Mind you, all Booth workers should already be behind the booth when they post. Just to make things easier. Thank you!

---

-- Beatrix's Outfit --

Beatrix Dark was known for being an overly-friendly person. Well, most of the time. When she learned of the kissing booth, she sprang on it, not exactly thinking of the consequences. She liked kissing. And she knew this was her moment to support her ultra special cause, "Youngin's Against Animal Abuse" (aka YAAA). Sure, she felt a bit strange about kissing people for money, and sure she was making sure certain people weren't around to laugh at her (Which Beatrix didn't doubt would happen. She was sure rumors were still circling about her being a "prostitute"). But Beatrix wanted to help her cause. And she was secretly interested in what kind of boy would approach her.

Though... She cringed at the thought of having to encounter someone like Trent Travis. There was no one worst than that grease ball. Of course, there were some... But those people stayed clear away from Beatrix, thankfully.

The pink-haired girl had the blessings to open the booth. The banner read 'Kisses For A Cause - Two Sickles', which was rather cheap, but that was generally the price people had to pay for kissing booths, was it not? She slid over the icy counter (With a squeal, considering she was wearing a skirt) and set to work. The booth was, thankfully, charmed to be nice and toasty so the girl pulled off her leather jacket and set it on one of the chairs. She was completely excited, shaking with anticipation. Of course, she was completely nervous at the same time. She was going to be kissing people. She wasn't mature enough not to even giggle after kissing people yet. In fact, she probably giggled every time. Didn't guys find that intimidating? They would think Bea was laughing at them!

Then again, Beatrix giggled all the time. Which was partially why some people were annoyed of her.

As soon as all the fellow Booth workers had shown up, Beatrix set up her coin bucket (Charmed bright pink with "YAAA" across it in gold glitter) and pulled out her wand. Placing it to her neck, she spoke up, her voice loud enough to grab the crowd's attention, "Excuse me! The Kissing Booth is now open!" She smiled, sweetly, before continuing, "Each kiss is two sickles, and it goes to a cause that each of us have chosen," She lifted up her bucket with one hand, "For example, for every kiss I get, the coins go to 'Youngin's Against Animal Abuse'," Beatrix set the bucket back down and continued to beam at the crowd. She got many people's attention. Hopefully that wasn't because Chance, Eli, and Razzy were more tempting than her. Well, not that Beatrix thought of herself that way... The boys were simply too cute and friendly.

"Did you know, some 'fake fur' is actually puppy and kitten fur? About two million cats and dogs are slaughtered each year for their fur... And I won't get into how many of those were skinned alive*," Beatrix eyed the crowd quickly and decided it probably wasn't necessary to add that last part, but shock value always helped, "So please support the cause! Every sickle helps!" Beatrix pulled her wand away from her neck and gave a nervous giggle to the boys. Awkward. But Beatrix was one of those people who cared more about animals than humans. Though... Domestic Violence would have been her next Cause.

The Ravenclaw turned as people began approaching the booth and began feeling through the pockets of her jacket. She eventually pulled out a tube of pink lipgloss and a mirror. She had also brought disinfectant wipes just in case. Of course, she felt a little strange that she was kissing other people besides Vincent... But he would understand, wouldn't he? Beatrix loved fuzzy animals. He knew that. If she was willing to sell her kisses for animals, even with the knowledge of Vincent's possible disagreeing, she was truly fighting for the cause.

After applying the gloss thoroughly, she hesitantly turned back to the crowd. Some younger boy had dropped two sickles into Bea's bucket and her eyes widened. Showtime, she supposed. She approached the counter and quirked a brow at the boy (Who clearly had no idea what he was doing) and she looked pass his shoulder. She was looking to see if any of her friends... her girl friends were in the crowd. So they could be there for emotional support (Considering only a girl would know how Bea felt at that moment).

But then... Beatrix spotted Maddie Pratt. Perfect. Maddie was a friend, and she was one of those out-spoken girls that Bea liked, AND she had a cause: SAWS. So she would definitely help out, wouldn't she? Beatrix gave the younger boy a quick peck on the lips (Which he seemed satisfied with) and slipped over the counter. She had forgotten how freezing it was out... But she could make it quick!

She dashed through the snow and wiped around, in front of Maddie, to stop her friend. "Maddie! Would you like to join Kisses For A Cause? You could raise money for SAWS! And be there when I need a shoulder to cry on because of these scumy boys that just want me for my strawberry-flavored lips!" She tilted her head an bit her bottom lip, "And I'll be there if you need to cry, too. I promise."

