Wonderland Waltz 2026 Spring Ball

Mikey had decided there were several things wrong with the evening. The fire had been wrong, the explosion had been very wrong, and sudden need to cast spells at a formal event were all also extremely wrong. But the rain? The rain felt personal. This was the second time he ended up drenched at a Hogwarts gathering. He was debating whether or not to show up in a swim suit for the next ball when he came back to reality.

One moment, the flames near the entrance were hissing away into smoke beneath the combined force of everyone’s spells, including his and Avery’s. The next, the sky cracked open as if it had been waiting for the most dramatic possible moment. Rain came crashing down over the courtyard, soaking everyone in seconds.

His hair was plastered to his forehead, his robes clung awkwardly to his shoulders, and he was fairly certain there was already water in one of his shoes. Maybe both, probably both. The night had gone from romantic ball to accidental swimming lesson with alarming speed. Still, he had not let go of Avery’s hand. Not when the fire went out, or when the rain started. Not even when he briefly considered trying to wring out his sleeve and realized it was It seemed pointless since that sleeve was simply going to fill up right away.

Mikey took a quick glance at Avery standing next to him. Even now, she still seemed to be shaken and Mikey didn't blame her. The explosion had been horrible. Loud noises, smoke, fire - all this was not exactly easy to laugh at, especially considering all of those things that had happened before. But there she was, standing beside him and casting spells right beside him. He just imagined how they looked holding each other's hand and casting spells at the same time. He moved closer to Avery, wanting both to make sure that she was alright and also wanting to be with her in the foolishness caused by the rain falling around them. His shoulder brushed against hers, and he positioned himself a bit between Avery and the busy part of the courtyard.

"Are you still okay?" he whispered, looking at her concerned. And then he tried to manage a small smile, but couldn't suppress his worry about her wellbeing. Mad Hatter kept speaking from the center of the courtyard in that happy and overly satisfied tone despite being the cause of such chaos. Mikey turned his head slightly and watched as the ceremony of announcing the new Spring royalty took place as if there wasn't a single thing out of the ordinary happening right here. After all, at Hogwarts students were expected to be polite enough to clap even though their robes were practically burning.

When the winners were announced though, Mikey did clap, awkwardly and with one hand. Because the other hand was held firmly by Avery. "Yeah," he added lamely as he tried to make his clapping sound decent and all he achieved was damp patting of his sleeve instead. "Woo!" he called, not very loudly and a little disappointed. In all this mess though, there was something almost funny now. All those fancy robes messed. All that decoration getting wetter by the second. The flower petals sparkling under the rain drops. Everyone pretending that this was some kind of a celebration and not some survival game with music.

He looked back at Avery then. "You still look good," he said, feeling that it was true and that he had thought that way before everything started exploding. Then his ears became red though rain helped him with that embarrassment. "I mean, extremely wet, but good," he clarified. He managed to smile at her sincerely then, even though he was still worried and still very wet. But he just squeezed her hand again and cleared his throat. "Pluvia Velo," he cast hoping to keep them dry, "Actually, this is kinda romantic." He laughed.

Moderated action: Casting Umbrella Spell (Pluvia Velo)

Date: April 19th 2026

As the pitter patter of the rain swept across the protective gloss of his transparent umbrella Matthew continued to survey the scene before him. Watching the chaos unravel was one of those things in life that still stole him to his imagination wondering what went through their heads and what conversations they might be having. Still the only real conversation he wanted to have was still aloof somewhere in the crowd or, knowing @Gideon Athanatos, plotting in a dark corner.

As his continual observations went on he was drawn away from the quenching fires above to ones far more central. The two vibrant flames of @Mathias Athanatos and @Winnie Athanatos. When he had attended their wedding the summer before he was sure it was going to be the death of him and while he was not entirely correct, it had been the death of some. Matthew had narrowly managed to get away relatively unscathed but the hags he had met were like a foreshadowing to his later behaviours. Perhaps that night had been the beginning of Aamon's change. Either way that tumultuous event had marked the start of his demise and he was not particularly pleased to see them acting all lovey dovey.

