Monique smiled. "Merci." she said politely. Had it really been a whole term already? It felt like just yesterday she was walking into this hall for the very first time.

"Merci." Monique said happily. She kissed him on both cheeks.

Hmm... he didn't return the greeting. Was he still mad at her? Even though she did agree to come with him? If he really wanted to try this again that probably wasn't the best way of convincing her.

"You look lovely as well." she said with a smile. "I adore your hat."

Which was true. Monique loved hats.

She then noticed Noel and his date arrived. She smiled and wiggled her fingers in their direction. Looks like he took one of those girls that were always around him.

His smile widened when Danika started to laugh, "I mean it." he shrugged good naturedly, then nodded his head as he acknowledged her next statement "Well, if you need anything, just feel free to tell me." After all Triwizard Tournament or not, Danika and her fellow Durmstrangers were still the school's guest, and he was the Hogvartian, it was his duty to make sure they were taken cared off during their last stay in Hogwarts.

Oi how far he's come from the beginning of the school year when he wanted nothing else but smack a fellow Dumstranger down and send them back packing.

He raised his brows as he considered her question "Not too good I'm afraid." he chuckled then added quickly "Well so long as I got the right clothes, I should be relatively ok. Its just that well, its my first year here in the Scottish Highlands, so I guess I'm still adjusting to the climate? I'm not from around here see," that may have been obvious given his accent but nonetheless "I'm from California. You know, 'sunny and warm all year round'"

"What about you, where are you from?" he peered at her curiously "And I've been meaning to ask about your dress-- err costume. Is it something that represents your culture?" The way perhaps, he did with his?

Brielle had no date, but that she did not mind so much, because to be honest, she was looking fine!

Arriving in the hall, the was not at all surprised to see hundreds of fluffy ballgowns, and instantly her concerns over her costume was whipped away. She was different, she was smexy, she was Brielle!

Strutting her way through the room, her tight leather bodysuit showing off her gorgeous physique, Brielle b-lined her way to the Champions Table, where she could see Noel, Cosette, Monique and Jermaine. "Bonsoir!" She smirked completely in character.

"I am sure you do. I vill let you know, Salander" she said, while nodding. By now, we all should know what nodding did to her hair, no?

She could not help but feel a little disappointed at his answer. And her face might have shown it too, the disappointment. Danika still listened while he answered, and then smiled. "I sort of knew you vere from the States" like Sabel, the accent gave them away. Especially to those who were not so familiar with English, like herself, though she had improved wonderfully while in here.

The climate thing was not just about having the right clothes, though, one needed to know how to move in the coldness of Greenland. Such a nice place. "I see, too bad, I vas kind of hoping to have a bodyguard vhen I went to Antarctica" that was the final destination, for this summer, at least, she was still waiting for Sandra's confirmation...

...and Danika almost said 'up north', because that question was usually followed by someone asking where Durmstrang was. As if she will be the one to tell. "I vas born in Iceland, but after I turned seven ve moved to Russia" there was something like a flash of sadness when she mentioned the word 'seven' but it was instantly gone when she continued to speak. Seven, not her favorite age, especially since she was still certain that that accident had changed their paths in life. "So, as for now, Russia...it vill be back to Iceland next year" sooooo, 'when in Iceland...' you know who to look for, "One could say I am used to the cold by now".

Dark gray eyes on Salander now, and there was a slight nod, "Yes and no. It is from Durmstrang..." her adored school, "...it used to be the traditional vear..." for women, "...vhen events vhere celebrated..." notice how she did not say 'Ball', "...many, many years ago" like hundreds, "Ve do not do so anymore" mainly because Zitnik is not one who enjoys these sort of celebration. Her costume related more to the era when wizards and witches ruled the world than to anything recent, but it was new.

No more talks about weather, that is prohibited. "How long until you leave Hogvarts?" like, the school forever, not just for the summer.

Her cat? He didn’t know she had a cat. Which was weird considering he’d been here almost a year and had known her for, how long? Breaking out of thought as he once against felt her smooth hand against his, he smiled before sitting up a bit straighter. She thought he looked handsome as a king? "I try." Better try harder now.

