The Vexmoor Gallery
 

Anyone?
 

Louise had no words to describe the relief she felt a month ago when she heard she had not been eliminated after the first round. While she'd have liked to win the competition, she at the bare minimum wanted to at least make it through two rounds.

This social event was quite the affair though, the seventh year decided. A cruise ship on the black lake on a weekend night, right before Christmas. Even though she didn't have anyone officially she was taking, she had an agreement with a fellow seventh year Thunderbird, should they need partners for any part of the evening. They were good friends like that.

Not really hungry, Louise ventured to another part of the ship, when she came across the art gallery. Now this was something she could appreciate. Walking along slowly, she gazed upon the paintings, when she finally took a seat on one of the benches facing a rather scenic and colorful painting. This was nice and quiet, which made it all the more enjoyable.

Mention of Louise..
 

Oh hello cute librarian!
 

Louise would have had to been naive to think this place would stay empty for eternity but she was definitely enjoying the peace and quiet while it existed. Thinking about the fact that in five days she would be celebrating her eighteenth birthday and while she was already a legal adult in the wizarding community, there was this grown up feeling lingering from being so in the no-maj community as well. Then there was the fact that in three days her parents and brother were flying to Scotland to visit for birthday celebrations; whoever thought she would be in a foreign country for her eighteenth birthday. It seemed surreal.

Hearing a voice broke her train of thought and the seventh year glanced up where her gaze fell upon a very handsome man. Why did no one warn her about the good looking staff at Hogwarts? While she loved the experience at Ilvermorny and the education she received there, Hogwarts definitely had her soon-to-be alma mater beat in the good looking staff department.

Unless, perhaps he was a seventh year like herself? He hadn't exactly scolded her for being by herself or saying it was time to go join the others for an official competitors dance.

"Quite lovely. Just thought it might be nice to enjoy some artwork first before I get too sleepy," Because dancing and food and music would keep her awake.

open post! ^_^
 

After getting himself a glass of mocktail, River found himself wandering the ship in search of warmth, peace and quiet. If he was going to be honest with himself, he wasn't too excited about the idea of a ball, simply because it wasn't the kind of party he would attend. Just ask Roderik Hirsch. But for the sake of showing off British hospitality, and to keep an eye out for trouble-makers, River found himself aboard the Merlin's Pride making the most out of the situation.

Nonchalantly, the Healer opened the door to the gallery and took on a slow pace as he watched and studied each painting that was on display. River paused as he came across an enchanted porcelain tea sets, and found his gaze glued to the item. Stuffing his hand into his trousers' pocket, River brought his flute of mocktail to his lips and took a sip of his drink.

Kalen, Teddy, Tristan, River ... The group is growing!
 

Now this was a man who knew how to enjoy the quiet. Although Louise certainly could party and dance it up, she needed to first relax and enjoy the moment. Hogwarts Librarian. Not seventeen or eighteen then, which meant what? He was in his twenties? Well that wasn't too terrible an age difference. Oh, well that explained why he enjoyed the quiet; she could only imagine how he must be if kids started getting loud in the library.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr Kennedy. Kalen?" she was uncertain, for a moment. He had introduced himself with his full name and yet, he was a staff member, which meant respect. "Louise Hamilton, Ilvermorny Champion."

She grinned when he said he wouldn't tell her to go back inside and that he was technically doing his job by chaperoning out here. "While I am eighteen and don't think I need I chaperone, I don't mind your company." Okay, so she wasn't eighteen for five more days, but Kalen didn't need to know that. Besides, flirting with a librarian was a rather entertaining use of her time and she didn't see any ring.

And then they had more company, a girl she recognized as a fellow competitor. She'd made a note to at least recognize the faces of the Hogwarts champions, even if she didn't know their names. "Congrats on making it past the first challenge," Louise said, by way of starting conversation. "I'm Louise."

Two other males entered, both older as well, perhaps around Kalen's age. Who needed Hogwarts or Ilvermorny students when Hogwarts had such great eye candy for their staff? "Miss Hamilton," she smiled, when the second one to enter greeted her and Kalen. Huh, even he called Kalen by Mr Kennedy? Or was it just because students were present?

She wasn't hungry, nor really interested to go out there to the deck. All Luci wanted was a bit of time-out from the urges to play an instrument at the ballroom, or actually wanting to ask the person she came with to dance with her. Maybe later. She grinned and continued her way into the gallery.

As she walked in, she shivered a bit. She didn't know why she couldn't get used to the moving statues or the paintings. She glanced at the clothes being shown wondering if she could ever wear that. Nope. Not even a chance.

A bit more exploring and maybe she'd go back to the dining hall. Or out towards the deck.

It didn't take long for the others to find the gallery, in fact, two students decided to explore the area and River turned to give Miss Baeva and Miss Peale a grin and nod.

