Wonderland Waltz 2026 Spring Ball

time: 7:25 pm	interacting with:
date: April 19th, 2026	@Mary Bueno
outfit and hair: Reducio	WC: Reducio 220

Mary!! That's right!! Scarlet had always had a terrible memory, especially when it came to names. While she scolded herself internally, Mary talked to her about how she had been worried she would be alone for the ball, just like she had been. The girl glanced at Scarlet's plate and commented on how good the food was. All Scarlet could do was nod in agreement, hoping that Mary wouldn't judge her food tower. She just had a big appetite when she was nervous, and social events made her very nervous.

Scarlet began to eat some of the food on her plate when Mary mentioned that she, too, had forgotten her name. With zero judgment, Scarlet replied with her name. She was actually relieved and happy that she wasn't the only one who couldn't remember. Scarlet then stood in a bit of awkward silence, unsure what to say next. She had never been a great conversationalist. She could talk for hours if someone asked her questions, but it was difficult for her to start the conversation. Looking around, the only thing she could think of was, "So, what else is there to do at a ball? I really only planned on coming for the food. After that, I wasn't sure I would want to stay since dancing isn't really my thing."

Action/Interaction: talking to @Mary Bueno (Open to more interactions)
Stats: STA: 6 | EVA: 5 | STR: 5 | WIS: 7 | ARC: 6 | ACC: 6
Abilities: none

M I L OxH A R T M A N
per aspera ad astra

❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺ ❻ ❼
─────────✫

Somewhere on the edge of awareness, Milo knew he wasn't exactly being the best friend to @Laurie Holmes right now. She had seemed very keen on going to the ball when they had talked in the common room, but now she looked a bit sick, honestly. Ms Willows @Rosalyn Willows had already come to the rescue though. It took him a second longer than usual to recognize her, despte them being in the same year and house. She wore a pink dress that dragged after her on the floor. The intrusive thought of stepping on it just to see what would happen was shoved back into the mean-spirited corner of his mind. He had no mind to upset anyone, yet could not help but notice the ample opportunities to be a nuisance whenever they presented themselves to him. Though Milo had thought it quite impossible, Rosalyn seemed to be even more excited about the ball than Laurie had been in the days leading up to it. She really was thoroughly putting his efforts to dress up to shame. Then again, most girls were. What was it about girls that made them so eager to strut about in pretty dresses? What secret meeting had he missed out on? With Laurie taken care of, his eyes and thoughts drifted until they inevitably landed back on @Mathias Athanatos. The sixth year was something of an eye magnet simply by virtue of towering over most everyone else around him. Besides, the teenager's cryptic warning was still kicking about in Milo's head. Perhaps Mathias would sense the too curious eyes boring into him. Perhaps he secretly enjoyed the attention. Either way, Milo would be mindlessly staring at him until Laurie put a name to the face. “Don't mess with him?” Milo repeated, sounding rather surprised. Prior to that magical sentence, he had not had a single intrusive thought about messing with the sixth year, but Laurie's comment had just planted that seed. Laurie's honest advice was like a child being shown the cookie jar and then told not to take any cookies from it. “I could wingardium leviosa some of that lemonade over his head,” he mused while he tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe that will cheer him up, he sounded rather bored.” The intrusive thought went the same place the other intrusive and unbidden thoughts went: stowed and stashed away in some corner, never to be thought of again. Milo possessed a hair more caution than he did curiosity, and so Mathias's head was mercifully not watered that evening. He turned his gaze toward Laurie and patted the seat beside him, inviting her to join him. “I sort of bumped into Mathias on my way here and,” he lowered his voice slightly, “he said something rather odd...” He scooted over a little closer, none to keen on having his secrets reach any other ears besides Laurie's. “He said I should learn to look at what matters. Isn't that strange?” Straightening, he pulled back slightly and rested his chin in his hand. Once again his gaze went looking in the crowd for the tall Athanatos, to stare some more. “I'm probably overthinking it...” he shrugged. And yet, just as his gaze was returning to their spot, it snagged on something, or rather someone. “Hey... I didn't know Turner had a girlfriend, did you?” @Paul Turner. Like most other first years, Milo knew the Gryffindor's surname from class, but little else. What he did know had not suggested that Turner was the flirtatious sort, but apparently he was wrong, he and that foreign sounding girl @Taylor Athanatos seemed rather deep in conversation. “Any idea who she is?” he asked Laurie. His Slyhterin companion was the expert on names after all. “Don't tell me she's dangerous too,” he smirked. “She doesn't really look it.”

