Islay watched as the headmaster was singing away. Her eyes did flick toward Raine, this was interesting. Interesting indeed. She gave Aboli a slight nod as she stood there in her pair of thick wool leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. She looked comfortable, that was all that mattered.

She scanned the people in attendance so far and just sighed at the fact that she couldn’t find Noah yet...but Kimmie was there and that was good. She did of course send all of her dormmates waves as she set up a spot for her things as she made her way over toward Naya and Cole. “Hey Naya, you look cozy” she smiled over to her, “would you guys want help?”

Ronan definitely felt more at ease as a steady stream of people began to walk through the doors. He waved at his dormmate Minjae as he saw him appear, noting with a tiny pang of envy that he had his grand pyjamas on. He'd seen them of course, being dormmates. Another glance around told Ronan that some other dormmates, uhm, weren't here yet. He hoped they would show up soon.

He was a hand's reach from the cookies when Headmaster Trent spoke up again, and he was assigned to tree duty. Which is funny, considering he'd just been thinking about Maxie, who would be best at tree duty. ... Because he's tall. Ronan nodded and swiped a cookie before walking over to the box with the tree things. He'd just taken a bite out of the cookie when the singing started. His cheeks burned instantly. Singing Christmas songs with the professors was not something he'd ever thought he'd do. Nor did he think he'd ever hear Professor Eris belt Jingle Bell Rock, which was somehow even worse? He coughed and mouthed along with the song, preferring to keep silent.

So... Professor Eris was right up there putting decorations up. What was he supposed to do, really? Fidgeting with the hem of his inside-out shirt, he was spared having to figure that out immediately by the arrival of Alexandre. Who- wait, what? Ronan hurried over. He only knew Professor Eris had a granddaughter at school, some Slytherin girl, and he definitely did not know Alexandre was related to him too. He was about to ask when Aboli voiced his question for him, and he offered his classmate a small finger wave.

If Ronan had thought the Jingle Bell Rock thing would be the most embarrassing moment of the night, he quickly changed his mind as Professor Schmoe walked in. Not because of that onesie he was wearing - although, it was very unfortunate as well, in his opinion - but because of what he said to him. LOUDLY. In front of everyone. How had he even noticed????? Ronan's cheeks burned. "Uh," this is NOT fair, he's wearing a purple dinosaur costume!!! "It's- uhm, it has a stain on it professor," Ronan mumbled, pulling the shirt taut in a weird attempt to make it less obvious that he was wearing it wrong. Did he need to add more? "Your onesie is very nice, sir." Ronan panicked, and dearly wished that Luz would magically appear and help him make this interaction end.

That didn't happen, but what did happen helped some. Other than that weird man appearing, Professor Rainwater came in (!!!) with plants and Christmas cheer and Ronan visibly relaxed. He was his favourite professor, no offense to Schmoe or the rest of them. "Merry Christmas professor!" Ronan called out to him with a genuine smile and a wave. Could he go there?? Was he dismissed?? Or will Schmoe force him to wear his shirt properly and everyone will see the Wallace merch? He hoped not. He wanted to eat cookies and help Professor Rainwater decorate some plants.

Naya was upset that she wouldn’t be going home for Christmas, but seeing Cole looking so sad made it worse. “I’m......disappointed, sad. I’ve never missed a Christmas with my family before.” Then Naya looked at Cole with a half smile. “But.....if I cant go home, at least I get to spend time with you.” Looking on the bright side, yeah?

Cole’s agreement to decorate the trees sounded rather half hearted and Naya understood. Then he said possibly the only thing that would make her feel better. He wanted to hold her hand and on top of that, he offered her a cookie. What more could she ask for? Naya didn’t answer, she just reached out and took Cole’s hand into her own. Yep. She felt better already. This time her smile was genuine. With her free hand, she took the gingerbread cookie and tasted a bite of its foot. “Mmmm it is good.”



Hearing her name, Naya turned around to see her dormmate. ”Hi Islay. Thanks. I feel pretty cozy. Her dormie got a smile too. Islay was ready to help with the decorating. Naya glanced at Cole and back to Islay. “Sure. We could use some help. We were just going to decorate the Christmas tree.” She hoped Cole didn’t mind her answering for both of them. They could use some cheer and Islay surely seemed cheerful.

