[Great Hall] The Tournament Ball (For All)

[Henry Boggleworth]

As Boggleworth gratefully took his drink and downed it in one, he was about to pass it back but thought better of it considering Dax's present nerves.
"Tis hardly surprising considering" answered Boggleworth grinning and giving Girty a poke in the side, being careful to snatch and down her drink first. "Ah I needed that, thirsty work all this chattering," he commented with a grin trying in vain to make Dax more comfortable.
"Indeed I would be happy to assist thee." He chuckled bowing low to Girty "but a moment alone with Dax would do nicely first?" He asked not waiting for a reply he took Dax by the arm and moved him away from Girty smiling apologetically and seeing people rushing to speak to her already.
"Dax my man," he said guiding him swiftly towards a seat before his knees buckled "whatever's the matter? You look deathly pale, though perhaps I know the answer," he mused aloud dragging a wooden chair next to Dax's "we need to talk openly" he admitted setting his empty glass upon the table, though he wanted Dax to immediately spill the beans and come out with his problem, he knew it wouild take some persuasion and realised with a sinking feeling that this really hadn't been the palce to discuss it; nevertheless he would continue unabated.
"Absence has made your heart's grow fonder methinks," he said "now's the time." He knew for a fact he was probably putting his friendship on the line here, but he thought it necessary.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax looked from Boggleworth to Girty, then back to Boggleworth. He was dying to turn his gaze to Loren and stare open mouthed. However this thought was soon pushed out his mind by being dragged away by Bog. He soon found himself being pushed into a chair. Staring blankly at Boggleworth he knew what he wanted and Dax did not want to say anything.
After his little speech Dax licked his lips and nodded at the other Hufflepuff. What did he want him to say. With a slight shrug of the shoulder’s Dax tried to reassure Bog that he would be fine.

“It was just a small moment that was all. I was took by surprise, she does not like me and I…I want to be friends.”

Mustering up a smile Dax looked over his shoulder and saw Loren standing with Ian still. His stomach gave a strange lurch and his butter beer began to rise up his throat. Taking a deep breath Dax turned back to Bog and ran his hand through his hair, he was trying with all his might to stay calm.

[Henry Boggleworth]

Wishing he had another butterbeer in his hand, or rather downed already Boggleworth nevertheless kept his concentration firmly upon the task of reassuring Dax. As a rowdy group of Slytherins jostled past their seats, betting upon who had the ugliest date Boggleworth raised his eyebrows at Dax's speech.
"You what?" He uttered startled with an expression of obvious doubt of whether Dax was really telling the truth. But he surmised he was probably trying in vain to fool himself that he no longer had feelings for the girl. Laughing heartily he exclaimed "what tripe! It's clear you're both madly in love with each other," but as he said that Loren laughed loudly, probably at one of the other Gryffindor's joke. Trying to keep his expression clear he gulped "well they're only flirting" he teased but upon seeing the startled look of Dax's he apogised "I'm joking my friend, it's crystal clear to me you're in love with her, you're never usually this nervous," he explained raising his glass to his lips, then remembering there was nothing left "love does strange things" he said wisely but cut short realising his words of encouragement weren't having the desired effect.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax rubbed his temple as he heard what Bog was saying. He could not take this, he needed to either of two things. Once was to get over Loren fast or the other was to see if Bog was right, if she did still like him. Lowering his hand Dax looked at Boggleworth and swallowed hard.

“You do not get it do you? I ruined it, totally stuffed it up and there is nothing I can do. I hurt Loren so much…I made her look like a fool and I do not blame her for hating me. What was I playing at, I knew how she felt but yet I still went and…and well you know.”

Dax lowered his head and let the sound of Loren’s voice float into his ears. He could not take this anymore. This was pure torture and talking about it made it worse. Shaking his head Dax pushed himself out of his seat and began to walk towards the exit of the hall.

