New Year's
Resolution
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 06-09-02 10:33
Julian had known the second he'd invited Briar and Adriana to relax awhile at Valentine Island that he'd made a major faux pas in Briar's eyes. At first it steamed him that she'd been obviously upset and irritated beyond just her emotions over Weasley's disappearance. He'd been trying to show her support. Hadn't she seen that?
On the other hand, knowing Weasley was gone and Briar no longer has him as a friend, Julian had pondered whether he even has reason to keep pursuing her. He really does like her though not in the way he's been leading her to believe. Also, at times Briar seems familiar and comfortable to him, like someone he knew long ago, so his instincts are telling him that for awhile longer he should at least maintain a friendship with her.
There is also Adriana. She had been Weasley's girl and more importantly, she'd been a childhood playmate and the daughter of a someone who knew what the power structure in the world should be. Adriana would be most welcome back into the fold. Julian could help to bring her in, either as her friend or as something more depending on what the situation warranted.
After spending a good part of the 26th reclining on the beach in the summer sunshine of the island while thinking all this through, Julian had reached some decisions. The first thing he'd done after that was to send an owl to Briar and another to Adriana. The one to Briar was supportive with an offer to help in the search for Bill if she'd like. The one to Adriana expressed Julian's delight in becoming reacquainted with a childhood friend and that for her sake he hope Bill was located soon. Adriana had replied almost immediately. Briar had not.
Over the course of the week, he'd ended up sending two more owls to Briar. Each message was carefully worded because he was not about to apologize. But he wrote the notes anyway because once more his instincts were kicking in telling Julian keeping on good, close terms with Briar might be important. Briar finally replied after she'd received the third owl. Her note was very cool, very polite, informing Julian that Briar had seen his idea of help and support. So, thanks but no thanks and she sincerely hoped Adriana and Julian enjoyed renewing their friendship.
Julian, of course, had seen red at this. Julian always does the dumping. Julian always does the "let's just be friends" routine or, when needed, a more direct, "I never want to see you again" approach. Who does Briar think she is giving him the cold shoulder and a jealous one at that, especially when he's tried several time to be accommodating? When he's pretended to grovel to her after having words with Bill? When he made a big show of trying to let bygones be bygones with Weasel?
The more Julian thought about all this, the angrier with Briar he'd become. He had, however, kept all this to himself. The others on the island saw the carefree, have a blast Julian they all knew well. After a noisy, raucous New Year's Eve celebration, during which Julian drank quite a bit, he'd finally collapsed in a hammock. Away from the party, he'd started thinking again which in turn got him stewing again.
Hogsmeade is twelve hours behind island time and at that point there were still several hours to go before midnight in Britain. Julian staggered to his room, changed into much warmer clothes then apparated to Hogsmeade only to find Briar not home. He'd gone to his apartment over the bookstore where he simmered awhile before checking Briar's again.
He stands outside her flat for a good fifteen minutes, pounding on the door just in case she really is there but ignoring him. Cold and pissed, he turns to leave only to find Briar staring up the stairs at him. They exchange glares as she squares her shoulders and marches up the stairs, never once saying a word to him. Julian blocks the door but Briar turns on her heels, and descends the stairs. It takes Julian's alcohol and anger fogged brain to register that she's going to one of the shop doors. Cursing, Julian races down the stairs and around the corner in an effort to cut Briar off but he reaches the door just in time for her to slam it in his face.
Julian slams his fist into the door and comtemplates trying to overcome whatever security charms she's got on the shop to prevent break-ins. Muttering more oaths, Julian forces himself to calm down and to think clearly. A smug smile plays across his lips as he turns and walks back around the corner and up the stairs.
Julian knocks firmly but politely while calling her name through the door and talking in his a very puppy in the doghouse voice. "Briar, awwww, come on. Give me a chance, will you? It's not like you to hear someone out. Just talk. You don't have to say a word. If you don't want me in your apartment then meet me at the bakery entrance. Please? Just two minutes of your time. At least let us part on friendly terms."
Julian keeps this running dialogue going while trying to ignore the cold. After several minutes, a Cheshire cat grin dimples his cheeks when he hears her muffled response of, "Fine, fine. Go back downstairs and I'll let you in there."
