Kitty could hardly contain her excitement, this was just so awesome! She didn't think she'd ever felt so thrilled to see something happen, and though she was infinitely glad it wasn't HER in the Standoff, she was very happy for the ones who were selected..


"GO EVERYBODY! YOU'RE ALL AWESOME!!!" she shouted out as loud as she could, leaning forward as if she thought she could be heard better that way.

Then she leaned back and sucked on a sugar quill, letting the sounds of screaming excited fans wash over her.

Tristan made his way through the stands, cheeseburger, fries and Butterbeer in hand, and found a seat nearby Paul, Regina, Roderick, and River. Yeah....he was showing a bit of his Puff pride, but he didn't care. "Evening everyone! How's it going?" He called to his colleagues, giving smiles to the students as well. He was a Hufflepuff through and through and there was no changing it.

As soon as he sat down he sat his food in his lap and started scarfing down the fries. It had been a very long day, but at least his sick Abraxan was on the mend. This was sure to lift his spirits! He really hoped all the students did well, even the Ilvermorny students! It was sure to be intriguing that was for sure!

The commentators were fantastic. He chuckled listening to them, and took a big bite out of his cheeseburger. Boy, was it good!

And here we went with the noise..

Really, this was just about the last place Kalen wanted to be, it was loud, there was cheering going on, not to mention a crowd had gathered and danger was happening.. This was not Kalens cup of tea at all.

But he was here to support the students!

The librarian made his way down to the stands, a Slytherin scarf wrapped around his neck, his hands were laden with a cheeseburger, fries and some fizzing whizzbess.. he had a thermos of tea under his arm as well, seeing as the concessions were not serving any!

The humanity..

"Hello everyone!" He said to his fellow Professors, he sat down next to Tristan and started to eat as well, all the while glancing up at the.large screens.. Eeekkk.. glad it wasn't him doing all this.

Tristan was mid bite when Kalen sat next to him. He chewed and swallowed as quickly as he could, wiping the burger juices from his face with a napkin. "Hey, man." He said with a wink and a smile.

He knew this was not Kalen's cup of tea whatsoever. He enjoyed the peace and quiet of the library, and Tristan didn't blame him. It was extremely loud, despite the challenge going on. He wondered if they had used a silencing charm of some sort so that the champions couldn't hear the crowd watching them. It would certainly seem as though that were the case.

He looked over to Kalen, "Enjoying ourselves, are we?" He said with a chuckle and a grin.

Look, Daisy could admit to being loud but The American (she had to find out his name eventually, she guessed) was somehow even louder than her, which was surprising until she really looked at him. He was one of the singers, wasn’t he? From the feast? Brilliant. Discreetly, she glared at the Headmistress for a quick second, sure that the woman had done that on purpose. She let him ramble on and took a sip from one of the bottles of water, adjusted the pin attached to her shirt and cast Sonorus again. Buckle your seats and strap in? “Shouldn’t you know if the saying is right? Since you were the one who arrived here in a bright red Beetle?” Which was still hilarious to her and she didn’t even try to hide the laughing tone to her voice. Remember when they fell off the trunk of a tiny Volkswagen Beetle?? That, however, was replaced by an audible scoff when he referred to Ilvermorny as the better school. Please. As if.

Did they even have monsters over there??

“Buddy … dude … mate, whatever. You can’t even say your classmates’ names.” That was definitely not how you pronounced Jesús. Not that she was any better, to be quite honest, and for a brief second she regretted not asking exactly how it was pronounced, even if only to have the higher ground here. But alas, calling him out would have to do. “And after all that noise, let’s see how our Hogwarts’ champions are dealing with this task! Good start by Mason Winslow, though he’s nodding to himself for some reason. Maybe it’s a sign to someone in the stands??” Oooooh, gossip. Wait. “I’m pretty sure he’s dating Dora Umbridge actually and she has better things to do. Like cast a charmed breeze to deal with that fog! Smart girl. And not one explosion in sight.” Although, to be fair, it was still early days. This commentating business wasn't that hard after all! All she had to do was sort of say what came to her mind. Pretty easy, actually. “Once I hit her with a broomstick and she tried to banish me away. It was an accidental hit but that was such a typical Gryffindor reaction.”

