[Great Hall] A Tale of Two Houses

[Loren Hayes]

As Loren and Dax ran from the Ball hand in hand, Loren could not help but grin broadly as she realised the mess she had just caused. 'What a rush! We'll be in trouble in the morning,' she said breathlessly as they rushed from the garden that had been magically grown around the entrance doors for the occasion. The lawns sloped gently down before them, moonlight passing from behind pearl grey clouds. 'I wonder what Hubbles will do next time he sees me...' she said worrisomely as she flopped down by the shore.

Dipping her hands in the lake, Loren scooped up some water and cupped it to her face, splashing it over herself. Droplets flecked across her dress, although by now there were bits of food and small rips all over it. She also realised her heels were still scattered apart on the Ballroom floor, probably having been kicked out of the way or stomped on by now.

Her locks dripping, Loren looked up at Dax with a gentle smile on her face. 'You alright?' she asked, a soft look in her eye. Loren realised she was very tired now, and she closed her eyes, breathing deeply, rubbing the shoulder she had bashed went tackling Professor Hubbles.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax let Loren lead the way, he was happy just being able to be near her without having to worry about the glare of Dan Hubbles. As they sat down by the water Dax thought about what Loren had said.

“Never mind what he is going to do to you, what about me…I am in his house. I will be murdered in my bed.”

He gave a small chuckle as he gazed on at Loren as her hair fell over her shoulders and the look in her eyes. It took Dax’s breath away, she was so beautiful and at that present moment in time he did not care how much trouble it could get him into, he wanted to spend as much time with Loren as possible. Moving closer Dax stretched out his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders. He rested his head against hers as he looked out over the lake. With his free hand he look old of Loren’s, they were cold, but she had just put them into the lake.

“Am I ok? Well apart from a bad leg and I think a broken tooth due to Boggleworth I shall be fine. I will be willing to go through a lot worse simple to be by your side.”

[Loren Hayes]

Loren laughed, flopping her head down onto his. 'Mmm you probably will,' she mused teasingly. 'I don't think either of us will be able to set foot in Charms again... do you think he'll have calmed down by tomorrow?' Loren paused, watching the stars, each of them reflected in her eyes. 'I'm glad we've made up...' She sighed, unable to stop saying it. She placed a kiss on his hair, resting her mouth there for a moment.

The music had started back up again at the castle, and Loren peered over her shoulder to look at the silhouettes of people dancing through the tall windows of the Great Hall. Several house elves could been seen busily going in and out of the entrance doors, each time carrying a large chunk of icy body part. The head of Salazar Slytherin was particularly troublesome it seemed, trying to bite at the tiny fingers of his captors.

'I can't believe I nearly ruined the ball. Some champion, aren't I?' she muttered blandly. 'Exciting though.' Dax shifted against her arm, and she wondered if she were talking too much, spoiling their quiet moment together. Loren admitted thus far she had not been very focused on just the two of them, and quickly resigned to sitting soundlessly, her eyes closed.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax listened quite happily to the ramblings of Loren. He was so overjoyed that she was talking to him now, the silence that fell between them haunted him and to hear her now was like bird song in the morning. It was so beautiful that Dax did not pay much attention to what she was actually saying.

However when she went silent he though he needed to encourage more talking. It was not that he did not want to sit in silence and enjoy each others company but he had truly had enough of silence.

“You will be the most amazing Champion. Heck you managed to knock down a rather angry teacher and still walk away with all your limbs attached and your pride. No matter what Professor Hubbles says you are likely to beat Girty hands down, she is to clumsy and what happens if the hold an event the day after a full moon, she will not be even able to stand before the task has started.”

Dax squeezed Loren’s hand and nodded his head, almost trying to force himself to believe it. He was actually scared for Loren, not only by the way that the Professor was acting but also what tasks may lay ahead. He could not even stand the thought of Loren being hurt. Raising her hand he kissed it gently, not wanting to let go of her.

[Loren Hayes]

Loren smiled softly as Dax spoke. 'You don't have to lie to make me feel better, Dax. It's okay to think Girty will probably win. I know you do.' She said, a hint of disappointment in her voice. 'She's got everyone on her side... it's not fair...'

