The Halloween Masquerade Ball (1991/OPEN TO ALL)

"Hey, Sydney," she said with smile to her when she basically shouted her name out. "You look awesome too," she said back to her and she didn't lie. "Yes, I'm alone," she told her and you could her some sad notes in it. "What about you?" she asked back.

Artemis smiled at the sight of the corsage and kissed Draco's cheek. ''I love it...thank you..'' She said, touching the rose softly.

A few weeks before the Ball, letters had been sent to just about everyone. The weasleys of course were no exception. Once Arthur set eyes on the letter, he made sure to not have to go to work that day. He spoke to his children, each and every one of them, and only Ron and Bill decided to go along. However, Ron was also bringing a friend home that weekend, Harry Potter, whom Ron called his best friend in his letters.


The day of the ball, Arthur had his suit ready, and adjusted his mask before his wife hastened the children up. Harry was already downstairs and Ron followed suit, though Bill seemed to be taking a longer while to get ready. Once he did came down, Arthur gave him a small glare, proceeded with an approving nod of pride at how well his son was growing. As everyone held onto the letter, it transported them all to the ball, and Arthur soon motioned for the kids to scatter. He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, smiling at him, "Don't be too far Harry, if you need anything just call Bill or Ron, or us," he smiled warmly at him and the boy nodded before walking off. "Now, hun," Arthur sang as he turned back to Molly, "You look astonishing this beautiful night," he grinned at her, with the same grin he had back when they were just dating.

---

Harry smiled around as he turned on his heels several times. He was lucky he had gotten used to Hogwarts otherwise being in a castle this big would surely be his doom. Spotting a blonde around his height he slowly walked to her, and once he saw her eyes, smiled, "Hey Serena," he greeted the girl he had a met a week before, through her brother Drake who was, unsurprisingly not there. They bonded over the fact they both had things to say about Drake and Harry identified himself with the girl.

---

Bruce had been busy with classes. Extremely busy. He could bet this school year had been the worst when it came to preparing the classes as they were much harder to carry out. However, when he saw that letter, he didn't see just a ball. He saw an opportunity to spend time with the family. His family. He knew Morana's little spawns he cared so much about would be there too, and Marvolo wouldn't wanna miss a party. So in secrecy with his children he confided with them he was also going, although his wife did not know. Magnus showed distaste in such party and decided to stay at home with his grandmother, which perhaps would be for the best considering he was worse than Malphas when it came to behavior. Around 2 minutes before the time that was set for the letter to take them to the ball, Marvolo came down the stairs, to see her daughter and eldest son ready to go, with their father with them. He smiled at her, and held her hand as she came down the last steps, and kissed her lips with a savage need afterwards. He missed the time he had with her.

Holding onto the letter, the four were instantly transported into the castle, where they soon split apart, Malphas went to find Emrys, Marvolo Jr went Salazar knew where, and Bruce could now spend time with his wife alone.

---

Philip lead Gwen into the living room, so she'd see her two little princes, not that Draco wasn't like her son, but Victor and Nathaniel were different. She was stunning, and they were looking sharply handsome, just like Philip always raised them. They were their father's pride, that they were.

Once they were all able to get ready, they grabbed onto the letter, and teleported to the castle. There, Nathaniel put on his mask, and looked around, easily spotting Magali. He walked to her, and his eyes locked into hers. He knew she'd recognize him just by looking into his eyes. He knew so.

---

Adrastos was dressed with what his 'mother' found in his dad's closet. That old suit. She had it washed, cleaned, dried, everything, and it looked as good as new. Placing his mask on his face, his father instead of using the letter, apparated him to the castle, and patted his back, before leaving his side. Adrastos shrugged, and then cracked his back, before going off to search for people he knew...and liked.

---

Atticus, of course, living with his aunt, and his cousins heard of everything that went on. And of course, he read the letter himself. However, when the Lupins came to pick Serena up, he didn't go with them. He didn't want to, nor did he need to. Remus would probably want to kill him just to have some sort of sick revenge on his father anyway so he preferred going alone. Waving to his cousin, he walked away from his room and jumped down the stairs, and ran to the hall. He caught sight of Mira passing by but he shrugged not caring whether she had a word or not to say about him leaving without telling her. She wasn't his mother. He touched the letter and was thrown into the castle's hall, that was already filled with people, which would make it all that harder to find Celeste.

