Mischa stood behind his Headmaster and besides his three school mates. His head was held high with pride as he stood there in his black and bright red uniform. They were here for one purpose. That sole purpose was to win. And win they would. He had full confidence in the students Durmstrang had chosen, two of which were in the arena.

He was not concerned about the students from the other schools right now, so as he followed the Headmaster he kept his eyes fixed ahead of him. They would know Durstrang was there and ready in a few moments. Indeed a few moments later- with a loud BANG from Headmaster Zitnik thanks to his cane, Mischa was sure all eyes had turned to them.

If someone tried to bump or shove or performed whatever form of hitting on Kat, she might've shoved him or her back. Unless Kat knew the person who had done that, or if he or she was a Professor or a Slytherin. If it was someone whom she didn't like, a great example was Laura Hyde (that kid who bumped her by the fountain in Diagon Alley), then it might've been worse. So Beatrice Evangeline Castell was one lucky girl, because she didn't get on Kat's nerves. Not even one tiny bit. The Dazzler loved her Stunner in a friendly way. They loved each other back.

So apparently pompoms was now a Beezus thing? The same way as charmed banners were a Kat thing? That'd be good. She was up for that. Plus they were here to support Hogwarts anyway, so why not? There were four Hogwarts house colours and that pretty much explained everything. "You're welcome," she smiled... but then she'd been reminded of her task later. Right, she was going to play after lunch. "I am, for Potions. Paired with Alexa." She was nervous, but at the same time confident because Potions was her best class among all others. She loved Potions, so she was determined to get it right in her task later. "Yeah, I did, with some spell-work. Is it okay?" Was it too colourful?

Quidditch!student leader!buddies indeed. Ella smiled at Kat and then reached into her pocket, removing a packet of gummy worms. She'd share, of course. And to prove it she carefully opened the package and held it out to the other blonde. "Want some?"

The eyebrow wiggling? Ella laughed and might have went a bit pink. It could have been from the cold though, okay? Maybe. "Alec most and West too." Grin. "Think West being so tall will help us spot them from so far away?" She thought this seemed legit.

Oh! And there was a Cassia that was waving. Ella waved back with her Hogwarts flag and gave the snake a smile. It was nice to see the stands filling up with Hogwartians and such.

And then Bee happened.

O.o

Ella went completely red and nudged the brunette gently in the side. "Beeee! Shhh." Embarrassing much? Merlin. Besides, if Bluetiful or Astrid heard that, Ella would be in for some trouble. She tried her best to shake off the comment and smiled back sheepishly, hoping the redness in her cheeks had died down a bit. "Mhm! To cheer for him and West. I think they'll do well."

Speaking of cheering, Ella didn't really know how that worked in an academic competition so instead of yelling, she waved her flag around in support.

Kace decided he wanted to go down to the stands and cheer on his team in the academic tournament. He saw all the older students were here and he even nodded them hello. He climbed up towards the middle of the stands and found his perfect spot.

He could see somewhat well. He cheered on his classmates for who were competing. He even noticed the foreigners were in the stands along with their headmasters and headmistresses. It was just cool to observe.

Of course Forrest was here!

Of course he was dressed in simple black robes with scarves of all four houses! Two on each shoulder, all of their crests facing forward. He'd already had the Hufflepuff one, but asked for the other three from house-elves and they had been kind enough to bring him old scarves that were forgotten by children. He didn't have any other thing, but obviously he was a Hogwarts fan. Obviously, he was going to cheer for Alec and that-clever-Slytherin-guy. And obviously, he was going to sit with Hogwarts students.

It wasn't hard to find the correct seats, and sat somewhere in the upper rows. He wanted to see it ALL!

A tournament. SO exciting!

Léa arrived at the stands in thick, winter clothes with extra warmth charms on them. She was very vulnarable to cold anyway, and she liked this extra-cold England air less and less. The charms should keep her happy for a few hours, though, and she dearly hoped the first round would be over then.

