Changing Rooms || Secret Blossom Ball Event Fin

Entering changing rooms
mentioning: whoever is in whatever commotion is happening.
sorry, I actually couldn't be bothered to read it

Ivy had chosen a simple but effective disguise for the trip to the Quidditch Pitch. All she had to do now was shed the black cloak she had thrown over her outfit and change her shoes (it was rather hard to walk down to the Quidditch Pitch in heels, so she'd stuffed them into a bag and exchanged them for a pair of sturdy boots for ease of travel.) Now, in the changing rooms, she quickly hung the cloak on a hook and took her boots off, quickly putting on the strappy ballroom shoes she'd packed.

Ivy smoothed down nonexistent wrinkles in her dress, noting that there was some sort of weird commotion going on, but decided not to acknowledge it. Why should she? She wasn't here to cause drama, she was here to dance and have fun. Joining in would only add fuel to the fire, and she would much rather find Zykeal and talk to him. Now that seemed a lot more fun to her, and Ivy moved quickly, applying a touch of red to her lips and checking to make sure her braided hairstyle was still in place.

With a few charms or two to make them stay in place, she fastened the delicate silver brooch to her dress, making sure not to rip the lace, and quickly moved out of the changing rooms, glancing around to see where Zykeal could possibly be.

leaving the changing room

Wearing:

Reducio

Surprised that Jackson even had the self-restraint to stop himself mid-swing, the Slytherin wondered if that might have had something to do with how the Hufflepuff had come to be awarded the position of 'prefect' in the first place. Even so, he had never really been able to understand how Jackson had somehow managed to secure the position - self-restraint or not. The fact that he had even taken a swing at Jack in the first place was enough of a reason that he shouldn't have; at least according to the redhead.

"I started this?" Jack reiterated, seeming thoughtful. "Yes, I guess I did. This isn't the way I intended everything to go, but I still intend to finish it. Just maybe not in the way you might expect."

The green-clad first-year boy smirked at his peer in the pale pink suit. "But after all this is over, you're welcome to punch me if it makes you feel better. It's not like I don't know how to take a hit or two."

It wasn't long after he'd addressed everyone properly, though, that Jackson began to start spewing questions. Normally, Jack would have loved being asked so many questions. Being asked questions give him an excuse to talk at length. Also, technicalities and nuances were extremely important in the snake's eyes because, as the saying went, 'the devil's in the details'. To be asked questions suggested that people were curious enough to be interested in the subject. They sought to be enlightened.

In Jackson's case, however, Jack doubted this. He closed his eyes briefly and massaged his temples while being assaulted with the barrage of inquiries. It sounded suspiciously to him like these inquiries were being posed less with the intention of seeking knowledge and almost exclusively with the intention of attempting to pull the rug out from under him. Well, despite his minor annoyance, Jack wasn't about to deny Jackson his reasons as answers; especially since the Hufflepuff seemed to doubt the notion that the Slytherin had any real reasons or answers at all.

Opening his eyes once more, the redhead sighed deeply. "When did I ever say I was 'so against this damn thing'?" he demanded of Jackson. "While I fail to see the purpose or relevance of these questions as they pertain to the decision that must be made, I'll give you some shortened answers. If necessary, you can interrogate me further and ask me to elaborate on them once everything else is all said and done."

Jack exhaled deeply through his nose before attempting to speak again. "There are many reasons why I'm here. I didn't 'snitch' to the professors because then the students who committed this terrible mistake will not have learned anything. They'd just blame their failure on whomever 'snitched' and claim they would have been able to pull off a secret ball otherwise."

He held up an index finger. "However, if I released those bludgers or did something akin to the act, I'd be giving them a lesson to learn from. I'm testing how ready they would have been for an actual, aggressive attack from whatever mysterious force has been ruining our common rooms - the very reason that the original Blossom Ball was probably canceled in the first place. My test would probably be less harmful than the real thing, too, since at least most people seem to know how to deal with bludgers.

"Along with being a good test and lesson, releasing the bludgers would be a preemptive strike. Our mysterious adversary, who would likely have been under the impression that they would be the only cause for things to go wrong at the ball, could be caught completely off-guard. Simultaneously, the rest of the student body would be put on guard and thus make it more difficult for our culprit to try anything else afterward.

They'll have lost whatever advantage surprise might have afforded them. And, if we're especially lucky, enough people - the majority if not the entirety - will be frightened enough by my 'test' to evacuate the premises. No more ball, no more victims, no more threat. End of story." He sighed and glanced down at his formal wear.

"As for why I'm dressed up, it's because I needed to look the part and blend in with everyone else. Doesn't hurt that I have the most charming companion, either." He cast Erin a playful sneer. "Why wouldn't I want to look nice for her?"

Jack shook his head as Jackson continued to go on with his ceaseless questions. "Oh, please. I'm hardly dangerous. The spell I cast wasn't even harmful. You're the one throwing fists for no reason at all. Not very prefect-like of you, is it?" He raised his brows. "As for the bludgers...if they're all that hazardous to begin with, why do they even exist in the first place? And for a school sport, no less?"

By that time, however, the Hufflepuff had finally seemed to realize Jake's status. Jack looked unimpressed with Jackson's overly-exaggerated panic over the baby badger.

"Because too many people were crowding him and too much was happening at once. I thought that would have been obvious even to you. Isn't he supposed to be your friend? Shouldn't you know these things?"

The redheaded first-year Slytherin reached down to pick up Freddie off the floor. Then he gently turned toward Erin to indicate to her he would attempt to carry Jake and support him in Erin's place if she chose to pass him on. "Do you want to be the one to carry him?" he asked Jackson with a brief, mistrustful glance.

With that all said and done, Jack heaved another deep sigh, as if to renew his dwindling patience. "Anyway, Warren, you're not providing any answers or advice; just wasting everyone's time with pointless inquiries. If you're not going to be a part of the solution for now, then the least you can do is stop being part of the problem. If nothing else, you're slowing us down."

He looked back toward the others. "Anyone else need any more information before deciding what you want to do? Like I said before, time is of the essence and we don't have a second to lose."

Interacting with: @Erin Ryan, @Jake Morris, @Jo Morgan, @Oliver Hart, @Grace Mint, @Jack Warren, @George Henry, @Alan Vanes, & @Quinn Healy

Interacting with: @Jack Burnett @Erin Ryan @Jack Warren @Jo Morgan
Mentions: Everyone else with them.

