Event The Fall Ball (Costume Party) Closed

Thora waved her farewell as Bridget left for the Masque, swallowing hard as she remained seated, frozen in indecision. Though it was completely true that the Costume Ball appealed far more to her than the ball just next door, that hadn't been her only reason for agreeing immediately to head to the Rehearsal Room, veering away from the Ballroom without even so much as a glance inside its doors. There was really just one deterrent, one all-encompassing word that had labelled the room permanently off-limits; a single word behind which hid a tale of terror, and one best left alone. Masquerade.

With the recurring- incidents at the school as of late, a new danger unveiling itself on an almost periodic basis these past months, the 2019 Masquerade didn't at all seem a standout, just another night of terror swept along the blur that was the past year. However, it being perhaps the very first time Thora'd seen anything of the sort, the events of the evening had stayed with her long after its conclusion, indelibly etched into her memory. The fire, the smoke, the giants, the blood - everything had been nightmarish that night.

As the previous year's events continued to surface, unwelcomed, she nudged her half-carved pumpkin away, disregarding the fact that it had collided with the remains of Bridget's smashed pumpkin with a soft squish. A small group had gathered to the side, Pericles dealing with the brief fight that had ensued minutes before, but she paid them no mind, eyes drifting to the doorway, beyond which lay the Ballroom.

It'd been a while since flashbacks to that fateful night, or even vivid memories of it, for that matter, had crossed her mind. They'd likely eventually been driven out by her packed schedule, pushed out of her consciousness with the flooding in of magical learning and Quidditch plays. No, that was only part of it. She was almost sure the gradual disappearance of such remembrances had been mostly due to the later, arguably worse ordeals they'd been put through. First there had been the Slytherin attack in March, then April's Blossomball, and then the Fight Club in June - and that was only the worst of all of it. Though the Masquerade had been chased farther from her mind's grasping tendrils with each unpleasant experience, they'd only been immediately replaced with new waves of memories. The summer and beginning of her third year, what with the extra electives she'd taken on and the all-around heavy load of homework, though, had helped somewhat to remedy all of that, tucking the pain away.

As a result, the scenes from last October that had plagued her for so many months had been gone for a while - but they certainly weren't gone for good. For even as she sat, alone in a corner of the Rehearsal Room, a year older and wielding far more experience and ability than in her second year, the memories crept back in. Being locked in. The flames, tongues of fire leaping out of control. Students being stabbed in the chaos, with only their peers to help in all their limited knowledge. The larger-than-life creatures rising up against a far weaker force of children, aided only by their wands and the tableclothes. Finally stumbling out of the room with Saskia, attempting to track down Ilvermorny's headmaster and Dan, despite the Hufflepuff's head injury. The briefest of trips to St. Mungo's. A colorful stream of imagery came rolling through, an unbidden playback of the night, as Thora remained seated with boot-clad feet planted firmly on the floor.

With the wave of memories had come one of fear, of worry, and of paranoia, crashing over the girl and stirring up the long-gone anxiety. Though she soon shook herself out of her trance, the fear quickly receding, it left traces that sent her to her feet, panicking slightly as she glanced around and realized the predicament her environment had devolved to as she'd sat, blind and deaf to the world. She glanced around, petrified in horror, taking in what was sure to be the beginning of a ball just as disastrous as the last.

A nightmare-worthy doll sat exposed, attacking a small girl, and a fire had just erupted in a haybale off to her left. Surely the fire would spread quickly, though Thora fervently hoped the Extinguo cast by another would do its work well and quickly. The doll, on the other hand - to be honest, she wasn't positive what exactly the thing was, to her dismay. Although she tended to have some inkling of knowledge or suspicion about such strange things that popped up in the castle from time to time, the pattern broke with the doll. Its crude figure, complete with creepy eyes, seemed foreign to the Slytherin. She hadn't been completely updated with the happenings and various attacks on Hogwarts recently - it was all too depressing, honestly - so even if such a thing had recently appeared, there was a good chance the complete news may not have reached her.