[Henry Boggleworth]

Struggling to understand quite what Dax meant by his words Boggleworth could clearly see he was in distress and believed he had ruined his relationship with Loren forever, from what his sources had told him; the scene had been rather embarrassing to say the least, but he couldn't help but feel that both of them had exaggerated things somewhat, if he presumed correct they had barely spoken since the incident in the great hall that fateful day.
Grabbing hold of Dax before he had moved more than three steps he dragged him to a halt, being the slightly bulkier of the two it wasn't incredibly difficult. Standing now with hands on hips, not realising Loren would have done much the same and that it might spark of memories he exclaimed "Dax, your bumbling efforts only prove the extent of your love, your reputation, with Sophie for example wasn't like that, or so I hear, so your love is so much stronger than that for Loren, she knows this I'm sure. Things will work out ok in the end, I'm sure of it." He said comfortingly believing he spoke the simple truth holding his arms wide he said whilst grinning widely "give us a hug, cry on my shoulder, no honestly" becoming serious once more he put an arm round Dax's shoulder guiding him slowly step by painful step towards Loren. "this is the girl for you, so cry on her shoulder," Dragging Dax all the way over to Loren with people seemingly giving them a wide birth he cleared his throat loudly "Miss Hayes," giving her a wink he stated "this young gentleman has something to say to you." Deciding it would be best to give them some privacy he commented "that dark corner looks like a good place to talk, though personnally I'd prefer a nice long chat in each other's arms dancing." Bowing he waited for one ot the two to speak.

[Dax Simmons]

As Dax took his third step he felt a tug and he could move no further. Furry was bubbling inside of him, he knew Boggleworth meant the best but he could not take it anymore. If he mentioned ‘Love’ one more time Dax knew he would explode. However Bog seemed not to pick up Dax’s anger. Spinning around to look at his fellow Hufflepuff, Dax let rage take over.

“I DO NOT LOVE HER!!!”

Dax’s eyes were wide open and his nostrils flaring, people around them were moving away and exchanging strange looks. But there was one problem to this out burst. Boggleworth had just called over Loren and she was looking in there direction. Dax swore a little louder then he normally would have done and glared at Bog. It was just Dax’s luck, he had to say something that could once more cause more trouble then it was worth.

[Henry Boggleworth]

The fact that Dax kept making such blunders made it clear to Boggleworth at least; that Dax and Loren were just destined to be together, but then again he was a romantic and expected such things to happen. Smacking his head in disbelief as Dax shouted out such a ridiculous claim, then promptly swore loadly to boot, he shushed him urgently. Little did he know that Loren was coming up directly behind him
"well what did you say that for? You cannot just lie, she could have heard that a mile away, I mean I'm quite certain she loves you too, or at least has a small crush on you, I mean who wouldn't? You're a handsomish guy, your manners could improve and your grades aren't up to scratch, your friends aren't the best either if I'm the best to show for them, you're a flirt, make lots of mistakes," enjoying the sinking look on Dax's face he ignored his gestures that Loren was directly behind him and continued "but, overall you're a dead nice guy, adn if she can't see that, then well she's as blind as a bloomin bat, and if she doesn't love you I'd eat my ruddy hat, though not this once of course cause it's my best. I mean good lord I'm sure she fancied me at one time, so she will of course fancy you cause you're ten times the man I am." Hearing a slight noise behind him he gulped knowing with a sinking feeling that Loren would assuredly be behind him. Turning he nonetheless jumped a mile to see her standing there looking as serene as ever. Giving a weak laugh he chuckled
"well I never, whyever were you there?" He asked "did I call you ever, damn my stupidity, oh well have fun the two of you eh?" He laughed, so far his plan was working a charm, bowing he hurriedly left returning to Girty, laughing all the way "they're in love!" he chortled to Girty loud enough for them to still hear. "love eh?"

[spidermonkey]

Deianira smiled watching had proved more interesting then she had first thought. She slowly smoothed down her lacey peach dress. She wrinkled her nose peach.... it was horrible, she would admit it. Her copper hair and the peach dress clashed so badly that when she had tried it on her father and mother had not said a word. Not even "people should judge you by your personality not your clothes" Just complite silence. She watched as the other girls so beautifully dressed swirled past her caught up in their dates arms. Her feet itched, she slowly rubbed one with her other noticing that yellow ribbons on her shoes were badly frayed. She grabbed a small bisket off the refreshment table and studied it, then ate it.

