was going to be cheering on her fellow classmates.

Walking onto the stands she looked around and smiled at Jeremy, "That's the spirit!" Finally someone was cheering just like she enjoyed. Glancing around there didn't seem like many had come in yet, but it would be only a matter of time. She wondered if Will and Khalil would be there, though she assumed they would be. Khalil would probably be there for Kathleen since she was comminating.


"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ILVERMORNY!!! YOU GOT THIS!!"

Jumping up and down she clapped her hands. She saw Blakeney and waved and then saw Maddox. "Hey guys!" Big smile for both of them. Now that she had her cheering partner they could really get started.

Nervous? OF COURSE SHE WAS NERVOUS. Like? Above and beyond it as a matter of fact, and like she couldn’t really understand why he’d said yes- Writers didn’t commentate, they wrote in silence and not in front of people. Definitely not in front of a giant crowd of not one, but two schools. What kind of writer spoke to auditoriums, that wasn’t a thing- except well, it was a thing. Book Tours were a major thing, like the one she had followed last summer when her favorite Muggle writer (the Author of Midnight Lake and the Mermaid’s Kiss) had gone state to state and yeah, okay that had ended in a restraining order but it had been totally worth it.

She’d completely deprived her point of it’s point and it was now quite pointless and so was all her internal (and previously external) complaining. She could have said no and then she’d have just been chilling out and watching with the same safe suspense of everyone else, but who could honestly say no to Baegina and the Moxinator???? You’d have to e out of your right mind and Kathleen Yang was many many many things but she was definitely in her right mind. The crowd was slowly gathering and the competitors were all lining up, the podium set and Kathleen could only focus on the turn of her stomach. The Pukwudge was regretting not having asked Professor Williams for a calming draught earlier- was it too late to ask for one now? Kathleen was in serious need.

Swallowing thickly, the Korean-American stepped up to the front box and cleared her throat. Her Ilvermorny robes were pressed, pristine and thankfully charmed to keep her warm despite the best efforts of the Scottish winter and it’s BFF the bitter wind. Kathleen looked pale, but otherwise? Presentable and maybe even a little serious given she’d ditched the hat and her wide frame glasses for the day. Thank Merlin for contacts, honestly.

Nodding to a few people she knew, Kathleen once more cleared her throat before bringing her wand to her throat. “Sonorus.” She murmured, eyes briefly closing as she prayed to every known and unknown god that she wouldn’t make a total royal fool of herself and Ilvermorny.

Deep Breath?

Deep Breath.

“H-Hey!! Hello? Um, This ENglish weather is really crazy- Oh, uh, Welcome to the second challenge of the International Magical-” WHAT WAS THE NEXT WORD?? Peer??? Pear? NO-- No, Peer- Kathleen rushed on - “Pupil Standoff or, You know IMPs. Anyway- It’s a pretty big day for our competitors and their dreams of free education and I guess school glory? It’s a pretty big deal and the bragging rights are definitely up there amongst some of the weirder, wilder stuff. Hogwarts knows all about weird and wild and us Ilvermornies are getting pretty used to it too.”

She was for sure getting off topic, okay, okay, THINK KATHLEEN.

“Professors are standing by, please don’t rush the stage when things start getting real. Baegina- I mean.” She coughed loudly to clear up her mistake. “Professors Hawthorne and Moxley aren’t harsh and they’re not gonna let anyone die or anything.” She was sure, things like that just didn’t happen. “Anyway! We already have a few people beginning so let’s get to that! Er- Ooooo, the Whomping Willow. What a name, Totally impressive. We have Tejashree Peale, Kyle Baker and- Oh! Levi, right? Yeah-Yeah, Levi Kenning stepping up. Tejashree isn’t wasting any time… She’s sneaking behind that large stone and… already shooting an…. An Avis charm? To mark birds ? Out of what? She’s pointing it at the branches and I guess those weird Icicles. I’m waaaaaaaaaaay sure they’re not actually icicles, you know? That would be way too straight-forward and quests are always about, like, you know, weird puzzles.”

“It’s an interesting choice, if Peale transfigures the icicles then she can control them, right? Technically? Since they’ll be birds and all.” Made sense to her anyway.

The Pukwudgie shifted on her feet and glanced to the others, specifically to Kyle Baker. “Okay! So, Kyle Baker- Super thoughtful guy, did pretty okay in the last ones so I’m curious to see if what he does here- he’s a quiet dude, but he’s kind of intense? Not my type but I wouldn’t kick him out of a broom closet.” AnYWAY, anyway, anywa- “He’s definitely taking his time and trying to judge the situation, or it seems like it. Baker’s not rushing this by any means and that’s a good thing because rushing is what usually leads to injury or losing- Oh!!! A snowball spell? It seems like it could be a levitating charm but then the Snowballs kinda have a mind of their own, kinda so like? Probably something more along a general enchantment. I’m guessing…. Yep-” Could they hear the amusement in her voice? It was majorly obvious. “Yeah, he’s sending them at the Willow- We’ll see how that goes. I’ve heard this tree reallllllllllyyyyyy hates being hit.”

