Event The Fall Ball (Masquerade)

Other posts: 1, 2

In the end, Illya did offer his hand to lead Carolyn to the dance floor and the girl realised she wasn’t at all surprised. The boy did strike her as someone who knew how to behave during social events. Whether he enjoyed it or not was entirely different matter. Perhaps he did perhaps he didn’t. Carolyn thought it was nice but also slightly funny. After all, they were still so young, it almost felt like they were playing pretend. Still, she had a lovely company and wanted to dance so she couldn’t care less. “I would love to hear more,” the witch confirmed once Illya gave away a hint of the jackal meaning. She briefly wondered what animal could describe her character. She never thought about that one, which was curious considering how much she loved them. Perhaps I’ll get to know that if I ever manage to conjure a proper patronus. She was certainly going to do her best.

Carefully, Carolyn placed her hand on Illya’s shoulder and let him place his on her back, then their free hands finally met. The witch made sure not to react upon seeing his scar. She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious but she was afraid the injury might bring back unwelcome memories. She didn't want to pry. “Oh, don’t worry about me, I’m sure I will,” she replied to his cheeky taunting. She was a good dancer, even now he could probably tell by her perfect posture. Of course, anything could happen and she might very well make a fool of herself but she refused to even think about such scenario. Finally, the first steps were made. At first, Carolyn focused on her partner, learning his style and movement. She adapted quickly to changes in direction, allowing the boy to take lead, and trusting him with her safety on the dance floor. She would make things difficult if her partner wasn’t treating her well but if he was, she would follow. He went right, she went right. He sped up, she did too and if Illya dared to include a turn here and there, she was ready to do it. Thanks to the years of ballet experience, Carolyn heard the music perfectly. She didn’t need to count her steps. The movement came to her naturally. This here was when she decided to let go of all worries and sorrow from the previous months. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore; at least for that moment. The witch felt relaxed, and allowed herself to smile at her partner. She was glad she took the risk of going to the ball with a complete stranger. It would no doubt become a pleasant memory. Distantly, she was aware of the commotion in the background yet she had no desire to stop and join the "fun". She wanted to remain blissfully oblivious even if it was just a for a minute or two.

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Interacting With: @Percival Gray @Erin Ryan
Mentioning: @Kyle DeRook @Santario Martin @Nico Shymane @Quinn Healy
Outfit | Makeup
Interactions: Semi-Open, please owl/DM first
Passive Action: Dancing, looking around
Modded Action: Amara will cast green sparks at Erin to try to distract her
Stats: Stamina: 6 || Evasion: 6 || Strength: 5 || Wisdom: 9 || Arcane Power: 7 || Accuracy: 7
Abilities: Perfectionist 1-2
Health: 600/600
Posts: X X X X X X X X X X
Hex Color: #20681A

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[font=Blackadder itc]Coded by Rafael D'Spacito[/font]

Amara fell into a rhythm; peaceful dancing, memorized steps, everything is in place, and working as it should.

"And I would leave a happy girl." The blonde responds, smiling through her gold mask.

Glancing around, a feeling of ease settles over Amara. All around her, couples are dancing, friends are chatting and the worst that is happening is petty drama.

Well, the ease lasted for a moment. Spells and fists seem to already be flying, and Amara will not stand for it.

Stepping out of her date's grasp, she places a quick kiss on his cheek before pulling out her wand. In the same pocket as her brooch, Amara rubs the emerald to remind her of her duty as a Viper.

Running, well walking as fast as a 12-year-old can in a ball gown and heels, Amara makes her way over to the brawl. She sends a nod of recognition over to her Dueling Co-Captian and house prefect before readying her wand in the direction of the blonde who seems to be the creator of this mess,

"Verdimillious"

Praying her aim is true, Amara is younger and therefor weaker than most of this group, the Dragamior heir looks around once more for her date. Amara sends a look that hopefully says 'I am okay' towards him.

