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[Akira.S]

It didn’t take Crabbe and Goyle long to leave, thank goodness for that…but still part of her wondered what she was doing back down there and why she did want to talk to Draco but DAMN it was so much fun! She never thought she’d have so much fun arguing with someone before…well I’m sure that wasn’t the only reason but still it was a contributing factor. When Draco excused them she mockingly waved back before turning back to him, walking around the fenced perimeter of the Shrieking Shack. It seemed he too questioned her motives as to why she was here and why she wanted to talk about Pansy once again, and lied about talking about Quidditch. He questioned why she cared so much about Pansy not being around and stated that maybe he was upset that she wasn’t. Oh please, don’t make me laugh. Anna may have been born at night but not last night, she knew how Draco felt about Pansy and there was no possible way he could like her like that! And the same night they kissed; it just wasn’t possible…

“Please Draco don’t make me laugh, me? Jealous of the daft dimpo? She wishes she could be me, after all you see the way she looks at me.” Maybe Anna was being a little bit conceited but she had the right to defend herself. I mean sure Pansy was pretty but she wasn’t that pretty and Anna did have her pride as a Slytherin and as a Gale to uphold.

Really he was good at playing her game, throwing back the Evan excuse towards her, and she really didn’t know what to say about that sure…she liked Evan for what it was worth but their relationship was everything but glorious. “Has it been made illegal for me to come talk to you alone? Or are you just too scared to be alone with me because you think I will make another move on you?” she giggled before walking over to an open area, letting him walk off with his thoughts and sat down on a singular flat rock while trying to tame her hair in the ghastly winds that blew her strands back and forth among them. “Don’t worry you have your pride and I have mine, I don’t need to sully my name again.”

Draco really was very conceited if he thought that she had come down to talk to him, even though she was, but it wasn’t anything like that – couldn’t she defend herself in saying she enjoyed his playful company? No that was stupid and definitely something she’d never say, though it was probably something neither of them would ever admit. “If you must know you are the reason I came down here.” She admitted but had different reasoning than he may have hoped, “but don’t get your hopes up, is it wrong to say I enjoy our conversations, and that stimulating conversation is something I lack in my circle of friends.” She hated to be so crude on her sex and on her boyfriend but it was the truth; surely he couldn’t deny her that. After all he hung out with probably the two stupidest boys in the school and she doubted Pansy’s company was much to be desired.

“If you don’t wish to talk about Pansy and Evan that’s not a problem, but back onto Quidditch…I was wondering how do you and the others feel about having a female on the team? I haven’t really asked but I hope your pride hasn’t been soiled because of it.” Anna got up again and moved some of her dark hair from her eyes and walked on over to him, following him like they were having a normal conversation for once. Sure, Anna was good – she was a great Chaser, they’d won their first match against Ravenclaw thanks to her lead (and Draco catching the Snitch of course). She had hoped he wouldn’t take this conversation the wrong way but it was conversation none the less.

-----

Remus could clearly see how much his dear friend was suffering and wished to relieve her of that stress. He couldn’t imagine why the boggart had turned into Sirius admitting to her that he did sell the Potters out to the dark lord but maybe all this talk about Sirius was just getting to her. Seeing her dark brown eyes swell up with tears, despite the fact she said she’d be ‘fine’, Remus cozied on up closer to her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a gently embrace and running her hand through her long dark brown locks before beginning to rub her back gently to calm her. He couldn’t imagine what she was feeling but maybe could imagine a portion of it – after all Sirius was his best friend too and for him to admit that would make all the rumours he thought about him true. He wouldn’t believe it! He couldn’t, he didn’t want to believe that Sirius was a killer and like Leslie he wanted to hear the truth for himself.

As she continued on questioning why the boggart had turned into Sirius, maybe blaming herself for some unknown reason, Remus took out his wand and waved it before putting it back down beside him, continuing to comfort her which was all he could really do at the moment. “Just let it out, it’s better than bottling your feelings…” he whispered softly, kissing the top of her head gently – of course as a friend gesture. He knew how Boggarts could get to people in different ways and decided the best thing for her was to express what she felt and to fill her stomach with some sustenance before dinner.