Grace couldn't believe the things happening, a purple-haired girl and the brown haired girl were now getting jealous or something, Grace couldn't take it "Guys stop it we have more important matters at hand!" she screamed over their voices.

Then, out of the blue, the purple-haired took the small crying boy, Grace was about to follow them.

BANG

It was something loud, Grace looked for the source of the sound when she found it, she covered her eyes, it was too bright.

Then, everything was happening too fast, the Ravenclaw was frozen, she didn't understand what was happening but then...

"STOP!" shouted a familiar voice, it was Jack Burnett, Grace looked at the redhead Slytherin, waiting for him to say something.

He talked about the Hufflepuffs and the Slytherins going through bad stuff in the common rooms.

"I asked Erin to show me where the bludgers were kept because I thought that if we let them loose, we could cause enough panic to shut down the ball. It's not safe for anyone anymore" Burnett explained.

Grace felt anger rise up, seriously? He was ruining her first ball!

Grace knew he was right though, Hogwarts was one of the craziest school, horrible things always happened.

The prefect didn't believe it though, he started getting mad at Jack, Grace looked at the prefect "He has a good reason for this" she told him and looked back at Jack.

"I'll help you" Grace said, she wanted safety at this school for once.

She just hoped she made the right choice.

There was so much chaos now, things were getting complicated and deteriorating by th-

WHOOSH!

Quinn narrowly dodged the immobulus spell shot in his direction. Was @Jack Burnett serious!? Was he really attempting to hit them with that blatant sp-

BANG!!!

Quinn covered his eyes yelping in pain at the sudden, and powerful flash of light. Thanks to his hardy, Half-Giant, constitution and size. The blast didn't hit him as hard, and he was only momentarily stunned. However as he managed to not stumble into a student for the most part just swaying where he stood. He could still see lots of black dots and spots as he rubbed his eyes. He may have been temporarily blinded, but he wasn't deaf. He caught wind of the conversation between the two Jacks.

In all honesty as he listened, and quickly regained his sight. Quinn was pissed, not blindingly pissed but he was pissed none the less. Jack Burnett pointed out some...reasonable points, however how could he possibly think that any of what he was doing was a good thing? How could he think as he even admitted just now that what he was attempting with that accursed Erin was smart. It wasn't, it was stupid, it was foolish, and it would only cause more harm than good. Worse than that, it made everyone involved including the prefects look incompetent. It undermined the authority of the position which in turn could possibly lead to lack of trust or worse problems either increasing or never being reported.

Now practically glowering down at Jack Burnett, he glanced at Erin his hardened eyes softening into a look of momentary and honest worry at Jake. That baby badger had been through more than enough. Looking over to @Grace Mint he listened to her as she spoke to @Jack Warren his fellow Hufflepuff prefect. Quinn may be young but his life growing up in Dublin and dealing with the prejuidice in his family taught him not to be just observant but to also think critically about his actions. It was how he survived and kept some semblance of mental sanity.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he rolled his shoulders back and straightened his back. His whole demeanor changed as his eyes sharpened and brow furrowed. He was now standing at his full 7'8" height and really made it apparent just how much bigger than everyone else in the room he was. Normally he intentionally hunched his back and talked with light-hearted care to appear as non-threatening as possible. The time for that was over. He. Was. Pissed. He'd had enough.

"Mr. Burnett I would appreciate it if you would respectfully shut up and actually think about your actions. Because maybe the thought hasn't occurred to you or you simply don't care about any other thought than your own being right?" Most of his accent had faded, with the large redhead stepping closer still looking down at Jack. "Before I start though, Jack Jack me friend. I want you to go with someone to watch the bludgers." He said simply his voice was deeper and a bit commanding. But at least he didn't snap. Focusing his attention back on Jack Burnett he continued with his speech.

"We are prefects, it our job not to just ensure that the rules of Hogwarts are followed but the safety of the students too. I will be the first to admit that in this we have fallen short regardless of what the others may think. However, Jack what does releasing the bludgers as you pointed out accomplish. Even if they are released. They are gonna lead to injuries, panic, and worst of all fear. I don't know about you but because of what I am. I've seen first hand what someone who's really terrified is willing to do to resolve that fear. You will just make students more paranoid, and possibly fearful of each other. They may even stop trusting prefects who they should trust because of fear, prejuidice, or whatever fecking thing you can think of. If you had these concerns than you should have spoken to us prefects about it or made us listen. Instead you intend to cause more pain and unnecessary violence!" He raised his voice slightly. It was deep and starting to boom a bit. It was barely controlled but controlled none the less.

"I refuse to have any more harm come to my friends and other students. Violence isn't always the answer but since everyone seems to think they can just walk all over us or me. Than let me remind you." Moving with a speed most didn't think he had. Quinn grabbed and picked up Jack Burnett bringing him to is eye level. He grabbed his by his shoulders keeping a firm grip. It was uncomfortable but not too tight. "I don't care what ye think of me. I don't care if what I say falls on deaf ears or hell even if I'm wrong. But this is better than the reckless alternative. This is better than traumatizing students, and it is certaintly better than anything you cooked up. You're students at Hogwarts start acting like it." He warned staring holes through Jack. "Because I promise you. I will be keeping my eye on you from now on, and next time ah might not be so civil." With the same suddenness as before he simply let Jack Burnett go allowing him to fall.

Whether his actions were justified or not he hoped people at least listened to him, or thought about what he said. Was he right or was he wrong? Regardless he made his choice and would have to live with the consequences...but he was fine with that. He just wished @Alan Vanes didn't have to see him act this way. Than of course there was @Jake Morris who he was still worried about along with @Erin Ryan. The most important thing now was to keep his eyes on Jack to see what he would do next.

Wearing:

Reducio

The last time Jack had met Quinn, the half-giant had also been pissed off. Thus, when the tall, Hufflepuff prefect drew himself up to his full height, the Slytherin understood quite well what that meant. Just because he was familiar with the sight and situation didn't mean he was any less unnerved, but he was determined to stand his ground nevertheless. Whatever his natural instincts, Jack refused to be swayed by physical intimidation tactics alone.

Fortunately, Quinn did not seem to share his fellow Hufflepuff prefect's penchant for mindless violence. That was one reason, at least, that Jack respected him as opposed to his lack of respect for Jackson.

He flinched involuntarily as he was called by his first name during the course of his beration. It had been unexpected, as he'd assumed Quinn would have only reserved the use of said name for his fellow Hufflepuff prefect. Nevertheless, the red-headed Slytherin listened attentively and patiently as Quinn said his piece, obediently keeping his mouth shut until the third-year was finished speaking.

