Fantasy Hidden Magic // (All spots full!)

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Loire

First off, fuck Cyrus. She would win a game if he stopped swindling her, but she was a complete sucker for him and fell for it every time. Second off, Loire liked to watch a good bit of drama, that was a given. She knew what she said would stir the pot, but nothing to the extreme that her brother was acting like this. Trying to buy his way out of things, treating Dru like she was property, the way he was acting was not himself. The twins were proud to make it through life on their own talents and skills unlike all of their other brothers. As his sister and best friend she suddenly felt the need to intervene and get him out of the situation. Thankfully it seemed that Cyrus was thinking the same thing. "I'll get him."

Loire quickly moved to her feet and slipped in between Larkyn and Hunter to try and create some sort of distance and barrier between the pair. "Hey, come with me so you can just take a breath, all right? I'm all for knocking Hunter on his ass but there's no reason to treating Dru like that. Let's go." Loire gave him a small smile as she pat his arms gently and tried to lead him to walk away with her. She was going to ask him later what he meant by her being "the way she was", but right now was the time to talk her brother out of a mental breakdown. That is, until she felt someone literally push her away from her brother. Loire stumbled slightly and nearly fell on the table as Hunter pushed Loire out of the way just so he could tackle Larkyn.

As much as Loire wanted to use her magic to separate the boys she knew it wasn't possible, she was too anxious to keep her ice at bay. Maybe this was good? They'd get out their aggression on each other and maybe knock some sense into each other? Or maybe Hunter would get his face kicked in, her money would be on her brother winning any day. Instead Loire gave a small sigh and looked over at Cyrus. "Your turn." With that said Loire moved to Dru crossed her arms. "Just ignore them. Come. I'll show you that book."

Without waiting for a response she moved to her small room. it didn't take her long to pull the large black ancient looking book from underneath her bed. She quickly opened to the section that detailed the magic that Dru experienced in the basement. "Dru I don't think whatever is going on between you and my brother is fair to either one of you." Loire never got involved in people's drama, but right now it involved her brother and it was clearly upsetting him. If they weren't going to solve things then she would.

 

[Sir Damien]

Hunter

"Bloody moron, eh? Well it's about time you grew a pair Waters. And at least I went down making a stand for SOMETHING. You don't even fucking have a passion. What's your passion, being a goody-two-shoes, a trophy husband, or being everyone's favorite kiss ass? Take your pick, nobody likes either." His black eyes narrowed as Larkyn moved past the table and he immediately jumped up to his feet. Larkyn may have been an auror but he was also not as muscular as Hunter was. He may have stood toe to toe in a battle of magic, but anything physical Hunter was sure he'd be victorious.

And then he brought up Loire's and Hunter's engagement and all he could do was laugh. "Oh trust me buddy, I've NEVER been thrilled about my engagement either! Your sister is the most antisocial little cretin I've ever had the misfortune to meet, but our parents say I have to marry her. And news flash, your fancy family isn't that great and if anyone has a brain they would run the other way. But you know what? At least I've always made an attempt to be closer to your sister, to maybe have a good relationship. I always get told to fuck off, but I tried! What do you do with Dru? Just expect her to save herself when she goes missing? Real nice of you to be trapped in a room with me all night by the way. Not make a damn attempt at being anything other than good friends?"

And then he started in on Hunter's and Dru's relationship. They were just friends, right? And what did that even matter? "Dru is her own person and she can determine who she converses with without running it by you, you're not her fucking keeper. She's got a good head on her shoulders, something you clearly can't say right now. Throw your fucking money around a little more there rich boy." And then he saw the tears in Dru's eyes and all he could see was red. Loire stepped in between the boys and Hunter was quick to push her out of the way before he pretty much tackled Larkyn to the ground, his fist flying into his face. Violence was always the last scenario for him, but seeing Dru upset over how Larkyn was treating her and acting... he just kind of lost it.

 

[Colt Voltage]

Terran

Oy vey, the testosterone in the air was too much for even Terran to handle. He noticed how Dixie avoided the conversation, he'd focus on that once this situation was under control. There were tears, yelling, pushing, demands being made, and just an unhealthy amount of animosity towards each other. As soon as Loire was pushed Hunter tackled Larkyn like a crazy person, Loire was walking off with Dru and Terran suddenly felt at a loss. Dixie had the door covered and that left most likely Cyrus and Terran to take control of the situation.

After a punch he noticed blood and Terran quickly jumped to his feet, pulling out his wand and waving it. Suddenly large vines began to appear from the floor out of nowhere and wrapped themselves around Hunter in order to pull him off of Larkyn. Why dirty his own hands ,risk hurting his gorgeous face when he could just use a little magic to solve this issue? "Hunter, seriously. Chill out. Dru and Larkyn can handle this on their own and I'm sure she doesn't need you to fight her battles for her. You say you respect her so damn much, give her the space to figure out her life. OK?"

Terran looked back to notice the blood on Larkyn's face and he winced slightly. That nose, it looked broken. He needed to stay here to talk some sense into Hunter, Larkyn was beyond the point of reasoning, that kind of left Sapphira to help him. "Safflower, do you mind looking after our injured friend there? I think he may need a nurse." With a serious smile and a firm squeeze to Hunter's shoulder he gave Sapphira a small nod. "I'll take care of this fellow here." He then moved to the door and poked his head out, his smile relaxing a little as his eyes laid on Dixie. "Saff is going to escort Larkyn to the nurse, please don't attack them."

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Sapphira

Oh, no no no! What was happening? Everything was falling apart! Things were getting worse by the second. As soon as Hunter spoke up Larkyn did a complete 180, he was always such a sweet, kind guy even though he was born with a privilege that could make him douchey. And now, now he was acting like that douche! But she knew deep down he was hurting, he was practically backed into a corner and Sapphira completely felt for the guy. Loire tried to simmer the situation, Dru was crying and Hunter completely lost his shit.

As soon as Hunter attacked Larkyn she wanted to react, to start a fire or something to get him to back off. Blood splattered and her heart shattered, and it was a good thing that Terran pulled Hunter and Cyrus grabbed Larkyn. Loire was already gone and taking Dru with her, Dixie was outside, and all Sapphira could think to do was run and get some ice from the freezer. Once she was back Terran was asking her, or at least Safflower or whoever the hell that was, to take him to the nurse. "O-Oh, of course. Yes. I can take him." The red headed woman approached Larkyn with a gentle smile, hoping that he would know that she wasn't against him like everyone else right now.

"Calm down tiger, we're friends right?" Gently she placed the ice on his nose, grimacing slightly at the sight of it. There was a lot of blood and it looked painful. "Here, can you hold this?" Her soft, warm hand gently moved his to the ice to get him to hold it. "Come on." Sapphira gently held his free hand so she could lead him out the door, pretty much letting him know that not going wasn't an option. "We'll be back soon, smack some sense into Hunter for me?" Sapph waved to Dixie on their way out, making her way towards the infirmary afterwards.

