The Goblet of Fire Open

The news of the Hexwizard Tournament had come entirely unexpected to Opeila. That was for several reasons. The last time this tournament had taken place, still known as the Triwizard tournament, a boy, Cedric Diggory, had been killed. And sure, there was no Dark Lord any longer, but saying that Hogwarts was now a safe place was probably a lie too. Where to start? The Whomping Willow or the metal balls that were out to knock students off their brooms in Quidditch? Or perhaps the shadow spiders that once krept through the corridors at night?

But there was something about the idea, Opeila couldn't deny it. When she had first heard of it, her first instinct had been to stay clear of it, not to get involved with anything that could again turn out to be dangerous. There was no age minimum and Opeila didn't know what the students of the other schools were like. What they were taught. Perhaps the Hogwarts Champion would have a severe disadvantage, it was entirely possible.

The missing age minimum seemed incredibly foolish. First years were able to sign up, kids who barely knew at which side to hold their wand! There was a reason why the last Triwizard Tournament had been for students of 17 years and older and it still hadn't been enough to keep the participants safe. If they wanted to lower the age minimum, alright, but Opeila felt it shouldn't have been opened for all. Perhaps 13 and up, that would have been a little more reasonable. Or third year and up, in third year they learned their first healing spells in class.

Despite her doubts, Opeila found herself signing up. Perhaps it was the fact that she knew a high variety of spells now, perhaps her experience in Duelling, that made her feel confident enough.

Name: Opeila Winters
Year: Third Year
School: Hogwarts
Special Person: Flash Holmwood

Theodore's excitement had reached new heights, when he had found out about the Hexwizard Tournament that would take place next year. First he of course didn't have much of a clue what that tournament was, so he had done some reading up on its history. He had to admit, it had scared him a bit to read of dying participants, but then... People died on brooms before and he had survived a broom race! And now he was a Quidditch Player too!

It wasn't surprising that he signed up in the end, everyone who knew him only a little knew that this was absolutely his kind of thing. Theo had never minded, but loved a little adrenaline, he enjoyed taking risks and exploring potentially dangerous paths. It was unnecessary to say that this kind of behavior caused both his parents and sister a bit of grief, but Theo usually got back without a scratch.

What was surprising to him, was how many little children threw their names into the goblet of fire. Were they out of their mind? He was sure that the majority of those kids were first years and it left him speechless for a few moments. Certainly Theo hadn't been the most clever first year, but he was sure that he would have had the common sense not to sign up for a tournament in which adults had died before, while he only knew... what even, how to cast sparks?

Deciding not to comment, Theo threw in his own name.

Name: Theodore Duncain
Year: Third Year
School: Ilvermorny
Special Person: Phylicia Stanwood

He wondered. Would Greta sign up too? Would they end up standing as opponents in the tournament perhaps? The thought made his heart beat a little faster.

Theodore's excitement had reached new heights, when he had found out about the Hexwizard Tournament that would take place next year. First he of course didn't have much of a clue what that tournament was, so he had done some reading up on its history. He had to admit, it had scared him a bit to read of dying participants, but then... People died on brooms before and he had survived a broom race! And now he was a Quidditch Player too!

It wasn't surprising that he signed up in the end, everyone who knew him only a little knew that this was absolutely his kind of thing. Theo had never minded, but loved a little adrenaline, he enjoyed taking risks and exploring potentially dangerous paths. It was unnecessary to say that this kind of behavior caused both his parents and sister a bit of grief, but Theo usually got back without a scratch.

What was surprising to him, was how many little children threw their names into the goblet of fire. Were they out of their mind? He was sure that the majority of those kids were first years and it left him speechless for a few moments. Certainly Theo hadn't been the most clever first year, but he was sure that he would have had the common sense not to sign up for a tournament in which adults had died before, while he only knew... what even, how to cast sparks?

Deciding not to comment, Theo threw in his own name.

Name: Theodore Duncain
Year: Third Year
School: Ilvermorny
Special Person: Phylicia Stanwood

He wondered. Would Greta sign up too? Would they end up standing as opponents in the tournament perhaps? The thought made his heart beat a little faster.

Name: Valentin Schnell
Year: Fourth Year
School: Durmstrang
Special Person: Mikael Halldorson

Mentioning: @Percival Rainwood as Mik and @Flash Holmwood as Yef.
OOC: Both Mikael and Yefim are special people to Valentin and suitable to put here. Recent developments make me want to progress the plot between Mik and Valentin first. If this is inconvenient to anyone involved, please consider Yefim as an alternative here.