---

Let the games begin!

*Resource (There's no shocking pictures, but the information may be very disturbing): Animal Use and Abuse Statistics: The Shocking Numbers

Chance Ryker had certainly taken Professor Levartian's encouraging advice to heart.  He'd begun to finally take an active role at Hogwart's...joining SAWS, becoming a Prefect, pairing up with Grace Eddy, and now he was taking up the mantle of Kisses for a Cause!  Plus there was the matter of playing a little guitar on the side...

Nonetheless, Chance was stoked to be at this lively event and to see the excitement surrounding him.  Stagnation was something that proved very difficult and taxing for the young Irishman, so he liked to keep moving...even if he was walking in place, pacing, or drumming his fingers on something randomly.

He was glad to see Beatrix using her attention grabbing look and personality well, announcing the opening of the booth.  There wasn't much to set up...and the decorations looked fairly tidy to him.  The booth itself seemed sturdy...but Chance did have a little apprehension about just who might wind up coming through his line.  Chance was a super nice, outgoing, friendly guy who never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings...but it made him sick to his stomach even thinking about someone getting the wrong impression.  This was for a good cause though...SAWS.  He checked his bucket, which actually bore a few pictures of well meaning, unfortunate werewolves that were now homeless refugees.  He was glad to see that the booth's opening didn't take too long to start bringing in customers, and he couldn't help but grin a little at the guy who stepped up first to Bea.  Of course...considering there were only a couple of guys as the other option at that point, Chance didn't blame him!  The Irish rocker applauded and nodded his head.

"Give it up fer th' lit'l guy!  That's th' way t'go fer th' gusto lad!"

He grinned with all that good nature about him and helped to work up the crowd a bit.  Chance pulled out his wand shaped iWizard and then activated it with a quick flick of his own ebony and bocote wand.  A rather upbeat 3 Owl Standard song was far more familiar to most wizards and witches than most of his favorite muggle bands.

"C'mon folks!  This is a party!  Let's rock it fer some good causes over 'ere, huh?"

Chance noticed Bea's rather rapid retreat from the booth after her first client.  Was she recruiting Maddie Pratt?

"Yeah!  C'mon Maddi-kins!  Th' lads need more comfy lady lips t'land on, lest poor Bea's lips fall off from overuse?"

-Eli's Outfit-

Who in the world did Razzy think he was signing up for the Kissing booth?  And what in that boy's head made him think he, Eli Park, wouldn't find out about it?  Furthermore, did he really think Eli was going to let just anyone kiss those lips.... even if it was for 'a good cause'?  Bloke was out of his mind.  And Eli was determined to show the Hufflepuff how he felt.   Sure they weren't in any official relationship... they were both free to go out and snog whomever they pleased, but, that didn't stop Eli from being protective and jealous.  That is how he came to be there behind counter of the booth.  He had been a late sign-up, but still managed to get his name in which a cause as well.  After frantically owling his sister, he had decided to raise money for the Home for Young Witches & Warlocks, an orphanage for parentless witches and wizards.  Children were the future, right?  It was a good cause, right?  No one would suspect he was there for any other reason..... right?

Eli glanced up at Razzy (he had pushed their chairs together before the booth opened) and then poked the younger boy in the arm.  Then he did it again.  And then another time after that.  I've caught you now, mister.... You think you're clever, but I, young one, am the wiser!  Eli stuck his tongue out as if he had verbalized his thoughts and then turned his head away to look at the small crowd that had gathered around the booth.  Truthfully he was excited.  He almost wished he had signed up even before he knew that Razzy had.  Dream come true, getting money for kisses.  Of course it wasn’t his money to keep, but still… it all went to a good place.  This was the perfect gig for him, too.  He was infamous for it, wasn’t he?  Hogwart’s very own serial kisser…. At least, those were what the rumors made him out to be.  Eli didn’t mind.  He liked the title.

Eli watched as Beatrix was the first to get a customer.  He smiled, cheering her on from his seat, secretly happy it was her and not Razzy.  Then Chance put on some 3 Owl Standard.  The place was actually starting to feel like it was a part of a festival.  His foot started tapping on the ground to the rhythm of the song and moving his body from side to side. 

