Weighing of the Wands

Headmistress Anais Benoit was looking forward to the "kicking off'' of the Triwizard's Cup. She knew that, symbollically, the weighing of the wands event was more or less the official kick off of the contest itself, beyond all the initial meetings and celebratory events that were geared to build international magic cooperation more than anything else. The real beginning of the "athletics" of it were this--the examination of each champions wand and the determination by a qualified wandmaker as to whether each's champion's wand was, by wizarding standards, a normal wand, but also whether it was in good enough condition that it would be sufficient to serve that champion in the contest. After all, the life of the champion herself in this case would depend on it.

Anais had met with Selene earlier that morning and had talked to her at length in what to expect in regards to her wand. Anais had taken a look at Selene's wand and, by all she could tell, the wand was worthy. If not, buying another was not a problem. Anais would make sure of that. She refused to let something as fixable as the purchase of a wand hold up the tournament.

She rose from her desk in her office in the carriage and took an oversized champagne colored cashmere wrap and wrapped it around her the shoulders of her ivory sweater dress. She brushed a bit of dust off the spike heel of her her pale tan suede dress boots, tucked her wand into her right boot, and double checked her appearance in the mirror. She took a moment to add a long elegant gold locket aroudn her neck and gold hoop earrings. Once she decided she had dressed in a way to show respect to her hosts and fellow visitors alike, she decided all was well.

She left the carriage and went to the Great Hall inside Hogwarts. Already things in the Hall were buzzing with activity. There weren't a lot of people here yet, but those who were here were excited. She looked about to check and see if her students were here, particularly, Selene, but, alas, she didn't see them yet. She took a small breath to relax herself and took her place at the staff table at the seats that were now reserved for the headmasters and she waited.

Danica was really quite disappointed with her peers. They had not given her a party, nor followed her everywhere since her name was pulled from that ugly wooden cup. They had not even offered to spy on the English and French Champions for her. Danica was having to do all the dirty work for this tournament herself. At the time when the High Master of Hogwarts read her name, she'd been surprised, but now she thought she knew why it had happened this way.

For now, though, it was time for the weighing of the wands. From what she had been told, the name for the ceremony made it sound far grander than it actually was. It was just going to be a standard wand-check like the one they made her go through to get into this country (you think there's no such thing as wizarding customs? Think again).

Selene swept into the Great Hall, deciding not to be late or early. She had been called away early, by the sound of it the Weighing of the Wands was very important. It was the start of the competition, the REAL competition was now. Getting a look at the others wands, checking out the competition, a lot is said about a person just by a peek of their wand. If it was roughly handled, they took magic for granted, if it was much to polished, they adored magic a bit to much. Selene's was pleasantly polished, with an ornate pattern around the handle. Headmistress Benoit had already taken the liberty to look over her wand before the actual weighing to make sure it was in top shape, which she had deemed it was. Selene knew that the Headmistress was really betting on her to win, and she wouldn't let her down.

Selene looked around the Great Hall quickly and spotted her Headmistress, not sure whether she should catch up with her or sit down somewhere she decided to stand there for a moment, taking in the assembly of people, and then spying one of the other Champions, Danica Prazak, Durmstrang Student. Selene couldn't see the little Jack Dyllans anywhere, but knew she would turn up, if she wasn't to involved in all of that petty drama that had taken hold of her life recently. Selene knew how to interrogate, and it wasn't to hard to figure out every little detail about the two people she was up against. Selene knew they didn't stand a chance. Jack would be to busy with other things, and Danica.. she was to dependent on others to actually do her own dirty work, she would if she had to, but she'd rather push it off on her friends. They didn't stand a chance.

Carl quietly made his way into the Great Hall. The Minister had requested he come and check out the weighing of the wands. He was truly honoured that the Minister himself would send an owl and ask. He assumed that everyone else knew. He had his journal, as he called it, in the bag around his neck. He also had a quick quotes quil. All the Minister had told him to do was to get some information and interview a champion or two. He looked at the letter he recieved; it was in the Great Hall. So he made his way towards the Great Hall. He could see two students and the Headmistress of Beauxbatons standing there when he made it. Things were silent; they were obviously waiting for something. He opened his bag as he walked towards the wall and pulled out his "journal" and a pencil. He started jotting down some questions he would ask were okay to ask.

He looked up and wondered what they were thinking. Some random man walking in and then started writing in his journal. Then he wondered what the Minister was thinking. Not getting a Daily Prophet reporter to do things. He looked at the Headmistress; she looked at him with a look that said: "What are you doing here." He just looked away; it would be explained soon...he hoped. Perhaps nobody did know why he was here. But he had the letter from the Minister tucked in his jacket pocket for backup.

Jack hurried toward the Great Hall, her bag slung over her shoulder as usual and her wand snug in her pocket, though it felt heavy against her leg now that she was aware of what was about to happen and the importance of its role. She knew this was more of a ceremonial thing, but the fact that everyone would be looking down on her wand, her most trusted possession, stirred some irritation in her about the whole deal. Still, it had to be done, so she would do it.

She walked in. Perfect. Late. She would be the last champion on a day like today. That would be her luck, to show her true colors as a procrastinating slacker in front of her peers and- oh look!- ministry workers. She sent them a grimace and walked over to the nearest wall and leaned against it, refusing to look as though she was stressed and pulling it off quite well. She knew how to act like her life was not going to hell- that was one good thing.