_{Banner Credited to the amazing @Amara Dragamior}

As Henry Knight: Main Character

Open to Interactions
interacting: @Miranda Everest | @Heather Blair Moretti | @Rohan Fog
Mentioning: @Santario Martin | @Quinn Healy | @Nico Shymane | @Kyle DeRook | @Erin Ryan | @Amara Dragamior | @Percival Gray | @Hanako Tone | @Anastasia Beckett | @Scarlett Aden | @Dmitri Jones
Modded Action: Looking around, panicking about the bawl+anything else that can happened, Casting Fumos at Erin Ryan as a distraction
For Mods:

Reducio

Stats: Stamina: 5 | Evasion: 5 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 10 | Arcane Power: 5 | Accuracy: 5 | Total: 35
Abilities+Race: Prodigal Charms Learner+Werewolf

Pendant

Henry smiled at Heather and her date along with occasionally looking over at Miranda. Henry was happy to be there especially since he was there with his girlfriend and a close friend, possibly a new friend also. Henry would laugh a bit as he spoke to Heather's date, " I take it your a ravenclaw to mate? First year?" Henry would then nudge Heather a bit as he joked " so how's it been dating people both shorter and younger than you Heather," Henry glanced away for a second when he say the boy who was bothering the ghost cat now recognized to him as Hanako Tone; a fellow slytherin of the Snape dorm and a real childish prankster in Henry's opinion as he watch him stick his tongue out at him. Henry rolled his eyes and glanced the other direction which was a good thing since he saw a brawl happening at the ball and unlike one between Scarlett and the gryffindor girl; Anastasia Beckett. This one including people he knew and interacted with currently also there wasn't as many punches or girls rolling on the ground as that last one had.

Henry smiled to Miranda and the others as he spoke " uh excuse me for a second, I'm going to check out that brawl over there," Henry then looked at Miranda with a smile and twinkle in eye as if he was saying want to join me? Henry would then squeeze Miranda's hand for a few minutes before twirling her around once and giving a final smile before he sort of walked at a brisk pace to the bawl.

Regardless if Miranda joined him or not, Henry would make his way over to the brawl where he would see a blonde hair and unrecognizable girl to him and what looked like the hufflepuff quidditch caption locked in a fist fight. Looking around he then noticed his dueling captain, well co captain since Dmitri Jones was his dueling captain, anyway he watch as the dueling co captain sent a tickling charm to what looked like the blonde girl's date but he couldn't stare long for the slytherin prefect sent a knockback jinx to the blonde girl, by this point Henry thought he understood sort of what was happening.

Henry then saw his own dueling partner; Amara Dragamior rush to the brawl as well and cast the green sparks charm which wasn't that bad for a distraction,
maybe she's not as bad or does know how to strategize.... Stepping away from his thoughts Henry looked at the brawl and he knew that this time he couldn't just stand there and do nothing so he reached in his underneath his dress robe to his suit pocket where he pulled out his wand, which accidentally knocked his dress robes off a bit reveling a bit more of his suit underneath along with a gint of embed green.

Henry then rushed into the brawl thinking fast, every spell and situation running through the twelve year olds mind over and over as he try to decide what which only end up panicking Henry as he struggled with what to do and when to do it.

He knew that they shouldn't doing this and that he shouldn't be there because what can he do? Panicked? Worry? Stress about the endless possibilities for the future? None of those were helpful at the current situation or would be if anything else happened at the ball. The thought made Henry glance over his shoulder as he was now on edge and waiting for something else to happen, for chaos to start.

Meanwhile Henry had to do something, he just couldn't stand there or walk away. He had to help so as spell after spell ran through his mind Henry finally decided as he pointed his wand at the blonde haired girl and spoke " Fumos."

Outfit | Hair | Shoes | Mask

As Charles Alluring: INPC

Russian in Red
French in blue
Spanish in green
German in orange
English in brown

Semi - Open to interactions
Interacting: Fyodor Prior _{@Lana Monet} | @Logan Baird | @Alec Mason | @Lily Reeser
Mentioning: Cassie Heather _{@Lucia Fox} | Rosa Swan _{@Elisabeth Erner}
Action: Giving Fyodor 'advice', questioning Alec about his nails, regretting abandoning Cassie, thinking about his life
For Mods:

Reducio

tats: Stamina: 6| Evasion: 5| Strength: 10| Wisdom: 4| Arcpower: 5| Accuracy: 10| Total: 40
Abilities: Evasion Maneuver, Lovely Creature