But it was here now, so she'd best not dwell in the past. After glancing around for a few seconds as she watched others leap to action, brandishing wands which were now no doubt a necessity at Hogwarts' balls, Thora too jumped to her feet, extending her aspen wand. Remembering Bridget and the others she knew who were likely just beyond the open doors, at the Masquerade (well, they hadn't turned up at the Costume Party, at any rate), she hesitated, torn between this room and the next. There was no telling what was happening at the Masquerade, but given Hogwarts' track record, it probably wasn't anything good.

She ought to help here, for surely the doll would remain a threat until somehow eliminated. At the same time, though, how could she stay put while her friends were elsewhere? How could she let them out of her sight, not even knowing what might happen to them, and continue on with a clear conscience? Well, Thora knew they wouldn't be needing her help, being perfectly able to hold their own, but it still pained her greatly to be so far from them - not far, technically speaking, but impossibly so when she imagined the ordeals they were no doubt about to be put through. People were better together than apart, stronger as a team than as an individual. Thora needed her friends, and besides, she'd never forgive herself of any one of them were hurt while she stood around.

And then the doors slammed closed.

Green eyes darting around stupidly once more, surveying the action, she felt the panic set in yet again. The sudden closing of their only logical escape only cemented the reality of her separation from anyone she knew, inducing a dose of fear unnatural for one who typically preferred to operate alone. She was an independent child, true, but that didn't mean she was unable to appreciate the presence of others. She felt alone, now - no, she was alone. There were plenty of people around, plenty of voices adding to the rising hysteria, but they were just faces without names, voices without associable owners.

Thora glanced between the hideous doll and the closed doors once more, and the reasoning clicked. The doll wouldn't be able to escape and wreak havoc elsewhere if it were trapped inside this room - but if it were trapped, so were they. The only way to save themselves would be to subdue the doll, which, to be honest, she wasn't quite sure how to do. Fortunately, others had jumped right to action, and she finally followed suit. Her hesitation had cost her a ticket to exit, so her only logical course of action was to offer a hand in all this. And so she resigned to stay.

With the decision came relief from fear. It was an odd reaction, sure, but simply the finality of her choice, the knowledge that she now had a place as opposed to teetering endlessly between possibilities, brought a rush of adrenaline. There was still some semblance of anxiety, of course, but hey, this wasn't her first Hogwarts ball. Though with some difficulty, she'd gotten through the previous ones, and the same would go for this one. She'd make sure of it.

The others seemed to have the doll situation somewhat under control for now, and Thora eyed the closed pitcher, which currently trapped the doll, warily. She wasn't sure what exactly to do to help; the chaos seemed to be drawing to a close, and a single problem didn't require the involvement of too many people. "Anyone- need a hand?" she called hesitantly, hoping her voice would carry over the roar of the flames and surrounding nervous chatter.

She still ought to do something, though - an offer wouldn't help while it simply hung in the air, after all. The fire seemed only a minor issue for now, but would surely grow quickly into a larger blaze. After all, its flames were licking up new bits of straw even now.

"Extinguo." A blonde nearby had just done the same, but Thora figured two people - two attempts, with one each - would be better than one in the case of a failure. Probably. Logic had a habit of twisting itself in unnatural ways at Hogwarts balls, but it was the best she could do. Besides, if nothing else, she'd best make up for her previous panic.

