Victoire picked at her plate of food, tossing her silver fork at the gilded plate in frustration as she refused to consume anything. She was frustrated beyond belief at Rose and especially at Al. She could forgive Rose for her naivety, but she couldn't forgive Al for his harshness. If Al wasn't going to change, then Victoire would have to simply avoid him. Christmastime would be interesting, as she would be forced to spend time with him when their families joined together. Standing up, Victoire made her way from the Great Hall and up towards the Gryffindor Common Room. It had been a long day and she planned to get some sleep to think over the plan for Rose and Kyle.

Alyss sighed and shook her head. These boys were more trouble than they were worth, but they were still her friends. Glancing at the surrounding staring firsties, she narrowed her eyes and gave them all the look. Most of them jumped back slightly and quickly turned their attention elsewhere. When would the ever learn that they shouldn't be mendling in the business of the older students.

Looking back to Kyle, she shrugged. "You to know the two of you are worst than girls sometimes, right?" she asked with a shake of her head. "Go talk to him and make sure he doesn't trample any firsties, well unless he can make it look like it wasn't him or something. I'm not in the mood to have to defend our house to the headmaster." She had other things to do and speaking to the headmaster again about her house's behavior was not on that list of things to do.

Seeing Kyle get up, she looked at him and nodded. "See you and do please think about what I said. You never know what might happen, I mean look at me. Would you really expect me to be where I am right now with who I am with?" She knew she had a point and she just hoped he would see it and understand that some things were actually worth going after.

OOC: Hey all! Stacey and I decided that all of our individual plots got a little slowed down and stuck, so we're moving onto the month of December. Specifically, only a day or two before the Yule Ball. Almost immediately after the Yule Ball, we'll move onto Christmas break. So get to thinking of whether your character will stay at the castle, go home, or go home with others during the holiday! As for now, we'll begin at breakfast.

Victoire made her way into the Great Hall bright and early. She loved the castle dearly, but it got a bit nippy during the harsh months of winter. No student in their right mind left the castle in a snowstorm like this. Taking a seat at the Gryffindor table, Victoire began spooning some cereal into her mouth as she gazed at the horrible weather through the stained-glass windows. Hopefully it would let up soon; if the weather continued to act beastly, there might not be any hope of visiting Matt and Kyle's home, or even returning home for her own family gathering.

Teddy woke, the thunk of a snowball on his window causing his eyes to snap open. Hastily getting out of bed, Teddy peered out of his snow-caked window to discover two unruly second year Hufflepuffs having a snowball fight. "Oi!" He called through the closed window, rapping on it with his fist. "Get inside! You'll catch pneumonia, idiots!" It look a little while for the students to realize that they were being yelled at from a presence inside the castle. Upon hearing a commanding voice, they immediately dropped their snowballs and began fighting their way back towards the castle. Teddy exhaled in frustration and hopped back into bed, pulling the covers over his head like a defiant child. However, after moments of struggle, he found that the kids outside had woken him up for the day. Little runts. Groaning, he peeled off his covers before beginning his morning regimen. The Yule Ball was only in two days and Teddy, now expected to be a highbrow professor rather than a trouble-making student, would have to punish all of the students that were bound to cause trouble.

Matt awoke bright and early, and pulled back the covers. There were three days left to term, and he could not wait to get home to Wales and show Victorie off to his muggle friends. Not that he was showing off, it was just that he liked to rub it in their faces that all the hottest girls were witches. The twins had told the other four members of their band about their actual heritage, knowing that secrets among band members were the cause of most splits.

He crawled out of bed and grabbed a quick shower, deciding that it was best not to tick Kyle off. His mood had only getten worse over the last few months. And of course, his stubborn twin hadn't asked Rose to the ball. But he'd fix that soon enough. He dressed and pulled on his hoodie, already feeling a chill in their room, instantly knowing it'd be worse when he stepped out into the hall way. After tieing up his favorite, worn out pair of converse, he headed down to breakfast. No sooner had he entered, then he spotted Victorie sitting alone. With a smile, he walked towards her and sat down, placing a quick, good morning kiss on her cheek. "Hey there you... Missed you last night." He said, slipping an arm around her waist. "And, has anyone else asked Rose to the ball yet?"

Hearing Matt so rudly slam the door shut on his way out, Kyle sat up in bed, groaning. His sleep that night had been minimal at best, and he was already in a bad mood. Then again, this time of year did that. It was almost worse then Valentines day. The couples walking down the halls hand in hand, stopping for far too long under mistletoe that seemed to chace them everywhere... It sickened him. There had been a time when he'd been in one of those couples. But that was long in the past, and his luck sence had been dismal.

He swung his legs out of bed, and sighed. "Well, I'm awake now." He muttered to himself. He grabbed a rather long for a change shower, and got dressed, making his way to breakfast not long after his twin. He saw him almost instantly with Vic... Go figure. Time to suck up, and secure her place at the dinner table this year while he sat alone, again. He rolled his eyes and walked to the opposite side of the room and sat down at the slytherine house table.

"Head up, love." Lex said, seeing Kyle sit down not too far away from her. He looked completely hollow, like something had sucked the good right out of him. "It's christmas. Surely you can't be so grumpy with all the glitter and cheer."

Kyle turned to look at her, eyes cold and dark. "Bah effing humbug." He spat, before turning back to his breakfast.

"Good morning," Victoire smiled, glad to have Matt and his warmth next to her. There were so few people in the Hall at the moment. Maybe once more people arrived, the temperature would rise. "And as far I as know, I don't think so." She made to spoon more cereal into her mouth, she stopped and began laughing, "There was that one young Gryffindor who plucked up the courage to ask her, but he stuttered so much that I don't think Rose understood a word that he said. The look on his ruddy face was priceless." After recovering from her small bout of chortling, Victoire turned to face Matt, asking in a slightly worried tone, "What about Kyle? Is he still a bit depressed about... about, well, everything?" She frowned, looking towards the Slytherin table as she saw Kyle hunched over, looking forlorn as he sat with Lex.

