Start of Term Dance

[Talon Windwaltz]

The start of the new year had come, and the night students and faculty had waited all summer for was finally upon them. Couples strange and suitable poured from their common rooms to head down to the Feasting Hall for the Start of Term Dance. The usually majestic room filled with the four house tables had changed to suit the occasion, having been turned (or having turned itself) into a magnificent ballroom.

It was like something straight out of a portrait of the 19th century with a few magical additions. A large bronze chandelier lit by brilliant blue flames kept itself elevated above the center of the dance floor, filling the entire room with an astounding azure glow. Bronze statues of regal eagles kept their beaks held high around the edges of the Hall. The house tables had been replaced by tinier ones so as to allow friends from multiple houses to sit together. Though the Start of Term may have been a time for gathering together of the houses, it was more importantly a time to reunite with old friends.

The Head's Table remained on a raised platform at the end of the hall, covered in a blue and bronze tablecloth with the coat of arms of House Ravenclaw before the Headmaster's seat. As the students arrived and attempted in vain to make themselves comfortable at various tables, the adrenaline and hormones of adolescence pounding through them, the Headmaster took a glance at the Professors on his right and left respectively - Professor Sylph O'Dell, Deputy Headmistress, and Professor Forgoil Halifirien - before standing up and heading towards his podium.

The Headmaster had apparently learned from the last Start of Term Dance the school had held that muggles were a very strange sort and that their clothing wasn't exactly as charming among wizards as it was among themselves. Today he was dressed as any right and proper warlock of rank would dress for a ceremonious occasion. His dress robes were silver in majority, but possessed a gold trim that lined the edges, including the neck, sleeves, and pockets - though there were none of the latter on the outside.

"Well now that that is over with," Headmaster Windwaltz said, throwing a hand in the air as if indicating the year that had come and gone, "let us welcome in the new year! Welcome!" The wizard extended his arms before him as if embracing the whole room. "That said, I'm sure you don't want to listen to me talk, but I have a few things I must address before we can get this party started.

"I'd like to congratulate Ravenclaw House for a job well done last year, and proving yourselves as capable as you boast, possessing the intelligence to succeed in classes and the wit not to go running into danger," he allowed time for applause from any Ravenclaws in the room. This was their night more than anyone else. "I'd also like to welcome back some of our faculty, who you may recognize as alumni of the school. They are very dear to me, and very soon will be as dear to you. Well then again I suppose that depends on how hard the homework is, hm?"

After waiting for hopeful laughter, he continued, "But I'm afraid not all our news is happy news. This year I must stress not going anywhere near the Forest upon our borders. You are safe within this school, as it is always under the protection of the brave and talented Muryllis Antonius, whom I am welcoming back as our justiciar, but we cannot guarantee your safety the moment you step into that Forest.

"As such, should you be caught in the woods for any reason and are fortunate enough to come out alive, a deduction of House Points within the hundreds range may very well be a blessing to you," the Headmaster's voice was incredibly serious now, his sapphire eyes expressing just how important this was. "If you go into the Forest, you have forfeited your life. Even I cannot save you then."

A moment of silence passed, and the Headmaster clapped his hands happily, his expression brightening up incredibly. "Now that that is out of the way, I have nothing further to say but have a wonderful night, and a wonderful year!"

[Phugsius Charadus]

Phugsius entered the dance wearing what he thought might fit him. He wore a black dress robe with a Green snake with ruby eyes on the back. It seemed to slither as wind whipped at the fabric it was neatly engrained on. There was also green embroidery around the edge. Underneath the robe was a black tuxedo with a forest green tie and matching kerchief tucked in his pocket. The pocket itself was embroidered with the Slytherin coat- of-arms. Phugsius sported the tuxedo and a robe rather than just a robe because he found robes may get caught up while dancing.

Phugsius looked around ready for a night of good times.

