Future Triwizard Champion

noah falk FUTURE TRIWIZARD CHAMPION The name's Noah Falk, don't forget it. I'm the 17 year old from Durmstrang that you're about to spend all year watching win the first Triwizard Tournament in over twenty years. We're at Beauxbatons and I don't have the home school advantage, but have you seen those girls I'm up against? They don't stand a chance against this guy. Their schools don't even have dragon stables, how lame is that? I'm gonna make Durmstrang proud and take home the prize at the end of the year - and maybe meet a few cute French girls while I'm at it. Triwizard Tournament 1x1 RP

[noahfalk]

CUP OF CHAMPIONS → NOETTE

[juliettemajor-blog]

[It hadn’t taken very long to warm up to Noah Falk. Sweet, interesting, and a good conversationalist, she was quite glad to have him sitting by her side as the Cup’s choosing ceremony began. She was already very certain that either Chloe or Valentine would end up represent Beauxbatons, and Hogwarts had their top two front-runners as well, but Durmstrang was the most up in the air. She knew how much he wanted it, and seeing the other larger Durmstrang students who looked like they could eat him up for breakfast and poop out her, she knew it must be very stressful. As the Headmistress stood, so too did Juliette, putting a gentle hand on Noah’s arm and rubbing it lightly, comfortingly. Lightly and comfortingly, that’s how she tried to do everything. She leaned in closer and whispered gently.] “Good luck, monsieur. I’m rooting for you.” 

[It didn’t take long at all for the cup to glow brighter and brighter, until it shot a piece of parchment straight up into the sky, flitting back to to the waiting Headmistress’s palm. Her grip on his arm tightened as the Headmistress cleared her throat:] “This year’s Hogwarts Champion is Dawn Sommers.” [Juliette recognized the light-haired girl who stood proudly among her peers, her green tie standing out. She was one of the Hogwarts favorites, and she looked not surprised at all. She looked expectant, entitled, and ecstatic to be walking out of the room.] 

[noahfalk]

[Conversation normally came easily to Noah, but as Juliette wished him luck, his tongue felt heavy and his jaw locked. He’d been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever, and it could all be over in the blink of an eye. He just stiffly nodded, trying to smile at Juliette but sure it came out as more of a grimace. It was a good thing that she didn’t need to be wished luck; he didn’t know her friends well enough to feel bad not passing his well wishes on to Valentine, or whatever the bloke was that Juliette had thrown her support to was. Noah’s nerves were completely frazzled as they did the Hogwarts champion drawing first, and he watched as a girl they’d all predicted would be chosen scamped up onto the stage and disappeared into a chamber off of the main hall.]

[Now it was Durmstrang time; the home school would be chosen last, so at least Noah’s wait was short now. Still, Hogwarts had fed right into what was expected of them -- and Noah knew that his name hadn’t been tossed around much as a top contender for Durmstrang. He was a Falk, but that was really all he had going for him. And then, the Beauxbatons Headmistress pulled a paper out, and Noah thought he stopped breathing as he waited to hear the name.] “Noah Falk.” [He was frozen in place, her words not quite sinking in, but when people glanced in his direction, he jumped up, fistpumping and giving Juliette a half hug as he walked up to the stage, still in a daze.]

[noahfalk]

CUP OF CHAMPIONS → NOETTE

[Noah sat at the center table in Beauxbatons’s dining hall, Juliette next to him. She’d been very gracious about helping him settle in and learn his way around the castle, and tonight, he was hoping her presence could bring him the good luck that he needed to become the champion he so desperately wanted to be -- both to prove himself to his family, and to get the money he needed to go off on his own after he’d done so. All night, Noah kept shuffling food from one side of his plate to the other, periodically glancing at the glowing cup in front of the room. Finally, when the Beauxbatons Headmistress rose from her seat, Noah stood up straight, elbowing Juliette gently to make sure she’d seen, too.] “I guess it’s finally time.”

@juliettemajor

[juliettemajor-blog]

If you’re as entertaining with the music as you are just in person, I dare say you run a great chance of success. You could say they’re supportive; they keep trying to secure me a job already, talking to their art collector friends and whatnot, but I’d really rather be an art teacher, which they think is a…simple job, to say the least. It doesn’t really matter, I suppose. Let’s hope you don’t have to start planning a plan B. Arthur isn’t the competitive sort; most of my friends aren’t, except for Valentine. Competition really isn’t our idea of amusement. Just focus on the positives because I guarantee those abound.

