Gala of Mysteries Fall Ball

⋅ Inspiration ⋅ Outfit ⋅

Mikael hardly felt any flicker of care toward the boy who had stood up to leave. His mind long since consumed by a chaotic disarray, the air crackled with unfamiliar energy. Eyes flitted wildly across the many faces that surrounded him, mocking him. Far too close for comfort, too many, too overwhelming. A fact that made him want to scream, to tell everyone to leave him, and the tightness in his chest became unbearable. His breath was shallow, each beat of his heart loud and overwhelming in his ears. A dream. A fable in his mind had come true. Come to whisk him away into the fiery depths. Anxiety pulled him forward, demanding as it ever was. The want to scream until he was hoarse would be a sweet release, cathartic, and yet it would do little to quell the storm beneath the layers of his skin.

His gaze flickered to the ground next to Valentin as he heard the other speak to him. At the other's questions he could not help but freeze slightly. Uncertainty. Swallowing thickly as his mind bestowed the memory of those eyes staring him down, the smell of smog, and the train's whistle encapsulating everything. His wide eyes would look toward Valentin with the hope of the other grounding him in reality. Mikael's brows furrowed slightly as he took in the sharp anger that seemed to twist the boy's facial features together. A look of surprise would flit across his face as he stared at Valentin. Was he just imagining it? The strong look that slowly burned away the vulnerable layers of his flesh. Trying to read his mind. His tongue felt thick and useless in his mouth.

Mikael could not help but shake the feeling that he had somehow overstepped. Though it was long past the chance for quick apologies. Forcing his way so crudely into the other's space. Begging for reassurance like a scared dog? The comparison sent a jolt of discomfort through his entire being. For he had truly become a skittish dog, glancing over his shoulder for any signs of danger. And yet. He found himself unable to give up the chance to hold onto something solid. Something real. Something that seemed to slip from his fingers with each passing night. Mikael's mouth opened slightly as he felt the white-haired boy grip his shoulder roughly. Dull pain weaved its way from his shoulder, pulling from the depths of his mind to stare up toward the taller boy with a look of fear and wonder. In that moment he wondered how he didn't realize how much taller the boy was than him. Fingers dug into his sweater, holding him tight, preventing him from pushing the other off him. But the boy didn't dare to push the other off. "Jakob." he whispered out without thinking as his eyes filled with rapt attention. His hands hanging uselessly by his side.

Reverence poured from him like a fountain as he stared into the strong glint in the other boy's eyes. Something seemed different about the white-haired Seeker. The boy had changed a lot since he had met them. In a way they both had. It filled him with a nervous energy, unsure if the other was planning on helping him or harming him. As the boy began to speak again his attention locked tightly even more. The rest of the world seemed to fizzle out, and the only thing that seemed to matter was the blinding light that dug into him. "I-." he started roughly in his throat. Had he forgotten to speak? It seemed rather likely as he stood dumbly in front of Valentin. "He doesn't need to speak, I can see it in his eyes." he muttered bitter in his tone. The questions that poured from the other overwhelmed him like the ever-pulling current. Dragging him down. Focusing on one question seemed easier.

Mikael blinked rapidly, becoming more of himself with each passing second. A frown pulled across his face, and his hand came up to clasp the boy's hand. Yet, he could not find it within himself to tighten his grip. The cool skin beneath his palms strangely contrasted his own warm hands. Far less delicate than the white-haired boy's. "Valentin.." he spoke flatly. The familiar tone bringing a sense of normalcy back into his weary mind. "I can tell you. Take you to the line of where my dreams and reality blend." he said cryptically. "So lest I not snuff out the light inside you." he hummed out in thought, his eyes never leaving the other's own. His bluish-green eyes held a restless unease as he clutched onto the other like a life preserver.

Though his eyes would flit away from Valentin to look out across the many faces about them. So many eyes. "But I can't...not here Valentin. The eyes have mouths attached to them. And they speak to those I wish not to hear." he said quietly to the boy. His gaze fell back into the boy's purple eyes. The boy would lean in close to the boy until he was mere centimeters from the boy's right ear. "Valentin. Meet me in the Courtyard later tonight." he softly spoke, his tone far more alert than it had been earlier in the evening. Mikael would tighten his grip slightly on the boy's hand as he tried to pull the boy's hand off him. "I promise I'll wait for you." he added. Thinking of the time he had stood the other up. It seemed right to put his worries to ease. If the boy would let go of him, he would back away from the other, his gaze unreadable. Looking away, the boy would swallow thickly before maneuvering through the crowd. Avoiding as many eyes as possible.

| Stamina 13 | Evasion 12 | Strength 14 | Wisdom 8 | Arcane Power 9 | Accuracy 11 |

Lovely Creature - Terrible Presence - Perfectionist - Fearless - Statistically Relevant - Attacker Awareness

Items: Essence of Demiguise - Locksmith's Knife

Open to Interactions
Interacting with: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood [Valentin Schnell]

A noise that sounded halfway between an 'oop' and a low hum was all that was initially heard from the young Scotsman, occupied as he was with the consumption of a mini-quiche before he realised he was being called upon to answer a question. "Yrmnoo..." He pauses momentarily, holding up a finger to gesture for her to bear with him as he swallows his mouthful of food before continuing. "Sorreh, y'noo untruswurtheh Ev. Bu' ymebbe go' ah be' too enta kereckter." "Sorry, you're not untrustworthy Eve. But you maybe got a bit too into character." He tries to explain as best he can.

"An' a men...Wenneh wez pleein heer bust geem. Heerd t'spect 'er ween sh'seemt soo nurvuss." "And I mean...Winnie was playing her best game. Hard to suspect her when she seemed so nervous." He ponders, gesticulating in a scholarly fashion with his bit of half-consumed mini-quiche. When no response came from Evelynn he looked down at her once more, noticing her eye fixated on the dessert table, but he doubted it was out of any desire to start wildly consuming sweet treats.

