Champion Seating
 

The twelve Triwizard champions and their dates have a table to themselves at the front of the Great Hall. They will be the first to eat and the first to dance... all eyes will probably be on them tonight.

Please only champions and their respective dates.

The first thing that Vindictus wanted to do was congratulate Fletcher and he quickly made his way to the Champion's Table.

"Congrats, Fletcher!" he exclaimed as he approached the Hufflepuff and wondered if anyone would notice his costume. Well, it wasn't technically a costume - it was one of his Heidleberg Harrier uniforms. Midnight blue trimmed in silver. Before he entered the Great Hall, he happened to catch a glimpse of himself in the mirror and he was amazed at how good he still looked in his uniform - absolutely picture perfect.

But he had to remind himself that this was an event to celebrate the end of the tournament. No autographs tonight or posing for pictures. Tonight he was on duty. Mischief-makers beware.

Oh Merlin's sparkly blue hat....... She was at the costume ball, with one of her best friends, Fletcher as her date.... Who happened to also be THE champion of the tri-wizard tournament

No she wasn't used to a poofy dress... Or a strange gold mask thingy.... She definitely wasn't used to her hair up like this. Glitter, sequins, ruffles... Weren't her style, but for this occasion... Rae tried REALLY hard to make herself look nice. All eyes were on Fletcher and her as they walked to the table... She was never noticed this much before, It was definitely a nervous experience. Fletcher pulled out a chair... FOR HER... Smiling back at him she said a small "Thank you." before sitting down in the chair.

Rae was still smiling, she bit her lip to contain some of her excitement... This was a night she wouldn't feel like she was the girl off the street.... Like a princess.. And that's what every girl wanted right?

So he liked it? She did good in her efforts to look nice? Rae grinned up at him "Thanks.." Oh she must look so stupid all smiley like that. However at the next comment she became slightly confused. An addition? Watching as Fletcher did a very impressive move and conjured up something sparkly... It wasn't until he was completely finished that Rae understood what it was and got a good look.

Rae looked in amazement at the tiara, then looked back at Fletcher. She didn't even know what to say. Tonight, she really was a princess, and Fletcher was a prince. After the tiara was placed upon her head she turned back to look at her best friend. What a night this will be.... "Duncan Mundungus Fletcher III.... It sounds like royalty to me." Rae said with a small smile and a simple shrug... Not to mention he looked like royalty... He looked, good.. Mmmm. :evil:

Hehh... Rae absently shook her head and rolled her eyes a bit but was still smiling. She wasn't going to correct him... Things were too... Awesome.. To correct him over something stupid like her name.. No one really knew what it was before, no one really knew what it was now. So it didn't matter anyways. we are royalty now. Gosh, can everyday be this great?

Firewhiskey? Heck yes.. "Royalty are allowed to make requests right?" Didn't royalty have over-ruling power? She felt like she should point at someone and tell them 'you there, slave, go yonder and fetch the firewhiskey, then hither forward.' Then again... That might not go over so smoothly.

From the Gryffindor Towers, Salander strode into the Great Hall with Danika on his arm, escorting the Durmstrang Champion to their alloted table. Pulling up a seat quickly he gestured for her to take it "Here you go." he smiled.

"My old robes from when I played for Heidleberg," Vindictus replied with his trademark smile and the team's rabbit emblem sparkled in the light. "Now I want you to have some fun tonight, got it? Good! See you around!"

A simple wave and the Flying professor vanished into the crowd.

Fletcher and Rae too
 

In all fairness, Salander did not have to go all the way up to pick her up, she knew her way around the Castle by now, and it had probably been quite exhausting for him to climb the whole set of stairs with the costume he was wearing, yes?

Danika was still unsure of what he was, and amazingly enough they did not get as much chance to talk as one could think when you were heading down to the Great Hall. Hogwartians liked to greet everyone, see?

She took little notice of the ones already at the table until she was already seated, "Thanc you, Salander" such a gentleman he was. So far, she was not regretting coming along with him, it had been a very nice choice indeed.

But then she noticed the Triwizard Champion and a much familiar girl sitting next to him, "Congratulations, Champion Fletcher" she said, approving of the costume, since he had won then he was free to choose whatever pleased him and still get away with it. "And Rae, you look vonderful this evening" she nodded, for the young woman truly did look her best.

