Event The Fall Ball (Costume Party) Closed

Waiting Outside the Room for @Kateri Karr

Social gatherings were not Robyn's strong suit. Or a thing that she wanted to partake in. You know where she would rather be? The library. Reading. Reading about other people having fun and dancing the night away. But, as a staff member of Hogwarts she felt some sort of obligation to come chaperone and help keep an eye on the students even if they weren't asked to at all. It wasn't required by any means, but she was new and wanted to start making an impression on the student body of being someone that was involved. Someone that was safe for them to go to.

It wasn't just the supporting of students that had convinced her to go, but also a certain Professor of Astronomy. It had only been a couple of weeks since she had started working there, but already she found herself getting quite close to Kateri. They had started to spend their meals together, chatting about whatever came up that day. With her it was easier for Robyn to eat at meal times, she felt extremely comfortable next to her. She was gaining a general comfortability within the castle in the first place, but Kateri had only seemed to aid in that comfort developing. It only made sense to accept when they agreed to go to the ball together. They even went and shopped together for their outfits. Robyn barely had any formal clothing fit for a ball, let alone a masquerade mask so she was happy to have someone along.

When it came to the day of the ball, Robyn got herself all proper and dressed up. Leaving her hair down as normal. On the breast pocket of her jacket she had two rather spooky roses, colored red and white. Despite it's appearance it was called the Christmas Rose. A rose with the meaning of tranquilize my anxiety. A secret gift to be given to Kateri, if she knew flower language she would be incredibly embarrassed but she was really hoping she didn't. They agreed upon a time to meet outside the rehearsal room and she arrived about five minutes early. It was always better to be early, and of course she would tell Kateri that she hadn't waited long. Her hands nervously smoothed out her clothes staring at the entrance as people slowly filtered in. Her mask was tied onto a belt loop under her jacket, something to be put on when they eventually made their way over to the masquerade event.

Her head turned to look down the hallway when she heard a confident click of heels against the floor, and her mouth slightly dropped agape as she saw the beauty of the stars approaching right on time. A smile quickly worked it's way onto her face to cover the astonishment of how lovely she looked.

Outfit Reference

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She is not wearing the necklace.

Lily speaking in English Lily speaking in Welsh Others speaking

Outfit
Open to Interactions

Lily perfected her black laced dress, put her new black headband on, and headed off to the 'Fall Ball'. When she left the dormitory, she saw too many boys waiting for their dates, anxious to see whether they would bother to show up. Lily was disappointed at being rejected, but she wouldn't let that spoil her fun.

When she arrived at the rehearsal room, where the 'Fall Ball' was being held, and saw she was the only one there. This made her glad. At least she got to eat all the sweets before everyone else. No, she wouldn't do that. She was too used to seeing food on tables and not being able to eat it, sometimes it took ten minutes before anyone reassured her that it was meant for her.

Some people were arriving now, but Lily stayed exactly where she was. There was no way she was going to talk to anyone unless they came over to her first.

Bored, Lily exited the rehearsal room and left to go to the masquerade ball. She left the happiness behind as she went to go and make some friends, if she could.

Lily leaves the room

Banner by Lucia Fox

✿Attending the Ball✿
@Jack Warren

After the last disaster of a ball, Willow planned on never attending one ever again. She didn't want to be attacked by mosps, be pulled into some stupid scheme with a bag, and end up on Flash's back to be carried to the hospital wing. The only thing that got her to attend the ball... was the fact that Flash was involved in planning it. She trusted him inherently and knew he would do everything in his power to make sure both balls were not a repeat of what happened last time. It also helped that she now had a designated date, her boyfriend Jack Warren. Hopefully he wouldn't ditch her to go dance with Flash, but if he did at least she could find him in the common room later to destroy him.

Jack and Willow had decided to go with a Alice in Wonderland theme, her as Alice and him as the Mad Hatter. Still dressing them up as if they were going to their fanciest tea party yet. She wore a blue floral midi length dress so she would be able to run easily in the black mary janes she had. She had a white apron over the dress, and of course the signature black bow in her hair. Her wand was tucked away in the apron for easy access. Jack's outfit had been a lot more cooky than hers, but they looked like quite the dashing pair together. She was beyond excited to be going with someone that she would actually have a good time with and understood how to have fun.

