by Aloy Osiris & Marz Marchant
Lars Stangeland
As we get closer to the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament, I was asked (by Nora.. which is obvious. Never mind) to interview some of the Champions. But, Aloy Osiris (me), duelling champion of 2027, role model, is very busy nowadays, but agreed to interview the big North man with the boat (credit to the amazing Octavia Dechants) – Lars Stangeland.
Now, I know many of you wonder the basics of things; Who would skip on an opportunity to name their son MARS, right? Well, I never got an answer. I don’t think he understood what I meant, but let’s just go straight to the interview!
“Lars Stangeland– wait, I just wanted to say, such a missed opportunity. Your parents could have named you Mars, but whatever– A seventh year Durmstrang student, who the other day was chosen as his school’s champion.. Now, tell me, has this always been your dream? You know, getting picked. As school’s champion.. Out of all the hot all the lads from your school? Like, you must feel special. I felt special too, once, when the house elves gave me the best cereal from the kitchens.. But this is about you, not me.”
- Lars Stangeland sighs, taking his time, clearly thinking what would be the best answer. “Lars is a normal name in Scandinavia..” he told me, though it had nothing to do with the interview. Rumours say that some of the Durmstrang students might be a bit slow in their brains.. But the question is, are they really? You judge him, I’m not your mum to give you all the answers.
- He then adds, “I feel honoured. Great honour. My goal is to make my school proud. All of Durmstrang are capable. But I know I am the most special of them all. Me, Lars Stangeland, big north man that constantly grunts and speaks some weird language unknown to normal people. I am most special, HEAR MY WAR CRY!”
A bit cocky, but whatever.
Aloy Osiris, duelling champion of 2027, role model, smiles. “Even your girlfriend? You think she’s just as capable as you are? Would you, if such an opportunity appeared, give up your place as the champion, and give it to her?”
- Lars (Mars) Stangeland glared at me. The silence stretched, and I noticed that he frowns 98% of the time. “She is more capable than me in some things, less in others. She would not take this opportunity from me, even if I did offer.” I, being the great interviewer that I am (though please don’t call me Aloy from the Owl Post), approached the mentioned ‘girlfriend’. He doesn’t DENY it, you know, and with my great.. Uh.. ‘romance’ skills, I am now 99% sure they are indeed dating. Her name, as many of us have deducted, is Dagmar Gaard. She is the short-haired one with a crazy look in her eye who is always scratching at her face. Please, do approach her in public, and don’t forget to mention this article. Actually no, don’t mention this article, I really don’t want to die.. But do ask her whether they’re a thing or not, I’m genuinely curious.
I nod. “A very Durmstrang answer. Okay, we get it – you’re special. The goblet picks the most capable one from each school. So you /are/ special. When this event was announced in your Scandinavia.. How fast did you realise that you wanted to put your name in? Was that an instant decision, like putting milk before cereal, or did you take your time to think about it? How does that work in Scandinavia? Do you maybe, like, go fishing, and decide your answer based on the kind of fish, or..?”
(Which, by the way, is not a product of my imagination. I read that in The Tales of Beedle the Bard, so it must be legit.)
- Lars once again repeats that his school is the best. I, personally, disagree, and think Elliott is the one going to win. If not, I’m going to lose a lot of money. “We are the best of Durmstrang, with hardwork and discipline. The goblet is ancient magic,” he says, as if trying to surprise me. I, obviously, knew that. “We do not understand it. We do not try to. But I am honoured.” He then agreed with my cereal before the milk metaphor.
At this point the Durmstrang-slowness-in-the-brain annoyed me just a little bit, and I calmly asked him to tell me whether he ever considered not putting his name in the Goblet of Fire, to which he shook his head.
“So you knew. From the start, you wanted to try. The tournament is very dangerous, do you know that? People have died. Which, doesn’t say much, Hufflepuffs aren’t.. Like.. Anyway. Okay.. So, the day of the feast. You’re excited, and all that. And then they call your name. What happened afterwards?”
- “It would be the greatest honour to die for Durmstrang.” He repeats for the 100th time that day, old tale. “This is not a concern of mine. After the calling of names, I waited for the other names.” Lars has a way with words.
“Well, obviously. So that French wannabe gets there, then Elliott, and Emily. They all get to wherever it is all of you met. They probably told you stuff about the tournament, right? Like, what awaits you, and all that. Were you just as excited as before that? Or were you.. Anxious?” I ask, filled with worry for him (not).
- “Gabriel Engstrom was called after me.” He tells me, as if I didn’t know that. “They did not say. It is not for us to know. I felt what I felt.” Truly a way with words, thank you Lars.
