Making his way to the seating area, Chandler noticed some of the other managers he had seen in the backstage area. Wondering if their candidates had been as impossible to talk to as his had, he took a seat near the front of the crowd. He wanted to be sure he heard everything Ms. Knox had to say up there. It also wouldn't hurt to hear what the other candidates had to say either.

Now let's get this debate going already.

Peering out from behind the curtain of the stage, Bjorn saw that a sizable crowd had gathered for this, the first debate of what was sure to be a long, hard campaign trail. Stepping smartly out into the public area, he arranged his face into a confident, winning smile. But on the inside, he wasn't sure how his foreign-sounding candidate would perform. What we need... is a little... insurance policy. At the thought, he glanced down at his front to check that a small vial was tucked securely out of sight. Yes, he was quite certain no one could see it, much as he was certain no HAD seen it.

Pleased with himself, he slipped into a row near the middle of the general seating. Sitting in the back had the appearance of either a lack of caring or the presence of something shifty. On the other hand, the front.. well, that was just trying too hard. Finding an empty seat, he prepared to be enthusiastic with Erik's answers and quite disgusted with a few select candidates' ideas.

It had been a long time since Colby had been in Hogsmeade but today was a special day. Hogsmeade was hosting a debate for the Board of Governors candidates. One of those candidates who happened to be Layla Dacosta-McLaughlin, his great friend and the Godmother to his daughter. There was no way he would miss this opportunity to see her show the other candidates what a real board member was like.

Finding a couple of empty seats a few rows back, he looked back at his mate... Mr. Layla Dacosta-McLaughlin. "Oi Bryce, you coming or what?" Maybe his 'old' friend needed a walker instead of that cane he brought along.

As he sat down he glanced up at the platform. There was Layla looking ready to rip the heads off the competition. Oh, and there was his so called assistant, Selena Zabini-Riddle.

What a joke that one was, thinking she had a chance in Hades of making it as a final candidate, let alone a winner in this race.

With his new cane in hand that he won at the library auction at the school, Bryce wandered down to the debate area behind Colby, flinging the cane around. He hadn't had much chance to check it out since he won it. Layla didn't approve of it, and quite honestly, he didn't want it disappearing like most of his comfortable clothes and shoes had. Speaking of clothing, he was looking quite good in his suit, if he did say so himself. Even with the white magnolia flower sitting in the front pocket of his jacket looked mighty splendid.

"I'm coming, I'm coming." he mumbled, picking up his pace. Seeing his wife up there on the platform, he quite swinging the cane around and beamed, giving a big ol' wave to her. He was here! He was...

He was unintentionally hitting Colby with his cane. Oh, his seat. In the back.

Making his way out of the little secret meeting area - or whatever official name the room had been given - Charles began to rummage through his bag for a few things while approaching the seating area. He had needed something eye catching and had actually taken some inspiration from the very Wheaties box that he had first seen Mr. Phillips on. So, orange was the name of the game. Good solid and strong color. Definately appealing to the eye. It was a color that stimulated activity, appetire, and socialization. All of these, minus the eating, where only things that could contribute to a positive image of his candidate.

Now if only he had left those damn duck floaties at home.

Settling down in his seat, Charles pulled out a small stack of flyers and set them on his lap while he looked for a larger sign to hold up during the debate. The flyers - unbeknownst to Mr. Phillips at the moment - would be used to promote him once he had successfully passed this phase of the journey. Free autograph signing with the Quidditch player Rookie of the Year and future Board of Governors member? Oh yeah, we think so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bjorn Berg

Peering out from behind the curtain of the stage, Bjorn saw that a sizable crowd had gathered for this, the first debate of what was sure to be a long, hard campaign trail. Stepping smartly out into the public area, he arranged his face into a confident, winning smile. But on the inside, he wasn't sure how his foreign-sounding candidate would perform. What we need... is a little... insurance policy. At the thought, he glanced down at his front to check that a small vial was tucked securely out of sight. Yes, he was quite certain no one could see it, much as he was certain no HAD seen it.

