Miles left her hand hanging there as he tried to recall all the dance moves from the scene. "You're Prince Charming, I'm Fiona. Try to keep up." Cupping his hands around his mouth, he shouted up to the dj booth. "YO DJ PERSON!! "HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO---THE FAIRY GODMOTHER VERSION!!"

He took her hand finally, placing his free one on her shoulder and slowed dance as the intro to the song began.

As the tempo changed, he nudged Maesi towards a more tango in their step. He conjured a rose for her to bite on and continued dancing. "It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feeeeet..."

A moment of silence for the giant gingerbread man who gave his life so that Shrek could save Fiona.

"Quick, dip me and try to kiss me." He waited until the right moment to take the rose into his mouth to block her kiss just like Fiona gave Charming the nO THanKS.

A few more fancy twirls from her end and the final diiiiiiippp...


He looked around.


Where was his SHrek?!?!!

Text Cut: Liss, Madelyn, and Skylar with Brent!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harron Peasley

Felicity giggled at Vivian's curtsy, and offered her a semi low bow in return. "You do look indeed like a proper Princess," she said as she grinned, the biggest compliment she could give her friend right then. She felt awkward in her own pink dress, fiddling with the short front train-thing and wondering if she shouldn't have dressed up more. But this was the dress her Dad had chosen for her, and she did know his choice had never failed her before.

"I'm sure they are." She nodded as her thoughts wandered to the other two girls. "But you're right." Because who else was going to be prepared to leave early and head back to the dorm, getting hot chocolate and marshmallows on the way? Taking Vivian's hand, Felicity twirled her out into the middle of the dance floor amongst a fit of giggles. "I'm glad I've got you," she grinned back. "Do you not have a boyfriend... Or, a boy you're interested in?" So, maybe it was a bit forward, but these were the things you discussed with friends. And if the answer was yes, well Liss would be honoured that her friend had chosen to be with her instead. As for herself, right now she wasn't particularly bothered: of course, it would be nice to have someone call her pretty and like her, but she had her friends for that, and aside from thinking that multiple people were cute, she wasn't sure she actually liked any of them, and what was the point of a boyfriend if you didn't really like them?"

Speaking of, that was when she spotted Skylar and Brent who got a wave, which they might not have noticed amidst her dancing.

More grinning ensued as Madelyn joined them. "Isn't it? I feel almost like royalty." Which was an odd concept for the Wizarding World, of course. As her two friends introduced themselves to each other, she looked between them, willing herself to keep her smile wide and not look awkward. There was no need for it to be, right? Although obviously Skylar was with Brent now, and Madelyn and him had had a ~history~ she was sure that both of her friends wouldn't let something like that cause a rift in friendship.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Royalty was a good word for it. She felt like a princess tonight. She thought everyone did look like they were at a Cinderella-like ball, only on a ship. "Who knows maybe someone will find their prince tonight." She wasn't expecting to find hers, but it would be so romantic if one of them found theirs. How adorable would this be if couples formed because of this dance?

Her eyes hit the love birds again and she quickly turned back to Felicity and Vivi, "Oh yes I am a cheerleader." She beamed as the girl recognized her. [b] "I always have so much fun doing it and I get to cheer everyone on!" Watching other's dance she smiled at the two girls. "I'll catch you later, I'm going to go over and grab some food." She figured they wanted to dance and she had to get out of this area with the two love birds here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Following his lead down the stairs, she grinned when he joked with her. And that was the Brent she recalled. "Watch it, or I might just find my heel in your shoe," she teased back, as she gazed ahead down at the ballroom floor. Oh look, there was Vivian and Felicity, who looked pretty as ever. With her hand not looped with Brent's, she lifted it slightly from the railing and gave a little finger wave back. Hmm, they were talking to Madelyn too? Suddenly dizzy, she kind of hoped Brent didn't see her, but then the blond seemed to have found a male suitor to dance with, for wish Sky was rather grateful for. Although, despite it, she also thought if he wanted to have a dance with his ex, it wouldn't have been so bad. He was with her now, now Madelyn and a dance was just as harmless as the hug. And his patronus was for her, anyway as she discovered, so she would be okay. Changing one's patronus was something that wouldn't happen from one dance.