Charles leaned against the wall as he looked around at the Masquerade, everything seemed so normal to him or unnaturally familiar. He felt trapped like instead of having two separate lives, he only had one. One that he either lived or wore a mask while living, Charles looked down at his suit and frowned a little everything about him screamed wealthy and tradition pureblood family something he could never stand. Charles thought about Cassie and how talking to her felt unreal, like he could just be himself and no one would ignore him or forget about him. He didn't need to flirt with her or insult her for her to look at him or acknowledge him, she just did and for some reason Charles felt like comfortable around her, like he didn't need the mask or he didn't need to hide his past. He could be honest with her, he was hisself around her.

Charles knew what he had to do and he couldn't stay there as he looked up at Fyodor and the girl before speaking to the girl " it was a pleasure to meet you madam but I better be on my way, someone to apology to," Charles then turned to his friend and smiled at him as he smiled at the girl he was staring at and said " go speak to her Fyodor, trust me you will have a better time there then here... standing in the corner," Charles then would place his hands on his shoulders and shout over to the mysterious girl, Rosa Sawn, " Hey my friend here wants to speak with you and probably dance! Madam my friend here thinks your hot, he would like to dance with you!" Charles would then laugh a little as he whispered to Fyodor, " your welcome Fyo."

Charles would then begin his walk out of the masquerade and toward the costume where he would apology to Cassie and finally be honest with her. However he got a bit distracted for he saw a boy in the corner alone with black nail polish painted on his nails that wasn't too badly done. Charles decided a short stop won't be that bad for he nodded a hello to the other girl there and turn his attention to the boy as he pointed toward his nails and with a hint of sarcasm spoke " nice nails, did they impressive your date that they ran off?" Charles laughed a bit as he took a spot next to the boy and leaned on the wall as he spoke again " really through, nice nails. Did you paint them yourself?" Charles may not admit it to anyone else but they were nice and he really did like them, he was even considering doing it to himself for a odd reason.

Charles then figured he should leave but then decided to stay and converse with the boy a bit longer as he spoke " I'm Charles," He gave the boy a half smile as he then turned back to the dance and spoke again " so did you do that for yourself or for someone else?"

Hearing Thomas be polite wasn't something Callie was accostomed to. Most of the time she heard the boy mocking someone or something in some manner, so instead of butting into the conversations she simply watched the boy in awe. While Callie knew he was capable of being nice out of experience she didn't quite expect him to be so polite in a situation like this. Was Thomas Baines somewhat human afterall? Perish the thought! It wasn't until Thomas brought up her name to mock her that Callie grinned. There was the weirdo she knew. Instead of taking offence to his mocking of her love of banana costumes she instead let out a laugh. "Hey, quit making fun of bananas! They're a wonderful piece of fruit and I'm still distraught you all wouldn't let me dress as one." As the conversation continued Callie occasionally slipped food from the table into her mouth to help sasiate her growing hunger. Callie was so caught up in slipping food from the table that she didn't quite notice Thomas fade into quiet for a moment.

"That's in a few DAYS?" Callie exclaimed in mild disbelief as the concept of time frequently eluded her. "Oh yeah! We're gonna nail it! What's our team name again? Murder of Merlin? Whatever, we're gonna win! Mark my words, it's gonna go better than quidditch!" Callie certainly picked up on the hint of anxiety in Thomas' tone but assumed it was out of his own hate for awkward conversations. As an individual with a certain talent for filling the air with conversation, Callie took it upon herself to lend her skills to her duelling partner. "Are you guys going to dance? I'm not sure if I want to put the student population at risk with my dancing." Callie hadn't at all noticed the developing chaos as she was too wrapped up in conversation. "What say you Valerie? You've been quite quiet, not a fan of dancing? I already know Elias hates my mad dancing skills, I can't ever think why." She opted to leave out the part where her dancing tended to leave people mildly injured.

