[Around 4:00PM]

Guests:

Vincent Pennyapple. Mystique Ketteridge. Zoey Gabriel McAdams. Fauna Blake. Sasha Schlagenweit. Megan Ruiz. Blake Knight. Miles Faraday. Maddie Pratt. Waker Nolan. Adrienna Hayes. Ava Grosvenor. Malynda Viridian-Drake. Cináed Tawse. Michael Dark. (I don't think anyone would be ready to meet daddy just yet...)

Dazmond Weidman. Xavier Tawse. Serenity Lee Thornton. Grace Eddy. Tilly Quinn. Eveline Chancelier. Razzy Chancelier. Erin Harper. (How'd that get on here?) Leon O. Monroe. Edmund Klint. Freya Jansdotter. Darcy Bloxham. (If she can even make it!) Astrid O'Malley. Ringo Cavendar. (Because he supplied the food!) Piper Walsh. Trent Travis. (Weeeeird)

---

[Bea's outfit.] // [The Cake.] // [The Decorations.] // [The Food.] // [The Buffet.]

With the last balloon floating up to the ceiling, Beatrix Dark was finally done setting up her birthday party. She wanted it to be a surprise to everyone who entered... Including Bellatrix, whom Bea had purposely "forgotten" to ask for help from. Bea loved surprises. But she loved surprising others more. She fixed a bow on her dress real quickly and turned around to face the buffet. Ohh, she was dying to eat everything there. But, she had to wait. Beatrix had to be a lady.

With every ounce of control Beatrix had, she passed by the table of food and made sure everything was still in order. The decorations were set up nicely, and the giant cake was awesome. She was impressed with how well she was able to do it all on her own... Well, with help from the elves. But Beatrix would still say she did most of it. The house elves pranced around her asking if she needed anything else and she smiled and shook her head. "Nah, it's perfect in here..." She smiled and trotted over to where she had reserved her own seat. She had set up two, large, pink thrones next to each other. One for her, one for her sister.

Beatrix knew that Bella probably wouldn't be all that fond of the pink, squishy chair, but she couldn't find any big, black scary ones. She leaned back in her throne, humming a song and waiting for her company to start arriving. She wondered who would actually show up... Bella, no doubt... Mysti, probably... Vincent, hopefully... And Zee better show up! Beatrix didn't mean to invite so many people. She just KNEW a lot of people that were worth inviting.

A sigh escaped the Ravenclaw's lips. It was almost four o' clock. She didn't think people weren't coming... She just hated waiting. The house elves continued to ask Beatrix if she was hungry, if she wanted anything else, if they could kiss her shoes some more... Well, not necessarily that last one, but she sighed again and tapped her foot, impatiently. She couldn't wait to see everyone's face when they walk into the room. She also couldn't wait to simply SEE their faces. Time always goes slow when one waits around.

Invitation? Check. Birthday present? Check. Wacky clothing? Definitely check.

Sanity? Hmm. Sanity, Fauna wasn’t so sure about. After numerous detentions with Snark for that little sneaking out incident on the 14th, she was going to her third forbidden party this month. Third! She’d heard Bea had invited half the school too, except for Devlin. Fauna had resisted the urge to invite him, reasoning that if he did show up later, at least it wouldn’t be because of her. A part of her hoped he would, even though Bea wouldn't be happy to see him.

Fauna dashed through the corridors, thankful yet again that the Hufflepuff common room was so close to the kitchens. She made it to the still-life portrait without being spotted, and opened it to find the kitchens transformed.

Stepping in, she wondered briefly what the house elves thought of their domain being turned into a teenage girl’s vision of pink and punk. Fauna raised her eyebrows at the abundance of food and Bea proudly in the middle of it all, wearing the perfect carnival dress. Startling and amazing- just the effect Fauna suspected Beatrix wanted.

“Hey,” she greeted her shyly, self-conscious about being the first one there. “The thrones are a nice touch!” Fauna commented with a chuckle, turning around to see everything. “Here, this is for you.”

Fauna handed her a scroll of parchment with a ribbon tied around it. Inside was a colorful drawing of Bea and Bella with their backs to each other, making goofy faces. Since the dance and other festive occasions lately had left her broke, she'd needed a creative alternative to buying gifts.

“It’s not much,” she gave a nervous shrug. “There’s a copy in there for your sister, too.” She and Bellatrix weren't exactly friends, but this was Bella’s birthday too, and it had only taken a few charms to transfer the drawing to a second piece of parchment.