In all the chaos of hearing the music, meeting up with Blake, trying to act festive, and seeing Sunny Raine, Isla had missed one very important fact--Trent was, in fact, NOT SINGING. This made so much more sense to Isla, since she never, EVER, in a million years imagined Trent to be a holly jolly Christmas singer. Even still, she wasn't up to singing along. She just wasn't ready to be festive yet. That would require the whole world to reappear.

Just as Isla thought it might be a better idea to sneak off and not encounter Sunny Raine at all, the man was waving around a cookie and striking up conversation with her. "It's you again, too," she greeted, a slight hesitation to her voice. "Look, I umm, owe you an apology for doubting you at the entrance gates." She still wasn't so sure about how he'd snuck into the school a time or two, though.

Should she answer his questions? Trent was around and asking the man questions himself, so she guessed the headmaster would stop her if she wasn't supposed to be saying anything. "Happy Christmas to you, too," she said. "Umm...I'm a little freaked out, to be honest. I think I'd feel better if I knew what had happened and why...and if we're ever going to make it out of here." She skipped the part about how she'd cried herself to sleep a few times.

He was supposed to make his way over to the tables, but he could hold onto the gigantuan barrel for a little longer. He was STRONG... ish. With a big heave, he managed to readjust his grip. "Toothpaste?" he inquired with a knowing look. That's how most of his pajama wear got stained too. Toothpaste was real messy. "Errr.. Thank you, Mr. Wallace. It was a gift!" He awkwardly wiggled his tail around a little bit.

"Too bad we can't just magic that stain off, amiright?" It was also a little concerning that the only shirt Ronan had to sleep in had a stain on it. If his other shirts were clean, surely he would've worn one of those. Did Ronan only own one shirt? Schmoe was concerned! And breaking sweat, this vat of hot cocoa was getting even heavier.

The slumber party was looking more and more alive as more students and professors joined in. There was a mention of cookies and maybe hot cocoa, Jillian was here for that specifically- other than helping out with the interior decor. She smiled when her favorite Ravenclaw appeared. "Hey, Jina!" her hand lightly waving at the seventh year. She noticed that her ears were red... kind of vermillion red-ish. Was it the snow? Did she scratch it? "something wrong with your ears, Jina?" she stared.

Her attention was diverted when Aboli joined them, giving her a soft smile she then redirected her glance at Headmaster who was now giving instructions. Yes to the Christmas tree but no to the singing. There was a lot going on. Some of them were singing, some were paying, sort of and some were helping out the professors with the decoration. Jillian was not really in the holiday mood but she liked decorating the Christmas tree.

After getting herself some hot beverage and a few cookies in a plate, she made her way to the box filled of decorations. This would have been a lot easier with magic.... She sighed and took a few of the ornaments.

Beezley's eyes grew rounder as she looked up at the girl with so much appreciation, "Thank you missess, Beezley worked hard on making cookies with the other elves. Beezley doesn't want the students sad." She didn't mind the hard work even though she was tired from all of it, if the students and professors were happy Beezley felt happy.



Another student approached and Beezley held up the tray. "Beezley is glad you like them. Beezley wants to help more if she can. Maybe putting up some decoratioins?"

She didn't hug for long, but long enough to make sure the children knew she was there for them. "I hope you are having a wonderful time at this little sleepover. I know it is going to be super fun." She gave some snaps and looked around at the other students. "You haven't seen Gemma or Jackson here yet, have you?" She would give her own children some space, but she did want to check on them too.

Walking over towards the decorations she gave Gus a excited smile and snaps, "I can help with the tree. I can't do the top parts, but I can work on the bottom." She could even put the tree skirt underneath and things like that if he wanted. Taking a few bulbs she walked over and started placing them around as she continued to sing loudly to the songs on the little radio.

"Who wants a Christmas dance off?" That could be fun!

Professor Headmaster was weird, wasn't he?

Calling everybody by their last names and stuff. Didn't he KNOW that she already had a difficult time remembering people's first name? Apparently not, since he had last named not one. Not two. But THREE people. She had no idea who any of them people were! And did he seriously call someone a Jackalope? If he hadn't, it sure sounded like it.

Meh. Whatever. It wasn't like it was going to be too difficult to find someones who had the ribbon. Flora did give the man a thumbs up and a two eyed wink, though, so it seemed like she understood what he was saying, before moving away and..

