Two to Tango
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-05-02 20:40

Isolde, dressed to impress in a simple, yet gorgeous silver dress robe, strolled into the Great Hall on the arm of her beloved Pyrrhus. The silver tiara glittered upon her fair hair, which had been braided around her head, as if it were a crown. She looked and felt like a queen.

The pair made their way to the Slytherin side of the room, where a bunch of their housemates were already enjoying punch and cake. Only a few people were scattered across the dance floor, including one of the Weasley twins and some Hufflepuff sixth year. The two were making complete fools of themselves, but neither one seemed to care.

Pyrrhus stood behind Isolde next to the refreshments table, his arms wrapped around her middle and his chin propped up on her right shoulder. Both were watching the ridiculous display with unpleasant smirks upon their faces.

"Shall we show them how it's done?" Pyrrhus whispered huskily into Isolde's ear.

Grinning wickely she replied, "Yes. Let's."

Pyrrhus slid his arms away from her and took a few steps towards the dance floor, turning suddenly on his heel with an arm outstretched. The smoldering look he gave her was enough to make her melt right there on the spot. Isolde took his hand without any hesitation and stepped out gracefully towards the middle of the room. They circled each other a few times, their eyes locked together as if they were in some sort of passionate trance. Without warning, Pyrrhus reached out and drew Isolde towards him, pressing her tightly against his body.

Audible gasps were heard across the room, most notably from the professors present.

Neither one seemed to notice, as they were completely lost in each other. Pyrrhus had Isolde's right hand in his left, and placed his free hand onto her hip.

More gasps resonated through the hall.

They were so close to one another, that not even a crowbar could pry them apart. Pyrrhus dipped and turned his girl, all the while not missing a beat. They were doing some kind of wizarding tango, their legs constantly becoming entwined. At one point, Isolde kicked a leg up high, her ankle finding a comfortable spot next to Pyrrhus' ear.

It was time to stop this nonsense, Professor McGonagall thought. She strode over, flinching when Pyrrhus' hand roved over to the small of Isolde's back. Any lower and...

"Mr. Fine! Miss Farnon! Stop this revolting display immediately!"

Isolde's back was arched in mid-dip, her hand thrown back only inches away from the floor. Pyrrhus was gazing down at his queen lustfully, eyeing the hollow at the base of her throat greedily. "I said, that's enough you two!"

Bea's Proposal
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 06-05-02 19:19

With Bill still having no memory gains, Bernie and I were glad the offices were shut down until after New Year's. Neither of us would have minded Bill being in the apartment alone. We simply would have felt very guilty about leaving the poor guy by himself under his present circumstances. Not that Bernie's actually been around much this week. He returned the day after Christmas, stayed that night then the very next day he and Andie headed to Bath to spend several days with friends and attend some big New Year's Eve bash.

Bill and I had mainly spent the week going over and over the list of names and the bags of gifts he'd had on him at the time of the accident. After that morning ritual which both distressed and depressed Bill and made me glum, we'd get out and see part of London. This served two purposes. Bill was out and seeing places and things that might jar his memory and it allowed people to see him. We'd been having no luck on either score though and no one but cranks had called the newspaper concerning the article and picture it had run on Bill.

I have realized one thing this week. I miss the visits to Diagon Alley. I'm also out of Wizarding reading material so would love to get to Flourish & Blotts but it's not like The Leaky Cauldron's and the alley are places I can just pop into with Bill. Seeing those places would make Bill's reaction to watching planes taking off and land seem tame.

I look in the mirror in the flat's entryway, run my fingers through my hair to smooth down a couple of cowlicks. I turn at the sound of Bill's approach and hope that after seeing his new look, my mouth wasn't catching flies. Hair now more the length of mine and that odd earring of his nowhere to be seen. Other than the haircut looking choppy, it really doesn't look that bad. Definitely need to get him in somewhere to have the cut cleaned up a bit though.

We both grab coats, his a new one that was a gift from my mother. After I'd had a lengthy phone call with her on Tuesday, she'd rung up Harrods here in London (I swear she's got that number on speed dial) and ordered Bill some things on her credit card. One thing I have to say about Mom is that she does love having someone to pamper, even if that someone is thousands of miles away.

