The Spring Soirée Spring Ball 2025

"Central Park is cool too tho! By the way, I once saw it on TV, that there are five hundred seventy-one species of animals living in it! Ain't that cool? I mean, they're mostly birds and squirrels but still... a lot of species on a relatively small area, in the middle of Manhattan." Said the girl thoughtfully. "You said you live close to it. How often do you go there? Have ya ever seen any beautiful bird species there?"

When Dev imagined being Father Christmas too, Lucy grinned. "Yeah. I think the delivering part would be most entertaining. I mean, how does he know all the addresses? I assume he might be co-operating with the King, or the government, or something."

A theory, which might have seemed excessively rational for someone who still believed in Father Christmas, came from Lucy's mouth, and the girl actually narrowed her eyes at the thought. "Whoa, I've never thought about it that way. What do you think about it? Oh, but... it's not Father Christmas that brings gifts in America, is it? Do you believe in Santa?" Asked the girl.

When Dev mentioned her violin, Lucy's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "Whoa! Wait! Y-you... you can play the violin? That's so cool! You're like... like Sherlock Holmes!" Exclaimed the Ravie. "I'd love to hear you playing! Have ya got your violin 'ere with you? No need to have stage fright with me, by the way! I don't play any instruments, nor can I sing. I actually mostly am not even able to recognize the rythm of a song." Lucy paused for a sec, lifting her palms to express her genuine disability to produce any sort of music. "But I love it when other people sing and play instruments. Can't hear it if they make mistakes." An amateur without a bit of musical hearing, Luce, just say what your aunt called ya once, when they asked you to sing at the Christmas party... just you say it.

"Yeah, of course." Lucy nodded her head, after Dev mentioned that it depended on the timing of the visit. "We'll handle the details later, once my parents tell me an exact date that we'll be going to NY this year. And, I've seen a lot of New York too, with my grandparents. But we could definitely see some more things. Like, explore the places that you like most to spend your time at, for example." Lucy smiled with a warm smile, nodding.

When the talk moved to Eonaria, Luce's expression fell and she felt pity for her friend. "Nah, hon, I really don't think it's you did or said. It's just that... my blood as well as yours ain't purely wizarding, which some people, for some reason, are not okay with." Lucy sighed. She really didn't know much about that sort of business, but she was at least told by her family that there were Voldemort and Grindelwald, who weren't really the biggest friends of Muggles and muggleborns, trying to errase them from the world's surface. "Eh... do you, by any chance, know Voldemort? Or Grindelwald... the latter happened to get to the other side of the ocean for a day or two, messed things up big time there, then went back to Britain, eh." Lucy grimaced but went on to speak: "Well, if you do, my mom told me that some people 'ere still believe in the pureblood stuff... ya know what I mean? Especially those from the old wizarding families, whose history goes back to the Middle Ages, or even before that. They're mostly Slytherins, I think." Dark, dark waters, Luce. how do you want to explain what you don't really understand?

As Dev said she'd like to find Eo later on, Luce pouted her lips, but chose not to express her disagreement. She merely just shrugged. "I mean, I don't ask about people's blood status either, but some do, 'cause they care for some reason." Pff! Such crap! As my grandma says, we're all made of the same flesh! Muggles and wizards alike!

"Alright, let's go then!" Did Lucy exclaim when Dev told her she'd like to go to the Garden. jerking her head towards the door, to which she started rushing. Just before disappearing from the Great Hall, she stopped by near Mikey, whom she smiled at.

"Yo, Tarot reader! Having fun?" Her eyes flicked from Mikey to Bree for a second, a girl whom she didn't know yet, but thought she'd seen her on some lessons. "Hi there.. I'm Luce, Ravie, just like 'im." Did she introduce herself to Bree, her Welsh accent somehow more apparent, waving at her. She then looked back at Mikey and spoke to him. "Listen, me and my friend Dev are goin' to the Garden of Ede', to check the snacks 'ere. So... if ya wanna join us, feel free." Lucy didn't really wait for their reply, she just passed by and headed to the door.