“Okay, but Levi Kenning is as cautious as Baker and seems almost… He looks like?? Annoyed? I guess I would be too if I was out in that cold. He’s cast a spell, but I have… No idea what it is? Does anyone know? Could we get a professor to check that out for the viewers? Uhm.. A-a-anyway- So, he’s performed Locaritus. Kenning’s watching his surroundings and seems totally content to keep that up until something happens. I guess I get it, personally if it was me I’d have maybe sent like, I dunno some kind of enchantment finding spell to figure out where the magic or if magic was already around the tree- OR- ohmygosh- Or like, Wait how does the Willow sense people? It doesn’t have eyes…. Does it feel them through vibrations in the ground? OMG that would be so freaking cool.” She was rambling now and though the nerves had died down some, Kathleen wasn’t just yet comfortable.

“Aurora Chae is stepping out too, I guess the Horned Serpents are the more eager of our guys, it makes sense given how ambitious they can be. She looks good, definitely cold, but good and she has out her wand. Oh, a Lumos, the others didn’t bother, but I guess they weren’t bothered by the tree cover as much as Chae is.” Kathleen thought it seemed kind of, like? Unnecessary. “Chae is taking the same route as the others and taking her time to consider the Willow and her surroundings. She’s fixed her eyes on the Willow and seems determined and… Oh! She’s raising her wand and!!”

“Another Lumos? A stronger one, okayokay, yeah. I was expecting a little more, but we’ll get back to Chae- Like, there’s Jesús Rodriguez over there and I reaaaalllllyyyyyy wanna see what he’s up to- Thunderbirds are radicals, you know? You never know what they might pull out of their sleeve. Literally or Figuratively.” LoL, that was hilarious, Maybe she wasn’t so bad at this??

“Okay, Rodriguez is shuffling to the stone and pulling out his wand, Uhm, I can’t hear him or see anything so I dunno, it seems like he’s just chilling out there- but he could be doing some non-verbal work, we need screens that can detect stuff like that. Uhm, just saying it could be MAJORly Helpful.” Helpful, she was being helpful. “Rodriguez isn’t moving, he, Chae and Kenning are waiting for something to come their way while Baker and Peale have sent off some… Almost playful spellwork. I’m definitely excited to see more.”

‘Sup?

Cassie looked almost confused as the Ivermorny boy already being loud said that one-word question to her just as she was picking a seat near the Herbology professor. The Ravenclaw figuring the man’s upbeat nature might help her. “Um…nothing,” she remarked in answer. Was there anything else he wanted to know? She couldn’t think of any time they had talked before so maybe he was just being polite. She was the only other student around so far.

Which wasn’t changed by the next person to arrive. One Professor Hirsch who proceeded to talk to his fellow professor as Cass turned her attention back to the contenders. Which was a good thing as a few of them were starting to make a move, one of them being Levi. The Gryffindor was definitely her choice for Gryffindor and Hogwarts. But then he was a friend and if she ever admitted, a crush, so it wasn’t a hard choice. But then the familiar voice of her head of house was speaking to her. “Hello Professor,” she greeted in return. “I’m alright,” she answered, giving an answer that was the truth…for the most part.

Finally, more students began to arrive, both Hogwarts and Ivermorny. “Hello Daisy,” she said, greeting the Slytherin who greeted her even as the other girl moved further on the stands. Fine by her...her attention back to the Whomping Willow where more were reacting and the student commentator was struggling to start the commentating. Now what about Aiden?

Christmas break had come and gone and it was back to classes and studying and of course IMPS. Oliver had arrived and was excited to be commentating with an Ilvermorny student. One he hadn't managed to meet yet... So where was his partner in crime for this particular event? Oh! There she was and she was beating him to it!

Hmm. Pulling his wand from it's sheath he pressed the end to his neck, feeling the warmth of the Yew wood, it was comforting. "Sonorus" He uttered, letting his voice be amplified Magically.

"Hello, Hogwarts and Ilvermorny!" This certainly was interesting.. Hearing his voice in his throat but also from all over the place. "We welcome you to the second International Magical Pupil Standoff Challenge! I'm Oliver and i'll be your Captain this evening." Airplane humor for the muggleborns.. It was a bad joke but whatever.. Public speaking was new for him and he didn't exactly prepare material.

Right, moving on. "Let's get down to business." To defeat the huns.. It always came to mind, always. "Kyle Baker seems to be off to a cautious start, the Whomping Willow is no joke.
So that might be for the best. He sent some snowballs at the tree but that might just make it angry!"

Ugh ugh ugh ugh ugh. Right... Everyone's FAVORITE Gryffindor.. Like he was the greatest one since Harry Potter. "Levi Kenning,
everyone.. Boring the crowd with his overuse of charms. Aren't Gryffindors supposed to be men of action? Hmm.. Seemed like he's trying to melt those funny icicles" Why were there icicles on the tree anyway? Hmm..

"Teddy Peale, My fellow Slytherin also seems to be playing it safe, sending a bird scout to the tree. Come on people, let's see some ACTION!" Because nothing was as boring as watching a bunch of people stare at a tree.. Though he also didn't want to see anyone get Whomped.