Her eyes scanned the stands quickly, and she spotted her Madame and Sébastien after a few seconds' search. It wasn't that crowded yet, and she quietly walked to them.

"Bonjour Madame, Sébastien," she greeted with a bow and smile and sat at the other side of Sébastien.

They weren't going to... cheer, right? Could the contestants even hear them?

Well, leave it to Durmstrang to make the epic entrance. How could an old guy like him top that? He wasn't even going to try. He'd keep it subtle by simply... walking up the stairs... and taking a seat. Was that so hard?

Dietrich plopped himself right in the middle of a cluster of students and plucked out his bag of his favorite sweet: jelly slugs. He tore the package open and popped one in his mouth as he looked down below at the contestants... contesting. It was rather quiet. And dull.

"Alright, who's bringing in the fire breathing Erumpents?" he asked no one in particular. HAHWHEEZE. That would be FUN, wouldn't it? YEAH? YEAAAHHH.

Okay, no. So back to the jelly slugs. Dietrich tossed one a few feet away at an unsuspecting student in black robes (Forrest).

And just to be safe, he tossed another at French girl (Léa Maltisse), careful not to hit the Headmistress. The tempers of French women grew more dangerous the older they got.

And then he whipped back around and popped one in his mouth, "focusing" on the THING below. TOTALLY INCONSPICUOUS.

Minerva walked to the grandstands. This was going to be fun. She really wanted to get to know how many people were there watching to see how many nerves she would have later. As she walked into the grandstands she looked around. WOW there were so many people, yeah okay she was nervous for her school mates as well. This was so huge, bigger than she could have imagined.

Seeing some people she didn't know as she walked, Minerva felt the need to greet them of course. Straightening her badge a bit she gave them each a nice smile, ( Fedir Shevchenko, Headmistress Enzo, Headmaster Zitnik, Dietrich König ) "Hello and welcome. I hope you have found everything alright." She wanted to make sure they were all greeted well. It was her job to show leadership and lead by example in manners as well, right? Well whatever she would have said hello no matter what anyway. "Good Luck to both your schools and I hope everyone has fun." She gave them one last smile and started walking again.

When she turned to walk further that's when she noticed the girl from Hogsmeade (Broni) What was her name again. Minerva tried to think of it she knew it started with a B, but her mind just kept going blank. Well not blank but knowing she would miss pronounce it. So she just smiled at the girl, "Hello, good luck to your classmates and yourself if you are in one of the tasks. " Was she in the tasks, well Minerva wasn't sure, but at least she said good luck. The girl seemed nice at Hogsmeade so Min wanted to make sure her and her friends still felt welcomed.

Now she spotted the person she was hoping to see. Moving down the stands she waved at everyone else, (Kace, Forrest, Bee, Kat, Flamsteed, Botros, pretty much everyone she passed as she walked) and stopping to say "Hello, excited for the events today?" along her way. As she continued to walk she noticed Lafay and tried to not make eye contact but she didn't want to seem rude either. Heart racing seeing her she gave a small nod and kept moving. Once she got to a certain person in a blue scarf she plopped down next to him putting him in a hug. "Hey handsome" She was so excited Ethan was able to come and watch the first round with her. It was so great. Turning she smiled at Claudette, "Hey stranger, you do know just because you are a Ravenclaw doesn't mean you have to hide and study all term, right? I haven't seen you around at all." She worried about the girl actually was she not getting along at school and not saying anything. She hoped not at least. Turning her focus back to Ethan she leaned in and whispered, "I have to do one of these." She was already nervous to do it so she didn't want to say it to loud.

There were people everywhere today. Bliss'd never seen anything school related so busy, except maybe Diagon Alley. It was quite good that there lots of people, though, because it was easier to hide from people. That sounded horrible, of course she wanted to see people, but there had been people that she'd upset and she didn't want her presence now getting to them.

Better to just lurk.

That was just what she decided to do.

Luuuuuuurk.