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Louca fidgeted with the piece of parchment he had filled out already, his excitement levels growing with each step he took towards the Great Hall. Ever since the tournament had been announced at his school, he had dreamed of this moment, the moment where he put his name in. Although he hadn’t seen the goblet before so that had been an interesting twist to his fantasies. He wondered if it got more interesting when names were chosen or if it just spat random pieces of paper out. Still, it didn’t matter, all he wanted was to be chosen. He knew that it was highly unlikely given that he was a first year student, but at least he could hope then that the Ilvermorny champion would allow him to be on the team. That way he could still get to experience the challenges and participate.
He wasn’t interested in the fame or glory, no, he wanted the adventure, the thrill of the challenge and the puzzles it would involve solving. Louca enjoyed challenging himself and this was possibly the largest challenge he was going to get in his years at school.

Louca had heard the last time the challenge was held that someone had died and while he had admittedly given that a thought, he hadn’t let that stop him. He had no fear, and that would be an asset in the tournament. Hopefully with his antics at school this would be clear to his fellow students. Or maybe even the Goblet would choose him for that reason.
He took a quick glance at the parchment in his hand, making sure he hadn’t imagined the words he had written.

Name: Louca Dufort
Year: First
School: Ilvermorny
Special Person: Haley Rose

Louca had debated the last answer and that was why he had delayed for so long. Otherwise he would have put his name in the first day. After all, he could have put down his mother or his father but that seemed a cop out, and admittedly slightly embarrassing. But he had no siblings, and really his only close friend was Jamie at the moment but he also hadn’t felt comfortable with that. After all Special Person implied something…..more. But had had met a nice girl a few days ago, and found himself enjoying her company. It had taken him a few days to decide that yes that was who he would write down as his special person. For some reason it just seemed right. And so he had.

Arriving at the Great Hall, he strode confidently in, not looking to see if there were other students around, his gaze focused solely on the Goblet. Moving quickly, but surely, he stepped up to the Goblet, reaching up until he could carefully drop his parchment in. He watched to make sure it wasn’t going to be thrown back at him, and then stepped away, turning and trying to decide if he wanted to stay and watch others or get some food, or go explore away from the Goblet that now seemed like it was judging him.
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As Maximilien "Maxi" de Fostoncy [x]
English · #586d9d | French · #056b68

mentioning Phyllis Stanwood (@Bridget Collins)

banner by liana kerr

Entering from here.

And there he was.

Perhaps it was an act on an impulse, or perhaps he was just following the deepest depth of his heart, no matter how he was now standing right in front of the honourable Goblet of Fire. A bit bitterly he eyed the goblet shiny and flooded with cheers, and one last tender look was directed to the ceilings where his beloved floral decorations flew, before directing his glance to the blue flames again. He could hear people cheering loudly, this time perhaps intended for him. Sighing and slightly shaking his head, Maxi took a quill. He was about to fill in the form, when he suddenly stopped.

He still wasn’t sure.

He had regarded this as the most dangerous thing in the world from the very beginning, but his family was overjoyed by this idea. And there were numerous students putting their names in, then Phyllis turned up telling him that this was the coolest thing ever with an alarming confidence. There were scarcely people who weren’t into this idea - if not putting their own names in, they were thrilled cheering for their friends. Everybody had a keen interest regarding the championship - as far as he was concerned.

Maybe he was the wrong one after all.

He suddenly turned and hoped to spot Phyllis, the one who caused him to be pondering here. If she never happened to show up and strike a conversation with him, nothing would happen. Nothing, yet everything. His feelings were mixed - hesitation, pride, competitiveness, fidelity, determination, anxiety, uncertainty, excitement, fright - positive and negative emotions flowed in his heart. He was starting to retreat - but no. He had told Phyllis that he was capable, even if he had misgivings regarding the trial. And he would be capable and throw himself into action.

He made up his mind.

Glancing at the blanks, he started to fill it in. Name, year, school…quill went scribbling the letters on the parchment smoothly, and soon it was finished without any difficulty. And then his eyes fell on the last line. Special Person. Maxi stared at it and hesitated for a second. Really, it was confusing - he didn’t see the point of having this line attached. Despite his doubt, he raised one eyebrow and filled the last line in:

Name: Maximilien de Fostoncy
Year: third
School: Beauxbatons
Special Person: Phyllis Stanwood

And it was done. Phyllis should certainly have the honour of being the “special” one, even though they had only known each other for minutes. She was the one making him change his mind and accept her dare, after all!

He carefully folded the piece of paper into a square. Tossing it into the goblet in a careless manner, Maxi suddenly felt strength filled in his body again. It’s not a big deal, huh? Besides, he wouldn’t be chosen anyway. There were far many talented wizards and witches in Beauxbatons, making them competent for the champion role. A smile - again, containing a mixture of various emotions - formed on his lips.

He shrugged. Then, turning and ignoring the cheers of bystanders, he crossed the crowd, in search of Phyllis. As soon as successfully locating the flaming auburn hair, he would give her a wave and go ahead to meet her.

Again exiting to here.

Roleplaying as Aryaan Shamsi of Mahoutokoro

If he were honest with himself, Aryaan did not take all of this too seriously.
Sure, this whole Hexwizard thing would be a pretty lit and a very fun way to get to see the magic of the other schools. Sure, their teachers must have had some faith in them if they were brought along for this fight.

