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Before the Dance
Author: Gerry
Date: 02-03-20 18:18
Gerry felt a little silly in his dress robes, but he was glad that the ones his mother sent him were classic black and not pastel-colored or frilled like some of the ones he'd seen other Gryffindor boys don for the Sweethearts Dance. Sometime after his last class of the day, Gerry went to the bathroom to take a shower and dress. He combed his hair and even dabbed on a little bit of cologne, which his father had sent along with the dress robes. It was a bit weird smelling like his dad, but it was a good scent, and Gerry hoped Grace wouldn't mind it.
With it being Valentine's Day, Gerry debated whether to give Grace a gift besides a corsage. It wasn't like they were a couple or anything, but they were definitely good friends who had known each other most of their lives. Gerry wanted them to be more than friends, of course, and he hoped that tonight would be a step in that direction.
In the end, he bought Grace a simple charm bracelet with three charms on them, each to represent something from their childhood. There was a house-elf head, which Gerry hoped looked close enough like Aegean for Grace to recognize, a slide like the one in the park at Hogsmeade, and a building block, like the ones they played with in the upstairs flat over the bakery.
Lately, Gerry had been thinking a lot about the olden days, when he and Grace played together all the time. Sometimes Grace's cousin Duncan had joined them, and there were even times when Aegean took them to the park to meet up with baby Schuyler and the triplets. How weird was it that everybody was at Hogwarts now, no longer interested in playgrounds and old enough now to go out on dates?
Gerry almost didn't give Grace the bracelet at breakfast, beginning to think it a completely stupid idea, but then he did it anyway and mumbled something about how there was plenty of room for other charms, and she could even take off the ones he'd already put on if she ended up with too many. He rushed off after leaving it with her because he didn't want to see her disappointment at the terrible gift and didn't see her all day afterwards, until now.
They met at an agreed upon place on an upper floor halfway between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw Towers. Grace was radiant in a dark rose dress. Gerry noticed she wasn't wearing the charm bracelet he had given her, but she was wearing a dainty one that she had probably coordinated with the outfit already, so he didn't feel too badly.
"You look really pretty!" he blurted out.
"Thanks!" Grace replied, smiling. "You look very handsome. Here, I have something for you."
She produced a small boutonniere that was the same shade as her dress. The flower looked like a real rose but was made out of silk. Grace stepped forward to pink it to the front of Gerry's robes. That close to her, Gerry could smell the shampoo in her hair and the fragrance she had put on.
"There, that's better," Grace said with a smile.
"Oh, I have something for you too," Gerry said, revealing a corsage made of pink calla lilies. They were a lighter shade of the pink of Grace's dress and were real.
He slipped the corsage onto the wrist not adorned with a bracelet and then boldly slipped his hand into hers.
"They smell so good!" Grace exclaimed. She squeezed his hand and said, "Thank you. So, are you ready to go down?"
Gerry grinned and said, "Let's go make our grand entrance."
Unexpected Couple (Carina)
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 02-03-20 19:35
Carina walks into the Great Hall, stepping to one side. Wearing dress robes of a burnt orange with teal, her dark hair (courtesy of her mother) arranged in a French braid through which burnt orange and teal crystals have been woven, and burnt orange flats with teal embellishments, Carina takes in the Valentine's décor. There had been decorations up all week with more at breakfast this morning and even more at lunch. Since then the Great Hall has been transformed even more. She laughs as a cupid shoots an arrow at her that explodes above her head, raining glittery pink and red hearts over her.
"Carina. Hey."
She turns a broad smile to Georgie Weasley. "Hi! The Great Hall looks amazing!"
"Yeah, I guess so. I wonder if it always looks like a different room whenever there's a dance." He holds up a corsage. "I hope the colors are right. The flowers are dahlias."
The dahlias are a dark orange that go well with Carina's robes. They are backed by teal ribbon that while not an exact match to the teal she's wearing are close enough. "It's perfect! Thank you!"
Georgie helps Carina pin on the corsage, admitting as he does that with his sister's help he'd practice a little. She then produces a boutonniere comprised of two small dark orange roses. The color looks nice against the medium gray dress robes he's wearing. Or so Carina thinks.
