A smile spread across Sam's face at the arrival of the Gryffindor, and she chuckled at Dora's observation. "Brash was the word I settled on," she replied discretely. "Although with that music, I'm thinkin' of upgrading it to obnoxious." It was a good thing that Sam knew a couple of very pleasant Americans, really, else she'd be regretting not staying to be home-schooled with her brother in short order.

At least she'd have new news to owl him tonight, she supposed, and not just a request for him to read one of her essays. And thank goodness she hadn't pushed him to come with her for his NEWTs. He'd be hating this so bad.

"Where d'ya reck'n they're gonna sleep?" Sam pondered, her thoughts following a similar line to her friend's as she looked round the room. There were an awful lot of people squeezed in here now, and any excitement she might have had for sharing their dorm was dissipating fast. But then Dora mentioned the announcement, and Sam looked at her more fully. She'd forgotten that would be happening tonight.

"Doubt I have a chance, but I've got everything crossed for ya." Dora would make a wonderful Champion, she knew it. And she'd be her joint Number One supporter. Tied with Casper, of course.

Dora couldn't help but giggle as Sam spoke her thoughts on the Americans. It was too true! And the blonde nodded her head in agreement. Obnoxious and brash were good descriptors for sure.

"I reckon they'll have to sleep in that car they flew here in. We don't have room for a whole other school to sleep here! " she said in a dramatic whisper type tone. I mean... really! Why the entire student body though?! That was bananas.

Oh but what?! Dora shook her head so hard her curls bounced with abandon! There was NO way she would be chosen, dude. NO. WAY. "I reckon my Prefects or... Charlotte are locked in for that. I don't stand a chance, Sam." Like really! Dora gave Sam a LOOK as she spoke even. But she appreciated the sentiment. Truly she did.

Good Merlin it was slowly turning into an invasion. With each passing second, there seemed to be more and more of them pouring over to their table. It got to the point where the young girl was seeing more Americans in her vicinity than familiar faces and she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about it.

Thankfully, Aslan had taken her request a step further and had COME TO JOIN HER. By now there was hardly room but best believe Jessa scooted as far over as she could to allow the older a girl a proper seat next to her. So maybe that growth spurt not kicking in over the summer was coming in handy afterall. For now, being small paid off but Jessa had a feeling it wouldn't in the months to come.

The Ravenclaw leaned into her friend, watching the others at the table while she continued with her meal. The quiet one that smiled at them all (Safaia) got a smile in return before Jessa's eyes trailed over to the one who'd asked whether this stuff was real gold (Clementine). Good thing Aslan was there to respond because she hadn't been entirely sure. In truth, she didn't have a response to the one who'd asked what she missed (Maesi) either. It hadn't been much, just talk of houses and champions.

Jessa found herself leaning into Aslan even further when the abrasive Gryffindor (Dora) made her way over to their table. Chloe didn't seem any more thrilled by the arrivals than half the students did, but knowing the girls disposition, she couldn't say she was surprised.

It was Aslan who recaptured her attention. "I dunno." She said with a small, indecisive shrug of her shoulders. "I don't think I really thought about it. Honestly, I forgot this was even happening." The school year had started busily for her. This would have been the last thing on her mind at any given point in the day. "I know Hadley wants it though."

So much going on Madelyn didn't know what to think of everything. Even a cheerleader could get overwhelmed at times and she was feeling that right now. Her smile was bright though and of course, her personality would never let it show that she was feeling a bit nervous so she just kept her huge smile and greeted everyone that warmly greeted her.

"Hello Kirk, it's so wonderful to meet you. Yes, well I'm from a warmer area so yes it is a bit airish here. It's okay though I have a jacket in my bag, I think." She had brought it she hoped. It might have been her bright orange volunteer's jacket, but at least it was something a bit warmer. "Does it get as cold as I was told here?" It was cold in the mountains and stuff, so she used to cold and snow. The next to greet her was Kitty, what an adorable name. "Oh I just love your name." She extended her hand to the girl and shook it. "It's such a pleasure to meet you. You love our school well isn't that just the sweetest thing. Yes, she has told us she is from here, but your Headmistress was from our school as well. So is your potions professor." She knew the familiar faces she had seen at the staff table.

