A Very Kolbeck Christmas PV

It was true that Val wasn’t usually so upfront about his problems with Hanya, since the two had rarely ever found the time to sit down and talk like this about something other than training or school. For years the seeker had bottled it all up to keep from burdening others. Now, however, many years had passed of enduring the threat of extortion, battery, death, and Stribog-knew-what-else, making Valentin inured to life just being this way. Being a target under threat had become so normalized that it was almost old hat when it came to himself. Certainly that sort of adaptation had the unfortunate side effect of keeping Val unmotivated to remove himself from such a dangerous environment, but after a while his hypervigilance had simply shut off. Yet, while he was habituated to both dangerous thrillseeking as well as those threats that were more out of his hands, Val had not yet grown numb to the prospect of losing Nikolai.

“I… I think you need this drink more than I do, Valik,” said Johannes, offering him his champagne.

Valentin examined the bright fluid, so bubbly and cheerful. It didn’t even occur to him that Hanya was being concerned about his captain’s safety, as Val was so utterly consumed with worry for Nikolai. To him, it was obviously all about Kol'ka, who had nearly come back as a corpse in October. The details of Val’s tragic past were simply context.

“Usually I would feel reluctant to take something you seemed to be enjoying, but I’ll admit, I could really use a drink. It’s difficult to keep calm right now. I’ll have to pay you back next time.”

Accepting the flute of champagne, Valentin smiled weakly as he watched it effervesce. Hanya was being so nice to him. His keeper had always been such a keeper. Flicking his eyes back up to his fellow part-German, Valentin listened as Johannes continued.

“Hey, don’t say it's just paranoia. Your worries sound pretty justified to me. ...Maybe you shouldn’t be alone, Kapitän, if your life’s at risk. Self-sacrifice tends to worry everyone involved, regardless of your intentions. ”

At first Val thought he’d misheard. Of course Nikolai shouldn’t be alone right now, which was why he’d sent Sergei to accompany him. Yet, as Johannes continued, it became increasingly clear whom he was actually talking about.

“Hanya, I –”

“We’re here for you, you know. If anyone could lock down a place like it's Ragnarok, it’s Durmstrang. Seriously. If things get dangerous every Christmas, it'd be safer for both you and Nikolai to have people watching your backs. More than just you and that butler, I mean, no matter how vigilant both of you might be. Just say the word and it'll be a manhunt.”

“... You’ve got a point. Maybe I’ve made a terrible mistake. Stribog’s winds take me! I should go after him at least. How dare I even try to relax when I haven’t done my due diligence? Durmstrang is strong in its unity. I can’t break up the party, but maybe I can still…” Standing up from his seat, the zephyr of a young man looked as if he might blow right out the door… but no. Valentin was at the Kolbeck Estate, which was a considerable distance away from Kazan. It was no simple thing to rush to Nikolai’s side anymore. Sergei was there with him, right? He could trust the faith his parents placed in that single damned butler, couldn’t he? Flicking his eyes between the door and Johannes and then the unfinished glass of spirits on the table, Valentin sighed. He was being a terrible guest and an even more horrible friend.

“No… Tell me how you are. That was a marvelous bouquet. Are you actually getting any sleep? What’s new with the Hellhounds?” Changing the topic was the only way Val was going to be able to shut up and sit down. Sinking back down against the window sill like a splattered tomato, the seeker sighed.

“Nothing new enough to be interesting. I’ve been really busy recently, you know how it is. Lots of orders, not much sleep. Less extreme now that we’re on break, but no rest for the wicked, right?”

It was a polite answer with little substance to it. There never seemed to be much revealed in the past when Val asked. Johannes’s shield remained raised, as ever. Certainly this was a large reason why Val had gotten so frustrated trying to understand what was so ruinous to his keeper’s sleep schedule.

“Nothing too unusual for me, though, so don’t worry about me. You’ve got enough on your plate.”

A warp of annoyance passed over Val’s face. It was his fault things were like this between him and Johannes. He’d failed to bridge the gap between them. How much could he have spared Johannes pain and struggle if only his captain hadn’t been in the habit of overcommitting himself to every little problem of those around him? Even more so, Val could have made the time if he hadn't been spending so much energy on romantic suitors. That Hanya had people watching him was not even on Val’s radar. Even as the seeker’s eyes continued on their eternal journey across their surroundings, Valentin would not pick up on any of those in attendance being particularly unusual. In the world of wizarding, “unusual” went with the territory after all. However, Valentin would not fail to miss a particularly impressive interaction between the belle of the ball and their host.

Certainly the room was large and Valentin had set himself down at the farthest end of it but, to their eagle-eyed first-string seeker, the tenderness between Greta and Felix was so scintillating that he could feel their heat as if they were standing right in front of him. Red blush spilled across his cheeks as he stared, unable to tear his eyes away. Finally, thought the pair’s captain. Thank Stribog above. They deserve this. Send them blessings on all the four winds…

Valentin watched until the two left the room, but the power of what happened lingered in his heart. Had that silly setup with the crups and the Skylar tent helped? Either way, it felt meant to be. He was just happy that they could have this. Well, not “just.”

Realizing that he had stood up again and was gripping the table, Valentin released the tension in his body with a tremendous sigh. Turning to face the window, the seeker scanned the scene outside. Out there, perhaps 2000 kilometers away, Nikolai was probably going around with his light blue gloves on, exuding light and cheer despite the darkness twisting in his heart. Maybe he was even spinning under slow-falling snow and coaxing Sergei into making angels on the ground out in the great blanket of white sparkling hills.