As they stand there putting on the corsage and boutonniere the duo get a few odd looks. Carina expected as much. A Malfoy and a Weasley at a dance together. Georgie said as much when he out of the blue asked her. "Carina, no one would expect me, a Weasley, and you, a Malfoy, to go to the Sweethearts Dance together. What do you think? Want to go with me?"
Carina had giggled, "The only way to be more unexpected is if I went with a Potter but I think your cousins are too young yet. I'd love to go with you."
And that was that.
Carina had ordered the boutonniere herself. She'll tell her father in her next letter that she attended the dance and with whom. That way if he has a snit about her choice of escort there won't be much he can do about it after the fact.
Georgie somewhat awkwardly offers her his arm. "Let's find a place for dinner."
They both laugh as another cupid's arrow explodes over them, this one with shimmery white flower petals. The decorations are all a bit much but extremely fun. This is going to be a great evening!
(Cecily) Photographic Memory
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 02-04-20 13:02
Franklin Ellis pulled a chair for Cecily, before he took his own seat at one of the tables. She looked around the Great Hall, amazed on how it did not have its usual aspect. It seemed like they had been transported to another place, and it almost felt they weren't at school at all.
"I wonder how they did all this…" She muttered to herself.
"Actually it's very easy," Franklin replied. He started to explain to Cecily the sort of charms and spells that could have been used to change the Great Hall.
She heard him with interest, studying his face as he spoke. He looked quite dashing on his fancy robes. She hasn't been counting on going to the dance at all, unless Miranda dragged her into it. Franklin's invitation changed everything. Cecily had to write home, asking Wren for a dress. She was not the type of girl who dressed up often. Cecily liked to be outside, in the nature, preferably among thestrals. She did not care much about looking pretty or wearing a nice dress, and this was one of the rare times she did. She was a little bit concerned Wren wouldn't know what to get her but he had exceeded her expectations by sending her a simple, but yet beautiful, lavender dress. Cecily wanted to look good for Franklin. She didn't want him to regret his decision of asking her to the dance, and not another girl.
He finished his explanation, proud of himself but also somewhat embarrassed.
"I hope I haven't bothered you."
"Oh no," Cecily assured him. "How do you know all those spells?"
"Photographic memory. I am good at memorizing things I've read."
"I wish I had that! It would be easier when it comes to study for the tests."
"It's not always good. There's so much stuff in my head that I don't really need…"
She wanted to laugh but looking down at his serious face she realized he wasn't joking. She could somewhat relate to his pain, and she was surprised to learn something new about Franklin she did not know before. People used to comment how he always had good marks, and seemed to know everything but no one really knew that his good grades came with a price. He was a very serious boy, but that did not push Cecily back. She actually preferred him that way. Most boys joked around all the time, and liked to tease everything and everyone. She felt she could trust Franklin.
"Well, I just hope when it's time to dance, I won't make a fool of myself, or you'll never forget it!" Cecily finally said.
Then she realized she had just implied that later they were going to dance together. Cecily looked away, not believing what she had just did. Everyone knew it should be the boy asking a girl to dance and not the contrary. It had been a little bit rude to impose a dance on Franklin just like that. They haven't even started to have dinner yet and she was afraid she had just ruined the evening.
Oliver and Ethan at the Dance
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 02-04-20 18:47
Oliver and Libby were at the front of the Great Hall, not exactly dancing with each other but swaying next to one another while Team Delta Echo played on stage. The band played music that was familiar and most of it was upbeat, which meant that awkward slow dancing could be avoided, at least for now.
"My sister used to date somebody in a band," Libby shouted. "The bassist from Tangerine Dagger."
Oliver didn't know what to say about that, so he exclaimed, "Wicked!"
Libby nodded. "And now she's married to a sex god."
Oliver really didn't know how to respond, and he hated that his cheeks were starting to flame red.
Libby smiled. "He's Professor Sacheverelle's brother, you know. Funny, how a lot of us seem to be related one way or another to the teachers around here. Your uncle––"
"Please don't call him a sex god," Oliver mumbled.
Libby laughed. "Fine, I won't. Is he really marrying Grace's mum?"
Oliver nodded. "Yeah. We're excited about it."