Then her eyes widened only a bit when she noticed the Flying instructor walking away. Interesting. Danika turned to Salander, "I did not know he used to play vith the Harriers, you are lucky to have him" yes, having a Professional Quidditch player as a Flying instructor was certainly luck. Good thing Durmstrang did so as well.

"Tell me again vhat it is you are supposed to ve?" she asked, almost whispering. Fletcher was a King, and Rae was Queen, it seemed they were all royalty, even if Danika looked more like the medieval type of royalty, they all were...except Salander...but he could be a Knight, no?

RAWR Salander is A HOTTIE in that suit. <--- comes from Roro, not Fletcher, I promise
 

Yeah, She may not be anything close to real royalty, but she sure knew that they got EVERYTHING they wanted. Smart.. and... Pretty? When Fletcher went to pat her hand, she badly wanted to hold his. Her hand twitched at the thought but hesitated when she thought again of Xylon... This was controlling her. Xylon was off in college, having as much fun as he wanted, did that mean she couldn't? No. She would have fun tonight, even if she forgets completely about Xylon. This was a ball, with fun, and dates, her date, that she liked. She was entitled to fun, she was royalty after all.


Noticing that there was certainly another pair near them, and since this was the champions table, Rae was curious. She tore her eyes off Fletcher to see who it was.. Oh It was their buddy Sal... Why was he here? Then she saw Danika right along with him. WOAH. Good job Sal! Danika congratulated Fletcher in the tournament, expected... What WASN'T expected was when Danika complimented her. Rae's eyes lit up at Danika then she smiled once more.. "Thanks! You look awesome!" Totally medieval. Totally rockin it.

Back to Sal who Rae recognized immediately "Duuuude Iron Man! Smart thinking!" Where'd he get that though? Obviously not in hogsmeade.

Huh? Madame Malik? "Madame Malik is my mother, Fletcher" she said, rather amused, not upset at all, just amused, "Miss Malik vould ve me" there was a little wink for him after she spoke. Madame Malik, wrong, Miss Malik, correct.

Even a King could make some mistakes, right? No.

"Thanc you" it was only the polite thing to do, and even if she had changed quite a bit from her first day at Hogwarts, manners were still present. Fletcher did not know she was actually supporting him back in the Stands, nor he needed to, but that is why the Congratulations were heartfelt. Surely she would have preferred Vladimir to win, but he did not get very far.

A smile was on her face when she replied, "I did, you guys have something great here" she nodded, eyes on the Great Hall. Of course, she sort of wanted to leave already, after all, she was of age and when this was all over, no longer a Durmstrang student. She was free to do whatever she wanted. Not that she never did, but being on her own was priceless. "I vill miss Hogwarts, for sure" but she'll miss Durmstrang even more.

Rae sure looked happy, perhaps even beyond happiness, and the smile was contagious, that is why Danika was smiling too, well, that and the fact that she'd also got a compliment. Haha. Awesome. That was something. "Thanc you" yes, and then another nod.

Oh! Rae knew it. Iron Man. Smirk. So, Danika knew Salander was no Iron Man, this was just a costume, but she still failed to know all those non-magical references.

"You're quite welcome" he replied nodding his head gently in reply, He slipped easily into the seat next to her, still quietly surprised at how easy it was to move in this armour. His days of stealing struggling with the rigid tinman suit that was the Hogwarts Suits of Armour were over. Not when he can just walk up to the 7th floor and stroll into the armoury of his dreams.

Following Danika's gaze, he looked back at the Flying Professor walking away "Yes, yes we are lucky indeed. It must've been quite a decision to walk away from the Harriers. I mean once a fighter pilot always a fighter pilot right..." Huh. Leave it to Salander to think of the other Harriers.

He turned to look at the familiar voices beside him "Fletcher! Rae! Or rather... King Fletcher and Queen Rae!" he said as he comically knelt down like a knight. He wasnt surprised seeing them together at the Champions table. But he was surprised to see Rae looking so happy. Maybe she has gotten over that little incident by the stairs? He certainly hoped so, because he didnt plan to spend the night settling Fletcher's girl problems. Another time maybe never.

As he returned to his seat he smiled as the two Champions exchanged pleasantries. No hard feelings between them, this is good! But the smile froze as his eyes widened in alarm, shaking his head ever so slightly when his buddy referred to his date as Madame? Noooo! Mademoiselle! But dont call her that either she's not French! he chortled panic stricken in his head. He look at Danika quickly, afraid that she might've been offended, but was relieved when she merely corrected Fletcher lightly. Whew! She's such a cool lady. Thank Merlin! "Or you know, just Danika, no need to be too formal around these parts right?" he chuckled nervously.