Valentin turned back to Johannes, and the seeker’s violet eyes twinkled with the reflection of ballroom lights. Raising the champagne glass, Valentin took a long sip and closed his eyes. He seemed frozen there and soon he drained the entire glass. It was delicious. Setting the gleaming crystal cup down, Valentin returned to looking into Johannes’s eyes. The alabaster boy’s expression was not quite sad, not quite happy, but a sort of Mona Lisa expression that was up to interpretation. He then looked around the room again, examining the expressions of everyone there. It was strange to not have Romeo present with them.

Val turned slowly in a half circle as he considered the moods of Gellert, that Vlad guy Val had been ready to fight against for Yefim’s sake at a ball years ago, the Ravenclaw quidditch player – Aly Salinger, the younger player Finnegan, and Astrid with her sister… and they all seemed so full of life. The people were all beautiful in their own ways, overcoming the trials and tribulations of the last year enough to show up for a new day on their shared world. Each seemed connected to others in such multi-colored ways. Yet, despite these universals, he did not feel equal gravity between them. The connection between Greta and Felix, however, had felt truly exceptional.

“I bet you another glass of champagne that Felix and Greta will come out as a couple. You saw them, didn’t you?”

“Yes. I’m afraid I’ll also have to bet that way, and we’ll both be in need of more champagne in that case.”

Sitting down once more, Valentin folded his hands together atop the table and did that thing he did before a big match, looking intensely into Johannes’s eyes.

“I’ve been a poor friend to you, Hanya. I have been trying to find my way in such chaos that I didn’t make the time to understand what is really happening with you. Maybe it’s not something you can talk about here, or maybe I just haven’t made it clear that I really want to know. I even want to help you, if you’ll let me. I know that things are not simply busy. Something is off.”

Leaning forward, Valentin’s eyes seemed particularly hypnotic in this light.

“Listen to me, thrillseeker. This is going to have to be equitable if I’m going to earn your leap of faith. Perhaps what you keep inside is dangerous to tell me, but I’ll tell you my own secret in return… if we can just agree to back each other up if things go sideways. Alright?”

Pulling the silver locket and its chain from off his neck, Valentin extended it with both hands towards Johannes.

“I’ll give you a choice, even, so that you can back out if I’m just asking for too much. This locket plays the voice of one’s true love. I’ll tell you what I hear when I open it, and you can either tell me what’s really bothering you, or you can take the easy way out and tell me if you hear anyone from the locket. If you want to show me your real courage, you can tell me both, and then you can ask me anything you wish in return. Do we have a deal?”

Valentin smiled. It was a real, genuine grin again, backlit with some reclaimed optimism.

“… And here come the brightest stars of the evening.”

When Felix and Greta re-entered the room, Valentin spotted the telltale stain of lipstick on Felix’s face. Raising two fingers high, the captain gestured to a waiter to bring them two more flutes of champagne.

“I wasn't there for you well enough in the past, and I'm sorry. However, tonight you've helped me make a decision. I understand now and I've made my resolution. Please put your faith in me and let me help you, at last.”

Basic Stats:
STA 8 - EVA 20 - STR 3 - WIS 20 [24] - ARC 1 - ACC 18
Keen Eye / Charmer / Evasive Maneuvers / Fearless
/ Comprehend Languages: Parseltongue & Veela

| Note: Thoughts, English, Korean, Russian | Interacting: @Ira Thornfield

Nabi nodded in response, acknowledging the class the young Ira said they had together. She hummed in thought, glancing away momentarily while Ira looked for a way to add to the agonizingly dead conversation.

Dance? Nabi's eyes flickered back to the young girl. Although she knew how to dance more than well enough, Nabi had always disliked dancing. How bothersome... Yet she knew her parents were watching. Practically feeling her beloved mother's gaze on her and knowing all too well what her parents were thinking, "I do not see why not, Miss Ira", Merlin help me...

With a curt hum, she gestured toward the dancefloor, "Shall we Miss Ira?". Nabi decided to get the dancing over with and walked towards the dance floor. Her eyes instantly found her parents who had been watching her interaction with the young Ira. Nabi nodded slightly as her mother mouthed the word, "smile."

Smile, such a simple act. A mask. A way to make the person facing the said smile feel special. Unique. Heard. Perhaps even liked.

But Nabi liked no one.

She did not see the reason to smile. The act of being nice for the sake of connections was never something she found worthwhile. Glancing blankly at Miss Ira whilst waiting for her on the dance floor.

" Well?"

𝙾𝚄𝚃𝙵𝙸𝚃: Reducio

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▪ 𝙴𝙽𝙲𝚈 ▪ ▪ FELIX ▪ KOLBECK ▪ ▪ DURMSTRANG iNPC ▪ SIXTH YEAR ▪

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𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂: Reducio @Evelynn Decipio as Greta

Felix had been too lost in the haze of it all to notice the sound of a clearing throat at first, his hand sliding up to tangle itself in Greta's hair. It wasn't until he heard her squeaking that he pulled back, his breathing laboured. "Are you okay?"

There was another clearing of the stranger's throat and Felix froze.

He drew in a sharp breath as he finally peered over his shoulder to see who the intruder was. When his eyes locked onto a cold blue pair mirroring his own, the tension in his shoulders loosened. Dammit, he was going to kill him...

Aké Kolbeck stood beneath the flickering candle light, a rare expression of amusement on his face. He wore a deep blue suit similar to what Lin had all but forced his son to wear, but there were noticeably less snowflake embellishments and he had gotten away with wearing a tie instead of an ascot. The asshole... Felix was so jealous.

Why did he have to look so amused?