Speaking of Gryffindors. “Levi Kenning seemed almost amused by something there but he’s now got his game face on. I’m telling you right now, place your bets on him. Not only is he brilliant and resourceful, he also has an exquisite taste as proven by his choice of best friend.” Ahem, ahem. “And look at that! Light and warmth!” And okay, Kyle or whatever had already done that but Levi didn’t know it and she wasn’t about to mention it, not only because he was Levi but because he was from Hogwarts and they would always take precedence anyway. HMPF. Instead she looked around the stands, pointing towards the screen in a ‘WOULD YOU LOOK AT MY BEST FRIEND???’ way. Amazing. “Oh, but Etta Kramer seems to be quite cold, look at her zipping up her jacket! Maybe she should’ve brought a warmer one? Let’s hope the cold doesn’t distract her too much. Her fellow Hufflepuff Carl Leonard seems to handle the cold better, nice assessment of his surroundings … just like Brent Westwood, actually! Although maybe next time start with your wand out, just in case … dude. Oh huh. Tejashree doesn’t appear too confident … is she … move, YES! We’re cool, she’s walking. But OOOH! Interesting. Was that an Insulation Charm by Westwood? I’m sure Professor H would be happy to see that. Contance vigilance and what not. Very good thinking by the former Ilvermorny student. Clearly Hogwarts is teaching him a few things.” Hah.

OH! And Professor H was arriving and waving at her and everything. She waved quickly at the man, taking note of his Gryffindor scarf (#TeamLevi), before turning back to her commentary. This was fun. She was still nervous but it was fun. Maybe too much fun.

“Professor H appears to also be on Team Levi, which makes sense since that man has winner written all over his face.” Because he truly was very capable. She continued, very matter of factly. “The H, of course, stands for Ho --- LLY HIPPOGRIFFS!! What was that scream?”

She slumped back into her chair and reached for her water. Take it away, American, she was too busy looking at the screens for now.

Kalen grinned over at Tristan as he caught the other man in mid bite. "Hey mate, enjoying your burger? " Kalen asked as he himself popped a fry into his mouth. The food was really good here..and he nodded along to the American commentator.. 10/10 indeed..

Kalen slowly unscrewed the cap from his thermos and poured some steaming liquid into it, he took a small sip, attempting to steady his nerves when Tristan spoke again..

"Hardly.. Its loud as all get out and there is a crowd.. " Kalen said with a squint as he looked around the stands.. "But I'm here to support the kids! So.. who needs peace and quiet for a few hours, yeah? " Or you know.. eardrums.. He grinned at the other man, "You enjoying this? How is your Abraxan? " He knew it had been sick..

IT WAS TIME!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!



Madelyn was so excited to get to the stands and watch her classmates and watch Hogwart students. It was just going to be so much fun, but first she had to make sure she was really prepared. Sporting her new Ilvermorny Uniform that she designed herself she pulled her hair in a high ponytail and make sure her makeup was on point. Pom Poms in hand she looked around to see where the perfect spot was. Blakeney would be there soon and any of the others that she had made the uniforms for.

Looking around she first spotted Genny and a cutie (Henry) next to her. "Hello" She gave them both waves. "Wonderful day for a competition, don't you think? This is going to be the best time." She just knew it would be. How amazing was this, really? Oh and look more cute boys waves to you cuties (Bently and Declan) before her eyes hit Felicity. "OHMYGOSH are you going to cheer with me? You totally have to do at least one!" She didn't even care if she was cheering for Hogwarts, it would be just fun to cheer with her again.

OH they were starting!!


Madelyn hurried to find a seat for now as they got started and she sat next , to a friendly looking Hogwarts student (Sam) that she had seen at the feast. "Do you mind if I sit here? I mean I won't sit the entire time because I want to cheer, but do you mind if I do sit here for a bit?" It would be greatly amazing if the girl was okay with it.

Standing though she waved her Pom Poms at the crowd.
Get, get, get it up
Get, get, get it up
Get that Ilvermorny spirit up
Get that Ilvermorny spirit up

YAY TEAM!!! She waved her pom poms a bit, oh hey her sister was already here. "Hiiiiii Maesi!!!!" Big pom pom waves went to her before she finally turned and sat back down to watch.

"Hurry Deo pick up the pace!" the Curly Top looked back annoyed at his cousin, who was trailing a few paces behind him. All the good seats must be taken by now. He ran up further along and twisted his bod this way and that. Place is PACKED. He was all smiles though, because this was EXCITING. He did see a few spots not far from where Mel was though-- "MEL!" he hollered, waving at his bestie. Save that spot for them please? Hare and tortoise coming through....


This was probably one of the things he HATED and secretly admired about his cousin-- the guy moves FAST. Its like for each single step he makes Ace makes 3. "What is the rush anyway? There'll be seats for everybody." he huffed, his lungs already wheezing with the elevated climate. He followed his cousin kinda sorta barrelling through the spectators, himself giving tiny "Sorry... 'scuse us" to everyone they were passing by.

Finally seats. He looked up just as there was some kind of dangerous thing happening. "You know now would've been a good time for some hotdogs or something." HINT Cousin o' mine.

Melbourne’s eyes flicked over to Bentley when he entered the viewing area…oh he was giving her the typical Bentley nod – Mel gave one in return before turning her head back to the screens she watched as the competitors began to move. Oh…Carl had cast lumos and cast a slight light on the forest floor around him.