She did not warn Dax as she stood up, but not on purpose. The Hufflepuff nearly tipped over and onto the ground, but Loren let him lean on her leg as she stood still and gazed out across the dark water, wondering how she had ended up here. Not even my Head of House wants me to win. Dax is the only person who wants me to succeed, even though he's from another House... Loren thought of her parents and how she had failed to mention that she was the Ravenclaw Champion, or even what the Quadwizard Tournament was. Perhaps if she got through the whole ordeal without dying, she never would...

Loren looked down at Dax to see him looking up at her, eyes full of questions. 'I'll be alright.' She smiled, not really knowing if that was what he was actually thinking or not.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax had no time to protest against what Loren had said before she stood up. His head was knocked in the other direction while his hand shot up in the air with such force that he was lifted off the ground for a second. Regaining his balance Dax looked up at Loren, and noticed that something was not right. He was not that stupid when it came down to noticing problems with the opposite sex. Admittedly over the years he had done many a thing to cause such problems, not knowing when to keep his mouth shut or stop himself from taking certain actions, but he could be serious when he needed it.

With a deep breath Dax pushed himself off the ground she that he was standing next to Loren. As he turned to look at her it suddenly hit him how much she had shrunk since she had took her shoes off.

“No. I do not think Girty will win.”

For once Dax’s took up a dominate persona. His voice did not hold any hind of laughter or falseness. The person that was standing next to Loren at his very moment was the Dax that actually had a hint of maturity in him. He wrapped his arms around Loren and held her closely, kissing the top of her head lightly.

“You will win Loren, you have everything that a champion needs. Your brave, your smart, your full of energy and deadly beautiful. You just need a bit of confidence and self belief, and if the only way of getting that is by me screaming your name at the top of my lungs while dancing around in a Ravenclaw hat covered in badges saying ‘Loren is the best’ then I will do that.”

Dax felt Loren move in his arms, and he suddenly became aware that his embrace had become rather tight. With a guilty chuckle he let his arms hand down by the side of Loren giving room to breath.

[Loren Hayes]

Loren was surprised as Dax jumped to his feet, his eyes steely his expression so serious she actually thought he was going to shout at her. She looked at him, puzzled, before gasping as he pulled her into a solid embrace. He began to speak now, his voice steady and low and relentless, and as he talked about how wonderful she was Loren could not help but give a silly little smile and blush deeply, every now and then mumbling in protest as he showered her with the kind of support she had not yet encountered...

You should give him a break, you know. He isn't completely hopeless, a sagely voice said in her head, making her smile softly in agreement. It seemed she was forgetting all too easily how devoted Dax was to her. He had said countless times that he loved her, yet she had over looked it with dismissive anger, believing that it was just his way, as a male, of manipulating her into falling for him. Why are you treating him like a Slytherin? Can't you see he's sincere?

Dax let go of her now, and Loren stepped back slightly, staring up into his face. His skin was pale and gaunt in the moonlight, and she reached up, tracing the tips of her fingers over his forehead, down his cheek and across his jawline. 'Thank you,' she said simply, her expression soft and calm.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Loren closed her eyes, pausing for a moment before pressing her lips to his in a tender, warm kiss...

[Dax Simmons]

Dax was surprised at how silent Loren was, by this stage she would normally be standing her ground arguing the other point. Dax seemed to think it was a favourite past time of hers, she always seemed to argue about anything he said. However Dax train of thought was stopped rather quickly as Loren began to run her figure along his face and then she kissed him.

For a split second Dax felt his heart stop, her lips where as soft as silk, they tasted of the sweetest honey and her tongue…her tongue. Dax pulled away from Loren, holding her by her arms almost in a form of protection to stop her getting close again. She but up a bit of a struggle at first however she soon calmed down but Dax had to face looking into those stern eyes.
Trying to catch his breath Dax lost all thought of trying to act more manly. His voice wavered going from one extreme to the other.

“Tongues!? You…We are…your moving to tongues that quickly.”

At the end of every sentence his voice went extremely high as his face went extremely pale. For all the talk and stories Dax had told others and himself, he had never actually managed to be in a relationship that got to the stage of kissing each other lightly on the lips. Trying to clam himself down Dax looked down to his shoes unable to look at Loren any longer.

