Interacting with @Cass Ito

Ernest didn't really think much of the first person he ended up in front of, she was cute but he didn’t see much to do besides being there. He looked at Elisa mostly, wanting to see what she was doing. There were people kissing hands and the like here; what if someone decided to kiss her? What if they ended up together, would he kiss her?

Ernest had to stop his inward questioning because someone else was now in front of him. His dance partner is being swapped out for Cass Ito. “Oh, it’s you.” He said he stopped dancing to look them up and down. They were dressed well, he figured, but he wouldn’t tell them that. Ernest opened his mouth to make a snarky remark but a drop of something warm landed on his head stopping him in his tracks. Ernest wiped his forehead and grimaced at the wax that was now on his hand, a candle was dripping on them he figured.

“Great, with you and under wax. What are the odds. . “ He looked up trying to figure out which candle it was. He couldn’t spot it, too many candles knocking into each other as they floated above. Ernest turned his attention back to Cass. “Kiss any lads yet; saw you with a bird just now. She’s pretty,” He said, and looked back to where Elena was, “You two friends?”

Action: Antagonizing Cass

Having barely enough time to even hear whatever response Colby had given he was whipped back up into the whirlwind of the dance his legs forced from the enchantment before his brain had even begun spinning the clockworks of acknowledgement. For the first time in a long time Nik found himself swept up in the enjoyment of the dance and found flare in the graceful movements his body becoming the brush to the great canvas of musical melody that painted tonight's celebration. For the first time in a long time Nik found himself having fun.

In all the classics or epic poems the gods and fates never learned when not to interfere and it seemed that tonight was no difference. As the music stopped the vision of light blue spun round seemingly untethered by the forces of gravity and as his vision cleared he came face to face with none other than the undeniably handsome Hans Jenssen himself. Of course in the moments to come he would acutely blame the dizziness for his crazed ideas, he wasn't allowed to think of his friend like that it was entirely unfair to everyone. Yet then came the laughter, a sound he must admit he had grown to thoroughly enjoy and suddenly the world seemed very still indeed. It was as if the whole world fell away and in the entirety of existence nothing remained but the two of them. The thought was enough to cause a maelstrom of anxiety in Nikolai's mind as hyperventilating was beginning to creep up on him. Luckily the boys gentle punch on the arm managed to knock the perfect amount of sense back into him and the room once again filled with the joyous music and enjoyment.

Watching Colby as directed by his friend he threw a sympathetic glance towards her wishing he could help but from this distance there was very little he could do. Not seconds later his attention was snatched back by Hans who's eyes were mischievously staring and prodding at something above them. "Man, look at what we've gotten ourselves into. Or rather, what've we've gotten ourselves under." With the identification of the plant as mistletoe the disturbing puzzle pieces were beginning to fall into place but before he could confirm the truth Hans pulled him into a tight embrace that derailed his entire train of thought. It was a gesture Nikolai deeply appreciated, it was the hug of a brother, a feeling he recognised so welcomingly and it solidified that the past was truly forgotten. The hug was a sign that they were no longer strangers and would never be again. Then the penny dropped, the mistletoe, Valentin's mischievous smirk, and a summer camp ball. "дерьмоshit, this is spin the bottle isn't it?" A game that plagued every years summer according to Val, and he had unknowingly willingly signed himself up. The embarrassment was palpable but not quite as powerful as the notion he had of strangling Valentin the second he had a chance.

Clearly amused by Nikolai's sudden realisation Hans had plans far worse than a simple hug. The calculated move had been nothing but a disarming tactic for what he was truly up to. Well if goading was the tactic of choice between the two he supposed all was fair in love and war... not that this was love of course simply a useful phrase for the situation. Regardless the point stood and he matched the rascal smile in front of him with one of an equally wicked disposition. "Why of course Master Hansi, truly I insist, though I would've thought the formality was a bit too 'boring old-pureblood' for you." Curling up all of his fingers except for the middle he presented the rude gesture willingly allowing the boy to proceed, winking devilishly paired with a smile simply dripping with sarcasm.