---

Axel got the letter just in time. He was about to leave his house for another two weeks or so to sleep around, but was able to find the letter and get ready in time. He had asked Lethia to be his pair and how could she not really? He had the looks that melted her, he knew so. He knew Archard would be tagging along a well, although he didn't know his date. Archard, in the brief time he was away from his friends had been with his family in the UK and met a girl at Hogsmeade, Ember Shadow. He befriended her, and asked if she wanted to be with him at the dance and she accepted, which for once, made him be happy he wasn't too overly shy. As everyone was around him, they were suddenly at the ball, and Axel put an arm around Lethia's waist as Archard began to look for Ember, "Very well put together," Axel grinned.

---

Kain exited his home, with the letter in his hand. He was wearing a suit his 'father', more like mentor, got for him. Kallinicus at least had a good taste considering he picked something Kain really liked. He had told Lilith about the ball, and then asked her to come, and she accepted, much to his excitement. They planned to meet on the forest they usually talked in, and that's where Kain was, without his mask obviously.

When Lilith appeared, his jaw dropped slightly at the sight, and he grinned "You look amazing Lilith," he praised his friend. Taking her hand, he held onto the letter, which soon got them into the castle. It seemed, however, others had already arrived as well. Including Liliths' godparents...

---

Ricardo was brought into the ball by his godfather Epazal. The man ordered him, if he got into trouble, to find Arthur Weasley, and Ricardo'd comply. But he wasn't planning on getting into trouble, not at all. He was planning on having fun that night, having fun with Rowan, the girl he had promised to be his pair. She was fun and sympathetic, and he liked her style. She could turn into a really big friend like Ember or Chase were, who knew. He looked around for her, but guessed he'd be easier to find because of his mask.

Pansy walked into the ball, alone and independent. She didn't have a date, which was slightly embarrassing for her, but she still knew that she had to go. She'd at least have some friends there. She felt beautiful in her dress, though she was worried that people wouldn't think that she looked as pretty as she felt. That was Pansy, as self-conscious. She painted a smile of she face as she wandered around, waiting to find one of her friends, or maybe a single boy that would dance with her.

Draco grinned and offered her his arm once there masks were secured to there faces "shall we?"

Chase kissed her mom on the cheek and hugged Kieran "alright you two dont get into to much trouble" she said with a grin as she tied her mask on "i'll see you around, Dad i'm stealing mom for a dance at some point too" turning she walked off ready to explore.

Romulus looked at the boy who said hello to Serena "is this your date?" he asked with a small smile "be good to my sister Potter" he said with a dark gaze.

Mariya kissed her mom on the cheek then hugged her dead "Have fun guys" she said smiling at them "thanks for bringing with with you" she kissed her dad on the cheek and dissapeared into the crowd.

Emrys stood by the stair case waiting for malphas, her mask was secured and every few moments she smoothed out her dress worried she'd look bad though usually she didnt care but she felt he deserved to see her at her best.

Marvolo kissed bruce on the lips "I am so happy your here" she purred looking at her husband lovingly "best surprise i've had in a very long time"

Hermione walked into the ball, smiling brightly. She was excited to attend, and she was happy that she had actually made a few friends that she could spend the night with. She wore a red dress and mask, to correspond with her house colors. Her hair was an unruly as ever, but other than that she looked almost pretty. She spotted a familiar red-head and walked over to him. They hadn't officially decided to go together to the dance, but it was sort of assumed that they would be going together, just as friends. "Hey Ron," she said. She was unusually bubbly, but she was happy at the same time.

Magali approached Nate in the moment she saw him. Of course he had to be something original and she felt urge to roll her eyes. Instead however, she came to him, and blushed slightly. "So, what do you think?" she asked him, showing herself. She really hoped she was good enough for him. He dress seemed so simple compared to some other girls. She was worried when she saw Sophie and also girl Draco had as a date. They seemed much more beautiful.