Looking at Deo she gave him and Evan a warm smile, well that was until Evan said about her being at the other table. Wow, Evan nothing like stereotyping her into a loud group just because she cheered. "No I haven't seen her since we got out of the car." She looked around for her sister and just like Beetle Juice you said her name and she appeared. "There she is. Hey, Sis!" Giving her younger sister a big smile she hoped she was having fun. She didn't miss the way she sat in between Evan and Deo and gave a curious look. Her eyes did fall on Evan though not finished with him. "We are in a new place and we should be respectful, just because I cheer doesn't mean I don't know how to act like a lady and a guest." He was going to get a hair flip as her eyes moved to the other table and she might have stared way too long at Khalil.


Ugh, why was he so cute!!!


Hold up! Her eyes were at the snake table and her facial expression changed. She flopped into her seat and kept her head down. Was that who (Brent) she thought it was? She knew he was here, but she wasn't prepared to see him already. Did her hair look alright? Her makeup? Maybe it wasn't him. She tried to distract herself with greeting more from the table. "Hello Hadley, I'm glad I'm not the only one. Y'all are so nice."


"Oh" They weren't sure where they were sleeping. Well, that could be interesting, she hoped the professors at least knew. "I figured it would be, but it's nice to know. Thank you." She extended her smile to the girl (Jessa). She heard the book from the quiet girl (Chloe) and gave her a small smile, she wouldn't disturb her from her reading. Though she wasn't sure why she seemed so grumpy and quickly Madelyn got worried that they did something wrong and these students wouldn't like her. She wanted everyone to like her. She gave Harley a little look and realized quickly that she joined the group with all the none Wampus, maybe she should head to the other table, but goodness were they dancing on the table now?

"Oh thank heavens." She smiled as Blakeney came to sit next to her. "I have the cheer uniforms almost done. They are going to look super cute on us." Her eyes moved around the table. "We should set up club
times to practice here. Maybe some of the Hogwart students would want to join us." She'd love to expand her cheer club if they wanted.


She smiled at two girls (Sam and Dora) that were sitting and talking, "Hello, I'm Madelyn it's so wonderful to meet ya."

.....who thought inviting AMERICANS was a good idea, again?

Katherine glared at the loud one and wasn't surprised that he picked the Gryffindor table to be loud. She dearly hoped that 1. these uneducated people would not share their dorms and 2. the ones that picked the Ravenclaw table would have a brain. She secretly hoped they wouldn't pick Hadley - the girl needed to focus on OWLs, and she didn't want her to die at some stupid tournament against some cavemen. Who could guarantee this wouldn't be just another bloody Triwizard Tournament? Right, no one. And she loved her friend too much for that.

"Yes, but I won't compete even if I am picked." She hadn't really known WHAT exactly she was signing up for when she did sign up, and didn't want to take part in it now. She wanted to talk to her friend and Jessa some more, but some of the Americans decided to grace their table, so she kept quiet and watched them. And in fact, one of them (Blakeney) did address her by trying to join HER conversation with HADLEY. Anyway, Katherine turned to the girl and smiled a little. They probably thought they didn't need permission or something.

"Good for you." What else could she say? She didn't even know the girl! "I don't think I'll be picked, and I don't want to." She poured herself some pumpkin juice. So this lot seemed to be more well-behaved, good. Of course, Katherine would reserve judgment until she'd seen all, and for that, she decided to listen to what they had to say while drinking only pumpkin juice. She mentally rolled her eyes when one of them (Madelyn) just sat down without even waiting for a reply, but they all seemed alright...

.........what .........was.... she..... doing.......... here......

Katherine just froze when she (Aslan) sat down with them - and only TWO people were protecting her. Why was she socialising? What was wrong with her? Why wasn't she being enigmatic and - and - at her own table!? She scooted away a few inches, and eyed the door - how much would she miss if she left?

Hadley visibly seemed to perk up having her fellow Americans around. She hadn't felt this at home since she'd left LA to live in London. In many ways America still felt like home to her, and at the same time Hogwarts had become another home to her. And now Ilvermorny was here, in Hogwarts, bringing the energy and vibe of one home into her other home and it was invigorating. Too bad some of her classmates didn't seem to agree.