Wacky outfit

The smallest of the first years made her way down to the Kitchens after her scheduled study break. She was already dressed up in her outfit for the birthday party because she had made a really quick trip to the Ravenclaw Common Room not five minutes prior to her journey. She'd had to ask an older student where the Kitchens were and get exact directions three or four times to make sure she didn't get lost. Her eyes darted to the map to the kitchens followed by the invitation she had received.

"There has to be a mistake," she muttered to herself, "I don't know Beatrix very well and I've never met her sister."

Either way, Serenity had brought a present for both of them. She assumed that Bellatrix was similar to Beatrix and might appreciate the kind of present that she brought along for the girls. When at last she found the hidden entrance to the kitchens, Serenity climbed in and gasped at the decorations. Everything was so pink! Even the cupcakes and the food were pink--or extremely bright colors. It was a world full of color that simply dazzled the little first year.

So far, there were only two people: Beatrix, the Prefect, and an older student she had seen wandering around the school. As always, Serenity's face was covered by her hair which was aided in its purpose by the goofy hat over her head. One could barely see any of her face at all and it was a wonder the child could see. Timidly, Serenity approached the Prefect and handed her a medium-sized square box.

"Er, this is for you, Beatrix," she mumbled.

Inside the brightly wrapped box was a book, 'Beating the Bludgers--A Study of Defensive Strategies in Quidditch  by Kennilworthy Whisp and a package of incense sticks that helped the person to focus with citrus-y aromas.

"You are a Beater on the Quidditch team, aren't you?"

Her eyebrows raised hopefully towards the older student before gazing around for someone who looked like Beatrix. Apparently, she wasn't there so Serenity held on to the second present for the other twin. She'd seen a couple first years running around with leg-locker curses or twitchy-ear hex crying "It was Bellatrix!" and she could only assume that Beatrix's twin was the same person. This was going to be horrible, but her mother taught her it was impolite to not give a present to the person themselves. Still, she couldn't suppress the shudder that crept down her back. Maybe Bellatrix wouldn't show up at all?

Beatrix had claimed the party was legitimate - it was obvious by now she wasn't the most reliable when it came to such matters (despite her prefect status).  Sasha wasn't about to ask Madame Snark to verify the case.  As Sasha understood, a number of students had been invited - so it couldn't have been a secret.  Since returning to the school (and getting more detentions than he'd ever imagined humanly possible), Sasha had been trying harder than ever to be good and keep his head down below the radar.  He'd never liked attention; he was hating it these days. 

Despite the dubious nature of this party, Sasha had been invited.  It would have been horribly rude and inconsiderate to not show up - especially when he'd been asked in person.  By a girl in a rather pleading voice.  Who looked willing to break into mad tears if he refused.  (Maybe she had, maybe Sasha had imagined that.)  And, once he'd agreed, that had constituted a binding contract.  He couldn't prove himself a liar and not show up. 

So, he'd resolved the best compromise was going in a prefectly-manner.  He'd attend but also keep an eye out and make sure too many rules weren't broken and it didn't get out of hand.  That seemed the responsible and appropriate thing to do.  He would dress in such a manner as well (not to mention 'nutty' didn't exist in his wardrobe.  Nor had it ever.  Nor would it.)  Dressing plain wouldn't work, either, it would look like he didn't even try.  So, he dressed fashionably.  Tailored suit, a splash of color, cufflinks, the whole nine yards.  He even wore one of his best pair of shined black loafers, just in case Neely was there (just to remind her he still spoke shoe.  Sort of). 

He must have been early - there were only a couple people there.  Fauna, for one.  A sure fire bad omen, it seemed.  She was greeting the guests of honor; etiquette dictated he do the same.  He approached, well aware of the sharp taps his shoe soles made against the stone kitchen floor.  "'Allo," he offered.  "Herzlicher Gluckwunsch zum Geburtstag," he offered with a slight grin.  He hoped he sounded official enough to make it clear he wasn't there entirely for pleasure.  He was there as a prefect. That made this whole thing alright.

"I ... um..." he glanced around the room.  "It's very pink," he added as he peered at the ... thrones?  He was just glad people didn't throw parties like this for boys.  "I ... so you're sixteen?"  He wouldn't be sixteen until February.  For better or worse.  He glanced at the first year Ravenclaw and offered a slight grin.  He was getting to be rather well known among the first years, not just as a prefect.  Thanks to a rather unfortunate fight during the Halloween Ball.