Cho, Adam
and the Scandalous Dance
Author: Adam Higginton-Smythe
Date: 06-09-02 19:06
Adam and Cho found that together they were compatible dancers and they passed their time dancing with conversations and laughter. The two old friends had been separated since the death of their close friend, Cedric Diggory. The pain both felt caused them to look away from one another and in search of less familiar things that would not remind them of their friend. It had been the school year and Quidditch that brought them back together, and each were enjoying the reunion. After another waltz had finished Adam leaned forward and whispered into Cho's ear. She giggled at his sudden closeness, and Adam was encouraged.
"What do you say to turning up...erm...the intensity Cho?" asked Adam with a seducing, but innocent grin. Cho was intrigued and smiled a bit.
"You're suggesting what?" she urged him.
"When my grandfather took me to Spain once I watched a traditional dance and the dancer saw I was fascinated by it. She pulled me out onto the floor and taught me in its movements. It is intense, but a splendid dance. Shall I lead?" Adam asked, and when Cho nodded he moved over towards the musicians and requested the appropriate music. The musicians agreed excitedly over his choice and suddenly new instruments appeared in their hands. Adam moved his way back through the crowds satisfied and found Cho.
A long, low, and mournful note issued from the horn announcing the start and immediately murmurs began to rise up at the unfamiliar song.
"Senorita," said Adam and he bowed low to Cho who followed his example with a giggle. The horn jumped into an upbeat, traditional Spanish beat followed by violins and a guitar. Adam approached Cho and removed his robe which he tossed off to the side revealing his thin tunic and ash gray pants. Adam's arm reached across onto Cho's shoulder and Cho followed his example. They began to walk in a circle dipping down and up with the music, and once a climax was reached in the song they separated immediately walking about the circle formed by the attendees on the floor to watch the two. Magically the sound of hands clapping with the song sounded from all around the great hall mixing with the whispers of the watching students and teachers. Cho and Adam joined again and danced together as though trying to force another back with their quickening steps. They were moving in an undulating, sexual style with her hand rested upon his chest and his pressing on her lower back. The music and clapping continuously intensified and the two dancers moved with the rhythm. Adam could feel the heat swelling between them as his heart beat faster and faster. He tossed her outward three times with one of their hands connected each time. When she returned the last time Adam bent her downward and downward toward the floor with himself following and the music stopped. The mysterious hands rose into shouts and clapping, the students followed the example.
"Scandalous," said Adam, his chest rising and falling heavily as he lifted Cho upward.
"But splendid," she answered with a fantastic smile he was beginning to love.
Snuggle Snuggle
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 06-09-02 21:37
I snuggle down into my sleeping bad all cozy and warm. I chat with the other students to get to know them better. The teachers are patrolling everywhere and watch closely as everyone talks excitedly.
Meeting Samuel
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 06-10-02 15:47
Fred straightened his back and tried to give off the appearance that he hadn't been making out with Samuel's sister for the past few hours. The lipstick on the collar of his robes and the disheveled hair gave it all away, though.
"Nice to meet you, Samuel. Your sister has told me a lot about you. I'm glad you could join us." He shook Samuel's hand and smiled.
He truly was pleased that Sammi was no longer separated from her brother and twin, but at the same time, Fred was worried that he and his girl would never have a moment of alone-time again. Would Samuel keep a stern eye on his sister? Judging by his behavior during the surprising arrival, perhaps not, but Fred still wasn't too sure.
Still, he made with the small talk and after a few minutes asked if they were ready to go back to the Great Hall. They were both quite ready because the air was freezing, and the hems of their dressrobes were getting wet from the snow.
"Wait, where's George?" Sammi asked, placing a hand on Fred's arm to stop him from going inside.
Fred tilted his head to the side. "Well, now that you mention it, I didn't see him while we were inside." He paused a moment to think about it. "He's probably up to no good or something. I wouldn't worry about him. Samuel, George is my twin, but I imagine Sammi's already told you all about him too!"
"That she did," Samuel answered, smiling at his sister and then at Fred.
Fred smiled back and ushered them both inside. "Well, c'mon now. It's bloody cold out here!"
The three scurried back indoors just as another round of Latin dancing was coming to an end. A ring of students surrounded Cho and a robe-less Adam. As Fred, Sammi, and Sam made their way to the throng of people, they overheard one of the Slytherins remark, "Oh look dear, they're trying to copy us. It's a shame they have to be so clumsy about it."