Merlin, there were more people pouring in the ballroom now. It was just dawned onto her that there was that many students and staff members from both Wizarding Schools. Her eyes travelled a couple of times to examine each person who had entered. Yup, they were still looking good as usual with the formal attires... especially the guys with the tuxedos. Absolutely stunning. But Vivian shifted her attention back to Felicity. "We're both princesses for the night," she said, not wanting her friend to be left out. It was like having a ball inside the castle where the king and queen lived.

It was just so fitting that they were both talking about Skylar and Junia with their dates, because then Skylar came along with Brent. Vivian couldn't deny it. Her friends were all so beautiful tonight. Not that they weren't before now, but it had a different atmosphere because they had to dress formally. "And there's the other princess, with her prince charming, of course." That sounded really cheesy, but they were all royalty tonight. The blonde was surprised with what followed after that. A... boyfriend? She smiled a little and shook her head. She didn't. "No, this princess doesn't have a prince." Yet. Deep inside, she'd always wondered what it'd be like to be in Skylar's shoes right now, with someone holding her hand like that. Vivian would never admit that she had a teeny tiny bit of a hopeless romantic personality. "And the guy I would probably ask to escort me to this event isn't from Hogwarts." All way up north, at Durmstrang, apparently. The blonde tried to avoid that kind of conversation in their dorm because it always made her feel a little sad that she didn't get to see Andrei as often as she wanted. "How about you, Princess Liss? Any lucky prince willing to pick up your glass slipper?" A Cinderella reference. Vivian liked that book.

The Slytherin then looked over at Madelyn. "Well, I guess it's good that you show a lot of school spirit for Ilvermorny," Vivian said, which she had to say was true. Madelyn was the only one cheering for the school contestants during the competition... but it obviously didn't end well. Was she leaving now? The blonde made a tiny conclusion that it was probably because her friend and her date were here, which was kinda amusing. "Oh, it's alright. Enjoy the night." Cue the smile.

Then Vivian looked at Skylar after Madelyn had left, sending telepathic "she started it" messages to the brunette. Vivian wouldn't have started the conversation, anyway. But yeah, she didn't want to spoil the night for Skylar, so she winked at her friend before she continued to dance with her friend!date.

Sam felt fancy! It wasn't often that he was dressed to impress. And tonight was one of those nights. His brother, Isaiah, had helped him dress. That sounded lame, and it was lame, but Sam usually just pulled on whatever he had in his room. He ruffled his hair and grabbed his jacket with a little sprit of smell good. That was the extent of getting ready. Tonight though, he had on a suit. And shiny shoes. Which Isaiah used a spell to polish.

He felt fancy.

Taking another sip of his drink he grinned. "Wanna know what I have always wanted to try?" He asked before he could stop himself. Taking her arm, he hooked hers with it and downed his drink. "It felt like the right thing to do. Especially in this fancy place. Ive never been to a place this fancy. its oddly nerve-racking but kinda cool. " Blink Why was he just blurting out whatever was on his mind?

But, she didn't seem to mind. In fact.. what was that she just said? That he makes her comfortable? "I don't usually either. My brother calls me a nerd because I'd much rather be with my plants than humans." Dude.... dude...... "Im surprised I make you feel comfortable though. I tend to make most people feel awkward." Whoa. What was happening?

Professional Gravity Tester.
Noelle liked that.

She giggled when Olivia told her that. "You and I should never be left in a room together with glass then." She told her as they linked arms. She was just going to casually use her to steady herself on these heels. Being the klutz she was, she figured Olivia would understand.

It was fine that the two didn't have dates. It would make it more fun. They could dance with whoever they wanted to. Have fun. ... Even if Noelle couldn't particularly dance very well. Horrible in fact. "We can dance with whoever we want. Ask anyone." That was a challenge Olivia. Were you up for it? "I don't have anyone special in mind. I did promise Torrance 3 dances. He had asked me to be his date.. but.." She blushed. She hadn't wanted to be mean.. but she said no. She did agree to 3 dances though. That was a win right? "I plan on dancing until my feet fall off." She giggled. She just wanted to have fun. Forget things and have fun.

Noelle continued to look around as they walked. She'd look down occasionally to make sure she was doing okay walking in heels. "I think.... his name is Kirk. I think, ive seen him in classes but Ive never talked to him before." She said. "Should we go over and say hi?"