Lilith blushed as Kain gave her a compliment. "Thank you," she said and together they apparated to the ball. She soon could see her aunt and uncle, also Romulus and Chandra. She was worried what will happen if they find out who was her date tonight, but there was probably no stopping it anyway. Her eyes searched for Celeste, in hope she can avoid introducing part a little longer.

Celeste smiled watching her sister run off to find Artemis whilst she looked around for Atticus. She quickly got bored of her drink after five seconds and put it on one of the trays. Seeing what looked like Atticus, she placed her hand on his shoulder with a hopeful smile to see it was him. ''Attie! You scrub up nicely..'' She winked before kissing his cheek. She could see Lilith and was waving to attempt getting her attention.

Lethia couldn't stop smiling as she was with Axel. When he had asked her, she hadn't stopped smiling since. Feeling his arm slide around her waist, she immediately leaned into him and watched as Archard wandered off. ''Aww shucks.'' She smirked before looking up at Axel. ''You clean up quite nicely..'' She admitted.

Ember saw Archard, a beautiful girl who must've been Lethia and a handsome boy who must've been Axel. She remember Archard mentioning them. Walking over to Archard, dress trailing behind her, she grinned up at him. ''Archard! I'm so glad you came.'' She told him, blushing slightly.

Artemis looped her arm with his and leaned into him. ''We shall..'' She smiled, leaning up to kiss his cheek. She remembered her sister speaking about a boy named Archard and after seeing who she was with, she smiled to herself knowing her sister was happy with some attention.

Ivy was wandering around the crowd of people, not completely sure if she knew any of them or not. The masks made it hard to tell. In trying to avoid walking in to someone, she ended up walking into someone else. she turned to say sorry, but then she realized that she knew the person. Adastros Moody. She hadn't spoken to him since the day that they had kissed, but she hadn't stopped thinking about him either. She took a moment to gather herself, then finally spoke. "Adastros," she said with a slight smile. "Sorry, I can't really walk without running into people in these shoes." She tried to be casual, as the situation didn't need to be awkward.

Victor saw Nathaniel walk away pretty fast. As he looked where he went his eyes got fixed on Sophie. Oh my... She looks so beautiful. He put on his mask and tried to get to her unseen. When he finally got to her he approached her from the side. "What a beautiful lady over here. I hope you won't mind my company." He laughed. "You look really amazing young Spitfire."

Harry glared at Romulus behind his mask, "I have a first name, Romulus," he hissed at him, before he took Serena's hand and lead her away from Romulus' side.

---

Seeing Emrys stand by the staircase, Malphas put on a mischievous grin, and went around so she didn't see him. He could almost imagine her sighing because he was not showing. However, as soon as he was close enough he grabbed her waist softly, kissing her neck, "Good evening my love," he smirked at her.

---

"It's my job to keep this marriage going, and surprises help...a lot," he smirked at his wife, holding her waist close to his body. Now whenever he set eyes on Marvolo he'd see how much she changed. How much she grow. And he loved seeing how he was now a grown woman, a wife a mother she was no longer leading an army just her family and that somehow warmed Bruce's heart even further.

---

Kain held Lilith's hand tightly and stared into her eyes, "Lilith, don't worry, nothing bad will happen, we can even lie about me if needed, so your godparents won't run you out of town, no matter what," he smiled at her.

---

Nate seemed silent, like as if he had just fallen asleep while Magali spoke to him, but no. He was wide awake. He was actually just looking at Magali, up and down, "You look..." he began pulling his mask up slightly. He kissed her lips, "Stunning," he finished and pulled his mask back down.

---

Seeing those familiar blue eyes Atticus couldn't help it and kissed her lips quickly so no one'd see them, he wasn't ashamed of dating her not at all, but her family was around. "Me? Look at you," he stated.

---

"You're saying that just because I'm nearly shirtless," he commented as he scanned around but smiled down at her, "Wanna drink anything," he asked her.

---

Archard turned on his heel, and smiled down at the girl that greeted him, "Now now, don't you look great," he grinned and leaned down to kiss Ember's forehead. He took her hand in his, and pulled her just a bit closer, "Very glad you're my pair, and lovely dress," he winked at her.

---

Adrastos' eyes widened at Ivy's voice and that was why he didn't instantly turn around. He was usually very natural with girls but he was frightened to talk with Ivy after the kiss. But alas, he had to, "Hey," he greeted as he turned to face her, "Yeah I understand...you here alone?" he asked with a smile.

