Nov. 5: Heights: Ravenclaws

[Deleted]

“Hey guys!” Sylvia all but thrilled upon coming across the group of assembled students around the drinks table at the tail end of a round of shots. Perhaps it was a little more exciting than her normal greeting but the hand that she was holding in her own buoyed her mood, lifting her spirits. Malcolm Rabnott. One of the most attentive, sweet, and not to mention entirely too good looking, chaps in the entire castle. And he was hers! Sylvia felt like she was riding a high, like when she executed a challenging dance move, or when she finally managed to win a duel in Defense. She and the badger were an item and Sly was over the moon about it. Every time she was with him her stomach felt warm and her smile was always happy. She flashed said smile at the group. “You all know Malcolm right?” she asked but really who didn’t know the hair? At least she was sure the girls would. For politeness' sake, she pointed everyone out, though she was sure he knew them or most of them anyway. Sylvia pitched her voice and spoke quickly. “Elliot, Leon, Xeno, and Arnie.” Here she gave a momentary pause and a sidelong glance at her year mate, curious about his current cozy situation. "Helena." Oh, Helena knew about the coziness, for sure. “And the ladies of the hour, Emmaline and Greta.” Honestly, the two  seventh years were doing a wonderful job with the team.

“Congratulations by the way.” she went on at a normal volume, giving the older girls a few claps. “You were both superb. Really, excellent job Captains.” Maybe Quidditch wasn’t her favorite thing in the world but it was enjoyable -even more with Mal at her side in the stands, experiencing the match with her, holding onto her if she leaned too far over the edge, holding onto each other so they didn't get separating in chaos of people coming back to the castle- and especially so when Ravenclaw was able to snag a win over Slytherin. She wouldn’t be surprised if she saw students from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff in their tower to celebrate with them tonight; Slytherin was always such a formidable opponent. A victory over the snakes was sure to keep the party going well into the night, and Sylvia intended to be a part of the revelry. With Malcolm at her side. 

[Malcolm Rabnott]

Mal hadn't been in this tower enough to be used to its grandeur, and his head was on a swivel as Sylvia led him through by the hand. It was a cavernous space, filled just as easily with raucous laughter as his own common room, but with walls of books and floor-to-ceiling windows that would challenge his ability to focus, without a doubt. Looking out at the bird's eye view of the castle grounds, watching for signs of life in the lake or in the air over the forest, observing from far away - it was a beautiful treat, different from his usual hands-on approach of getting involved with nature, and you're not here to gawk, you're here to be with Sylvie and her friends. The latter bit was a goal he'd given himself, inspired by today's match. Spending hours in the Ravenclaw stands with Sylvie was a blast, even if she'd frightened him half to death at their chosen spot against the rail, and while his focus had mainly been torn among chatting and holding her and watching his competition, Mal had realized that many of the people around them were almost strangers to him. He'd shared classes with those in their year, of course, and had formed some friendships here and there, but over these years he'd gravitated primarily towards those in his own House and in Gryffindor. With his little siblings always done up in red and gold, he had all the more reason to befriend his Gryffindor peers - and while it wasn't intentional, he'd been missing out on most goings on with the Ravenclaws.

Circumstances changed, though, and Mal was here. Sylvia Davies was a star and he was blissfully in orbit. It wasn't as if he hadn't noticed her until recently - she was striking, bluer eyes than any he'd ever seen, and she was wicked funny, sharp as she was sweet - but he hadn't been of the mindset of pursuing anyone. Sylvie really was a special girl, and once he'd realized his growing feelings and taken a chance...and she now smiled like she did, because of him? His nerves still crept up from time to time, but days were better with her in them, and a good impression with her friends would lead to more of these better days, eh? Mal grinned and waved his free hand in greeting, leaning in to catch her whispered names and match them to the gathered faces. Most folks he was familiar with - patrols with Leon were always interesting, he couldn't imagine Dueling Club without Emmeline and Helena, Greta had done her best to flirt her way into getting him to reveal Hufflepuff Quidditch secrets last year - but he didn't remember meeting Elliott before.

"Alright, everyone? Tremendous match, really. My arms hurt just watching," he chuckled, giving an appreciative nod to his fellow Chaser, and wrapped a familiar arm around Sylvie's waist. "Don't worry, I'm not looking for any trade secrets - here to celebrate a win against our common rival. Hope we're in the same spirits and together again in a few months!" Their first match...well, he and his fellow badgers had been clobbered, and the stakes were high as they prepared for their match against Slytherin at the start of the new term. 