Admiring the beauty that was her outfit tonight, Dana straightened her dress with her free hand. Even the fabric felt so expensive and amazing! She owed Layla a lot for both the dress and the necklace. To be completely honest, the sixth year was still trying to get a hang of what she was wearing. A long gown with a low neckline. This was out of her comfort zone, for reals. She looked amazing, her date looked amazing, and tonight was going to be amazing.

A nerd? Dana's smile grew wider. "Wow, I must be really lucky to be able to separate you from your plants, then?" The blonde joked, which was unlike her. Still, she didn't mind. She even fixed and adjusted the tie around his neck. "That's better. And well, yeah. I feel rather comfortable with you around. It helps that you actually are attractive." And that was probably the most un-Dana thing she had ever said... because she never would have said that in front of the person in question! It had always only been in here mind, but tonight was just so weird.

To hide herself from the embarrassment with what she had just blurted our, Dana took a looooong sip from her drink until she had actually downed all of its contents. Hopefully that had kept her shut. Why was she saying unusual things?!

How lucky was he to have convinced Irene Avery to be his date for the evening? Okay, so it hadn't actually taken a lot of convincing. But in Isaiah's mind he was still considering himself super lucky. She was a competitor, after all. And had done great in the first challenge. And was also super smart and beautiful. And had actually said yes?? Somehow? Just kidding, he was pretty great.

Isaiah waited at the edge of the ballroom. He'd wanted to arrive separately because it felt more special that way for some reason. Like he would be surprised when he first saw her and her beauty would knock him away. Or something. Isaiah spotted his brother across the ballroom and sent him a grin as he waited for his own date to arrive.

There it was. That look would be his downfall as much as her own. She was fairly confident he knew that considering the lack of effort being displayed at hiding just how pleased he was with himself. She loathed how often she found it endearing. Like right now. She needed to figure a means of knocking it off his face but the majority of thought processes ceased with his words. Pupils dilating and lips parting slightly on a silent inhale, her composure was momentarily lost again in his presence and she was not a fan in the least. "A babysitter. How quaint." The sarcasm was undeniable. "You are putting far too much weight into the simple inquiry of pie filling," she mused, feeling as though perhaps she had just tipped the scales back in her favor again. Although her next move, the subtle tug on one of his curls, would likely tip them right back.

She had the mind for it, but never the patience for chess. Every interaction with Jesus reminded her of this.

Settling them back into a stead rhythm with the music it was she who missed a beat. It was purely instinctual (the swift lifting of the knee) and if it were not for her dress (the very one eliciting the reaction to begin with) getting tangled up in her legs she would have successfully executed her retaliation. But as it were, she merely stumbled into him and had no other choice but to hold on to him for balance. "Someone must have spilled something on the floor," she muttered quickly as she looked elsewhere to ignore the rising heat in her face. Not that there was much else that held her attention elsewhere. A few loud students and some other fleeting looks in her and Jesus' direction, but nothing captivating enough to prevent her from pulling her eyes back to him.

"Fine. I am," she admitted reluctantly with an indifferent crane of the neck. "I'd likely never get to experience something as lavish as this where it not for this tournament," she added defensively. He would understand. It was why she would do whatever it took for that scholarship money. Despite the inner turmoil she felt with her moral compass every time she thought about the first task and the implications therein.

Aurora was fashionably late, but it was worth it - she was WORKIN' this pink suede dress and nude heels. Suede was making a comeback, she was sure of it. You heard it here first, everyone.

She entered the room and scanned the crowd for her DATE...Jer had asked her to go, and since she had no better prospects at the time, she had agreed. The Hogwarts boys OBVIOUSLY were blind if they didn't see what an amazing opportunity this was. It was ok, though - Jer was a nice guy and she hadn't gotten around to flirting with him much this year, so why not?

She smiled and walked up to her date, tapping him coyly on the shoulder as she approached him. "Hey handsome," she told him with a smirk to announce her arrival.

She returned her hug eagerly. See fellow schoolmates? Irene had already befriended two Hogwartians (excluding Brent because he used to be an Illvermornian) from two separate houses. She was doing great!