Stats: Stamina: 6 * Evasion: 5 * Strength: 6 * Wisdom: 5 * ArcPower: 7 * Accuracy: 6
Abilities: None

Interacting with: @Lyanna Oak, @Joseph Sims, @Mikey Foreville, and @Azzure Solace (please owl me for interactions!) Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/11/25

Word Count: 257

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Avery walked into the Great Hall in awe. It was beautifully adorned and Avery barely recognized it. People were already inside either dancing or hanging out around food tables of around the room. Avery glanced around until she found Joseph in a chicken suit standing nearby. She smiled. She hadn't expected her friend to dress up in a chicken costume for a formal ball, but the costume would make everything even more fun! Avery walked over to him with Dylan following her and said, "Hiya Joseph! Nice outfit! By the way, this is my cousin, Dylan. He's from Ilvermony." As Avery waited for him to respond, she glanced around the ball again. She smiled as she watched people dance. She had never danced before with a boy other than her father and cousin, so she hoped she would get the chance to dance. It always looked so fun in the few muggle movies her late muggle friend used to make her watch. As Avery looked around the Great Hall, she noticed her best friend, Lya. She waved to the girl in greeting before turning her attention to the food tables. She knew she would be paying a visit to those later. There were so many new sweets and foods she had never seen before. Maybe Dylan would show her some American treats since she had never even seen them before. At that moment Avery recognized a little rock next to Joseph. It was so cute dressed in its costume. "Your pet rock it so cute!" Avery said.

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Action: Entering ball with cousin and meeting up with friends!

Stats: stamina ◦ 7 | evasion ◦ 3 | strength ◦ 7 | wisdom ◦ 7 | arcane power ◦ 4 | accuracy ◦ 7

Ablilities:

's Grace

“Fetch?” Ruth mused, watching Joseph take a bite of the macaroon and go through several stages of heaven, “I should tag along sometime, if you let me. I’ll bring along Mandy too,” her lips tilted up at the mention of her own pet rock, one that Joseph had gifted upon her at Beauxbatons. She really did owe Joseph one. All his tutorials had been stored on a single parchment that she followed quite religiously, and all seemed to be going well.

Ruth swished at her dress, beaming. “Of course. It’s not everyday one gets to dance with a chicken,” she grinned. “And not necessarily just with you.” She gestured down at Astra, those innocent eyes gazing up at the Hufflepuff. “With Astra too. As said, it’s not everyday one gets to dance with a pet rock.” She paused. “On second thought, I suppose it is possible to dance with a pet rock everyday. What I meant is—”

Before Ruth could finish her sentence, another had joined them, a girl with a bodice that made Ruth’s look plain. With every move, her shimmering silver embellishments glittered, and the girl spoke with a confidence that the Badger had to admit she admired. It was barely two sentences till the girl requested a dance from Joseph, leaving the boy flustered and in loss. His excessive blinking would have made her chuckle, if not for her involvement in the decision making.

Ruth frowned at Violence, her fingers twitching. But she couldn’t possibly blame the girl. Ruth doubted the other would have asked should she not have heard Ruth’s request. Maybe. Besides classes and occasional corridor intersections, Ruth had never once interacted with the Ravenclaw in her life. Surely this wouldn’t be the best way to introduce herself—stepping in to stop the Bloodthorn from having a dance with Joseph. He was sure to attract many with his…striking choice of clothes.

Ruth parted her lips, a hand raised towards Joseph as if wanting to grasp one of his feathers, when Pamela stepped in, murmuring. Her displeasure must have been shown clearly across her face, because Pamela’s expression wavered between pity and….and…Oh, who was I kidding.

She deflated. For the first time in a long time, Ruth gave in to Pamela’s request, and gave up on wanting to dance with Joseph. Ruth nodded slowly at Joseph, a silent acknowledgment of Violence’s permission to whisk Joseph away onto the dance floor. “Pamela and I have to take our leave,” she managed to say, eyes darting to Violence and lingering before she nodded at Lyanna and Stelle. “Lyanna, Stelle, it was good to see you.” She placed a warm hand on her childhood friend’s shoulder, eyes searching for any sort of turmoil she should know about, before letting go. She was so distant lately.