[Pandora Nott]

Normally, Quidditch wasn’t something that Pandora invested a lot of her energy into. It was a fine sport, and she understood the reasoning behind why people wanted to play it, but it wasn’t something she would have chosen to do to pass the time. Watching it, however, was another thing entirely. It was fascinating to try and keep track of all the players, and the thrill of watching Ravenclaw score was unmatched. Not to mention, having a friend on the team to personally cheer for was something fun, and she’d started to attend more Quidditch games after Xeno had joined the team. Even the hours in the rain today hadn’t dampened her spirits, not when she had been with Sylvia and Mal, cheering their house on. It was even better that they had won, against Slytherin, of all houses. Seeing her cousin throw a fit over a call that was made had even been a bit amusing. Pandora had never really understood Bronwyn, and felt a small sense of glee knowing that her cousin’s boyfriend was the reason that Slytherin had lost.

Cheers erupted from the upper floor, which meant the team had arrived at the party. Parties of this size weren’t often had in this common room, but it was common for everyone to celebrate such a grand victory. Standing on her tiptoes, she tried to see over the crowd, looking for the team as they climbed down the stairs. While she was dry from the rain, thanks to a lovely little charm, she was still cold - but she wasn’t about to miss out on cheering for the team as they appeared. Waving as Helena and Greta passed, the rest of the team was soon following, with Emmeline and Arnie…together? That was curious, but something to be snooped about much later, because Xeno had spotted her and was making his way over. “I genuinely don’t know who some of these people are, but I suppose Quidditch brings everyone a bit of excitement,” she answered with a grin, nodding to his next words, “Warming up sounds wonderful.”

They were shortly stopped on the way to the fire, however, and she turned to survey the group surrounding the drink table. She knew most of the older Ravenclaws, they were all very nice to her, but she knew Elliot the most out of all of them. She was surprised to see him gathered around the table, as parties weren’t really his sort of thing, but she gave him a smile and wave as Xeno talked to the group, speaking of the dueling club before he was whispering to his cousin. They were joined shortly by Sylvia and Malcolm, and Pandora was glad to see that her roommate's boyfriend was joining in the celebration. “You all played very well, it was an excellent game. Perhaps this will be the year Slytherin ranks last for the cup.”

[Helena Goldstein]

Three.
    Two.
        One.

Helena tipped her head back and held her breath, letting the liquor slide down her throat while tasting as little of it as possible. It still burned all the way down but at least she didn't gag. The seventh year nodded her head to the offer of punch to keep from coughing, after all these years, it still stung. She shook her head, clinging punch  glasses with the others - it appeared they all needed a chaser. 

Quicker than she could even think Quidditch -it took the brain on average six-hundred milliseconds to register to the mouth to speak, thoughts were instantaneous- their little group had expanded and then it seemed it exploded. Before she knew what she was about she was working the drink table for a crowd of nearly ten, her housemates, and Malcolm. She gave him a smile of welcome, a badger among the eagles; and the others as well, his date Sylvia - oh, she had seen them at the match, they were smitten. It was positively oozing from them both, which made the blonde smile broader.

Then there was Pandora, and her wonderful mind, and Xeno, who made her chuckle at his concern. “Xenophilius. Rest assured, I will know first if anyone is plotting anything nefarious in this castle.” she tapped her nose knowingly, simultaneously passing him a shot glass. “Don’t fret one bit about it.” Sure, she could have dashed down his worrying and pointed out his misunderstanding, but Helena preferred to reassure him. The understanding may have been skewed but the intent was true. Next to Pan, X was the purest mind she had ever had the pleasure to invade, so she tried whenever possible to make their worlds a little less judgmental and a little more accepting. She smiled at them both, basking in the feelings of fondness she was privy to. Only she, Leon, and Elliot currently had steady emotions.

Around her, there was love blossoming. Coupled with the excitement of their victory, and the shot she had just shared with the others, Helena was riding a high like no other. She couldn’t even worry about Potter, who was out to win in a visceral, intimidating sort of way that made Helena question if he could win the cup on will alone. That was for tomorrow, tonight they were victorious! The feeling made her bold, she wanted to have fun, so she turned to Elliot. “Have you ever heard of the game, Captain?”

