Well this was just great how was he suppose to handle a few things before Mariel got there if those things were not here themselves. Jorge made his over to his scheduled lane and set his jacket down. First one here as well. He was hoping he had just missed a few at the door coming in, but no he was the first on the team to get here. Well it was alright with him. What could really go wrong. A very public place, New Years Eve, everyone looking their best, especially him. Plenty of beautiful women.. Yeah he was pretty much toast and he knew it.

This was probably going to the the biggest test to his well hopefully changing ways. Show Mariel he was serious. Glad he swung by the food and beverage table first and got himself a drink. Sipping it he looked around and noticed the shrunken heads. Picking one up he examined it. Pretending to use it to see how heavy it was. This was an interesting ball that was for sure. He hoped the glitter wouldn't come off. His personality and looks sparkled enough on their own.

Taking a seat he pulled off his shoes and waved his wand making sure the bowling shoes were extra clean. Merlin was he turning into Basil?

Yeahhhhhhh bowling. Fletcher was good at this. He'd been here once or twice before... okay... only once or twice before, but how hard could it be? Not hard at all. Plus, he had a team of people who would probably all be really awesome at the sport and they could make up all the points.

He carried his shoes over to his lane and sat down to undo his sneaks. Look, someone else was already there... but was he team PURPLE DRAGONS or team other guys loser animals? Only one way to know...

"Sup," he greeted the dude with a nod. "What are team are you on?"

Time for the sport of bowling. Simple game. Straight down the middle. No hook. No spin. No fuss. Anything more and this becomes figure skating. Nolan brought his shoes over to the lane that the Purple Dragons were assigned too. Lane Six he thought it was.

Teamwork that would be needed. But first the ordeal of finding out who was on the Purple Dragons. He sat down looking at the lane and waited.

Should not take long.

Having left Jory to find his own lane, Simon had finally ventured to see where he himself would be playing. Green grindylows...Lane 5. Making his way to the appropriate pair of lanes, the auror spotted three other guys already there. One that seemed quite familiar as if perhaps they had gone to school together. "Hello," he greeted figuring he couldn't exactly just stay quiet as he stepped down to the lane.

"Anyone a Grindylow?" Hopefully he had at least one team member here already and they weren't all from the opposing team.

There were a number of reasons as to why Maria was furious but, as much as she didn't want to admit it, they all simply came down to the fact that her team consisted of the one guy she didn't want to be in a team with. A guy who was practically screamed danger but knew how to lure women into his trap. A guy whose manliness was more important than sending one friggin owl. Really now.

UGH. Speak of the horned frog.

She scowled over in his general direction as she made her way towards Lane Five. Why couldn't she be in the opposite team and laugh hysterically at all his mistakes? The twenty eight year old was all up for that. But no. Instead, she had to endure his company and his slimy but perfectly smooth hands that would probably make another grasp at her. Her hold on her bowling shoes tightened at the memory. She wasn't going to show any signs of weakness. None.

Green eyes finally left the man and looked around at the other people there. "Hello!" she called, forcing the scowl off of her face long enough to smile in the general direction of the others on lanes five and six. Team members or enemies? She didn't care up until someone (Simon) asked about Grindylows. "I'm on the Grindylows team," she remarked, taking off her blazer and setting it down on a seat, "Are you?"

Jorge. Looks were sent in his direction. She eyed him up and down before spitting out, "Looks like you had no trouble coming here." But had all too much trouble to send a simple owl.

Jorge had just finish tying his shoes when he heard someone, Sup? Was that a slang he had never heard of? Interesting, but he gave a signature smile "Hola, I'm a Grindylow tonight so I'm told." He helped plan but had no decision on the teams unfortunately for him. Since he was put on a team with three women that he has had something going on with. Taking a deep breath that the thought he looked up when some other male came over to the group.

Giving him a nod he looked at the lanes thinking about the last time he had bowled. A smirk going across his face. He wouldn't mind if the night ended that way again. Hearing someone speak he turned when another man had joined the group. He was about to say something when his brown eyes spotted her and she looked mad.

He kept his cool calm smile across his face as she walked closer and turned to talk with the other male. Brushing his thick black hair to the side he walked closer to her. Merlin she looked gorgeous tonight. Green certainly brought out her eyes. He thought about that night in the book store. Very enjoyable indeed. "Maria" He walked over closer to her as she spoke, "No I made sure to make my appearance. Never know what excitement one could find at any given moment." but she should know that. She knew about exciting times now didn't she. "You are looking very beautiful tonight. Green is a wonderful color on you." He really was struggling to take his eyes off of her.