[Some kind of Crazy]

Mystique Ketteridge was very thankful for the fact that Bea’s party was in the kitchens. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to deal with too many stairs in the shoes she was wearing. Once again, her mother had obliged in sending her some exciting outfit.  Mysti told her mum what the theme for her friends’ party was, and Geraldine went out and found some exciting items. The Hufflepuff girl knew she could always count on her mom to get her some awesome clothes and accessories.

Now, Mysti adjusted her outfit, grabbed the two small boxes and headed over to the kitchens. And she did so very carefully.  The shoes she was wearing weren’t very forgiving, but Mysti had put on a spell to make them a bit more comfortable. After seeing the shoes when she pulled them out of the package, she had gasped.  They were pretty much some of the coolest shoes she had ever seen. So Mysti knew she would have to wear them. And those, combined with the dress and hairpiece would be pretty crazy.

Carefully walking towards the painting behind which the kitchens were hidden, Mysti made sure to not trip.  Recently she had gotten quite good at walking in heels, but these were a little different from what she had been wearing before. Going through the painting, Mysti made a noise of excitement when she saw the setup, and Beatrix Dark in front of a pink throne.

“BEA! This looks amazing!” Mysti carefully maneuvered herself around the tables in her poofy dress and over to give her friend a hug. She then handed the gift to Beatrix, holding on to the one for Bellatrix for the moment. “I hope you like it! And where should I put Bell’s gift? I wasn’t quite sure what to get her, but I hope she likes it.”

The Hufflepuff girl didn’t know the Slytherin twin that well, and figured that the little ring with that was a snake wrapping around the finger would be neat. And of course something colorful would be great for Beatrix.  The gifts weren’t that expensive, but Mysti didn’t have too much money with her at school. And asking her mother to find something wasn’t an option. When giving gifts, Mysti enjoyed picking them out herself. And so she was excited upon giving the present to Bea. She then looked over and said hello to Fauna, Sasha, and the first year Ravenclaw, Serenity. So far they’d had some pretty awesome outfits, though Sasha’s wasn’t too crazy, but then again, it was Sasha. Mysti couldn't wait to see what everyone else came up with. Though she wasn't sure anyone could beat the carousel dress that Beatrix was wearing!

Finally, guests began to file in. Beatrix quickly stepped up and smiled, brightly at them. "Oh, Fauna! I love your outfit!" She chimed and refrained from adding 'too bad you look awful in it'. She had nothing against the Hufflepuff girl... She just hated her taste in men. It was quite understandable, since Devlin Matthews was awful. Especially compared to Vincent Pennyapple. Beatrix secretly wished that Fauna would be jealous of her somehow. She took the rolled up parchment and beamed at the girl, "I'll wait to open this... I know how great of an artist you are!" She tilted her head and set the gift on the designated "gift" table.

"Er, this is for you, Beatrix, you are a Beater on the Quidditch team, aren't you?"

It took a second for Beatrix to realize who was talking to her (And if they just spoiled her surprise) before she nodded, "Oh- Yeah! I am," she turned to the girl and set her gift down where she left Fauna's. "Thanks for coming, by the way... I can't promise anything, but hopefully Bells won't harm any of you," Beatrix smiled and danced around in place. She was really excited for the party, of course. And... Though Serenity and Bea didn't know each other well, Beatrix invited everyone, basically, and she knew a bit about Serenity since Beatrix was one of the few students who watched out for the first year Ravenclaws. Which she had to do, anyways, since she was a prefect.

"Herzlicher Gluckwunsch zum Geburtstag,"

Beatrix frowned at Sasha's hello before she awkwardly responded "You too, Sasha..." The girl didn't know German all too well, and wasn't able to guess that, perhaps, he was simply saying 'Happy Birthday'. She smiled and gave the boy a warm hug. Beatrix checked to see if he had a gift (Which he didn't seem to) and she let go of him. She wasn't about to yell at the boy for not bringing a gift, since showing up was basically a cheesy gift for Bea.

"I ... so you're sixteen?"

Beatrix nodded, proudly, "Yep!" She was one year away from being free to do whatever. She was going to paaarty. But, she wasn't going to skip school, either. She needed a good education to lurk around Knockturn and sell people illegal potions-- Just like Dazmond! Ahh, the influences adults had on the young girl.