[Greta Catchlove]

Their growing group buzzed with such joyous energy that Greta felt it filling her up, bringing a spring to her step even after the tiring match. Her team won, she knew she looked good in her Quidditch sweats, her friends were all around, drinks were poured, everyone had gathered to celebrate - with a solid exhale, or perhaps this first drink, she could put her disappointment behind her and rally. She shot Elliott a wicked smile at his reiteration of her words - "We've got you, El, promise." - and as they all took their first drink and the poor lad came out worse for wear, she quickly handed over a chaser before taking one herself. "Thanks Leon, joining you with more for the next."

Well-deserved commendations began raining down on their Captain, and Greta looked on fondly, only grimacing as Arnie brought up her direct competitor. As much as she had beat herself up about her miss, Regulus had to be having a far worse night. It wasn't a particularly comforting thought, not really - rivalries were one thing, knowing that a sixth year was, in all likelihood, running off to the Forbidden Forest to start a new life for himself was another. "I promise that no one's pleased with how the match ended, but we'll never know for sure if it was a mistake or a strategy," she shrugged. She drank and moved on to more pleasant things, like the younger Ravenclaw's timely catch. Em was so good to her, sharing the title, and she was beaming by the end of her partner's words. "That's right, I have more up my sleeve than cooking charms - "

A familiar voice tuned in, with a familiar tone of severe worry, and Greta pressed her lips tightly together to keep in her urge to laugh. Em's cousin meant well, but their Keeper could be...so literal that it kept him from seeing things logically? It wasn't the worst tendency, and came out most when regarding someone he cared about, but it had taken years and honest effort to understand. The added time together on the pitch had helped her, and she gave him a smile - gracious as she could - at his plea of not offending her. Helena always knew the right thing to say - even on a night like this, when everyone's excited energy was so tangible to her - and Greta nodded vigorously.

"All on the same side here, Xe," she assured, chuckle breaking free. "If anyone even wanted to try something to hurt our Em, we'd stop them before they could say a word. Or use a nonverbal!" she quickly added, seeing his urge to interject. She exchanged a beaming smile with Pan at her congratulations, and raised her glass to the next sweet pair of newcomers. Sylvie was such a doll, and it was endearing to see her like this, all cozy with The Hair. "You're too kind, Sly." Greta beamed, waving the compliments towards herself with a laugh before fixing Malcolm with as serious a look as she could wrangle. "No secrets, sir. I'll have you know, we've just shut down a murder plot, so we're ready for anything."

She broke out into a grin and took a drink, gasping in pure delight at Helena's idea. Games that you could practice and become skilled at had long been up her alley, but Captain, with this group? They were in for a priceless night. "Oh, you're learning," she assured their befuddled classmate, trading her cup for her wand to Conjure a hat that suited the theatrics of the game, and gave a sharp whistle before calling for attention. "Oi, everyone! The game is Captain - Leon, my dear, if you would be so kind - " She gestured for the towering lad to bow his head, and stood on tiptoe to bestow the pirate hat. " - and whoever has the hat, assigns someone a dare. Finish your dare, you get the title, you get the hat, we all take a drink. Don't complete your dare, and you're out. Yeah? Yeah. Captain," she invited with a flourish, "the floor is yours."

[Leon Scamander]

Leon grinned at Elliot, nodding in agreement. Emmeline cared a lot for the sport, but she also cared a lot for the team. Frankly, as much of a fan of Quidditch as she was, Leon did think she cared more about the wellbeing of the teammates than the thrill of winning the game. He’d seen her disappointment when their team lost, but he’d also seen her rage when one of her teammates was hurt. Their friends were soon arriving, Helena was doing her best to put Elliot’s mind at ease, and Leon was grateful for her for at least the hundredth time. She had a way with people like it was so easy, and he was often quite jealous of that. He’d made his friends of course, but it hadn’t come so smoothly. But as they all gathered around the table, Leon was reminded how much this place was home, with this lot. Shots taken, he poured himself a drink before passing out the not-yet-alcoholic punch to the cups his friends were holding out.

Leave it to Em to think the match was wicked, even with the rain. Who enjoyed getting rained on for four hours and trying to play a sport while doing it? He didn’t mind watching the sport in the rain, that was entirely different. But their group was growing, with the addition of Xenophilius - looking very concerned by his cousin's words - and Pandora. He didn’t know her that well, but Xeno was one of his good friends, even if he did sometimes miss the joke. Grinning, he poured more punch for the new arrivals and passed them down toward Helena to be passed along. Their party grew by two more, and he chuckled to himself as he listened to Xeno’s well-meaning confusion. Helena and Greta were sorting it out though, reassuring their Keeper that there were no murder plots a-foot and if there were, they would handle them.

