Louise had no words to describe the relief she felt a month ago when she heard she had not been eliminated after the first round. While she'd have liked to win the competition, she at the bare minimum wanted to at least make it through two rounds.

This social event was quite the affair though, the seventh year decided. A cruise ship on the black lake on a weekend night, right before Christmas. Even though she didn't have anyone officially she was taking, she had an agreement with a fellow seventh year Thunderbird, should they need partners for any part of the evening. They were good friends like that.

Not really hungry, Louise ventured to another part of the ship, when she came across the art gallery. Now this was something she could appreciate. Walking along slowly, she gazed upon the paintings, when she finally took a seat on one of the benches facing a rather scenic and colorful painting. This was nice and quiet, which made it all the more enjoyable.

Kalen wasn't exactly thrilled to be at a dance, especially alone and in a tux, but he had to perform his duties as a teacher and he a chaperone. The librarian wasn't to fond of heading into the ball room at the moment, plenty of people would be there, so.. he headed to the other places, hopefully quieter places would prove to be a good spot to hang out..

Kids might think they would be good places to hide away..

But he would be there to catch them!

He smirked a bit as he walked into the gallery and checked his watch. He has promised his niece he would have dinner with her on the ship, and he had an early birthday present to give her as well. Seeing as her birthday was in two days from now and she was going home to celebrate with her family..

Thankfully he still had some time before that, and he started to stroll around the calmness of the gallery.. it seemed rather empty except for an IMPS competitor who was siting and looking at a painting..

"It's nice in here isn't it? " He said with a small nod in her direction.

Louise would have had to been naive to think this place would stay empty for eternity but she was definitely enjoying the peace and quiet while it existed. Thinking about the fact that in five days she would be celebrating her eighteenth birthday and while she was already a legal adult in the wizarding community, there was this grown up feeling lingering from being so in the no-maj community as well. Then there was the fact that in three days her parents and brother were flying to Scotland to visit for birthday celebrations; whoever thought she would be in a foreign country for her eighteenth birthday. It seemed surreal.

Hearing a voice broke her train of thought and the seventh year glanced up where her gaze fell upon a very handsome man. Why did no one warn her about the good looking staff at Hogwarts? While she loved the experience at Ilvermorny and the education she received there, Hogwarts definitely had her soon-to-be alma mater beat in the good looking staff department.

Unless, perhaps he was a seventh year like herself? He hadn't exactly scolded her for being by herself or saying it was time to go join the others for an official competitors dance.

"Quite lovely. Just thought it might be nice to enjoy some artwork first before I get too sleepy," Because dancing and food and music would keep her awake.

Kalen gave Louise a smile as she spoke and he nodded.. "Mmmm, that sounds like a good plan, I figured it would be quieter in here and a chance to enjoy art is always appreciated. "

Kalen stuck his hands in his tux pockets as he looked at the picture she was studying "I'm Kalen Kennedy, Hogwarts Librarian, and don't worry.. I won't tell you to go back inside.. " He said with a soft chuckle..

"Also since I'm supposed to be chaperoning I'm technically doing my job and not having to be out there with all the noise.. " He said with a smile..

Teddy had wandered around the entrance and the ballroom, but not had yet caught sight of Corbin. She caught sight of some artwork from this room just as the door was closing behind somebody else, so her curiosity led her here.

She sent quick, acknowledging smiles to the two other people inside the gallery, hoping she wasn't disturbing anything. With calm, slow steps, the sixteen year-old made her way around to look at the paintings and objects. She stopped at the gallery of fashion to study them. She hadn't made her own saree this time around. The previous challenge and the results had left her mind foggy and overactive at the same time. Focusing on anything was the actual challenge.

After getting himself a glass of mocktail, River found himself wandering the ship in search of warmth, peace and quiet. If he was going to be honest with himself, he wasn't too excited about the idea of a ball, simply because it wasn't the kind of party he would attend. Just ask Roderik Hirsch. But for the sake of showing off British hospitality, and to keep an eye out for trouble-makers, River found himself aboard the Merlin's Pride making the most out of the situation.

Nonchalantly, the Healer opened the door to the gallery and took on a slow pace as he watched and studied each painting that was on display. River paused as he came across an enchanted porcelain tea sets, and found his gaze glued to the item. Stuffing his hand into his trousers' pocket, River brought his flute of mocktail to his lips and took a sip of his drink.

Tristan had been walking around this blasted ship for a while, wondering when it would be appropriate for him to leave. He wasn't too fond of huge ships like this. For some reason they made him a little leery. Smaller boats he was cool with but huge ships like this....just too much. He didn't understand how they could stay upright, mostly because they were muggle made, and worried they would tip over at any second.