There it was again, that laugh. Something about it just released all of the tension out of his being, setting his soul at ease, like he could wholly relax when he heard it which was odd given that for almost two whole years he had acted as nothing more than a ghostly façade around him. How could a person that for so long barely occupied a second thought in his brain now have their own personalised section. Hans didn't even really know him though, the thought drawing blood. Nikolai hadn't been expressly hiding his secret from him he just hadn't found a natural way to work it into conversation but much beyond that there was a shame. Nikolai was virtually fearless but even a talent like that wasn't immune to rejection and he had already faced so much already, what if Hans turned away too. It was clear now from the hug that they were friends and yet that only made him positive that if Hans walked away it would create a wound far deeper than his parents. For Nikolai realised in that moment just how much Hans' opinion mattered to him.

Assumptions about the boy had already prevented them from having so many cherished moments in their early years. So much pain and loneliness might have been prevented had he just let Hans in and so staring into his soulful rich chocolate eyes, flattered by his constantly bright smile Nikolai decided it was time. Years spent hiding from the world had done nothing but isolated himself and made him feel invisible but no longer, now the boy in front of him could see him and they made each other laugh and he would have to hope that was enough. Pulling his hand back rather hastier that he intended he coughed lightly avoiding direct eye contact with the boy who's laugh seemed to have caught in his throat.

Fearlessness was more than just removing yourself from fear, it was about courage. "Hans. There's something I've been meaning to tell you and well now seems as awful a time as any so here goes. I like guys, I'm gay." Redrawing his eyes back towards him he waited for the moment when the screaming began. It was a habit he had picked up from childhood and it presented itself in his entire body, tension would lock his muscles as his entire being winced in anticipation. Just as before, time completely held like the breath in his lungs, there was no movement and deathly silence imprisoned him in the moment waiting with the only backdrop being the thumping beat of his heart cascading against the walls of his chest. A heart beating so hard knowing that at any moment it was vulnerable to break.

Nikolai's Stats Sta • 6 | Eva • 9 | Str • 1 | Wis • 9 | Arc • 6| Acc • 9 Fearless | Advanced Casting Russian | English

Translations Hansi - A fitting nickname for Hans that also coincidentally is a rude way of saying German in Russian.

Action Swearing at Hans as he kisses Nikolai's hand and then quickly pulling away.

Interactions: @Ernest Baird | @Mention Mentions: @Elena Clark

Date: August 2nd Location: London Quidditch Stadium

Outfit: x

- The Mistletoe Spin -

Before the music started once more and the dance snatched them away, they smiled at Elena once more and said "My dark future of pancake world domination is forever in front of me! Breakfast foods beware!". It was to their great surprise that the next time the music stopped, they were dancing with another victim of their pancake thieving tendencies. He seemed just a little distracted by a certain blond who was also dancing. Though he was spared from the Mistletoe, both of them ended up under a dripping candle instead. Cass had their suspicions that the candles were purposeful, and probably another one of them weird team bonding activities that made people get along better by putting them in harms way.

It seemed slightly cruel to have them here at summer camp, since some of the attendees had never even stepped inside school grounds yet. Probably too short to just reach up and knock the thing out of the air either. Though they would never admit it, they fell inside this short category as well. Hopefully the candle shouldn't be too difficult to remove with a spell. But. But but but. They were tempted to go just a little overboard. It might help poor Ernest enjoy himself and stop staring at blondes. Sure it could go wrong, but it couldn't go wrong. They had confidence in their ability to cast a simple candle stopping spell, and even if it did backfire on them the plan would still work.

"She is both a friend and pretty indeed" they replied, the wheels in their brain still working overtime while they talked. " And the night is still young pancake-boy!" they said as an answer to his other question. They didn't mind if they ended up kissing no one or kissing everyone- dancing and meeting friends old and new (even if some of them still needed a little persuasion that they were actually friends) was enough fun for them. Now, the question was what spell was that candle begging to be cast on it. Their initial thought was to transfigure it into one of those muggle "bah-lons" but they didn't quite know the spell for that. The only transfiguration spell that they did know for candles would turn it into a box of matches, which wasn't nearly as impressive as a muggle bah-lon.