The signature bounce in her step was there and amplified with the idea of a sweet filled night of fun. While she loved carving pumpkins, getting a sugar rush, and laughing with her family she was sure she would have just as much fun here at Hogwarts. The thought of them wouldn't leave the back of her mind this night. For now she pulled Jack immediately to the snack table to pick one of the many treats that were on display. "I feel like muggle Halloween doesn't know what a trick is compared to the wizarding world. What do you think they could even do?" The pumpkin pasties were already tempting, but for now she waited for Jack's input. "Should we try and find the one with the biggest trick?"

Permission to yank Jack to the snack table given.

There's a babble of sound from near Peri--the unmistakable sound of a first-year muggle-born finally, finally, recognising one of the many costumes tonight. There's a lot this particular soul babbles about to anyone who will listen: stars, skies, their favourite islander from animal crossing, how they recently learned a new spell in charms. They've learned every book to the letter to chime in helpfully (and with the hopes of making friends).

This same soul is all but boring, twinkling holes into the side of his impassive, impressive mask with the quivering enthrallment of a small feral cat. Lines on their mask could also stand in for whiskers. Their outfit: all latte brown, dustings of cinnamon gingham, a little peplum shirt and tailored trousers. For help, they'd asked an older student to turn frost their hair white and douse it with glitter.

In essence: Quinn was a little Pumpkin Spiced Latte for the evening.

To an onlooker, they might look apt to leap at Pericles any moment, not because they hate him, no--there isn't a cruel bone in their body--just a nervous eagerness so intense.

Their voice has all the prattling, nerves of bone-china on an unstable table. '--h-hey, I know your costume. I mean I think I do?' says Quinn, with an uncertain, disarming smile, dimpled and harmless. Their masks hide many things, but not their smile, nor the way it ballasts and warms their voice. 'You look just like Jareth from Labrinth, you know, the King of the Goblins?'

Interacting with @Thora Larkston
Mentions: Flash Holmwood, Ileen Knight, Katrina Walker, Robyn Finley, Willow Anderson, Lily Cawthi, Quinn Smith, and Jack Warren
~ Open to Interactions ~

You would think they would have learned by now. Hogwarts balls kept ending in disaster, and despite all the precautions they took, something bad always ended up happening. Someone was stabbed, they were attacked, the whole thing went down in flames. And still, they kept planning balls, kept going to them. Bridget was just as guilty as anyone else. Maybe it was some deep-rooted desire to just be kids for a little bit, a flame of hope that things could turn out okay. They had to believe things could be better, right? And besides, this was no Blossom Ball where they were going behind the professor's backs. This ball was planned and adults would be present. Plus, two of the Autumn Ball's planners were people she respected and trusted to be smart; certainly if anyone could give this ball the best chance to be normal, it was Flash and Ileen.

Bridget, unlike your average thirteen-year-old girl, hadn't even really considered going to the ball with a date. Perhaps the dangers of Hogwarts that seemed to be constantly on her mind had robbed her of a normal interest in boys, or maybe Bridget just naturally had other priorities and was perfectly content to go to the ball with her best friend. She wanted to be close to the people she cared about, anyway; it would be beyond stupid to be unprepared for the worst.

The ball would be split into two separate areas, and despite hoping the ball went well, the thought of being in an entirely different room than her friends worried her. But the rooms weren't too far away, so as long as they didn't get locked in, it would only be a short sprint. Bridget and Thora had decided to attend the costume part of the ball; neither of them had any interest in dancing or wearing fancy dresses, so a more casual atmosphere seemed like the better choice. Their outfits were fairly casual, an autumn-colored knit sweater paired with boots and jeans. If anything hinted towards their wariness about the ball, it was their choice of casual clothing. Well, that and the fact they both had their wands. And besides, twinning had to count as some sort of costume.

The two friends would head out from the Slytherin Common Room and up several flights of stairs to the fourth floor together. Upon reaching the doors of the Rehearsal Room, Bridget checked one more time that her wand was indeed tucked into her boot. To no surprise, it was, but she couldn't imagine not having her wand on her for a Hogwarts ball. With a nod to her friend, they entered. She listened to the welcome from a boy she was pretty sure was Pericles Dralt, although it was hard to tell with his mask. There was something a little unnerving about not being able to tell who someone was at a glance, but she pushed the feeling aside. She needed to at least hope things went well.