Governments do seem to drain the creativity with all their hoops and limits and regulations; I wouldn’t want an adventurous soul such as yourself trapped behind a desk anyway. I’ve tried drawing cartoons, and I actually rather love them, but my parents are sure that realism is what will sell more, and as for a backup career, I know my parents aren’t going to let me fail at art. Muted could also mean other things; sometimes when you keep colors dull, something else shines through, the essence of the picture. 

[noahfalk]

Hopefully my charm can carry over to schmoozing the record label executives of the world, or winning favor with audiences, but only time will tell. That’s cool of them, though, that they want to make sure your art gets seen and appreciated. You could always do both, you know. Sell paintings to galleries in your free time and teach by day so that kids everywhere can learn to share your talents. Then I guess unless one of the tasks involves guitar somehow, I won’t need to worry about that, huh? You don’t need to tell me to do that twice. You make it quite easy, really.

If I were to get stuck at a desk, I think I’d need to order one of those Muggle contraptions where I can ride a bike underneath my desk to keep moving all day long. So you’re going to let them control what type of art you do? I guess at least they’re letting you pursue your passion, even if it seems like they’re narrowing your options more than they should. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I guess it’s no different than the way music swells to accentuate certain sections.

[noahfalk]

juliettemajor:

That’s a risky plan, Noah! They wouldn’t actually cut you out, would they, for making music? I shouldn’t sound too surprised, I suppose, I know families that would cut their children off for less, but I’m so sorry. I am really hoping that you find a way to get enough to support yourself, Tournament or otherwise. Oh, absolutely! You should definitely meet. He loves meeting fellow musicians. I know, it’s my only flaw.

Interesting as in possible future competition for you? If you do get sucked into that corporate world, at the very least you have enough interesting ideas to add something to their very typical stew of monotony. I like the cartoonish quality a lot - as someone who loves art because of how it can take me away from reality sometimes, I like the reminder that art is a completely different world. Most of his works are that bright, yes, and all completely worth hanging on the walls. Mine are much more muted in comparison but I like them all the same. It’s a very diplomatic skill, is it not? 

I won’t know for sure until I try, I suppose. I’ll be boldly going where no Falk has ever gone before... the entertainment industry. So your family’s supportive of your art, then? It must be nice to not have to hide that part of yourself from them. If for some reason the Goblet of Fire doesn’t call my name out I’ll start working towards a plan B, I suppose. He does? Cool! I mean... that’s just nice of him, to not be threatened by someone else who shares his talents. Only? It’s good to know I shouldn’t be waiting to see if any other flaws crop up, then.

Considering everyone’s possible future competition, yes, that too. Hopefully I can expand my creativity that far, but I doubt it’s as easy to execute as it is to imagine. Governments always seem to have so many hoops to jump through that just seem unnecessary. Have you ever drawn your own cartoons? Muted makes you seem like you’re sad, mademoiselle. It is. Maybe if art isn’t the career for you you’d make an excellent unique kind of corporate employee yourself.

[noahfalk]

juliettemajor:

Undoubtedly so, monsieur. It’s more than a hobby, though? Are you ever going to tell them that? Because, and I hate to disappoint you, there aren’t that many other opportunities like the Triziward Tournament after school ends to make them proud in this fashion. I like athletes and academics just fine, but I find it harder to relate. My best friend Arthur is what you would call a nerd, but he’s also the finest guitarist I’ve met, and that’s how he and I started talking in the first place; I have an artsy soul, what can I say? Thank you, I’m oh so grateful for your time. I won’t tell anyone of your egregious turncoat tongue.

How adorable - what if you follow in your ancestor’s rumoured footsteps and take a Hogwarts girl under your wing? I’m hoping you pick up a Gryffindor - she’d need to be brave to put up with you. Our schools are too stuck in their ways, regardless of how cool that would be. I like my hearing just fine as is, I wouldn’t give it up for anything, not even art. Matisse had some very colorful pieces and they were very cartoonish in nature, but there was something so mature about it underneath the simplicity; I suppose that’s why I like him the best.  Matisse’s “Le chat aux les poisons rouge” was the first painting I chose to hang in my room here and although I like more realism, it’s nice to be reminded that we don’t need to be exactly right to still be real. Yellow with red hair could only be atrocious, but I can’t imagine anything could be atrocious on you! It’s not pawning off on, it’s merely knowing my color wheel!