“So the first task is very soon, November 21st. According to trusted sources, the Ministry is bringing a bunch of Inferi who are going to attack you repeatedly until a Dementor shows up, and you have to fight them off without your wand. Are you prepared to face that?”
- To that, Stangeland proved himself to be weaker than Elliott Reid, because I’m 99% confident that if Elliott had to face something of the sort – he would’ve beat it. The Goblet picks the best of the best, after all! “Obviously not. But we are allowed a wand.” But what if you lose it, Lars Stangeland? What if the Inferi take it, and start casting spells, like the pixies in Macauley’s class? Bet you didn’t think of that.
“So if the tournament were to come back in a few years, preferably three, what advice would you give the future seventeen year olds?”
- “I would be foolish to give advice for something I did not yet do.” Sure thing, Lars.
I can’t help but roll my eyes.. In a friendly way, because I’m nice and friendly. “Well that’s unfortunate.. I’m sure a champion like Elliott would have had something to say.. Alright. Last question, most important. And I need a long answer, otherwise Nora will skin me alive. Or dead, I don’t know what she’s capable of.. How do you people celebrate Halloween? And Christmas. Traditions?”
- “It is a mixture of tradition in Durmstrang… we do not so much celebrate these things… but we celebrate victory and glory with drinks and loud songs around the fire. Not a big affair, like your feasts in Hogwarts. Always small, and always with the comrades you would die for and who would die for you.”
That would be all for this excellent interview! Thank you and until.. Some other time..?
Aloy Osiris, Dueling Champion of 2027, Role Model.
Gabriel Engström
By Marz Marchant
It was a brisk autumn morning and the Durmstrang ship sat proudly in the calm waters of The Great Lake. The Second Champion of Durmstrang trained by the shoreline, along with the Second Champion of Beauxbatons, Sébastien Roumieux. As the Beauxbatons boy continued on his run, I stole a few moments with Gabriel Engström, Durmstrang’s Second Champion, to find out a little more about his background, thoughts and motivations, just as rain started to pour down (thankfully he was ready with a nonverbal Impervius!).
M: Can you start by telling me what your feelings about Durmstrang are?
G: I am proud of Durmstrang. Our school is firm, but it makes us stronger. There is a deep pride.
M: And what are the noticeable differences between your school and ours?
G: At Hogwarts the professors are very gentle with the students. They ask students to speak often and have events like the Halloween Bash. These are not things we have at Durmstrang. In Durmstrang we are taught to listen and respect. I think there are some students at Hogwarts who could benefit from a time in Durmstrang. They should respect their professors.
M: And on the faculty of Durmstrang, could you describe your Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress?
G: Headmaster Golovin is a very spirited man who is very proud of his students. He is always pushing Durmstrang students to be their best. Deputy Headmistress Óðrvegr is very strong in mind, body and spirit. She is a strong force who ‘guides’ the students of Durmstrang. I carry a respect for both, as all Durmstrang students do.
M: Gabriel, how does it feel to be Second Champion? What does it mean to you and what are your thoughts on Lars Stangeland?
G: I am the only son of my father. All I desire is to bring honour to Durmstrang and the Engström name. The goblet selecting me for Second Champion earns me that honour.
Lars Stangeland is a very brilliant student. There is no doubt why the goblet has chosen him. I am honoured to be his Second. I have every faith Lars will win the Triwizard Tournament. There is no doubt. We Durmstrang all believe in him.
M: Do you have a nickname?
G: I do but only my closest friends are permitted to use it.
M: What do those who know you best say is your best feature/quality?
G: According to the Headmaster Golovin my best feature is that I dress well. I do assume it was meant as a compliment.
M: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
G: Why would I go anywhere? I am a Durmstrang Champion. This is the most important place to be. I want to be here to see Lars win the Triwizard Tournament.
M: What is your dream job?
G: I want to stand for my country in the International Confederation of Wizards.
M: What is one thing that annoys you?
G: Telling people about myself.
M: What is one of your quirks?
G: I have no quirks.
M: Describe yourself in 3 words.
G: Strong
Loyal
Passionate
M: What is your morning routine?
G: I workout. Weights and running for a strong body and classes for a strong mind. Exercise is important for both.
M: If you were famous what would you be famous for?
G: I will be famous for being the second champion to Lars Stangeland, the Durmstrang champion and winner of the 2027 Triwizard Tournament.
M: What is your favourite traditional food from your homeland?
G: If we can, I would choose not to answer this question. It seems… dangerous.
M: What is the first thing you notice about someone when you first meet*?
G: I don’t think about these things. I do not know this answer. Their uniform? Their clothing? Their eyes, perhaps? Eyes are very important.
M: Are you single*?
G: Yes. I am single.
*I was asked to ask these questions! And, no. Gabriel was not amused.