A tea set flew in as Remus had commanded with his wand, the tea making itself – boiling over the small fireplace, readying the cups and tea leaves to be put in the tea. While he was waiting for the tea he promised himself silently – then and there that if Sirius Black was to come anywhere near the school he’d find him and make him confess all that had happened twelve years ago. It was the only thing he could possibly do to relieve both of their sufferings, maybe he wasn’t suffering as much as she was but he was really damn close to it…

Putting his hand on her shoulders he pulled her away from him, wiping some tears from her eyes before speaking, “Leslie, I want you to know something,” he paused continuing to wipe tears with the edge of his thumb, “you are not weak do you understand me. Having that boggart turn into Sirius does not mean you have to question what you fear most in the world nor does it make you any different a person…” he said softly and put a hand on her cheek to try and comfort her more. When the hot water began to boil, Remus waved his wand and had it pour the hot water into a cup, as magic made a teaspoon put tea leaves into the cup. “Here, drink this; it’ll make you feel better. At least until supper.” He handed her the warm cup slowly, hoping she wouldn’t spill it on herself and allowed her to drink the warm contents to soothe her head, her mind and her heart.

“Listen, take the rest of the day off, go to your room or stay here as long as you stay in one place. I just want you to feel better,” he pat her on the head and stood up from the couch, putting his wand back in his coat pocket, “and don’t overexert yourself alright.” He smiled at her before leaving her alone with her thoughts since he had another class to teach before dinner. All that remained now was for him to see Harry after supper.

[Jo Giggles]

There was something about it that calmed Leslie down; being in Remus’s embrace. It was the very thing that she had needed for so long not having anyone really there to help her through the pain that she had gone through the past years. Someone that knew of the pains that had happened and didn’t need an explanation on things. This was the downfall of living and dealing with muggles for so long. They never knew of what happened so many years ago and bringing them into such a new and different world just to have a shoulder to cry on seemed rather selfish. So of course Leslie did the obvious thing and kept it all to herself. Now that she was being told to just let it all out made it easy for her to do so. Tears flowing from her eyes as she gave a small nod to show that she had heard him. Feeling him press his lips against her forehead she let out a small sigh. She felt like a child being consoled for injuring her knee.

It was nice to have her friend there as she leaned into him her hands finding his robes as she gripped them slightly as she just buried her face into his chest. The simple beat of his heart almost lulled her to sleep, it was such a relaxing beat, but this wasn’t the place for that. No, she had to clear her head of what just happened and reassure herself that had not been him. That there was a small chance that he hadn’t done what the boggart had said he had, yet there was no way to reassure her completely that he hadn’t. ’No! I can’t think that he would ever do such a thing!’ She mentally yelled at herself as she felt the tears p***k her eyes once again causing a small sniffle to escape. There was no way she was going to believe it unless it had come straight from his mouth. Not some damn boggart.

If it had been up to her she would have already talked and confronted Sirius about it, but there was no way that was going to happen. It’s not like any of them had any idea where he was at. At first they knew he was at Azkaban, but visiting was out of the question. Now. Well there was just no way it was going to happen unless he came to them. Then there was the issue of him not knowing whether they thought he was innocent and the fact that they didn’t live where they used to. They all moved on with the necessity to keep on going with their lives. This was all just making her head dizzy as she closed her eyes and just relaxed against Remus; only concentrating on his heartbeat. The soft ‘ba-bump’ once again turning into a lullaby that was going to put her straight to sleep.

Feeling the male pull away almost caused a small whimper to escape out of the female’s lips, but she held it back. There was no reason for it. Leslie couldn’t always lean on someone’s shoulder. Allowing him to just wipe her tears away she blinked and stared at him as she listened to what he had to tell her. It made sense to her what he was telling her, but she just couldn’t help feel weak. That’s what boggarts did and they were damn tricky. Though this was one of the very first times that it’d affected her in this way. Giving a small nod she accepted the cup of tea which warmed up her hands considerably. It felt nice as she stared at the tea with a small sigh. Holding it with both of her hands she rubbed her thumbs against the cup just to have something to do as she blew against it for a bit to allow it to cool.

Hearing Remus suggestion to take the rest of the day off she looked up at him. She wanted to ask him if he was sure, but that wasn‘t what she ended up saying. ”Okay…thank you.” The way he was treating her still made her feel like a kid. Her cheeks flushing to a light pink embarrassed that that was how it was. She wasn’t used to those kinds of acts since it had been so long since she was a kid. Bringing the cup up to her lips she took a small sip as she let out a small content sigh. The warm liquid down her throat relaxed her in a way that never happened. It just felt nice as she relaxed into the couch as she just sipped at the tea.

