Louis hadn't really given Valentine's much thought in the past couple weeks; actually, he had completely forgotten the special event until he found the Great Hall closed down earlier that day for preparations. And though he was feeling a little lazy about the whole thing now (the castle and the grounds were so wonderfully empty with all the students gathered in the Great Hall), he knew he couldn't bail. He had a lovely little lady counting on him, after all.

All dressed up in a black tuxedo with a bow tie, Swaggy!Lou walked into the overwhelmingly red-and-pink, heart-shaped-objects infested Great Hall.
Wow. Yeah, the lovey-dovey vibe was overwhelmingly strong in this place. The boy looked around the Hall for a moment, eyebrows raising with amusement over the pro-Valentine's and anti-Valentine's themes on the food tables, before he spotted two familiar faces at one of the tablecloth-covered tables. Lux and Sander were already here!

Smiling, Louis made his way over to his two friends. "Looking good, mate," he said, clapping the elegant Sander's back in greeting and flashing the boy a friendly smile. His gaze then traveled over to Lady Lux, who looked absolutely doll-like in her bright pink dress and straight red hair. He was a little surprised she wasn't in a more frilly dress, something more... childlike. She seemed unusually grown-up.

"M'lady." He bowed to her in greeting, as he always did since being assigned the role of squire. "You look beautiful tonight," he added as he straightened up, giving his friend a broad smile. His right hand disappeared into one of the pockets of his jacket and he proceeded to pull out a small square box with a bow on top. The box rattled a little as he handed it to Lux. "Happy Valentine's Day," he said with a smile. It was just a life-sized large chocolate frog he'd gotten from Honeydukes (its size proved it would be more challenging to catch and eat), it wasn't meant to be romantic or anything, just poked fun at Lux's and Lou's love for chocolate frogs and all things sweet.

It took a little while to get ready for this, what with charms and potions and makeup and things to ensure she looked good, but finally Penelope was here. And this was pretty cool. She and Ascanius never made a big deal about Valentine's Day, which was okay with her, but she didn't see the point in hating the holiday with a passion. To each their own though or whatever since both sides of the Ball looked pretty neat. Aside from the kissing booth thing, that seemed a little odd and she wouldn't be going to that section. She had a boyfriend to kiss after all.

Speaking of him, where was he? Didn't seem like he was here yet, though West and Nigel were near the stage already. Had she mentioned yet that she was really excited to see them perform? She'd listened to Ascanius play before and been to one of their practices once, but this would be the first actual performance sort of thing, and she was looking forward to it.

Penelope passed by one of the food tables as she headed towards them and...WAS THAT PIZZA? With HEART SHAPED PEPPERONI?? That was so cute but more importantly DELICIOUS. That was totally gonna be hers. Practically had her name written all over it. Merlin's beard...

Oh right, talking first. She would go say hi and then grab several a few slices to eat while she waited for Ascanius to come. And then probably go get some more. Plus the others things that were up here that she wasn't paying attention to right now.

"Can't wait to see you all play up there," she said to West and Nigel with a grin. And she gave Delilah and the other girl that was there with them a smile too. "Hey."

Hope looked around once more. She had one person to sit and chat with but there had to be someone else she could pull into her group. A singles group? Always a good plan, yeah? One more scan of the room she spotted a familiar looking boy. Ben, yes? The boy she had met over the summer.

"Hey!" She waved at him smiling. "Wanna join us?" Not like they were doing anything fun, but he was more than welcome to come sit and join them for a night of watching the happenings. Maybe they could all go play a game or something.

So, it was one thing that it was 'Valentine's day' not only was it the stupidest holiday that exploited every person not in a relationship, but it worshiped those who were. Not that he cared or anything, he was fine living the single pringle life. He just wished people wouldnt use a day to make their Significant others feel special cause they should do that everyday, so he thought anyway. So valentines day was Stupid, but he was told there was food and well, that's why he was here. no classes, free food, it was shoo in that he'd be here.

