Dance Floor
 

hi come and play
 

Chells & Jude's bestie! <3
 

joining Ash (mention of Jude and Evan as well)
 

mentions, nods, and available for hellos ^^
 

Benjee Marchbanks enjoyed being the center of attention selectively. Championing a gobstones match and holding interviews with the press? Absolutely. He drank all that up and looked forward to every summer season and mentorship because of it. The majority of his Hogwarts years had felt like a certain scrutinizing spotlight that he did not much care for and why he was still very selective with the company with which he kept. It was a harsh line...but it had been an essential one. Most stares prior to Autumn had been a source of insecurity, particularly because of his eye and the insecurities he projected on to things. Riding himself of the eye patch had been the first step...and tonight, while he did not want to be in the ruddy middle of the dance floor, he was certainly not shying away from any attention considering the choice of white attire.

So...middle of the dance floor it was. Usually he only did his dancing in the Great Hall.

"If we must," he groaned in pseudo reluctance, not really all that miserable about attending the dance as some may have thought. He was mostly indifferent to the whole thing, though now that he was here he did find that he liked the atmosphere much better than any shindig any of his peers had thrown over the years. One arm around her wait, his other hand moved to adjust a certain star pendant around her neck since the clasp had come back around front. Smirking just a little at that kiss, he traced his fingers along her shoulder and then down her side to join his other hand at the small of her back as they...danced. It was more like swaying, he supposed, as opposed to dancing...which he actually knew a tiny bit about thanks to being Karleigh's spotter from time to time. Swaying wasn't so hard. "It's not so torturous being here," he replied with an almost playful sigh. "I may even be so inclined to dance with you a lot," he teased while attempting to dip into that very limited dance arsenal of his as he pivoted back from her and attempted to spin her. "We have the rest of the night to do whatever."

His eye did look around for a certain Little Shadow with who he owed a dance to...and also his little cousin, Phoenix. Phoenix would likely not mind a dance with his girlfriend and it would be convenient for himself.


ꕤ••┈┈┈┈┈••ꕤ

His dress robes were still up in the dorm where they had been for some time now. Atlas wasn't even sure now why he had brought them to school in the first place. Something had come over him ever since that first dance meeting, being heard and having his own thoughts and ideas built upon, that had swept him up in the same but also very different rush of exhilaration about the whole social event. And yet, somehow, the social aspect had been entirely lost on him until it had been too late. His attention and hyperfixation on creation and execution had him staying up late and hidden under the duvet by wandlight as he drafted design after design for decorations and other practical matters for the dance. And he was proud, so proud of his design and what he had built (with a little help from Violet)...but...at a cost?

Loneliness was not an uncommon feeling. It and its companion of solitude had long since made a home in his chest ... and tonight their echoes were deafening.

He wasn't sure if Aries would come join him or not, his brother being completely indifferent to the whole dance and waiting for him back in their dormitory for another round of exploding snap or some other game of his older brother's choosing once he returned, but Atlas had wanted too see for himself just how the dandelion fixture looked in action.

So...he was here. Hands in his pockets and backwards baseball cap...here. Just on the perimeter of the dance floor and an ear's shot away, ish, from Ashley and Cailyn...though he dared not interrupt. He mentally tried not to gag at the cozy couple right smack in the middle of the dance floor (the last place he wanted to find himself tonight) and soon his gaze briefly caught sight of Evan and Jude with a certain...pang settling in his chest that quickly had him looking upwards at the very object he had come all the way down here to see.

"...wow..."

...it...looked even better than he had imagined...

Cailyn and mentions
 

Caes ordinarily wasn't one to socialize in a public event unless he had company and so he was here... With Violet. How long had they been going together? He didn't count the time that often knowing it was around 3 months since they expressed their mutual feelings for another. So of course he would be here with a date.

His attire was within his comfort level, he wasn't a fan of dress slacks outside of the classroom, leading to his choice of a t-shirt and jeans... but he was talked into donning the shoes and blazer in the end by his little sis. Now then the waiting game. He chose to wall flower until her arrival.


Freddie once again was without his twin brother, who was off doing his own thing again. He however couldn't resist a gathering which tickled his insides at the activity. He didn't dance well but he loved having fun so here he was all dressed up.

Once he arrived, it didn't take long for him to see his one of his familiar friend (Atlas) who seemed to be on their own as well. Ahem. Walking up behind he whispered, "Hey bug, how's it going?" Cue cheesy grin.

Dancing in front of a larger selection of his peers was far more intimidating than the strangers at Koen's wedding, but it occurred to Evan rather quickly - he didn't particularly care if he was bad at it and judged for it. Having been in the same family as Noah and Chase, he had learned and accepted very early that he was never going to be to the same caliber as the pair of them - and he'd never love it as much either. He could do some classical dances, and he knew a fair few of Chase's routines from admiration of his elder cousin. But that was about it.

When it came to this particular type of dancing - he was always going to have to just follow his partner. Which was probably pretty helpful than that his best friend happened to be quite good at this. Letting Jude drag him along to the dance floor, Evan glanced around at their peers - taking silent inventory of where all his favorite people were. Large events such as this made him nervous and he'd rather know where he needed to go to find his sisters if he needed. That giant dandelion could come crashing down. Probably not, but maybe.

Spotting Ash, Evan smiled at her before giving a wave towards Cailyn as well. He snorted at Jude's question, turning his attention back towards him. "If you're planning on being able to dance and enjoy the rest of the evening, probably so. This is not my talent."

Well...those words certainly brought another smirk to his face, having zero doubts that she would make good on that promise. The moment shifted quite easily from something heated to more tender as their mutual attention went back to the necklace. His own favorite star being much different but no less applicable here. "We could find it again tonight, later," he suggested softly as they swayed. "Think I saw something set up closer to the lake with a clear view of the sky." He paused a moment, leaning back a bit as his smirk widened. "And by we...I mean see how much you remember from the last time I helped you locate it."

He was enjoying himself, remarkably, and it may even sway him to be inclined to give university parties a go once he got there. Just a couple of examinations next month and then another set the following year from home and he would be there.

Pulling her back to him, his hand slipping along her side and to the small of her back once again, he smirked just a little more and wiggled his brows at her. "Let's just say I am full of surprises." And that was also about it for his back pocket and dance moves, unless somehow basic lifts got involved here...but he did not see that becoming relevant. "I plan on it ... though I do want to suggest that you spare a dance with my little cousin. He is pretty nervous about his first big school shindig and dancing with the most beautiful girl here would really give him a big boost." Phoenix was hardly a quivering flutterby bush, but everything was a first and he had been both eager and anxious throughout the term while he found his footing - it was a logical assumption. He had to turn his head significantly to spot the photo booth, since it was on the side of his bad eye, but he gave an exaggerated sigh as he did. "May as well while we're here. Something for our lockers when we become professionals."

And despite her first few offers, fools the lot of them, he knew she was going to get exactly what she had been hoping for. Autumn had worked too long and too hard up until now for anything less.

Holding her close, Benjee dipped his head to leave a little kiss at the base of her neck and took a moment to consider whether or not he felt...weird about there only being a month left. It was a jarring reminder that there were still a handful of people he wanted to let know of his...plans. "Suppose I find it more weird that we aren't just going home tomorrow...and still have exams coming up," he chuckled. "These sorts of events feel so...final."


