THE CHAMPION TENT (ALL CHAMPIONS GATHER HERE)

[DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY]

The day was a pretty decent day for the first task of the Hogwarts Tournament. Draco was glancing outside of the tent that was set up for the champions to gather in. The sky had a good amount of clouds in them, but none of them threatened rain, which was a good sign. Not that it mattered as the task would still go on no matter what the weather was. As the champions would have to handle anything that comes their way after all.

Draco then retreated back into the tent and stood at the front as he waited for the champions to arrive. They had been instructed the night before at dinner that they were to make their way to the tent as the rest of the students filled up the stands that were by the lake, as well as any adults that had chosen to come and watch the tournament. He was sure that many of the student’s parents were out there as well. There were also some of the Aurors there just in case something were to happen and one of the champions couldn’t get past a certain creature for some reason.

The headmaster and heads of houses were at a table that wasn’t too far from the lake. They didn’t need to be in the tent while the Minister instructed the champions of what they would need to do in order to complete the first task. For now he waited for the eight champions to enter, one of them being his son, but since he was the minister he couldn’t show any emotion towards his son as he instructed the champions what they were to do. But he would be sure to take Scorpius aside before the start of the task to wish his own son good luck.

( This thread will last about a week and then the actual test thread will be started. )

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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It was the day of the first task and Alaya cursed herself for waking up early. So for most people that would not be the best reaction but she wanted to at least get another hour of sleep in before getting ready for the first task. Not like she knew what to do to get ready. She decided to just throw on a pair of black pants and a red tank before putting her gryffindor robe over it. Cold weather did not bother her and she could care less at this time where the task was going to be. She sighed as she placed her wand in her robe pocket.

She made sure to be quiet as she left the dorm and the common room. There was still time before the champions had to meet in the tent out near the lake. She did head to the great hall like most for a quick breakfast. Instead she went to the kitchens where the elves were happy to give her a quick bite and a nice cup of hot tea. The tea perked her spirits. She stayed in the kitchens for a bit to finish up her snack. It would give her enough energy to make it through the day. She headed out to the grounds when she was finished to see if she could rest up before the task.

The time finally arrived where the champions were to meet in the tent. She sighed before entering. To her dismay she was the first one their besides the Minister. She bowed her head slightly in a respectful greeting. She wasn't about to say anything as she stood off to the side to wait for the others to arrive.

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notes;; none

[JAMES SIRIUS POTTER]

James was finally excited for the first task so he dressed appropriately, wearing the Gryffindor robes proudly as he mae his way down to wards the hall way, and then out into the grounds. Surely, this was an event to be remembered, but he kind of had to show up on time for it to even be worth going. James Potter was not normally notorious for being late, but he did have some habits that still needed breaking. Luckily, his ego wasn't with him today and he wasn't about to go talking to the Slytherin team at all. As far as he was concerned, he wanted Ravenclaw to win this more than him to teach Slytherin their place. Heck, even Hufflepuff would have a better bet than them if they could top all the obstacles in the way. Adorning his figure underneath the robes was a casual long-sleeved red shirt, with blue jeans on, and just his wand...as was required for this. Although he was unsure of what the task was.

Not that he would know what it is in the first place, even as he kept his bearings about him, and all in all, this was going to be a fun reminder as to why he kept himself on time with these things now. Of course, now he had just left the robes behind as he thought he looked silly with them on, and didn't want to be the only one without the robes on too, after all this was the Champion's tent. It's not like he needed them at the moment, all he really needed was a good defense against anything that anyone could throw at him. Wearing the Gyrffindor vest of course over top of his shirt as he entered the infamous tent. Licking his lips soflty, eying the few other champions already there. Only nodding to the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff champions, completely ignoring the Slytherin side of the tent if they were even there yet. No reason for him to interact with low-lifes that had no meaning to him right then. Actually, it was mainly Scorpius he was mad at, only due to the deduction of house points.

Not only that, but he had an old score to settle with him, perhaps at dueling club some day. Oh yes, he was so looking forward to that, and finally got his own way. After all, like he had thought to himself earlier, the Marauder's map would surely tell him more about who was behind the attacks on Hugo. That was more important than the first task right now, but he applied a fake smile to his face as he greeted the others. Turning to Alaya as he was there, and speaking to her softly, "Hey Alaya, I'm not surprised that you beat me here, after all you seem to arrive way before I do," he said teasingly, giving her a more genuine smile.

