The Mistletoe Spin Group #7 Summer Camp 2024

Date: 2 August 2024 Mentioning/Interaction: @Kim Sato as Tone Bakugo @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood as Valentin Schnell Jack Burnett as Ginyami Midorimori Location: London Quidditch Stadium Outfit/Appearance: Black turtleneck/Leather pants and jacket; Silver hair, blue eyes, and sharp cheekbones Languages: German English Russian French Age: 15

xxxxx

As it is written, so it shall be

𝕸𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖑𝖊𝖙𝖔𝖊 Spin

xxxxxThere is a moment of respite as he sees the spell successfully freeze the candle and stop it from hitting Tone when he is barraged into by his partner in dance. By reflex, he stands his ground with his trained, athletic body, flexing his core and arms, to stop them both from falling over. He realizes that Tone had been trying to protect him from the candle that was dripping. Gellert graciously stepped back from the other and gave a smile, replying, “Thank you, Tone, for trying to protect me. I am glad my spell froze the wax in time so that it did not have to hit you. I would have hated for that to happen. If you ever need anything, owl me. I am honoured by your desire to protect me.”

xxxxxGellert bowed his head in respect, despite the attempt being unsuccessful. Now that the danger had passed, he looked to the rest of the group, searching for Valentin with intense eyes. He turned just in time to see Valentin jump into the air and tear the mistletoe from above the pair of Ginyami and the young woman. He could not help but gasp. His eyes turned dark as he imagined the passion with which Len had loved the other or the passion with which he hated triviality. He involuntarily questions Len, his eyes turning sharp, “Do you hate this game so, or does your heart choose another, with such passion? Is this game a banality or a curse to you? Do you hate this game or do you hate the person?” There is something dark within him awaking, as if that moment of freedom and clarity provided by the transcendental nature of Romeo’s is being torn by his jealousy, or was it truly jealousy when it was a searing desire that was only focused on Valentin and no one else. Ginyami did not matter to him. It was only Valentin’s choice that mattered in the end. Perhaps Gellert in his heart did not want to give Valentin the choice. Perhaps Ginyami was right and he was pretending to be the good person when truly he wanted to take and forever take. He had convinced himself in his pain that he wanted Len as a balm. He had convinced himself over these past six months in absence of Len that he would allow Valentin Schnell to choose, but now that he is seeing Len again, there was no other answer after this moment that he would leave this place without a kiss.

xxxxx“Does that mean that you will not give me the kiss that I so want? Will you choose me today? Will you choose another? Ginyami said that if I was choosing you as a person I would let you choose. That is true. Perhaps this feeling that is bubbling within me is a sign that there is something wrong with me, but I believe I would like to continue what was interrupted by Romeo six months ago. If it is truly the game you hate, then I formally ask you out on a date. I ask you a question. You freed me in that moment by expressing your wish for him on that wintry day, I am here, and he is not. I express my wish for you, and ask for your answer. If the answer is no, I shall break off all contact with you, my jealousy is dangerous and my crazed love even more.”

Gellert steps forward to Valentin and cocks his head, there is a dangerous look to him, as he stares straight at Ginyami with a predatory look. Gellert has become crazed by the summer heat mixing with snow under his fear, almost feral. There is nothing to stop him at the moment. He stares and he sarcastically bows, “You were right Ginyami, I still haven’t chosen Valentin as a person, I’ve chosen him as mine.” His mouth curls in an involuntary growl, as if his desperate desire to see Len again has spoiled. Gellert is in a dangerous precipice, his mind gone, only his animal instincts left in him. It must be the weather because he has never been like this before. He has never been crazed in love. Perhaps there is an obsessive sense to him, perhaps there was a sign indeed with his greatest wish being to posses the One, perhaps there was a sign indeed that love could turn him crazy. He turns back to Valentin and smiles,“You were an angel in that winter snow, be my angel again, or be no one to me forever more.” This was an ultimatum and it was a crazed one. Perhaps in his right mind he would regret this moment, but here in the sun and snow, the mistletoe shining upon the group, everything seemed to be harsher than it was, everything more dramatic.

There was a lioness like beauty to Gellert in this moment, perhaps revealing a reflection of the one he was named after. There was a darkness within him that awoke for the first time and he was lost forever in it. If he would awake from his slumber, he would regret it, but for now he was thoroughly convinced by it. He would leave this place with an answer, and if it was a no, well he would leave the company of Len forever for he would attack jealousy if he did not gain his wish. When the music would start again, he would be swept up and land under a mistletoe. In his crazed mind, he would cast incendio tría against the poor plant, unwilling to kiss another. But for now he would wait for the answer that Len would give in a tense moment of predatory behaviour. Perhaps Gellert should have never found his One, as he would never have turned this fateful day into a creature so possessive, so crazy in love that he did not even think of the other’s choice. Perhaps he was always fated to turn this way, for he believed the One are always fated to meet.

Note

Stamina: 10 Evasion: 10 Strength: 10 Wisdom: 10 ArcPower:10 Accuracy:10
Evasive Maneuvers Advanced Casting Cat's Grace Charmer Nonverbal Casting

Moderated Action
Casting Incendio at Mistletoe Verbally

Click HERE for Ency

Appearance when white shawl is off:

Reducio

Even as Ginyami squeezed Sara’s hand aggressively, potentially to the point of pain, Valentin was not in a position to notice since he didn’t observe any particular change in Sara, whom he was focused on.

"I'm sorry, were you addressing me?" retorted Ginyami. "I couldn't tell since you weren't calling me by my name, which I know you know."

Wincing, Valentin took Ginyami’s words like a slap in the face. The nickname Val gave him, Yamushka, had been a demonstration of his affections. Val didn’t affix the Russian diminutive to just anyone’s name, and to have it thrown back in his face felt like a rejection of his love itself. A swirling tightness in his gut warned the seeker that, together with the cold transition to using Valentin’s last name, Ginyami was placing social barriers between them. Val’s face warped with a strained expression, like a kid whose ice cream was taken away after being scolded by his parents.

Even Val’s playful gesture to suggest to Ginyami that he had value beyond his appearances similarly backfired as the Japanese boy took it as further evidence of Val’s superficial attraction to aesthetics.