It didn’t take a minute more before one of his favorite games was proposed by his dear cousin, and he grinned widely at her. Captain always turned out interesting, and it was sure to be entertaining given the current company. He happily lowered his head for Greta to make him start the game, standing tall again with a laugh. Rules were said, and the majority of the group seemed ready. “Aye aye Captain,” he said with a tip of the hat to Greta, turning his gaze to his first victim choice. “Sorry Elliot, you’re getting the first dare,” he stated, although he wasn’t going to be too harsh on Elliot. Wouldn’t want to ruin the game for his friend in the first round. “Give us your best acapella version of the Hogwarts school song.”

[Elliott Thomas]

The burning in his throat cooled with the punch, and Elliott did wonder if there was any wine around, or if whisky was the only alcoholic option. For as of yet, the seventh year did not see the harsh liquor's appeal - but he wasn't the only one who made a face at it, which helped ease his mind. The room was lively, their little gathering so chatty, and he was content enough to sip and exchange looks with those he knew best as those he knew least piped up. He felt that he should know the bloke who'd arrived with Em, and seeing him and Xenophilius together jogged his memory - Roommates. - while he rather tuned out the younger boy's concerns. They were both prone to worries that were dismissed by others, so he did feel a little bad to be so quick to do so, knowing how it felt on the other side - but Em was out of danger now that she was off the pitch, and Elliott bit his tongue as the girls handled the situation with far more grace than he would have. He raised his cup and a smile to Pandora as she arrived, glad that another friend had joined, even as two more sixth years came over. He'd seen the couple in the stands, and Malcolm wasn't in their House, was he? No, not with how he spoke of the match, he was visiting...

He was content to be, observing the others and soaking things in, until Helena asked him a question. He'd hardly shaken his head no when Helena's glee was picked up by Greta, and the rules were given in short sequence, and a pirate's had appeared and Leon was stuck with it, and Leon -

Leon.

"Would it kill you to sound sorrier about it?" he asked with a bit of a forced laugh, knowing he was lucky to just get it over with early, but still. Being put on the spot in front of this group was hardly ideal, but he'd committed to staying, and this was part of the deal. Dare. Captain. Drink. Repeat. Throat prickly and dry, the lad cleared it and, with a resolute nod to his roommate before finding a spot on the wall to concentrate on instead - began to sing. To the tune of the Puddlemere team anthem, the way his brothers had taught him. It was over soon enough, and he took the hat and drink he'd earned with a greater laugh of relief. There was a certain warmth in his belly that he wasn't sure was from the drink or from surviving the attention, and for how unfamiliar it was, it wasn't altogether horrible. But the spotlight couldn't get off of him fast enough, if he had his way, and Elliott found another friend to shine it onto. "Alright, Emmeline. Best imitation of a professor of choice."

[Arnie Peasegood]

A slow grin dawned on his face as Em promised her help in keeping him grounded, and in doing so, increased the likelihood that he'd need it. He was - she was - they were flirting, with an easy sort of banter Arnie typically only found himself in among those he was closest to, not when the Captain of the Quidditch team held his hand. Although, in fairness, not even hand-holding had happened with the previous Captain - focus. As actual, honest, true-to-Merlin reciprocated flirting only came by once in a blue moon, Arnie didn't have all the data he needed, but could hazard a promising guess that it would go to his head. Just a little - and that Benji would knock some sense back into him before he embarrassed himself. Not the worst thing in the world if you get more confident, wise up.

She spoke up to his earlier question, and he nodded back with an appreciative smile. It was almost like hearing his mum, or dad, or Gracie, describing the systems they worked in. If everyone was on board, of the same mind, knew when to act and when to listen - a kind of choreography could be seen throughout the hospital, or the station, as the team went through the day together. There was a balance of trust, responsibility, capabilities. Why couldn't the same be true over the pitch? "Makes sense - everyone's learned their part, and when it's game time, you're all trusting each other to see it through in the moment. You have made sure to build that community in, that's wicked." 