There was an awkward silence for a long time and Sapphira hated it. They had to talk about something! This wasn't him and that worried her. Did...she have a place in his life to worry? Probably not, but that didn't stop her. Suddenly she spun around and wrapped her arms around him tightly in a hug. He could freak out and hit her, push her away, yell at her...that wasn't the Larkyn she knew though. Right now he was hurting and hugs always made her feel better. "It'll be OK. We'll get everything all sorted out, I promise. Just, don't try and buy your way out, all right? Dru's hurting, you're hurting, we'll figure everything out. I'll help you guys." A part of her was sad to help them work on their relationship, a bit of her was selfish in wanting to keep hanging out with him. But if healing their relationship and making sure the couple worked out made them happy then that would be it, that would be what she would do.

 

[ZombieBaee]

Druella “Dru” Arville

“Stop it!” Dru yelled when the two men began to get physical, her eyes widening and her hand moving to her mouth to cover the gasp that escaped her. Never in her life had she seen Larkyn hit anyone, every single argument or fight he got in was one of words or magic. Hunter on the other hand, she couldn’t say she was surprised. Not that he seemed violent but… from what she heard about him he had been through some things that could possibly require this sort of resolution. Lorie tried to stop them but was quickly tossed aside. Dru was simply frozen in her place, shock was overtaking all of her senses and she couldn’t do anything but stand there and watch. Why was this all such a big deal? Why was Larkyn being so ridiculous and why was Hunter being so protective? Most of all why did she feel both flattered and absolutely pissed off?

Loire approached her, gently grabbing Dru and taking her to the other room. The mention of the book pulled her attention slightly but for the most part she still felt numb until she as completely out of sight from the scene in the living room. The girls were now in the room that Loire had been staying in. Dru took a seat on the bed whike she watched Loire pull out a book that looked older than the fucking school out from under it. She instantly moved closer to it, her hand reaching out to open the cover when Loires comment made her freeze.

What did she mean by that? Was the first thought that came to her head. The second was, of course it isn’t. Part of Dru wanted to still pretend that everything was fine between her and Larkyn but it clearly wasn’t. The scene out in the other room proved that. “Loire-“ Dru didn’t know what to say. The girls weren’t close at all and this was Larkyns sister but Jesus Dru needed to talk to someone about how she had been feeling. “I love Larkyn, I love him more than my father, my cousins, my grandparents. He’s the only person on the planet until now who’s ever seen me as a person and not a pawn. We get along so well, besides you his family is lovely. There’s no reason to not marry him, to not love getting married to him.” Dru felt emotion swelling in her chest and she swallowed. “But I’m not in love with him and he’s not in love with me. I thought it would happen, grow. We would learn to be a real couple, and if we didn’t I would care because he’s an amazing guy. But-“ She sighed and leaned into the pillows, her head hitting the headboard with a thud. “I do care, I-“

Hunter suddenly came to mind and Dru wanted to fucking scream. “Love is stupid, everything I’ve worked so hard for goes down the drain if I fuck up this marriage but, I respect Larkyn so much and you’re right. Whatever is going on isn’t fair.” Dru didn’t fully understand her own mind right now but she knew, Loire was unfortunately right.

Drus attention went back to the book, her hand passing over the cover slowly. “Larkyn knows things about me that few others know. Things that could have ruined me. Things that he’s always tried to protect. I feel like such an awful person that I don’t- that I don’t love him that way.”

 

[ZombieBaee]

Dixie

Inside the house Dixie could suddenly hear a commotion and it caused her to let out a sigh. Boys. The two of them were acting like some of the students. Fighting this way was childish and stupid. Dixie understood that sometimes that needed to happen, sometimes emotions ran high and logic didn’t come into play but, just because she understood didn’t mean she needed to be a spectator. The noise behind her got louder for a moment, then quiet, then loud again and finally she heard the voices of Cyrus and Terran signaling they were breaking the boys up.

A few moments later the door opened and Terran peeked his head out, warning her that Sapphira would be taking Larkyn to the infirmary. Lovely. Then the other two made their way out and Dixie stood from the swing, watching the two of them and shaking her head. When Sapphira waved Dixie gave her a slight smile and a wave in return. Now it was time to head inside.

Inside she eyed the group, noting the absence of Loire and Dru. Hunter was breathing heavily and Cyrus was still holding the guys arms back while Terran stood near by. Dixie crossed the room and stood right in front of the tall man, glaring over at him like a disappointed mother. “You need to go take a walk. Or go to bed. Either way, find a place to go and think about what you did here. Larkyn was bleeding when he left, Cyrus looks worried. Your fiancé is off helping the girl you … the girl you just fought someone over! Hunter use your head! Go- just go. Go think.” Dixie hummed at the end, shooting a loot at Cyrus that said to let him go. “And don’t talk to Dru tonight. That poor girl is confused enough and you don’t need to go make things worse. Get your own emotions under control before you go fighting someone else’s battles.”

Dixie stepped away and turned to Cyrus, “And you, make sure he listens.” This was all such a mess. They were supposed to be role models, showing the students a good example. All of this drama wasn’t good and honestly Dixie had enough on her plate! The letter from her mother was weighing terribly on her and the last thing she wanted was to deal with this shit! The house needed to remain neutral and peaceful. If it didn’t Dixie would start kicking ass.

“Now I’m going to make some tea. Relax. And end my night on a good note. I’ll make some for Dru and Loire as well and someone can serve it to them. Would anyone else like a cup?” Dixie didn’t wait for an answer, instead she swiftly made her way to the kitchen and began heating a kettle.

 

[EclipseRosee]

Larkyn

Honestly? Larkyn didn’t know what was going on with him. He was stressed. He was scared. He was pissed. He was confused. It was all turning him into a person even he didn’t recognize. Drus words broke his heart, he didn’t mean to make her feel that way. To make her feel like he didn’t care about her feelings. It just felt like she was forgetting who she was! Dru was so strong and opinionated but she also had a huge secret. One that would ruin her if others found out! It didn’t feel like befriending such a loose canon was a good idea! But. Everyone was right. It wasn’t his place to tell her what to do. Would that mean he backed down right now? No. Larkyn wanted nothing more that to beat the shit out of Hunter for multiple reasons, it just meant the two of them needed to have a conversation soon…

Then everything started to happen fast. Whatever bit of Larkyn was starijng to feel bad and calm down, was gone when Hunter opened his fucking mouth. Then all hell broke loose. The two men went at it, Larkyn wasn’t exactly sure when his nose was broken. All he could remember was a sudden pain that was quickly lost by his anger. Larkyn wasn’t a fighter, not this way at least. But despite this he felt like he at least got a few good hits in on Hunter before the two of them were yanked apart. “You are an absolute LOSER DRAKE. You literally made a whole new version of yourself just to amount to fucking nothing. You’re stuck here with the rest of us due to your failed stunt and your involved with people who fucking kidnapped two women. Loser.” Larkyn spat at Hunters feet as Sapphira approached him. Her holding the ice to his face caused him to snap out of it slightly. “W-What? Oh yeah.”