"Still obsessed with appearances as always, I see. While I may be particular about my own, at least I don't pretend like it's not intentional on my part. And unlike you or your paramour, here, my attraction to others has nothing to do with how they look."

“I’m not pretending, Ginyami. This is how I want to dress right now, and I take full responsibility for my choice. Actually I thought it was a clear message about how I’m feeling.” Sighing, Val felt disappointed in himself for not having communicated better. “Yami, even if you’d been terribly disfigured when we met, I still would have loved you just the same. Please don’t cheapen what we had like this. It deserves the respect of being remembered truthfully… even if you decided to give up on it so soon.” A knot of tension strained the tone in Valentin’s voice, but turning his head towards Sara, he wanted to believe in a happy future for Ginyami even if it meant leaving him alone. The thing was, he hadn’t seen any evidence yet that Sara really was capable of making the fox’s most important wish come true, or vice versa.

Further, however much Valya clearly ached when Ginyami’s words pushed him away, the way the boy kept defending Val’s freedom of self-determination only served to pull Valentin in more. For as passionate as Valentin was about raising others up to reach their full potential, the champion was no slave. Like his ancestors, Valya’s heart was wild, untamed, and he took orders from no one. This was the fundamental misunderstanding that had killed so many when a colddrake fulfilled their wishes, but people had a tendency to not listen to such old folktales. After all, such warnings were just stories of fanciful monsters meant to intimidate children into behaving. Don’t toy with what you don’t really want, or the colddrake will come and get you!

"You seem to think you know a fair bit about me, don't you, Mr. Schnell?" cut Ginyami’s voice with a piercing saccharine note. "What a shame you seem to have fallen prey to making assumptions just as bad if not worse than the rest of them, claiming such bold statements on my behalf."

Valentin’s eyes met the black pools of the other’s, which absorbed Valentin’s warmth as surely as a glacial lake. To think that such coldness could put off the Frost Captain, however, would have been ignorant of where and whom Valentin came from. Such an assumption was to ignore his very nature.

"I imagine we'll have to correct that... "

Stepping forward, a hunger burned like coldfire in Valentin’s gaze.

“Yes, please. I wish I could know everything about you, Ginyami. Now, like then, I remain unsatisfied. I wonder if, past that ‘fearless’ exterior, you were always too afraid to show me more of yourself. I can hardly be blamed for such a choice. If my claims are wrong, then I beseech you: tell me the truth. Correct me. Only then can I really be of any service to you and…” Valentin’s eyes flicked back towards the other's companion, as if keeping an eye on another quidditch player coming up behind him. “Sara.”

Valentin’s gaze lingered on Sara’s, and the twinkling of his purple eyes came across like a summons. Really there was only one way to interpret Val’s expression: needing to understand. Certainly Ginyami had more than just a special place in Val’s heart, but he already cared about Sara’s desires and well-being, too. It was just how Schnell was. Still, there was no time, and everyone spun away on the dancefloor that took control of their feet.

It came as a relief to Val that Hiro and Gellert seemed to be interacting well. It was even cute how the calico beater had bounced off the unmoving wall that was Gellert. At least, the solid stance made Val wonder if he wasn’t really Durmstrang’s own Gellert after all. The martial Institute deeply ingrained combat skills into its students through rigorous training, and what Gellert just did… it looked reflexive in a way he wouldn’t expect from a snow nymph. Then again, Val wasn't sure what he expected from such creatures beyond his ken. Still, for the first time in half a year, Valentin found a seed of doubt about his presumption of “Gellert’s” inhuman nature. Could it be that the other’s love was real, and not just the capricious seductions of a face-stealing spirit of the wilds?

Valentin wouldn’t have time to find his answer. Once his own dancing partner revealed the nature of the trap they’d stumbled into, the white lightning would not hesitate to act. Spotting a clump of mistletoe looming like a sword of Damocles over Ginyami’s head, Valentin burst into a run and put his hardcore athletic Durmstrangian training to use. He hadn’t known whether he’d succeed or not, but the Niffler was not one to give up without trying. In a satisfying slushing sound of leaves and berries sliding into his palm, Valentin’s arm came down hard enough to cleave the plant from its holder. Then, as his lunge through the air landed, he spun lightly on the tips of his toes, sliding for a half meter as his momentum kept him gliding across the smooth dance floor. Val looked down into his palm and found that his delicate seeker grasp had not so much as mushed a berry or bent a leaf out of its natural positioning. The boy smiled, satisfied, knowing that success was rising to greet him on his holy mission. All that hard work meant something after all.

Yet, the pleasure on Valya’s face soon cracked as he witnessed Ginyami rising from his bow, having placed his lips to some girl’s hand. He hadn’t managed to save him from the plant’s evil control this round, but at least the fallout could have been worse. As Ginyami turned to stare blankly at the Durmstrang student and laughed, Val blinked back at him helplessly. He’d done his best, but he knew he’d been too slow… yet again. Guilt and remorse tinged the albino’s face, but only for a moment.

"...What's this? Signed up for another kissing event without your knowledge again, Mr. Schnell? Would this happen to be, yet again, the work of your so-called friends? Tell me...is it that they're such awful friends that they don't know how you feel about this sort of thing or that they're such good ones that they know exactly what it does to you as well as just how much of a masochist you are?"

Exhaling in a laughing sigh of relief, Valentin lowered his arm and continued to hold the little plant safely in his right hand without fanfare. At least Ginyami wasn’t disappointed in his slowness. Then again, who knew how much the wretched mistletoe was still controlling Yami's mind? It wasn’t until Ginyami took a step closer to him, however, that Valya’s jubilance completely melted from his face.

"Or is it neither and you actually signed yourself up? Because while we were out of touch, you became so desperate to find your one, true fairytale love that you're just about ready to kiss any boy, girl, or frog, now?"

A dusting of pink spread across Valya’s cheeks as Ginyami’s words struck their mark. With a fluttering of his white eyelashes, he opened his lips to speak, but instead his eyebrows furrowed. Why was Ginyami saying these things?

