Changing Rooms || Secret Blossom Ball Event Fin

In the boys section of the changing rooms, two young Hufflepuffs sat - a pair of first years, one fussing over the edges of the other's outfit.

The eldest of the two, George, was already done up to perfection. His top half was covered in a dusty dress jacket that shrouded his form due to how over-large it was, draping around his hips. His dress shirt was tied up tight around his neck, his Hufflepuff-coloured tie turned into a spiffy bowtie for the event. From the waist-down, you could tell he was Scottish. A kilt hung around to his knees, coloured with the green and blue tartan of the Clan Cranstoun, although he would never be able to tell you that. On his feet, a scuffed pair of dress shoes carried him along. If you looked close at his face, you could see he had applied some makeup and then washed it off.

The younger, @Jake Morris, looked to be even better dressed - though from the way he was standing like a mannequin, arms out at his side, it was clear the outfit was not his handiwork. George pushed the edges of the younger Hufflepuff's shirt down into the waist of his pants, snapping his fingers as Jake began to laugh at the ticklishness. "Stay still!" he scolded. A few more adjustments were needed before they could get out on the floor.

A bowtie would tie the whole look together - but Jake had never been able to tie a regular tie, let alone a bowtie. It was a wonder the little guy even knew how to tie his shoes - but he insisted he did when George had tried to offer. Tying a bow in shoelaces was an entirely different thing from tying a proper bowtie, though. Jake's first attempt had been pathetic enough for George to take over entirely.

"Almost done," he said, tugging the knot tight so that Jake's shirt collar was held tight to his neck. He stuffed two of his fingers down the boy's neck, checking to make sure he had room to breathe. He had been taught to do that one time when he was trying to put a collar on his uncle's dog - to make sure they can breathe, or something like that. Jake could breathe, and he could talk and whine, too. At least he was safe. As long as he wasn't alone in the dorms, he was okay.

"Did you see Alan out there?" he asked, looking around the boy's room. He had done himself and Jake up as best as he could, but when he caught a glimpse of the two of them in the mirror, he wrinkled his nose. Why did he think he could wear this stupid kilt again? He looked like an idiot. Too late now, he thought. He'd already wasted so much time trying to clean up his face and make Jake dress properly.

The worst part was that Jake looked better than he did. Karma coming around, he supposed, since at the last event Jake had worn a pumpkin costume - although even then, someone else did, too. Nobody else would be wearing a kilt. He'd have to look stupid alone. With the heat of blush on his face, he turned back to face Jake. "Does it fit good?"

Katrina didn't really want to get in trouble. This was most likely the first time that she had gone directly against authority. Nevertheless, the lioness had been almost buzzing in excitement. She could feel the aura of everyone else too, the hushed whispers, excited giggle, quiet planning, and it all added up to a crescendo of mischievousness. So far, it seemed like no professors had noticed much, not that they were oblivious, but that everyone had been doing pretty well keeping it quiet. Still, it was almost a certainty that they suspected something.

The week had flown by in a rush of thrill, boredom, and anticipation. Laying neatly folded in her bag, an elegant teal dress, that perfectly matched the teal streak in her red hair, waited for the day. It had a sturdy frame and long sleeves. The fabric was silken and warm, perfect for outdoors or deep in the dungeons. She still had plenty of movement in case the night turned sour.

The Secret Blossom Ball had almost arrived. In a few minutes, Katrina would be changing into her dress. She hoisted the inconspicuous bag, very similar to the leather one she always toted around, onto her hoodie-ed arm. She draped the hood carefully over her intricate bun layered with plenty of hidden bobby pins and hairspray. A simple silver necklace locket was hidden under the red sweatshirt- this would be the first time that anyone would see the locket, even though she wore it every day. Normally it was hidden under her sweaters or shirts, but today it was to be proudly displayed for all to see. The only thing that may have seemed off about her outfit were the silver flats on her feet, luckily, the jeans she was wearing were a touch long and covered the shoes perfectly.