Stats:

Reducio

Stamina: 3
Evasion: 10
Strength: 0
Wisdom: 8
ArcPower: 1
Accuracy: 8

Actions:

Reducio

Staring at Mathias Athanatos, talking to Laurie, then staring at Paul Turner and Taylor Athanatos

@Laurie Holmes @Taylor Athanatos @Paul Turner | Ballin'19/04/2026Spring Ball

Zephyr was waiting near the entrance when he spotted Harumi first. It was constant movement in the crowd as more and moe students started arriving but he easily spotted her amongst them. That night, Harumi looked different all dressed up like that. More put together than he was used to seeing her. The green dress and the pink details suit the Spring season and blend into the theme. She was waving which he replied with a lift of his hand. “Hello…” once she reached him, he smiled, “You look really nice in your dress Harumi.”

He caught a shift of light blue in his peripheral vision, he turned in that direction and noticed Skylar arriving too, but the other girl was coming from the inside. He must have missed her coming in as he was busy checking the decorations nearby. Like Harumi, Skylar looked different that night, both girls’ chosen color suit them well. Pastel blue suit Skylar just as much as Harumi in green. “Hi Skylar.” Though the shoes looked complicated. How do girls walked in those, but she seemed fine. “You both look beautiful.” He looked every bit awkward saying that to them but he meant what he said. Then he remembered something, “Wait, let me do this properly… he pulled something out of the small knapsack he brought with him and revealed two wrist corsages for Harumi and Skylar.

“I, uh… prepared something for you two…” The first wrist corsage was made of baby’s breath, while the other was made of daisy flowers. “I asked a few days ago, about your favorite flowers. This is closest I could get.” His dad always tells him if he’s ever going to attend formal gathering like this, to at least do it properly. This was not something he does or say often but when he did, he said it with utmost honesty. He looked at the two girls, asking first instead of assuming. “Can I?” gesturing toward their hands, before he stepped closer to put the baby breath’s corsage around Harumi’s wrist and then the daisy one around Skylar’s.

In his head, this was not about romance, it’s doing the right thing for the people he came with. He doesn’t think in terms of giving a corsage as a date but more like he’s going to the ball with his friends, so he should treat them properly. That’s where his dad’s influence comes in. His dad taught him that being a gentleman isn’t just for one person you’re romantically interested in, it’s also showing care, effort, and respect to the people around him, especially girls you’re accompanying to an event like this. Once done, he stepped back and looked at their hands. “There, now you can fully enjoy the night.” Showing them a genuine smile, a small dimple showing on his right cheek as he did, with a slight dip of his head.

He was in that situation when he heard the familiar voice of his childhood best friend, Rosalyn. Who wouldn’t miss that nickname she’s always shouting whenever she sees him. …and then she was already on him. “…Hi…Ros…” The greeting was a bit late, as she hugged him tightly. He was done feeling awkward, by now he would just let it be and just chuckled as he patted her back once before she pulled away again, already talking nonstop.

His brain took a second to process everything she just said, same as always, still the same person he had known for years. “I’m good, Bubbles. I just got here few minutes ago.” His gaze went briefly past her shoulder, checking the boy (Felix) who followed her. “Hey there, I’m Zephyr, Rosie’s childhood best friend.” Greeting him after he was introduced.

Glancing back at Rosie, she looked exactly how she always did, full of energy, sometimes he was curious how she did that. Speaking of, “Wait, I prepared the wrist corsage for you too.” And grabbed another corsage from his bag, this time made of yellow roses. “Because I know you’re a social butterfly, I wanted to give this to you before you’ll leave and be busy again.” And while putting it on around her wrist, he added, “I haven’t done anything yet…” answering the rest of her questions, “Just waiting for them.” He gestured toward his friends. “These are my friends, Harumi. Skylar. Girls, this is Rosalyn, we’ve known each other since we’re kids, and her date, Felix.”

It was a last-minute decision. Aurora had definitely not planned to go to the ball at all. After all, it was a spring evening with chilly weather, and she would have much rather stayed in her dorm room to read a book or do anything else.

That was until she heard there would be food served. Cakes, drinks, cakes, appetizers, and more cakes! You know the one thing Aurora loves more than books? You guessed it: cakes! So, as the other girls in her dormitory giggled while getting ready, she took a turn surveying her attire to see what would suit the theme of the ball.

"Hmm... this might work." She put on a dress that had been sewn by her mother for her birthday last year. Honestly, if her mother weren't a potion maker, she would have made a fine tailor. The pink dress was frilly, with a white flower motif scattered across the fabric. It was simple, yet still lovely.