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[DUNSTABLE VERNON DURSLEY]

In all honesty Dunstable could not sleep the night before. He had been laid in bead staring up at the top of his four poster bed for most of the night. He was nervous, there was no if ands or buts about it. Yes one of the top Beaters on the Hufflepuff Quidditch team was nervous about the task the next day. It didn’t help that since he couldn’t fall sleep he was afraid that he might oversleep and end up being late. Oh he sure hoped that his friends would be nice enough and wake him up in time so that he could at least get something to eat.

Well he did manage to wake up in time but as he sat that the Hufflepuff table in the Great Hall, his stomach was churning and really he couldn’t eat and of the delicious food in front of him. Yori was sitting next to him as the two of them had planned to head out to the tent that they were instructed to go to the night before during dinner. He could feel all of the eyes of the Hufflepuff students on the two of them, he knew that they all depending on the two of them to bring Hufflepuff to glory. He should’ve been used to it by now as it was the same way when it came to Quidditch matches.

He hadn’t given much thought to what he would wear for the task, if he had known what they were going to do he probably would’ve given it more thought. So he had decided that some long cargo pants and a yellow shirt that his mum had made that said “Team Dori” on the back of it and the hufflepuff badger on the front. His mum had even made one for Yori to wear if she chose to do so. He always did love how thoughtful his mum was and couldn’t wait to see his parents out in the crowd that day and hopefully his grandparents as well.

Not wanting to talk and after he figured he had been sitting there staring at his food long enough and then there was the fact that they should get going to the tent anyways, Dunstable nodded at Yori and the two of them got up together and headed on out of the Great Hall and down towards the Black Lake, where the tent was located. He didn’t talk at all the whole time they were walking, he was afraid that if he did he would throw-up or something. He was sure that Yori was probably feeling the same way.

Despite the fact that Dunstable was feeling a bit nervous about the task, the two of them had made it to the tent and found that they were some of the first to have arrive. He looked up at the Minsiter that was waiting for the champions before he moved over to the side of the tent, knowing that Yori would probably follow them. “I hope it isn’t something too hard for the first task.” he said softly to Yori once they had gotten into the corner.

[THERESA JAY KELSEY]

theia woke up right on time, having set an alarm to ensure that she didn't just sleep right through the morning. how? people would wonder how on earth she could be comfortable enough to sleep, how she couldn't be nervous. she wasn't. nope, she was ready. focused. slytherin were going to win this, whether that meant she'd need to carry scorp to that trophie or be dragged there herself. they were winning this.

she arose at the precise time she'd set, throwing aside the covers and running a hand through her bed headed hair, combing it out a little with her fingers but otherwise leaving the curls to their own devices for the moment. she rumadged through her wardrobe for something suitable. she didn't really have many 'slack' clothes... comfortable things. she had skirts and tank tops and all that.. she didn't really have any trackies or anything. sighing, she eventually picked out some black pants and a simple dark top, throwing her slytherin robes over the top, ready for the task.

she didn't bother to sort her hair, if it got in the way so be it. she grabbed her wand and headed out of the room, heading down to the great hall to grab a little breakfast before heading off to the champions tent slightly early. she was feeling a little aprehension, but mostly she was confident, her head held high in pride, a light smirk on her focused features as she strode into the tend, the smirk becoming a slightly grimance, eyes narrowing on the sight of the two gryffindors and dustable. perhaps she should have waited for scorpius.. but hey, she didn't need anyone to walk around with her, she did not need a tour guide.. or a babysitter. she nodded to the minister for magic with respect - as he was in addition scorps father - but she otherwise stood quietly, looking at dustanble with a small smile. "hey ... ready for the task?" she asked lightly.

[YORI OSHIRO]

Yori felt sick. Very sick. She didn't want to be there. If Dunstable wasn't there beside her, the hufflepuff wasn't entirely sure she would've gone through with things today. It was one thing telling people she was going to go through as champion, it was another to actually get out there and do it. Yori could barely eat throughout the day, casting glances over at Dunstable periodically as possibly a source of comfort. The champion knew that the boy had to be as nervous as she was. It was so incredibly awkward and difficult, while being entirely sleep deprived. The amount of stress that had been amounted from the coming weeks had peaked the night before, destroying any idea of her actually sleeping.