Since they were doing more talking than listening to the band, they moved away from the stage. Oliver reached out to take Libby's hand to help lead her over to the table he and his friends had staked out upon arrival at the Sweethearts Dance. She didn't pull away, and Oliver thanked his lucky stars that his hands weren't clammy.
He had gotten Libby a purple and lavender chiffon corsage with a sparkling rhinestone in the middle and a pearl bracelet. It had a vintage look, just like the family heirloom dress she wore.
Ethan and Briar were also near the tables, but not too close to the one where Oliver and Grace and their dates and friends had gathered. After all, they didn't want to intrude, though Ethan at least was at the dance to chaperone.
This morning, he'd had a bouquet of cream, orange, and pink roses delivered to the busy bakery. This evening, before the dance, he'd given Briar a gold bracelet with coral roses, enameled green leaves, and little pearls.
"What sort of dark activity do you suppose the Smirts hope to find tonight?" he asked, eyeing first one and then the other. The pair had dressed nicely and left their clipboards at home, though they were obviously actively prowling the Great Hall.
"Have they found anything at all since they started "consulting"?" Briar made air quotations with her fingers.
Ethan shook his head. "Not that I know of. The incident with a couple of students from a few days ago was a non-issue. I really don't expect them to find anything except for the sort of hogwash someone like Rita Skeeter conjures up."
"Which means they will report something and it might get results." Briar shook her head.
"That's what I'm afraid of," Ethan replied.
Team Delta Echo's set was beginning to wind down. Ethan took Briar's hand for the last song and led her out onto the dance floor. Hopefully the Smirts wouldn't find their dancing to be criminal.
Honest To Merlin Date (Alectrona)
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 02-04-20 19:22
Alectrona looks over at a plate with pats of butter in shapes of flowers and hearts. "These are so cute. So are the ravioli." She places two of the toasted ravioli onto her plate then passes the platter, debating whether to use one of those cute butter shapes for the warm slice of crusty herbed bread she'd selected before the ravioli platter came her way.
On her left Douglas Hyland peruses the plates on their table then checks what's on table nearest him to see if they have anything different. He turns his head to look at Alectrona. "Everything looks good. I don't know where to start." Even as he says this he's reaching for one of the heart shaped individual pot pies.
Bringing her cup to her lips Alectrona brings the pleasant aroma of the wrist corsage Doug gave her. The cherry blossoms are a perfect match for her dress. She's wearing a pale green dress with sprays of cherry blossoms from the palest pink to dark pink hues arranged around the skirt and climbing up one side to her waist then continuing up the dress's bodice on the same side.
She'd not expected to be asked to the Sweethearts Dance, thinking she'd look in with some of her friends, maybe dance a little in a group but not stay for long. That sort of plan changed one day while waiting for others to arrive for a study group session, Doug had asked, "Are you going to the dance?"
"Probably for a little while. What about you?"
"Probably for awhile too." He paused for a moment and Alectrona would swear she could hear him gulp. "Going to eat in the Great Hall that night or the Commons?"
"I hadn't thought about it. Maybe the Great Hall since dinner is before the dance starts."
"Yeah. Maybe me too. Um, say, if you're there and I'm there, we could, you know, maybe eat together."
Alectrona had given him a small smile. Shrugging she'd replied, "Sure, I don't see why not if we're both there."
"Maybe if we're both still there when the music starts, we could get in a dance or two."
She'd been about to give the same, sort of nonchalant answer when it occurred to her that possibly Doug was asking her in a somewhat roundabout way to be his date to the dance. Her smile grew. "Are you maybe wanting to go to the dance together?"
"If you do, I do."
"That would be nice."
"So, it's a date?"
"It's a date."
Ruth showed up just then for the study group with others arriving right behind. Alectrona couldn't stop smiling and noticed that Doug had a funny grin much of the time. Since that day, Alectrona couldn't wait for the dance to arrive, using her allowance to buy Doug Valentine's chocolate spelling out his name.
They are still eating when Team Delta Echo takes to the stage but Alectrona readily agrees when Doug leans in to be heard over the music and asks, "Want to dance? Work off some of this food to make room for more?"
Alectrona extends her hand to Doug. "Love to!"