“BEA! This looks amazing! I hope you like it! And where should I put Bell’s gift? I wasn’t quite sure what to get her, but I hope she likes it.”

She was soon being attacked by her friend, Mystique, and she squealed like a school girl. "Oh! Mysti!" She exclaimed before hugging her friend back, "Thank yooooou! I love, love, love your shoes!" Beatrix beamed and pointed down at the other girl's feet. "Oh, um-- Just set it on the table here," she paused and turned her finger towards the table next to her, "I'll just keep 'em there until Bells gets here," She giggled and took a step back. So far so good.

outfit

Recently, Meg had been to several parties in a row. It almost seemed as if she was attending yet another party, than actually doing school work. At any rate, she received an invitation to Beatrix and Bellatrix's birthday party. Bella was her housemate, and in her year. She didn't mind Bellatrix that much, despite her darker taste than Bea. Yet, she didn't mind going, after all, she would hate to disappoint her friends.

Up in the Ravenclaw tower, Meg finished wrapping up Bea and Bella's gifts. She had already changed into a dress and heels for the event. While she didn't have crazy clothes like Bea, she tried her hardest to wear something that was crazy, or at least crazier than her usual outfits. Fixing her make-up quickly, she picked up the two gifts, and headed out of her dorm room.

With all of the rooms to choose in Hogwarts, Meg found it a little strange that the twins chose the kitchens. But, that wasn't really her decision to make. She didn't really mind the walk, however.

After a while of walking, Meg made it to the portrait that blocked the kitchens. Opening up the door, she walked into the transformed kitchen. She couldn't help but smile at the dark chose of decorations. 'Clearly Bea must've been thinking this up for a while,' she thought to herself as she stepped through the doorway. She couldn't help but giggle at the sight of the pink thrones.

After admiring the decorations, Meg noticed Bea near one of the thrones, and walked over to her. "Happy birthday Bea, I like what you did to the place," she commented. She handed over the two gifts to Bea. "Your gift and Bella's," she stated as she handed off each gift. Glancing around the room once more, she noticed Sasha, Mysti, Fauna, and a first year that she remembered was in her house. She smiled to all of them and waved.

 Fergie and the Dark twins were not particularly friends. He didn't consider them enemies, but he was tolerably certain that he irked at least Beatrix, and he in return found their fashion sense (or lack thereof) deplorable. And yet he had decided to grace their birthday party with his presence anyway. Sure, he hadn't exactly received an invitation, but what did that matter? A party wasn't a party if no one crashed. He was doing them a favor, elevating this from a little get together into an event.

 That, at least, would be his excuse if asked why he'd shown up when he wasn't on the guest list. His true reason was that he hated to be left out of anything interesting, particularly when it happened to be a party. If there was one thing the Slytherin loved, it was a chance to socialize, to see and be seen. So when he'd spotted a stray invitation lying around the common room, he'd decided that he would make an appearance.

 The invitation had instructed party goers to dress in their 'nuttiest' clothing, which to Fergie presented a slight problem. It would be easy for someone like the Dark sisters, everything they owned could easily fall into that category. But the fashion conscience young man didn't believe, surveying his wardrobe, that he owned a single article of clothing that would fit the theme. He just didn't do 'nutty'. After half a moment of debate, Fergie decided to disregard the dress code. Who wanted to look purposefully ridiculous, anyway? Count him out, thanks. Besides, he'd stand out more if he looked sane, dressed in a light polo under a blue and grey cardigan - and Fergie thrived on standing out.

 Upon entering the kitchens at the time listed on the invitation he'd found, he was relieved to discover (after he'd gotten over the shock of seeing so much pink in one concentrated area) that he wasn't the first one to arrive. It was a lot harder to get rid of unwanted guests in front of other attendees. The sixteen year old was forced to pause immediately inside the room, however, to put a hand to his heart and close his eyes for a moment once he saw  the...er...'dress' Beatrix was wearing. Dear sweet magic, nothing could have prepared him for that! Still, it was her birthday, and he'd decided that he would be on his best behavior, so with a Heroclean effort he suppressed the disparaging comment that leaped to his lips and plastered on a smile before moving forward to greet his host.

 "Happy birthday, Miss Dark," Fergie told her, holding out two slim packages with birthday cards attached. Inside each was a copy of Teen Witch Weekly - he'd gotten the twins both a subscription, secretly hoping they'd pick up some fashion tips from the pages of the magazine. "You certainly look..." Polite. Must be polite. "Colorful!" That would have to do.