Well, soon enough I expect I’ll be showing them, not telling them. They don’t really listen when I say it’s what I want to do, but once I graduate and go off actually doing it...  let’s just hope I make my big break before they cut me off from the family money, I guess. I thought perhaps winning the tournament might soften the blow, or at least get me the money I need to survive on my own for a bit since I won’t be doing what they expect from me. Finest guitarist you know? I’ll have to see this Arthur in action, then, since guitar’s kind of my specialty. You really are too kind.

So far the most interesting one I’ve met is actually a Slytherin, but if she’s brave enough to deal with my company, then maybe there’s some truth to the idea that they’re just two sides of the same coin. Perhaps if I do get sucked into an ‘appropriate’ job like our Ministry’s department of Magical Games and Sports, of International Cooperation, I can suggest those kind of changes be made, but I’m sure I’d be met with resistance unless there were brilliant witches and wizards pushing the same things here in France and over in Britain. I see what you mean about cartoonish, but I like it, actually. Are they all so brightly colored? Uh huh... Good job turning an insult into a compliment, that’s an impressive skill to have.

[juliettemajor-blog]

I wonder if superior taste in dragons heightens your chance of being champion. I hope so; a Longhorn fan deserves to make it into the competition. I wouldn’t have guessed you were a musician, merely that you were an artistic soul, and I think it’s more of my own intuition than anything you put out, if that’s any consolation. I haven’t had much luck holding conversations with people who don’t have some sort of art in their soul, guitariste. You’re self-taught? That’s very interesting! I’d ask to hear you sometime but if you end up being Champion I doubt you’ll have much time to play for random Beauxbatons artists. I’ve never had a professor say others need to proof-read for you, but it is a similar concept, oui. It’s hard to look at oneself as an artistic possibility, at least, it is for me.

That’s an excellent point; we wizards are a bit set in our ways, certainly. I come from an old family who’s been in every class of Beauxbatons so I know a thing or two about how strongly traditions can uphold us, which works sometimes but sometimes is a shame. It’d be most fascinating to see other schools in this competition as well, would it not? Not that I’m complaining about housing Durmstrang or Hogwarts, but variety is the spice of life. So long as I get to keep both my ears, the next Van Gogh is a title I’d take happily, even if I’m more of a fan of Henri Matisse’s fauvism personally. Next time go to a museum without your brothers and take your time exploring; there are many hidden treasures all around one at a museum, and you deserve to experience that. I’d want to be a Ravenclaw just to wear blue, à dire vrai. Red matches my hair too much, yellow is just abysmal on me, and green makes me look like Christmas. You’d look nice in any of those color combinations so it doesn’t narrow it down much for you, unfortunately.

[noahfalk]

I’ve looked up tasks from old tournaments and dragons seem to be involved a lot, so my taste in dragons might not boost public opinion, but my knowledge of them could give me a leg up. It’s okay, my family knows about my, uh, hobbies, as they like to think of them, and as long as I’m still doing things like competing in Triwizard Tournaments and making them proud that I have the Falk name. Really? Athletes and academics aren’t enough for you, huh? Ah, but you’re not just a random Beauxbatons artist, you’re the Beauxbatons artist, and my kind tour guide. I think I could make an exception for you. I think ours require proofreading with peers sometimes to make sure that we actually do the work; otherwise, the Headmaster tends to expect them to let certain students slide when they don’t hand things in. But I shouldn’t speak ill of Durmstrang professors, since I’m here to make my school proud, not to slander it.

I’ve heard rumors that somewhere far back on the family line, a Faulk married a Hogwarts student that he met at this very tournament, but I’ve never been able to actually confirm that. It would be cool to compete with Uagadau, the school that started it all -- although all of our schools like to act like they were the first one that mattered, so maybe that’s why they don’t branch out. You don’t fancy having a hole in the side of your head? At least you’ve got the hair to cover it, that’s probably more than van Gogh had going for him. What kind of pieces did Matisse paint? I’m not sure I know the name. Going alone “defeats the purpose of family vacation” but I’ll try to get away. Maybe if I win this tournament they’ll give me a little more slack to go wherever I want. Superficial reasons, but no more superficial than judging an 11 year old off of like basic personality traits, so that seems like good enough logic to me. Excuse you, Mademoiselle Major, you just said yellow is abysmal and now you’re trying to pawn it off on me?