She loves to dance though has never considered herself much of a dancer. Doug moves with the wild abandon of someone greatly enjoying himself. Never one to be overly self-conscious for long quickly stops caring if she's any good or not and, like Doug, lets herself enjoy the music and being at the dance on a honest to Merlin date.
(Violet) Group of Friends
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 02-05-20 18:35
Of the large group of first year friends in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, a handful had dates, but many did not. Violet was among those attending the Sweethearts Dance as a single lady, though she didn't mind. She was there with her friends, having loads of fun.
First, she'd gotten gussied up in the violet patterned dress Professor Miller had given her for Christmas. Then, there'd been a delicious dinner with fancy dishes that were tasty and artfully made. After that, a band made up of students performed on the stage and got the group of friends either dancing or bobbing heads from the several adjacent tables they had commandeered for the evening. Now there was a bit of a break while the main performer, The Order of Merlin, set up on the stage.
"I want to do it," Violet suddenly declared. She grabbed a heart-shaped mint from a bowl on the table and popped it into her mouth.
"Do what?" Alexandra asked. She was dressed in navy blue dress robes and wore her hair down in long, loose curls.
"I want to form our band, Violet Femmes."
"You mean yours and Myra's," Alexandra said. "I don't have Violet anywhere in my name."
"We can't have a band by ourselves," Violet pointed out, "so some non-Violets will have to join. Can you sing or play any instruments?"
"Can you?"
"No, but I can learn." Violet turned back to the stage, where the band was nearly finished setting up. "I think it would be loads of fun performing here one day."
The Order of Merlin's crew finished setting up and stepped off the stage. A moment later the members of the band emerged to loud cheers. They were dressed in wild outfits, which included lots of colorful sequins that glittered under the light of the Great Hall. Hair colors and styles ranged, too.
The lead singer shouted, "Hello, Hogwarts! Are you ready to ROCK on this fine, Valentine's night?"
Violet couldn't help herself. She shouted, "Yes!", along with everybody else and sprang up from her chair to dance to the music, which began with a fast tempo.
Spiked Drink (Wallace & Jaclyn)
Author: Saffron
Date: 02-06-20 19:32
Wallace holds Amethyst's chair for her then goes to get both of them drinks. They've danced enough that Wallace is starting to wish he knew how to do a personal cooling spell. Warm as he is, he's having a great time on his first real date. Placing Amethyst's drink in front of her he sits down with his own, wishing he'd gotten two. Though he's stuffed he reaches for a chocolate covered heart shaped bonbon, making a sort of happy grunt at tasting his favorite of the bonbon flavors he's had so far, caramel with what he thinks are chopped hazelnuts.
Two tables away Jaclyn also takes a break from dancing. Sylvestor's a far better dancer than she was expecting though he and Fitz have done a little showing off trying to outdo each other. Next to her Susan breaks off a petal of a chocolate flower to nibble, holding out the flower for Jaclyn who also takes a petal. "I can't believe how much I've eaten tonight and here I am eating something else."
"We're getting so much exercise with all the dancing we keep needing to refuel. That's my story and I'm sticking to it if anyone tells me I made a pig of myself," Susan laughs.
Sylvestor and Fitz join them with drinks refills for the four of them. Fitz burps loudly, apologizes, and burps again. After several more, with him looking increasingly embarrassed, Sylvestor bent over laughing and the girls giggling, Fitz exams his cup of punch. "That first year who handed me this must have put something from Weasleys' in it." He gives another small burp.
Jaclyn looks into her own glass. "Did the first year give you this one too?"
"No, I filled yours myself," Sylvestor assures. "But maybe he spiked the entire punch bowl." He reaches for his glass and downs its contents. "We'll find out soon enough."
When nothing happens after a minute Susan and Jaclyn giggle in relief but their sips of punch are still somewhat tentative. Fitz gets up. "I'm going for some non-spiked punch or something else to drink. If I see that first year I may have to zap him with a hex." He walks away with a promise to be right back and with one more long, rather loud burp, causing the other three to dissolve into laughter once more.
Loneliness
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 02-07-20 07:40
Caligula did not have a date for the Sweethearts Dance, but he went alongside his group of friends. He had written to his mother telling her about the dance and she had sent him some robes. However she told him to be cautious about them and try not to wrinkle, stain or charm them. Caligula suspected she had borrowed the robes from the dry-cleaning shop she worked, as she urged him to owl them back first thing on Saturday morning, and the sleeves were longer than his arms, giving the accurate impression that he was using someone else's robes.