The sound of coins being dropped into his bucket made him stop.  His eyes traveled to a young girl smiling over at him.  From the few teeth missing in that smile, Eli figured she couldn’t be more than eight or nine years old.  How cute!  He quickly stood up and slightly bent over the counter, placing a kiss on the girl’s cheek.  She giggled into her hands before running off.  Eli watched her for a moment or two and then peered down into Razzy’s bucket.  Still empty.  Smiling happily, he returned to his seat.  “So far, so good!”   

Clothes

Maddie loved the winter holidays. The delicious Christmas dinners... hot cider... snowmen... just everything. Granted, the magical world was a bit more relaxed then the muggle world, with no traffic jams or huge lines at the markets or angry housewives fighting over the last of the latest toy fads, and it had that helpful little thing called 'Magic' to make the whole thing easier and more, well, Magical. But it was the simple pleasures, such as the candied apple she was attempting to carefully eat without dripping any of the coating on her beautiful new scarf, that made Maddie happy. Good food, good friends and good cheer.

Well good food at least. She was packed solid with the stuff. But she couldn't find Ferris, so 'good friends' was quickly losing hope and considering that some of the students that had passed her by shot her rather hateful glares, the 'good cheer' was fading as well. Leave it to Snark to ruin her favorite holiday. Maddie almost lost the whimsical smile she wore when she thought about the woman and her outlandish claims that had marred Maddie's almost spotless school record. She had a feeling that school was going to drop on her list of 'happy places' when she returned. Aside from the mountains of late homework and midterm assignments, she had to worry about her quidditch and newspaper position. Would Snark revoke them because of her suspension? She wouldn't put it past her.

The mere thoughts of what Snark could, and more then likely, would do was enough to make Maddie lose her smile. Even the delicious candied apple that she had nearly devoured was starting to look lackluster and unappetizing to her. Taking a few more bites before deciding she was full, Maddie tossed the apple and continued down the faire route. The smiling faces and bubbling laughter of those enjoying the faire warmed her up a little, but Maddie was beginning to feel lonely. She really needed some fun today, something to keep her mind off of all the crap that had been shoveled into her lap. Something like --

"Maddie! Would you like to join Kisses For A Cause? You could raise money for SAWS! And be there when I need a shoulder to cry on because of these scumy boys that just want me for my strawberry-flavored lips! And I'll be there if you need to cry, too. I promise."

-- well... that.

Maddie blinked as Bea, in an surprisingly subdued outfit considering her normal color selection, came out of nowhere and threw herself into Maddie's path. Having not expected to be nearly tackled out of nowhere, Maddie didn't catch everything that Bea was saying. Except the 'for a Cause'  and 'SAWS' part, which Maddie's ears naturally perked up for. Since she didn't realize that it was a kissing booth, Maddie was a bit confused about the strawberry lips comment. "I... uh... I guess..." She said, realizing that doing something for SAWS would really put her in a better mood and possibly help her faltering reputation. Since she hadn't found Ferris yet, she supposed it wouldn't hurt to put in a few volunteer hours "... s'not like I have much else to do..."

"Yeah!  C'mon Maddi-kins!  Th' lads need more comfy lady lips t'land on, lest poor Bea's lips fall off from overuse?"

Chance, who Maddie recognized immediately thanks to his gravity defying hair, appeared from the same general nowhereness that Bea had and joined in the attempt to recruit her. She gave him a friendly, albeit confused, smile "Yeah, sure...I'd love to help..." She started, still a bit bewildered about the whole 'lips' thing. That is, until she was ushered over and saw the sign. As her eyes fell on the word 'Kisses' in Kisses for a Cause, Maddie felt her cheeks alternately pale and flush.

"Wait... waitwaitwait..." She said, dragging her feet to a halt "... I have to kiss people? I can't do that! I have never kissed--" She started to exclaim that she had never kissed anyone before, but then the memories of earlier in the week when Ferris and her exchanged a brief but heated kiss came flooding back and she flushed slightly, stuttering out instead "-- s.... someone I don't... have a thing... for...I just can't kiss random people!" She exclaimed finally, though it was a weak exclamation at best. As straightforward and honest as she was about pretty much everything in her life, love and sex was something she had little to no experience with and was shy about actually talking about.

-- Outfit. --

"Ah, crap," Razzy had mumbled as soon as his eyes landed on the booth. He noticed Eli right away, of course. The boy was hardly someone who could go unnoticed. Though the boy knew he was completely busted, his cool exterior remained in place as he had sat down with Eli. He hadn't expected the older boy to be there. Especially because Razzy always got away with kissing other people. Then again, it was a school event. Whoever had thought up the idea had the right heart, but they clearly didn't realize there would be teenage drama. He settled in, close to Eli, and remained quiet. There wasn't much to say. And Eli was clearly unhappy.