Victoire shimmied closer to Matt, resting her chin on his shoulder as she looked over his back at Kyle. He was too sweet for his own good. It was a shame that he didn't have enough emotional strength to bother with Rose any longer. Turning back, she began, "I guess we'll have to treat them like third years, then. I don't see any other possible option." Her eyes twinkled when Matt brought up Christmas, excited at the prospect of meeting his family and vice versa. "Don't be sarcastic," She smiled as she shot back at him. "Everything will be fine. I think my maman loves you to pieces already. As for my father..." She trailed off, a small smirk on her lips, "I'm not sure. I'm not even sure if the gathering will be at our cottage this year. It always switches around from our house, to the Burrow, to Al's house, and to Rose's house. Our living arrangements for Christmas depend on if papa, Uncle Harry, Uncle Ron, or my grandparents are hosting. I guess we'll find out once we get back to London."

"Definitely," Victoire smiled, glad that their holiday plans were set for the most part. The part that bothered her was the tension between Rose and Kyle. "Do we really have to ask them out for each other?" She sighed, munching on a few bits more of her cereal. "I'm not even sure if that'll work. We've spent months trying to make it work between them, and as of now I'm all for locking them in a closet." Victoire knew that she was being harsh, but to be honest, her cousin and Kyle were beginning to grate on her nerves with their childish moping, complaning, and stubbornness.

Victoire's frown deepened as she averted her eyes from the table, "Best keep that experience to yourself for now. I don't think I can handle any more negative news until after this whole fiasco is over." Saying those words reminded Victoire that she needed to go dress shopping. "Oh Merlin," She brought her hand to her forehead, "I forgot to get my dress. I should go today, just in case this snowstorm worsens tomorrow." She glared at the blustery weather outside. She had become so caught up in Rose and Kyle's affairs for the Yule Ball that she had almost forgotten about her own to-do list. "What about you? Do you have your dress robes?"

Victoire rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile. "Whatever you want," She answered, shaking her head. It didn't matter to Victoire whether Matt played the part of a dapper gentleman during the Yule Ball, but she rather preferred him to be himself for the night. "Actually," She began, "This might be a good time to see if the children will want to accompany us." Victoire referred to none other than Kyle and Rose. For the time being, they had disappeared. Victoire doubted that she would see Rose until nightfall in the dorms or possibly even at the Ball.

eeepp. missed some. *throws meg and rose into the mix*
 

Rose couldn't believe she overslept. She blamed it on there hardly being any light winter mornings. Rolling out of bed she spent longer than usual getting ready. Then she headed down to breakfast. Without even looking around for someone to sit with she plopped down at the end closest to the door.

Meg woke up in the morning with a huge smile on her face. The most brilliant idea hit her in a dream. She was having no luck with these silly school aged boys. The answer was obvious. She needed an older more mature guy. Putting on her best outfit and making sure she looked absolutely perfect she headed down to breakfast. Now she just needed to scope out the staff table for a suitable guy.

Meg continued surveying the staff table until her eyes fell upon Professor Lupin sitting at the end. Digging through her bag she found the perfect excuse to go and talk to him - the newest quidditch broom magazine. She still had to pick brooms for her team.

She flipped her hair over her shoulder and walked up to him chomping on a piece of bacon. He could use a lesson in manners... but she was completely capable of handling that. She'd dealt with worse. "Hello there." she said to him making sure that the page with the most expensive broom circled was in full view. If she didn't grab his attention, that broom was certainly going to.

"Isley." Meg said. "Megan Isley. And yes. I was hoping to get some advice." she told him. "You see... I've gotten myself a little summer job." she said placing the magazine in full view. "And none of these brooms are allowed here at Hogwarts." she said. In fact, most of them weren't even in the market for public sale. "So I was wondering if you were at all familiar with them."

Teddy nodded, leaning over to take a good look at the magazine. In the pictures on the paper, the expensive brooms zoomed around so fast that it was hard to get a good look at them. "Impressive stuff," He nodded, bringing his gaze to meet hers. "To be honest, I'm only familiar with a few. I haven't ridden any of them, except for the Nimbus 3000. It's a beauty, but I'm afraid the pittance that professors are paid wouldn't be enough to afford one." He chuckled at his own morbid humor. "It's a good thing these brooms aren't allowed here. You think I would be able to catch a foul if the one who committed it was flying around at the speed of light?" He laughed again. "And congrats on the summer job. Does it have to do with quidditch?"

Meg smiled. Oh yeah, the bait was set. "Oh yes. I have to order the brooms and then give each a test run." she explained. Yup, she was proud of herself for not having told him a complete lie like she normally would.

"They're sending me 5 prototypes." she explained. "So far I have only four picked out." she said leaning forward and pointing out a Japanese model, an American model, the new lightening bolt, and the newest nimbus. "Which brings me to my question - If you could ride any of these brooms which would it be?"

"Yeah..." Meg said unable to hide the disappointed. "Daddy's idea of responsibility..." she muttered under her breath. Hopefully her being rich was a good thing to him. "Interesting." she said looking down at the magazine again.

Time for the hook. "I was leaning toward that one myself until I found out that I was supposed to test ride every single one of the brooms that are ordered." she explained. "I really do like flying..." as long as no mud is involved "but going that fast..." she said shaking her head.

Alright Professor, time for your adult instincts to kick in and for you to say that it's far too dangerous for me to test it out... Go on... you know you want to volunteer to do it for me. she thought to herself.

Really? Why did the cute ones always have to be so thick? She thought for a moment. Maybe there was an opportunity to save this conversation.

"Perhaps you are right." she said. "Honestly the thought never came to mind because I wouldn't have to slightest clue on who to ask to take over my place."

Meg smiled her brillaint million Galleon smile. Thatta boy Professor...