Larkyn blinked a few times as Sapphira took his free hand and pulled him away from the house. As they walked he began to think back over everything that had been said. God… he fucked up didn’t he? As his kind wandered he zoned out a little until he was stunned by Sapphira hugging him. “W-whoa. Sapphira it’s okay.” She was rambling about helping him and trying to make him feel better, it made Larkyns heart beat a little faster in his chest. No one really checked in on him, “I- Thank you Saph.”

“I know I was wrong back there. I said things I don’t mean. I was awful to Hunter and Dru. But- I think this is just the start of a larger conversation that needs to be had. A much more adult one, without Hunters help.” Larkyn still didn’t like the guy. “Thank you.” Larkyn used his free arm to wrap around her shoulders and pull her a bit closer, “You’re such a good soul. You’ve been such a good friend to be despite how much of an ass I’ve been recently. Seriously, thank you.”

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Loire

What was this? Were they bonding? That was not her intention here, Loire was just trying to tell the girl to set her brother free in the kindest way she knew possible. But it wasn't like Dru had many people to talk to right now... God, why was Loire such a saint sometimes? She leaned against the post of her bed silently while she listened to Dru's concerns, scowling slightly when she mentioned 'everyone but her' being lovely. What the fuck did Loire do today to be insulted by her brother AND Dru? Payback would be paid ten fold in due time, that she could assure. "Well let me start off with, I've never been thrilled about your engagement to my brother. And no one in my family is lovely; my mother and father are sanctimonious, my brothers are insipid at best, the only redeeming member is Larkyn. I think you're a bore if you think they're lovely." That was Loire's way of making light of the situation whether it helped or not.

The image of Cyrus flashed in her head and she grimaced once again. "You can't control who you love, trust me it's miserable and I've tried to forget. That doesn't make you an awful person. I can take one look at the two of you and tell you don't love each other, you're just another victim of the archaic arraigned marriage. No matter how foolish our parents think you can't just fall for their pre-selected partner." Like her, like Hunter. None of them asked for this. "My brother's a great guy, don't tell him I said that or anything, and you know that if anything happens that he would keep your secrets. What the two of you do isn't my call, but I'm sure the feelings are mutual. Call it twin intuition or whatever, but he's just as confused. Boys are just idiots and don't know how to vocalize these things."

And with that said Loire picked up the heavy ancient book and handed it to Dru. "I'll figure out a way to get you guys to sit down together."

--

The next few days went by way too fast, what between trying to set up a meeting between her brother and Dru and trying work up the courage to ask Cyrus to the dance she felt like she was drowning. Thankfully class was going well, the students were on their best behavior and didn't want to be in trouble before the dance or the race. It was getting to be too much, so much so that she 'asked' (told) Cyrus to help her with the meeting.

AKA locking Dru and Larkyn in a room together. Not for all night this time, just until they've had the chance to talk without Hunter butting his big fucking head into the conversation. Loire had Maximus deliver her brother a letter telling him to meet her in the library, and the cat delivered the same one to Dru right after. "So you're really going to make me ask you to this dance, aren't you?" Loire was waiting around the corner from the library ready to strike as soon as the two were inside. "Rather cruel of you, dare say I admire that in you." A small smirk formed on her lips as she leaned against the wall, crossing her arms over her chest. "Make sure you lock them in there good and fine, I'll ask. That's the deal." She was sure Cyrus knew that she wanted to go with him, they went to pretty much every dance together... well, they went with Larkyn who paired off with Dru, leaving the two of them alone with each other all the time. They were never technically each others date.

And so that's what happened. They gave Dru and Larkyn a good time out with each other, Loire fumbled a few times before managing to ask Cyrus to go to the stupid fucking dance with her, 'found' them later on that evening, and returned home. Loire didn't pry into what happened, she was sure they just wanted to let things simmer for the night. They ate dinner with everyone and Loire called it an early night.

In the morning she somehow got conned into getting ready with the girls by Sapphira. Before this year Loire didn't have to attend any of these events unless her brother dragged her to some event with Dru (hopefully that won't happen anymore), so she was dragging her feet on getting ready. Didn't they do this enough in school? The only small positive was the fact that she got to dance with Cyrus, but that was also the biggest downside. Why did they torture themselves when they knew they wouldn't be anything?

"Sapphira I'm allergic to color, if that lipstick even comes near me my skin will melt off." She had been getting ready with the girls for an only hour and she was already ready for bed.

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Sapphira

Sapphira knew being in the magical world again would make her feel confused again. Her life at home was simple; she was her fathers secretary, an exercise enthusiast, a good church going girl, and spent a little too much occasionally on a shopping spree. She buried down her magic so that she could live her simple life, and one day she'd meet a successful, get married, have a family, the dream her parents drilled in her head since she was young. Larkyn hugging her, complimenting her, it made her heart race and face heat. She had never felt this way before and it was kind of scary? It made her want to stay just so she could cheer him on.

After the hug she made sure to escort him to the infirmary and wait for him to get looked at. She remained quiet most of the time, and once his nose was fixed and cleaned they went back to the house. The next few days she thankfully was able to distract herself from the confusing feelings with the spirit week, the games, and the dance. Sapphira suggested the girls all go together, Loire refused but Sapphira was at least able to convince her to get ready with them! That was a win in her book.

Having all the girls together would hopefully cheer up Dru and Dixie, it was clear that Dru was going through a lot and Dixie seemed like she was going through something. No matter how much she asked though Dixie seemed to dodge the topic. It was getting to the point that she was actually getting frustrated, and that was something that rarely happened. "Oh, Loire! This is a dark red, it's only got a teensy bit of color. Fine, fine. Wear all black, but I swear I'll get you in color one day." With a small pout Sapphira placed the lipstick back in her makeup bag. Her hair was already pulled halfway back and pinned with the red bow, her red locks curled so they fell down her shoulders perfectly. She was just excited to let loose and have a good time with her friends. Hopefully everyone would be able to do just that too!

 

[Sir Damien]

Hunter

Never in his life had Hunter been in a fist fight, least of all with someone he considered a friend, well someone he once considered a friend. He felt bad, he really did, but in the heat of the moment it was the only way he knew how to react. Just the tears in Dru's eyes made him see red and he didn't completely understand why! Part of him wanted to make up with Larkyn, part of him wanted to stay mad, but all he knew was that Dru was upset at him so Hunter (or Drake the loser as Larkyn deemed him) was mad at him, too. He had never felt like this and it was driving him fucking insane!

