Rorie watched the boy's face contour into an annoyed expression. Ah, yes. Satisfaction of mischief. She readied herself for some sort of angry retort from the masked male and instead got his stare. The aspiring actress shifted awkwardly, not quite accustomed to attention like this. Which is saying a lot.

She was about to say something around the lines of him being a mute when he finally responded...with something rather...odd...yet, funny enough to make her laugh. "It offended you??" Laughing a bit more, she peeked into the punch bowl. 'Too pink for you, is it? Go ahead. Show it who's boss." Ro stepped back to see what this curious weirdo would do next.

Vinnie couldn't help but look at that guy across the room, there was something so...captivating about him. She didn't know if she had ever felt so drawn to someone she didn't know anything about. This night was getting weirder and weirder. As she heard the dude next to her speak she snapped out of her trance like state."Huh? Oh yeah i am perfectly fine, sorry i was....distracted."Right now she was being incredibly rude and she was really sorry about it but the brunette couldn't help it. Of course he (Kace) was a very interesting company and he seemed like a very nice guy. "I don't even know him so...no he's not bothering me at all, thank you." Taking a large sip of her punch Vinnie smiled at her company. This wasn't her boyfriend...this wasn't who she came with...or was it?! How did she not know which one and where her boyfriend was?!

OHHHH he wanted to dance? The music was great and Vinnie loved to dance...so why not? Since her date...seemed to have left her for what reason ever. Or did she come without him? Why on earth would she come without her second half?! Whatever...she needed to brush it off." Sure dancing sounds great", the slytherin smiled and took another sip of her punch. That drink was getting better with every sip. "Do you know anyone here?"

As the guy in the black tux poured himself some punch Vinnie tried to stop that blushing that was going on. Only one person had managed to make her blush so far and this was very weird...and he seemed to be amused by it. Siiiigh even with the mask on she managed to make the best first impressions. "You look very handsome in your tux too. Do you dress up often? I mean...you look very comfortable in it." Not all the guys felt comfortable being dressed up so she was curious. He liked blue? Maybe he was a ravenclaw? Hmmm...she didn't know too many ravenclaws anymore so that was absolutely possible."Blue's a nice colour. My fave is burgundy though."

And then he looked back at the girl he came with...maybe she was his girlfriend and she just distracted him...Suddenly Vinnie felt her stomach knot and without realising she glared at the other girl. What was that?! Was that...jealousy?!

Somehow the seventh year found herself mesmerized by his eyes, she didn't notice anything else around her. " I...don't know? I think i did....but apparently i didn't." That was a great answer...he'd think she was a lunatic. Well done, Vinnie. " But i see you did. I don't want to keep you separated from your date for too long..."

Just then the girl her mystery man had come with made her way towards them...oh no. This definitely wasn't a good sign, maybe she was gonna punch her. That's what you get for staring at people for too long, McFay. Serves you right. Giving the girl her best and kindest smile Vinnie just waited for the chaos to start.

Wait...what?! No punch, no glaring? Okay...this was new. If her boyfriend left her to speak to some random girl she would definitely be mad."Rings?", the brunette raised her eyebrow confused, " i...don't know? Maybe...we just bought the same ring? Coincidence?" But there was something about seeing that ring on his finger that felt like it wasn't a coincidence...like the rings belonged together. Letting her eyes wander over his face that thought didn't let her go. Where did she knew him form?! "I like your ring though. Donuts are really good. Do you have a thing for them?"

She was laughing, and Damien sure as hell didn't know why but the sound was making him feel lighter, more at ease, and he smiled for the first time in a week, not a fake smile, or a half smile, or an insincere one to make people think he was okay, but a true and honest smile. He did cringe inwardly at the word pink and all the connotations and reminders it carried, that wasn't so easily changed, but he was at least feeling better. "Maybe I ought to change the color? Teach it a lesson... But then... I think you probably like the color." Damien playfully said, obviously referencing the amount of pink she was wearing.