..finding the someones with the ribbon!

See, Professor Headmaster? It wasn't that difficult. She was just going to pretend that she found the group all on her own and it had nothing to do with Cassidy calling her over, okay? "Hi!" Flora gently pushed her way passed Fiona, the Slytherin from Divination who had no sense of humor and who's last name was now going to be renamed officially, in her book, to Jackalope, so she could take a peek into the box of ribbon. PRETTY AND SHINY, ALL THINGS SHE LIKED! "What are we supposed to decorate with this ribbon? If we put ribbon on that house elf, will it be free?"

What would the punishment be for freeing a house elf!?

Alexandre had just called up to Uncle Carwyn when two friendly faces approached him. He had thought they might be busy with other things, but was pleased that they had come up to say hi. Well, Ronan had just waved but Alexandre waved back. And smiled. His smile was for both of them, and then Aboli was asking a question. "Oh, yes. I mean kind of. My dad's uncle, technically." But, you know, he just called him Uncle Carwyn instead of getting technical with it. "How are both of you?"

And then Professor Schmoe was coming in and wearing a onesie and pointing out that Ronan's shirt was on inside out. Alexandre hadn't really noticed but now that it had been pointed out he supposed it was. But if he had stained it he probably didn't really want people to point that out. "I like your pajamas, professor." His dragon onesie was pretty cool. Alexandre kind of wanted one himself.

Blake still wasn't convinced it wasn't Trent signing .... maybe he just made it look like the stereo so that way if he sounded like crud which he probably did he could blame it on the radio. He was sure that was the explanation. He moved on to the cookie table with Isla and then the reporter dude ... wait was he a reporter? Blake wasn't sure how he felt about the man yet ... okay that's a lie to .. he didn't like him ... was talking to them.

"I wouldn't say to much Isla .. next thing you know what you're saying will end up as a quote in the paper." That was one of the very few Slytherin traits Blake possessed , suspiciousness.

Mind helping? Claudine wouldn't actually. Decorating {in addition to eating all the sugar cookies were the best parts of the holidays {call her #CookieMonster}. Yes, even more than presents. “Sure, Headmaster. I can do that.” She tossed a look at Carsyn that beckoned the other girl so they could get started. As for Blake… could he stay with his prim, proper and perfect girlfriend instead? Claudine moved over to the box to get started as the music echoed through the Hall. Oh, she knew this one and found herself humming along to it as the cookie was polished off.

You know what? One cookie never was enough. “I’ll be back,’’ she told Carsyn. At the refreshment table once more, Claudine snagged a tissue, piled cookies onto it then crammed it into the pocket of her pajama top. All set for decorating she was. But would Carsyn mind if Claudine took a few more minutes to observe the others? Aboli was looking sick, Schmoe looking rather unique, Eris doing a good job with his own decorating, Kitridge was looking even more bouncy, the house elf helpful as always, Heath decked out in the Star Wars things {of course}, Cole and Naya being all lovey dovey {gag}, that suspicious Raine man no doubt was going to target other students for stupid quotes like he had done to her in the Barn.

Seeing prim, proper and perfect Bellchant head her way, towards the table, Claudine quickly slipped away and beelined for Heath. She hung back a bit until Ivy had done speaking to him. “Hi, Ivy. Hi, Heath. Either one of you want to help me decorate a tree? Trent assigned Carsyn and I to one.’’

Hey, it was the Holidays and that must have put her in a slightly social mood.

Noah, dressed in a black long sleeve waffle knit paired with red flannel pajamas (which was probably the most Christmas-y thing he had in his trunk), had arrived late to the scene as he was busy finishing up wrapping up some final presents. He piled the presents in his trunk, sending himself a note to give them out to his friends later after the mandatory sleepover. The boy had sorely be tempted to slide down a bannister or two but stopped himself from doing so. It was just so very tempting and something that he'd do when he was home. But he wasn't home, was he? Noah dismissed those thoughts away from his mind. He had to enjoy now. It was still Christmas, right? Fun times indeed!

He entered the Great Hall to find a gaggle of students and Professors getting into the holiday spirit, "Merry Christmas! How can I help?" he asked, trying to see who needed the most help with decorating. He then heard Professor K mention something about a dance party which caught his attention for sure. "A Christmas dance off? I'm game."