Pleased with himself, he slipped into a row near the middle of the general seating. Sitting in the back had the appearance of either a lack of caring or the presence of something shifty. On the other hand, the front.. well, that was just trying too hard. Finding an empty seat, he prepared to be enthusiastic with Erik's answers and quite disgusted with a few select candidates' ideas.

While he looked through his bag, he noticed a rather unpleasant fellow was seated next to him an Charles found himself sort of just looking at the man's shoes to try and avoid eye contact.

Which was becoming more and more difficult with each passing moment. Especially when he found the poster he was looking for in his bag and had nothing else to keep himself preoccupied.

Sitting up straight and with a large piece of stiff parchment folded in half on his lap, Charles turned to look at the man. "Good day," he greeted, offering his hand for a hand shake. "Charles Hollingberry, Carter Phillips' campaign manager."

This bloke was Mr. Vinteren's campaign manager, correct?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chandler Montgomery

Making his way to the seating area, Chandler noticed some of the other managers he had seen in the backstage area. Wondering if their candidates had been as impossible to talk to as his had, he took a seat near the front of the crowd. He wanted to be sure he heard everything Ms. Knox had to say up there. It also wouldn't hurt to hear what the other candidates had to say either.

Now let's get this debate going already.

Creeperdoodle aside, Charles noticed another bloke who -unlike himself - was having a rough time gaining the cooperation of his candidate. "Tough luck with your candidate," Charles said in a low whisper. Honestly, the woman had been more stubborn than a hang nail.

Charles oh-so-casually unfolded the somewhat massive poster and attached it to a stick and held it up in the air so everyone could see. Heh, sort of reminded him of his protesting and picketing days. Should come up with a catchy chant for Mr. Phillips while he was at it. Maybe owl Kaishu to have him write a song. He was always better with lyrics than Charles was. Charles had more been helping with the notes of their compositions.

Botros didn't bother standing up when Miss Muggle Studies introduced the Hogwarts staff, it was too much work and had anyone offered a hand, he would've taken the risk and stood up for a minute. Being the case, he just waved his good arm up in the air with his hat.

Oh, look! It was Captain Gryffindor first! Ab beamed at the girl and used his cane to draw her attention. HELLO!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roselyn

"I'm coming, I'm coming." he mumbled, picking up his pace. Seeing his wife up there on the platform, he quite swinging the cane around and beamed, giving a big ol' wave to her. He was here! He was...

He was unintentionally hitting Colby with his cane. Oh, his seat. In the back.

O_O

Holy. Hammer. Of. Thor. which better not be swinging around and hitting stuff either!

This man! He just.. hit the back of someone's seat with Ab's the ancient cane of Ab's father! Abraham's attention was plucked away from the platform and focused completely on the young man with his the precious thing.

This, this was something to be put in a museum! Not play around with it. Every cell in his body urged him to get up and tell a couple stories from back when he was a boy.

STARE!WIBBLE.

Quite the enthusiastic one wasn't she? He grinned over at her. It was good to know that not everyone involved in this whole campaigning thing was a stickler. He was beginning to worry that he might have been out of place.

"It's nice to meet you too Livia...would you mind me calling you Liv?" There was nothing wrong with her name, it was quite lovely but he liked the sound of Liv and if her answer was no he'd still call her that...just...in his mind because he had so much manners. He took a casual look over at the dunk tank where the candidates were getting nice and comfy. This was even better than he thought! When he got here he didn't know he get to watch some of them go for a swim. "Debates have a way of being very interesting, I'll agree. There's sure to be at least one good laugh." At the candidates expense but hey, that came with the territory.

"I'm guessing the tanks are for our entertainment." He said with a smile. "And I am, as you are too? Can I ask who you're managing." Again, some people were so touchy.

A certain ministry woman walked over to the seating area after sending both Mr. & Mrs. Ferguson a kind smile. Yeah Mr. Ferguson had awesomely helped her out by trying to solve that drooling problem.

And Mrs. Ferguson was just AWESOME because she had suffered with her.

They had been in the trenches together.

As she glanced around and really wanted a bite of almost pizza - maybe pizza with a nice applewood flavor? Or one baked in a fiery oven she just couldn't help but laugh. That girl up there had called the candidates old.