As for her short hair, she brushed all the stray pieces into place and put on hairclips to keep it neat. A dainty necklace finished the look. Simple. Looking at herself in the mirror, she smiled, feeling quite proud. She sighed softly before turning to leave the dorm.

After slipping on her worn white sneakers, she followed a group of girls closely to the venue. It felt a little sad going to an event like this alone, without a date or even any girlfriends, but since it was a last-minute plan, Aurora didn't mind too much.

"Holy moly..." the girl muttered as she looked at the Hogwarts courtyard, which had been beautifully decorated. The lights hung across the trees and willows created a warm ambiance despite the chilly evening weather. Even the music was on point. "Woah, they really outdid themselves. This is wonderful."

Aurora stood a bit to the side as a couple walked past her, seemingly older students. The venue was full of students pairing up with their dates; some had come with their friends. The girl stood awkwardly; she hadn't really minded earlier, but now, watching the others having fun with their friends, she felt a little out of place.

The girl looked to the side and noticed a boy. @Erast Yan was his name, i think? She had seen the boy a couple of times, as he was one of the organizers for the ball. It was quite impressive to see a first-year handling such a big event. Aurora quietly gave him kudos in her head. He was immediately joined by another girl, most probably his date.

Deciding to stop pitying herself, she started walking around the venue. "Oh my god... everyone looks amazing," she muttered quietly under her breath as she eyed every single girl's and boy's outfit. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a familiar face: @Milo Hartman. He had cleaned up nicely in a suit and even had a girl beside him. Squinting her eyes she recognize the girl as a second year Slytherin. "Woah, I didn't know he had it in him to ask a senior out.." She mumble to herself. They seemed to be discussing something she probably shouldn't bother. The girl continued to make a beeline for the delicacy tables.

She feasted her eyes on the various foods served on the long mahogany tables. Yes, cakes! Carrot cakes, fruit cakes, and drinks such as lemonade and iced tea were neatly arranged. An "Eat Me" sign was presented near a mouth-watering red velvet cake. "Don't mind if I do," she grinned as she put a slice onto her plate and took a bite.

'Who needs dates when you can eat this marvelous food?'
[/center]

Reducio ☆outfit☆ -

Reducio ☆action☆ -looking at Erast Yan and Verity Engels -saw Milo Hartman and Laurie Holmes -stuffing her face with desserts shamelessly

Reducio ☆stats☆ ｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+ stamina: 5 ｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+ evasion: 7 ｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+ strength: 6 ｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+ wisdom: 6 ｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+ arcane power: 6 ｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+ accuracy: 5

The gala was a testiment for everything Vas hated.

The chandelier spilling the chokingly bright light, the light falling on the pristine marble floors, reflecting towards the endless arrays of jewels and pieces of glasses decked by the long gowns. The music flew through the air, notes playing fast enough to engulf even the slightest of silence tucked in the corners of the room. People moved in group, fabrics constantly rubbing on each other as different voices overlapped; chatter, sharp laughters that sounded almost too overwhelming.

It had been a while since Vas had attended a ball, let alone a Hogwarts hosted ball. The last time he had, Violet was still there, beautiful as ever, her smile the brightest gem of them all, before disaster had struck, and fate had decided to put a full stop to their barely started chapter.

Vas stood at the same spot he'd been standing for a while. The noise of the ball bleeding into the corridor, the hums of the presence of people inside the room, hitting his skull in some way, his chest slightly tightening at the thought of crowds, it was something he'd been suffering from for a while but not much acknowledged; deep inside, he knew what it meant, he just wasn't ready to accept it.

His fingers unknowingly moved towards his sleeves, his nails about to drag faintly against his skin when he abruptly stopped, tightening his jaw in attempt to overcome to instincts to proceed.

'Get a grip of yourself', he mentally muttered to him, he knew if Magnus saw his fingers once more like that, he'd probably exaggerate it and perhaps even give a longly stretched talk on controlling the instincts.

He slowly made his outfit proper, the white hare themed attire fitted him well, though not his usual selection of pristine black clothes, it was fine, perhaps a little too tight at the neck? But it wasn't like he'd been in any position to argue, rather was dragged to some fancy tailoring store by Magnus, everything picked out by the annoying blonde with the bushy hair. In most cases Vas'd argue back but for some reason infront of that idiot, his sharp retorts remained in his throats, not moving past that stage, it was something which'd cause couldnt be interpreted by Vas, if not for the unnamed strange feeling he felt in his stomach whenever he saw him.

He slowly took steps towards Magnus, who stood near the door, decked with the hat, the chains, the sheer audacity of the outfit. It should’ve been obnoxious. It was obnoxious. And yet he couldn't help but admire the look.