The first party we hit, Bea's there, looking excited and grinning brightly as she waves us over. After hugs of hello for both of us, she turns to Bill. "I think I have a job for you if you're interested. After seeing my house Christmas you probably realized my family's rich as Croesus. My parents have a huge house here in town with a grand library we let historians, scholars and the like use. Well, me Da wants to put the entire library catalogue on computer. I'll be in charge of the project and thought you'd be perfect to help out. Doesn't matter if you know typing or computers because I can teach you. I'll put you on a salary and when your memory returns, I won't make a fuss at losing you to your real life. What do you say? Interested? And, darling, whatever did you do to your hair? Looks rather sexy this way, you know. Though could use a tad touching up."

Just Friends
Author: H Potter
Date: 06-05-02 21:14

**** December 29th ****

Two days before New Year's Eve, Ron had remarked to Harry how glad he was Toby Beck had let Hermione out of their date to the ball. Ron had apologized for not having asked Harry before now who he was taking. Harry had colored slightly and smiled sheepishly at his best friend.

"Well, you know how last year we both waited till last minute and really regretted it later?"

Ron had nodded, already figuring out where Harry was headed but remained silent to hear him out anyway.

"Apparently I didn't learn any lesson from that. I've not asked anyone. I did think about it but never go around to asking anyone. Cho and Ginny have dates. After last year, Parvati wouldn't go with me even if she were dateless and desperate. That goes for her sister as well. Lavender being Parvati's best friend would turn me down even if she didn't already have a date. I guess I'll go stag."

Harry had shrugged as he said this, hoping Ron would think being without a date wasn't bugging Harry. Ron knew Harry all to well though and therefore couldn't resist making a jokes.

"I hear Pansy Parkinson was hoping you'd ask. Milicent Bulstrode thinks you're dreamy so would fight her for you though since she also doesn't have a date."

As Harry glared at Ron, the other boy, grinning wildly, had slapped his forehead.

"Ooooh, of course! You're holding out for Moaning Myrtle to agree to show up somewhere other than her bathroom."

While Ron hooted with laughter, Harry just glared. "Funny, Ron. Really funny. The twins better watch themselves or you're going to become known as the real jokester in the family."

Secretly though, Harry was very pleased to see his friend laughing so uproariously again. All the Weasleys had been extremely subdued since the news about Bill Christmas Day. Sitting nearby reading, Hermione also looked pleased to hear Ron sounding more like himself.

Later that same day, Harry was shocked when Susan Bones approached him in a hallway near the library. The Hufflepuff had quietly explained that she rather liked someone alot but that he'd barely noticed her. As a result, she was too shy to ask this guy to be her date to the ball. Susan had heard Harry had no date yet so would he please help her out? Harry had listened quietly to Susan's idea and figured why the heck shouldn't he go along with it? He'd show up with a date and he'd be doing a nice girl a favor.

**** New Year's Eve ****

Harry stands in the hall leading to Hufflepuff House. While waiting for Susan to appear, he smilingly greets a number of other students on their way to the ball or the slumber party. At what seems like ages, a radiant Susan exits Hufflepuff House wearing a beautiful velvet robe in holiday reds and greens. She beams when Harry tells her how nice she looks.

Offering her his arm, they walk to the Great Hall. At the doorway, they pause as Susan asks for assurance she really does look nice. She takes a deep breath as they enter to find the Hall brightly lit and nicely decorated. No one knew the two were attending the ball together so heads turn in surprise as they enter. Hermione looks please to see Harry has a date afterall while Ron arches his eyebrows in shock that Harry had asked someone and never mentioned it to him. More importantly though, the person Susan wanted to have notice her is not only looking but appears to be impressed to see who her date is.

Doubting he can get through another ball without dancing with his date, Harry takes Susan out on the dance floor, hoping he doesn't crush her feet too often. After a second dance, Harry maneuvers them over to where Susan's object of affection is standing. After he ask Harry if it's all right to dance with Harry's date, a thrilled Susan shoots grateful looks at Harry over the guy's shoulder.

Free to really look around for the first time, Harry slowly makes his way over to where Ron and Hermione are taking a break from dancing.

Almost to himself, Harry comments, "Ginny is looking first rate tonight."

Then slightly louder, in Ron's ear, Harry adds, "You shouldn't have let her come to the ball with someone who's only been at Hogwart's a week. I'm sure Brett appreciates Ginny agreeing to come with him but really, Ron, what do we know about this guy? Is he good enough for her?"

After the Encounter
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-05-02 21:14

Bronwyn sighed and patted Prescott's arm soothingly. "I just don't understand it, Prescott." She sighed again and waited for him to put up his wand before continuing. "Why do they have to be so rude?"