Finally pulling them away he looked at the man that asked about Grindylow, "I'm on the team as well. Jorge, " He nodded in a greeting towards the man, what did he say his name was?

Val was just happy to be associated with a creature that he at least knew the name of by picture. He just had to exchange his shoes out before finding his teammates...... and done. Once at the right lanes, he stared looked at everyone there. Things were looking interesting to say the least..

Val just decided to sit at one of the seats in lane six next to another guy (Meizzner). Waiting a moment before asking, "..Dragons?" He had hoped so, otherwise this would be kind of awkward.

Jasmine made it to the bowling alley and noticed that she needed to find the team called the Purple Dragons...? She looked at her note card to be sure. Yup that was the team name. She was assigned to Lane 6. As she made her way, she noticed she was the only girl there. She saw two men (Meizzner, Charley Potter) and she gave them a polite nod. "You guys on the Dragon Team as well?"

Nolan was enjoying the quiet. The less people talk the better. Only it was just quiet on lane 6. Lane 5 on the other hand was getting pretty lively. He was just enjoying the drama. When one people came around to Lane 6. One word questions were great. Nod.

"Dragons"

Even though he did not like large groups of people. Teamwork was an important ideal. Work Together as your life depends on it was Nolan's way. Oh someone else.

"Yes"

After a quick stop to the refreshment table, Mariel headed over to Lane Five. Walking over like she owned the place, she carried some sort of fizzy wine drink in one hand (she didn't know what it was, only that it was delicious) and a pair of the most dreadful looking shoes that someone had handed to her at the entrance in the other hand. No, she wouldn't be wearing those, though she did find the idea hilarious, along with the name of their team - Grindylows. Such horrible little creatures they were, but her amused grin might have said otherwise.

Lanes Five and Six.. all the way at the end. Of course that was fine. It gave her a chance to make an entrance and yes, of course she looked fabulous. Even if she would be bowling tonight, it was New Year's Eve and there was no reason not to look stunning. She spotted a handful of people sitting in the correct location, so many of them blokes, and she gave them all what she considered to be a charming smile as she approached. "Hello," she greeted them all, rather excited to be there. And, oh! There was the owner of the owl emporium. Hello, Mr. Shopkeeper! He got an extra smile and a little wave in his direction. Did she care if she was probably the most difficult customer he had ever encountered? Nope.

Spotting Jorge, she smiled even wider and walked directly over to him, leaning up to kiss him. "So.. what do you think?" She stepped back a bit and held her arm out so he could see her dress better. She wouldn't show him before, but it was simply fabulous, wasn't it? She loved that New Year's Eve gave her an extra chance to sparkle. "Got everything set up?" That was why he had to come early, right? And then she glanced out at all the men sitting there plus one lady. "Is this our team?" She glanced back at Jorge, he would know, then at the people sitting there. Oh right, two lanes meant there were probably two teams here. Well, at least part of her team was here.

She looked past Jorge, spotting the shrunken heads, her eyes widening as she looked on with amusement. Was that what they were meant to bowl with? Hmm.. she had expected the balls muggles used. "Oh those are horrid," she said gleefully, chuckling a bit. How delightful. No seriously, the girl was amused, thinking it must be some sort of theme. At least they weren't meant to wear matching uniforms. That might cross a line.

The 28 year old took a seat next to the only other woman there and she gave her a smile. "Hi, I'm Mariel." Might as well get to know her potential teammates or opponents, she supposed. Though the woman did look remotely familiar.. or just had one of those faces.

Dragons, did he hear someone say dragons? Fletcher looked back to the guy who had 'Hola'd him and gave him a small smile. "Well, good luck to you then, mate." Too bad that hottie in the green dress wasn't on his team...

He had his own team to meet. He saw a chick and two dudes talking about dragons and went over to greet them. "Yo," Fletcher addressed the three. "I'm Fletcher. Team Purple Dragons?" Yes? LET'S GET THIS BALL ROLLLLLLLLLIN'!

Amazing what one word could do. As right after the man (Meizzner) next to him confirmed being on the same team. A lady (Expecto-Penguin) followed by another guy, who was named Fletcher joined in confirming they were also part of the dragons.

"Yeah.. I'm Val." Since he'd much rather not be called 'Hey you' or the alike. Now asking in a lower tone, so the other side couldn't hear. "..Any of you played this before?" Not that Val was inept.. just having more experienced players, the better.

Jasmine heard the man address her. At least she was in the right place. "Great." she smiled towards the man. "I am Jasmine by the way..." she said incase she needed to do a greeting.



As Jasmine was finished introducing herself to the other guy, she noticed another guy came into the picture. "Hey Fletcher....i am Jasmine." she said giving him a friendly wave. This team was looking quite awesome now. Everyone seemed pumped.