"... What do you want?" Was all Felix asked, not bothering to mask the annoyance in his voice.

"What?" Aké responded in their native tongue, "You're not going to apologize for scarring your old man? I know I told you to date a pureblood girl, but I'm not ready to be a grandfather yet; I'm far too young and handsome to be saddled with that title—"

Felix grit his teeth, his eyes narrowing over at the older Kolbeck, "Dad." He warned as he finally released his hold on Greta, but shifted himself forward in a way that she could still hide behind him as he faced his father. "Get to the point. Do you have to be so... Ugh, insufferable?"

"Yes." Was Aké's simple response, probably making it clear where Felix got his snark from. "Your mother is worried that you might have slipped away to actually have fun this evening, and by that I mean she wants you to return to the party so she can make an announcement."

The Swede felt his stomach drop, "why does she need me there?"

"Because she said so and I like not having to sleep on the couch." His father quirked a brow, his usual stoic expression nowhere to be found this evening, much to Felix's annoyance. If he didn't know any better he might have thought his father was drunk or actually... Excited.

The last thing the Swede wanted was to return to the party. He wanted to go hide in his room, and probably take a long cold shower while he was at it. Felix wasn't given much of a choice, though, as his father all but ushered them back to the doors they had just exited. His arm slid around Greta, pulling her close as they marched towards their fate.

A curse was mumbled under his breath, angry that he had allowed himself to lose control so easily. It wasn't Greta fault, as beautiful and as endearing as she was. She didn't know better than to dangle everything he wanted in front of him, to give him a taste. He was no better than the other boys that couldn't resist the Norwegian's natural charms. No, he was worse; he had lied, had claimed the two were dating when his naive friend had no clue.

"... No matter what happens, just know... I'm sorry." He leaned down to mumble into Greta's ear. A firm arm was still around Greta when they reentered the party, though he kept his eyes glued to the floor. He tried not to look too guilty, lest Valentin or Johannes punch him in the face for making a move on Greta. Felix had no idea that his sins were written on his lips quite literally, as Greta's lipstick had smeared.

Lin was already standing next to the large Christmas tree, a fork clinking against her glass as she tried to catch the crowd's attention, "Hello, everyone. First I would like to welcome you to our humble home and thank you for choosing to spend Christmas Eve with us!

She paused to repeat the first part of her speech in Swedish, then passed the glass to a house-elf, her now free hand tossing white tresses over her shoulder. "I'm so happy to celebrate with all of you, and even more excited to announce a new addition to our family..."

Felix could feel his heart drumming against his ears as he watched his mother's gaze settled on him and Greta. Oh Merlin, he was going to throw up, right here in front of all his friends and his mother's stupid friends—

"In June 2025, Aké and I are expecting the arrival of our fourth child, Elowen." Lin announced before pausing to repeat the news in Swedish.

There was a moment of silence before several guests begin to clap and shout their congratulations. Felix was stunned as he watched his mother proudly place a had on her stomach. This had not been what he thought she would announce. He should have been relieved, but he could only feel disappointment pooling in the pit of his stomach.

Angry eyes searched for his father, suddenly spotting him standing behind Johannes of all people. He was too busy wondering just where the hell the old man got off on lecturing him to notice his father practically had a dark aura around him as he glared daggers at the boy standing in front of him. Ugh, how dare he go off about being safe when his parents were obviously—he stopped that train of thought before it reached the station, unwilling to bleach his brain.

Felix was hardly paying attention to his mother at this point, surely she was still rambling on about her baby. Hopefully this one didn't have a creepy obsession with dolls. "I am also excited that our son, Felix, has invited his girlfriend who will hopefully someday be his wife to share this Christmas with us, the lovely Miss Greta Fransson."

Every muscle in his body locked up, his grip on Greta tightening instinctively as a few heads turned to stare at the pair. His face burned red as he heard his mother repeat herself in Swedish.

"... What the Fuck."

FELIX: English ▪ Swedish ▪ Russian | LINNÉA: English ▪ Swedish | AKÉ: English ▪ Swedish

Roleplaying as Durmstrang Graduate iNPC Arjan Oberoi

C U R R E N T- O U T F I T

Reducio

T H E- A R J A N- O B E R O I

Despite the fact that he had grown up with formal gatherings and pureblood parties, Arjan had grown a little tired of them. For some reason, they were just not the same as they used to be. He used to enjoy them, it was a good chance to network and meet up with his friends whilst berating his sister and her friends. It secured his position as the 'good' one in the family. However, his sister had disowned a couple of years ago - something she seemed true to still do even after graduation. He really had thought she would return to the family within weeks, rather realising how crap the world was outside but she did not. Hell, she did not even return after she had started working. It was strange, to be honest.

Unfortunately for Arjan, this meant that his mother's full attention had turned to him in the past couple of years and it was absolutely exhausting for him. She was pressuring him to get married to a 'suitable pureblood girl' - something he was just not interested in doing at the moment and kept insisting that he should take up the family business rather than continuing his own path in the sports world. As such, Arjan had started to avoid going to events unnecessarily. He focused on the ones that made a difference to his career. The Kolbeck Christmas party was not on the list and he had absolutely no idea why this Lin Kolbeck lady had invited him.

But the name seemed familiar and he ended up here, standing in front of a castle that seemed very unlike the Kolbeck that he knew. Sure, he had assumed that the boy was rich - who wasn't? But Arjan had not quite expected him to live in a prissy castle, it went against his punkass exterior.