With time she felt better, but there was the slight pound of a headache and there was no way that she was going to stay in this room for much longer. She could feel her eyes droop slightly in her slight need of a nap. That always made things better at home. Well now this was home, right? No, Hogwarts was always a home. The tea was finished as the cup was left on the small coffee table. Standing up she rubbed at her eyes knowing she probably looked like a mess. With that she headed towards her room unsure if she even wanted to attend to dinner. Leslie knew that she had to, but she didn’t feel as if she was up to it.

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Oh no, no, this girl had such an ego and pride that Draco wasn’t sure just whose was bigger. Pansy’s or Anna’s? There she was making fun of his girlfriend, but he wasn’t about to say anything for the time being. He was just going to listen to her and not say a word; at least for the time being. The blonde was raised by his mother to be a gentleman and that was what he was going to do. He was out in public despite no one really being around to see them (much less hear them), but he couldn’t help it. Pansy’s reputation wasn’t going to get tarnished by being called a daft bimbo. No one was around to hear it so it wasn’t going to start going about.

Watching her the blonde crossed his arms over his chest as he raised a slight brow at the way she seemed to think that he would allow her to pull anything on him again. Things didn’t happen twice to Draco unless he wanted them to happen. There was something about her that irked him, yet interested him at the same time. The thing with Draco was that if it irked he didn’t really want much to do with it. Even if the girl had a mind of her own and stood well up for herself it wasn’t the kind of friendship or anything for that matter that he was looking for. He was content with the friends he had now. A slight scoff escaped him at the thought of her name being sullied. They were in school it wasn‘t like this kind of news was going to escape out to the Daily Prophet. ”You can talk to me whenever you wish, but if I’ll actually listen is a different story. It’s not like I could ever possibly be scared of a girl.” He stated rather coldly. He didn’t care if he hurt her feeling at this point. Despite knowing that his mother would scold him if she ever knew of the way he was acting. ”Whatever you say, Gale.” The corner of his mouth tugged upward into a slight smirk. His pride was never hurt. Even when he kissed two girls in one day. Being used on the other hand was a bit of a put down.

Leaning against the fence the male moved his gaze from the female towards the sky. Draco didn’t really want to dilly dally too much and that was exactly what was happening. He didn’t even really have much of a say in it. Especially when talk just kind of grew and became more than idle chit chat, but an actual conversation. ”Conversations? I’d hardly call them that. Well despite the fact that that’s what your looking for your out of luck. I’m not looking for such a thing and you are not going to get a stimulating conversation out of me. I’m content with the conversations that I have with my ‘friends’ and I’m not here to entertain you.” If she wanted more stimulating conversations than she should switch her friends around or just deal with it. There was no way that he was going to be dealing with her. So she should find someone else that she could have a simulating conversation with.

Pushing himself away from the fence he let out a small sigh as he dusted himself off. Draco didn’t want to stay here much longer. He had to go meet up with Pansy at the Three Broomstick and he didn’t want to be late. If he was there would be no end to it from the girl. The only way out was to end this conversation and just leave it at that. ”I don’t really care for it. I didn’t have a say and even if I had I don’t think it would matter. If the Slytherin Pride was sullied then it’s too late to do anything about it. My pride isn’t sullied by some girl joining, but by me not catching the Snitch. Which isn’t the case so I have nothing to worry about.” Moving his gaze to where Crabble and Goyle were at he gave them a slight wave of his hand as if to tell them to start moving up the tail. Which they promptly did. Sometimes he wondered what they would do without him, but that is very rare since Draco hardly cared. ”You on the other hand should be worried. It’s not very attractive on a girl to be playing quidditch.” At least not in the Slytherin house. They had stuck with males for so long that now that they had a girl some of the guys felt almost baffled by it. If she wanted a better opinion of what the team thought of then she should ask them not him.

Moving towards the tail he slipped his hands into his pockets. This conversation was practically over. "Now if you don't mind I have to catch up with girlfriend." It was true. There was no way that he was lying there. He should go since he could faintly recall her mention something about a dance, but he wasn't paying much attention when she had been talking about it.