Minus the fact that he had to "dress up" for the event all was well, tough he hated this jacket more than anything else, ever, just hated it and well, did anyone know how to tie a bowtie? he looked down at the bowtie, still untied and hanging from his neck, maybe he should stuff it in his pocket? maybe he should leave it there, make a statement or something about he he wouldn't conform to this valentines day stuff!

Maybe he should stuff it in his pocket. Wandering around the area he made his way to the food table and managed to grab a glass of lemonade before walking away to just see what else was going on , who else was here you know, he had to show his face and proved that he actually could be social, even if it killed him

Justine, who had been so wrapped up in sampling the various confections and delights, jumped as a slightly familiar looking boy (in a lovely suit and tie), yelped at her words, before politely asking her if everything was alright.

"Oui, I mean, yes, everyzhing is fine," Justine said, blushing at having been heard, she hadn't thought anyone was paying her any mind. "Zee macaroons are, very good," She added, with a small laugh as way of explanation.

As she took in the young man's features, she became even more certain that she had seen him before, they probably had classes together, maybe Potions?
"'Ave we met before?" Justine asked, with a small, thoughtful frown on her pretty features.

Hey.

Benny absently turned at the call and spotted a young girl about his age waving at him. Him? Asking him if he wanted to join her? It was only at a second look that he registered the previous meeting over the summer. Her name escaped him for the moment though and so he left his response vague for the moment.

"Might as well, I guess," he answered, walking closer to her and the table she was at. "I mean...hey," he added, not wanting to appear rude. She was being polite to him after all.

Come again? o_O

Lux was surprised when for the second time Sander called her beautiful; the first had been at the dance lessons. Turning slightly red, she was kind of flattered at the really high compliment. "You won't disappoint her. I look okay. I am sure it will be Tessa who looks truly beautiful." Especially in his eyes, because she had seen the way he looks at her many times over the month. And as she always looked back at him the same way, surely Tessa would find Sander every bit as handsome as he found her beautiful.

Had she seen the others? Lux shook her head. She had not seen Tessa yet, or Bay. She assumed he would be coming here with his girlfriend, which was why she had not asked him to be her Valentine. "My date for tonight is Louis." And yes, it was strictly platonic; just her asking her loyal Squire to be her Valentine.

Spotting Adi waving over to her and Sander, Lux smiled and waved back. He was looking quite dapper today. Wondering if he was going to come over to them and talk, she saw that instead his eyes were focused on a girl who looked about their age who she had seen before in classes. Awww, was she his Valentine? That was so cute. Deciding that maybe she would say hello to him later, she left them to it.

Oh, and there was Alex! She was looking good tonight as well. Everyone was, and there seemed to be a lot of happiness in the air - besides at the game centre at least. "Hey, Alex. You are looking very nice," she said as she made her way over to them. "Who's your date?" Curious and all that.

Again with the beautiful.

She was going to be as red as the heart decorations around the room by the end of the night if this didn't stop.

Smiling, she curtsied to him after he bowed. "You are looking very nice, Louis. Very handsome." She knew that he had made sure to dress very nice for his Lady.

Awww, he had brought her a present. She was not silly enough to imagine that it was in any way romantic; for all she knew he had stuck candy in it or something. "Awww, the loyal Squire is giving his Lady a gift. Happy Valentine's Day." Taking the box, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. As a friend. So people had better not get in a fit over it.

Happily, she opened the box and was pleasantly surprised to see a large Chocolate Frog wrapper. "It's amazing, Louis. Thank you. I will open it properly as soon as I get to my dorms." She was smart enough to know that if on the off chance her frog managed to get away before she could eat it, the people organizing the event probably wouldn't be too happy with her. Best to do it later on even if she really wanted chocolate right now.

Hope smiled and push out a chair for him so that he could join her and Leah for some single people night in? Did that make sense? Didn't matter. "Sorry." She was having issues with word vomiting lately. "I-I-..I mean. For the summer. I was a little rude." She had taken a good long hard look at herself and softened a bit.

Oh. She fell silent not sure what else to say. This was her issue right here. She didn't know how to communicate. Probably another tally on to why she wasn't sure where she stood on this holiday.