With a final wave that was less than half-hearted, she let Pam drag them away and out of the ball, her dance card bare with one name scratched on top.

Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 7| Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 8 | ArcPower: 4 | Accuracy: 6
Ability: ’s Grace
Action: Bidding farewell to @Stelle Mims, @Lyanna Oak and @Joseph Sims + @Astra the marvellous pet rock, acknowledging @Violence Bloodthorn and leaving to go to Spring Tavern with @Pamela Graham.
Mentioning: @Avery Gray, just in case you need to know

Interacting with: @Lyanna Oak, @Joseph Sims (please owl me for interactions!) Mentioning: @Ruth Fairchild and @Pamela Graham Date: 04/11/25

Word Count: 217

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Dylan was amazed. The Great Hall was so different compared to Ilervmony. The hall was adorned with different decorations that made it look much more elegant and fancy than normal. Dylan followed Avery as she made her way to where one of her friends probably was. He had no idea since he had never actually met them. The only things he knew about them were found in the letters they had exchanged. The first of her friends who she introduced as Joseph was a Hufflepuff boy wearing a chicken costume. The second they met, Dylan knew they would be friends. He smiled and wave to the boy. Hoping that he wasn't being thought of as rude because he didn't speak. He was just not the best at making friends like Avery. Avery had always been outgoing to everyone, but Dylan was the opposite. Though, when he got to know someone, he always came out of his shell. Dylan watched as Joseph was led away to dance by a girl he didn't remember Avery mentioning in their letters. He stole a glance to her face and saw that she was equally confused at who the girl was. Though, he did wave when Avery waved at two other girls leaving the ball to go somewhere. Most likely the garden.

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Action: Entering the ball and making new friends!

Stats: stamina ◦ 7 | evasion ◦ 3 | strength ◦ 7 | wisdom ◦ 7 | arcane power ◦ 4 | accuracy ◦ 7

Abilities:

Calming Presence

Interacting with : Reducio + Open to interactions from any Hogwarts students or iNPCs!

Outfit: Reducio

Notes: Reducio Speech: #8e19d7 Thoughts: italics

“I know! It’s hard to believe, right? I was surprised when I first heard that!” Devon exclaimed. “A lot of the time. I’d go by bus or subway. Or walk, depending on how nice the day is. I like walking through there to look at all of the plants! Also to practice and play soccer … or as it’s called here, football. Er, my first and foremost interest has been plants … recently branches, too. But, I have seen a few beautiful birds.”

Devon shrugged at Luce’s suggestion about Father Christmas. “Perhaps. Isn’t the beauty of it that we don’t know how he does it? I’d like to think it’s a combination of these,” she reasoned. A light flush bloomed on her cheeks on the question of whether she still believed in Santa. She hated the idea of lying, but she didn’t want to ruin the innocence Luce was displaying. Her friend’s happiness was more important to her. “Right, he is Santa Claus in the United States. Yes, yes,” she replied.

A giggle escaped her lips at Luce’s response. “Why, thank you! Yes, I do have my violin here with me. I like to practice when I have the time. I don’t mind, I’d love to play for you some time,” she grinned. That was one of the ways she became known as a pretty calm girl. While the other girls she knew fretted about their appearance, music, or dancing, Devon was as cool as a cucumber. “I’ve never tried singing before,” she shrugged.

With their plans now cemented, Devon grinned. “Perfect! I’ve seen just about everything between my school and family, too. But, I think it would be fun to experience them with a friend,” she smiled warmly. It was similar to what she was doing with her few friends from Ilvermorny. She also hoped her best friend, Kaitlyn, would come visit her in New York. Perhaps she should ask her at some point before her time at Hogwarts was up?

