Chapter 0024 - Dragon of Echigo

Monday, November 21, 1994

Conference Room 177A

19:29 PM

Percival Ebonwood's POV

"Is everybody ready? Maddie, adjust the spotlight. Remember, this is live and going out so the whole magical world can see it. Pat yourself down, and look sharp. Olivia, are you ready? First, introductions of the judges; then, introduce Ollivander and begin the ceremony. After going through the changes and that stuff," the director shouted as the ICW liaison nodded. "Slowly turn the lights down. Ready, set, action!"

~~~~

"Good afternoon, champions, and all those watching at home. My name is Olivia O'Brien. I was selected by the ICW to be one of the five judges in this historic tournament and a direct liaison from the ICW. Let me introduce the other four judges before we officially start the ceremony. We'll start from the left.

Lieutenant Major Gromov is the former head Auror of the Soviet Union and a graduate of Koldovstoretz. He had been shot into stardom after the successful apprehension of the terrorist 'Red Thunder', Yuri Krasnov, Юрий Краснов. He has kindly accepted our invitation and is now a face you'll be seeing regularly.

Madam Bae Muller: She is one of the most experienced charm masters who is not affiliated with any major institutions. Madam Muller is an advocate of equality for all magical species, and her experience would be most valuable in this tournament.

Professor Tawana Sinistra: Professor Sinistra is the professor of herbology at Uagadou. She has recently welcomed her second child into the world. Despite her small frame, she is a very competent duellist, having achieved the rank of world number two for three years running.

Newt Scamander is the author of the critically acclaimed masterpiece 'Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them', and its sequels. He can be regarded as the father of Magi-zoology and a Hogwarts dropout. Mr. Scamander has gracefully come out of retirement to join us.

Now, let us begin our wand-weighing ceremony. Let me introduce the greatest wandmaker in the British Isles, Mr. Garrick Ollivander. He will be inspecting our champion's wands, looking to see if they are fit for purpose, and then introducing the champions. Mr. Ollivander, are you ready?"

"Yes, let's get started," Mr. Ollivander said as he stepped towards us. "Let's start with you, young lady. Would you mind handing me your wand? Thank you. This young lady's name is Andi Larson, and she is the champion for the Mitford Foundation. The Mitford Foundation is one of the few schools in Europe where you can perform the Animagus Ritual without any legal repercussions. Miss Larson wields a Vine and Veela hair wand. 10 inches and flexible. This combination is most suitable for charismatic and artistic witches, as well as those with a natural tendency for flair. Your wand is in really good condition. All I ask is for you to go all out. Make a spectacle out of your tasks."

"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander," Andi said, and she put her wand back in her holster. "There'll definitely be more colour during the tasks."

"I don't doubt it. Next is this young lady, Kenzie Joelle. She is the champion for the School of Spiritology and Demonology. Your wand? Hawthorn and Veela Hair, 9 ¾ inches, supple. Most suited for witches with complex natures, those who often face internal conflicts but possess great potential. Given the school you attend, I do not find that hard to believe."

"You have no idea," said Kenzie.

"And I do not want to know," Ollivander said before moving on to the next person. "The champion for Queen Maeve's College is our first male champion. Your Wand? Holly and Unicorn Hair, 11 inches, swishy. This wand is best for those seeking to overcome challenges, and it is often used by those who face difficult tasks. You, Mr. Raine, have a hero archetype, and to be chosen by this wand means you have a good heart. Don't ever lose that, no matter how hard the world tries to break you."

"I won't," said Nicholas proudly.

"The first Ilvermorny Champion is Michael Cappelli. Thank you," Ollivander said as he took Michael's wand. "Ebony and Basilisk Fang, 13 ½ inches, rigid. It's not often that you see a Basilisk Fang as a wand core. I assume this is a legacy wand?"

"Yes, it is, Mr. Ollivander," Michael said.

"An uncommon combination. In the past, this combination was used by ambitious and powerful wizards. They often had a commanding presence. Yours's is coming along nicely. Miss Macklemore, thank you. Maple and Thunderbird Tail Feather, 11 ½ inches, pliant. Another unusual combination, but history tells us to never underestimate their wielders."

Millie gave Ollivander a curt nod before he moved on to the next person.