Jasmine smiled and was iffy. "I have played before but not in a while but i may be a little rusty." But hey they were here to have fun right? No one is gonna judge their bowling skills.

Simon turned around as a woman(Maria) spoke, answering his own question about the Grindylows. "Uh huh, I am," he answered, confirming her question. That was one for his team. "I'm Simon," he introduced as he settled himself in place as this would be their base for the courses of the games.

Seeing the way she acted towards one of the other man(Jorge) on the lanes it was clear that there was some tension between them. If they were on opposite teams there would certainly be some competition going on. However no such luck. The man in question...Jorge... was also on their team or so he said. First to the woman and then to Simon as he himself acknowledged the former Gryffindor's inquiry.

Oh fun.

"Nice to meet you. I"m Simon." Seeing as last names were left out, the auror didn't bother with his own. They needn't be so formal when they would be playing along each other.

There were others(Val, Jasmine, Nolan) joining the lanes but they designated them as Purple dragons, seemingly willing to keep with themselves for the most part. Okay, so Simon could let them be and not bother them. He had said hello before they could choose to answer or not...entirely up to them.

Another woman(Mariel) joined, this one actually saying hello to the group. "Hello," Simon returned before watching as she made her way over to Jorge. This was also appeared to know his teammate, dating even given the kiss. This was going to be interesting...especially if the two women were not fans of each other. And him the innocent bystander on the team. "Simon," he said answering Mariel's own introduction.

When was Angelina going to get here? The auror briefly looking in the direction of the entrance. He needed a companion on the sidelines.

Okay fine. Maybe Maria had imagined slaying Jorge with her wonderful wit, undeniable intelligence and her strong persona. Maybe she even imagined being the one to crush him, making him beg her for her forgiveness. Alas, that wasn't the case. She should have known that the man was dafter than a Pygmy puff. Couldn't he tell that she didn't want to talk to him?

At long last, she opened her mouth to retort back to him. "Jorge." Short and simple. Except it wasn't since he went on to talk about making his appearance known and finding excitement. "I wouldn't put it past you to find excitement in the smallest of situations. I do hope you have the intention of bowling too." Unless he was looking for another piece of eye candy. If that was the case, let her leave now or Merlin help him and whichever woman he decided to lock lips with.

And could he not start complimenting her? He wasn't going to get his way, she hoped he knew that. If not, she was going to make her intentions very clear. Her green eyes looked him up and down, squinted a little at parts before she finally said, "I guess you don't look too bad yourself." Green was a wonderful colour on her. Normally, a comment like that would have earned him a blush and a failed attempt at flirty banter but now? Not so much. "Thank you. My mother thinks so too."

Maria was glad that the man was introducing himself and distracting her from Jorge and his slimy words. So Simon was a teammate and not an enemy? "Nice to meet you, Simon. The name's Maria," And he got a smile from her unlike SOME people she could mention. "Are you good at bowling?" Important information. The woman wanted to know.

While waiting for an answer, the shopkeeper bent over and slipped off her shoes before placing them off to one side. They weren't bad shoes, just not the right ones for bowling; though the idea of them slipping off and flying off to someone's face did amuse her. The bowling shoes she had been handed were slipped on instead.

It was only when another voice sounded that the woman looked up and over toward the newcomer (Mariel). A familiar one, at that. And one that seems to be particularly friendly with Mr Lover Lover over there. The scowl returned to Maria's face as she looked between them. So this was his new toy? Did the woman know that this man was just going to use her and them throw her away once he was bored of her? Green eyes flicked between the two of them, the scowl on her face deepening. What in the name of Merlin? Were they dating?

UGH. Where was the vomit bucket? She couldn't stand this.

Looking away from the sickening couple, the woman started tying the laces of her shoes, trying her very hardest not to look up. This plan ended up failing when she felt someone sitting next to her and, looking up, realised just who it was. Well hello to you too, Jorge's Barbie. "Maria. Nice to meet you, Mariel," It wasn't. Really now. Was this the reason as to why she hasn't been owled? "Looks like you already know some of our teammates." Jorge. She was talking mainly about Jorge.

Well couldn’t we cut the tension with a knife in this room. He glanced up as another male showed up (Val) really a lot of men on the other team. Maybe it was better that way. Maybe Maria will find some eye candy of her own that was close to as nice as he was to look at and not be so bitter towards him. He couldn’t help but still glance at her though, Merlin that dress. His grin turned into a smirk as she spoke, “Wouldn’t mind that excitement involving you again.” He just couldn’t help himself. She was thrilling and gorgeous. “Oh I’ll be bowling. Maybe we could make it a little more interesting.” Old habits die hard and his were showing their true colors at that very moment. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her animosity towards him. He leaned a little closer to her and whispered, “You know you are even more beautiful mad.” He stood a bit straighter knowing this was not a good idea, so he turned still chuckling at her last comment.