The food and drink being tricks made sense with the obvious Halloween theme. Although Bridget hadn't personally been in attendance for the 2019 Blossom Ball, she'd heard the drinks there had been spiked. At any rate, it was probably worth observing how those drinks and treats went for other people before trying them out herself. Bridget very much preferred to know what she was getting herself into. Speaking of a Halloween theme, she shuddered at the sight of a bowl full of spiders. She had to remind herself that they weren't real. They were just candy.

Light brown eyes travelled over the room's decorations, from the tables of treats, or rather tricks according to Pericles, to the tables, a dancefloor, and what looked like a pumpkin patch despite them being indoors. Bridget had hopes this ball would go decently, mostly due to faith in its organizers, so she had no intention of sitting off the side and waiting for trouble to start. If it did, she would be ready for it, and she still anticipated sending a lot of glances around the room just to be safe, but doing something sounded nice.

"Any preferences for what we do?" The question was directed at Thora as soon as they'd made it a decent distance from the entrance. "Personally, I think some pumpkin carving might be fun." She would leave it up to Thora, though. Some people didn't like dealing with slimy pumpkin guts, which Bridget could understand. She personally didn't mind getting a little dirty, and besides, they had Scourgify to help. A crafting activity seemed like the best option, at least to Bridget; she was wary of the 'Tricky Treats' and didn't particularly want to dance.

However much she wanted to have some fun, especially in case things went downhill, she paused to note the presence of one adult so far. It was the Librarian, someone who naturally had Bridget's respect mainly due to her love of Hogwarts' vast collection of books. She could probably be depended on to have knowledge of a wide variety of things. As for the few other people that had arrived so far, there were two girls she didn't recognize, presumably first years, Flash's friend Willow Anderson, former Hufflepuff Keeper and current duellist, and a boy with her she vaguely recognized. No one of particular importance to her, but then again, it sounded like most of the people she cared about would be in the other room. Flash was much easier to imagine in a ballroom than a costume party and Katrina was going with a boy Bridget knew from the Slytherin Duelling Team. She had the feeling that if Illowy was going, she would be in the Masquerade part of the ball, too. Well, then, it looked like it would just be her and Thora for now.

Outfit

Time for a party, and Yefim is invited! Coming back to the UK had its ups and downs, but nothing was ever too boring so long as he had people around to entertain him. He had his closest friends nearby, as well as plenty of people to poke and prod to see what they would do. The broom race was still on the horizon, but Yefim wasn't fretting about that for a second. He could boast about winning it later, after he won it.

Until then, he hurriedly grabbed the first costume he could find in Hog Mead, what was this school's obsession with pigs, and invited Niff and Mik along. When he told Niff that there would be a party with lots of nerdy puffs around, he quickly agreed to come along, their enthusiasm naturally rolling into ecstatic, unbridled excitement. Mik, however, had declined to go along, though that wasn't terribly surprising. Mik liked small groups, or really, when it was just the two of them. He wasn't going to force him to go, it wasn't fun to antagonize someone whose feelings he actually kinda sorta cared about.

When he waltzed in with Niffler at his side, it was spooky indeed. It definitely looked like a kid's party, but Yefim was a kid so he thought it was cool. There was fog, flying bats, and other Halloween things. Halloween was getting really popular in Russia, a favorite of his even as he got older. Who didn't like getting free candy?

Speaking of, there was free food all over. Naturally, his intention was to ruin Quinn Healy's life and destroy anyone who got in his way, but if you really thought about it, the candy was also kiiiiiiinnndddaaaaa in the way too. He needed the sugar to PUMP HIMSELF UP EVEN MORE.

[”Alrighty, first thing's first. Pig out.”] Yefim turned to his bright white date and wildly double pointed at the refreshments. [”And stuff some in your pockets to take to Mik.”]

If anyone had deep pockets, it was Niffler. Who knew how many things of other people's he would be pocketing tonight, even though he usually gave everything back eventually. How was he supposed to keep straight what he took from who? Especially with all the fancy costumes and masks, one could barely tell anyone apart. It wouldn't matter to Yefim, whose quarry was a flipping GIANT and could therefore not be missed no matter how unobservant he was.

