The Masquerade Ball Event Closed

Played as Simon Belanger

Reducio

@Alexx Séverin

Like with any other event he'd ever had in his life, Simon showed up late. It had taken him forever to stumble through the halls of the massive school until he could find the ballroom - he wasn't exactly the best planner-aheader so he hadn't bothered to scope it out beforehand. In fact, the only reason he was here now was because he'd followed a couple of dresses and suits towards the massive room when he heard excited chatter in the hallway. But, anyways, the main point was that he was here. He'd made it. And... he had no date, no idea who was who, and no plans for a prank yet since he'd had no idea how the room would be set up.

Awkwardly skirting couples and people in fancy, high-class dresses (oops, he'd thought it was more of a costume party and had come garbed in a plague doctor mask with a fedora, sunglasses, and bowtie suit to be a 'cool' plague doctor), he considered his options for what he could do tonight. Picking a table no one was sitting at yet, he shuffled over and reached out to touch one of the flowers, nodding in approval as if he were some inspector. Unfortunately, the blossom was rather large and broke off in his hand, leaving a major gap in the arrangement. Wincing and risking a glance around to make sure no one had seen, he crammed the flower into his pocket to hide what he had done.

God, this was weird. He wasn't usually without friends but the Americans that had come over with him were probably already here and it was too packed to attempt to find them. If he were a normal person he might've stood there looking lost, feeling overly sorry for himself. Instead he made a split-second decision that he may as well enjoy being here even if he was alone. Balls were there to have fun with! Okay, so he was glad he'd thought that in his head instead of saying it out loud since that was a very wrong sentence, but it was true.

First thing to do; get food. Always the first thing you did at a party. He strode over to the food table, long legs carrying him there in no time at all. Forgoing a plate, he grabbed a handful of some fancy shit he'd never seen before and took it with him for the road. Popping some funky little meatball into his mouth, he stepped out onto the dancefloor and ignored everyone else as he thought about what Alexis had taught him. If the music is shit for dancing, pretend there's a different song on. Death metal wasn't exactly conducive to good dancing, so he tried to think of a song he actually knew how to dance to.

"Oppa Gangnam Style!" he called, stuffing the rest of the food in his mouth as he started to dance. He actually wasn't too bad either, since one bored summer his sisters had forced him to do an entire choreographed number to the song. It was the only dance he knew how to do, but who cared? He had to represent cool plague doctors everywhere.

▷ OPEN TO INTERACTION

With @Lamik Fillestar , open to interactions. Yay, over 350 words!

Aideen felt herself slowly relax, he hadn't noticed anything. Happily, she realized he had appreciated her little throw-in of humor, but she tilted her head a little at the dark comment about how much money he had. She really didn't know Lamik that well, and she found herself wondering what his life before Hogwarts was like. Darkly, she recounted hers. Living in peace, though maybe not in money, the familiar smell of fish in the air. Then her first sign of magic. Lastly, that fateful night over a year ago when everyone realized they couldn't ignore the magical world anymore. It had almost been a relief to get out of that tiny, cramped house where everyone was shooting her dark looks on the nights before the full moon, and when it came, she'd had to tie herself to a tree.

However, there were so many more people here, and more powerful people at that. One of her greatest nightmares was that the whole school would discover what she was and turn on her.

She was so lost in her thoughts that it took her a second to realize Lamik had said something. Jolting back to the present, she mentally rewound the conversation through her head, the blushed a little bit. "Okay, that's kind of reassuring that you like the dress. Everybody else's outfit was, like, I dunno, more formal. It kind of looks like we're all here for a funeral. Have I ever been to a ball before? No, not really. I'm horrible at dancing, and growing up nobody really had enough time or resources to put one on. My town is a fishing and farming place, you see. Though, now that I think about it, sometimes we'd put on little dances on the street.