As it turned out, Arjan had three reasons to attend this event. The first and foremost, that had to be done here and no where else, was that he had another opportunity to irritate a Durmstrang student that he knew rather well - a Lin Kolbeck's son. The second was that he was mildly curious to see if his sister, Serena, was attending events like these. From what he knew, she considered Felix a close personal friend and perhaps, would have gotten an invite herself. But if she had fallen off the guest lists the moment she outted herself as a goblin, he would not have been surprised to see her disinvited from everything. If she had been invited, a tiny part of him was curious to see what she was up to. And the third and final reason - the one that made him take a second look at the invitation that he had received from Lin - was that his self-proclaimed biggest fan, @Aly Salinger, had intended to be there too.

The athlete waltzed into the room like he owned the castle himself - as though he was the host! He was escorted by an elf but he walked ahead of the little guy. With his head held up high, his tall stature could be spotted entering. His broad shoulders wore a black and silver suit, which had a leaf like pattern on it. The right half was mostly black, with hints of the silver. Whilst the other side was covered in the silver pattern. It was glittery and shiny. He donned a plain black shirt with the buttons undone at the top, showing off his broad neck and black boots. He looked relatively similar to how he looked when he was still at Durmstrang - built like a tank. The main difference was that his hair was now a little longer and he sported a beard. Yes, he had decided to leave the clean shaven days behind him and now has very well maintained facial hair.

In his hand was a wooden box that had engraving on it. The box was addressed to Lin specifically - with her name engraved onto it. If one were to read the rest of the engraving, it would say "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love, Arjan" in italics. The top of the box also had "THE ARJAN OBEROI" printed on it in a smaller font than the message as though they were on all of the boxes. Arjan had intentionally addressed it to Lin, he had also intentionally signed it with 'Love' and his first name, as though they were familiar. In truth, he had no idea who she was and had spent a minute staring at the invitation in wonder before just tossing it into his locker without much thought. It was not until Aly mentioned it that he gave it a second glance and suddenly realised that Four out of Ten was also called Kolbeck. Inside the wooden box was a vintage port.

He had arrived at the event rather late. Well, a wizard was never late - he arrived precisely when he meant to, after all. But it was in the middle of a speech that a woman was giving by the Christmas Tree. He could only assume that was the Linnea on the invite. Quirking an eyebrow at her announcement, he could not help but smirk. Perhaps his gift was badly timed. Not too far away, he spotted the familiar white haired punk. Arjan made his way over as though he was about to greet the host but stopped since she was still talking. Instead, he stood near Four without facing him - still looking very much at Lin. There was a smirk on his face as he held out the gift towards Four, "This was not the best gift in hindsight but she didn't tell me earlier. I suppose that's why she invited me today though," He commented in a low voice so he was not overheard by Lin, implying that they had a personal relationship where she would have told him.

Turning to face Felix, Arjan blinked at him as though seeing him for the first ever time. It looked as though he was just randomly giving him the gift and only now realised who he was, "Wait- Four? What are you doing here? At Lin's place? You know her?" He asked, as though he was unsure. Of course, he knew that Felix was Linnea's son - it did not take a genius to work that out - but he did not need to admit to that. He blinked, as though he was stunned to see him here. As though it was so unexpected!

Arjan then looked him over in a very obvious once-over as though he was finally acknowledging that he was here, before suddenly breaking out into a grin, "Wow, very punk... You seem very much out of your element here with that and well, this," He started sarcastically before smirking. He ended the comment with a wave not only at his outfit but the room. The castle, after all, was definitely not very punk either. This whole thing did not match the leather jacket wearing Felix that he would see in Durmstrang. Who knew that Felix Kolbeck, the guy who thought he was so cool, lived in a castle? That was pretty entertaining. Felix acted as though he would hate such a house.

Now that he had crossed 'piss off Felix' off his list, he pondered the second thing on his checklist... was she here?

threading as Johannes Sauer
speaking in russian german unless specified

“I don’t know about you,” He put his hands up in surrender at Valentin's burst of worried energy, only slightly convinced of the other’s apparent negligence. “but melting into the corner of a ball doesn’t seem very relaxing to me…” Maybe they did things differently among the wallflowers of higher society, but his Kapitän didn’t really seem much like an introvert anyway. Even with a glass of champagne in him, Cupid still looked like a strong breeze could knock him over and send him straight home. Whatever crazy mood swing they were currently on (relatable), Johannes would prefer not being the sole witness to a silver-spun crash-out so close to an openable window, thank you very much. It wouldn't be good for Felix to come back into the ballroom and hear that one of his guests had gotten injured after standing up too quickly. He’d always joked that Valentin was the true Jack Frost of their current era, but this was a bit far. Riding the wind (or something like that) had never seemed quite as believable a threat until now.

“How can you protect him if you keel over from exhaustion?” If it hadn’t happened already, it was going to happen soon. He was no adviser, but placating the mother hen sometimes meant pointing out that the nest was still warm despite their absence. “Look, talk to Nikolai sometime after the ball! Discuss some contingencies together or something, I don't know. As long as you have backup plans and people know about them, you two are going to be fine. Or at least still alive and decently sane together.” Basically the same thing in his book. They were chill; things would work out! Even if they didn’t (many apologies), Durmstrang could probably figure something out, right? It’d be a waste for Valya to rip away from the crowd and ruin poor Nikolai’s snow day... or whatever the Valentin’s butler and ward did on their own. Colouring pages or poetry books and/or near-death experiences, probably.