ꕤ••┈┈┈┈┈••ꕤ

Atlas had become an apathetic neutral towards most people these days, the unfortunate caveat being that he was a Gryffindor who held on to grudges long after they had become obsolete and irreverent - particularly to the other party. Which, really, much of his loneliness was his own fault. Past observations, seeing how those around him had treated those of like thinking and action, had the Gryffindor walled up quite significantly...and sometimes he could not even explain to his brother why he felt the way he did.

But...in any event...he was transfixed, like a moth drawn to an open flame, with the way the light reflected and highlighted parts of the space in unique ways, and his guard was down as his dormmate approached. Down in the sense that, he was forgetting to be alert to his surroundings and thus the affectionate coo of 'bug' caught him completely off guard and he could have jumped right out of his skin were it not sufficiently attached to the rest of him. "FlOpPiNg pHoEnIxEs," he grumbled, exasperated and tempted to shove Freddie simply for the release of irritation that had suddenly surged within. He did not, however, and managed to take a much needed deep breath while covering his chest with one hand. Yup, heart was acting like it wanted to jump out of his chest. Sheesh. "You...I could have socked you, you know. Sneaking up like that." It was an empty warning, especially since Atlas did not even know how to throw a proper punch and he was even less skilled when it came to duelling. His face did redden a bit, creeping all the way over to his ears, and he straightened a bit to poke and push lightly on his dormmate's cheek to interrupt that grin of his.

It was too much, okay?

"Nice...uh..." Atlas took another moment, trying to calm down from the scare, and looked at Freddie properly. His thoughts were quite muddied presently and his mind blank on where the rest of that thought had been going. Nice...shirt? Blue was a nice color. Suit? Hair? The hair was...nice. "...uh..." His hand reached up to adjust his baseball cap, rubbing it up and down and absolutely making a mess of his blonde hair underneath and found himself almost tempted to turn it around so his face could be hidden a bit beneath the bill of it. "...nice...look..."

Naturally, Kalie had avoided any and all planning of the dance, wanting to be surprised by the whole thing. But one couldn't guess it by the way she was dressed. Though, they might've if they'd heard the low whistle the Hufflepuff firstie had let out upon entering the space.

She had headed right towards the dance floor since they were playing her jam. She moved to the beat, not caring who was staring or about the fact that she had no partner. Because that was the only way these things were fun: not caring about the small things.

Let it be known that Alfred Ludovic Devereaux wasn't really one for dances. However, they did present a prime opportunity for both chaos and attention, both of which he liked very much. So, here he was skulking wondering around the perimeter of the dance floor watching for the perfect moment to use the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder in his pocket strike. Looking completely natural and innocent though. Nope, absolutely nothing to see here, folks. Move along.

Caes! (and hi to Ashley in passing)
 

So, the big dance was here at last. And Violet had actually managed to get a date to it. And what's more, miracle of miracles, no monsters, dark wizards, or prying Ministry officials or Board members had managed to create some new disaster at Hogwarts to spoil it. Finally, a nice, normal year, when Violet could manage to feel like a nice, normal girl (or as normal as a Blackthorne could manage). And not quite a girl anymore, either--young woman was more like it, right? That's why, after much debate, she'd chosen more of a grown up dress for this dance (what was the point of being nineteen if you couldn't go a little more mature for something like this, after all?). Struggling to pick among the dance themes, she couldn't decide on an element, with all their various underlying House connotations, and finally wound up going with an outer space theme in a much brighter color than she usually wore. Her younger uncle had wanted her to wear something schoolgirlish and her older uncle, something more like a royal court dress than a dress for dancing, and her grandfather, pretty much anything that was not so low-cut. But Violet had her own allowance now and was of age and was quite capable of carrying an argument with her family members at this point in life, so she had gotten the dress she wanted.

Passing through the dance floor, Violet noticed Ashley twirling around and around in a dress that admittedly asked to be twirled. "Hi, Ashley!" she called as she got hear her. She realized she hadn't spent much time with her friend this year, what with the N.E.W.T.S. and suddenly spending so much time with Caes. Violet felt a bit guilty at this--and this was her last year at Hogwarts, so there was no time to make it up, at least not at school. How did Ash manage to twirl like that without landing in a heap?

But most of Violet's attention was taken up by trying to find Caes. She had a sudden panic attack that he wasn't turning up after all, which she immediately squelched because she knew he wouldn't do that. But where was he? Maybe they should have arranged to come out together from the Common Room, but stupid her, she'd taken so long time to get dressed tonight that she told him to go on and she'd meet him. Well, wait, where would Caes be, all by himself at a dance? If not in tow by his younger sister, he would be...lurking by himself at the outskirts of the room! And indeed, that was where he was.

Looking at his attire, Violet was even gladder that she hadn't picked one of the overly formal gowns her grandfather and uncle had preferred, because Caes had definitely gone the understated route. But Violet thought he looked great, and he looked just like Caes, and she would not want him to dress otherwise. She could not believe that she was here at a Hogwarts dance with a boy she liked, and just hoped that no Acromantulas or evil wizards would show up in the middle of things this time. "Hi, Caes!" she said when she had come right up by him.

Open! Mentions of the dancers!
 

Lisa stood at the edge of the dance floor and watched the couples and friends dance on the floor. She figured she couldn’t convince Daniel to dance. She would settle on persuading him to take a photo only. She really wanted to dance. Lisa started swaying, humming to the music.

She watched as Ash danced without a care in the world- spinning and twirling. She smiled, imagining what it’d be like to go dance out there. She loved to dance and she finally felt, emotionally, up to dancing. This term had already been one full of learnings. Jude and Evan received a wave. It was weirdly nice to see the two of them chatting together. She knew that it had been weird for both of them but was glad to see them together having a ball. Vi and Caes were there. In some cases, she learned that she’d been too good of a friend and, in other cases, she’d been a bad friend.

Her eyes landed on Atlas next who seemed busy in conversation with another boy. She gave him a wave and a smile, making note not to interrupt his and his friend’s conversation. She’d head over there soon.

But in the meantime, she’d watch the dancers dance.

Ariana/Jasper <3
 

Serena was impressed. Coming from old traditional pureblood families, dances were part of the social circles. They were much larger, of course, and with a ton more people. So was she nervous? If this was a part of her life, why was her stomach fluttering and her hands cold?

Maybe because she’s never gone with anyone to those dances. Specifically not with the boy she couldn’t stand, but then kissed and could now stand, and liked.

“Did I mention this dress has pockets?” she asked the second time that night as they made their way to the dance floor. Maybe Jasper forgot?

Ugh. Was she making it obvious of how nervous she was?

Jasper Amir Botros loved a good party.

Time spent with friends, eating food, dancing, and generally having a good time whilst not thinking about homework? Could they do this every year?! It also helped that he liked dancing and could get his hands on a high-end suit easily. He’d much rather dress comfortably, but if he had to, he knew how to clean up well.

Though even then, Serena stole the show. Jas had been sure to tell her that on their walk over to the dance. Red was her color, no doubt. ”Mm, only three times,” he gently teased, moving his hand from the small of her back in order to take her hand, interlace their fingers, and slip their locked hands into one of those pockets of hers. ”You’re right. Super convenient.” He had to check out those pockets for himself, to be sure. Holding her hand was simply a bonus.