Hmm...

"Jesus seems to have the same idea as Levi, or a similar one..
Hard to tell with that Non-verbal magic. That seems like a nice edge to have in a competition like this. Wouldn't you say, Kathleen?"

"Lumos certainly seems like an odd choice for this considering the other competitors didn't use it at all.. but maybe Aurora Chae knows something that the others don't." Or maybe she just couldn't see.. Who knew.

"Etta Kramer gives us another Feather-Light charm, but who knows if anyone will need them. The tree seems frozen, maybe it won't move at all." He couldn't be sure of course since he didn't know any better than anyone else there.. But it certainly seemed odd.

Ciara had really enjoyed watching former students and current students compete in the IMPS. So there was no way she was going to miss the second round. She left the dungeons and headed out to the viewing area.

The very first person she seen was Mr. Green (Paul) She still had not forgotten the name mix up at the start of term feast. ” Hello Doyle.” She smiled cheekily at him. He was going to share with her right? She was his favorite afterall.

” Hello, Cassie, Are you glad you get to watch now?” She asked the Ravenclaw. Instead of have to go through it. She could not imagine having to prepare for this. Not like you really could prep for this.

She waved to her current and former students, sitting around in the viewing area. She walked over and sit down next to Rodrick. ”Mind if I sit here, Rodrick?” If not she could move, but she doubted that he would say no.



Maybe pairing her winter jacket with a heating charm was bad idea. Maybe she should have grabbed some food before she found a place to watch this. Or even better maybe she should have just stayed back in the beetle, she could pig out on food in her dorm and nap that sound of that. She was busy thinking about food that she didn’t even see Maddox show up next to her.

She smiled back at him. Oh and he bought food. ”You are going to let me have a bite of that burger?” She eyed the burger. Just a bite that was all she wanted. ”Yeah, we are.” She unzipped her jacket and showed him, the cheerleading uniform that Madelyn had made for them. See. She took off her jacket now because she was really getting hot now. Mmmm wonder why?

”LET’S GO ILVERMORNY!!!!! LET’S GO!!!!”

See Madelyn’s cheery cheerleading was rubbing off her her. Now she need to go do splits and flips. Gymnast at heart still. Thank goodness they were kind of similar. Her eyes lingered on Maddox for a moment before she seen Madelyn join them. ”Hey Madelyn.” She grinned and beamed at her bestie.

Whoa, it was the second challenge already?

Vivian had worn yet another sweater over her clothes again because, as the days drew closer to Christmas, the more unforgiving the weather was. But apparently, it was already January and yet the cold was still pretty much bothering her. Sorry, Queen Elsa. Anyway, the Slytherin made her way to the viewing area to go cheer on a couple of friends she knew. Carl had been eliminated already in the first round, sadly, but she wasn't going stop supporting her school. She still had Etta to cheer for... and maybe she'd even yell a couple of times for Brent, considering he was dating her dorm mate. That made them, at least, instant acquaintances.

Once she had reached the viewing area, Vivian looked around for a familiar face to sit with. Apparently, there wasn't much people yet and she barely knew some of them, save for the cheerleader/dorm mate's boyfriend's ex Madelyn and a couple of her Professors.

... So naturally, she went over to the obvious choice of Professor to sit with. The blonde skipped towards Professor Hirsch and beamed at him. "Hiiii, Professor!" Vivian greeted with a big smile on her face. "Is this seat taken? May I sit beside you, Professor?" Oh, definitely nothing wrong with sitting beside him. Like she didn't have any other intention, of coooourse. And as she had learned well from the Merlin's Pride event with Junia, she batted her lashes at the DADA professor innocently. She had done that when she visited his office three years ago, yeah?

"Hiiii as well, Professor Myers! Professor Canterbury!" And more professors! Even more reason to be able to sit with them. Some Hogwarts pride for today!

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

The weather was definitely colder here as compared to the United States. Sure, it was January already... but she'd have expected at least a rise of temperature by now. It was a good thing she had packed extra jackets and sweaters from home before coming back here. Clinging tightly to her jacket now, Dana looked around for someone to sit with. Maybe it was time she actually did a little bit of cheering rather than sitting quietly at the side, which was what she actually did during the first round.

Thankfull, the sixth year found Madelyn and she went over to her being the cheerleader that was naturally was. It was nice that she was all so supportive of their fellow school mates. "Hi, Madelyn," she greeted and took a seat near her. The blonde also acknowledged a few of her fellow Ilvermorny students. She waved at Maddox... and OOOOOH! Was that Oliver and Kathleen commentating today? The both them received waves and beams too.

And yet another challenge was upon them, and the Librarian moved into the stands with his thermos of tea and looked around. Normally the green eyed man would have been cringing at the noise and the people, but today he was not.

Today he looked a million miles away, and his eyes constantly darted towards the sky, as if he was waiting for an owl,, or news.. any news.. but the skies were empty and the man sighed as he walked into the stands.

He had his black wool coat pulled tightly around him and he was wearing his old Slytherin scarf, hoping to bring the Snake competitors luck..