[Conor Driscol]

Conor strolled into the feasting hall proudly, wearing a new pair of dress robes he had fashioned himself. They were mostly black, but with a yellow trim and stitching to them, as well as a yellow and black vest. He always looked like rubbish, and he knew it, which is why he took today to make certain he made a better presentation of himself.

This was for two reasons.

The first being that he had a date. This was a new, novel concept to him, and he had never in his life been to a dance with someone else.

The second being the new shiny yellow and black badge on his lapel. He had, somehow, managed to become a prefect. He wasn't too sure on how it worked out, or what he had to do, he just knew that, in his final year at the school, he would be prefect.

He spotted Phugsius from a distance, hoping to steer clear of the strange boy most of the night. It wasn't that the slytherin was exactly mean, he was just very very strange. The kind of strange that worried Conor. He had a new trick up his sleeve today, though, something he was planning on showing off at some point during the festivities.

Conor had sent his owl to the ministry just yesterday, with his papers signed and verified. He was, legally, an animagus. What ministry he sent the papers to he wasn't sure. He just sent them to the building and whoever got them would have to write it down.

Taking a seat near the door, he waited for his date.

[Morgan Pendragon]

Morgan entered the dance alone. She had planned to attend with Lucius, but had recently broken up with him. And, there had been no time to procure another date. Still, she dressed her best. In fact, she'd made her dress herself. It was baby blue silk under pale, moonlight silver chiffon with a full, cocktail length skirt embroidered around the hem with roses. The skirt flowed outward from a gathered waist, above which was an off-the-shoulder, fitted bodice with cap sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. The center of the neckline was embroidered with the same rose pattern as the hem.

It was a sort of vintage look, and to amplify the effect, Morgan had donned baby blue, wrist length, lace gloves. Her jewelry was in a classic vein too, with pearl drop earrings, and a pearl choker with a baby blue rose pendant. Her hair was done in a vintage, half-up-half-down style secured by bobby pins embellished with pearls and baby blue roses. Her shoes were pale sliver, patent leather court shoes with spool heels. She even had a genuine silver, vintage clutch that had once belonged to her grandmother.

Morgan was proud of how she looked, and had even done her makeup, in the vintage style, of course. She entered the dance with her head held high. It was really her night to celebrate; her and her fellow Ravenclaws'. She was going to enjoy it, even if she didn't have a date. She was sure her guy friends would spare a dance or two, and there was no question that she would have a good time with all of her friends.

She listened to the headmaster's speech, applauding where appropriate, and really whooping it up with the rest of Ravenclaw. There was definitely going to be an after-party in the Tower tonight. Not that Morgan minded. It would be good to see the 'Claws let loose for once. They really deserved it.

[Professor O'Conner]

Ashelle was a mix of emotions. Aunt Ashlee's congratulations at becoming Head Girl still rung in her ears and the generous gifts of her first O'Conner robes and Dress robes still had her in a happy daze. The only thing really bringing her down was Gryffindor's horrid points standing (how had they gotten in the minuses anyway) and the fact that her so called boyfriend Malachy hadn't even bothered to ask her to this start of turm Dance.

Nav would have found out about me being Head Girl and he'd have sent me roses at the very least, lamented Ashelle in her mind. That relationship was over now, all because of her own selfishness and stupididty. Still, how else would things have gone if she hadn't done what she did. the boy wanted to MARRY her for pete sakes!

. . . and the O'Conner's didn't seem to mind - they were more worried about what a person did for a living that what their lineage was. Ashelle couldn't wrap her head around that one. It was one thing to be a wizard of African or other dark skinned decent, but Nav was actually really black - not to mention only half wizard.

You didn't care then, why care now?
"Because I thought it was a school thing!" Ashelle looked around, she hadn't meant to answer her own thoughts out loud, even if in a whisper. No one seemed to have noticed though.

