The Ball
Author: Prof. Trelawney
Date: 06-04-02 15:13

Prof. Trelawney wandered the halls wearily, with no particular destination. She headed down from her tower towards the Great Hall.

She was collecting thoughts on what may occur. So far, she had seen that Cho and Adam, they were likely going to be having a mishap, but would make up at the end of the night. Majandra, she would be reading, all because she didn't wish to go to the ball. Ginny would be spending a lot of quality time with her date, and she hoped to get to know him better than she already did. She saw that some of the younger kids at the sleepover were going to be causing problems... who yet, she couldn't see. Maybe the halls were fogging her inner eye. She was close to the great hall by now, and maybe the music was causing her grief. She turned on her heel, and quickly fled back the way she had come. She had decided that she would not be chaperoning either of the events...all that loud music could cloud the inner eye, and she didn't want to spend the night with shrieking kids. She rubbed her eyes, and headed back to the tower, hoping for some peace and quiet. She felt like a good long sleep.

Meeting Brett
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 06-04-02 15:34

Ginny had started getting ready earlier that afternoon. Her dress robes (which Australia loaned her) where that of a dark blue and sparkles. She was so nervous she didn't even know what to do with her hair. Finally she asked Eileen and Australia to help her.

They twisted and braided and re-twisted her hair until it was perfectly the way Australia and Eileen thought it should be, which was down and several braids spread out through her hair to show a tropical look but to still be classy.

Ginny loved it. Finally once she was completly dressed for the night, she left her room and went down in search for her date.

Ah Well...
Author: Ian Weasley
Date: 06-04-02 15:58

Just as Ian got dressed into his robes and left the common room, Professor McGonagall showed up to tell him that he would not be going to the Snow Ball as punishment for what he did at Beauxbatons!

She frowned and said, "Madame Maxime found the canary cream you left for her and she asked me to give you detention. You will be informed of your detention next week. I suggest you use this time to study! Good evening Mr. Weasley!" She walked off in her usual mood.

Ian didn't care anyway. It's not like he had a date or anything.

He went to change, then went to the owlery and borrowed Pig who was extremely excited. He sent a letter to his former girlfriend at Beauxbatons when a barn owl swooped down to him and delivered a red letter, which was smoking at the corners!

Ian ran back to the dorm and opened the howler which shouted:

CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!...KICKED OUT OF BEAUXBATONS!...BROUGHT SHAME TO THE WHOLE FAMILY!...WHAT WOULD YOUR FATHER SAY IF HE WAS ALIVE?...WAIT TILL I SEE YOU!...MESS UP JUST ONE MORE TIME AND YOU ARE COMING HOME!

Everyone left in the common room was laughing at Ian. He felt so embarrassed he ran straight upstairs to his room and shut the door, sat on his bed, pulled out a picture album and thought of Beauxbatons.

Preparations
Author: Eileen
Date: 06-04-02 20:05

The preparations come fast and furious. Australia and I go into the girls sixth year dormitory and put on our dress robes and put up our hair then head into the common room.

Just a Bunch of Hot Air
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 06-04-02 20:34

"Hold still."

Helena tried to gently apply a moist cloth to Charlie's forehead, but his arms were flailing so wildly that she found it very difficult to tend to him at all.

"I said hold still," she said firmly, dropping the cloth onto his heaving chest so that her hands were free to grab his arms.

Charlie turned his head away from her and coughed. With his arms pinned down, he could hardly move. Everything felt so constricting–the blanket tucked firmly around him, the collar of his shirt around his neck, Helena's warm body standing over him–he just had to get out of there, and fast!

"Charlie," Helena said soothingly. "You've got to hold still. I know that you're hot and that you feel incredibly uncomfortable under these stifling conditions. It's the fever, nothing more. Let me take care of you as you took care of me and you'll feel better in no time."

He didn't heed her words though, and kicked his legs against the confines of his blanket.

"Don't make me jump on you, Charlie Weasley. I'll hold you down, if I have to!"

No sooner was this said when a solid kick sent the blanket flying. Helena took a deep breath and stared down at the man, who was doing his very best to break free. She still had his arms pinned down, but despite the sickness, Charlie was quite strong. It wouldn't take much longer of his struggling to break loose.

"You've asked for it, Charlie Weasley." She bent her knees with the intentions of springing up onto the cot so that she could have better control of his arms and thrashing legs, but just as her feet left the ground, Charlie suddenly lurched towards her and send her flying onto the floor. She landed with a thud onto her back next to the cot and seconds later, Charlie fell face-first on top of her.