Between Johannes’ lame, half-baked suggestions and Valentin’s much more convincing internal logic, something must have worked to force reason into the conversation. Or, at the very least, just enough reason to prevent the albino from paper-bagging right out of the Kolbeck estate before speaking with everyone else. Valentin was a popular guy and Johannes was definitely in the way of that. At least Felix and Greta seemed to be doing well. Experimenting with young love, sneaking around Felix’s own house and hiding away as if their friends hadn't been enthusiastic wingmen in the past— Shit, it was sweet enough to get cavities, or at least momentarily stop the Hellhound from knee-jerk judgement. An accomplishment, if one could call temporary skill that.

Charmed and notoriously deflective, Johannes' wandering attention drifted back to his conversation partner just in time to catch a strange, single flash of annoyance cross over his Kapitän’s fair face. A more agreeable expression quickly replaced it, but the mere glimpse of disapproval was enough to sober his mood. In this wretched economy, apparently even levity was difficult to come by. Fuck, was it even possible for him to have fucked things up in the first 10 minutes of conversation? Called upon, Johannes instinctively stiffened, standing at attention to authority seldom employed outside Quidditch. Evidently, much to Johannes's great disapproval, the simple banter of champagne-draining appreciation wasn't enough to leave things alone.

“You really think too highly of me, Valya. Even if things are... 'off', as you say, I’ve still been busy.” Whatever Valentin thought was going on, nothing but the barest bones of conflict could pass. “Still, you've been as good of a friend as possible. I don't blame you, considering the circumstances. You aren’t omnipotent,” despite efforts to the contrary “and I never expected you to interfere with my bullshit.” He rolled his eyes, judgemental and only somewhat self-contemptuous, before proudly meeting the other’s clever gaze. Where disregard for his own issues lay, an underlying thread of unflinching insistence had taken its place, softened only by evident fondness of Valentin’s beloved compassion. “I’d defend you regardless, you know that. I don’t need explanations or justification. If you’re in trouble— if things go sideways— of course, I’ll have your back. I thought that obvious! We don’t need to leverage secrets like this against each other.” All his dear friends needed to do was say the word and he’d raze hell and high heaven. Had his commitment not been so obvious? To even suggest transactionalism was a slight against his confidence. Perhaps it was naive for Johannes to accept blind obedience, but he had been so sure of its mutuality after everything they'd been through together. Emphasis on everything, for despite Johannes’s familiarly sharp tongue and terribly implied need for reassurance, it was clear that Valentin had a greater plan laid out for them.

Leaning forward onto the table, his Kapitän’s purple eyes seemed near faerie-like in the candle-lit ballroom. Supernaturally cunning, bright not necessarily by mere lighting but by fervent willpower itself. It wouldn't have been surprising if some inhuman heritage lay tucked away in the Valentin’s often-spilt blood, so captivating every mere movement and gambit seemed. It was as if Johannes had dropped himself in a hypnotist's tent, a silver locket so freely offered— precious despite such generosity— swinging ominously in his peripheral vision.

A pause. A moment of stunned disapproval, more like. “...Doing it this way, are we?” Fuck. What simmering annoyance Johannes had dutifully attended to earlier seemed to burn away in a single smoke-like rush of complete dread. Held aloft, the true love's locket seemed to meet Valentin's light and capture it, glinting in some promise of material exposure. If the mere offering had thoroughly intimidated him, the intensity of its insistence only multiplied it. They truly were going to need that champagne, weren't they? Hell, Johannes would take straight vodka over this, between the expectant confidence on the other's face and his complete lack of outs. No crossroad demon could claim his poor soul, for its worth had clearly been estimated by another. If this were a test (and it definitely was), its ruthlessness would have impressed him had it not aimed to attack the very fabric of his reality. Though ever-rebellious to his core, the trust he had placed in Valentin's authority would be his downfall. Yes, Johannes was a risk-taker— even the thrill-seeker of his Kapitän's image— but he wasn’t a fool.

Johannes was not as easily loved as Valentin; that was the simple truth. Here now, validated in his suspicions and jaw clenched with dread, it was all too clear how much he’d held his friends and admirers at a careful distance. Burned from youth, it had always been easier (safer) to remain ever-vigilant, perception-way and unwilling to break further into established dynamics. Whatever dynamics he’d created with the current Horde and its peripherals were entirely accidental. The albino's concern was more than unnecessary, and meeting such a brilliant smile only made him feel worse. He spun the mere idea around in his head for a moment, pre-emptively feeling exceptionally like the secret party pooper he was turning out to be. “You... wouldn’t like my answers. None of them, no matter the question.” It was almost funny, in a supremely self-deprecating sense. His Kapitän had likely never liked his answers, as carefully vague as they were worded, yet Johannes could do little more than dig his own grave. He felt like a child once more, cowed by the simple authority of morality itself. And like a wronged child, what more could he do but plead his case? “Hey, shouldn’t you be saving this idea for someone special, or at least someone more suited for this whole ordeal? You’d just waste it on me. Honestly—! It’s not as dangerous as you’d think. Your situation is infinitely crazier, even if you don’t believe me.” If only because it was Johannes speaking and not a more honest member of Valentin’s ever-expanding circle, the desperation in his chest felt ever more incriminating. How could he bear to join the many hands guiding the other towards martyrdom? How could he knowingly present Valentin’s burdens with even more weight, as if simple conversation could lift the zero-sum game of concern? “Whatever this whole plan is meant to be, it really, really doesn't need anything like this.”

