"Thanks," Alice replied with a grin. Her fellow student leader looked quite nice as well, and she felt inclined to tell her so. "I like your getup, too. Very valentines-y." And she was absolutely positive that ALEC liked it. Eh? Ehhh? There were internal eyebrow wiggles being done over here.

But why was Ella giving other kids bats? No. HER piñata. SHE was the angriest. Dumb kids could go find their own. Hmph.

See? This was why they shoulda stuck her at the Tunnel of Love, where the young'uns could push her in for being a grouch.

... did she just say pretty?

"Handsome. I meant. Yeah. Handsome. I.. thanks." Merlin. Was THAT why he had taken that bludger for her? To preserve her 'beauty'? Son of a garden gnome. Kids were so darn weird.

But Alice did feel kind of bad for her most probably less than desired reaction to his Valentine's Day gift, so she discreetly leaned down a little and gave Bart's cheek a super tiny kiss before handing him the bat. See, Ella? She was SHARING.

"It's... it's not that short..." Subconsciously, she tried tugging the hem of her dress down a bit, willing it to go over her knees. Maybe one of those ankle length ball gowns wouldn't have been such a bad idea. "S'okay. I prefer my own clothes to your dresses, 'm afraid." Because who in their right mind would wear a dress voluntarily? Not this girl.

And Schuyler was trying not to look amused, Alice could easily tell. But she appreciated her refraining from doing so all the same. The blush was attention enough, thank you.

"Of course you can have it back." Grin. She'd have to get it from Bart now, but whatever.

She blew her best a quick kiss, then turned back to watch the piñata whacking. Hopefully, those little ones had more than just twiggy stick arms which which to do some whacking. And there better have been candy in there, k? Starving here.

Speaking of, maybe she and Dora could make a stop over for food soon... yes?

Ian shuffled deeper into the hall and noticed bart, or at least a bald representation of Bart. he seemed to be standing by the pinata and was rubbing his head. Ian did his best to move that way. Obviously, a lot of the students were struggling the way he was. It was like there was a valentine's party for young minded old people as he saw the games, including a kissing booth and pinata (as mentioned previously).

Coming up to Bart, Ian nodded and licked his lips before speaking. "What are you doing here? Why is your head so shiny? What happened to your hair?" Ian said it with both a rather rude tone and as loudly as his voice would carry (since he was having trouble hearing). He leaned a bit more on his cane to keep his balance.

Robin was pumped and ready to go- She was ready to play some games and win some games. preferably win, she was not inclined to losing but she wouldn't consider herself a sore sport. If she lost she just considered herself unlucky that day, that was it. She looked around for a buddy to challenge- it was no fun competing alone after all. she saw her friend Adi with another boy and after a moment hesitantly went up to them.
"Hey Adi, how are the games looking?" She gave a little wave to the unfamiliar boy.
"Hey, my name's Robin, how do you like the ball?"

It would have been amusing, seeing so many elderly people shuffling around the hall. That was if Ella didn't know that they were actually students suffering from aches and pains and gosh, near blindness at this point. That's why her expression was more of a frown than anything else when she noticed the little Gryffindor from the beehives coming her way. Merlin, he was one of the youngest and he could pass for a Granddad.

"A please would be nice." Y'know, manners? She'd noticed this particular kid always seemed to be lacking in that department. "And sure, as soon as one is free you're welcome to grab it and take a swing." At the pinata, yeah? Only the pinata.

"You're welcome!" Wide smiles were returned and Ella tilted her head, listening to Schuyler intently. "That one suits you, I think. And light pink? Sounds really pretty. I would have gone pink but the boyfriend likes red." And speaking of, her cheeks might have gone that color at her comment because of reasons but yeah, the brunette could just ignore that.

Arrows. Cupid. Yes. "So, you want to hold the bow with one hand, and pull the bow string with the other. Whatever feels most comfortable." And there was nonsense about dominant eyes and whatever but Ella was no expert. She'd only skimmed a book about it. "Then you handle the arrow with the same hand as the one holding the string. It might take a bit to get used to but you'll get it." Maybe. Eventually. "Once the arrow is lined up, pull back the string and let it fly."

"Welcome." Casual suited Dora and Ella thought she looked quite nice. "Well, you've got the look down." The anti-valentine's day look, that is. She would have asked more but Ella wasn't entirely sure Dora was a sharer and really, the Ravenclaw was a bit intimidating. "Oh and Happy Anti-Valentine's Day." She said with a small smile. Since they were here and all, it seemed to fit.