 This accomplished, he turned to smile at and survey his fellow guests. Although none of them were dressed as eccentrically as their host, there definitely was a certain degree of nuttiness represented. Was Mystique wearing a....dragon on her foot? He shook his head (that was just too much), and turned his gaze from the dragon/lizard/alien shoe...thing, to a pair of black dress shoes. Finally, some semblance of sanity in the wardrobe department! He was delighted to find, upon looking up, that the shoes belonged to a familiar face. "Afternoon, Sasha," his smile widened into a grin as he looked over the Ravenclaw's outfit. "My, you're very dapper this evening, aren't you?"

Fauna smiled obliviously at Bea’s compliment, and stood back to allow the other guests to greet her. She felt relieved that others had started to arrive, because though she liked Bea, she couldn’t imagine it would be very exciting with just the two of them stuffing their faces and avoiding the subject of werewolves.

But she could not believe that Sasha Schlagenweit was here. Fauna blinked at him, wondering how he’d been duped into coming to the party. Maybe he’d been tricked? Unlike Mysti’s, this party was most definitely not approved by any professors. It just wasn’t a part of the Dark twin’s makeup to ask permission.

Fauna gave Sasha a shy, uneasy smile, then turned to Mysti.

“I love your shoes too... and your dress,” she told her. Fauna self-consciously adjusted her feathered headband and wobbled on her heels, which she’d borrowed from one of her dorm-mates. What had she been thinking? She never wore stilts of death. Fauna was already considering sitting down, but didn’t want to risk Bella’s wrath if she stole one of the pink thrones.

“What did you get the twins?” Fauna asked her friend quietly, fidgeting with her purse. “I drew something for them… I hope it’s enough.”

"I ... it's..."  Sasha blinked at Beatrix.  He knew it had been German but he thought the context would have been obvious enough.  It was a birthday party.  She was the birthday girl (well one of them - he wasn't really planning on saying Happy Birthday to Bellatrix).  Everyone else was lining up to say Happy Birthday.  It seemed not a huge leap to guess that's what Sasha was saying.  But, he found himself at a loss for how to respond so he stood, staring, until she moved off.

There was a distinct reason Sasha usually avoided parties hosted by his peers: he had no idea what to do at them.  Not for a lack of knowing what to do at social events.  Or the right social events.  He'd grown up in the midst of parent's social functions when every interaction was about status and image.  Where everyone tried to be more proper than the next.  They were full of rules and regulation.  There was dancing, of course.  But, the type of dancing young boys like Sasha took lessons for.  And, the whole affair was one big dance in itself.  His sister had always hated those parties; Sasha had learned (or rather been taught) the whole process at a rather young age.  He neither liked them nor disliked them.  He just knew how to work them.   

When it came to parties were people mingled at liberty, dressed in 'wacky' clothing and sat in horridly pink chairs, all Sasha knew was how to enter the room.  After that, he was at a complete loss.  He stood where he was, his eyes scanning the room, trying to find a direction or a purpose.  His eyes caught a glimpse of Mystique's outfit and his gaze followed her as he tried to make sense of it. 

A now familiar voice drew Sasha's attention away from the fiesta dress and he gave Ferguson a quick once over before offering a slightly relieved grin.  At least, not everyone was dressed like cartoon characters.  "Allo," he offered with a slight grin.  "So, you didn't do the ... 'wacky' either?" 

Now what?  His eyes dropped to the blue tops of Fergie's shoes before travelling around the room.  A mistake, clearly, as the onslaught of pink met his eyes.  He should have stuck with the shoes.  "You look nice, too," he offered, looking back.  His eyes followed the corner of one of the diamonds on Fergie's cardigan before he finally sighed and admitted, "I don't really have a clue what to do at these things.  I'm not ... much of a party goer." 

outfit

Vincent stepped into the party, scanning the crowd for the familiar cascade of pink hair. He wasn’t disappointed: even in the appropriately pink-and-black, quirky decor, Beatrix Dark was easily identifiable. He grinned, nudging Julian, whom he’d brought along as the invitation had seemed to permit friends, and approached the birthday girl. Or, er, one of them.

“Hey,” he said, someone coyly, trying to keep his cool. He was sort of unsure where they lie in terms of their... relationship?... Wow, that was a word he hadn’t expected to use with anyone beyond his mum, brothers, and favorite schoolmates for at least another couple of years. He would have shoved his hands into his pockets and hunched forward in a favorite combination of tranquility and awkward teenage lankiness, but he was balancing double the usual arm-full of birthday gifts, given that Beatrix was a twin and all.