The next few days Hunter really separated himself from everyone to try and process what was going on within himself. Dru was different than anyone he had ever met before, he cared about what she thought, how she felt, what she was going through. With Loire he always faked his interest in her life, he knew that they'd be stuck together and married one day but he also recognized that she hated him. That was just going to be his life and he was fine with that on some level! That is, until he met someone just as in need of a friend as him. Dru was a like minded individual, something he hadn't found in someone before. Maybe that was why she was so special?

That is, until Dixie got onto him about his mopey feelings. Do you even realize why you're acting such a fool? Her words resonated with him. Why was he acting like this? He... felt something for her? More than the silly forced arraigned feelings, this feelings were real and that scared the ever living shit out of him. No matter how scared he was though that didn't excuse his behavior. No wonder the girls didn't ask any of them to the dance.

Speaking of. Today was the day of the dance that the kids had been looking forward to and Hunter couldn't be any less thrilled. There was one thing he needed to get done though for himself, so as soon as the girls started to get ready together Hunter went around the house looking for Larkyn. "I come in peace." He held up his hands and gave a small smile. "I, uh, just wanted to say you're right. It wasn't right of me to hit you no matter how mad I got. I just, I've got feelings I don't understand and they're confusing as hell and, and I just wanted to come to Dru's defense if that makes sense? That doesn't justify me popping you in the nose. I really am sorry, dude. You've been one of my only friends since we were kids and I'd really hate to lose that, but I totally get it if you hate me."

It was really hard to be mad at Hunter like this, he looked almost like a wounded puppy apologizing like this. He was still processing his feelings but he also didn't want to lose the little amount of friends that he had.

 

[EclipseRosee]

Larkyn

Larkyn didn’t know what in the hell was going on with him. His nose was broken by someone who was an old friend. His fiancé seemed to hate his guts and he made her cry for the first time in their long relationship. He was being mean to Loire and the others. He was acting like a different person! Everything was just so fucking stressful and it seemed like his good happy life was changing so quickly that he clearly didn’t know how to handle it. Larkyn didn’t like the way he was acting but it was almost like he couldn’t help it, he was just acting out. He knew he needed to stop, needed to clear things up and do better. Apparently his sister felt the same way because the next day he found himself locked in a room with Dru.

“She can’t just keep locking people in rooms.” Larkyn sighed, running a hand through his pale blonde hair before turning to look at Dru where she sat. She meant a lot to him, they had done so much together and dealt with so much bullshit. They were close friends. He wanted to make sure she was safe, in ways that a lot of other people couldn’t. But… whatever was going on between them felt wrong and strange. “Dru- I’m sorry. You don’t need my permission to do literally anything in life, I don’t know why I was acting that way.”

Yes you do.

“I just- Hunter used to be a good friend, deep down I think he’s a good guy. I just worry about you. He’s not the most discreet person and you have dangerous secrets.” Larkyn sat down besides her and gave her a bit of a sad smile, “And I’m a little jealous. And guilty. And sorry. I see the way you are with him, the way he is with you. I realize that’s not what we are, we never will be despite years of trying to force something. I love you but, I don’t think we love each other like a husband and wife would. Right?”

-

Then came the day of the dance. Larkyn and Dru had hashed some things out and while they were doing much better between the two of them, they were both still clueless on where to go from here. Not getting married would royally fuck up their lives. Their parents would be angry beyond belief and Dru would likely lose everything she had worked for with the ministry if her father had any say in the matter. For now though he just had to be happy they were on speaking terms, even if not going as chaperone dates.

Larkyn was sitting in the den, finding a bit of time to relax and read amidst all the chaos in his life when Hunter came in and began speaking. For the first time in weeks, the sight of the man didn’t make Larkyn want to punch him. That was a good sign. He closed his book and listened, his eyebrows raising slightly as Hunter explained his feelings. “It makes sense. You don’t have to apologize at all, you did nothing wrong.” His nose was healing fine after the trip to the infirmary and even Larkyn couldn’t dispute that it was warranted. “In hindsight, I’m actually kind of happy you felt the need that strongly to protect her. Even if it was from me.”

Larkyn stood up from his seat and made his way over to Hunter, clasping a hand on his shoulder. “She says she doesn’t need it, but she needs it a lot more that I ever paid attention to. That’s on me.” He moved slightly past the man before stopping and turning around, “Make sure you try and get a dance with her tonight, she deserves to actually finally go to one of these things with someone she actually likes… now come on we need to get ready then go help set up.”

 

[ZombieBaee]

Druella “Dru” Arville

Dru thought a lot about what Loire had to say that night, about how it wasn’t fair to them and all that. She wasn’t wrong. How she was sure that Larkyn was feeling the same way she was. It was partially a weight off her shoulders but also kind of sad. Were the two of them just doomed then? It was something they would have to talk about… just not something she wanted to talk about. Dru planned to simply ignore it until it caused an issue again, it seemed Loire and Cyrus had other plans because the following morning she found herself locked in a room with her fiancé.

Larkyn was the first to speak and Dru found herself unable to look up. It was part shame and part guilt. It wasn’t until he moved closer to her that she finally looked up. “Y-you’re right. We don’t.” She felt herself tear up a little. “But what in the hell are we supposed to do about it? It’s not like we have much of a choice.”

-

The girls decided to attend the ball as a group, it was probably better this way with all the drama but Dru couldn’t help but feel a little at fault for that. “She means it, I’ve seen it happen. Horrifying really.” Dru spoke mindlessly as she perfected her eyeliner in a mirror. Sapphira had been trying to get Loire to wear a different lipstick and it just would not happen.

Dru leaned back from the mirror and turned around, smoothing out the tight bronze material of her dress. “Does my hair look okay?” She fussed with it for the thousandth time, tucking a stray curl behind her ear before clipping in the Bobby pin. Something about going to a dance like this again was making her a little anxious. They were chaperoning sure but at any event she normally had Larkyn by her side in some way, he would still be there of course but things felt way different now.

“I am not looking forward to helping set this thing all up. Do you think the buys are almost ready to head to the main hall?”

 

[ZombieBaee]

Dixie

Dixie was apparently the next one to lose her ever loving mind. Hunter got yelled at. Larkyn got yelled at. Cyrus got some of her wrath after breaking a teacup. That one she backed off and apologized for but still. Not knowing exactly was going on with her mom was freaking her out. So she asked Larkyn for a favor amidst all the drama. Dixie went to him with the letter and asked if he could get a tracker to find the sender, it took some convincing to explain to him that it wasn’t a danger just someone from her past she hadn’t seen in a while. She begged him not to read it, she didn’t want to answer questions. Eventually he agreed and sent it off with an added message to a tracker friend of his, letting her know he would tell her when he got word.