Well that was good news. Taking another sip of pumpkin juice, he smiled as he did so, thinking about it. If her father was gone all summer and it was just him and Cosette…oh. "All Summer?" That was quite a long time. "Zoundz good to me." His Summer would be quite boring without Cosette. It was only better that they lived so close apparently. Funny how that turned out! Though the school year was drawing to an end, he was getting rather excited to go home and for the Summer fun to begin.

"I'll go see if zey have zome zen." Before standing up, he gave her a quick kiss on the lips before moving around her chair. "And oui, to ze danze floor. Ztraight afterward. I'll be back in juzt a moment." Or perhaps a minute or so after. Smiling, Noel was just about to head to the food table, but got a tiny bit distracted. Oh! How did he not see his friends?



Grinning, he waved towards Monique and Jermaine before giving them both a thumbs up. They looked rather nice tonight! Though the tense atmosphere between them got Noel thinking that perhaps...aw well, he had seen them off and on for awhile now. They'd work out something soon enough.

Oops! No running into...Brielle?

"Showing off for zomeone, Brielle?" he chuckled, before going back to his mission of getting food for Cosette and himself.

Fletcher had become distracted by his people-watching and attempting to spot all the costumes around. There were just soooo many it was... dizzifying. Yeah, that was the term.

He had no idea that he had said anything to offend Danika until Salander had some sort of reaction. OOPS! Maybe it would be best if he didn't say anything for a while... except he did have a surprise for a few of his friends. So... Fletcher pretended not to hear all the chitter chatter around him as he thought of how to say what he wanted to say, though he did smile and wave back to Cosette and smiled also at the other champions' arrivals.

"Rae," the Glitterpuff whispered suddenly, leaning in toward his date's ear. "Do you think it would be weird if I," held your hand? "made a toast?"

He really really wanted to.

People watching.. That's what Rae was doing, her little queen-like self was sitting at the table with like 8 other people her throne and watching as people danced and conversed. The other champions arrived to the table, well most of them, along with their dates. She would've said hello and talked with the other people at her table, but she felt awkward to all those she didn't know, and those she did, she almost had them kicked out of the tournament.

She heard Fletcher, whispering her name. OOh a secret? No a question. Rae turned back as if they really were trading secrets and whispered back "I think you can do anything you want. I don't think it'd be weird." Literally, he could do anything he pleased.

Okay then. Rae answered Fletcher's question. He was going to make a toast and then, you know what, he was going to hold Rae's hand if he so wanted to. So HA.

King Champion GlitterPuff stood up, suddenly, and adjusted his crown. He cleared his throat and raised his water goblet, tap-tap-tapping it just a little with one of his spoons. Once he had their attention, he would speak just loud enough for those seated at the table to hear.

"Ahem. My fellow champions, friends... everyone." Fletcher looked around at the group and nodded. "I just wanted to announce that it has been a true pleasure getting to know all of you this term, and especially having the privilege to compete with you. It's been real, it's been fun, and it's been real fun.

"And I wanted to add that I plan to have a reunion party for all of us champions later this summer, funds permitting, and of course you all and your dates are invited."

There. Toast given, Fletcher beamed and made a motion to bump his glass toward Rae's. "Now then, I propose a toast. To us! For we are the champions, my friends."

As Fletcher made his toast to the champions mainly, Rae watched and listened. She wished she could keep him, she wished they could dance, or hold hands, or just be dates, without that wedge between them that started with a big X. When she realized what she was thinking, that this wedge was more of a burden now, and that wasn't right, so she knew what her real decision was now.

By now Fletcher had finished his toast, Rae raised her glass with his and bumped his glass. 'Very well said." She said with a sweet smile on her lips.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brelovesweasleys

As Fletcher made his toast to the champions mainly, Rae watched and listened. She wished she could keep him, she wished they could dance, or hold hands, or just be dates, without that wedge between them that started with a big X. When she realized what she was thinking, that this wedge was more of a burden now, and that wasn't right, so she knew what her real decision was now.

By now Fletcher had finished his toast, Rae raised her glass with his and bumped his glass. 'Very well said." She said with a sweet smile on her lips.

