Lonely
Author: Prof. Trelawney
Date: 06-07-02 19:08

Prof Trelawney wanders the halls aimlessly, she sees no one in the corridors. She sighs and continues on. She had hoped to go to the ball, but nobody asked her really. Of course, she must keep this to herself, being so anti social. Fred Weasley had asked her to come so he could dance with her. She had turned him down, because he was mocking her.

The corridors were quiet as she continued her way... she decided to make some noise. Quiet noise, but something to keep her company. Just then, Peeves came tearing around a corner, and plain bang bumped into Prof Trelawney. Peeves snickered and asked where her date was. Prof. Trelawney merely shrugged her shoulders and continued on her way. Peeves got a funny look on his face, then disappeared around the bend again. Prof Trelawney muttered that there should be speed limits in the halls, what with the way the youths and ghosts traveled.

She had hit her head on the wall, but nothing serious. In fact, it had given her an idea. She whispered a spell, and transported her high school sweet heart, Jacob, to the floor in front of her. He looked at her, and took her hand. He said, "Nothing's changed."

"Yes, a lot has. Come on, get up. We need to watch some kids at a dance. You up to it?"

"Yes, but Sybil, I'm married now. I have 8 kids, and I teach Divination."

"Me too." Prof. Trelawney is devastated. She never foresaw this one.

Jacob asks her, "You have 8 kids, a wife, and you teach Divination?"

"No, I teach Divination." was Prof. Trelawney's reply.

"Oh."

They walked down the corridor, past a puzzled Peeves, towards the ball, hand in hand. At the ball, Prof. Trelawney planned to get to know her old friend better, seeing as that was all they could be.

Socializing
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 06-07-02 19:23

Bill stammered a bit and ran a hand through his shorn hair. "Thank you. Erm, a job would be fantastic. I feel like I'm being such a burden staying with Aaron and Bernie and eating all their food without contributing to the rent. I must admit that I haven't a clue what the job will entail–what exactly is a computer?"

Bea smiled and patted Bill on the arm soothingly. "Oh, you poor dear. I bet your real job involves computers. You're probably some kind of computer technician, or maybe a writer! Well, no matter. As I said, I'll teach you how to re-familiarize yourself with the computer and you'll be all set in no time." She smiled wide and made no move to remove her hand from Bill's arm.

Aaron seemed rather pleased that Bill would find something for him to do that would ease his mind off of more serious things–like remembering his past. Bill had been growing more and more angry, not to mention confused the more he tried to recall something, but would nonetheless fail.

After a few drinks (which strangely enough, Bill felt he shouldn't be having), Bill was loosened up and making a circuit around the party. Bea was following him everywhere, often taking his arm and introducing him to some of the people. Maybe it was his imagination, but Bill had a strong inkling that Bea had a thing for him. He, however, had no real interest in her. She was nice and very pretty, but she just didn't seem like the type of woman for him.

Finally, Bill found Aaron conversing with an attractive blonde. He didn't want to interrupt, but it looked like the woman was about to leave anyway. Before she did, she slipped him her phone number.

Bill approached, with Bea trailing on his heels, and clapped Aaron on the back. "She was gorgeous."

Aaron grinned slyly and tucked the little scrap of paper into his back pocket. "Ready to hit another party?"

"Oh, leaving so soon?" Bea pouted slightly.

Bill nodded, "The night's young and there are still plenty of other parties to stop by..."

"Well, that's the spirit! I'll grab my coat and come along!" She vanished, leaving Aaron laughing and Bill rolling his eyes.

Dancing the Night Away
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 06-07-02 20:23

Aradia and I dance together, and talk about how we are going to win it all this year (with all due respect to Gryffindor and Hufflepuff). Aradia decides she wants to see how fast I can dance. So, I'm up to the challenge. We dance fast and furiously trying to outdo each other.

Party
Author: Belladonna
Date: 06-07-02 23:42

Bella tilted her head and walked over to the other chaperones. There was Madame Hooch and Hagrid. How odd that none of them wore pajamas. Really, it made her feel like she was underdressed and quite out of place. Well, the kids were enjoying the outfit and the slippers, so what did it matter. She licked a bit of s'more from her fingers and attempted to look a bit professional, despite a few too many games of exploding snap. She raised her voice to be heard over the din. She was putting on a brave face, so go for broke and bravato.

"My goodness, the children seem to be having a lovely time. Quite a relief to not have to worry about prying about couples having too much of a good time on the dance floor or checking to see if either of the Weasley boys has spiked the punch with firewhiskey, don't you think? Will you be joining us, Professor McGonagall, or is it back to the ball?