Razzy felt like he was trapped in a relationship, the way the two of them got so overly jealous of each other. But he didn't find it all too... Awful. When he thought of it as a relationship, it was more like... An old married couple. Cute. But the two boys would never be able to actually pull through with such a commitment.

Eli poked at Razzy and a sheepish grin began to form on his face. Razzy was so busted. And the Gryffindor was simply too adorable. He could almost hear Eli's thoughts. Almost hear the smugness and the anger in his tone. "You think I wouldn't catch you? Dumb ass". Of course, Razzy wasn't happy that Eli would be kissing people, too. When he really thought about it, the two of them would simply be staring everyone down who approached the other. Would they even gain any money?

A small child donated to Eli's bucket for... Orphans? And the boy got up to go kiss them on the cheek. Which Razzy couldn't help but smile to. So cute. The Causes were all rather depressing and definitely worth raising money for. Werewolves, orphans, and... Well, animals deserved love, too. After hearing Beatrix speak about how kittens were getting killed for fur, Razzy immediately thought of his kitten, Saint. Which made him shift uncomfortably in his chair. Otherwise, he stayed completely expressionless. He didn't want Eli to think Razzy was pretty darn happy, even though he got caught trying to kiss other people.

Not that should have mattered. By, as mentioned before, they were like a married couple.

Razzy's charity was Breast Cancer Awareness. Mainly it was because Razzy was secretly a total pervert and one of those annoying 'playas' who thought they could get girls for helping an all-woman cause. In truth, it did work. For Razzy. Since he was known around the ditsier girls for being easy and a great kisser. And handsome. But that was simply a given... And perhaps just Razzy's opinion of himself. Eli sat back down and Razzy gave him a grin. So far, so good? The little thing was mocking Razzy. But he remained compose. Eli Park basically owned Razzy when he was around... The Hufflepuff couldn't imagine kissing anyone in front of him.

But just as Eli was getting cocky, coins fell into Razzy's bucket as well (A bucket that he, oh-so confidently, placed one of his dormmate's girlfriend's bra on. Which was what they got for keeping it in the dorm like a pervert) and his gaze turned to the girl who stood behind it. A girl in his year, definitely stupid by the looks of it, and one of those types that are pretty but average at the same time. Definitely no competition for Eli. Razzy rose and his grin twisted into a smile, almost trying to piss Eli off.

"What's with the... Banana?" The girl asked, pointing to Razzy's sweater.

"Don't worry about that..." Razzy told her with a wink, leaning over the counter and looking back to see if Eli was watching.

However, as the girl leaned in, Razzy merely kissed her on the forehead. He wouldn't kiss anyone in front of Eli. Not an actual kiss, at least. The girl got upset and told Razzy he was a ripoff and wanted her money back and was that her bra? and blah blah blah. "There's a line," Razzy told her and she stormed off, even though there wasn't truly a line. Razzy turned back around, facing Eli, and leaned back into the counter.

"I would never go behind your back, Chaton," Razzy lied, covering it with one of his charming smiles. Eli wasn't dumb. And wasn't easily sweet-talked. But at least Razzy could attempt to put on a clean show for him.

Eli had to admit that Razzy was the King of Cool, able pool off a calm and collected appearance in any situation.  He hardly look startled or upset that Eli was there.  Fine by Eli.  As long as the Hufflepuff had it in his head that he’d be getting ‘talking-to’ after the event, then he didn’t care.... And this time he was determined not to have it end up in a snog session because for some reason that always happened, more so even when Eli was angry.  It was like the other had a physic ability...  Or rather he knew Eli just couldn’t resist him or the opportunity for a good snog.

Just as Eli was starting to wind down a bit, however, he heard the clink! clink! of impending doom.  Quick!  Jump on him so he can’t get up!  Take out your wand and tie him to the chair with ropes! ‘Oh.... Razzy tied to a chair.... with ropes.  That’s kinda hot.... wait, what, no, STOP IT PERV! He’s getting away...’  It was too late to make a move.  Razzy was already up and making his move, looking back to Eli to rub it in... ‘That little....’ A low audible frustrated growl may or may not have escaped Eli.  He was too busy burning holes into Razzy’s back to really tell what noises he was making.

Oh good! Oh good! He only kissed the girl’s forehead!  Eli tried to fight back a smile, but he was never too good at hiding his feelings. 