His eyes glanced up as another woman walked into the room (Jasmine) she got one of his signature charming grins, “Hello” but she was on the other team it seemed. Well that was fine they needed more skirts to have some fun with . Though he couldn’t help but admit his team was going to distract the others with their gorgeous forms. As the other dragon teammates talked and gathered he looked at his little group of members.

That’s when his eyes locked on sparkle and he didn’t mean from the shrunken heads. Mariel was always so confident it was something that attracted him to her. They shared that in common for sure. He grinned as she walked right up to him and kissed him, of course he kissed back maybe a little awkwardly but he certainly put his arms around her for the split second she seemed to be there. [b] “What do I think? I think we are sure to win, because every man in this place will be watching you bowl. You look amazing.” He looked her up and down and decided they might not make it until midnight with this huge group. He glanced as she said about teams, “Well this group is, that is the others playing on Lane Six.” He was going to introduce her but she focused on something else. She seemed a bit hyper tonight. He was enjoying watching this. Glancing towards Maria taking her in he felt a little uneasy and excited. The two together gave him ideas that he’d just keep to himself. “Those are our festive bowling balls.” He kind of liked them.

Then she was away from him and oh Merlin she was near Maria. He eyed the girls, but didn’t go close. Oh but his eyes stayed on them. They were just so lovely to look at. Picking up his drink he finished it and knew he was going to need to go to the refreshment tables again very soon. His attention went back to Simon as the man introduced himself, “You work for MLE don’t you?” Great he knew he looked familiar and then it hit him. He was at that trial Jorge had covered. So he was going to be with three beautiful women that he knew well, some women he didn’t know at all, and MLE great Happy flipping New Year.

He looked back to the man (Fletcher) that had first said hello and nodded, “I’ll need it.” and he wasn’t meaning the game. He slipped off his suit jacket, was it feeling a bit hot in here?

Why couldn't they be the Pink Dragons? She was all for variety in her wardrobe, but really, pink suited her best. Brought out the little bit of blonde left in that curly head of mostly white locks, you know?

But fine. Purple. Fine.

So there she was, in a purple pantsuit (Lucia didn't wear anything but pantsuits, nothing else said she would chop people up like that RAZOR SHARP CREASE in her trousers), ready to kick some team random color loser animals BEHIND with her old lady shoes. Yes.

"Purple dragon here! Hellooooooo." Where were her TEAMMATES?

Mariel couldn't help but smile at the compliments Jorge had bestowed on her. Yes, she knew she looked amazing, but she was glad he thought so too. And the distracting every man there with her beauty.. that sort of made her melt. "I have no doubts who will win," she smirked at him. Mariel was not one to lose. She glanced over at the other team that he had gestured to, no wonder they were keeping to themselves then. So was it just the four of them or were there more?

Green eyes snapped over to the other man located in their area and she gave him a gracious smile. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Simon." He looked a bit distracted, was he expecting someone? Seemed nice enough anyway. She looked back over to The woman as she introduced herself as well. "Nice to meet you as well, Maria," she smiled a bit, looking her over and still feeling a sense of familiarity. "Have we met before? I feel like I know you from somewhere.." Though maybe she was mistaken and had just seen her in passing at some point.

She started to pull off her gorgeous shoes, knowing she wouldn't be allowed on the lanes with heels, then looked up as Maria addressed her again. Some of our teammates? "I know Jorge, yes," she started, giving the woman a curious look before looking at Jorge and giving him a grin. "But I don't know anyone else... I don't think." Was there more to come? She supposed that remained to be seen then.

The brunette glanced over at the two men as they talked, watching curiously. Simon was MLE? That could prove interesting.. Smiling lightly, she looked up at Jorge as he took off his suit jacket allowing her eyes to fall on him. He did look good tonight too, didn't he? She took another sip of her drink then patted the empty seat on the other side of her. "Join us.. sit down." They weren't starting just yet, were they?

As Jasmine was sitting with her teammates, she noticed a guy from another team was checking her out. She gave him a nod and a half grin. "Hello..." she tried to sound polite. "Your not on the purple dragons are you?" she asked him quizzically.



Jasmine saw another dude. Man there were a lot of people in Diagon Alley. She turned around and noticed him. She smiled and politely waved and said, "Hello!"