The pair were a nightmare dressed as a day dream, but he was hardly able to judge given he was making the very same terrible bargain that she no doubt once had. It was a conversation he considered having with her often, to perhaps unlock the knowledge of how to claim an Athanatos. Still, he was safer going about this alone, if Gideon suspected anything he was sure to catch his own death. So instead he watched them wondering where the senior boy was rushing off too. Yet as soon as he did he heard a voice boom to his side and his observant eyes drew towards her instead. The girl with similar brown curls to himself was introducing herself and desperately seeking some refuge from the downpour that had rather cruelly drenched what was no doubt once a beautiful gown.

Distracted slightly by the world of his thoughts he took a second before blushing himself a feint pink and outstretching the umbrella slightly so that they both may fit. "Of course you can, no point in drowning any further," he responded in a genial tone reminding himself that he was not entirely incapable of interaction when he had to be. Luckily before any awkward silences could arrive, the girl introduced herself as @Olivia Williams and was intuitive enough to acknowledge that neither of them should have come. Laughing rather too loud that it drew some nearby attention he looked towards the girl and agreed, "I honestly don't know why they insist on putting them on each year, the survival odds are criminally low."

When he realised he had not yet introduced himself he cleared his throat and taking his hand not attached to their safety umbrella, reached out to shake her own. "I'm Matthew Campbell, a potentially insane person, given I keep coming to these things expecting them to be different. Well I suppose I didn't this time but typically. In fact I'm quite sure I should have just stayed in bed as planned but I guess we all do stupid things for..." Realising the utter ridiculousness of what he was about to say he drew back his hand and eyes flashing wild for any distraction he babbled "...anyways what brought you here, I don't think I've seen you around much before, though it is a big castle?" Matthew had all the subtlety of a dragon, but he hoped with the growing darkness of the blush the girl might help him out and drop any notions of questioning what he was going to say.

Interacting with @Olivia Williams
Mentioning, @Gideon Athanatos, @Mathias Athanatos & @Winnie Athanatos

Interacting with: @Emiline Hunter

Date: 4/19/2026, 7 pm

Speech: #3CB371 | Thoughts: italics

Outfit: Dress, sandals, corsage, accessories

A giggle escaped Kaitlyn’s lips at Emiline’s excitement over her bracelet. “Thank you,” she spoke quietly. To be fair, she wasn’t the type of girl to deck herself out in accessories (it wasn’t like she was a Christmas tree). She always loved earrings, especially her self-made Slytherin-themed tulip earrings … along with her Slytherin-themed bracelets. There was no specific reason for her choices, however … other than the fact that she wasn’t a fan of dusting herself in makeup. As a fourteen-year-old teenage witch at a ball with a date, she applied that make-up conservatively.

Her various etiquette classes specifically revolved around decent presentation. The outfit was, of course, the main entry of looking like a posh young lady. Makeup was meant as an extension of that. Enough to accentuate one’s features, but also not enough to be excessive. The young Slytherin rarely wore much makeup … her choice being lip gloss and nail polish.

A blush formed on her cheeks, and her eyes grew wide as Emiline kissed her hand. Kaitlyn giggled again, shyly. She wasn’t versed in romantic overtures and genuinely had no idea what she was doing. So, expressions of romantic interest always confused her. But, she didn’t attempt to pull away, which likely spoke a lot more than if she had opened her mouth to say anything. Besides, she’d probably stutter, anyway. She was very much the type of girl who took her time to respond to things and was very prone to overthinking.

Sadly, the peace was not to last. Chaos seemed eager to spread amongst the students present at such an occasion. An explosion … followed by fire! Kait’s eyes grew wide as she drew her wand. Instinctively, she gently moved protectively in front of Emi. As only a third year, there was only so much that she could do. Yet, she didn’t know how she could look herself in the mirror if she didn’t at least try to protect her date. And try she would do … and hopefully succeed.