The buzz and energy coming from her seemed almost surreal due to that lack of sleep, and the Okinawan was vaguely aware of the eventual crash that would come after the first task was over. Yori only hoped she would be attentive enough to not be a burden for her friend. She needed to prove herself that she wasn't some liability and that she could hold her own if need be. It was an obligation as well now, aware of the eyes watching both of them, and the shirt that was made for her by Dunstable's mother. She seemed like such a sweet woman, and knew Dunstable was looking forward to seeing the family out watching.

As the trudged over to the tent, Yori appreciated the silence between them. It was needed for her to gather her thoughts and sum up the diligence and courage to go against her very nature. Already, she could feel the heart pounding inside her. Everything in her was telling her to run, but she kept her mind clear. She owed everyone that believed in her that much. So, she wore that shirt proudly with some loose jeans, making sure to keep movement a priority. She didn't know what was coming ahead, after all. And for the love of god did she hate that.

Yori followed suit inside the tent with Dunstable, nodding uncomfortably to the minister. She then listened to Dunstable and decided to offer a smile. ”Between the two of us, I think we can manage whatever comes our way. We'll need to coordinate,” the Okinawan replied just as softly.

[CLAIRE LINDY GABLE]

And how was Claire doing this day? Fine, just fine. Those were the same words she had been repeating all morning to the Ravenclaws who even bothered to ask her. She had been up since six in the morning, way early for her and had set out to get ready. Her mind and hands and feet couldn't stop moving. After a shower, she gathered her long brown locks up in a ponytail. Claire had no clue what the hell was going to happen today. Should she wear pants? It looked like the weather was chilly, but she took a pair of black shorts from her trunk and a light blue t-shirt with the words 'CLAICEN' in bold, black letters on the front of it. She figured they'd have to be quick on their feet and put on her tennis shoes.

After finally managing to get herself ready, she made her way down to the Great Hall. Dunstable and Yori were sitting just a table away, but she didn't really go over there to wish them good luck. Luck wouldn't get them far, if they didn't have a quick mind or strength. Luckily, both of the Ravenclaw Champions had either one. So Claire wasn't very strong, but she was quick to get herself out of situations and Jaycen definitely had the strength thing down.

Jaycen, however, was no where to be found. Last time she had seen him was the night before in the common room, but no sign of him yet. Claire decided that waiting for him wasn't the best idea and after trying to at least finish one pancake, she was on her merry way to the tent. Once she entered, she shyly smiled at the Minister but didn't bow or anything, he wasn't the Queen. That's when Claire's shy act ended, she looked around, not seeing her partner and put on a brave face. She was absolutely ready for this. She greeted Team Dori with a smile and the Gryffindors with a quick hello.

[JAYCEN NATHANIEL TATE]

Of course he was late. Late for the first occurance of what was definitely the biggest event of his entire Hogwarts career. Brilliant. The Irish boy sprinted through the buzzing halls of Hogwarts as fast as his feet could carry him, which thankfully was pretty damn fast. He hadn't meant to lose track of time, honest! He'd been in the library, scanning- er, reading over a few books when a timid little third year Ravenclaw came up to him, recognizing him for his head boy position and status as he house's champion, and asked a question about a spell she was learning in Defence Against the Dark Arts. Somehow one thing had led to another and he'd ended up in an abandoned classroom with the girl, trying to help her get the spell right. Next thing he knew he'd glanced at his watch and realized that he should have been at the tent fifteen minutes ago. Wonderful.

So there he was, stuck running as fast as he possibly could down the halls to try his best to avid the disapproving glares from teachers, or any adult who might be there. An upside to this would be that his father, though a high ranking man, was not directly involved in the ministry and tournament. If he knew Jayce were late for this... well, Jayce already 'never heard the end of' many things that his father disapproved of. This would just add to the growing list of being a blood traitor, a disappointment to the family, and spineless idiot.

He was dressed in a pair of black sweats and a plaid shirt that he'd enchanted to be blue and bronze. Might as well show a bit of house pride, right? After all, this was a competition pitting the houses against each other. The seventh year skidded into the tent, making no attempt to look dignified or on top of things, and looked around. Who knew, he wasn't the last one to arrive after all. Sure, both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor champions were here, as well as the female Slytherin champion and his own partner, Claire, but Scorpius Malfoy was apparently MIA at the moment. Kind of ironic, seeing as his father was the minister of magic who Jaycen nodded politely to before heading over to Claire. He would have thought that the guy would hav ebeen eager to impress his dad, and so would have been one of the first champions to arrive.