"So kind to have you ask Professor Sprout and Filch to join us, Hagrid. It's turning into a regular Lonely Heart's Club here. Not that I'm unattached, mind you. However, I am dateless, so I will join in any moaning about not having a date, unless stuffed animals suddenly count. Oh, and did everyone have a lovely holiday?"

She finished off with a bright smile and laugh. Always nice to start off on a positive note. As for her, well a letter from Charlie or the weekend would do her good. Just a few more months and she was off to a vacation in Greece at term's end. Until then, well the upcoming weekend might be a nice time to pop into London and rest in her flat.

She tilted her head inquisitively. Well, too many questions she asked. Time to be quiet and get answers.

Time 2 Dance
Author: Sykra Sawyer
Date: 06-08-02 01:04

After a bit more chatting with friends, Sykra dragged Orlando out onto the dance floor. "Time to dance!" She said smiling.

"Alright then." Orlando said, smiling back at her. "Let's dance." He took Sykra by the hand and they began their night of dancing.

Moonlight Serenade
Author: Majandra
Date: 06-08-02 01:18

Majandra sits in stunned silence at George's words. While she knows she is by no means ugly, no one has ever said she is beautiful. Such a compliment coming after her strange behavior over the past semester and after knowing she's been the brunt of many jokes, makes Majandra unsure of how serious George is. The silence between them seems to stretch to the stars and back before Majandra responds.

"That's very nice of you to say, George, but I don't want your pity. I know I've been acting extremely strange and erratic since school began, including the recent crush on Ron. That crush is why I gave you and Fred presents, you know, even though it was over by Christmas. I know what people say about me behind my back because they say it to my face as well. So, please, George, don't feel you have to humor me or pity me, particularly after finding me with a book in the locker room while dressed up for a ball."

During her little speech, Majandra has purposely kept her gaze focused on one of the constellations. She hopes George isn't sitting there gawking at her as she rambles but can't bring herself to sneak a look. Even hearing George's very measured exhalation of breath doesn't cause her to turn and face him. Under the blanket, his hand closes around hers as if in silent reassurance.

"Oy, woman! You think I said you're beautiful out of pity? Hell of a lot of things I could have said out of pity but beautiful isn't one of them. And just why were you in the locker room anyway?"

Still avoiding looking at George, Majandra debates how much truth to reveal. Her eyes blur with tears threatening to spill at any second. George lets the blanket drop as he reaches out and gently takes her by the shoulders, turning Majandra to face him. When she drops her head, he plucks Majandra under the chin.

"Could you at least look at me? Well?"

In the faint moonlight, tears glisten on Majandra's cheeks as she raises her head. "After Ron and Hermione made up, I let him off the hook concerning the dance. So, I didn't have a date and I knew that after everything so far, that would just be more fodder for jokes. I kept quiet, letting people speculate if I had a date or not. Earlier this evening, I dressed as if I was going to the ball, put in a very brief appearance then snuck out."

"I know it was just a week ago they made up, Majandra, but there were tons of guys with no dates still. You could have easily gotten a date if you'd wanted."

Majandra firmly shakes her head no. "I'm a joke to everyone. Bouncing from one crazy, obsessed crush after another, never knowing when one will end and another will begin. No one would have wanted to go to the ball with me. Ron only ever asked me because he was angry with Hermione at the time."

"I would have and don't go be saying that's also a pity remark. You're smart, talented, and pretty. And, from what Fred tells me, you've a roight wicked sense of humor. Yes, you've had some bloody odd behavior so far this year. But despite looking thinner and tired a lot, and despite the bizarre crushes, you are beautiful inside and out, Majandra Fine."

Majandra felt her cheeks grow from a faint blush to rosy hot. "I... I'm... I'm not sure what to say, George, other than thank you for saying so."

George suddenly stands up, bows, then offers Majandra his arm. "Shall I escort you to the ball?"

After a fraction of hesitation, Majandra slowly nods yes. She place her hand on his arm and with her other hand picks up the pillow they'd used as a backrest. George grabs up the blanket, and they first walk to the locker room where Majandra hides the items away again. Next, they stroll briskly through the cold back to the castle, George humming a merry tune the entire way.

To the Floor
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-08-02 06:05

Cho, following the suit of her friends, tugs on Adam's sleeve gently, he looks over to her, guessing, "Would you like to dance, Cho?"

She nods, smiling, "I would, thank you very much." She takes his offered arm and they move on to the floor. Grace was something each of them had in plenty. The waltz was a good warming up dance, and the beat complimented it.