Ashelle put her boy problems out of her mind. Tonight was the beginning of school and the first time she'd ever gotten a chance to represent anyone but herself at a school function. Yes, not only was she sporting her school Head Girl badge, but also official O'Conner Dress robes, in the O'Conner colors of red, white and gold and tailored in the latest style. The dress was long and red with flecks of gold, off one shoulder, with silken ruffles and frills at the toe and across the covered shoulder and around the top of the bodice. It was cinched at the waist and had small red bow in the back, the ends of witch were trimmed in the same white. The Robe was of a gossamer white that faded into light gold trimming at the foot and at the sleeves. The whole robe had an iridescent, golden shimmer to it.

This is what it feel like to achieve your dreams, she told herself as she walked into the dance. This is what it's like to belong. She wished Aunt Ashlee and Grand Miranda were here to see her . . . she felt positively regal.

[Leseur Follet]

Leseur Follet, the French herbology teacher Walked elegantly into the dance hall. Leseur didn't really like these humongous hormonally driven gatherings, but, he figured why not go and have a good time? After all he had been studying up on new dances and ball room etiquette with the book How to Hold Big Balls (Translated from French).

Leseur always kept it low-key at events like this; but, because he was French, this meant that he drew attention to himself like an atom bomb explosion as he entered the room.

Leseur sported a Very nice "mood suit" they called it. It changed colors according to the strength of the mood in the area. This suit came complete with a "mood tie" as well. The suit looked like different colored lights reflecting off of water as he passed through the crowd of people. Leseur's hair was perfectly trimmed and styled as always. He wore a very nice black vest under his constantly-changing-colored suit.

Leseur also wore a very dazzling grin on his face.

[Sylph]

On the headmaster's right was Sylph, the purple haired deputy headmistress. She seemed in a jolly enough mood, but during the headmaster's speech she stole a few searching glances at Forgoil, two chairs away on Talon's left. Apparently Sylph was still the only one to have figured out that the defence against the dark arts teacher was partially under the sway of a dark wizard. Still, he was also her boyfriend, and for the most part he was safe. If the situation arose where he became possessed again, however... well, Sylph would just have to deal with it. Tonight, though, the mood was good; hopefully that would rub off on the Scotsman and keep the Unknown One at bay.

As Talon's speech drew to a close, Sylph stood, revealing dress robes of scarlet. Threads of gold twisted through the fabric and almost seemed to move, creating new patterns every thirty seconds or so. In the flickering blue light of the chandelier above their heads, though, the scarlet was tinted dark wine, shifting as she moved. Grinning, she held out her hand, palm upward in invitation.

“Forgoil?” she smiled at the grey haired man, jerking her head slightly toward the dance floor. “Care to have the first dance?”

[kran woodwrth]

kran came down in red and gold dress robe withe hes family crest on it that hes dad had sent hem the day before with a not that said " these had belonged to my granddad the he gave them to my dad then hem to me now i give them to you." he got their early so he sat at a table by hes self , he had no date, he hoped some friends whed come along. be fore he had any idea what was happening the had master was giving hes speech.

[Willow]

Willow couldn't remember why she had decided to show up at this damn thing. She listened to Talon talk, grinning as he spoke of the woods. It wasn't something to grin about unless you knew exactly what was going on there. She was here as a sort of representative of her kind. See, lycans can be normal, eh?

'Sides. Hadn't Talon said the doors were open to her? He wouldn't throw her out. Hopefully. So the young lycan just browsed through the crowd and listened. Her pale green eyes picked out Leseur, her packmate, but she decided not to greet him. He was here as someone else, tonight. Hopefully he'd be smart enough to stay away from her as well. Not everyone needed to know what he was, and who was among Fenrir's ranks.

Stepping past him, she picked out the woman Sylph. Willow grinned, showing slightly longer-than-average canines, and stepped towards her favorite teacher. If there was one class she missed, it was Care of Magical Creatures. She had intended to say something, but Sylph called to the former Hufflepuff Willow barely recognized, and the lycan blended back with the crowd. She'd catch Sylph later. Maybe visit her. Or something.