Theo had ditched his booth for a few minutes since it wasn't exactly booming with business. You could say he was scouting the hall for potential ladies to take back to the booth with him, but that really wasn't something he would EVER do. He was too darn SHY with girls if they weren't his friends, and they would almost always have to approach him first. No, his main reason for taking a much deserved break was because his best friend and his band mates were performing and it was EXCITING. Theo had heard them rehearse and stuff before, especially West, but he'd never heard a full performance.

And it was busy round here too! The Dead Kneazles were stealing his customers, clearly.

He gave West a big grin and a two finger salute, and Nigel received a nod. He'd definitely be at the very front of the crowd as soon as they started up for sure, even if the crowd was already making him feel a bit antsy. All up in his face and all. Instead of heading there straight away, he found a bigger space and loitered around, playing with his tie.

Awkward.

“You’re too kind m’lady, thank you,” replied Louis with a sheepish smile as Lux complimented his look. He was relieved to see that she approved, ‘cause it would’ve been really awkward if he had arrived casual while she was all dressed up and looking entirely too perfect. The squire had to live up to his Lady’s standards.

The boy received Lux’s gratitude kiss with a warm smile before proceeding to sit down on the empty chair beside hers. “That’s probably a good idea,” he said with a soft chuckle when Lux decided she’d properly open her chocolate frog at the dorms. Yeah, no, a life-sized chocolate frog hopping around the room when everyone else was trying to dance was probably not something he wanted to be involved in.

The Gryffindor allowed his blue eyes to scan the Hall absentmindedly for a moment, recognizing a few faces here and there, before turning back to Lux and Sander. “I imagine Bay will be here with his date soon, yeah? I didn’t see him in the dorms today,” he commented. He couldn’t help feeling like he hadn’t really seen or talked to his best mate much lately; the other boy was just so busy with Quidditch and all, it was hard to find a free moment to just hang out.

Bay was looking around in the main area… where were his friends, stopping himself he started to listen, he could hear Louis anywhere…. and yup Bay heard him… turning to the direction of his voice, thats when he spotted the red hair…Lux he was so glad that everything between them was fine and back to normal, maybe one day he will tell her how he felt..but not yet.. he wasn't ready thats for sure..

Walking slowly over there to make sure that he wasn't seen he spotted Sander and others around him… he didn't see Tessa.. where was she, he did in fact see Alex…she was a very nice girl and he was glad to see her as well… Bay was now right behind Louis…. "LOUIS!!!!!!" he said while trying to scare him.

"Anything for my Squire." It made her happy that he had dressed up for her because it showed that he wanted to be a good friend to her. Placing her box down, she looked around. "I'm sure he will come here with Christmas soon." Since she was his girlfriend, it was natural to assume that she would be his date. "I haven't seen him too much lately either. I suppose he had been really busy with Quidditch practice." Which was totally fine in her books, as Quidditch was amazing.

Hearing someone shout Louis' name, she jumped slightly and felt like she was going to have a heart attack. "There you are, Bay. I was just wondering when you would show up." Turning towards him, she smiled. "You are looking very nice." Everyone was looking their best, and she loved it.

Things seemed to be going well.

Ella had been wandering around, figuring Alice and Dora were more than capable of manning the Game Center by themselves for a bit. They probably preferred it that way, actually. Best friend time and all. The blonde understood. Speaking of best friends, was Soph here? The eighteen year old stood on her tippy toes with some difficulty and looked around, hoping to spot the bouncy brunette. No luck, though. Shame. Now she'd need to find someone else to listen to the band with. Someone like...

Theoman!

"It looks nice." The tie did. He was fiddling with it quite a bit, did he know? Ella slowly inched her way closer and waved his hand out of the way, adjusting the tie so that it was straight again. "How's it going over there?" Kissing booth and all. She hadn't heard any screaming yet so she was going to assume that the snake and the lion weren't at each other's throats just yet. She was definitely relieved about that. Definitely.

No trouble had been caused it seemed with his response, since the girl responded positively. "Thanks," Ben said with a nod as he took hold of the chair she had pushed out for him and took a seat. At least one positive thing for the evening...plenty of seating for the weary bones. "Hello..." the second year added noticing the other girl that seemed to possibly be with his companion as well. Well the young ones on their own could certainly stick together....right?