"Daughter of Hiro Nakamura, Hinata Nakamura. Alder and Unicorn Hair, 12 inches, supple. This wand is the usual favourite for healers. That's quite contrary to your family's legacy. It matters naught because you are destined for great things. Next is you, young man. Kaito Yukaghir. Your family is from Siberia, correct?"

"Yes. My family is from Siberia. We fled to Nippon during the civil war. The Nakamura family took us in, and we have served them as protectors since," said Kaito.

"Your wand is quite telling of your story. Rowan and Dragon Heartstring, 9 ½ inches, flexible. It is most suitable for protective and defensive wizards and is often used by guardians and defenders. It is an apt fit," Ollivander said as he moved on to the next champion. "Merlin's tits, It's like looking into a time turner. You have your grandmother's eyes."

"Language," shouted Oliva from behind Ollivander.

"I'm sorry. It's not often you get to see... never mind. This is Yuna Kenshin, a descendant of Uesugi Kenshin, the Dragon of Echigo. She wills a Cypress and Thestral Tail Hair wand. 13 inches and rigid, just like your family tradition. I was not able to say this to your grandmother, but I hope this helps you: Let loose once in a while. It's nice to let your hair down."

"Grandmother never let her hair down, not even for grandfather. Thank you for your word, but I will not take them with me," said Yuna.

"See what I mean about rigidity?" Ollivander said as he looked towards the camera before focusing back on the girl. His gaze lingered on the girl for another moment before moving on to the next champion. "Viktor Krum, a big fan. My granddaughter absolutely adores you. After this, would you mind signing a few pieces of memorabilia for my granddaughter?"

"I don't see why not," Viktor said as he handed him his wand.

"Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring, 10 ¼ inches, particularly rigid. This is one of Gregorovitch's last works. It's in very good condition. Keep it up, young man. Onto the second Durmstrang champion, Miss Stankov. I see you are wearing your family heirloom. 'Shadow and Bones' if I remember correctly?"

"Yes, these earrings have been passed down generations since the early 1100's," Athaliah said as she handed her wand over.

"Cedar and Phoenix Feather, 12 inches, pliant. Intuitive and insightful wizards, those who often call upon their wisdom, are the usual wielders of such a piece, but this wand seems really fond of you. And the third Durmstrang champion, Florentina Abramovich. I've met your brother on two separate occasions. Your wand, please."

Florentina handed it over with very little hassle.

"Walnut and Dragon Heartstring, 11 ¼ inches, hard. This is intended for inventive and strategic minds and those who excel in planning and executing complex tasks. Given your family's recent rise in the political and economical spheres back in your homeland and your brother's reputation, it seems this is the ideal match. However, a word of caution: do not completely fall for power. Power, itself, is good. The greed for power is not so."

"I prefer the more subtle route. Getting my fists bloodied is not my cup of vodka," Florentina said.

"Your family will, one day, become a force to be reckoned with," Ollivander said before moving on to the next champion. Fleur handed over her wand before he could ask. "Thank you, Miss Delacour. Rosewood and Veela Hair, 9 ½ Inches, Inflexible. Your connection with your wand is one of the strongest I've felt. Very few have had this type of connection. Such a feat at such a young is almost unheard of. Congratulations."

Fleur gave a curt nod before the wandmaker moved on. Adrian handed his wand to the old man. "Mister Bohr, you have grown so much since the last time I saw you. Cherry and Unicorn Hair, 10 inches, springy. This combination is most suitable for optimistic and cheerful wizards, and those who bring joy and light wherever they go. The first part, yes; the second, I'm afraid some husbands would like to disagree."

"It's not my fault their wives were feeling lonely," Adrian said before he was nudged by the third Beauxbatons champion.

"This is being broadcast live all around the world. Watch your words," Alexis said.

"Does it look like I care?" Adrian replied.

"No, it does not, but I'm sure your mother would like to have a word with you after this," Ollivander said as he took Alexis' wand from her hand. "Acacia and Unicorn Hair, 13 inches, rigid. Suitable for those who are secretive and selective, and witches with a unique talent or specialisation that sets them apart from the common populace. I'm sorry; I have nothing else to say to you. You weren't the champion I had prepared for. You being picked was a welcomed surprise."

"I was also surprised when my name was called," Alexis said as she placed her wand back in her holster. "There's nothing to be sorry about."