The 12-year-old was never considered a girly-girl, in fact, this was probably the first time she had really put effort into dressing up. She felt great; and that was the reason a small smile was on her face as she snuck out of her common room and down into the sparse streams of students.

Soon enough, she was coming down to the Quidditch Pitch. Soft ambient light grew out of the stadium. Katrina ducked into the girls changing rooms with a smirk. It seemed like she was actually one of the first ones down there.

She emerged from the stall in her teal dress, she wasn’t normally one to brag, but she looked beautiful. Her hair looked elegant and professional. Her teal dress matching the streak in her hair. The small silver locket pulled the outfit together and the white flats on her feet finished up the look. Katrina didn’t need makeup to look fabulous. In fact, she wore none at all, mostly because she didn’t own any. She stood in front of a mirror and tucked a few loose strands of hair back into the bun.

She couldn’t wait!

Entering Blossomball Via Changing Rooms
Leaving to Blossom Ball next post
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Lamik Fillestar stood in one of the stalls in the male changing rooms, back pressed against the wall and eyes closed. He had been in that position for several minutes already, with his only movement being the repeating of the word "Taken" every time somebody knocked on the stalls door. At that point, Lamik wasn't there to change- no, the boy had finished doing that long ago. Unlike many of the students he knew, Lamik was reusing the same outfit as he did during the masquerade ball. There was no reason to waste money on what was already a perfectly acceptable suit, both he and his parents agreed.

The reason that Lamik was standing there in his purple suit and tie, however, wasn't actually one that he was completely ready to admit to himself. Though Lamik had agreed on going to the ball with Elena Jangleton (as friends. He thought so at least.), there were other things on his mind. Events of this nature had a tendency to go wrong at Hogwarts. Very, very, wrong. When the first ball was canceled, he hadn't felt sadness or annoyance, only relief. Now that the secret ball was underway though, the young Gryffindor was simply afraid. Unfortunately, the only way that Lamik knew HOW to deal with that fear was by denying its existence, yet facing its source head-on. In the boy's mind, he would act as a lookout that night. Taking in one last deep breath of air, Lamik took off his tie and undid the buttons of his suit. They would only get in the way if something bad were to happen. Then, he headed out to wait for Elena.



OUTFIT (minus the tie):

@George Henry

As the faint sounds of music drifted in, two first-year Hufflepuffs sat in the changing room preparing themselves for the ball.

The littler of the two boys stood still as a statue with his arms out as he was fussed over. Patience wasn't usually a problem for him, but today he found himself fidgeting a little more than usual. He tried to be obedient to the bigger boy's commands to stop his squirming, waiting as his shirt was buttoned and tugged on. He couldn't stop a fit of giggles as George pushed the waist of his shirt down into his pants, but he managed to be good for the rest of it, feeling the various pieces of his ensemble tightening gradually over his small frame.

George offered to tie his shoes, but Jake shook his head insistently. Jake could tie his shoes just fine - he had learned how last July, and they mostly didn't come untied more than twice in the day anymore so he felt he had really gotten good at it. And that meant he had at least done one part by himself. He had tried to make the tie that part too in a fit of inspiration, but had had to give up so at least he'd always have the shoes.

"Oww..." Jake whined, as George tightened his tie and tugged on his shirt collar, stiff against his neck. As George finished his inspection and removed his fingers from the collar, Jake's smaller fingers entered soon after, wiggling against the uncomfortably tightened garment - wearing clothes like this made him feel restrained. His fingers exited guiltily only when George's eyes fell upon him again, not wanting to ruin the older boy's handiwork. Instead, Jake shuffled to the mirror and took a look at himself, ignoring the tight feeling under his chin. When he saw, he didn't mind it so much.

It all still hung a little loosely, but he admired himself all the same. He looked like a grown-up.

Jake looked away from his admiration as George asked if he'd seen their oldest friend.