They raised their wand and pointed it at the candle, attempting to turn their annoying wax-dripping problem into perfect fire-starting material. If it worked they would give the new matchbox to Ernest, for no other reason than to annoy the boy.

Action: Casting Flintifors on the candle

Roleplaying as Hans Jenssen, all dialogue in Russian unless specified

The expression on Nikolai's rosy face was pure gold as he realised that the event was more than just a themed ball. Accompanied by a Russian curse word, he asked, although Hans was sure that he knew perfectly what the answer was, 'This is spin the bottle isn't it?' Clapping in sarcasm, he nodded his head, a smile of excitement creeping up on his lips, 'Exactly.' Spreading his arms in an invitation for the boy to take it all in, he said, 'Isn't this fun?'

Delighted to find Nikolai armed with a deadly retaliation despite his realisation of the true nature of tonight's event, Hans decided that this render of his companion was one he loved. Ever since they had burnt down Nikolai's old items and therefore his old life into ashes, he had been a different lad in the most unexpected and extraordinary way. Now enjoying the carefree character of actual boyhood, making mischief and brewing trouble without a single worry for consequence, he had truly grown right in front of Hans' eyes and more than anything he was proud for his friend. Despite the sarcastic intent behind Nikolai's words, Hans bit back a grin at "Hansi". Perhaps Nikolai would find it amusing that he was completely oblivious to the word doubling as an offensive Russian slang, but how delightful the term of endearement was. Surprised yet gladdened to find that the boy still remembered the phrase "boring old pureblood" he had said seemingly lifetimes ago, his smile only broadened in pleasure. It seemed as if this once aloof Volkov son learnt a thing or two about charm. Hogwarts could make summer camp wintery all they want, but his friends would still warm Hans like hot chocolate. He would accept every mug of it, even if they were spiked with satire.

Nikolai only proved to him further that he was enjoying himself as he curled up all four fingers in a proper response except the middle one, flashing the universally vulgar gesture in front of Hans as he lowered his head. Pushing the finger down dismissively as if to taunt a child, "Yeah, this is the worst you could do, Vol'ka, and we all know it," he continued with the kiss, lips barely brushing Nikolai's hand, completely indifferent to what had just happened. Simultaneously yet without any special flourish, he would raise his other hand, which previously rested casually at his side, returning the gesture as he carelessly thrusted a finger in front of Nikolai's eyes. Lips parting as the grin returned to his face, coffee-dark eyes flashed upwards to look Nikolai in his ice blue, Hans winked, a golden hue reflecting in his brown in a reflection of the faraway candlelight, glinting with devliment. A deliciously liberating wind seemed to course through his veins as the thrill and blitheness of the night washed over both boys. Slowly straightening yet still not taking his fingers off Nikolai's hand, he flashed his most charming smile, as if the words that he would soon vocalise were nothing short of well-mannered and chivalrous. 'You're welcome,' he nodded, and then with an emphasis on the curse word, chuckled, 'Asshole.'

However, surprise danced over Hans' face as Nikolai retracted his hand in a hurry, all traces of lighthearted play dropping as his eyes flitted away from the German's with an awkward cough. At his name said tensely, now "Hans" instead of the playful "Hansi", the boy tried to lock eyes with his dorm mate, only to fail against the Russian's stubborn efforts. 'There's something I've been meaning to tell you and well now seems as awful a time as any so here goes,' he begun in one anxious breath. It was almost curious, how a former pure-blood heir well-versed in the art of conversation always found the worst possible instance to bring up a heavy matter. At least he admitted to such. 'I like guys, I'm gay.' Wow, good for you, Nikolai. Having been removed from Durmstrang's social circle for the past two years, he must have underestimated how word spread like wildfire in an institute for adolescents. At the forefront of such a circle, it had already been an established fact for Hans ever since his friends' return from Hogwarts. Still, even if Hans had not been previously aware of such information, it was no business of his, unless this was some set up to a confession of love, which, mind you, the German was not interested in hearing tonight.