Kaitlyn immediately reached out and grabbed Emiline’s hand protectively. The flames, thankfully, didn’t last too long after two weather-inducing storms were cast … drenching everything in water. Kait yelped in surprise at the downpour. She heard the results of the Spring Royalty announcements, smiling about the winners and clapping to the results… and yet, her mind was also preoccupied by all the rain … her mind racing through spell options.

If she were to be honest, Kait didn’t mind the rain. Yet, rain, makeup, and wearing a ball gown didn’t exactly mix. Plus, she was here on a date, and she was very much interested in helping Emi out. Besides, she was a prefect now. What did prefects do? Lead by example. Hopefully. She pointed her wand in the air towards the rain clouds. “Meteolojinx Recanto!” She shouted, hoping to give some relief.

Word Count: 480 words

Moderated Action: Casting Meteolojinx Recanto

WC: 572

Interactions: @Mikaela Hendricks

Hex code: #0050b4

OOC note: Dancing in the rain <33 (and hopefully not get sick)

sta • 5 | eva • 6 | str • 4 | wis • 7 | arc • 7 | acc • 6

Skylar was so focused on the fires around her that she did not notice the beginnings of a rainstorm happening around her. Fat water droplets begin falling from the sky, hitting the ground in a pitter-patter fashion and putting out the remaining flames. Next to her, Mika lets out a scoff.

"Great. Amazing. Perfect."

A small frown tugs at Skylar's lips as a guilty feeling settles within her. She had dragged Mika to this Wonder Waltz, promising that it would be fun. But not only did Skylar worry Mika by running into the fire, it is now raining, too. She cannot help but feel that it is her fault for their ruined tea party. Maybe if she listened to Mika and did not come...

Suddenly, Skylar feels something on her head. She turns to look at Mika, who had taken off her top hat and placed in on Skylar's head. Skylar fights to hold back her tears at the gesture, feeling incredibly touched about the action. Mika may be mad at her, but she still sacrificed her own comfort for Sky's. Making their way to the marble gazebo, the two hid under the roof to avoid the rain.

That is when another Mad Hatter came up to the Gazebo's stage to announce the results of the Spring Pageant. Oh, yeah. I was in that. Skylar remembers. The whole courtyard seems to hold their breath for the reveal of their Spring Royalties.

And it was not Skylar. Which, if she were completely honest, she actually does not feel as affected as she though she would. She has seen the performances of the winning members and felt it was well deserved. They clearly placed a lot of care and thought to their performance, while Skylar had to put something together last minute.

But she would be lying if she was not a little disappointed. Everyone is disappointed to a certain degree, right? She still put in the effort, and she still tried. Yes, though her attempt did not win her the crown, at least she can say she did her best. After all, there is always next year.

"Well... Do you want some tea? It's getting cold..." Mika speaks up next to her. Turning to her best friend, Skylar merely shrugs and smiles again. Her focus now is Mika. With how much of a disaster this ball went, it was the least she could do.

However, Skylar suddenly remembers the tea set that they had left out on the table. Looking over to where they originally sat, she notes that the dishes were in fact, soaked. But instead of feeling distraught, Skylar feels strangely... giddy.

A small smile creeps up her face as an idea slowly forms. Soon, a wide grin splits her face as Skylar turns to Mika, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Say, how would you like to continue the tea party in the rain? I mean, we're already wet anyway, so might as well! Besides, it's always tea time." She suggests with a wink. Before Mika can go into a rant about the risk of getting sick, she turns and takes off.

The rain falls on top of Skylar, drenching her. But the Gryffindor could not care any less. Puddles splash beneath her as she runs through the rain, cackling like a maniac. Some may call it insane, but Skylar calls it living.

"Come on, Mika! What are you waiting for?!"

Code by Fawkes Chaos

Banner & Signature by Tes Cadell

WC: 244/200 Interactions: Jay OOC notes: holy rant... Date: Spring Ball Time: 17:00

Jada looked up at the girl that approached her, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. Had she been so obviously angry? The girl's bright hair drew her attention almost at once, half of it having been dyed the brightest pink one could imagine. God, how unnatural.