"It was nothing like this. A couple of people would show up in their work clothes and we'd do a little bit, but nobody brought a date, it wasn't this kind of music, and we mostly just talked." She paused for a moment, realizing she'd been rambling. "So yeah, not really. You?"

@Phaedra Stavrou | @Dymphna Teague

Tearing his gaze away from the ballroom to look back at Phaedra, Max couldn't help a grin from appearing on half his face, the other half hidden away in gold. "And we will dance," he promised, making it his mission this time. He remembered seeing Phaedra with Wes Hart at the last Ball, and he couldn't recall seeing them dancing. Hadn't Wes just wanted to sit at a table or something ridiculous? What a terrible date. Phaedra deserved better than that; she deserved a night to remember that was full of good fun and class. He'd have to make tonight good enough for two Balls since the last one had gone so terribly. Besides, Max imagined she knew how to dance quite well since it was something purebloods always seemed to want to teach their children - the two of them could make a striking appearance on the dance floor that would put all other couples to shame.

He startled out of his thoughts at her compliment, unsure why it pleased him so much since it was something people often told each other such things at parties. "Thank you." Perhaps it was because it was coming from a friend? He needed to relax and stop reading so much into conversations. Forcing his shoulders to loosen up from their tense position, he offered her his arm like a good partner should. They were here together so they may as well look the part.

"Thank god there's no communal punch bowl," he side-mouthed to her as he studied the table. Some of the drinks could be filled with potions, but he had faith in his taste buds to ferret out anything untowards in the drink. "Although it's actually quite the idea, now that I think about it. Imagine giving Veritaserum to an entire party of purebloods and hearing what they came out with? It wouldn't be too hard to find someone planning to betray you that way." Though he was able to taste poisons or potions in drinks, Max doubted he could brew anything good enough to escape delicate palates. The mastery of poison would certainly be useful in that case - he wondered how much Phaedra knew about it, since she'd been on top of things during their first meeting in potion's class.

Reaching out, he snagged a fluted wineglass and offered it to Phaedra before grabbing his own. Lifting it to the open side of his mask, he took a small sip to find his mouth immediately filled with the familiar sweetness of Dandelion and Burdock. Apparently Solomon Lear had good taste in catering, even if his adventures were generally horrifying.

Turning from the table, Max looked around again for someone they could chat with until the music got better. The screaming was headache-inducing and if it was meant to bring to mind the Weird Sisters, the band was doing a horrible job. You couldn't dance to something like this - even though some idiot in a plague mask was on the floor bobbing around like a newborn calf. Absolutely crass, to say the least.

Dymphna Teague, the girl he'd met in the stands who he knew as one of Phaedra's friends, was approaching the food table as he watched, leaving Rosie Parker behind with a very tall boy. Max still wasn't sure where he and Rosie stood, but since Dymphna was Phaedra's friend and he wanted to get to know her better, he waved as an invite for her to come talk to them if she wanted. Step one of having a good night was to be surrounded by good friends. Later on maybe they'd also be able to catch up with Eris, Rhea, Reid, and Adam as well.

Kyle noticed the Santario moved through the crowd in her red and black dress with the striking fox mask, two drinks held in her hand. He offered a slight nod towards her before looking back to The smaller girl. When San reached them she wrapped an arm around him and he cocked an eyebrow at the action but didn't think too much on it as he took one of the glasses and took a sip from it. And he was completely and utterly taken aback

His tongue was greeted with the refreshing taste of cherry and lemon, and while the drink clearly wasn't carbonated he couldn't help but notice it still drank and tasted as if it was. As the cold liquid travelled down his throat he was greeting with a similar cold chill down his spine as he realized what the drink was. His mother's signiture drink during the summer months, what she called an Irish Rose. He had never had it anywhere besides when she made it, as far as he knew it was a drink of her own invention. And yet here he was...tasting it now...on his birthday...knowing his mother always tried to do something Grandiose.

Hell...she was here wasn't she...