Action: Too engrossed in conversation and slipping food from the table to notice anything around her.
Interacting with: @Thomas Baines @Elias Weare @Valerie Baines
Abilites: Calming Presence [Allies: Thomas, Elias, Valerie], Prodigal Charms
Stats: Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 3 | Wisdom: 10 | Arcane Power: 7 | Accuracy: 7

Interacting with: @Lana Monet as Fyodor, @Henry Knight as Charles
Mentions: @Elisabeth Erner as Rosa Swan

Logan only rolled her eyes at the boy as he did not seem to care to talk to her. What she did notice was that his eyes continued to linger on a girl across the room from them. "Ahh, I see," she said with a smile on her face as she looked across at the rather pretty girl. She was rather startled when another boy walked up to them and started talking. Once he said his name, she giggled a bit as he seemed to not recognize her from their interactions in the courtyard earlier in the month.

"My name is Logan Baird," she said with a small grin on her face as she looked across the room at the girl again. Slowly she took a sip of her water again and rolled her eyes when Charles said the other girl's friend was hot. "I do agree with Charles here," she said as if it was the strangest thing in the world, "There is no harm in asking her to dance."

Logan never thought she would fully agree with Charles on something, but apparently she could. She did not agree with what he did next though. Yelling across the ballroom like that was something she could not truly think was appropriate, especially something of the nature of wanting to dance with someone. "That is not the way you ask a girl to dance," she muttered angrily as Charles walked away, she assumed to talk to someone else. She could not believe he just yelled that at someone from across the room.

Turning, she looked at the boy she was originally talking to. "Just walk up to her and ask her to dance, be polite about it and not to pushy about it." She told him with a soft smile on her face.

MODERATION POST

The ball had barely started, and already, there was chaos reigning at a few odd places among the crowd. Punches were flying, dolls were jumping, there was the screeching call of an invisible whistle - but still, most of the ball so far was peaceful, students enjoying themselves and time with their dates and friends undisturbed. Until that peace, too, was interrupted.

Just as lightning struck outside, followed by thunder so quickly that it was clear that the storm outside was right over the castle, the ballroom's window seemed to burst inward with a crashing sound, and the flames of the candles throughout the room flickered, dark and then back to light, as if a gust of wind had rushed through the room, almost extinguishing their light, but not quite. Some screams echoed through the room as shards of glass went flying, would have the nearest students ducking for cover, trying to shield themselves from the deathly rain of broken glass - and between them, a rider galloped into the ballroom, deathly white and translucent.

It only took a second for the students to realize that the window wasn't actually broken, the masquerade still shielded and safe from storm and rain, and the glass shards had about as much substance as the cat that had been wandering around the ballroom since the ball had started. The ghostly rider, however, would not go ignored. He galloped into ballroom, between and through dancing students who would feel like they had been doused in a cold shower as he passed through them, and then turned in a tight circle as he came to a halt, announcing his business in a booming voice.

“Time is running out!

Something terrible is creeping about this castle, and if no one stops it, tragedy cannot be avoided.

If no one steps up to face this challenge, we are all doomed.

Follow the graceful apparition to find the riddle’s first piece - and if you need my help, call my full name.”

A dramatic entrance, and a mysterious message - a riddle, of sorts, a challenge, an obscure threat. There was a sense of urgency in the ghost's voice, plainly visible on his face: This was not a joke, not a prank, he was deadly serious. A last, almost pleading look was given to anyone who'd meet his eyes, before the ghost would turn his steed around and gallop from the ballroom.

And somewhere among the dancing, masked students, a cat, glowing in a translucent, dreamlike light, rose to stroll gracefully through the air, padded feet light, until she reached the door, where she turned to cast an imperious glance towards anyone watching, and disappeared into the corridor.

OOC Information

• Anyone who wants to investigate this mystery has to change location into The Hunt before November 7th.
• You will have the opportunity to observe/interact with the ghost there.
• You can return to the Costume Party and the Masquerade at any point (as long as you're not involved in combat )
• Only players registered in the Index and iNPCs can take part.
• Questions can be directed towards Dealla Prince and Ileen Knight.

Heather had just bumped into her, but she had only given her a small greeting before she had left.

"So that's Heather, right? And uh...thanks for showing me how to dance...are you wanting to find Heather? I don't mind hanging back if you want to go with her." Piper said, clearly embarrassed.

"Yes, that was Heather. She's a cheerful one. Also, no problem about the dancing."

Piper had continued on, asking if Kara wanted to stay, or whether to follow Kara, but before she could continue, chaos had finally struck.