"Its okay," he said, allowing a smile to hopefully assure her that it was truly alright with him. It was such a while ago...several months before. "No real harm done." And he was, after all, still willing to be anywhere near her...HEATHER...he suddenly remembered her name, rather than just avoiding her altogether despite it meaning he would remain alone for the time being.

This wasn't fun. The band weren't playing yet, so he just looked like an idiot standing here on his own. Since when did Theo run out of friends to hang out with? His face lit up like a puppy when he saw Ella, but he didn't want to disturb her just in case she had better things to do, or better people to be with. His smile grew wider as she approached him, and she was... what?! TOUCHING HIS HAND? FIXING HIS TIE?

;_______;

Nar, he was good. He was okay.

"Oh, it's hell, of course." He smiled a little. Surely everyone knew that Theo would HATE everything about manning a kissing booth, which is probably why he was placed there. "Managed to get one kiss so far. From a first year. Go me!" If he really laid his failings on thick, she'd give him a sympathy kiss? A cheek one? Maybe? Anything? "You having fun? You're at the games part, right?" With Alice and Dora.

Yeah... rather you than him, Ella.

Fern's date hadn't arrived yet, but that was okay. That was to be expected. He had a lot of responsibilities and business to attend to. The important thing was that he was going to come. She knew he would come. She hadn't received a reply, but they were each other's true loves, so Fern knew that when the music started, he would be there.

In the meant time, Fern would be a good future wife and save him a seat. The 12-year-old scouted for an empty table close to the dance floor (they were going to be doing A LOT of dancing), and upon finding one, immediately sat down and placed a napkin in the seat next to her. Then she patted the napkin once, nodded to herself, and pulled out her chap stick.

It wasn't the same as lip stick, but with her bejeweled compact mirror open before her and lips perfectly puckered as she applied the product, Fern felt very grown up and distinguished.

Ella smiled too, shaking her head at him. "Drama king." Truly. It couldn't be that bad. It must be weird though, kissing strangers. The Head Girl wasn't sure she'd ever be comfortable doing something like that. Her eyebrows raised slightly at the first year bit and she tilted her head, amused. "Bold first year. I'm not sure I'd have the nerve to do that." Kids these days did things a lot differently, it seemed.

Was she having fun? "Mostly." She still wasn't feeling one hundred percent but she was pleased with the way everything had turned out and she wouldn't miss this, especially because it was her last event her at Hogwarts. ...Sad days. "Yeah, turned out nice. I'm just hoping Alice doesn't destroy the pinata while I'm gone." She liked to hit things, Alice did.

Brynn had been vaguely aware that it was Valentine's Day after hearing some of the older, teenaged girls in her common room talking about love notes and secret admirers, but she didn't care much either way. In fact, it was really hard for her to care much about anything these days as tired and achy and cranky she was lately. The former redhead seemed to have lost her zeal for life lately, whatever was left of it.

One of the bad things about living in Ravenclaw tower was the very, very long walk to get to really anywhere, especially when food was involved. Sure, she hoarded her share of healthy snacks in her dorm, but what was a girl to do when she had to get her three squares a day? Overcooked vegetables were a must and she just couldn't escape going down to the Great Hall. And, as it seemed, the first year was hungry once again so she had no choice but to make her way slowly down to the Great Hall yet again, her bones creaking with every step down the moving stairs. Funny how once upon a time she was eager to explore where they might lead. Today she was just thankful they stayed put.

Once she shuffled into the Great Hall in her stylish-as-they-come orthopedic shoes, Brynn squinted at the sight in front of her. What was going on here? She looked around at the tables and decorations in mild confusion, then shuffled her way further inside, looking for a place to sit so she could get something to eat. She was able to pick out a familiar face in the crowd and she made her way over. "Hi Fern," she said, managing to give the girl a small smile. She started to pull out the seat next to her, stopping as she noticed a napkin on the seat. Mmk. Taking the seat next to that, Brynn carefully lowered herself, tucking a lock of grey hair that had fallen out of her bun behind her ear. "So.. what's all this?" Fern would probably know, she was always up on the news.