He pulled off the fathered hat and laid it to rest on the table, it was too warm in this outfit and his head felt itchy, idly, he reached up his hand and fussed with his hair, it was probably a mess. damn it.

James gave the blue dress girl (Vinnie) a smile and glanced at the boy. Were they together? He didn’t want to intrude but he couldn’t help but frown slightly. Turning his attention back to the girl he laughed, “Not often but my girlfriend likes me in a tux so I thought she’d appreciate it.” Smirk. Only time he’d actually worn a tux recently was with his girlfriend now that he thought about it. He simply smiled at her though and raised an eyebrow. “Really….burgundy…” hmmm “why didn’t you wear a burgundy dress than?” He asked sipping at his drink.

Hearing her answer his other question he looked over at the other guy. That means she didn’t come with him right? “Can’t believe anyone would stand you up.” Nope he sure wouldn’t. He looked over his shoulder to find the other girl walking up to him. “I think I did but…I’m not sure….” She acted differently than his girlfriend and it threw him off. Maybe she was just having a really bad night.

He looked as the other girl came over and he raised an eyebrow at her question. Rings? Looking down at his ring which he’d forgotten about he smiled and looked over at the blue dress girl’s hand. “Well I don’t know about you but my girlfriend gave this one to me...” And that was the only reason why he wore it really since rings weren’t his thing. He took another sip of his drink and shrugged. “Coincidence, maye.”

Ror didn't know what this kid's beef with pink was about, but she sure wasn't one to judge. "Oh yeah," She mumbled looking down at herself and shrugging. "I don't know, I was just feeling pink today." The poofy-haired girl watched him take off his hat, "Nice outfit." Reaching over to pick up the hat, she removed her own tiara. "Switch?" He smelled good. Like crisp, new clothes.

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And just like that he was SAVED! Or practically saved. "MmHstrsss!" Maddox waved wildly in an attempt to get her attention, knocking the cupcake from...oh Miss Lynch (sorry about that). "M' mMMmPh ryR." Or maybe he'd just apologize after, yeah?

WHOA! Ugh no way...

One moment Hady was contently licking the orange mousse from her cupcake off her finger and the next thing she knew someone had knocked into her send her cupcake flying! Yes you heard that flying!

And where did the gosh darn thing land...right on the floor at her feet the frosting splattering onto her shoes and the bottom of her dress. For a moment the small Slytherin just stood there a slight look of surprise on her face more then annoyance. It had been a good cupcake and well no it was on the floor and her dress. Sadness dude...sadness...

Letting out a breath of frustration Hady lifted her gaze a moment only to see the one that had knocked into her was the much taller boy being dragged around by her ear. He'd clearly said something but she couldn't make out what it had been. Right now it wasn't important her dress was and so was the mess of ruined cupcakey goodness.

At least she had her wand with her or this would've been much worse cause orange so didn't work with this dress...not tonight. Pulling her wand from it's holder she muttered a quiet cleaning charm under her breath first taking care of the cupcake on the floor and then a quick 'scourgify' on her dress and shoes. There much better.

Even though she was clean she was done eating. Sugar or no sugar she didn't want anything else. So that left uh dancing? Maybe... or someone to talk to?... Hady cast a glance around to see if anyone had noticed hopefully not.

The girl had a point. “Awesome,” Puck grinned over to her, “at least it’ll make me feel somewhat less confusing you know being able to call someone something” she grinned over to her and glanced around. “So what are you thinking of grabbing?” She asked as she glanced at the food again and tried to decide what exactly to eat. Okay? So…food.

Finishing her drink she just stood there for a minute. “I might go and find someone to dance with – or you know we can find a bunch of girls to dance with?” She shrugged and grinned over to the girl.

As Kace was waiting for the girl in the blue dress for her answer, she was talking with another guy. He nodded and then out of the corner of his eye he noticed a girl who was just wandering around. She seemed a bit lost. She even seemed tiny, she must be a first year. He excused himself and went over to her and tapped her shoulder. "Excuse me miss are you looking for someone?" he felt she shouldn't be alone.