[layla]

Layla looked up as her chair was jostled. She saw another Gryffindor standing there, looking a bit torn between herself. She smiled graciously, "Oh, don't worry about it. My dress hasn't ripped and I've not been drenched in butter beer as of yet, so I'm quite fine. Would you care to join us?" she asked, once again gesturing to the vacant seats around the table.

She shrugged towards Telbor as if to say, 'we'll continue this discussion later.' This place was far too crowded to risk their precious plans being overheard. Sure, everyone was busy with other things, but if certain key words slipped out she could only imagine the trouble they'd be in. Word seemed to spread sickeningly fast around this school and she wasn't prepared to be intercepted yet.

In the meantime she gestured to one of the bartenders that her table would need a round of refreshments; and while their drinks worked their way through the crowd she decided she'd try to get to know these girls a little better. First off the Gryffindor. She hadn't been in the common room very often and thus didn't know quite so many Gryffindors as she would have liked, but this could be a start, "I'm Layla, by the way," she introduced herself.

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty looked around the hall, feeling that the anger that Dax was showing and the determination to make him happy by Boggleworth was bringing down her mood slightly. Although there were a few second years talking to her she did not feel that there company was as thrilling as some others, however Boggleworth did return although he kept mentioning about Dax and Loren. With a small giggle and a look in their direction Girty noticed a Hufflepuff all by herself.

With a smile and a small laugh, Girty skipped over toward the other Hufflepuff and gave a small wave.
"Good evening."

[Sophie Hargreaves]

Thankful her fellow Gryffindor had saved her from a rather difficult decision she gracefully curtsied with a smile gratefully sliding into a seat opposite Layla as she found out. Surpisingly though they had never met in a lesson nor in a corridor, though perhaps neither had seen the other, the occasion to talk had obviously never presented itself at least.
"I'd love to join this merry little gathering," she said with a smile; the Slytherin was probably less than impressed that their conversation had been interupted, and even one of her own folk didn't seem so happy to be here either, the ever so slight strain of the smile was a telltale sign that she wasn't overly fussed upon the evening's entertainment thus far.
"Sophie Hargreaves, I'm so pleased to have met you at long last," having heard the odd rumour and keeping her ears out for such circumstances, Sophie knew the girl had relatively recently transfered from Beauxbatons, the french accent obviously added to the suspicions.
"Having a nice evening?" She asked somewhat nervously she wasn't so sure about this group of people, finding herself much more at ease with her friends, who were chattering away in a corner, some greeting their dates with open arms. Sighing her mind wandered coming to rest upon a topic she found most disagreeable, Will and his dancing, she did wonder where he was. Firmly pushing such thoughts from her mind she looked once more at her new aquaintances smiling apologetically for her momentary lapse in concentration.

[spidermonkey]

Deianira looked up surprised, “hello.” she answered softly. she was quite embarrassed about the dress, and the lace was unbearably itchy so she could only manage a weak smile in turn for the girls friendliness. she tried to think of something to say but her mind went blank. reaching behind her she took another biscuit of the refreshment stand and offered it to the girl “biscuit?” she knew it was lame but it was all she could think to say.

[cass]

Kitty walked in to the great hall dressed in a long silver gown and her hair out over her shoulders. She had not chosen to dress to extravagantly for she did not know anyone here yet for she had only just arrived the day before yesterday and was getting to know her way around.
News of the ball had reached her ears as she was eating breakfast that morning and was a last minute decision to go.

Walking through the crowded hall she found herself an empty seat, watching the couples and friends dancing. Chewing her bottom lip as she did so, she intended to make friends tonight at some stage but for now she would rather sit.

[jefferydeanmorgan]

Jeffery walked into the ball with a happy swagger, he walked over to the drink table and picked up one of the cups, not quite sure whether it was an alchoholic drink or not, walked away slowly sipping it. He smiled at the dancers and watched with a small grin.

[Dean Winchester]

Dean marched into the dance with a small smile, not really in the mood for dancing Dean stood on the side lines, tugging at the hem of his jackets sleeve. He looked around and sighed, nearly everyone had a couple except for him... his eyes darted around from girl to girl.