The Enchanted Maze Spring Ball '23

Blue in English, Red in Korean

The boy returned her bow, which made Eun-ji think they would go their separate ways but she soon found out that was not the case. “Leaving already? Let me join you!” The witch was utterly confused by his persistence. What does he want from me? Thankfully, before he could follow her too far, another person barged in on their conversation. Well…if you could even call it that, considering how one sided it was.

So, he does have a date. Makes sense. At least, this new face she recognised. “Hello, Monica. Good job in the duel.” Her compliment was sincere. The girl was very young but even when Eun-ji took Starlee out of the game several times, she was able to fend for herself quite well. Shaking her hand and acknowledging her skill was as far as this interaction would go however. The Ravenclaw didn’t plan on sticking around. She had no intention of becoming a third wheel or make new friends. The two were already plenty and now another one joined the group out of nowhere. A first year no doubt. Alright, that’s enough. She stuck around long enough to hear the boy’s name and nickname but didn’t bother introducing herself. Rather she decided to take the opportunity when the rest was busy with introductions to take her leave.

Turning around swiftly, her long hair swung through the air like a charcoal velvet veil. It was getting too long now. Perhaps she should cut it. “I'll let you go for now, Freya! But don't try and leave the ball until I find you again! Or I'll have to go track you down!” The nickname made her pause in her step. A good one, she smiled softly. At this point however, Hiro was facing her back so he couldn’t have seen. “You can certainly try.” Eun-ji muttered indifferently as she started walking away once more. She doubted he would actually follow through with his 'threat'. The Hogwarts balls tended to be very chaotic and he looked like someone, who would be constantly surrounded by people. He’d forget her within an hour or so and if not, it still wouldn’t be easy to track her down among so many people.

@Kim Sato as Hiro Bakugo ★ @Monica Evans ★ @Violet Grace
Action: Moving towards the main ball area
Inventory: Wand, tissues, Band-Aids

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Bailey was not sure what to do, so when a stranger came up to her, a student at Mahoutokoro if she had to guess, she welcomed the distraction from her slight inner turmoil. Bailey had been waiting to see if Kim, or any of her other friends showed up, and were alone - but none had, so she decided to play along with this boy. i mean, what harm can it do?
The boy was dressed in a plain black shirt, some black boots and black jeans - bailey was beginning to sense a trend- and a black leather jacket. He did remind bailey of the bikers in the old American southern bikers in the movies she and her friends at home had watched on several occasions. looks like he's playing a 'bad boy' she thought, containing her snicker. His outfit did not fit the theme necessarily, but it did suit the boy's dark black hair and dark brown eyes, and the cold and almost harsh air he gave off. Deciding to interact, bailey smiled softly and said "do not worry - i catch myself talking in Polish randomly. i do not in fact have a date - i suppose i was just waiting for someone to accompany me into the maze. are you waiting for someone?"
After a pause, a beat of silence, bailey stuck her hand out and said "sorry, where are my manners? my name is bailey - bailey glade, third year here at Hogwarts, member of the house of Ravenclaw. and you are?"
the proffered hand was for the boy to shake if he so chose. Bailey was aware that the customs at Mahoutokoro and in Japan or Asia in general were different, but she would do what she was accustomed to, hoping that the boy did not take offense.

Reducio

Statistics, Abilities, & Items

Stamina: 6
Evasion: 6
Strength: 7
Wisdom: 8
ArcPower: 6
Accuracy: 7

Martial Artist
Calming Presence

The boy whom Roksana bumped into seemed to be friendly. Roksana took a deep breath and looked up, biting her lip. However, even though he didn't seem mad and seemed very friendly about it, the boy talked fast. She could also tell that he talked a lot. Roksana had a hard time keeping up with what he was saying.

Well, never mind the fact that Roksana could barely follow the thread of what he was saying, but it was a pretty long-winded way to say "Don't worry about it". At least Roksana understood more English than she spoke. She couldn't help but say while laughing a bit, "Do all English talk like you do?"

"Anyway, I'm..." Roksana lost her train of thought for a second. "I'm sorry, I don't speak...English that well. I'm Roksana, Roksana Nikolayev Volkov, I...I am from Koldovstoretz. And...I'm a visitor here." Well, that much was obvious. Oh boy. Her tongue was getting twisted again. She really needed to get better at this...