After coming back from the little girl who he couldn't help he knew. Kace smiled and was glad she was fine. He could understand why she was distracted I mean there was too many people in here. Plus if you had a boyfriend or girlfriend you wanted to try and find them. He was still looking for Emmy but he wanted to do something besides drinking punch. Aahhh so she didn't know the guy looking at her. He shrugged and it was for the better. I mean he didn't even really even know anyone at this party.

He beamed when she accepted his offer to dance. "Well then let's go out onto the dance floor..." he said bowing down and holding his hand out for her. He liked to be fancy tonight. He never got to do it often. Did he know anyone here? He pursed his lips and he looked around and he didn't. Not yet anyways. "Nahh not yet. I mean I have heard familiar voices but nothing I can pin point on.." he shrugged and lead the lady to the dance floor.

As Kace was going onto the dance floor with a new friend he met, he heard someone say she wanted to dance too. He grinned to himself and tapped her shoulder, "Excuse me miss you can join us.." he said gesturing to himself and the girl (Vinnie). "We are just about to go onto the dance floor.." he said.

The night was pretty great, thus far. Gabriel, still under the effects of too much calming draught, had decided he was in need of food and had toddled off in that direction. The house elves had outdone themselves, clearly. In fact, if not for 'duties', he would've sat stationed at the long table for the rest of the night...and he wasn't even a foodie.

It just smelled nice.

...and because NO ONE knew that he...was in fact himself, Gabe might've also winked and grinned at a few girls in passing. Was this how Whitlock felt? Always tossing his smirk around? And it wasn't like he was cheating....was he? It was just smiles. Coral Bay wouldn't get mad about that...

Picking and sampling a few things, Gabe settled on the quiche being the best. What was in that? It was fishy...and spicy.

Taking a bite out of her lobster roll Puck was just about to ask the guy close to her about the Quiche when the other guy appeared. Maybe it was Zander? Or Damien? Or one of her other friends?

“is that good?” She asked indicating toward the quiche in hand when Kace appeared…hey dance with them? “Who…uh yeah that sounds fun,” she grinned over to the guy. “Oh sure, sure I’ll dance with you guys” she smiled as she covered her lips and took a sip of her drink before considering taking a step closer to the guy in question.

“Maybe after some food?” She offered and grinned at him.

This was an interesting event and Cassie was excited to go. She had her prettiest of pink gowns and her pink mask. She was so excited that she forgot to do the counter spell that was given to all the professors, so now she was wondering around not having a clue who anyone was. She still knew shew as a professor, yes, that much she did know, but who was who she wasn't.

Shrugging she figured no one would be causing any trouble at this event, they'd be having too much fun and if they really did she could do something, she had that authority. Felling a bit hungry she decided to go to the food first. Seeing a few students Cassie gave them a big grin, "Hello, are you both having fun?" Of course they were, it was fun to dress in masks and not know anyone!

Er....what? He didn't know what? About dancing with a stranger or how to dance? Both were perfectly workable guesses, but it wasn't like they were complete strangers, right? I mean, they had had classes together at least, even if their masks made them completely unrecognizable to each other. So, it had to be the second option. In which case....."That's okay, I know how to do it." Or kind of, anyway. "And I don't bite." Just in case.

She started doing a tiny bit of a waltz, just to prove that yes, she did know how to dance. So, yeah, no worries.

Gabe was so into the food....that he didn't even take notice of the first person to speak to him. The entire table just smelled so delicious...and he didn't exactly know why, but he wanted to try a bit of everything. Had that been something else charmed? The food? Gabe couldn't remember...

Moving on from the quiche, he considering the meatballs. And then the lobster rolls.

Hmm?

Mouth full, Gabe turned to look at the person who'd just spoke. He was a bit dazzled by all the pink...Oh, and there was another girl there, too...close by. Had she said something to him, too?

Swallowing everything down with some difficulty, he stuck his hand out. See, Gabes usually wouldn't do this...and that was the idea. He was NOT Gabriel Banner. OOooooOOOOooo, TWILIGHT ZONE.