With one hand he grabbed a butterbeer, and the other a pumpkin pastie. Then, he would guzzle them disgustingly.

Interacting with: No one, yet
Open or Closed: Open to interactions!
Mentioning: @Akari Kato, @Katrina Walker, and a few unnamed others
Post Tracker: 1

It really wasn't kind of her heart to be pumping like this. Quite rude, actually. Jess knew she should be excited for the ball, and she was, really, but apparently, her body hadn't gotten the memo. As she made her way up the stairs to the fourth floor of the castle, where she was pretty sure the two balls were taking place, Jess couldn't help but be annoyed at her heart for pumping so quickly. Her hand, when she held it up to her face, seemed to be shaking a bit, too. Clearly, Jess was suffering from an unfortunate case of nerves. Except- the girl knew she really had no reason to be nervous. Well, except for the whole thing with Katrina saying she should never, ever go to any Hogwarts balls since they weren't safe, but that was besides the point.

The fact of the matter was, Jess was wholly prepared for this ball. She had her dress on and her hair done, and the light was shining where it gleamed off her freshly painted nails. All in all, Jess knew she actually looked good. The girl had her moments of doubt about her appearance, of course, but she generally became much more confident when she had her hair styled the way she did now. It significantly helped that she absolutely loved her outfit, too, especially how all the different costume components she had combined to make a sort of angel-inspired look all shared at least some colors to tie the whole outfit together. So, if it wasn't her looks she was worried about, then what was it that had Jess's stomach all tied up in knots right now?

She had her wand stored in a concealed pocket of her dress, so it wasn't that. The ball shouldn't have tests of any sort during it, so this couldn't be some sort of pre-exam nerve manifestation like what she had gotten before her tryouts for the soccer team last year, before Hogwarts had started. It wasn't a lack of people to talk to, either, since she had planned with Akari to meet up at the ba-

Jess stopped mid-thought in the middle of the staircase, her eyes opening wide in a manner reminiscent of an overly-dramatic cartoon. She had meant to ask Akari to come to the ball with her as friends, for sure, but she had never actually gotten to it. In fact, she didn't even know if Akari had managed to find herself an actual date for the ball, or if she was going at all. For the second time that day, Jess found herself silently freaking out about the ball to come. Though, last time had just ended with Amara solving the eyeliner crisis by doing Jess's makeup for her, so hopefully this time would turn out alright, too...

Her mind battling itself as it engaged in two sides of an argument all at once, Jess started walking slowly up the stairs again and made her way out into the corridor. There were a few people there already, dressed in a mix of costumes and fancy gowns and suits, presumably ready to go to the masked ball. See, the reasonable part of Jess's brain told her. There are tons of people already here, you can definitely find someone to hang out with other than Akari! Besides, you don't know for sure she's not coming. The other voice, the one Jess didn't like very much, piped up then. Ah, but you don't know any of the people here, do you? The sinking in Jess's stomach grew stronger as, looking around, she realized the voice was right. And, it whispered nastily, even if you find someone you do know, who's to say they'll want to talk to you? At this, Jess took a deep breath and told the voice to shut up. It was a new tactic she was using, to essentially grow her confidence by bullying all her doubts and insecurities away. It seemed to work, too, at least in part, as Jess felt her nerves ease a little as, hesitating for only a moment outside of the rehearsal room in which the ball was set to take place, she walked through the thrown open doors and gasped.

The room was possibly the most Halloween-y thing Jess had ever seen, and she felt her skin prickle with goosebumps as her eyes brushed over the fake spiderwebs hanging all around the room and took in the fog pooling around her ankles. The ancient glow that seemed to settle on everything in the room like a layer of fright and mystery did little to relieve the place's haunted feel, either. Though she knew it was all fake, Jess's breath sped up and the hairs on the back of her neck prickled. She loved it.