Hadley nudged Mossy lightly, trying to coax a smile from her friend. It didn't surprise her that much that this whole thing wasn't really of interest to Mossy, and that she was planning to turn it down if she got picked. "Hey if you get picked, just pass it on to me, kay?"

Hads turned back to Madelyn. "Pro-tip. Extra layers under your robes help. It took me a few years to get used to the climate here. I'm from LA, originally." Which was an extremely different climate all together. So, yeah, Hads had learned a few tricks.

She smiled as Aslan sat down, and gave the Lioness a nod as a way of greeting. Hads took a moment to ponder the question, glancing at her fellow Ravenclaws as she did. "Honestly? I hope I get picked, but I'm not really sure who'll get it." Mossy caught her eye again. Hads knew that look, and arched her eyebrows at her friend, as if to say, Don't you dare leave.

Lowering her voice so only Mossy could hear, Hads asked, "Do you need to talk about something?" Because if she did need to talk, there were places they could do so in the Great Hall out of earshot of anyone else.

The fifth year girl bopped on through the mass of people grinning at all her friends she passed. She was thrilled to be here with so many new people, and things. It was incredibly exciting. Moving along to one of the tables, that was filled with blue. Seeing a group of her housemates that she had lost sight of in the commotion, she called out to them. “Hey Manuela, guys, there you all are!” Plopping down in a seat by them she wrinkled her nose.“Evan Park, why on earth did you bring that stuff with you?” She shook her head and laughed. Glancing at the locals around the table she happily introduced her self “Hey everybody, I'm Maegan.”

Well that was super sweet of her, Madelyn smiled at the girl giving her advice. "I will make sure to do that. Thank you so much.
Does the castle get really cold in the winter?" She wondered if they were able to keep a place like this super warm or not. She was assuming probably not. It would be really drafty.


OH MY GOSH!!!

Her face turned fifty shades of red as she heard her name coming from none other than the boy she had been staring at. Khalil was now calling her name from the table he was at. She looked at the ones around her because goodness that was embarrassing. Part of her wanted to crawl under the table and the other part of her wanted to go join him because well it was Khalil and that was all she needed.


Getting up she smiled at everyone. "It was so nice meeting y'all, I hope to get to know you more. I am truly sorry for them, they are good people, just kind of crazy excited." Making excuses was probably not something she should do, but she felt the need to do it. "Come on Blakeney Khalil is calling to go over there."

Grabbing her pom poms out of her bag she headed over to the lion table.

The noise coming from the Great Hall was fifty shades louder than Rooney had ever heard it and he was slightly taken back when he stepped in. The noise was different and he'd never seen the hall with this many people in. It was...wow. This was what his life would be like after graduation. The crowds, the loud, the fans. Or so he hoped. Another dream, you know. The Head Boy headed for his own house table just in time to hear Hadley Denaker say she wanted to be picked and couldn't help but scoff behind her. "I'll be rooting for the other school if you're one of our participants, Hadley." Honestly.

But that was what this school was all about. Rewarding the annoying. There was a reason that someone was Head Girl last year and it had to have been that.

Whatever.

Since his talk with Mason, Rooney had talked himself out of the idea of being one of the participants for Hogwarts seeing as there were just so many students. No doubt before the end of the year, everyone would be bored of the American students because this hype would wear off (it always did) and they'd be more than ready for all of the participants to shut up about it and go back to being nobodies next year. He just hoped that this didn't make them think they were above student leaders, who had earned their positions and weren't going to be plucked from a hippogriff's backside. Or however this was going to be decided.

Why couldn't he just go catch up with Moxley though? Why had Headmistress Hawthorne looked like she was going to serve Bronwyn bolognese at this feast if he carried on hugging one of his role models? Man, it was hard enough trying to find out more information about the current Hogwarts Headmistress without her being completely elusive about her life and a poker-faced plimpy. These American students were going to have to give up all of their knowledge on her. And quick. New goal: to make Hawthorne at least smile in his presence. Just once.