She was right.

There were some old people. Even a man with a wheelchair. Glancing again she recognized him as the old man from the Ferguson's wedding. Aw that old guy was sweet.

Colby smiled and waved up at Layla hoping she was could feel his good luck vibes he was sending her. That is until her smile turned to a frown and...

"Hey, what was that for?" If Bryce hit him one more time with that blasted cane, he was going to take it away from him and give it to Layla after the debate.

Oh, the debate had started. "Sit down, your wife is speaking." Show the woman some respect already. Stop acting like a big kid with a new toy.

"I'm feeling amazing, like a bird, soaring through the sky, or or or tucking into a Christmas dinner after a long day of cooking, OR MEETING YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITY!" Honora's eyes gleamed with the thought of meeting her favorite celebrity. Colin MacKenzie. She watched ALL of his quidditch games. She snapped out of it finally. Mr. Quiet pants over here was being super quiet though. The nerves must be getting to him. These debates weren't for everyone, you know.

"I know what you mean. I mean, I've never been to a debate in my life, if you don't count school, but you know what they say! Hands on experience is the best experience anyone can have. I'm sure it's not as hard as it looks. Do you think we can get a band in here? Or a parade!?" THE DEBATE WAS STARTING! "SHHHHH! Shhhhhhhhhh, it's starting. Sshhhhhhhh."

SHUSH everyone!

Proud Brock was just so darned PROUD.

He hadn't really had the chance to talk to the guy he was managing, but it was almost as if he didn't need to anyway! Nollie, he was still going to call him that, whether Nollie liked it or not, was up there, doing a marvelous job on his own. And his answer to the first question! It was so good, it could have been something they would have rehearsed for for hours beforehand. Good idea addressing that piece about himself in that gossip column.

Good idea.

Brock sat back down in his seat, he was giving Nollie a standing ovation after all, and clapped quietly for the rest of the candidates. He wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of knowing that their answers were good, too.

What?

"What?" he asked, voicing his thoughts, though one look up to the stage, and he immediately sat down. Colby was right! His wife was speaking and IT WAS THE BEST ANSWER THERE! He didn't here what anyone else said, THAT was the best answer. Right there. Bryce raised his arms up in a silent cheer. NAILED IT!!

TEAM MCLAUGHLIN!

Grinning like an idiot, Bryce lowered his arms, only to notice a man staring at him. He was excited, alright? His wife was running for the board of governors and she had the best answer so far. Grinning to the man, Bryce gave him a nod and settled more into his seat, cane sitting right on top of his lap.

Though he was tapping his fingers on it. As excited as he was, he was also nervous.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

...He should have known Ashley would start asking questions. Weird thing, wasn't she a mind reader? "Good." He said simply and pursed his lips while nodding almost imperceptibly. Uh... normal person. Fine. "You?" There. His job being polite was done.

Gah, another person joining them. Meh. At least he knew Jade as well. He gave her a polite nod as she sat down with them. Let Ashley respond to the rest, since both women liked talking so much. Good thing, because he didn't. Let them do the chatting, then.

As people aplauded and reacted to everything that was going on on the stage, Derek just sat there, looking awkwardly around and rubbing the palm of his hands on his knees. There were way too many people in there, he was feeling extremely uneasy. Especially since most of them there were acting weird and being rather loud.

Aahh, a debate elaborated and hosted by the children! What a fantastic idea that was! Seth had to make sure to congratulate professor Cerulean after the debate was over, for making the young ones get involved in those sorts of things. It would surely make them see everything differently from now on and it would also give the candidates great opportunities to show how much they care and how good they are with children.

Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic!

The 46 year-old observed everything that was happening on the stage. And the dunking thing? That sounded very fun! They would all be able to see if some of them had a good sense of humour - because that is a very important matter when you deal with children, indeed.

Another thing that Seth was really appreciating about this election? The fact the candidates had all sorts of different backgrounds and experiences. That surely would enrich the Board of Governors.

So Althea seemed pretty happy to see them here supporting her and Ash waved back at the woman, giving her a thumbs up. Eh, it seemed legit at an occasion such as this one.