He sidled into a seat that was close to Hirsch and settled down, waving distractedly at Ciara and Paul as he did so..He also smiled at the various students that were milling around, but he wasn't paying much attention to them..everything seemed hazy.

Ahh well..

Kalen unscrewed the lid to his thermos and poured some hot tea into it and took a sip, his eyes trained on the screens.. He took a breath, letting the hot liquid calm him as he settled more into his seat.

River was late. From where he stood, he could hear the commentator's live feed of the challenge, thus making him walk faster towards the stands. Well practised in the art of wrapping up warm, River tightened the black scarf around his neck, stuffed his hands inside his parka's pockets and sat a few rows away from the rest of the staff.

He wasn't in the mood to talk, in fact, he'd rather be back in his warm office to take a well-deserved nap since he's annoyed, but then he decided to play it like a proper adult. Besides, he was the school healer; he ought to watch over these kids...

Laurel was running late. Peeves latest worm prank on the seventh floor had effectly stopped the blond professor from arriving in timely fashion since she had had to wait for Sylvia. She disliked worms and for all she knew some could still be crawling on top her robes. Shudder. Clad in a warm green coat with a snake scarf wrapped around her neck and her hands in warm thumb gloves Laurel entered the stadium.

She waved to Ciara, Kalen, Paul and Roderick before heading over to claim one of the empty seats next to River. Slipping her slim figure down into the seat, probably dousing River in some perfume on the way she murmured. "Hi River, I hope you don't mind me sitting here?" Lifting her eyes to the screen she scanned up and down until she found her snakes. Go Teddy and Brent!!!

Paul did feel badly for all those who had been eliminated. Cassie, from Ravenclaw. Ravenclaw had lost both its champions, did it not? He smiled warmly in her direction. "Good day to you, too, Cassie. It's pretttttty cold out here," he shivered. He was forever glad he was not a champion. Though, this Whomping Willow he could handle. Probably. "I hope you're doing all right there, m'dear," he nodded.

'Hey' and 'sup' had become more prominent greetings since the Americans' arrival. Paul could hear it...his students were surely picking up the lingo. Paul didn't mind one bit! "Helllllllo!" he didn't know the students' name. Ilvermorny, not his own! "You Americans can handle this Scottish weather?"

Pfffft. Hirsch arrived, and Paul nodded. "I feel fine. Just cold and nervous as heck, you know?" Henrietta was still in the game, too. And Paul was cheering for ALL of his students, but he couldn't help cheering on Hufflepuff....slightly more. Sorry, guys. He stole a nacho chip and ate it SPEEDILY.

NOTSORRRRRY!

He smiled in Daisy's direction at her question. "No, we cannot, but I can tell you....I don't think it's NEARLY as harrowing," he winked. Anything was less harrowing than a flippin' dementor if you asked Paul. "Buuuuut that's just my personal opinion, you know?"


DOYLE. Paul snorted. "That is the worst fake name anyone has ever given me, SERAH." He winked. He pulled out his peppermint bark and held out the baggy to her. "Want any? Homemade.." he grinned. His mother could really bake wonderfully even after all these years. Like, Paul felt old, so his mum must feel extremely old, yet, she didn't really act like she was old. Paul probably got his spirit from her.

Hi as WELLLLL AS HIRSCH! WE SEE YOU VIVIAN. Bur Paul waved at her cheerfully. Nervously, cheerfully, same thing, really....ahem.

"Hello to you, too, Miss Vivian!" to him, that name always sounded like such a fancy female's name. Vivian! Oh VIVIAN! Paul wanted to give the girl a boa and tell her to 'work it, girl.' Heh.

He sent a wave to both Kalen? and River, and Laurel. Hello! He popped a small piece of bark in his mouth and enjoyed the crispy mint flavor that EXPLODED his senses. Literally, he had steam coming out his ears! "This tastes more....hot than minty," he mused, wondering what his mother could have tampered with this time to get those results.


The commentary had begun! He couldn't help but smile in the nervous Ilvermorny girl's direction and chortle at Lupin. He would have to tell Jack that Oliver should rethink career options; his commentary was funny. Alongside Kathleen's super adorable one, he thought they made a good little match. This was going to enjoyable. WAAAAAAY more so than the first challenge, hopefully.

Kyle rushed out to the stands, barely hearing the commentary as he made his way to his seat. He looked up to the screens eagerly to see what he missed. A whomping willow? Had these been covered in Herbology for these students yet? He didn't know. There was one on the school grounds, but he had never visited it. The icicles seemed interesting. He'd never seen icicles on a tree before. He looked around at the other students around him, some cheering for Hogwarts, and some for Ilvermorny. So far both Slytherins were still in the game. Sorry Ravenclaw. An Ilvermorny student had gotten the most points last challenge, though, and that was a little upsetting to the young Slytherin. But Brent would get it this time, he was certain of it!

"Go Slytherin!"

This ex Hogwarts champion (Cassie) didn't talk much, did she? This wasn't a problem for him as he simply shrugged at her then turned his attention elsewhere. That was the DADA professor if Jer remembered right. He nodded at the man. The said man was cool too. The girl (Daisy) ignored him- not that he cared- so he blissfully returned the favour. Being ignored was no biggie to him. More Ilvermorny persons were arriving and Jer grinned in particularly at Madelyn. "Yo! I decided to follow in your footsteps. Except I have no pompoms.''