Irene chuckled at Etta's comment that she had a lot of eyes on her tonight. She had grown accustomed to it and now just smiled at everyone that caught her eye. At first, she had been extremely awkward around people and would hide behind her ukulele.... like her ukulele could protect her from anything. SNORT. A bright smile graced her lips when Etta informed her of her plans. "That sounds FANTASTIC. I also plan to dance the night away though I have heard there's some delicious food in the Dining Saloon," she whispered. Just some intel for her fellow competitor.

As Etta asked her who her date was for the evening, Irene paused because a very handsome guy had caught her attention. She smiled. Isaiah Collado... How come it was so easy for a guy to look so cool in a suit. His outfit looked perfect on him as if it had been made for him. She blushed. "That's him, right there. Isaiah Collado," she mentioned. "I should go but I'll see you later. Talk more, Etta."

Then Irene made her way to the staircase and stood there for a moment. Yes. She was ready. She had just needed to collect her thoughts. THIS NIGHT JUST GOT A THOUSAND TIMES BETTER! GIGGLE. Sure, she was confident but Isaiah Collado could make her blush. She walked happily across the ballroom to him, Sam, and Sam's date. "Hello!" she grinned. She felt all tingly and giggly. What was the new word that she had picked up over here? Ahh.. Dapper. She liked that word a lot so she decided to use it in this situation. "You guys look fantastic," to the group and then she turned to Isaiah and gave him a special, excited smile, "[b[And you look quite dapper, Isaiah.[/b]"

Okay... so she didn't particularly want to be here, but a promise was a promise. AND the Gryffindor never went back on her word. Ever.

Having opted for a suit as opposed to a dress, the blonde girl pulled her jacket around herself a bit in discomfort. It was always awkward arriving at a party where you only had like three friends. Heh. By choice, that is. But still.

Her stiletto heels click clacked on the floor as she weaved her way through the crowd. There was one boy she was searching for right now. Where was Rooney Bronwyn? Did he know she was looking for him? CAUSE SHE WAS. She needed the boy to calm her nerves.

He had that effect on her.

Calming.

Noticing? Yes. Jealousy? Not quite.

Kyle had caught sight of Maesi and Miles' dancing, of course he had. It didn't exactly inspire any feelings of jealousy - at least, Kyle didn't think that was what he felt - but... he noticed. Maybe. A bit. Enough that he made sure to quickly move on and continue scanning the others on the ballroom floor, until he set eyes on Valerie and Jesús, dancing together. Perhaps he allowed himself a little smirk at that point.

As Irene approached, Kyle made a conscious effort to smile at her, even though it sort of went against all of his instincts. What Ambrosia had hinted at with her literal passing comment was not exactly inaccurate; if Kyle didn't actively try to appear friendly, people tended to get the (occasionally) wrong impression about what he might be thinking or feeling.

The compliment - because that was what it was, really, a compliment - threw Kyle just a little, and he wasn't sure at all how to react to it other than to try and not overthink it. "Thanks Irene. And you too, congratulations, I mean. I'm disappointed I couldn't have seen everyone's challenges for myself."

Next time, perhaps, he would try and get his hands on a pair of Omnioculars, and persuade (and probably pay... 'pay' sounded better than 'bribe') a first or second year to keep them trained on the viewing screens for the entire event, so that he could rewind them back later and watch for himself. He didn't think that would be against the rules, as it wouldn't affect anyone's progression through the challenge at the time, and given the fact that the competitors' friends would update them on happenings later anyway. For someone without such close friends who would be willing to do a play-by-play (though he had done his best to get information out of the professors who had been present), it might be a suitable replacement.

By the time he had re-emerged from his own thoughts, Irene was leaving again, so Kyle turned his attention back to Etta, though by this point had given up trying with the smiling because he was, at least, making conversation. "I know what you mean. I'm glad it's over too." Really, though, perhaps the most unsettling thing about interacting with one was that he had recognised the sense of despair that they brought with them. But Kyle was too busy and too far in denial to spare a moment to think about what that might mean. "I'm having an okay time, I guess. This kind of thing isn't really my scene, but I'm not disliking it." Perhaps that counted for something. "It's cool to have, y'know, a chance to meet people. How about you? Having fun?"