Finally!

It had taken him a longer time than normal to read a chapter of a book because of all the commotion. Especially at the Gryffindor table. Seriously, how old were these Ilvermorny students? Five?

Mason shut his book shut with a loud snap and pushed it to the side. He then reached for a goblet and poured in some pumpkin juice. As he drank, he turned to look at the staff table. Speech? Headmistress? Cause he wanted to go back to the dormitory and get away from these LOUD people.

Melbourne had walked over to Ravenclaw for a moment after the Ilvermorny Professor had shut down the…rather raucous dance party that had been happening on her table. She had even grabbed a roll for herself before slipping over to bug her Ravenclaw friends when she heard him. Those were ridiculous words Bronwyn…seriously, and not to mention two could play at that game.

It was clear that the Rooster and Hadley didn’t get along. That would be like mixing chorine and ammonia and not expecting people to possibly die. Highly unlikely.

”I’m already rooting for them…” Mel smirked as she pulled a piece of her roll apart and got ready to pop it into her mouth. ”I have been since you were picked as Headboy” Mel smirked somewhat as she looked over to him and purposefully took that long deserved bite of her roll before simply looking away from him. Sure, he was an elected student leader but it wasn’t like she had to respect him…he hadn’t earned that respect from her.

Turning to Hadley and Katherine she just grinned. "if you two are chosen - i will definitely be rooting for you...any of you" she grinned and looked around at everyone her eyes finally landing on Rooney Brownyn once more. "Except for you...obviously," #sorrynotsorry.

With a quirk of his eyebrow, Rooney fought off the urge to laugh. "I'm sorry, but who are you?" He knew exactly who she was, but it was clear that she didn't require his time and he didn't need to be giving it to her. He and Hadley had a strained relationship and always had, it wasn't necessary for people to be stepping in. No feelings were being hurt and had she even known that he may have been joking? Because she sure as chips didn't know him well enough to know if he had or hadn't been.

"You're upset that I was chosen as Head Boy for my dedication to the school, my three year service as my house prefect and my top grades? Perfect sense." Did Melbourne know she was completely annoying? Heck, she even had one of those annoying faces. Permanently smug for no darn reason. Ridiculously pathetic.

What a joke.

"Godric Gryffindor owled. You're being disowned for your pathetic attempt to get under my skin. Boooring." All stuff that he didn't have time for right now and so he headed on further down the table away from the little group of bores. Byeeeeeee.

She waved back at Haddie, but there was so much noise that when she shouted "This is exciting, isn't it!" to her, she was fairly certain she hadn't heard her.

"Yes they are fascinating," Kitty said in agreement with Jessa's comment on the Americans. "Wouldn't it be splendid if some of them were staying in our dormitory? I have so many things I'd love to know about them."

Another American student said hello to her, and Kitty turned to greet her. "I like your name, Blakeney," she said sincerely, repeating it out loud with a small smile. "I'm Kitty, Ravenclaw prefect. It's very nice to meet you. If you need anything or have any questions at all, please ask and I'll be happy to help you." And she really hoped that she did have questions, because she wanted to make American friends.

"Goodbye Madelyn!" Kitty called after one of the Americans she'd been in conversation with as she left to join the Gryfindorr table.

Sam laughed at the thought of them cramming back into the car, even if she knew that it must have been magically modified to get them all here in the first place. "Better there than disturbing me OWLs studies in the common room." She wasn't against the visitors, she really wasn't, but their arrival had definitely taken her aback. And this year, she really needed to concentrate. Either on her OWL studies, or as a champion for Ravenclaw. She hoped for the latter, but she doubted she'd get it. She'd barely made the age cut off for starters. And there were other girls that were far more vocal about their desire to take part than she was. In hindsight, that probably wouldn't have been in her favour. Although, apparently being vocal didn't win friends, looking down the table to Haddie and Rooney. She knew out of the two who she'd rather put her weight behind, and it wasn't the one who called her 'Sammy'.