Larkyn didn’t come back with any news until the morning of the dance, catching her alone in the kitchen as she brewed everyone’s coffee for the day. The news nearly made her faint but she did her best to hold it together until she was alone. Her mother was in London? That made no sense. But the tracker found her, staying in a small apartment that was barely furnished. Dixie wasn’t exactly sure what to do with this news but… she knew that it had to take a back burner for now. Tonight was about the kids and she needed to act like it.

So Dixie pushed the thoughts to the back of her head and went and got ready with the girls. Most of the time she sat silently and got ready, painting on her simple makeup and putting her hair up into a braided crown before heading to the washroom to get dressed. When she came back out it seemed the others were pretty much ready and Sapphira was arguing with Loire about lipstick. “Your hair looks fine Dru. And they better be ready, we have things to get done.”

Dixie didn’t wait, she simply left the room and headed towards the front room to wait for everyone to arrive. Maybe she wasn’t doing such a good job of pushing back those thoughts….

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Loire

What was up with Dixie? Just when she thought she finally helped settle the awkwardness in the house between her brother and Dru now it seemed the issues went to Dixie. She'd address that one after the dance, once everything finally settled and they had the chance to talk. Not now, now they had to go set up for the dance. Boring, something she'd 100 percent skip out on, but Elana didn't leave any room for objections. Neither was Dixie apparently. "I kind of want to see what happens if one of the boys aren't ready, what would she do to them?" More or less thinking out loud Loire slipped into her black gothic heels and made her way to the front room.

Every other dance Cyrus and Loire were just the two outcasts that paired off, that was something she was fine with. This one made her feel... nervous. Awkward? What was she even supposed to do with a date? It wasn't like they ever danced, they just usually hung back and gossiped. Luckily for her Larkyn was dateless this year it seemed and she would have him be the buffer between the two. Until then, however, she would decorate the ballroom with the horribly tacky décor.

---

After an hour of decorating (would have taken double the time without magic) the place looked just as tacky as she anticipated. Elana was thrilled with how it turned out (the poor woman had horrible taste, really) and soon all the students began to join.

Loire didn't like anything loud. Loud music, loud people, whatever it was it overwhelmed her. Most of her life she was tucked away in a quiet corner and that's how she liked it. Every dance she was pressured into attending by her mother, she claimed it was a 'memory' she'd treasure when in reality she only remembered sneaking off with Cyrus. Turns out tonight was no different. She held out as long as she could but the bass started bumping a half hour into the dance. By an hour into the dance she wanted to stab out her ears with icicles. She was going to have to leave, rules or not. Thankfully Sapphira was distracting Larkyn, Dixie and Dru were off talking to some students, and Hunter and Terran were observing everything awkwardly. The headmistress was off socializing, this was the perfect time. No one would miss her.

"Here." Loire came back to the table in the corner after she grabbed her and Cyrus a drink, in reality she was scoping out the room. She handed him his solo cup before setting hers down. "I'm bailing. If caught we're suspect to get in trouble, should you accept the risks you're more than welcome to come with." Though she was speaking normal, or as normal as she could, she was extremely anxious and on edge. A part of her felt bad that Cyrus always got sucked into her trouble, he deserved to be able to just have a fun date but she was thankful that he always joined her. She didn’t want to get him into any more trouble than needed, at the same time she wasn’t going to leave the dance without letting him know.

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Sapphira

Something was going on with Dixie, but it seemed every time Sapphira even mentioned the topic she dodged it! Her friend never acted like this, the only time she was shady like this was when her family and her were involved. She hoped that her family wasn't harassing Dixie or guilting her in some way... she'd have to question her best friend later on in the night. They were, however, right. They had to go decorate for the dance, so as soon as Sapphira slipped on the red heels that matched her bow she smoothed out her sparkling knee length dress and headed out with everyone.

She just wanted everyone to have a good time, students and staff and miscreant alike. That's what the dance was for, right? Death eaters, kidnapping, drama, it was time to put all that aside for just one night and to enjoy the night. For a good while she sat with Dru and Dixie, there was some tension in the air with Dixie but thankfully Dru seemed in some sort of a positive spirit? Some students approached them and talked to them about their dresses and how nice the place looked, they chatted about a few other things before the students went to go dance with their friends.

Sapphira made her rounds around the ballroom and noticed Larkyn, Cyrus, and Loire sitting in a table in the corner. They looked so bored, and as much as Sapphira told herself that being around Larkyn wasn't a good idea it didn't stop her from wanting to cheer him up. Plus they hadn't talked much that week, she was curious on how he was doing. She ended up walking up to the table and convincing Larkyn to make rounds with her. That was their job as chaperones, right?

"Your nose looks like it's healing up nicely, I don't think it'll scar at all." The red headed woman gave him a cheerful smile as they walked around the ballroom. Her cheeks heated at the thought of his nose and the trip to the infirmary, she remembered hugging him and all the confusing feelings attached to it. Quietly she cleared her throat and attempted to change the subject. "We haven't had much time to talk this week, how are you doing?"

 

[Sir Damien]

Hunter

Hold the fucking phone-- Larkyn was fine with him breaking his nose? He was fucking HAPPY that he did it in Dru's defense? I mean, yeah he was supposed to be happy that someone defended her her, but did Larkyn understand why he did it? And he was fine with it? He was telling him to dance with her? And what did he mean by someone that she actually likes? Did he really know how he felt for her... and he was just FINE with it? Maybe the broken nose fucked up his brain more than he anticipated. Hey, whatever. They were cool again. "I, uh, set up. Yeah! Sounds good." With a small nervous chuckle he headed down stairs to meet everyone.

Decorating would be normally easy, however with seeing Dru was making everything so difficult. She looked... drop dead fucking gorgeous. Hunter never felt this way about anyone ever; he'd attended a few formal events with Loire when they were younger and she was always put together, she always looked nice, but he never forgot to breath when he looked at her. Every time he looked at Dru he forgot to breath, his face turned red, and his heart began to beat loudly in his chest. The bronze dressed complimented her figure, her curls perfect, and she just looked fucking amazing.

Hunter looked nice, he had a clean and crisp suit that complimented her muscles paired with a silk black and bronze tie (purely a coincidence, that was just the only tie he owned), his hair was slicked back and he looked good. Confidence was never an issue with the cocky and overconfident man, but when it came to Dru he was a fumbling, bumbling mess. Once the dance began he wrestled with trying to ask her to dance, Larkyn told him to after all and he agreed, but he was procrastinating. What if she said no?