And Mr. chatty pants was just as sociable as ever which made the blonde smile. "Yeah, I'm good as well." She said cheerfully, watching him with a curious expression. He was puzzling, Derek was. Ashley hadn't met anyone this introverted in quite some time and she was still really interested in figuring him out. Yay. A puzzle. Grin.

And then another from Team Thea showed up and Ashley smiled at the woman, patting the seat next to her. "Hey Jade, nice to see you." And yes, the turnout was quite impressive.

Also impressive? Their department head's credentials. The blonde listened quietly and just kind of took it all in. Yeah, the woman was pretty awesome, no doubt about that. She was also more than qualified for a position but it looked like someone had it out for her.

OH SNAP!

That lady had just called Althea out and Ashley turned to look at Derek and Jade, a 'did you just see that' expression on her face. Merlin, maybe this was going to be interesting after all.

And if Althea decided to throw down with this Roxanne character did Team A&C have to jump in? ...Cause Ash was more of a lover than a fighter to be honest.

Nuuuuuuungh.

She was in PAIN. Like split her body in half pain - maybe it was because she was nervous? Because this was the school her future bun was going to go to. She just placed her hand on the side of her stomach and made a screwed up face.

"Excuse me, pardon me" she muttered as she walked by - as the edge of her rotund protruding stomach brushed against someone's shoulder. At least it was just a belly and a good type - not a stinky gross kind like that former ministry man.

She let out a groaning sound again, and huffed the air.

No one had told her how painful it was to carry a little thing in your stomach. Maybe it was because this little thing liked to kick her all the time like her stomach was a giant football. What? It was like the kid wanted to be on Manchester united.

"Hey - have I missed much?" she asked her niece who she hadn't seen in ages. "This little one wouldn't let me get here in time, always kicking...so I had to floo in and Jax wouldn't let me go unless I wore a charmed shirt so the baby wouldn't get hurt. He's so, so protective." She sniped a bit under her breath to Kyleigh. Who for the most part just stayed very quiet.


Keaira couldn’t believe her eyes and ears. Had that wretched little girl just fallen asleep during HER candidate’s speech? Shame on that person. They weren’t a Ravenclaw in her book.

She was somewhat angry about it yes – but she wasn’t livid not in the least.

She still made an effort to CLAP with verbosity when Althea was finished speaking. Wow – that was…long. And did that red haired lady the Headmistress look a little bored? That was something she had to do immediately.

Start a publicity campaign.

Althea Schirmer is a friend to Animals, kids, and students of all ages…Althea Schirmer the…the not-boring candidate? Althea Schirmer the safe candidate?

Candidate with the personality of a vipertooth – nope, that’d sound positively dreadful. The Candidate with a Fiery personality…sure had one of those. Her saving cats? Or maybe just donate to some charity under her name…raise money for charity – that was it. Make her look like the BEST candidate for the job.

Because obviously she was.

Jade chuckled quietly to herself as she saw that Derek gave her a curt nod. He was being a good sport about this since it was clear to her that he didn't want to be here.

She didn't want to make him even more uncomfortable so she turned to Ashley, "Nice to see you too."

Jade settled down to listen to the debate and hmm'ed quietly as Thea was introduced. She had no idea that Thea had been a Hogwarts Professor. Who knew? Thea didn't look like the teaching type aka being stuffy and stern which is what Jade knew from her school days in South Africa.

She wasn't really paying attention but she sat straight up as Roxanne took a stab at Thea. "What?" she mumbled half in question. Jade couldn't believe that Roxanne would do that--that was playing dirty. And she had found Roxanne to be nice...

Jade turned to look at Derek and Ashley. She caught Ashley's eye who looked stunned at Roxanne's behavior.

She leaned in towards her, "Wasn't that a bit harsh?"