"Welcome!" Grins were returned and it was nice, how smiley everyone seemed to be. "Valentines-y for the boyfriend. I'm not sure red is my color." A bit too bold, y'know? Better suited for Gryffindors if you asked her.

And yes, it was pretty clear that Alice wasn't keen on sharing the pinata but it was all in good fun and sharing was caring or whatever. The Head Girl watched expectantly and even grinned when the Lion gave Bart a turn. Were thumbs up in order or?

Adi eyed the Gryffindor Captain. She was a mean one, wasn't she? Shouldn't she be a sport and let the younger kids have the bat? But he kept his cool. "Yeah, I see that now.'' He watched her raise the bat to take a swing... and she missed! Adi pressed his lips together trying not to laugh. All that attitude and can't even hit a pinata. Hehe.

Adi turned and glanced towards the Photo Booth. Ohh! So that's where the Head Boy was stationed. "I sure will, Ella. Gotta take some pictures with Sophie later on.'' He grinned and noticed she was looking at Benny. "Oh, this here is my best friend, Benny. Benny obviously knows who you are.'' Who didn't know the Head Girl, anyway? He turned his attention back to Alice as Ella got up. When he heard her say his name, he looked around. She had gotten him a bat. See, Lion Captain? He didn't need your bat. "Thanks, Ella!'' Awesome! Now he could have a shot at that pinata.

The Puffer looked around at the sound of someone else called out his name. Robin! He hadn't seen her in a while. "Hiya, Robin! We're going to take a shot at the pinata. Bet I can get it open with one blow,'' he said with a grin. He was kidding around. Benny would most likely be the one to get it open first since he was a Beater. It seemed though, that Robin was unfamiliar with Benny. "This is Benny. Benny, this is Robin.'' Adi had quite forgotten his friend's real name wasn't Benny. Now everyone was going to refer to him with the nickname. Hehe.

Honestly who was this girl and why was she asking him questions. Did she not just see what happened. Did she not see him give his crush captain a Valentine and then the same captain call him pretty. He just stared at the girl for a bit longer until she said about a healer, "I don't need no healer. There isn't anything wrong with me." He was just hot it was hot in there and he was trying to pretend not to be blushing.

"Is something wrong with you? Do you need the healer?" Girls were weird maybe she needed to see a healer and didn't want to go alone. Maybe that's why she was asking. He couldn't be sure when it came to the female group around this school. Always so weird.



.. and now she was saying handsome and still acting odd. Merlin she was like the other girls acting all odd and weird. That wasn't like her, usually she was all super cool and awesome, but why was she blushing. "It's fine, don't worry about it.. It was stupid to give it to you anyway. Your boyfriend probably will get mad and I just.. shouldgo."

He shuffled awkwardly, but didn't get too far before she had gave him the smallest kisses on the cheek. His eyes widened and his hand went to that very cheek as he blinked at her. SHE KISSED HIS CHEEK!!! He couldn't believe that just happened, did his mind play a trick on him or did Captain pretty just kiss his cheek.

Bart gave a very shy type of smile and his bald head turned red all over again. Then he looked at his hand noticing the bat. She gave him the bat too! This was turning out better and better. He set down his date broom and turned towards the pinata.

Time to swing!



He was still glaring at book boy. Look at the puffer with his cane. So old.. Merlin the boy ages horribly. "Why are you here?" He could ask the same question. Why did the boy ask him why he was there anyway. It was a school function he should be there! He made a point to look around, "Stop screaming in my ear... Have you looked around Dude it's a dance or Valentines thing. That's why I'm here." Honestly was he deaf and blind or what?

He got even more annoyed when Ian brought up his lack of hair, "It's cool didn't you know? Got me a kiss from my Captain." So that was a lie, but the boy didn't need to know that. "Maybe we should shave your head too. Then you might get a kiss." Or a good slap across the face maybe. Who knows and Bart didn't really care he just wanted the boy away from him.

Looking sharp? He didn't feel sharp, in any contect of the word meaning. Ben had simply dressed up in nice but not too formal clothes in the rather neutral and boring shade of gray. Blended with his hair technically. But whatever...his friend was probably just saying it...like the use of dragon instead of his name or even his dreaded nickname. "Sure, I guess," the Gryffindor answered with a shrug. There was no point in just being there when he could at least try to have fun. Especially with his best friend.

Captain Alice apparently noticed him and waved, the second year returning it in kind. Oh, so she was going? Probably get it open too. She certainly seemed very comfortable with the bat and how she dealt with it. But alas, the older Gryffindor missed. And then another girl...smiled at him in silent greeting as she seemed to talking with Adi as well from when he approached the booth. Oh...Ella...the head girl. The pieces started to roughly fall into place as the Hufflepuff made introductions between them. "Hi."
Before getting his hands on a bat for a go-around.