"Nuh-uh," the younger boy said, shaking his head. "Maybe we should wait here," he added, his voice drifting into a plea. His tummy twisted in a knot and he wandered over to the bench where Freddie was waiting for him right where he'd put him down. He had promised George that he wouldn't lose him and insisted despite the objections that he come along. Now he did feel silly because he knew he'd be the only one holding a stuffed animal, and he didn't have to ask Alan to know that it probably wasn't what you were supposed to do at the ball. He had brought him anyway though, and now that he picked him up he didn't regret it.

He looked over at George who was dressed so differently from how he was, admiring the colors on the boy's kilt. It must be nice to have your legs be free-er like that and he did begin to wish for a color besides gray on his own outfit. George looked brilliant in his green and blue. Jake walked closer to him, his stuffed dog cradled in his arms. The collar felt tight again, and he couldn't help but touch it. He wished they could all be back home, far from the ball and anything that might happen there. It hadn't gone so well the last time.

George turned to face him, and looked like something was bothering him too. Jake wondered if it was the same thing. "It fits good," Jake confirmed with a nod, after tugging on the various pieces unsure exactly what he was looking for. He thought it probably did, but found he kind of wished that it didn't. Then they would have to start over. "Thank you," he mumbled. His eyes didn't leave George's face."George?" Jake finally called softly. He bit his lip. "When Alan comes you're not gonna leave me, right...?"

His eyes lowered. It seemed unfair. He didn't really think he would, but he needed to hear the words all the same.

Entering from the outside.

Erin was one of the last girls to know about the ball, but she was one of the happiest. She was going to the ball with none other than Paracelsus Alger Myth. She did not have the time some of the other girls had to acquire some massive ballgown or the time to preen. Being a part-Veela did of course have its advantages. She was naturally pretty but despite this placed a great deal of time and effort into her appearance.

She had some warning that the ball was coming because there was a request to bring her broom for whatever reason. A risky decision considering the intense pyromania in this school, but the girl was compliant and brought her bluebottle broom. It was the minivan of brooms, nothing particularly sexy about it, but it did the job well enough. She also brought her clothes in a duffelbag: a pair of heels that would replace her Mary Janes, something with a metallic stiletto. The dress, a lacy green one. Slytherin colors, she had dozens that she hardly ever worse like this one. Most formal events here the girls went all out with their massive ballgowns and their somehow professionally done hair. Her long purple hair that reached nearly her waist was left down. There was no reason on this planet she would be seen with some fancy up-do in the castle for 'no reason' and she was not going to risk detention. Dates with Parce were incredibly rare, she was leaving nothing to chance.

There was also a paddle brush in that bag as well as some fire whisky and butter beer. The bottles clanked a bit as she retrieved the brush and ran it through her long, purple tresses. She peeled off her everyday attire - a wool plaid skirt, blouse and blazer. She placed it all in a laundry bag she had stowed in her dufflebag. The dress fit fine, she had no question that it would. If anything it was a bit loose, she had lost a few pounds and dishearteningly it came off her backside. She looked at reflection and gave herself a disappointed frown. Cookies she promised herself. Her nervous paranoia had caused her to burn off more weight than intended, a happiness for most it was not for her.

She would take her bag after giving herself a final glance in the mirror. It would do she concluded.

Heading to the stands/bleachers

Logan sighed as she looked around the girls changing room. She wasn't sure how well this was going to go. All of the girls that she had seen so far had been wearing long beautiful ball gowns while the only thing that she been sent with was one of her shorter dresses that her aunt had insisted she bring along just in case of an emergency. What kind of emergency needed a short ball gown, Logan didn't know, but she had listened to her aunt anyway and brought the dress with her.

The young Hufflepuff wasn't sure if she was excited to go the ball or nervous. Honestly she felt like she was breaking major school rules seeing as this ball was supposed to be 'secret.' It hadn't really stayed secret for long though because Logan could hear the chatter of the other students already out in the Quidditch pitch talking to others. She gently tugged at her fingers as she looked in the mirror at herself. She hadn't done her hair, other than brush it out, and didn't wear any makeup. If this was one of her father's holiday balls than she would have done everything, but this was just school and it wasn't like she was trying to impress anyone.

