- RPing as Durmstrang's iNPC Alexander Ward -

The day of the Quidditch mach had finally arrived, and Alexander found himself quite excited about it; most of his friends were actually on the team, and he could not wait to see them crush the Hogwarts competition on the field. Being the usual introvert that he was, he had decided to go to the match by himself, preferring to enjoy the match in peace and without feeling forced to socialise; for a second he had thought about asking a certain red headed girl to go with him, but since she was a Hufflepuff maybe that wouldn't have been smart.

Speaking of which, the Yorkshire lad spotted her in the crown, her yellow dress and a banner in her hands, and once he made eye contact with her he gave her a wink before turning his back towards her so that he could follow the game.

Even though he wasn't properly a fan of the sport -he definitely preferred reading books about dark magic and wizards- Alec was still able to enjoy a good match; and this match was definitely proving itself to be quite interesting and captivating. Right from the start the young boy could not take his eyes off from the field, his friends flying fast past his eyes, as the Hogwarts team tried to keep up with them. The Durmstrang team was ruthless, they weren't holding back as they tried their best to win and to bring down as many badgers as possible. But the Hufflepuff team wasn't going down without a fight.

Alec had to admit that he admired them for that, they definitely did not want to surrender, and the more player they lost, the more united they seemed. Durmstrang kept scoring goals over goals, thanks to Greta, but they also kept getting penalty laps for all of the blatching that was happening; nonetheless, his friend was being amazing, scoring goal after goal, and Alexander found himself cheering loud for her, shouting praising words in Russian, even though he doubted she could hear him.

For most of the game, it looked like Durmstrang was going to win; they had managed to get rid of most of the strongest players of the other team, like their Giant Captain, and they kept scoring; the Hufflepuff team basically had no more players to replace the fallen ones, and it really looked like the Russian team had everything ready for their victory. If only the would catch the snitch.

Of course, that was when the fate started turning in favour of the Hogwarts' team. Their Seeker kept evading from every kind of physical attack, dodging them so fast that Alec was getting quite frustrated. Then, just as they finally managed to hit her, his eyes widened as he realised what just happened: while falling down, the girl had managed to catch the snitch.

Durmstrang had lost.

A groan left the boy's lips as he sat back down on his seat; they had almost done it, almost win, but the Hufflepuff team had won in the end, showing everyone that even though they had less players on the field, they were still a unit. As people around him were cheering, and other being upset, Alexander decided to leave the pitch. He glanced one last time towards the direction he had seen Lydia before, only to see her cheering and exulting happily. He found a small smile appear on his lips, before he could stop it, as he looked at her; then he shook his head, and proceeded on his way out.

Alexander has left the thread.

rping as iNPC Maksim Preobrazhensky [x]

interacting with Rudolf Novikov (@Adam Harringtom) and @Heather Blair Moretti, mentions Vyacheslav Preobrazhensky (@Ruby Cazares). closed to interactions.

If dialogue is in italics, Maksim is speaking in Russian.

Holy crap. Was Rudolf... in love?

Maksim nearly had a laughing fit at Novikov's dumbfounded expression as the blonde girl in front of them spoke, clearly entranced by the girl's appearance. "Pull yourself together," Max whispered under his breath to his classmate, "She's no veela." Noticing that her hand was still extended for a handshake, he added hastily, "SHAKE HER HAND." Frankly, he just prayed that the Hogwarts student didn't think Rudolf to be a dunce, or anything, as he seemed to be at a loss for words. Sure, he wasn't talkative like Maksim and Slava were, but he was certainly an interesting enough person to have a conversation with. Grinning at Heather, Maksim gestured for Rudolf to move over a seat, so that Heather could sit next to him. Hopefully, the blond Durmstrang boy wouldn't spontaneously combust if she did, but Max had enough faith in Dolf's ability to keep it together.

His smile reached alarming proportions, however, as Heather brought up his brother. "Yes, my brother Slava is a beater for the Durmstrang team! Him and Mikhailov-uh, that's Kolya, the other beater-are the fiercest team to grace all of Eurasia." Smacking Rudolf in the arm rather over-dramatically as he watched the players soar through the air, he lapsed back into Russian as he said excitedly, "Did you see that? Look at his form! And look at how slow the other team is. We've got this in the bag, for sure."

His excitement grew as Durmstrang scored point after point, rising to his feet with ear-shattering cheers each and every time, leaving Rudolf to talk to Heather. Hopefully, he wouldn't totally blow it...