They were joined by another girl, this one more his and his friend's age. Someone Ben thought he might have seen around the tower...so Gryffindor if he was right. If his memory wasn't failing him again. And somone Adi already knew it seemed. His friend was the more open and overly friendly type. "Hi..." he answered at first. "I'm Benjam-, I mean Ben" the boy added, shooting a look at Adi. Benny from him was growing on him to the point he gave up on trying to get him to drop it. He didn't need to be called that by others.

Robin grinned- she hadn't seen the rowdy badger in quite some time and would be lying if she said she didn't miss the shenanigans that the boy seemed to bring with him wherever he went. she grinned at the proposal of pinata- she knew she wouldn't be good at it, heck she'd probably be a threat to herself or others but it looked like fun!
"Long time no see huh?" she snorted at the challenge
"Puh lease I bet on the first try you'll have a bruised head to match your bruised ego when I beat you" she teased back.



Robin tilted her head as she realized the boy looked a bit familiar, smiling she figured they were both in the same house. When the boy introduced herself she looked back and forth from him and Adi- Ben or Benny? She figured since it was his name she'd go with his suggestion.
"Hi Ben! are you going to take a crack at the pinata too?" she asked kindly.

Adi remained oblivious to the look Benny had shot him. He figured his friend would have gotten used to the nicknames so far. Instead, Adi was taking a few practice swings with the bat. Oh it reminded him of being home and playing cricket with his friends. He suddenly missed the muggle word very much. Fortunately, Robin had distracted him.

"Yep. Really long time.'' Adi grinned. "Tried opening any more locked doors?'' He winked. That was one of the most interesting things he had done for the year. Oh? She was going to beat him? "We'll see about that!'' He handed her the bat. "Ladies first.''

Waiting for Robin to collect the bat, Adi was pleased to see she and Benny were getting acquainted. He wondered how come they hadn't spoken before, being in the same House and all. They shared the same common room and attended the same classes too. Hmmm. It must be because Benny didn't socialise much. Oh what was a Badger to do with a quiet Lion?

Did he really just stick his tongue out at her? Okay, so maybe Schuyler was half-tempted to do the same thing BACK. But she didn't. Instead she gave him a very 'as if' sort of look and told him that it was.. "None of your business, Dweeb." Go trip over words with your captain, lover boy.


Schuyler grinned over at Dora. What a privilege to be entrusted with Dora's fragile heart. And she believed she could keep it nice and safe for the duration of Valentine's. A-OK.

She didn't miss the glance over at the kissing booth. The kissing booth that THEO was manning. Expected, she supposed. The kissing booths did have a decent crowd over there..

"My sentiments exactly." About the dressing up and dancing. Plus it was like an arranged sort of date with Olly which made it special.

"I think anything above the knees is considered short," Schuyler answered. Wasn't that the rule of thumb? Or that was her logic. Noticing Alice tugging at the hem, she smiled slightly and added, "It's a good length." No tugging required. Also, yanking it down to cover more legs would just expose more cleavage, right? heh. Sorry, Alice. It seemed she was stuck.

No surprise there that she'd turned down the chance to borrow it later, but the offer still stood if she changed her mind.


Schuyler grinned and gave a nod. "Red is a good dress color." If she did say so herself. Also a good one for Valentine's, obviously. Unless it was the light, she thought she spotted a blush cross Ella's cheeks, but seeing as she couldn't think of any reason why - that she knew of, that is - she didn't think anything more of it.

And, yes! Thank you to the Head Girl for the help, seeing as Tweedle Dee Dora and Tweedle Dumb Alice over here weren't being of any assistance. Such student leaders, tsk tsk. "Oh, I see.." She said, as she brought the bow up with the arrow and followed Ella's directions. "Thanks," she smiled. After pulling back the string, she let go and....

... where had the arrow gone? Her forehead creased in confusion.

Until she looked down at her feet. Lo and behold, there was the arrow. "Oops." She bent over and picked it up. Now, let's try this again....