The red-haired Ashelle was among those walking the floor, looking a little bitter about something....Willow hesitated, but kept away. She wasn't here to really socialize. Just keep tabs on people. The lycan liked to know everyone, and everything they were doing.

[Quintin Haynes]

It had been a long time since Quin had been at Firefox. His usual antics had made his parents bring him back home again and try and get some discipline into him. They had sent him to a wizarding boot camp of sorts but the cheerful lad had not changed. He did manage to get them to change Fridays into casual Fridays and add color changing to the syllabus in their charms class run by a haughty witch. He had been laughed out of the school and his parents had no choice but to send the blonde boy back to Firefox.

He had arrived on the evening of the Dance itself, the carriage driver had gotten a bit lost. The Gryffindor had sat in the carriage twiddling his thumbs and thinking of all the fun things he could do on his arrival. Fenrir’s Wood was always a good place to start, though maybe he would think about planting some amusing plants in the Greenhouses. Or filling a classroom with water. Or maybe just a simple running through the halls planting dungbombs would be sufficient for a night back.

But when he had seen it was the dance, the gathering of all the students, he came up with something better. It had made the Gryffindor’s blonde face glow with amusement the moment he thought of it.

He stood outside of the entrance to the dance, plain black robes on. Quin was laughing quietly to himself, watching as more and more people entered the dance to have fun. Many of them worse dress robes though some oddly enough were wearing muggle fashions which he found just plain weird. Though, after tonight, people would find his sense of fashion weird.

When he thought that there were enough people in the Dance he took a deep breath, eyes sparkling with mischief as he pulled the robes off to reveal he was wearing…nothing underneath. Yep, that’s right, nothing. Shivering for a moment as he felt the cold air Quin kicked off his shoes, grabbed his wand from on top of his robes and gave it a whirl so bright sparks were shooting out of it.

With that he turned and ran into the Great Hall, fully bare to the world and with a giant grin on his face. Several students shrieked when they saw the sixteen year old but he just held his wand high above his head and whooped with laughter as he dashed into the crowd of people. “Who wants to go streaking? Wooo!” Quin shouted as he stopped amidst a bunch of people and posed with his hands on his hips.

[Ryoko Kanagawa]

Ryo listened to the speech intently. The news of he forest surprised him. Wasn't the forest always super dangerous? He waited patiently for his date. Hopefully Rioku would arrive shortly. The dance was already at an awkward start with Moran just watching the others dance, clearly alone, and Chika who was crying in the corner most likely dumped by her date.

He heard someone arrive, could it be? No, it was a man. A... naked man?! Ryo rolled his eyes. It was like a prank from Japan. This would certainly detract from the dance. It was amusing to watching the others react to the prank.

[Forgoil Halifirien]

Sitting to the left of Talon, Forgoil seemed more quiet, subdued even, than he usually did but he still had his game face on. He occassionally smiled or waved when it was called for, but other than that he was desperately trying to keep himself under control. After his outburst in his office with Sylph, the grey-haired man knew that such a reaction in front of this many people would be horrific: there was no telling the damage that could be done.

His eyes flashed back into focus when Sylph asked him if he wanted to have the first dance. Looking up at her, her radient attire and herself looking so exquisite, the Professor against the Dark Arts smiled weakly but rose to his feet as he accepted her hand. Standing at his fullest, it became quite clear that Forgoil wasn't wearing any robes at all: he was wearing a simple, black muggle suit with a silver tie. Now he had several reasons to his aversion of dress robes, such as how they got in the way of things, sometimes they were too frilly, but the most important reason was that the only skirted piece of attire that would ever cloth his body in such a fashion was a kilt: regretfully he did not possess one. Also, his hair wasn't any different than usual but he'd trimmed his stubble down to that attractive, weathered level.

"I love ta," replied Forgoil though his voice lacked some of its usual luster. Walking out with Sylph onto the Dance Floor, the Scotsman nodded over to the younger crowd that seemed ot be gathered in front of something and said, "Just nothing ta crazy, understand? I don't want ta give those kids any ammo for in-class harassment and all."