Sapphira left Dixie and Dru and he still felt overwhelmed. Hunter was hanging back with Terran just doing their chaperone job but he couldn't take his eyes off of Dru. Thankfully after some liquid courage from the flask he had tucked in his breast pocket he found himself able to approach her. "Ladies, I hope your night is going well?" Hunter flash a small nervous grin as he approached the girls, though his eyes couldn't leave Dru for some reason. "Hey, uh, you in the mood for anything? A drink, dance, snack? Maybe some company? You look amazing, I mean you look good every day, but still. Uh, yeah, drink? Whatever you need I can get you." Great, now he was stumbling over his words.

 

[Colt Voltage]

Terran

The whole reason Terran didn't believe in dating was because he didn't want to deal with any confusing feelings. Love, jealousy, worry, he was fine with a passionate fling here and there. However being stuck in one place for so long already had him concerned for the others well being; more specifically, he found himself worried about the change with Dixie. She seemed less enthusiastic, more stressed, and a tad bit temperamental. A few of the students had even approached him to ask what was wrong with her, and of course Terran had asked her in some nonchalant ways but never directly. It wasn't getting better, in fact he thought she was getting worse. Terran was going to ask her flatly what was wrong, it was just how and when he was going to ask that he struggled with.

After a little set up he was hoping that things would settle down with the students pooling in. Back in the day he would sit with his friends, dance with a few girls, and just have a good time. He only wished that Dixie was able to relax at the dance with the students but she seemed just as troubled as she did earlier. It was only when Hunter moved to Dru when Terran summoned the courage to approach as well. Hopefully she didn't snap on him like she did with poor Cyrus and the teacup. "You look exceptionally amazing tonight, I only wish you felt as happy as you usually do." Terran sat down a cup of punch next to her on the table before sitting down in the seat next to her. Here goes.

"I don't wish to pry Dixie, but I do find myself concerned with you the last few weeks. You're not quite yourself, if I may be so bold to say." Terran was dressed in a forest green suit, a cream colored tie and his hair was in a bun, despite not having a date he did want to look nice. Still, for the first time he found himself nervous when talking to a woman. "I won't ask for specifics, but may I ask you to put your mind at ease for a night? We could dance. It would be a shame attending a dance and not even participate, chaperone or not."

 

[ZombieBaee]

Druella “Dru” Arville

At least for once it wasn’t her acting a mess, instead it was Dixie. Dru wasn’t sure what was going on with the woman but honestly it wasn’t her business, that was between Dixie and herself. If anyone wanted to step in it should be Sapphira, weren’t they like best friends or something? “Considering the other night she was willing to drag them back into the house with her magic? I don’t think we want to know what she’ll do in this mood of hers.” Dru finished up and gathered her things before heading out with the others to help set up the ball.

It was a lot cheesier than she remembered when she was a student, maybe due to all the events she had attended now. Or maybe just because it was worse now. The over done sparkle and fake glamor, the pillars that each were decorated for one of the four elements. It was all just a lot to take in. When you combined that with over excited and awkward preteens and teenagers, it was a lot. Even for someone like her that attended countless balls and galas.

Once everything was ready to go and dancing was in full swing, Dru found herself people watching from where she sat with Dixie and Sapphira, at least until Sapphira got up and went off somewhere. Dru was lost in reminiscing, remembering all the dances she went to in her seven years at school. The annual ball like this, the random one offs that they had tried like the end of the year ball and a few different attempts at holiday parties. All of them she was at with Larkyn, they were always together and until recently she was perfectly content with that. But now, looking back on it all? She was a little sad that she never got those experiences that all of these kids got to have. Your first boyfriend, asking a boy to a dance or out in general, being asked out. Going single with friends. Choosing your friends. Choosing your partner. Choosing anything. It wasn’t until now that Dru truly realized, she wasn’t as independent and strong as she thought. Nearly all of her life had been chosen for her, the only thing she truly ever picked was working at the Ministry and her father was so completely against it.

Hunter approached them and Dru looked up from where she sat at the table, blinking at him a few times before stifling a laugh. “Anything yeah?” Terran was shortly behind Hunter, sitting down near Dixie and Dru quickly realized she didn’t want to be nearby this table anymore. “Punch sounds amazing.” She quickly stood from her chair and grabbed Hunter by the wrist to pull him towards the beverage table. It wasn’t until she crossed the ballroom that she realized her hand was wrapped around his wrist and her face heated, causing her to quickly release him and cross her arms across her chest.

“Ah-sorry.” Dru sighed, quickly turning and getting a glass for each of them to hide her blushing face. Why was she getting so fucking flustered. She turned and handed him one with a small smile, “I didn’t mean to just yank you over here. That was rude. But back to that anything comment, there’s so many wicked thi-“

“Professor Arville!” Dru was cut off, her attention going to two of her sixth year potions students running up to her with grins on their faces. “Your dress is so pretty! Is this your boyfriend?” One of the two girls stopped and elbowed the other, Dru watched as she whispered something and she could barely make out the name Larkyn. Embarrassment began to creep in and Dru shifted awkwardly, trying to come up with what to say. Thankfully the minds of teenage girls moved onto the next thing quickly and soon then we’re rambling again. In the background Dru vaguely heard the music change tempo. “Oh my lord. You guys are all cute and coordinated! That means you HAVE to dance Professor Arville.” Dru began to protest but the glass was swiped from both her and Hunter. Then the two of them were quite literally pushed towards the dance floor.

“Hah- I-girls!” Dru turned and gave them both looks that caused them both to scamper away giggling. She turned back to Hunter, at this point her face beet red. “I’m so sorry, they’re such good kids they’re just excitable.”

 

[ZombieBaee]

Dixie

Dixie was being fairly rude, she knew it but she was just so on edge. It wasn’t fair, especially when she had been so nasty to Hunter and Larkyn just a few days earlier for acting the same way. Though those two were really acting a mess. Thankfully getting to the ballroom and starting set up made her forget the real world for a little while. This was usually one of her favorite parts of the year, the kids had so much fun and Dixie was just glad to be a part of helping them make good memories. Unfortunately this year she found herself quite distracted. Dixie wanted to talk to Sapphira, she knew her best friend would never judge her for anything. But Sapphira was so proper, so sweet and seemed to come from such a well off family. It was embarrassing to discuss her upbringing, it hurt to remember how her parents treated her. She didn’t want to put it into words really…

Now Dixie sat silently at a table with Dru and Sapphira, mindlessly watching the kids. Honestly her brain wasn’t here in this room, it was actively trying to numb itself and quiet the worry. That’s why she didn’t notice Sapphira leave, Hunter approach or the quick exit of Dru with him. It wasn’t until Terran literally sat directly in her line of sight and spoke that she brought herself back to reality. “Sorry?” Dixie spoke, her mind trying to catch up with the words he said and process them. “Oh.” Her hands found the material of her dress and began to pick at it nervously. She didn’t want to tell him. It was sweet. It was so sweet. Truthfully… she did want to tell him, open up, share. But she wouldn’t. She couldn’t. “I’m just not feeling well is all.” Dixie lied, doing her best to put on her normal bright smile before she stood up from her seat.