Emrys looked down at her hands as she figured Malphas had decided not to come to the ball, before she could resolve to walk in on her own she jumped as she felt strong arms around her waist and a kiss on her neck. "Mal!" she gasped turning she took in the sight of his outfit and how dapper he looked "I almost didn't think you'd show" she said with a smile kissing him on the lips.

Marvolo playfully bat at his arm as she watched many of the kids from hogwarts and wolfclaw swarm into the ballroom. Looking towards the stairs she saw Malphas surprise his girlfriend and sighed "Our kids have grown up so fast" she said with a loving smile "though i think we did a pretty good job" she nuzzled him, her heart was soaring there time alone had become so rare and she missed him more then anything. "I hope you'll end up dancing" she said a finger toying with his long dark hair that she loved so much.

Ivy nodded. "Are you?" she asked. Part of her hoped that Adastros didn't have a date. She hoped that maybe they'd be able to spend at least part of the night together. Maybe dance together. But she didn't want to think that the kiss meant more than what it was. What was it? That was the part that she was lost on. She felt so nervous, she wasn't sure if she had ever been more nervous in her life. What was it about this boy? he could bring her confidence back out one day, and then take it away again another.

"I'm alone too. You havent seen Ian or David anywhere, have you?" She asked Stacy as she looked around the room for either of the 2 boys. "I've been trying to figure out which one I like more. I mean theyre both awesome and totally adorable. But which one is more?"

"Well thank you capitain," Sophie smiled at him, ignoring how he called her. After those two parties, he had full right to do so. "So, any plans right now? My idea was to grett aunt and uncle, question Mal's girlfriend, ignore my siblings and find Thia for some mischief. And dance of course," she suggested what they could do, but she was not sure how eager will Vic bu into meeting her family.

"I don't like lying to them. And I don't like hide my friends, when I care about them," she said and waved at Celeste, happy to see her there. Question was, when they actually get to talk to each other. Sometimes she wondered what her parents would do. Would they approve of Kain?

Magali smiled and all her nervousity was gone. Nate liked her and her dress. Nothing else was important in that moment. She kissed him back and grabbed his hand as he pulled his mask down. "Now, where did my spitfire sister go. I hope she won't set everything on fire here," she said a bit worried, since both her siblings disappeared from her view. She waved slightly at her aunt and uncle, not really sure if they noticed her at all.

"Well whatever you'd like to do from that list suits me. I think i'm not going to lose you from my sight tonight. So what if we go to get a drink and you'll see which one of these things approaches you." Victor smiled at her. "We can always go to grab a drink, ignore your siblings, then dance towards your aunt and uncle, and then when you find Thia you'll be completely free for some mischieve with her. And during that all, I bet you'll be able to meet that Mal's girlfriend to ask her everything she'll be willing to tell." A plan so complicated that Victor didn't even remember the order of it. "Or if you want I can always get the drink alone and let you talk to them in private."

Already Illiana was annoyed with her heels. The only positive thing about them was that they would come in handy if she needed to stomp on Marcus' foot. Though she promised herself she would try to refrain from her usual misbehaviour, if only to have a nice night with Marcus before she left the country. She hadn't planned to tell him but she knew she would have to eventually.

It didn't take her long before she spotted what was unmistakenably him, even with the mask, and she walked up to him with the beginnings of a smirk on her lips. "Well don't you look nice, Gaunt."

----

Chandra had been looking forward to the ball since they recieved the owl announcing it. There were so many things to be happy about. She could torture and tease her brother about his arranged date, possibly slip a couple of potions she'd worked on earlier (curtesy of her brothers potions book) into the drinks, maybe even mess up a few peoples nights. The thought of it had her swirling around the kitchen with a giant grin on her face.

At the Ball
"Oh she'll be fine," Chandra said punching Romulus' arm lightly. "Besides you can always give him a drink later if he tries anything," she smirked. "Oh by the way," she gestured for her brother to lean down to her height. She cupped her hand around his ear. "If you value yourself don't drink anything later." She didn't give her brother time to ask her why before she was skipping away to dump her potion in the drinks. She hadn't time to warn Serena before Harry lead her off. "If he's mean to you I'll handle him for you," she called over her shoulder to her brother's date, Lara. "Have fun!"