"My job isn't actually with the broommakers. It's with a new quidditch team." she said. "You may have read in the Prophet about a large amount of land bought in California in the States... I have it on good authority that this is for that team." she explained. And by good authority she meant her source was herself... the one who had the job of making a quidditch team thanks to her crazy father.

"And I'm positive that the team owners would be absolutely delighted to have someone like yourself on board." she said brightly. She'd figure out how to break the news later that she was the team owner. But but the time she needed to share that information she hoped he'd already be wrapped around her finger.

"And since you were only looking at three brooms... I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you kept two prototypes for yourself since 5 were in the budget." she explained. "And would you like them shipped here?" she asked retrieving the catalog from the back of the magazine. "I believe they're only out of the question for students, but not for a man such as yourself."

Oh yeah. Brilliant save by Megan Isley! Too bad Aly wasn't here at the moment. She would absolutely love how coy Meg was being right now.

And Aly
 

Meg let out a few polite laughs. Yes, humor would have to be another thing they worked on. "Well I'll come by your office when the brooms get in." she said. "If I send the owl off soon I expect they'll be here by dinnertime." she said casually. Oh yeah, they didn't make rich people wait. Won't he be surprised when she came by the office later with them. She gave him another winning smile and then turned around and headed toward Aly.

"Hey." he said sitting across from her best friend. "You'll never guess what I just did." she said in a sing-song voice.

Alyss looked up as she heard the voice of her best friend. She knew that tone and smirked. Oh this was going to be good. "Well seeing that you are coming from up there," she smirked as she motioned toward Professor Lupin. "This is going to be extremely good." She had no idea what her best friend was playing at, but she already liked it.

"I've decided I need an older man." Meg explained. "And it seems that Professor Lupin is the lucky guy." she said with a smirk. "It never ceases to amaze me what guys would do for the chance to ride one of these." she said tossing the magazine on the table.

She then finished and whistled for her owl, which was waiting to be summoned. "You know what to do." she said to her owl as she placed the form in the cute little bag the owl had. "And make sure they know this order is top priority." she said. The owl hooted and flew off.

"Ah, I love being me." she said grabbing a nearby cup and filling it with pumpkin juice. Step one of her little plan was a success.

Meg smiled. "If you'd like you can help me deliver the brooms before dinner. I can give you a quick introduction." she offered. That way if things didn't work out for her then Aly could have a go.

"I'm beginning to think that my father was actually right. This quidditch thing is doing wonders for my life." she said happily.

She then drummed her fingers on the table for a second. "What say you to a New Year's party on the island?" she asked. She felt the need for a good party. Sure the Yule Ball was coming up, but that was not the same as a New Year's party.

Alyss smirked. Oh she really did love being friends with Meg. There was never really a dull moment, was there. "I'm in. I don't have rounds tonight and my schedule is pretty clear at the moment," she replied as she glanced over to the Gryffindor table for a second before looking up toward the staff table.

Alyss had to laugh, she could have told Meg that. Alyss have her fair share of good things happen to her because of Quidditch and she didn't even play the sport.

"What time should I be there and what is our theme this year?" she smiled. There was no doubt in her mind that she won't be there. She was never one to turn down a good party.

"Fantastic." Meg said clapping her hands together. Seriously, how did people live without a life as perfect as hers?

"Hmm... you know what? I'm tired of plans. Let's just throw a party. A generic come as you are party. We've never done that before." she said. And it could be fun. "And since it seems like we're all making new friends this term, we should toss the invite list as well."

Meg just smirked. Oh yes. They were little geniuses.

"So you about ready to head to class?" she asked. She had finished eating a while ago and she was eager to run her idea by the twins. They weren't in the Great Hall so she could only assume that the only place she'd see them was in class since they were both hanging around Weasley girls. Oh well, she could only hope that whatever was going around causing her friends to randomly be attracted to such people would soon pass.

Alyss set her goblet down and nodded. "I believe so, there really isn't much left to do here," she replied. A part of her had wanted to catch up with Al and talk to him, but again she was unable to found him. Perhaps she'd have a chance later or something.

Picking up her bag, she swung it over her shoulder and flipped her hair.

Meg stood up. She held her hand out and her bag flew from the Ravenclaw to her. "I love magic." she said flipping her hair over her shoulder too. She then began heading toward the exit with her best friend.

"Hopefully this class won't be too boring. It's almost time for the Yule Ball and I have much better things to do than go to class."

OOC: Oh eff. This is what happens when I get a bunch of days off work and I decide to go partying... I miss everything!

Matt laughed and shrugged. "Well, seeing as today is a short class day, I think we could swing by Hogsmead for a short shopping trip." He said, as he finished of his breakfast. His eyes watched as Meg chatted with Lupin, and clearly attempted her best flirting. Good, give him someone else to be stalking... Keep him away from Vic and I. He thought, laying down his goblet. "I'll run it by Kyle during class, but I make no promises." He yawned and looked over at his brither, who still loked less then thrilled about being alive at that moment.

Kyle finished up his breakfast and stood from the table. Sitting with Lex like that Made him uncomfortable, because he could see the look in her eye changing. He already knew she didn't have a date for the ball, and neither did he. But he wasn't about to go with her if his life depended on it. "Ill see you in class." He said before he left the great hall, and headed off to transfigurations.

Al woke up late. Very late. He looked at the clock, unable to believe that the time it read was actually the time it was. He jumped out of bed and quickly got ready for his day, then jogged down to the great hall for a quick breakfast before class. He still had to talk to Alyss to make sure they were still going to the ball together, and he had to check with Rose, to see what her plans were for that night. And if she was going to be a brat, and not go, he'd drag her anyway. He, Matt, and Vic had worked to hard to get her and Kyle together to have it fall apart now.

Alyss nodded in agreement as they walked to their first lesson. "Well, at least it is a short day of lessons and all," she yawned. "Besides, maybe we will luck out and it will be a free period. I mean some of these professors must be looking forward to the Ball too." There was normal weren't they?