Oh...aaaand he was being picked up again. Fantastic. Just what he needed. He held the upperclassmen's gaze with pursed lips, hoping to hide the anxious gritting of his teeth behind them as he was dangled in mid-air. Okay then. Consider your point made...

Jack emitted a small yelp as he was dropped, but barely managed to land on his feet. Painfully, but still on his feet. It took a moment to recompose himself with the pain shooting through his legs and his nerves still on edge. Nevertheless, the Slytherin wasn't finished yet.

"Please, just 'Burnett' is fine," he told Quinn with a wry smile, his voice calm and quiet as he shakily straightened back up. "As for being prefects...that's a nice sentiment and all, but what about what they said?" Jack jabbed a thumb over his shoulder at Oliver and Erin. "This ball is already in violation of the Hogwarts rules. Its very existence puts students in danger."

He extended a hand to Quinn, gesturing as he spoke. "Yes, I'll admit my plan was stupid, but I couldn't think of much else at the time. That's why I'm asking for the aid of your prefect wisdom to come up with something better. Because, as things are, I can't just stand by and do nothing."

Jack's hazel gaze met the intense emerald-blue of Quinn's eyes. "It's not that I don't care about any thoughts other than my own being right. I'm always open to others' ideas. I just didn't think that standing in front of everyone and going, 'hey, guys, who has a great idea to shut down this ball safely' would have won the most popularity votes."

What Quinn had said about 'what he was' caused the Slytherin to swallow, his complexion flushing slightly in embarrassment as he glanced off to one side. Jack hadn't considered that; that Quinn might have been more sensitive to the panic and fear of others than most. It reminded him of when he himself had freaked out at his pool party, claiming himself to be the source of panic as the Great God Pan. Still, the minor event was incomparable. What must Quinn have gone through...? Could Jack even have begun to imagine?

"I'm sorry," he apologized sincerely, dipping his head. "With all due respect, however, I don't see what responsibility prefects have in upholding anything at an event like this. As that kid said," Jack remarked, nodding toward Oliver, "Isn't it another group who was put in charge of enforcing the rules and keeping the peace tonight? 'The Martial Arts Club' or some such? So you prefects can't really be held accountable for anything." He gave a small shrug. "Unless, of course, you'd like to take responsibility for failing to report the entire secret ball itself."

Then Jack sighed. "Quinn...I respect you. Really, I do. But I didn't know how many prefects would be present at this and, even if I did, the fact that any of you would condone this event in the first place makes me skeptical about your concern for the safety of the student body. Why would I have any reason to come to your lot, of all people?"

He raised a hand to point accusingly at Jackson. "Especially with delinquents like that somehow having managed to weasel their way into your ranks? Maybe if more time was spent disciplining him on the unrestrained use of violence and less time lecturing me, there would be more trust in prefects to resolve issues peacefully." Jack rose a thick brow. "Speaking of trust...was it true you informed Erin, here, that you actually eat children...?" The Welsh boy shook his head.

"Anyway...if no one else plans to do anything but sit here and guard the bludgers, I'm going back out there. There are a couple of people I need to keep an eye on myself..." He glanced at Grace Mint. "Thanks for the backup, but it looks like we're done here."

If there were no other attempts to stop him or otherwise bar his way, Jack would make sure Jake was set down somewhere safe and place Freddie in his lap. Then he would cast Erin a meaningful look and Oliver a quick nod before heading out of the locker room toward the main ball area.

Action: Attempts to leave the Changing Rooms to head to the Secret Blossom Ball if not stopped or opposed.
Interacting with: @Erin Ryan, @Jake Morris, @Jo Morgan, @Oliver Hart, @Grace Mint, @Jack Warren, @George Henry, @Alan Vanes, & @Quinn Healy

Finally, Charles made it to the changing rooms. He was very late but he hoped his friend was still at the ball. He was late because he asked his parents for an outfit just the day before the ball. It finally came yes it was a bit late but it came. Unlike most of the kids, Charles instead of feeling excited felt nervous. He had never been to anything like this before and it made him feel worse knowing it was a secret. He then looked for an empty stall in the boys changing room.

The boy stood in one of the stalls in the males changing room. He closed his eyes and sighed as he leaned against the wall. Every time somebody would knock he would reply with " Taken. " He was already dressed all he had to do now was put on his gloves. Once Charles put the pure white gloves on he took in a deep breath. Charles walked out of the stall and adjusted his gloves. Then he put his school robes on a rack with other school robes.

The one thing the boy did not bother to do was his hair. Since he had bang's his curly brown hair was in his vision. Annoyed the boy moved the strand of hair out of his vision. The boy reached into his left pocket and pulled out his mother's necklace. He stared at it for a minute appreciating the detail in the locket. It was shaped like an owl and the best detail about it was how they made the eyes seem so realistic. He then put the necklace back in his left pocket. He then headed for the exit of the changing rooms to meet with his friend.

Leaving changing rooms and heading to quidditch pitch.
Outfit (Without the Bow tie) Gloves Shoes

@Jack Burnett, @Jake Morris, @Alan Vanes, @Quinn Healy, @Grace Mint, @Erin Ryan, @Jack Warren (did i miss anyone)

Well, a diplomatic approach did not work. It was like an avalanche of dream-crushing developments, each new face that poured into the common room offering a new approach to ruining his night. George wanted to dance with Alan - he wanted to dance with someone, anyone. He'd do it alone if he had to, for god's sake. He turned to look at the commotion, an immobulus flinging past him and Yellow Jack and Big Quinn - was this guy trying to freeze his friends? A few pops sounded out and spells were slung, dazzling George, although he maintained enough presence of mind to be angry. The young writer was red in the face when he caught site of Erin propping up a distraught and jelly-legged Jake. What had they done to him?!

Green Jack started speaking, and George used every ounce of his power to hold himself back from leaping up on him like a rabid monkey. His motives were... understandable. George had hoped that this would be a good way to recover from the disaster in the common room, but Jake was already falling apart, and he hadn't even gotten out on the pitch. Green Jack mentioned the littlest badger, setting off a flare of anger within George. "Oh, good! He won't be harmed! Because you've been so gentle already! Give him back!"