Eyes drawn to the strained posture of the boy, every muscle in his body tensing as even his breath seemed to have ceased, his making contact with the blond's as they tentatively returned. Holding his piercingly blue gaze for longer than he had intended, subconsciously seeking for something deeper than those now-familiar swirls of electricity, Hans finally raised his eyebrows in his typical nonchalant fashion, his smile still kept perfectly mild in mocked politeness, 'What? You want me to kiss you on the lips now?'

@Matthew Campbell as Nikolai Vol'ka

Ne'er could a more perfect reaction have been given. In the heavy multitude of scenarios that Nikolai had envisioned he found those of acceptance the most difficult to muster. For if he was wrong the pain would be all consuming, but just as he had been that day 3 months ago Hans was the very essence of pleasant surprise. Unable to fully control the wave of relief that sauntered across every fibre of his being he felt a single tear run down to the elated smile that displayed not just simply the depth of happiness he felt but also the strength of bond between them. A bond once forged in flame but now perhaps more potently than that was a bond forged in trust.

Taking Hans lead for once he decided that now was not a time to get deep after all with the rush of release from such pent up worry he felt altogether dazed. Still, displaying his heart through his smile he punched the boy mirroring his own technique and laughed in perhaps the most natural way he ever had. "You wish, asshole. You'll be lucky if you get a kiss from anyone here, I doubt they'd even be able to reach your lips past this inflated ball of ego you hold!" Mocking with just as much wit as Hans had shown he put an end to the sentimentality for one night. Hans was never one for a deep chat, he had told Nikolai as such on multiple occasions with multiple degrees of warning attached should he dare to continue. Perhaps a joke was for the best, Hans was kind enough to act like nothing had changed, and maybe it hadn't but at least for now they could enjoy the evening. The anxiety of panic could be postponed until later, and rest assured that it would. Given they didn't share a tent it would be easy for the boy to avoid him if that was his wish and at least then he'd have his answer.

For now he simply flashed those bright static eyes towards his friend and hoped he didn't see the familiar reflection of hate shine back at him. Nikolai wasn't sure he'd ever forget the burned image of his father's eyes and yet as he bore into Han's chocolaty hazel pools he swore he could see nothing of the sort. Reflected back in them was almost more akin to pride though the thought of being wrong still lingered too fresh on the wound and he refused to relax into the healing hands of hope, at least not yet. Unwilling to let the silence linger on for in silence thoughts filled the void of his mind he began to jest once more, "You know Hansi, you're really quite lucky the floor's enchanted I wager you'd have taken out half the dance floor by now had it not been. Whoever heard of a broom racer with two left feet?" Nudging the boys foot with his own continuing the competition they were so masterful at.

Softening his elation into a playful grin he took a proper look around the group excited with the possibilities of conversations that were happening all around them between partners. Perhaps the fates weren't wrong after all. Had Nikolai known he wouldn't have put himself through this considering it to be a successful means of torture but then where would he be. The fates had afforded him a precious opportunity and he wasn't about to waste it. Once he had made a fair assessment of the players he turned back to Hans and said, mischief filling his every word "Well I think I've revealed quite enough today, so it's only fair you make it even. Who's your target perhaps I can help, you have a certified ведущийvedushij with you now ведомый.vedomyj" Bumping elbows with the boy he couldn't help but let a slither of that hope in as the boys friendly demeaner although constantly filled with devilry never showed a fraction of malice. Awaiting his, no doubt, witty parley he just stood admiring his friend's compassion.

Standing across from his dormmate like this a realisation filtered through the electrical storm of his nervous mind and flashed across his eyes in a dazzling fracturing glisten. It was obvious that despite his endless denials he had an annoyingly, delusional crush on his friend but now something shone through much more powerful than that. If Hans stuck by him through this, then he was as much a part of his family as Valentin was, and to lose that would be to lose a part of himself. If Hans stuck by him through this, he would bury those nonsensical feelings, break them down into a box as he had his entire childhood and filter them away. For if Hans stuck by him through this, their brotherhood was infinite and he wouldn't jeopardise that for anything.

Nikolai's Stats Sta • 6 | Eva • 9 | Str • 1 | Wis • 9 | Arc • 6| Acc • 9 Fearless | Advanced Casting Russian | English

Translations ведущий & ведомый - squad formation meaning guider and follower. It is the closest translation to the American 'wingman' that can be formed.

