When the announcement was made that Hogwarts would be hosting the TriWizard Tournament, the entire school was buzzing with excitement... all except one particular Ravenclaw. Tristan found little about it to be excited about. Just like most everything else except for his studies. He was worried about whichever students were unlucky enough to be chosen, but that was about it.

He was mildly impressed with the other schools arrivals. He didn't plan on getting to know any of them, because they would surely be busy with their studies -as he would be- and the tournament. One Durmstrang student, though, happened to catch his interest. He was obviously younger than the other boys, with bright blond hair. He seemed a bit dazed with the overall appearance of the hall. He couldn't help but wonder about that one. He watched quietly as Krum dragged him towards the Slytherin table, and gave a little sigh. Of course they wouldn't get the boys' school placed with them. He'd heard the rumors about Durmstrang, but doubted them a little. Surely a dark school would have been shut down long ago, right?

He kept stealing glances at the Slytherin table, watching all of the new students even though his eyes kept falling onto the blond.

Tristan watched the students from the other schools, Durmstrang and Beauxbaton alike. He didn't usually eat much, and tonight was no exception. He was usually to busy with his books, or lost in thought. Eyes skimming over the Durmstrang boys,, he was surprised to find a set meet his. He offered a slight, shy smile before looking away, back down at his boo and food.

As the Great Hall emptied of students, Tristan packed up his books and headed for the doors, talking to a couple of his younger housemates. They'd come to him for help with part of their charms homework. Everyone in Ravenclaw knew he was best in Flitwicks class, and it was nothing to do with house favoritism. He worked hard for his grades, and loved charms, both in practice and the theory behind them, and creating new ones.

Distracted as he was, he didn't notice the Slytherins next to them... not until he was shoved and told to get moving or get out of the way. He tried to keep his feet, but stumbled into a couple of boys ahead of them- Durmstrang, judging by their uniforms- nearly knocking them over as well. "Sorry..." he said, blushing a bit as he stepped back, looking up at the boy and only just noticing it was the same blond he'd met gazes with earlier.

The flush on Tristan's cheeks remained as the Durmstrang boy addressed him. "Y-Yeah. I'm fine... thanks." He said, fidgeting slightly, feeling a little embarrassed for this to be his first interaction with the foreign school. He shrugged slightly when Viljam asked who'd pushed him. It was hard to tell exactly who it was... At least, that's what he'd tell anyone who asked. In reality, he knew exactly which student it was who'd shoved him, who'd muttered the derogatory slurs about his heritage, and the two who'd laughed. "It doesn't matter." He said with another shrug. "I'm used to it."

(Apologies for my absence. Life's been busy and my muse was apparently comatose. I'll try to be quicker.)

Tristan's year had had the fewest boys sorted into Ravenclaw- a bonus some days. It meant there were only two boys other than himself in the dorm room... and they were both heavy sleepers. It meant that when Tristan couldn't sleep, he didnt have to worry about waking them with noise or lights. And that happened far more often than not.

He had himself wedged onto the window ledge in their dorm room, parchment, quill and textbook all within reach... none of it in use, though. Tristan was too busy lost in thought, staring out over the moonlit grounds, eyes drawn towards the newest feature- the large ship in the middle of the lake. The squid was nowhere to be seen, so it either wasn't bothered by it, or was hiding in the depths. He watched as a few of the lights on the large boat went out, some students must be wanting an early night for all the action the next day. He could see a few figures moving around on deck, just barely visible in the dark, little more than shifting shadows. He could catch a brief glimpse of one lone, still figure every now and again. Pondering briefly which of the foreign schools students it could be. He doubted it to be Krum, or any of Durmstrang's other would-be champions. That left only one... the younger boy he'd been shoved into after dinner. He smiled softly, wondering what the other boy could be thinking of... and himself thinking back on his earlier words, how the Slytherins behaviour wouldn't be tolerated in the other school. What about Beauxbaton? Would Madame Maxime and the professors there tolerate such actions and words? Especially at a time like this... they should be showing a welcoming, united front to the other schools...

Sighing softly, Tristan got up, putting his homework away- thank Merlin it wasn't due til the end of the week, anyways. He headed towards his bed, pausing and glancing back to the window as he reached for his pajamas to get changed. Not tired yet, he grabbed his want and a warm cloak instead, heading out of the dorm and down to the common room. From there, out into the hallway, creeping silently along the corridors and down the stairs towards the doors. He was amazed every time with how easy it was to sneak out of the castle- he'd only ever been caught twice in his five years at Hogwarts. Out of the castle and across the grounds, slowing when he was out of the light cast from some first floor rooms which were still lit with the curtains open. A beautiful night with minimal cloud cover, and a silvery crescent moon. He loved wandering the grounds after curfew... always so peaceful, especially the lake. Calm, almost a perfect mirrored reflection, distorted by the slightest of ripples caused by the ships gentle rocking.

Watching the figure on deck, Tristan saw him wave. He couldn't help but smile and wave back. As the student- he was certain it was Viljam- turned to go in at the call of his headmaster, Tristan went and settled himself near the shore, back against a tree. Casting a quick warming spell, he relaxed, the soft sounds of nature soothing him enough to eventually fall asleep. He woke early, the first hint of sunlight just barely peaking over the horizon. Getting up, he brushed himself off, stretching, before heading quickly towards the castle. It was still early enough that most students and professors would still be asleep.

A long shower and a quick chat with half-awake roommates later found him back down in the Great Hall, ready for classes. He made his way to the Ravenclaw table, surprised to see a Durmstrang student there. It took him only a moment to recognise the stranger, and he offered a small smile as he sat down in his usual seat, across from the boy. He had a feeling that the elves knew where each student sat, for the moment he sat a cup of coffee appeared in front of him. It wasnt often that students were allowed it, but he'd asked the house elves... and they were more than willing to accomodate his request. "Good morning..." He said, giving a soft smile.

Tristan's smile widened just slightly as he gave a nod. "I did... and you?" He asked, curious to know if the other teen had slept well after retreating from the deck of the ship last night. He put some food onto his plate- fruit, scrambled eggs, and toast- and took a few bites. "My name is Tristan, by the way... We didn't have much time to introduce ourselves last night."

"Well. It's nice to meet you, Viljam." Tristan said, offering a smile and his hand for a shake. "I'm not sure which is worse... an overbearing headmaster who treats his students like soldiers, or one who doesn't seem to care about the safety of his students at all... I've been to Dumbledore's office a few times... I could show you the way and give you a hand with your books and stuff, if you want." He offered, unsure if Viljam would accept his help, or get one of his own schoolmates to help.