  "I would never go behind your back, Chaton,"

“Hmpf, don’t try and butter me up, Mr. Chancelier, I am immune to you and your French talk!”  Eli snapped his head to the side, trying to hold his ‘I’m not happy’ charade at the same time as hiding the small red tint that was threatening its way onto his cheeks.  He loved when Razzy spoke to him in French.  He didn’t understand a word of it but, hell, it sure was sexy.

Taking a deep breath, Eli stood up and pulled out a white handkerchief from his pocket.  Walking up to Razzy, he reached up with it and wiped the other’s lips.  “Remember to always disinfect!”  Eli finished then tucked the handkerchief slopily into Razzy’s neckline, “Keep that... just in case.”

"I... uh... I guess... s'not like I have much else to do..."

"Really?!~" Beatrix sang, jumping up and down, "Great! Yay! Lets go!" She gently took Maddie's arm and began to pull her towards the booth. Beatrix hadn't exactly expected Maddie to be so cool with it all. Bea always pictured her as one of those girls who were "pro-feminism" and didn't thought such things as a Kissing Booth would be "offensive to females" and "there's better ways to raise money than selling our strawberry-flavored lips and degrading our strong image". But, really, that just made Maddie sound like a close-minded jerk. She was happy that her friend was joining her. They needed more girls in the booth. It gave people a variety. And Bea someone to clasp onto and sob.

"Yeah!  C'mon Maddi-kins!  Th' lads need more comfy lady lips t'land on, lest poor Bea's lips fall off from overuse?"

Beatrix let out a laugh, but then stopped quickly. Fall off from overuse? Disgusting! Bea didn't expect to be using her lips that much! But it was simply Chance being Chance, Beatrix knew that. The older boy was simply humorous and was just making jokes. But then Maddie halted and Bea lurched forward, confused with the sudden stop. Clearly, Maddie didn't like what Chance had said. Beatrix's brow furrowed and she sent a glare towards Chance. Of course, Bea's young, girly face was definitely nothing to be afraid of. But if Maddie didn't start moving, Chance was going to be beaten black and blue by Bea's right hand, which was still bandaged from her Quidditch incident. The power of magic definitely helped the girl's poor broken wrist, but the wrap around it was suppose to come off soon, anyways. Apparently, if Beatrix was a muggle, she would have had her cast on for over a couple of months. A few weeks was nothing.

Since the Ravenclaw had no clue it wasn't what Chance had said, Beatrix was plotting to take off one of her lovely prada heels and stab him with it. She was so close. That jerk.

"... I have to kiss people? I can't do that! I have never kissed s.... someone I don't... have a thing... for...I just can't kiss random people!"

She stomped her foot and turned back towards Maddie. Beatrix clasped on, tightly, to Maddie's arm and attempted to drag her along. "But it's for a good cause! Please, Maddie! Think of the Werewolves! Think of Greyfriar! Think of Ollie!" Of course, when Beatrix thought of Greyfriar, there was nothing but pure horror and the slight chance of tears to came along with it. Beatrix loved animals, she did (Because Werewolves are totes just scary looking people-dogs). And she used to be real big on helping werewolves and being open-minded. But after witnessing one up close, she wasn't so fond of them. However, she knew that they were people too. And Beatrix loved Knox Greyfriar like she would her uncle or Landis Morgan. Beatrix would never be apart of SAWS, but she couldn't quite say that she agreed with Werewolf segregation.

"Do you think I like kissing random people?! Well, maybe! But I need you! Please, Maddie!" Beatrix pleaded, finally reaching the booth, "I just want to save kittens and puppies... Don't you want to help SAWS? Look, you can even share a bucket with Chancey-Dancey! It'll be fine!" She said with an honest smile. Even if she was giving Chance a cutesy nickname, that heel was still plotting to be stabbed into his stomach. It was all his fault even though it really wasn't!

The pink-haired girl slid over the counter (Squealing again from the cold) and turned to face Maddie, "It's also warm in here! And if anyone tries to fondle you, I got a wand!" and possibly her switchblade... But Beatrix wasn't planning on taking that thing out any time soon. It stayed lodged in one of the inner pockets on her leather jacket and was only there in case of emergency. And if she wanted to cut an apple. Which was what it was usually used for, anyways, since Beatrix had grown out of her "I'M LOOKIN' TO KILL EVERYONE" faze. Though, she never grew out of her "Stab you with my stilettos!" faze. Or her "I'M SO TOTES A REBEL" faze. Or her pirate faze. Which just showed that Beatrix had the Dark insanity pumping through her veins.