Grinning, suddenly feeling the adrenaline of the day's event, Jaycen headed over to Claire. "Don't look so scared, Claire," he chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "You're going to do great. We're going to do great."

[SCORPIUS HYPERION MALFOY]

Someone may have wondered how Scorpius could sleep at all, well there was a simple answer to that. He was relaxed, calm and oh so confident that he and Theia would win the tournament for slytherin. No matter how much bickering, arguing and insulting that went on between them, they were lucky enough to be both chosen. Scorpius would rather have his best friend than some other random slytherin. They knew each others strengths and weaknesses, they knew how each other worked so how could they not win. Out of all the teams, slytherin was definitely the best one.

An alarm went off near his head. The slytherin champion groaned as he reached out to turn his alarm off before rolling over and going back to sleep. He had plenty of time, he thought as he drifted back off to sleep where he dreamed that James Potter died in one of the challanges, if only that could come true. It only seemed like a minute although he knew it had been longer when he felt his mattress tip on one side, dumping him onto the floor before having a cup of coffee shoved under his nose. He stared angrily up at the boys in his dorm, couldnt they have given him 5 more minutes? Snatching the coffee he took a sip before realising someone had brought in toast as well. Albus was his first guess and although he was up to killing him at the moment, he knew he would be grateful to him best friend later.
"Im up, happy?" he asked sarcastically to the boys watching them walk out of the room. Well there was no point in getting back to sleep, he thought as he stood up from the floor. It was when he noticed the time.
"Shit," he cursed out loud as he raced around the place to get ready and finish breakfast. His hair was always unruly and so with a hand running through his blonde locks a few times, he dashed out of the common room and out of the castle.

He spotted the tent and slowed to a walk, smoothing out any wrinkles in the clothes from his run and once more ran his hand through his hair before entering the tent. Ah so it seemed like he was the last one, ah well he thought, the minister would have waited for him, well he hoped he would. He glanced at his father for a moment before going over to Theia, pushing past James as he did.

[DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY]

Draco watched as each of the champions entered into the tent one by one, it seemed that only the Hufflepuff Champions actually walked in together. Perhaps the teams didn’t like who they got partnered up with? But he knew that his son had gotten partnered up with one of his best friends. Well it didn’t matter to him; they would have to overcome obstacles on their own. He had also noticed that his son had walked in last, but he didn’t nod or anything of the sort in his direction as he was there on business that day.

Though it was a little bit later to start telling them what they would be doing then he had planned, he figured that it should be fine. “Alright Champions, I sure hope you’re ready for today’s task. I know that the task was kept hidden from all of you and by the looks of it, it seems the professors have done their job this year,” he smirked lightly as he looked at each of the individuals. It seemed that none of them had swimming gear on as that would be the one thing he was sure they would all want if they had knew about the task beforehand.

“Today’s task is to test you guys in three areas,” he said as he held up three fingers. “Swimming, Running and Flying,” as he said each one he put a finger down. He glanced around, watching the faces of all of the champions to see their reactions to what he just said. He knew not everyone enjoyed all of those three things and was sure someone was afraid of at least one of them if not more. “You’ll first start by swimming through the Black Lake, straight across to the other side. But don’t forget there are creatures in there and maybe even the Giant Squid might take a hold of you,” he smirked wondering if anyone were afraid of the giant Squid. He knew himself that the Squid wouldn’t do any harm, just delay them from getting to their destination faster.

“Once you have reached the other side of the lake, you’ll need to run right through the forest, going NW to find a clearing where there will be eight brooms waiting. I will warn you know, only take one broom per person, if I find that one of the teams have taken or hidden any of the other broom they will lose their team and house 100 points.” he said coolly looking at each one once again, perhaps his gaze was on the Potter boy a moment longer that the others. From the way it had been known about James Potter, it sounded like something he would do.

“Then you’ll need to get on a broom and fly right back here to this vary tent. There are thirty-eight flags for each house up in the sky. They are each worth two points towards your score, however if you fly by one and miss catching it, you cannot go back for it,” he finished explaining what it was they would have to do and hoped that none of them would try to run out. They should all know by now that with their name being drawn out of the Goblet of Fire, there was no going back.