And at the mention of the Prefects, Sam glanced back at the students leaders sitting at both the Gryffindor table and her own. "Perhaps," she said after a while. "You're the best person I know at Defence though. All your training with yeh Uncle Sabel's gotta count for something." It depended on the sort of challenges, she supposed. Although Dora's ability with potions and language would also stand her in good stead, right?

Overhearing a conversation going on near by, Maegan looked over their way. For the first time since they got here, a frown crossed her face. No, she hadn't met any of them yet, but she was pretty sure that she had seen that one girl talking to Maddox. One thing she did know though was she didn't like that guy. Looking over at the two girls she asked loud enough to be heard by all around, “Tell me girls, are all guys here at Hogwarts complete jerks, or is it just this Flobberworm here?” As she said it she tilted her head in the guy's direction. Sure her comment might earn elbow jabs and kicks from her friends, but you know, girl power and all that. Plus, he was a troll.

Hadley grinned at Rooster's little jab. It was kinda cute he was trying so hard to get under her skin like this. Still grinning, she spun around in her seat, opening her mouth to reply when Mel beat her to it. Ya know what? That works too. Hads shrugged. Her cousin had her back. Awesome. Honestly though, Hads didn't know who she'd root for. Her friends, sure, if they were picked, but barring that...she was going to be torn between her loyalty to her school, and her loyalty to her America.

And then Hadley groaned. Seriously, Rooster? The wizarding world equivalent of So'n so called, they want their whatever back? "Ah, come on. You can come up with a better comeback than that!" She hollered to his retreating back, knowing full well he was more likely to ignore her than anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yourenodaisy

“Tell me girls, are all guys here at Hogwarts complete jerks, or is it just this Flobberworm here?”

Hadley turned to the American girl. She was already certain they'd be friends on this introduction alone. "Him? That's just Rooster. He's a cluckhead. Ignore him. We do have some decent guys here, though. I'm Hadley, by the way."

"I'm sure your common room is still safe. I'll come in and help you study, too. And we can plan study dates in Hogsmeade, too. And I'll come to your house on holidays, " she said with a forceful nod. There was no way she was going to let this mess keep Sam from acing her exams. NOTHING WAS GONNA STOP HER BESTIE! Not when she had Dora, Casper and Robin to help her along anyway. And... "And there is no one better suited to be champion than you, " she said softly. Only for her bestie to hear.

The Gryffindors attention wandered when she saw... someone cowering upon her arrival. Wow. Really? Dora cranes her neck slightly... only to see Jessa Cambridge. Interesting. And yes Dora had learnt her name. And then her attention was AGAIN stolen as an American... a rather stereotypical one straight from a teen movie nightmare... came to the table and addressed them. Then just like that... she was gone. Ooookay. Saved Dora's breath, she guessed. OH AND THERE WAS MASON! The blonde girl gave a happy wave to her friend before... Rooney Bronwyn happened with that horrible girl in his house.

Oh man. Things were getting a bit hostile. To the point that Dora gaped at the Head Boy before tugging Sam's robe sleeve. "Wanna move to Hufflepuff table?" And just like that any other conversation about her possible choosing was forgotten. She felt like it wasn't safe to discuss such things anymore. Nope.

As Mason had been gazing at the staff table for any clues, he was probably one of the first to see a big and large book flying up in the air from where the Headmistress was seated.

The book was absolutely beautiful and as it circled around the four House tables and stopped briefly at the Ravenclaw one, Mason had to fight the urge to reach for it, grab it and run away with it to put the book in his own personal collection.

Suddenly, the book began to glow more brighter and Mason stared at the runes forming in the air. He was okay with runes but not that great that he knew what it said. Until the letters began to chance and he stared, open mouthed at his own name hanging in the air.

He was silent, the bright letters of his name still burning in his vision eventhough the book had already spelled out the name of the female Ravenclaw.

Then...slowly...very slowly it began to dawn on him that he was chosen. HE was the male Ravenclaw representative of Hogwarts. And then suddenly a grin started to form. He had forgotten about his annoyance with the Ilvermorny students at the moment and when the book had closed, Mason turned to listen, more carefully than ever at the Headmistress words.

So they wouldn't know what the first task would be in a month? Wow thanks for the pressure?