Fletcher found himself still kind of standing around awkwardly as Rae, at least, toasted with him. He slowly seemed to sink back into his seat as he sipped at his water and wished it was something stronger. Ah well.

"I think that went well," he muttered toward his friend a bit sarcastically, though he was smiling to see her smile so. "You want to... dance or something?" Or something?

The sarcasm was caught, but Rae didn't respond to it. She did think it was a bit funny how his feeling of awkwardness was almost radiating off of him, since she could feel it. How did he feel awkward? According to basically everyone in this school especially those stupid fangirls thought he was... All that and a bag of chips. Or maybe something better than a bag of chips... Chips weren't THAT interesting.

She smiled back anyways, as he asked to dance... Or something. "Yeah, of course." 'Cause who didn't dance at a ball? Or something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brelovesweasleys

The sarcasm was caught, but Rae didn't respond to it. She did think it was a bit funny how his feeling of awkwardness was almost radiating off of him, since she could feel it. How did he feel awkward? According to basically everyone in this school especially those stupid fangirls thought he was... All that and a bag of chips. Or maybe something better than a bag of chips... Chips weren't THAT interesting.

She smiled back anyways, as he asked to dance... Or something. "Yeah, of course." 'Cause who didn't dance at a ball? Or something.

Whew. It was getting easier and easier to ask girls to do things, ya know? "Excellent. M'lady."

Fletcher bowed deeply and once again stood up from his chair to help Rae out of hers. He wondered to himself how girls could stand to wear such poofy dresses and if it was like sitting on a cushion when they sat down in them... but he didn't ask it out loud. Cuz Rae was pretty and pretty awesome, regardless of what she was wearing.

Well it appeared as if Monique had a new attitude tonight. It seems it's okay for her to kiss Jermaine, even if it is just on the cheek, yet she gets mad when he kisses her on the lips. Well he wasn't going to play into her little game anymore. He would not be kissing her tonight, be it on the cheek or anywhere else. Besides, he knew she was only there with him because she didn't have another date.

"Merci." He said when she said he looked lovely and that she liked the hat. No need for him to be totally rude. He just wasn't going to be overly friendly right now. She would have to show him that she wanted to be more than friends now. He was tired of her treating him the way she did.



Spotting someone wearing a LOT of leather he coudln't help but look. Who was that person? She had her face covered preventing him from figuring out who she was... until she spoke.

BRIELLE!?

"Bonjour to you too." he said with a smile. "You look... ravishing, awesome, breath takingly HOT! nice." Boy was that an understatement. He knew he had a beautiful friend but WOW, he didn't know just how beautiful she was. Sure, he couldn't see her face but really, that outfilt left little to the imagination.

He would definitely have to get her to dance with him later.



Well when did Noel get there? Jermaine gave him a nod when he seen his friend getting up and leaving. He really should get together with him before term was over. They had not talked much in the past few months. They really needed to catch up before leaving. He was just about to suggest this when...



Someone was throwing... chocolate at him? He looked around to see who it was and smiled when he seen his chocolate friend Destiny. Aww, she looked so cute in her detective outfit. "Excusez-moi," he said as he got up. "I 'ave zomeone I muzt go zee." With that he picked up the piece of chocolate and went over to where Destiny was sitting.

Is that disappointment? Did he say something wrong? Did he sound wrong-- like how some Englishfolk would say to him-- that he mispronounces everything? Good thing she clarifies "You're headed to Antarctica? Thats.... way down south." Yeah a lot further south than Mia's Australia. But he had to grin, she actually considered him to be her bodyguard? "Well.... you know I can adapt." With a lot of help. Wouldnt there be something that can help keep him warm in those frigid clime? Something to check with his Head of House. "Not that I dont think you can protect yourself, but in case you need an extra hand, I dont mind helping you fend off all those..... penguins." Yeah dangerous lot those waddling, flightless birds.

So she's from Iceland.... and Russia! Well thats "Interesting.... part of my lineage is Russian-- my dad's mother's side. Thats before they migrated to the States. Visited family there too, long ago, when I was really young." and his folks were still together. Ah well, thats the way the cookie crumbles... It did not escape his notice that there may have been something that prompted her to leave. He wondered if she wanted to talk about it, only one way to find out... "Someone once told me about Iceland-- 'Greenland is full of ice, and Iceland is very nice.' So is Iceland.... not full of ice?" he smiled curiously.