"Well I certainly hope at least one professor is looking forward to it." Meg said with an evil smirk. And if he wasn't looking forward to now, he better be soon. "So has the Potter kid asked you yet?" she asked.

OOC: It's okay, Stacey. xD
 

Victoire nodded, although she caught where Matt's gaze had gone. Was that Meg and Teddy? Those two were actually holding a conversation? They were complete opposites! Victoire began glaring before she realized what she was doing. Why was she getting protective? She assured herself that it was only sisterly affection that she felt for him, as they had known each other for years. Taking one last sip from her goblet, she wiped her mouth with a napkin before readying to leave, "Divination starts soon, and I have a while to walk. I'll try to catch up with Al. Hopefully he's in a better mood today." Rolling her eyes, she gave Matt a quick kiss goodbye before making her way down towards the other end of the Gryffindor table, only to find Al quickly shoving food down his throat. "Want to walk to Trelawney's together? We need to finalize a few things about our group project," She spoke smoothly, but there was an undertone that revealed that she wanted to talke about Rose and Kyle.

"Not really," Victoire sighed, shaking her head. "Matt plans to talk to Kyle this morning. And as for Rose, I need to make a quick Hogsmeade trip to get my dress. I know it's last minute, but it would be the perfect opportunity to talk to her. Which reminds me, have you talked to Alyss? Maybe you could enlist her to help me today, so she, Rose, and I could all go down to Hogsmeade together?" Victoire knew she was rambling, but she had so many ideas floating around in her mind that she knew one of them would be bound to work.

Alyss smirked and laughed softly. "Well, considering he's the youngest, I would hope he would be looking forward to it. He appears normal," she smiled as the continued walking. "Al? Not in so many words." She wasn't completely sure but who in their right mind would stand up a Dewley?

"Really. The ball is around the corner and he hasn't asked you yet?" Meg asked. What was wrong with him? "Does he think you'll just wait around to be asked?"

She then stopped walking and turned to face her friend. "Wait. Are you just waiting around?"

Alyss shrugged a shoulder and rolled her eyes slightly. "I haven't seen him in a few days," she explained. Prefect business was getting in the way of any of her free time.

"Meg, you really think I would just wait around for someone?" she laughed. No that was not the Dewley way at all. "I may have a few tricks up my sleeve."

Meg let out a sigh of relief. "Good. I'm glad I haven't completely lost you." she said putting a hand on her friend's shoulder. "You shouldn't scare me like that."

"So, what are these tricks and do you need me to do anything?" she asked continuing to walk once more.

Alyss smirked slightly. Just because she was involved with a Gryffindor didn't mean she had settled. No, she would never settle. Yes, it was something new to her, but she wasn't about to wait around either. "I will try not to scare you again," she laughed. "Beside, you could never be lost completely. It would take an extraordinary event for that to happen and I highly doubt such a thing expects here at Hogwarts."

Again, she smirked. "I just might need help, but nothing it set yet. You know I always have my eyes open for the next possible thing," she explained. Yes, she did like Al and she didn't mind being with him and all, but she wasn't foolish enough to think that what they had or could have would last forever or something.

Al pouted a little. "I've already had her talking to Kyle, and from what I can gather, he dosen't seem to keen on the whole idea of waiting around for her any longer." He said, walking along with Victorie still. "And honestly, I can'e see her doing much good with Rose, because I get the impression Rose is rather against us daiting Slytherines. Especially the ones we're with." He looked over and shrugged. "I dunno what else we can do, short of telling her she's mental for passing up something that has this much potential." He said, looking away again. He was still not overly thrilled with his cousin, but he was dealing with his frustrations, for Rose's sake.

Victoire shrugged, her idea already being mentally washed down the drain. "Alright, fine. I guess I'll just try to convince Rose to come with me." As they ascended the grand staircase and passed a large, stained-glass window, Victoire frowned as the snowstorm seemed to be gaining strength, and fast. "Maybe she'll be offer some help in getting through this damned weather if she agrees to go to Hogsmeade," Victoire glared at the torrential snow, as if willing it to stop. She grasped her cloak around herself more tightly as they continued to make their way to Divination.

Victoire turned a corner as they reached the correct floor, walking a bit ahead of Al as the time for class to begin was nearing. "Whatever you wish," She answered. "But I plan to see this through. If it doesn't work out at the Yule Ball, then maybe you're right after all." As she spoke, the breath that filtered out of her mouth was ever so slightly visible in the air. They really needed to magick a heating system into the castle. It was no wonder that someone had been hospitalized with pneumonia.

Meg laughed. "Good." she said. "Hopefully Potter does wise up. Otherwise he'd have to face our wrath." And Meg honestly didn't think the Potter kid was worth that trouble. She tossed her hair over her shoulder as she neared the classroom.

"Oh, I hope this day goes by quickly... well... the lesson part anyway. I wouldn't mind my meeting with Professor Cutie going as long as possible."

Rose finished off her breakfast and headed toward class. Her silly cousins had divination, but she was heading off to Ancient Runes. She was like her mother that way. She took the meaningful classes instead of the silly ones.

Alyss smirked and flipped her hair slightly as they walked through the door. "Well, I will give him the benefit of the doubt....for now," she replied. "He isn't all that bad, different but not bad." She did like him and he really wasn't like the other guys. She was used to the Jay and twin types, but Al was a breathe of fresh air for her at times.

"You are so bad!" Alyss laughed. "I do want full detail though. Professor Cutie is quite the looker after all."

Al shrugged again as they reached the classroom. "Yeah." He said lazily, walking inside and taking his seat. He pulled his books from his bag and flipped to the previous nights home work. He had a feeling that it was going to be checked today, and thankfully, he'd actually taken time to do it the night before. "Just do me a favour and try not to ruin Rose. We don't need two lost causes in the family." He said cooly, looking over his shoulder at the blonde.

Kyle had been on his way to class when Matt caught up with him, humming some christmas song to himself. "You're in quite the merry mood today, brother." He said coldly, glancing over.