There didn't really seem to be anyone around that she was actually friends with, though. There was a girl that Jess faintly recognized from the Great Hall after the Sorting Ceremony, but the two hadn't spoken since that day and Jess didn't really want to go force her company onto someone she barely knew. She could also see a professor and some other kids that she thought she may have seen around the castle, but that was all. Still, the night was young, and the Hufflepuff was sure more people would show up soon who she could go and talk to. For now, she was content with simply standing off to the side and looking around at all the costumes and decorations.

Outfit:

﴾ @Robyn Finley | @Willow Anderson | @Quinn Smith ﴿

Although Pericles experienced an appropriate flutter of nerves over helping host another ball, he felt a sense of peace settle over him as guests began to arrive. The professors had asked a team of students to organize the Fall Ball, and he would use all of his knowledge from the catastrophic Blossom Ball to ensure this one went well. The students deserved a fun, simple, safe place to socialize. He resolved to do everything in his (albeit limited) power to give them that. So he lingered by the door, hawk(falcon?)-like eyes lidded in their typical gentle way, yet vigilant as ever. It was something of a surprise that the first person he spied walking down the hall was the new librarian. Pericles was still learning the "art" of speaking to adults. Those visiting his parents' estate were often there on business, and when a rare friend did come to see them, he was timid. To his peers he often oozed factoids, but one should never do so with a grown person. Particularly not a librarian. Though Peri had regularly gone out of his way to avoid speaking with her directly, her new workspace was one of his favorite haunts, and she struck him as an orderly professional. She was sure to know just as- if not more- knowledgeable about the language of flowers as he. And so in an effort to bridge the gap between prepubescent student and adult staff, he called clearly (if a little loudly), each syllable punctuated with politeness: "Hullo Miss Finley. I like your Christmas Rose very much." He waved, seeming to think the callout was nothing more than a kind hello and goodbye.

With that, the prefect continued to offer his bucket of treats to each person who entered, welcoming them to the party and warning them of the "Tricky Treats", complimenting any faces he happened to recognize beneath the sea of masks ("Willow! What an excellent Alice you've made. Enjoy the party!"). Then there was an unfamiliar voice coming a gentle twittering thing, which he met with a moment of staring, a beat. In those precious three-or-so seconds occurred a flurry of thought: Who was Jareth the Goblin King? He hadn't been mentioned in History class, and Pericles had toiled tooth and nail for an "O" in the lesson on Goblin studies. Had the beak been mistaken for a prolonged proboscis? Did he know the nervous creature under the mask? Peri made a point to mind the arrival of each and every new Ravenclaw during the Sorting, and while he couldn't possibly remember every face, he was diligent about gathering first-year fledglings on his turns taking them from Great Hall to Common Room. Three seconds spent deliberating over whether he knew the Goblin King or this student, before Pericles relented and accepted the fact that this stranger had him at a loss on both accounts. "I'm sorry," he apologized, sporting a soft smile beneath the beak, "but I don't think I've read that book."

Quinn had unwittingly opened a floodgate. Touching his top with a pointed finger, the boy began to break apart his costume. "I dressed as the ghost of Baptiste Bertrand last year, hence the duelist's doublet. He was a master of fencing in the mid-nineteenth century, whose salle d’armes produced legions of other masters. He helped normalize muggle women's fencing, and even instructed the Prince of Wales' three daughters. I recycled the gloves and boots from that ensemble, too... but the feathers are new! This year," a birdlike tilt of his head, a mock disappointment over representing something less significant, "I am a simple falcon. I'd hoped it would be more recognizable than Monsieur Bertrand."

There it was: the mutual babble of information. Only it wasn't babbling at all. It was gradual and introspective, as if the boy had been called in class to give an answer on something he was particularly passionate about. The knowledge was offered like an olive branch, a subtle slide to a potential like mind, who didn't see the sharing of knowledge as an annoyance or affront, but instead as an opportunity. Pericles would make his guess with care and caution, as he did when confronted with a Ravenclaw door riddle in the presence of others, averse to incorrectness. "Are you a gingerbread cat?"

There had been few times in Kateri's life that she had found herself dressing up and trading her braids in for a more stylish look. She hardly doted on herself or did any makeup let alone wore fancy clothing. The sight of eyeliner and dark purple lipstick had seemed so foreign to her that when she passed by the mirror in her room in search of her heels she froze seeing how her reflection looked. The unfamiliar face staring back at her sent Kateri immediately back in time to her wedding day. William's face staring back at her...that same obnoxious smile across his lips. A small pang of guilt-or maybe just nostalgia- shook her from the past. Kat found herself back in her room in the castle tower, the sunny outdoor wedding gone. Her friends and family gone.. the proud smile set on her mother's lips, gone. Will. Her old life... Gone.