"Ets meer than th'geem, esn'tet?" "Its more than the game, isn't it?" He pauses, closing the gap between them slightly, for a moment he reaches his hand slightly up, to rest it on her shoulder. But he hesitates, and lowers it once more. He had a feeling she wouldn't respond well to that at this moment. "Af yeh dunnae wannae tull meh wets butheren yeh, ah unnerstan' beh...all lessen ef ye wannae spek." "If you don't want to tell me what's bothering you. I understand but...I'll listen if you want to speak."

ooc note;I apologise to the following mentions:

@Matt Pride, @Winnie Harper, @Percival Gray, @Evelynn Decipio, @Wyatt Starkey, @Jack Burnett

Reducio

Due to how absurdly long this post took. To be clear, Hanako has another arc to do in the same ball, but as per the game rules - he had to state in a post when he left for the games before returning to the ball where that other arc was supposed to happen.

Unfortunately, irl has been busy and I have not been able to give this current arc with the attention I wanted to. For this reason, I ensured Hanako’s reactions to most of what happened was mild or easily ignored or does not need a response, to respect that the story has progressed between your characters and there is no need to reply to this post/reply to him.

The only thing he did was say some cringy goodbyes to Matt.

I wrote that he left around this post from Matt, viewtopic.php?p=1088524#p1088524 . Every post that happened afterwards, I considered that Hanako was not present. I apologise if you or your characters had reacted/acknowledged him afterwards.

I had fun, and I apologise again for not being able to have Hanako more present. If theres anything to discuss regarding this, my owls/dm’s are always open.

Thank you again for the fun interactions and for your understanding.

Pet Snake Present In Thread

Parseltongue & English +

Even with attention on him, Hanako was not one to feel shaky under the spotlight. Didn’t matter if he was interrupting a conversation from a concerned friend (Evelynn Decipio). Even his fellow Severus Snape dormate joined the conversation regarding the newly formed couple, though choosing not to react much to Hanako. Which was fine, honestly. They have never really vibed before despite having been dormmates for years. The only closest Hanako had to interacting with him was just facing a perfectly formed mimicry of his face. Rainwood had once drunk polyjuice potion to disguise himself as Grey. As much complicated as Hana’s relationship with Rainwood was, he was still more fun than OG Grey. And that whole debacle didn’t exactly make it easier to talk to Grey. Not with that goddamn cat always on his shoulder. What was he? A tree? He supposed he had the height for it.. But at least his whole attention seemed to have mainly shifted to Winnie. Which was.. Hm… interesting to note, at least.

And then they started chattering- which Hana had no interest in. Not taking interest was different from not listening, however. He was bored, not boring. And one of the ways not to be boring is to be so nosy in gossip and affairs that have nothing to do with you. In his opinion, anyway. . Not to mention he had a feeling Pride was just some weirdo in his dorm, then disappeared to some other school, then came back. He was still a lot less invested in Pride compared to everyone else it seemed. As if this guy was bad news even before this sudden public proposal. Jack with stealing a ring, Grey looking concerned, Decipio subtly discouraging the whole idea of a quick wedding, and still among all the reactions Pride received, he seemed generally unbothered. Like all these reactions were as relevant as toothpicks.

Winnie had even come ahead and patted Hanako on the shoulder, talking about how this wasn't the time for jokes. The evident nervous tone only heightening his curiosity. This wasn’t how he thought it would go. Wasn’t it a more general reaction to either laugh it off, secure enough in her relationship? Or mortified she was put on the spot like this? At the very least annoyed, wouldn't she? Perhaps he read the situation wrong. If anything she sounded more worried FOR Hana. Gross. He didn't need that. Jack wouldn't offer such an opportunity if it wasn't safe wouldn't he? At her comment, Hanako shrugged off her hand, acting annoyed that his rival was even breathing in the same air. Though the amusement and curiosity was hard to hide in his eyes. If it was truly dangerous for him to be here, Burnett wouldn’t have suggested he be here - right? Burnett was a spoil sport but from what Hanako could gather from his yapping, he didn’t wish actual harm. Maybe.

It was then that the lights went out and they were plunged into darkness, with an eerie voice Hanako had little care to analyse or worry about. There were some shattered noises and the usual noise of fools carelessly throwing spells. What's new for Hogwarts balls? He had other better conversations to be nosy about.

Like how Pride responded to Decipio and keeping up with the confident face that there was absolutely nothing wrong about being married to a girl that looked more like she was given a death sentence than a promise of a serious partnership. At Jack being called a Ring racist- Hanako momentarily broke out of character for a scoff of amusement to be released just before he could conceal it again. What a silly name. Ridiculous. But it seemed like a pretty good signal to go right about now.

It was then that Hana’s own declaration of love and betrayal actually earned a response - just not the one he expected. Eyes wide and surprised slowly morphed into mild amusement at Pride's response. Hana’s feet planted on the marbled floor, ensuring the other knew the proximity didn't distress him. Needing to bite his cheek just to stop himself from laughing at the absurdity of words that flowed out of him. In other situations Hana would have been embarrassed but the only thing he was mainly concerned about is taking notes. And why Hanako wasted all those months not sparing this fun guy a glance before. Furries- of all things. It was a shame this person seemed so determined to marry the strawberry-coded girl instead. He seems fun.