“My friend’s heart is pure. She is like an angel. I know she only wanted the best for me, and she probably thought this would help me attain my dreams in a way that I couldn’t reach through my own methods. I don’t know if she really understood the true nature of this event, but I know Greta’s spirit, and I believe in her.” Stretching his neck, Valentin blinked back at Ginyami with a deepening of his tone. “As for such knowledge about the inner workings of my heart… what good does it do if one does not act on it decisively? Or was my true nature precisely what turned you away from me, too strange and inhuman for a humble plant keeper?” Valentin looked down at the clump of foliage poking through from between his fingers. It wasn’t the plant’s fault the human heart was so weak, so vulnerable. Still Ginyami stepped closer, and Valya felt his heartbeat accelerate. A burning heat prickled across his face as the black-haired boy leaned in close enough to whisper into his ear.

"I wonder...wherefore art thou Romeo?" "

A pounding like drums beat in the seeker's ears. With the fox right in arm's reach, it was like he was asking Val to make good on his own wishes. Tingling ran down the pale hairs of his arms, and it was then that he realized that the biting chill that ached inside had not been only the turning of a parasite within.

“I didn’t sign myself up for this, and it’s because I lack faith in myself. I didn’t, still don’t, believe that I’m perceptive enough to recognize true love when it is before my eyes, as opposed to an illusion constructed by manipulation. Tell me, Ginyami. Have you felt true love? Do you love this boy that you took to such an unusual event for one honestly dedicated to their partner? Did you mean to test him, or was this all for your own amusement to see what your games would do to him? I may feel the flames of desperation licking my heels...” Letting the white shawl spanning his shoulders slip into two split halves over each arm, Valentin leaned in an inch closer. “…But I am here standing in the fire without dragging others into it with me. When I realized that I was hypnotizing Romeo, I let him go. Are you living out your true wish with Sara, or is he just as innocent and ignorant as was my victim? If you don’t love Sara, truly love him, I demand that you release him at once. I will fulfill your wish, Ginyami, even if I must make you struggle to attain it.”

Turning his head to where Sara was observing them, Valentin’s eyes sought direct eye contact. Yet, he wasn’t sure if the other had heard him. The beater spun away across the dance floor as limply as a marionette. Still, Valentin’s eyes followed Sara, and barely within earshot, he could still hear the words:

“ I... I’m sorry, I don’t feel too comfortable ..doing anything despite the mistletoe. I hope you’re..not offended. I have a boyfriend.”

Valentin’s gaze returned to Ginyami, whose warm body stood so close to him. He could smell the nostalgic fragrance of his hair, and it took him back to the good times… simpler times. Times when Ginyami wasn’t already beholden to another.

Hot breath came from the seeker’s nostrils and tousled the bottom strands of Ginyami’s pitch black hair, but Schnell was a man of honor. In fact, he still hoped that happiness was within reach for both Japanese boys. Despite his hunger, Val’s eyelids lowered, along with his voice.

“I missed you, but whatever your reason for giving up on me… if you really love this boy, then don’t you dare give up on him.”

Then, stepping back in a careful attempt not to touch any part of the elegant black fox, Valentin turned away. He didn’t want to be a hypocrite. Especially without knowing how much of his past with Ginyami was the result of the gift – or curse – he inherited from his mother, he couldn’t allow himself to indulge in such pleasures a moment longer. Besides, he was still wielding that mind-controlling demon plant, and anything Ginyami could say might have been falsely elicited by the mistletoe’s manipulations.

As Valentin turned away, he found the eyes of Gellert turned on him, burning in dark fervor. The sharpness in the other’s eyes was new to Valya, and it was interesting. He’d always wanted to learn more about the silver-haired boy, be he snow nymph or not, and seeing a new side of “Gellert” beckoned with answers to Valya’s many unspoken questions. Still, it was the other whose questions came first.

“Do you hate this game so, or does your heart choose another, with such passion? Is this game a banality or a curse to you? Do you hate this game or do you hate the person?”

“Gellert… Thank you for asking.” Valentin’s tone eased, naturally liquifying into a sweet silvery timbre. “I do hate this game. I hate it to the core, and I hate no person. I do not even hate the ones who took my parents from me. This exploitative diversion, however… it masquerades in the raiment of love but is fundamentally a lie. Listen to me, Gellert. I know what it’s like to be manipulated. I have been drugged with amortentia, I have been seduced by the fascinations of a magical lake spirit, and I have been mind-controlled by a diabolical hag slug, and now I am tired. I am tired of being manipulated into believing I’m in love.” Turning his watering eyes towards Ginyami, Valentin’s eyes held onto their age-old question. “Now you ask me about this setup. How could I not detest this social engineering? Love is sacred. It is not a prize to be handed out for the performance of tricks. It is not a mask to beautify ulterior motives. Love is the pure and free unification of wills in a world obsessed with building walls and shackling us with limits.” Peering down at the mistletoe in his hand, Valentin took a deep breath.

“I hate this game because it gets in the way of people finding real love, which is the greatest treasure of all.” Looking back up into Gellert’s icy eyes, Valentin felt their intensity burning into him and stared back, welcoming the heat of their blue flames. “I have not chosen anyone yet.”

“Does that mean that you will not give me the kiss that I so want? Will you choose me today? Will you choose another? Ginyami said that if I was choosing you as a person I would let you choose. That is true. Perhaps this feeling that is bubbling within me is a sign that there is something wrong with me, but I believe I would like to continue what was interrupted by Romeo six months ago. If it is truly the game you hate, then I formally ask you out on a date. I ask you a question. You freed me in that moment by expressing your wish for him on that wintry day, I am here, and he is not. I express my wish for you, and ask for your answer. If the answer is no, I shall break off all contact with you, my jealousy is dangerous and my crazed love even more.”

Gellert approached closer to Valentin and cocked his head, staring at Ginyami with a menacing edge. Meanwhile, Val watched Gellert looking at the other, the Frost Captain’s face as expressionless as a blown glass orb. The sharp-cheeked boy’s body heat radiated palpably, so close up. It was the tone in his voice, though that really told him that there was truth in Gellert’s words. He was dangerous. He was on the edge of letting his wish take total control in a blinding rush of passion. Valentin loved to feel such things in others. Being a natural empath, powerful emotions and longing in others spread to Valentin faster than a contagion. Furthermore, he revelled in the intensity, the purity, the beauty of unshackled raw desire. It was clear now that, whether Gellert was a human or a seductive force of nature, such a vibrant need could not be faked.