She smiled at Maddie again, giving the Hufflepuff her best puppy-dog eyes, "But really, we all want to have you here! It'll be fun, I promise!" Beatrix told her, sincerely and without her fingers crossed behind her back.

An older, creepy-looking boy approached the counter and put two sickles into Bea's bucket.

"BEAT IT, I'M TRYING TO HAVE A CONVERSATION HERE!" Beatrix snapped, causing the boy to step away, quickly. The Ravenclaw moved the bucket towards her and looked down inside it. Some idiot had stuffed a gum wrapper inside it when she wasn't looking and Beatrix grumbled and took it out, throwing it onto the floor. She looked back up and smiled reassuring at Maddie once more. "See? You can just tell people to go away if you don't like what's in front of you!"

Vincent had decided to be a Good Unofficial Boyfriend. That morning, along with his pants, trousers, shirt, and hoodie, he’d put on the plastic smile of Reasonable Man: the sensible sort of bloke who didn’t mind his girlfriend renting out her lips for the afternoon, so long as it was for a good cause and not some dodgy Knockturn pimp.

But really? Vincent was a teenage boy.

And the smile was beginning to hurt.

No, really, it was. He’d been wearing it since the moment he stepped into the family’s fireplace and out of the grate in the Broomsticks. He’d worn it all the way up the High Road, through the twisting, shouting, overly-joyous crowds of People Whose Girlfriends Were Not Kissing Other Boys (And Girls), and straight up the Kissing Booth.

Or, er, whichever booth sat directly across from it. Vincent Pennyapple had decided Space was what a Levelheaded Lover. The corners of his mouth were beginning to twitch, faltering in their foundation. He could really use a Butterbeer! Some water, maybe. Did they make aerobics lessons for the muscles of one’s mouth? No. Of course they didn’t. Because normal people built up their mouth muscles by snogging their girlfriends.

Shoving his hands into his pockets, the Slytherin jingled the change. He resisted the urge to scratch his neck-- or trade the smile for a shadowy, wintry stare, something more befitting and comfortable. Resolving to wander over to Beatrix, he lifted his leg, opened his mouth, let out a breath, closed his mouth, and set his foot down again, not moving one step forward. He’d already begun to murmur a one-sided conversation to the pink-haired Ravenclaw, like a dork talking to his mirror before a Great Hall speech.

Was this what it had come to? Bloody hormones.

He saw more and more people approach the booth, and felt his stomach twist further, its own personal Sneak-o-Scope. If Ramsay could see his innards at work, she’d give him an O for the Transfiguration N.E.W.T. here and now, nevermind the O.W.L.

Vincent heaved his shoulders, sighed, and tried again. This time his feet did the trick and he approached the booth with caution. Also, cool, casual collectedness that did not reflect his inside turmoil. “Hey, everyone. Bea.” He nodded at each of them, and leaned forward, pulling one hand out of his pocket to draw the spritely schoolgirl into a hug. He’d accidentally pushed past some not-so-innocent bystander in his nonchalant (uh huh) attempt to skip to the front of the queue. “Raising a lot of money?” He quirked a brow, now focusing, more or less, only on Beatrix. “You do offer a very nice product...”

He cringed. “I mean...” Pulling his other hand out of his pocket, he handed over two galleons. “I mean, no one could buy you. But you’re really encouraging people to be more, you know, charitable?” He quirked his brows, a puppyish quality briefly gracing his dark, aristocratic features. “It’s brilliant. You’re brilliant.” He grinned lopsidedly, the boyishness becoming debonair. He was clearly hoping he’d smoothed his blunder as he pressed the gold more acutely into her small palm.

The Kissing Booth was certainly getting interesting rather rapidly!  To be as outgoing as Chance was, he quite often found himself simply watching as life proceeded around him.  He'd been watching as the variety of guys and girls all went through their own personal little struggles, conversations, and such...while he seemed more akin to the guy catching a tan in a lawn chair on the beach.  But...he wasn't shy and he'd certainly hop into the forefront of things.  He pushed off of his leaning post in the booth and stood before his SAWS bucket, which may as well be shared with Maddie should she join in the liptastic pursuit.  However, the Irishman noticed quite clearly the apprehension and hesitation that was possessing Maddie.  She looked quite certifiably terrified.  In fact...perhaps a little pale?