Moderation Post

Arissa casts Extinguo [WIS DC 8] [d20 : 19] + 7 = 26, Success Accuracy: [d20 : 9] + 8 = 16, Success

Thora casts Extinguo [WIS DC 8] [d20 : 2] + 9 = 11, Success Accuracy: [d20 : 7] + 11 = 18, Success

Just as quickly as the chaos started up, it began to die down, though the remnants of it all lingered as tension in the air. The Headmaster remained wounded from a bombarding spell, Breana had nearly been smothered, and both were left in the care of the librarian Robyn Finley. After guiding the rattled Ravenclaw to her, Sylvain joined Pericles in exiting the event, whisking away the evil-looking Doll to hopefully be professionally deconstructed. Acting quickly to put out a smoldering straw bale, both Arissa Wright and Thora Larkston cast Extinguo. Two fire-eliminating spells is always better than one. Their work was a success, silvery mist pouring from their wands and engulfing the bale, its blaze reduced. A grim silence- alongside the gritty stink of burnt straw- hung heavy on the room. Yet the gramophone played merrily on, oblivious to the way its upbeat tunes clashed with the uneasy atmosphere.

(Guidelines)

Reducio

-This is a moderated event, please do not roll for yourself!

-Your OC can take some of the (18/30) Chocolate Frogs set loose by Remi and Sylvain

-If your character tries a tricky treat, please note it as an action. I will be rolling to let you know how it effects them in a mod post. The same goes for wizard crackers, which give gifts (one time- opening additional crackers will yield only candy).

-Tricky Treats contain small amounts of potion will last for a short period unless removed. You can move to the Masquerade with these effects if you're into that sort of thing, or feel free to say "Pericles' third-year helper" (NPC) cast Reparifors on them to have it removed (just tag me).

-The Ballroom Masquerade and the Rehearsal Room Costume Party (you are here) are on the fourth floor of Hogwarts, so going between the two doesn't take much time, but if leaving/arriving mention it as an action.

-Moderation posts will only be made if there are Tricky Treats being eaten, Wizard Crackers being opened, fights breaking out, or spells being cast. This thread will close on January 16th.

@Flash Holmwood (The Doll) | @Sylvain Wyllt | @Breana Oliveire
@Arissa Wright | @Thora Larkston | @Robyn Finley

(Goodies)

Reducio

Opened Crackers
Jack Burnett (2- Top Hat [silly]), Andrew Vance (6- Feathered Tricorn [light]), Evelynn Decipio (7-Jack-O'-Lantern Ring [cute]), Solomon Lear (8- Jack-O'-Lantern Ring [creepy]), Norina Evans (9- Bat Ring [cute]) Jo Morgan (11- Ring [cute]), Dan Palmer (13- Socks [skulls]), Lea Hirsch (17- Socks [cauldrons])

Babbling Beverage
No one!

Hair-Raising Potion
No one!

Pompion Potion
No one!

Laughing Potion
No one!

Manegro Potion
Sylvain Indarys, Andrew Vance, Solomon Lear, Valentin Schnell (Aida), Jo Morgan, Serena Towers

This marks the "semi-conclusion" of the costume party. I'll close this thread in two weeks, so you have until January 16^th to open Wizard Crackers, eat Tricky Treats, pick up chocolate frogs, post outros, etc. I'll make quick and short moderations for effects and the like. Since the start of this thread we've had Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Years. Holidays are exhausting (speaking from experience), so I wanted to thank you all for sticking with me and attending the Costume Party. I had a blast and enjoyed moderating all the random unforeseen events that make these threads real Hogwarts Holidays.

Interacting with: @Pericles Dralt and @Sylvain Wyllt
Open or Closed: Closed to Interactions
Mentioning: No one by name
Post Tracker: 1 2 3 4 5 6

At this point, Jess's wand was clutched so tightly in her fist that her knuckles had turned white completely, and she had practically lost all feeling in her fingers. She could still feel her palm, though, where her nails were biting into her skin, leaving curved red marks that would likely bruise later. Then, through the haze that had become the sounds of the chaos all around her, Jess heard it- an unfamiliar voice, crying out two terrifying words. Her mind had barely had time to register that Incendio meant fire when Jess saw a burst of flame flying with terrifying speed across the room. For a second, time seemed to slow, and the Hufflepuff watched in horror as the fire just missed the now-immobilized doll and shot into a bale of straw, lighting the entire thing aflame with alarming speed.