Yellow Jack started with his own retorts, and George felt himself nodding along. It was a sort of pack mentality between him and his fellow Hufflepuffs. He could hardly hear what Warren was saying over the sound of his own heartbeat, his eyes trained on poor little Jake, restrained in the pretty girl's arms. Why couldn't she have grabbed Jack instead? At least then it'd be someone who enjoyed a fight as much as he deserved one. He couldn't compose any sort of reasonable addition to Yellow Jack's questioning, so he just expressed his agreement with a shouted "YEAH!" His voice cracked, and he could hear the sound of his own dress shoes clack-clack-clacking on the changing room floor. He was starting to look a little deranged.

Green Jack spoke about how time was of the essence as he ranted on for minutes about how in the right he was. A battle of moral superiority, spearheaded by the boy with a hostage. "I'm not sure how harmless an immobulus is if you're in the room full of bludgers!" George stepped closer to Jake, cautious not to approach too quickly. Erin seemed like she might bite his head off if she got spooked, like a vicious dog who knew how to act just civilized enough until the first sign of aggression. "Do you want to be the one to carry him?" Green Jack asked rhetorically. "Yes, I do! Give him back!"

Grace helpfully offered her support for Green Jack and releasing the bludgers, and George turned his ire upon her, his proper spoken English giving way to Scottish-coloured rage. "Oh, go away oan yer trolley now! You're not even meant to be in the boys' room! What're you gonna do anyway, chase us 'round in your frilly dress? The bludgers'll knock off your pretty head if they come out!"

George considered what he just said, realizing that he was arguing against his own cause - he wanted those bludgers out too. His face turned a tomato red as he realized that he was just lashing out at her in the heat of the moment. All he wanted to do was get mad at Green Jack and get little Jake back home without a scratch. "Sorry!" he barked at her, his anger diminished by his embarrassment. Considering things had slowed down and they were only talking, he really had no cause to be losing his mind like this.

Quinn speaking made George jump, his heels tapping the changing room for with a clack. Being giant and having a booming, deep voice gave you a certain ability to capture a room. George's attention was seized by his speaking, the younger Hufflepuff shrinking back to let the big prefect take the lead. It seems that Healy was the hero today. Whatever he said, it had worked. George had been paying too much attention to the sound of his voice to notice what words Quinn had actually been saying, but it did the trick anyway. Green Jack was finished.

But the problem wasn't entirely solved. There was still Jake. George hurried up to him, whether he was still being propped up or if him and Freddie had been safely set down. His housemate/little brother was worth the risk of a whomping from the pretty girl.

"Jake, it's fine!" George assured him, trying to reach out and touch the smallest badger's shoulders. "It's fine! But..."

George had never considered that perhaps Jake didn't want the bludgers. Perhaps he had seen this coming, or known of Green Jack's plans somehow, and he wanted to secure them. Either way, he had an opinion on the matter. As an inquisitive young reporter, George needed to pry it out of him.

"What's with the bludgers?" George asked in a whisper - though he followed the softly spoken question up with an exasperated sigh. George knew that Jake could be a drag, but this was a new low. Hopefully, leaning in to whisper wouldn't earn him a smack from Erin if the purple-haired quidditch star refused to drop the baby badger.

Entering the changing room.

Alexis was aware that the party outside has started, what can she say? The book she was busy reading was really, really good. She forgot about the time but that’s okay, she here now. She haven’t dressed yet but at least she already had her makeup on and and she has already curled her hair, all she has to do is put her dress on and change her she shoes.

Alexis grinned as she made her way into the empty girl’s changing room and walked into one of the stall. It wasn’t big but she’ll manage. She changed into the long navy blue sleeveless dress she convinced her mother to buy her, took of her shoes and put heels on. She was so excited, she almost forgot her purse and almost forgot to put on her earrings. She has her doubt about her heels about whether or not she would survive on the grass field, but she’ll take her chance anyway, there’s no going back now. She took in her appearance in the mirror and fix her hair one more time. She was ready to rock this party. Whatever happens tonight, I’m gonna have fun.

Leaving to quidditch pitch.

Interacts with @Jake Morris, @Alan Vaynes, @Jack Warren, @Jack Burnett, @Quinn Healy, @Oliver Hart, @Grace Mint, @George Henry

A cacophony of sound - snaps, crackles and bangs drowned out the tense stand-off between Erin and her paramour Jackcelsus Burnett against... well the present stake holders in the boys changing room. Their want for the bludgers meant opposition as Quinn the part-giant and his comparatively midget-like Prefect Jack 'false-Parce' Warren blocked their way. Erin's vision temporarily turned black, the bright flashes of colors seared her retinas as she clenched her eyes closed and gripped the unfortunate small boy before her, Jake Morris, the girl's hostage. Always go for the smallest, the potentially weakest. A basic instruction she had given herself as her survival instincts kicked in.

"Wh-What are you doing? L-Let him go-"

Alan, the boy wearing an expensive suit and converse sneakers would stammer. She did not know him, he was a third year so she vaguely recognized him but he lacked relevance in Erin's world. She saw him as a boy, there were a lot of those. A boy who was, at this moment potentially in her way.

"Just..." she sounded calm "tell them to give me the bludgers and all will be well." Her voice was not shaking but she was full of fear, she just pressed it down and tried to hide it. It was not for pride that she hid her fear but rather her need and will to survive. Had she known that Quinn, one of the few that could hold his own in a melee against the part Veela, was in the boy's changing room she would have diverted Jackcelsus. His want for these bludgers be them recreational, academic or devious, was hardly a concern because she would give him what he ultimately wanted in time. Her fear, brought on by the monster Quinn was an internal, silent scream. She new that she was in peril and that it was likely that she was not going to get out of this locker room in one piece. She would have to stand her ground, be too troublesome to kill. Get lucky once again. But, there were a number of days she wondered how or rather why she was even still alive. Hubris claimed that it was her cleverness and her physical prowess. She was very strong, however whatever brilliance the girl's mind once possessed had been contaminated by madness some time ago. Paranoia dictated her thoughts rather than logic and fear compelled her rather than hope or ambition. She saw eyes in the walls and shadows with gloved hands.

Jack 'false-Parce' Warren would clench his fist and come for Jackcelsus. She did not have the time to react, not preemptively at the very least. Hitting her dear lover would be the last thing the fake would ever do. he would be enjoying his steaks through straws and wearing his underpants as a necklace by the time she was done with him.



"STOP!"

Jackcelsus cried out. Somehow his word served as a command. Jack, the fraud would cease his near physical assault. It was a good thing Jack Warren abided, he saved his own life just then. However, she had every intention of introducing the violent fake to most bully cliches the rest of his Hogwarts career.

"Everyone calm down for a second!"