“You were right Ginyami, I still haven’t chosen Valentin as a person, I’ve chosen him as mine.”

Valentin’s heart beat in massive, dark throbs. The desire was consuming Gellert, so much that all limits, all restraints, were falling away. Exquisite thrill rushed through the seeker, and he knew this moment to be more risky than any fall from the sky. Valentin’s heart felt other’s feelings as powerfully as if they were his own, and now was no exception. Gellert’s mind was shutting down, and Valentin’s was beginning to chase after it into a netherworld of unconscious thought and impulsive movement. The heat of the moment licked Valentin’s skin and he felt his nerves curling like paper rimmed with flame.

“You were an angel in that winter snow, be my angel again, or be no one to me forever more.”

Valentin stood, breathlessly, batting his eyelashes slowly through the rush. The words were obviously a threat. It was the second time Gellert had played the card of emotional blackmail, and the second time to try forcing a decision or else lose him. Valya remembered the words from that snowbank as if hearing them again in his ears:

"Bond with me, for now is the time, there is no other, now is the time or it will be lost forever… Unite with me, Len. We shall be one together… I cannot live without you, Len, please, if I go, I will be lost forever in the winds of time and be a dead man walking. Please..."

Valentin sighed. Just this year, he had let go of Romeo yet again after countless attempts to forge a romantic relationship with him. At some point, he did have to respect Romeo's position and leave him in peace. Yet, Gellert had been insisting on Valentin's devotion since their first hour together. It seemed like something out of a storybook, like a parable's warning, especially because of the situation's uncanny resemblance to the events at the Great Lake.

As the seeker's eyebrows knit together, Valentin knew he couldn't let Gell down even if he was some kind of fantastical beast. Gellert’s desperation bittered the delicious taste of his passion. Having limitations pushed on him – just to sharpen the threat of loss – was not the captain’s idea of a good time. Truly, this boy ... or this spirit’s ... ardor was intoxicating. Gellert’s offer was truly tempting, both because of its darkness and for the daredevil exhilaration of discovering what the other would do to him, testing whether or not Valentin could come out of this alive. Hell-Chaser Val loved the challenge. He loved all kinds of self-indulgent pleasures… when he allowed himself to take them on.

“Gellert, you are right to ask for what you want. You are right to ask for my hand, as I told you when we first met. Still, dear Gell…” The seeker’s hand reached out in an attempt to run it through the other’s silver hair. “I will never forget the wish you told me. As I answered then, so may it be. In finding the One, you must release assumptions. Why should I accept artificial limits that would deny you the true fulfillment of your wish? If it is between telling you yes falsely now or not answering you and ultimately granting your wish, I choose to deny your demand and show you to the true path to winning your heart’s desire. Remember what you promised me, Gellert. You said you would forgo preconceptions. You promised to undergo any trial, any pain, until you truly understand the One. You said you would do anything for me. If a shooting star is to grant your deepest wish, how will it succeed if you try to chain it back down to Earth? It is precisely in letting go of everything else when you can discover the way you blinded yourself to before. Leave your chains behind. Look into my eyes and know liberation, at last.”

The amethyst stare of the champion pierced into any haze of madness that could have clouded Gellert’s eyes.

“Show yourself to me, Gell, in all of your facets. Do not spare a single truth. I want you to manifest your dream. If you would accept my help, then I need you to trust me. You asked me to let you prove your worth to me. So then... Prove it to me, prove it to your wish that you are worthy of its fulfillment. Victory is earned through dedication, not demands. I will answer your questions, and now with new hearing, I want you to listen to the answers. I can give you the kiss that you want. I can choose you. I can choose another. I can accept your invitation for a date. I can do any and all of these things, but a wish is not granted. It is earned through unifying with the reality of that wish. In this unification, you will find and know the One. If I am the answer to your heart's desire, then I challenge you to get me to say 'yes.'”

Valentin raised his hand in a move to stroke Gellert’s hair once more, passing his hand along the outside of his neck before landing on his shoulder.

“I can point the way towards a dream, and I can become great power in achieving it. Yet, you are the one who must cut through the obstacles strewn along the path. If you truly wish for unity, then it is unity you must achieve. False wishes bring calamity. Do not misuse me.”

The music began again, and people’s feet carried them away under the chessboard’s enchantment. Valentin would end up below a candle in front of another girl – Della Barfield. With a polite tip of his head, Valentin greeted her without a word.

Basic Stats:
STA 8 - EVA 20 - STR 3 - WIS 20 [24] - ARC 1 - ACC 17
Keen Eye / Charmer / Evasive Maneuvers / Fearless / Comprehend Languages: Parseltongue & Veela
Inventory: A golden locket, a silver earring, a golden ring on his middle finger, a wand, and an Oakshaft 79.
Broom bonus stats (when flying): +4 ACC, +4 ARC
Charmer recipients: literally everyone

Action: Only free actions so far

Interacting especially with: Sara Kohana @Hanako Tone, @Della Barfield, Ginyami Midorimori (@Jack Burnett), Hiro Bakugo (@Kim Sato), Gellert Schroeder (@Tristan Theramin), Greta Fransson @Evelynn Decipio

While Jack was 5'6" compared to Kim's 5'8" even though he was older, it didn't seem to bother him. Ruka had been shorter than him, after all, when they'd first met, and Ruka had been older than him as well. The redhead surveyed his companion with a broad grin on his face that some might have described as almost unsettling.

"That's riiiight~!" the redhead confirmed, both on accounts of the clubs he shared with Kim as well as the matter of his name. "What good memory you have! But you seem so down. Why don't we do something to cheer you up, hmm? This is supposed to be a ball, after all, isn't it?"