"Uh, you seemed upset so I came over here... To try talk to you" the girl said. She was glad the girl had come over, though she didn't quite understand the reasoning behind it. Her almost luminous hair offered a stark contrast to her uncertain tone as she spoke.

Jada offered a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, "Hey, you're... Jay right?" She debated trying to make small talk, giving up before she even attempted it. "To answer your question, no. No I'm not 'doing okay'." Her heart beat a little faster as she started getting worked up again. No, she wasn't okay! She deserved to win that pageant, she had deserved that crown! Not some Russian girl who didn't even attend their school! How would she even begin to explain this to Jay.

She took a deep breath before beginning, "Well, to begin with, Cassie won because she deserved to win. She put on a wonderful performance and amazed everyone. But that girl Liliya, she only won because of her speech, the stupid little speech that got into everyone’s heads. Her showcase wasn’t even special. Her singing wasn’t particularly good either, at least not by my standards, unlike my piece." she was seething now, her hands curled into tight fists in an attempt at staying grounded.
Edits made

Outfit: Reducio

Signature:

Mentions: Reducio @Jay Valkyrie

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Code by me xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx	@Cassie Jiang	Banner by me xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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I walked into the ball with Cassie. I followed her to the black spades table, looking at everyone around me, all wearing amazing outfits. I felt so under dressed next to them, despite my dress and heels. Then someone got onto the stage, about to announce the results of the Spring Royalty competition. But, at that moment, the place set on fire. I stood with my mouth open in shock, but thankfully the fires were quickly put out. Then, the winners of spring royalty were announced. Two of them were seventh year Ravenclaws, who I had heard lots and lots about. One of them must've been an international student. And the final one was Cassie herself. I turned to her. "Well done! I'm sure you deserved it." I gestured for her to go up onto the stage with the other winners. Although, that meant that I would be left alone in a crowd full of random people. I looked more at people's outfits. One in particular that caught my eye was a golden and red gown, matching the hair of it's owner. I smiled at her, but she didn't see me. I turned around to look at the drinks, to see what I might want to have, but then saw a few people around me turning into canaries for a few seconds. I slowly put down the glass of lemonade that I had picked up. No way was I drinking that.

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Code by Fawkes Chaos

WC: 290 words Interactions: Skylar Blue April 19th, 2026:DATE Night :TIME

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Outfits:

xxxOoc note:

Mentions:

Reducio

Reducio

Reducio @Skylar Blue

Skylar, very rudely, left me with the words on the tongue.

I was just about to tell her how reckless she had been acting tonight. That we could get sick under the rain. But she, stubbornly, left and walked towards our small and improvised tea table.

And, well, someone had to watch out for her, right? Knowing her, she was capable of breaking an arm and keep walking like nothing happened.

So, letting out a frustrated groan, I followed her under the rain.

"I swear over all my Saints, you're gonna be the death of me, Skylar Blue."

But when I saw the glint on her eyes, the way they shined happily under the rain, the way she laughed... Suddently, I realized.

It was worth it.

Maybe, social events weren't so bad if she was here to tell a bad joke or do something stupid. Maybe, just maybe, coming here tonight was worth it.

And just because of it, I decided to take the initiative with the tea. I served it (cold already by being under the rain), and we began chatting and talking about nonsense.

Right there, between laughs and cold tea, there was nowhere else I'd like to be at.

Until I felt a headache. It had been haunting me since I woke up today, but I thought it had disappeared after lunch. Why the hell was it coming back now?

Along with a few other students, Cassie successfully puts out the fire by the swings. Before she has time to say thank you to the other students, rain suddenly starts pouring down. Almost without thinking, Cassie waves her wand and says, 'Pluvia Velo'. In an instant, the umbrella charm protects her from the rain. Though she no longer feels water dripping on her hair, her gown is still a bit wet.