His mother had also wanted him to ask Carina Malfoy for the dance, in order to enhance his influence among an important family. Somehow she learned Carina was Caligula's colleague and she had pressured him to invite her. Caligula did not want to take a girl to the dance and he ignored his mother's wishes. Georgie Weasley had asked Carina to the dance and he now could tell his mother without lying that Carina had already a dance date.
He watched Violet dancing, as well as others of the group. He didn't move from his chair at first, but he finally joined the others at the dance floor. Caligula danced with many of his friends, including Violet, Alexandra, Hannah, Myra, Cassandra and Haley. He and the other single boys would swap dancing partners and sometimes they danced in a group as well, depending on the songs.
Tiberius was leaned against one of the Great Hall's walls, serving as chaperone. His arms were crossed as he watched the students having a good time. He couldn't help watching Caligula from time to time. Titus firmly believed there was a chance Caligula was Tiberius' son. Tiberius did not feel that way and as he looked at the boy with his odd robes the only word he could think of was 'imposter'. At least this time his mother did not had the nerve to use his money again to buy him fancy robes. Which was a pity - Tiberius had reported the case to Gringotts and if she tried to access his account again they would catch her. Her identity remained a mystery to Tiberius.
"You look awfully lonely tonight Mr. Nott," Eunice Smirt said, joining him. "No Valentine date?"
Tiberius sent her an upset look. It was true he had no dates. Tiberius was one of the few single members of the school staff and one of the reasons he offer himself to chaperone tonight was because he had no plans for Valentine's evening.
"It makes no sense that someone like you is alone on this day," Eunice carried on. "Unless you have no time for dating, because you are busy with more…hum…pressing matters?"
"What are you implying, Miss Smirt?"
"Well…given your family's history, it would be no surprise if you had secretly joined You Know Who's force. It can be a busy life, with no time for dating."
Tiberius did not like these accusations. He did wonder when the Smirts would attack him, using his family as an excuse. He understood that being a Nott was a stigma, and he was sure Eunice was aware of his brief stay at Azkaban when the Aurors raided Endhope Abbey and arrested everyone, before asserting the facts, many years ago. He looked at her and gave her the most charming smile he possessed. He knew how to end this.
"Or perhaps I am single because the right woman did not came along. Maybe that is about to change. Would you like to dance Eunice?" He invited, calling her by her first name.
Eunice Smirt blushed and she didn't seem to find the right words to say.
"I…well…not very professional…"
"Please indulge me," Tiberius said, picking her hand and leading her to the dance floor. "After all you were the one who noticed my loneliness."
He was aware that people were staring and that later he would have to justify himself to Minerva and the rest of his colleagues. But for now, inviting Eunice Smirt for a dance seemed the best solution to silence her.
(Magnus) Avoiding a Scandal
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 02-07-20 10:19
"Stop writing and come to dance!" Ned called.
He had gone to fetch some refreshments for himself and his date, Ravenclaw Bernice Burns.
"Not yet," Magnus replied as he filled his Slytherin notepad with notes, that he got from Joshua Blackthorn for Christmas.
There was so much to write about the Sweethearts Dance that Magnus was feeling grateful that no one replied to his announcement at the Common Commons. At first he had been upset and his pride got hurt, but then he realized he shouldn't have done it. Everyone thought the announcement was a joke and so no one sought his company.
Nevertheless he went to the dance on his own, having as a partner his notepad and a quill. Magnus had made notes about the decoration, the food, Team Delta Echo's performance, the dresses, the robes, the hairs, and the music. He wrote about a Malfoy and a Weasley going together to the dance, even if for him that didn't mean anything. As a Muggle-born Magnus still had some difficulty to understand some details about the wizarding society. But the pair raised some comments here and there and so Magnus wrote that down.
Ned returned to the dance floor and Magnus watched the students moving to the sound of The Order of Merlin. He wrote about them as well, and as he watched the dancing crowd he recognized some of his colleagues. The most striking one was Mira who was dancing with Schuyler. Schuyler was a lucky guy, because Mira was really beautiful. Ned had explained to Magnus about Mira's Veela blood, and how she could have them do anything she liked by just bating her eyes. It was hard not to look at her now.