River took a few steps back, drank his drink once more and decided to look on the next artefact that was on display. That was when he heard the sound of soft conversation, and realised that there were more people in the vast gallery. Hmm, perhaps these people weren't too keen about partying as well? He'd walked in the direction of the sound to see a young woman and Kalen Kennedy engaged in a conversation. If he hadn't been paying attention to the competition, River would've easily mistaken the woman to be a member of the BoG, or a chaperone from Ilvermorny.

River had joined their company, by giving the Librarian a solid tap on his back, and a grin towards the Ilvermorny champion, "Good evening Kalen, Miss Hamilton." he took responsibility of knowing all the champions' names in case they end up in his Hospital Wing. As far as he knew, Ilvermorny did not bring any Healer with them, which was a shame. He would've had a blast asking said person tons of medical questions and opinions. "Congratulations for qualifying, Miss Hamilton. I'm River Reed, Hogwarts' resident healer."

Soon enough, more people found their way inside the gallery and River caught Tristan's greeting and...he looked like he was going to pass out any moment. "Excuse me for a moment," River grinned at Kalen and Louise as he excused himself and approached Tristan, clasping the younger man's shoulder with his other hand. "Is everything alright? How are you feeling?" did he need a calming draught?

All you people! Rearranged a bit..
 

Candice!
 

Harriet liked exploring. It was in her blood, and she was also pretty interested in art, so it was no wonder that he found herself in the Vexmoor gallery. Whilst she preferred to be doing the art herself, she did love looking at art. It was inspiring. And that was why she was having a look around. It was taking her quite a while, since she was carefully looking and inspecting each piece of art work. She knew analysing, and learning from others was important in her own development as an artist, and so she was happy to be able to view some art at the social event.

She tilted her head as she sat on one of the padded chair and looked up at the painting in front of her. It was unusual, something she probably wouldn't paint herself, but it was pretty, and she liked it.

Take him if you want him!
 

Oliver had heard mention of old wands in this gallery. That was enough to get him to head there.. Art and History were certainly of interest to him.. But old wands.. OLD WANDS. There were so many wand makers with so many techniques he wanted to learn about.. So many materials that were no longer used for a bunch of reasons.. but Oliver thought that there could be some real elegance in these creations.

He walked slowly, taking in the art though. Rushing seemed like an insult to the artists who made them and the bits of history to the people who lived those moments.

Historical objects were a weird thing to think about.. Something that was significant in time and now it was here on a ship, in the black lake for him to look at. Odd how time makes important things mundane and vice versa.

the nerds
 

After leaving the dining saloon, Layla made her way to the gallery. She figured maybe even boring art would somehow manage entertain her. But the girl didn't keep her hopes up. Walking in, she walked over to one painting and looked it over. Okay, maybe it wasn't as boring as she had hoped. But now Layla was examining the art too much and she wasn't here to do that. Continuing on her walk, she spotted a familiar boy ahead. She made a face to herself as his sight grew closer due to the steps she was taking.

Why was he here alone? Didn't he come here with the girl he was always trailing behind?

Either way, she tapped his shoulder and sipped the drink in her hand. "Lupin,"

Oliver felt the tap on his shoulder and heard a familiar voice. He turned to see Layla and smiled a little. "Hey.." Had she not had a date? Or did she not want to dance? A gallery certainly didn't seem like the kinda place he'd find her.. But here she was.

"I'm looking for the wands here.. want to help me look?"

"Sure," She nodded. There wasn't much for her to do here and looking for wands would keep her entertained for some time. At least a few minutes, right? And wands were somewhat interesting to her since her family makes them. Anyway. "Why are you here alone? Did your date ditch you? Or did you ditch them?" Honestly? Layla couldn't care any less. From what he had told her himself, that other girl was toxic.

"Brilliant. Seems like they're toward the back." He thought maybe one of her family's wands would be in here.. Who knew, it could be anything. Secretly he was hoping for a Gregorvitch wand. Then she had to ask him about his date.. He hadn't even mentioned having a date.. and showed up alone. So how did she know he'd planned to come with someone? "We just went as friends so we're off doing our own things." Because that was basically the truth.

"Anything to find a good wand," She gave him a small smile and started walking. She did want to see some old wands, per say. But honestly, the girl just wanted to spend time with Oliver. Also. Because, Lupin, who else would you ask if it wasn't your ex? Layla knew it was pretty obvious because he hadn't asked her instead. "Right. Are you at least having fun tonight?"

rearranged a little.
 

"That's the spirit." He found old wands to be so interesting though.. Because he wouldn't want his on display somewhere when he was gone. No, he wanted to be buried with his. He'd heard the story that a yew wand buried with it's owner turned into a tree to protect them and the idea always made him feel like there would be some comfort in death. Maybe a morbid thing to find comforting but whatever. "Of course, i've danced with a few people and i wanted to see the wands."