He followed Kim's gaze up to the candles before commenting on what he thought was pointless snow. The Gryffindor responded, though it was the new emotion in his voice that caught Jack's attention rather than his words themselves. They both fell silent as more people came and drama began to unfold immediately. Soon, everyone was on the dance floor and being made to participate in the involuntary dance until the music stopped.

Once it paused and all the students along with it, Jack looked up to find himself face-to-face with Kim yet again. He laughed boyishly when the burnet mentioned being 'fated to be together' before asking what they should do. "Try to lighten up a bit. Have a little fun," the upperclassman suggested as he leaned back on his heels with a sneer and gestured at the others around them. "It seems like there's enteretainment galore tonight; as if they meant to put on a show just for us."

He was, of course, referring to the soap opera unfolding before their very eyes among the other boys on their dance floor. There were a couple of girls present, but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately?) they didn't seem to be involved in whatever was going on among the others. Jack watched and listened carefully, going increasingly amused by the second. Though most of the students involved in he drama appeared to have been attending foreign schools, the Slytherin believed they seemed to be in his year.

When Jack glanced back, he noticed Kim seemed to be having some trouble with something in his eye and laughed. "Did you get snow in your eyes?" he asked. "Here, just close them for a second and let the snowflakes melt. They shouldn't irritate your eye if they just dissolve into water."

Once he observed more of the show before him play out, Jack's gaze darted to Hana. It seemed his fellow Snape dormmates was occupied with a potential love interest of his own, so the redhead decided to leave him alone. Still, he felt like having a bit of fun. And fun was more often had when you had someone to share it with.

Hana and Jack had become somewhat closer, especially after they had grown away from their respective former crushes. They were such trouble together, however, that they were regularly assigned to specifically sit away from each other during class. That didn't keep them from coordinating pranks to commit regardless of what proximity they were in to each other, however. If anything, separating them encourage them to step up their game.

It was for that reason that Jack thought this might have been the perfect opportunity to attempt to cause a bit of mischief. The fellow known as Gellert had started to sound increasingly more like a problem. It wasn't until after Jack had given Kim a playful little wave as the music started up again that things really began to get funny.

"Why, hello," the Welsh youth said once they were stopped a second time, grinning at his occasional partner in crime. "Have fun flirting?"

There was more talk among the foreign students. More dramatic expressing of emotions. Jack was just beginning to think he was starting to get a grasp on the dynamics of the relationship elements at play when the silver-haired boy called Gellert began to outright call his own jealousy 'dangerous' and his love 'crazed'. The Slytherin couldn't help himself. He immediately erupted into laughter.

Who announced their own love as 'crazed' or their jealousy as 'dangerous'? Even legitimately deranged and crazed, jealous lovers wouldn't have said such things; they genuinely believed their feelings were all entirely justified. That was what made them deranged, crazy, and dangerous. But this?! This was like someone longed to be deranged; that they hoped they could convince themselves to be that way by speaking the words aloud as if they were fact. What a joke!

By that time, Jack was in such hysterical laughter, he was doubled over on the ground in tears. Eventually he managed to recover enough composure to breathe properly again and struggled to suck enough air into his lungs in order to keep from passing out. By the time he had finally recovered enough to speak again, he had his wand out and pointed at Gellert. "Langlock," he said, initiating a spell as he wiped the corners of his eyes of the last of his tears. It was a few seconds more before his laughter had mellowed into mere chuckles and he was finally able to explain himself.

"Bloody hell," he gasped, carefully avoiding the dripping candle above himself and Hana as collaped onto the floor in a weary heap. "...If that bloke didn't shut up, I think I might have died of a lack of oxygen. Self-defense was what that was, you hear?" he told Hana with a grin, as if he expected the other Snape dorm member to challenge him on it. "Nothing more, nothing less."

HP: 600/600
Stats: STA 6 / EVA 9 / STR 3 / WIS 20 / ARC 9 / ACC 9
Abilities: Prodigal Charms / Binding Mark / Perfectionist / Perfectionist II / Animagus
Action: Performing a spell on Gellert Schroeder.
Interacting with: @Hanako Tone, @Kim Sato, & Gellert Schroeder (@Tristan Theramin)

x..-.

SUMMER CAMP '24, MISTLETOE SPIN Jack's energy level was definitely more than his own at the moment. But then again, most people were over the past year or more. Ever since he'd gone through tragedies one after another, Kim just didn't see the need to return to his former self. It wasn't as if the three people he'd given his heart to were still there. Sophia was gone. Felix was gone. And the most important one of all, his beloved Puffie was gone. But as his thoughts turned dark, a slim ray of hope entered into his consciousness. At least Draven and Juniper had returned to him. Even if the two of them weren't like the people he'd remembered, they were still themselves. And... Bailey was there, had been there for him. She'd been there for him constantly. All the bloody time.

x..-.

He really didn't understand what she even saw in him that kept her coming back to him. Most people would have left him alone after having been ignored and given the cold shoulder for over a year's time. But Bailey had continued to stay with him, regardless of how he treated her. It didn't make sense to him. There was a limit as to how much of this you should take from a friend. Kim had long since passed that limit and although most of the people who considered him as a friend had either disappeared, died or dropped him like a hot potato, Bailey still remained by his side. Metaphorically. Kim didn't let anyone literally stay by his side and Bailey was no exception now.

But the nearly fifteen year old had to admit, her determination was causing him to waver a little. If she really believed in him that much, where did her feelings come from? What about him had made her want to stay with him so badly that she would stick with him throughout everything he'd put her through? Anyone else would have left him after being ignored for over a year. He wasn't that special, especially since he'd changed his last name from his family's name to a name he'd chosen for himself. This had been mainly to avoid having people come after him all the time for advantages which had taken place countless times. Kim glanced at Jack as he spoke to him....

About the game.

"It is?" He asked, not having realized the Mistletoe Spin was supposed to be considered a ball. The dark haired teen hadn't been to a ball since... he couldn't even remember.

Could it have been the one when his heart had started to crack? It was around this time that those pesky snowflakes got into his eye and he heard Jack laugh and tell him to close his eyes to make it melt. Right. That made sense. Kim did so and after a few seconds the flake was gone and only water filled his eye up which was quickly blinked away a moment later. As Jack spoke of the show that was being put on around them and mentioned something about 'entertainment galore', Kim glanced over at his surroundings. Ah, all of the others participating in the game. Or ball. Whatever it was. The two were then whisked away from eachother soon after all this went down.