The first sight of a parasite on a carefully cultivated plant. A world without tea. An empty wallet. Hanako thought of whatever he could so crocodile tears would gracefully fall from the edge of his eyes to his cheeks. "Your smooth words will be the death of us all, Mattie baby" , he dramatically wailed, conveniently taking out a plain napkin from his pockets to dab away the tears. His next words are a little more hushed. “ It seems I cherished you a little more than you did for me. Although I will feel this ache in me, it’s a sign of how much space in my heart I had for you. You missed out, baby. You really did” Hanako let out a defeated sigh, kissing the tip of his own fingers and reaching to pat it on Pride’s cheek (if he didn’t dodge away or anything, Hanako would simply retract his hand). “ I know you like seeing me cry. I can’t give you that satisfaction any longer than I already have. The last good deed I’ll do for you is to honor our distance despite my heavy heart. Goodbye, my love"

Hanako’s shoulders slumped and whimpered occasionally into his napkin as he made his way out of the group weakly and towards Jack. Doing nothing to hide the grip strength his one hand had on Burnetts wrist. Deciding to do both of them a favor to leave before either of them had the brilliant idea to cause more attention to themselves. Dragging him away and taking him to the game they signed up for. A distraction right after the last one. It was fun while it lasted.

(insert reply to Jack’s post)

HANAKO LEFT THE BALL.

Hanako Re-Entering The Ball From Mystery Halls Game

“ Well- I wasn’t planning on winning anyway. “ Hanako stretched his arms behind his head, letting out a sigh as he exited the game room a little too hastily after the game ended. A little longer in that room and he didn’t want to give Starkey the idea that he could return the cat now. Though, from the way he saw it - that was an unnecessary worry. He wondered how much Starkey would agree with babysitting that brat more often..

“ I think it’s good enough I wasn’t a corpse in the end, isn’t that right - doc?” he casually mentioned, putting his hands down back to his sides as he expected the red haired boy to be right behind or by his side. An uneasy reminder sunk in that this was his new reality at the sight of red hair entered his vision again. He knew that the reason why he even had something to brag about was due to Burnetts intervention. Being quick enough to heal him and somehow managing to let everyone else die. But a thank you seemed difficult to spill out of his lips. Halted by thinking it was unnecessary.

After the long day, Hanako was about to suggest going back to their room if not for the cause of his main stress of the night to completely take over his focus. What was he expecting to see when the game ended? That Hunt and that Ravenclaw prick to part ways without sharing one last romantic dance? The tired creases in his face turned to an unusually grim look. He tensed, snapping back to reality - wondering how long he had been obviously staring while Burnett was right there. He cleared his throat and returned his features to normal. “I say we should go back already. Nothing to see much here“ he suggested too quickly, without properly looking at the other boy. Managing to catch a glimpse of Hunt’s partner leaving her alone. An evident spark of interest in his eyes as his grin returned. Not much to see indeed, but there were definitely things he wanted to say.

“ But not until one last dance” he finally turned to look at Burnett fully. “ You’d let me have one simple dance with someone without butting in for a few minutes, won’t you?”

Permission to godmod Jack Burnett and his menace of a cat, permitted fully by Jack's player.

Character Action: talking to Jack, mentioning @Pericles Dralt, @Eun-ji Lee Hunt

Stats

Reducio

S t a m i n a : 11
S t r e n g t h : 3
A r c a n e : 15
A c c u r a c y : 16
E v a s i o n : 6
W i s d o m : 10

Abilities

Reducio

-1st, 3rd and 5th Parselmouth Abilities
- blindvision
- perfectionist
- wandmaker, Rangarou Hair, Rose wood.

Roleplaying as Lee Ye-jun from Beauxbatons – Encyclopedia

Violet in English, Red in Korean and Blue in French

Ye-jun was slightly caught of guard by the hair ruffle but it was not shocking enough to show on his face. Physical affection didn’t weird him out as much as it did his cousin. It’s just that he didn't have any friends close enough to mess around like that. Not until now. “Right, I guess that’s true.” He nodded, stopping himself before he could point out that the present could have just been sent via owl. While Ye-jun wasn’t particularly hang up on gifts, Tone seemed like that type of person, who would enjoy giving them…especially in person. The Beauxbatons student supposed it was quite a sweet habit and there was no need to rain on his parade. “Well…thanks again.” He said instead before adding quickly. “However I insist on you telling me when your birthday is …otherwise I cannot accept this.” It would have been clear from his face that he was determined to get the date and he figured Tone would cave before risking the gift going back in his pocket. Naturally, the boy wouldn’t want it since it was so meaningful.

Soon enough, the necklace settled against his collarbone, cool at first, but warming quickly. Ye-jun touched it, fingers brushing the chain like it was a secret he’d just been let in on. And well…he was, wasn’t he? It was just the right size—comfortable enough to forget it was there, but noticeable enough to remind him that someone had given it to him for a purpose. He snorted at Tone’s warning. “Never? Not even when I’m showering?” He asked, eyebrow raised. “I promise I don’t plan on beating anyone there.” However, the teasing expression faltered briefly when he felt a kiss land on his shoulder. Ye-jun’s brain short-circuited for half a heartbeat. He didn’t move. Not because he was scared or upset, but because—what? Ruffling hair was one thing but a kiss? It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t a grand gesture or a big deal. Just a brush of lips, a second too short for it to mean anything. Right…Tone is very affectionate. It probably doesn’t mean anything. He reminded himself, quickly schooling his expression back to effortlessly cool.

Then, because he was glad for the shift in topic, he latched onto Tone’s next question like it was a lifeline. “Nah…I don’t want to bother her. She’d be super annoyed if she thought I’ve been checking up on her.” He glanced sideways and gave a half-shrug. “I just want to make sure she’s okay. Then I’ll go.” He said it like it was simple. Like it didn’t matter as much as it obviously did.

Interacting with: @Kim Sato as Tone Bakugo

Author's Note wrote:

Reducio

Dear @Mathias Pride, @Winnie Harper, @Hanako Tone, & @Wyatt Starkey,

Similar to what Hanako's player said here, deepest apologies for taking so long! This was mostly just a wrap-up post that should have been made a long time ago; before the Whispers of the Dark game took place since Jack and Hanako both left the ball to go participate in that. Feel free to ignore it; no response is needed of course.