Jack might have advocated for calm but this was going to still devolve into a long-overdue fight. Erin would not relinquish her hold on the human shield before her. It was two... no three against four. Erin, Oliver and Jackcelsus again Alan, a non-risk; Jake, her present human shield; Jack Warren, future murder victim and Quinn Healy, the one person she saw as a potential threat. She did not consider her gentle, lovely Paracelsus to be a fighter. He was more a lover and a hider, but she preferred the former trait admittedly.

"You are the one who bloody started this."

Warren complained. Was it true? In a way, yes. This altercation would never have happened had they, well more than likely she never entered the boy's changing room. Her presence was what had alerted them. Her want for something is...

"I started this?"

He echoed and Erin's mouth cocked to the side. No, he did not start this. Not really. He was just there and by the virtue of his associations he was blocked.

"Yes, I guess I did. This isn't the way I intended everything to go, but I still intend to finish it. Just maybe not in the way you might expect."

How did he intend for this to go? Of course they were not going to be able to just grab the bludgers and get away, she stood out like the bloodiest, most broken thumb of all. There was no chance of her getting in and out without accosting someone. Even if she looked like the prettiest boy in the dressing room, her reputation preceded her. "I disagree," Erin announced. "I was the one that brought up the past. I as the one that tried to grab something. I could have been going for a dirty sock and they would have stopped me," she announced her observation. "But sure, blame him," she added sarcastically as she watched the pair (Quinn and Warren's) carriage for aberrant movements. They had mostly forgotten about her hostage it would seem, the duo being wholly interested in her boyfriend.

"From what I hear, Slytherin's and Hufflepuffs' Common Rooms have both faced disaster recently. I and others I've conversed with have reason to believe that the people likely responsible for - or at least, in some way connected to - those events are here attending this ball as we speak."

He explained and Erin had a peripheral interest in his words. She had heard about both incidents but she, unlike Jackcelsus did not believe that either had anything to do with this ball. This ball was not organized by the Professors and the staff, unlike the last several that all ended in disaster. Traumas that she was able to miss.

"I asked Erin to show me where the bludgers were kept because I thought that if we let them loose, we could cause enough panic to shut down the ball. It's not safe for anyone anymore. The professors were right to cancel it in the first place. I just want to try to correct the mistake that some arrogant students thought they were smart enough to accomplish on their own."

As far as she was aware, he was telling the truth but he had made some connections in his speech that she did not necessary agree with or believe. However, Paracelsus-Jack was the only person to express affection for her, he did not have to be right or even sane for her to support his endeavors. She did not think he was right now as he tried to give reason to his madness. She considered speaking up. Providing a counter argument, but what good would that do? Ultimately, Jack was not hurting anyone. Yes, a bludger can hurt but it would not kill. She had taken a number of bludgers to the back this past year. Yes, they left a good welt, sometimes even a bruise but the problem was not so much the bludger as it was the ground. The ground came fast and it came hard.

Paracelsus was no hero, but he was more than welcome to believe he was. It was a cute look for him.

"If you guys are really prefects... Then you should value the safety of the student body above all else. There are other ways to go about this without releasing the bludgers, as I admit that's a bit rash and more than a little drastic, but I thought it would be simple enough ...Evidently, that was not the case. So, what'll it be?"

"Leave the choice in the hands of the people that want us dead," Erin spoke up. She sounded paranoid, however her 'unreasonable suspicions' were grounded in supposed fact.

"If you were so against this damn thing, why are you even here? Why are you dressed up? Why didn't you just snitch to the professors? From where I am standing, it looks like you are the only dangerous thing that is about to happen here? Back me up here, Quinn."

"Yeah, back him up," Erin taunted as she eyed the part giant. They were not saving the baby badger she had restrained in her arms. Maybe the Prefects at least had each other's backs.

"When did I ever say I was 'so against this damn thing'? ...While I fail to see the purpose or relevance of these questions as they pertain to the decision that must be made, I'll give you some shortened answers. If necessary, you can interrogate me further and ask me to elaborate on them once everything else is all said and done."

"YEAH!"

George Henry agreed, showing his/her unity.

For nothing, Jack-celsus liked to talk. She had the strangest compulsion to bit the boy she held in her hands. Why was delicious a word that came to mind when describing the littlest badger.

"There are many reasons why I'm here. I didn't 'snitch' to the professors because then the students who committed this terrible mistake will not have learned anything. They'd just blame their failure on whomever 'snitched' and claim they would have been able to pull off a secret ball otherwise."

"You are not going to get through," Erin chimed in. "They were hardly the protectors of Hogwarts," Erin claimed as she tightened her grip on the petrified Hufflpuff. She sounded serious, she was absolutely mad but she believed it. "Think it is a coincidence that Jack made Prefect after posing as another student. That Quinn, despite his cannibalism, is still a part of the student body... never-mind a Prefect and an aspirational example for the school?" Of course Erin was dead-wrong about everything she just claimed but she believed it and would have spouted the same sentiments had she been under the influence of a truth serum. She would get a whiff of Jake's hair. "Students have been going missing since I first came here, likely before that. Not that anyone cares or seems to notice," she commented. Yet despite the losses and there were a great many, everyone seemed oblivious to the dwindling population.

"However, if I released those bludgers or did something akin to the act, I'd be giving them a lesson to learn from. I'm testing how ready they would have been for an actual, aggressive attack from whatever mysterious force has been ruining our common rooms - the very reason that the original Blossom Ball was probably canceled in the first place. My test would probably be less harmful than the real thing, too, since at least most people seem to know how to deal with bludgers.



"Along with being a good test and lesson, releasing the bludgers would be a preemptive strike. Our mysterious adversary, who would likely have been under the impression that they would be the only cause for things to go wrong at the ball, could be caught completely off-guard. Simultaneously, the rest of the student body would be put on guard and thus make it more difficult for our culprit to try anything else afterward."

"They'll have lost whatever advantage surprise might have afforded them. And, if we're especially lucky, enough people - the majority if not the entirety - will be frightened enough by my 'test' to evacuate the premises. No more ball, no more victims, no more threat. End of story."

Jack-celcus really did live in a perfect scenario world if he honestly believed any of what he had just said. While likely his most steadfast and stalwart advocate, even she did not believe him. His added an element of disarray to a potentially already dangerous situation. If anything, he would be making the students more vulnerable to attack.



"As for why I'm dressed up, it's because I needed to look the part and blend in with everyone else. Doesn't hurt that I have the most charming companion, either."

Wait, what? Erin looked up from her hostage.