Noah then saw Isla and gave her a quick wave. Her precious kneazle had been delivered to the Barn safely. He even made sure Maleficent was a okay too. Then there was Islay and Cole whom he had ended up in the Slug Pit with. Heh.. Fun times.. He had a giant bruise on his right knee for WEEKS. And then saw Jillian and Jina. They both got a smile and wave. He'd have to go over to them later but first... Hot cocoa.

Noah continued scanning the room and spotted a cluster of familiar faces (Minjae, Aboli, Kimmie, Avalon, and two of his classmates) all standing together and some of them were beginning to decorate. He bounded over to them and greeted them with a bright grin. "Merry Christmas!" He was ready to give them all hugs. Noting Minjae's awesome pajamas, he grinned. "Awesome pajamas, dude," he nodded. Deep grin silk ones. Classy indeed.

Grabbing an ornament, he noticed that someone did not belong here. Someone too old to be a student... And.... Wait. Was this that guy from the Entrance Gates? He hadn't caught his name but he wondered what he was doing here. Hmmm... Interesting. "Anyone know who he is...?"

All thoughts of Christmas carols and cookie decorating went out the window as soon as Gabi noticed Sunny Raine had joined the party. Perhaps it was due to the fact that she studied history, and reporters very rarely ended up at major events just by pure coincidence - but she still didn't trust him. She didn't trust him as far as she could throw him - which was not far. Or at all.

And she especially didn't like the way he was hovering around the students, like he was looking for some dirt on something. She was NOT about to let him take advantage of the students like this. They were all in a very serious situation, which was stressful enough without a stranger poking his nose into places it didn't belong.

"Would it be terribly unprofessional of us to make him leave?" she asked Trent softly, her blue eyes never leaving the reporter as she watched him talking to Isla from across the room. Surely transforming one of the broom closets into a small hotel room for him wouldn't be too hard - they did it at Beauxbatons for a whole house - and then...perhaps...they just sealed him in there until the party was over?

Her attention was briefly pulled away by Flora, who got a raised eyebrow from the professor as she heard her ask about putting bows on the house elves. "Miss Thiese...Beezley here to help decorate, not to BE decorated," she reminded her gently. House elves weren't dolls.

There was admittedly A LOT going on in the Great Hall at that moment which distracted Carsyn and had her pulling her attention in all directions. From Schmoe precariously holding that large vat that she just knew he was going to drop.... and the boombox playing Jingle Bell Rock, which Carsyn found herself humming along with. Trent mentioning something about her and Blaze to help decorate a tree over there. Wait, who was Blaze again? It took Carsyn a minute before she realized it was the younger Slytherin girl, Claudine. Wasn't there a Slytherin by that name in seventh year? Dahlia or something? Were they related? Goodness, she really needed to get to know her fellow students more.

Also, what was with that Ravenclaw boy Alexandre, did he just say ... UNCLE Carwyn??? Okay, yes, she really did need to learn more familial connections but then again, sometimes even her own family tree and distant connections made her head hurt. Speaking of connections ... we see you, Naya and Cole.

Dance off though? She looked over at Professor Kitridge, "Count me in, Professor, after I help Claudine decorate this tree."

They had started off on the wrong foot, Sunny knew this. It wasn't his fault though. When he had gotten his tip about the storm, how was he supposed to know there'd be an entire school here?! This whole situation would've been avoidable if Hogwarts existed on a map... Not that it would have deterred Sunny, but in theory it could have. That's what counts. "C'mon, Mr. Trent," he smiled widely. "It's Christmas! Isn't this what the spirit of the holiday is all about?" The spirit of giving and hospitality. It's in all the old Christmas stories.

Evidently the Headmaster's feelings were shared by many. That's right, Sunny could tell he was receiving the stink eye from more than just a couple of the students. The one from the office [kayquilz] was the most menacing one though. Good thing magic didn't work, eh? Wouldn't have to worry about any of those toenail hexes.

Fortunately, the student who had hated him the most [Anna Banana] was more welcoming today. Ah, the miracle of Christmas. "Well that's alright," Sunny chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Stranger danger and all that, can't say I blame you." The apology helped too though. And her concerns were valid. He didn't have all the answers, but Sunny was about to address them one by one, before the boy [love-for-HP] spoke up. "That's right, kiddo! Give me a good quote or two and you could end up famous! In history books for ages to come!"