Action Already performed in previous post

Interacting with Nikolai Vol'ka (@Matthew Campbell) & @Elisa Shakestra
Mentions Hans Jenssen (@Archer Duncan)

This guy was like a knight in shining armor the way he continued to block the hot dripping wax from hitting her. Although she was not into those things (at least not any time soon), it was still kind of them to prevent her any pain. He shared that he was from Durmstrang. He was not the first person that she met that was from there. There was a girl– that Colby couldn't remember her name– that was from there. His English was a lot better than hers, that was for sure.

Colby followed his point to another person who was from the same school as him. Dorm mates. That was something else to think about when going to Hogwarts. Who was she going to be rooming with and would they be extremely fun or annoying? One thing was for sure was that she did not want to be with a bunch of catty or dramatic girls. It would be way too much in a room that should be relaxed for sleeping.

Her attention went back to Nikolai who had asked her what house she thinks she would get. It seemed that he figured out how young she was. Was it her baby face or height that gave it away? Whatever it was, all she could do was shrug. "Who knows. My parents were from different houses, so there's no reputation to go off of. I guess I have to wait for a piece of fabric to tell me which house I'm stuck with!" she said with a small laugh. Before she could ask him about houses or anything else about his school, her body immediately moved away in a dance. "Wha-- not again!" she shouted, and in an instant, she found herself moving towards someone new. What was the point of a dance floor if it would not let you dance with someone for a longer period of time? Maybe the magic is broken.

Colby was face-to-face with a blonde-haired girl. "Um, hi," she said with confusion. What was happening? Was she going to be moving from person-to-person? This was going to be so annoying to repeatedly introduce herself. This time around, Colby was not introducing herself. She was dancing because the dance floor was making her dance by moving her hips, but that was it. She looked around and saw that Nikolai was with his dorm mate that he spoke about earlier. At least it worked out for him to be with someone he knew. Her attention was brought back to where she was when she felt a drip of hot wax hit a part on her arm. She winced at the quick sharp pain of its drip. Great. She was under another broken candle. Maybe this was just going to be how this event was supposed to be: dancing under dripping wax. How fun...

ACTION: N/A
STATS: Stamina - 7 | Evasion - 5 | Strength - 6 | Wisdom - 4 | ArcPower - 4 | Accuracy - 4

Roleplaying as Hans Jenssen, all dialogue in Russian unless specified

Features softening as Hans was greeted with the surprise of a single tear shed down Nikolai's cheek, running to his lips, which had been tugged into an elated grin, he took a step closer to his dorm mate. Despite the joyous gratitude on the Russian's face, Hans raised a hand towards him, sleeved wrist smearing away the droplet of either relief or pent-up pain from the previous twelve years. He had never learnt what had been brought upon Nikolai in those isolated two years they had barely known each other, yet he would not press unless the former heir opens up himself. Yet he knew the confession mere moments ago was enough for tonight already. Before the atmosphere could fully cut back to playfulness, Hans said with that smile, a rarity of deep sincerity compared to his usual nonchalant grin, 'No crying at parties.' With a nod, he stepped away again, eyes still kept on Nikolai's sparkling azure ones, enunciating with evident care, 'Nikolai Vol'ka.' Somehow, he was now as much of a brother to Hans as the other friends he had known for years. If brothers were to have their fair share of rowdy play fighting, they were to have their fair share of philadelphia¹.

Allowing all tones of seriousness to drop like a stone from a tower, Hans took the punch to the shoulder, a mirror of his own tactics, with good sportsmanship and a hearty laugh. 'You wish, asshole,' Nikolai had said, receiving nothing more than the slightest of reactions from the German, 'You'll be lucky if you get a kiss from anyone here, I doubt they'd even be able to reach your lips past this inflated ball of ego you hold!' Ruffling the stark blond hair of the boy several inches shorter than him, he offered no response in the similar boyishly boisterous style, unbothered by Nikolai's witty banter. His eyes, pools of melting chocolate, downcast toward's Nikolai's ones, shone with a brotherly gaze, and with a smile still not quite broad enough to show teeth, he said in a mellow musing, 'I suppose they'll just have to grow taller then, hm?' Eyes finally sparking with their returning mischief, he continued in signature playfulness, raising both his voice and energy, 'Drink some milk, Nikolai. You just may be the first one to gain some height.' Finally, with a teasing wink, he added, 'Who knows? You could be kissing me by October.'