Jess felt as if she was going to be sick. Not only was she trapped in a room with a living, and probably murderous, doll, but there was now a raging fire eating away at the straw inside the room. Her hand tightened on the wand. She glanced down at it, panicked, then looked back up, straight into the eyes of the student hosting the party. There was noise all over the room, but she still somehow heard his soft assurance that she was okay, followed by a rather out of place "Happy Halloween." Her breathing calmed back down, though only a bit. Impossibly, despite it all, Jess somehow believed the older student. She would be alright.

The falcon didn't seem to be the only older student who noticed Jess, however. Before she had even had enough time to properly process the host's departure, another boy suddenly appeared in front of her, pressing a chocolate frog into her hand. She opened her mouth, not quite knowing what to say, when he spoke again, and his words sent ice through her veins. Putting out the fire. A simple task, it seemed, so simple that even a first year should be able to do it. But not Jess. No matter how hard the girl tried, she couldn't remember a single spell that could put out the flames, nor one to make water magically appear so she could try to splash it on the fire. Not that she could have drowned out the fire even if she had had buckets and buckets of water, as her feet seemed firmly planted to the floor and completely unwilling to move. She tried to say that no, she couldn't put out the fire, but when she looked up, the boy was already gone. Tears rose to her eyes, threatening to spill.

Dimly, she heard a murmur of voices call out "Extinguo," and noted with some relief that the fire had been tamed. But still- it hadn't been her who had tamed it. It hadn't been her, because it couldn't have been. Because she didn't know any spells. Because she couldn't help. Because she was useless, especially so as a witch. Her, a witch. What a joke. Her heart in throat, Jess just managed to bolt across the room and slam through the doors into the hallway before her eyes betrayed her and the tears came pouring in a torrent down her cheeks. What a happy Halloween.

Outfit:

Reducio

Action: Not extinguishing the flames, doubting herself, fleeing the party

| Outfit |

Mikael looked about the ensuing chaos around him. It seemed that the three boys were no longer the main problem for the authority figures to deal with. His nose wrinkled as the smell of burning straw became rather apparent. The boy's gaze turned to look towards the blazing straw bale with a look of surprise. He wasn't too sure when the thing had been set ablaze, but set ablaze it had been. Mikael did not move to help the people trying to put out the blaze. Instead, the boy eyed the doors with great interest. It seemed like now would be a great chance to slip out before a Professor questions the fake names Yefim had given them. It would not bode for them well to be caught in their lie.

The boy spun on his heel and marched his way towards the door with confident strides. He didn't find an issue leaving these people to their fates. Whatever it might be. Most of them were from Hogwarts anyway. Hogwarts students were more like cannon fodder anyway. The melody in the air contrasted greatly with the atmosphere of the room. Everything felt out of place, but Mikael didn't care enough to comment. He couldn't risk drawing attention back to himself. The boy was on a mission to exit the room as quickly as possible with Yefim and Niffler in tow. Mikael threw open the doors briefly glancing back for a second to see if his friends were following him. Before, continuing his way back to their accommodations. Mikael wondered to himself if it had all been worth it. He had let his jealousy get the best of him, and it had put him in an increasingly worse situation. The boy wondered if things would have gone better if he had just let Niffler enjoy his time with Yefim. Though he quickly dismissed the thought. His entire being smelled like burnt straw, and his nose would continue to wrinkle as he walked away. A shower was definitely due in the near future.

Russian (Default) | Norwegian | English

Mentions: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood [Valentin "Der Niffler" Schnell], @Flash Holmwood [Yefim Rumyantsev]

Exiting the thread

((There are three days left until this thread is closed!))

Interacts with: @Solomon Lear

"Sh-" She cursed under her breath a million times over - or at least, it felt like that - as she stared at the bale of straw that was on fire. She had somehow completely missed the target, hitting a random decoration. It was quickly extinguished, much to her relief. Her aim was terrible - how in Merlin's name did she manage to play quidditch at all? That was terrible. She sighed a breath of relief as she realised no one was hurt by the fire.