A flush bloomed on Devon’s cheeks. “My blood?” she squeaked. “Not okay with it? Why? I see nothing different about me compared to my classmates at Ilvermorny. Or really with any of the other students I’ve met here,” she shrugged. She frankly didn’t care about, nor did she think about, blood status. Was she a muggleborn? Yes. Did she hide it? Hell no.

Devon nodded at the question about Voldemort and Grindelwald. She read about them in her history textbooks. More accurately, she read ahead in her History textbooks. She liked learning, after all! “What? Really? People still believe in that … crap?” She almost swore, stopping herself before she did so. She didn’t know Luce’s opinion on swearing, but figured it wouldn’t be a good idea to start. “Aw, they’re in Slytherin, here? Interesting. My best friend, Kaitlyn Connor, is in Slytherin. We’re also both muggleborns. We communicated by text message and video calls over the summer,” she smiled at the thought. She shook her head about the blood status. “I don’t see why. I like to think I’m pretty good at being a witch,” she shrugged.

With a giggle, Devon nodded. “Ok!” She began skipping along with Luce. Noticing her friend stop to talk to a boy, she obediently stopped as well. Her green eyes widened at the name Luce called the boy. ‘Tarot reader?’ She took a step near them. “Woah, sorry, I hate to interject …” She turned toward Mikey. “Tarot reader? That’s so cool! I’ve read about Tarot Cards from my sibling’s Divination textbook. I have a deck, but I’m not experienced at all with reading them.” She bounced on her toes in excitement.

At the mention of her name to the boy and girl, Devon smiled and waved. “Hi, yes, my name is Dev. It’s nice to meet you both. I’d love for you to join us, too,” She beamed, before skipping after Luce and heading outside.

Reducio

Note: 655 words

Action:
Talking to @Lucy Channing, mentioning Kaitlyn Connor, and moving to the Garden of Eden. Briefly talks to @Bree Grey and goes off on a rambling tangent to @Mikey Forville

Lovely Creature | Calming Presence
Stamina: 7 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 6 | Wisdom: 7 | ArcPower: 7 | Accuracy: 6

"You look like you waltzed out of a fairytale" Sabrina returned the compliment with a chuckle. Nari had obviously taken the name 'spring soirée' to heart, her attire best described as an elegant allegory of spring. Her next comment had sparked a sense of further deja vu within the raven, images of rusty toasts and empty corridors entering her mind. "Not tonight, m'lady" she replied simply, head slightly tilted to a side. Gaze momentarily slipping over Nari's shoulder, Sabrina offered a smile to the two girls standing there, omitting her usual enthusiastic introduction. Taking Nari's hands in hers, Sabrina had backed out onto the dancing floor and let her friend take them somewhere more remote. The sense of giddy excitement and comfort immediately settled over her relaxing shoulders, smile brighter than it has been in the past few weeks as she adjusted their holding, positioning herself into the role of a lead. Oh, she had forgotten how fast the world could regain it's color with her friends around. For her 10th birthday, she recieved a paid course on ballroom dance from her mother, specifically to be prepared for Hogwart balls. Now, that didn't mean Sabrina was by any means a professional, just that she thankfully had an idea of what she was doing. That combined with her rapidly improving mood and theatrics resulted in a decent performance of what was supposed to be a slowdance, not quite fitting for the upbeat tempo of the playing music but suitable for conversation. "Thanks for letting me steal you for a moment. It's been way too long since we've seen eatch other - how have you been?" she started with obvious relief in her voice, all previous anxiety suddenly gone and funny in retrospective. Why was she even so scared of coming here? "So.. did I disrupt or save you just now?" she nodded towards the left behind girls with raised brows while spinning Nari, mainly joking.

"Fighting ghosts were not on your agenda for tonight?" I laugh, "Is that plan for tomorrow? You should invite me when you fight the ghost. I wanna watch it. And its not strange that your plans havent gone further from leaning on the wall."

I smile at him and look back at the crowd. He speaks again saying that he might ask someone to dance. I raise my eyebrows and look at him. He looks like he was surprise to say that. Before i say anything he speaks again.