[Akira.S]

The fall days were quickly becoming shorter as the weather started to get colder. However, despite that, nothing could spoil the Halloween Masquerade Ball that was planned this year. Call it a distraction to keep Siruis Black and the Dementors off the minds of the students. Everyone was so excited during the week, the girls mostly of course. The boys weren’t as excited as they were nervous. Most of them had never really been to formal balls before and some weren’t even old enough to behave themselves.
Still, there were other events to do for the younger students. For example the Halloween Forest Walk that Hagrid and some other teachers would take turns leading, some activities in the courtyard and of course the grand ball and feast. Anyway, it was Halloween; it was supposed to be a fun night for everyone, including the teachers.

Halloween night, everyone seemed to be preparing. The girl’s out of excitement, and the boys out of pressure. Some were calm, those from the more prestigious families of course, and some were nervous. On the boy’s side of the Slytherin Dungeons, Evan was calmly getting ready, taking his time making sure every last detail about himself was perfect...ruddy pompous fool. There was no doubt Draco was possibly calm or possibly dreading the evening with Pansy, who knew? And then there was Anna and her friends, all giddy about the ball, dancing and having fun, not thinking about school at all. Each had their own reason of being excited, but half the time Anna seemed distracted while getting ready, seeming to stare off into space while the other girls were getting ready.

“Evan will be completely blown away by your looks!” One of her friends exclaimed after helping her straighten and braid some strands of her long jet black hair into small thin braids. Her hair was still left down, passing her shoulders, all of it as straight and beautiful as ever, except for the small twines of thin braids here and there.
“I’m so jealous I could die!” Her other friend exclaimed while Anna was fixing her hair. Her friends were really too kind with their compliments, they didn’t need to overdo it. “Girls you really need to stop, I’m just as pretty as the rest of you no need to get excited. Let’s just have a good time tonight.” Anna stated before getting up and grabbing her black masquerade mask from her night table. Smoothening out her emerald silk dress and putting her mask on she turned to her friends, waiting for them finish prepping up.

After all the girls (in Anna’s group) were ready, they headed down to the Common Room where everyone was socializing amongst their groups and finding their dates. The Slytherin Common Room had never been so full before; it was almost difficult to walk around the place without bumping into someone, especially if people had complicated masks on. So the girls split off to try and find their dates and such...leaving Anna to sort of walk around (if she could). She didn’t mind it really, though it was hard to tell who...exactly was behind the mask sometimes. But, while she was walking she felt a hand graze upon her bare shoulder, quickly turning around to see who it was.

“Evan...You scared me.” Anna said as she realized it was him and fixed her mask.
“I didn’t think it was possible for you to be scared, of anything.” Evan smirked and placed a thin black but warm spider silk shawl over her shoulders to keep her warm, but mostly to keep the other guys from staring at her perfectly shaped open back. “We should go, everyone’s probably heading over right now.” He held his arm out for her like a gentleman all dressed up in that black suit and white mask of his. Nodding in agreement she linked arms with him and began to shuffle out with some of the other couples who were heading off to the great hall.

The place was beautifully decorated with pumpkin candles, the ghosts were more prone to staying in the Great Hall, the lightning was dimmer, and everything just seemed more festive. That was a great thing about Halloween, or any holiday for that matter. All the other houses began shuffling in as well, as they took their places at their respective circular tables fit for ten students each.

As a gentleman, Evan did everything he could to make her comfortable as their friends soon joined them with their dates. When everyone was seated the activities were announced all around the school and the feast quickly came after. After supper there were more desserts, pastries, and punches laid out. Soon, the dance started. There was a good mix between modern dancing and more formal slow dancing. Surely enough Anna was asked to dance a lot in the beginning and was quickly worn out half way through the late dance. The latter part of the evening she watched her friends and the other students dancing or flirting with their dates or boyfriends/girlfriends. She sat at the table drinking some punch or talking with some ghosts. Luckily, she’d been able to get Evan to dance with other girls and to enjoy himself since she wasn’t too much of an excited person as of late. Sure she loved the events and the dancing but she needed a break every now and then and didn’t mind watching.

(Anna's Dress I had to change it cause it didn't exist, but just picture this dress in dark Slytherin green / Anna's Mask)

- - - - -

As the students were getting ready for Halloween, so were the teachers. All of them were assigned some tasks and supervisions schedules when it came to activities and the dance. Some teachers, like Hagrid would much rather enjoy being outdoors, showing off some of the magical creatures and taking the students out on night walks than at some silly dance. Luckily, the full moon wasn’t for another two weeks for Remus so he was able to enjoy the festivities. During the earlier part of the evening, after the feast he was assigned to outdoor duty to help with some of the activities by the lake and the courtyard, engaging the younger students who weren’t mature enough to attend. However, what he was most looking forward to was the dance. He’d never really been to a formal event and even if he was a little bit too old for school dances, it was nice to imagine what he was missing.