In the middle of the chaos of Isla trying to take in everything at once, she managed to pass a smile to Beezley. It was too bad the house elves still spent their time serving them under the circumstances. She hadn't thought about it before, but it was super weird that they'd lost their magic, too. Was there nobody who knew what had happened and how they could make things right again?

She turned her attention back to Blake, because it made her feel better to see the face of one of her best friends. "You're right," she whispered to him, "but...he's the only one that has any sort of idea what might be going on. I can spare a quote for his stupid newspaper if he'll find a way to get me home again." She hadn't meant to use the word stupid, but every time she talked to the man, she got this feeling that all he wanted was a good story out of this.

She waved at Noah, who had proven himself to be one of the sweetest boys she knew, and then turned to Sunny Raine. "How about we give you a quote or two after you tell us what's going on and how we can get out of it?" she suggested. "So you showed up on our side of the gates talking about the weather and weird skies. What's this all about?" He obviously knew it was going to happen.

"I've never missed a christmas either with my family. It feels odd." Cole admitted. It was like the weather and circumstance had cancelled Christmas. He did though have Isobel here with him at school, but she hadn’t come to the great hall yet. Wasn’t the sleepover mandatory? Feeling his cheeks burn at Naya's words he mumbled as he looked into her eyes. "I feel totally the same. Spending time with you is one of the few good things this christmas." He had to try and perk up for her. It was christmas after all and Cole was being a big party pooper. When Naya slipped her hand into his, he couldn’t be happier and thus the smile he gave her next was warm, bright and totally genuine. No sadness there. "I wonder how the house elves learn to bake." Cole wondered out loud, as he nibbled on his own cookie.

By the time that Islay came over to them he had seen and felt Claudine’s eyes on him and also Carsyn’s. "Hi Islay!" Cole greeted, but what he had wanted to say more went out of his head because of the cozy comment which made his face feel very warm. Licking his lips he gestured to the nearest tree "Shall we go over to that tree and start with the candles first?"

”Definitely chaos” he grinned back at Kimberly before looking over to the ladders. He chuckled a little as she asked if she could commandeer him for help. Adorable. ”Sure” he said. It was funny to him, normally he was the one giving orders to the staff at home. Except during the holidays when they were away to their own families.

While Kimberly did not know who the stranger, it seemed that Avalon knew. Turning to look at her, Minjae listened to what she had to say and when she was done he raised an eyebrow. ”That is strange...” he said as he looked back over to the man when he realized that he was staring right back at him, smiling brightly.

Ears turning red with embarrassment for being caught. Although, he hadn’t exactly been subtle with his pointing earlier... he quickly turned away as Aboli joined them. “His name is Sunny Raine?” he repeated, giving a little snort. Come on , that name was funny! ”Why don’t i have a cool name like that?!” he asked though did not really expect an answer. Instead, he turned his attention to the Slytherin introducing herself to him. ”Minjae, i’m in Hufflepuff” don’t let the silky dark slytherin green pajamas fool you.

From behind Aboli, the fifth year noticed his dorm mate , Ronan, waving at him and he grinned back. Giving two thumbs up to show that he had seen him, Minjae turned back around. ”Uhm, what were we doing again?” he asked as he scratched the top of his head but then his eyes went to the ladders and he remembered. ”Ah , right. Getting a ladder, be right back”

Leaving the group, the fifteen year old walked over to one of the ladders and picked one with both hands from the middle. he had learned this from watching the gardener. Hoisting it up, Minjae walked back towards them. ”This is exciting isn’t it? I’ve never decorated anything during christmas before in my life!” he was STOKED!

As he placed the ladder down, Minjae looked down at his pajamas when Noah complimented him on them. ”Thanks, dude. It’s nothing though...i have better ones at home” he said at a pathetic attempt at staying modest.

Christmas was usually Charlie's jam. But this year it felt like it wasn't even Christmas. Sure the Headmaster was trying by having them decorate the great hall and all, but she just wanted to go home.

But... she was going to put on the smile and charm that her dad always told her she had. Sure she was late, but could you blame the poor girl. She couldn't come down in just any PJs that she had. Finding a red long sleeve button up top, with her initials on he pocket, and her gold pants she walked into the great hall trying to feel the jolly spirit.