"Sorry, Andy," Roksana apologized again, giving a small apologetic smile and shrugging. "Are you..." She lost her train of thought again. Ahhhh!!! "Sorry, are you...going into the maze? With someone? I am, but...I wanted to find some people to talk to first."

This was the truth, and right now Roksana was simply excelling at it. She was hoping that Andy wouldn't judge her for her severely broken English...and that he also wouldn't talk at 95 miles an hour, please. She may understand more English than she spoke, but she wasn't that well-versed. "Oh, and...thank you. Very much," Roksana added.

Stats: Sta: 6 Eva: 10 Str: 4 Wis: 5 Arc: 3 Acc: 7
Action: Interacting with Andy Menton(Rita Su's iNPC)

Reducio

Waiting on @Rhys Read

Outfit

Reducio

Azzy was quick to get to the enchanted maze, their mind raced, this time they were going with Rhys. The one they originally wanted to go with for the Valentine's Day Ball (But backed out of last second because of insecurities, but who's counting?) They waited patiently. Azzy had decided that since it was outside that they would wear their new black and white platform boots. They had decided on an elegant look to match their black and white hair. As they touched up their make-up, and drew protection runes on some paper and tucked them around the non-binary dorm for Gryffindor, and grabbed their violin, they walked out of the dorm and to the maze. They were praying to their deities that their enemy, one of Rhys' best friends, wasn't there. They couldn't deal with that right now. They adjusted their flower crown, they were going to do a protection spell (Old "Muggle" magic) over them before they walked through the maze. They already didn't like that it had to be enchanted. But they were going to deal with it for Rhys. Who for some odd reason loved this sort of thing-

As Azzy neared the maze, they caught sight of some of their cousins from Galway. Their animagus cousin (whom they had fought before and ended up fighting him in his animal form of a wolf) Jackson, their cousin Madeline, and their oldest 5th year cousin Jekyll. Each one of them looked like their father. While Azzy took after their biological mother. Madeline was the first to run over. "Azzy!! You look amazing! And only a First Year?! I don't believe it! You look like you should be hanging with the big leagues of the third years!" Jackson sighed, shaking his head while walking over and standing beside Azzy. "Personally I think they should be hanging with the 4th Years if they can take me on. Even when I'm a wolf. That deserves mad respect." He said, patting their shoulder. Jekyll smiled and walked over. "Don't listen to these two idiots. You're doing just fine where you are. Good job on that fight with that Pure-Blood dickhead. We knew ya had it in you, baby cuz." Azzy just smiled, getting this from family when they needed it was awesome. "By the way, do you know if one of your little partners brothers is taken? Doesn't seem fair that you get the sibling and I can't have one of the brothers." Jackson laughed at Jekyll. "Jekyll you gay fuck. Leave Azzy alone. Besides. We're probably 'cramping their style'. And understandable because wow! You slayin!" Jackson said. Snapping three times across his chest. Azzy busted out laughing. "You're all goofballs. I'll catch you later when I play my violin for everyone ok?" Azzy said, walking off. "Don't you hold out on us Black Beauty!" Madeline yelled after Azzy. "You worry about ya damn self ya hear Nosy?!" Azzy yelled back. Both boys laughed at Madeline. It was amusing.

They walked over to the entrance of the maze and did the protection spell, they then settled down and awaited Rhys. They had hoped that Rhys didn't forget about them. And they were nervous that they had over did it. Lucky today was dry and sunny so Azzy sat in the moss, spreading their black and white dress out around them so the breeze wouldn't catch their legs. They took a deep breath and fiddled with the Faire Family necklace. A necklace passed down from generation to generation. And today, Azzy would wear it proudly, as they now felt like a true part of the Faire family.

Perfectionist

Date 04/21/23 | Location Grounds | Actions Talking with Ava and Nico

Wis: 6 Acc: 7 Sta: 5 Eva: 7 Arc: 5 Str: 5
@Ava Winchect, @Nico Cirillo

Was he ever coming? She looked up in the sky, hearing the echoing trumpet horns ring in unison. She had probably been tricked again; and rightly so. How could she have kidded herself that anyone would be interested in an Ember? Especially with face pale and hair as black as a blackbird - and the sarcasm of....well, whatever was sarcastic.