Was he going to be okay? She wanted him to be okay she really wanted him to be safe…still turning her head she looked up and watched as Valerie Gray transfigured her eyes to those of a creatures…that was, amazing really. If she had been an ilvermorny student herself Mel might have even been rooting for her…but she wasn’t, there was a different pale haired hufflepuff that she was rooting for…well, a pale haired Hufflepuff and a curly haired Gryffindor.

Both her friends – or well, people she considered her friends…one more than the other obviously because it wasn’t like she would just have kissed someone she didn’t consider to be a good friend. It was while she was contemplating the situation when she heard it – the screaming.

WHY WAS THERE SCREAMING?
No. Nope. Melbourne couldn't handle the screaming not this early on, sure she knew that it wasn't one of her friends being hurt...but, but maybe someone was going to be hurt. COULD SOMEONE PLEASE COME TALK TO HER? The Gryffindor girl began to rock back and forth in her place as she thought about how anyone could be hurt.

Blink. Her name...she heard her name. "A-Ace...hi Deo..." she waved over to them while still rocking back and forth. Don't be dead people she thought the panic still clear on her face.

Gaston was looking a little healthier than he had been in recent weeks, but he was still a bit thin and pale and that sad, haunted look hadn't left his eyes. Truth be told, he wanted nothing more than to skip the evening's festivities - loud noises and crowds made him uncomfortable - but as a head of house, his presence was demanded. He was rooting for all the Hogwarts competitions, but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't hoping for a Gryffindor victory. He was even wearing a red and gold scarf (the only part of his outfit that wasn't black) in support of his champions.

"Good evening, everyone," he said as he approached the other professors, a cup of coffee in one hand and a plate of snacks in the other. He didn't much feel like eating, but he knew he needed to get his strength back so he opted for some of the lighter options. There was a brownie, a churro, and a couple of chocolate frogs on his plate. Speaking of food, his eyes fell to Headmistress Hawthorne's plate as he took his seat. "Are the tacos any good?" he asked her. And by "any good", he meant spicy. He might go back for some tacos if he got hungry later.

Was it just him or did Paul seem... off? "Merlin's beard! Are you alright, Paul?" he asked, eyeing his fellow head of house with concern. "Here, have some of this. You'll feel better..." He offered his snacks to Paul; he seemed to need them a lot more than he did. Besides, he could always just go back for more. He soon saw that Paul wasn't the only one who seemed off, and a sympathetic look was sent at Kalen. He didn't blame him for being nervous; he didn't like noise and crowds himself!

Gaston did a double take as he saw Hirsch. Was he wearing a Gryffindor scarf? "Did you switch houses?" he asked jokingly. "If I'd known, I would've dressed accordingly!" The thought crossed his mind to transfigure his Gryffindor scarf into a Ravenclaw one just to mess with people's heads but decided against it. He couldn't betray his Gryffindors! Okay, joke time was over. Time to watch the challenge...

FINALLY! It was time for the first challenge. Emma had been looking forward to this for days. As she made her way to the stands, she saw that her outfit looked pretty plain compared to what everybody else was wearing. But that was okay with her. She didn't really do crazy outfits. She had her Thunderbird t-shirt, Thunderbird necklace, and a little Thunderbird pennant she'd made herself. She didn't need anything else.

She ordered a cheeseburger, fries, and a cherry soda from the concession stand, plus some jelly slugs for later. They weren't as sour as her favorite gummy worms, but they would do. So where should she sit? She looked around and finally saw Benji and Charlie and some Hogwarts kid who looked about their age (Kyle) with them. She waved to them. Hi, Benji! Hi, Charlie! Hi, other guy!

"Hey, guys!" she said, being extra careful not to drop her food as she ran up to them. She saw that Charlie and the Hogwarts boy (Kyle) had cheeseburgers too and she laughed a little. "Looks like great minds think alike, right?" Then she turned to the Hogwarts boy with a friendly smile. "Hi! My name's Emma," she introduced herself. "What's yours?"

As Emma looked around, she saw a girl about her own age (Isa) sitting nearby.Ooh, time to make a new friend! "Hold on, I'll be right back!" she said to the three boys (Benji, Charlie, and Kyle) and walked up to the other girl (Isa).

"Hi! I'm Emma," she said, smiling. "I like your outfit." It was a little frillier than she liked to wear, but it was still pretty. Then she saw the posters the girl had. "Ooh, those posters are pretty! Did you make them yourself?" Because that would be so cool if she did! She was always interested in handmade artwork.

River took a moment to get comfortable in his seat as more people came into the stands. He looked up just in time to return the greetings of the students who took the time to say hi to the staff, particularly Miss Daisy Carden, and Levi's older brother, Declan Kenning. It was an amusing thought that in the face of a school standoff, these kids were ready to support their fellow Hogwartians without second thoughts. It was a nice thing to see, really. River looked to his right to see Hirsch make his entrance and raised both brows at what he saw. He knew that Roderick wasn't from Hogwarts, and although he did appreciate the effort of wearing a Gryffindor scarf, he thought it would impact the other challengers who are not from that house. Oh well, to each his own they say.