His eyes fell onto her dress as she explained her attire, Gosh it looks so good on her..... Ahem. "So its a traditional Durmstrang gown? Its very nice. Looks great on you." Good grief he hoped he didnt come across as a creep with that statement. "Well, maybe you could suggest to your Headmaster... " his eyes shifted to the Staff table, the Durmstrang Head looked like he could lop someone's arms off "... Or perhaps your deputy Headmaster if you have one... to bring back some Durmstrang traditional celebrations. A party or two never hurt anybody." Not usually anyway.

He leaned back in his seat on her next question. "Uhm... you know what, I never really thought about it...." he started, having only realized that he managed to complete a year without any notice from the Headmaster for a dismissal. A pleasant surprise indeed, certainly better than the numbing shock of 'Please Dont Come Back.' "Hopefully I can be back here for my fifth year next term." Yeah he still didnt want get his hopes too high. "So I guess thats three more years." Something to look forward to right?


He turns when he hears clinking spoon on glass, but not before noticing Holy Catnip! Is that... the Beauxbaton mudslinging babe? Well lets hope she didnt bring that whip....

His attention returns to Fletcher as he started to speak. The Slytherin lad smiled politely and held his head up proudly, but couldnt help smirking on the "real fun" part. Oh yeah he sure had a good time didnt he?

"Here! Here!" the Slytherin lad declared, raising his own goblet up to toast. He wanted to get up, take Rae's and Danika's hands and raise them over his head, sway and start singing that awesome song, but that would be inappropriately. Besides, he wasnt buzzed enough to start he usual buffoonery. Ah the missed opportunity, he would've been more than happy to show some of the stuffy Champions what its really like to party like a rockstar. "Hope you can squeeze in his party in your plans for the summer." he said as he turned back to Danika.

Cosette could definitely notice the look of satisfaction in his face after her compliment. She never really gave compliments, but when she met him.. well, she couldn't stop. He brought a new part of her, at least whenever he was around. She was still working with the new found 'nice' side to her, but she still had that rough and tough attitude, of course. Smiling, she raised a goblet to her lips and sipped up some more pumpkin juice. Still, some champagne would have been nicer. More bubbly. She liked bubbly. "You don't 'ave to, amour." He could dazzle her without even trying.

She shrugged her emerald embroidered shoulders. Her father was a busy man, as was her brother. Both men of the Ministry, she always teased them. Once she was finished with school, she would be as well. Just the thought of running off and catching bad wizards.. it got her all hot with excitement. Realizing the large grin on her face and her hands wringing with anticipation, she let out a small chuckle. "Oui, all summer." Which meant they could have there picnic on the terrace without being disturbed. They could tear up the city on her motorcycle. "We can attempt thoze guitar lezzons!" She beamed, still wanting to learn the instrument. Hey, if they got distracted, she could always just learn by herself, though it wouldn't be as fun. "And 'ave zat picnic we keep putting off." A summer was something they both needed. Away from peers, teachers, and homework.

After the soft and brief kiss, she patted his hand and smiled. She had lucked out this year, for sure. Noticing a leather clad Brielle, she smiled and got up, her hands holding onto her dress and getting up from her chair. She gave Fletcher a wink before seeing him frolic off to the dance floor with his partner. He seemed to be having a great time. Making her way over to her newest and fellow French friend. "Brielle, you look abzolutely ztunning!" She meant that. The leather really hung on her features, making her feel a tad jealous she didn't think of wearing something like that too. Was there someone in her love life? There had too, she was wearing something super gorgeous! Wiggling her arched eyebrows up at her, hoping Noel didn't see them. "Zo, who iz the guy." She stated, knowing something had to be up.

Brielle was stopped in her tracks by the whirl wind, that was Noel.

Only catching a glimpse of her friend as he whipped past here, her keen eye was able to take in his costume, and she approved. "Zo you!" She smiled as he disappeared into the crowd.



As she took a seat, near the french end of the table, Brielle's attention by another Royal looking Champion, this time it was Fletcher, or rather King Glitter!