( This thread will last about a week and then the actual test thread will be started. )

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

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Alaya was not surprised to watch the silent and even hostile greetings exchanged by some when James walked in. It did interest her that the only champions that entered the tent together were the hufflepuffs. She rolled her eyes at James' comment. But it was very true. "Yep, first to arrive and first to leave. I just want to get this over with" She whispered back. She was the first one of the champions to arrive at the tent and she would be the first one to leave the moment the tournament was over.

She turned her attention to the minister. She listened closely making sure she remembered every bit of instruction and information. This was going to be a more so physical challenge, which was fine by her standards. The creatures as an obstacle was going to be very interesting. She knew the forest very well so the running would not be a problem. As for the flying she knew there was going to be huge competition about that. It was going to be an interesting task to say the least. It was also going to be a great opportunity to gauge the other teams skill level.

She took a look around the room. Only two of the champions were not on their respected houses Quidditch team. She knew nothing about the female hufflepuff besides her name. Alaya felt like she was walking into this half blind and she hated that. She wished there was more time to learn about their opponents. She knew that wasn't going to happen so she had to be twice as alert to try and watch the others as well as doing her part. She did have a few tricks up her sleeve if something came up, though she hoped not to use them at least not in the first trial.

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notes;; none

[JAMES SIRIUS POTTER]

James was overall confident that they'd at least be the ones taking home the House Cup Tournament, but in all fairness this wasn't to see who could win it right off the bat. Even if Gryffindor was his favored team of the bunch, and he wondered if one of these tasks would be a last man standing sort of ordeal. As fun as that sounded, his main target would have been Scorpius in the long run, but he had no intention of facing him with Theresa there in the picture. Only Albus knew what James was capable of, but he doubted either Scorpius or Theresa combined could actually face up to him in a duel. Amusing thoughts as they may be, but he wasn't about to let anyone one-up him in becoming the champion along with Alaya.

Such a lovely day, and they didn't even know what the first task was. James shifted slightly on the spot as he was getting impatient, and noticed all of the other champions had finally arrived. Alaya was the first one, and of course he was the second to actually have found a nice place to stand. As influential as the Minister of Magic was, he still latched on to Scorpius's words the previous day. James knew he could get away with so much right now, but he preferred to stay in good terms with the other champions. After all, the past was the past, and to James, this was water under the bridge. Yet, when they got back to dueling club, James was going to rip Scorpius a new one. Clenching his hands into fists for a moment as he was seething with rage again, but he calmed down just as he had tried to during that encounter.

Maybe this challenge would crush those smug Slytherin's with their up-turned noses smashing back into their own skulls, but he kept a cool head about himself. Not letting them know what he was thinking, unless they were of course a leglimens, then it would be too late. "Oh I don't doubt that for a minute, I don't want to be here any longer than I have to, and oh great, swimming, my least favorite thing to do," he whispered to Alaya, standing near her now since he didn't want to stand near any of the other champions. It was more or less just a natural reaction for him to do that, but he also was avoiding looking in Scorpius and Theresa's direction anyways.

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[DUNSTABLE VERNON DURSLEY]

“Between the two of us, I think we can manage whatever comes our way. We'll need to coordinate,” Dunstable nodded. Indeed the two of them will, but ever since the two of them found out that they were partnered up for Hufflepuff, they were sure that they would be able to do it. They worked well together, which was a good think. Dunstable would hate to get paired up with someone who couldn’t work with. “Indeed we shall. I think we’ll surprise many of them here with how well Hufflepuff will do,” he smirked lightly just at Theresa walked into the tent.

“hey ... ready for the task?” Dunstable nodded once more at Thersea. The two of them got on fairly well, perhaps it was because they were both close with ALbus. “Yeah I’m pretty sure that Yori and I are ready for this,” his soft pink lips curled up into a smile. “Good luck to you and Scorp,” he said lightly just as the rest of the champions were slowly making their way into the tent.

Once they were all there the Minister had begun to speak to all of them. The whole tent had grew quiet and everyone was listening intently as the Minister explained what they would need to do. Swimming, Running, and Flying. Well he knew that he could do all three of them, but he wasn’t so sure how Yori would handle flying, but none-the-less, he would make sure to help her out and get them across to the finish line first. As for swimming, it was a good think that Dunstable knew a good bubble head charm to help them breath and talk underwater, so there shouldn’t be a problem there. He just hoped that the Giant Squid didn’t try to get a hold of them, that would probably be a hard grip to get out of for the two of them, but he was sure they could do it. He glanced over at Yori to see her reaction to what the task was.