Man, this Deputy, Paul? was definitely cool. "Oh yeah. I'm adjusting to it but BLOODY HELL. It can get cold here.'' See? Jer was bundled up but he still was feeling the impact of the weather. "Dude, how do you guys manage?'' Jer was half wondering if Sam was late because she somehow became a human icicle.

The Ilvermorny's eyes kept an eye on the screens as he kept up with the commentary. "COME ON, ILVERMORNY! YOU GUYS SHOW HOGWARTS WHO'S BOSS!"

Rooney was not ready to be back at school properly and at another public event, but he was here as a promise to Dora. He knew that when this was over, she might need his help again like last time and that was his job as her friend. And his job as Head Boy was to show support to the remaining Hogwarts students in the competition. He was a bit butthurt that there were no Ravenclaws left in the running, but he had given up his annoyance with both Mason and Cassie for that a day or two after the first challenge. Honestly, it wasn't worth holding onto it. Not when he had had enough going on for himself.

Including the daily upsets and reminders of her around the castle. Including the university related decisions that were completely plaguing him.

No snacks this time, but Rooney took a seat and settled in for what was expected to be an eventful time once again. He'd ignore one of the commentators though. Personal reasons.

She wasn’t late to this challenge, thankfully, but she was growing internally impatient with certain schemes. People had already gathered, and the challenge was beginning. She was glad to see the students look slightly less terrified this time; a product of that terrible atrocity of challenge one.

Melanie sat nowhere near the other professors. She sat alone. If students decided to surround her, that would be fine, but for now, she was concentrating on Valerie and Jesus. Kyle, too, if she thought about it. He had quite the knack for potions. Kyle and Aurora were also bother Horned Serpents, and that being her house, she knew she had to root them on. She had to root them all on, but she had her favorites. She wasn’t sorry for it.

Her eyes flickered momentarily to Kathleen Yang, who untraditionally looked and sounded nervous. At least it kept her from being a mockery of Ilvermorny; Melanie was pleased with her. She even went so far as to send her a smile.

Though it was still majorly upsetting that she couldn't be a part of the competition because of the age limitations, Zoryn had quickly let go of her anger. She was LIVING for this stuff. The ACTION. The SUSPENSE. The CROWD. The NOISE. The BIAS. It was like watching a movie IN REAL TIME.

She had practically JOGGED (as fast as her insulated pants let her) all the way to the viewing area to watch event #2. Out of breath, and highly invested, she didn't care to converse with those around her just yet. She had a game to watch, people!!!!

Though... It was insanely hard keeping up. Was she meant to watch the competitors OR listen to the commentators OR eat her snacks-- AHHHHH WHY WERE THERE SO MANY CHOICES?

Which meant that once there was a lull in all the action, she took a few moments to reorient herself. Noticing the Head Boy sitting nearby, she quickly JUMPED next to him and took her new seat. oh hi. She dipped into his personal space, so that her head was only inches from touching the tops of his thighs and her face was directly below his head. "SOOOOooooooOOOOO," she said looking up and giving him a HUGE SMILE (almost too huge, y'know? kinda scary). "Who's your favoritest competitor?"

Zoryn had like five of them.

The two Gryffindors 'cause ROAAR!!!! And because of <3 Levi <3. And then there were the ones from the other school. Zoryn liked a handful of them too.

THIS WAS SO EXHILARATING .

James carefully made his way up to the centre of the viewing area. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation as he listened to Oliver amplified voice starts off the IMPS competition. Although he has no favorites, he wanted to show his support for his fellow Slytherins and llvermorny ex-schoolmates. Especially, Teddy... the only girl representing Slytherin house right now. He was proud of the fact that she had made it through the first challenge. She did mention to him how scary it was which in turn....made him curious what was going to happen during this second challenge. Hopefully...nothing too...terrible. Considering Hogwarts history, he hoped all of them remained vigilant. Never letting their guard down as they proceed cautiously.

Katy was happy to attend the next event, although really only for its social value. She didn't feel like she should cheer for anyone in particular, so she'd just pinned a Hogwarts badge to her Slytherin scarf and called it... festive? Merlin knew she would rather be warm than flashy on a day like today.

She considered sitting by sourpuss Rooney before opting to join her new 'friend' Madelyn. Rooney would get attention and support later, but Madelyn's crew was dead entertaining at these matches. And since she didn't care about outcomes... well, aside from her friends not dying. Not that she was cheering for anyone in particular.

"Hey," she took a seat out of range of flailing pom-poms. "How's dumb ol' what's his name doing out there? I considered spiking his orange juice this morning, but I figured that would be traced back to me and he's in my house and all... it's frowned upon. I did curse his girlfriend with split ends. Not that you could tell..." She made her Catty-Katy face for Madelyn's benefit.

Oh yeah. "GO... HOGWARTS. DON'T EMBARRASS YOURSELVES." And also... "GO OLIVER. YOU ANNOUNCE LIKE A BOSS."