Next were Tristan and Kalen and both men received a friendly grin from the Healer. "You're just in time. I s'pose it's about to start." As if on cue, both commentators from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny have started their own standoff. River chuckled and shook his head, as he picked up his bucket of buttered popcorn and watched the screens before them. In all honesty, it was hard to keep track of everyone, but he found himself watching two of the students closely...both were off to a very good start, despite the hair-raising screams. River got distracted when Gaston finally made an appearance, "Paul will be fine, Gaston." He was just...being Paul. The Healer gestured the available seat next to him so Gaston wouldn't block his view. "Come on, sit down, the first challenge has started." And he didn't want to miss a scene!


--


"Nice to meet you, Kyle! AND YOU'RE RIGHT ABOUT THE PICKLES!" no really, why do they all hate pickles?! It was the best ingredient everrrr! "Who are you rooting for? I'm cheering for Jesús," and no, he did not butcher his fellow Thunderbird's name. This half-Mexican knows how to enunciate, mhm. Pay attention Maddox! "And Louise. They're both from my house!" There was a huge percentile though that they have no idea who he was, despite being in the same group. They were the cool kids, and they don't hang out with firsties like him, obviously.

"LET'S GO LOUISE! LET'S GO JESÚS!"

Now this, is how you do it in Murica! Charlie wasted no time to stand in his seat and instead of waving pompoms, he waved around his cheeseburger in the air. "GET, GET, GET IT UP! GET, GET, GET IT UP! GET THAT ILVERMORNY SPIRIT UP! GET THAT ILVERMORNY SPIRIT UP! WOOOOOOOOOOOHHHEEEEEEEEE!!!"

Charlie hopped back down to sit, only to realise that the pickles from his cheeseburger fell on the floor! "MAH PICKUUULLLLEEEEESSS!!!!"

The horror!!!


Looking up from his fallen pickles, when somebody mentioned his name. It was Emma! "Hey, Ems!" Charlie waved his sad looking cheeseburger in greeting and slumped back in his seat, lamenting his pickles that was now on the floor. "Chyeah...only I lost my pickles." It was such a waste of money!

The day of the first competition.

Noelle was dressed to the nines in Gryffindor apparel. She even had her hair pulled halfway up with a red and yellow bow. She had wanted to get Olly to do her makeup, but they currently weren't speaking at the moment so Noelle had tried her best and had written GO GRYFFINDORS across both cheeks. She even had buttons.

Making her way to the stands, Noelle wasn't much for eating for the past week. She did, however, remember to bring a notepad. Note-taking at a time like this was crucial. Heading to the top of the stands so she could get a clear view.

Noelle's eyes glimpsed the stands for a bit. She waved and said hello to many of the faces that were supporting Hogwarts. Hirsch. That man. He got an extra big grin. She liked his apparel.

Now, note taking time. Noelle wrote all the competitors names down. Then, started to make a list of the spells they were using and what tactics they were acting on. Daisy's commentary was gold. Noelle really admired the competitors. You could only imagine what was going on in their heads. This wasn't like dueling. You were in actual danger with these competitions. It wasn't you against another student. The bravery, skill, training, etc that it took was insane.

A D M I R A T I O N

Ava was not going to miss the first day of competition! She was here already, dressing up in red and gold for showing her #GryffindorPride. Yeah, obviously she's supporting Levi only both representatives from the house of lions. Daisy did such a great job being the commentator, way better than he Ilvermorny one (Maddox), not sorry.

She saw Noelle was sitting not too far from her spot and decided to move next to her but first.. She needed some refreshments. After getting two cups of butterbeer, Ava took a seat beside the prefect and offered the butterbeer. "For you." Because butterbeer was such a perfect companion for a cold day like this.

It's the competition day and showing of some Ilvermorny pride would be good. Even though Evan Park didn't really care about the competition at all.

With a cup of bubble tea that he got from Ed and some food from the concession stand, Evan walked to the spectators area and tried to find his fellow Horned Serpents. Where was Manuela, Meagan, Safaia, or Deo... Wait, there he was with his cousin. Perhaps he should join both of them, if they didn't mind obviously. "Hey." Evan said to the boys. "Mind if I join?" He would share his snacks with them.

Woah, what the heck happened down there? He thought as he heard screaming voice.

Laurel had just slipped a snake scarf around her shoulders for warmth when Regina joined her on the stands with a plate of tacos and bottle of gillywater in hand. Beaming brightly over at her boss she nodded over even though she knew that Regina was just asking for fun and conversation. "I've gotten a few faux predictions of today's outcome yes, but let's not dwell on them. Let's just enjoy the day and watch how the competitors fare in the challenge. It's exciting that Hogwarts is hosting IMPS with Ilvermorney this year, don't you agree?"