As their feet carried them all over the dance floor, Kim finally stopped in front of his next partner. But he didn't have time to look at them because Jack erupting into uncontrollable laughter made him look over in his direction. It was loud, disruptive and almost made him smile. Almost... But what exactly was he laughing about now? Kim let his eyes linger on him for a moment and then returned his attention to the person standing before him now. It was one of the boys who had started this whole soap opera that Jack had pointed out to him. Kim attempted to give him a slight smile. The boy didn't want Ginyami to think he didn't want to be matched up with him now.

It wasn't that.

But Kim couldn't quite get the smile to come out just right, similar to Sara. It wasn't because he didn't know how to smile, it was just that he hadn't smiled in what seemed like ages.

He just didn't seem to feel any reason to do so. At least the two of them had stopped beneath a candle. One that wasn't dripping wax on them. Maybe his luck was starting to turn around, Kim thought, not really believing it but hell it was possible. The dark haired teen knew he should probably say something to his partner but didn't really know what to say to him. It wasn't just Ginyami, it was people in general. Kim hadn't spoken much either this past year and he'd never liked small talk. What else was there to say to someone? But he needed to say something. "Good to see you again, Midorimori-san." He finally settled on. A polite greeting. That should do.

English | Parseltongue
interacting: Ginyami Midorimori @Jack Burnett & Valentin Schnell @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood | possibly overhearing @Hanako Tone

After Della made her pointed plea toward the mistletoe, many things happened at once—almost in a blur. (She was starting to suspect the patch of dance floor she found herself on was inhabited by a group of older boys with a large load of baggage. Well, if you can't beat them . . . surely you can get at least one kiss, right? Right?!)

First, her partner returned her introduction. Yami, as he wanted to be called, bowed to her politely, and made a motion to bring her hand to his lips.

Second, interrupting that perfectly princely gesture, there was a swift motion from a figure with hair as equally pale as Della's, and wham, Della's and Yami's mistletoe was gone. Della flushed red. What kind of insanity was that?

Before she could fully react to the aggressive leap and at least finish her interaction with Yami—this was the third and most confounding thing—she heard a familiar whispering sound. A snake? Or rather Parseltongue? Whoever or whatever was speaking was too far away for her to make out the words, or even be sure it was Parseltongue. She whipped her head around, scanning the crowd of couples to see if anyone stuck out. She hadn't yet met someone who could speak the language—it was a rare skill and most weren't quick to show it. She was probably imagining things; she wanted desperately to find out more about her heritage and skills, and this was her mind trying to give her false hope.

But still . . . By now she had forgotten fully about the Japanese boy holding her hand. Her body was frozen in place, her head whipping around, trying to catch another snippet of the language. Brazen, she let out a little "Hello?" in hopes that the whisper would slither its way to the ears of someone who could understand it.

As she uttered the words, which was the first time in a large, very public gathering, the dance floor reactivated. Della was forced through the arms of several people, but this time she stayed focused on her hearing, letting the other senses fall to the wayside.

Then the music stopped. And lo and behold, she was face to face with her mistletoe's captor. A large candle over their heads lit up his face. Rather than introduce himself, he had the nerve to merely nod at her.

"Do you plan on collecting them all? Holding a poisonous plant isn't going to increase your chances of getting kissed, you know."

Della wouldn't admit this to him, but he probably didn't need much help in the getting kissed department. He was taller than her (an increasingly rare phenomenon with her fresh growth spurt to 5'8"), and he had a sporty look where cuts and bruises only increased his attraction, never detracting. He probably pulled off the hair color better than her, too.

Action: huffing and puffing about Valentin's action in the last round, but could be either easily swayed into enjoying his company or taking it up a notch on the aggression scale)

Click HERE for Ency

Appearance when white shawl is off:

Reducio

As Valentin’s whirling dance landed him back in front of the girl he’d just stolen mistletoe away from, he paused. Not speaking, he only nodded, waiting to hear what language she would address him in. He thought he’d heard her slip out a greeting in Parseltongue earlier, but he wasn’t sure.

"Do you plan on collecting them all? Holding a poisonous plant isn't going to increase your chances of getting kissed, you know." Her reply was in English, and a haze of disappointment sluiced through Valentin’s violet eyes from not being treated to a more uncommon language.

“I’m probably not fast enough to do that, honestly, and I try not to meddle in the affairs of people I don’t know. I’m sorry for interfering but that was my friend, who always stood up for my free will. I had to return him the same service. There’s no reason to for you and I to remain strangers, though, and I feel we may have a distant connection. My name is Valentin Schnell, from Durmstrang Institute. Whom do I have the pleasure of stealing from today, miss…?” With a charming smile glowing with genuine warmth, Valentin already had an affection for the unknown girl. After all, he was vaguely aware that she was associated with broom sports and he was curious if he had heard what he thought he heard…

“Apologies for my directness, but did you just speak in the old tongue, earlier? I wonder if we are of the same people. As for the mistletoe… is this not a magical or enchanted plant? I thought that was how it influenced people to kiss each other. I didn’t take it for my own gain. I believe people shouldn’t use magical charms to seduce others if what they really want is true love. Call me a hopeless romantic… but I want people to get what they truly wish for.”

Basic Stats:
STA 8 - EVA 20 - STR 3 - WIS 20 [24] - ARC 1 - ACC 17
Keen Eye / Charmer / Evasive Maneuvers / Fearless / Comprehend Languages: Parseltongue & Veela
Inventory: A golden locket, a silver earring, a golden ring on his middle finger, a wand, and an Oakshaft 79.
Broom bonus stats (when flying): +4 ACC, +4 ARC
Charmer recipients: literally everyone

Action: Only free actions so far – talking in English with Della and inquiring about Parseltongue

Interacting with: @Della Barfield

English | Parseltongue
interacting: Valentin Schnell @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood

It seemed Della’s snippy response worked—she caught the tall, blond boy’s attention. He introduced himself as Valentin Schnell—and he topped off his introduction with an admittedly charming smile. She also had an inkling of recognition of the name—maybe it was Durmstrang quidditch? She didn’t follow the other broom sport as well as she should, but she had the feeling he was important player that many probably did know.