River, Kalen, Tristan , ...
 

Before she could get terribly caught up in the conversation with Kalen, someone else was there, who apparently was the Hogwarts Healer. Goodness, Hogwarts certainly had standards didn't they? "Pleasure to meet you, River Reed. At least I know who to call upon, should I find myself with a broken heart," Louise mused, although she had no intentions of a broken heart tonight or in the near future, as she would have to give her heart out for that chance. Breaking a few hearts was possible, however. "Thank you." For you know the congrats and all for qualifying to continue in the competition.

The room was getting rather crowded and Louise contemplated heading out to someplace more quiet, and yet ... three rather attractive adult wizards were amidst her presence, so how could she possibly leave now? Permission to call him Kalen? Yes, definitely going well, she noted. "A bit anxious, but I'm a Thunderbird. We're kind of the adventurers of Ilvermorny." She explained casually. "Just a talk would be good. So, Mr Librarian?" She raised a brow at him, curiously, "What would be your favorite books?"

And the other guy was the creatures professor who seemed to be sweating rather profusely. "Why thank you... Tristan? I wasn't sure about the whole obliviation thing, as there are trained professionals for that task." It was okay for her to use his first name too, yes? He had said it and he wasn't her professor.

Hattie/Rach
 

Noelle had been around the ship and back. Her eyes had seen a figure they hadn't thought they'd seen in a very long time. Especially after goodbyes had been said. But alas, she'd been all over this ship (mostly) and she did not see who she was looking for. It must have been a figment of her imagination. Her mind playing tricks on her again. They say that happened.

So, as it was, Noelle was now in a room full of art. It wasn't a room that she would normally go in, but because she was here, she started to take a look around. Maybe to clear her head. Maybe to give herself a moment to think. She was always teetering back and forth these days.

Seeing another familiar figure, Noelle grinned when she found Hattie sitting by herself. Taking a seat beside her, Noelle crossed her legs and leaned into her. "Well hello there beautiful."

Mason!
 

Dora wasn't late. Not at all. She was, however, already ready to go. Ugh. But a deal was a deal. And Mason was her friend. Glancing at her watch she moved through the gallery and frowned a bit. Where was he?

HAD HE STOOD HER UP?!

Heavens to Betsy he better not have or she'd be forced to hex the hair right off of his head. Legit. The blonde girl tugged on the sleeve of her jacket as she moved around as few people. Ugh.

Mason Winslow better show his face soon!

Despite that he had not wanted to go, he still felt like it had been the right thing to do. Especially because his mother would kill him if she found out he hadn't worn the suit she had made for him.

With a sigh, Mason checked himself in a nearby reflection and straightened the...was it even a bowtie? It looked bigger didn't it? His hair was silvery blonde for today but instead of the usual hair up style he had went with his hair down. Mostly to not show much attention to himself.

Checking his watch, he realised he had been late-ish to meet Dora. They had agreed to go together to this event. NOT as a date but as friends since neither of them wanted to go alone. Entering the gallery, Mason looked around for the fiery Gryffindor and immediately spotted her looking anxious. Had something happened already? or was she just mad cause he was late?

"Hi, you look nice" he said the moment he stood near her and had tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. No dress it seemed, then again, a dress didn't really sound like Dora. She was more the power suit type .

She wasn't MAD exactly. She was actually relieved when she saw him. Beyond relieved. It likely would have been a better idea for them to have arrived together. Take the anxiety out of the situation.

And regardless of his aversion to being touched or hugged, the Gryffindor leaned in and gave him a quick hug. Relief. Releasing him she looked him up and down and tapped the toe of her stiletto. "You clean up rather nicely yourself, " she said with a nod. I mean... she filled her suit out a bit better than he filled his out, but still. Heh. "This gallery is amazing. Want to check it out? " Would he be her escort this fine evening?!

Of course he would. He had already agreed to be her DATE. Friend date, but whatever.

He should have been used to her hugs by now but still, the Ravenclaw held his arms awkwardly to his side, unsure whether he should hug her back and was glad that she had given him a quick hug.

Clearing his throat, Mason ran a hand through his hair and looked at the landscape paintings before turning his attention back to the Gryffindor. Her comment made him sigh though and he tucked on the bowtie like thing on his suit. "I'm pretty sure my mom placed a permanent sticking charm on this ridiculous thing" he said as he tucked on the bowtie but nothing happened. Still, it was better than the other suit she had wanted to bring him. That one had been pure white with golden swirls all around. He'd look like a ridiculous prince if he had worn that one.

He wasn't exactly into art. Nor did he knew much about it. In fact he knew nothing but that didn't mean he had to spoil the day because of that. "With pleasure" he said sounding like a rich person who did this every sunday. He held out his arm but then realised what he was about to do and quickly lowered it.