Also like Hanako, I apologize if anyone responded to Jack beyond this point because he would have left shortly after this post along with Hanako to go participate in the mystery game. If you want to me to edit to have him react to anything or have him come back after the game to respond to your character or anything else, feel free to just let me know and we can work something out. Otherwise, this will be the post in which he will be taking his final leave from this Fall Ball.

Thanks for the fun and for understanding, everyone! Hope to see you around.

Mathias Pride wrote: 4 Nov 2024, 18:48

Replying to this post from here.

Reducio

Mathias watched as Winnie knelt before the fox with a strained attempt at a smile, her blue eyes widening as the creature tugged the ring from her finger. Her fingers brushed the fox’s fur with a desperation that almost made him laugh. She might have been able to convince herself that she had two years left, that she’d find some way to escape this fate. But her wavering voice and trembling hands told another story, a silent plea she couldn’t mask.

And then the fox—Jack, not that he would know that for certain in the moment—darted away, the ring gleaming between its jaws. This was one of those delicious moments that even he could not predict, but he could hope for. A thief in plain sight. Harassers standing between the pureblood and his pedestrian lady love. None would be foolish enough to mistake an animagus, most of which clearly registered, for an actual unhindered fox allowed onto the dancefloor. The thievery obvious and in the open. The losses tangible. The gasps and murmurs of the crowd swelled around them, amused, startled, but none daring to intervene. Mathias leaned back, taking it all in, allowing the chaos to bloom and ripple around him as his gaze trailed the fox’s retreat. Everything was unfolding exactly as it should, the spectacle of their engagement already woven into rumors that would last weeks.

“Oh, Winnie,” he murmured, stepping closer, his voice low, just for her. “No need to worry about a stolen ring. We’ll replace it. No matter how many stand between our love” His words were sweet, his tone almost tender, but the undertone of his promise held a chill. It was the sort of chill that came from knowing every move, every outcome, and letting it play out regardless of who got hurt. She could struggle, clutch at small comforts, make deals with foxes if she wanted even if he had no idea how she summoned the animagi's assistance. None of it would change what she was to him—a creature so ideal in her simplicity, her malleability, a half-blood princess in need of her prince.

Her trembling attempts at laughter, her stammered excuses about “waiting until graduation”—he could taste the dread buried beneath them. That was what made it beautiful. Winnie was finally beginning to see her role in this story, a role from which there was no escape. Her fate wasn’t some fairy tale romance; it was a tapestry of inevitability, woven by his hand, where she would forever play the part of the princess trapped in her gilded cage.

The fox, the friends watching silently from the crowd—they could skitter and chatter as much as they liked. But he was the one holding the threads. Let them try to pry her away, to shield her from what he’d already set in motion. Let them take their little stands, thinking themselves brave or clever.

But in the end, she would say “yes,” over and over, no matter who dared to oppose him. This public display, this chaotic ripple in the Great Hall—it was only the beginning, and he couldn’t wait to watch as every one of them fell in line. So Mathias would watch the fox disappear into the crowd, its clever eyes glinting in mock defiance. Jack Burnett, for all his fox tricks and borrowed guile, thought he could undo the inevitable with a single bite, a single trick. It amused Mathias to watch him try—this wild creature in boy’s clothing, scurrying through the hall, thinking himself a hero for yanking a ring off a terrified girl’s finger. Jack might think himself clever, might even think he posed a real threat, but he was still bound to the rules of the game Mathias had set in motion.

The fox could laugh, could scurry, could drop the ring into the waiting jaws of an ally, but that wouldn’t change a thing. It only made the spectacle more delicious. Mathias had expected pushback, expected this spark of chaos to fuel itself into a wildfire, and Jack was happy to provide the spark. The fox-boy could try his best to charm those around him with a wink and a clever grin. Let him try.

As Jack reappeared in his usual form, clad in a fedora pulled low as if he thought himself a mysterious film noir lead, Mathias observed from a distance, letting his own satisfaction simmer under his calm exterior. Every display Jack put on only played into Mathias’ hand, drawing attention to himself, making this tangled web all the more public. And it was a web Jack himself couldn’t escape—he’d already wrapped himself up in it with his incessant meddling, his foolish sense of chivalry. "Hey, our ring racist," Mathias demanded loudly. The statement intended to bring with it an accusation, that he stole the ring in some meager attempt to harass the loving duo from different worlds - muggle and wizard.

Jack could rally whomever he liked, whisper plans to Hanako or seek out others who harbored illusions of resistance but that only created the very scene he wanted. When it came down to it, Jack was as alone in this as anyone else who dared to oppose Mathias Pride. And Mathias? He had all the time and patience to watch his game unfold exactly as he wanted, with or without that ring.

After all, rings could be replaced. He had the pocket change for such extravagances. But Winnie’s loyalty, her fearful acceptance, the crowd that saw this uncanny display or thievery on what should be a celebrated moment now framed as an act of aggression against mixing bloodlines—those were things he had claimed beyond reach of any fox’s jaws.

Mathias observed Evelynn’s approach with an almost bored expression, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips as she wove her way through the crowd with determined grace. Her words, sharp with a veneer of politeness, were no less satisfying for their bitterness. In fact, her disapproval only heightened his enjoyment of the moment.

He returned her gaze, feigning innocence. "Evelynn," he greeted with a cordial nod, his tone dripping with an almost mocking charm. It was amazing he remembered her name, he actually had little interest in women beyond Winnie but Evelynn was a standout on the Gryffindor's Quidditch team. Oddly enough, he was a bit of a fan. "I’m glad to see you approve of the timing. I could hardly wait, after all, to make sure everyone was included in this… special moment."

Evelynn’s attempt to sow seeds of delay and doubt was almost too transparent. Did she really think she could unravel his plans with vague suggestions about logistics and waitlists? The truth was, he didn’t care about the technicalities of a ceremony or a formal wedding—only the promise, the binding, was essential. The rest would fall into place, or it wouldn’t. Either way, Winnie was bound to him now, whether she realized it or not. This was a game he had already won.