Léa was focused on the fields ahead, and didn't see jelly slug coming to her way at all. She was hit in the inside of her upper left leg. It didn't hurt but she was surprised. Luckily, she was sitting with her legs touching so the slug didn't fall to the ground. She picked it with a small frown on her face, examined it, then smiled. She looked around to spot the culpable, and her eyes fell on the old man at first, but she discarded him immediately. Obviously, she didn't expect him to eat jelly slugs, let alone throw it to unsuspecting students. Her eyes roamed around, but she couldn't really see anyone else. She shrugged, smiled again and threw it to her mouth. She usually didn't eat sweets, so she enjoyed this one even more.

So this academic tournament should be interesting.

Hm. Charlie was here to cheer on bacon!boy and the other guy from Hogwarts. And whoever was competing after them, too. She had actually been expecting more of a game-show-type-thing. You know, questions, and buzzers for the answers. But nope, apparently that was not how things worked in this tournament.

What was it called again?

Shaking her head slightly, Charlie pulled her Hogwarts scarf closer to herself and found an empty seat in the middle of lots of other empty seats, looking around for somebody she might know.

The trip here had better be worth it. These children had better put on a show so grand and enthralling that she'd rethink, thinking that classicial wizarding education was dead, especially in these parts.

She moved up into the stands in her skin tight dress and gingerly sat down. Was this to be her seat for the rest of the event? She could barely hear herself think. No matter, Estella rest her hands on her lap, back straight and squinted at the happenings in the arena.

Aaaaaahhhh academics! How thrilling a contest. Seren had high hopes for the the students participating, as well as for the school. This could really make them, put them on the map, it could help them regain their former glory.... and buy their much needed items back. The students deserved those resources, it wasn't right that they should be charged to gain access to parts of the school, to pay for their education... beyond fees.

Seren, dressed in popping turquoise robes, had marched her way to the grandstands with excitement. Shuffling along rows of seats, she claimed a free seat and cast her eyes down at the arena. Exciting!!!!



Emily, was curious and when she was curious she did investigating... so as it were, here she was, investigating this academic contest thingamybob. It sounded intriguing and reminded her of the TWT days. At any rate, what sort of up-standing alumni role-model type person would she be if she didn't come to support her old school? It was a good cause, and it would no doubt ... be worthwhile. She'd pay anything to watch students fumble around and fail, or in the case of Hogwarts contestants, succeed.

Emily found herself a seat, and sat. She wasn't really the cheering-out-loud type. She used to be... but that was a long time ago. Now, she just fixed the students in the arena with a mildly-interested gaze and watched the events unfold. Riveting stuff. A suitable use of her free time.

She felt someone watching her. She tried to remain stoic and calm, watching her schoolmates work through the task, but the gaze bothered her. She turned her head slightly to see if she could discern where the focus was coming from; it was a movement subtle enough so it looked like she was merely tossing her red hair, but in reality, it was a surveillance tactic.

If someone was looking at her, it was very likely that it would be threatening, and she would need to take precautionary measures. Using her peripheral vision, she sought out what looked to be... just a spectator. Hmm. Karina was still suspicious; she watched the spectator's eyes roam the crowd and made a mental note keep an eye on her.

Mischa didn't even bother about the other people around. He didn't care if anyone spoke to him right then. He was too fixated on watching Regina and Vilhelm. Or rather regina. Where was Vilhelm? He knew he should be keeping an eye out and being thoroughly alert for any funny situations but he couldn't help it. Not when the reputation of his beloved school was on the line.

"Karina,'' he whispered to the girl beside him. "Vhere is Vilhelm?'' Karina probably won't know, anyway. Mischa glanced at Zitnik. If Vilhelm wasn't there soon...

Amoretta was here because she was a supporter of the European Bureau of Wizarding Education. That and because she wanted to see those French students outsmart the other European schools. It wasn't as if it should be difficult. They had a gorgeous Headmistress and their students were known for brains and beauty.

Oh yes and because she was judging them. All of them. Along with old man Dietrich, the gorgeous Spanish woman Estella, and mysterious Fedir. The first two didn't interest her so much, but Fedir ... he was a curious one. And she would be watching him.