Just as the challenge started Paul, River, Roderick, Kalen, Tristan and Gaston made their ways up in the stadium stands to take seats near her. Smiling around at each of them as they came up Laurel said "Hello gentlemen! Are you all excited for watching the first challenge?" To be surrounded by good looking men for the event and Regina and all the students of course seemed like a pleasant way to spend a few hours. And Daisy was already making her proud with how she got the commentating going along with her Ilver buddy.

Stealing a glance in Kalen's direction Laurel called over "Kalen, how do you think Tejashree and Brent will fare in the challenge ahead?" They were fellow snake alumnus after all. But where was her girlfriends? Where had Kay and Rose and the other women gotten to?


This was all super exciting and nerve-wracking and she feared that she would be sweating like a bear in high summer before the challenge was over and she wasn't even competing in the forest challenge. Bre was probably going to have to put her favourite dark blue Horned Serpent hoodie in the wash, but it was a sacrifice she'd gladly make if it meant that Lou Lou by the end of the night had survived the challenge.

Bre was tying her hair back with a ribbon when Maesi plopped down in to the stadium seat next to her. Smiling sideways at her dorm mate she greeted "Hi Maesi!" Nodding she said excitedly almost bouncing in her seat. "You bet, i am super excited for Lou Lou! I researched IMPS before coming here, but I didn't find much info on the competition. It seems brand new. Don't you hope too that it will come back so we can compete when we're of age?"

"Hi Emma!" Kyle smiled excitedly. "I'm Kyle!" Then she was off, talking to someone else. He couldn't help a laugh. Everyone seemed to be excited to make new friends, and he LOVED it!

"I'm rooting for Brent myself. And Te-ja-shree, I guess." He pronounced the latter name very carefully, only having heard it once before, when the names were announced. "They're both from my house, too. I'm more rooting for Brent, though, because boys gotta stick together, too." Nodnod.

He watched as the pickles fell to the floor while Charlie cheered and shook his head. When Charlie exclaimed about them, he opened what was left of his own cheeseburger to see two pickles left. One of them he had bitten into already, but the other was untouched. He held out his burger. "You can have one of my pickles, Charlie!"

WHY DID SHE HAVE TO BRING THAT UP. It was not Maddox's choice to arrive in that thing. The inside of it was cool but dude was the beetle just ugly. He blamed Moxley for this. But well not like he was going to say that to everyone here. "I DONT THATS WHY IM ASKING AND THATS A LOW BLOW" He was in his dorm sleeping the entire time here. So why would he know about seat belts in the Beetle? He did not even know if the Beetle had any.

"MADDOX WILL DO, PAL AND DONT BE RUDE TO JESUS"

Maybe they should have exchange names before this started. But oh well. Too late now and they were off to the races on this IMPS thing. Time for her to do all the Hogwash students. Sip. Shame she didn't get banished away. Oh please. Why did Baegina pair him with her? You can OBVIOUS TELL she was rooting for, however, Mr named after a brand of jeans was. He was good know and another sonorus. "KEEP GOING, YOUR BIAS IS SHOWING FOR MR BRAND OF JEANS" Like he was one to talk. But whatevs. Hogwarts had so weird named people in this thing. Etta, Tejashree where do you come up with these names. Ah Brent was from Ilvermorny. "NAH HE LEARNED ALL THAT AT ILVERMORNY"

THANK JESUS he was not the only one who heard the scream. Well fine he would more than fine to take over.