"And you most certiantly are not." He said, slightly taken back by the ice on his twins voice. He slung an arm around his shoulders and shook him slightly. "Vic and I are going to hogsmead after classes. She needs to go dress shopping, and I still need to get mum's christmas gift. Come with me, and keep me sane while she tries on clothes... Lord knows I'll need someone there to keep me from losing it." He said cheerfully.

Kyle thought about it for a minute. He did need to do some last minute shopping of his own, and he needed a new tie as well. And walking to Hogsmead alone in this weather was not going to be fun, so he nodded. "Alright." He said through a sigh. "I'll go." he said, almost reluctantly.

Victoire didn't bother giving him the courtesy of a proper response. With a succinct 'hmph!,' she had risen from her seat and made her way over to another table, one that was empty. Al needed to grow up. Victoire wasn't going to give him the opportunity to throw any more snide remarks her way. Their arrangement at the moment was purely business and for Rose's sake, not for anything else. Tossing her bag onto the table rather roughly, and almost knocking down a crystal ball as she did so, Victoire began scavenging for her homework, her quill, and her bottle of ink as she waited for class to commence.

Class ended rather quickly, but not quite quickly enough for Al's liking. He could still Vic's anger radiating off her in constant waves, even as she sat several chairs ahead off him. It annoyed him to no end, that she didn't realise how aweful Matt was. Ok yes, he hadn't done anything... Yet. But he had a funny feeling that something would, and soon. He packed up his belongings and headed out the door first, anxious to get out of there and find Rose. Clearly Matt and Victorie were incapeable of playing proper match makers, so it was up to himself and Alyss to get the pair together.

Matt snapped back into reality once the professor said class had ended. He'd zoned out half way through, too lazy to really pay any mind to was was being tought. If it was anything of any real importance, like music theory, he was sure Kyle'd have the notes. He yawned and threw his books into his backpack and jogged down the corridor after Kyle who'd left in a hurry. "What's your rush? The gates won't open for another hour." He said, falling into step with his twin.

Kyle just shrugged. "I just didn't want to be in class anymore" He replied, a little more moodily then he'd intended. He sighed and followed Matt down to their dorm to change before their trip to hogsmead. This was sure to be a riot, no sarcasm intended. Watching Vic try on clothes, and Matt attempt to be an expert in fashion. Matt could clean up nicely when he wanted to... The only problem was, he never wanted to. Kyle, on the other hand, knew what he was talking about, at least to an extent. He flopped down on his matress and closed his eyes. Perhaps a few minutes of peace and quiet would lighten his mood.

Victoire was glad that Al had chosen to rush away before she had. If he wanted to act like a child, fine. She could sort out her own affairs without any of his help. Making her way down the staircase from the divination classroom, Victoire checked her wristwatch to see that she still had another hour until the students were to be let out into the local village. That is, if the storm let up. Looking out of a window as she passed, the snow didn't seem to be falling as heavily. Whether or not the weather let up, Victoire knew that she had to complete her mission of finding a dress for the Yule Ball. She quickly made her way to Gryffindor Tower to dress in warmer clothes before she began the descent to the Entrance Hall, where all of the other students who wanted to brave the weather were gathered. There weren't many, as most preferred the warmth of the castle to the blizzard, no matter how tempting a warm butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks sounded.

"Well he better act soon. Otherwise he'll have your wrath to face." Meg said smirking. "And I wish that on nobody."

She took a seat at her normal desk and waited all through class. Finally the bell rang. "Is it just me or do classes seem abnormally long during the winter?" she asked standing up.

She peered outside the window. "Oh, this is no good, it's like a blizzard outside..." she said. "The owls with the broomsticks aren't going to make it through this..."

Rose gathered her belongings after the end of class and headed straight to the library. She did not want any homework to do over the holidays. So with the thought in mind of having two straight weeks of not worrying about school she began working on her assignments.

"Well, let's hope he does or else I shall be going with Jay or something." Alyss smirked. For a boyfriend, Al really wasn't around all that much. She was seriously going to give him just a bit longer before she took matters into her own hands.

Sliding from her seat, she let out a yawn. "It's abnormally long all year long." she replied as she yawned again. It really was a boring lesson and it only got more boring as they got older.

Her eyes glanced to the window and frowned. "It looks terrible out there." she said. The storm wasn't set to high for a few days, but it must have taken a turn for the worst. "Well, they better find a way to get through. They do need to be here, don't they?" There seriously had to be a way for them to get there on time, if not what use was money if it didn't deliver when needed.

After pulling on his trademark leather jacket, and his favorite pair of biker style boots, Matt threw Kyle's jacket at him. "Get up." He said lightly. Kyle just opened and eye at him and groaned. "Vic is waiting on me. And I'm waiting on you. Therefore, she's waiting on you too." He said, pulling his brother out of bed.

Kyle sighed and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. With a quick stretch and a yawn, he too pulled on a warmer jacket. "Ok, ok. I'm up." He said with a groan. He followed Matt down the hall, and up to the main entrence. "Apparently, you were wrong." He said, looking around. No blonde, and no redhead. "You got me up for nothing."

Victoire tightened her cream-colored scarf around her neck as she tapped her fingers. Where were the twins? And more importantly, had Al mentioned the shopping trip to Rose? Probably not. What a prick. He was most likely playing chess in the common room while Rose was probably in the library, putting her nose to the grind as she worked on the holiday coursework that had been doled out by numerous professors. Pursing her lips, she stood and began to walk towards the main entrance. If no one was going with her, Victoire would have to brave the weather alone. Or at least, in the company of other students who were choosing to do the same.

As the caretaker arrived to undo the lock, Victoire tightened her cap over her head as she pulled it over her ears. Her nerves tensed as they seemed to brace for the oncoming cold. Suddenly, a passing glance over her shoulder revealed to her Kyle. That meant Matt was somewhere nearby. She turned to join them, pushing her way through a group of tittering sixth years.