From the seat near to the Beauxbatons Headmistress. At least this way she'd be in earshot of a woman also cheering for the same students she was. Though in her opinion, they should have gotten seats closer to the action. She couldn't see a thing.

Madame Maximillienne was sitting back as comfortably as she could in her seat she waited to hear news of how Zeline and Beau were faring in the tasks. Eyeing the task area her line of vision was blurred as first Sebastien and then Lea came up joined her in the stands. Beaming broadly at them she said "Bonjour monsieur Voclain! Bonjour mademoiselle Maltisse! Are you two looking forward to your turns in the arena?"

In the corner of her eye Madame Enzo saw something land in Léa’s lap that had just breezed past her face vith inches. Eyeing the senior man that had tossed vat looked to be candy she just shook her head. It vas a good zing he didn’t hit her or she would have given him a peece of her mind.

Turning her attention to girl who passed by her seat with a glimmering badge and good manners she identified her as one of Headmistress Truebridge’s student leaders. Flashing the girl a smile she said. "Zank you, Good luck if you are competing mlle." But not so good. She wanted her student’s to win and win big.

Madame Enzo had taken notice of the beautiful brunette sitting within ear shot and only a few seats away from her. She assumed that the woman was either here as a parent, judge or hogwarts school staff member. Waving with a perfectly manicured hand to get the other woman's attention she asked. "Which side are you cheering for?"

Karina was busy being alert and watching the suspicious looking lady so she hadn't yet noticed Vilhelm was not yet in the stadium. Her head jerked towards the arena when Mischa mentioned that he was missing. Her brow wrinkled slightly as she scanned everywhere she could see for her schoolmate. There was Regina, looking like she was already busy at work on the task, but Vilhelm was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't know!" she whispered back. "Mischa, what if he doesn't show?" she asked, so worried she forgot to call him her nickname for him, "Cha". She too glanced over at their Headmaster; it was still the beginning of the task, maybe it was possible he had gotten lost?

No. She needed to stop worrying or she herself wouldn't do well in the competition. She took deep breaths and her face smoothed back into her stoic calm, betraying non of the worry she still held underneath; maybe someone from Durmstrang could see she had something on her mind, but the competition, who really mattered here, would not notice a thing.

Mischa was not one to panic. But Karina's question kept resounding in his head. What if Vilhelm didn't show? Surely, points would be taken for the carelessness. Where was the boy? If looked like Regina was already making progress with her task but from this distance it was hard to tell. He could only hope.

A sudden movement caught his eye. "He's vinally here,'' Mischa muttered, feeling relief was over him. He had not realise he was tense. Now, if those two would just get their task done. Mischa knew it involved subject areas they excelled at.

She was late, wasn't she?? Not late for her own task but late to watch the first task of the day. This was all reading's fault and she wasn't even doing that much of it...just glancing through past exams and reviewing plants like she was meant to. Finally her brain said no more and she was ready to come watch!!! It was gonna be epic. Hogwarts was gonna WIN. Obviously. Obviously they would win. Were the other schools living in some fantasy that they would let them come here and LEAVE with prize money? Oh no, it was staying riiiight hereee.

Alexa entered the stands and tried finding a good enough spot to watch. Hopefully somewhere that had her friends? That would be nice.

While scanning the area she caught sight of a man (Dietrich) pelting people with jelly slugs. Neat! "Hey, Mister Sir? Can I have some of those?" Might as well if he was gonna waste it and just across from him a woman (Enzo) with really nice hair. "Your hair's LOVELY! Has anyone ever told you that? It glistens, I can tell." Lex said, taking a few locks into her hands and admiring them. "Very nice."

Glancing across she spotted Karina with that Mischa boy. They both got a grin and a way. This was all so exciting. With any luck they'd release something life threatening. AND CASSIA!!!! "HAI CASSIA!!!" One did not see their best friend and simply not say hi. "Did I miss anything interesting???" No? Glancing down, it didn't look like it. West and Alec were carving and those other schools were only still discussing. Hehehe Hogwarts kids be SMART!