Small talk would never not be weird, and, not for the first time, Kyle wondered if it was normal that everything he said felt and practically sounded completely insincere. Hopefully he wasn't coming across the same way that he felt.

The next person to attract Kyle's attention was one of the smaller Hogwarts students (Derf). He wasn't entirely sure whether or not the 'DuuuuUUUUuuuuUUUUDes!' thing was meant to be a joke or an insult, but the way the kid was performing definitely gave him the impression that he was being entirely serious in his greeting. Best to keep an eye on that one; Kyle hadn't missed the kid's frequent lingering looks in Valerie's direction, and fully intended to use said looks as ammunition when it came to exchanging teasing remarks with his Wampus friend.

William watched as people danced and swayed all together to the music. His date had gone off to Merlin knows where. Will had gotten himself a drink while he was around looking for her. At this rate, he assumed she was most likely back at the castle. Sighing to himself at the thought, the Hufflepuff boy finished his drink and set the cup on the table. He lost the motivation to go dance, or to even be here. But this heat being back in the common room all alone. Humming along to the song, Will's dark eyes glided around for a familiar face; or one that he talked to at least.

As Isaiah was looking around he finally did spot his date, the beautiful Irene. No, that wasn't exactly right. It would sound better with alliteration. The problem was that he didn't know a synonym for beautiful that started with the letter I. Intelligent worked, but that wasn't the characteristic he was trying to get across at the moment. Interesting? No that wasn't right. Oh well, he would think of something eventually.

"Good evening madam." Isaiah grinned when she approached and of course gave her a bow. It was exaggerated and mostly for fun. But it was fun. He also held out his arm for her, because that was what a gentleman should do for a lady. "Thank you. Though I should be the one giving you the compliments. You look more beautiful than ever tonight." He of course definitely did not want to imply that she didn't look beautiful every night, because she did, but this one was a special occasion.

There was no way Olly would have missed a party, even if he didn't have a date. He was fine with that. No date meant that he could dance with anyone he wanted, and that was exactly what he had been doing. Olly had saved a dance for all of his friends. It was a good thing he had a lot of energy. And that there was plenty of food for him to refuel. Olly had just finished another glass of punch before making his way back to the ballroom to look for another dance partner. Or at least someone familiar to hang out with.

Of course there were so many people around that it did not take long for him to find someone he recognized. Olly spotted a lone familiar Hufflepuff standing by the edge of the dance floor and danced that direction. He playfully bumped into Will and grinned at the younger boy. "Hey! Having fun?"

It had been a brief conversation with Kyle but she hoped that they could talk soon. It was nice speaking to a fellow competitor from home. She loved hanging out with the others but it was nice to converse with someone new. And Kyle was pretty COOL. She shot him one more smile before she glanced back at Isaiah. By Scamander's suitcase, he looked incredible. Irene felt her heart beating loudly and she wondered briefly if anyone could hear that. Here she was a champion, at Hogwarts, and at a ball with Isaiah Collado. Could things get any better?

At his bow, Irene smiled even more. What a gentleman! She returned his bow with a curtsy, feeling all the more like Cinderella at the ball. Tonight was a celebration. You look more beautiful than ever tonight. Did she really? She was just in this old dress but.... Heh. She smiled more. He certainly knew how to make her blush. "Thank you. You're making me blush," she laughed with a tinge of pink on her cheeks.

"So what do you think of this ball? It's breaktaking. I've never seen anything like this."

Hands tucked into his pockets, Rooney was sulking around the edge of the dancefloor and anyone would think that he didn't want to be there. Which...now that he had confronted two of his three sisters... he didn't. For some reason he had told them both everything that he knew and exactly how he felt, including telling Brinlee to stop acting like everything was fine when it definitely wasn't. And that he had no intention of dancing with Olivia, no matter how many times Brinny would ask him in the space of two minutes. Rooney Bronwyn was an awful brother.

He, in general, was a bad person. But for right now, his biggest regret was always going to be being a bad brother to Brin.

Luckily, in the middle of a mutter to himself about his Olivia-related-feelings, Roo spotted Miss Dora being a bad bottomed lady in a suit over there. "Killer heels, Umbridge. Put a hole in my shoes and I'll have you expelled."