Gaston was not at all ready for school to start back, but here it was, the second challenge already. He was still at the concession stand when he heard the commentary start and hurried to find a seat, carrying a coffee in one hand and a plate of tacos in the other. He chuckled a bit at Mr. Lupin's comment about Gryffindors being men of action. Was the boy joking or did he need to enlighten him about that stereotype later? Either way, he was doing a wonderful job with the commentary so far! And the Ilvermorny girl (Kathleen) was great too! At least they weren't sniping at each other like the last pair of commentators!

He said hello to the Hogwarts students he saw (Cassie, Daisy, Jagan, Theo, Kyle, Rooney, Zoryn, James, and Katy) as he made his was through the stands. The Ilvermorny students (Madelyn, Blakeney, Maddox, and Dana) got a hello or at least a wave from him too. WHAT WAS THAT?! The professor's head whipped around in the direction of a very loud voice, spilling his dark hair into his eyes, and he saw a familiar Ilvermorny boy (Jeremy). No, he hadn't forgotten or forgiven that disgusted look he'd received for greeting the boy on the Merlin's Pride. Well, he wasn't going to make that mistake again; he was done being kind to people who didn't show him the same consideration in return! He couldn't wait to see his Hogwarts students beat the snot out of Ilvermorny in this challenge and later the entire tournament! Maybe that would take this kid down a peg or two...

"Hello, everyone," Gaston greeted his colleagues (Paul, Hirsch, Ciara, and Kalen) as he took a seat near Kalen. He wrapped his Gryffindor scarf tighter around his neck as he shivered slightly, but he hadn't bothered to cast a warming charm on himself; the cold distracted him from the other things that were going on in his life. He was in a decidedly mood, and as he looked around, he saw that he wasn't the only one who seemed... distracted. A sympathetic look was sent at Kalen, and... what was with River today? He wasn't acting like himself, and it had Gaston worried. He might ask him about it later; it was the least he could do after all the healer had done to help him. But for now, he just waved at River and Laurel.

He couldn't help but notice Paul's teeth chattering and looked at the deputy headmaster with concern. "Alright there, Paul?" he asked. Then his attention turned to Hirsch, and he smiled a little as he saw the coffee in the other man's hand. Great minds think alike, right? Oh, and Miss Fairfield was here too. The Slytherin girl got a hello, and.... wait, was he imagining things or did he just see her bat her eyes at Hirsch? He scoffed under his breath and had to stare at the screens to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He might need to borrow Paul's bucket if this kept up!


EMMA. WAS. FREEZING! She was bundled up in her warmest clothing, but she still shivered. This weather made her homesick for the warm Miami climate. If only she knew how to cast a warming charm on herself... She took a sip of her hot cocoa; there, that warmed her up a little bit.

Her greenish-blue eyes scanned the crowd and found the Hogwarts professor. There was the sad dark-haired one and the funny older guy who danced like her dad (Paul). Oh, and the guy with the tattoos (Hirsch) was here too! She wondered if he knew her Aunt Dory; she'd have to remember to ask him sometime. Hi, professors! She smiled and waved at the adults.

"Hi, guys!" she said, smiling as she took a seat near Madelyn and Dana.
Hopefully they wouldn't mind a younger kid like her joining them! She waved at Blakeney, Maddox, and Jeremy, and - OOH! There was Kyle! Hi, Kyle! Lots of waves for her Hogwarts friend! She was glad both of the champions form his house were still in the running... not as glad as she was that the champions from her own house were still in it, though. She pulled a Thnderbird flag that she'd made herself
out of her bag and waved it around wildly as she jumped up and down (though she was careful not to spill her cocoa!). The jumping made her feel a lot warmer! "YAY! Go, Lousie! Go, Jesus!"

Sam was late.

More late then she had actually thought. By the time she had arrived the commentators were already in full swing. Oh well. Surely her brother wouldn't mind filling her in one things once she located the taller boy who was somewhere out here.

Ah! There he was shouting for Ilvermorny with Madelyn, a girl from their school. Pulling her coat around her a bit more she made her way over to them slipping up beside Jeremy and nudging him lightly. "What I miss?" Hopefully nothing to good yet. She wasn't exactly cheering for anyone special but she did want to see her school win.



Oh, dear Merlin. What was wrong with her lately? Normally Camilla Stewart was always right on time or early...but for some reason all this term she had been late. Even when she planned things out and left early, she was late. The women was beginning to think everything was against her this term. As she reached the area where the second task was being held, she could hear the commentator speaking. This caused her to pause for just a brief moment before quickening her step.

Brown eyes quickly scanned the surrounding area for a place to sit among her colleagues and the students. The area was already rather crowded but Cami did spot someone she knew and made her way over, smiling and offering greetings to anyone she passed. "Hello, River. I didn't miss anything to important, did I?" she asked just loud enough for him to hear her, her eyes quickly moving to the large screens featuring the students and then back to the Healer. It was then that she noticed how quiet he seemed, no cheering the kids on and did he look slightly annoyed? Was he angry about the children being in possible danger doing these tasks? If that was it she certainly didn't blame him any. "Everything alright?" Always concerned about everyone's well-being.

