ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ʀᴏᴏᴍ

@－ ❛ s ❜：emerald de lisle。⁰⁵ Elysia shook her head furiously, "No it was terrrible," She assured the older before slumping against the table. behind her. "I must've gotten at least 2 dreadfuls," The younger gryffindor frowned, "anyways, it's christmas break." she waved her hand indiscriminately, "I'm not thinking about it until classes start up again." She huffed, taking a sip from her drink. "I'm spending the break in town for the first time since I started hogwarts. what are you doing for christmas?"

@－ ❛ s ❜：braeden laclaire。⁰⁵ Fair enough. Seamus twisted his mouth into an approving grimace as he nodded a little, not moving an inch away from the other but he freed his hand from the other's grasp to accept the drink he ordered. An excuse. Tolerance did not involve hand holding, even he knew that. Though when the question backfired, it wasn't like he didn't expect it. "You asked me to-" he was about to answer, but his jaw shut the moment Braeden changed his mind. With eyes wide open, he swallowed the rest of the words, downed his drink of preference, and turned around at the younger's side. The new position basically trapping Seamus' back against the bar and front against Braeden. Unanswered questions drove him crazy, but nothing of his logical brain was functioning at that time. "Don't ask if you don't want to know. Let's go," he inadvertently glanced down at Braeden's lips from his dark eyes. He didn't dance. Probably couldn't dance. But what would be more embarrassing, impersonating an ironing board on the dancefloor or falling victim to his own desires and kissing someone who didn't actually like him like that?

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：seamus byrne。⁰⁶ "Firewhiskey," The Slytherin nodded to the bartender as he slipped him enough galleons to cover both their drinks. Braeden froze as he felt seamus' body press up against his, he wondered if seamus knew what he was doing, and if he was doing so to elicit a reaction. Braeden clenched his jaw tightly, if this kept going, he might succeed. "I.." He hesitated, debating how he wanted to answer the loaded question, "I felt like it," he answered instead, not technically a lie, but not the whole truth. He downed his drink in one go before waving to the bartender for another. "Why did you agree?" he redirected the question back. But a second later he added, "Actually, you dont have to answer that," he played it off casually, but truthfully he was afraid of the answer. "Shall we dance?" He asked, gesturing to the dance floor after downing his second drink

@－ ❛ s ❜：braeden laclaire。⁰⁵ Seamus realized just how bold his actions were, but surprisingly, they seemed to be worth every penny. The Slytherin seemed as confident and solemn as ever, although the flushed ears and the softened glare equipped him with a new, unfamiliar, approachable tinge. "I'll have some Gillywater, please," Seamus addressed the bar attendant, opting for a non-alcoholic drink. He scooted closer to Braeden, practically pressing himself into the Slytherin's side. "I've got a question. Why did you ask me?" He sought for answers to his hypothesis on the motivations for Braeden's choice of asking him specifically to the ball. "We've been study mates for a while, but I always thought you had an underlying dislike for me." Seamus swallowed dryly, looking down at their linked hands. The visual evidence and physical warmth and weight of the larger, paler hand sent a wave of heat down Seamus' spine. According to any scholar, or even laymen, this would be considered more than tolerance, right? "Don't get me wrong, you're a quite an adequate study partner. It just surprised me that you thought of me in that context," Seamus chuckled insecurely, his free hand rushing up to tussle his hair a little, the other firmly staying put, savouring every second of the physical contact.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：sapphire elysia young。⁰¹ "Wasn't great?" Emerald gave her a curious look, and by the way she looked at the blonde and only her, it was clear that she had her unwavering attention. It was rare for people to capture her attention when it came to small talk. But Emerald needed to maintain it for a bit longer, otherwise there really was no other way to get to know the girl with the starlight spun hair. "I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：seamus byrne。⁰⁶ The elder's nervous blabbering had been enough to cause a fracture the minimal composure Braeden had been hanging on to, but as the smaller hand confidently entangled into his grasp, he had to stop mid-stride to collect himself. The weight of Seamus' hand in his was unfamiliar, but not uncomfortable, oddly, it had felt like it always belonged there, and naturally, his grip shifted to accommodate. As casually as possible, he turned to glance at his date, as if to reassure himself this was all real, "Don't worry, I will," he muttered, before turning away again to hide the flush that had already crept up his ears before silently guiding them towards the bar.