He nodded to River, and gave him a quick, "Hello." Feeling if he talked too much he would possibly vomit. He made his way through the gallery, hoping the artwork would calm his anxiety when he saw Kalen talking to an older female Ilvermorny student. He headed straight for his friend. Though Tristan was looking very dapper, he kept having to dab his forehead with his handkerchief and magically dry himself. That was how nervous cruise ships made him. THEY JUST WEREN'T NATURAL OKAY?!?!???

Before stepping up to Kalen, he made sure he was completely dry, and calmed himself. With a very fake smile he stepped up to the pair, "Good evening Mr. Kennedy, miss..." He nodded to the girl. He didn't know her name to greet her properly. "I hope you are both finding this evening enjoyable. The Board of Governors have done a fantastic job." Other than putting him on a boat the size of a skyscraper that was bound to tip over any minute now.

HE WAS FREAKING OUT!

Now this was a man who knew how to enjoy the quiet. Although Louise certainly could party and dance it up, she needed to first relax and enjoy the moment. Hogwarts Librarian. Not seventeen or eighteen then, which meant what? He was in his twenties? Well that wasn't too terrible an age difference. Oh, well that explained why he enjoyed the quiet; she could only imagine how he must be if kids started getting loud in the library.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr Kennedy. Kalen?" she was uncertain, for a moment. He had introduced himself with his full name and yet, he was a staff member, which meant respect. "Louise Hamilton, Ilvermorny Champion."

She grinned when he said he wouldn't tell her to go back inside and that he was technically doing his job by chaperoning out here. "While I am eighteen and don't think I need I chaperone, I don't mind your company." Okay, so she wasn't eighteen for five more days, but Kalen didn't need to know that. Besides, flirting with a librarian was a rather entertaining use of her time and she didn't see any ring.

And then they had more company, a girl she recognized as a fellow competitor. She'd made a note to at least recognize the faces of the Hogwarts champions, even if she didn't know their names. "Congrats on making it past the first challenge," Louise said, by way of starting conversation. "I'm Louise."

Two other males entered, both older as well, perhaps around Kalen's age. Who needed Hogwarts or Ilvermorny students when Hogwarts had such great eye candy for their staff? "Miss Hamilton," she smiled, when the second one to enter greeted her and Kalen. Huh, even he called Kalen by Mr Kennedy? Or was it just because students were present?

She wasn't hungry, nor really interested to go out there to the deck. All Luci wanted was a bit of time-out from the urges to play an instrument at the ballroom, or actually wanting to ask the person she came with to dance with her. Maybe later. She grinned and continued her way into the gallery.

As she walked in, she shivered a bit. She didn't know why she couldn't get used to the moving statues or the paintings. She glanced at the clothes being shown wondering if she could ever wear that. Nope. Not even a chance.

A bit more exploring and maybe she'd go back to the dining hall. Or out towards the deck.

It didn't take long for the others to find the gallery, in fact, two students decided to explore the area and River turned to give Miss Baeva and Miss Peale a grin and nod.

River took a few steps back, drank his drink once more and decided to look on the next artefact that was on display. That was when he heard the sound of soft conversation, and realised that there were more people in the vast gallery. Hmm, perhaps these people weren't too keen about partying as well? He'd walked in the direction of the sound to see a young woman and Kalen Kennedy engaged in a conversation. If he hadn't been paying attention to the competition, River would've easily mistaken the woman to be a member of the BoG, or a chaperone from Ilvermorny.

River had joined their company, by giving the Librarian a solid tap on his back, and a grin towards the Ilvermorny champion, "Good evening Kalen, Miss Hamilton." he took responsibility of knowing all the champions' names in case they end up in his Hospital Wing. As far as he knew, Ilvermorny did not bring any Healer with them, which was a shame. He would've had a blast asking said person tons of medical questions and opinions. "Congratulations for qualifying, Miss Hamilton. I'm River Reed, Hogwarts' resident healer."

Soon enough, more people found their way inside the gallery and River caught Tristan's greeting and...he looked like he was going to pass out any moment. "Excuse me for a moment," River grinned at Kalen and Louise as he excused himself and approached Tristan, clasping the younger man's shoulder with his other hand. "Is everything alright? How are you feeling?" did he need a calming draught?

The room was starting to fill up a bit, much to Kalens chagrin, he had come to get away from it all, and yet, the all was coming in torwards him. At least they were being quiet though.. he could handle quiet crowds..

Merlin.. when did he get to be so old? He use to be able to dance with the best of them and now look at him..