He shrugged and shook his head, casting a somewhat worried and at the same time angry look towards the double doors of the Great Hall. "I don't know, Bronwyn. They're Slytherins. All Slytherins are rude by nature. You know that."

Bronwyn shrugged, shaking her head slightly. "They called me dumb. That's very rude," she said, although her tone was quite cheerful. "Do you think they'd really try to kidnap me?"

His gaze hardened at the thought.

"Well, they could try, but they'd never succeed. I'm a tough girl, you know."

Suddenly, a pair of rapid footsteps came up behind them. Bronwyn whirled around to see Toby rushing up with a concerned look upon his face. "What happened? Everything fine here?" His concern for Bronwyn was quite evident.

Prescott was obviously somewhat jealous. "She's fine. We're both fine. Thank you." He turned back to Bronwyn abruptly. "Would you like to dance?"

Bronwyn smiled and took his hand. "Of course."

They stepped out onto the dance floor, side-stepping Isolde and Pyrrhus who were fawning over each other like a pair of lustful rabbits. Prescott's ears were burning as he watched their movements. Bronwyn found it somewhat cute, but still, her gaze lingered over to Toby who was standing alone, watching her. The small pout that formed on his lips was absolutely adorable. One more look like that and Bronwyn would melt into a puddle of mush right there on Prescott's shoes. Luckily, George came over to Toby and evidently told him a joke of some sort because suddenly, Toby was smiling and laughing all over again. She liked his smile. In fact, she loved it.

"You're far away..."

Bronwyn's gaze shifted back to her date. "Oh, sorry. Just kind of slipped off there..." She smiled at him and threw her arms around his neck for a slow dance.

Melted Snow
Author: Azaelia Bramble
Date: 06-05-02 21:59

Azaelia, decked out in a dark teal, velevet robe with silver cording, entered the Great Hall, Robert on her arm.

She didn't know why, but she knew something was wrong with Robert. He seemed to hide behind that wonderful smile. She held tightly to his arm, wanting to ask what was wrong, but not daring to say a word.

"Lia! Look!" Robert pointed over to Py and Isolde. The dance they were doing!

Lia's eyes widened. "Oh my . . . "

Professor McGonagall came over to pull them apart, scolding them for such inappropriate behavior. Lia giggle behind her hand, and Robert had to turn away to keep from laughing at the sight, but to no avail.

"C'mon!" Azaelia pulled Robert's arm and they went over to their friends.

"Oooooooh, Busted!" Robert said, clapping a hand on Py's shoulder. "Good work, my friend. Couldn't have done better myself!"

The look Robert gave Lia made her face grow hot. She fanned herself.

"So, let's burn up this dance floor, Milady!" Robert said as he grabbed Azaelia's hand and pulled her to him, looking deeply into her eyes.

Azaelia grinned, raising an eyebrow. "Yes. Let's."

Both couples went back to dancing in a more fashionable manner - something McGonagall would approve of.

"Robert, you're not here tonight. You're somewhere else." Azaelia finally said, mentally bracing herself for the answer.

He sighed deeply, pulling her a bit closer for comfort.

"Tell me, please? We've never kept things from each other." She looked deeply into his eyes, smiling reassuringly.

He swallowed, then stepped back from her. "We can't talk here."

"Why? What's wrong?" Lia felt her stomach twisting. She thought she would be sick.

He shook his head, taking her hand and leading her back into the entrance hall.

"Robert Blackheart, what is it?" Azaelia looked over at Isolde and Pyrrhus who had the same questioning expression on their face as she did.

Robert pulled her into the shadows. "Lia, I can't stop holding this back. I have to tell you, there's no two ways about it."

Her brows drew together, her eyes already beginning to sting with tears. She felt it coming.

"I'm leaving Hogwarts." He said, his hands on each of her shoulders.

Azaelia bit her lip when it started to tremble. Tears formed in her eyes.

"Remember that owl I got the other morning? The one I didn't tell you about?"

She nodded slowly.

"It was from my parents. We're moving. My dad got this job somewhere in Europe and I'll probably end up going to another Wizarding school over there." He hated to see her cry. He wiped a few of her tears away, pulling her close.

Azaelia spoke with a trembling voice. "But -"

"I know, my love. I know, I just...you know I can't do anything about this." He cradled her small form in his arms, stroking her hair as she cried.

She pushed away. "I know you can't do anything about it, but I sure wish I could. I'll miss you so much, Robert. So much."

"I know." He whispered. "I know."

After a while, Azaelia's tears subsided, but the pain inside her did not. Both made up their minds to go back to the ball and make it a memory that will last a lifetime, unlike the snow.