And as they made their way towards the dance floor, Serena had all his attention. ”Dance with me?” But rather than wait for her to agree, he pulled her in.

Caes was a patient guy for the most part. Waiting wasn't an unnatural occurrence to him. Luckily the wait wasn't that long, it only felt like a few minutes before he looked up to smile at her.

"Hi Violet, you look.. incredible." Caes found himself feeling a bit warm at such words escaping him. He then reached out to hold her hand. "I uh.. got you this," Retrieving from one of the blazer's pockets a small rose that may or may not have been picked up along the way from the greenhouses. "Hope it's not too much," He wasn't exactly new to giving gestures but at the same time he was new at the 'not wanting to mess up' feeling.


Freddie couldn't help laughing, "Sorry mate, you know I couldn't resist," The Gryffindor likely had to be reminded on the personal space, given his upbringing. He did his own best to respect his friend's wishes... most of the time, ahem. He was just full of affection for his friends.

"Thanks! You look great!" Leaning his hand to rest against the wall, "So, what's the coolest looking guy like you doing here by the wall?" Blinking, "Are you waiting for your uh somebody?" He didn't recall Atlas telling him he was seeing anybody or looking for anybody. But he did get easily distracted by other things occasionally.

Freddie's eyes tried to search for Atlas's particular somebody, noticing Lisa waving, he enthusiastically waved back. "Is that her?" He practically whispered. He thought she looked nice.

Come play!
 

*sprinkles lots of mentions in here*
 

Nabs you :3
 

So far Moose was pleasantly surprised with how the dance was going. Despite his natural scowl there was glint in his eyes that showed some interest toward the dance floor and he gravitated toward it. While he had seen some good tuxes on some of his fellow classmates, Moose went with more of a traditional suit and tie. It was a Dark Navy colored suit, with yellow horizontal and verticals stripes that looked as though they sparkled slightly under the night sky. Of course he covered it with a drab gray overcoat that hid most of the design beneath it's dull color.

Not quiet yet feeling the music to get him to dance he stood at the edge and looked on. Maybe some inspiration would hit and he could show this School just how good a dancer this Moose truly was. He looked to his side and spotted Nerina also standing at the cusp and moved over to stand beside her. "Hey Nerina." He spoke as he stood beside her. "So far, not bad." He took a look at her. "You look nice. Did you choose an element?" He wasn't sure what element 1950's covered, but maybe she had a very extravagant reasoning behind her decision?

As soon as her gaze left the Gryffindor duo, they landed on two people that she had hoped to avoid a little while longer. Serena and Jasper. How could she not notice them? They both looked great. Instead of being focused on the curly haired boy, her focus was on Serena. Red was really her colour. She looked beautiful beside him. She cast her gaze towards her shoes momentarily to avoid eye contact with them. Thankfully they appeared to be in their own world.

When she lifted her gaze again, she spotted Nerina entering the dance floor, looking magnificent as always. She bit the inside of her cheek before shifting her focus to the ceiling and spotted a dandelion fixture that caught her attention. The way the light emitted from it. It brought a smile to her lips, giving her heart a sense of unexpected relief as she was caught up in its looks. Glancing down from the fixture she saw Atlas and the Gryffindor lad (what was his name? She knew it started with a F... Frankie? Freddie?) next to him. The energy radiating from him made her smile more, forgetting the gnawing jealous feeling growing within her. He seemed really nice. He also looked nice in blue. And Atlas.. His look was expected yet unexpected. He always liked to go against the flow so she wasn't surprised to see the casual attire - she was caught off guard how attractive he looked with the backwards cap. An unexpected nervousness bubbled up inside of her as Atlas called her over to them with a gesture. He and his friend seemed really far away from her in the moment. She'd have to weave her way through the crowd at the edge of the dance floor to reach them.

Feet moved before she could think more on the matter which was a good thing. If she thought more, she would have stayed put. Lisa was glad that she didn't overthink for once.

She walked over and willed herself to be confident. She lifted her chin and squared her shoulders as she made her way over. This was a dance to have fun and, despite, the emotional rollercoaster of her fourth year, she was determined to have fun. The distance was much shorter than what she had originally thought.

Soon enough, she was close to the Gryffindor duo."Hi Atlas!" she greeted, not knowing whether or not to hug Atlas. She really could have used one but she didn't think he was a hugger. Was it getting hotter in here or was it just her? And why did she feel really awkward in this moment? Heart beating weirdly, wobbly jelly legs. "I like your look. You look nice." She had wanted to ask him where Remy was because she had expected the two of them to attend the dance together.

She then turned to Freddie and introduced herself. "Hi! I don't think we've met... I've seen you around. You look dapper." She recognized him from lessons and she knew that he was in the same year as her sister, Maya. "I'm L-Lisa." She stretched her hand out to his to shake it as she had been instructed to do from a young age. It was the polite thing to do but she felt, once again, awkward about doing this. The boy had really nice curly hair and he looked dapper.

Once introductions were done, she tilted her head at the two older boys and offered a curious smirk. "So what are you two doing over here? Planning to join the dancing, plotting to take over the world, or admiring the lights and fixtures?"

Despite feeling nervous, Jasper’s hand on the small of her back helped Serena relax. It helped her feel more present rather than floaty. She looked up at him, her normally stormy steel blue eyes a calm glimmering sea tonight. Maybe it was the light make-up she was wearing—the mascara on her lashes, the light color dusted on her eyelids, or colored lips—that made her eyes look softer, or maybe that for the first time during this chaotic term, she was feeling at ease.

Jasper’s energy was infectious, too. It was one of the many things she liked about him. She might actually mention that to him one day. Pretending to not like him, those days were behind her. Although, she could still tease him.

The swift manner in which he interlaced their fingers had Serena’s stomach doing flips, and the way he smoothly slipped their hands into her pocket—oomph!

Dead.

“Good things come in three, didn’t you know?” she teased back, giving his hand a squeeze. She had to cool it with the pockets on her dress, but it was just so cool. Fancy dresses and pockets, YES. And like Jasper said, they WERE super convenient. For hand-holding. It was her new favorite use of them.

Dance? “Of cou—!” She giggled involuntarily instead of finishing her sentence as he pulled her in.

DEAD. For the second time tonight. Dead.

“You’re so smooth,” she said, following his lead. Typically, Serena liked to be in control, in the lead, but there could only be one person leading the dance. Also, she wanted to see those dance moves he raved about.

”Moose,” Nerina greeted with the hint of a smile. Let it be known that the brunette was team Christianna in the whole boy drama going on and she’d be sure there was no mistaking her position on this, even in casual conversation. ”Not specifically, though I like to think the pearly sheen of this silk has an ethereal quality to it.” She paused, and then just because they were on the topic, added, ”Kinsay made it. She’s crazy talented, isn’t she?” And if he were to mention how amazing her hair and makeup looked, well, she wouldn’t shy away from mentioning her own talent either.

”Your suit is nice. Trying to impress anyone in particular?” Her mouth quirked as her eyes scanned the room. Where was Miss Rivers, anyway?