[juliettemajor-blog]

C’est magnifique ! I love the Longhorns - I would argue they’re among the most beautiful dragons, and not just because of that coveted horn. I could’ve guessed that you were an artistic soul. I rarely tend to get along with someone who’s forte is not also creativity. I’ll keep it a secret, certainly, though you should know that, to me at least, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. What do you play? Or do you sing? Oh, well, it’s not that I’m not a fan of the way I look. It’s just that seeing me and being me are two very different things. I never feel like I can accurately capture myself on campus. I’m too picky and too close to the picture.

Beauxbatons has its share of outdated beliefs and nepotism as well, so perhaps we aren’t so different, even if we do value proficiency for proficiency’s sake, regardless of the field, which is probably why you haven’t heard of any preference from us - as long as you do your job politely and proficiently, you’re worthy of adulation. I’ve gotten pretty good at painting quickly - my friends aren’t patient and wouldn’t sit for much longer than that for me, after all. Slytherin and Gryffindor seem very similar to me, to the point where I’m not sure why they’re two separate houses, but keeping an eye on you is something I can certainly manage. Précisemment! Well done, Monsieur! 

[noahfalk]

I’d have to agree. Too many people are biased towards the Opaleye or the Ridgeback and forget how beautiful the Longhorn is. I’ve taught myself a few instruments -- predominantly the stereotypical guitar, which meets mixed reactions, and I sing as well. I haven’t created much in the way of original work, so I try to be versatile in ensembles and fill in holes in the group. Do you think my musical inclination is so obvious to everyone else as it seems to have been to you? That sounds very similar to nitpicky professors who insist that a friend needs to edit your essays for you, since things need a fresh set of eyes? I’d never believed them before but perhaps there’s some truth to it after all.

That must be the Wizarding world as a whole, then. You know, the Triwizard Tournament in general shows the unwillingness for change; there are plenty of other schools outthere, but they never make any effort to have international competitions with them. You could be the next van Gogh -- I’ve heard he created an almost insane number of paintings in his final years, multiple paintings in one day, even. We were in Amsterdam once on a family vacation but my brothers weren’t interested in visiting the museum, though, so I don’t have confirmation on that front. It’s convenient that they’re all still wearing their house colors even now that they’re here, then; it makes it easy to spot the divides in their ranks and look for distinctions. I like being precise.

[juliettemajor-blog]

What kind of dragon do you think I could handle, given the very little you know about me, of course? I’m just curious as to what someone who knows dragons would think. Stress is an unfortunate evil constant in life, Monsieur Falk. I try my best to avoid it but it always creeps onto me - I’ll dedicate myself to my portraits of the Champions when they’re chosen, that’s always a good stress-relief. If it were my name coming out of the Goblet? Mon dieu, that’d be a nightmare, and not just because competing seems highly stressful, but because I hate self-portraits. 

Creativity is my forte, absolutely! I wouldn’t say that arts and music are first or second place to anything else here; it’s more that if you’re good at something, remarkably so, and you dedicate yourself to it, everyone respects you for it. I haven’t paid enough attention to know what’s most popular or not, though, since it’s hard to tell when I’m only surrounded by the same squad from day to day. I’m a quick painter, you probably wouldn’t be needing to pose for me for longer than half an hour and I could have a working outline. Which Hogwarts home would suit me best? Perhaps Ravenclaw? If artistic intelligence counts, then I have that in the bag. What about you? I see you as a Slytherin, perhaps, or a Gryffindor. Here’s another French phrase: “C'est bien.” Take your best guess.

[noahfalk]

For your first ride? I’ll give you an upgrade from the Swedish Short-Snout and the Welsh Green and say that I think you could start out with a Romanian Longhorn. I try to deal with stress in my own ways so that it’s at the lowest possible level, but you’re right, it creeps up no matter how hard you try to keep it at bay, Mademoiselle Major.  I actually find that artistic stuff is what helps me alleviate stress as well, although I tend to lean towards music rather than visual arts. It’s secondary to athletics, because obviously Falks have to prioritize athletics, but I’m in a couple of Durmstrang musical clubs. I don’t think anyone’s going to really respect that when I make my big for champion, though, so do you mind maybe keeping it to yourself? Really? You seem like you’d be a fine subject for a painting, even if you were the one creating it.