[Loren Hayes]

For a moment Loren stared, dumb founded, as Dax pushed her away zealously. What the hell did I do wrong? She thought hotly as she crossed her arms, her eyes demanding that he explain himself this minute. Her stern expression soon changed into a small smirk however as Dax began stuttering about tongues - making Loren realise their kiss just had probably been his first proper one. He continued to be completely flabbergasted that she had apparently moved so fast - a little out dated, Loren thought - his face turning ever paler.

'Oh no!' Loren replied mockingly, placing her hands on her cheeks in fake shock. 'Whatever will we do? We're not married yet, this just isn't proper!' Loren teased him, her eyes full of mirth as she broke out into uncontrollably giggles, grabbing hold of Dax's hand and swinging them playfully. He seemed a little annoyed by her making fun of something that was obviously such a big deal to him, and so she softened her expression, making sure he knew she understood.

'It's alright, Dax.' she said, hugging him round the chest. 'I didn't mean to catch you off guard. I'm sorry.' She stood on her tip toes. 'Are you ready this time?' She waited for his small nod, which took quite a while to arrive. 'Good...' Loren pressed her lips to his slower than before, letting him chose the next move in his own time. When she felt his shoulders relax and his lips part, she went tingly all over, smiling as she closed her eyes a second time, glad he was not afraid anymore.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Fresh air and a nice bush to be sick behind is what Dan Hubbles needed. He felt his stomach churn as he walked past many students looking up at him asking questions. With a huge sigh of relief he was able to find a suitable bush which would enable him to be sick with out many noticing.

After a few horrible minutes of emptying the contents of his stomach Dan stood up cleaning his mouth with the sleeve of his robe and conjuring a small goblet of water to drink out of. As it ran down his stinging throat he heard a familiar voice in the distance shout ‘Tongues!’. Dan’s eyes narrowed, and before he knew what he was doing his feet where carrying him down towards the lake where he saw two figures standing by its shore.

Anger bubbled up inside as the sight of the Ravenclaw’s smile shone in the moonlight. Throwing his goblet to the ground Dan began charging towards them.
“Traitor! You traitor Dax Simmons! You are betraying your house, betraying your family.”

Dan began to wave his figure around in the air trying to point at Dax, however he did not have complete control of the direction he was walking, he was actually walking quite a few feet of coarse before changing the direction back towards the two love birds. Once he had got within a suitable range he tried to swing a punch at Dax however he miss timed it and also his alcohol induced direction forced the fist to go flying in the direction of Loren Hayes.

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

((I know this is probably a private thread, but just have to intervene for a few moments, just have to!! .))

Walking by, sticking to the shadows, Leigh had seen the lights and heard the music and as such his curiousity peaked, forcing him to wonder towards the school. He had noticed many students and professors walking around the grounds in dress robes and thought that it would be appropiate for him to appear to be so, his face hidden by a mask covering his eyes and cheeks, his mouth however still remained. His hair was simply tied back in a ponytail, nothing too spectacular. He still wished not everyone to know of his revival.

On his way towards the school, he heard the loud shout of a man, obviously drunk by his demeanour and turned to see what he was doing. Stumbling around blindly like the drunk man that he was, Leigh recognised him and felt sorry for the man. Then watching the events unfold, his eyes widened before rushing forward, barely in time mind you to stop the drunk professor punching the hapless girl.

Leigh gripped the man around the shoulders and pulled him away slightly, shaking his head as he did so.

'Now, now... Is that how a Professor conducts himself in front of a crowd?' Leigh said, not hiding the distinct accent from his voice belying his home. He let go of the drunk man and moved himself in between him and the obviously very much in love couple, bowing lowly to them before standing. He noticed that one of the students was Dax Simmons, his eyes staring fixated for a moment for he pulled himself together and stood up, recognising the other student as well.

'Now, is there a problem with these two being together that you'd like to talk about, Dan, or would you rather humiliate yourself further?' Leigh said, recognising the Hufflepuff Head of House. He pulled off his mask and threw it away, not caring anymore for hiding himself.