He flashed her a smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “As for the family, they will see the wisdom in securing a beneficial connection. And Winnie is already well aware that, when it comes to timing, she need only follow my lead. It’s actually a relief, I’m sure, that we won’t have to worry about tedious distractions like career planning or O.W.L.s clouding our shared path.”

He cast a quick glance at Winnie, her pale expression wavering under Evelynn’s persistent questions, before turning back to Evelynn with a slight tilt of his head. "And as for the prestige—well, isn’t that the beauty of it?” He leaned in, lowering his voice just enough to make it clear this was as much a taunt as a confidence. “It’s not just about lineage or heritage. It’s about creating something… new.”

His words lingered between them, a thinly veiled reminder that he had carefully crafted this moment for maximum effect. Let her try to salvage her friend, to pull Winnie from the web he had woven so delicately around her. She was welcome to try. But there were too many threads, each tied tighter than the last, each choice carefully engineered to force Winnie deeper into his world.

With a final, almost patronizing nod, Mathias straightened, his arm slipping possessively around Winnie’s waist. “I hope you’ll be there to support her,” he said smoothly, eyes glinting with a dark satisfaction, “when she needs it most. After all, a good friend is invaluable in times of transition.” If Evelynn did not know bits of truth, the parts Winnie had recently come to realize, then perhaps he would seem the romantic. The ever-confident young Slytherin.

The never-ending procession trudged onward.

Mathias barely masked his amusement as Hanako Tone made his way over, exclaiming loud enough to draw every nearby pair of eyes. The dramatic entrance, the devastated expression, the anguish etched across his face—it was as close to theater as Hogwarts would see, and Mathias couldn’t help but savor it.

“Hanako,” he replied, feigning the same exasperation, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. He placed a hand over his heart, his own expression turning solemn, almost wistful. “Believe me, I wanted to spare you this pain. But we were never meant to be public, were we?” He allowed his voice to tremble just enough to add a touch of melodrama. “Our secret, fleeting… special in a way she’ll" Winnie "never understand. I left you for her a long time ago and you will have to come to terms with that.”

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice for Hanako alone, though loud enough for others to overhear if they strained. “But you’re right. Perhaps I was selfish, keeping you in the shadows.” He let his voice drop, the tone dripping with faux regret as he gestured meaningfully to the place where there should have been a ring on Winnie’s finger had his snake not stolen it. “It’s just… you and I had such an unconventional connection. I just could not muster the lust I once had for you when you insisted on dressing up as a stuffed animal," the term was furry. "But I knew she’d never survive knowing the whole of who I was before she made me a better man.”

His gaze shifted around the crowd, each person riveted by the spectacle unfolding before them. He glanced back at Hanako, offering him an indulgent smirk before continuing, his voice barely concealing the mockery underneath. “You and I know the truth,” he added with a sigh. “But sometimes, sacrifice is the price we pay for growth and to find lasting love.”

With a final, almost reverent nod, he reached out, resting a hand on Hanako’s shoulder. “I’ll always cherish what we had,” he said in a hushed tone, voice full of empty sweetness has his grip tightened beyond what one would expect for a man with only 3 strength suggesting without words that most of what others knew was truly a lie. “You’ll understand one day, I’m sure.”

And, casting one last smirk, he turned back to Winnie, smug satisfaction radiating from him as the whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire. So many white nights wearing tarnished and battered armor.

Mathias shifted his gaze to Percival, the usual amused glint in his eye sharpening as he took in the familiar, steely glare of his rival. He could feel Percival’s simmering disdain, his obvious disapproval practically palpable. The boy had a way of demanding answers, of positioning himself as some arbiter of morality and reason, especially when it came to Winnie. Predictable.

He knew that Percival was in love, perhaps lust with Winnie and he hated it. Indeed, there were real emotions mingled with the cruel game he had played these past years that left even the ever-confident monster confused. In truth, he only considered Percival to be a threat.

He let a small, patient smile pull at the corner of his lips. "Gray," he greeted, voice smooth as silk. “Is that concern I hear in your voice? I must admit, it’s almost heartwarming to know you care so deeply.” He tilted his head slightly, as though pondering the irony. “But forgive me if I say it isn’t quite your place, is it?”

Mathias cast a brief, lingering look at Winnie, who seemed to shrink a little under his gaze, her expression shadowed with uncertainty. And why shouldn’t she feel uncertain? She’d agreed to an engagement in front of the entire school—a choice she could hardly take back now, no matter who swooped in to protect her. Not even Percival fucking Gray.

“Oh, Winnie’s fine,” he continued, his voice honeyed, almost patronizing. “The engagement was sudden, of course. Perhaps a little overwhelming for her delicate sensibilities.” The ever gentle, flowery girl had done an excellent job these years portraying herself as a princess, as something to be cherished rather than manhandled. Diminishing her capacity in the eyes of others he felt. His eyes narrowed slightly as they flicked back to Percival, the mockery in his tone hard to miss. “I’m sure you’d agree that life doesn’t wait for us to catch up. Especially when we’re moving forward.”

Percival’s cat fixed its gaze on him, unblinking. But Mathias didn’t waver. Instead, he leaned just slightly closer, his smile widening ever so subtly. “You’re right, though. It does involve me. After all, someone had to take the next step with Winnie here.” He let his words settle, enjoying the tension. “She deserves to know where she stands, don’t you think?”

Then, almost as an afterthought, he turned to Evelynn with a light, condescending chuckle. “And you, Evelynn—so nice to see you’ve joined the party. Though I didn’t realize you’d need a troupe to keep tabs on your friend.” His gaze flicked dismissively between her and Percival before settling back on Gray. "I do hope this clears things up, but by all means, stay. The more the merrier.” He hoped that Percival slugged him then and there, he would wear that shiner as a badge of honor and would only hope that would be the image in the papers - pureblood attacked for declaring his love to halfblood girlfriend.