It had taken Abey a little while to get to the room where ALL the action was. He, being an Abey, had stopped by the dining saloon first, in order to satisfy his growling tummy. THEN, of course, he had got mega distracted, because the abundance of COLOURS of the food and drinks all laid out had sent him into nothing short of a frenzy. IT WAS ACTUALLY JUST SO AMAZING OUT THERE. Abey had been so overwhelming by the millions upon millions upon BILLIONS of nuances of colour that he'd nearly passed out in his excitement.

After sampling pretty much everything (he HAD to), Abey had picked out some drinks and began traversing the ship, looking for his villain. It didn't take him long at all.

"HIIIIII DATE MATE!" Abey trilled, appearing by Derf with not two but actually five glasses of colourful drinks somehow carefully gathered up in his arms, hopefully in colours that his DATE MATE could distinguish and appreciate as well, because he wanted to share the fun actually! "I got us some drinks! I couldn't decide so I just got as many as I could carry." He had maybe spilled some down his suit, but his clothes were charmed not to stain so actually it was all fine. "Are you allergic to anything? I can't remember."

Oh. OH. HOLD ON JUST ONE SECOND.

Abey couldn't applaud yet - though he wanted to - but he could cheer.

"YEAH! WOO, YOU GO MR. GROUNDSKEEPER MAN!" Abey didn't really know what kind of dancing that was supposed to be or if it was even proper dancing at all (he didn't think it was) but he liked watching people move to the BEAT.

Or... against the beat, which was probably a better way to describe what the groundskeeper was doing.

BUT IT DIDN'T MATTER.

"WOOOOO!"

THANK MERLIN!

Dora grinned as she spotted the Head Boy and immediately moved in for a hug. Careful not to step on his shoes, that is. HEHE. Not that she feared expulsion or anything... just that she didn't want to injure him.

"Thanks! They belonged to my mum. Very vintage," she said with a giggle. And speaking of those shoes... she gave her foot a little wiggle for effect. They were her favorites... and her dad was likely going to have heart failure when he discovered just how much of her mum's old things she had pillaged, but she'd deal with that when she had to.

"Push me around the dance floor, Head Boy?" Casper wouldn't mind. Also, she got the impression that he was just about as miserable as she was, so you know... Misery loves company and all.

With a smile, Rooney properly checked out the shoes on the feet of the Gryffindor. "They look like they belong in a glass case, Miss Dora." But honestly, Rooney thought that about a lot of shoes...probably something he had gotten from his mother who did have shoes in glass cases around their Paris home. He couldn't quite promise a push around the dance floor, but he did offer his arm and then led Dora out into a free space.

"I was worried you weren't going to show tonight." He hadn't thought a few people were going to show, but apparently...they had. And apparently...they were set on doing strange things to his head. Maybe he was getting sea sick... ever since he'd had some stuff from the buffet he'd felt a little bit wacko with his brain.

Her arm immediately went through his as he led her out to the floor. "Only the really old ones. Shoes are meant to be worn and shown off, if you ask me. " The REALLY old ones were stored, ya know. But these... THESE were fantastic footwear. All of the right charms had been placed on them, too.

Once they made their way to the empty space Dora slipped her arms around him and lifted one shoulder nonchalantly. "Eh. Well I wasn't going to, " she admitted, dropping her shoulder. "But I made a promise to a friend, so here I am. " Grudgingly.

As she swayed to the music she watched Roo closely. Was he alright? He looked a little green around the gills.

A nagging voice in the back of his head reminded him that he was treading into dangerous waters, and if he didn't wake up soon, he would drown. Knowing this, Jesús found himself splashing about (in a metaphorical sense, of course,) drowning in a river that was tactfully placed, created, and managed by Valerie. Her words (voice, really) helped him stay afloat; and for that, he was grateful. "The best babysitter, I might add. Plus," he leaned forward, and whispered conspiratorially, "it's not really babysitting if you're having fun in the process, is it?" He pulled away by just a bit, and resumed his role as the tentative, yet eager, pupil while she continued to be his teacher. For the dance, of course.

"That's because...nothing is just simple with you." Jesús shot her a knowing look as he followed her lead. He didn't really need (or want, for that matter) her to try and one up him, not around all of these people (and especially not around their classmates and peers.)