"Maybe you could ask someone to dance too if you are bored and all."

I raise my eyebrow once more and hold in a laugh. I give him an amuse smile, "Maybe I could. I wonder who I should ask." I giggle and continue my sentence, "Maybe you could ask me to dance or I could. Its up to you."

I look at him then look at the crowd as i wait for his answer.. I still cant believe how beautiful everything is. I glance down at the dance card on my wrist and wonder if he would actually dance with me. Maybe my mother would actually be happy. I know for sure that shell be at least annoyed if i dont dance with anybody.

Two girls come up to Mikey before he answers. One of them I recognize from class. Lucy I think was her name. She left after talking to him. The other girl introduce her as Dev and said she would love for us to join them. I smile and turn to mikey. "I like them and i dont know them. We should dance once together then go join them."

❂ ⌜ The Spring Soirée ⌟ ❂ ❂ April 11, 2025 ▎ ---- ❂

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“No, I did not pick a card.” To tell the truth, she couldn't remember if she had gotten a card when she entered and if she did, she had probably misplaced it by now, being more interested in being nosy about her friends’ business than dancing with strangers, especially now after she had witnessed something that she probably wasn't meant to judging by Meyra’s reactions and how she is trying so hard to convince her that it was nothing. Dancing had never been her forte. Throughout the years, she had avoided stepping foot onto that dance floor and the only time she had actually danced was when she was under the effect of the Dancing feet charm. But, she did think about that, knowing that she couldn't stay like that forever, so if she ever finds herself in a situation where she needs to dance… well, her partner will be in for a surprise.

With the way Meyra eyed Dennis and his dancing partner, Raizel is not going to be convinced that that did not bother her step-cousin at all. Clearly, it did. She wouldn't be staring so intently if it didn't, she wouldn't look like her heart had been stabbed by countless thorns. “Uh huh, yeah, I believe you.” That was a lie. She doesn't believe it one bit that the scene where Dennis is dancing with another girl wasn't that heartbreaking, that it didn bother Meyra at all. It made her sigh, looking away but still with that smug look on her face and perhaps, a bit of disappointment. “You should try being honest with your feelings.” Raizel wouldn't blame Meyra if she didn't hear those words. She made sure she said it with a hushed tone. Like she’s one to talk with how she handles her own feelings. Still, it's something that needed to be said to Meyra. “Just a dance… So nothing special about it? But what about the other thing? Surely that one was special.” Raizel snickered.

They were interrupted with Dennis’ arrival although the boy didn't give the older Gryffindor a chance to talk or even tease him about what happened between him and Meyra. He said his goodbye… just to her. That gave Raizel an answer along with the few scenes that happened next. There was avoidance in his eyes, outright refusing to look or even address the girl that was with her. It was like the only person that existed there was only her and Meyra was invisible. As if Dennis only talking to Raizel wasn't enough evidence that he didn't want to interact with Meyra right now. The younger Gryffindor’s actions had probably confused him, left him flustered even or maybe, just bothered by it. Next was an unexpected scene, something that you could probably see in one of those muggle entertainment… what were they called again? Ah! Movies. So it wasn't just Meyra who wanted to be with the boy, for Raizel saw the reluctance in his actions as he left for the Twisted Tavern with his hand seemingly wanting to take hold of Meyra's. It made Raizel hum, lean her head on her hand as her elbow rested on the table nearby. It sure made her feel like she's third wheeling and shouldn't be here right now. Still, it was entertaining to watch. “Yeah, see you.”

And off he went, leaving the two behind. Raizel's gaze went from Dennis’ leaving figure then back to Meyra's. She was quiet, never saying anything. She knows when to stop teasing, when it was time for a bit of seriousness. Besides, this was a moment that she wanted Meyra to take in, to engrave in her mind. The way her mood lightened was enough to tell Raizel that she had enjoyed that sweet gesture. “Well, if you let a humble peasant like me escort a princess like you while their prince is away, then sure.” She answered Meyra's question. She was about to stand up and offer a hand when suddenly, someone decided it was brilliant to almost bump into Meyra with food and drinks in hand. Not someone she knew but based on what she was hearing, she knew her step-cousin. Classmates, perhaps? Raizel remained seated, returning back into being an audience to see what will happen next while wondering what else she could be doing.