As he watched Der Niffler get knocked clean off his broom, however, Maksim fell silent and his brows furrowed in worry. "No seeker..." he said quietly, glancing at Rudolf nervously. "The other team's seeker is too good. Novikov, we might lose." Crossing his fingers as his leg jumped up and down nervously, Max bit his lip as he watched the players intently. "Come on, Slava..." he whispered quietly under his breath, hoping that his brother would come through and knock the Hufflepuff seeker off her broom.

But Durmstrang's efforts had been for naught. Despite their wickedly skilled offense game, the Hufflepuff seeker had still managed to grab the Golden Snitch, even while riding tandem. Speechless, Max turned to Rudolf, his eyes wide. "Er... good match!" he called rather half-heartedly to Heather, his smile plastered on and lined by worry. Grabbing Rudolf's shoulders rather roughly, he said hurriedly, "We have to go. I know that you may be sitting next to your future wife, but Slava needs us." ... did he really? Or did Maksim feel an overwhelming need to comfort his brother? To tell him that he'd done what he could, and that it wasn't his fault that they'd lost?

"Sorry, Heather," Maksim said, truly apologetic, "But Dolf and I are going to go and try to find my brother... and our other tentmate. Before they try to set something on fire. Novikov, say your good-byes to your girlfriend and we'll go."

Maksim exits, dragging Rudolf with him.

Apologies for speeding through the match, but as the match itself has ended, figured we could end here. However, I'd totally be up for a separate thread to have more of a meaningful conversation!

Hair | Outfit | Camera Bag

Interacting with:
Maksim Preobrazhensky ( @Ami Procoppio )

Rudolf Novikov ( @Adam Harringtom)

Heather's smile faltered a bit, noticing the lack of reaction Maksim's friend had. Was he annoyed by her? Usually, this small fact wouldn't affect the bubbly girl too much, but after what an eventful year she had, she felt too mentally exhausted to try to make everyone like her anymore. Turning her eyes towards the game for a moment, the Ravenclaw mindlessly followed the quidditch players, flying from one end of the stadium to another, before returning her gaze towards two Durmstrang duo. This time, though, Rudolf was the one to make a move, uncrossing his arms and trying to greet Heather. “Hello,” he replied, a bit curtly, before continuing. "There is an, um, an open seat, if you want to join us."

„Oh, yeah, sure! Thanks,“ the blonde accepted, sitting down between the two boys. It seemed like her initial assumption was wrong; Despite what she'd heard before, that Durmstrang students were all stern and scary all the time, they were probably no different than other wizards- Maybe only prettier.

"Yes, my brother Slava is a beater for the Durmstrang team! Him and Mikhailov-uh, that's Kolya, the other beater-are the fiercest team to grace all of Eurasia." Maksim told Heather, his attention almost fully turned towards the field. It seemed like the boy was really invested in the game- whenever his school scored yet another point, he was quick to jump on his feet, clapping and cheering loudly. But she couldn't blame him for his excitement- judging by how the game played out, the winner was clearly going to be Durmstrang. Heather, too let out small ovations from time to time, mainly because she didn't want to seem upset that the Hufflepuffs were going to lose.

With a sigh, the Ravenclaw eventually stopped watching how Hogwarts was meeting their downfall. Instead, she decided to break the silence that was beginning to prolong to an awkward length between her and the dark-haired, less extroverted Durmstrang student. Turning around to face Rudolf, Heather cleared her throat. “Your school has a great team- I-I mean, I know how hard Hufflepuffs trained for this match, but it seems like they are still being overwhelmed.” Stopping for a moment, Heather fiddled with the material of her dress, a bit unsure about her sudden stuttering, before taking a deep breath. “Anyways, how do you enjoy London so far? I know it isn't the sunniest of the places, nor the hottest, but I think the temperature still a lot warmer than the ones from the North... right?”

Heather didn't even have time to mentally curse herself for how awkward she was being around Rudolf, because suddenly, Maksim turned around to face the two, his expression worried. Moving her gaze towards the game once more, the blonde noticed the Durmstrang’s seeker get knocked off his broom. Goodness, that looked terrible! Quickly averting her gaze, the girl struggled not to imagine herself being in that position, to fall from such heights, and instead decided to look back at Maksim. He was busy talking to his friend about something, probably game-related. Now, with this change of events, it seemed like the Durmstrang's apparent inevitable win wasn't a certainty anymore. And, Hogwarts still had one last chance: The Golden Snitch. If the Hufflepuff’s seeker could catch it…

The next few minutes were spent in tensioned silence, everyone too engrossed by the game to be able to keep up a conversation anymore. Then, Heather's hope turned into reality. With the cheers of half of the stadium, in the background, the Hufflepuffs were announced to be the winning team.