The music wasn't his style, but he sort of liked it now for reasons that he couldn't explain, and he barely had time to process what was happening right in front of him. Valerie didn't trip or fall or miss steps (not in front of him, at least,) so his surprise was genuine when she stumbled and held onto him. Instinctually, the sixth year wound up holding her a little closer than he would have normally. It took him approximately thirty seconds to realize what he was doing before he took a step back. And, no, him clearing his throat was not a ploy to detract from what had happened just seconds before. Like Valerie, Jesús also found himself looking elsewhere; he didn't actually know where to settle his eyes, but he told himself that as long as his shame (read: his flushed cheeks and ears) continued to be painfully apparent, he would find a way to conquer it.

Just as easily as it was for him to look away, he was able to quickly turn his attention back towards her (which, he concluded, was the fault of Valerie and her voice.) There was no need for him to add to her comment, because he understood and empathized completely. Jesús also would have never attended anything as formal or as lavish as this in his life had it not been for the tournament. He thought about making a joke, something about them being kindred spirits, but thought better of it. No need to open that can of worms tonight. "It does seem like they have a very flamboyant way of celebrating," he mused. Flamboyant being an understatement. The tournament was just a means for him to infiltrate and destroy from within; he didn't actually want to win (he wanted to get very close, though,) and was silently supporting someone else in the hopes that they came out as the winner instead of him.

Left alone with a room with glass? Merlin! That sounded like a catastrophe waiting to happen. Olivia laughed at the thought. "Oh no, that would be a very, very bad idea," she grinned. The glass would surely end up broken and the two of them would be off to a visit with Healer Reed who would most likely share some wise words about how to avoid getting injured in the future. Ah Healer Reed. Speaking of the dashing Healer, she had heard that he had brought Roscoe and Bumi here. Hmm... She'd look into that later.

Ask anyone? Olivia raised her eyebrows. "Is that a challenge?" she said jokingly because it felt like a challenge. Who could she ask...? Hmm... Maybe an Illvermornian. She had promised Etta a dance. "Dance with me," she said to Noelle with a bright smile. It'd be fun to dance together. Olivia raised her eyebrows even higher when Noelle blushed at the mention of promising Torrance three dances. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH. Torrance, eh? "Torrance? Three dances. He sounds very keen," she nodded. Very, very keen. And then she had turned him down? "Someone else caught your eye?" she asked with a curious smile. She was sure that a girl like Noelle would have plenty of boys making a bee line for her. "Yes! Let's have fun!"

His name was Kirk. "As in Captain Kirk from Star Trek?" she asked with widened eyes. Because if his parents named him after Captain Kirk, then she was going to have to congratulate them on such a name. She was only a little bit of a trekkie fan. Her father had subjected both Simon and her to watch the whole series with him. At the suggestion to go over and say hi, Olivia hesitated. Were Mel and Kirk on a date? She didn't want to crash but..... It wouldn't hurt to come say hi. "We should go say hi.... What if they're on a date?" She paused. "Maybe a quick hello?" And then retreat to the sides or the dance floor?

And then she spotted Etta waving back. Ooh hi friend! She wasn't going to forget their dance in a bit. The two of them had to dance up a storm, of course!

After having her fill of strawberries (her favorite) and a drink or two, Junia made her way onto the dance floor. Her boyfriend was around here somewhere, though the brunette couldn't wait any longer to take her new dress for a spin. It was the type that was perfect for twirling and she felt pretty in it, her usual self-doubt tucked safely away for the evening as the confidence boost her outfit gave took over. Confidence was her accessory of choice tonight, and she was wearing it well.

As the music drifted through the air, the Slytherin grabbed an empty spot in the center of the room and let herself get lost. She felt very much like the princess she wanted to be. At a ball, with a boy she liked, in a dress that made her feel beautiful. This was a perfect evening indeed.

Brent paused and turned to look at her. "Skylar, I came to this dance to be with you. Whether we're walking to the ship, going down this staircase, or...doing whatever else this ship has to offer, I'm in no hurry to do it as long as I'm with my girlfriend," he said. He changed his gaze to a random spot on the wall for a brief second. He was still somewhat shy to tell her things like that. It was true, though, so he turned back to look at her just before leading her down the rest of the stairs. "Yeah, it's really cool. I mean...a cruise ship. Right here at Hogwarts. They went all out!"