[Adhara Naunet]

Adhara rolled her eyes subtly at everyone's antics. She really didn't want to be here and if it hadn't been for the Headmaster's mandate that all staff must be present, she wouldn't be. The green-eyed woman swirled her wine around in her golden goblet moodily, her brows creased as she glared at the ruby liquid. Raising it to her lips, she took a sip as she stared out across the room.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, that much was clear. A faint smile played across her countenance fleetingly as she saw Sylph and Forgoil stepping out for a dance from the staff table. Of course, immediately afterward she remembered that she had no one to dance with and she was trapped in a room full of hormonal, over emotional teenagers and the small smile was replaced by the glare once more.

She turned her gaze to her barely touched plate of salmon and shuddered. It seemed her appetite was lacking tonight. Nothing appealed at the moment, besides the wine. Possibly the liquid on an empty stomach was a stupid idea, but at least it was momentarily keeping her from murdering all of her students out of sheer annoyance with their juvenile antics.

Speaking of juvenile antics and homocide...a silky brown brow was lifted in surprise when one of the teenagers dared to shout loud enough to be heard above the general hubbub of his peers. What was going on? The brunette witch huffed an irritated sigh when she caught sight of his lack of attire.

Honestly. Children.

Her irritation had reached the boiling point and she was in no mood to deal with this politely. Barely thinking about it, she flicked her wand and a set of side windows flew open with a gust of chilly wind. Before the boy could feel its affects however, she had levitated him out said windows and dumped him unceremoniously into the lake below.

The splash echoed throughout the room as the professor took another sip of her wine, feeling a bit better.

[Leseur Follet]

After greeting a few students in his ever changing suit, Leseur Follet decided he would join the rest of the staff at the table. The Frenchman gave a happy wave and a charming smile to all his colleagues. He gracefully took a seat next to where Sylph had been sitting moments earlier , his suit now turning a happy yellow-orange color.

Leseur detsested the school's food normally, but tonight, it was superb. The wine was just the right year to make it sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. The steak he had asked for was cooked to a good temperature and not overly cooked. Leseur would have preffered it a bit more rare, but he wasn't going to complain as he had more 'refined' tastes. Leseur looked over to Talon for a quick moment. "Monsieur, the food eez pearfect tonight, tell thee chefs they deed a fantasteek job". With that he went back to politely and cleanly eating his steak dabbing his mouth with his napkin every so often.

Leseur had no date tonight but he was perfectly fine with this because he wanted to keep his distance from most people. However Leseur did notice a teacher he hadn't met yet sipping wine by herself. Maybe Leseur would pay that tasty morsel a visit later on.

His suit was now sporting a happy yellow, with a passionate red, mixed in with a saddening blue.

[iloveaddie]

Seth felt about as naked as the recently-disposed Gryffindor streaker; he had appeared out of nowhere, standing off to one side of the Feasting Hall as he got his bearings. It seemed he had just poofed into existence, possessing only the skills and knowledge necessary to survive the night.

Indeed, he felt naked; physically, however, he fit right in. Like a true wizard, he wore [insert generic description of male wizarding dress robes]. Aside from that, he had his [insert generic wand attributes] wand tucked neatly into a side pocket, and his hair was [insert generic manly hairdo description that is uncannily similar to avatar].

As if guided by an unseen hand, the man began walking in a direction completely random in his eyes; in reality, the unimaginably bored writer controlling his every action was steering him straight for Addie. Straight at Addie.

Straight into Addie.

Fortunately, he had been brought into this world with a blood stream full of alcohol; some may call it pregaming, others may call it rude and disgusting. For Seth, it was a perfect excuse.

"Sorry, ma'am; I guess I have a bit too much wine in me," he said, his [charming, manly] eyes glancing over the lovely lady at his feet. His [charming, manly] voice [did charming, manly things to her]. The man reached out an arm, offering to help her up; perhaps this random, unexplainable night would end up being the greatest of his [one-night] existence.