Our schools are very different, then. Durmstrang students are prized on strength and their ability to abide by outdated beliefs, although they might coast by on merit of family name. Hogwarts seems to specialize in Quidditch, but I don’t know that I’ve heard a clear preference for anything from my limited interactions with Beauxbatons students. Half an hour? I can certainly sit still that long for the benefit of you creating your next masterpiece. I’ve heard Ravenclaws are quite creative, so that might be a safe fit for you. Are Slytherins and Gryffindors not just two sides of the same coin? I guess you’ll just have to watch to see if I’m more cunning or reactionary so you can decide between the two. It’s good? Is that guess anywhere close to correct?

[juliettemajor-blog]

That’s incredible! Actually racing a dragon is very, how you say, hardcore? Knowing that Durmstrang isn’t going to be a saboteur is good but not good enough - it’s Hogwarts I’m more worried about. We’re just about tied for the amount of wins in this tournament and after everything, I’m worried at the lengths they’d go to to protect something good of theirs. I try not to worry at all actually, I suppose the competition is just stressful already? Mon dieu, I can only imagine how I’m going to be when Valentine goes into the ring. I’m officially hoping for Chloe, that settles it.

I don’t need any extra money; painting is just something that I do, particularly when stressed out, so I might need the outlet. Do you think perhaps the Champions would agree to letting me do a portrait of them? Or is that hoping for too much admist all their training? I don’t know what to make of their little house system except that it seems very…cartoonish, does it not? Well done! See, you already know more than you think! 

[noahfalk]

Depends on the dragon. I’d like to think I’m hardcore, but the little kids prefer to ride on the Welsh Greens, I think anyone can handle those. I don’t know, I guess it depends which champion gets the title. I can’t really see a Weasley sabotaging anyone when their family’s already under so much scrutiny all the time, but maybe the judges will be biased in their favor, too. Stressed out and you’re not even planning on competing? Bloody hell, I can’t even imagine how you’d be feeling if your name were the one coming out of the goblet. Here’s to hoping that you don’t have to deal with being a competitor yourself, and that your friend doesn’t get the glory of being a champion for your peace of mind.

So you’re into creative stuff... Cool. Do people around Beauxbatons like that kind of stuff, or is it like at Durmstrang where music and art are always sort of second place to athletic stuff? Depends, how long do I have to sit still for a portrait? That would definitely be something a lot of the champions of the past can’t say they’ve had done of them, so I could probably make it work for you, at least. Cartoonish is another good word for it, although out of curiosity, which of their houses sounds most like a Hogwarts home for the mysterious Juliette Major? All right, all right. Hit me with another one, see if my good luck stands. 

[juliettemajor-blog]

And I thought the sun set early here, mon dieu! What sort of activities are there that can keep people busy at your school? Do you actually have a dragon racing club, or was Arthur making things up? Your connections give me a bit of peace, but not really. After all, malfunctions always happen, creatures are hard to control, and saboteur competitors are capable of horrible things. Perhaps I’m too protective of my flock of copains but if something happened to them, I would probably kill whoever was responsible and ruin my chances of becoming a teacher by going to jail don’t know what I’d do.

I’ll keep the slogan to myself unless the opportunity arises to use it and paint a sign for it and sell it to Durmstrang students for far too much money, don’t worry. Oh, Victorie Weasley. That makes a lot of sense, I don’t know why I didn’t put two and two together myself. So either way it’s looking like a girl champion from Hogwarts? That’s excellent, girl power! And since her mother went to Beauxbatons, I’m sure many of my peers would be excited to see Victorie in action as well as Chloe or Valentine. Magnifique! If you can guess what that means, it’ll bode well for our French lessons, some people are more adept at tongues than others.

[noahfalk]

Dragon racing’s my favorite for sure, but there’s also the standard stuff -- Quidditch, singing with frogs, dueling, potions club. I’m in a couple of those. Well hey, if you’re still needing more peace of mind, I can help you cross number three off that list of yours. Durmstrang’s the school that’s got the rep for Dark Wizards out of the three of us, and I can promise I won’t be sabotaging my opponents, even if by some miracle they’re totally kicking my ass. Too protective works; do you always worry this much?