"Why wouldn't I want to look nice for her?"

Wait that is me! She beamed as odd a that would be considering the situation. It really took little more than a positive word to keep the girl satisfied. Something Jackcelcus seemed to be well aware of. A pat on the head, a kiss n the cheek, an encouraging word and she was a renewed ally, even if the adventure was mad.

She was in a happy haze while Jackcelsus continued to answer Jack Warren's questions. Not as bullet point answers but rather as short essays. Dangerous.

"Oh, please. I'm hardly dangerous. The spell I cast wasn't even harmful. You're the one throwing fists for no reason at all. Not very prefect-like of you, is it?" He raised his brows. "As for the bludgers...if they're all that hazardous to begin with, why do they even exist in the first place? And for a school sport, no less?"

"He is harmless," she confined. He talked a lot, her eyes and ears often lost focus after a little bit, but he never hurt nobody. In fact, she did not think he had it in him to hurt someone. Erin, on the other hand, she knew enough about herself to know that she most certainly was dangerous. She was not even apologetic about it. Someone needed to get their hands dirty and that someone was just going to have to be her.

"I'm not sure how harmless an immobulus is if you're in the room full of bludgers!"

George Henry retorted. Bad fashion sense, kinda bright. Erin had better keep an eye on that one. Fake Parce Jack was not very smart. Quinn was mostly brawn. The one she was holding onto was jelly. And then the well dressed one, he looked like a Johnny Everyman. She did not see him as much of a threat.

"But after all this is over, you're welcome to punch me if it makes you feel better. It's not like I don't know how to take a hit or two."

Jackcelsus made this assurance, claiming he could 'take a hit.' The boy couldn't as far as she was concerned and even if he could, that fraud was not getting anywhere near her man. "If Jack touches you Parce, I am touching him back," Erin warned. It was going to be a bad-touch he did not enjoy. It was not a threat, it was an assertion of things to come. Of course, even if Jack failed to lay a finger on Jackcelsus they were going to be spending some quality time together after the dance. Maybe during the dance.

"Whatever you decide, please choose quickly. The more time we waste here deliberating, the more time the culprits out there have to attack.

Urgency. A time factor. If anything he sounded convincing. Perhaps a bit desperate. They were right on one thing, if he was truly this concerned, he would have stopped the ball from taking place at all. Considering the fact that Professors actively patrol the grounds after hours, after the Prefects who were doing such a good job Patrolling the grounds right now and even before as they set up for this dance throughout the day when patrolling was in theory their responsibility. No, they were and they remained derelict in their duties. Moreover the Professors incompetent in their roles to protect the student population from this unseen and unheard of threat as well as themselves. However, much like how these Prefects could subscribe to the bystander effect the Professors had another reason for never noticing, for rarely intervening. It was not incompetence nor was it a broken will...

"Regardless of your decision, Morris won't be harmed. I'll make sure of it. But he looks like he's been through more than enough for tonight. Don't you think it'd be best to put an end to this chaos for his sake if for no other reason?"

"Oh, good! He won't be harmed! Because you've been so gentle already! Give him back!"

That was a promise that he was not going to be able to keep. Erin buried her nose in his hair and took in his scent. It was not a bouquet she could define in terms such as floral or musky, even sour or sweet. How queer this scent. "You smell..." she took another long sniff. "Innocent..." she almost growled into the boy's ear.

"Why is he even passed out!? And why is she tossin' him around like a freakin' ragdoll!?"

The boy in a dress that Erin did not know, the Hufflepuff George Henry. He made sense, not that she had harmed the boy. Just scared him.

Jack Warren complained. She was not tossing him around, she was holding him firmly. "He's fiiiine," Erin rejected the concern but had become keenly interested in her newest possession. He seemed absolutely delicious. She would wiggle her victim about. "Even if he is all floppy..." she muttered her own complaint. Jake did not make a great victim without the crying or the screaming, the begging too. These were mandatory components to a good hostage situation. Now he was just his flaccid, delightfully scented, delicious... young boy.

"Because too many people were crowding him and too much was happening at once. I thought that would have been obvious even to you. Isn't he supposed to be your friend? Shouldn't you know these things?"

Jackcelsus turned the blame back around on Warren and pick-up a stuffie off of the floor. Erin would not pay much attention until she was addressed. "He's my thing..." Erin protested as she tightened her grip on the boy and the edges of her lips dipped downward at a sharp, hazardous angle. "And he smells yummy," she added. She wanted to keep it. 'It' being the baby badger, Jake Morris.

"Do you want to be the one to carry him?"

"Yes, I do! Give him back!"

George Henry asserted.

"No! He can't have him. You maybe." Erin let out a strange noise from her throat. It was a low growl, much like a dog that did not want to give up its bone to a rival dog. Perhaps she might share it with Parce-Jack, but not with impostor Parce and not with dress boy.

"Anyway, Warren, you're not providing any answers or advice; just wasting everyone's time with pointless inquiries. If you're not going to be a part of the solution for now, then the least you can do is stop being part of the problem. If nothing else, you're slowing us down."

Jackcelsus concluded.

"Anyone else need any more information before deciding what you want to do? Like I said before, time is of the essence and we don't have a second to lose."

His speech went full circle as he returned to his previous point that time was a finite commodity.

"He has a good reason for this"

Grace Mint, a relative unknown that she had never heard of or seen who had never had anything to do with this situation interjected. Not that she had any business being here but at least she was on their side.

That made four on four, even if the girl was likely useless in a fight. Actually there was the guy in a dress that was agreeing with Jack. In theory four on five.

"I'll help you"

She confirmed. While she did not appear to be the brightest crayon in the box, she could prove to be an asset. "Him," Erin nodded towards Jack Warren. A rather weak boy, comparatively. "Stand in his way and don't let him leave with the box." Her instructions were simple and clear, a good 50% chance that they would still be messed up but that was anticipated sadly.

"Oh, go away oan yer trolley now! You're not even meant to be in the boys' room! What're you gonna do anyway, chase us 'round in your frilly dress? The bludgers'll knock off your pretty head if they come out!"

George Henry reminded her. He was not wrong. Erin had no expectations of her walking out of this or even being useful. A distraction maybe. But "...aww you think she is pretty," she taunted. Did not matter if he meant it. He said it. She heard it. Erin made sure that it was not missed.

"Sorry!"



Quinn had allowed the two to finish their verbal melee before he intervened. Using his size to impart the sort of intimidation only his gargantuan size could accomplish.