He did look rather spiffy, listening to his words as Brielle poured herself a goblet of charmed spring water, that appeared to have mermaids swimming insider her goblet, she could not help but smile at his touching words. She had not forgotten it was he, that had cared for her so valiantly after the First Task.

"Zpoken like a true King," Brielle smouldered as she raised her class and turned to her two Roaring Twenties!



"Why zank you Jermaine," Brielle smirked, she knew she looked good, but having equally beautiful people tell her so, made her feel even better if that was possible!
"You look razzer dazhing youzelf my friend!", turning to Monique as well, Brielle added, "You two are a perfect match, az uzual!"

It was true, Mon and Jermaine, regardless of what else happened were always perfect together!



Smiling at the girl, who had become so much Noel's life, and rather an intergral part of her own, Brielle couldn't help but return the compliment on Cosette's costume.
"Very few girlz could carry zat look off, but you do it effortlezzly, mon ami!"
Taking in Cosette's next comment, Brielle couldn't help but laugh, "You zound like Noel!" Yes, Brielle had a homme in mind, but in honesty Brielle had dressed for herself tonight. To her Catwoman was the essence of all things feminine; feminine and independent! Fingering the whip the was in her wand hand, Brielle smiled at her friend, "'E is not important tonight, tonight is for funny, and romance is for those who are lucky enough to 'ave it, and I am not one of zem." There was no self pity in her voice, none at all, infact Brielle was more sure of herself than she had been all year, He was not worth her energy!
"Zo 'as Noel azked you to dance? Or will I 'ave to make 'im?" Brielle snickered her hand pulling her whip into view.

Danika's eyes wandered off to Salander again, as he spoke, "Yes, I have already been everyvhere up north, it is only fair I visit Antarctica now" one of the first places from the long list of the 'exploration' year. It actually felt great not to have to worry about the immediate future that much. "If you can adapt, then you are invited..." and there was a little wink after she said that, "...I think Sandra vill go too, I do not know for sure" because she has not given an answer yet, though, Danika knew that Sandra was most likely to begin her post-Durmstrang life quicker than the rest, so, who knows?

You know what? Salander was kind of fun to hang around with, most Hogwartians sort of were. "Penguins are not all you could find in one of the coldest places on earth, you know" especially since some unknown wizarding species adapt so well to the cold.

Interesting, indeed. So, there was some Russian blood in him. Danika smiled, but just to clarify, "Though, I am not precisely Russian, even if I do live there and speak the language" she nodded, and true it was, she was born in Iceland, and she loved it there, that's why she will return. "Did you like it, vhen you visited? Or do you not remember very vell?" she asked, curiosity on her tone. She had a very good memory when it came to her childhood, except for something in particular, but not too many people remember things from when they were younger.

Ah! Danika had to laugh at this, "If I did not know you came to Hogvarts, I vould have thought you vere a non-magical" because that was such a non-magical thing to say about Greenland and Iceland. Iceland was greener than Greenland, and Greenland was icier than Iceland. "Neither is full of ice" she grinned, "Though, ve do have plenty of it, the summer is rather varm" based on their winters, it was. "I love Iceland, that is vere I plan to live vhen...vell, vhen I am ready to settle" yes, when she's done visiting the entire world, that is. Danika was not getting into the reason behind her family leaving to Russia, though, this was not the time or place.

The young woman looked down on her dress, "I suppose you could say that, yes" Durmstrang traditional gown, sure. Oh, but there was the smallest hint of blush on her cheeks when he spoke again and she smiled, "Vell, since I am from Durmstrang and this is sort of the traditional gown, then it should look great on me, no?" and another wink towards Salander, that was probably going to be the last one in quite some time, she would not want to turn into Nikolai. "Thanc you" she said at last. But of course, she was shaking her head when Salander suggested a talk with the Headmaster? Salander was a funny guy, for real. Just imagining what Zitnik's face will be after he's told about the dresses...simply...priceless. "Ve do not have a Deputy Headmaster, and it does not matter, really, since ve are not going back" that was the sad part, after all those years in Durmstrang and she had to spend the last one at Hogwarts, without being able to say goodbye to her utmost favorite school.