Naturally, he too prepped up in a very formal matter but was in no way nervous. Of course he dressed for the occasion like everyone else; in a proper dress suit, dress shoes and formal attire. His sort of, rugged, laid back, every day look seemed to be washed away with a new, good looking Remus. At least now he had a taste of what women went through in order to prepare for these events. Then a thought occurred, he wondered what Leslie was going to wear...He’d never remembered seeing her in a dress before, probably because he didn’t care as much or just didn’t have the same eye for her as he did now. Well, whatever she wore he knew she’d look beautiful in it.

Remus wondered if he should go to Leslie’s room to see if she wanted some company, or if he could escort her downstairs. Well, it’s not like they were going on a formal date, after all nothing had been arranged. He figured, he’d probably meet her downstairs, plus he didn’t want to give the students the wrong idea that the two could potentially be going out or anything...best play it safe for the time being. After all, Leslie clearly liked Siruis, he knew that much, and it wasn’t in his place to intervene with his friend’s affairs. Sure, he was Leslie’s friend too but not like that.

And so, after splashing on a very light coat of cologne on, he grabbed his jacket and headed out to the Great Hall to supervise the area, making sure everyone was present and accounted for so they could begin the feast. He didn't bother to wear a mask like the students or some of the teachers since he felt he'd been hiding enough from the world...a mask wasn't really going to help much was it? “Come along now, this way into the Great Hall, no pushing or shoving. Harry, Ron, Hermione, don’t you look nice this evening.” He commented on their attire as a good friend and teacher while motioning them to one of the many Gryffindor tables to be seated.

((I didn't write too much since I wanted to see what you'd do with Leslie before it almost turned into me godmodding something - - which I DO NOT DO))

[Dreamer Beaver]

It was the very day of the ball and everyone seemed to be getting ready for the festivities, Draco wasn’t one for really caring about such a thing, but as his father had always told him, dress nicely and just put a smile one. Even if it was the last thing that one wanted to be doing. There was nothing more to do about it. It was just the way things went. At least that’s how the blonde felt about it. If it really were up to him, he seriously wouldn’t be attending. Draco just didn’t want to be around Pansy for longer than a few minutes. Not after having dealt with her constant chatter about how she was going to end up being the best dressed and so on. Really the male didn’t know how she was able to talk so much about just one single thing. He was certainly more than glad when she had finally agreed to go off with her friends to get ready. Merlin, knew how long females took to get prepared for an outing. It wasn’t just Pansy that was happy about what was going on, but the rest of the student body as well. They all seemed rather happy with the activities that had been set out for them. Sitting rather comfortably on the overstuffed couches, Draco stared into the flames of the fireplace debating when he was actually going to go and get himself prepared. Unlike many others, the male didn’t need too much time to get himself prepared.

”Draco, aren’t you going to get ready?” The voice of one of his goons brought him out of his thoughts. Glancing up towards them he took note on how they were heading to go get themselves prepared. Not that Draco actually thought they could have gotten a date. That seemed kind of unordinary in a sense.

Standing up, Draco stuffed his hand into his jeans as he nodded slightly following after the two bigger males. It was better to get it done and over with. If not the night was just going to seam longer to him that it really was. His father and mother had done nothing, but gotten him the best evening wear when they found out that he was going to need it. Not that he expected it to be any other way. It was just as he had expected when he finished getting ready. It had only taken a bit longer than he wanted it too, but he was still done before Pansy. It gave him plenty of time to go through of what was left of the care package that his mother had sent him. Draco was sure that he was going to end up getting a new one any day. It was just having to wait that he didn’t tend to like. Oh he couldn’t wait until it was Winter break. Going home and actually being in very familiar territory was what he needed.