Returning Nikolai's intense gaze, he repeated, 'Hansi,', tone an ambigious combination of subtle savouring and sarcastic intent. 'Right, you keep calling me that, Eisprinz²' he continued, blatantly ignoring the rest of Nikolai's smoking comments as his smile finally grew into a grin at his newfound nickname for the boy. Yet there was no way he would let Nikolai's remarks slide as Hans returned the nudge with a well-placed kick onto the Russian's shins.

'Well I think I've revealed quite enough today, so it's only fair you make it even. Who's your target perhaps I can help, you have a certified ведущий with you now ведомый.' Pausing, though not for long to consider, Hans raised a brow at the question. Astrid Olsen may have been Hans' blonde-haired, swift-footed Idun, but she was as unattainable as the goddess' apples of immortality. She might have held her ground in the slug fight, but then again those brief moments were the most interaction Hans had ever experienced with her. She might run through meadows barefoot and hair undone, while Hans could only catch the dandelions seeds the wind brought. But if she was Eve, Hans might as well have been as insignificant as a ram in the Garden of Eden. All feelings for her seemed to wash away, chipping like old paint, for who could like someone they had never truly known? Hans had been offered with Nikolai's brotherhood this evening among so many others throughout the years, and at that moment he would realise that nothing mattered more to him than the platonic philia³. Therefore as he processed Nikolai's inquiry of "target", Hans gave no proper answer other than a dismissive grin and, 'Most definitely not you, Nikolai.' That rascally glint reflecting off his eyes once more, he winked, 'Don't get your hopes up.'

After a brief pause, he chuckled cooly, 'Why don't I make it up to you another way?' Without any other warning or hesitation, Hans seized Nikolai's hand in a firm grip. Against the possibility of any initial resistance from Nikolai, he raise it above both of their heads, forming a gap in between the duo as seen in the old films his mother sometimes watched. Gesturing vaguely for Nikolai to engage with his spare hand, he said almost impatiently, 'C'mon, don't tell me you can't dance.' If Nikolai was to not understand Hans' intentions, he would pull out his wand from the front pocket of his hoodie, twirl it around though not in any particular movement, and say in mock threat, 'Do I really need to cast Tarantallegra on a mind as sharp as yours?' If so was the case, he would continue with a sigh, 'You know, twirl like the Disney princesses do. Pretend you're wearing a pretty-' and laughing despite himself, he managed to finish, 'Ballgown.' Initiation of such action seemed almost unlike Hans. After all, he didn't come to a Regency-themed ball dressed in casual clothes just to waltz (or whatever they were doing, like he would know though). Then again, Hans seemed to be the master of pleasant surprises.

1: brotherly love
2: Ice Prince
3: deep friendship

@Matthew Campbell as Nikolai Vol'ka

I’m sorry, did I roll my eyes out loud?

interacting with: @Elena Clark

English | French | ASL | Thoughts | Others

As I danced to the music, passing through crowds of people, I wondered who I would end up with this time. It was a wonderful addition with the mistletoe, the anticipation of who you would possibly end up under it with. As lovely as the mistletoe was, I also just quite enjoyed dancing, dances were always kind of my thing. Finally, I stopped along with the music. Standing under a beautiful string of mistletoe with another girl. She had a shade of blonde hair, dirty blonde I think is what they would call it, but stood a few inches shorter than me. Actually, quite a few inches shorter than me, she seemed to be around 4’6-4’7, but I’m sure it wouldn’t affect anything at all. Previously, I know some people had kissed their “partners” hand, which seemed a bit too basic for now, at least for this part. Back in France, we had this greeting tradition where two people meeting would lightly brush their cheeks against each others and make a kissing sound, once on each side. I thought that could be a nice way to treat this, so I leaned forwards, hoping the girl would understand how to do “la bise”.