The prospect of disappointment was unbearable, but he knew all too well the danger of Valentin’s near-obsessive altruism. The other would deliver nothing less than a small ocean if approached with even a sliver of need. In pursuit of a kinder life for those around him, his Kapitän’s insatiable appetite for change had no other rival. Valentin would likely give up his entire soul if someone precious desired it. Face-to-face with merciful light incarnate, any bid for help would be little more than a Trojan horse. And really, Johannes couldn’t, wouldn’t, risk betraying the Pack’s confidence in him. It was one thing to have crossed loyalties but another to become an informant, even for the smallest of remarks. There were no Hounds or handlers in the room to police his every move (thank god), but the guilt would weigh on him like no other. Could he outsource sympathy when none was warranted?

Yet appealing to trust— appealing to trust to someone who considered trust everything and nothing at all— was diabolical. There was nothing more damning than that. Humiliation could stay his hand, but even the noose of loyal responsibility could not force him from his roots. “I’ve always had faith in you, Valya. From the beginning and even now. But some things just aren’t interesting enough to explain. Let alone concern you with, especially not here of all places.” Truthfully, he’d never had anything but faith. He'd never doubted his seeker’s ability in all their time together, not through sheets of rain nor bloodied snow. Even if Valentin would likely never stop pushing at a pull door, his good friend still deserved some peace of mind.

Off-put by his own audacity, Johannes finally dropped his gaze to lean once more on the chair back. In his complete deferment of Valentin's precious offer, his nails had dug into the fine velvet, leaving thin crescent-shaped scars in the furniture. Collateral damage, indeed. They quickly faded with a few idle brushes into the opposite direction, but the looming expectations readily offered to him were not so easily rebuffed. “There’s nothing to help, I promise you. I can handle things! You really don’t have to worry.” How could Valentin so easily prod at his weaknesses as if that gleaming silver locket would not burn with immediate rejection? At the end of it all, the weight of another white lie wouldn’t mean much to a mountain of omission.

Atop such a mountain, likely saved for the best possible moment of suspense, stood Mrs Kolbeck’s thrilling two-part announcement. Clearly, the stars had aligned just enough to save Johannes from himself. It was either that or the Kolbeck flair for dramatics, which had apparently worked to lighten the mood for once in its complaining existence. Oh, the relief! Pulled adrift from his characteristic brooding, Johannes joined in the applause with just enough polite enthusiasm to seem socially acceptable. No more depressing shit, not when they had more exciting and more truly festive things to talk about now. “I suppose multiple congratulations are in order for the Kolbecks? Poor Felix and Greta, going public like this.” He peered through the crowd, cheekily aiming to meet eyes with the lucky couple. With as much stake in the situation as a fish to clouds, he could only imagine how fun teasing their fellow Horntails would be later. “You think either of them knew about this, or if this was a big ol’ surprise party for everyone? Big age difference for siblings, too.” He waved cheerily to them, rather amused by their increasing embarrassment, before sheepishly looking back at the gift-bearing angel in front of him.

“Sorry, Valik. Maybe we could talk some other time.” Hopefully never again. “We could grab lunch or something, I don’t know. It’d be easier to help you if we covered all our bases. You know where to find me for the most part, right?” If he were a better man, maybe he'd be more apologetic for rebuffing the other so thoroughly. As it stood, however, Johannes was not above capitalising on distraction. If it were up to him, the truth and he would share a fiery grave.

Suddenly, as if prey in plain view, the strangest feeling accosted him. Worse than mere Looming Danger or even the ghostly presence of some of their strangest peers. No, this was not unease from a metaphorical magical aura but from sheer vibe alone. Johannes could feel eyes prickling at the back of his head, so heavily and randomly foreboding that it made no sense why someone would pass up Mrs Kolbeck’s well-orchestrated dramatics for him. Unsettled, he made an aborted movement to grab at the nape of his neck, turning slowly around instead as if to meet his maker…

Only to find Felix’s father looming over him instead. If questioned, Johannes would never admit the startled, only somewhat nervous laugh that bubbled out of him at the sight. Aha, oh fuck. “Mr Kolbeck! What a surprise.” He’d become so used to politely avoiding both of the Kolbeck parents except to exchange pleasantries that Aké's sudden social appearance felt eerily similar to being jumped in the halls. Forced awkwardly pleasant despite his bewilderment, Johannes' complete drop back into family-friendly manners threatened even the solidest code-switching personas. “Merry Christmas, sir! Congratulations on the announcement. You have a lovely family.” Why the hell was Kolbeck Sr here and not with his wife?? Wasn't that what married couples did when they had big announcements to share? Johannes's exposure to decent adult couples extended to his grandfather's ring of shady family friends and (most influentially) the Addams family, but this surely wasn't the right time to make guest-greeting rounds.

Much to the detriment of the Hellhound's respectful (if not honestly bewildered) show of geniality, the dangerous expression on Aké's face put as much cold water down his back as Valentin’s show of sobering resolve. If he'd somehow fucked up earlier, it was evidently clear that his peers were not the only slighted parties. Between Valik and Aké, it'd be a miracle to leave Sweden alive. “Er, I like your suit. The embroidery’s very handsome on you, sir. It matches well with the theme.” Act cool, Hanya, act cool. Brick-walled into the awkwardest polite conversation he'd had since the Stone Age (5th year), Johannes's blunt confusion threatened to burst from the seams of his charming facade. Apparently, for him, heeding an invitation to anything more than a casual get-together meant trouble. The whole situation felt less like the intervention Valentin likely hoped to achieve and more like random boss encounters. “Sorry, is there an issue…? Can I help you with something?”