Meg laughed. "And showing up with Jay again would be a fate worse than death. Everyone knows you can't have the same escort to a dance more than once in a year unless you're an item."

Meg continued looking out the window then smirked. "I say we go pick it up in person." she said. "Which fireplaces do you think are connected to the floo?"

Alyss shook her head. "Well, let's just hope Al finds me before I find Jay." she shrugged. Jay was her last resort and she didn't want to have to go to him, but her own boyfriend hasn't officially asked her and she was not one to wait long for such things.

"Perhaps the one in the Headmaster's office," Alyss replied as she glanced from the window to the corridor before them. "Or maybe the one in the Head of House's offices. Maybe you could talk Jacobsen to let you use her floo?"

Victoire took Matt's hand and took a good look at Kyle. This was the most depressed she had seen him, ever. He was stuck in an emotional rut and Rose's absence wasn't doing anything to help his depression. "Sadly," She sighed, "That bit of the plan didn't work out. Rose is probably off in the library somewhere. As for Al," Her tone became noticeably darker as she spoke his name, "I hope that he's off trying to talk some sense into her. She can't live in the library for the rest of the school year." It was sad to see Kyle in such a state; it was almost like looking at a wounded puppy. "Maybe a butterbeer will cheer you up?" She inquired, smiling hopefully. "Or maybe some firewhiskey?"

"Oh, where's the fun in asking though?" Meg said. "I was thinking more along the lines of where can we break in to?" she said starting down the hall.

Or they could always head into Hogsmeade and use the floo there. But that would involve walking in the blizzard. And that didn't sound too appealing.

Alyss laughed and shook her head. "Well considering it is Jacobsen, I'm sure you'd get way with it." she smirked. "I do have access to her office and all." There were advantages to being a prefect. "She had lesson all day, so she'll never know we were there."

Kyle looked up as he saw the coouple return, and forced a smile. "Honestly, it's going to take a lot more then firewhisky." He said, glancing away. Maybe a year and a half world tour, with all the girls I could handle? He added in his head. He needed some sort of distraction to take his mind off Rose. Then it struck him. Meg. She wasn't wait Jay, and the pair of them had been friends for years... Perhaps she'd be his date for the ball. He glanced around looking for the dark haired ravenclaw, but for a change, couldn't see her. No worries, he'd just ask her when they returned. It's not like Rose was going to magically change her mind and want to go with him.

Matt watched as the look in his brother's eyes changed ever so slightly, and arched an eyebrow. Being twins, they could generally read what the other was thinking, but this time, Kyle was still blank. Whatever it was, it was either going to make him angry, or upset the whole school. He leaned into Vic, and slid an arm around her waist. "I don't like that look." He said quietly. "He's up to something now. And I can't tell what it is."

Al went into the library, looking for a book he needed to finish off his holiday homework, when he spotted his cousin at a table all alone. He grabbed his book from the shelf and then sat across from her, opening the book and flipping to the pages he needed. "Why aren't you down in the entry way with Vic? I thought you were going to help her pick out a new dress for the ball." He said casually, as he began to answer several questions assigned to him. "Shes waiting for you, and you know how hostile she can be when kept waiting."

Victoire nodded swiftly enough so that Kyle wouldn't catch her. Putting on a cheery grin, she cocked her head slightly as she inquired, "Any reason that you're smiling? Don't tell me you've planned to cause mayhem on the Hogsmeade trip." She was prodding ever so gently, to see if he would reveal whatever went through his head. It was normal for one to be so depressed, then suddenly so joyous. If Matt wasn't going to be able to figure out Kyle's plans, then Victoire would give it a shot.

Meg giggled. "Well look at you Miss Prefect. Are you offering to sneak me away from Hogwarts? Or, I daresay, are you even thinking of joining me?" she asked.

"Vic is going to buy a dress?" Rose asked. "How many does one girl need? And has she even seen the weather. I doubt she can bring it back without it being ruined." she said.

"Plus, she never invited me to go." she added.

Alyss shrugged and smiled innocently. "And why should you be allowed to have all the fun?" she laughed. If Meg was going to sneak out of the castle, she was so going with her bestie! "Think of it as having a personal escort. I mean, prefects are here to help their fellow students, right?" Okay, helping her sneak out of the castle wasn't really what the rules had in mind, but loopholes were loopholes.

Meg laughed. "Why Aly, you have such a way with words. I knew I kept you around for a reason." she said with a smirk.

She then began leading the way to Professor Jacobsen's office.

Alyss smiled. "Yes, I am quite useful at times." she laughed. She wasn't made a prefect just because of her family, she did have hidden talents after all. Her use of words had gotten her out of many a sticky situations.

Glancing down the corridor, she smirked as she followed toward Jacobsen's office.

Al shrugged and glanced up from his book. "I think she assumed you knew you were invited. Who else is she going to take shopping? Me? Yeah, that'd go over well." He said with a smirk and a light laugh. "Go on, I'm sure she's still down in the entrence waiting for the twins. Apparently they've got their own shopping to attend to. Vic's going to need some company." Really, you just need to go spend time with Kyle and see what you're missing out on. He added to himself. He looked away from her and set back to work, flipping through the pages of his book and jotting down more answers to questions.

Kyle shook his head."Would you rather me be glum and moody, or am I allowed to smile should I feel the need?" He said sarcastically. "I just figured out what I was going to get Mum for christmas. I had no idea before, but now I do, which cuts down on the amount of time I'm out in that weather." He glanced out the window as the snow continued to fall. It wasn't as violent as before, and the wind wasn't nearly as strong. They might return with their heads after all...

OOC: Sorry I spooked off for a couple days without letting you guys know. Me and one of my friends went to a concert five hours away, and spent thr weekend there. On the plus side, I saw Three Days Grace. Downside, sun burnt my shoulders pretty bad. Oww.

"So what's the best way in?" Meg asked. She had never much paid attention to who had offices inside their classroom, who had them down the hall, and who had them right next door. She stayed out of their business if they stayed out of hers.

ooc: welcome back!