Mentally complaining about noise..

He pulled himself from his thoughts and smiled down at Louise as she spoke.. "Please feel free to call me Kalen." An easy smile crossed his face.. after all he wasn't her librarian, and this was a party.. No need for Mr.Kennedy when they were talking in front of a painting. Should they meet in the library at school, Mr.Kennedy would be more appropriate. Time and place, yeah?

"It is nice to meet you Miss Hamilton, I must congratulate you on getting past the first round.. are you anxious about the second?" He asked as he turned towards her and then looked around the room..chaperoning.. as he was supposed to be doing.

He gave nods and smiles to Luci and Teddy , both the girls seemed harmless so he turned his attention back to Louise when he heard a male voice!

Kalen turned and then blinked his green eyes at his friend.. ahh.. "Hey Tris, you all right there buddy?" He asked his friend, he knew about his uhh.. fear dislike of ships and was actually rather impressed to see him on one.. Though his nervousness was plain to see.. Perhaps that was why he was "Mr.Kennedy-ing" him? At least he wasn't calling him Karen.. so that was a win..

Kalen felt a tap on his back and grinned over at River as he appeared. "Evening River, how are you tonight?" He asked the healer before River turned to Tristan and Kalen was finally able to get back to Louise..

"Well then, I shan't chaperone you, perhaps just a talk then? " He suggested..

Harriet liked exploring. It was in her blood, and she was also pretty interested in art, so it was no wonder that he found herself in the Vexmoor gallery. Whilst she preferred to be doing the art herself, she did love looking at art. It was inspiring. And that was why she was having a look around. It was taking her quite a while, since she was carefully looking and inspecting each piece of art work. She knew analysing, and learning from others was important in her own development as an artist, and so she was happy to be able to view some art at the social event.

She tilted her head as she sat on one of the padded chair and looked up at the painting in front of her. It was unusual, something she probably wouldn't paint herself, but it was pretty, and she liked it.

Oliver had heard mention of old wands in this gallery. That was enough to get him to head there.. Art and History were certainly of interest to him.. But old wands.. OLD WANDS. There were so many wand makers with so many techniques he wanted to learn about.. So many materials that were no longer used for a bunch of reasons.. but Oliver thought that there could be some real elegance in these creations.

He walked slowly, taking in the art though. Rushing seemed like an insult to the artists who made them and the bits of history to the people who lived those moments.

Historical objects were a weird thing to think about.. Something that was significant in time and now it was here on a ship, in the black lake for him to look at. Odd how time makes important things mundane and vice versa.

After leaving the dining saloon, Layla made her way to the gallery. She figured maybe even boring art would somehow manage entertain her. But the girl didn't keep her hopes up. Walking in, she walked over to one painting and looked it over. Okay, maybe it wasn't as boring as she had hoped. But now Layla was examining the art too much and she wasn't here to do that. Continuing on her walk, she spotted a familiar boy ahead. She made a face to herself as his sight grew closer due to the steps she was taking.

Why was he here alone? Didn't he come here with the girl he was always trailing behind?

Either way, she tapped his shoulder and sipped the drink in her hand. "Lupin,"

Oliver felt the tap on his shoulder and heard a familiar voice. He turned to see Layla and smiled a little. "Hey.." Had she not had a date? Or did she not want to dance? A gallery certainly didn't seem like the kinda place he'd find her.. But here she was.

"I'm looking for the wands here.. want to help me look?"

"Sure," She nodded. There wasn't much for her to do here and looking for wands would keep her entertained for some time. At least a few minutes, right? And wands were somewhat interesting to her since her family makes them. Anyway. "Why are you here alone? Did your date ditch you? Or did you ditch them?" Honestly? Layla couldn't care any less. From what he had told her himself, that other girl was toxic.

"Brilliant. Seems like they're toward the back." He thought maybe one of her family's wands would be in here.. Who knew, it could be anything. Secretly he was hoping for a Gregorvitch wand. Then she had to ask him about his date.. He hadn't even mentioned having a date.. and showed up alone. So how did she know he'd planned to come with someone? "We just went as friends so we're off doing our own things." Because that was basically the truth.

"Anything to find a good wand," She gave him a small smile and started walking. She did want to see some old wands, per say. But honestly, the girl just wanted to spend time with Oliver. Also. Because, Lupin, who else would you ask if it wasn't your ex? Layla knew it was pretty obvious because he hadn't asked her instead. "Right. Are you at least having fun tonight?"