Outfit Reference

Reducio

(without cane, cross and glove)
(featuring LC + Charmer)

The sixth-year Ravenclaw perused the snacks offered by several nearby servers, her keen green gaze wandering over the various amuse-bouches and canapés, until she finally picked up a few miniature tartlets and little marzipan-covered cakes with the tiniest dessert fork she'd ever seen in her life and placed them on an equally small plate from which she could nibble. Smiling and thanking each server with a nod and whispered words - very few of the others were doing so, which made her feel both out-of-place and also quite concerned for the manners they were teaching in whatever pureblood etiquette lessons these ridiculous bobbers and nodders were taking as children - Aly hung by one of the tables full of beverages, not letting herself sit for fear of wrinkling her skirt (or, worse, not being able to stand back up again). She plucked one tartlet into her mouth with the dessert fork, but her mouth dropped open at the sight of a very familiar white-haired vision in turquoise wandering in; Aly just barely managed to close her lips before the tartlet tumbled out to a floor-bound death.

Pei was here.

Aly instinctively ducked slightly, but the Slytherin seeress didn't seem to spot her or even know she was there; instead, she followed her guardians in and immediately headed off (Aly spotted Hesper heading towards the Virtanens even as Pei split away, for no doubt her own mother was loathe to let what few pureblood connections she truly had left in the world go even a few seconds without being greeted personally). The Ravenclaw watched Pei wander through the crowd, not aimlessly, but rather as if she had someone in her sights... and then, just as Aly swallowed, she realised the person in question. The tartlet stuck in her throat; she grabbed a flute of what she believed to be apple juice from a nearby server and took a large swig to dislodge the dough. Unfortunately, it was not juice but champagne, and she coughed involuntarily, just barely managing to not spit a cocktail of bubbly and crumbly all over herself. Not only was Pei here, she was talking to the Athanatos boy - the one with whom Aly had just finished dancing. Vladimir, he'd called himself.

Even as she watched, they took to the dance floor, and despite Aly and Pei having been on more stable - albeit perhaps not incredibly friendly still, but certainly far less rocky - terms since the late summer and Aly's trip to stay with the Virtanens, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of something familiar and long-buried once more. People flocked to the Slytherin, for some reason. Aly wasn't going to admit that Pei wasn't a kind person, and deserving of many of the good things she had, but jealousy was not something that one simply could do away with so instantaneously. The Ravenclaw was charming, sure, but Pei always had just simply had something she didn't. Something she couldn't.

Perhaps it had been jealousy that had driven Aly to write the marriage article. It had only been out for a month, but the teenager had avoided Pei since the day the Headliner edition had hit the shelves. That twinge wasn't jealousy but guilt, then, perhaps, at having name-dropped her would-be friend's betrothal (and lack of following it) for the entire school to read... and even as she thought it, Pei was turning and leaving the dance floor, leaving the older boy behind. And heading straight towards her.

Aly let out a strangled gasp and ducked behind a passing server. Leaving her plate on a nearby table, but hanging on to the champagne (for once the shock of the bubbles passed, it actually didn't taste quite too bad), she ducked and twisted through the throng of purebloods away from the beverage table and the seeress going towards it. Her eyes scanned the room, trying to find someone, anyone, else to talk to, an escape - anyone other than her mother, of course. A pair of young girls were talking by the tree; several foreign boys lounged at a table near the window. None of them seemed open to an astronomical refugee. But the entryway - oh, the entryway! Aly's gaze caught upon the boy, nay, the man, just as he walked in, clad in black and silver, glorious and practically glowing in the candlelight.

"He came," escaped her lips before she could even so much as think about it.

Arjan Oberoi - sorry, The Arjan Oberoi was here, strutting into the room like he owned the place. Perhaps he did, by the poise of his shoulders and confidence in his stride; Aly second-guessed, just for a moment, that this was the Kolbeck ball or the Kolbeck palace. Tall, broad, and handsome, but about thrice as much as he had been in the pictures - if Aly had been one of the candles, she might've melted on the spot. Hell, maybe she did a little anyway. She rose the flute of champagne to her mouth and took a sip, then snagged a second one from a passing server, though that one was obviously full.

Now or never.

Steeling herself, she approached him from behind.

"I didn't think you were going to come," the Ravenclaw said. Introductions? Who were they? "But I think you put the fashion in fashionably late." Smiling, she offered him the full flute. "I love the suit, by the way. Care for some champagne?"

C U R R E N T- O U T F I T

Reducio

T H E- A R J A N- O B E R O I

A voice caught his attention. The voice of a beautiful maiden who required his attention, of course. It was not as glamorous as his own voice but it was hard to beat perfection, he understood that. It was second best to it, which really said a lot. He casually glanced over his shoulder for a second before his gaze fell onto the curly hair of that fan who had invited him here. Right, what was her name again?

He immediately spun around as he recognised the face from the photograph that she had provided, giving her his undivided attention. Or at least, as much of it as he could give. A lot of his attention was always on how perfect his hair looked, after all.

His lips curved into a smirk as he took her appearance in. She seemed confident. It was cute. “You asked, I answered. How could I say no to such a lovely lady?” He responded with a smirk on his lips as he took the champagne glass that he had been offered and raised it to her in a ‘cheers’ moment before taking a sip.

“You look stunning yourself. Had I known you were wearing blue, I’d have matched,” He added with a wink. She was wearing a navy blue ballgown, he could easily have thrown on one of his blue suits. But none of them seemed to have the dazzle that this one did. It did not take him long to finish his champagne and help himself to another one. The advantage of being an adult was that you could do exactly what you wanted and he planned to fully take advantage of that fact. Besides, if he was going to harass number four, he would have to be a little tipsy to enjoy it more.