As they joined the group and were no longer joined together, Arnie nevertheless kept by her side. Em was one of the more controlled of the bunch as they drank, features not squirming like many of them - himself included - and with a quick shake of his head and gulp of punch, he was energized. This was a grand group, wasn't it? And after a day out in the rain, this was just the way to warm up for the evening to come. Although he did feel gently cuffed at the Seeker's take on the end of the match - he hadn't intended any offense, she knew that, didn't she? - Arnie had to chuckle as Em brought up her co-Captain intervening on her behalf. Not that he doubted the diminutive witch, but with Selwyn graduated, were any remaining teammates really all that murderous anymore? 

Before he could inquire, his roommate sidled in on high alert. This being their sixth year together, one may think that all surprises were gone - but no, Xeno kept them on their toes. The cousins quietly connected, and with assurances coming from Helena and Greta alike, and a drink soon in hand courtesy of another pair of cousins, the Keeper seemed to emerge resettled. Enough. Arnie gave him a friendly clap to the back, an encouraging shake to the shoulders, to loosen up the tightly wound fellow. "Crisis averted, you've earned a night off. Stick around and enjoy, eh?"

It was rather a relief to be joined by more of his yearmates - Xeno, Pan, Sylvie, and Malcolm had gathered up - and he grinned in greeting to them all. "Had me worried there Sylvie, thought you two got lost on your way home," Arnie joked, although really, it was so good to see his friend in such chipper spirits. The pair of sweethearts were rather precious together, all told, and he'd been glad to see all of the on-the-way-to-class dance practices pay off for them at the masquerade. This expansion jostled them all together just that much closer, but it was hardly a bad thing to rub shoulders with any of them, even if he was itching to reach for Emmeline's hand. As it was, brushing hands with hers - and Xeno's, Merlin - would do for now. Who knew what their little earlier back-and-forth would bring, if it was as fun for her as it was for him - but it was game time.

Here we go!

    Oh, he's not going to -

He is!

He didn't know Elliott, not really, but he knew enough to know that this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Although the seventh year rushed through the song, and seemed to want the round done as quickly as humanly possible, Elliott Thomas had sung, and Arnie cheered as the Captain's hat took a jaunty set on the lad's head. But it was with pure glee that he turned to Em, with no clue who she would imitate. His own first instinct would be Slughorn - sure, Potions was a favorite class, but that didn't get the most pompous professor off the hook - or maybe McGonagall - a withering glare like no other - and he couldn't wait to see what she would do.

He stepped back to give her space enough to gesture as she embodied someone at the head table, grinning like a fool, and teased, "Alright Em, c'mon - I know you want that hat."

[Emmeline Vance]

Out of nowhere, as usual, Xeno was at her side and she had to hold back a laugh. Typical of him to think she was being serious, but she adored her cousin for his personality. He was right about one thing, she was the dueling club president and she had earned that by being one of the best duelers Hogwarts had ever seen. Thankfully there was no need to get into details and explain what she had meant, as Helena and Greta were reassuring her cousin and backing her up at the same time. They knew him well, with Greta covering all the bases before he could protest. Pandora had arrived with him, and Emmeline was about to say hello to the odd but lovable girl when Sylvia arrived at their group. She introduced the boy with her, Malcolm, and Em gave a wave of hello. She did know him, although they’d never had a chance to talk much.

“You are too sweet Sylvia, but thank you. We were pretty superb out there. Some of the most exciting flying I’ve seen from the team,” she said with a laugh, one that only grew as Malcolm promised he wasn’t here for secrets. “Don’t fret, if Regulus continues to play poorly you are in for an easy win against them after the holidays. If he’s even alive still by then, the team might be killing him as we speak. Although that is not the murder plot we’ve shut down.” Pandora chimed in, and Emmeline reached her free hand out to give the younger girl's hand a squeeze, “We can only hope. Would certainly knock their confidence down a few notches to come in last.” Helena, her ever-wonderful best friend, was suggesting a game of Captain to Elliot, and there was no way that she was about to miss out on seeing Elliot play this game with them. Especially if he was sticking around for the party.