Moose crossed his arms, as he listened to her. Not meant as a threatening posture but as a means to feel a bit comfortable while standing. Though it could come off as a bit intense with the way he glares at everyone. "Oh..pearl. That's the color. You could also say it's water themed as well then." Because Pearls come from Oysters and Oyster are in the Ocean. So yeah....Water.

"She is. Maybe next time I'll have her design a tux for me. You think she'd be up for that challenge?"

Moose, being an oblivious and foolish boy completely overlooks Nerina's hair and mack-up. If he had noticed it she would absolutely get a compliment but his attention was moving elsewhere once she mentioned if he was dressed to impress. Whomever he was trying to impress he had not seen yet. "Maybe, I could be trying to impress everyone." It was Christianna, he was trying to impress Christianna. Who else would he try to get to look at him? Nobody else mattered. ...okay maybe that was a lie. Still he was looking for her now. "are you not impressed?" He said in a cocky tone of voice styling his suit and popping the collar of his gray jacket.

”Suppose I could,” Nerina agreed. She hadn’t wanted to take the theme too literal, stifling her own idea of what dance attire should be in the process. She felt she’d done a good job finding a happy medium. ”Do I think she’s capable of making a tux? Absolutely. Do I think she’d make one for you? Couldn’t say. Maybe if you asked really nicely and didn’t try to kiss her again.” She was being a bit of a brat, but Moose was an easy target and she was only teasing. Mostly.

”Impressing everyone is overrated.” Exhausting work, that was. She’d much rather impress the few who mattered. ”Me? Not easily impressed, no. It is nice to see everyone wearing something other than a uniform, though. Like a behind the scenes glimpse into their fashion sense. Yourself included.”

Violet flushed with pleasure at the compliment. She was still new enough to having gotten past being an awkward adolescent and finally being able to have fashionable clothes that complements were a novelty to her, and a very welcome one. Particularly from a nice-looking fellow. And...oh! a rose. Somehow it was really sweet, and more romantic than an ostentatious bunch of them. Violet took it carefully between two fingers and gave it a gentle sniff. "Thank you, Caes, it's lovely! What a nice gesture. Let's see..." Violet looked down at herself and realized that one disadvantage of a grown-up dress was that there wasn't much room for a corsage, even a single rose. Finally she remembered the temporary sticking charm she'd learned at Professor Tapio's event--but...her wand was in a place that wasn't easily gotten to, certainly not in the middle of a dance floor. "Do you have your wand with you?" she asked Caes. "I was going to use that mild sticking charm we used at the Festival of Lights, but I...I can't get to my wand right now."

Caes was relieved seeing Violet look quite happy and appreciative of the gift. He had a feeling Professor Tapio would discover the missing plants overtime, but the look on her face was worth whatever punishment should he be discovered. What was she saying now?

"Oh, yeah, I can do that for you," Caes kept his wand always, one of the perks to never wearing a dress he supposed given the current circumstance. Waiting until she directed him on the spot to place the charm at, he would mutter the incantation placing the rose right on the spot. "There, how's that?" He asked. Not too bad, he thought.

The place sure was getting crowded now around the wall. "So... I suppose uh, would you like to dance?" Caes felt his face heating up again. "I should warn you, I'm not an expert or anything." It wasn't like they had dance lessons or many opportunities at his previous school. But he didn't want to let his other insecurities stop the potential fun.


Hearing that Freddie's jaw positively dropped. We're talking mouth gaping, "Wait.. really??" Looking wildly to make sure his volume wasn't too loud enough to attract other people's attention on their conversation. "I mean, you look so good here I-" Stopping momentarily, maybe saying that would make Atlas feel embarrassed at not having a date even more. Now that he mentioned Lisa wasn't alone. "Sorry, but uh, if it helps I don't have a date either." Trying to give one of his reassuring smile, though considering how huge his smiles were, the intention may or may not have matched the actual appearance. "Ohh, you did that? That's so cool.. you know what I'm not surprised with the other works you've shown me." Gazing up at the fixture, Freddie sure missed out on the decorating fun.

As for why he was all dressed up, "Well, one of my dads has such high expectations soooo he went all out on sending me and my brother some dress suits as soon as I mentioned there being a dance in the letter." Lightly shaking his head, "But yeah, it's not easy finding someone especially when we're studying for O.W.Ls!" But that was enough venting from him. "Well, we might as well have fun together as single lads then, don't you think?" Another one of his cheesy grins.

Soon they were joined over by Lisa, "Hi Lisa! I'm Freddie, it's so nice to meet you," Freddie did his best to not shake her hand so hard from his enthusiasm. "Thanks, you look great! Whoever your date is sure is lucky!" Another beaming smile. He found himself charged up from this leading him to laugh, "Atlas was just showing me the fixture he designed, I think our plotting's on a temporary hold for now." Looking back at Atlas to get his thoughts on the matter.

“It’s an old proverb. A lot of things in life come in threes,” she explained. Like survival stuff but she wasn’t going to go into that right now. “And myself,” she added with a smirk, referring to her quidditch jersey number. They weren’t on the same team anymore, but did he still remember?

She was glad their first song was a slow one. It gave them the excuse to be close. It took her back to last summer. Sliding a hand onto his shoulder, Serena bit the inside of her cheek when she felt his breath tickle her ear.

Dead.

Thank Merlin, she was able to keep her cool. “I’m perfectly okay,” she whispered back, and just like him, taking advantage of their proximity. “It’s what one does when they’re trying to woo someone, Jas.”

Violet looked down at her rosebud, pinned discretely onto a spare spot on her bodice, and smiled. Used to doing everything herself (and rather liking it that way), she had to admit that it was nice to have someone willing to help you with things once in a while.

At his question, she looked up--ah, thank Merlin Caes wasn't one of those boys who would NOT dance. "Yes, I'd love to dance," she smled back at him. "And don't worry, I'm not an expert, either. Or rather--well, my family drilled me pretty hard on the mechanics of dancing, but I'm afraid I'm not naturally that naturally graceful. But frankly," she added, looking around at the dance floor, "there are so many people here that I doubt anyone will notice if we're not the best. As long as we don't step on anyone's feet." She laughed and looked back at him, waiting for the dance to begin. If she could just have one dance without anything sinister interfering (or any sisters), this night would be about perfect.

Smirking, he traced his fingers lightly up and down her spine as they continued to sway. It was amusing, to him at least, how often he received that kind of compliment...while also not all surprising considering how much academic tutoring and dream somnologist mentoring he had done over the years. He supposed he had a natural knack for teaching. Pity he had absolutely zero aspirations of ever becoming a professor or teacher. Maybe a gobstones coach, someday, but that was also a pretty big maybe. It was professional gobstones player first and, ironically, confectionary entrepreneur as a secondary side hustle. "I'd guarantee you received nothing but O's if I were." She could check out his credentials on that as well, any time she wanted.

All that aside, he really did hope that he could teach her to identify that star in the sky...especially considering that she was going to get scouted somewhere and that would mean international travel while he stayed local to finish out the other half of his NEWTs and remaining schooling before he too was scouted. The moon was easy enough to spot and could suffice, but obviously her star was the more personal option. In any case, no matter where they were...they could look up and find them.