At the same moment their seeker had caught the Snitch, Heather had jumped on her feet and started clapping loudly, but a quick glance directed towards her two new acquaintances made the girl shut up, and soon she found herself slowly slouching back down on her seat. Too happy for the win, the Ravenclaw had forgotten about Maksim and Rudolf, who were obviously hoping (more like expecting) for their own team to get the cup. How ignorant did she become? To get so lost in her own feelings of happiness, that she didn't even notice how sad the boys were.

"Er... good match!" Maksim finally said, smiling. Heather knew it was a forced one- she smiled like that daily. “Indeed! Your team played great, it was pure chance that our seeker caught the snitch,” Before the blonde could say anything else in order to try to raise the mood, Maksim grabbed Rudolf and, telling him something, turned back to her. "Sorry, Heather," He apologized, before urging his friend to say his goodbyes too, and started to drag him out.

“Uh- Bye Guys! I really hope we'll see each other again” Heather hurriedly called out behind the pair, but she doubted that they heard her, over the noise and the fuss from the background.

Now alone, the girl stood up from her seat, deciding that she should get outside the Stadium before everyone else, too, decided to rush to the exit. Even though her day had started quite badly, being left alone by her own tentmates, after all, she could say that she had fun today. Though, the memory of the two Durmstrang boys' saddened expressions made her happiness feel a bit too bitter.

Heather leaves the Stadium, exiting the thread.

OOC: I'm so, so sorry for being this late! Sure, a thread where the three students interact once again sounds great!

Interacting with: @Caradoc Browne
Mentions: Hufflepuff Quidditch Players.

A smile appeared on her lips as she witnessed her companion's excitement. He looked like such a proud dad right now. It was perhaps for these very moments that people enjoyed the sport. The sheer excitement at their team doing well. Hjørdis could not help but smile at the sight. Of course, it did not last very long. The game started off just as it continued - a barrage of attacks. She sighed softly as he spoke about the cheating. Her eyes flickered to the Hufflepuff Keeper. Willow Anderson... A girl that had met with her not too many weeks prior, scared for the game. Terrified that she would be whacked right off the broom. It seemed very likely now.

Things took a turn for the worse as half the team found themselves suddenly falling off their brooms. Caradoc's reaction was far more telling. Hjørdis sat there, her jaw gritted together a little out of reflex for a moment before she regained control. Her left eyebrow twitched a little. The worry filled her heart but she maintained a relatively blank expression comparatively. Three replacements went to the skies and... the game continued. Gripping his arm suddenly as she spotted more bludgers coming towards the badgers.

Hufflepuff seemed to be on the losing side. They were falling out of the sky so quickly and were down to their last players. Hjørdis gripped the drink cup hard enough to bend it, the lid popped off and some drink splatter out - narrowly missing her own clothes, "What the hell is this?" She asked rhetorically. Her tone of voice was full of worry and disgust at the same time. She was horrified that an international game had come to such things.

No. She could not watch anymore of this. Standing up suddenly, she looked down at her companion, "I'm going to check on them," She announced, swallowing as stared at him. He was likely more worried than she was. No, he definitely would be. The game was not over but another Chaser fell from her broom. This was brutal. Most of their team would be in the hospital by the end of the day, it seemed. It did not matter who won or lost to her anymore. This was just... way too violent. There was a reason that she thought Quidditch was far too violent - and this was it. With that, she grabbed her bag and turned to leave.

Hjørdis quickly made her way through the stands, heading towards where the injured players would be taken. She moved through the stands as quickly as she could, making her way through the crowds and down the stairs.

Hufflepuff has won the game... The words echoed in the air, causing her to stop and look back over her shoulder towards the sky. Huh... She had no idea how but... They had survived. That would make them feel a bit better, at the very least. Though it did not take away the physical gain, it might help the mental. "They did it..." She whispered softly, proud of them for getting through whatever that form of hell was. This was meant to be a fun game but... it seemed more like survival. But they did it nonetheless. They had succeeded. They had survived. No, they had thrived. They had won. They had done well.

Outfit of the Day [1] [2] [3]

[THREAD LEFT]

Mentioning @Ruby Cazares as Slava Preobrazhensky

Margo's time had been flying - quite literally. She was perched on the very edge of her seat, so invested in the game that the piece of popcorn in her hand smashed against her cheek and promptly fell on the floor.

And she didn't care!

Never had she thought there'd be a day that she would put Quidditch over food.

But... it was normal for one to hope that their boyfriend wasn't brutally attacked by a cursed chunk of metal, right?