And with that, he gave a small, almost mocking bow, as though he’d just finished performing a piece solely for their benefit. Let them watch, let them simmer. This was his stage, and he intended to use every minute of it.

Mathias watched the flurry of Winnie's desperate attempts, her nervous laughter at Hanako’s absurd theatrics, her trembling grip on Evelynn’s arm, and now her hand clutching onto Percival as if he could shield her from this fate. She was pulling her friends closer like lifeboats in a storm, but it was no use; every last one of them was sinking.

He allowed himself a slow, calculated smile, his gaze never leaving her panicked face even as she tried to gloss over her blunder about family permissions and muggle weddings. She truly thought obstacles like money, tradition, or her father’s disapproval might give her an escape. It was charming, really.

“Winnie,” he murmured, his tone soft but with an edge that sent a chill down her spine. He stepped closer, ignoring the silent glares from Evelynn and Percival. “Let’s not worry about castles or waitlists, shall we? You’ll have a wedding you couldn’t have dreamed up yourself. The most prestigious estates, guest lists filled with the highest-ranking magical names, and every last detail in place. There’s no need to wait for anything; not with our resources.” He was not an Athantos in name, but he was one by blood and with that came an infusion of resources, especially fiscal.

He turned to Percival, his gaze narrowing as he took in the Slytherin’s calm demeanor, his so-called “concern.” The annoyance at having his rival circle closer was brief—Evelynn, Percival, Hanako, all of them were gnats, unthreatening distractions that only made this moment sweeter. “Percival,” he said with a thin smile, “I’m glad you’re here to congratulate us. A friend’s support is invaluable, don’t you think?” The underlying mockery in his voice was unmistakable. Percival might think himself some quiet protector, but he was just another witness. Another pawn.

Mathias turned his attention back to Winnie, whose fingers still trembled around Percival’s arm. “And as for your family,” he continued smoothly, ignoring her fleeting attempts to distract him with the fox’s theft. “I’ll be making an introduction soon enough. Trust me when I say, they’ll come to see this engagement as not only acceptable but essential.”

The lights went out suddenly, and he could feel Winnie’s fear in the darkness as she gasped, her hand clutching desperately at Percival’s. A small smile tugged at his lips. She’d been trying so hard to hide her real emotions, and here they were laid bare in the dark. A could feel a flicker of anger rise within him. Jealousy

Leaning in close, he whispered, “There’s no need to be afraid, my dear. I promised to take care of everything, didn’t I? All you need to do is follow my lead.” She was holding the wrong man, perhaps he realized just now.

As the lights flickered back on, Mathias straightened, his expression one of utter calm, a stark contrast to the tension surrounding him. His hand reached out, gently attempting to pry her fingers from Percival’s arm and pulling her back to his side. “Now, shall we continue enjoying our evening? After all, this is a celebration.” He shot a final, satisfied glance at her friends. They could posture and protest all they liked. He’d already won. "And besides, weren't we" as in some of them "supposed to participate in a game" he was referring to the murder mystery.

Hopefully Percivcal was not with them, he internally hoped as he looked towards the game area.

"I expect my ring to be returned to Winnie's hand" he called out loudly as he attempted to walk towards the game room.

"Last I checked, rings weren't a race," Jack answered the claim that he was a 'ring racist', ignoring what he had guessed had been Mathias' attempted implication in using the term in the first place. He didn't mind if he was thought an idiot for not getting it because he doubted most of their audience would have picked up on the more subtle implication as it was. Not to mention it was fun to play dumb at times and even beneficial on occasion.

While the Welsh Slytherin had no idea to what extent Mathias had plotted everything out, he himself was completely winging it. Rather than play a hero or attempt to be chivalrous, his behavior had been more focused on testing the waters of what had just happened and seeing what shit they could stir up with general chaos. Yes, he felt for Winnie, but for all he knew, there was something Mathias had that she wanted or needed and he wasn't about to mess with that before he knew more about what was going on - if she even felt, at some point, like letting him in on it. Perhaps she did not. Perhaps she had plans of her own.

Regardless, Jack's act of stealing the ring had been relatively harmless because he hadn't intended to make big trouble. He had just hoped to cause a bit of fun chaos, particularly with Hanako's help, to let Mathias know he would be watching. And maybe that was what the butt wanted. But if that was the case, Jack didn't mind playing along. For now. He had too little information to attempt anything big just then without fear of suffering significant, unwanted repercussions.

What he did suspect from what he saw and heard was that Percival Gray had much more conviction than he did to interfere with whatever Mathias was up to. If anyone was going to be Winnie's knight in shining armor, Jack was convinced it was going to be him. He would have to talk to him more about that later. Maybe back at their shared dorm.

The brief blackout suggested trouble might have been brewing other than that which Jack and Hanako had tried to stir up themselves. Hanako had seemed to enjoy himself, though, and even Mathias played up the theatrics along with him. The term 'Mattie Baby' caused Jack to laugh to himself under his breath, though he tried not to draw attention to himself and away from the entertaining spectacle the dramatic pair were putting on. Still, it concerned him very slightly just how good Hanako was with what to say and how to act in such a situation. Surely he hadn't found himself in such a predicament before, had he? Had he ever even really dated anyone before?

Shaking his head to clear it, Jack reminded himself that wasn't important to ponder just then. It was just in time, too, since Hanako came toward him and grabbed his wrist with a strength he didn't know his roommate had. He looked at him curiously as he allowed himself to be dragged away, only realizing a few minutes later where he was being dragged away to.

Oh, right. They, like Winnie and Mathias, presumably, had their own mystery game to attend - and it seemed it was just about to start.

Jack leaves the thread and the ball to participate in the Whispers of the Dark game for his own group, Group 8.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jack returns to the thread and the ball after participating in the Whispers of the Dark game.