The fire has been put out. She thinks, which means... time to announce the winners of the spring royalty. Having butterflies in her stomach, Cassie is too nervous to eat or drink anything. She can feel her heart pounding fast-- how desperately she wishes to win the title! 'I'm going to see the results of spring royalty pageant, wanna come together?' she says quickly to Mirada.

She remembers the mornings she spent jogging by the great lake, the noons she spent standing in the corridor, giving out booklets about her performance, and the evenings she spent in the gorgeous yet empty ballroom, practising her dance moves over and over again, the sound of her pointe shoes tapping the marble floor echoing in the room... What if I don't get the title? she wonders, at least you had fun during the process. she hears a voice in her mind say. I'll definitely get it. She repeats in her mind, as if to gain more confidence.

Fingers crossed, she stands in the crowd, looking at the mad hatter eagerly. She adjusts her necklace and dress over and over again. She knows that the crowd around her is talking, but she is too anxious to listen to their conversations. And the time arrives. The mad hatter, like a magician, shoots some colourful streamers out from his empty hat. Cassie's pulse is faster than ever, as he pulls out a gold envelope. Inside lays the names of the winners. Could her name be one of them?

Grand cermonial music begins, making the crowd more excited than ever. Cassie closes her eyes tight as the drum beat begins, and her heart leaps into her throat. To her surprise, the winners of the senior court are announced first. Not out of her expectations, the Ravenclaw girls, Dealla and Aly win the spring queens for senior court. Cassie was really impressed by their performance from the ver beginning. She feels glad that she can still join the junior court. A huge stream of butterflies carry two gold crowns and presents them to the winners. If I can be on stage too... Cassie wonders.

And finally, the results of junior court are to be announced. Please let me get the title. She says over and over again in her mind. Drum rolls again, and Cassie hears a name.

Her very name.

It is two seconds before Cassie realizes what she has heard. Tears well up and she tries her best not to let out a delighted cry. Her grin bigger than ever, she lifts the hem of her gown and makes her way to the mad hatter's. It is then that she realizes flowers are presented for each winner. Aquamarine for the last winner, and azure for her. Flower stems stretch out, presenting flowers in her favourite colour for her.

She cannot describe how excited she is at that very moment. She cannot stop smiling, and she feels as if she is living in a dream. Before realizing what is happening, white and light purple doves gently places a shiny gold crown in her head and gives her navy blue sashes. Gently touching the sash with her slender fingers, she knows that she is experiencing the moment of her day. In fact, it's the moment of her life.

Following the mad hatter, Cassie walks to the centre of the gazebo. She completely forgets about the rain, her loneliness and all her worries.

The ceremony comes to an end. 'Congratulations.' Cassie says to the other three winners. 'Your performances were all wonderful.' She says as she decides to hold out her hand. Hearing Mirada congrat her, she smiles and says 'thank you' in a sweet voice.

Cassie feels as if nothing can make her feel sad, even if she realizes that there's no one to give her flowers. She shrugs and says Orchideous and holds the bunch of flowers tight. If there's no one to present flowers to me, she thinks, I'll just make one myself.

Actions: cast Umbrella Charm and Flower-conjuring spell
Interacting with: @Mirada Johnson @Aly Salinger @Dealla Prince @Liliya Starkova

It was finally this time of the year. The Spring ball.

Rose was really excited for this time of the year she was expecting. Nevertheless she somehow managed to forget about it and get ready for it. Still she could properly dress. Her hair was tied in a bun letting some of her baby hair and shorter one in the front structuring the shape of her face.