Logan looked down at her gold dress, it laced up until part way up her back and the skirt flared out. She had a very similar dress at her home, but it was floor length and she had only worn it once. Logan shook her head, getting rid of the thoughts of her home and leaned over to her bag, pulling out a pair of gold sandals that had been tucked away with her dress inside. Gently she slipped them on and stood up straight again. It wasn't like she planned to dance or anything, but she made sure to wear shoes that she could actually move in.

"You will be fine," she muttered to herself.

Reaching back into her bag, Logan pulled her wand out. She probably wouldn't need it, but just in case she slipped it into the waistband of the short that she was wearing under her dress. If there was one thing that Logan had learned from years of balls and dance lessons, it was that you always wear shorts under your dress no matter how long it was. The little Hufflepuff looked herself over one more time before moving her bag to a free spot in the corner of the changing room. It wasn't like there was anything important in it at this point, and she had planned to change back into her normal clothes afterward to get back to her dorm. Quietly she exited the changing room, hoping to at least have a little bit of fun tonight.

Action: Exiting Changing Room, Entering Quidditch Pitch
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To say that Illowy was nervous to be here was beyond an understatement. She'd been dreading the idea of this "secret ball" ever since she'd heard the rumors about it. Between all of the strange happenings going on this year and Hogwarts, and the memories of the Blossom Ball last year, everything in her told her that she should've just stayed in her dorm room. Yet, she'd made the trek to the Quidditch Pitch, sneaking across the grounds with her outfit in her dance bag until she made it safely to the party, making a B-line for the changing rooms.

The snake felt compelled to come though. Maybe it was to try to grasp at some semblance of normality, maybe to give herself the feeling that at least if she was here and something happened, she could try to help. There was another part of it too. It was evident as she took her cloak off in the changing room, pale skin still baring the scars from the Slytherin House attack. While she'd hoped this curse would have been cured by now, she'd had no other choice but to try to just deal with the side effects of the attack and continue with the weekly treatments in the Hospital Wing. In retrospect, she did wish she'd chosen a more... modest dress. Like something with long sleeves and a turtle neck; but the dress had been selected before the attack and there was no going back now as she got dressed and shoved her original clothes back into her back.

Emerging from the changing room, Illowy looked herself over in the mirror, touching up her hair and makeup that she'd done back at the school and smoothing out her dress a bit. Her eyes traveled over her skin in the mirror, looking over the dark, marbled scars that followed the path of her veins. , covering her arms, climbing over her bare shoulders and up her neck and cheek. No amount of makeup was able to hide that. Perhaps tonight, however, things might just go well enough to make her forget the disfigurement... hopefully.

The girl lifted her chin a bit, trying to mentally gather herself as she took stock that she had everything, including her wand which was tucked securely in her dress pocket. Everything will be fine, she tried to tell herself, just keep alert and at least give it a go to have fun.

Saskia thought it was a risky move to make a secret Blossom Ball behind the professors' backs. It was astounding how none of the professors had caught on for the past week, considering how it was something people usually liked to talk about. She probably should have given people more credit on their ability to keep quiet about things. She assumed someone would have snitched by now. There was always that goody-two-shoes person who sucked up to the professors as much as they could. Regardless, the event still carried on right to this point. For all she knew, the snitch or snitches might have been biding their time, waiting for the perfect moment to tell the professors. But that wasn't something she knew for sure what was going to happen. It was pure speculation that didn't have any solid evidence to back it up. She already took a risk coming here to begin with. She wasn't going to back out now.

Of course, the ball had more precautions this time around. That meant she had to bring her broom along with the clothes she would have changed into. It wasn't something they normally did, but then again, when was the last time a secret Ball was held anyway? She was lucky to have her Silver Arrow with her. She did have to note it was rather ironic that she'd be using her broom to fly secretly to the Quidditch pitch rather than show it off to everyone in a normal Quidditch game. It was funny how life worked sometimes.