"I wasn't really planning on it, either," Jack sighed in response to Hanako. Jack had been the doctor, but he didn't think he'd been able to help a single person or even really know how. Well, wasn't that just the story of his life, though? It certainly seemed that way to him.

"Heh. Yeah," he answered the Japanese Slytherin, wondering when Hanako had figured out his role before remembering that yes, actually, there was someone he'd managed to save. Ironically, it'd been Hanako. And not due to any particular favoritism either; mostly just sheer dumb luck. "Glad you weren't a corpse."

He felt tired from thinking so much first about Winnie and Mathias' proposal and Percival Gray and then trying to figure out who the murderer was during their game. Still, that didn't keep him from noticing when Hanako fell silent and looking up to see him staring at Eun-ji and Pericles. Interesting.

And then Hanako noticed that Jack had noticed. The noiret cleared his throat before proposing they leave, claiming that there was 'nothing much to see here', but Jack raised a brow at him in an incredulous look. "You know I hate lies, Tone," he warned. If there was really 'nothing much to see there', he wouldn't have caught his peer staring at the elegant couple for the past few minutes in contemplative silence.

Hazel eyes widened a moment when Hanako proposed one last dance, leaving Jack wondering who he meant to dance with before he was asked not to 'butt in' for a few minutes. Then he smiled and bowed, gesturing grandly with a sweeping arm in the direction Hanako had been staring earlier. "Be my guest," the redhead said. "I'll just be waiting by the refreshments until you're done."

And with that, he righted himself, readjusted his coat about him, and turned to head toward the drinks to get one. Not butting in didn't mean he couldn't keep watch from afar.

Pet Snake Present In Thread

Parseltongue & English +

Hanako shrugged at the mention of how Jack was glad Hanako wasn’t a corpse. “Eh. I wouldn’t have been that upset considering I spent hours looking this good for this event. Now, if you have let me been a corpse during my bad hair days, then you’re just asking to be haunted”, he jested. Because god forbid the japanese boy could let someone be glad he wasn’t dead and get away with it.

The other boy seemed to notice who precisely he was staring at, and called out on his bullshit. Hanako let out a sigh. He could be questioning if calling him out was necessary but Jack had proven time and time again that at least to the red haired boy, it was a necessity. And one he seemed to have no trouble reminding his roommate about. Even if they both knew Hanako wouldn't have blinked twice if he had to lie.

He was a little shocked, really that Jack would just leave him be. After persistently ensuring they both breathe the same air for the past year, he expected the other to make a big deal about it. He masked the tinge of gratefulness with the annoyance how Jack left saying words as if he was Hanako’s babysitter or something and rolled his eyes.

It did make him a little uneasy that Jack mentioned letting him dance in peace, but never said clearly that he wouldn’t be watching. He’d be waiting. Yes. But he never said he wouldn't be watching. Trusting on the fact that this was better than most of the freedom Jack allowed him to allow, Hanako made his way through the crowd. His footsteps geeting heavier with each step. Followed by a persistent voice in his head that screamed that it wasn’t worth it. Yet he couldn’t find it in him to stop the path towards what he knew he might regret.

all the passive aggressive, subtly nasty, and arrogant introductions he thought of was fuelled by the sight of seeing her hand being kissed. That birdbrain prick. What is this? The 1800’s? It was bad enough they looked like a picture perfect couple dancing earlier. Just how close were there? Did he underestimate how closely they worked in duelling before? Stolen moments he didn’t know about while they were in the high towers of Ravenclaw common room?

When did this happen anyway? Right after he made his own arrangements with Eun-ji? After they kissed during that one summer time? After Hanako had to control every fiber in his being to stop himself from wrapping his arms around her? Just how much had changed because he was too preoccupied with Jacks meddling? Was that enough to have her completely forget about them? Their arrangements? And not even bothering to tell him about it?

Why wasn’t he good enough to be informed? Was she ready to throw away the months they had? Did she not trust him to just take it and accept she was with another guy now? Why did he… care.. So much about getting answers that he didn't deserve?

When Hanako stepped just close enough to Eun-ji, he blamed the weight of his last question on the sudden quietness in his head as he finally looked at her. Like… really looked at her. Gawd- he really was starting to hate red, wasn’t he? A brief flash of memory from the last event they talked at was reminded. Collecting comparisons like puzzles to a set piece. Back then she had looked.. miserable. Perhaps at some point, Hanako would’ve even dared to assume that red wasn’t really her colour. Not in the way that it didn’t compliment her face, wonderfully brightening her complexion, or making her cheeks glow naturally warm. But instead, almost like it weighed her down, like wearing clothes that wasn’t yours.

But she was… glowing.. Still..even in red. Likely… because of someone else.

Feeling he had enough of staring at her like he forgotten what he said, he fakely coughed into his hand, his eyes struggling to meet her gaze directly. “ It’s a crime, you know. To look like that and not have a line of people waiting to dance with you”, he tried to jest, his tone coming off a little tense accompanied with the fake smile he plastered on his face. “ Or did you promise your night solely to that ravenclaw pr- boy”. He said, almost a little softer at the beginning, before his annoyance got the best of him and he almost called him prick. His curiosity evident. Maybe even a tinge of hopefulness that Eun-ji would correct him.

previously mentioning: @Pericles Dralt and @Jack Burnett
Character Action: being an idiot to @Eun-ji Lee Hunt

Stats

Reducio

S t a m i n a : 11
S t r e n g t h : 3
A r c a n e : 15
A c c u r a c y : 16
E v a s i o n : 6
W i s d o m : 10

Abilities

Reducio

-1st, 3rd and 5th Parselmouth Abilities
- blindvision
- perfectionist
- wandmaker, Rangarou Hair, Rose wood.