"Good, thank you....You look....very pink." NAILED THE COMPLIMENT! "The quiche is the tastiest, I think."

Goodness, this food was excellent! And she overheard someone talking about the same thing.

She jumped right in. "You think? Personally, I thought the fire crab the best. Did you have any?" Because obviously they had NOT had the crab or they wouldn't have made that statement.

She just picked up a plate when the male said something to her. Turning her head she grinned, "Why yes I am, thank you for noticing." She adored the color and felt it brought out her bubbly personality as well as her blonde hair. Turning back towards the food she was trying to decide.

hmmmm

"The Quiche, alright I'll try.." but no someone else was saying something. Looking over towards the new voice she smiled, "Well maybe I'll just have to try both." She was hungry so why not.

"So are you all enjoying your evening? What else is fun to do?" The dancing seemed to be something she might like, but should she dance? She looked around for Leo, but haha, because of that spell she wouldn't know who he was. Though there was a carriage ride too. Maybe she could try that.

Oh, and there was ANOTHER girl talking to him.....This wasn't so hard. In fact, he was just standing there, calm and composed; sampling different foods. Nothing difficult about it at all. And there was no smirking or whatever from any of them. So, no ill intentions. Just food talk. Girls and boys could have conversations that weren't suggestive.

That was good know. Not that Gabe didn't know. He did, indeed, know.

"I like the spicy, yes...but the cheese is so creamy in that quiche."

OH. Right. Prefect duties. He had to promote...areas, right?

"There's voting...on best dressed, of course. Also, a photobooth. I haven't ventured there, yet." MORE SMILING. Nope, not difficult at all.

Cilla was trying to keep her temper in check. Of course, she had to have her dress ruined. She gritted her teeth and said in an eerily calm voice with a dark chuckle. "Good thing I wore black. Ah, well, I can always use a cleaning spell on this dress."

She was curious about one thing. Why was the mysterious woman tossing drinks over her shoulder. "What's with this tossing drinks over your shoulder routine?" she asked in a softer voice.

Benny could only imagine what was going on in the girl's mind. The pretty masked girl who didn't immediately leave in response to his answer. That made things interesting, especially when she said she knew how dance before sort of demonstrating. Was that what she thought was the reason for his remark? Alright so it was part of it, but only part. He raised an eyebrow at her final words to him...the part about her not biting.

Almost sounded like Angel's smart mouth.

Again he momentarily debated, taking another sip of his drink. "Well I suppose it wouldn't hurt," Benny said, finally giving in and setting his glass down and out of the way. This time he was the one who held out his hand to her, albeit still a little tentatively.

"Shall we?"

Laughing, Lux had to agree that this girl had a good point. Sometimes surprises weren't amazing - actually they could suck. "Very true. And I am also allergic to strawberries." So there was that and she didn't really want to have an allergy attack when she STILL hadn't gotten around to making that potion. If only she had drank it when provided in the Divination/History of Magic lesson, but she had forgotten to.

"I was thinking about the shepherds pie because I at least know what it is," she added while scanning the food on the table some more. Yep. She had no idea what some of these dishes were. No matter because dancing was brought up!! [b]"Pfft, let's just dance together. It will be fuuuuun.

Ruby wasn't here for the food, but she was here for the dancing. Someone would ask her, surely? At least, they should if she looked as good as she felt right now. She positioned herself where people could see her and looked around, contented to examine other dresses costumes and see which she liked best... and which she thought were too tacky or gaudy. Not that she'd say, and well, as long as people felt nice then that was good, wasn't it? Wasn't like she had to wear some of those outfits.

The ones that she thought were the professors, they looked amazing though. How weird was that? It restored her faith a bit in being at this school though, because if they could dress totally awesomely, then maybe they knew a thing or two about a thing or two after all.

But okay, priorities, she needed to find someone to dance with. Hmmm.

Noel was watchful - his eyes wandered around, trying to figure out who was who, because some of the 'who' at this ball were looking pretty ... yeah, and so he'd like to know who it was, please. And it was completely weird how he could not find a single person he knew. What was the point of being at a party he could recognize no one at. He had honestly been hoping for a good time.