"It won't be so bad, lass!  Y'could jus' think uvvit as a wee bit o' practice, after all!  An' besides that...anybody tries anythin' funny an' we'll give 'em a right thashin'!"

Chance smiled and nodded encouragingly.  There was a certain spirit of kinship and Chance was trying to help provide a sense of solidarity...In fact, he had an idea! 

"Here we go...jus' pull up a chair...an' I'll grab ya a quick...what-butterbeer, pumpkin juice?"

Chance was trying his best to make Maddie feel comfortable and go ahead with the booth.  After all, he was trying himself to grab life by the horns and smack it around for a change.  However...Chance wasn't quite sure what the odd, twitching looks Beatrix was giving him meant exactly?  He quirked one dark brow curiously.

"Bea?  Y'thirsty luv?  I'll get y'somethin' too.  Yer lookin' a wee bit...thirsty."

Thirsty was the last thing Beatrix looked, but hopefully whatever was wrong with her would be soothed by a nice, cool, refreshing drink.  It was far too fortunate that at this moment, Chance's best friend Kimberly "Kim Kim" Chan skipped over to the booth.

"K Squared!"

"Yes, good Sir Ryker?"

"Wouldja be a doll an' fetch us a few drinks?  At'd be ruddy spectacular!"

"Pumpkin juices all around?"

"Fer me, definitely."

"Of course.  Do you even drink anything else?"

"Not typically."

Kim Kim glanced down at the SAWS bucket and canted her head with an exaggerated pout, pointing quite specifically to said bucket.

"What's this?  I thought the booth had started up already?"

"Aye, aye...just 'as actually."

"Well, let's start you off right then...with no creepy weird girls!"

Chance grinned as Kim Kim deposited her two sickles into the bucket and leaned her cheek over with a smile.  Chance half considered giving her a big smooch right on the lips, but the pair had always enjoyed such a close friendship that he was afraid to jeopardize it.  He kissed her cheek and gave her a firm hug.

"Yer a peach, luv."

"What can I say?"

Kim Kim smiled as Chance rifled through his pockets, producing the sufficient money to spring for drinks for those who had taken him up on his offer.

"Get one yerself too, Kimmers."

"Thank you, Mr.Chance."

Chance smiled as Kim Kim trotted off.  She was one of the few people who was consistently more talkative and outspoken than he was.  She'd always been there to support him, comfort him, and just generally improve the quality of his life.  Chance considered himself quite fortunate to have such a friend.  And...as Kim Kim had broken the ice...the throngs of people lounging *near* the kissing booth began to have the courage to shift into lines.  Now the buckets were starting to jingle...as a rather cute brunette from Hufflepuff with too much eyeshadow approached.

"Well, 'ello there!"

"Hi-iiii!"

"An' 'ow're you this lovely evenin'?"

"Mmm...pretty amazing."

"An' about t'be better, eh?"

She chuckled and Chance grinned that dashing sideways grin of his as they each leaned in for a kiss.  It was fairly smooth, not at all trashy, but certainly...refreshing!  As the two parted, she bit her lower lip and fanned herself with her hands.

"Yeahhh...better than amazing."

"Well 'at's pretty darn good if I do say so m'self!  An' I just did...so obviously I do say so m'self!"

Chance tossed two sickles of his own in the bucket and guided her back for a second kiss with a gentle index finger, thumb, and middle finger cupping her chin.

"Thanks lass."

"Oh-anytime!  Hopefully again soon!"

Chance grinned and bobbed his head, then cranked up the 3 Owl Standard.  He howled out, rather energized from the ego stroking kiss from the girl.  He hadn't really had the opportunity to talk to her much before, just a little flirt once or twice.

"Now THIS is a party!  WOO HOOOOO!"

"But it's for a good cause! Please, Maddie! Think of the Werewolves! Think of Greyfriar! Think of Ollie!"

Now this was a conundrum. On one hand, Maddie was not the type of girl who relied on the old adage of 'sex sells'. She had little respect for girls who used their sex and their charms to manipulate themselves into positions of power rather then work for it. It was degrading! Why did she have to put her lips on some stranger just to raise a few sickles? Couldn't she do something less... slutty? She would willingly shovel dragon manure or stand in a hurricane holding a sign, anything but kissing a stranger.

On the other hand, normally she would do about anything for the causes she supported. If she wasn't willing to give 110%, then she didn't deserve to even say she supported them. Ollie was such an important person to her, both as a friend and someone who had been sorely wronged. If she couldn't put aside her personal feelings to do one little fund-raiser, then what kind of friend was she? Whether Bea had intended it or not, her encouragement just put Maddie between a rock and a hard place.