"ALRIGHT DUDE, DUDETTES AND IMPORTANT PEOPLE WE BACK TO ILVERMORNY'S CHAMPIONS. AND KEEP UP THAT CHEERING. FOR LOUISE AND JESUS. LOOKS LIKE JESUS IS AS COOL AS A CUCUMBER STILL WALKING. WAIT HE IS STOPPED NOW AND SEEMS TO BE LOOKING AROUND. OOOO LOOK AT THAT. HE KINDA OF DISAPPEARED. DISILLUSIONMENT OR SOMETHING SIMILIAR. MAKES IT HARDER TO TELL WHAT IS GOING ON. OH IS HE MOVING AGAIN???" Why do you have to make things hard for Maddox, Jesus. Is it because HE keeps calling you Jesus. Alright, that would be a valid reason. "WELL AIDEN DOES NOT LOOK SCARED EITHER FROM THE SCREAM. SEEMS LIKE THE BOOK OF MERLIN CHOOSE WISELY. KEEP THAT WAND READY AIDEN." None of them were even panicking. Good job so far dudes. " OH KYLE HAS STOPPED IN PLACE NO IDEA WHAT HE IS DOING NOW. TOO SCARED TO MOVE OR NOPE HE ALSO DISSILLUIONED HIMSELF. AT LEAST HE STILL HAS HIS FLAMES SO I CAN SEE WHATS GOING ON. UNLIKE AIDEN HE WAS MOVING MORE TO THE RIGHT I GUESS HARD TO TELL. ANYWAY, KEEP IT UP KYLE. VALERIE LOOK TO BE KNEELING ON THE GROUND. NO IDEA WHY BUT THATS WHAT SHE IS DOING. IS IT THE SCREAM KEEPING HER KNEELED OR SOMETHING ELSE. SHE SEEMS TO BE TRYING TO SAY SOMETHING. OH, SHE WAS UP NOW AND READY TO GO. DID SHE CAST A SPELL ON HERSELF. I CANT SEE. BUT SHE SEEMS TO BE GOING TOWARDS TO SCREAM. GOOD LUCK VALERIE" ok give him a sec to catch his breath. "IRENE WHY ARE YOU DUCKING IT WAS JUST A SCREAM. UHHHH WHERE WAS SHE RUNNING TO????? AURORA WAS GOING WITH THE APPROACH OF TRYING TO SEE IF THE SCREAM WAS FROM SOMETHING WITH HUMAN INTELLECT. LET'S SEE IF IT WORKS. JUST KEEP YOUR WAND READY JUST IN CASE AURORA. LOUISE DONT COVER YOUR EARS KEEP YOUR WAND OUT WHOA SHE IS GOING FROM A PATRONUS.

BOLD MOVE COTTON."

It would be hialrious if someone was named Cotton here. It would not a long shot like he said already. Look at the names of the champions. Come on, Louise. Maddox was rooting for you and not making it as obvious has his co-commentator. Seventh Year Thunderbirds had to stick together

Was she stress eating? YES. Was she excited? YES. Was she loud? ALWAYS. Was she nervous? ...NAH. lol, yes, so nervous. This was it! This was the moment and she had all the faith in her kiddos. She was Moxley, the ferocious mama bear headmistress and she was armed with pom poms which she waved between snacks, much to the displeasure of those around her, she was sure. She miiiiight've even whacked her companions a time or two but she was in the zone, yeah? One really couldn't blame her. Just like they couldn't blame her for her constant insistence that she can't watch...only to peek through her fingers to do just that.

Snack. Cheer. Repeat. Snack. Cheer. Repeat.

This was going to be a long day.


Armed with a Slytherin flag and a pumpkin juice, Junia navigated through the crowd and found herself a seat. Her eyes took on a more green hue today, appropriate considering, and they searched the screen for any sign of those she knew and cared for. They were the ones she'd be cheering on today. They were the ones she was setting aside her jealousy for. Although she still wished it was her out there, okay?

Her eyes widened suddenly as the competitors advanced and the commentators only served to heighten the things she was feeling. "Come on, Etta. Come on. You got this." The Slytherin willed her friend forward, chewing on her lip.

The fifth year was excited about the first challenge that was going on today. Sure, she had initially been a little disappointed to not have been chosen because she was a Gryffindor after all. And she was also sad that certain other people hadn't been chosen, because she knew they'd have rocked the competition, But as people always said, no point in crying over split potion. She still had people worth cheering for, which is why she had donned a hufflepuff scarf for today's event.

Trudging up the stairs, her eyes lit up as she saw her best friend, and then her eyes fell on the person next to them. Well, she wasn't going to let that bother her today. Shuffling over to them “Uhhh...” No, she wasn't going to sit down there. “Would you guys mind sliding down a bit?” Nice American boys she'd like to sit with her cousin please.




The fifteen year old girl was a little late getting up into the stands, because holy unicorn poo, it was cold out here. Maybe not as cold at it got back at Mount Greylock, but this southern girl had always found the temperatures there way too cold too. After taking the time to find the perfect fluffy scarf to bundle up in, she had stopped by the concession stand, because Yasssssss, they had all the good food. Pizza, and nachos, and cheese burgers. After buying way too much food, she made her way up to the stands, keeping her eyes peeled for any of her friends.

Seeing both Deo and Evan, along with one of the girls from their welcoming banquet,(Mel) she worked her way over to them, calling out “Evan, Deo!” she got to them just in time to hear Deo wanting food. She laughed merrily as she grabbed her foil wrapped burger and dropped it in his lap, as if she was santa, delivering gifts. “Thought you'd want that. You good Evan?” She asked seeing this drink. “Hey, I remember you. Is it okay if I sit here?” she asked sitting down in the empty seat beside her.

She'd just finished her first biscuit when one of the Ilvermorny students, approached. Sam smiled as she brushed the crumbs away the crumbs on her jeans. "No, course not," she replied, scooting her bag to the other side of her legs to make room. "I'm Sam. Ravenclaw, but sporting the Red and Gold for my bestie." She adjusted her scarf so that the 'GRYFFINDORA' could be more easily seen. "You supporting anyone in particular?" Other than her school, since that was pretty obvious.