"Fine." Rose said slamming her book shut. (She didn't do it on purpose though. Some of her books where just that big.) "I've just finished anyway." she said. She wouldn't have agreed to go if her work wasn't finished. "Are you coming too?" she asked. "I don't want to be stuck by myself with her trying on a million dresses."

Alyss glanced down the corridor and then turned down another corridor just before the HoM classroom. "Jacobsen's office is usually unlocked when she is in lessons, but I know she's out of the castle with her second year class," she explained as she stopped in front of the door and pulled out her wand. "So I'm thinking she locked her door, but we can soooo get past a locked door."

Victoire simply shook her head, still smiling although she didn't believe a word that Kyle said. No doubt that Matt was having issues believing his twin as well. Turning her head, she noticed the caretaker still fumbling with the lock to set the students free. He was fiddling through a large ring of keys as many students began tapping their feet impatiently. "Alright, good," She answered, nodding at Kyle. Victoire didn't want to leave the impression that she was suspicious of Kyle. He was already in a pretty wild whirlwind of mood swings as it was; she didn't need him to get snippy with her if their plan was going to work.

"Oh, yes we can." Meg said with an evil little smirk. "You're brilliant, you know. It's such a shame that your evil side won out. I would have loved the company." she said. Or maybe Meg just simply wasn't Slytherin enough.

Al glanced up and shrugged. "Yeah sure. I was going to go talk to Alyss after I finished up my homework, but I guess she's going to be down there too." He said, closing his book as well and placing it in his bag. "I could use the air, even if it is freezing out." He stretched and stood up, putting the strap of his bookbag over his shoulder. "C'mon then, before she gets even more impatient."

Matt arched an eyebrow at Kyle. Liar. He already has mum's gift. He thought, shaking his head. Kyle was clearly up to something, and he was going to get to the bottom of it. "Alright then man, whatever you say." He said, with a light sarcastic tone, he knew Kyle would pick up on. His twin glared, but the sudden gush of cold air caused the pair to look towards the doors which were now open. "Should we give Al another minute?" He asked Vic quietly. "Incase he's dragging her down kicking and screaming?"

Victoire nodded ever so slightly as she gave Matt a positive answer. If Rose appeared, their day and the trip would be salvaged. But, what could they do to make Kyle wait another moment? All in the vicinity wanted to make the Hogsmeade trip as quick as possible for fear of getting caught in the heavy weather. "Oh!" She piped up, "Before I forget." Pulling a jar from her bag and her wand from her pocket, she began, "My aunt showed me this spell that she used at Hogwarts, when she was outside during the winter. It's supposed to create blue flames that keep everyone within a five foot radius warm. Now, let me see if I can remember the incantation." Victoire flicked her wand and murmured a few words, but nothing happen.

Victoire, of course, remembered the spell and had performed it before. However, as she hoped that Rose would soon descend the Grand Staircase and join them, she pretended to act like the dumb blonde that she was sometimes considered to be. "Sorry," She murmured, acting embarrassed as she attempted the spell again and pointed her wand at the jar, "It's a bit of tricky magic. But once I get it to work, it'll be worth it."

"Brilliant." Rose said happy that she wouldn't be stuck on a shopping trip alone. She still had no idea how Victoire was planning on getting a dress up to the castle in a blizzard... but that really wasn't her problem.

She lead the way out of the library and headed down the stairs.

Hmm... she probably should have insisted she take her books back up to the Gryffindor tower first. Oh well, it was nothing a little feather-light spell and a water-repelling charm wouldn't fix.

Alyss smirked as she quietly alohomora the door and peeked inside. "Well, I do aim to be evil and all," she laughed as she slide through the door and waved her bestie in. The coast was clear. "I really do think with the robes you could so pass for a snake though. We should try it." No one would really doubt it and if they did, what could they really do?

Matt watched her try and stall their departure. The dumb blonde act probably wasn't going to fool Kyle, but they'd just have to wait and see. "Take your time darling, we've got all afternoon." He said with a smile. He glanced up the staircase behind his twin, looking to see it Al and Rose were decending it yet. No such luck. He sighed inwardly and slipped an arm around Vic's waist again.

Al nodded and lead her from the library and down the first of many stairways. He knew he only had a short window of time before the three would give up and leave. "So any idea on what you're getting Vic for christmas?" He asked, trying to keep the conversation flowing, with light and happy topics. "I was thinking shoes. Or perhaps a new bracelet or something. She really is impossible to shop for."

"Oh I can just imagine the look on everyone's face if I just show up to your common room one day wearing green." Meg said laughing. She looked both ways and then slipped through the door.

"Really, a locked door? That was it?" she asked. It was a bit boring... but oh well... it was best they not be missing for long.

She headed straight to the fireplace and rummaged around the nearby jars and vases searching for floo powder.

Rose shrugged. "You know that girl is pleased with clothes. It is a bit boring getting her the same things every year, but I guess that way you can't really go wrong." she said. Every year Rose just waited until the last second and bought whatever outfit they were showing off in the window of a store for her.

Alyss smirked and shook her head. "You know the boys would just love it," she replied as she stored her wand and moved further into the office.

"Jacobsen's too trusting, but her foolishness is our gain," she added as she leaned on a desk. The office was pretty neat and orderly. "Try the fourth jar. I think she has a thing for the number four."

"True enough." He replied, as they decended the final staircase. He glanced around the hall, and spotted the trio right away. "I see her." He said with a lopsided smile. He grabbed Rose's hand so he wouldn't lose her, and lead her towards Matt, Kyle, and Victorie. "Hello all." he said as politely as he could, without wanting to rip Matt's head off his shoulders. "Sorry we're a bit late. Had to finish up some last minute homework. Have the gates opened yet?" He asked, looking between them.