A softness had taken over his features while he reflected on all this, distracting him just a bit from the conversation revolving around his little cousin. "Nah, I was cuter," he teased, blinking a bit while his thoughts refocused. "He is a big fan." Of her, obviously. "I mean, he does hear nothing but good things about you from me." He glanced around a bit, his good eye straining to see in the distance. It was still exhausting, receiving information from only his right eye, but at least his headaches were less and less these days. At least something was working out since his joints still were creaky at times - his knees having a bit of issue tonight, but it was easy enough to ignore. "I promised this one fourth year, Victoria, that I'd save a dance for her too," he went on to explain. "She...sort of has become like a little sister to me here...and was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital wing." Autumn ought to remember the name. "I'll go claim that while you claim Phoenix." Smooth, he would like to think. An efficient use of time as well.

His fingers moved back down her spine until his palm settled on the small of her back. Brow quirked, he did not even bother to hide his intrigue with what she was suggesting. "Well," smirks just a little bit more and gives her playful pinch. "I look forward to that." Very much so. Smiling a bit, he dropped the sarcasm for a hot second and held her a little bit closer. "Not painful at all. We can head over to the photo booth on our way to the lake later." So there was no doubling back and more linear, spare his legs and knees some strain and ache later.

He supposed now would be the moment where he ought to be sentimental, but the truth was that he had nothing more to give to this school and it had taken quite a bit out of him as it was. No real attachment to the place and had been ready for well over a year not to get the hell out of here. "Not really," he shrugged nonchalantly. Perhaps a few conversations, but those did not absolutely have to be here at Hogwarts if push came to shove. "I'm ready to be done with this place."

Been ready.



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The fixation with dates that had seemed to consume this entire term had been suffocating to the Gryffindor. A certain peer pressure and expectation he had not wanted thrust upon him and in his unease he had also boxed himself into a corner. A corner where he really only felt seen by his brother and Remy - not only seen but...actively looked for. It was confusing, unsettling, and he really was not sure what to make of Freddie's surprise over the fact that he had chosen to come alone. A choice that had been partly accidental and primarily avoidance, so it wasn't embarrassment that he felt. That might actually be a welcomed sensation compared to what he had been feeling as of late. Though...Violet not noticing him gaping at her for a couple of seconds was a little embarrassing on a much much smaller scale. "It's fine...I mean...it's not a competition or anything," he said, trying to shrug it all off. Only it kind of was, wasn't it? Whatever. "Being linked to just one person for a school social event meant to unify everyone feels contradictory anyway."

Anyway.

Rotating his cap back and forth a bit more by the bill, twisting to WILL away the lame vibes that had his toes pushing into the bottoms of his sneakers, Atlas rolled his shoulders to warm his spine after the shiver his dormmate's compliments had elicited. "...I wasn't even really actively looking for a date." Which was the honest truth, but also a bit of a white lie. Always a complicated and hypocritical relationship with decisions of this sort. "But hanging with you wo---" Before the Gryffindor could properly react to the rest of that, particularly that cheesy grin of Freddie's, Lisa had joined them... and he wasn't sure if he felt more anxious or if he had arrived at a pleasant neutral.

"Hey," he smiled back. "Definitely wasn't expecting to see you standing by yourself at any point tonight." That was NOT meant to be a passive aggressive comment (even though there were still a lot of residual feelings and more things he was choosing to remain tightlipped on) - he just knew, through observation, that she had been buzzing about this dance for months now. He tugged on the sleeves of his jacket and smoothed down the front. "Just threw something on...to be honest. My dress robes are still hanging over my desk chair," he chuckled, slipping off his cap entirely so he could run his fingers through his hair...and then slip the cap back on. A pointless gesture, really, but he did not have the metal bars in his pocket from Nem that he usually fidgeted with...so messing around with hi shat or zip would have to do. "You...look like you just walked out of a fairy tale," he complimented in return. Sure, she wasn't in some big poofy ballgown, but he personally thought that looking like a sparkly marshmallow was overrated. "I like the bow," he added, pawing at one of the long ribbons that hung down her front.

Oh, they didn't know each other. He could, uh, show a bit of chivalry."Lisa, this is Freddie. My goof ball dormmate, resident hypeman, and..." Mate? Mate. "... mate. Freddie...this is Lisa. Powerful mind and in the year below us, in Ravenclaw...she is the one who lends me all the books to exchange ideas and knowledge..." The ones that may have seemed uncharacteristic for him to read but was often seen reading while lounging on his bed or in the common room. Ideas he was pretty sure were now misleading on a couple of fronts. Lesson learned there, never listen to Maya Nam again. Introductions settled, Atlas directed his eyes skyward to the twinkling dandelion that was slowing fading towards more warm hues, a pale canary yellow to start that brightened to more of a mustard before a some red began swirling its way in, bleeding the colors together to make a stripe of a kind of pumpkin or carrot orange. Yes, Atlas Flamsteed DID know a thing or two about colors, surprising as that may be. The crystals really made it look like moving flames too and his chest swelled a bit with pride. "Yeah...I'd really only popped down to see it in its element. It had been a labor of...uh...affection all term...so..." he concurred with a nonchalant and pseudo humble shrug of the shoulders; an accidental pun and nod to the theme itself twisted into his words. "I wasn't planning on sticking around long, but Freddie snagged me before I started wandering back," he explained while giving Freddie a playful elbow to the side. So, he was here, and would hang out for a bit more. "Nothing else up my sleeves tonight. No glittery dungbombs," he added with a small grin himself.

There was already plenty of glitter around here anyway.

Atlas' comment made her falter for a moment but she didn't take it as a passive aggressive comment. She knew it was simply an observation. "I... I suppose that makes two of us... I was hoping to dance... but nevermind that. Some things aren't meant to be." She paused and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm glad I'm with you two," she explained, managing a smile. She'd explain it later to Atlas if he wanted to know more but she didn't wish to ruin the mood of him and his friend. Lisa did notice him straightening out his clothes in front of her. At the mention of the dress robes, she nodded. He looked good just the way he was. It was an iconic look.

She smiled at the compliment from both Freddie and Atlas; however, Atlas' made her tummy do weird flippy things. It shouldn't have done that but the fact that he told her that she looked like as if she walked out of a fairytale made her feel all warm inside. The compliment was just as good as a hug. "Thanks Atlas. I.. I wasn't sure about the dress... I had another one that was more fairy looking but I felt like this one was more ... 'me'?" she explained with a blush on her cheeks.

She turned to Freddie and shook his hand as he introduced himself then Atlas made introductions. Lisa could see that Freddie was the resident hypeman just by the sheer amount of infectious energy he was giving off. "Nice to meet you, Freddie!" she greeted in return. When he complimented her, she thanked him and was about to verbally thank him when Atlas complimented her mind in a way that made her very happy. Powerful mind... The words caught her attention greatly. She did pride herself on her intelligence and wit. "We do! If you like reading and need any book recommendations, I'm sure between Atlas and I, we'd have you covered."

Lisa followed Atlas' gaze up to the dandelion that had caught her attention before. The colours that were reflected were magnificent and beautiful. At Freddie's words, she gasped and turned her attention to Atlas once more. "Wait. You're the designer of this fixture! Merlin. That's incredible, Atlas. The colours are incredible. It's beautiful." She gently gave his arm a squeeze before dropping her hand.