"Mr. Burnett I would appreciate it if you would respectfully shut up and actually think about your actions. Because maybe the thought hasn't occurred to you or you simply don't care about any other thought than your own being right?"

Erin also straightened up, holding Jake Morris still as she watched him get lifted up. Her pupils dilated, looking like large, black saucers in her overdone make-up. She lacked the same fearsome presence Quinn had. She was a small girl comparatively. Slightly above average in height for her age, she was still more than two feet shorter than the part giant. Nature had not afforded her the same might Quinn had, however she was powerful given her size and her features. Did he just call Parce Burnett?

"Before I start though, Jack Jack me friend. I want you to go with someone to watch the bludgers."

Did he really think that fake-Parce was going to get out of here mostly intact with the bludgers? Did not matter, the boy was a dead man walking.

George would make his way over towards her. Erin would defiantly inch away from him. He would inch closer all the same. Erin would glower. Akin to a dog that had something that it really should not and was trying to take it to another room.

"We are prefects, it our job not to just ensure that the rules of Hogwarts are followed but the safety of the students too. I will be the first to admit that in this we have fallen short regardless of what the others may think. However, Jack what does releasing the bludgers as you pointed out accomplish. Even if they are released. They are gonna lead to injuries, panic, and worst of all fear. I don't know about you but because of what I am. I've seen first hand what someone who's really terrified is willing to do to resolve that fear. You will just make students more paranoid, and possibly fearful of each other. They may even stop trusting prefects who they should trust because of fear, prejuidice, or whatever fecking thing you can think of. If you had these concerns than you should have spoken to us prefects about it or made us listen. Instead you intend to cause more pain and unnecessary violence!"

Bludgers were in fact powerful, dangerous objects that lacked will and were harbingers of chaos on the Quidditch Pitch. However, they were far from lethal. Did he just call Parcelsus 'Jack?' The wind just left her lungs. George had the opening he needed and he slid in. George would sneak up while Erin was mouthing off.

"Jake, it's fine!"

Was it? Erin would painlessly swat at the air near George as if to say go awaaaay. Only so he could inch back again.

"I refuse to have any more harm come to my friends and other students. Violence isn't always the answer but since everyone seems to think they can just walk all over us or me. Than let me remind you."

Quinn lifted Paracelsus, no Jack from the ground successfully presuming he did not move out of the way or make any attempt to protect himself. Erin would not have stood there idle, she would have physically intervened but so much happened and apparently she forgot how to react while Quinn threatened her boyfriend. No, not her boyfriend, some guy name Jack Burnett. In addition, she was dealing with this pesky gnat. THAT WAS BACK AGAIN.

Persistent, George Henry whispered again.

"It's fine! But..."

"I don't care what ye think of me. I don't care if what I say falls on deaf ears or hell even if I'm wrong. But this is better than the reckless alternative. This is better than traumatizing students, and it is certaintly better than anything you cooked up. You're students at Hogwarts start acting like it."

"Put him down," Erin demanded. It just came out, that protective statement. For who? For what? She did not know this guy she had insistently tried to smooch (success totally up to Jack since that is referencing roleplay that has not happened) for the past few months.

Parce sure has a pretty, but common face.

"Because I promise you. I will be keeping my eye on you from now on, and next time ah might not be so civil."

Quinn would finish his threat and drop Jackcelsus to the floor. Eye level was almost three feet considering the fact that he barely broached the five foot mark. Erin was infuriated, it was the sort of rage where one saw only red. Where there was no sound, just this long shrill tone accompanied by the beating drum only they could hear. In part her possessive nature was to blame most certainly. Paracelsus, was hers to touch, not Quinn. That was not Parce. That was something else. Second, he threatened Parce. No, not Parce. That was someone else. Another Jack. Third, he accosted him by grabbing him and then again by dropping him. Get it out of your heard girl, that is not Parce. As much as she wanted that to BE Parce, even if in peril, it was not him. That meant something else. It meant that he was not here. That he was probably never here. That he never intended to come. That this, whatever this was happened to be a farce.

She cringed when she heard the short yelp, like a kicked puppy. How bothersome these sinews and how they tugged at her heart. Of course there was more than that. She heard it, that name Burnett, Jack Burnett. That was the name that Quinn had called him. She had heard him misnamed before, with consistency. There was this aching sadness that accompanied that confusion. That truth that accompanied a cruel and disheartening reality that left her dizzy. This confirmation she desperately wanted to ignore. It was not as if there was not slip ups before. People that were mistaken. People that called him a nickname she was unaware of until that moment. She was a fucking joke.

Everything was screaming.

The impulse was to bring it up now. Confront him. Demand an answer. No, the impulse was to punch Quinn in the balls, they were pretty dang close to level with a hit. No, grab the bludgers and satisfy his want. Ignore the things that she did not want to think about. No, sniff Jake's head again. He smelled so sweet. It was a mistake. A coincidence. An error.

It was just so loud.

"Please, just 'Burnett' is fine."

Her hands and her lips when numb. No correction, no clarification. Jack Burnett, a name she would dedicate to memory. Her jaw shook. His name.

"What's with the bludgers?"

A whispering voice interrupted her personal turmoil that was etched across her pretty features while Jack Burnett talked on.

"As for being prefects...that's a nice sentiment and all, but what about what they said?"

He did not notice. She swallowed hard. Her sigh blurry, she muttered "--dammit." She muttered, not answering George's previous question. Not yet in any case as her mouth went dry but her eyes watered.

"This ball is already in violation of the Hogwarts rules. Its very existence puts students in danger."

Jack Burnett continued to talk. And talk...

"Not a damned clue," Erin replied to George Henry. Albeit a bit delayed. "I was just asked to grab them," she admitted. Her rationale was task compliance. Someone she wanted top please desired something, therefore she would endeavor to acquire it. Nothing more and nothing less.

"Yes, I'll admit my plan was stupid, but I couldn't think of much else at the time. That's why I'm asking for the aid of your prefect wisdom to come up with something better. Because, as things are, I can't just stand by and do nothing."

She relinquished her grip on Jake. She did not need him any more. She was not about to try to force her way through him. She no longer desired the objective. She had no reason to make him suffer. In theory he was also there for her protection, nobody was going to barrel through him to get to the girl. However, she did not care. A little bit of pain would feel good. Ground her. Bring her back to the present. Pull her from this waking nightmare. "He smells weird," she admitted out loud. Information that they could use how they saw fit. "Have him," she relinquished for hold on Jake to the incessantly near George and then she stepped away from Jake Morris as her stomach did a somersault.