Seeing as how he was not alone in being 'alone' for the moment, Noel contemplated randomly asking someone to dance. It was either that, or food, or going to bed. Rather limited options.

Noticing someone standing alone, Noel moved over to her and asked rather bluntly: "Do you wanna dance?"

Hayley nodded her agreement, quiet as she thought. He was right, the masks would be pointless if names were given. They were all well disguised for a reason, why not play along? "It does.." Like Noel, for her. It was weird not being able to find him. Normally, she could spot him out of the biggest crowd with hardly any problems. Like she had Noel radar, or something, but tonight.. nope. It wasn't happening.

The thought almost made her frown, wondering where he was and what he was up to - if he had even come to the ball, because maybe that was why she couldn't find him - but the Ravenclaw girl was quick to brush those thoughts off, because surely everything was fine. Noel was a big boy, and he was probably just enjoying himself and spending time with Maddie somewhere. They'd find each other later, she was certain.

"I suppose I won't introduce myself, then." Hayley smiled once more, grey-blue eyes wandering toward the boy again. "But it does feel weird, not having something to call you." Like a nickname, or something, but typically nicknames led from first names. Hmm.
Another voice. Hayley was quick to turn and offer a smile to the other boy, followed by her own, simple: "Hi." She didn't recognize him, either. Just that he wasn't Noel. But that really wasn't much of a surprise anymore.

Swell? The fourth year's smile grew just a tiny bit, rather amused by his use of the word. "I think you're right," Hayley looked from the new boy to her first companion, and back again. "We were just talking about that. It wouldn't be much of a masquerade ball, if we did."

That meant that Bianca won because anyone who's face did that obviously meant that they LOST. Besides, Bianca was a winner and did not take losing well. The lioness grinned when the other girl (Paloma) linked arms with her. She wiggled her fingers goodbye at the other girl (Isla).

"Let me know when you get nicer shoes," Bianca called back at the girl they were leaving and blowing a kiss. Because it wasn't even like it was their fault a cupcake crumbled onto the ground. Please. The real person to blame wasn't even a person - it was a cupcake. Clearly, the cupcake should've been more structurally stable.

She then turned her attention to her new friend. "I'm absolutely starving, love. We're going to need to stuff our faces."

Afterall, it wasn't a real party unless they got to stuff their face. Or if someone started a dance off.

Austin walked into the ballroom feeling a little awkward and nervous. He had never been to a dance, and wasn't sure what to expect. He had opted out of the typical dress robes, for a more traditional muggle attire. Since he didn't have the help of his father, he had to ask some of the older guys on what to wear. It wasn't anything like how girls gossip about dresses. No, nothing like that. But it was nice that they were willing to help. He had tried on one of their tuxedo's and, although it was a little big, it felt comfortable. So he had owled his dad that he needed a tuxedo, and oddly enough the old man came through for him. This was his first time trying it on since the tailor in Hogsmede had taken it in, and he hoped it fit right.

He sat down at a table with only one or two people at it, and anxiously awaited his date. Austin had asked Ophelia a few weeks ago, and he did try to make it seem special, but it ended up being an another awkward encounter. He kept stumbling over his words, and he was sure tomato's looked pale in comparison to his face. But in the end she did say yes, and he was glad. Even though they were in the same house, they had opted to meet each other at the dance. Which was fine. If they had walked in together, she would have seen him almost trip down the big staircase. Thankfully there were only one or two others who had seen him.

Um, YES. Of course she did. GOOD THING someone picked up on her 'dance with me' vibes. Okay wait, wait....

... she gave the boy a once over: she approved of the artfully disheveled hair, the simple but stylish suit and tie combo, and she supposed the mask was okay, all in all yes, good. And a nice contrast to her own white and sparkly.

It was SO weird not knowing who was who.

She tossed her head and pat-patted her hair.

"That depends, Romeo, if you're any good." But yes. Yes she did. Even terrible was better than nothing ok.