”I’m Della Barfield, from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, of course. And aren’t you on the—”

But before she could inquire about his sports affiliation, Valentin had his own inquiries to ask of her. And his first question stopped her dead in her tracks. Did you just speak the old tongue? She now studied the older boy even more closely. He had the air and demeanor normally carried by pureblood wizarding families. I wonder if we are of the same people. Della’s only known fact about her father was that his hair was gray—or so blond it was nearly white. And Parseltongue is only known to travel through pureblood lines. Here was a pale blond pureblood stranger inquiring about her ability. She thought she’d get a kiss from this ball, but possible answers to the questions that kept her up at night were infinitely better.

”Can you understand me?” She spoke in a quiet, nervous whisper. ”Is this what you mean by the old tongue?” Della hoped beyond hope that this man could understand her or she was surely making a fool of herself ssssssing like a snake—well, she had never heard what Parseltongue sounds like from an outside perspective but this imagining had to be close. She gave one last sentence to really test his understanding: ”And usually mistletoe isn’t enchanted, it’s just tradition to kiss under it. But anything could be happening at a magical dance—hence the floor.”

Action: trying to figure out Valentin

Japanese & English
Ency

𝕯𝖊𝖘𝖈𝖗𝖎𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓

Rosewood wand wood Hana’s natural charm

Reducio

shoulder length wavy black hair. Dark honey brown eyes. Feminine japanese descent features. Looks approachable and sweet from afar. Will make you think twice about it when he opens his mouth.

Wearing as shown below:
https://i.postimg.cc/yxbrkRTj/hana-outfit.jpg

* OOC NOTE: feel free to base your characters description of Sara Kohana off this.

Red ®: 112
Green (G): 95
Blue (B): 165.

Hanako was a taunter, really. He simply expected the other boy to huff and puff and start snarking his way through. Pathetically, he hoped. Hanako wouldn’t mind looking at his face all red and all. But no, instead- he gave Hanako a jumpscare. Primarily directly targeted right into his heart. He kissed him. And not actually just an annoyed, frustrated brief kiss. Irritatingly enough it was.. nice. And he would much rather die than admit it. But alas, Hanako wasn’t the best at keeping his emotions in check. As Enzo leaned in closer, tilting his chin, and captured his lips - Hanako was frankly stunned. Frustrated, of course. That he couldn’t find it in him to push Enzo away. That he didn’t think it was disgusting locking lips with someone he detested so much. In fact, if the other boy hadn't leaned away first, Hanako couldn’t be certain he wouldnt start kissing him back. “You talk far too much”

That little bastard.

God, how much Hanako wanted to strangle him.

Hanako shaked himself out of whatever magic was casted, his blush entirely new reason. ANGER. He scowled, raising his arms ready to actually strangle the boy. But before he could of course the music had to start and whisked them away. His heart thumping in his ears and Hanako managed to convince himself it was because the damn bastard continued to look his way like he had done no wrong.

Hanako simply went along with the dance, and landed himself onto another familiar person. At least it was more tolerable than the last

“Taunting, you mean.” he quickly corrected, hoping the light dust on his cheeks are gone by done. “ As if I’d genuinely flirt with that french douche” Hanako rolled his eyes, glancing at Enzo for a moment. Another mistletoe? With a hunk? Oh, wonderful. Enzo managed to catch two 10’s under minutes. How friggin good of Delacroix. Hanako brushed off the growing agitation in his with a huff and returned his attention to Burnett.

But by the time he looked back, Burnett was laughing hysterically at something. It didn’t take long for Hanako to find the source of it. Where the music stopped feets stoped moving, it was difficult to not catch attention when someone was talking as if they were in a play. Hanako’s laugher was much more controlled than Burnett’s. Only slightly. It was evidently obvious despite his weak attempt to cover his mouth that Hanako was joining along with Burnett’s laughing.

“Self defence! Absolutely. Nothing more nothing less” Hanako snickered along, recognising the spell Burnett attempted to cast. Following his steps in trying to avoid the wax dripping in between them. Hana followed suit and pulled out his own wand, aiming for the lovesick poet. “ Calvorio”, he whispered, the spell shooting out of his wand. Whether it hit or not was up to lover boy. “ Well that wasn’t self defence. That was my own generosity. Im sure whoever he’s trying to woo would be so taken in by his words of love that they won’t mind a bit of hair loss. He’s such a romantic, isn’t he?” he jested back to Burnett, impishly.

Oh goddess, that felt so good. He felt he had behaved for a majority of months this year. To cast a silly spell for the fun of it… Burnett certainly stirred a lot of old feelings in Hana about the joy’s of mischief. At least before it blows up in your face. He will determine if that was a good idea or not. Afterall, the loverboy (Gellert) was one of the people Hanako previously promised himself to stay away from because of their interesting..friend group.

If luck shone on him today, perhaps the dance would start and he still wouldn’t be paired up with the troublesome group.

Action: attempting to cast ( and attempting to hit ) Gellert with a hairloss curse
Interacting with : Jack Burnett

mentioning : @Akari Kato’s inpc

Hopefully (?) staying away these INPC’s: @Jack Burnett, @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood, @Kim Sato, @Tristan Theramin and uh.. @Sara Kohana ig

❝ Interacting with: @Hanako Tone and Sara| Mentioning: n/a ❞

French dialog: #4d6284 | English dialog: #262d5e

the ency

p.s. - I knowww i’m sorry i have to catch up

As soon as Enzo heard the first whisper of parseltongue a small but triumphant smile crept upon his lips. He watched Hanako keep talking, soaking in the language that he loved so much and wished so deeply he could speak himself.

In all honesty in any other circumstance or with any other person the likelihood of Enzo kissing them was so incredibly slim. If Enzo couldn’t even stand talking to random person for too long what in the world would make him kiss them? But as Hanako kept taunting and taunting, the more that Enzo thought about shutting him up. Plus Hanako was clearly putting off the inevitable, if he really had no problem making the first move he’d have done it already, actions spoke louder than words, and Enzo needed to prove that.