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▪ ▫ ◙ Dialogue | #800000 ◙ ▫ ▪

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◘ ◘ ❂ Interactions: @Meyra Lancaster | @Xiomara Torres | @ ◘ ◘ ❂ Mentions: @Dennis Tumberton | @ | @

Outfit Reducio

Items Reducio Wand Enchanted Satchel Potions: Antidote to Uncommon Poisons x 2, Bruise Removal Paste x 4, Muffling Draught x 2

STATS AND ABILITIES STA: 7 | EVA: 8 | STR: 3 | WIS: 10 | ARC: 8 | ACC: 10 Prod. Charms | Perfectionist | Fearless EFFECTS None

Action Blending with the sidelines

Mikey was not expecting Bree's response. "Maybe I could. I wonder who I should ask. Maybe you could ask me to dance or I could. It's up to you." Her words left him dumbstruck. He hadn't even considered dancing with her. She was his friend but now with the prospect of dancing together it was like he was seeing her for the first time all over again. His palms started to feel clammy and that feeling like his stomach decided this was the perfect time to attempt a backflip was back. Before he could say anything in response Lucy and another girl he didn't recognize came skipping up to them.

Lucy called him Tarot reader and a smile crossed Mikey's lips as he felt like he was on more familiar ground. In truth, his friend Robin did a reading with him one time and he wasn't sure if that made him worthy of the title. He was planning on Reminding Lucy of this but before he could speak the other girl was already talking. “Tarot reader? That’s so cool! I’ve read about Tarot Cards from my sibling’s Divination textbook. I have a deck, but I’m not experienced at all with reading them.” She then introduced herself as Dev and invited him and Bree to the Garden of Eden. The next thing he knew Lucy and Dev were skipping away as quickly as they had come leaving Mikey standing there awkwardly with Bree.

"I like them and I don't know them. We should dance once together then go join them." Bree said as they watched them skip away. "Why not!" Mikey exclaimed with an outward confidence that didn't match his real feelings about the situation. He took her by the hand and led her onto the dance floor. He didn't consider himself a bad dancer but he was far from being comfortable dancing with a girl in front of everyone. It did help that he was dancing with his friend Bree and not a stranger but something about her seemed different to him tonight. Mikey was glad it wasn't a slow song and that the dancing was more lively and upbeat. Bree appeared to be a natural on the dance floor and Mikey couldn't help but wonder if she had been to classes before.

The song ended and the two returned to the spot near the wall that they had previously occupied. "Thanks for the dance Bree, i really enjoyed it." Mikey said while catching his breath. "I'm going to get something to drink before heading to the Garden of Eden. Meet you out there?" He turned from her and started towards the drink table. He noticed a boy in a chicken costume and shook his head and chuckled. Then he noticed the girl standing next to him. He stopped in his dead in his tracks when he saw her. He couldn't explain why but had an overwhelming need to talk to her. Realizing he was standing in the middle of the great hall staring directly at the girl he decided he needed to do something other than gawk. Once again with a confidence he didn't really feel he had Mikey began to walk toward her.


Action: Danced with @Bree Gray And walking toward @Joseph Sims and @Avery Gray

STATS
Stamina ◦ 5 | Evasion ◦ 6 | Strength ◦ 4 | Wisdom ◦ 8 | Arcane Power ◦ 6 | Accuracy ◦ 6

The ballroom shimmered under a canopy of enchanted lights, the ceiling twinkled, blanketed in a swath of starlight frozen mid-fall. The lights cast a soft, golden glow over silk gowns and tailored robes. The wizarding world knew how to display affluence, it was a way of life for many of them. It was strange how such allegedly old monied families spent their fortunates in the most ostentatious of ways. Massive ballgowns, gilded threads decorating an already designer jacket. The need to be seen, for their plumage to be the brightest in a sea of color. The music swelled, haunting and elegant, and the perfume of roses and far too much collogne perfumed the air. They thought themselves beautiful, but in truth they were unbearable.