@－ ❛ s ❜：emerald de lisle。⁰⁵ "Yea, you're right," Elysia tapped her chin thoughtfully, "your company is arguably more enjoyable." She started to say something else, but immediately forgot all thoughts as the reminders of finals came up again. "oh.. finals" she grimaced, "that was...i wouldn't describe it as catastrophic... but it wasn't great"

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：hanami inazuma。⁰⁴ when she voiced what was troubling her, it wasn't anything he was expecting---truthfully, silas had no clue as to what could possibly be running through the rivers of her thoughts. he barely knew her enough to even venture a guess. "oh..." was all he could muster to let fall from his lips as he pondered over this newfound information. to be honest, he'd only danced with a handful of females——that was a lie. he'd only danced with two women. his mother and . . . but the ravenclaw could see the longing written over the gryffindor's once-bright expression and perhaps, also, a hint of regret. silas could feel a nasty surge of regret inching it way underneath his skin--and a miniscule ounce of spontaneity. his back straighten as he took in a refreshing breath of renewal and discreetly offered his palm out to hanami, hinting at her to take it with the smile he shot at her, that one diminutive smile contorting his stoic mien into something more delightful than it had been for months. "it's a good thing i'm here then, no? care for a dance, ms. hanami inazuma?"

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：silas ciarán。⁰⁵ Hanami looked at the other and nodded at the other, "Y-Yeah, everything's fine." She looked at the crowds. Seeing them dance with their partners is something that Hanami wanted when she was just a little girl, but since the other seemed not to be fond of any skin contact, she have to adjust herself for him since he had accepted her to be her date for this tonight's ball. "Have you been in some occasions where you would want to ask someone for a partner?" She asked the Ravenclaw.

@－ ❛ s ❜：emrys seong。⁰⁵ @－ ❛ ʀ ❜：caterina sun。⁰² "Why is it weird to see us in suits? Well, if my mother never insisted I could assure you that I could've came in with jeans and a simple shirt to the party." He pointed his blazer collars up, shining in confidence before folding them back in their usual style. Arthur's eyes averted from Caterina then to Emrys, extending his hand for the man to shake. "Pleased to meet you. What kind of stories would Cat tell you about us?" He had a huge guess it was something silly that he would send to Cat such as plotting over a bombing spree in one class, but he'll never know.

@－ ❛ s ❜：braeden laclaire。⁰⁵ There must have been someone playing with spells around them, because Seamus was stunned. Flabbergasted. The way Braeden's boldness dawned on him in a wave of unfamiliar heat was almost equal to the one he felt when the Slytherin sniped him with the candies on their first personal encounter. One was the heat of rage, the other... he'd rather not elaborate on. Although, Seamus' responsive body detected the difference. He felt just like the torches on the walls of the Great Hall, dancing in fluid hot flames, when the other's breath lay over his cheek, when his voice poured into his system like honey poison causing his knees to go weak. "Kiss it better," unbiddenly, he parroted quietly. It wasn't a question, nor a wonder, but a statement. Do it, he dared the other in his mind. Thankfully, Braeden seemed to ignore or not hear his silent demand as he turned away, the absence of the tantalizing face breaking Seamus out of his trance. Afraid that he's done something wrong for the stoic boy to avert his eyes so abruptly, Seamus went on a nervous tangent. "W-Why would I? Do you get your injuries kissed better after a Quidditch match? That'd make you really promiscuous since I don't think you have a stable partner..." he went pale for a second, curling in his lips. "I-I don't think kissing anything better actually works. There is no source material that would imply a simple pressure of the lips can cure any form of pain. It's merely an idiom used to trick the minds of children in the muggle world. It is a good distraction from pain in certain circumstances, like emotional turmoil, but not physical pain... But if you ever happen to cut your lip, let me kiss it better." The speck of jealousy from the mental image of the Slytherin's seeker getting his bruises kissed better by some groupies after a Quidditch match peaked, Seamus muttered the last part in passing, thoughtlessly and unintentionally possessively grabbing Braeden's hand as an answer to the previous question he completely ignored. Drink, yes, he'd need a few, like yesterday already. Poisoned or alcoholic ones at best.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：seamus byrne。⁰⁶ "extra effort, huh?" The gentle tremble in braeden's hand as adjusted the lapel on the older's blazer was the only telltale sign of the inner turmoil seamus' 'extra effort' caused him. "For me?" His hand lingered before dropping back to his sides, "Well, I'm honoured," Outwardly, the slytherin remained his usual stoic self, internally, his brain was set ablaze with no thoughts save for a pair of long slender legs. Luckily for him, Seamus seemed equally as entranced, and was less adept and keeping his composure. Stepping closer to the taller, leaned forward until he could feel the others warm breath against his cheek as he inspected his eye, "Looks fine to me, unless.." He muttered into the others ear, "You wanted me to kiss it better," The laclaire heir's face flushed immediately as the words left his lips, he turned away, "Uh.... can i get you a drink?"