Kyle cocked an eyebrow as the smaller girl muttered out excuses and explanations as she wandered off, wondering why she wanted to leave with him moments earlier but now decided to abandon the conversation all together. He would never understand women. More importantly, he needed to get out of the ballroom. if not only because he migraine threatened to melt his brain, but also to escape whatever devious machinations his mother had to be planning.

"no yeah lets step outside...fresh air would be great..."

Not today Party Demon...not today

Interacts with|@Kyle DeRook|@Catriona Staverly|
Moved just outside into the corridor | Open to other interactions.

Although it couldn’t be seen behind her mask Santario’s right eyebrow was cocked up as Catriona spoke to her. “Next time don’t blatantly and badly lie to my face.” The coldness had crept back into her silvery voice as she spoke the words to the girl that was now walking away. So not only was this girl a bold-faced liar but she was also a coward, noted. Given the minor distraction of the girl, she did not catch Kyle’s reaction to the drink at all. However, he agreed to step outside and get some fresh air she would, with her arm still wrapped around his arm, walk towards the entrance of the ballroom.

She would allow herself a deep breath to calm down as they pushed through the crowd of people. San allowing herself to gently make her presence known to people in the way by placing her hand on the small of their back with a simple “Pardon us” as she did so. As soon as they were able to breach the corridor and were finally free of the crowd and a bit distanced from anyone else lingering in the hall, she would release his arm. “Everything all good? You looked like you needed to get out of there and fast.” The concern for her friend was apparent in her voice, even if she was holding it back a little bit knowing that he hated being cared for in this fashion especially in public format. So her words of concern would have to do and her excuse of them stepping out was focused on her needing air when in reality she had been just fine.

Taking another sip of her drink she still stared at it in wonder as the flavor of cocoa and cinnamon delighted her once more. She didn’t understand this drink one bit and now made it a purpose to not only understand how and why this drink worked but also understand how to make it. It was a liquid that equated to it fascinating her on the same level that potions did in general.

Interactions w/ @Aurelia Notrésvace @Kaegen Deathmote & @Xailah Alptraum

This was certainly not the 'confrontation' that Jack had been expecting. He thought it would be over something petty and childish, but the minute he came close to this odd boy it had been anything but. 'Stab someone' the girl on his arm had said. Does that mean that this creepy kid had already stabbed someone before? That made him a tad bit nervous, but the tall first year refused to show any sign of discomfort.

For the time being, he had decided to keep his loud mouth shut. It was probably the wisest decision that jack had made in years. As they spoke, Jack stepped forward making a small barrier between the pale boy and his new companion. If he was here to play the prince charming or the bodyguard, Jack figured he might as well do it well. Yet as he did move forward the pinpricks of gooseflesh dotted up and down his arms. This guy was bad news. His gut was screaming this information at him, but he refused to back down. Fight or flight reactions usually don't apply to him. There was no flight, only fight. So he had to stand his ground.

The sound of sneezing cut through his inner monologue and shocked him back to reality. Turning his head towards Aurelia, he finally noticed the masked person...and a cat. That's fitting, he figured. His short attention span had cut away from Kaegen and towards the newcomer. Who brings a cat to a masquerade? That just doesn't make a lick of sense, and he voiced his opinion. "Why would you bring a cat to a ball? That's an odd choice." His vow of silence had been broken. but like a good little bodyguard, he had decided to place himself basically in the middle of the three as he spoke. To be fair, this was one way to make a scene.

Obscure and vague words caught his attention once again. This boy couldn't seem to decide on which person to focus his attention on. But after hearing that not so veiled threat, he had without a doubt decided that he should keep an eye on Kaegen.

Ayden had one simple problem. He didn't know where this event was supposed to take place, the castle was huge and his fear of interacting with anyone left him stay within the places he had to go. Sighing he found another dead end and had to double back, Saskia must hate him by now. Being late to his own date is one of the greatest taboos of all time, evidence pointed to it. The girls, with all reason, hated when a man was late, or worse... she may think she was stood up and would find someone else. Her only potential friend would immediately treat him like garbage. What was he supposed to do?