And then cheering happened, and since Sam wasn't supporting Ilvermorny, she went back to looking at the screens for a few moments. She couldn't hear the screams over the shouting going on, but Sam still held her breath as she watched Dora blend into the forest. "Be safe," she whispered.

Much as Will knew he should be looking for his mates, he couldn't help but drop into the seat next to the dark-haired Aslan. Khalil hadn't made his presence known, which meant he hadn't arrived yet, and Maddox was busy making a public spectacle of himself. And Aslan had this interesting habit of looking disinterested and completely engaged. It sort of sucked that something like that worked on a chap.

"Who're you rooting for? I mean, in particular," he leaned back on the plank and crossed an arm behind her, but it wasn't possessive so much as an excuse to huddle a bit closer. "I'll share my secrets and you share yours." Not that he had any really good secrets about his classmates, but he could share his impressions. And he liked when she talked. With words. At him.

Ladies man, obviously.

Will leaned forward and cupped his free hand to his mouth. "Get that Ilvermorny spirit up, Mads!" He heartily approved of cheerleaders and spirit. Especially since it made Miss Madelyn glow with happiness at being useful.



Katherine Toussaint had quite the load to carry into the viewing area. She had a bag of popcorn, plenty of water to drink, giant red devil horns, and all the guilt she could carry over not cheering for her housemates. Sure, her scarf was green (yay, Slytherin), but the only friends she had out there were Kenning and Dora. So the devil horns were for them.

But she was embarrassed about cheering for a boy who so obviously had a fan club, so instead she cupped her hands and shouted, "GET IT, CHAE. YOUR EYELINER IS PERFECT AS ALWAYS." She'd know who was encouraging her, and really... wasn't that was you wanted to know? The girl already knew she was doing well, and now she knew she also looked good doing it.

Ahem. Katy stuffed her mouth with popcorn.

the challenge progresses slowly, like treacle pouring out of a jar. The anticipation was building sending goosebumps down her spine. Her dark eyes flicked from screen to screen watching each champion in turn but her eyes always found their way back to screens showing her fellow students, detached as she felt from it all, there was some apprehension bubbling in lower belly. Did they know? they were walking into a trap.

the crowd was cheering, Aslan kept her thoughts to herself. The Americans had no senses of self-preservation or self-control and treated the task at hand like some playful jaunt in the park, aslan knew very well it was meant to entertain but the fact of the matter remained the same this wasn't a game of Quidditch or Quodpot.

The Gryffindor leaned forward in her seat, arms resting on her knees and the Levi flag still held loosely in hand. Keen? Eager? more like, fascinated but that wasn't quite it ether- she dipped into her bag of chips and swallowed up the last one, washing it now with a gulp of cool butterbeer. Messy eater, she was licking the lick from her fingers when Will.... What was his last name? She couldn't recall him mentioning it but she was certain it existed in the same way she was certain of the blood in her veins and the cool October wind.

in answer, she gave the little flag a wave. "Levi Kenning, I suppose... and Dora Umbridge, but i wouldn't say I was rooting for ether." rooting implied something like enthusiasm and a personal stake, she had neither. She raised an unruly brow, expression mild but questioning. "that's a large assumption to make." She didn't sit back, a glance told her his arm was settled comfortably around her seat and Aslan wasn't sure if it she felt indifferent to it or not.

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Kathleen Yang was chewing hardcore at her nails.

this was intense? did all the school tasks or tests or whatever they were calling them, were all of them gonna be this creepy? Part of her loved it, the other part was pretty worried for Aiden and Irene. and the other part? was busy thinking about how much this whole scenario reminded her of Chapter 189 of Furūto no akuma when Ren and Kyosuke had been forced into a death trap with only their magical instruments and their wits by the Toramaru Gang- wait or was that Chapter 193? She'd need to reread that chapter when she got back to the beetle later in the night.

Anyway, Maddox was being an idiot and she saw absolutely no sign of Langley, Khalil or any of her new hogwarts friends so the brunette just kept to herself, chewing her fingernails and mentally berating herself for now bringing gloves or binoculars.

Food. "Oh yeah! Good point Cuz, go get me a footlong. And a butterbeer." Deo was so smart isnt he? Always knows whats perfect for the times.

Speaking of cousins, he heard his other one, asking to make room "Hey Sam! Sure--" nudge nudge Deo mooooove "--you want anything? Deo's about to get sumthin to eat."

???????????

Whut?? How the heck did he end up being the errand boy here when it was he who brought up the idea of food in the first place? His cousin is so incredibly DENSE. Or unbelievably cunning. But he's sticking with dense.