She chuckled at both of the older year's reactions before frowning. "Plotting on hold and..." LEGASP! "No glitter dungbombs? What should the people say?" she asked dramatically adding a hair flip for extra flair. Then a gasp! "Merlin... It'd be the perfect night for mischief... Holden's office was looking a little too neat earlier.." she teased before looking around for the professor that she had lended a hand to Remy and Atlas in pranking.

To her point, Jasper laughed quietly. "True." Of course he still remembered. How was that even a question!? "Speaking of, how are you feeling about the season?" Jasper couldn't wait, tbh. And though he did prefer playing on the same team, they were a killer pair on the field ok, having an equal as an opponent made for more interesting matches. Besides, he was itchiiiiiiiing to leave homework behind and trade it up for his broom 24/7. Summer time was the best time.

With that being said, he liked living in the moment. So even with the anticipation of the summer quidditch season, he was quite content at present, swaying to the slow song, holding Serena close.

"So that's what you're doing. Wooing me?" He raised his brows, smiling all the while.

“I’m excited. I’ve been practicing a few techniques,” she said, a bright spark in her eyes. It was something one of her mum’s players taught her over Christmas. Speaking of! “I’m going to train with the Falmouth Falcons this summer,” she chimed. A feeew practices, but it was something she’s been wanting to share with him. Training with professional quidditch players, it was a special kind of excitement he’d understand.

She also couldn’t wait to fly around the barn at sunset and watch all of the creatures settle for the night. And then a bonfire and a sea of stars above her. Serena was a sucker for summer barn nights. Her little secret.

At this moment, though, she didn’t want time to fast forward. She was content living in the present and taking all of this in.

Hand on his shoulder, her thumb toyed with his collar, her index finger absently trying to reach for his curls. “M’hm,” she nodded, her lips curving into a soft smile. “Or how do the young kids say; flirting.” Her cheeks flushed. She wasn’t even old to begin with, and she still didn’t have a clear idea on flirting—like, do you flip the hair then wink OR do you wink then flip the hair? Do people even wink nowadays?

Yes, I'd love to dance

Caes really liked her smile and laugh, the sort of nerves he had been building up settled from hearing her talk about her dancing experience. "Well, I least I know I'm in good hands, shall we?" Offering his hand for her to take before they could finally move on the dance floor.

The most he could do we the simple two-stepping side to side. He was hoping to hear something slow so he could feel less awkward. "Everything seems perfect so far," Knowing their luck with the school's reputation and other factors.



"But hanging with you wo---

Freddie was curious about what Atlas was going to say before Lisa joined in. No matter, he could always ask later. Lisa was so nice, he was wishing he had gotten to know her beforehand. "Oh really? So she's responsible for your brilliant works?" He couldn't help beaming. Some of the stuff that Atlas shared with him was an honor in itself. "I will have to take you up on that offer then, especially for this summer's shenanigans." He had some ideas but they were up there juggling with the rest.

Freddie's own eyes couldn't help noticing the vibe between Atlas and Lisa. Maybe he was misreading things but there was something. He wondered if he should zip off for them two to be alone, but they were too cool to pass up as he did one of his chuckles. "Soo what should we get up to? The dance floor seems to be calling. You both look like you could cut a rug with moves." As for him? Weeelll, that's another matter.

"Yeah? Can't wait to see them." And that was the honest truth. He had been practicing some moves of his own, many of his own creation, in eager anticipation of showing them to his coach. Though U17 quidditch took place over the summer season, every other time of year was meant for training. It was the only way to stay at the top. So when Serena shared her training plans, he responded with appropriate enthusiasm. "What? No way! That's awesome." And yes, he was a little jealous. The Falmouth Falcons weren't his team of choice (Magpies ftw!!), but he'd still give an arm and a leg to practice with the pros. Maybe he could ask his baba to make that happen.

These were things he'd have to think about later. For now, his attentions were with hihs date. The one who was flirting. Heh.

He pulled her in closer, grinning mirthfully. "I never thought I'd see the day." But he wasn't complaining. In fact, he quite liked the turn of events. Let it be known that Jasper Botros was thoroughly enjoying himself. It wasn't any secret. His smile said as much.

Open/mentions of several people ^_^
 

There was the reaction she was looking forward to. It made Serena smile a little more. She was aware the Magpies were his team. Hers were the Harpies, but still. Training with a professional team was high in the list of goals. “Yes, it’s awesome,” she repeated. “Would you like to come with?” Maybe they could even scrimmage. Test out their abilities and her wicked curve hits—one that had already taken him down…purely by accident.

When Jasper pulled her closer it confirmed that her flirting wasn’t all too bad, and it seemed like he was enjoying it. Serena adjusted her arm, sliding her hand to the back of his neck. It was better for proximity sake. She tilted her head at his response. “Of me flirting with you? Why?” she asked. What did he expect? That she’d hate his guts for the rest of forever? Especially after what happened during last summer? She dumped her peach for him.

As soon as that memory crossed her mind, Serena’s eyes flickered to his lips for a split second. Worth it.

It was interesting, looking back, how despite astronomy being an interest of his brother's as well...Benjee had not sacrificed it in order to be ~everything his brother was not~. When he was younger he supposed the reason for that was because it was the whole family's interest and therefore not something that could be specifically compared to his brother alone. He actually, sort of, regretted those wedges that he had put in place...at least things were better now. He had learned. He liked to think he was a little more mature now. "I know how seriously you take anything you want," he countered, leaning in a bit so his cheek was nestled against her temple. In any case, another round - or several - her locating her star was officially on the agenda for the evening.

Sure of himself was probably a modest way of putting it. While he would not go so far as to call himself insecure now, life and people had humbled him a bit. Though Autumn did a very good job of skillfully stroking his ego. No complaints, none at all, obviously. So he simply smirked at her and kept on dancing. It was interesting, though he had not brought it up so bluntly to her yet, how someone who talked with such confidence had the love language of words of affirmation. He never really looked too deeply into such things, not until the knowledge was demanded in order for him to be a more effective dream somnologist. "Mmmm, that's a secret between Phoenix and myself. Wouldn't want to embarrass him before he even gets his dance." Some of it were things she had already heard before, others were not...and things he may be saving for the right moment to say. A school dance felt too cliché for it and Benjee tended to avoid doing anything that put him in that category. "What can I say, you're not the only one with fans," he mused before giving her another little spin.

Holding her close to him once more, very vivid thoughts of locker possibilities now distracting his focus and overlapping with the photo booths just over there, he leaned his head back slightly to look at her. He found himself...surprised, for some reason, that she had a bucket list of sorts specific to Hogwarts. He wasn't sure why he hadn't pictured Autumn the sort to be sentimental in that way, but it did leave him a little curious. "Oh? Like what?" Anything that also required him to properly check it off the list?




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Ironically (sorry, Freddie) Atlas hated it when people never finished their thoughts. Lisa had, however, gotten most of her sentence out...which made him curiously confused as to why she had asked someone to be her date to the dance that was so adamantly avoiding the dance floor. He decided that THAT was absolutely none of his business and he wasn't sure that any response would make him feel any more positively about things. "That's the most important thing, I would think. Feeling like yourself in what you wear." He had no real interest in fashion, but he knew what he was and wasn't comfortable in...which he felt counted for something.