His eyes flew open suddenly, finding a wide-eyed Helena laying below him. Their noses were just inches apart.

"What the hell are you doing?" Helena spat, although a tinge of nervousness was evident in her voice.

Charlie blinked a few times and then planted his palms on the floor next to her head. "It's a bit hot in here, isn't it?" he asked hoarsely.

Helena stared back at him, her own eyelids fluttering open and shut a few times. "I-It's the fever. You're not well."

Charlie didn't comment, and made no indication that he was planning on getting off of her. Instead, he stared at her oddly, making Helena all the more uncomfortable.

A rare flush was spreading across her cheeks as he looked her over.

"Yes," he finally said, mostly to himself. "It's definitely a bit hot in here."

With that, he climbed off of Helena and staggered over to the cot. He reached for the canteen on the little table nearby and took a few swigs. Helena, meanwhile, remained frozen on the floor. What the hell has gotten in to her? He has a girlfriend or something. And besides, she hated him. She didn't want anything more with him than a work relationship. Hell, she didn't even want that.

"You going to stay there all night, Helena? You're pretty and all, but you don't make a nice carpet."

Snapped back into reality, Helena sat up and stared up at him coolly, "Back to your old self again, I see."

Charlie laughed and took another sip from the canteen. His face was slightly flushed from the fever, which evidently was waning rather quickly, and his hair was moist from the sweat. It was hot in there, and it didn't have anything to do with sparks flying or body chemistry. Helena wiped any such thoughts from her mind immediately and scrambled to her feet. She took a few steps outside and allowed the cool air of the Romanian night to assail her.

Across the camp grounds she could hear merry singing and laughter. It was New Year's Eve and she was still stuck in quarantine with that pest, Charlie Weasley.

New Year's Eve
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 06-04-02 21:35

Briar sits in the bakery, elbows on the table, and chin resting on the bridge of her folded hands. Staring through bleary eyes at Quinn and Bridget in the chairs across from her, Briar smiles tiredly. "Thank you two for staying late. I don't know if I could have gotten the last of the orders sent off without you. Actually, thank you both for all you've done this week. With me gone more than I've been around, you've worked more hours and done much more than the job description entails. Wait, no... don't interrupt. I know you have done all this out of concern for Bill as well as for me. So, while I don't wish to insult your good hearts, I am going to compensate you beyond the pay you'd expect. Quinn, Bridget, take this in the gesture it's intended, please?"

With that, Briar pulls an envelope from her apron and slides it across to the Donneleys. The older couple nod their heads in thanks, knowing no words are needed. Briar feels a bit relieved for some reason when Quinn slips the unopened envelope into his own pocket.

"Now off with you both. You have the McGinty's party to get to and I don't want to be the cause of you arriving late."

Nodding again, they stand to leave, both leaning down to give Briar hugs. After they've disapparated, Briar remains where she is, moving only to wave her wand to distinguish the lights. Folding her arms, Briar bends over onto the table, head down, eyes closed, physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted.

After apparating from the island to the Weasleys on Christmas, Briar had reported finding nothing in Bill's room as well as fibbing about Adriana's not returning with her. Since then, Briar has devoted hours helping in the search for clues, spent a great deal of time at the Weasleys as well as putting in work at the bakery.

She'd also very studiously avoided being alone with Adriana. Briar had seen the other woman many times over the past week, of course, but Briar always found a way to not be alone with her.

Heaving a sigh, Briar pushes away from the table. She'd promised to spend time at the Weasley's tonight and didn't want to be late. Looking around the room, Briar feels a tightening in her chest as she thinks about just how much she misses Bill's almost daily ritual of coming for coffee. The day she'd shared her secret about Rosalyn with Bill, she'd realized what a dear friend he'd become in such a short time. After learning he was missing, Briar was made instantly aware the he is so much more than her friend. He is very much like a brother.

Blinking her eyes several times rapidly, Briar attempts to clear her vision, blurred by both tears and extreme weariness. Making sure the shop is locked up for the night, Briar looks around the room once more, her eyes coming to rest at Bill's usual spot to sit. Briar makes another fervent New Year's resolution that Bill will be found safe and healthy very soon then she gathers a box of food she'd packed earlier and leaves for the Burrow.

Re: the Ball
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 06-04-02 21:38

I look at my closet and the handful of formal dress robes, trying to decide which one to wear over at the ball. Remus Lupin generally invited me to be his date. He would be wearing he's new robes, I know. The red-brown one I bought him (along with three everyday robes) for Christmas.