Leon was their first Captain, and he took his duty just as seriously as he always did. Elliot was the first victim, and she had to wonder if he’d pass on this first dare. Their school song was hilarious at best, but Elliot made it even more entertaining with his choice of tune, and she whistled as he finished before she drank. She was proud of her classmate for jumping in with both feet to this party and grinned widely as he directed the next dare at her. And Arnie was right - she did want the hat. She couldn’t really recall ever passing on a dare when they played this game. But which professor to choose? She locked eyes with Helena, and she knew then exactly who to choose. “Ah, Miss Goldstein, you’re quite the talented witch, aren’t you? You absolutely must come to my club, only reserved for the very best,” she said in the lowest voice she could, “You should invite young Mr. Scamander with you, my two-star pupils. You know I went to school with his father.” She wasn’t sure she could do a more spot-on impression of Slughorn, and laughed at herself as she broke character. She took the offered hat with glee, took a drink, and set her sights on her cousin. “Okay dear cousin, your turn. Let’s get you out of your comfort zone, ask someone to dance.”

[Xeno Lovegood]

As usual when he found himself with Pandora, Xeno didn't feel so alone with his thoughts, and he returned her bright smile gladly. "I suppose so," he agreed, doing what he could to tune out the crowd in favor of her company as they made for the fire. "It was good of you to come out today. Thank you, I think we always play better when we've got support." The castle could argue, endlessly, about who had it worse during matches like these, and he had a feeling that Elliott would be ready to do so if given the opportunity. But it said something tremendous, didn't it, that practically the whole school joined in? Even in such a downpour? He had never belonged to something so well loved, or critiqued, and did wonder if he'd feel strongly about continuing to participate next season. When Emmy moved on, there was no clear tell of who would even take over, and without clear leadership...

Those concerns would wait, however, as far more pressing ones came to light. As they joined Emmy and her companions, Xeno kept his ear to the conversation of safety, although he could feel the pleasantries around him as the others applauded the match and became acquainted. His cousin wasn't concerned, no more than anyone else, and he gave a solemn nod to Helena's assurance. She was right, after all - with her gift, she had power that no one else here possessed, that he knew of, and would be primed to hear any plots. But she couldn't be everywhere - and even as he moved to protest, their Seeker chimed in, catching him in his own thoughts. It was always easier to heighten energy than deflate it, or so he found, and they were all so confident that there was nothing to worry about. He looked to Em for the final assurance and, finding it, accepted his roommate's hearty welcome, and the drink passed his way from Leon. "Never said I was going anywhere," he muttered, although he sent his mate a grin besides.

He kept his thoughts to himself as the talk rattled around him, as he tried to stop the mental train before it became a runaway one. No one was out to get Em, at least nothing serious, the whole lot here were joking about murder, so there was no need to worry... Friends were around, even Mal joined in on their celebrations at Sylvia's side, and while he redirected his energy, a new game was shortly afoot. He hadn't been wholly paying attention to the rules, but his focus was drawn absolutely as Elliott started to sing, never having heard something remotely melodic out of the bloke before - a wide grin spread on his face as the game moved to Em, and he laughed aloud at her spot-on impression of their pompous Potions professor... Xeno had only just had his obligatory drink at her victory when his cousin moved the spotlight onto him. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her dare, and confusion was plain on his face - did she want him to go dance with someone, and leave the game? - but the name came without thought. "Pan?" Xeno called, looking for and finding her in the gathered many, and beamed. He hadn't a clue what his own contribution would be, should he return to the game to give a dare, but knew he could do this. He hadn't grown up with sisters, to not know how to dance with a partner. He'd wonder, later, how her name had come so quickly to mind - they had come to the group together, certainly, but he could have asked any of them, even Arnie would have gone along with it, not left him hanging. But he'd found Pandora, and he hadn't wanted to ask somebody else. "Care to dance?"

[Deleted]

Sylvia nodded along excitedly as Emmaline complimented her team, in complete agreeance with her assessment. It was a great match and the team had played at the top of their game. Malcolm, her boyfriend, gave his own congratulations and assurances that he was not here to spy and she laughed, tucking in closer to her side. “Here here.” she cheered. For Pandora’s prediction that Slytherin finished bottom this year and for Malcom, in the hopes that Hufflepuff also gave the snakes what they deserved. “I’ll be there next week regardless.” she told him quietly as the conversation flowed around them. She very much hoped she would be attending another victory party but she would be with Mal and that was just like winning. She reached up to give him a quick kiss on his cheek, feeling too happy, almost. Their team had secured the victory, she was surrounded by her friends and celebrating housemates and on the arm of Malcolm who was a truly great guy.