It was then that Evan joined them "No Evan please have a seat." always has room for one who brings food. Puuuuush cousin aside to make room for his housemate. Or housemates as Mae bounced in to join them. And talk about blessings falling from the sky and landing on his lap! "Thank you both!" See his crew has FOOD. He wasnt sure whats the score down there in the competition, but in the Awesome Audience Arena, Ilvermorny is WINNING.

What. was. happening. It was all too much for the Herbologist. River arrived, which gave the man slight relief, but like.....just.....

WOW.

The sight of the many siblings of various players looking all nervous...and ugh...broke his hEART. Isa's greeting to him wasn't even something he acknowledged. The stuff had STARTED, he HADN'T GOTTEN SNACKS, and his nails were almost down to his finger. Like. HE HAD NOTHING ELSE TO BITE WITHOUT CAUSING HIMSELF HARM. Daisy and some Ilvermorny child were commentating, and Paul legitimately wanted to muffliato HIMSELF FROM THEM if that were even possible because it was making his nerves worse. Tristan [or was it Karen? Who was who again?] looked nice in his badger gear, but AGAIN Paul couldn't truly appreciate this. ;__;

There was screaming.

Paul almost blurted out a NOT NICE WORD.

WHO WAS CHEERLEADING RIGHT NOW. SIT DOWN, GIRL.

GAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

"I might have to be sick--Merlin--I really can't handle this--" and he stood up as he watched Etta and Carl struggle through. "No, no thank you Gaston-- I don't need food--I'm about to--"

aaaaaand it was coming.

Paul ran quickly out of the viewing area, behind it, so he could do his vomiting in peace.

The Ilvermorny History of Magic professor did not make it to the viewing area in time to watch the champions from the beginning; in fact, she only just slipped in. Hoping to go unnoticed, but doubting that was possible, she sat in the nearest empty spot she could get to. The smell of food did nothing for her; she wasn't hungry. Her right hand was shoved in her pocket, making sure the mirror was pushed all the way that it could be in her charmed, expanded pockets. She knew that at the beginning of this first challenge, the Beetle would be void of people. Privacy was had. She needed it.

Where was her brother? He was keeping an exceptionally low profile. Many of the other professors had already arrived, something she knew would draw more attention to herself. How were her students doing? Peering out into the forest, she thought she could almost feel the cold from the dementors. Melanie shivered. Her patronus, something she cherished greatly, was a crow. A big, beautiful black crow that croaked loudly, a very fine signal indeed. She winced as she heard the Hogwarts' deputy throw up. Forgive her, but her sympathies were not with him. He was not the one facing the dementors, out there, alone.

Melanie spoke to no one. Her mind was still on the conversation she had just had, whirling and whirling around. The wheels were turning, and she was formulating. She needed her brother. Where was he?

Be strong, my dears. She thought to herself as she watched Valerie kick, to be g-rated, booty. A sharp intake of breath, and Melanie gasped. She was a talented student who represented Ilvermorny with all the pride Melanie could want in a competitor. Jesús was doing beautifully as well, and Irene. Aiden seemed fearless, and Kyle continued to make her proud. Louise always handled herself with poise, and this was no different.

There was a lot going on and yet Declan could not bring himself to take a seat. His feet remained rooted to the spot from where his eyes could see his only brother face things they had only read about, maybe dreamed about, but never truly seen. His whole body felt tense. He shrugged his shoulders trying to loosen the ropes of anxiety wrapping tight around him. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see Mel making her way to the stands. He nodded in return to her and mouthed a quick 'hey', as he distractedly rubbed his chin with one hand.

There wasn't enough time to adjust to the sudden influx of people. Bentley was next to him, quipping something. Declan didn't quite catch it fully. "I'm fine standing," he assured him. In his opinion, something big was happening from the moment the competitors were announced. He feared the unknown more than what he already knew. Experience had taught him that lesson.

A soft voice (Aslan) asked him something and he looked around Bentley with his arms crossed once more. His brows shot up in curiosity. "I'm sorry?" He didn't catch that either.

It was unnecessary to even ask as the commentating had begun. It was loud and incredibly extra. Daisy Dukes was transparent. Declan's fleshy lips tugged into a crooked grin. His nerves temporarily lifted. Words were exchanged and so was (Levi) merchandise. Looks and glances were also exchanged and Declan waved without much enthusiasm at Healer Reed. His brother would be happy to see him in the stands even if it was for moral support.

There was some cheering....???

Declan didn't understand what that was about and he watched the girl with furrowed brows before his attention was ripped away from her. Screams pierced the air. A chill ran through him putting every hair on his body on end.

"Levi!" he found himself shouting instinctively, arms reaching out towards the empty space before him. All his hands found were the cold grip of the railing. "Dammit, brother. What are you going to do?" Declan knew it was pointless. As if his voice could carry that far...as if Levi would even listen to him...