She let out a groan inside. She didn't want to spoil the evening with her friend, anyway. Just as she was about to suggest them going in, someone interrupted.
"Good evening, m'lady," Someone muttered, turning around Duvessa found herself face-to-face with Nico Cirillo. Took your time, didn't you, She thought scornfully, but perhaps at heart she was pleased to see him.
"I see you've got company. Care to introduce your friend?" He continued, and Duvessa nodded haughtily.
"This is Aves. Ava Winchect." She said, and interlocked her arm with Ava's. She knew what his reaction was going to be, but was wondering if he was going to show it. It wasn't many that were friends with a nearly murderer, but who could refuse when the girl was obviously warm at heart?

She looked at his reaction and then at the maze. It seemed to be so far away, like a milestone you could never reach.

Permission to godmod Ava Winchect

Interactions closed to @Alec Mason

Opeila had wondered pretty much all day what this year's blossom ball would be like. They were told what the theme would be, yes, but that never cleared up all the mystery, there was always some kind of element of surprise. And of course, of course it would be no different today, the young Slytherin was sure of it. She had been to enough Hogwarts balls- six to be precise- to know that some element of surprise was always kept.

Why did she still go to these balls? The easiest way to put it was... stupid, irrational hope, that she should have long learned would be disappointed. And yet she was going again, in a dress that reminded of a different century, decorated with floral patterns and a plain brown skirt. Yet, one thing Opeila had learned, one thing that usually the first years did wrong- never to wear high heels to a Hogwarts ball. Chances were that one would be required to run at some point. Opeila always had been. So today her shoes were flat once again, brown leather sandals that looked rather plain, but wouldn't fall off her feet or trip her, should there be a need for action.

For once, Opeila didn't wear her hair in any special way. Usually she wore it braided or with some kind of jewellery in it, but today she had decided not to. Her hair was too short to braid it at this point and without some kind of hairdo to fixate it with, Opeila was too scared to lose any jewellery she could put into her hair now. Maybe next ball.
She had also kept the jewellery she wore rather plain. No earrings, rings, bracelets. Only one necklace, a silver charm that she had worn every day since it was delivered to her at a different ball.

Reducio

When Opeila arrived at the entrance at the maze, she stood amazed (Heh, get it?) for a few seconds. This was indeed something new and immediately she knew that she could not just go and enter the ball without her date. Surely this was no normal maze, right?
So she would wait, fidgeting around with the silver charm. The matter of balldates had not been too exciting this time, with everything that went on, it had been kind of a given that Alec and her would go or she would go by herself. So she had asked him. Not that this kind of forced situation spoiled the fun for her, no, in fact she was looking forward to spending an evening with this new friend she had made in such an odd way.

What an amazing feeling it was to visit Scotland again, every single year Theo loved it. Having grown up in a family with a lot of kids and very limited financial means, he had traveled more with his school than he had his whole life before. And it felt amazing indeed, especially if that meant he could attend one of these amazing Hogwarts festivities again. Alright, almost every time some kind of disaster went down, but they always all came out fine the other end, right?

Did Theo's outfit match the theme? Well... nope. He absolutely had no money for another expensive ball outfit, so he had recycled one of his old ones, a white t-shirt with a grey blazer and blue jeans. And he truly didn't mind at all. The brown eyes were looking at the outside world, not back on himself when he approached the scene on the Hogwarts grounds. The scene being dozens of colorfully dressed teens entering what appeared to be a beautiful looking maze.

Theo did not enter immediately, instead he stopped by the entrance and waited. For what? Well, not sure. Maybe for his classmates to arrive. Maybe for some kid in the maze to start screaming at the Hogwarts typical unexpected horror jumping them from a hedge. Everything was possible, wasn't it? Then his eyes fell on something that made him smirk. Was that a sign showing the way to the ball? Were these going to lead them through the entire maze? Were there other, more adventurous ways to get there?

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Selena did not know why she decided to attend the ball. It wasn't as if she actually enjoyed formal events. Dressing up was something Selena had thought she could avoid after going to Hogwarts.