If that was clumsy, Fred wondered just how that Slytherin pair had danced. Unfortunately, he had missed out on it because of his late arrival.
As the dance came to an end, Professor McGonagall pushed her way through the crowd and she looked none too pleased.
Pas de Deux
Author: Dobby
Date: 06-10-02 16:04
Dobby pokes his round head through the doors leading into the Great Hall then eases fully into the room. Although his entry is quiet and unobtrusive, Dobby is hard to miss. Perched jauntily on his head is a glittery silver party hat decorated with bright, multi-colored confetti shapes. He's also wearing a new necktie which fairly screams out across the hall with its flourescent color combination of yellow, orange, blue, pink, and green. Additionally, Dobby is sporting a nifty tuxedo style waiter's jacket in gold lamé as well as one brilliant blue sock covered in rainbow hues of a design of holiday streamers. The other sock is stark white with a repeating pattern of Happy New Year! flashing in neon red.
Dobby has come to the Great Hall in the hopes of dancing with both Majandra and Hermione before he heads down to the dungeon to check out the slumber party. After looking around a minute, he sees Hermione. Sliding up to her (for it's very easy to slide on socked feet over a polished surface), Dobby gives Hermione a toothy grin then bows in his most courtly fashion. Acknowledging Wheezy as her date, Dobby formally asks Hermione for the pleasure of a dance.
Returning
to the Zoo
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-10-02 16:05
When McGonagall returned, the music she heard when she had parted Mr. Fine and Miss Farnon was playing.
Carefully cutting through the crowd, she was finally met with a gap between students and watched as Mr. Higginton-Smythe and Miss Chang came into view.
No! she thought, and also said it aloud when the music stopped. "NO!"
She approached the two, furious. "Did you not hear me when I reprimanded Mr. Fine and Miss Farnon? Ten points from Ravenclaw! For both of you. And five more points for the use of magic in the hall. I am very disappointed. I will not have this ridiculous behavior in this school!" She turned to face the crowd of students. "I hope you all heard that."
Minerva sighed, watching Mr. Fine and Miss Farnon, and Miss Chang and Mr. Higginton-Smythe. "Carry on. And if there is any more inappropriate behavior you will have to answer to me - I can guarantee you will not like the consequences. Is that clear?"
Slowly, one by one, the students nodded their heads. She stormed from the floor and joined a few of the other professors in the corner of the room. She explained to them that they should be more watchful of the students and learn to decipher between what is acceptable and what is not. She swallowed hard, and found her chair. As she sat, she noticed her hands burned from squeezing them so tightly into fists. She rubbed her palms, watching the students begin to dance again. That had better not happen again.
Returning
to the Ball
Author: George Weasley
Date: 06-10-02 16:42
George and Majandra hurried up the steps to the castle, hand in hand. George pushed open the large doors and waited for Majandra to enter before he did.
"Boosh! It's cold out there!" George said, rubbing his arms.
Majandra nodded. "I agree! Look at my poor hands!"
George took her hands in his and rubbed them, slowly they became warm again. They shared the silence with their smiles, then returned to the ball.
As they entered, Professor McGonagall has stormed from the center of the room off to a corner to talk to some of the other professors, then took a seat, scowling.
"Wonder what's gotten into her dress robes?" George asked.
Majandra giggled. "Who knows."
"Oy, Fred!" George called and here came Fred arm in arm with Samantha. A boy was following them, just about their age, too. He looked slightly familiar, but George didn't know him. He was sure of that.
"Alright then, George?" Fred eyed Majandra and answered for his brother. "Alright then."
"George, this is me brother, Samuel! He's me twin!" Sami said, grinning.
George extended his hand to Samantha's brother. "S'good to meet you."
"Same here." Samuel smiled.
Ah, ha! That's why he looked familiar. Samuel and Samantha had the same eyes and smile!
"What just happened in here? She looks like she just blew off some steam!" George asked, slipping his arm around Majandra's waist.
Fred laughed and began to tell the tale.
Reprimanded
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-10-02 16:47
Cho was leaning on Adam's arm, carrying his thrown robe, laughing very hard, it was the first time she'd gotten in *serious* trouble in a *long* time. She looks up at him, "Wow..."
Adam grins, nudging her gently, "That all you can say? Wasn't it exhilarating?"