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：hanami inazuma。⁰⁴ "you're right. i apologize if my assumption offended you, hanami." he spoke with sincerity, bowing his head in remorse to the gryffindor, noting of the precious pout that marred her beatific visage. "those are some wise words from your father. maybe they'll leave a mark on me just as they have on you, who knows?" silas quirked a friendly brow then escorted her into the great hall, close to her side but not yet close enough to graze against her figure. the ravenclaw's eyes traveled over the sumptuous and splendid designs of this year's yule ball's theme, once again amazed at the supernal capabilities of magic that ruled their world. no matter how many times he'd encountered the flourishes and swishes of enchantments and their bewitching productions that unfurled and flowered before his very eyes, silas loved magic. he loved it down to his very soul. as they stood on the sidelines of the dance floor, his nightly onyx tinged irises admire the lively spirits of his peers, not at all jealous of their sprightly state of mind in which seemed to guide the sways of their figures to the rhythmic strums of melodies freely, unchained. his attention finally came to settle on his partner's expression, silas' keen eye decoding the trouble that began to subtly twist her cherubic features. her smile appeared ingenuine, and the words rolled off of his tongue before he could restrain them, "is everything alright? what's wrong?"

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：larissa ribeiro。⁰⁵ "Yes, please do", Kaladin jested at Larissa's comment, rolling his eyes fondly at her very obvious dislike when it came to affection and, well, his mush. But he was used to it and, really, it was kind of funny to annoy her. "After all these years you're not used to me sounding ridiculous? Well, I can't help you with that." He shook his head at her remark then, patting his - rather flat - stomach with a smile. "I'm not that into sweets at the moment. Gotta watch my diet for a couple weeks. Winter break is coming up and I /know/ I won't be able to say no to all those Christmas goodies, you know? I nearly lost my precious abs over the summer. So you're dating a cupcake tonight, I'm guessing?"

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：caterina sun。⁰² big social events were an overkill for someone who did not particularly enjoy the spotlight. but dorian always felt a bit better when he surrounded himself with his friends at said events. the yule ball was a big deal, he knew that. every single year, people raved about how gorgeous, how grand, how immaculate, how…you get the picture. dorian did not want to disappoint with his boring choice of formal attire or with his awkward chuckle. he had the tendency to hide in a corner with other slytherins who were just as awkward but still wanted to be around for the ‘drama’. dorian envied how easy his brother found his feet socially, always making people laugh and feel good, always building up expectations dorian would awkwardly break. luckily his plain appearance did not attract much unwanted attention and he was glad that he avoided the spotlight successfully in order to get to his friend. even if he would rather watch from the sidelines, he did love dancing. and he knew that at least one person can make dancing at a big event feel like a walk in the park. he approached cat confidently, just because he knew her well enough to do so. “the kitty cleaned up well,” he raised his glass of water (he planned on getting some alcohol later) and smiled. “I hope you saved me a dance.”