Once she arrived to the Quidditch Pitch, her first stop was to go to the changing room. There was no way she was going to go to the Ball in her jacket and pants, after all. She may have used the casual outfit as a way to mislead any of the professors who might have seen her in the sky, but it wasn't exactly fashionable to wear jeans in a Spring Ball. That wasn't even talking about how she'd stick like a sore thumb among the other people who were probably going to dress fancy either.

She and Annie had decided to coordinate their dresses together for the Ball, which was a good idea if they were going to be together for the night. She had decided to go with a short light blue dress that reached her knees. Unlike the last Ball where she had a fancier dress she went with something that was more simple. She was grateful for that, really. The last dress was more uncomfortable than she thought it would be, and this dress would have been a nice change for once.

As for shoes, she wasn't very eager on the idea of wearing flats while walking on the grass. Not only was it already hard to run in flats, but it would have been plain irritating to move around in rough terrain. Not that she was a fan of flats to begin with. Instead, she went with a pair of ankle boots that would have matched with her dress. She wasn't sure if her boots would have been as useful for dancing, but at least it was comfortable.

Did she really want to bother with makeup? She actually bothered to bring some accessories for once, although even that was minimal at best. She was reluctant to use some of the jewelry her mother left her, and for a long time, she didn't want to. It was only after some contemplation and an urge to impress her date that made her settle with a pair of golden bracelets to complete her outfit. Taking her mother's makeup case was a boundary she wouldn't cross, and even if she did have makeup with her, she didn't know how to use it, nor did she know anyone nearby who knew how to use it. There were many things she could take pride with, but fashion was definitely not one of them. But that didn't really matter in the end. She survived without makeup in the last ball, and she might be able to survive this one too, if everything went along smoothly.

As for her hair, she didn't know what to do there either. All she could do was make it a little less unruly, but she didn't know how to style her own hair either. She had managed to fix her hair somewhat before flying to the Quidditch Pitch, although in hindsight, that was probably a stupid idea considering the wind might have messed up her hair again. She didn't bring a hairbrush with her either, which really just left her with having to comb her hair with her own fingers unless she wanted to look like she emerged out of a hurricane.

With that done, she was ready to go. Maybe she might not have looked as glamorous as some of the other people who were more fashion-conscious than her, but she hoped it was still enough to impress her date.

Saskia continued in the Main Area

Outfit: Dress | Shoes | Bracelet

Entering the Ball

Victor had no idea what he was doing. Why she told him what color her dress was. He had been communicating with the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain since he got a yes. Women were a complete and total mystery to the Slytherin, they were terrifying creatures of likely untold power.

Victor was going to try to do the best he can to impress her. It was obvious he was trying too hard. He had a suit shipped before he even got a 'yes' -- a pristine white and gold suit that was embellished with incredibly gaudy detail. In addition, he had brought his wand. He had a feeling that Vladimir was going to show up. If so, he was going to manage that arrogant bird before he ruins another evening. He was probably taking Marion with him the the ball, it would make sense. Poor girl had no idea what a creep he was, although he shared some of the blame by remaining quiet all this time about his possessive nature.

Victor has more pressing matters to attend to, like impressing his date. He brought a massive bouquet of roses - 100 red. He had no idea corsages were a thing. That would have been easier to carry around. In fact, while the notion might have been good - the bouquet was way too large and it was also poorly hidden. The boy waddled a bit under the weight of the flowers in a vase (so that they would not die) from the castle to the quidditch pitch. He also had a worn leather bag on his right arm. Inside, his fabulous attire as well as a large box of chocolates.

There was no card. Did she need a card? Merlin, he forgot a card!

It was too late now. Being late would be worse than cardless. He looked around nervously at the other boys, he was not sure where they hid their tribute to their dates.

Quickly. Quickly! He changed. He ran his fingers through his hair a final time. Day-um he was handsome. Shined like the glorious evening sun.

Leaving for the Dancefloor.