“I would love you dance Mr.Terran. Plus it would keep Shamus Ashford from asking me for the third time this evening already.” Dixie held out her hand to him and felt her face soften slightly into a real smile. The song turned from fast paced wizard pop to a slower song, honestly better because the other noise was starting to hurt her poor ears. Dixie was much more of an indie rock and folk music type of gal. “Be warned though, I have no clue what I’m doin. Never learned any fancy dances and I’m prone to stepping on feet.”

Dixie and Terran moved to the dance floor, one of her hands moved to his shoulder and the other rested in his palm. “Your lead, this is all I got.” She let out a small laugh before the two of them started to move. Then she realized she needed to literally watch her feet to avoid accidentally hurting him.

 

[EclipseRosee]

Larkyn

Larkyn couldn’t fully explain why he was the way he was with Hunter, so understanding and accepting. But ever since his conversation with Dru he just felt better about things. Sure he was confused about the future, it seemed like they still had no options but at least now they could be honest with each other. They could work on things and come up with a plan without having to pretend anymore, at least not with each other. That was why he wasn’t mad anymore, he felt freed by it all. In a way at least.

The dance was about an hour in, Larkyn found himself checking the window behind him constantly. He was less worried about any shenanigans inside the ballroom, it was his job to be concerned about bigger threats. Loire and Cyrus were at the table with him so they could handle the other nonsense. Only the next time Larkyn turned around, they were gone and he found himself looking at Sapphira as she approached the table. “Where the heck did they go?” He turned his attention away from her for a moment to catch the two of them heading for the kitchen and Larkyn sighed. He should have expected this. Just like old times. Well, almost.

Sapphira mentioned rounds and Larkyn loved the idea. It beat sitting here alone watching the window, plus he got to hang out with her a bit. The highlight of his time here had been their flying lessons, the two of them just genuinely had a good time. He could laugh and be silly. He didn’t have to keep up appearances and be serious. Larkyn loved flying and it was great to share it with someone… or maybe it was just great to spend time with her. Larkyn felt his face heat a little with the realization but thankfully Sapphira spoke up and started a conversation. “Oh yeah I don’t even feel it anymore. Bang up job on both Hunter and the nurses right?” He laughed at his own sad attempt at a joke. Then she asked how he was doing and in the first time all week Larkyn felt like he could answer honestly. “Actually, I’m doing good. It was rough at the start of the week but, I got to talk with Dru and clear the air a bit. Realize why we’re both acting the way we were, realize we agree on some things. I just- I feel like I got let free from it. I mean, we might not have a way out of this marriage but, we’re both free from having to pretend with each other. For now that feels good. It answers a lot for me and for now that’s all I can ask for.”

Sapphira was so easy to talk to, despite only really knowing each other this short period of time. Larkyn knew of her back in school, thought she was pretty and nice but didn’t really know her well. He wanted to know her more, what she liked and disliked. Her hobbies. Her families. Her dreams. All of it. To him, Sapphira was infinitely interesting, comfortable and fun. Even if she didn’t think all those things about herself. “How about you? I can see that you worry about everyone and try to keep everyone happy. But I know all too well the toll that can take, so try and have some fun okay?”

 

[KAYDEN]

Cyrus

The more time he spent here, the more Cyrus was turning into his old self. Cocky, sarcastic, fun. Honestly he nearly forgot that he could be this way. The last week he all but tortured Loire to ask him to the dance and it was fun. Sadistic maybe but hey that’s why they got along so well. Although he did have to admit that when she finally did ask, Cyrus was an awkward mess. They were adults, he should have been able to handle a girl asking him to a dance. Especially a dance they were chaperoning. But hey, you win some you lose some.

The crew helped set up, then it was time to … do what exactly? Sit back and watch and wait for trouble? Shit even if Cyrus saw a student spiking the punch with fire whiskey he wouldn’t have said anything. That’s what being a kid was about, this sort of shit. So instead him and Loire found themselves sitting at a table with Larkyn who was being more of a wet blanket than usual. Even he had to admit that Dru not being with them at their table felt strange, so he could imagine for Larkyn it was infinitely stranger.

Besides him Cyrus could tell Loire was growing uneasy, normally the two of them would last at this sort of thing for fifteen minutes or so max before running off somewhere for a while, only returning every so often for snacks and drinks. Apparently tonight would be no different. When she left to go get drinks he honestly fully expected her to be bailing, much to his surprise, Loire returned and invited him to go with. Cyrus took the drink from her with a slight smirk, “Oh we won’t get caught. I have a plan.”

Cyrus took the drink before standing, looping his arm around hers and leading her in the direction of the door that led to the kitchens. “Just follow my lead yeah?” He opened the door and the two of them entered, quickly maneuvering through the many house elves who were working around the kitchen. The door on the other end lead to their living quarters, an area that had a private exit and entrace to the school grounds. Cyrus had used this escape a few times due to their pranks back in the day, so he only wished the house elves remembered his kindness and treats he brought on occasion to buy their silence. Even after all these years.

“Now we can claim we were restocking food all night and people must have just missed us any time they came looking. That frees up our evening now.” The two of them were now standing outside, Cyrus looking up at the moon for a moment before looking down at Loire. “Ya know, I’ve been wanting to go to the old hiding spot. See if there’s any souvenirs past us left behind?” Back in the day the two of them would often sneak out or skip class, finding themselves hidden out on the quidditch pitch in an area hidden under the stands that they self proclaimed their clubhouse. “Unless of course you’re not interested. We can do whatever you want. I’m game as long as we’re not in there anymore.”

 

[Colt Voltage]

Terran

Did she just avoid the conversation? He couldn't be too mad, she accepted his dance despite Dru running off from the table like he had the plague, but he was concerned for Dixie. If she wouldn't talk about it with Sapphira, someone who was a near and dear friend, then maybe it would do better to have a third party to talk to? "Well if you're not feeling well my dear I would gladly see you back to the house, I'd hate for you to fall ill here." He knew that she was lying but he didn't exactly want to call her out on it. He'd just have to roll with it, see how things played out from here.

"Shamus was able to see that you are the belle of the ball, he's got good taste." Terran gave a small, gentle smile as she held out her hand for him. His soft, large hand wrapped around hers, though the real smile of hers made his heart feel weird. It skipped a beat again, and for the first time he was correlating the odd feeling with Dixie. The thoughts had distracted him as they moved towards the dance floor, and by the time they got to the middle of the area he snapped back into reality. He was here dancing with a smart, wonderful woman, he couldn't get too caught up in the weird feelings he had coursing through him.