Without dignifying him with a response to anything Hanako had said prior, Enzo reached his hand out and put it on the side of Hanako’s face. His gaze trailed down from Hanako’s eyes slowly taking in the boy’s features before using his hand to tilt his face upwards. Enzo began closing the little distance that was left between them, while his eyes finally settled on Hanako's lips. He hesitated a moment before he could not help it anymore and pulled Hanako in for a kiss.

Eventually he pulled away, though excruciatingly slow and his hand dropped back to his side and into his safe pocket.”You talk far too much” Enzo hissed at the boy though no longer touching him, he had not yet taken a step back, but before much else could even be said, the music began playing once more and with that he was pulled away from Hanako, though his eyes lingered in his direction throughout the duration of the next dance.

——

It was only when he was placed in front of a whole new lad did Enzo’s stare shift. Though the boy greeted him, Enzo decided there was no need for such pleasantries, and studied his face instead, sensing something different about this chap but he did not know what, it was very intriguing. He looked up slightly at the boy in front of him, funny change of dynamics from his last partner.

He then noticed and groaned quietly seeing that stupid plant looming over him again. ”Who said I wanted to kiss you anyways” Enzo snapped at the taller boy, wondering where he got the audacity to assume Enzo would be upset by him not wanting to be snogged. He then informed Enzo he had a boyfriend, again to which Enzo looked at him with an expression of annoyance, confused about the point of this proclamation, when he caught a sudden bit of lack of confidence trailing at the end of his sentence. Unfortunately for the boy, Enzo preyed on that type of attitude, finding it nothing short of hilarious to stir a pot that’s already unstable.

”You think? What type of relationship do you have if you are willingly playing a game involving kissing random people? Can’t be that serious” Enzo scoffed, then exaggeratedly looked from side to side before making eye contact once more.
”Plus, I don’t see him now so what is the big deal?”

Stamina: 12 | Evasion: 10 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 5 | Arcane Power: 8 | Accuracy: 10

Interacting with Valentin and Tone

Not yet 20 minutes in, and Haven found herself wishing she had brought Marcus along. She wasn't much of a homebody, but it would be nice if there was someone familiar in the crowd, especially now that she knew that kissing was involved. Or perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise, and she'd be able to forget it ever happened. She'd never kissed anyone before, and she'd rather not have the entire school hearing about it. At least if he was from one of the other schools, he could talk about it in a different language and then she wouldn't know what was going on.

However, it seemed she was not the only one frightened by the prospect of kissing, evident by her first partner's brash reaction and shocked look, a stark difference from the cool reassurance he had given about her outfit. She was, however, thankful that she was not the only clueless one here.

She was far too busy looking around and overthinking what she was going to do if she had to kiss someone to even notice Valentin's own wandering off into space, only brought back down to Earth with his talk about Quidditch.

There are many beautiful dreams to chase, Haven, he told her. She wished she had a dream. She was barely scraping by, it seemed, and she had been far too preoccupied to have any dreams. She had no clue what she was going to do for her career, and her head was still full of silly thoughts that she thought would have been stamped out by "maturity" by now. Quidditch wasn't for her; it seemed like nothing was for her.

Despite her slight inner turmoil, she smiled back at him, shaking his hand. She was a bit startled by the cold touch and became painfully aware of her sweaty palms. Did it get hot in here, or was she just nervous? Did she have a reason to be nervous? Was she nervous? Did she have a case of The Hormones???

Growing up certainly scared Haven.

Still, she found herself calmly facing the boy's injury, the Big Bird bandaid happily adorning his forehead. Valentin seemed quite thankful, giving her hand an appreciative squeeze. With how cold his hands were (seriously, should she knit him a pair of gloves?), she hardly noticed the coin he slipped into her hand.

"Oh, you don't have to-" she started, but the gleam of the coin revealed that it wasn't quite what she thought. Haven turned it around in her hand, getting a good look at it as Valentin explained.

"Thank you," she said sincerely, slipping the token into her bag for safekeeping. She wasn't quite sure what he meant by a favor and what that should entail, but before she could ask, he was dashing across the dance floor and snatching the mistletoe right out of the air.

Well, she couldn't say he wasn't an interesting fellow.

Before she knew it, her feet were swept up again, taking her on another wild dance ride that she was absolutely not prepared for. You'd think that being the second time around, she'd be ready for it, but no. To make matters worse, as soon as they stopped...

"Ow!" Haven rubbed her arm in the spot where wax had dripped down onto her. Perhaps she'd need to get out a band aid for herself.

No longer having the enchantment to support her, her wobbly legs were on their own as she awkwardly tried to get out of the way of the dripping wax. From an onlooker's perspective, it definitely looked like she had ants in her pants. Poor Haven was not the most coordinated pickle in the jar.

When she finally thought she was safe, she gave an awkward smile to the boy she had been paired up with, hoping it'd be enough to excuse her awkward behavior. "Haven Bohannon," she introduced herself. "Nice to meet you."

The boy shared the same white hair as Valentin, and seemed to have a similar flair for the dramatics when it came to fashion choice, but that was all she could notice, especially when they were interrupted by more dripping wax.

"Oh, you're going to wish you had never shown up," she said, before looking over to Tone with a panicked frown. "Sorry, I was talking to the candle," Haven apologized. She was not having the best time with first impressions tonight.

Haven dug around in her bag, trying to find her wand. Where did it go? She didn't leave it back at the tent... did she? She scrambled her hands around frantically, searching with more fervor, until finally breathing a sigh of relief as her fingers latched around it.

The time it took her to find her wand gave her new dance partner the opportunity to cast a spell, and Haven wasn't far behind, not giving the candle a chance to breathe or register what happened (Haven herself didn't really know what was going on) before she cast her own spell.

"I'm going to make you into something actually pretty," she threatened the candle. "Avifors!"

And if her spell didn't work out, hopefully his would, because honestly, turning things into birds was kinda hard. Maybe she could put a band aid on it.

Action
Attempting to birdify the candle Avifors