Kyle caught motion out of the corner of his eye and turned to see Emma waving at him. He smiled brightly and waved back! Hi Emma! Of course she was sitting with her school mates. Being that he was one of the first ones there, he hadn't picked anyone to sit next to. Not that he knew many people to begin with. He was still getting to know his fellow schoolmates. And Jace was probably practicing again. He swore that was all the boy did. He turned back to the screens to see what would happen next.

Oliver tried not to grin too much as he heard Katy cheer for him, but he didn't really expect to be cheered for. It certainly made the nerves go a little quieter. "Looks like it was a mistake for Levi Kenning to try and heat the tree! It's throwing Icicles his way.. Merlin, what was he thinking? Seems like he's found a cauldron down there-Wait- it seems like he's trying to soften the branches now.. That's an odd choice as everyone knows you just need to find the knot in the roots. Another rushed move as he tries to still it... with magic?" Hmmm... Hmm.. would that work? Would they see him get crushed? Cause that was gross and if everyone at Hogwarts didn't already need therapy, they would after this.

"Irene Avery seems to be off to a more interesting start, well interesting for us. I'm sure she didn't find tripping over that cauldron interesting. The Pukwudgie is getting straight into brewing a potion and it looks like the icicles were actually potions ingredients. I feel sorry for the person who had to hang them on the willow." A joke clearly, as magic was most likely used. "What potion could she be brewing? I-.. OHH looks like she's using an invisibility or disillusionment charm. I'm not sure if that will help her get past the tree since i would imagine they see with a type of Sonar and her footsteps would still make noise." But maybe she wouldn't have an issue.. who knows what potion they're supposed to make.

"We have our second 'trip on the cauldron' moment as Louise Hamilton finds hers, she seems to be quick thinking with summoning her text book, good thinking, ensuring no mistakes. Now to wait and see what potion she brews and how she plans on dealing with the willow. But bad luck seems to be suck on Teddy Peale, my Fellow Slytherin. That tree did not like those birds but who didn't see that coming.. She's shielding herself and her cauldron on the way to that work station." So another potion to see what happens with.

"Jesús "Pottymouth" Rodríguez down there seems to have found his cauldron as well." yes, we'd all heard your choice words Jesús. Not that Oliver cared, but the schools might. "It looks like whatever potion he was intending to make he doesn't have the right ingredients for just yet, so he's knocking more out of the tree.. Merlin's Beard this seems tedious but hopefully whatever he wants to brew it pays off."

"We turn to Etta Kramer to see that she's found her cauldron and it looks like she's trying to levitate the potions ingredients out of the tree?
Sounds like a bit of a slower start but that might be a bit smarter than knocking them off and possibly damaging them."

"Valerie Gray seems to be taking her time, in fact it's as if nothing phases her. Though... What's she doing? Putting her wand away..
won't she need that? .... Honestly i'm not sure, folks. Wait-What!?" Was Oliver seeing things right? Was this 16 year old girl an Animagus? That seemed... Highly unlikely considering you don't start that training until you're around that age.. but here she was turning into an Owl before his very eyes. "MERLIN'S CURLY BEARD! An Animagus! I did not see that coming.. Though it seems a bit unfair? Also.. why not just fly into the passage? Why even bother with the potion? Did the schools know she's an Animagus? Is this legal?!" So many questions.. But he was just here to talk about stuff.

Bloody...hell? Paul chortled. "Trying to pick up our lingo, there, m'boy?" It was funny to hear Americans say their terms. Probably just as funny when they said such AMERICAN terms. Like...DUDE. Or y'all. Paul couldn't really get away with saying either without sounding extremely lame. "I suppose we're used to it---granted, my husband and I live in Tuscany now, and we've developed a fondness of warmer weather. I sometimes miss the beautiful sun of Italy." Especially in the dreary land of SCOTLAND. Beautiful in an entirely different way, but the weather was quite different than Tuscany, obviously.

Paul say Rooney arrive, and he sent the headboy a warm smile and a wave. "Would you like some peppermint bark, Rooney?" he asked in a friendly tone. The boy looked down???? Like, what had caused this? Paul didn't like to see that >.>

Gaston had arrived. Paul thought the Gryffindors in the challenge were doing very well so far! He eyed the screens and smiled as he saw Henrietta. She was surprising him very much. Not that he expected her to do poorly, but she was really impressing him. "I'm good, Gaston, just cold. Nervous, but nearly as much as last time!" Thank merlin for that. "How are you doing today old chap?"

Old chap? WHO WAS HE?

And then Paul's eardrum exploded. He WHIPPED AROUND to look at Oliver, holding his ears, laughing slightly. "OLIVER--LUPIN--M'BOY!" he smiled. "You nearly rendered me deaf!"


Merlin's pants!

The Willows that were attacking the students? Lol. Paul was watching with baited breath. And those poor birds Dora had summoned ;___; MERLIN. HAVE MERCY, WILLOW.