But at the end of the day, Aryaan Shamsi was still just a first year. Even if he’d got serious about all of this, there was no way he’d be able to compete with the likes of Hadashi-senpai’s duelling, or the physical intimidation factor that Sara-san brought in. Aryaan wasn’t seriously expecting to be picked.

Not really.

Still, a small part of him couldn’t help but imagine it. What if… what if his name came out of the goblet after all? Oh, it would be such a brilliant adventure, a story or the ages. AND. And he’d get to stick it to all the overly serious classmates of his.

So in the end Aryaan caved to his temptations and decided he’d put his name in on the last day. Even if he wasn’t selected, he could always pretend that it was an April Fool’s joke.

And now that he had come to think of it, he had a really interesting idea. If the whole thing was read out when his name came out….

Name: Aryaan Shamsi, Star Seeker
Year: First
School: Mahoutokoro
Special People: Akira Shimizu, "Ayu" Kobayashi, Chikao Narumi, Hiro Bakugo, Sakura Kobayashi, Sana Ohashi

How was that for school unity?

OC note: Even though he's named every player first year present, I have only gotten OC permission from Hiro Bakugo, and will nominate him my "special person"

interacting: n/a | mentioning: Sylviane Favreau @Amadea Campbell

It wasn't a difficult choice, filling out the slip of paper Amaury now held between his fingers. In fact, it was all rather easy. Simple. It wasn't as much of a choice as it was an obligation-- to his family, to his school, to his legacy. He would be a champion, of Beauxbatons and of the wizarding world. Any silly magical cup would know that Amaury was the logical choice. High-achieving, wealthy, with a record of duelling wins longer than his family's Pureblood lineage. What a mistake it would be to let such talent and potential go to waste.

So of course, Amaury approached the Goblet with purpose, head held high. He felt no shame, no embarrassment, no doubts. Fearless, that's what he was. This was merely the next logical step towards world domination, or whatever came after graduation.

As for the parchment itself, there was no hesitation to be found in Amaury's confident script. There was nothing to question. It was all so obvious, so apparent, precisely what information he needed to provide. Name, year, school. Special Person.

Of course it was Sylvie. It would always be Sylvie. Sylvie, who had quite literally been by his side from day one. His twin, his other half. Even if the Tournament had plans to put her in danger, if the whole question was a trap, she could handle herself, probably better than anyone else he knew. She would be fine. And who knew, maybe it was just for VIP seating when he'd be selected as a champion for Beauxbatons. (He couldn't even bring himself to think that seriously. Of course it was a trap. This was the wizarding world, after all, and the most dangerous parts of it.) But he wouldn't have to worry either way, because Sylvie was resourceful and ruthless. She would be fine.

Not a word was spoken as Amaury dangled the parchment above the flames, releasing it into the flickering blue. It twirled downwards, ink becoming distinctly clear just moments before the fire swallowed it whole:

--------------------------------

Name: Amaury Favreau Year: 5 School: Beauxbatons Special Person: Sylviane Favreau

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Shiawase stared into the fire. This was foolish. There was no way she should even consider doing anything. She should just cheer on whoever the goblet of fire picks and their champions. Logically, she knew no spells - at the very least, not well enough that she could pull them out under pressure. She could solve puzzles, and she knew basic first aid. That was it. Those were the two things she could contribute to a team. And those were the bare minimum, weren't they?

But she was so curious! She could hardly begin to imagine all the sights she'd see if she were chosen! She couldn't help but wonder about it! Who knew what sorts of puzzles would need to be solved? What sorts of adventures would be had? This was a school event. Surely even though there were dangers, they weren't real dangers, right? No one was going to die or anything . . . and if there was a risk of death, actual death, then that's all the more reason she should join. She at least knew CPR - that could make the difference between whether someone survives long enough to be healed by someone who actually knew what they were doing or not.

No, no. She shouldn't think along these lines. She shouldn't enter. She knew she didn't have the skills she'd need. She knew she'd be a liability at best.

She also knew she'd be entering her name into the goblet of fire.

Name: Shiawase Mamori
Year: 1
School: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Special Person:

Special Person . . . Shiawase had made several friends since coming to this school. It would make sense to fill in the name Colin McCoire there. She met him on the train, then again in the library, and they were in the same house . . . but as far as special people went, when she thought on it, it was her conversation with Seren that stuck on her mind the most. The way she cared for her by the lake . . . but she couldn't put her name. Seren would be terrified of this, wouldn't she? But Seren with her . . . the two together . . . could calm each other down.

She was overthinking this. It's not like she'd be picked away.

Name: Shiawase Mamori
Year: 1
School: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Special Person: Seren Yong

She put the parchment into the fire. It was done. It was a relief it was done. She wheeled away, ready to get on with her day.

Roleplaying as iNPC Quentin Gagné of Beauxbatons

Name: Quentin Gagné
Year: 1
School: Beauxbatons

Special Person: Mon père