PFFT. Hardly!!!

"I'd like to see you have a go!" No seriously, he was offering up his position for like... 10 minutes at least? Theo cast a look back at the booth and sighed because there were people hovering around there. At least Alexa was still there. He'd leave them all to her for now, because he had a dance to claim. "You wouldn't have the nerve to kiss me? Aw, come on... I'm not that bad." He was half kidding, but half... not. He'd be lying if he said getting a kiss from Ella tonight wasn't his mission.

Theo nodded and looked around the hall. "Looks amazing." Oh, Alice was being annoying and violent again? "I thought the pinata was for the other students to beat up." And when Alice Fischer had a bat, no one else was likely to get a look in.

"Where's your date?" Theo hadn't seen him at all yet. Not that he was looking for him. Or maybe he was.

Jun frowned. Was she mad because he was late? Or because he convinced her to come to the ball? He just didn't want her to be bored in her dorm and all alone. Jun invited her on friend terms. Because that's what they were. Best friends, actually. "Are you mad that I made you come? Because we can leave if you want," Which is what he might do actually. He needed to drop off chocolate to Lex to survive the night and maybe enjoy himself a bit with Char here. Then they could both just be gone from this place and stuff their faces with treats somewhere. "Oh, thanks. You look really nice too," And she did. But when was a time she didn't?

Grin.
More like big grin.

At least she liked it. And thanks to his cousin, Kimberly, it wasn't too hard to find. Having a fashionista in the family paid off when getting girls gifts. Not that it happened too often. "You're welcome. My cousin spotted the shop where I bought, so I thought you might like it,"

"Not allowed. Besides, there wouldn't exactly be a crowd if it were me. You and Lex seem to be doing pretty well for yourselves over there." And she was glad. Now to see if they could get through the night without Alexa hitting Theo over the head with the sign for the booth. Fingers crossed. Wait, what? Ella smiled a little and shook her head. "Not what I meant, Kinsley." She was referring to a hypothetical older student, not him specifically. "I just wouldn't have had the nerve to go to a kissing booth in my first year, is all." Would he have? If she recalled correctly, the snake still believed in cooties back then.

Amazing. This earned the sixth year a big grin. It was nice to hear, especially since she'd been stressing out about things not going as planned. "I'm just glad people showed." Ella glanced over towards the pinata and then back to Theo, shrugging. "It's for any student and since Alice is one, she's free to play. She does get a bit swing happy though, yeah? Wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of that bat."

Alec? Ella glanced over towards the photo booth and smiled a little. "Probably talking hair with Mo." And really, it wasn't fair to put the two of them together in one place. Distracting, y'know? "I'm probably headed there next. Making the rounds and all. Where's yours?" Just curious.

Hope smiled and just leaned back in her chair looking around. Well, it wasn't too hard to apologize. She would have to try that more often. She took a deep breath and flexed her fingers. The joints were killing her and she would give anything for it to stop. "Crazy stuff this year, right? What with a majority of the school population aging." Herself included, not that anyone would be able to tell. A box of hair color and a small potion for the wrinkles soothed everything...except the joints.

She looked down at the blue nail-polish chipping of her fingers. "So...do you dislike this holiday, not mind it too much, or feel like it's the greatest thing on the planet?" After all, he was here alone, yes? No date in sight yet.

Still looking around for Adi, Sophie thought about how she still hadn't really told anybody (but Caleb) that she'd said yes to being the Hufflepuff boys' Valentine. Well, she hadn't really even told Caleb, so to speak. He'd just been sitting there when it happened. There were still so many reactions the different Greingoths would have upon discovering this.

Then she heard him...

He sounded so cool, calm, and collected, that she felt her own nervousness plunge dive into pretty much nothing at all. Besides, why was she even nervous in the first place? This was ADI! She'd been friends with Adi since...well, when she started Hogwarts!