"Didn't expect to find you out here." The words left his mouth, he'd expected Magnus to be the first one inside the ball, doing his extroverted Magnus things but instead seeing him here, waiting for him, made Vas forget about all, the loud voices, the crowds, the tightening of his chest, his attention solely on the soul infront of him, honey-haired, looking almost like a dream, a crazy dream.

actions Reducio Approaching Magnus.

stats Reducio STA: 8 | EVA: 7 | STR: 8 | WIS: 9 | ARC: 3 | ACC: 10

Colin shook his head as the younger boy started about salad. That brought to mind all the salad girls in the common room. Astra. Elisa. Mahls. Lilianna. "That's just leaves and twigs, lad! I don't think those would help much against a troll or a --- a werewolf!" Colin laughed gaily. "Unless ye've got cheese and nuts and other good things in that salad!"

Colin turned back to chat with Olivia. She was someone who had quickly become a friend to Colin. Apart from their shared secret, the girl had proven to be a good companion. She was smart, and friendly once she got to know you. They both loved the outdoors. Emily and Olivia both were keen on meeting each other too! So it was naturally that they formed a little group to enjoy the evening. And not die into the bargain.

From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a pale green dress headed their way. She smelled like Slytherin, as did so many kids around tonight. Dark hair and a mischievous smile alerted Colin that something was up. His fingers twitched. He considered whether his wand needed to be drawn out. But no, there was no need for that! The girl was just sneaking up on Olivia! And indeed Laurie stopped right behind Olivia --- Colin wondered if she'd gotten the scent or not --- and called out: "Guess who!”

Colin laughed!

But then Laurie turned all weird. She seemed to --- fade? She grabbed at a glass of water, gulped it down and then the glass broke. Had she crushed it? Or was it a bit of accidental magic? Either way, she slid down to the ground and just seemed to fold in on herself. "Livia!" he whispered hoarsely. He nodded towards Laurie. "Looks like ye made the lassie faint dead away!"

Colin crouched down near Laurie. He scratched his bare legs. He wondered what had happened. Maybe --- "Ye alright there lass?" he asked. "I didn't hear anyone cast a spell at ye or anything. What's happening to ye? Is it --- er --- one of those, um, girl things?" Colin had learned about 'girl things' from his sister Moira, but he'd often wondered if she were just teasing him!

He wasn't sure if he should touch her or not. Moira had said a girl might magic his head off if he tried anything to upset her. He took the risk. He reached out and tried to comfort her. He was about to ask if there was anything he could do when some whirwind blew by, took Laurie by the hands and lifted her up, gave her a hug and then blew on by like a fast moving gale.

Colin stood up again, looked at Oliva and shrugged. "Wh---What was that?" Another kid showed up about then. Thank God it was a lad! Girls were so very odd! Twas yet another Slytherin. Milo Something. He was the boy who'd had a brush with Smooth Athanatos a few minutes before. Colin smirked as Milo asked Laurie if she knew who the older Slytherin was. Laurie had warned him against messing with Matthias. Colin wondered why she'd said that.

“Don't mess with him?” Milo asked.

"That's actually a very fair question. Doofus comes in here like a bull from China, shoves everyone around, and thinks he can just do that?" Not that Colin was above shoving first years around in the corridors, or playing hallway hurling with his twin, using one of them as the puck!

“I could wingardium leviosa some of that lemonade over his head,” Milo continued.

Colin smirked. He liked Milo instantly.

“Maybe that will cheer him up, he sounded rather bored,” the younger boy continued.

"Brilliant! He does look a bit dour. Mind you, lemonade might sour his expression even more! Maybe make it choco milk? That's top notch stuff, and would coordinate with his hair and clothes!"

Colin's left hand began to inch towards his wand, but then Milo said something odd. "He said I should learn to look at what matters. Isn't that strange?" the boy asked.

Colin thought about that. "Hmm." He glanced over towards Matthias. "I knew his older brother Vlad a bit. And of course Aamon. Gideon's in my year, and he's an absolute nutter. But Matthias?" Colin shrugged. "The only thing that lad sees is himself. He always seemed a stuck up git to me. Prideful that one. Maybe he wants ye to look at him?"

The conversation turned then towards Turner. Colin wasn't sure who Turner was, until Milo indicated the boy Colin had chatted with earlier. "Oh! Salad Boy!" Colin wolf whistled at Paul. "Good on ye laddie! She's bonny!" he called over to the boy talking with the pretty foreign girl. "I wonder where Emmi is? She's missing all the opening chaos!"