“Happy birthday,” he wished her aloud after a moment, reminding himself yet again of the cause of festivity. “I brought Jules,” he said rather needlessly, as the St. James boy was standing beside him. “Not as my date,” he added teasingly, laughing lowly. He leaned forward a bit and pecked the girl’s cheek.

“Where should we put the boxes?” He raised a dark brow and looked around for a pyramid of presents, wondering what on earth people like his roommate Ferguson had given the twins. He was consistently surprised by the diversity of Beatrix’s friends, though he supposed he shouldn’t be, given her own nature. “I hope your sister doesn’t mind I got her something, too...” If she took gifts the same way she took compliments, Vincent might be producing Shield Charms half the night.

"Happy birthday Bea, I like what you did to the place,"

Beatrix's attention was drawn to yet another guest, this time one of her very own dorm mates. "Oh! Thank you, Megan!" Beatrix chimed and gave the girl a hug (As if they didn't see each other all the time) and, like the rest, put the gifts on the designated table. "It's great to have you here, by the way! Well, it's great to have all of these people... But, you know what I mean!" She giggled and let her eyes drift around Megan's figure. She was a pretty girl... Sometimes made Beatrix jealous how pretty she was. "Nice dress!~" She added when she noticed she was acting a bit creepy. Smooth recovery.

"Happy birthday, Miss Dark, you certainly look... Colorful!"

And her judgmental stare finally turned to a voice she couldn't believe she was hearing... Who the hell invited Ferguson!? The boy was like Neely Woolfolk without the sex appeal*. And not only that, but Beatrix knew that he wasn't really complimenting her... The boy probably got her fashion magazines because he was a cheap-o and had a stick lodged up his buttocks so far he didn't understand that not everyone was boring like him. Beatrix put on a sweet smile and placed his presents onto the table... So they'd be burned later-- She meant, opened... "Hmm... I'm not surprised to see you here, Mr. Amherst. Alone, none the less. I'm just going to take a wild guess here and say you have no friends," OH, BUUUURRRN! Beatrix smirked, but let it fade when Sasha began talking to the deranged chihuahua like they were friends... Odd.

"Oh! Did you invite him, Sasha? That explains it... Yes... Good thing, I wouldn't want you to be alone!" Beatrix giggled awkwardly. After that, she glanced between the two boys, not quite understanding why Sasha would like the thing. But Beatrix wasn't going to criticize Sasha's taste in women-- Men... Either one, really. "Sorry, ehm, Mr. Amherst," Beatrix lied and turned away from the two. Who was she to judge, anyways? Sasha WAS friends with Bea, after all.

Then... FINALLY! The exact person Bea wanted to see walked through the door: Vincent Pennyapple. She quickly adjusted herself (Mainly her bosoms) and pretended to be REALLY interested in one of the fake skulls she had laid out for decoration. Mainly for her sister... Even IF Beatrix wasn't quite friendly with her sister those days, she still acted like she was... Plus, why wouldn't she please her sister on their own birthday? But the girl was still late... But she was always late! Beatrix didn't let her upset thoughts cloud any further and finally glanced up at the approaching Slytherin, faking that she was surprised to suddenly see him with a beaming smile (Which, actually, wasn't TOTALLY fake, of course).

“Happy birthday, I brought Jules, not as my date,”

"Oh!" Beatrix straightened up and glanced over at Vincent's friend. She had seen Julian around, though wasn't exactly acquainted with him. She knew he hung around Neely, though, which she didn't like... But his name was Julian, which she did like. Julian was a nice name. Beatrix giggled at Vincent's joke, "I assumed he wouldn't be! I'm so glad you came--" the boy then kissed Bea on the cheek and her mind went fuzzy and blank like it always did with him. "Uhmmm... Wut-wuz-ah-sayin'?" She slurred and leaned onto the table. A silly smile brightened her face and she bit her lip. Stupid boys making her feel stupid...

“Where should we put the boxes? I hope your sister doesn’t mind I got her something, too...”

