======Poliakoff======
=====Introduction=====
Poliakoff was a student from the [[Durmstrang Institute]] who visited [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] as part of his school's delegation for the [[Triwizard Tournament]] in 1994. He is a minor character whose presence helps to establish the nature and composition of the visiting [[Durmstrang]] contingent led by Headmaster [[Igor Karkaroff]].
=====Biography=====
Poliakoff arrived at [[Hogwarts]] via the [[Durmstrang Ship]] on 30 October 1994, along with Headmaster [[Igor Karkaroff]] and his fellow students, including the famous [[Quidditch]] Seeker, [[Viktor Krum]]. His name was one of the few [[Durmstrang]] students mentioned by name when [[Albus Dumbledore]] read from a list of the delegates in the [[Great Hall]].
During the Welcoming Feast, [[Harry Potter]] observed Poliakoff from the [[Gryffindor]] table. He noted that Poliakoff had spilled some of his goulash down the front of his robes, an act of messiness that seemed to earn a disapproving look from the fastidious [[Igor Karkaroff]].
As a student of eligible age, Poliakoff presumably put his name into the [[Goblet of Fire]] in the hope of being chosen as the [[Durmstrang]] Champion, though the honor ultimately went to [[Viktor Krum]]. He remained at [[Hogwarts]] with the rest of his delegation for the duration of the school year, returning to [[Durmstrang]] after the conclusion of the [[Triwizard Tournament]].
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
The novels provide no description of Poliakoff's physical appearance.
The only insight into his character is the observation that he was a messy eater, having spilled food on his robes during the Welcoming Feast. This suggests a possible lack of refinement or carelessness, which stood in contrast to the stern and image-conscious demeanor of his Headmaster, [[Igor Karkaroff]].
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
Poliakoff's specific magical abilities are unknown. However, as a student selected to be part of the [[Durmstrang]] delegation and being of age to enter the [[Triwizard Tournament]] (at least seventeen years old), he was likely a competent and well-trained [[wizard]], particularly in the [[Dark Arts]], for which [[Durmstrang Institute]] had a known reputation.
=====Possessions=====
  * **[[Wand]]:** As a [[wizard]], Poliakoff owned a [[wand]], though its characteristics are unknown.
  * **[[Durmstrang Institute]] Uniform:** He wore the uniform of [[Durmstrang]], which consisted of blood-red [[robes]] and a shaggy, fur-lined cloak.
=====Relationships=====
  * **[[Igor Karkaroff]]:** Poliakoff's Headmaster. [[Karkaroff]] appeared to hold Poliakoff in low regard, giving him a look of displeasure for his messy eating habits at the Welcoming Feast.
  * **[[Viktor Krum]]:** His schoolmate and the [[Durmstrang]] Champion. Poliakoff was part of the group of students who accompanied and supported [[Krum]] during his time at [[Hogwarts]].
=====Etymology=====
Poliakoff (Поляков) is a common Russian and Bulgarian surname. It is a patronymic derived from the name //Polyak//, which means "Pole" (a person from Poland). This Slavic origin is consistent with the general understanding of [[Durmstrang Institute]]'s location being in Northern or Eastern Europe.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
In the film adaptation of //[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]//, the character of Poliakoff is played by actor Petar Kyuchukov. He is a background character with no lines. (film)