I decide on the golden-coloured one with the dark green vest. That done, I take out a round circlet and sweep my hair around it so that it twists up on my head and the curled ends fall down the side of my face. To finish the look I put on a small chain with a Celtic knotwork design.

Please with my look, I take my thick winter cape and head towards Hogwarts to meet Remus for the Snow Ball.

WHOA
Author: Prote Spacy
Date: 06-05-02 07:32

Prote stood at the bottom of the tower, that led to the Gryffindor common room. He'd never been up there, but decided to wait for his Aussi ^_^ at the bottom. Neo stood next to Prote, with a black eye from that fight. "Well, tonight's the night, eh? The dance, I mean," said Neo. Prote nodded.

"Yeah... too bad you haven't gott'n a date, huh?" said Prote. This question made Neo stare at his feet. Prote felt a little guilty. "Hey don't worry, you're going anyway, so you can check out some girls there! And maybe you'll find that one of them doesn't have a date!" he encouraged. Neo looked up and smiled. "Thanks Prote," he said.

Prote smiled back at Neo then looked up at the staircase. Prote followed the suit... "Whoa!" Prote gasped, for behold, Australia has arrived. She was beautiful. Prote's jaw dropped. Neo must have noticed because he put Prote's jaw back in place. Australia smiled. Prote's smile was just as big. "Australia! You look... I mean... WOW!!!" he said, and he took out his hand and she placed her hand onto his. Now they stood side by side.

"You look handsome Prote," said Australia. Prote grinned, for he was wearing a navy blue dress robe, with silver lining. "Shall we?" said Prote. Australia held onto Prote's arm. "Yes," she said, and they headed for the Great Hall.

Snow Balls & Slumber Parties
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-05-02 13:26

Minerva McGonagall watched as the students filed into the Great Hall for the Snow Ball. The tables had been cleared away replaced by smaller ones. Candles floated 'round about the room, giving a nice glow to their surroundings.

Minerva nodded to some of the students as they made their way in and waved to her. She hoped that Hagrid would come in soon so that she could ask him to keep an eye on the younger ones at the Don't Slumber the Night Away Party they had planned for those not old enough to attend the ball.

McGonagall would be doing rounds, though. She would be going back and forth between the ball and the slumber party, keeping an eye on things in both cases. She smoothed out her long, tartan robes, noticing how the golden lining sparkled a bit in the light. Reaching up, she rearranged the hat on her head, then tapped the brooch at the neck of her robes.

She hoped this night would go without trouble.

How You Like It
Author: George Weasley
Date: 06-05-02 14:01

Toby Beck came strolling over to George, hands in the pockets of his dress robes.

"What's the matter, Chum?" George asked, handing Toby a glass of green, bubbly looking punch.

Toby shrugged. "Nothing, really. Wanted a date to this here ball with that pretty girl over there." He nodded toward Bronwyn Dewhurst.

"Ah, seems Clearwater's got her now." George said, clapping a sympathetic hand on Toby's shoulder. "Cheer up, then! I don't have a date either! There's lots of single gals here, too! And anyway, no one said bachelors couldn't dance together!"

Toby stared blankly at George. "What?"

"You heard me!" George laughed. "We can dance together!"

The two boys burst into piles of laughter.

"You lead, or shall I?" Toby asked.

George grinned. "You lead."

Laughing jovially, the boys took their positions and began whirling around the room. Whirling and twirling, laughing at themselves and not caring how stupid they were making themselves look.

George took on a girly tone. "Oh, you dance so well, Mr. Beck!"

"Why, thank you, Ms. Weasley. You don't dance to bad, yourself!" Toby made his voice deeper.

George giggled, batting his eyelashes. "Oh, really, Mr. Beck! You are too kind!"

A blank look spread over George's face as he realized he had giggled! Toby burst out laughing at the look on his friend's face. Shortly, thereafter, came George.

They found a table and took a seat, leaning into the chairs to support themselves.

"I have a stitch in me side!" George held onto his side, laughter subsiding.

Toby panted. "Yeah, ouch, me too!"

Toby looked up suddenly and nudged George. Professor McGonagall stared at them, the shock evident, making it seem like someone had ironed out all her wrinkles. The two began laughing again, slapping their hands on the table and tears running from their eyes.

Leaving the Common Room
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 06-05-02 14:35

After meeting up with Lee in the common room; Eileen, Lee, and I headed down to the Great Hall for the ball. Eileen was simply jumping with joy b/c New Years was finally here.

As we reached the bottom of the stairs, my jaw dropped open as I saw who was standing at the bottom of the stairs. My darling Prote was standing gazing back up at me with his jaw dropped too. Dang I guess we both have the same effect on each other. . .