She hadn't noticed that right?

The more awkward he was... the more frequently she hugged him. Or hadn't he noticed? Her goal was that before the end of term he would actually properly hug her. Silly boy. Hugs were awesome.

"I could cut it off of you if you like. I'm sure I could make it come off. " Just a little force could make that happen, she was sure of it. "You know... I almost wore this red gown. Slit up to here, " she said as she poked her thigh to indicate the slit. "But I figured they parade us around like prize Abraxan enough. Besides, I work this suit. " And she had a full range of motion if she had to kick the crap out of someone.

JUST SAYIN'.

And she did notice the arm and even though he put it down she wriggled her arm under it. Yes. He was going to properly escort her. "Cas won't mind. We're very secure in our relationship. " In case he was worried about that, ya know.

Mason laughed lightly as Dora mentioned she could cut off the strange bowtie thing on his suit. If she had thought that he hadn't thought about that in the first place she was mistaken. But the problem was, it was stuck on with a permanent charm. The most they could do was cut off the sides and that was not an option. "Thanks for the offer, but i'd rather wear it instead of facing the wrath of my mother" he said.

When she described the red gown she had wanted to wear at first, Mason's eyes naturally followed her finger to where she pointed where the slit would be and his face turned slightly red before he looked back up and unconsiously straightened his black jacket. He didn't say anything so instead he gave a smile. Ugh, awkward.

Asdfghjfsgkk nuuuu! He couldn't believe that she had noticed the gesture earlier of him holding up his arm. The Ravenclaw's jaw tightened when she wriggled her arm under his but it was too late to shove her away. He had faced a dementor, conquered a personal mental fight so he could also walk arm in arm with a girl!

The paintings were all nice and all, atleast he thought that they were supposed to be nice... He had no clue about art and yet again wondered why he had agreed to meet here. "Do you know something about art?" he asked as he continued to walk through the gallery, occasionally stopping to look. The animated statues were cool though and he wanted to walk around the statues to observe the details.

She had heard him say permanent sticking charm, but truly thought he was just being a dramatic Claw. Claw's had the tendency to be that. And the wrath of his mother? She sounded lovely. Like not even sarcasm, though.

OH! Why... why was he BLUSHING at her? This made Dora grin, but also feel kind of bad. She hadn't meant to embarrass him. Returning the smile, she said, "Hey... there is no need to be embarrassed or awkward with me. " She truly meant that, too. He didn't have to be either of those things with Dora.

She was weird enough for the both of them.

She also saw the jaw clench and opted to ignore it. After helping Jacob Hawthorne be less awkward she knew a thing or two about pushing boys to do things they thought they didn't want to. Like talk to girls and have friends... complete full sentences. The Gryffindor did, however, pat his arm with her hand as they walked.

"I wouldn't say I KNOW anything about art, but I do appreciate it a lot. " The Louvre was one of her favorite places, after all. And no she hadn't studied art or any such thing, she just liked looking at it. And noticing he seemed to be looking at the statues she made sure to move them toward them.

Kalen's grin was met with a shake of his head. "I thought I could get a break from it all, but apparently I had to perform Healer duties here tonight as well." River took a sip of his clean mocktail and gestured his head towards the various painting that hung around the area. "Anything caught your fancy, Mr Librarian?" He's into books, and perhaps, he's into fact and figures too so...this gallery must be heaven on...a boat for Kalen.



Louise got herself an amused grin from the Healer. A clear sign that the young woman was still caught up in the world of teenage angst. All they cared about were matters concerning the heart and feelings, no? But then again, they were teenagers once too and had to go through that messy period of their lives where the heart and mind constantly confused the hell out of them. "It isn't my speciality, but I give wise counsel from time to time." He'd been doing that ever since he started work at Hogwarts; student concerns that they thought were too embarrassing to consult with their Heads of House. He'd been unceremoniously made a secret-keeper as well, for Merlin's sake. "Good luck on your upcoming challenge, Miss Hamilton. We all look forward to watching your performance." She was a promising one, based on what he saw. Hogwarts got real competition, after all.

Aaaand Tristan happened.

"Merlin's b--, Tristan!" River was quick to catch the CoMC professor by his collar and slowly settled him down on the floor, accidentally sloshing him with his mocktail. The poor man had been sweating, and River was sure he'd lost enough water in his body to blackout. Thankful for the lack of tie, River was quick to undo the top buttons of Tristan's shirt and had his hand on the man's neck to feel his pulse.

River blinked and was quick to fish out a packet of murtlap-essence soaked gauze, and held it underneath Tristan's nose. The little ammonia content it had should wake the man up. "Tristan?...Come on now..." River rubbed the packet to make the smell stronger. "Don't make me summon a pile of dragon dung to wake you up..." Because if all else fails, he'd have to resort to that.