The next person to catch her attention was none other than Professor Bentley. "Hiiiii Professor! I think I finally got myself fully done and prepared for this thing! Spent most of last night and into this morning trying to read stuff." Her eyes were only burning slightly but she was READY!!! BRING ON THE MAN EATING PLANTS!!!!

Bliss couldn't believe how busy it was and yet nobody had so much as glanced in her direction. It didn't bother her .. not really, people were better off not being bothered by her anyway. After quite a while of just wandering the stands, wondering whether she should actually talk to anyone, however, she saw someone who she definitely needed to talk to. Alexa. Lexa. Her Lexa-boo.

Leaving behind all of her previous inhibitions, she approached Lex, trying not to let her nerves get the better of her. Sure she'd been gone for months already, hadn't even said a proper goodbye and had somehow already picked a slight french accent .. but not that much had changed. Right? Finally, she reached Lex and tapped her on the shoulder and whisper-said, "guess who!?"

You know this Headmistress had REALLY SOFT hair too. It was probably better than Headmistress Truebridges and the difference was this woman wasn't swatting her hand away...yet. The Headmistress wouldn't have let her even near it so she was just going to enjoy this right here until something else caught her attention or she was properly shooed away.

Just then...something...someone....tapped on her shoulder. The usually alert Gryffindor turned even as the person was asking her to guess. "Blissy!Face!!!" Her eyes widened and her lips spread into a grin, but that quickly faded. Lex had anticipated many things for the new term, but Bliss not coming back was NOT one of them. Not even a goodbye, no 'I'll write as often as I can', nothing. Like they hadn't had good times and she was glad to be rid of her. Ouch. Her brows furrowed.

"What are you doing here?" Or would she not tell her that too?

Bliss hadn't really known what she was expecting to be the reaction of her return, but it wasn't this. Okay, maybe it was, but there had obviously been a big part of her that had hoped that she could turn up and everything would be okay again. That clearly wasn't going to happen. Her face had lit up for a second as Lex had realised it was her, but faded again when Lex .. realised it was her.

"It's good to see you," she whispered, trying to gather her thoughts. What could she possibly say that would make the entire last half a year okay, or just disappear all together. What she'd give to be able to change every stupid thing she'd done. "I'm here ... for the events, I came with Beaxbatons," she explained and pulled a face. She never had made a friend there, but then again, she'd not tried. "And I missed this place."

"I missed you and I'm terribly sorry" she said miserably, hoping to convey EVERY single emotion she feeling with just one look.

Didn't work like that, thought, did it?

She was probably the first to notice that Bliss of Beauxbatons lurking over there, and Alice kept one eye on it and Cambridge as she chose her own seat nearby the judges and the other school competitors. It wasn't as if she didn't have her own professors and friends to sit with, but the sixth year didn't want any distractions while observing what was going on in the competition area below.

And also.. if any opportunity to tip the scales in her school's favor arose...

Well, this spot was a good one.

Her observant gaze flickered back and forth from each of the arenas to the judges and back, then again to the Headteachers and their champions. Alice also noted the names they called each other by, in case of the unfortunate event that one of them might talk to her.

And, lastly, her attention was directed to the man tossing jelly slugs. HERE. Over HERE. Her. Alice. She could catch those. GUY LOOK HERE.

Karina saw Vilhelm walk into the arena the same time Cha did, and permitted herself to let out a small breath of relief. If she was confident they would complete the task well before, she was even more sure now. A small smile graced her lips as she calmed and her senses opened back up.

She caught a flash of movement from the corner of her eye and raised a hand to the Alexa girl she had met in Hogsmeade. It wasn't friendly, nothing Karina did was friendly, but it wasn't unfriendly either; in fact, this was the friendliest she was going to get. It surprised her a little bit how open she was being, it must be a side effect from the relief, and quickly lowered her hand to look interestedly into the arena once more. She was stoic. She was confident. She inspired awe and maybe a little bit of fear or intimidation into her competitors. Durmstrang would win this.