Lightning blasted and thunder boomed. Her ears ringed from the sound. Letting go of Piper, screams echoed throughout the ballroom and glass shattered, but not really, for it was only an illusion.

She felt a chill go through her, making her shudder. She looked, and near her stood an actual ghost! It was on a horse, and since she and Piper were in the middle, she could've touched it if she wanted to, but she kept her distance.

“Time is running out!

Something terrible is creeping about this castle, and if no one stops it, tragedy cannot be avoided.

If no one steps up to face this challenge, we are all doomed.

Follow the graceful apparition to find the riddle’s first piece - and if you need my help, call my full name.”

The ghost called out it's disturbing riddle, and she kept repeating it in her head.

As she watched it leave, she saw something at the door. It was a beautiful, glimmering cat. It took one last glance at her, straight in the eyes. No mask could cover her from it's gaze. She watched as it ran off, leaving without a trace.

"Sorry Piper, but I got to figure out what's going on." She said, dipping her head in apology.

She ran and pushed through the crowd of children. Some were cowering in fear, while other were trying to understand what had just happened.

When she got to the exit, she decided to make a bold move.

"Anyone who is brave enough or thinks that they can solve this mystery, follow me!" She yelled out, making sure her voice was loud enough to be heard.

After that, she turned her heel and ran off after the sparkling cat. Maybe this mystery would be solved, or it could be her doom.

Actions- Leaving the ball to go solve the mystery of the castle! Also recruiting anyone up to the task.

Interacting with @Flash Holmwood
~ Open to Interactions ~

The walk from the Rehearsal Room to the Ballroom didn't take long. On her way over, Bridget used Scourgify to get the remaining pumpkin gut residue off her hands. She already wasn't wearing any sort of costume, dress, or mask, but she didn't need to be covered in slimy pumpkin guts as well. The Slytherin kept her ears open, thankfully not hearing any screaming. That was a good sign, as was the fact the doors hadn't been sealed shut. Her friends were probably fine.

Bridget stepped into the Ballroom just as it happened. There was a flash of lightning, a loud crash, and the windows shattered. From the spot in the doorway where she'd frozen, there was no threat of being hit by flying glass, but she still flinched. The candlelight flickered but thankfully came back. A few students screamed. From through the flying glass came a figure on a horse, but both were white and not quite solid. Ghosts. It occurred to her that the window hadn't broken after all, but that did nothing for the worry brewing. One look at his expression made it clear something was wrong.

His voice rang through the Ballroom. Time running out. Something terrible. Tragedy. Doomed. It was really nothing new, but it had the same effect it always had. Her heart pounded a little faster and she was overcome with the need to have her wand in hand. Bending over, she retrieved the strip of laurel wood from her boot. Was she still scared? Yes. But having a way of defending herself definitely helped.

She stepped to the side as the cat he'd referenced led the way out the corridor. Already, someone was following it and calling for others to do the same. Bridget shook her head; this was happening too fast. Was this even real? It sure sounded real and the ghost rider had looked plenty serious, but it could be a joke, though a very cruel one. But what if it wasn't a joke? This was far from the first time they were in danger, and just like before, Bridget knew she could hardly stand around and let terrible things happen. She didn't consider herself particularly brave, but she was at least willing to act. To fight and protect what mattered to her.

But first there was the issue of this not being real. Or what if it was a trap? First things first, she needed to make sure this wasn't planned. Instead of following the cat out of the ball, she went away from the door, pushing through the oncoming students. She needed to find Flash. The problem was, there were simply too many people, not to mention everyone was wearing masks. What if she couldn't find him? Had she passed him; was he following the cat? Finally, her gaze landed on him. He was over near the refreshments table and looking rather panicked, though she figured most people were panicking about now.

Making her way to him, she got straight to her point. "This wasn't planned, was it?" She didn't think it was, but it was worth getting confirmation from one of the ball's planners. If it was for some reason it was and the information wasn't supposed to get out, she could keep it quiet, but at this point, she just needed to know.