Doubts and Theories
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 06-08-02 10:07

Briar has spent the last few hours alternating between comforting the still very distraught Mrs. Weasley, Molly, and going over once again with Arthur exactly what's been done to date in the search for Bill. Once Percy and Penny arrive, Briar feels like she's intruding on precious family time and though Arthur and Molly protest, Briar takes her leave.

After apparating into the bakery, Briar decides to search Bill's room for the hundredth time. There has to be something, someone. Bill didn't vanish from his room at the inn. That much is known fact because he was observed disapparating. Where and why is part of the mystery; although, it be something as simple as going to Diagon Alley to shop or visiting his parents. If he was going somewhere along those lines, he never arrived which would indicate strong magic used to cause him to apparate to an unplanned place, possibly into a trap.

Another thought is that he was lured to wherever it is he went. If that's what happened, did Bill take the message with him? Did he apparate somewhere only to be met by someone urgently claiming he was needed elsewhere?

Something Briar's not yet mentioned to anyone is her suspicions of Adriana. Not only is Briar put off by how Adriana was acting when Briar left the island, but Adriana claims to have received a message from Bill saying he was called to Egypt. But where's that message? She cannot seem to produce it. Then there's how she waited until well after noon on Christmas Day to attempt to find out why he hadn't shown up for her, or sent his father. Why did she wait so many hours to do something?

All these thoughts and questions fill Briar's head as she emerges from Bill's room. After taking it upon herself to pay the innkeeper to keep Bill's room free and undisturbed by others, Briar walks to the bakery. Climbing the outside stairs to her apartment, Briar is quite surprised to find Julian standing there looking cold and slightly peeved.

Radiant Beauty
Author: Michael Thomason
Date: 06-08-02 15:08

Dressed in my finest, black robes, I enter the Great Hall for the ball, Sorcha on my arm. We are a little late, but here, nonetheless.

She is radiant in her dress robes. Her smile makes her even more radiant as I bow with a flourish, like a gentleman, and take her hand. "Dance with me, M'Lady?"

"Of course." She takes my hand and I lead her to the floor.

I take her hand in mine, and slip my other around her waist, as she puts hers on my shoulder. We dance, smiling, talking, laughing. How beautiful her laugh is.

"You have a lovely laugh, Christina." I say.

She smiles back. "Thank you, Michael. How flattering of you to say."

"Don't mention it, MiLady." I dip her slightly, and she laughs again.

May I Cut In?
Author: H Potter
Date: 06-08-02 16:46

Harry, concentrating very hard on his dancing but even harder on steering Hermione ever closer to Ginny and Brett, could not even begin to pin point why he has doubts about Kingston. In the week he's been at Hogwarts, Brett has shown himself to be a really nice guy, just as one would expect of a Gryffindor and Australia's brother. Even still, seeing Ginny laughing in his arms around the dance floor doesn't sit well with Harry.

Following this line of thinking, Harry forgets about dancing for a moment and crunches one of Hermione's feet. He goes bright red as he hastily apologizes, stopping long enough to make sure her foot isn't badly hurt. Hermione punches him on the shoulder while hissing in a low voice to be more careful. A sheepish grin spreads across Harry's face as he apologizes again. Hermione rolls her eyes at Harry even as she holds her arms out to begin dancing again. Luckily for her though, the music ends right at the moment. With an embarrassed grin still plastered to his face, Harry escorts Hermione back to Ron.

Harry makes a retreat before Ron has a chance to give him a hard time. Harry heads to the refreshment table, once more keeping an eye on Ginny and Brett as another song begins playing. Quickly downing a glass of punch, Harry wonders why it's bothering him that Ginny seems to be having such a good time with Brett. At Yule Ball last year, Ginny looked very nice and had an excellent time with Neville but that hadn't bugged Harry in the slightest.

He observes the pair as they whirl past, Ginny's face alight with laughter. Brett shouldn't hold her that close. Only known her for a week. It's time sit down to dinner, isn't it? He hadn't missed that part had he? No, Harry's sure Susan and he arrived shortly after things began. Technically, as Susan's date Harry knows he should sit with her for the meal but he doubts very much she'll mind if he doesn't. Sooooooo, maybe he can sit next to Ginny. Brett could sit on Harry's other side. But first, maybe he should cut in on the next dance. Yes, that's just what he'll do.

Without another thought, Harry strides across the floor and taps Brett on the shoulder.

Makin' a Grand Entrance (and a very unexpected surprise...)
Author: Samantha Thatcher
Date: 06-08-02 19:31

Fred and Sammi walked arm in arm to the Snow Ball. Little did everyone know what Fred had planned...