Jazz saw another team mate. At least she wasn't the only girl. She waved and nodded tried to be all cool like. "Heyyyy I am Jasmine or Jazz for short."

Oh Nolan remember her. How could he forget her. She made him talk more than all his previous customers that day combined. Still she did find an owl after all that indecision. Oh time for names. Since Nolan had not said his guess he should.

"Nolan"

Did that question mean. He has not bowled before or just in recent memory. Practice is the best thing. Seemed like the Dragon were here. Whoa that women took Purple Dragons literal. Too much purple." Dragons Right Here" Seemed like mostly everyone was here from what he remembered on that piece of paper. Now time for the obvious question that needed asking.

"So....how many of you really know how to bowl?"

Might be obvious. But was important because Nolan liked to win.

"Nice to meet you, Jasmine," Fletcher gave the lady a nod and a smile. "And Val." Another nod for him.

And look, more of their team was showing up! That was encouraging, even if this lady in the purple pantsuit looked.... more appropriate for a business meeting than a bowling tournament. She also looked somewhat familiar... if Fletcher's memory was still sharp, then she worked at Gringotts, right?

"I know how to bowl!" Fletcher raised his hand in a triumphant fist when that one dragon dude spoke up. Was he their captain now? He was cool with that. He was mostly here for the food and eye candy anyway.

He was late, but fashionably so. Or so he liked to think anyway. Hair situation completely under control and definitely ready to get his purple dragon bowling moves on, he strutted over to his land, flopped down unceremoniously in an empty seat and began to put on his studded bowling boots. At least he looked the part, right? Looking was half the battle anyway.

"'Sup," he said as he slipped on his right boot.

Wait...was there and OLD WOMAN on his team? Ha. Maybe he wouldn't be the worst one here after all.

Yes, it had taken her quite a lot of time to get ready.

Yes, she had spent about half an hour trying to pick a dress.

Yes, she had spent at least that much on her make up, and about double of that on her hair.

Yes, then came the shoes, the purse and everything. But in the end, Angelina Eboué was sure she looked perfect in her light purple dress, black high-heels and wavy hair. She was going to be the star! Yes!

If only... she wondered... taking a deep breath, she entered the place a million hours late and looked for the fifth lane.

1&2... 3&4... oh, there it--

Jorge--

Simon!!!--

Beautiful women--

Then a couple of hot guys she didn't recognise--

Oh goodness what was she supposed to do--

"Hello everyone!" She waved and smiled as vastly as her mouth would go in an attempt to hide her anxiety. "I'm--Angelina Eboué, the Malkin's assistant." Hehe, hi, that was her.

"Err... who are Green Grindylows?" She... casually didn't directly greet Jorge or Simon before she had a control over her heart rate.

Mariel and Maria. Another interesting aspect of the evening. Maybe he jsut had to remember MariA was the one who disliked Jorge and MariEL was the one who liked him. One way to keep them straight. "Nice to meet you too," he said returning the smile she sent him (Maria). At least her feelings weren't based on his gender but on something or somethings that must have happened before hand. "I'm alright," Simon answered with all honesty. He didn't really have much experience to be described as really good or really bad.

He was about to sit down to change his own shoes Jorge spoke up and got his attention once more. Was he MLE? Did they know each other? "Yes, I do." he answered in confirmation, trying to focus and place the man in front of him. "Have we met? Do you work for the ministry as well?"

Another smile from the other woman,(Mariel) more proof that however each felt about his other companion, he was safe. He just needed to watch out for any fireworks around him. Mariel turned away and Simon settled down to make sure he was wearing the proper shoes he had been given and ready for when they would actually be starting. It seemed he was to lead the group off. "Hello," he greeted a woman from the other team. (Jasmine).

---------

Since they were mostly there it was directed to begin so Simon returned to his feet to retrieve his ball. It was then that he heard a greeting from a certainly familiar voice and turned to spot Angelina. The auror caught in step at her appearance. "Hello Angelina," he said returning her greeting and smile with ones of his own. "I'm a Green Grindylow...and so are Jorge, Maria and Mariel," he added motioning to the group as a whole. See...their team.

That being said he was reminded that it was his turn to begin and finally made his way to the line of skull balls, selecting on that fit well with him. He then took a deep breath, well more like two or three to gather himself especially at the sight of his friend. When Simon was satisfied, he stepped up to the line, sending the ball down the lane. He watched and waited, the end suddenly near yet all he had managed was 2 pins of the end.

Simon couldn't even look back at the team area before his next shot. He could talk to Angelina when he was done. He repeated his approach, managing 4 more pins this time as he hit the center of the group. The auror would be okay with that...he was just a tad rusty at his bowling.