Full Outfit * Interaction: @Pericles Dralt & @Hanako Tone

Eun-ji chuckled at her housemate’s comment. “Really? Am I that scary?” She knew he meant it as a compliment but part of her wondered… She knew she was not easily approachable, which was intentional, but Hana never seemed to care about her golden armor. Instead, he kept constantly poking and prodding at it and she let him. Would he really lack the confidence to ask her? Doubtful. The idea just most likely didn’t even cross his mind. Still, when the song ended and Peri suggested there might be hope for her yet, she unconsciously clung to his words. Despite having no indication whether Hana was even still around, she didn’t want to give up just yet. “Thank you, Peri.” To a passerby, it would have sounded like a simple appreciation of the dance they shared but there was so much more hidden behind that sentence and she trusted the ivory-haired boy knew that. “And good night to you too.” She added with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

The game may have been frustrating but Eun-ji was glad something still came out of it. She genuinely hoped Eve would come through and see the new side of her friend and his feelings for her. Whether those feelings would be reciprocated was an entirely different matter but Peri was a good guy and he definitely deserved a chance. She wasn’t as sure when it came to her own feelings. Her feelings were messier. They came hand in hand with way too much baggage. The kind she did not want anyone else to carry with her. Unfortunately, it’s not like she could simply change how she felt about the Slytherin just because her love wasn’t a blessing. God knows she tried! At least, Eun-ji was not cruel nor brave enough to actively pursue the roguish boy. That would be too selfish, and she only wanted to be a little selfish. She only wanted to be by his side for as long as he would let her. Until ultimately, someone less complicated or prettier crossed his path and caught his interest.

Drowning in the depths of her thoughts, the young witch didn’t even hear the boy, who currently occupied said thoughts, approaching her. When the cough came however, she caught herself hoping. And then…she heard his voice. It was maddening how easily she recognized it now. Eun-ji might have even blushed at the compliment but when she turned around, something about his expression seemed…off. The grin he was wearing didn’t quite sit right with her. The Ravenclaw didn’t know when it started but she could always tell whenever he was not being entirely honest. A lot of the times, she struggled to find the reason behind it but nevertheless, she knew.

“I could say the same about you,” she retorted without really thinking about it. It sounded way too soft and honest for her liking. “Alas as you can see that is not the case. It never really is.” Such was the truth. Eun-ji could count the number of times somebody asked her to dance throughout her school years on the fingers of one hand. “Or did you promise your night solely to that Ravenclaw pr- boy” At that, she tilted her head slightly. She didn’t miss the little stumble in his words. What was he intending to say originally? I have a feeling it’s best not to ask. “There were no promises made. In fact, he just left and won’t be coming back.” The witch shrugged. “It was a spur of a moment decision to come together.”

Why? Why did she feel the need to clarify that? It’s not like he cared, right? This awful need to please him was entirely too foreign to her and quite frankly, she was ashamed of herself. And yet, she lingered. She didn’t want to part ways. She wanted him to stay at least for a few more moments. Ever since she realized her feelings for the boy, Eun-ji was too scared to face him. To make a fool of herself. But now that he was standing right in front of her, she didn’t want to let go. Like she had any right to hold onto him. “Actually, I’ve been told I might be far too intimidating for anyone to ask.” A slightly inaccurate interpretation of the earlier statement but such little lie surely wouldn’t hurt anybody. “Tell me…Do I scare you as well?” The witch meant to sound teasing, playful in the way they always danced around each other but there was something else as well. A hint of insecurity lacing her tone. How did it slip in there, she didn’t know. She could only hope Hana wouldn’t notice.

Pet Snake Present In Thread

Parseltongue & English +

 It was very frightening to half his mind muted out rather quickly when he heard her voice again and had her attention. Just now he had all sorts of nasty passive aggresive words to say. To snidely comment on how inconsiderate she was regarding getting a boyfriend. He still felt that stinging in his chest that he needed to adress, sure. But somehow he felt a little shyer with expressing it the way he was tempted to a while ago. Maybe it was the way she implied he looked nice. He was always liked being complimented that way. Though he didnt trust himself to reply, so he just gave a shrug, as if to imply, ' yeah well, I always look this good. nothing new'.

He didn't really like the way she answered. Not that it wasnt a relief that he wouldnt be coming bac- wait - relief ? Was that was he felt? Impossible. He was just grateful he didn't need to have the usually clean cut and pristine Ravenclaw ex-duellist to be hovering around them. He already had enough of Burnett watching him. No, his problem was the lack of content and information. He had to tell himself that Eun-ji didn't have to tell him everything on sight, as if she was his mind reader. No matter how well she does mind read him sometimes. At that moment he decided not to comment on the fact it was a spur of a moment decision. Not yet at least.

It was then that she asked her next question that made him stop a bit. " …..Kinda" he decided to say, a faint teasing smirk on him that was at least a little bit more genuine than his last one. " Because if I wasn't scared of you, I wouldn't be here. I live on the edge. I like having my heart race every now and then when you're here". He jested, taking a step closer, extending a hand for her to take if she wished. The silent invitation in the air.

" Not quite enough scared to not take an opportunity to dance with you. Unless of course you've been too swooned by the dancing skills of the other gentleman earlier to downgrade to me". he joked the last part out to distract himself for his own inner turmoil.

Unbeknowst to Hanako at this time, Eun-ji was doing the same thing he did. Half lying. If he could even call it that. He was unsure whether or not the girl was talking about her overall, or regarding being asked to dance. And he feared he didn't have an answer if her answer was the first one. Because she did scare him. In a way. Just not in the way she might think.

Character Action: being an idiot

Stats

Reducio

S t a m i n a : 11

S t r e n g t h : 3

A r c a n e : 15

A c c u r a c y : 16

E v a s i o n : 6

W i s d o m : 10

 

Abilities

Reducio

-1st, 3rd and 5th Parselmouth Abilities

- blindvision

- perfectionist

- wandmaker, Rangarou Hair, Rose wood.

@Eun-Ji Lee Hunt