"It's not that I don't care about any thoughts other than my own being right. I'm always open to others' ideas. I just didn't think that standing in front of everyone and going, 'hey, guys, who has a great idea to shut down this ball safely' would have won the most popularity votes."

"Never considered popularity to be a factor Jack... Burnett?"

Her voice shook but the words were hardly more than a whisper, he probably did not even hear her since he was wrapped up in whatever this really was. She wondered how many people knew and stayed quiet about it. How many people did not care. How many people besides herself were fooled. She wondered also where Paracelsus actually was. Little did she realize she had not seen him in over a year. That he was either dead or avoiding her, if the later he was doing so rather effectively. If he was taken from this school, he had never sent word. She was alone. Her Parce was either dead in form or dead to her, a fact that she was coming to terms with now.

Again, she was alone.

Well, not entirely. Her eyes burned as she looked adjacent. Oliver Hart was standing there. He was not particularly helpful but the nerd tried. "Fuck," she muttered. It was hard to breathe. It physically hurt. It felt like there was something in her that was being wound about a tight coil that was now shuddering, as if it was about to break free. She brought her hand to the gaudy brass locket about her head and furrowed her brow. This is something better than nothing at all... she reminded herself. Not his love or affection, that was never real. No, the break. [color=indigo"Sorry about dragging you into this bullshit Oliver."[/color] He likely had no idea what had just happened, why she was... was so unlike herself. That terrible uncertainty. That moment of revelation that this was real.

"I'm sorry... With all due respect, however, I don't see what responsibility prefects have in upholding anything at an event like this. As that kid said."

He was referring to Oliver Hart.

"Isn't it another group who was put in charge of enforcing the rules and keeping the peace tonight? 'The Martial Arts Club' or some such? So you prefects can't really be held accountable for anything."

No, the Prefects remained responsible. They were complicit in this breech of the rules. Of protocol. Of expectation. They risked their own reputations as keepers of the peace and safety. The forfeited their reputation as upholder of the rules. It was easy to go with the flow. To comply. To not say anything. To not do anything when you can stay quiet and go along with the majority. With an ideal.

"Unless, of course, you'd like to take responsibility for failing to report the entire secret ball itself."

A threat in a way. Jack sighed. Erin would look over at Oliver Hart. "I think I," she took a sniffling breath in. "I am done here," she caught her lower lip between her teeth for a moment before it was released and sighed. She wanted to just lock herself away. Find a dark corner where she could hide, be forgotten by everyone including herself. How could she really blame people for letting this happen. Who really cared? It was probably an entertaining diversion. Maybe he even called it an experiment if he wanted to make it sound academic. Nobody cared. They just let it happen, possibly with the morbid curiosity of wondering how she would react or how long it would take for her to notice; how hard she would fall.

"Quinn...I respect you. Really, I do. But I didn't know how many prefects would be present at this and, even if I did, the fact that any of you would condone this event in the first place makes me skeptical about your concern for the safety of the student body. Why would I have any reason to come to your lot, of all people?"

Jack was on about 'safety' in his own hypocritical way.

"Especially with delinquents like that somehow having managed to weasel their way into your ranks? Maybe if more time was spent disciplining him on the unrestrained use of violence and less time lecturing me, there would be more trust in prefects to resolve issues peacefully."[/b]

Erin was not much better than Jack Warren, punch first and deal with the ramifications later. Been that way since the deafening roar that was these thoughts pervaded every moment and dictated her whims.

She wanted to get away from -that- Jake's scent. The one that made her salivate. She wanted to get away from the part-giant Quinn, who she feared. Who had successfully hurt her before. She wanted to get away from Jack Warren, the boy who for a very brief time was Paracelsus. She wanted to get away from Jack Burnett... She did not know where she wanted to go, she just did not want to be here any more. Not with him. Not with them. She wiped something wet off her face. "Oliver, can we go?"

She approached the door.

"Speaking of trust...was it true you informed Erin, here, that you actually eat children...?"

A final inquiry. Was it even worth answering. "Confronted him last year. Death witches... giants... midget giants... I could care less what Fawley and Avery and the rest of you do anymore. I can't do shit about it anyways," she grumbled. "Nobody cares anyways," she was simply defeated. She was not going to bother trying any more. Let them do what they will. She endeavored for Thomas for almost a year, he tried to kill her after. She tried to like someone, she was not even sure what she ultimately got there - one that abandoned her and some random guy that thought it would be a jolly laugh?

"Anyway...if no one else plans to do anything but sit here and guard the bludgers, I'm going back out there. There are a couple of people I need to keep an eye on myself..."

He was leaving. She would stare at him but she would not stop him. She was going to let him leave. What could she do besides? Ask him to stay? She did not want to look at him. Kick his ass? He deserved it, but everything was raw. Loud. Blurry.

"Thanks for the backup, but it looks like we're done here."

Jack remarked to Grace.

"Have a fine dance Oliver," Erin announced also. Par for the course really in terms of her dances, alone. She was not going to return to the dance floor. She was going to return to the castle. She would be the only one there for the most part. A welcome fact right about now.

Leaves Topic unless stopped.

Interacting with @Jack Burnett, @Erin Ryan, @George Henry, @Jake Morris, and @Jack Warren

Quinn listened carefully to Jack. When he mentioned the hypocrisy of Quinn's own statement. The Half-Giant couldn't help but let out a hardy and warm laugh. His usual boisterous laugh he let out when he found something genuinely funny. "Aye ye're absolutely right about that. It is quite hypocritical of us but. In my opinion I feel this would happen regardless if the prefects weren't here or others didn't hear about it. So in that aspect better to be here when something inevetivebly goes wrong. Cause it usually does." He grinned scanning the room.

He snorted when Erin remarked and he nearly let out a witty remark. But something was off she looked more than a little off. Like the sad kind of off. Perhaps that's why he didn't throw his little insult towards her. "Aye what...Erin said." He sighed folding his arms, "What a feckin mess this is turning into already." He bemoaned walking over to George and Jake. "And Jack, whatever your views on us not all of us are needlessly violent...usually." HE chuckled throwing a sly verbal jab at Jack Warren. "Jake are you good? George how is he?" He resumed his usual posture and normal speaking voice. His seriousness fading just as quickly as it came.

He really hated messes, and did agree with some of the points Jack brought up. But at this point Quinn was just tired of the drama of all the drama. So he would play along and deal with shit as it came. Gods he was tired of this.