After dilly dallying for enough time the blonde headed back towards the common room where everyone seemed to be waiting around for someone. Whether it be a female or a male. Somehow everyone had gotten paired off with someone for the evening. Well some of the younger teens could be clearly heard complaining about not being able to attend regardless of the activities that had been set out for them to enjoy. Draco had almost timed everything right as he waited a few minutes for Pansy to come down all ready for them to go. He made it, almost a priority, to mention that she looked nice or else she would have ended up biting his head off. Brushing a stray strand of blonde hair from his gaze, he offered his arm out for her to take, as any gentleman would do. If anything he wasn’t too fond of wearing a mask, but hey as long as they were able to have some sort of entertainment, then why was one to complain. In a few minutes the group that contained Draco and his goons would soon arrive at the Great hall, the blonde rolling his eyes at the kind of teachers who would they have to keep an eye on them. It was unfortunate that they couldn’t have gotten better teachers to do the job.

If anything they had done an excellent job decorating the Great Hall. Not that they ever spared anything to go but to great lengths. Now Draco wasn’t very fond of dancing or anything involving the type of event that he was currently attending, but he didn’t completely shut out Pansy. He did what any guy would do, brought her punch when she asked and danced a few songs with her, but it was getting tiresome and boring. Making an excuse Draco separated from her and her group of friends to go and get a different vibe from the dance than he was already in. Adjusting his mask, he glanced towards a clock to see how much longer he was going to have to wear the darn thing. There was still quite a bit of time, but it was all slowly ticking it’s way there. ”It’ll all be perfect when this is over.” He grumbled. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a female sitting by herself. It seemed to him that she was practically in the same situation as he was. Now normally Draco wasn’t one to small talk with other, but it just felt odd being at a dance by oneself. Almost as if he was a loner, which he clearly was not.

Slipping his hands into his pockets, he quickly tried to figure out what to say. He didn’t want to sound rude, for once. ”Hi, do you mind if I take the seat next to you?” It was the start of what Draco thought of small talk. Maybe if he felt like it, he would eventually ask her to dance with him. It just seemed appropriate and wasn’t that the only reason many males walked up to a female in the first place? Once he heard her answer he took a seat, glancing in Pansy’s direction. It seemed she had found herself someone to dance with. Not that he really cared. She could have her fun and so would he. It wasn’t like Draco was actually taking any relationship with the girl serious. Why would he? He couldn’t see himself in anything with her that lasted any longer than a few get together’s. Or just the need to have a girlfriend. As one song ended and another started, Draco blinked glancing towards the female that was sitting beside him. ”You want to dance?” He asked, even if slow songs weren’t really his thing. He didn’t want to look like a loser.

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Having agreed to look over the students during the Ball had been what Leslie looked forwards to the whole week. Something to just get her out of the small slump she was in. Not that the brunette really expected anything to happen that night. If anything just an enjoyable evening that would distract her from any of those troubling thoughts. All day she had been able to do just that she helped out set out some of the activities for all the students. They had seemed to have been enjoying everything, but it was time for her to go and get ready for the bigger event occurring later in the evening. It wasn’t hard for the brunette to put together an outfit, but it was certainly different from what she tended to wear on a daily basis and it wasn’t like she attended any formal or important parties once she had left Hogwarts those many years ago. A few, but not enough to get accustomed to this sort of thing. She was just glad that she had what she needed. Or else that could have lead to some trouble for her.

Like any other female out there, it took Leslie some time to get ready. The think that always took the most was her hair, curling it just right, even with the assistance of magic, it just couldn’t all be left to that. After that it was always the make-up and then the accessories were always rather quick to get on. Being done, Leslie gave herself a quick look over in the mirror, being satisfied with what she saw, she headed down the stairs and towards the Great Hall. The brunette had a mask with her, but she wasn’t too sure if the teachers even needed one, but it looked well with her outfit so she couldn’t help bring it along regardless. Thinking she had gotten there a bit early, Leslie realized that she hadn’t as there were already student around. Not too many that she wasn’t doing her job as she started to point them all towards the direction that they should have been going. Everything seemed to be going just as they had planned and all of the students seemed to have been enjoying their time there. Greeting the few that she did know, she headed towards the drinks to get herself some punch once all of the festivities had started.

There was just something about being around all the teens that felt odd. Leslie had no reason to feel weird, but the feeling in the pit of her stomach was just there. She couldn’t do anything about it, but accept it. A small frown on the corner of her lips as she took a sip from her drink. Everything had surely been spectacular, nothing compared to the dances that they had back when they were in Hogwarts. Then again they didn’t have very many and the get togethers that did happen tended to be in the form of parties thrown after Quidditch matches. The brunette hardly thought that the kids even needed to be kept an eye on. They all were behaving for once. No one had tried to do anything or even spike the punch. Which she was keeping a close eye on the Weasley Twins. It had been obvious to her how trouble-making the duo was after a few days of being around them. Even they seemed entertained with their dates.