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：silas ciarán。⁰⁵ She chuckled and answers him, "Just because I wore kimono before doesn't mean I have to do it again." She hummed and pouted. "You should never expect someone to do it again just because you've seen them do it the first time, that's what my father told me." Hanami snickered and sees that the other doesn't extend his hand for her, she blinked and was going to say he's not fond of any sort of skinship but instead she smiled at him and they both walked inside the hall. She sees people enjoying the night as well as dancing in the center, Hanami doesn't envy them but rather she felt left out. The lingering feeling of insecurity starts to strike inside her mind, but she kept smiling while walking to the vacant table.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：kaladin ravenwood。⁰⁵ Before Larissa could take another bite, her footing suddenly staggered and an arm was around her. Her friend was all over her, starting off some weird monologue. "Oh Deus, here he goes...". She could only express a blank face but the longer he rambled, the lower her eyebrows went with her lips pursed to hold back her laughter at this funny proclamation. "Ew! Esquito, you sound awfully ridiculous. I'm now tempted to drag you to Madam Pomfrey." She held a finger up and poked it to his forehead as gently as her annoyance can. "Oh this?" She held up the half-bitten cupcake, "I don't know, my mouth just felt like chewing something. Besides, it's super yummy you should try it!"

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：larissa ribeiro。⁰⁵ "Oh, but my sappy self is my /best/ self!", Kaladin announced, throwing an arm around her shoulders to pull her into his side, pressing his cheek against her shoulder as he heaved a dramatic sigh, clutching his chest. "Remember when I said that? Enjoying my single life, being a lone wolf on the prowl? Oh, Larissa, how can you not long for love? Imagine living in a Frank Sinatra song, like, damn", he said, completely over the top - on purpose - and absolutely lovesick - also on purpose - squeezing her into his side before straightening up and letting go of her again. "Nah, but seriously. Nobody saw that coming, huh? I'm surprised you didn't call the hospital wing to get me checked. Why are you stuffing yourself with sweets tonight, mate? You okay there?"

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：henri knight。⁰⁵ dancing with falling stars was special – the way he held him in a dance was special. the soft, tender moves, a little clumsy but definitely sweet charmed mal at the ball last year. henri’s coordination was different from his other lovers, he seemed a little more precise whilst keeping his romantic charm in check. and then there were the less serious moments, when his silliness made him laugh, chuckle, forget every worry and every awkward move. last year, he was reluctant to ask henri to dance even if he liked him plenty. but this year, mal was more confident than ever, feeling close enough to henri to promise him the dance floor. and as much as he loved slow dances, he enjoyed it when he let the music take control. and he trusted henri to keep him close, to guide his wings just enough to keep him in check. and the more excited he got, the more chances there were of an imminent disaster and a clumsy bump into a table or two. but he found henri quick amongst the crowd and he made sure to hold his hand immediately, less he wanted to get too lost in the music. he smiled at him, the way he always did, with his whole heart, adoring how beautiful the lights captured henri’s handsome features. “hi. I hope you did not think I will let you roam around alone. you are far too handsome to be left alone. and also, you and I kind of belong together,” he learnt that one from his numerous hours and skipped heartbeats with cassian, but he was proud to be able to reproduce it in the same manner, meaning it with his entire being.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：mint ainsworth。⁰³ the yule ball was their thing. it was that time of the year when they always let loose and turned the entire dance floor into their party. the first time they danced together, mal was surprised by how well their moves melted into each other – as though they hid the fact that they could dance perfectly well, especially with each other. the yule ball during their first year taught mal that mint had too many hidden talents up his sleeves. and the first time he watched him dance, he was mesmerised, he wanted in on the secret, in on whatever magic mint used to move like that. when he moved, it felt as though the room moulded after his moves – his outfit would capture every light and reflect it on his face, his beautiful face. the first time they danced together, he touched his face a lot, adoring every glistening light, every drop of sweat. last year they dance closer, so his body could appreciate the moves. and this year he just wanted to hold him, let the music move them, crash them, break them. he looked forward to his annual dance with mint, although they danced a bit more often now that they were lovers. mal waited, a bit worried because it was not in mint’s nature to be late. he did not want to drink alcohol yet, so he was holding a cup with juice as though it was a treasure. waiting. mal had always been bad at waiting.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：cassian faye。⁰⁴ there they were again – glitter in the sky, colours on tiled floors and candles every step of the way. walking into the adorned hall, he was reminded of last year – when his dance with cassian was far too intense. he did not remember much because he got drunk right before the dance (perhaps a part of him knew that only drunk could he be as close as he wanted). but shortly after, they went on their date – and mal knew, he just knew that he wanted to see his dimples painted pink against his own cheeks. tonight, he knew who he asked for a dance. it was no longer his awkward friend, the one who used to argue with him – it was one of the people he cherished with all his heart. one of the people he engraved on his skin, because the memory of him, he knew, was written on his heart. and he was a breathing memory – the memory of a beautiful landscape decorated with golden flowers, of the peaceful sea washing tender love ashore. he was not nervous, unlike last year, he was ready to take cassian to the dance the way he always intended to. he chose a pretty outfit, knowing that at social events as such he wanted to look his best. but he cared little about strangers watching him, he only cared about his lovers’ loving gazes, their adoration and attention. it was all he needed, all he wanted. and in a truly ‘mal’ fashion, he made sure he showed his excitement for the dance. and he was skipping steps behind cassian before he garbbed his hand, smiling from ear to ear. “I hope you know there is no way we are not dancing together tonight. but I am letting you lead,” his lips curved into a mischievous smile. “only to test you. I will see if merlin blessed you with groovy moves.”