Not that Margo really cared what was normal. She and Slava did what they wanted when they wanted, usually complemented with an unhealthy amount of laughter. They were fire and flame, laughter and sunshine and, honestly, Margo had never felt happier.

Her heart soared every time she spotted Slava's dark curls making a spectacular swerve, and plummeted whenever she saw a bludger speed towards his blue-robed figure. It was the most riveting event she'd ever witnessed, even more gripping than the gnome fight she'd witnessed in her back garden last summer. And to think of the low standards she'd had for Quidditch! She was even considering letting Slava coerce her onto a broom.

She glanced up at the robed figures soaring high above the ground and gulped. Best leave the flying to the professionals. Merlin knows they were good at it. They moved with such grace, such purpose. Especially that one Hufflepuff girl who was so good at dodging bludgers that-

"YOU DIVINE HIPPOGRIFF!" Slava bellowed.

That was when Margo fell off her chair.

She grabbed onto the back of the seat in front for dear life, laughing uncontrollably. Slava had really gone above and beyond. She remembered their first meeting all too well. Their light banter and her... creative recommendations. Never had she thought that he'd actually use the insults she fed him. Oh, how she loved to be surprised.

Tears streamed from her eyes and into her glittery hair. She almost wished she was supporting Durmstrand instead with such a wordsmith on their team. But no. She'd support her school until her last breath, such was her devotion to Hogwarts. Besides, competition was healthy in a relationship!

And anyway, the support she showed on the outside was only temporary. It was on a chain around her neck that showed her true allegiance. The small beater's bat rested on the skin right above her thrumming heart. It was red, and to Margo that was oh-so-relevant. It was the colour that, with the right words, he could make her cheeks flush. It was the colour of their combined buoyant souls and their secret smiles. It was the warm glow they could bring to any room on a rainy day. It was the colour of the sky as the sun set on their first day as an official duo. And finally, it was the colour of their hearts, beating as one.

Margo may have liked to live every minute by the second, but she knew she'd remember this moment for the rest of her life.

---

A grin like a crocodile and a bob like a funny catfish

Roleplaying as Durmstrang iNPC Arjan Oberoi

Stamina: 12 | Evasion: 1 | Strength: 15 | Wisdom: 3 | Arcane Power: 7 | Accuracy: 10
Abilities: Obnoxiously Strong | The Martial Artist | Spell Spread

Interacting: With anyone around him / to himself but loudly enough for anyone to hear.
Sitting in front of: @Dymphna Teague, @Amadea Campbell and @Elspeth Blaine
Sitting next to: @Nico Shymane and @Astrea Soleil Neptune (as Johannes)

His eyes widened as he witnessed what was happening. It seemed impossible. It should have been impossible. There was absolutely no frickin' way that this was happening. The Durmstrang Quidditch Team had... lost? They were meant to be one of the best, how was this possible? The opponents had to have cheated. There was no other excuse. If it was anyone else, perhaps Arjan would have said they were talented or Durmstrang simply did not play properly but... it was Serena who caught the snitch.

He heard his sister's name echoed in the stadium. For Merlin's sake! She would lord that over him for years to come, he was sure. Gritting his teeth, he glared at the skies. This was impossible. She had taken so many hits, she should have not been able to catch that. How the entire team fell for her was beyond his understanding. Perhaps the beaters simply did not hit hard enough. He would have to have a word with Slava about this, teach that kid how to hit better. Because this was outrageous! Losing to Serena of all people?! His school's reputation was not going to take such a hit. There was no way his little sister was better than him at Quidditch. It was impossible.

He would show her. With a renewed determination, he stood up. He would join the Durmstrang Quidditch team himself and beat her next time. There was absolutely no way that he would let his school lose against someone that he deemed weak and unworthy of the cheers that had erupted around the stadium. He was shocked at the results but... as he stared at her falling body, a part of him wondered if maybe he was wrong about her.

For years, she was just his weak little annoying sister, incapable of doing anything right, being a stain on the family reputation... Somehow, she actually seemed fairly decent at Quidditch. Somehow, she had survived multiple hits. Maybe, just maybe, she was stronger than he had given her credit for. Perhaps her strength was not in her noodle arms that paled in comparison to his muscles but perhaps her strength was in her determination to continue and not giving up. Or, you know, catching the snitch. With some curse words being muttered under his breathe in Russian, Arjan chucked the half-eaten popcorn tub that he had stolen from some random people back at them and walked off.

Arjan Exits Stadium

Hair | Outfit | Camera Bag

Santario Exits the Stadium