Scanning the area around her she spotted Remus. Teachers always tended to stand around by themselves when it came to these things. Leslie hardly though they would be doing anything, but that. Going over towards the male, she gently taped him on the shoulder. ”Hey, you enjoying yourself over here?” A small laugh left her lips, the brunette hardly thought that she needed to say who she was. Surely he would be able to figure it out. It wasn’t like she had actually changed anything about her other than wearing a mask. That just couldn’t make her to be a total mystery, right?

[Akira.S]

((Okay I lied..I started this at work ^^; I have nothing to do and I couldn’t resist at least starting!
This post may be crappy since I have to get back into the mind set of this RP))

It’s not that Remus detested dancing or masquerade balls, it was more along the lines of he didn’t want to stand up with anyone at the present time. How could he be so cheerful when Sirius was out on the loose somewhere and everyone was being ignorant to that fact. He didn’t blame the children or teachers, but he felt he had that sense of obligation to be aware of Sirius, and to not indulge in so much frivolity while Harry could well be in danger. However secretly, he also believed that it would be inappropriate for him to stand up with anyone else, save for maybe one lovely young lady whom he had yet to spot. It was a little difficult gazing through the crowds of students who were all wearing masks and very fine gowns. Of course he could never mistaken one for Leslie, he had far too much of a regard for her as a good friend and very attractive lady.

While he was standing around the side of the Hall with a glass of punch, he felt a light tap on his shoulder thus turning his head to see who was it that wanted his attention. As if it were a surprise, he smiled when he realized it was Leslie standing beside him. He stopped and admired her beauty for a second before responding to her question, “That all depends on your definition of enjoying. I see someone beat me to the pleasure of offering you a drink.” He smiled before sipping his own. He hoped that person wasn’t Severus…

Despite his quick glance at her, he couldn’t help but be drawn to her eyes through the dark mask she wore. Her figure so outlined by the dress it gave him chills. Of course other ladies were dressed in a similar fashion, but none really to think of wearing a shawl in the hopes of perhaps being a little conservative. Even without the entire outfit Remus still thought she was lovely and only wished Lily, James, and even Sirius could see how much she’s grown. “You really do look lovely tonight Leslie.” He said, being able to sneak in that compliment with a kind smile.

The two of them stood together for a while, chatting about how classes were going, whether or not the switching between Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts was difficult on her, even so far as to question what she was going to do for the Christmas Holidays? Go home to the Muggle World or stay here at Hogwarts. Of course he did his best to avoid the subject of Sirius Black which he knew would make her a little upset. He didn’t blame her for the way she felt, but just for a while he wanted to see her really enjoy being back at Hogwarts without that painful reminder of losing their closest friends. After he finished his maybe second…third glass of punch, the melody of the music changed to a slow pace and the students, even teachers stood up together to dance. He felt a little bad that Leslie chose to stand with him rather than dance with the other teachers. So in light of the change he stepped away from the wall and stood in front of her, “If you don’t mind my company I was wondering if you’d care to dance?” he asked with a polite gentleman like smile while holding his hand out.

For some reason he was a bit…nervous. He didn’t think she’d say no but at the same time it’s been a while since he danced, or was so intimate with a woman. He always decided not to…it was best for his health, and possibly theirs. There was no point in getting attached and preferred to live in solitude…but Leslie was an old friend and again he felt badly for having her stand around when she could be off dancing with the other professors. He also felt badly in the sense he was betraying one of his best friend, in a way. He knew Sirius had always liked her, I think the whole school knew it. He was like a lovesick dog in an almost one sided relationship. He, James, Peter, and Lily tried to convince her that he wasn’t as bad as he seemed but things didn’t always go well between the two. It’s not like Remus was making a move on her now that Sirius was out of the picture; he had secretly liked Leslie. Maybe not for the same reasons as Sirius, but he found her intelligent, beautiful, funny at times, imaginative, not to mention she had to have a good head on her shoulders to continuously reject Sirius over, and over, and over. But, in the end, he was thinking too far. It was just a simple dance it didn’t mean anything – not like it did for the students. Going to the dance with someone either meant you were friends, dating, or would in turn develop into something more. Teachers were far too mature to have that sort of mindset anymore.