You’d paint the sign for it? Are you just resourceful and looking for any chance to make some extra money, or is painting something you’re interested in on a regular day? Unless some guy comes out of nowhere and gets the title, yeah, it sure seems that way. I wouldn’t count them out, though, I’ve heard that one of their houses is entirely made up of sneaky people who surprise you at every turn. Their houses seem so exaggerated that I really thought they were fake for a while, but they swear that’s really the way it is there. Magnificent? Because if I got that wrong, you might want to go ahead and give up on me here and now. 

[juliettemajor-blog]

It’s amazing that they haven’t learned by now from other people’s mistakes that an Aging Potion simply doesn’t work in these scenarios! And yes, I’m good at fencing now, but back then I was just a beginner and he wasn’t. Holding true to our hashtag, we do have a fencing team - we have quite a few clubs, actually, because we like to keep busy. Mon dieu, absolutely not; my friends are very precious to me and though Valentine might be up to the task…I adore them all, I really do, but even if it’s merely a fraction of dangerous as they say it is, I don’t know if I’d be able to watch. Can do, Monsieur Falk!

I’m good friend with Valentine, and Chloe and I get along on a semi-regular basis; I could introduce you to both of them on our tour of the school if you’d like. I feel like they’d both like your spirit, though prepare to be completely trash-talked about your interest in the Tournament. Elisabet Vinter? I can already see the ‘Vinter is the Vinner’ pins that everyone would undoubtedly wear should she get the honor. You’ll have to point her out to me, because I’m not sure if I could detect a ‘death stare’, as you say, on my own. I haven’t been listening to the gossip from Hogwarts, who’s their favorite to win? You should regret not knowing French, it’s a beautiful language. I could teach you a few phrases here and there, until you’re too busy with your tournament, of course. 

[noahfalk]

You’d be amazed -- I share a room with plenty of guys who buy into the ‘but maybe I’ll be the person who finally gets it right and gets different results!’ mentality. Natural talent and beginner’s luck are things that happen sometimes. That’s what I’m hoping for in the Triwizard Tournament, at least. We like to keep busy at Durmstrang, too, although there’s not always a whole lot of daylight to keep busy in. That’s probably one of the only thing that would have made me think about going to a different school. That and people not knowing my family’s name. My dad’s got a friend who works for our Ministry’s Department of Magical Games and Sports, he swears they’ve actually taken measures to make sure nobody gets maimed this time, if that makes you feel better.

That seems like a fair trade; you show me Valentine and Chloe, I’ll show you which one Elisabet is, and you promise not to tell them the Vinter is the Vinner slogan until after the goblet calls out her name. I wouldn’t want it being biased towards her just because her name’s easier to play on words with. Their favorites are some girl named Dawn -- I didn’t catch the last name, but she seems like their backup choice anyway -- and Victoire Weasley. I guess she’s the only person related to the famous Harry Potter who’s actually the right age right now, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she got the nod at all. I mean, the last champion’s her uncle and a war hero? Even I’m shaking in my boots a little. Well who could say no to an offer from the world’s best tour guide and language teacher? Definitely not someone with manners as impeccable as mine. 

[juliettemajor-blog]

Oui, of course he is. Everyone who’s anyone is putting their name in the Goblet, though Arthus is far more likely to end up hosting the gambling ring instead of actually competing which is a good thing, since I could beat him at fencing when we were twelve and I just don’t think he could handle it; mon dieu, it’d be terrifying seeing him out there. When has a man ever gone wrong with the word ‘beautiful’? It’s the generally-accepted term, I guarantee you. You’re in for a treat, Noah Falk, future Durmstrang Champion. 

If you do a good job, I’ll give you a good recommendation! Wow, that was the most blatantly self-serving and least subtle question I’ve ever seen in my life. Since you’ve been so forthcoming with me about your odds, I may as well tell you that among my peers there are two favorites as for who might become Champion. Valentine Leblanc is one of my best friends, and one of the strongest boys on campus. Star swimmer, fencer, Quidditch player, and his grandfather competed back in the day. Of course, he only holds a candle next to Chloe Flamel, descendant of Nicholas Flamel and total super-star. If she’s not the Champion, a lot of people are going to lose a lot of money. It’s not like I’m spilling secrets that you wouldn’t overhear if you knew French and besides, what kind of tour guide would I be if I didn’t give you the inside scoop?