Taylor Athanatos stepped over the threshold like a girl carved from a modern fairytale, dressed in silver and frost. Her gown, made of a thin, slightly reflective gossamer-like cloth that was not quite long enough to be considered formal. the fabric flowed about her like spilled moonlight. Her bodice threaded with crystal, it felt like a breastplate, a defensive shield, only lovely. Taylor's hair had been curled and pinned with precision, woven through with threads of pale pearls, and her eyes, too blue, were wide and watchful.

At her side walked Gideon.

No one needed to be told who he was. Gideon was the sort of man who had made a name for himself, and somehow it was more terrible than the name he had already inherited. Gideon was not a physically imposing man, at least to the untrained eye. He often hunched forward, using his lanky frame and youthful features to his advantage and to the woe of others. He actually stood several inches taller than her, and now she stood in his shadow.

Gideon wore his suit like a weapon, deep red so dark it seemed black until the light touched it, his blonde hair was brushed back with a sense of near carelessness. His smile was absent. His mood was not.

Taylor’s gloved hand rested on his arm, light as breath, but her fingers tensed with every step. Her heels clicked softly against marble, echoing like gunshots in her skull. Her pulse beat faster, not because of the music, not because of the lights, but because of him.

He had been silent since she had arrived in Hogwarts. Gideon was not merely quiet, but rather truly and utterly silent. Taylor knew that lack of sound, the absence of useless banter, social platitudes and even hollow gestures. This was a particular silence that did not stem from indifference or boredom, it came from hunger. Taylor knew when Gideon hungered for something, someone bled. She only wondered what he hungered for?

Her arm stiffened slightly where it curled around his. The pressure he returned was too tight to be comforting, but too controlled to be openly cruel. He was composed. Cold. Polished. A role to play, but one that hardly mattered in her opinion. Even if his act was utterly brilliant, it would never be convincing. He had revealed far too much of his nature, something she would have erred to believe was foolish if she did not know Gideon or the rest of his family as well as she had. That he does not make 'mistakes', he makes plans.

A storm was beneath her skin, twisting and thrashing, hidden beneath a still lake. The sort of dark body of water that swallowed the errant whilst it promised to soothe. Taylor swallowed once and made a small movement. Practiced. The corners of her lips tugged upwards ever so slightly, but the smile she donned didn’t reach her eyes.

Gideon had asked Taylor to accompany him. He had never asked her to attend a Hogwarts function before. She felt more like a 'secret', a designation that she did not mind. She preferred to remain unseen and unknown, she was well-aware of the burdens associated with the name. A name whose reputation reached as far as the icy fields of Siberia. But this time he had insisted she come. Gideon's request was made in that soft way of his that did not sound like asking at all. And Taylor had agreed, like always. She knew that it was better to be beside the wolf than to left him chase. He liked the chase particularly.

As her mothers would also reminder: it was also better to be in reach than forgotten.

And yet now, standing at the edge of the grand ballroom, music curling through the air, surrounded by gowns and costumes and the fragile scent of flowers, musk and burning wax, she had realized he had not brought her to show her off. She looked up at him, he was not looking at her. She tried to follow the path of his gaze and her eyes narrowed as a muscle ticked in her jaw, but she kept her chin lifted.

Taylor was an Athanatos girl. Such was rare for a reason. She would not break in public.

Taylor leaned in, her free hand pressing against his chest almost confessionary. Her voice barely above a breath, her Russian accent thick with something soft and terrible. “Giddy…" pronounced 'Geedy', "you are in mood, da?” Taylor did not ask what kind of mood, she did not need to. “We make nice faces, yes?” A pause, as her eyes flicked sideways to his jaw which was set tight, sharp enough to cut glass. “For little while, at least.” She hoped he would hear the question beneath it.