As the two drew nearer to the Great Hall, Fred's smile widened. Sammi of course did notice this.

"What're you smilin' so big fer?" She finally asked.

"Wait a sec..." He stopped before the Great Hall doors and stuck his hand into his pocket. Suddenly the Great Hall was filled with trumpeting music, as if the Queen herself had come to the Ball! The doors opened alone and some one, (or something) announced the arrival of "Sir Fred Weasley and his lovely date Madam Samantha Thatcher."

Sammi chuckled. "Oh,I see...yeh silly git."

Fred smiled even bigger. "Only the best for my girl." Then he lifted his hand, which Sammi greatly took and together walked into the Ball; their noses slightly in the air. Sammi glanced over at her handsome man and couldn't help laughing.

Everyone in the room began laughing and clapped as the prince and princess of mischief made their grand entrance. A slow song began to play and Fred led Sammi into the middle of the dance floor. Sammi wrapped her arms around Fred's neck, his around her waist and began dancing. The other couples soon joined them.

"You're an amazing person Fred...and you dance very well." Sammi smiled.

"I'm also the luckiest guy in the world."

Sammi smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. They danced a long while then decided to take a stroll outside.

Fred led her out to an open spot in the lawn and sat down.

Samantha leaned back to get a better look at the sky but she felt Fred's watching eye on her. "What?" She asked. But they were all alone again and in the perfect setting...which meant one thing...

"I have been staring at nothing but your beautiful face all night...Are you finished teasin' me yet?"

Sammi grinned. "Oh yeah. Through with teasin'..."

They kissed and after a few hours of waiting began their "make-out session"...

"Am I interruptin' somethin'?"

Fred and Sammi's eyes snapped open, and Sammi peaked past Fred's questioning eyes. Sammi gasped as her eyes widened.

"Oh, don' mind me Sami Girl...I'll wait..."

"Oh my god! Samuel!!" She cried at the sight of her twin brother.

Fred helped her up, as it was kind of difficult in the dress she was wearing, and she practically jumped onto Samuel.

"What in the world are you doin' 'ere?!" She asked.

"Well, mum finally gave in to my pleas and decided I could finish my schooling 'ere with you." Samuel grinned.

Sammi was giddy with excitement. "I can't...are you...I mean...Oh!" In her excitement she had forgotten about Fred. "Sam...I'd like yeh ta meet Fred."

The guys shook hands and greeted each other.

"So, you're the one I've 'eard so much bout eh?" Samuel smiled.

"I guess so." Fred laughed.

"Well," Sami started. "Does Dumbledore know about it?"

"Yeah, Mum 'zapped' them a letter." Samuel laughed. "She said that it was a cruel thing to have twins so far apart for so long."

"Ain't that the truth?!" Fred agreed. Sammi smiled and put her hand in his. "Well, shall we go back to the Ball then?"

"Why not." Sammi smiled. "Wait, where's George?"

Dancing with Lee
Author: Eileen
Date: 06-08-02 20:11

Lee and I dance together and watch the other couples dance. This ball is going much better and is much more fun than the Yule Ball last year. Lee and I discuss our plans to win the house cup AGAIN, and the Quidditch cup .

A Dance to Honour Friends
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 06-08-02 20:49

Dierna and I watch the other students dance and talk. The ball definitely brings back memories of when we were students. "There are two people missing," Dierna says.

"Yes," I agree. "There most certainly are."

"I think we should do this dance in their honour," she says. "This was their favourite."

"I agree." The two dance together in honour of two special friends that were killed because of an evil traitor.

Dancing for Friends
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 06-08-02 21:36

Remus and I dance together for several songs, remembering times less dark with our other friends. We both laugh at the Marauder's capers, and some of those done by Lily and myself. Eventually Remus and I decide to take a short break and head over to the refreshment table for punch.

"Are you having a good time, Dierna?" Remus asks.

"Oh yes!" I reply earnestly. "But you know, there are two people missing. Two very special people."

"Yes," he replies, "There certainly are."

As if on cue the band strikes of the ballad that was James and Lily Potters favourite. "Listen! It's their song, we should dance in their honour."

"I agree," says Remus and we head the dance floor again.

"And chase away this darkest night,
stay by me until the morning's light.
It's magical, you know it's right

And though the moon isn't bright
under it the two of us will unite
to chase away this darkest night

No sun's too hot, nor can the frost bite
when you're by me all is alright
It's magical, and you know it's right"

The song ends and we reclaim our glasses. I lift mine.

"To Lily and James, may their memory inspire us with courage." Remus taps his glass against mine with a chink sound and, smiling, we drink in honour of our best friends.