He was awaken by his hypnotic watch when he felt as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown at him.
"Are you Magnus McCourt?"
In front of him there was a ghost of a school girl, wearing a Hogwarts uniform and thick glasses.
"Yes…and you are?" He asked feeling a little bit uneasy. He was guessing who she was. Magnus had heard about Moaning Myrtle, the ghost that haunted the girl's bathroom on the second floor. Although he had heard about her, this was the first time he had laid eyes on her.
"Myrtle. I have come because of your advert."
"Er…what?" He asked her.
She quoted his advert out loud. She had memorized each word.
"I know I am not a flesh and bone girl, but I am still a girl," she told him. "The advert said a Hogwarts girl and that makes me a valid choice. I noticed you have been alone all evening, which means you don't have a date. So I was thinking I could be your date!"
Magnus looked at her horrified. The idea of going alone to the dance hasn't been nice but going with Moaning Myrtle was just terrible. Magnus was sure he was going to be teased for the rest of his career at Hogwarts.
"What do you say? You can even write about me in your article. No one has written about me before, and I would have love to be in the cover of the Hogwarts Herald!"
Magnus looked around, trying to find a way out.
"Listen Myrtle, I really appreciate your offer, but you see I'm not alone. I'm with her," he pointed to a group of girls randomly.
"I don't believe you," the ghost said.
"I swear it's true."
"Then prove it! Prove it or I'll start to scream. People will learn you're a liar and then they will never believe a word you say in your articles."
Myrtle had touched a sensible spot. Wanting to avoid a scandal Magnus, took a deep breath and with confident steps approached the girls. He looked Fulvia Flaversham in the eyes and asked her if she wanted to dance with him.
Seems Like It Only Just Started (Rand)
Author: Declan
Date: 02-07-20 20:38
The Order of Merlin switches from a series of songs with a somewhat fast tempo and rocking beat to the first of several slower songs. Rand and Libby had been dancing but with the change of pace she goes back to dancing with Oliver and Maud switches back to partnering with Rand. Putting his arm around her waist he comments, "Hard to believe the dance is nearly over. Seems like it just started. I wouldn't mind if Snape's classes went by as fast."
Laughing lightly Maud smiles, "I agree."
"If I um haven't said so yet, you look really pretty tonight. I mean, you're always pretty but you look especially nice tonight."
Rand's cheeks feel warm but his hands seem clammy for about the millionth time since meeting up with Maud at the agreed upon landing. Looking beautiful in blue, Maud had happily accepted the flower he presented her, a wrist corsage of a single large peony of a color that Zabrynna called coral but that to Rand looks like a version of pink. Zabrynna had assured him that no matter what shade of blue Maud wore, the coral peony would look nice and she was right.
Maud's lips turn up more. "You've told me several times. Thank you." Rand's face feels even hotter, thinking he's probably made a fool of himself tonight. He considers apologizing but decides that would only call attention to what a total prat he is.
When the set of slow songs ends, they decide to get some refreshments before rejoining the dancing to lively rock tunes. All too soon it's The Order of Merlin announces the last song of the evening. There are groans all around as few want the fun to end but some students look relieved the dance is ending and a few look tired after having danced for hours.
Rand escorts Maud as far as a Gryffindor can walk a Ravenclaw. Before they part he gives her a small jewelry box. "A Valentine's gift and a thank you for a fab evening. I've had a great time." The box contains a necklace that looks like a peony matching the one on Maud's wrist under a glass dome. Rand is considering giving Maud a kiss goodnight when a mixed group of first years run laughing up the stairs. "Oooh, give us a kiss," one of them giggles while others make loud, smacking kissy noises.
Rand rolls his eyes at them then reluctantly tells Maud, "Goodnight."
Maud shoots an annoyed look at the younger group before saying, "Thank you, Rand. I've had a great time too. Goodnight."
She's more or less swept away with the younger Ravenclaws as the young Gryffindors force Rand to move the other direction, a couple of them continuing to make the kissy sounds. He's not sure if he should flick them on the ears or thank them for saving him from embarrassing himself by trying to kiss Maud when he has no idea what he's doing.