[Loren Hayes]

'Oh dear...' Loren squeaked as Professor Hubbles came hurtling down the lawn toward them, his eyes wide with anger and his teeth bared as he shouted at them, spit flying. He sway uncontrollably as he charged toward them, and just as Loren grabbed onto Dax, thinking the Hufflepuff was going to be hit, Professor Hubbles swerved at the last second, his clenched fist aiming for Loren's face. Squeezing her eyes shut and holding onto Dax, the Ravenclaw prepared herself for the worst...

'Now, now... Is that how a Professor conducts himself in front of a crowd?'

Loren opened one eye. A man had appeared, dragging Professor Hubbles away from her and Dax. For a moment Loren stared at him, perplexed, before realising she had met him before. 'Addis... he's your old head of house isn't he?' Loren mumbled meekly as she held onto him, prompting him to put his arm round her for protection. She suddenly felt Dax's wand tucking into his robes pocket, and fumbling slightly, she yanked it out, pointing it straight at the spot between Leigh and Professor Hubbles threateningly. 'Both of you leave us alone!' She shouted, the wand trembling in her grasp...

[Dax Simmons]

Dax was still lost in a dream world, looking at Loren wondering if he should really take the lead and kiss her instead. Slow building up the confidence Dax began to lean closer when he saw Lorne move away and then the sound of an all too familiar voice floated down towards them. Straitening up again and turning his head Dax saw the Professor stumbling down towards them, slowly getting closer shouting at the top of his lungs.

However things took an ever stranger turn as somebody else turned up, and when Loren mentioned a name he could not quite believe what he was hearing. Dax’s mouth hung slightly open and he edged closer to Loren, almost for his own want of having someone there then to protect Loren. Although she seemed to have other ideas, soon her hand was inside his robe and she had pulled out his wand. Before Dax could even protest she was holding it in front of her threatening the two men. Trying to find his voice Dax could not take his gaze off the man that was his old head of house.

“You heard her gents….gent erm…people, move along. Go back to what ever bush you crawled from under.”

Dax’s voice drifted off at the end to a low mumble as he was finding it hard to come to terms that a dead man was in front of him, but he knew he needed to have the same attitude as Loren. Strong and not giving a dam. Tightening his grip around Loren, Dax looked at the two people in front of him and took a deep breath.

“I said GO!”

His voice echoed slightly however the distant sound of music soon drowned it out, but it did not stop his hand from shaking and his heart racing. The perfect evening with Loren was slowly being ruined by the dead Hufflepuff head of house, and the current drunk one.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan was unsure whether it was the alcohol but his punch did not go anywhere and the Dax and Loren seemed to be getting further away as he was pulled backwards by another adult. As he unmasked himself Dan still did not know who this person was but it seemed to cause a stir between the students. They mentioned about him being a head of hose, was this his predecessor?

“Let go of me, you…you…goblin. No that is too nice, you are the slug that has –hic-been squashed and is stuck at the bottom of a –hic- really large shoe and your guts are….Miss Hayes lower that wand, I am your teacher –hic- I demand respect –hic-“

A fit of hiccups seemed to have taken hold of Dan as he tried to stand straight while stamping his authority at this strange man and the annoying Ravenclaw. However he actually felt threatened by the fact that Loren had a wand, and he knew even in this sate how much she hated him. Fumbling in his pockets Dan pulled out his own wand and pointed it at the Ravenclaw however the thought came into his mind about how this man next to him had annoyed him greatly.

Spinning around on the spot Dan pointed the wand at him, trying to keep his eyes in focus as the world around him was still spinning. Trying to swallow the threatening wave of sickness Dan looked hard at the man as a small grin spread across his face.

“I challenge you strange –hic- weird man to a duel. For I am a –hic- champion in Brazil. You will have to –hic- bow to your superior.”

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

Leigh looked at the two students, a smile spreading on his face. He nodded and smiled. 'I'll go, as I'm not needed here anymore.' He replied dryly, before turning to see a wand pointed at him. He looked at the simplicity of the moment, before pushing the wand away briskly with his hand and stepped forward and grabbed the drunken man and whisked him off with him.

He ceased for a bare moment to look over his shoulder one last time, plus to take greater control of the twitching drunk man in his arms.

'I apologise for my intrusion, but it is far better to have intervened then have to you two spend the rest of your night in the Infirmary because of a man who can't... keep... his... mouth... shut!' Leigh said, snapping at the end to the stuggling man. He turned to leave once more.