[noahfalk]

I hear every year there’s some kid who thinks that an aging potion will get them across the line; I can’t wait to see what the goblet does to those kids. Maybe you’re just really good at fencing -- are you on the team? Do you guys have a team? I heard some Hogwarts kid at breakfast saying that they don’t even have a consistent dueling club because of “chaperone issues,” but we already established that Beauxbatons is the superior school, so I’m sure you can do better than that. Does that mean you don’t want to see your friends out there fighting for a trophy? I doubt it’s as dangerous as they make it all out to be. Then beautiful it is, Miss Major. Make sure to show me your favorite part of the castle.

On the off chance I’m not the champion, this could totally just be satiating my curiosity and not helping my cause... But it’s probably helping my cause. So I’m up against a legacy, or someone with a name that precedes her. I’ll have to make a point to try and meet them sometime. I suppose since I asked for one name and got two, it’s only fair if I tell you that there is at least one other person from Durmstrang with potential. If for some reason, you don’t hear Noah Falk when they call out the Durmstrang champion, then I’d listen for the name Elisabet Vinter. She’s top of our year in coursework and she’s mastered the art of the ‘death stare’ -- I think that’s what they call it. You’re right, though, it’s definitely not spilling secrets; I already figured out who the top candidates from Hogwarts are just by walking by people gossiping in the halls. You’re making me regret not knowing French more and more.

[juliettemajor-blog]

I wouldn’t expect you to turn traitor on your school, so I’m more than content with #beauxbatonsdoesitbetterthanhogwarts, for now. Oh, Mikael Falk? My friend Arthur is a bit obsessed with him, but he’s obsessed with anything he can bet money on in general so if you do become Champion, I could easily see him betting money on or against you instead. Even though I could choose to be offended that my beauty and talent isn’t obvious enough for you, I also think you may have earned the VIP tour by being so sure of your ‘very important person’ status - we think, therefore we are - and so I volunteer to be the one to show you around, Monseuir Falk. 

Compared to a pro Quidditch player and a dragon racer, who isn’t a bit ‘shrimpy’? But yes, I suppose we could both take it upon ourselves to figure out the adjectives as we go; it’s more fun that way, anyway. Were that I could be a one-woman show. It’s actually an unofficial committee of sorts, comprised of the aforementioned beautiful and talented Beauxbatons students who want to make sure that you all feel welcomed here. A few of the others may also be scoping out the competition and trying to put in early bets as to who the champions from the other schools will be, but I’m not at liberty to spoil their fun by divulging more information.

[noahfalk]

The one and -- probably not only, since it’s a pretty common name, but the only one that matters. Is your friend Arthur entering this tournament, too? I gotta size up my competition here, although you’re making him sound more like he’d be the guy hosting the gambling ring than the guy putting his name in the goblet of fire. Hey, girls are tricky creatures. I personally think beautiful’s the way to go, but everybody’s got their preferred adjectives. Well all right then, it sounds like it’s going to be a good day, Juliette Major, supreme tour guide.

If I do a good job I might have to put detective on the list of careers I could fall back on, I’m sure the Swedish Ministry needs top-notch investigators on their payroll. Since it’s more fun doing something different than Peter and Mikail, of course. So pretend for a second this isn’t a totally self-serving question... Is there any talented, beautiful Beauxbatons student who stands out as the favorite to get the title of Champion? Or is it still anyone’s game at this point? I’ll even be good and not ask for a name, although you do already have the means to get the inside scoop on the future Durmstrang Champ right here.

[juliettemajor-blog]

You can start a hashtag now, #beauxbatonsdoesitbetter, because it’ll be true all of the time. A family of athletes? Anyone I might’ve heard of, Mr. Right Place, Right Time? Or are you destined to be the most famous of your clan? Crepes and golden palaces aren’t enough for you? Well, we have some of the most beautiful grounds in the world - you really ought to get the grand tour. We also have many talented and beautiful students who might make good friends and keep you very entertained for your time here.

Bragging about what my other adjectives are doesn’t quite fit the polite hostess persona either, though I might consider sharing my adjectives if you’d trade with what people say about you. I’m the completely opposite of fiery, don’t let the hair fool you - in fact, here’s one adjective of mine for free: demure. But I’ll gladly be the official Beauxbatons welcoming committee, particularly if my job is to continually welcome such nice faces as yours.