His eyes scanned the room briefly once more before returning to the Hogwarts student, “I would be honoured if you accompanied me to the dance floor. May I?” Oh Arjan, he was ever so polite was he not? He raised his hand, offering it to her should she wish to take it and accompany him.

If she said yes, he would lead her to the floor without hesitation. Though, as he did, he would shoot some glances around to see who else was here. It seemed like she was not here. That was… interesting. From what he could recall, she was a friend of the Kolbeck kid so even if she avoided most pureblood parties, this seemed like one gathering she might have been at.

@Aly Salinger

english | russian

Amina was late. Very late actually and it was entirely her mum’s fault. Completely overwhelmed with joy that her daughter had been invited to the christmas eve party of such an important family, she had made absolutely sure that Amina would show up in the appropriate gown. Punished with three sons and a very moody daughter she had taken the opportunity challenge to find her girl a gown to heart. She had been fussing around her for hours - and they might have started late, because Amina had been highly engaged in an ice-hockey game with her brothers. Actually, her mother had to drag her from the ice into the home to get ready.
But from what the young girl had seen in the mirror, it had been worth it.
Although she normally didn’t engage a lot in styling and dolling herself up, Amina wanted to be unpredictable and also show the family of her friend some respect.
She enjoyed startling people and getting the attention - often that was achieved by showing up with no attention to dressing up when everyone else did. But here, it was different. In fact, she was extremely excited to join this event: She got another opportunity to spend time with most of the people she held dear and she might get some immunition for teasing Felix later down the road. So, appropriate preparation was in order.
Amina was dressed in a light-green dress that made her fair skin appear almost white and her eyes stand out even more. Fine silver embroidery ran from her waist over the fabric. Her red-dyed hair was adorned with a silver headband, which was decorated with a few pearls.

In the grand picture, she fit in very well with the well dressed crowd that was gathered in the mansion, although it felt more like a palace. Amina had barely any time to actually take in the scene and come up with a judgy line for when she was facing Felix. The lady of the house, dressed like the queen of the night, just had an announcement to make. The Durmstang had just arrived in time to witness it.
Unfortunately, she didn’t locate anybody yet to see if her reaction was shared: Felix a big brother? Good luck to the little kid.
The comment about Greta and Felix caught her attention way more than the first announcement. A smirk appeared on her face. Aw, how adorable. Another couple claimed by the love-disease. Another feeling was stirring under the mixture of happiness and annoyance (because yes, she was happy for them!), but Amina brushed it aside.
Instead, she focused on the task at hand and slid between the people, the small present her mother had given her for the family firmly secured under her arm, scanning the faces for her friends. She wouldn’t admit it, but this flashy and stuck-up environment made her slightly uneasy.
Thankfully, she spotted some familiar faces and waves of relief washed through her. Val and Johannes - both of them looked like princes from a children’s fairytale. They were talking to Mr. Kolbeck at one of the tables nearby.
Amina, completely immune to shyness, pushed her way through the crowd and squeezed herself between her two friends, a wide smile on her face.
”Good evening, Sir, Val, Johannes.” She beamed at the small group and then sank smoothly into an elegant curtsy. Her instinct was to hug both of her friends, but she had to deal with the third wheel first.
”Congratulations, Sir! And what a lovely home you have. I am just beyond thrilled that I have been invited!” A little bit too much? Nah, it was fine. She lifted the white box closed with a golden ribbon and presented it to the adult. ”Compliments from my mother and father. Merry Christmas!” The box was a small present from her mother: homemade chocolate chip cookies, another box of christmas cookies and a bottled flower, a lily, that would never wither.

Outfit reference

Reducio

Interacting | @Valentin Schnell | @Johannes Sauer | Mr Kolbeck
Mentions | @Felix Kolbeck | @Margarethe Fransson

Abilities | Muggle Condition | Fearless | Foulplay | Lovely Creature | Evasive Maneuvers I

@Cassius Eden
Note- Opeila's hair is mostly white at this point.

For a few moments, Opeila remained by the side of the dance floor, trying to regain control of her emotions, fight the tears she felt herself choking on. Where was Cassius? His lateness gave her a great opportunity to speak with the former Ravenclaw, but if she was honest, she had expected their encounter to go somewhat like the ones before. The ones where Vladimir had glared at her and pushed her away at every opportunity.

Instead Opeila found herself more the most unsettled she had ever been after talking to him. Her head was still spinning from the intensity of his words, her heart still racing from his proximity. In a different world, or maybe even in this world, had they taken a different path in the past, she would have been attracted to him.
In a world where they didn't have so much history. Where his voice didn't still re-awoke the faintest echo of the pain his invasion in her head had caused her two years ago.
Where being close to him didn't mean likely putting herself at even more risk than she already seemed to be. Where he himself didn't sometimes feel like a threat.

His words left her feeling just as helpless, no, maybe even more so than before. Whatever was going to happen would happen. There was no stopping it. Was that what he was saying? That poor little Aamon losing his hand was only the first loss the young boy was going to experience? That he was destined to walk the same path as his older brother?
Opeila swallowed against the lump in her throat, her hands clenching into fists. It wasn't in her nature to give up. No, she just... couldn't. Would that get her killed before graduation after all?

Suddenly she realized that Lysander was watching her. He whispered something to Annika, then walked towards her.
No. No.
Opeila turned around and fled. Disappeared in the crowd and eventually found a door outside.

The fresh air hit her like a freezing wall, making her gasp. She hadn't taken a jacket with her, and while the cool air had been pleasant at first, Opeila found herself freezing in a matter of minutes. It was okay. She could endure that for a little longer.
She didn't feel like returning inside just yet.