Actions: Chatting with Olivia, Milo, Laurie, and Paul! Commentary on Matthias.
Stats: Stamina: 7 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 16 | Arcane Power: 9 | Accuracy: 13
Trunk: OwooOOo! || Spellbook: Incendio Tria!

Interacting: @Emily Shephard | @Olivia Williams | @Paul Turner | @Milo Hartman | @Laurie Holmes
Mentions: @Mathias Athanatos | @Taylor Athanatos

{ --- Post 1 --- } { --- Post 2 --- } { --- Post 3 --- } { --- Post 4 --- } { --- Mod Post --- }

Bree came in slightly late. Mostly because she was debating whether or not to actually come. She could always pretend she got sick again. Last ball, her and her date both were sick. Blaming Derek for getting sick they missed the ball. This time she just simply doesn't really want to go. But she has too, she promised Laurie that she'll go with her. Guilt floods her for coming in late, Laurie is most likely worrying where she is and if she's going to come.

Laurie has been a friend of Bree's since first year. They surprisingly kept in touch (mostly because they have classes together) and stayed friends throughout their first year and following the second. So when she proposed the idea to going to the ball with Bree, she agreed. Although she might've tuned the Slytherin out after saying yes, because she remembers her talking more afterward. Bree was watching her stepsister who was arguing with someone at the time.

Once she finally made it to the courtyard, she was astonished. The courtyard was themed Alice in Wonderland and it's absolutely beautiful. Before she could study everything she remembers her task at hand. Finding Laurie. As she walks, her midnight black dress swishes around her legs. Her heels are quiet and light, as if she's walking on a cloud she glides through the crowd. Spotting a bunch of people circling around someone she walks over there. In the middle of it is Laurie. Carefully noting the faces surrounding her, she recognizes only one. Olivia. Quietly, she approaches, slipping her wand into her hand, ready to hex anyone. As she approaches, she watches a boy with blonde hair that's almost white. He crouches down next to. Tilting her head she watches as he makes a move as if to do something when another girl comes by pulling Laurie up, hugging her then disappearing into the crowd.

Standing back, she waits as a younger boy comes up. He strikes up a conversation with the older one. Deciding that's the best moment to go to Laurie, she walks up to her. Ignoring the rest and offering a slight smile to Olivia, she sheathes her wand and gently grabs Lauries hand.

"Hey, sorry I'm late. I had some..." Pausing she shakes her head slightly, "issues I guess. Anyways is everything alright?"

Watching Lauries face for a sign of anything, Bree squeezes her hand slightly. Looking around, her gaze lands on the older boy. Before Lauries answer she addresses him, "What happened to her? Did somebody do something?"

Word Count: 425

Interactions/Mentions: @Laurie Holmes, @Colin McCorie, @Olivia Williams, and @Milo Hartman

Action: Talking to Laurie and Colin

‿︵‿୨✿୧‿︵‿

Interacting: @Mathias Athanatos | @Nabi Park

Outfit: ✿

Mentioning: @Aamon Athanatos

English | Irish | Internal thoughts

The Ravenclaw stared up at her husband in silent disbelief. Her nose wrinkled and she pinched her lips together, as if trying to hold in her laughter. "... That's not how time works, Mattie."

Her cheek pressed against his arm as she tried to distract him away from mowing over more children. "They're just kids. They don't know any better."

There was a lot of things that went over Winnie's head, and one thing she didn't seem to realize was just how big her husband's ego was. She sometimes thought he was... well, socially awkward. Mostly she was used to how he spoke about himself. Yes, darling, you are wonderful. Yes, dear, I care greatly that you had wiener schnitzel for lunch even though it wasn't Wednesday.

"Besides," her eyes brightened with amusement as her eyes scanned over his height. Up. Then up again, then up again, until she found his face. Merlin, was he tall. "You're kind of easy to run into. You're very uh... vertically blessed." The universe had not been so kind to her. "I never miss when running towards you." Though she was actively looking to embrace him... Geez, was a first year trying to steal her husband?

Winnie had to keep her eyes from rolling when Mathias addressed the first year again. The Ravenclaw thought she had successfully distracted him, redirected him to soften the edges, but this kid seemed to have a death wish.

She was more than happy when Nabi's appearance provided a distraction. She curved her lips into a polite smile, "Hello, Nabi. That's a lovely shade of red." She said, her eyes flickering to the velvet-red dress she wore.

When she commented about their current 'issues' Winnie's face grimaced before she forced it to relax. "It's a crowded courtyard, these things tend to happ--" She cut herself off when she saw Aamon across the crowd, nearby some girl who wasn't Nabi. Oh... Oh no.