"Whoa!" he gasped, his jaw dropped even more. Neo must have noticed because he put Prote's jaw back in place as Eileen did the same to me. I smiled, and Prote's smile was just as big. "Australia! You look... I mean... WOW!!!" he said, and he took out his hand and placed my hand onto his. Now we stood side by side.

"You look handsome Prote," I said. Prote grinned, for he was wearing a navy blue dress robe, with silver lining. "Shall we?" said Prote. I held on to Prote's arm. "Yes," I said, and we headed for the Great Hall.

~*Later*~

As we entered to Great Hall; Lee and Prote led Eileen and I out onto the dance for to mingle a little and to start getting our groove on.

Waiting for Sykra
Author: Orlando Devons
Date: 06-05-02 15:22

As he was not a Ravenclaw, Orlando straightens his robes and awaits outside the picture for Sykra. He was quite nervous, even though they'd been together for quite a bit now.

Hidden Arrival
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-05-02 15:27

On Adam's arm, Cho and he arrive close to the Great Hall, she pauses to straighten her dress robes one last time, Adam chuckles, pulling her gently along, "You look wonderful, Cho, stop worrying about it."

Giving a gentle nod, they fall in line, awaiting the opening of the doors. Cho looks around for her two friends, Aradia and Sykra, hoping their evening was going as well as hers. She looks to her date again, thinking...

Adam looks gorgeous in those colors...I'm glad I picked them, I also send all my gratitude to his grandmum for being so kind as to get them from Gladrags. She smiles, noting she was staring and looking away, before back to him to start a conversation, "So, how was your trip?"

Wallflowering
Author: Dot Pio
Date: 06-05-02 15:30

Dot had dressed in a yellow-orange dress robe. Since she had been moping around homesick for so long, she had never gotten a date. So she came to the Snow Ball alone.

Dot hung out like a wallflower, watching other students with their dates dancing and hanging out. She particularly noticed George Weasley and Toby, dancing together. At first she was a little surprised, then she started to smirk, suddenly she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Sitting...and Just Watching
Author: Neo Anderson
Date: 06-05-02 16:47

Neo sat down at an empty table, noticing George Weasley and his friend laughing, must have been something they did... at least they were having fun.

Neo just sighed and watched Prote and Australia dance the night away, wishing he had someone to enjoy the ball with.

The Encounter
Author: Prescott Clearwater
Date: 06-05-02 17:53

Prescott had been anxiously awaiting this night for weeks. His date Bronwyn had just come down the grand staircase. She was wearing a beautiful pale yellow robe. Prescott was wearing Ravenclaw blue with his shiny polished prefect badge.

They talked for a minute then went to make their appearance. Prescott was happy to see that Toby Beck and George Weasley were eyeing him with jealousy. Prescott didnt have any problem with George Weasley, in fact, George's brother Percy is his mentor and prefect trainer, but Toby Beck was a problem! Prescott knew that Toby liked Bronwyn and she liked him but he liked her also! Prescott liked Bronwyn ever since he was a second year when he saw her get sorted. What was he going to do? He put his thoughts aside for a second when two Slytherins came in front of them!

Re: the Encounter
Author: Simon Samhain
Date: 06-05-02 18:16

Simon Samhain and Nigel Nott were both dressed in Slytherin green and ready to do no good. Simon pointed to Prescott and Bronwyn. "Eh Nige, look at that! Have you ever seen a sadder sight?"

Nigel replied, "Yeah I have! Granger and the Weasel!"

They walk over to block Prescott and his date.

"Well, Well, Well, what have we here? Going to the Ball are we? Prefect Prefect Punky Prescott and his dumb Hufflepuff girlfriend! Wassamatter Clearwater? Couldn't find a Ravenclaw to date? Goin' slummin' are ya? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Let's say we kidnap your girl and hold her hostage in Slytherin tower?"

Prescott was in shock that these guys could be so evil and hateful to a school prefect, knowing it could mean house points!

"Oy! Didn't you hear me mudblood? Enemies of the heir beware! Now that Lord Voldemort is back you and your muggle loving girlfriend will be next! Right after Scarhead, the Weasel and his mudblood girlfriend Granger! You have been warned!"

"The Slytherin invasion begins!...Meet the next generation of Death Eaters mudblood! Malfoy, Me, Nott, Crabbe, Goyle and someone else! You would never guess!!"

"Better watch your back from now on Clearwater!"

Prescott grabbed his wand out of his pocket to hex Samhain and Nott but before Prescott could hex the two, they made their way back down to the dungeons.