[noahfalk]

#beauxbatonsdoesitbetterthanhogwarts. The jury’s still out on how you fare against dear old Durmstrang. My brother Peter’s a favorite to make the Nordic National team for the next world cup, and my brother Mikael is on the dragon racing circuit. I’ve still got a chance, though. This Triwizard thing could totally tip the scales in my favor. I don’t want to seem too easily impressed, then I might not get the VIP tour. Is one of those talented and beautiful students you?

Is it still bragging if I’m asking? I don’t know, the inside intel on Noah Falk might ruin my street cred when it comes to winning this tournament. I mean, I could tell you that my brothers call me the shrimpy one in the family, that doesn’t really make me sound as tough as I actually am, does it? Demure, huh? That’s a good word. I guess I’ll just have to solve the mystery by myself instead of expecting the answers to fall into my lap. Do you actually have a committee covering the rest of the Durmstrang guys, or are you a one woman show?

[juliettemajor-blog]

Mon dieu! You’re certainly a confident one, Noah Falk! It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well. I’m quite glad that my home was chosen to be the host as well; informative as I am, I know that even those students who don’t end up being chosen as Champions will at the very least enjoy an excellent time here! How could they fail to, with the crepes and such?

I do tend to get a lot of adjectives thrown at me, ‘informative’ being one of them. There’s a good chance my name will go into the Goblet of fire - every eligible Major before me has entered their Triwizard Tournament, so I suppose I don’t want to break tradition by failing to do so - but that doesn’t mean that it’ll be my name coming out of it, which is probably for the best. Juliette Major, future Beauxbatons Champion doesn’t have nearly as nice a ring as your title, now does it?

[noahfalk]

Okay, now that one I had to look up. That sounds a lot nicer than the Hogwarts kid I heard trip and shout Merlin’s name earlier. Of course I am. I come from a family of athletes and though I can’t say we’ve ever had a Triwizard Champion, I’d be willing to bet that’s an unfortunate side-effect of tournament timing and nothing more. I don’t mind being the first though. You’ve got the crepes, you’ve got the golden palace, but tell me, what else should I be looking forward to here, Julette Major?

You can’t just leave a guy dangling here not knowing what the other words are, you know, it doesn’t fit the polite hostess persona. That’s a shame, though; maybe it’s just the hair but something tells me you’d be a fiery opponent to have. Juliette Major, official Beauxbatons welcoming committee seems like a decent fallback title, though.

[juliettemajor-blog]

Bonjour! Welcome to the castle, newcomer! My name is Juliette Major, and it’d be my pleasure to answer some of your questions for you. 

For starters, you do not have to know French to take our classes. While most of our students are from this beautiful country, we do have students from Spain and Germany and Portugal and other regions of Europe, which means our classes have to be accessible for all. Rest assured, you’ll be able to comprehend the lessons. 

Secondly, crepes are definitely offered at every breakfast but you’re not obligated to eat them. I would recommend it, though, since they’re fantastic. Try the banana and hazelnut combination! Everyone loves it.

Finally, our castle was built over 700 years ago, so you have a keen eye, sir. Our castle is big and beautiful and fancy, and if you need any assistance getting around, I’m sure our students would love to help you around. Just ask someone in the blue uniform and it’ll be our pleasure to escort you to your destination.

I hope that you’ve had nothing but a warm welcome so far and that everything’s been to your liking and that I’ve sufficiently answered your questions! Please feel free to ask me or any of my classmates if you need anything else. Are you from Durmstrang or Hogwarts, if you don’t mind my asking?

[noahfalk]

Hey, bonjour, I actually know that one. Maybe I could have been way more of a natural at French than I thought, but I guess the world may never know now. Unless I don’t get chosen as champion and I have a ton of free time on my hands to recruit a nice French tutor... but that’s not going to happen. I wasn’t actually worried about the crepe thing, by the way -- I had one at breakfast the first morning and it was good enough to make me glad we’re at Beauxbatons and not at Hogwarts for this competition. 

Has anybody ever told you you’re really informative, Juliette Major? If people weren’t welcoming before, I’d say they definitely are now. I’m Noah, by the way -- Noah Falk, future Durmstrang Champion. Any chance you might be entering this competition too?

[noahfalk]

So this is Beauxbatons. I should probably be worried about if I’m going to have to eat a crepe at every meal, or how to get around the castle, or even why I feel like this place used to belong to an 18th century royal... But before I put my name down to come here, I kind of forgot to ask the big question: what language do you guys even have your classes in? Like, am I supposed to know French?