What? Really? He has never thought about it? Good thing Vladimir was not here, the young man had a schedule for everything. "Salander, vhy is it that you are still in your fourth year? I mean, you are already of age..." not that she meant anything bad with it, though, "...I am only curious, just in case" in case he thought she was calling him dumb or something. And she was not. Though, considering her history, she would have chosen the most brilliant (academically speaking) young man to come to the Ball with.



Oh, speech? From the King?

This should be interesting.

Danika's face turned to Fletcher as he rose from his seat, at least he knew what he was doing. Or seemed to know, anyway. The young woman did not cry, but what Fletcher was saying was rather nice, you know? Well-spoken, too. And...a reunion? That would be...great, indeed.

She raised her glass and nodded in agreement. Yes, to them, to the Champions, to us. He was right.

But then she turned to Salander and smiled, "I certainly can, my plans are very flexible" considering she really had no timing for any of them, "It is not like I have somevhere to go to vhen summer is over" true, this could be like never ending vacations, that eventually needed to end. "Ve can squeeze in his party, right?" IF he decided to join her on the little trip.

Cosette gave her friend a beaming smile, glad to have a few people she could actually call 'friends'. It was always a foreign word to her, but now she knew why so many people had friends. Putting her hand on her gown, she looked down to make sure it wasn't wrinkled or the pleats were messed up. She got a bit picky about that sometimes. Well.. all the time. She liked looking perfect! "Zank you, mon cher." She smiled, a small chuckle escaping her red painted lips. Brielle looked like she was going to dominate someone, and in the best way there was. She had to be dressing up for someone, let alone herself.

Giving her friend the thumbs up, she laughed, hearing her declaration. "Zat iz right!" The night was for fun and merriment. Everyone would have to go study for exams and the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students would be leaving, much to her despair. Thankfully she lived near most of them, at least Noel. That was a relief. "Who carez about 'im. You look drop dead gorgeouz." And if anyone did cross her path, she didn't even need a wand. One look at that whip and whoever was near would feel it.

Biting her lip, she noticed Noel was gone to get the food. In a hushed tone, she whispered, "Well 'e iz a bit shy." She mentioned, her eyes twinkling. "Zo I 'ave been taking ze lead a bit." She had asked him to the ball, to go and dance, ect. Brushing away a curled tendril of blond, she bit her lip. "What zhould I do? I 'ave never felt zike thiz for zomeone before." She was just winging it.

After his very successful dance with Sandra, successful as in he didn't step on any of her toes, Nikolai lead her by the hand to the Champion's table. It was less crowded up there with half the Champion's off during their own thing, but that was fine with him. Less people, the less he had to talk.

As they reached the table, he grinned at Monique the two ladies there, not knowing who they were, before focusing on Danika and yes, her junkyard date. "Danika," he said, pulling out a chair next to her for Sandra to sit. "you look lovely." Of course she did, she always did. Pulling out a seat for himself, he removed his hat and mask, because the whole vision thing, he liked to see, and placed them on his lap before leaning up to get a good look at Danika's date. "What are you supposed to be? You look like a junkyard."

No offense, of course.

"Brielle!!" Monique exclaimed. "You look fantastic!" And like a cat But, despite looking like an animal she looked quite lovely. And happy. "Did you not bring a date?" she asked looking around. Seems like Brielle was a free bird cat tonight.



Monique smiled ever so slightly. She knew that look. It was the 'oh, are you too dating again?' look. Pft. Too bad Noel was wrong. If they were dating Jermaine would have pulled out the seat for her, instead she had to do it herself.

Ehh... Noel probably wasn't even paying attention. Because off he went to get food for himself and his date.

She looked to Jermaine. Just another example of how they weren't dating. She wasn't even offered punch.



What was with Jermaine? He always threw such horrible tantrums when he didn't get his way. This made it a very good thing Monique had refused his advances. He obviously wasn't ready to get back together with her. Besides, Monique wasn't the least bit very interested in getting back together anyway.

Plus, who knows what he'd been up to since they got here. For all she knew he had come back because everyone here refused him as well.

...And now he was off to flirt with some child. Figures.