That train of thought got his blood bumping and he started to run, up the stairs, down the stairs. How could he be so stupid? Thankfully his ears saved his life... maybe. The sound of talking and people walking around got his attention. Following the voices he finally got to the ball room. What he saw terrified him.

Not only were there a lot of people, they were all dressed with fancy clothes. Not getting the memo, Ayden was wearing a simple hoodie with jeans. Not exactly what you would call fancy, he did use the perfume his father had given him and now he would be what he hated the most. Stick out like a sore thumb. He had to find Saskia, and soon. With this his mind went into override, trying to keep a low profile while moving through the sea of people. He did notice how beautiful everything looked, the ceailing, the tables, it seemed as though the staff have outdone themselves this time.

He noticed a boy in a pumpkin suit who he recognized was Jake, at least... he wasn't the only one sticking out like a sore thumb. It made him smile a little, but he continued. Weaving around people, staring at how awesome they all looked and how bad he did. After finally recognized Saskia out of her corner of her eye only because the mask didn't exactly cover her face entirely. He just hoped he didn't hate her.... what was he saying? He knew she did, not only was he late but he dressed for this fancy event. Walking slowly towards her he didn´t even want to meet her eyes. He breathed deeply and finally spoke. "So.... So... Sorry I'm late Saskia." He said with a sigh "A...Also sorry about... my.... choice of clothing. Apparently I didn't get the memo." He did smile keeping his head down. "You look... Ayden blushed, moving his head to one side "Beautiful though."

[font=Antique Book]Dorothy's eyes flickered back to Eris, and a genuine smile stretched across her face.  The pleasant tone in the Gryffindor's voice caught her off-guard, and she returned the friendly energy without the formality constantly pressed upon them both by equally cold and statuesque relatives.   Eris looked lovely in her metallic dress, and her joyous attitude sparked a rush of excitement in Dorothy.  It felt like everything was exciting and ok, even if it didn't turn out to be.  

"Thank you, Eris! If I look like Holloween, you look like a princess." She spoke with mock seriousness, cheeks flushing in a physical representation of her enthusiasm. Then, as Eris's date turned to glance about the room, she pointed to him with a funny expression.  Eyes widening and shiny mouth forming a smiling letter O, Dorothy silently queried the state of Eris and her tall, blonde date.  Girls seemed to have the special ability to communicate without verbalizing their statements, and in her silly and excited expression, Dorothy was loudly asking, "Who is this fellow, and are you together?" Her shining eyes held a glimmer of mischief as she silently teased the princess for her prince. 

Eris was quick too, of course.  She had managed to spy Dorothy's inspection of the room, and as if reading her mind, mentioned dancing.  No! Dorothy didn't want to dance with an American.  At least, that's what she told herself.  She just wanted to see one. Maybe hear their strange accents with her own ears. At Eris's comment, she turned quickly away from the refreshments table with a small laugh. "I've done too much dancing with my tutor at home, and honestly I'm not sure I'm brave enough to eat the food here. Last time-" She was cut off by an addition to their small party. 

A tall, brunette, Hufflepuff she recognized as another prefect walked over smiling.  It seemed this young man, whom Eris called Reid, was acquainted with the Gryffindor as well. Dorothy offered him a friendly smile as he was greeted by Eris and her date.  It was odd, not knowing either of the guys well enough to even know their names.  Slight discomfort wiggled into Dorothy's chest, but she quickly brushed it away at the mention of "Reid's" footwear. Converse. How funny! "Reid, is it?" she pulled her fluttering skirt up slightly and stuck her small, black converse-clad foot out, toes pointed like a ballerina.  "Join the club!" Her choice in footwear wasn't entirely due to the fact that she despised wearing heels.  In fact, it was largely due to what happened at the last ball she attended.  