Thaor had been pacing in his office when he realized it was time to "weigh" the wands. This was, as far as Thaor was aware, the first time a wandmaker, who didn't work for Olivanders, was doing the "weighing" at Hogwarts. He considered it a great honor to be asked to take part in this prestigious ceremony.

Thaor threw on his favorite emerald green cloak, and left his office, headed for the great hall. Upon entering the great hall, Thaor realized that the champions were already there. Ah, not too late He thought to himself, as he realized the Minister of Magic was not yet present.

Good afternoon. Thaor said with a nod towards the group of people already in the hall, Thaor took a seat at the staff table, and began to twiddle his thumbs.

Antanas walked into the Great Hall and took a quick look around, a cool, calm look on his face, he had little doubt that Danica would prove successful at not only this small event, but the entire competition. In all reality he was pleased she'd been selected over the others, he could see them now, mingled into the throng of students... yes, he was pleased that she'd been chosen over them, he had half a mind to send his students back to the castle actually.

Arriving at the front of the hall he greeted the assembled, the three champions, the Beauxbatons Headmistress, a reporter and the wand maker. "Good morning Anais," he said, offering her a brief smile. "And... well, i'm afraid i don't know you," he said, "I am the Headmaster of Durmstrang," he offered to the wandmaker and reporter. "My name is Zukauskas," he told the two gentlemen. "But you can call me Antanas," he said to Thaor. "Headmaster Zukauskas for you thank you," he said coldly to the reporter, before looking disdainfully out to the crowd. "Where is Edgar?" he asked Anais

"Good afternoon, Mr. Elldir," Anais smiled. "So very nice to meet you. I have heard many fine things about your wandmaking abilities. Wandmaking is such an art now, it seems. I have fond memories of Mr. Ollivander at the last tournament. I also miss Albus Dumbledore. At least he was never late, as our current host seems to like to be. He seems to be a fine man, but he truly does need a watch, I think."

She began to hear a faint buzz of voices. Someone else was arriving. Someone, apparently of note. She looked up and saw her. She was a woman she recognized from the London wizarding newspapers. It was Britain's Chief Warlock, Khaat Lupin. Anais had expected the Minister himself, but it seemed he had sent his daughter as his envoy.

Khaat didn't like public displays. Not where she had to share the spotlight. That was her father's forte, but he had selected her to represent the Ministry. So, she had chosen a forest green maxi length sweater dress, her chunky tan leather belt, and tall tan boots. She had done her best to look as professional as she could muster.

She had taken a deep breath for confidence before she entered the Great Hall. She walked up to the front of the hall where the other Tournament officials were gathering. She saw everyone but Doyle. Well, for some reason that didn't surprise her in the least. He never seemed to be one who respected ceremony, and it was crossing her mind that they might indeed need to proceed without him. She did not want to overstep her bounds, but if he did not produce himself in the Hall in relatively short order, someone needed to step up and move things forward. And since the Ministry was the event host, it was beginning to look like it might be her. She was hoping that Doyle would still grace them with his presence.

"Good afternoon," Khaat smiled at everyone. "My name is Khaat Lupin. I'm from the Ministry." She checked her watch and said. "It looks like it is time to start. Our host is not here, so I presume he has been detained somewhere.. Therefore, let us begin. Champions, your wands please. Bring them forward. Mr. Elldir, if you please?"

Well well well, back again. Hogwarts was, in all reality, Jess' favourite place to be in the world, it was as much a home to him as his actual house was, of course it hadn't been in awhile, but that was his problem. In all honesty, this was one of the last place he wanted to be right now.

A faint pop announced his arrival in Hogsmeade, out of the protective boundaries, but within walking distance, really the village was a great thing for the school, in his own opinion. Pulling his coat around him he shivered, it was getting colder, and he didn't like being cold, tried his best to avoid it at all times. He'd chosen to dress appropriately, a formal suit with the Ministry's tie, all covered by a black long coat, to keep him warm. Sighing he looked behind him and nodded to a pair of men who'd been standing behind him, this was as far as they came with him this day, if things went awry he would summon their assistance, but he doubted it would go that way.

Continuing in his walk he reached the outer gates of Hogwarts, nodding to the two dark clad guard on the outside, and waiting patiently for them to open before continuing up the slope. Soon he was in the courtyard, a familiar place for him, it was almost automatic, and as much as he longed to go for a walk and look around he knew he couldn't today.

Opening the doors to the Great Hall he walked in, a tingling sensation washing over him as he felt eyes falling upon him, the students continuing to chatter, a few of whom he recognised, and waved to, god it was good to be back, and he'd be enjoying it more if not for the current leaders.

Continuing to the front he saw the rest of the assembled judges, and a few other faces. "Khaat," He said warmly, giving her a big grin and a nod. "It's been too long, you've not been in office much recently; is all well with you?" He asked, before turning to face the other two judges. "Madam," he said, bowing deeply and briefly brushing his lips over her hand and smiling at her. "It's a pleasure, my name is Jess Potter, I'm a member of the Wizengamot," he told her. "And you must be the Headmaster from Durmstrang, Pleasure," he said, sticking his hand out to greet the older man.