Dora furrowed her brow as she turned to listen to her Headmistress. A full ride scholarship? Anywhere? That was lovely... and she immediately began to look around the room. Who was going to be chosen? And how?

And just like that, Headmistress Hawthorne held up the book. It was indeed GORGEOUS. The blonde watched it in silent awe as it floated around the room, its bright light shining. As it floated over her head she found herself smiling up at it dreamily. Books were her escapism, really. And this one used to belong to Merlin himself! How cool was that?! Her eyes followed it back to the dais, her nerves going on edge as it began to shine runes into the air.

MASON!! How awesome! He got a small fist pump, but her eyes didn't find his just yet. Because after the next Ilvermorny pupil... her... HER name? Wait. What?! Had it just shot runes that shifted into HER NAME into the air? Could someone please confirm or deny that? Her mouth hung open even after the final name was announced and the book slammed shut. And finally her eyes traveled over first to Mason and then to her house table. Where was Charlotte? Certainly she had heard that incorrectly and it had actually shown Charlotte Kettleburn?

Anyone? ANYONE? Cofirm or deny.

Please.

"You'll let me have some time off in all that, right?" She meant it warmly though; Dora's unwavering support meant the world to her. It always had. And Sam had never been afraid to work hard. "For the record, I'm totally open to bribery for giving correct answers. Something from Honeydukes will suffice." She grinned. Was that enough of a hint?

And Dora's next words, they meant a lot too. Even if Sam knew the chance of becoming the Champion was barely bigger than a kneazle's whisker.

She took a sip of drink, wondering how much longer it'd be until the Headmistress's speech. "Sure," Sam said with a shrug. She could move to the Hufflepuff table. Henry wouldn't mind them crashing, right? They'd be well behaved unlike some.

She didn't even get chance to scoot off the bench in that direction though, as the Hall was quietening down and the book at the top table caught her attention. What a beautiful book it was too. A low whistle might have escaped her as she learnt its origins from Merlin himself, and it floated over the Ravenclaw table. How she'd love to look over the pages more closely, and learn the secrets that it held.

For now though, the glow of the runes was quite spectacular. She didn't recognise the first name, but the second she did...

"Yeah, GO MASON!" She stood to cheer his announcement loudly, a grin on her face. She hadn't perhaps thought of him as their Champion, but he was definitely a worthy representative of their house. She leant across and gave him a hearty pat on the back. "You'll be awesome."

And just as she'd sat back down, there was another announcement. Sam's eyes lit up as she turned to her friend and engulfed her in an excited hug. "DORA! Oh, DORA!" Bouncing might have been happening. Okay, bouncing was definitely happening. "It's you. Yes, YOU!"

HER BESTIE WAS GRYFFINDOR CHAMPION!

She'd known Dora was champion material, yep. Hadn't she just said so five minutes ago?

But...she kinda missed the names afterwards in her excitement. So, sorry Cassandra.

Cassie honestly didn’t know what to make of this whole shindig. Granted she didn’t mind the new faces around the Great Hall from the visiting school. But then she was the friendly sort. Then there was the competition that was to be going on between the two sets of students AND the various houses of each. That was both cool and bringing her on edge. Fun and a mix of wonder and confusion. Just what was this stand-off going to entail and who was going to be their representatives in the battle of sorts. Hogwarts was a big school and no doubt Ivermorny was just as large…right?

Whatever the case, they were all waiting here for news and the fifth year Ravenclaw was sitting patiently amongst her housemates. Well as patiently as her curiosity would allow. She eyed the food that appeared but could only pick. Elimination…competition…one winner…FULL SCHOLARSHIP?! Cass’s head could only listen and watch as the Book of Merlin…wow…was presented before all those gathered to watch it work. Her eyes flickering as it flittered around the ceiling over them.

Just what was it doing?

And then all of a sudden names were being announced in the form of runes. Some she knew…others she didn’t. Mason was picked and Cassie couldn’t help clapping for her fellow Ravenclaw. However, when her own name was given her eyes widened in shock. SHE was deemed WORTHY!? The fifth year heard enough to recognize Levi picked for Gryffindor but her clapping was absentminded as she tried to take it all in.