Oh gosh. Headmaster Lear would be so disappointed in her. It was not her fault though! She was trying to get the stupid creepy doll teddy bear thingy! It was just too fast for her! Right? She did not completely screw it up in a panic, of course not. Right...? She was not convinced but she tried to make herself feel better by blaming the creepy hag doll rather than herself.

On the plus side, it did seem like the others had managed to successfully capture the doll whilst she was busy panicking about the fire that she had accidentally started. Serena sighed, her shoulders slumming down a little as she allowed her eyes to fall onto the floor. The party and the chaos seemed to both die down. But the girl seemed to be okay, the doll seemed to have gotten captured and Lear was... Serena frowned as Lear looked rather... well, not in the best condition. Making her way over to the Headmaster, now that everything else had settled down. He seemed to be conscious, at the very least (though barely), "Do you need help getting to the hospital wing, Headmaster?" She would ask him if he was conscious. If he accepted, she would escort him out of the room and to the wing. If he wanted to be anywhere else but still accepted her help, she would guide him there. If he refused the help, she would nod and excuse her, leaving the rehearsal room by herself. For the most part, everyone else seemed to be managing fine. He seemed to have, somehow, taken a huge brunt of the chaos.

Post Tracker: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Outfit: Floating Head with long hair (rest of body is covered in invisibility cloak)

Serena exits rehearsal room.

Event Summary

The Costume Party's ending might inspire déjà vu for those who had attended other Hogwarts events: chaos, a foreign threat, and the smell of something burning. But that was not to say that it had been all bad. The night had been a showcase for creativity, with costumes ranging from beautiful to bizarre, sweet to silly, a wild array of aesthetics to delight the senses. There was a trick to the treats, for many partygoers found some snacks and drinks included trace amounts of the Hair-Raising, Pompion, Laughing, Manegro, or Babbling Beverage potions. Whether giggling, babbling, sporting a new 'do or turning to pumpkinheads, the lighthearted prank added an air of silliness to it all. Two students even upped the ante by releasing bags of chocolate frogs into the room, unleashing the animated treats to jump around aimlessly. Snacks were enjoyed, wizard crackers released quirky presents, old friends mingled and new acquaintances met. The costume party served as a lighthearted alternative to those not quite ready for the decadent Masquerade, as well as a casual resting point for those who were.

But of course, all good things must come to a close. The simplistic celebration came to a screeching, chilling halt when a student was attacked by a frightful enemy. A girl was dragged beneath a table by something- someone had said it- called a dark misfit: a type of sentient doll which desired to take the place of a child. It couldn't do so without first getting rid of its "lookalike". Thankfully, partygoers were quick to leap to her aid, albeit not without some bad results to their good intentions. The local librarian intercepted the creature's escape by blowing the Rehearsal Room doors shut. A student immobilized it with a spell, though when the Headmaster himself attempted to Bombardo Maxima the blasted thing, his spell backfired, leaving him wounded to the horror of many. One student tried to burn it as the Headmaster had instructed, though their Incendio missed and struck a bale of hay. Thankfully, two students extinguished this swiftly, while the host captured the doll in a lidded pitcher. He and one other prefect exited the ballroom with the intent to take it to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, whose specialty lay in eviscerating such dark objects.

Someone opened a window, whisking away the stink of smoke while icy air oozed into the room. The host's helper (NPC) was bringing the event to a close: "Show's over, folks! Please exit in an orderly fashion, or just- try not to shove." Students were ushered out, and should any attempt to pocket one of those Tricky Treats on their way, they would promptly find themselves stopped at the door by a house-elf there to confiscate them. What happened with that doll? Where had it come from? Would the Headmaster be alright? Time, that unconquerable construct, would tell....

This marks the conclusion of the costume party! THANK YOU to everyone who attended, I had a blast writing with you all and hope you enjoyed it too.