Action | Arriving at the Masquerade Ball from the Costume Party.
Outfit
Post Tracker | x | x | x

For now everything was as it was supposed to be, nothing had yet decided to spoil the moment as they danced graciously in the middle of the dance floor. He wished it would stay like this forever, but as unusual something had to ruin the moments he hoped for. His eyes darted to a fight at the other end of the ball, where a group of students thought it would be wise to start an all out brawl. He remembered fondly what happened the last ball, and disputes between themselves seemed to be the starting spark of the chaos ahead.

Amara, who also noticed the scuffle was dead set on breaking things up before it started to pick up pace. Stepping out of his grasp she gently placed a kiss on his cheek before wondering over to the disturbance, a smile crossing his lips while she wondered over "I'll be there if you need me..." he said with confidence, knowing she was skilled enough to handle herself without his interference. Percy watched her for a few more seconds before walking to a table and pouring himself some water, his throat dry from the nerves going into the event. His companion looked back at him and motioned some reassurance that she was fine, making the boy offer back a small nod and a grin.

Percy would of helped, but he didn't want to add more fuel to the already blazing fire. It was only right for Amara to intervene first, then if things got bad he would have to get his hands dirty. While he sipped on his drink he kept his eyes clear for anything out of place, anything that could be an indication of another attack. The best thing to do now was to stay calm and set an example for the rest of the students, who were more than likely going to be scared out of their skin when the main event begins to start.

Without warning, lightning strikes and the window broke through with a crash. A bright man on his humble steed came galloping through, almost in urgency to get something off his chest. He announced in a booming voice that something was creeping around the castle, one that could threaten life at Hogwarts as they knew it. However, just as quickly as he entered the horseman galloped out of the ballroom with haste. Percy could only in deep thought from the message, everything was repeating itself all over again. His eyes looked over to Amara worryingly while he slowly withdrew his wand, gripping it tightly in preparation for the uphill battle approaching.

He had a choice, stay with his girlfriend or go after the monster that plagued the halls of their school. She had surely heard the message too, and from the looks of things she probably had the same idea that he did. Go after the problem and wipe it out once and for all. Percy quickly walked up to Amara and stood to the side of her with his wand drawn, trying to be careful of any more fighting that might transpire "What's the call Amara, we stay here and protect what's left or go with everyone else to find this thing?" he questioned, his head swivelling all around for his own safety.

-Stats-
Stamina: 7 / Evasion: 8 / Strength: 6 / Wisdom: 6 Arcane Power: 7 / Accuracy: 6
Ability: Fearless
Outfit
Action: Offering Amara a choice

Interacting with @Amelia Faye

outfit - shoes - mask - gloves - fan weapon - makeup - hairstyle

THE SUDDEN BOLT OF LIGHTNING AND LIGHTNING HAD SAPPHIRE REELING. It struck her as incredibly loud and flashy, a description she would normally associate with a drag queen. And then the shattering, which gave her a momentary flashback to something that had occurred at school when she was still going to muggle schooling.

Even more jarring, however, was the ghost. Maybe it would've been less so if it just seemed like theatrics, but he seemed serious. Dead serious. Sorry not sorry, had to do it. However much she was mildly terrified, however, she was equally curious, especially due to the words he had spoken.

“Time is running out!

Something terrible is creeping about this castle, and if no one stops it, tragedy cannot be avoided.

If no one steps up to face this challenge, we are all doomed.

Follow the graceful apparition to find the riddle’s first piece - and if you need my help, call my full name.”

And then the cat. She loved cats, but this one sort of gave her a chill - and not just because it was dead. She was terribly curious, making the statement, "Curiosity killed the cat," seem almost painfully accurate. She was also made aware of the brawl that had been going on upon looking up, but to her, that was the least of her concerns. Her grip on her weapon tightened.

The pale-haired girl turned to her brief companion. "Hey, I think I'm going to follow that cat. Sorry to drop you like this, but I'm painfully curious - of course, you can also come with me if you want." Her eyes took on a frenzied look, one of a girl who was likely to get herself into trouble. Then she took off unless she got stopped, heading after the curious cat.

FOR MODERATION:
Stats: Stamina - 7, Evasion - 8, Strength - 7, Wisdom - 9, Arc. Power - 7, Accuracy - 7
Species: Fully human
Action: Following the cat, giving Amelia the offer to come with her