Change of topic would be good now yes. "What am I supposed to be?" he said looking down at the hefty piece and giving it a slight tap. He gave Rae a thumbs up when she mentioned the name "Yup indeed! I'm Iron Man... or rather this is the Iron Man armour-- the Mark III if I'm not mistakened..." he replied glancing at Danika. She looked puzzled. Explanation imperative. "Uh... Iron Man, he's a superhero in the Muggle comic books-- stories, but with lotsa pictures. He's a crimefighter. You know, fights the bad guys, helps the good guys, rescues the damsels in distress... that sorta thing. Like an Auror!"

As someone who likes Quidditch, and is very good in it too, Danika could not possible understand why her own instructor had left the Goblins, it just did not exist in her mind to stop doing what you loved to do the most. It did not make sense. Then again, she was very young, she will understand it eventually. Perhaps the day when she stopped being reckless will be soon to come.

And Salander was right. It must have been quite a decision, indeed. A very difficult one, probably.

But then he started to talk about some fighter pilot and he lost her. She knew little of airplanes or any sort of aircraft, and all she could understand in that sentence was the word 'pilot'. That's as far as her knowledge in the subject goes, and as curious as she could be about it, this was a Ball, she was not going to get those explanations at this moment. So, she let it go.

Danika noticed his eyes widening after Fletcher's 'Madame', it had been rather amusing, truly amusing, but Salander did not have to worry about a thing. She laughed, "Yes, Sal is right, Danika vorks just fine" just Danika, like...just Fletcher? ;)

The young woman smiled as Salander repeated the same thing as Rae. Well, no, he was not Iron Man, thankfully he explained further.

Oh. Non-magical comic books...were there other kinds? And he explained what those were, such a sweetheart! Because she really had no idea. They only taught the most basic scenarios in her school, trust her, comic books were nowhere to be seen or heard. Dark gray eyes on Salander as he continued to speak and once he was done there was a sweet smile on her face, "Like a Knight" she said, with a nod, a nod that made her red hair gleam a bit. She could be the damsel in distress, though, she literally was when she exited the first task, and she got the help from none other than Fletcher, the King, and Salander, the Knight...

..."So, I have my own personal Auror" or Knight. Smile.

Danika and Monique
 

"Like a Knight.... yeah... yeah I guess you could say that." Salander grinned, as he sat tall and squared his shoulders proudly. He didnt actually make the connection between a superhero's combat armour and a Knight's (in shining) armour until Danika mentioned it. "Your're absolutely right."

His eyes caught her vibrant hair, and a goofy grin unknowingly played on his lips. Red.... luxuriously, fiery RED. Am I a lucky son of a... "Indeed you do. Auror, Bodyguard.... Waiter?" he chuckled "Would you like me to get anything for you at the Food table?"


His eyes shifted momentarily to the new addition to the table, and recognized immediately that it was the Beauxbaton student that stayed with them in the Dungeons. Now this is the one you call-- "Mademoiselle Monique. Pleasant evening to you. " the Slytherin lad politely greeted the French lass. It was the only thing he managed to say to her way back at the beginning of the year. Why not let that bookend this year as well?

Her face turned from Salander for a moment as soon as someone else was joining at the table. It was one of the Beauxbatons Champions, she was the one who stayed in the same House as Vlad. Danika nodded her way, and gave her a smile. That was a proper enough greeting, especially since she had just noticed two people she knew very well on the dance floor.

Nikolai with Sandra. Well, someone was in for a fun evening.

And just as quick as she had turned away, she was facing Salander again. And how wonderful, she was understanding non-magical things easier than usual. Actually, she was understanding them, period. Danika was right. Yes, most likely. You know who would love to hear the Iron Man story? Zitnik. Ha! Her eyes couldn't help but scan the Staff table, and correct, he was there, next to the great Lafay.

Perhaps it was a good thing she was looking towards the Staff table instead of Salander while that grin was on his face. Perhaps. All she knew was that he was giving her reason once more. That's when her eyes went back to him. And then she was laughing, right, shocking, "Vaiter?" she preferred Auror, Bodyguard or Knight, though it would be amusing to see what Sandra's face could be when she told her she had her own waiter at the Ball. Priceless. "No, no need to do so, you are not veing a vaiter tonight" at least not for her, anyway, if he wanted to bring Fletcher something, then that was totally up to him. He'd better not bring something to the Beauxbatons girl, though.