Her attention went back to the group as a whole when Helena suggested a game. She did like games, in fact, she had a pretty competitive streak she wasn’t always proud of. This game however wasn’t that sort and she laughed at the possibilities of it. Who knew what another person could come up with, and you had to do it, or suffer. It started off innocuous enough, Elliot gave them all a decent rendition of their school song and Sylvia cheered with everyone else when he was finished and the hat placed on his head.

Emmaline was next, giving her best impression of Slughorn that had Sylvia’s eyes watering. It was so spot on. The blonde turned to Xeno next, challenging him, and the younger Ravenclaw leaned around Malcolm to watch, her heart rate inexplicitly picking up and he called her roommates name. “This is so sweet.” she said, her heart warm for her friend. She looked back to Malcolm, so pleased that they were together, which made her twice as happy for her friend to be experiencing this as well. Pandora was such a kind spirit, she deserved it. 

[Malcolm Rabnott]

Encouragingly, this bustling lot of Sylvie's friends and housemates were welcoming him in, and as they seemed to accept his honest declaration - maybe he could relax. He could worry too much and be a bit of a stick-in-the-mud around the Hufflepuff burrows or with his siblings, occasionally getting convinced to participate in this harebrained scheme or that when his judgement or arguments failed. But Prefect Rabnott didn't need to be on duty here and now, he could turn a blind eye to whatever had been sneaked into the castle and into the punch, and take a cue from Leon - if he wasn't worried, Mal didn't need to be. Sylvie was pleased as could be, anyway, and there was no need to spoil that. He waved away Arnie's teasing "concern" and beamed at her whispered assurance, determined and hopeful to secure a win and treat her to a celebration with his mates at their next match. Emmeline's assessment of their mutual rivals brought an exaggerated grimace to his face - while he and his team, and the Ravenclaws it appeared, took their losses and victories as one, he doubted that the same could be said of the Slytherins - but he did hope for a fair match, involving all original players. Sylvie rose up and kissed his cheek and, head shaking in some wonder at the girl he'd been so lucky to catch the affection of, he moved to wrap his arms around her from behind. Swaying to the music as they stood, his attention perked up as a game was called, and Mal did his best to clock the rules. He wasn't sure if his mates had heard of this game, and if they hadn't, he could already see their joy at the opportunity to learn a new one.

It seemed straightforward enough, and after Helena's suggestion, Greta's explanation and a quick bit of Transfiguration - the game was on! 

The boy called - Elliott - didn't seem particularly keen on his assignment, but took it in stride and delivered, to Mal's surprised laughter, their school song in the form of a Quidditch anthem. He passed the game on, fast as he could, to Em, who delivered a flawless Slughorn impression to the delight of all. Voice hoarse from cheering at the match, he let out an appreciative whistle at her spot-on delivery - and raised brows with the rest as she passed the challenge onto her cousin. Xeno looked bewildered, but nevertheless was quick to ask Pandora. Mal smiled, unable not to at the one on the other lad's face and the excitement he felt emanating from the girl in his arms, and an idea struck as Sylvie looked back to him. "Why don't we go with them?" he leaned in close to whisper, nodding towards the other dancers. While Sylvie was by far the expert of the two of them, Malcolm was proud to say he'd learned a thing or two from her so far, and they made as good of a pair on the dance floor as they did off of it. If they could tear themselves away from the game - he was riveted, truthfully, but felt they could be of good use beside their classmates, there were enough folks here to keep it going, and they could always return. Sylvie adored her roommate, and if this was a first for Pandora and Xeno, as it seemed, being alongside friends could only help - right?

[Pandora Nott]

“I’m always willing to come and support the team, I think it’s good to have people on your side,” she said with a smile to Xeno. Quidditch was not her favorite thing by any means, and she didn’t understand why someone wanted to fly around and possibly get hit by a bludger. But it was still important to support the team as much as possible. Like this party, which was a way to show the team how much they cared and how proud they were of their win today. She always felt a little bit out of place at parties, but being with Xeno made her feel more confident in talking to the older students. Emmeline reached a hand out towards her, and Pandora smiled at her as the older girl squeezed her hand. Social situations were always difficult, but it was nice to feel included in the conversation.