Tracking around the room she tried to spot a friend. Anyone... did she seriously have to go group to group and try to find a friendly face. Grabbing one of her tight curls she scooted further into the room glancing from one side of the other to find at least one of her closer friends.

Hi, Ronan. Aboli finger waved back at him, giving him a weak smile. Her stomachache was getting better the more people that came into the Great Hall; perhaps her own morose mood had resulted in her illness? Pfft. She still felt like she looked paler than usual, though. "Dad's uncle..." she voiced aloud to both Ronan and Alexandre. "So he'd technically be your great-uncle, but still a uncle nonetheless!" she chuckled gently. "Cool. Is there any nepotism present between the two of you, then?" she asked, quite seriously. Nepotism was always a good advantage to have in life. If only ABOLI had a relative who taught here.

Noah had arrived! Aboli smiled as he approached, Aboli FLUNG her arms around him first, giving him the TIGHTEST HUG EVER. He was always happy, and he seemed chipper tonight, too, and so she KNEW his good mood would rub off on her. She let go quickly, since Miss Kimmie would probably want a hug, and she watched Minjae, apparently, go get the ladder. "Nice to meet you!" she called out after him. Minjae. Cool name.

Professor Kitridge was always so sweet, wasn't she. "I'm doing all right - I hope YOU are all right, ma'am," she replied politely as could be, smiling innocently up at her. Aboli was always the sweetest most darling little student for her Divination professor. Professor Schmoe...was.... what? Was that him? WHAT? Was he a...dinosaur?

She turned back to Minjae. "I dunno. Having a cool name might get old. If you even THINK that's cool," she shrugged as if she thought she were too GOOD for a name like that. PFFT.

Huh, her ears? She raised her hand to feel her right ear and remembered that she was blushing. “Oh, I’m just embarrassed about wearing PJs in front of everyone,” she laughed. But now that there were more people in the great hall, some of them wearing truly interesting pyjamas, she felt less awkward. She greeted everyone with quick smiles and headed over to the tree.

Oh wait, she wanted to get something to eat first. She changed her direction midway and walked to the snacks table. She filled one cup with hot chocolate and a plate with cookies that she could share with her friends. After taking a sip of the warm (HOT) drink, she was about to go back to the tree when she overheard Isla speaking with Sunny Raine. While she was also curious to know everything about this strange storm, she did not want to talk to the reporter anymore and she had a feeling that he would not directly answer any of Isla’s questions this time either, so she simply nodded at the two and shuffled over to the tree.

Facing Jillian again reminded her of something else that she had totally forgotten. Why was she so forgetful recently? “I have something for you, by the way. I’ll give it to you tomorrow - the 25th!” she grinned and put down her cup and plate so that she could help with the decorations properly. She was not going to sing out loud, but she hummed along to the Christmas music as she hung a few baubles on the tree. She noticed Charlie, one of her younger friends who just entered the great hall, and waved at her. “Hi, Charlie. Do you want to decorate this tree with us?”

K smiled at Avalon, before focusing her attention as well on the stranger everyone was referencing. He showed up a few weeks ago asking about a storm? “Wait, so he came by before the weird vanishing thing happened?” If she stopped for a second she would have acknowledged what a dumb question that was, considering he was HERE. But oh well, it had already been asked. “So he knew about a weird storm?” Did the strange wind classify as a storm? Had someone KNOWN this was all going to happen? She focused on Avalon’s question for a moment, giving a slight shrug. “It DOES seem weird to let a stranger hang out with all the students but… all the Professors are here so we should be fine?” But she was already affirming that as well, so K was already determined to pay him no mind. “We usually do the tree without magic but it’s strange putting up everything by hand…” Oh how lazy wizards and witches were! At least, her and her family.

But she blamed her sisters for that.

She eyed Aboli again for a moment when she said she was starting to feel better now anyways, and she smiled slightly and gave a short nod. Well, good. “Same for mine. I’m not sure Lucas will show up to this but I’m hoping he will.” It was the holidays and she WOULD like some time with what family was around. She was assuming he would as well though, so she was still keeping an eye on the door in case he came in. She nodded at Aboli’s suggestion, smiling her thanks as she offered to untangle. K did not have the patience for that particular task so she was glad someone was offering. “Sounds perfect! Thanks!”