Nana had sent her off with a formal dress which she had forgotten about. Originally, Selena had fought it with the argument that Hogwarts was a "cool place with magic stuff and not a stuffy old tea parlor" and her grandmother had (eventually) relented. However, upon unpacking her suitcase, she discovered the dress and shoes. Upon finding the offending items, Selena had stuffed to the very bottom of her trunk and buried them under layers of robes and other items she had brought. She would never need it, after all. It was a logical, practical decision.

However, 6 months later, Selena found herself digging through her trunk. Her items were scattered in a ring around her as she crouched on the floor and tossed more and more out. Many layers later, Selena was up to her calves in robes but the dress and shoes had been found. She slipped both of the items on. She looked alright, probably. Makeup was not a concern for her so she moved on to her hair. She found a nice hair clip in the pile under her bed which she dusted off before clipping the front strands of her hair back. Perfect.

With her timing, it was a few minutes past when she needed to be at the ball. Oops. She did her best to rush (which wasn't that great given that she had 2 inch heels on and her dormitory was in a tower.) Moving staircases and high heels were a dangerous combo to mix. Thankfully, there were handrails to cling to so she didn't fall.

Eventually, Selena managed to make it to the dance location without even a scrape to the knees. This was it? The Ravenclaw looked around in confusion. She could spot a few other students mingling around but it did not look like a ball. Selena wasn't an expert on magical balls (this was her first one) but she was pretty certain that did not usually take place in hedge mazes. Perhaps it was inside?

Selena took a brave step forward and into the maze. The dim golden light felt warm on her skin and the sweet, floral smell enticed her. She continued walking, careful not to trip over any roots that blocked her path. Her eyes widened at the sight of the wide variety of plants. Perhaps she should stay in the maze instead of going to the dance at all.

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WC: 438 • Outfit: See banner • Please interact

Action: Look at the cool plants
Stats: STR 7 | EVA 8 | STR 5 | WIS 7 | ARC 5 | ACC 3
Abilities: None yet
Race: Human

OUTFIT (plus his usual “M” ring):

STATS

:
Stamina: 5 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 4 | ArcPower: 4 | Accuracy 4

INVENTORY: Wand is in a wand holster that’s tied around his waist, crown atop his head.
ACTION: Arriving at the maze

ClOSED FOR INTERACTIONS.

His office had transformed into a safe haven of sorts; offering him refuge from the bustling crowd of students and chattering group of professors. The halls of Hogwarts felt so empty without Tuesday scolding him about the lack of vegetables in his diet.

Then came news of a new Head of Gryffindor. He would miss Elaine, of course, her skill and unqiue perspective on Defence Against the Dark Arts was inspiring. As much as her departure shocked him, he assumed he must have been dreaming when he learned his old colleague, Galahad, had instead taken the position. Even hearing his name brought up honey-sweet memories, rose tinted through the eyes of young love. The dozens of baked goods that he had lugged to their late nights spent together, hunting the next biggest treat to wizarding kind, and shared glances that lingered longer than they should have, and a brush of his fingers sweeping across his hand and how it had felt like small jolts of electricity.

It would have never worked between the two of them, of course; they were both far too invested in their work. Still, the hopeless romantic buried inside of Orion couldn't help but wonder what could have been. It was that small sting of curiosity that brought him out of hiding and towards the grounds that night. His outfit was one of his old navy blue dress robes he had added intricate pieces of metalwork to, giving it the illusion of a knight meeting a rouge. A worn pair of leather boots from his Auror days helped to complete the look.

He spotted Maya first, always the social butterfly. He was fond of the Muggle Studies professor, but her presence did raise some complications. No matter, Orion slipped easily into his shameless flirt persona and approached the pair. "Good evening." The Frenchman greeted. "I must be blessed by magic itself, why else would I have two beauties standing in front of me?" He shot a wink in Maya's direction, but didn't hesitate to slide past her so he could sweep downwards and collect Galahad's hand. He knelt down onto one knee before pressing a kiss to the back. "It has been years, Mon cher amour (my dear love), but time has been good to you."

Action: Entering the thread.

Perfectionist | Evasive Maneuvers I & II
Calming Presence Allies: All professors (including HoHs) | Outfit: X