As she was going to the courtyard Rose's stomach was tight. She was feeling nervous. Before stepping outside she breathed in and out to calm herself and let her nervousness fading away. Obviously it didn't totally work but it gave her more courage to go. She didn't even know if her friends were to be here. Probably.
She sighed. Usually people were coming with a date to this kind of event, weren't they? Yet she was alone. Of course it was not a big deal but way less stressful than to having to go by oneself. As soon as she stepped in the courtyard her eyes widened at how it has been beautifully set up. She was walking not looking where she was going so much she was amazed at how pretty it looked. The atmosphere was also really nice and warm. She quickly glanced around to see people chatting together or dancing everyone was well dressed up. For a second she thought about her own dress being suddenly self conscious of her look. Nevertheless she was probably looking alright. Plus no one will specifically pay attention to her dress nor her. As she was sighting the courtyard she noticed a small gathering of some other students as if something had happened. Being curious but not wanting to be noticed or finding herself in an uncomfortable situation Rose just kept on walking around her light green eyes still mesmerized by the chandeliers, the lights and the rose bushes that were decorating the place. It was truly enchanting. The soft music played in the background was adding calmness and peacefulness to Rose. As her eyes were still wandering around not knowing where to look at as everything was marvelous she spot the tables with the food. Not knowing where to go she just decided to make her way there. At least eating something would keep her busy for awhile. Everything looked so delicious the choice was difficult to make. Rose sighed. She just decided to go to the side and to look at the venue hoping to spot in the meantime some familiar faces. There were quite many people it was overwhelming. Just then when she was about to walk towards the side she bumped into someone.

"Oh I'm so sorry!" she quickly apologized feeling to embarrassed to look at the person.

☆Made by Tes Cadell☆

"oh, send hibiscus flowers then.. or jasmine, I'll make them into tea." The girl played along with Zephyr's comment. "Though I doubt you'll need to, cause I'll become a ghost and haunt you and Skylar." She continued mischievously. "I'll consider leaving you alone if you offer lots of chocolate, though." She concluded thoughtfully, she wanted to add it must be chocolate frogs, but decided not to make it too hard to get rid of her ghost self lest she became like Peeves the Poltergeist. A silly thought about her scaring students by opening and closing doors flashed through her mind, but it was quickly countered by the fact that they must be used to ghosts by now if they're at Hogwarts.

----While eating her pumpkin soup, she watched Max become a hero and try to extinguish the fire, and it wasn't only him, there were multiple people, Harumi enjoyed watching instead of helping. Did she feel a bit guilty for just sitting here enjoying everyone's misery? Maybe, but she won't say that outloud, she'll pretend she's chill for now, what's a few fires anyway?

----Harumi saw a girl panicking and calling her and others' names, Harumi appreciated the girl's worry about them, but after all the events this year, fires are a breeze. "It's alright, I'm fine." Harumi called behind the girl before going back to eating.

----The next time she looked up from her soup to see what is going around, all the fires were gone, just as she expected would happen, there was too many people putting out fires for any to remain anyway, Hogwarts students are awesome, good thing she's one of them.

----"We're saved, hooray! Thanks to our heroes!" She chuckled, what was she expecting anyway? She wasn't going to become fried chicken today, speaking of chicken, maybe she should eat something, she thinks as she takes a sip of the soup, oh wait, she's already eating, Harumi laughs at her stupidity, then realises that must have seemed out of the blue. She secretly glances at the other two to see if they noticed, someone help her, Harumi always forgets people in the outer world can't hear her inner monologue which makes her look stupid ninety-nine percent of the time.

----She looks back at the soup, well, they'll have to get used to her craziness, that's a part of her she can't get rid of. It is funny how alot of the time she's considered calm, she's just pretending, and she's doing an awesome job convincing everyone she is calm, she deserves an award, maybe she should become an actress.

----Harumi was still zoned out when the mad hatter started talking again sending her out of her thought spiral. After some talking, whoever was behind the face paint announced the spring royalty, then they said they were late for morning tea while wiping nothing with an awfully long rainbow-colored handkerchief, what time was it anyways? They're too late for morning tea! Unless they're talking about tomorrow's tea.

----Harumi clapped her hands for the winners, just then, she realised it was raining, she quickly looked at her exposed soup, oh well too late, she was almost done with it anyway. The girl didn't mind rain, it made her feel refreshed, she looked up at the sky to have her face washed with the rain water, no, she wasn't drinking it! She thought she probably looked weird, but she wasn't too worried about it this time.

----When Skylar talked again, mentioning Rose, Harumi looked to where the other girl was looking to see if it indeed was Rose.