She nods, standing up a bit straighter, "It was... And it got us in trouble.." she giggles, "And I shouldn't be saying this, but that made it all the more fun!"
He laughs, "I do believe I'm a bad influence."
She shakes her head fervently, "I wouldn't have you any other way!" Adam looks down to her, pondering for a moment before lifting his eyes to the punch, "Would you care for a glass of punch, Cho?"
Cho nods, "Indeed, that would be very refreshing."
Risqué?
No...Romantic
Author: Adam Higginton-Smythe
Date: 06-10-02 18:25
Adam stood beside Cho while she drank the punch he had just brought her. The two of them watched as the ball quieted down from the excitement from their dance. Several couples came forward and congratulated the two on their dancing, but fear of Professor McGonagall returning kept most couples from trying to match the material in the Spanish dance, most couples...
The ball itself was no longer holding the attention of either Adam or Cho. It was only a mere distraction, an excuse for their silence. Whenever he felt Cho looking up at him Adam would turn away, and whenever he felt she would not see him steal a look at her, he would glance over and she would blush knowingly.
"We did lose the house points you know?" said Cho. Adam was startled as he had not expected her to mind that, but when he looked at her he noticed she was smiling sweetly. They had finished their punch, but yet they still stood apart from the ball. Adam leaned over and rested his head on her soft, bare shoulder and whispered to her smartly, "Actually, I forewarned Professor Flitwick that I might like to do a bit of...er...cultural dancing tonight, but promised it would not be completely risqué."
Cho laughed and pushed him away warmly as he tried to brush his cheek against her's. Her smile was radiant with happiness and she indulged him, "True Mr. Higginton-Smythe? Then what did our Professor Flitwick say to this?"
"Make certain that your partner is more beautiful than the Chaeco dance," replied Adam. Cho giggled, but did not refuse as Adam kissed her cheek. Cho shuttered suddenly and her breath escaped her. Adam whispered in her ear, "He is a lover of great dances, did you know?"
"No...I had not know that," said Cho softly. Adam withdrew his arms from around Cho and pulled gently through the last crowds of students. Beyond them were the windows revealing the snow covered lawns which twinkled almost especially for the couple. Adam wrapped his arms around Cho as they starred outward from the Great Hall. Together they moved to a sweet, quiet song only they could here. Their reunion was complete.
Wet 'n' Wild
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date:Ê06-10-02 19:38
Lysander popped the cork off a bottle of champagne and filled up two glasses. He was dressed in nothing but a navy blue bathrobe. With the two glasses in hand, Lysander made his way across the apartment to the master bathroom where he found Chyler soaking in the large, marble bathtub. She was up to her neck in bubbles, her dark hair fixed up loosely with her wand serving as a giant pin. Her head was tossed back and her arms lay stretched across the rim of the tub. With eyes closed, she hummed to herself and drummed her fingers lightly against the marble.
Lysander set the two champagne glasses on a little collapsible table next to the tub, removed his robe, and sunk beneath the water until it was lapping beneath his chin. She stirred and opened her eyes, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"What's this, love?"
"Champagne. You do realize that in less than an hour it will be midnight?" Lysander flashed his dazzling white smile across the tub at his wife.
Chyler cocked her head to the side and remarked curiously, "Is that so? The new year is upon us so soon?"
"Yes. I think we need to end this night on a high note, if you will." Lysander's grin broadened as he slid forward through the bubbles. "1995 should go out with a bang."
Chyler's grin matched his. "What exactly are you saying? Instead of screaming happy new year at midnight, I'll be calling out your name?"
"I wouldn't be opposed to that."
Distracted
Author: Arthur Weasley
Date: 06-10-02 20:09
Late, terribly late - again!
Arthur Weasley groaned inwardly in frustration and hurried down a corridor of Hogwarts. By the time he got to the Great Hall, he was out of breath and red-faced, but he was also relieved. The Ball was still in progress. He hadn't missed it after all!
He smoothed his robe with shaking hands and went to get some punch. Molly had been much too distraught to come with him on this trip; indeed, if not for her insistence, he would have let Dumbledore and McGonagall know that he wouldn't have been able to attend the Ball as chaperone. At least Percy and Penelope were back home so Molly wouldn't be alone ...