"For some reason I got the impression that southern gals attended cotillion classes, and debutante balls? My grandmother was actually from the south, settled down in France to live out her retirement and raise a stubborn little orphan." Terran gave a small chuckle at the thought, it wasn't often he reminisced. It made him feel sort of empty, alone, maybe? "Don't stress about stepping on my feet, I'm far more tough than I look." She took hold of his shoulder and held his palm, his other hand gently holding her waist. "Well you know the proper stance, that's the first step." He began to sway and move his feet slowly as he led their dance.

As he smiled down at her he gently held her hand, deciding on how he was going to approach this subject. Dixie was an open book when it came to many things, he hadn't heard anything about her home life. Perhaps what was bugging her was home related? "I know you said you weren't feeling well so if feel faint do let me know. But, hypothetically if there was anything else wrong with you or your life I would love to listen to you and let you get it off your chest. I've been worried, your students have worried, and I know Sapphira's been worried about you. You're always so worried about taking care of others miss Dixie, I wish you would let others care for you."

He left it at that though, the next thing he knew he was gently dipping her in their dance, hoping he didn't scare her as he did. He pulled her back up slowly and gave her a genuine, sweet smile. "You're a natural dancer, maybe one day I can teach you how to tango."

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Sapphira

"Bang up job, indeed." Larkyn's sad joke made her crack a smile as they continued walking around the room. Her green eyes glanced up at him as he spoke and she merely listened, glad that he could just finally talk openly. All through school and even in the beginning of this month he seemed so tense, like he couldn't let loose and open up. If she left here doing just one good deed it was going to help Larkyn open up... it was such a silly little thing but she didn't want her time here to be wasted, she wanted good things for him and everyone they were living with. "I'm glad that you're doing better. I see that Dru is feeling better about the situation, too. You might not have all of the answers quite yet, but you guys will figure it out in time. I'll be here in the meantime cheering you guys on, you deserve to be happy."

Try to have some fun, huh? Truth be told Sapphira was having the time of her life here. That was just it though, it was all going to end and she'd have to return to reality at some point. "I'm, uh, just here to finish out the year, Larkyn. This isn't my world, not like it is yours, Dru's, or even Dixie's. If it wasn't for this punishment I'd have been in New York a while ago. Not that I'm mad because I totally love the magical world, but my family hates anything to do with it. They only sent me here so I could learn to control it, and now that I can I'd be disowned if they knew I was using magic. I'm loving rooming with Dixie again though, and getting to know all of you has been amazing. And our flying lessons have been the highlight of my time even if I'm not getting any better at it."

For a second Sapphira's smile fell. They had graduated years ago, she graduated from an ivy league university, she had a well paying job and she lived in her own brownstone. Her life was privileged yet she didn't want any of that. Everything she did or said was just what her family expected of her. Her mother, her father, she didn't want to let either of them down. She had buried down all of her hopes and dreams forever ago, she didn't want to go stirring all of those feelings up again. What was the point of wanting something you could never have?

"After this it's back to catching up via letters and back to business." Sapphira's voice cracked and for the first time in forever she felt sad? "I, um, think I need some fresh air." With that said she made her way outside, hoping the night air would help her compose herself.

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Loire

It was a normal gesture Cyrus looping her arm in his, at least it used to be. He had been gone for years at this point and they were finally getting back to being on good terms, she did not expect him to drag her off like the old days. It made her heart skip a beat and her porcelain pale face to heat up ever so slightly. She didn't say anything though, she just simply followed him in silence as he took the lead. Soon enough they were running through the kitchen past the elves like they had used to do back in school and she just felt some other weird feeling. Nostalgia? God, did she miss the old days. Before these ice powers, when she was silly enough to dream of a life with Cyrus, a life where she could be confident in her magic.

The cool night air hit her face and snapped the small white haired woman back into reality. "I knew you'd still be the perfect partner in crime, well done." Loire gave a small smirk at the thought of getting caught. They'd probably receive a bigger scolding from Larkyn than they would the headmistress. Her icy blue eyes looked up at him when he spoke of their old hideout and she smiled fondly for a millisecond. They had spent so much time there over the years, and since she was already feeling nostalgic why not? She stopped going there once he graduated. "Come on." Her chilly fingers laced with his before she moved them towards the quidditch stands.

They had to slip through a few planks that held the stands in place(not an easy feat in her long black dress), but once they got through they were in a dark open area underneath the stands. In the corner she found a lantern she had hung there that apparently was still there, her thin fingers flipped on the switch so that the light slowly flickered on. It was just bright enough to light up their little area without alerting people that they were under there.

"Hey, my old voodoo doll." It was, of course, made to look like Hunter. It also had about eight pins stuck in it... it was a shame that it never worked. As she picked up the doll and stuck some pins in the head she moved around the hideout and looked around, though she tossed the doll on the ground when she noticed letters etched into it. "What are these letters? C and L? I didn't think Larkyn knew about this place."

 

[Sir Damien]

Hunter

At the table he could tell something was off with Dru. She didn't look mad, she looked sad almost? Thankfully it seemed he was able to earn a laugh, maybe a pity one but he'd take it. As soon as Terran got to the table though she was more than eager to get out of his sight and he also found that curious. So many questions, so little time. For now he was just thankful she was willing to come with him. He quickly followed her as she held onto her wrist, a big goofy smile spreading on his face when hers lit up and she let go. Why did her holding onto him like that make him warm and happy like this? "Nah, don't be sorry. You're good."

Dru went to say something but was quickly cut off by two brightly dressed grinning girls. Obviously they were students of hers and they seemed interested in her, which both meant that she was doing better with her classes. At first he felt proud of her as he stood back and watched them mingle, though he was quickly taken aback when they asked if he was the boyfriend. This time Hunter's face heated at the thought of dating Dru. There were the confusing feelings again, though Dixie made him realize that they weren't as confusing as he thought they were. He liked her, and maybe one day he could be her boyfriend! Unfortunately they were both engaged.

"Coordinated? Huh? Oh, I guess we ar-" As Hunter looked from his tie to Dru's dress he finally noticed the matching, though he didn't get time to even so much as finish his sentence. The students were nabbing his drink and pushing the pair to the dance floor. "Whoa whoa whoa kids!" But it was too late, they were already sneaking away. "Well, I mean, we're already here. Might as well, right?" His cheeks were red at this point but he smiled through it. Gently he held her hand and his hand held her waist. Dru came from a similar lifestyle as him, he was sure that she knew how to dance, so he took the lead into their slow dance. "It's good to see that your students are loving you. And they're right, your dress is very pretty, but you'd look gorgeous in no matter what."

Oh, shit. Did he just say that out loud? Quietly he cleared his throat and tried to change the subject. "Do you mind me asking what's the reason you're looking so down today, Dru? I'd hate for a sour mood to ruin the night. I hope I can somehow help cheer you up. Want me to embarrass Terran? I see the tension there, I can publicly humiliate him."