She looked beautiful? Normally, Sophie would grin and say, 'I know', but this time, she thought she should actually give him a decent answer. "Thank you, Adi. You look..." What was the word? Ahh... "Handsome," she replied. She glanced across the Great Hall. "Pretty cool, huh? The Ball, I mean. Hmm...where to go first..."

Tessa brushed back her loose hair over her shoulder. Despite the grey hair, she had strengthened the colors, but had faded all of the colors to a purple that matched her dress.

She hated to admit it- after all, she and Sander had been dating for a few months now- but she was nervous about tonight. Their first Valentine's day together, there was bound to be pressure. She took a breath and entered the hall. She looked around and as soon as she saw Sander, all of her worries and nervousness dissipated.

"Hello there," she said, moving up to him and slipping her hand into his. "You look absolutely dashing," she said, before kissing his cheek.

She looked around and saw that their friends had already beaten her there- that was fine. She was moving slower nowadays. "Hello everyone!" she said with a bright smile. "Everyone looks wonderful!"

Sander waved over at Adi in greeting wondering who the younger Puff had for a date. Sander didn't have to wonder too longv as he saw Adi approach a beautiful girl whom he recognized to be a Slytherin. Sander smiled to see that his young friend had a date to the ball tonight.

But wait here was his bestie, Alex.



Sander smiled at Alex when he saw her come over to join both Lux and him. "Hey Twin. You look gorgeous tonight. You need to promise me a dance. I can't guarantee you I won't step on your toes though," Sander grinned over at Alex. He wanted to ask her who her date was for the evening, just in case he had to ask him permission to dance with her. But decided not to. He hoped that when the time came to dance with Alex, her date wouldn't object.

....and then came along Louis. He wondered who he was taking to the dance tonight.



"Hey Louis. You're looking really sharp tonight...Who's your da..." Sander stopped in midsentence when he saw Louis bow to Lux. Sander smiled. He was glad that both his friends would be accompanying each other tonight. He hoped that Louis would be able to prevent Lux from randomly kissing every boy who said that she looked nice tonight...of which Sander suspected there would be many.

"You think I look okay, Louis? I don't look like a walking eggplant do I? I've never worn lilac before, but Annie told me that I look nice enough." he grinned at the mention of his sister. She had somehow managed to find out from Claire what dress she would be wearing at this event tonight and had suggested he wear accompanying colors. Sander quite liked the sound of that. Matching couples.



....and Sander smiled when he saw Louis give Lux her valentine's gift. Sander too had bought Tessa a gift. He was holding it nervously in his hand, and hoped that by the time he got to give it to her, it wouldn't be wet with perpiration.

"Are you sure I look okay, Lux? You're not just saying that just so I won't get my feelings hurt. I want to look just right for Tessa," Sander nervously asked Lux again. He adjusted his tie one more time as he looked out for his sweet Valentine.





Sander's eyes spotted Bay coming over to join them. He was going to call out a greeting but then he noticed Bay sneaking up behind Louis and held his tongue until the younger Gryffindor called out Louis' name right behind the boy. Sander laughed and slapped Bay on the back.

"Well Louis...you've got your answer. Bay has decided to join us. Looking good, Bay. Can I assume you're going to dance with Lux over here at least once tonight?" He teased both his friends. Sander looked behind Bay,"Who's your date, Bay? I actually thought you were going to bring Lux. Too bad, Louis beat you to it." he winked at Lux and then back at Bay.



"I agree everyone looks nice tonight. Both ladies and gentlemen," Sander agreed in unison. Everyone was here except Tessa. Sander smiled. He woulcn't want for Tessa to make her grand entrance. He was sure that she would make a stunning one.

....and there she was....HIS VALENTINE!!....and she was absolutely breathtaking. Everyone in the room paled in comparison to her beauty. In his eyes, Tessa was hands down, the Belle of the Ball.



Sander smiled at lovingly at Tessa and took her hand, "Hi gorgeous...and you are you know. You look absolutely breath taking in that gown. Happy Valentine's Day, Tessa," Sander kissed gently on the lips before pulling out his present that he had held behind his back.

"I hope you like them," Sander smiled down at her. He had finally decided to buy her a heart shaped box of chocolate cauldron cakes.