Oh thank Merlin, he managed to get her to come. Matt thought with a smile, and a light sigh of relief. "Yeah, they just did. You two ready?" He asked. He glanced over at Kyle, who, once again, looked less then thrilled. Then again, the girl who'd broken his heart without trying was right infront of him again. No matter. He was sure his twin would deal with it, and perhaps even invite her to the ball. After all, he wasn't about to treat him like a first year. He'd have to ask her himself if he wanted to go with her.

Kyle looked up as another voice joined their conversation, and saw both Rose and Albus standing infront of them. And instantly, his heart sank into his stomach. Just when he'd started to think he might get over her, there she was, right infront of him, looking as pretty as ever bundled up in a deep purple turtle neck, and her coat. Oh lord, what are they playing at. No matter, I'm still going to ask Meg to go to the ball with me. I know she has no date, and with Jay out of the picture, she'll be looking for someone of equal stature to go with. He thought, nodding curtly to the pair.

Victoire smiled inwardly as her cousins approach. Finishing up her act, she properly performed the spell and blue flames appeared within the glass jar. "Excellent," She commented, grinning as she turned to Al and Rose. No matter how much they happened to hate each other at the moment, Victoire was happy that Al had deigned to be present in front of Matt. Turning to look at Kyle, she didn't like the fact that he still looked as glum as if his mother had died. "Let's go," She began, leading the way as she was the keeper of the warmth. As soon as Victoire stepped out, a flurry of snowflakes almost blinded her before the blue flames began to melt the snow in their immediate surroundings away. "Keep close," She addresed them all as she continued to trudge along. "Unless you want to freeze."

Al nodded and followed Victorie out into the weather. Shockingly, it wasn't half as bad as he had expected it to be. Yes, it was cold, and wet, but the flames Victorie held in the jar made it better. He stuck close to her and Pulled up the hood of his jacket. The last thing he wanted was to get too cold, and end up sick before the ball.

Matt slipped an arm around Victorie's waist, and pulled his hood over his head. Dispite the flames, it was still cold. And the constant flurry of snow was enough to drive him mad. If there was one thing he hated, it was snow. "Bloody cold." He muttered, tightening his green and silver scarf a little more around his throat. That was really the only thing he worried about, because if he lost his voice, he was useless.

Kyle rolled his eyes at Vic's 'keep close' comment, and hung back from the group. He couldn't be around her, he just couldn't. He was over it, he was even thinking about moving on. But now Al dragged her down here, on a trip he didn't even want to go on. He was half thinking about turning back and going back to the dorms, but realized that he was closer to Hogsmead now. To walk all this way and not get what he wanted to get done was pointless. He sighed and kept following the others silently, not knowing what to say.

Victoire pulled her scarf up over her nose, the biting wind feeling like someone had stuck pins in her face. Looking over her shoulder ever so slightly, she noticed that Kyle hung back. Would Rose do the same? Or would she make an excuse to join them up in the front? Turning her head as she attempted to make her way faster through the flurry of snowflakes, she knew that there was no chance of making a romantic intervention between the two in this ghastly weather. "Three Broomsticks, or shopping first?" Her words almost came out incoherently through the fabric of her scarf. Her words were short only because she wanted to make it to the warmth of the village, any shop in the village, soon.

Meg counted over four jars and then popped the lid off of the jar in question.

"Brilliant call Aly." she said grabbing a handful of the powder. She tossed it into the fireplace. Soon emerald flames were roaring. "Looks like floo." she said grabbing another handful. She stood in the fireplace and said, "Quality Quidditch Supplies - back room", while throwing the rest of the powder at her feet.

Rose instantly froze as the doors were opened. She quickly said "Impervius" casting a water-resistant spell on herself. That should at least make the journey tolerable.

They had better be going to the Three Broomsticks soon. She could use a butterbeer. She looked ahead at the others. The wind was blowing way too hard for her to hear what they were saying.

Alyss smirked and admired her nails slightly. She did always seem to notice the most random things about all her professors. Jacobsen was no exception. Looking back just in time to see the emerald flames, she pushed herself off the desk and made her way to the fireplace. Jacobsen wouldn't be back for an hour or two and she didn't really want to be caught alone there.

Taking some floo powder, she made to set into the center of the hearth and said in a clear voice, "back room of the Quality Quidditch Supplies," before tossing the powder at her feet. Oh, she just hoped the power wouldn't ruin her shoes. Cute shoes were so hard to come by in the middle of winter.

Meg emerged from the fireplace into a room in the back of the Quidditch store. Not many people knew about this room. It seemed like it reserved for special customers and those buying things in bulk. "I hate the floo." she said aiming her wand at her robes. A jet of air zoomed out of her wand and cleared off the dust.

She walked up to the counter. Before she could even ring the bell an older man appeared and said, "Oh yes, Miss Isley, just got your order..." and hurried again around back.

Kyle approached the door to the three broomsticks and went inside. He didn't care if the others followed, he just wanted to get out of the weather. He walked over to the bar and sat down on a stool. THe bartender walked over and asked for his order. "Just a butterbeer." He said, pushing his hood down.

Matt noticed as Kyle walked past them and into the small pub that was already crawling with students. He nudged Vic, and followed him inside, shaking the snow out of his hair. "Think we could somehow sneak off while the two of them talk?" He asked, looking over his shoulder quickly at Rose.

Victoire lowered her scarf as they received a reprieve from the biting cold of the falling snowflakes. "Yes, but quickly," Victoire murmured, hurrying him along to a booth in the corner of the establishment. If Rose noticed the two of them sneaking off, would she follow? Hopefully not. Rose and Kyle were the same in that they didn't like being around couples as much as they could help it. Quickly sliding into the booth, she peeked around a table full of wizards to peer at Kyle alone at the bar and at Rose. Where had Al disappeared to? Maybe he had gotten the hint and had gone elsewhere to let Rose find her way to Kyle? "Do you think this excursion will do the trick?" She asked as the bar mair approached to take their order. "Because at the moment, it seems like both of them would rather go to Azkaban than be anywhere near each other."