- - - - - - - -

The dance seemed to be going on for ages. As much as she would have liked to leave it was rather inappropriate for her to just get up and go back to her room. Her parents had always taught her to be a lady, even though that wasn’t always the case. Of course she let Evan do as he pleased, she really couldn’t care less, but at the same time she was completely and utterly bored out of her mind. For a while Anna played with the beading on her mask, combed through her hair, even played with the soft silk like material in her dress…wow she must have been exceptionally bored. Of course Evan and even another few boys asked her to dance with them but she refused, always excusing herself for being too tired, had a cramp from too much dancing, or was too dizzy. She wasn’t sure how long the excuse would last, hopefully until the end of the evening.

Despite being so bored the indifferent look on her face didn’t change. She watched Evan dance with a few other girls, her own friends dancing with their dates, her eyes even wandered to members of the Weasley family, they were rather hard to miss even with masks. Anna didn’t mind letting her eyes wander, taking in the detail of the Great Hall, the students towards the sides eating the mountain of desserts on the tables, the music, the decorations, everything. While her deep green eyes were wandering about she heard a voice. She thought for a second the male voice was addressing someone else who was nearby her, but after a moment, glanced and noticed he was addressing her. She was really in no mood to be entertaining anyone and was already preparing an excuse if he asked her to dance…but he was being civil in asking to take a seat, so she responded. “No, go right ahead.” In the kindest, probably most fake feminine sweet talk accent she could muster.

There were always those who were close to her who knew that Anna was a difficult person. She was raised, as many children brought up with connections and society, to be perfect. A lady, a proper and talented witch who had the presence of an angel. That’s what she was raised to be, but that didn’t necessarily mean that’s what she really was. Anna was civil when she needed to be; around her friends, around Evan, around teachers, but around unfamiliars she was often vile, cruel in her remarks, played tricks on them, changing their ink bottle into invisible ink that wore off after a few hours, transfiguring quills into snakes, back-talking to ruin friendships between even the closest of girlfriends, even the occasional hit at Potter and his friends often amused her. But in such cases like these she chose to be civil and continued her gaze towards the dance.

When the music changed once again, her eyes once again wandered to Evan. She hoped that he wouldn’t come over here and start something…or worse…ask her to dance. She was perfectly content with just sitting here beside someone who barely spoke two words to her despite being seated right beside her. Often she’d try to catch a glance while his head was turned as if trying to figure out who he was. Not that she was attracted to him, but everyone on the floor was curious as to who was behind the mask, especially when it wasn’t so obvious.

Almost at once while she tried to steal another glance their eyes met as he too glanced towards her. He suddenly asked her if she wanted to dance, the question she’d been trying to avoid. But out of nowhere, her lips moved before her brain could answer. “Sure.” her answer was quick, short, and with that she stood up with him, wandering over to the dance floor. Often times when you were at a ball like this you had a date. To be sitting down during a slow song was just sad. For a guy to be sitting down wasn’t such a big deal…but for a girl it was just sad. Anna was often complimented on her looks, and if I may say good looking. Even tonight she looked radiant, and the boys didn’t often mind just standing and looking at her from a distance. All girls today received some form of compliment, and I’m not saying that Anna was the most beautiful girl on the floor but she was still regarded as very pretty if anything. The long dark Slytherin green dress hanging by two straps on her shoulders, the black beading just under her small thirteen year old breasts, her open back just gawking on attention from the other males. Height wise she was only just shorter than Draco, and with this male she felt the comfort in him not being too tall or too short. Her slender figure and poise was definitely outlined in the dress, and her eyes even more behind the black mask.

As the two walked out onto the dance floor together, Anna wrapped her arms around his neck and she felt him wrap his around her waist. For some reason she was feeling a little awkward and avoid his glance, but at the same time it didn’t. What was this strange feeling she was feeling…almost like a sense of comfort with a total stranger? Finally, she decided to break her gaze and ask him a question,

“I don’t suppose you’ll tell me who you are?” she asked softly so only he could hear while gazing into his eyes that almost seemed..familiar.

((You’d think she’d recognize him from his hair colour or something…^^; maybe she should?
Seriously sorry it’s so bad, I just have to get back into the habit of posting to this RP))