Warfield got distracted! It wasn't his fault either, there was an apple pie by the food and he just had to have himself a slice. Taking a piece he hurried over to a seat and began nibbling on the scrumptious pie... Mmmm Cinamin.

he looked up and listened intently to each of the Candidates spoke, and leaned forward swallowing the last piece of his pie hard. Cooper should not have been that intimidating, don't laugh at the youth, no awful decision. His nerves calmed as the rest of his candidates speach, and the answer to the questions were straight forward, meaningful, and was intimidating. No other Candidate should mess with him now. Especially not that Roxanne woman, who thought attacking her opponents was the way to go. He gave Cooper a big Apple Pie crumb-filled smile.

Saul was going to be bored out of his mind until someone was going to get dunked. That's what those tanks were there for, and Carter Phillips was prepared for it. Good on him, he'll get a vote just from him just for that. he slumped into his chair further, and looked around the crowd to see if there was anyone here namely derek, that he could converse with.
He let off a sigh as he did see his friend, but he was talking to two other girls. Who was the red-haired one? He was sure he recognized her.

"Nooooo, no you can't call me Liv or livvy or some other version of it. I’m Livia, nothing else." She replied her good mood dampened for a moment as she explained. "I hate nicknames. It has to do with an unpleasant episode in my childhood. Since then I hate all nicknames." Yes and that was all she was going to say on that matter. What was it with people and the need to give nicknames to every little thing or person?

Shaking her head Livia moved on to happier topics "Of course a debate needs laughs, good laughs otherwise the audience might fall asleep or, or worse leave." A memory seeped to the surface of her brain and that she retold with giggle pursing her lips "I remember when my Uncle Sam made a speech to the family that he was retiring. The speech was a total snooze to listen to until he made everyone laugh. I laughed so much that I can still remember how my stomach ached after it." Yes that had been good fun.

"I'm managing Atticus Alredge. Who are you managing?" It was interesting to know for the future of the campaign.

Turning back to the red haired woman Livia made big eyes and she practically jumped up and down on her seat as she asked totally dying to know. "Who is your FAVOURITE celebrity? Where did you meet them?" This was important stuff to know. "Are they/them PRETTY?"

Eyeing the stage as things were finally getting started Livia only listened with half an ear to what the other woman was saying. Catching the last word she stood up from her seat and peered left and right as fast as a tennis player watching as match as she asked loudly "Where is the parade? I don’t see a PARADE. Is there a parade listed in the program?"

Then the DEBATE started!!

And a student presenter called all the candidates OLD! "How rude and disrespectful. Don’t they teach kids manners here?" She stated to those within earshot totally ignoring the shushing from the red-haired woman.

The first question of the debate was asked and when Atticus stood up to give his views on the topic Livia couldn’t really control what she was doing. One second she was sitting in her seat the next she stood on top of it jumping up and down to get a good view of Atticus. Clapping her hands loudly and enthusiastically when he finished her hand bag swung so hard that she heard how it HIT somebody sitting behind her.

OOOPS!!!!

When had someone sat down next to him? He had specifically chosen this seat because of the vacancy of surrounding chairs. No matter, it was always beneficial to scope out other managers, even if it was only their mannerisms.

Grasping this man's hand briefly, Bjorn replied in a similarly curt manner. "Bjorn Berg, managing Erik Vinteren." Yes, he would be watching this man. Every little motion could lead to a clue, a weakness.



Three rows up, Bjorn was distracted by a commotion. Turning his head, he noticed immediately who was responsible for the rude disruption. A satisfied smirk on his face, Bjorn glanced down once more to check that the vial of Babbling Beverage was still concealed. Actually, it would be more prudent... Grasping his wand in his pocket, he performed a Vanishing spell nonverbally, sending the vial into nonbeing. Now no one could pin anything on him.



Bjorn applauded with gusto after Erik finished his first reply. Concise, yet eloquent. He attempted to catch his candidate's eye and nod his approval. Yes, his candidate definitely had potential.

Unlike that Schirmer woman... "Good heavens, she's babbling on and on, isn't she? What a load of nonsense, complete disregard for the time restraints," he said to Charles, yet loud enough for others to hear him.

Hmmm-it seemed that everyone was avoiding the seats around Gerti. Couldn't have had anything to do with that maniac laugh, right? Nah.
So she turned back to the debate. She was impressed at Carter and Erik's debate skills. She was also rather impressed with Schirmer's debate skills, but in...um... a very different way.