"Thank you for your magnanimity. Now onto the first of the four Hogwarts' champions. The first is the 'Boy Wonder', Percival Ebonwood," Ollivander said as he stood in front of me. I retrieved my wand from my holster and handed it to him. "Hornbeam and Phoenix Feather, 10 ¾ inches, unyielding. Some of the most well known innovators and visionaries throughout history wielded this combination. Do you remember what I said when I handed you this wand?"

"It is often those who shine the brightest who burn the fastest."

"I hope your spark stays a light for a few more decades," Ollivander said as he handed my wand back and moved onto Cedric. "Mr. Diggory, your wand? Ash and Unicorn Hair, 12 ¼ inches, Pleasantly Springy. I remember this one well. Containing a single hair from the tail of a particularly fine male unicorn. It feels exactly the same as the day it left my shop. Good job."

"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander," Cedric said as he took back his wand.

"My favourite niece, how have you been?" Ollivander said.

"I'm your only niece," replied Naomi as she handed her wand to Ollivander.

"So you are my favourite niece, then, are you not?" Ollivander said as Naomi chuckled. "Pine and Dragon Heartstring, 10 ½ inches, slightly springy. All I ask of you is for you to reply to your mother. She has been flooding me with owls. I even found a feather in my breakfast. Someone has to end her madness, and it's not going to be me."

"That's a shame. We aren't on speaking terms. You're going to have feathered oats for a little while longer," Naomi replied as Ollivander chuckled and moved onto the last champion. "Hogwarts' youngest champion is Miss Potter. Your wand, please? Thank you. Holly and Phoenix Feather, 11 Inches, Nice and Supple. It is in terrible condition compared to the other champions. Do you even care for your wand?"

"I sometimes polish it with a rag."

"Merlin, strike her down now. A rag? What is wrong with you?" Ollivander looked like he was having a panic attack. "I will be sending you a wand-care kit, free of charge. I expect your wand to be in better condition before the first task."

"Mr. Ollivander I think that's enough," Olivia said as the camera turned towards her again. "Now that the viewers are acquainted with the champions, we are going to go through a few changes in this tournament. First, there will be two tables: one for your individual tally and one for your team tally. The winner of the individual tally wins the new grand prize. We'll get onto that later. The winner of the team tally will host the next Triwizard Tournament. As Hogwarts has four champions, their team tally will have a 0.75x multiplier, while Ilvermorny will have a 1.5x multiplier. The Mitford Foundation, School of Spiritology and Demonology, and Queen Maeve's College will be one team, while every other school will be on its own.

Second, new prizes. As all of our champions are scions of a noble house or have a fortune to their name, we recognise that the previous prize pool would not be sufficient. There will now be a prize after each task that relates to the task you just completed. We have changed the grand prize to a two grade bump in your final year exam, a guaranteed opportunity for any mastery or apprenticeship, a manor, and a cash prize of 12,000 galleons to be shared among the top three performers. That is alongside any prizes you win after the individual tasks.

Third, format. There will be five tasks. The first task is in groups of three; the second and third are solo tasks, while the fourth is a pair task. The final task will require two teams. It will be those in an odd position versus those in an even position. Some of you may have been observant and have noticed that the Black Lake has been cleared up. One of your tasks will be in the lake, while the rest will either take part in the quidditch stadium or the Forbidden Forest.

Fourth, quidditch. Quidditch will resume as normal, but in a league format. Any student can participate. The team will be mixed and include a minimum of three different schools in the starting lineup. All games will be broadcast live. Fifth, gambling. For those who would like to make a fortune by correctly guessing the winner of this tournament or each individual task, head to one of the ICW approved betting houses. All winnings are guaranteed and have the best odds. Remember, when the fun stops, stop.

Join us after the short commercial, where we will be interviewing the three original champions. Head to Channel One to see Miss Delacour's interview, Channel Two for Viktor Krum's interview, and Channel Three for Mr. Ebonwood's interview. Thank you for joining us, and we'll see you after the short ad break."

~~~

"And cut! Maddie, touch up their make up and get them ready for the next segment."