Tell them what was coming up in the task? Hirsch shot Miss Carden an amused smile and shook his head. "What's the point in telling you what's going to happen? That'll ruin it for you." Though, maybe she would find some consolation in knowing that they were on hand, at least. "Thanks! I'm glad it has your seal of approval."

Was that Mr Montmorency? Was he joining them? Because he should. They weren't uncool company, after all.

Was it just him or did the American student (Kathleen) say Baegina?! What was that about? Was Regina hearing this?

It wasn't as though the rest of the commentary was any better, in fact. 'Not my type but I wouldn’t kick him out of a broom closet' wasn't exactly something he wanted to hear, thank you. And while it wasn't in his place to say anything - because really, he wanted to be completely oblivious to what it is he had just heard - he couldn't help but wonder how anyone could feel comfortable in a broom closet. Broom closets were... cramped. Dirty. Less room for movement.

Hirsch shook this out of his train of thought and tried to concentrate on what the competitors were doing. Loricatus was a very good spell to use, he had to say. One that had caused the man to grin widely, dimples on full display. He had to congratulate the boy on the use of that spell. Excellent, really exc-

Oh?

Hirsch's attention was taken over by the sound of Miss McNally's words reaching his ears. She was alright? For some reason, the man wasn't ready to believe that just yet. Either he was right on the mark or he was overthinking this for the most part. Whatever it was, he was going to give her the benefit of the doubt. "That's good to know." Was it? "I hope you enjoy watching the tasks." It must be a lot more relaxing than being there in the midst of it all.

Was it just him or did Mr Lupin seem to be a man of action? Not that Hirsch was complaining because action would be better but it was amusing to hear it, all the same.

Before he could do much more than snort, his attention was drawn towards Ciara approaching him. "I don't mind at all. Help yourself," he said, shooting her a smile before holding out the box he had, "Nachos?" She didn't mind cheese, did she?

And it wasn't long before the seat on his other side was filled up as well. Hirsch smiled at the sight of the young Slytherin who, unless he was mistaken, looked very happy to be here. Was this in her nature? Because that had been the case during her visit to his office as well. "Hello, Vivian. Not at all! Help yourself," he said, gesturing to the seat, "Supporting anyone in particular today?"

And what was with the eyelash batting? Did she have something in her eye?

Was it just him or did Kalen look slightly off? As if his mind was somewhere else? Or did he just want to be quiet and was only making an appearance? Hirsch couldn't really tell but something told him that he needed to be talked to. "Hey, Kalen. Supporting Slytherin today?"

Spotting Laurel heading past, the Defence Professor smiled and waved in return. And River Reed only got a questioning look before he turned to greet Gaston. "Hey, Gaston. You okay?"

Apparently, Paul was fine. He didn't look fine but that was going to be brushed aside. The mention of nervousness, however, was something he could understand. Miss Kramer was still in the competition, after all. The man nodded along before saying, "If it makes you feel better, Miss Kramer seems to be doing well." Smart girl, she was.

And he didn't mind Paul helping himself to nachos because frankly, the man looked like he needed it more than Hirsch did.

What was interesting was seeing how the students fared with trying to get potions ingredients from the trees. It seemed dangerous but, then again, they'd all faced Dementors before. Surely, this might seem like a piece of cake in comparison to-

.............. Woah! An Animagus?!

Hirsch raised his eyebrows, impressed. It might not be fair on the others but there weren't any rules against it, were there? He glanced over at Regina and the other judges before looking back at the competitors. This really was going to be interesting, wasn't it?

Yeah…the warm smile sent her way from Myers helped. “Mhmm…” Cass agreed. Cold indeed. “But I find myself enjoying it more recently.” Maybe because it had a sort of numbing effect and something other than her feelings and thoughts to dwell on. Speaking of which… “I’m doing fine…and all toasty,” she remarked, choosing to focus more on cold than being made to watch where she couldn’t go anymore. That was the best she could do. Though she couldn’t help the winch at the loud Ivermorny student nearby, “GO HOGWARTS!!!” she shouted back.

The Hogwarts announcer seemed to have it a bit more put together than hid Ivermorny counterpart. However, his comment about Levi got her ruffled. First…he was faring well enough. Second…charms could be quite useful and there was no overuse of charms in her opinion. Okay so she might be biased being her father’s daughter but tough. Cassie shook it off and listened to the rest as they watched the happenings of the Gryffindor as well as the rest. At least now Levi had moved onto potions which she remembered was more his strong suit.

Oh look…Aiden was making a move, or rather moves.

Too bad the Whomping Willow hadn’t come up in their conversation of their respective schools.

She caught her name being called and turned towards the potions master. “Hello Professor Canterbury,” As for the woman’s question she shrugged, thinking on her words. “It does make it more entertaining and not frustrating.” No dealing with the unknown including the trickery of those setting up the various challenges. And better now that she wasn’t getting shade from a certain head boy clearly disappointed with his house after the last competition. Yeah…she noticed Rooney there.

“Hello Professor,” Cass greeted Marchand, returning his hello. Now here was a man that understood charms and their helpful roles. But her attention was drawn away from the commotion. Merlin’s beard was right! An animangus among the competitors…that was bound to change things.