At the mention of a 'bodyguard', Danika found herself with a question, "How do you do on cold veather, Salander?" because most of the times she had seen him he was freezing.

The Long Awaited Arrival
 

It had taken her quite sometime to finally get her hair, make-up and any other frivolous thing girls normally do to get ready for balls. Although she had been to so many back in her childhood, Cosette wanted to look absolutely divine for the evening. Smoothing her many ringed fingers down the length of her brilliantly emerald green bodice, she smiled up at Noel, moving her arm around his as they walked over towards the Champions table. With her golden blond hair in wavy plates around her shoulders, it complimented against the green of the renaissance gown she had tailored, along with the pearl and gold necklace insignia of a large "C" laying upon her chest.

"I am zo ezited. Now we can put zoze danze lezzons to ze tezt, oui?" She impishly grinned at Noel before looking around at the rest of the paitrons of the table. She hadn't really associated herself with any of the Durmstrang champions or many of the actual students of Hogwarts. Woops. She might have to work on that maybe next term. The tournament had been a little distracting. She squeezed Noel's arm, loving the fact that he had dressed up as a King from a Sleeping Beauty and she was Queen Anne Boleyn. "Would you like zome ale, my King?" She couldn't help but get into character. It was something she had been looking forward to. Her smile never faded, seeing as she was with one of the most handsome guys in the whole castle. And the few glares she got from passing girls.

Seeing Fletcher down the table, she gave him a little wave and a smile. She hadn't forgotten her good friend who had won the tournament. He must have been busy with all girls flocking to his side. "We muzt danze ze Waltz, mon cher. Show zese common folk how it iz done!" Chuckling, she gave him a wink.

Noel didn’t mind waiting for Cosette. It gave himself more time to fix himself up. However, when she did finally come down, he could not take his eyes off her. Beaming as they made their way towards what was apparently the table all the champions and their dates sat at, he kept stealing glances her way. How could he not? How could anyone not? Though, she was here with him so everyone else can just look away, s’il vous plaît.

Blinking finally, he smiled and nodded, not trusting his words at the moment. They’d probably come out all mumbled and jumbled together, and he couldn’t speak like that. Not in front of her and all the others at the table who…he finally noticed. Oh look, people. A lot of people. Flipper, Rae, Monique (where was Jermaine?) and the others who he's seen, though yet to really meet.

"Oui, s'il vous plaît." He muttered, needing something to wet his dry throat. Wait, wasn’t he supposed to be asking that? Being the gentlemen and all. Umm, they had ale? Leaning forward, he quickly picked up his goblet and looked into it, taking a small sniff. Oh, no it was just... Haha. Darn. Smirking, he took a little sip, his eyes moving around to see who else was here. Well, everyone looked really nice.

What? Dancing? "What?" Turning his attention back to Cosette, his gaze moved to the dance floor for only a moment before flickering back to his most beautiful date. "Now? You zure you don't want somezing to eat or drink firzt, mon che-...Queen?" Right, King and Queen! Seemed to be a trend of that in here. However, he knew there was a food table around here somewhere.

Just like him, Cosette was feeling the tug of possessiveness grip her. If any girl dare asked him for a dance she just might turn into the girl she was back at Beauxbatons. The one who got kicked out for hexing girls left and right. Shaking the memories and strange thoughts out of her head, she turned to Noel. Why would she think of that when she was here at a ball with him? She did feel sorry for making him wait so long. "I 'ope I didn't make you wait zo long, my King. My ladiez in waiting were juzt all a buzz wiz making me look my bezt." In all reality it was just her and a spellbook to fix her hair and iron out her dress. But a little silliness was in order. They were at a costume ball after all.

Picking up a goblet next to the one he had grabbed. Tilting it up and nodding her head to her King, she took a sip. Phooey, just pumpkin juice. If there were any trouble makers at this school, she wished they would show there faces. Some Firewhisky would do everyone some good. She chuckled at him as he sniffed his drink. "I waz kidding, my liege." Studying up on the pleasantries of medieval dialogue was all she did last night. Studying up on a character for a ball? She must be going mad in this castle. "Zo I zink we can get something more.. bubbly when we get back to our castle in Bordeaux." Yes, they always had the Summer to do more than what they couldn't have done during term. Like that picnic they still needed to do, for both their birthdays.