Merlin Stravinsky was seated eight chiars down one of the middle rows. His chin was in his hand as he watched the debaters keenly. Not only was he listening to what they said, but also HOW they said it and what they did with their hands or hair while saying it. Not that he expected any of them to cross their fingers, that would be downright silly. But often people who were nervous would let you know that by their body posture.

A sudden outburst from a man seated some chairs away in the same row as Merlin distracted him. He was able to listen to the second half of what he was saying, it seemed to be a complaint againts A. Schirmer. Hmmm-that girl seemed to annoy many people: first Carter on stage and now this man. Merlin didn't really see what the big deal was. Sure, it was pointless to talk about the use of the word "feel" so much, but that was the only thing he found annoying.

"My good man, I doubt Ms. Schirmer has broken any time restraint. Why, she actually spoke fewer words than three other candidates!"

Derek sat quietly and uneasily as the debate continued. He wasn't going to freak out about the fact there were way too many people there, but it sure made him uncomfortable. The young man sat almost still on the chair, especially when his Head of Department spoke. And then that Roxanne woman again.

Such a rude MLE person, she was...

Oh, but over there was a not-rude MLE person. Derek gave Saul a small wave and gestured for his friend to come over and sit with... them. Eh... it would be rude to just get up and sit somewhere else now, he supposed.

Though he knew Saul might feel a bit awkward going there... but hopefully he would do it anyway.

A few people had already stood out, in Seth's opinion. But obviously, he tried his best to not pick favourites. For now, at least.

Some people did look prepared to be on the Board, while others seemed to be in need of... a few tips, maybe. The candidates were being prepared by personal managers, were they not?

...And maybe some of the managers needed some tips as well... on politeness. Seth shook his head a bit as he quickly scanned the area. Merlin. The former Gryffindor darted his attention back to the debate.

Politics weren't boring. They were just created for certain types of people who knew how to weave their way around rules and regulations while managing to keep up appearances by getting people to like them.

When the real issues in fact did appear, usually a deliberate answer would be thought up that was far to complicated for the average public and so the person who smiled the most and ended up winning rather than the content of what they said.

It was why politicians got away with so much. The actual base of what they said put people to average sleep. Average people like the Headmistress. Who he had caught falling asleep a moment ago.

Scabior leaned back in his chair, not even bothering to look like he was listening. It didn't matter. He was. Especially when Althea spoke, not just because it was Althea but rather....because.....she was acting strange...and staying answers that were far more winded then need be.

Had she just started to play with her lips?

Politics weren't boring. They were just created for certain types of people who knew how to weave their way around rules and regulations while managing to keep up appearances by getting people to like them.

When the real issues in fact did appear, usually a deliberate answer would be thought up that was far to complicated for the average public and so the person who smiled the most and ended up winning rather than the content of what they said.

It was why politicians got away with so much. The actual base of what they said put people to average sleep. Average people like the Headmistress. Who he had caught falling asleep a moment ago.

Scabior leaned back in his chair, not even bothering to look like he was listening. It didn't matter. He was. Especially when Althea spoke, not just because it was Althea but rather....because.....she was acting strange...and staying answers that were far more winded then need be.

Had she just started to play with her lips?

What go over there?
No, No way! Saul shook his head and nodded it next for Derek to come over here. After a while He silently waved his hands up in defeat and moved his way to the three of them. "Derek." Saul said slighlty annoyed with his friend, and he gave the red-haired girl a smile as well. Geeze, what was her name!?!? it was awful that he blanked on it even after working with her momentarilly, Was it Jay no it had a D in it, JayD, Jade!... "Hi Jade, long time.", and who was that? he didn't give the other girl any sort of introduction cause she was total stranger, just an awkward look,

Raelynn had gotten distracted before the debate her little friend had kept on talking...And when she finally finished she realized the debate had started...Nice..She quickly made her way to the seating... Oh look there were other managers there...Even the one she had seen at the fundraiser... She took a seat next to him and said "Hello..." She had forgotten his name...Maybe he wouldn't remember her and they could start over like they never met each other...That would work with her.