Lifting the filled cup to his lips, he let the drink moisten his parched throat and slid into a corner to calm down from the rather precarious trip over; the punch was mild compared to the Muggle champagne he'd drank just before coming to Hogwarts, but it was soothing nonetheless. His eyes scanned the Hall, and he nodded and smiled to himself as he located each of his student children: the twins, Ron, Ginny ...
All accounted for. All safe.
His thoughts turned to Bill, and his expression darkened with barely veiled worry. For the umpteenth time since he had learned of his son's disappearance he wondered what had happened to Bill and where he was now. He would have to check with Briar again soon to see if she had turned up any leads; even with the resources he had at the Ministry, he still hadn't been able to locate Bill anywhere. It was positively frightful, the possibilities that played havoc with his mind --
None of that now, he told himself sternly. Poor Molly's fretting enough. We need to be strong. His gaze focused on his children in turn. He sincerely hoped they were enjoying the dance; it wouldn't be right for them to put off a wonderful event like this, despite the circumstances. We need to think about the other possible locations Bill might have disappeared off to, no matter how absurd they might seem.
His focus, by chance, came to rest on Hermione Granger, who at the moment was being asked to dance by a house elf across the way - was that Dobby? he wondered - and his eyes widened as an idea suddenly struck him. "Of course!" he muttered, setting down his cup on the nearest table. "Why didn't I think of that before?"
Arthur Weasley made tracks across the ballroom and tapped the fifth-year student on the shoulder. "Excuse me, Hermione, but can I have a word with you? It's important."
A Lovely Knight
Author: Majandra
Date: 06-10-02 20:56
Despite Fred's amusement while relating what had happened, his arched eyebrow aimed at George's arm around Majandra doesn't go unnoticed by her. She figures that he's dying to take his brother aside and ask what's the deal is. Samantha too has a fleeting odd look as she glances back and forth between Majandra and George. As far as the strange look Samuel's shooting her, Majandra isn't sure if it's because they weren't introduced or because from Samantha's letters to him, he already knows about Majandra and her bizarre crushes.
Fred finishes his story to great hoots of laughter from George. Majandra gives a small, almost shy, laugh as well. Before anyone is able to say anything else, an announcement is made that after the next dance, dinner will begin with more dancing to follow the meal.
Simply saying, "Excuse us," to the other three, George whirls Majandra to the dance floor. He proves to be an exceptional dancer though Majandra realizes she shouldn't be surprised. George most likely wouldn't have lasted long on the Quidditch team without coordination. She also realizes that she very much likes being in George's arms and begins to blush.
Thankfully, the music comes to an end. No sooner has everyone cleared the dance floor than tables laden with food appear. Flashing that charming smile of his, George leads Majandra over to join Fred, Sami and Samuel. As they walk to the table, Majandra notices more stares aimed her way. She can just imagine some of the thoughts. Is that really the crush queen with a guy she's not having to cling to like a vine? How nice of George Weasley to take the fruitcake on a pity date after Ron chose to go with Hermione. How much is Majandra paying him to dance with her or did she promise to knit him something?....
During the meal, Majandra smiles alot but says little and rarely makes eye contact with anyone but George. Everyone is in such high spirits, no one seems to notice how quiet she is, which is just peachy with her. The second dinner is over and the tables are cleared for dancing to resume, Majandra takes her leave and heads to the nearest girls loo. She shuts herself in a stall, wondering why her palms see so damp and why her heart is racing so much. Is it all these thoughts running through her head imagining what others are saying or is George having such an effect on her?
As she leans with her back to the stall door, Majandra overhears familiar voices talking about her, making jokes about her, and because of her, now also making fun of George. Tears sliding down her face, Majandra exits the stall and hurries out of the bathroom without bothering to check if her so called friends see her leave.
Once in the corridor, Majandra turns in the direction of Gryffindor tower but a hand on her arm stays her. Using the long end of one of his robe sleeves, George carefully wipes away her tears. "Ya know, I never much cared what others think. I'd really like for you to come back and dance with me again. Be with me to ring in the new year. Also'd like for you to meet me dad. He arrived a little while ago."
Majandra, eyes downcast, asks in a small, quivering voice, "You're sure?"
Wrapping his arms around her in a hug, George whispers in Majandra's ear, "Never been more positive."
A minute later, the two are back in the Great Hall, dancing once again.