ooc notes:	Date:
Roleplaying as Ruby Angèlique from Beauxbatons Ency	Aug 2nd 2024

Reducio

Thoughts : Italic
Color : #031b7c

☆ Interacting : Reducio @Kiera Roseline

☆ Outfit : Reducio

☆ Date : Reducio 2nd of August 2024

Elena chuckled at Cass's villain speech. The song came to an end, the last notes resonating in the air. Cass made her twirl one last time before they both stopped dancing. Elena looked around, slightly confused. And what now? Are we supposed to- Before she could finish her thought, her body moved again as the music restarted, dragging her across the dance floor.

This time, now accustomed to the Dancing Charm, she was able to actually look at the other dancers. Cass was headed towards a rather small boy who did not seem pleased to see them. From what she could see, there was an equal part of boys and girls, all dancing and twirling. Elena ended up in front of a brown-haired girl. She raised her eyes to look at her new partner and slightly tilted her head. She's pretty. But she looks annoyed. Elena slightly bowed to her, smiling. "Hello," she said. "My name is Elena and-" She cut herself off as a familiar shadow stood over her. Seriously? She suppressed a scoff as she stared at the mistletoe. Two times in a row. Wow. I don't know how to take it.

She shook her head, a small smile lingering as she looked back at the brown-haired girl. Elena saw the girl look at the mistletoe and lean towards her. Her mind swirled, not understanding what was going on. Suddenly, it clicked. She had been to France a couple of times and always saw people greeting each other this way. She leaned in too, and they kissed each other's cheeks. Elena stood back, grinning. "You must be from Beauxbatons then, right?" she laughed as she took the girl's hands and resumed their dancing. "I'm from Hogwarts. What's your name?"

Group 1

MODERATION POST

Revelations and procrastination are the name of the game in group 1 at the end of the second song. We get a wonderful, sweet coming-out scene between Nikolai Volkov and Hans Jenssen, ending with some hand kisses and a general "Awww" from literally everybody stalking this thread. Procrastinating first kisses, perhaps, but a revelation that will definitely warm the hearts of readers! Similarly, Elena Clark and Ruby Angèlique choose to procrastinate actually kissing by performing a very French air-kiss on each other's cheeks. Adorable!

On the other hand, we have Cass Ito successfully casting Flintifors at the candle above them and an antagonising Ernest Baird. It works!... barely!... but the newly transformed matchbox doesn't fall, still stuck in the air by its hovering magic albeit no longer dripping wax. That's good, at least, right? If you're matched under a matchbox, does it mean you're a match? Or does it mean you should set your partner on fire? (Please don't.) Colby Vidler chooses the different drippy-candle path and barely does anything to dodge the hot wax as it rains down on her.

The music starts back up again, and the spell whisks everyone away to find a new partner... and by the time the violins fade out once more, each skilled dancer is paired with someone very new, in a situation that is either also new or vaguely familiar...

THE DANCE FLOOR HAS SPOKEN:
@Atticus Drake and @Elena Clark end up under the mistletoe!
@Colby Vidler and @Charisse Woods end up under the mistletoe!
@Elisa Shakestra and @Cass Ito end up under the mistletoe!
Nikolai Volkov (@Matthew Campbell) and @Kiera Roseline end up under the mistletoe!
Ruby Angèlique (@Kiera Roseline) and @Ernest Baird end up under a candle.
@Giulia Nisi and Hans Jenssen (@Archer Duncan) end up under a candle... that is dripping wax on them!

For any questions or concerns, please owl the moderator of this event, @Aly Salinger.

Also and very importantly, please make sure your action is clearly visible and separated from the rest of your post. Preferably put it in a quote at the bottom but as long as it's separate that's fine. I would also appreciate an inclusion of any stats and abilities you may have in your posts. Makes it much easier to mod!

One final note: if you have not posted yet in the Spin, you must post within the next week or risk being removed from the event temporarily (e.g. you will no longer be matched with partners) next Saturday. This is to make it fair to those who are being consistently active. If you come back later and wish to be active, you may rejoin at any time, but note that you'll be #dancingonyourown until the next mod post.