He laughed when she joked about putting her heel in his shoe. "Ouch. Such politeness, Skylar," he said, giving her a fake expression of pain. A high heel in his shoe really did seem painful, though. His eyes surveyed the ballroom, and he had a feeling of...something or another...when he saw Madelyn across the way. He didn't want to choose her over Skylar...not anymore, but he still felt this weird feeling in the pit of his stomach. He diverted his attention back to Skylar.

"You want me to fall first, so I can catch you?" he repeated. "That's another thing I'll have to think about. I mean, this is a really nice suit." He winked at her. "You're not going to fall. I promise." He hoped so, at least, and if she did. he'd of course catch her. "Alright, so what first? Dancing? Food?" He was game for whatever.

Isa was soooo excited that Kane Westwood had accepted to come as her date! It was possible that he was dating Saffron Stemp, but mostly she had just seen them snogging in the common room and Saffron did that with a lot of people, so Isa wasn't actually sure if they were actually dating. They weren't actually dating dating, were they? Saffron Stemp was a bad influence. Whatever. Kane was here with Isa, and that was all that mattered. She liked Kane. He was nice, and he was cute too which was a plus. Maybe he would like her too.

Wow, the ballroom here was beautiful. Her eyes gazed around the room, taking in all of the details. Where did the school get this ship from anyway? She did not spend long wondering how the school got the ship on the lake, however. There were so many things to look at, places to explore, and of course, her date Kane Westwood to dance with and talk to. A smile spread across Isa's face. This event was going to be fun.

It was clear that Mads was having a bad night, and even more clear that she wanted to pretend she wasn't. Triple clear, but mostly just intuition, that it probably had to do with a boy, since dancing had made it so much better. Will made a point of adding some elaborate dance moves to their ballroom dancing, the crazier the better. An up and over and some triple swirls.

"We could go now. But only if you never mention the blushing again. Seriously, I'll be forced to kill you. I know people." He didn't. Mads knew literally everyone that Will knew. "This dress is a knock-out. Like, not to overstate it or make you uncomfortable or whatever, but I'm the luckiest guy on the dance floor."

Yeah, maybe it was too much. Whatever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by griffin

Isa was soooo excited that Kane Westwood had accepted to come as her date! It was possible that he was dating Saffron Stemp, but mostly she had just seen them snogging in the common room and Saffron did that with a lot of people, so Isa wasn't actually sure if they were actually dating. They weren't actually dating dating, were they? Saffron Stemp was a bad influence. Whatever. Kane was here with Isa, and that was all that mattered. She liked Kane. He was nice, and he was cute too which was a plus. Maybe he would like her too.

Wow, the ballroom here was beautiful. Her eyes gazed around the room, taking in all of the details. Where did the school get this ship from anyway? She did not spend long wondering how the school got the ship on the lake, however. There were so many things to look at, places to explore, and of course, her date Kane Westwood to dance with and talk to. A smile spread across Isa's face. This event was going to be fun.

Kane hadn't asked Saffron to this ball...dance...thing, whatever it was, because doing fancy dances just did NOT seem like a Saffron thing to do. He hadn't even thought to ask anyone, honestly, until Isa had asked him. At first he had been a bit reluctant, but she HAD to be asking him as friends, right? He hadn't exactly been...subtle about his relationship...or whatever it was he had with Saffron. Or did Isa think that maybe because Saffron saw other guys, that HE was seeing other girls?

He hadn't thought about any of that, ANY of it, until he stepped on to the ship. Then, suddenly, he got nervous, all of these what if scenarios swirling around his brain. He didn't want to lead anyone on, but didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings either...would Saff even care? Did he WANT Saff to care?

Girls were complicated and it was DUMB.

So, he was going with the assertion that Isa had asked him as a friend. After all, she was like, the ONLY person in his year that he talked to, really. Everyone else was either younger or older, it seemed. She was fun and nice too, and he needed to spend some time with Hogwarts kids. All the Ilvermorny ones were so LOUD, which he did NOT remember from his first year there. Maybe they were all doing it to show off for them...

He smiled and approached Isa, straightening his bow tie as he walked. "Hey Isa! You like nice," he said with a smile.