Right! Miss Louise Hamilton! She was one of the champions! "That's right! Miss Hamilton! Great job in the first challenge! I was very impressed by your daydream charm!" He gave her a small smile. "I am Professor Tristan Wayland, the Care of Magical Creatures professor here at Hogwarts." He grinned, looking between the young girl and Kalen.

Tristan watched the interactions between Louise and Kalen. She was flirting mercilessly and he was taking it. He ruefully raised an eyebrow at his best friend before responding, "I'm...here. Not sure how much longer I can handle it thought, Kale." He was starting to sweat again, and felt like he was going to pass out. Good thing he was good at pretending he was okay...right? He was sure the pale skin and sweating didn't give him away at all....not.

Tristan nodded and grinned at the other students entering and beginning their own conversations with each other. He couldn't do much more than that for fear of fainting....of puking. Either of which would be embarrassing.

He was glad River had grasped him when he did because there was blackness around the edges of his sight. "Not too great, River. Fear of cruise ships and all. Anxiety...high....I....," and then everything went black and he was falling....

HE KNEW THE BOAT WOULD TIP OVER! Or had he? He wasn't sure...

"That's the spirit." He found old wands to be so interesting though.. Because he wouldn't want his on display somewhere when he was gone. No, he wanted to be buried with his. He'd heard the story that a yew wand buried with it's owner turned into a tree to protect them and the idea always made him feel like there would be some comfort in death. Maybe a morbid thing to find comforting but whatever. "Of course, i've danced with a few people and i wanted to see the wands."

Before she could get terribly caught up in the conversation with Kalen, someone else was there, who apparently was the Hogwarts Healer. Goodness, Hogwarts certainly had standards didn't they? "Pleasure to meet you, River Reed. At least I know who to call upon, should I find myself with a broken heart," Louise mused, although she had no intentions of a broken heart tonight or in the near future, as she would have to give her heart out for that chance. Breaking a few hearts was possible, however. "Thank you." For you know the congrats and all for qualifying to continue in the competition.

The room was getting rather crowded and Louise contemplated heading out to someplace more quiet, and yet ... three rather attractive adult wizards were amidst her presence, so how could she possibly leave now? Permission to call him Kalen? Yes, definitely going well, she noted. "A bit anxious, but I'm a Thunderbird. We're kind of the adventurers of Ilvermorny." She explained casually. "Just a talk would be good. So, Mr Librarian?" She raised a brow at him, curiously, "What would be your favorite books?"

And the other guy was the creatures professor who seemed to be sweating rather profusely. "Why thank you... Tristan? I wasn't sure about the whole obliviation thing, as there are trained professionals for that task." It was okay for her to use his first name too, yes? He had said it and he wasn't her professor.

Noelle had been around the ship and back. Her eyes had seen a figure they hadn't thought they'd seen in a very long time. Especially after goodbyes had been said. But alas, she'd been all over this ship (mostly) and she did not see who she was looking for. It must have been a figment of her imagination. Her mind playing tricks on her again. They say that happened.

So, as it was, Noelle was now in a room full of art. It wasn't a room that she would normally go in, but because she was here, she started to take a look around. Maybe to clear her head. Maybe to give herself a moment to think. She was always teetering back and forth these days.

Seeing another familiar figure, Noelle grinned when she found Hattie sitting by herself. Taking a seat beside her, Noelle crossed her legs and leaned into her. "Well hello there beautiful."

Dora wasn't late. Not at all. She was, however, already ready to go. Ugh. But a deal was a deal. And Mason was her friend. Glancing at her watch she moved through the gallery and frowned a bit. Where was he?

HAD HE STOOD HER UP?!

Heavens to Betsy he better not have or she'd be forced to hex the hair right off of his head. Legit. The blonde girl tugged on the sleeve of her jacket as she moved around as few people. Ugh.

Mason Winslow better show his face soon!

Despite that he had not wanted to go, he still felt like it had been the right thing to do. Especially because his mother would kill him if she found out he hadn't worn the suit she had made for him.

With a sigh, Mason checked himself in a nearby reflection and straightened the...was it even a bowtie? It looked bigger didn't it? His hair was silvery blonde for today but instead of the usual hair up style he had went with his hair down. Mostly to not show much attention to himself.

Checking his watch, he realised he had been late-ish to meet Dora. They had agreed to go together to this event. NOT as a date but as friends since neither of them wanted to go alone. Entering the gallery, Mason looked around for the fiery Gryffindor and immediately spotted her looking anxious. Had something happened already? or was she just mad cause he was late?

"Hi, you look nice" he said the moment he stood near her and had tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. No dress it seemed, then again, a dress didn't really sound like Dora. She was more the power suit type .