It's well exciting

[alt_padma]

to have all the visitors here!

That Goblet is well amazing, isn't it? I know at least three people who got up extra early this morning to go down and put their names in before anyone saw them.

Also, we've been getting to know the Beauxbatons students a bit. Everyone's talking about Delacour, she's the utterly gorgeous one (and don't pretend you haven't noticed, Smith!) and how everyone knew she'd be in from the first. Only then someone--sorry, I don't know everyone's name yet--but someone said she'd heard Delacour wasn't going to be allowed, on account of she's part-Veela and all. But anyway, I reckon she's one of Beauxbatons' Headmistress' favourite students so it was hard not to prove she had the proper qualifications.

Justin, it was great to finally meet you face-to-face last night. Your mate JP is well nice, too.

Malfoy, you were sitting next to Krum last night, weren't you? That was a huge surprise, when he walked off the ramp from the ship! Our whole Quidditch side are talking about it. Did anyone even know he was still at school? I dunno if we'd ever have a Quidditch star who's still at school here. It seems like it would be too distracting, doesn't it?

Anyway, after hearing them all talk about the Tournament, I guess there's less chance than ever that one of us 4th-years will make it (and with Krum, obviously, that's going to be hard to beat!) but I still think I'm going to put my name in. No harm, right?

I've been talking with some of the Ravenclaw Corner lot about possible charms to help set up that orienteering course this weekend. Not that I've decided what we'll do! (Since I think some of the older Ravenclaws are thinking of teaming up with older Beauxbatons students to help.) But it's given me some ideas. I suppose we'll learn more after Professor Sinistra gets back from her meeting.

Also, I reckon that some of us better sign up for setup shifts on Friday night, because Saturday morning we'll be busy. Su Li and I are working together, definitely, and--Moon, Finnigan, want to help on our setup?

Oh, and Lav, still no news about you-know-what. I'll keep you posted!

Comments

[alt_draco]

Putting their names in the Goblet in secret? Now what's that about, I wonder. Unless they don't want people to know so that they're not embarrassed when the cup doesn't pick them... But there's nothing to be embarrassed about, really. It's not as if the Goblet will spit out a list of rankings with someone's name at the bottom.

(Though that'd be interesting, actually. I'd like to see where I rank amongst all of those who put their name in, wouldn't you?)

You're right about Krum being a shoe-in, though. Not just because he's an athlete, either - from what I can tell he's plenty clever, too, though not at all a show off about it. He had some old Falcons merchandise that he wants Razzer to sign. That's quite something, eh? Viktor Krum asking for someone else's autograph.

[alt_padma]

That's mad cool, Draco! As if Professor Raz wasn't enough of a hero!

Well, I think the people who wanted to put their names in secretly just didn't want anyone to take the mickey they did it at all. Which is sort of silly, but I suppose if people are shy it's not their fault.

I dunno if I'd want the whole school ranked, really. I mean, there's enough pressure to be in the top of the year as it is. Imagine what would happen if someone wanted to compare you to a 6th-year?

[alt_draco]

It's really more that I'm curious about how the Goblet itself works. How does it know who's the most appropriate champion? What's its criteria? I mean, I reckon the whole reason we use a Goblet and not a team of teachers or judges is because humans can't really be objective, no matter how they try. I guess that's what I'm interested in: an objective assessment.

[alt_padma]

But what if that assessment's not

Yeah, some of us were looking up the history of the Goblet, back when Clearwater said it would do the choosing. We thought perhaps it's like the Sorting Hat.

Turns out it's well complicated, which isn't a surprise really, but there was more to it than we thought. There's all sorts of protections on it to keep it being tampered with, and the Goblet's decisions are considered final, as well.

There's one story that took place long before the Goblet was perfected, about a girl who was chosen and she died of the shock - right then and there! That's when they decided that they'd better make sure the champions are all healthy, sturdy, level-headed and that. So they created the Goblet to account for all those things.

[alt_sally_anne]

I'm really curious, too. Having all the entries ranked -- well, it might be humiliating but it definitely would be interesting.

Private message to Padma Patil

[alt_draco]

Although now that you mention it, it's pretty amusing that the Weasley twins just announced that they put their names in. They're definitely champions at creating havoc, but that's about it.

Re: Private message to Padma Patil

[alt_padma]

Too right! Besides, you'd think they expect to BOTH be chosen as a team!

I mean, Parvati and I are twins but it's not like we have to do everything together, for Lakshmi's sake! There's only going to be ONE champion, they should know that, if they're so clever.

Re: Private message to Padma Patil

[alt_draco]

You and Parvati are individuals even if you're twins, and those two are just creepy. I mean, why do they share a journal and all? Do you think they share Angelina Johnson, too?

Re: Private message to Padma Patil

[alt_padma]

Well, she's the only Gryffindor girl in their year. But the thought of -

Ugh.

Ooh, Draco Malfoy, I hate you for that mental image!

Re: Private message to Padma Patil

[alt_draco]

I rather hate myself, too, if it makes you feel any better.

[alt_sinistra]

Cheers on your initiative, Miss Patil, and I do expect to have some further details on the set-up after Tuesday's meeting. (There's one location in particular where a variety of charms might be handy, in subtle application.)

If you've the time later this week, I'll also be working on charming the actual clue words for various of the activities (since the whole thing leads to a larger clue for the final location). Several of the counsellors are lending a hand, but more wands make faster magic.

[alt_lavender]

Well, here's wishing wishing you luck!