Beatrix finally straightened herself out (Though the smile was still there) and gently pulled the boxes out of the Slytherin's hands and onto the usual table. "Ahh, I don't know, Vin-" she paused, looking over at Vincent's friend once more. She didn't want to embarrass him in front of Julian, so she refrained from calling him 'Vinnie' within the boy's earshot. Perhaps he'd become engrossed by one of Bea's pretty friends and she'd be able to throw Pennyapple's unknown nickname about as freely as she wanted to. "Vincent... I mean, a birthday present? Really? She might use one of the forbidden curses on you for that," Beatrix joked and pulled herself away from the table to give Vincent her own proper greeting. Which, of course, was a tackling hug that could possibly kill the boy. "I'm glad you're here!" Beatrix told him once more, her death grip becoming less deadly and more flirtatious/harmless.

Costume

He’d been easily persuaded to go with Vincent to the Dark sisters’ birthday party. He wasn’t opposed to celebrating and having a good time, after all. Julian might have been irked when he found out he wasn’t on the list at first, but after hearing that Neely, of all people, hadn’t been put on the guest list, and then was invited by his best mate—well, how could he pass it up? And he may or may not have mentioned it in passing to Neely in a playful snub.

What did you even get someone for their big sixteen? Like most things ‘girly,’ he consulted his aunt. Her suggestions were not… helpful. Not for Hogwarts, anyway. While he attempted to remind her of this, he knew she wouldn’t see there being a problem. And for the most part, he didn’t either; he just didn’t want to be the one who the finger was pointed at when someone got caught with a little too potent butterbeer.

Of course, then there was the dress code to concern himself with. And with not a lot of time to plan it… well, he had to make due with what he had available. When he had seen how ‘nutty’ Vincent had gotten, he’d threatened to change. As it was, he had kind of grown attached to his little outfit. After walking about the dorm room for a bit, he’d decided that even if they felt like boxers, they weren’t, and that had settled it for him—he just had to remind himself that it was a bit drafty in the dungeons, and surely the Kitchens would be warmer.

They made the food there, right? So there had to be stoves… Stoves created warmth, from what he understood of the kitchen.

And the red suede slip-on shoes were some of the most comfortable thing he’d ever stepped on. He would need a couple pairs in black for his uniform, now. Smirking as he was nudged, he rolled his eyes at Vincent but nodded, following after fixing his bow tie. He let out a soft chuckle at his friend’s ‘Hey,’ glancing away. His attention came back, however, when Vincent introduced him, giving Beatrix a warm smirk and nod to confirm that he was, in fact, ‘Jules.’

“You wish,” was his response to Vincent’s statement of him not being his date. Drumming his fingers on the blue bag he was grasping, he raised an eyebrow, taking in the decorations. “Great thrones.” They would look better in silver and green, but who was he to judge. Clearly Vincent knew pink was one of the chosen colors of the sisters’. Biting his lower lip to not laugh at his mate, he set his own present on the table, glad to empty his hands. He stepped back so that if Vincent started to go down from the hug, he’d not land on Julian. He was a true friend, after all.

From the way Beatrix was hanging on to Vincent, he figured the boy could do with a little alone time. The way he had gone on about her lately had made it fairly clear that something was up. With his hands in his pockets, he gave Vincent a passing nudge and winked at Beatrix. “Happy birthday. Don’t forget to make a wish.” And he stepped away, moving amongst the growing crowd to find someone to have a decent conversation with.

Xavier had actually spent a surprising amount of time putting together his outfit for the Dark twins birthday party. The green polo shirt he actually owned himself but everything else he had taken from either the lost and found or 'borrowed' from those in his dorm. The suspenders and hat had been in the lost and found, he had actually taken the shorts from one of the girls in the Slytherin house and the boots he had borrowed from Callum. He had made sure he was completely presentable before making his way to the entrance to the female dorms of the Slytherin house.

He had the presents in one hand, a ruby encrusted skull ring for Bella and a rainbow heart charm bracelet for Bea. He wasn't sure if the lighter of the twins would like it but it seemed like her kind of thing. He was actually enjoying the time the two of them were starting to spend with each other even if it was just because they had no one else to sit with in class. His other hand was gripping a bouquet of black roses.

He felt a fluttering in his stomach. He liked Bella, he knew that much but with all the drama that had been happening with Ayla he hadn't been putting as much effort into Bella as he should have, but this night was all about Bella. He had no idea if she would consider this a date but there was definitely something special about being able to escort the birthday girl to her own party.

He tapped his feet and bit his lip hoping she wouldn't take too much longer. He hated having to wait like this. Bella would just as soon jinx him as look at him so having to wait to see what her reaction to him was beyond nerve wracking, "Oi! Bella, ye ready?"