Seeing the somewhat startled look on his face, she placed a finger on his lips. He was so jumpy, maybe the dance got him nervous. She could do with a baguette and cheese. She heard people in the renaissance liked to eat that. And lots and lots of meat. Moving her hand, she placed it on the side of his face. She honestly didn't care if anyone saw them being romantic. It would actually be like a giant sign saying, "Stay away, he's mine." Smiling, she leaned in towards him. "Zome food would be nice, oui. Maybe we can catch a zlow danze later." Yes, a slow dance.

Hehe. "Non, I wazn’t waiting all zat long." No matter how fast he dressed himself because he was nervous. But like he thought before, it gave him time to fix himself up and look actually presentable. "You alwayz look your bezt. Zough you are exceptionally beautiful tonight." Smiling, he leaned over and kissed her gently on her cheek before sitting back up and looking around for that food table. He was, rather hungry actually.

Chuckling, he took another sip of the pumpkin juice before spotting the food table. Aw, it was crowded around it. Though it was no big deal. Just a little nudge here and there, he could fit right in. However, mention of something a tad more...strong...then pumpkin juice being suggested later on, his gaze slowly made it's way back to Cosette. His eyebrow quirked up slightly. That was right! They lived rather close by to eachother didn't they? "Juzt az long az your highness's fazer doezn't dizapprove." he said in a low whisper. He would much enjoy not being kicked out or banned from seeing her. Then again, it'd be Romeo and Juliet all over again now wouldn't it? Without the poison and such.

Feeling her soft hand against his face, Noel relaxed quite a bit, feeling his nerves slip away. He couldn't remember why he was nervous to begin with. "I can get you somezing. Anyzing in particular?" Yes! Then he could get himself something. A full stomach would make him a lot more calm.

Jermaine finally made his way to the Ball. He had almost been tempted not to even show up but it was an event to honor the Champions and a champion he was, even if he did only participate in the first task. Besides, he had convinced Monique to come as his date, even though he knew she was only doing it because she didn't want to come alone.

Seeing there was a table just for the champions he went over and sat next to Monique. "Monique, you look nice," he said. He didn't even bother kissing her on the cheek in greeting. What would be the point? She would probably just pull away from him again anyway.

Well that was some good reassurance. Smiling a brilliantly white smile, Cosette giggled when he kissed her cheek. He was such a gentleman, and glad everyone could see it. "Good. I am juzt glad zat my cat Lucian didn't get any fur on my drezz." That would have one, sent her in a frenzy and two, make her even later. Blasted cat, she had a feeling she would be sending him to a kennel sometime soon. If he gets in the way at all during her studying for the O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S he is a dead kitty. Feeling rather embarrassed and thoughtful of his compliments, she rested a soft hand on his. "Merci, mon cher. You look even more 'andzome az a King." It had to be the breeches. And that swagger that he had in his step, even if he did look a tad nervous.

If he ended up going to get some food, she might try and mingle with the other people at the table. She wasn't the best at social skills, at least with girls that is, but she might be able to make do with some manners for the night. Where was Brielle? She was still missing and she was wondering if she could get some advice from her fellow French fashionista. Though, not about clothes but about a certain French fellow. Ahem. Smirking at Noel's comment, she batted her eyelashes just a tad. Her father wouldn't mind him around, she thinks. "Don't worry, amour. He iz moztly gone on Miniztry buzinezz. We could probably 'ave ze whole zateau and eztate for ze Summer." If she played her cards right of course. And if her brother didn't take some time off at the Ministry as well. That would be a bit awkward. Plus she would have to meet his new girlfriend. Cue eye roll here.

Rolling her eyes up, she thought about something to eat. Sweets would make her jumpy and meat would make her look like a fiend. Maybe just sticking with the bread and cheese would be best. Plus it was quite delicious and she could always save room for dessert later. Putting an index finger to her lips, she raised it up like she had a grand idea. "Zome bread and cheeze would be nize." She smiled, wondering if they even had any. She heard at muggle parties they always had cheese platters or something. Even if she hated muggles and there silly customs and ways, she did like cheese platters. "Zen we can go on ze danze floor. Oui?" Everyone would surely aw at their dancing prowess.