She headed off towards the direction of the ladders, but didn’t get far before she stopped when she heard Aboli ask who wanted to go up on the ladder, before also suggesting her. “I don’t mind at all! Heights don’t bother me. Just someone hold the ladder for me?” Because there was a growing number of students arriving and she did NOT trust someone to not pay attention and bump into her. She’d prefer not to experience broken bones without magic to heal them, thank you.

She glanced over towards the door way again and saw Islay enter. K grinned before shooting a quick wave in the direction of the older girl. She didn’t call out or anything though as Islay was already greeting others and the sweet house elf [Beezley] was speaking to K. She grinned at her, nodding her head. “I’m sure we’d all love your help if you wanted to! It sounds like there are a lot of trees to decorate and we’re working on hanging thistle right now?” So really, whatever she wanted to do. There was clearly plenty of holiday cheer and decor to spread around! “Thank you!”

HOLD UP. Did someone just say DANCE OFF? K beamed at Professor K, nodding her head. “That sounds like a great idea, Professor!” Because who didn’t like to dance? other than probably a lot of people.

She turned her attention again to Minjae, grinning at his response and shooting a double thumbs up his way. She also slightly preferred chaos. “Where would you suggest the most inconvenient places? I was thinking riiiight over the door, but I also don’t want to get stuck under it so.” So chaotic, but also safe? For this group anyways. She smiled her appreciation when he agreed to help with the ladder. Bless him. “Thanks!”

She got distracted for a moment noticing that Noah entered and she grinned seeing him, “Hey Noah!” before the grin got the tiniest less enthusiastic as Aboli FLUNG herself at him. Excuse YOU, Song. She tried to at LEAST keep herself from full on frowning or glaring at the other girl, deciding instead to just turn her attention to grabbing the ladder with Minjae who was … already coming back with it!? Oops! “I didn’t mean you had to do it by yourself! But thank you!” She really had meant for herself or Avalon who also offered to help to go with. But oh well, task completed and they were ready to go. She moved to grab a piece of the thistle Aboli had untangled and eyed the hall. “Any suggestions from anyone on where to put this?’ The ceiling itself was too tall, but maybe some of the sconces on the wall halfway up? Doorways also were a good option.

Honestly it was proving to be difficult getting into the holiday spirit for Carys. Gwydion had been following her around during patrols and such, to the point she had figured her cat had ben nearly as scared by the storm as she had been when she’d been trying to help evacuate the greenhouses. Which, strangely, seemed less necessary once the storm had abated. She wasn’t used to feeling like her work was unecessary, and therefore had once again been spending a lot of time painting again when she hadn’t been fulfilling her prefect duties. Considering they ought to all be home, it was seeming that much more surreal.

Not to mention the presence of the reporter, whom she hadn’t actually dealt with yet but it seemed awfully strange that Mr. Raine had appeared not that long before they had ended up in this situation, was strange. Not that she thought he was capable of whatever had gotten them in this situation. Hogwarts was a magnet for strange. She knew that. She’d managed to survive five terms of it before now, but this was definitely new. The nothingness outside the gates, the feeling that they were who knew where aside from where they were supposed to be.

She had changed into PJs as requested, feeling even less holiday-ish since she was fairly certain they would have gotten new holiday PJs back at home. So it was just regular wintery PJs for the time being as she’d headed into the Great Hall with Gwydion trailing behind. Her cat could help decorating, somehow, and at least she had her sister there with her. Seeing as she’d seen Carsyn had gotten there before her, as well as Cole and several others she knew.

Naya was in a better place. She would probably not get over missing Christmas at home, but right now, at this moment, she was happy. Cole was looking a little less sad and that made her happy. He made her happy. So they would make the best of this Hogwarts holiday. Naya continued to nibble on her cookie as she pondered Cole’s question. “I don’t know how they learned, but they are definitely good bakers. These cookies are really good.” Looking up, she noticed her other dormie (Carsyn) glancing their way. After giving a wave and a smile to her Prefect, Naya turned her attention back to her group of three.

Now, it was time to decorate. Naya looked at Islay and said, “Ready?”. She held on to Cole’s hand, as they headed toward one of the Christmas trees. She knew she would have to let go eventually, but she was going to delay that moment as long as possible. Taking Cole’s suggestion, Naya went for the candles. Knowing this was a two handed job, she reluctantly let go of Cole’s hand. Then addressing her two decorating partners, she said, “Let’s do this.”