Robin decided to let the name confusion pass, she had seen the look Ben shot at Adi and while Adi seemed not to have not noticed, she could take the hint. She saw a fleeting look of sadness on the badgers face before he handed her the bat brightly. She decided that more teasing would help.
"Don't be fooled by appearance now, I have massive muscles that could snap metal in half." She dramatically flipped her hair and flexed her (non existent) muscles and took the bat.
She smiled at her fellow lion and mouthing the words 'wish me luck!' she went up to the candy filled pinata, taking the blind fold that was provided she turned to Adi.
"can you put the blindfold on me? then turn me around and step back as far as possible- I am not responsible for your safety" she said in all seriousness. She didn't want to take anyone out with her

Ian heard Bart telling him to stop screaming. Ian thought to himself Who's screaming? I can barely hear myself. He continued speaking as loudly to Bart as he returned his responses. Well, buddy. Not sure if shiny heads get you kisses, but bully for you. Not worried about kisses myself. Girls are kinda silly with all that romance and stuff.

Adi had been looking forward to take a shot at that pinata but being a gentleman, he just had to let Robin go first. But that was no problem. He grinned as she flexed her "muscles". "Oh I won't worry about those. I bet I could beat you never the less.'' He flexed his own "muscles". They were pretty non existent as well. Meh. Out of shape from lack of cricket practice. Oh well.

"Sure.'' Adi pulled the blindfold over his friend's eyes and tied it firmly. "Is that okay?'' he asked. He didn't want it to be tied either too tightly or slack. "Whenever you're ready, Robin!'' He was now safely out of her way. Benny too he hoped.

Anna finally stopped running, but only because she was so shaken she'd finally fallen. Her dress getting a rip in it right at the knee. The young girl sobbed and pulled her knees up to her chest. She'd been so stupid... She knew he didn't feel the same way, she knew he didn't care about her the way she did him... but she still kissed him. She was mortified with herself and didn't really know what to do...

The thing that sucked was for her it had felt right... She felt her heart soar when she'd kissed Kace and as she pulled away reality had crashed down on her again and made her realize what she'd done... But at least before Kace even had a chance to discuss his disgust at it, she'd turned and ran. Anna just sobbed into her dress, knowing she could probably say goodbye to one of her only friends here.

Frown. This boy was clearly not in a good mood. Lux thought his name might be Bart, but she was not totally sure if she was right about that or not. "I don't know. I just was wondering because your face is really red." But if he didn't need the Healer, that was totally fine. "Nooo, I am in perfect health." Why was he asking? Did she look as if she was getting ill? Curiously, she put her hand to her head to feel if she was getting a temperature without having realized. Nope, all good. So why was this boy asking her if she needed a Healer?

Ian glanced over and noticed what appeared to be an older girl who was in some sort of fuss. She didn't appear too happy. He shuffled away from Bart and walked up to her. She had fallen to the ground and he reached out with his free hand and gently touched her shoulder. He asked as obvious a question as came to mind. Hey! You ok there? Since Ian was having the same trouble hearing as he had earlier (blasted music), he said it rather loudly.

Ben could help but shake his head absently at the banter between Adi and Robin. Apparently they were competing and betting each other on who was going to have the best luck with the piñata on one hand while reminding each other of something previously that he wasn't aware of. Inside joke he supposed. Some fun that was, why couldn't they just get to actually trying their luck with it? And then the girl looked between he and Adi for so reason the Gryffindor couldn't quite figure before asking of he too was gonna play.

"Uh huh...I believe so," he answered. Though for a moment Benny wondered if perhaps he should return to the tables and leave the others to the piñata. Robin and Adi would be fine without him. Coincidentally the only one with experience with the beater bat. But wait...she was mouthing at HIM? The second year tilted his head and caught the tail end of her statement. Luck. What about luck?

Oh.

"Um...good luck," he said as Adi blindfolded the girl as she asked aloud. Benny certainly hoped that was what it was all about. Reading lips was hard. The Gryffindor moving backwards, mirroring the Hufflepuff as Robin was left in her blindness

Anna jumped slightly at someone's loud voice. She looked up at the slightly younger looking boy and gently wiped her tears away, "N... Not really..." She shook her head, "I just did something really stupid and probably ruined a friendship..." She fought back a whimper. Annaleecia sighed and just stayed where she was on the ground. She still didn't know why she did what she did, it was stupid of her, and even when they'd talked about it, all he said was 'lets just forget it happened' and tossed it to the side like that should be the end of it, like it meant nothing...

Robin grinned at their equal lack of musceles, well not quite equal. Her arms had never been strong but at least Adi had done cricket so he wasn't a total weakling like she undoubtedly was. "Don't get all high and mighty now" She smirked at their teasing, she was happy the games weren't competitive because then she'd be more agitated if she lost, which was probably going to be the case if she had to tell the truth.