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：kaladin ravenwood。⁰⁵ Her face turned to a look of offense, and fell agape. "Prickly pear?! How dare–!" She jumped in surprise at the poke, swatting his hand away before feeling any more ticklish. "I'm happy for you, really. Just keep your sappy self away from me." Larissa stuck her tongue out of him as she watched him while he drank with a hint of a smile–but to be honest, she'd be totally head over heels as well for his girlfriend. "Well, that right person can take their time finding me. I'm enjoying my single life so far." And another cupcake was snuck by her hand and she discreetly took a bite off it with a nonchalant shrug.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：sapphire elysia young。⁰¹ "I did come with him, but I think he's gone off to talk to a friend," Emerald spoke, turning around to look at the spot that she last left Kaladin in, only to find it empty of Kaladin himself. She assumed that he moved elsewhere to talk to someone. Kaladin was a lot more social than she was, which meant that he had a lot more people to talk to. She didn't mind it, though. "I guess that's my fault. I kind of hog him whenever he's not busy. You're not missing much, anyway." She waved her hand dismissively and gave the girl a warm smile. "How were finals? Any plans for winter break? I'm quite relieved that we have a couple of weeks off. This semester had been quite the ride."

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：hanami inazuma。⁰⁴ when he spotted hanami making her way towards him, silas couldn't deny it to himself that she looked positively radiant and though there was still that hollow, despairing ache in his chest, seeing her smile brought one onto his own face. "not that long, no." the ravenclaw responded, voice lilting with a sliver of his irish heritage. "you look—wonderful. is this a new dress? i always remembered you as the girl who wore kimonos and yukatas to these kind of events—not that i'm judging. it's just easy to spot you through the crowd when your . . . attire is different." silas let out a nervous laugh, knowing that he was rambling on at this point out of sheer jitters. "anyway--are you ready to head in?" he asked, giving her another smile but this one more gentle, friendly—although, he didn't offer his arm forth as others were for their partners. avoiding any touch from another came as natural as breathing to him.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：freya moon。⁰⁵ "I just asked her?", Emrys laughed, giving Freya a look that clearly said 'I'm not /that/ helpless', brows raised and lips pulled into a slight, secretive smile. "I'll introduce you two as soon as I have the courage to make her my girlfriend, okay? Tonight I've had my fill of introductions, trust me. I can't handle another second of my social anxiety, or I'll just... Combust or something. You'd have to scrape me off the walls, Frey", he sighed then, shaking his head at her words. "Maybe a significant other would be good for your anti-people-ness? Just... You know. Someone who's not a book?"