Monique smiled awkwardly again. Oh no, now everyone was going to think they were together again.

"Well, Jermaine has always been a good dresser..." she half mummbled. This was going to be a long night.

Monique beamed when the ever-so-lovely Nikolai joined them. He was accompanied by one of the Durmstrang girls. "You look dashing." she said to him.

Was this really one of the last times she'd get to admire the looks of her friend-from-the-North (as they called themselves). Perhaps they had better dance together sometime. Yes, yes, they must.

She didn't even care that he had bad taste in dates.

Plus, if Jermaine was going to be off all night she needed someone else to look at socialize with.

A good dance with a good friend. Sandra was pleased, and it showed on her face as Nikolai lead her to the champion's table. She needed to thank whoever it was that gave them a table all to themselves. Aleksandra would not have been pleased if she had to share a table with the Hogwarts students that weren't champions or their dates.

Though it seemed none of the Hogwarts champions were at the table, just a few of the other champions and their dates. Good. Meant she didn't have to speak with many of them.

She inclined her head politely to the other champions and dates that she didn't care to speak with (though would if spoken to ), and settled her gaze on her best friend. Gracefully descending into her seat when Nikolai pulled it out for her. "You do look lovely, Danika." Truth. Aleksandra didn't give out complements to just anyone or for any mundane reason.

Plus Danika always looked beautiful.

Her eyes flicked to Nikolai, hazel eyes showing her thanks for him being a such gentleman. Not that he wasn't always one, but one could never show their appreciation enough. Especially to a good friend. Then her eyes turned to Danika's date, narrowing slightly.

What was he suppose to be?

It was her name being called that made her look up, and there was a smile on her face as soon as she heard the voice. Nikolai, of course. With Sandra. But Danika sort of already knew that.

"Thanc you, Nik" she said, with a nod, "You look..." she was found speechless for a moment because she had not found the right word to describe him, "...like yourself" and she added a wink to go with the answer. That was the perfect way to describe him, right? Like himself.

Her face was turned to Sandra though, as her friend took the seat next to her, "Thancs, Sandra, you look stunning" though, that was not a costume...because Danika knew that dress.

As soon as Nikolai spoke again her dark gray eyes were almost glaring at him. Arms crossed. "Nikolai!" that was not the way to address their hosts, not to mention that Salander was also her date for the evening. And...Knight, Bodyguard, Waiter and whatever. But...a junkyard, Nik? Seriously? What a perfectly non-magical reference! Of all things he could have said he had to come up with 'junkyard'!

There was a smile on her face for a brief moment as she considered what would have been Vladimir's words for this situation. It would have been rather fun, though. But as far as she was concerned the young man could be back at home by now.

"He does not" that was all she said.

As he made himself comfortable in his seat, Nikolai turned his gaze over to Monique. Grinning at her compliment, because he knew he looked dashing already, he gave her a look over. "As you look lovely." As least he knew what she was dressed as, unlike Danika's date. He turned his gaze to the Hogwartian briefly, and yes, he still looked like a junkyard.

A rather shiny one, so that was something at least.

Shaking his head, he faced the Beauxbatons Champion once more. "So, how have you been, Monique? It's been a while." he gave her a wink, remembering the last time they spoke in Hogsmeade.

Hmm, was she dateless? He would have asked but that would have rude and Nikolai was not rude.

Unless you were dressed as a junkyard.



Eyebrows raising slightly at Danika and her loss for words, he grinned when she finally found them. Of course. He had picked the perfect costume out, one that complimented him so well. After replying with a shrug that clearly said 'I know', he let his eyes wander around the Hall while Danika and Sandra started talking. He was actually looking to make sure a certain someone hadn't run off, but before he could find her, Danika had.. yelled at him.

"What!?" came his automatic reply, but the glare he received, he knew what it was for.

He didn't mean for his question to Danika's date to sound so rude, he just never seen someone wear so much metal at once.. unless they were a suit of armor, but the Hogwartian had no sword! Instead, he had these light things. He just didn't know! Picking up a goblet from the table, he held it up to lips. "I was just asking, no need to yell at me." he said, his words slightly muffled by the goblet.

He was only asking what everyone was thinking.

Merlin.