Dorothy rapidly blinked away the memory of the hot, fiery light that seemed embedded in her mind since the Blossom ball.  Fire always came back to haunt the third years of Hogwarts in a way the new members of the school could never understand.  In fact, every member of the small group around her had most likely met the flames that engulfed their first and second years at school.  Whether through physical scars or mental ones, they each were left with a remnant of the trauma experienced in those first few magical years. These flames, seared into each of their minds like a cattle brand, could never be suppressed by water. 

Eris mentioned the fire too.  Whether they chose to discuss it or not, it was all on their minds.  Dorothy's hand unconsciously touch the righthand side of her cloak where her wand was concealed, pressing it into her side to ensure that it was still there.  A thought briefed her mind, leading to a slight giggle. "We all brought our wands, didn't we? Reid and I are both wearing sneakers.  Blimey! It's like we expect something to go wrong!" A smile was spread across her face, but her eyebrows were furrowed in concern. But it would be fine! Nothing would go wrong, and she would have a splendid time. 

The mention of the iconic yellow-dress girl caused Dorothy to break into a grin.  "She was insane! I actually met her once.  Her name was Verl-y, Verl-o, something like that." The yellow dress girl was not a particularly fond memory.  Her personality and Dorothy's had clashed almost immediately, despite their shared house.  Verlo, or Verly, had been a drama queen.  Loud, constantly crying, and eager for attention.  They had detested each other from the start, though the V-girl had expressed her feelings more openly. 

Her mind returned to Eris's date's question.  "The goal of the night is definitely to have fun, right? I mean, we have to be careful of course... I don't know. I think it'd be nice to forget about all the mortal peril stuff and just have fun for once." She glanced at Reid.  Out of the group, they were the only prefects. Whatever responsibility came with that title would tie them into the trouble that may or may not occur.  It would be harder to get away this time.  Much harder. 

[font= Antique Book]Ensemble ~

Reducio

Schrödinger pulled away from his sneezing enemy. He shook his head, blowing more fur up into the air. He knew exactly what he was doing. He was being a little butt, and he knew it. No one could see, but Xailahs mouth was agape. She did not expect the lazy creature to attack the girl, whom she now recognized as her roommate. "Schrödinger! I can't believe you did that." The plump feline gave The Enemy a very dirty glare- which is an actual thing with cats, especially if they are royally pissed. This would not be the last time Aurelia would be seeing Schrödinger, oh no- they shared a room after all.

"My apologies, I'll leave you be sssoon- But first, I would like to tell you that perhaps, tonight isn't the best night for further confrontations, yes?" Her yellow eyes slotted, and darted to the boy Kaegen; who was off doing his own thing now. "I know what he's done, but look at him. He's an animal. You had him cornered. You know what happens when you corner animals?" She let out a chattering noise that was nearly inaudible. "They attack. They are going to do everything in their power to get away from the threat. That means he will probably attack you, and your friend here, and probably anyone else that tries to prevent him from escaping." She looked at them both, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Choice is yours, really. I'm not going to ssstop you from pursuing him. But just so you know, if you chase him, I'm chasing the both of you too- for ssshits and giggles, you know?" Her teeth chattered again, but this time the noise was a bit louder. "Besides, you can't play a game of cat and mouse, and not invite the cat to play."

Her eyes lit up, from beneath the mask, she laughed. "But ssseriously though...think about your decision." She then turned Aurelias apparent companion, and let out a low chortle. "I'm all sssorts of odd, if anything, this is normal. He is my companion. My friend. So, of course I'm going to bring him with me everywhere." She gave the boy a smile, that would not be seen. "Besides, its his birthday. Anyways, I'll leave you two now. Be seeing you. Take care of yourselves, yes?" She waved at the duo, before disappearing into the dense ocean of multicolored fabrics.