Re: the Great Hall
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 06-05-02 22:00

I wait at the entrance and watch the students go by in their dress robes and fancy gowns. I smile to myself as I remember the last Hogwarts ball I attended. As it was, I went with the same person who invited me this time -- Remus Lupin.

A short time later he comes through the crowd, dressed in his new robes I bought him. I smile to see him in the robes. He needed them, and these ones are perfect for him.

"Hello Dierna, I'm pleased you could make it."

"Thank you for inviting me, Remus. It's almost like when we were students here, isn't it? And I must say, you look smashing in that new robe!" I smile as I take his arm and we head to the great hall for the dance.

Having a Snow Ball
Author: Aradia Forest
Date: 06-05-02 22:08

I go the the ball dressed in a dress that looks like winter's snow- a shimmering miasma of all different colours. It seems to change shade slightly every few seconds. I have my hair braided, and wrapped around my head and held in place with a crystalin pin.

After looking around I finally see Cho, and head over to see her, hoping that my date doesn't pull a no show on me.

"Hi Cho! Did you find a date?"

Sparkles and Light
Author: George Weasley
Date: 06-05-02 22:16

George and Toby just finished another joke and their laughter was subsiding when a thought struck George. "Hey, do you know where Majandra is?"

"Majandra Fine? I have no clue." Toby said taking a sip of his punch.

George's thoughts and eyes began to wonder.

"Hey, Toby. Look at that girl!" George nodded toward that gal standing against the wall. "She's stunning!"

Toby smiled. "Yeah, she is. But, not as pretty as, well, you know."

"Oh, sure I know." George's eyes flashed in realization. "That's Dot Pio. I think she's a Ravenclaw!"

Toby looked harder. "Wow. It is!"

"I wonder if she'll dance with me?" George asked taking a few steps forward.

Toby laughed. "Ya never know unless you ask, Bud!"

George and Toby shared an understanding smile, and George made his move.

"Um, excuse me. Dot?" George asked after taking a deep breath.

Dot stared at him. "Yeah? Hiya, George! Great party, yeah?"

"Yeah! It sure is...um, can I dance with you?"

Dot nodded. "Yes! I would love that, George!"

George took Dot's hand and led her out to the dance floor. He smiled at her. "Happy New Year, Dot."

"Happy New Year, George."

___

A while later, Dot rejoined her table and George rejoined Toby.

"You know, I don't see Majandra anywhere. And, it's getting stuffy in here. I'm going to go for a walk. Want to come?" George asked his friend.

Toby shook his head. "Nah. I'll catch up with you later, though."

"Alright, then!" And George left the castle.

Reminders
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-05-02 22:30

Stiffened, and hands clenched into fists, Minerva McGonagall went back to her spot watching the students. She watched the Slytherin couple as Miss Farnon's cousin and her beau Robert Black approached them.

The outrage! The horror! Minerva thought, and then suddenly it hit her. She knew she had seen something like this before.

Chyler Thomason and Lysander Stratford. In their years at Hogwarts, Minerva had to do everything she could to keep those two from inappropriate dancing on that floor out there.

A hand jerked her from her thoughts.

"Alroight, there, Professer?"

It was Hagrid.

"Oh, hello there, Hagrid. I am glad to see you. Happy New Year." She forced a smile.

Hagrid gave her a very discreet kiss on the cheek. "Happy New Year to yeh!"

"Thank you, Hagrid." She flushed slightly. "Listen, are you still up for chaperoning the younger ones?"

"Oh, yeh, sure! I'd love ter do that!" He grinned beneath that big, bushy, black beard.

Minerva smiled. "All right, then! I'll come with you. I'm doing rounds anyway. Jumping back and forth, it seems." She chuckled.

Trusting the other professor's judgment and watchful eyes, she left for the Don't Slumber the Night Away party, Hagrid along side of her.

As You Can See...
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-06-02 05:02

They'd entered the Great Hall by now and were mingling with friends before deciding to dance. Cho politely excuses her attention from Adam for a few moments as Aradia finds her, she nods enthusiastically, "I did indeed find a date, or rather, he found me."

Aradia grins, "Lucky you! Have you seen Golbez?"

Cho shakes her head, "No, but I'm sure he'll be here. No one would miss this."

Aradia shrugs, "I hope you're right."

Cho nods, giving a mischievous smile, her attention is then turned back to Adam, patiently and cheerfully awaiting an invitation to the dance floor as she wasn't too sure of her own feet.