WOAH! WOAH WOAH WOAH!? Atlas' eyes widened a bit and he lifted his index finger in protest to Freddie's claim. It wasn't so much that it was a preposterous notion that Lisa, or anyone else, could inspire the results of his tinkering and inventions buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut he had a certain brand of Gryffindor ego that needed its own trademark. "What? No...I mean...not really...sometimes yes," he stammered, trying to soften that blow a bit and keep himself from coming across as defensive. "Different ideas and knowledge. All that metal charming work coming from here," he added with a couple if taps to his temple. Though he could argue that Lisa had planted an idea about daydream charms in his mind, but that was a blue print that had not properly manifested itself yet and therefore would be kept close to his chest for just a little bit longer. His hand moved to the back of his neck, rubbing and scratching it a bit to keep his fingers occupied, while Lisa gushed at him a bit. His chest inflated as well, impossible not to when your hard work and vision were praised like that. "Yeah...Violet Blackthorne helped me a bit with attaching crystals. I worked all term on the design...started with something cube-like at first but...spheres are a more efficient shape...and also the shape that is relevant to all the elements...gravity and...anyway..." He was rambling and he could probably talk about the logic behind the process all night. But he did not plan on staying here all night. He was already here much longer than he had anticipated. "...the dandelion motif was...is...homage to my aunt." Auntie June who had left her post of Herbology professor and squashed even more of his motivation to do decently in the subject. Poor Sadie Kareless having to tutor both himself and his brother, they were pretty hopeless.

Glitter and dungbombs aside, the blonde found himself smiling subtle at the promise of summer hanging out. "Definitely," he nodded in agreement. And, you know what was about as subtle as Lisa's hint that she wanted to dance? Freddie's hinting about the dance floor calling. He wasn't opposed to dancing, if anything he was indifferent with his two left feet and lack of rhythm (ironic considering he had charmed his fixture to change colors in accordance TO rhythm and beats), and so he found himself nodding once again. "Seems like the only logical conclusion would be that...we dance," he suggested to Freddie first and then swiveled his head to Lisa. No where said you could only dance with one person at a time and...well...doing something that was NOT the same as everyone else was one way to make Atlas more inclined to do something. And if doing The Twist™ constituted as 'cutting a rug,' which was precisely what Atlas started to do in the moment while being completely off beat to the peppy fire-inspired song playing now, then...yes. He could do that.

Also, Freddie. No more reading.

Jenn/Maya .... with dormmates/lisa reference too o.o
 

Maya had not originally planned on going to the dance. But after hearing her sister talk about it so often along with the rest of the student body, she couldn’t help but be curious. Then before she knew it, the Slytherin had picked out a dress, owled her Eomma to ask to borrow some jewelry and then somehow ended up with a date. A date that made her feel like a cliché from any coming of age muggle move - the kind where the girl finally gets the guy and is whisked away on the dance floor. Like A Cinderella Story… minus the curfew and raging stepmother.

”They did an excellent job,” Maya agreed, looking around, wide-eyed. Sure the charmed ceiling in the Great Hall was something but this… was another level. Maya had never seen anything quite like it. She smiled at the sight of the banner of the houses and the elements they represented. ”It’s a bit funny, isn’t it? The banner? None of my siblings came as the elements their house represents,” she said with a slight giggle. Since Evan chose fire… and Lisa chose water… and Maya herself had settled on air. It was a it amusing to her. ”And our houses are complete opposites, but you know… sometimes they say.. they um… attract each other” Maya said the last part quietly, embarrassed that she even said it out loud.

She cleared her throat, looked at him with a bright smile on her face and took his offered arm. ”Whisk me away, Prince Charming,” she joked, before her head turned as well. Maya’s attention turned to the dias where the headmaster stood, equally confused as Apollo at the poem. ”I thought today was supposed to be a break from the OWLs,” she said, her head tilting slightly and then her brow furrowing as she tried to figure out what the headmaster could possibly be referring to. ”Maybe a creature… got… loose?” Not that Maya could think of any who could write. Unless it was like in the Little Mermaid and a mermaid turned into a human… except the Mermaid was mad at everyone?

"It is. Perfect," Violet agreed, not caring whether they were doing a simple two-step or a Viennese waltz, but just glad for the chance to stand close to a boy she seemed to care more about as the days went on (which frightened her a bit, but she was determined to make the most of this chance).

Delighted, Autumn giggled lightly, pulling her arms tighter around him in an embrace while they danced as he leaned his head against her. She did take what she wanted very seriously, pretty much always getting her way. But she supposed that was what superior ambition looked like. "Let me know when you're ready to do some star-gazing." Which also sounded very romantic by the way, searching for her own star aside. And since they'd made their spotlight appearance on the dance floor and she had plenty of opportunity to have her arms around him and dance nice and close, anything else was just the cherry on top.

Autumn probably couldn't say herself why her love language was words of affirmation, but she was glad Benjee usually indulged her, even if he wasn't at the moment. Of course she knew it wasn't just lip service either and that he meant every word when he was complimenting her, as she would expect from most people anyway. She knew those things were true. But it was a good thing that she was such a secure woman and didn't need to hear those things, she just really, really enjoyed hearing them. And Benjee had already told her she was the most beautiful girl here so she wasn't too fussed about him not telling her what he might have said to his cousin. "So, I shouldn't ask him then?" she continued teasing him gently, having no intention of asking Phoenix about it. But even if she was having fun with their banter, she softened a bit. "Of course you do. You deserve all the fans." He was pretty great, in her opinion. And another spin - she was kind of impressed with his dance moves.

She traced her finger along his collar as he momentarily grew quiet, then she looked up at him with a mysterious sort of smile as he leaned back a bit to look at her. "Mm maybe it would just be easier to show you." There was still a little bit of time to do that.

“Yeah, I think… i lost myself for a bit, Atlas… I lost who I was and who the people that were important to me,” she mentioned. She had learned a thing or two about friendships. She had gone through a betrayal and had committed a betrayal too all in one year so she had learned a lot.

Umm sometimes yes? That made her heart beat rapidly.

Freddie was sweet but she agreed with Atlas. “He’s all the brilliance. I only give credit for the Princess and the Frog book if that’s what you’re referring to,” she admitted honestly as she brushed her hair behind her shoulder. She cast a mischievous smirk in Freddie’s direction. “Ill give you my owl. I’m always up for shenanigans.”

She turned back to Atlas after listening to his explanation about the dandelion. “Its beautiful. I’m sure your Aunt June would treasure it… I… miss her. She was awesome.” June Flamsteed had been one of her favourites. Not because of the subject but more so because she had been so helpful and encouraging. Lisa had appreciated her.

Freddie’s suggestion made her grin wider - especially when Atlas agreed. Dancing as a group sounded fun. “Let’s go!” she grabbed both boys hands and led them to the floor. No time to waste!