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：silas ciarán。⁰⁵ In this year's Yule Ball, Hanami would thought she would be alone again, sitting in the tables of her friends, waiting for someone to ask him. But never again she would experience that! If they don't ask her for this yule ball, then she will be asking them instead... but in her printed papers. People think that she's crazy, she's being optimistic on anything, when there's a will... there's a way, right? But her efforts paid off when someone from Ravenclaw agreed to have a dance with her, she could've agree more! She don't usually know some people in Ravenclaw but they are kind and smart.

At the entrance of the ball, wearing a precious dress that her mother bought for her. No more kimonos or yukata! She said to her when she last sent her a letter. Hanami is more confident with her body now than last year since she made sure that she will be one of the strongest and bravest Gryffindor in their year, her physique is a bit buffed because of weightlifting she hid beneath her bed. She walks up to see Silas waiting for her, Hanami broke a smile at him before she went closer to her. "Have you been waiting long?" She asked her before she spun a bit in front of her, "How do I look?" She added.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/cebe926c13d4ee1263ad378eaa05cd43/130bb914a24e2dca-91/s1280x1920/91b60bd67d0eecb6843e8715bb3a405f8a200b8a.jpg

@－ ❛ s ❜：emrys seong。⁰⁵ Her lips curved into a smile as she listened to her friend, "A date?! How did my fellow anti-people friend manage this? Kidding. Congratulations, I'm happy for you!" she clapped her hands together. "Will there be an introduction? I'd love to meet the one who cured you of anti-people-ness" she beamed. "Well, I'd normally skip the ball and huddle in my room, but I felt like attending this year... So I guess in some ways yes, the boredom did get to me" she shrugged casually at the other.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：emilia seong。⁰² Freya was never the social bug so this entire experience felt foreign to her, yet a sense of excitement filled her knowing she didn't waste the opportunity of getting to know someone new. She couldn't help but nod in agreement as she listened to the other: "I can understand completely. It does feel a little... peculiar, but I'm glad to hear you understand my perspective on dessert!" she let out a soft chuckle. Freya picked up a napkin from the table, gently wiping the corner of from her previous snack. "Mayhaps you have a point. I am picky with my clothes as well" she nodded once more in agreement. "Online! My, what a lucky and gorgeous find. It's a pleasure to meet you, Emilia! I'm Freya."

@－ ❛ s ❜：emerald de lisle。⁰⁵ Elysia tipped her head to the side, her wide eyes giving the older girl her full attention. "I don't think you're strict..or scary," she tugged on the white blonde strands of her ponytail absentmindedly, "But then again, I've never really seen you do.. prefect things." the gryffindor shrugged, the subject matter wasnt one of particular importance to her. From the first time she met Emerald (after the weird looks) she's been nothing like the 'scary' fifth year she heard about so often, rather, she'd grown to look up to the older, despite acknowledging they seemed to be polar opposites. "Did you come with Kaladin, I swear I see you more often than my own prefect these days," She changed the subject, looking around for the elusive gryffindor prefect

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：hanami inazuma。⁰⁴ the suited and dapper ravenclaw stood at the end of the grand staircase, waiting patiently, occasionally check his worn-leather watch. the second hand ticking along; the minute hand just barely past the thirty minute mark. this time and place was where they agreed to meet—though that conversation he had with the gryffindor was a blur in his memory, he was able to remember correctly. it was at times like these when silas was incredibly thankful for his ability to keenly remember minuscule details that are easily escapable to the mind. he took a deep breath in then exhaled nice and slow, allowing that to ease his nerves. he was doing something that if he had told his past self he would be doing, /that/ silas wouldn't have believed him. not that he was unexperienced in this kind of thing...but it was just with someone he'd never expected, hanami inazuma, a bubbly gryffindor. someone he only knew existed in the quidditch pitch.

you just have to greet her, her into the great hall . . . and then there's only just the rest of the night. silas sighed in mild despair, thinking to himself—whether attempting to console himself or heighten his own anxiousness, it wasn't clear. it's just ONE night, no? what could go horribly wrong? . . . or right?