Drawing in a long breath, she filled her lungs as much as she could and held it for a moment in time. This was her life now. This was who she was now. This woman staring back at her, lines creased in the corner of her eyes that appeared a little less brighter than years past. She felt no fear, no anxiety, no regret. The only thing she was, was hopeful. Hopeful that the evening would go smoothly, that the students would be able to enjoy themselves without anything like the Blossom Ball repeating itself. Hopeful that her companion for the evening wasn't going to regret her decision and retreat to the deep recesses of the Library. A smile trailed along the woman's lips at the thought as she buckled the last strap on her high-heel and grabbed a small brown package from her nightstand before exiting the room.

～●～

The astronomy professor has promised to stop in and see a certain badger at the second party that was happening this evening. Truthfully, she had also wanted to peek at the work the students had done setting up as well before setting off with Robyn to the Ballroom. Package in hand and wire mask tucked under her arm as she walked down the hallway to the Rehearsal space, Kateri picked up her pace not wanting to be late meeting Byn. Though, it was still a couple minutes until their designated time, Kat had wanted to show up a little early so Byn didn't have to wait on her. Plus, she was eager to see the look on her friend's face when she gave her the small brown box, a single black ribbon tied around it. Fabric flowing against her legs as she walked, tickling her ankles with the sheer blue skirts, Kat hurried around the corner noticing the chatter from students getting louder and louder. They must be in full swing of things at the party, Kat thought as two girls went rushing past giggling, their cheery disposition contagious and making a wide smile part the woman's lips.

Red hair caught Kateri's eye as she made her way behind Robyn. A small tickle rose in her chest as she saw the expression on Byn's face. She glided over next to her friend and gave a small nod, her arms crossing in front of her the package still nestled in her hands. It hadn't been long since the two women had gotten to know each other but the little Kateri did know about Robyn she wasn't at all shocked that she had gotten here much earlier than their agreed meeting time.

"What's this about flowers?" Grinning, Kat noted the nervous energy radiating from Byn. She knew all too well that the librarian had preferred the safety of her sanctuary among her books and not crowds even if they were made up of tiny sugared humans. The fact Robyn had been willing to go, Kat wanted her to know how deeply she appreciated the sentiment. As Kat studied Byn's face she noticed a shade of scarlet overtake her creamy skin, freckles being swallowed up in a red glow. She bit back a small chuckle at the reaction as Byn spoke, "Ah, it’s just... a popular rose I guess." Kat's fingers wrapped around the gift in her hands a little tighter, anxious to present it. She raised her hand and lips parted about to speak when Robyn did the same making, interrupting one another. The two women laugh at the awkward mirroring they had just done with reaching out to one another. "Sorry, you first!" Kateri gestured for Byn to continue her thought. Robyn's movement looked a little shaky as her hands fumbled for one of the flowers in her pocket.

"May I?" Robyn was gesturing towards Kateri’s hair. "O-Oh! Go ahead." Had she brought something as well? Kat tilted her head up still not reaching Byn's height as the librarian gently tucked the dethroned rose behind her ear. "A rose suited for the occasion, is it not?" A small anxious smile settled on the woman's lips as she returned her hand. An equally anxious smile split Kateri's lips as she let out a small thank you before placing a hand lightly upon Byn's elbow and ushering her to one side. She knew Robyn wasn't one for attention from others so she didn't want to attract too much so her friend could fully enjoy her gift without feeling she had to hide her reaction.

Once off to the side out of the swell of students pouring into the room, Kateri stood a little closer to Robyn. "Close your eyes." Her smile broadened almost unable to contain the excitement brewing. She would wait for the redhead to close her eyes before gently taking her hands and putting them out flat with one hand, setting the gift onto Byn's palms with the other.

^{Permission was given to lightly godmode Robyn + dialogue given pre-post.}

𝓓𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼 & 𝓖𝓲𝓯𝓽

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