Bella wasn't necessarily in a foul mood, but she was being rushed and that was something that irritated her. How could she be expected to look good if people--oh, wait. She stared at herself in the mirror with a newly developed sneer. That was right: no one ever expected Bellatrix Dark to look good. The sneer drooped into a disgruntled frown. What a discouraging comment about herself.

"This is my day. I'm sixteen now! Time to quit acting... Well, like me, I s'pose, right?"

Her reflection danced around in the outfit flirtatiously before giggling back at her, "If you say so, but being me will never be as much fun as being someone else!"

Bella rolled her eyes and snatched her present off her bed. This present for her twin was super-special. She had picked it out herself during the last Hogsmeade and refused to let anyone see or know about it. It was a gift for her best friend and her twin sister, probably the most important person in her life. She smiled at the pink-wrapped box in her arms.

"Oi! Bella, ye ready?"

OH! Of course! How could she have forgotten?! Xavier Tawse had asked to escort her to her birthday party! To let such a small yet significant detail like that slip her mind... Someone would have to be barking, wouldn't they? Then again, Bella would gladly admit to a lot of people that she was stark-raving mad.

"Er, yes! I mean, hold your hippogriffs, Tawse! I'll be down when I'm--er, ready!"

It was beginning to get harder to sound tough around him. After all, he had been winking at her in classes and after that wonderful--no! Awful! The compliment had been awful! She really did hate that word 'perfect'. Her mother used to call her that and it was just insulting to the fifteen--no, she was sixteen now--year old Slytherin. A heavy sigh escaped her and she put on her meanest look and stormed down the steps from her dorm in to the Slytherin common room to glare darkly at him. However, no matter how angry she tried to be, her blue eyes were warm and cheerful because inside, Bellatrix Dark was in one of her rare excellent moods.

"I'm ready, Tawse. Let's go. We're already late and I don't want anyone thinking, y'know. Somethin' happened."

Without another glance at him, she haughtily hurried out of the common room and headed down the corridors. She didn't bother slowing down for him until they reached the hidden entrance to the Kitchens where she stopped altogether to wait for him (in case he hadn't kept up).

"Rule number 1, Tawse, don't you dare let anyone get the idea that this is a date. Rule number 2, do not insult my sister. It will be the last thing you ever do. Number 3... I, er..."

Who the hell was she trying to fool? Her eyes narrowed suspiciously up at him, made sure no one was around, and finally looked him square in the face aggressively just as she had done at the Halloween ball.

"I wanted to say.." She cleared her throat. This was difficult for her. "Er, thank you. Y'know, for escorting me. Not that I needed it or anythin', but... You get the idea, c'mon!"

Bella promptly turned on her heel and entered the birthday party, seeing that the two were indeed fashionably late. She nodded to everyone with a neutral expression, though she was trying to be nice, and made her way through the crowd straight to her sister where her face instantly lit up with a grin.

"Happy Birthday, Lil Bee! Here's your present. I want you to open mine first, okay? Or it can be in private. Whichever!"

She had managed to get her hands on a thick, leather-bound book with a skull clasp on it for her sister. It was an empty Grimoire, something she hoped Beatrix would use for writing down potions, plants, notes and the like for when she became a serious potions mistress like Daz. Really, it could be used for anything including Quidditch moves or spells if she so pleased. Her eyes changed their focus from her vividly-dressed sister to her own housemate, Vincent Pennyapple.

"Oh, Pen--Vincent! It's nice to see you here. Snogged my sister yet?"

She raised her eyebrows expectantly while she carefully inspected the expressions of both of them. Of course, her tone was teasing and after a few seconds of complete seriousness, she smiled and patted him rather hard on the back.

"I'm joking, Vincent. It's none of my business and I honestly don't care to know."

Bella took a gander at all of the decorations, the cakes, the other sweets, and the growing pile of presents to avoid any dark looks her sister might have given her at that moment. They were wild and nutty, just like the way everyone (well, almost everyone) was dressed.

"Ooh, the cake looks yummy! When do we get a piece? Oh, look, there's your Prefect buddy. What's his name? Schal-what? Did you invite him, Lil Bee?"

The younger Dark twin was still holding a harsh grudge against him for hitting her with his cocoa bean in Transfiguration class a few days earlier. She threw a light glare at him, but did nothing more. Why let him spoil her party? After all, her and her sister were in the spotlight together and she was going to enjoy this.