---

Adette had always loved these events. Of course then she was causing trouble; things she could easily get out of. Not to say it wasn't easy now, no one would notice if one or two students went missing for the night. People did get drunk and wander off afterall. She smiled around the blood pop in her mouth as she descended the stairs.

---

"We do not sit out from parties when there are men to charm and hearts to win."

It was something her mother had sent her in an owl the night before the ball. Her mother knew her well enough to send an owl to England just to tell her to attend the ball. Niraeya was nothing like how her mother was in her youth, nor even her cousins. She would have been content to stay at home and learn of the nights events at school the day after but of course things never really turned out as she wished. If she was being honest with herself, she actually loved the thrill of controlling the opposite sex. It was something she would never willingly admit however. She wanted her mother's acceptance but not because of that.

Yet as she arrived, already Niraeya had a small enchanting smile on her face, ready to charm some poor boy.

---

Tamriel strode confidently into the ball. She was without a date, but she knew it wouldn't be long before she had one. Things worked out like that sometimes and it wasn't everyday she could shed the school's uniform and don the clothes she wanted. She wouldn't let her outfit go to waste.

Chase walked through the party looking at all the happy couples in there masks. She caught a glimpse of Ricardo with his date and Ember with hers. Her heart lurched with pain, the three had bee inseperable but now she was the odd man out. Straightening her tie she looked around and saw someone she thought she knew from school but couldn't quite put her finger on who. All she knew was the girl was gorgeous.

She walked up behind the girl in her gold dress and for a moment thought of running but she figured she was wearing a mask and she wouldnt have to know who she was if she didnt want to. "You look beautiful M'lady" she said in her ear.

A small smile graced her lips as she felt the presence behind her and the words spoken in her ear. It hadn't taken long at all. Tamriel turned to thank her complimentor, happily surprised to find a girl in a suit no less. There was something attractive about the mix. She searched the face behind the mask but couldn't quite tell who it was. "And you look dashing," she said unable to keep her eyes from roaming. "It's not everday you find a girl daring enough to wear a suit. Would you like to dance?"

Chase smiled bowing at the waist holding out her hand she said "It would be my honor" as the girl took her hand she led her to the floor pulling her up against her with a hand on her waist and the other holding her hand.

Even in her heels, she was mostly level with the girl. Something she appreciated if she were to find the girl again at school. Placing her hand on her shoulder Tamriel followed the girls lead, thankful she had opted for a revealing dress as it had left her legs free to move. Once she was comfortable with the motion, she leaned closer so that her mouth was level with the girls ear. "Won't your date mind? I'm sure they would want to hang on to a gorgeous girl like yourself."

A shiver went down her spine as her lovely voice filled her mind she held her close, one arm snaked around her back pressing into the base of her spine. Chuckling she said "I'm here on my own" she confessed. "What about you beautiful? someone as delicious as yourself would have a man waiting on her every word"

Tamriel let out a small breath as she was pulled closer to her chest, the barrier of their clothes almost nothing. She smiled, her lips brushing against her slightly as she spoke. "That's good news, neither of us will have to worry about divided attention as I to came by myself." Tamriel would not deny the girl's words, as she was quite right but there was no man or woman who had previously caught her attention. "Won't you tell me your name? It wouldn't have you disappear like a phantom when the night is through."

"thats good" she said spinning her away then caught her in her arms "because I dont like to share" she could feel the girl's dress against her leg and she smiled at her words, spinning her once more she pulled her back to her chest her lips at her ear "maybe i'll tell you my name..we'll see how the night goes"

Tamriels arms came to rest just at the beginning of the girls shoulders as she was spun and caught again. A twinge of electricity went down her spine at the feel of the breath of her words upon her ear and she clutched the girls shoulder a bit tighter. Tamriel smirked to herself, she liked this one. "You wish to torture me," she chuckled.

Chase laughed as the song ended she said "come with me" taking her waist she led her to the buffet table, a chocolate fountain flowed the scent was delightful, taking a piece of fruit she let the chocolate run over it and offered it to the gorgeous girl.