"Your feet, probably." Evan quipped back, his face settling into it's usual dead pan expression - which Lisa merely referred to as 'the Evan'. But considering he was merely teasing his friend, he relaxed and smiled teasingly back - having used that merely for the delivery. "I say that as a joke but also... maybe." It was true - thankfully Jude did. The Ravenclaw could hold his own when it came to a pinch, or just when it came to wanting to practice his favorite cousin's routines with him, but partner dancing? He was horrendous at it. Jude and Reagan's hours and hours of practice, sprinkled in with natural talent, certainly kept him far more equipped. Spins? "Only if you promise to point me in not the direction of anyone else on the dance floor." He paused on that for a moment, before glancing around. "... Unless you also aim me at my sister's and their dates. That would also be okay." Had they both come with dates? Thinking about that, Evan really only knew that Lisa and Daniel were in attendance together.

Which... as much as he liked Daniel - and he did - he was a little disappointed it hadn't been the Ravenclaw boy.... whatever his name was.

They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, while Evan assumed Jude was tallying all of the friends he would also need to make his rounds too through out the evening - which certainly didn't bother him. But the silence did not last long, and while Evan had not been aware of any advise given to the youngest Nam... he was certainly grateful there were so many people looking out for her. Lisa was... a very large component of his concern lately and he wasn't quite sure how to help her - hopefully others advise would be able to do so. An eyebrow raised slightly when the Hufflepuff continued however, and Evan considered his words as they were spoken. Truthfully, he'd assumed for quite awhile that Jude and his friend had been an item - months he'd assumed given how much Jude lit up when he spoke of him, or how often he was composing letters for his mom to deliver to him. There had been... jealousy, of sorts, for the Ravenclaw. But not the type that he knew Jude would have preferred. He'd been worried that his friendship would be replaced, because it was too hard to be around him which he would have understood and respected - but not liked. It had been.. a shock to hear the boys were not together, and this current conversation while a little suprising, was not as much so.

Contemplating how to respond, Evan stayed quiet for a moment longer before giving a small nod of his head. "I think... that would be a good idea for you. It's clear Davet really cares about you. And it does seem like there is at least something there for you in regards to him as well." Which Evan hoped, merely for Jude's sake so long as the actor remained good to him, that his feelings would eventually strengthen to where whatever discomfort Jude felt about E would dissipate. As much as he wished it was different, his romantic feelings... or lack there of .. had not changed. And while maybe there had been some confusion regarding a Gryffindor for him, it was not something he was likely to pursue, both out of respect for Jude and the fact it would just be too complicated and they were all so close to graduation as it was. "I just want to see you happy, Jude." Truthfully. And he hated that he was in part of reason that the Hufflepuff was not.

It would have been a pity had Maya not gone to the dance. What would she have done instead? Stayed in her dorm and studied? She needed this. They needed this.

"Really. Like, Hogwarts is normal magical, but this just takes it to whole other level." Seeing her wide-eyed though was almost as memorizing as the decorations. Oh, so she had taken in the elements that their house represented. Would it have been cliche to say that he wanted Maya to be his air? Or for him to be her earth and keep her grounded? Maybe ... but before he knew it, she was going on to talk about their houses being opposite and before he knew it, he was saying "Opposites attract," in matter-of-fact tone at the same moment she said the last part quietly. He grinned sheepishly, but shook his head. "Funny or ironic?"

"Consider yourself whisked, Cinderella." For a pureblood, he still knew muggle pop-references. "Guess they want to test us always? Even if unofficially," he shrugged. "A creature makes sense, but what sort of creature ... dances. Do they all dance?"

"How is that even a question?" Would he like to come with? YES. Yes, he would. "That'd be killer." He did miss practicing with her, by the way. As teammates. Training together during the school year was far more fun than practicing on his own, but it was different knowing they'd be going into the summer as competitors as opposed to teammates.

So he'd really be milking the time they had together right now. Because, yeah, he was enjoying it for suuuuure. "Because of all the years you went pretending to hate me," he grinned, knocking back a piece of her hair behind her ear. How'd she get her hair so glossy anyway? It was super distracting. Especially during boring classes like History of Magic. He couldn't help but stare ... at her hair. Yeah.

Seeing where her eyes landed made Jas smile a liiittle wider, as he puuulled her in again. "Maybe we can hang for a bit after the dance is over?"

After a while, it was quite easy to forget that they attended a school where they practiced magic. Especially since it was something they were surrounded by and constantly practicing. It was moments like these that served as a nice reminder… and going back home and being away from it all. ”It is… and everyone looks so well dressed… a nice change of pace from the school uniform.” Him included. He looked extra handsome in the suit and Maya could feel her cheeks started to warm up as she snuck a glance at him. Merlin.

Opposites attract. That brought her back to reality and a giant grin on her face. They had been thinking the same thing? This was a movie moment wasn’t it? ”Maybe… humorously ironic?” she offered.

Her teenage girl heart could not at this moment. The Slytherin couldn’t stop smiling. In short, she felt like a princess - and this was the part before the happily ever after. The worst thing about tonight was trying to solve the riddle. The highlight? Well, there were a lot. Like how Lisa had gone with Daniel to the dance… and Evan and Jude were in attendance together. Seeing her siblings happy - or at least she saw no reason for them not to be - and well dressed made her heart grow three sizes.

”I’m sure all creatures have their own form of dancing?” There were muggle animals seemed to have their own form of dancing or wiggling to communicate and woo each other. It would only make sense that their magical counterparts had their versions as well. The question was answered when there was none other than a Sphinx at the Dias. Her hand quickly found his and she gave it a slight squeeze. ”Do you see what I see?” Did everyone else see what she saw? Or was she just imagining things?

Apollo would have probably questioned Maya's sanity had she mentioned forgetting they attended a school that practiced magic. Unless she had been thinking about it in the, 'it was so ingrained in every day life that it was just normal reality'. He grinned. "Who'd have thought that some of these people would have had the ability to clean up so nicely?" He glanced around. "The professors too. They look ... less intimidating. Almost. Human." Not that they were intimidating anymore; it wasn't like they were first years. It was like when you saw your teacher outside of school, it was ... weird. People forgot that teachers had lives too.

"Humorously ironic. We'll go with that." He glanced over at the raised dais, trying to guess what Maya was thinking about it all. "Sphinx. Yes. It's quite ... majestic. For some reason I never thought they were ... real." He admitted shyly. "Do you want to go say hi? I imagine we'll have plenty of time next term to get to know it though."

"I think that might be what concerns me the most." He'd quickly quipped back, turning to look at his sisters as well. It appeared Maya had come with a date which... he supposed that was bound to happen eventually. Mai was already 16 and soon to be a legal adult as well. Merlin, wasn't THAT a weird idea. And Lees wouldn't be far behind.

Truthfully, Ev had no idea how things would progress with Davet and Jude merely because his time around them had been minimal, but Jude was someone who deserved every shot at happiness he could get from someone. "I hope the best for you both. Truly." The reassurance of their friendship still being important was... honestly a relief for the Ravenclaw to hear, and he was certain his smile reflected that as he gave small nod. Primarily in gratitude, really. "I appreciate that. But I also understand that sometimes friendships change when one person has a partner to prioritize, and that's okay. I think I've learned enough in our friendship by now to know we can figure it out through whatever adaptations come. So don't worry about me. Truly. I'm here whenever, but I also know how to give space if you and Davet need it to figure out whatever this is between you." The small intrusive thoughts or not, at the end of the day Ev was pretty certain in their friendship.