Talk turned to a game of Captain, and Pandora was glad for the explanation of the game. She had never played before and was pleased at how simple the rules were. Pandora watched with amusement as Leon gave Elliot the task of singing, and she clapped excitedly as he gave the task his best shot. Elliot was quiet, and Pandora liked him because he was nice to study near, he mostly kept to himself. Emmeline was up next, and Pandora smiled at the dare. How fun, to act like a professor! Who would Em pick? A laugh came out as Em became Slughorn, and she looked excitedly to Xeno as Em picked him. The dare would be simple enough, but Pandora could feel Xeno’s confusion as he thought about it. What she hadn’t expected was her name, and she smiled brightly at him. “I would love to dance!” She gave the group a nod, then took Xeno by the hand and lead him to where people were dancing. Sylvia and Mal followed them, but that wasn’t what Pandora was focused on.

She could feel the group staring at them, and peeked over to see Emmeline looking rather smug. “Do you think you’ll be named Captain next year? In Quidditch?” Making conversation was better than watching them all stare at them. The music was upbeat, so it was easy to dance to, and she did hope that Xeno was having fun dancing with her. There had been no time frame given for dancing, so while one song would be enough, she was worried about playing Captain. She didn’t normally hang with this group unless Xeno was around them. Pandora felt that some of them were still starring, but didn’t glance over to confirm. The song came to an end, and Pandora held out her hand to Xeno.

[Helena Goldstein]

Laughing and clapping with the others, Helena gave a small curtsey as Em gave her very best impression of the Slytherin Head of house, pulling her and Leon into her bit as well. That made it all the more believable, Slughorn was famous for pestering them about one thing or another: especially her cousin, poor bloke. Emmaline’s version of the robust gentleman was much more amusing than the real thing and Helena was glad for starting up the game. Everyone seemed to be good sports and participating and enjoying themselves, which made the blonde's heart sing.

Her favorite cousin had gotten Elliot to host a sing-along and Em to entertain them all with her natural talent (both on and off the field), and now they were going to be treated to the sweetest jig ever jigged by two people. Pandora and Xeno were possibly the most adorable non-couple she knew of. Oblivious, but adorable. "They are truly so darling." She said to Greta, bumping her shoulder. Sylvia and Malcolm were the first to follow onto the dance floor but they certainly were not the last and Helena found herself snapping and swaying softly to the beat. There was so much innocent happiness emanating from the dance floor she simply could not help herself, she was simply basking in the array of blissfully joyous thoughts. Could there be a better victory party? This one seemed to take the cake, in her opinion.

The game had turned into a dance party, for the moment at least, and while Helena did enjoy watching, she wasn’t so keen on joining in right now. Instead, she reinstated herself at the drinks table, content to enjoy the atmosphere, and possibly give herself a proper buzz. If there was an excuse, a reason, tonight was it! She poured another measure for herself before covertly taking the job of barmaid back from a fifth-year who already looked in need of a pepper-up for the undoubtedly awful hangover he would suffer when he woke tomorrow. Helena set about prepping for the next round of the game, confident that by the end of the night, they would all be sufficiently drunk, game or no game. Victors deserved no less luxury.

[Greta Catchlove]

Helena was a genius, a mastermind - the game was off to a roaring start, from Leon to Elliott to Emmeline to Xeno, and so far, all challenges were taken up swimmingly. And, while her friend had had the idea for the game, she hadn't yet been stuck in the spotlight. Clever girl. The game bopped from player to player along with her delightful hat, which she was rather keen to hold on to after this, it was one of her better ones. While not everyone was delighted to find themselves given a challenge, Greta was pleased that they had all persevered and come out grinning - that was the aim, the goal, the thrill of the game! And while she hadn't been challenged yet, that gave her ample time to get ahead on drinks and people-watch - two favorite pastimes, indeed. Sylvie and Mal were busy canoodling long before they followed Xeno and Pandora to the dance floor, Arnie still had eyes for Em and she had to know where and when this had all started, because it looked like her friend might be doing the same?

Helena's nudge and whisper made her grin anew as she watched Pan and Xeno, and she nodded in hearty agreement. "Only a matter of time," she shot back, bumping hips with her friend as they swayed, until the blonde took over the drinks table with a contented smile. Genius, mastermind, the works. "You could get out there while you've got the hat, you know," Greta quietly suggested with an innocent grin, shimmying over to Em, back to the sixth year who had every reason to be smitten with the girl. "It's a look, it's a good look, Captain." The song changed and Greta nearly jumped out of her shoes - yes, yes, she'd be ready for the game to resume any time. But until then, she sang at her gathered friends, with the full dramatics the song required - "My my! At Waterloo Napoleon did surrender - oh yeah! And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way. The history book on the shelf - is always repeating itself! Waterloo!"