She threw a couple punches into the air to get pumped up and then turned around so the badger could tie the blindfold over her eyes. she closed her eyes and felt the fabric tighten around her hear and, making sure there was no way she could see, she stepped hesitantly toward where (she thought) the pinata was, feeling the ground first with her toe before she stepped so she wouldn't fall and make a fool out of her self. taking a deep breath she wound up and swung with all her might.
"Timber!!!!"

Ian saw the girl wipe away tears and leaned in to hear a little better. It didn't seem to work very well, so he placed his cane in an upright position so he could 'try' and settle himself on the floor next to her (since she didn't appear ready to get up). With some effort, he was able to sit next to her. He didn't really have any experience 'helping' people but figured she might like someone nearby.

Ian pondered a moment. "Why do you think you ruined the friendship? Did your friend say it was over?" Perhaps these questions were overly personal but he was new at all this friend thing. He watched her and then pulled out a handkerchief as she still seemed to need something to dab at her eyes with besides the heel of her palm.

Adi's eyes flicked from Benny to Robin, an idea forming in his head. "Say Robin, you could be Benny's date for tonight. Um if you don't have a date, of course.'' Yep, he always came to the point and say what ever was on his mind as long as it didn't offend anyone and tonight he was being a matchmaker. He hated having a date and his best friend didn't so why not get him one? Adi waited impatiently for Robin's answer, not caring if Benny was giving him any looks or anything.

............................

Adi stuck out his tongue in response to Robin's statement. They'll just see about who was going to get that pinata opened first. He watched with Benny from their safe bit of distance between themselves and Robin as she swung the bat. Would she hit the pinata? He hoped she would but the Puffer wanted to be the one who cracked it open.

She looked at him as he sat down and gave a weak smile, "Oh, you didn't have to..." She sighed slightly, "But, um... I'm Annaleecia, please call me Anna though..." She nodded and gently took the handkerchief he offered, "Thanks...." Anna really did appreciate it, it was nice to have someone that did avoid her because of a couple tears, or think she was a total spaz.

She paused trying to think how to explain what was wrong, or put it to words, "My friend and I came here together... And I've really liked him since I first met him over the summer in Diagon, but he's never felt the same way." Good way to start for her though she had to stop again as a small whimper came out, "I... I kissed and it just... It's just muddled everything up between us... I mean, we tried to talk about it afterwords and all that really led to was him ditching me to go dance with one of his other friends just to get away from me..."

Robin felt the bat graze the paper of the pinata- enought to make it swing back and forth wildly on its string (and hitting harmlessly against her head in the process) but it didn't fall or break. She watched it swing a little, the color of it blurring as it swung. She pouted a bit before grinning-
"It'd be boring if the game ended now anyway" She laughed at her lame excuse and held out the bat for either Ben or Adi to take when Adi asked her the question.

Robin flushed a brilliant red. Date? she had just met the guy- he didn't seem like a bad person or anything but... well he probably just meant it in like a stick together way right? probably.. and she didn't want to be rude, no one should be alone on valentines day.
"oh, um ~ ok! I mean if it's okay with Ben I mean I don't want to bother..or anything" She stuttered, wanting to smack her forhead for sounding like such an idiot.

Benny watched as Robin took her turn and her swing at the piñata once the blindfold was secure and she appeared to be ready. His attention to the action skipping over the teasing that was going on. At least it wasn't him dealing with the Hufflepuff and his friendly banter that he still wasn't the best at. One swing and the piñata was hit and one could only watch to see what would eventually happen. However the watch was interrupted as Adi spoke up causing his eyes to bug out as the Gryffindor looked at his best friend. His pale wrinkly skin reddening in embarrassment.

Excuse me?!

Ben wanted to hide somewhere, anywhere that was available close by. Why had Adi had to ask that of Robin? He didn't need a date here. Didn't need help in that way. So instead of congratulating Robin on a good swing and a good attempt, he hurriedly looked away uncertain of what to do or say. It wasn't until his fellow Gryffindor spoke in broken sentences that he could even bring himself back to the situation at hand. "Its fine...I guess," he said absently taking the bat from her. "I mean....its no big deal."

Could he crawl away now? Or bash himself unconscious with the bat?

Oh! Too bad Robin didn't get the pinata to break open. Ah well. At least now he'd have a chance at it. If Benny didn't succeed first. Soooo...the answer to his question? Yes! Adi grinned broadly. "Great,'' he said as Benny took the bat.

He ignored both their stutterings. They'll get over their embarrassment. His job here was done! You're welcome, Benny and Robin. Adi clapped Benny on the back and noticing his friend's uncomfortable look. Hehe. Honestly, the young badger was quite enjoying himself. Anyway...back tot he game. "Let's see what you got, Benny.'' Swing those Beater arms!