"Do you think I like kissing random people?!..."

"It won't be so bad, lass! ..."

Bea and Chance's bombardment of encouragement was overwhelming and, in her daze, Maddie found herself allowing them to lead her into the booth and onto a chair. When Chance asked what she wanted to drink, she automatically answered "Pumpkin Juice" before even realizing that she was pretty much agreeing to join them already. It might be too late to back out now.

Sitting at the back of the booth, she tried to pretend she wasn't working in it while she watched the others interact with their 'customers'. They made it look so easy. It was like it meant nothing at all to them. Was she just being overly prudish? Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. After all, she wasn't dating Ferris or anything, so it wasn't like she was cheating on him.

Sucking in her breath, she whispered to herself over and over "I can do this. I can do this." Pulling out her wand, she spurted some mint flavored spray into her mouth and pulled out her vanilla lipgloss. Smearing it in, she then straightened her hair and removed her jacket. Standing up next to Chance, she took a deep breath and smiled as much as she could "I... I think I am ready. I can do this..."

(( I cut out some of Chance and Beas dialogue for length reasons ))

The festival was wonderful. Hannah hadn't been to its like in years, and that combined with the fact that it was practically Hogwarts-sanctioned had her bouncing with excitement. Plus, she'd coaxed Erin into walking around with her; silly boy was probably just going to stay inside, but she'd managed to get the Slytherin password from Landis and had tracked Erin down in his own common room, where he'd looked extremely surprised to see her. Now she clung to his arm like a happy little limpet (he wouldn't let her hold his hand, but apparently clinging was okay), pleased to be able to spend time with him and pleased with herself for the cute little dress she'd picked out for the occasion. Of course, it was mostly hidden beneath her heavy winter jacket, but Hannah knew she was wearing it, and that was what mattered. What the rest of the world could see was her bouncing curls and pink hat, against the contrast of Erin's darker jacket, jeans, and boots. Hannah had inherited the broad face of her mother and eldest brother Landis, but despite that, and despite their differing color palettes, there was no mistaking they were family. If nothing else, the identical shade of their blonde hair was telling, and it'd saved stares more than once when her fellow Housemates spotted her hanging around the older Slytherin.

Not that Hannah ever really cared what other people thought.

Today, everyone was happy. Everywhere she looked there was something new and delightful, and everyone was smiling. Even Erin was smiling, an easy-going grin that Hannah hadn't seen on his face in a while. She liked it, though; it meant he was in a good mood, and that he'd buy her whatever she wanted. So far, that had just been a butterbeer, but she'd passed a vendor with caramel apples earlier, and thoughts of the delicious sweet still ran through her head. Oh, yes, Hannah had big plans for Erin's pocket money.

Unfortunately for her, their meandering path was slowly leading them closer and closer to the kissing booth, with its two-shilling toll. She was certain that, when Erin began to pull her in that direction, he meant to pass it by; who wanted to pay money for a kissing booth, after all? But when she stalled, he slanted his smile her way- the warm, open one he knew always threw her off guard, because how often had she seen it at home? But she knew that trick by now, half-way through the school year, and she continued to pull back until he told her he just wanted to say hello to his friends.

Well, Hannah loved her brother, but she was under no illusions about the number of friends he did or didn't have. So while she tried to decide whether he was telling the truth, he'd already steered her right up to the booth, and Hannah clutched his arm harder and hoped to Merlin he wouldn't volunteer her. His nice smile had turned into a grin that he directed at his "friends" behind the buckets, and while there was still plenty of good-humor to it, Hannah did not trust her brother anywhere near a kissing booth. He'd probably think it was hilarious for her to get a kiss - well, she'd pinch him if he tried it, right in his tender side.

Erin, for his part, was indeed thinking of signing his sister up for a kiss, and maybe getting one himself. She deserved it, dragging him out in the cold like this. Although, to his very great surprise, Erin'd been enjoying it. Maybe there was something contagious about such large-scale good cheer, for, although Erin had never cared much for the holidays, he was in a genuinely good mood today. He was in such a good mood that he could approach the booth containing both one Eli Park and one Beatrix Dark (with her boytoy hanging around besides) and smile at them both, without reservation and, in the case of Eli, only the slightest wariness. And his smile turned a little more friendly for Razzy, who was at least half the reason he'd wandered over in the first place. (The other half was to pester Beatrix which, since Vincent was here, would have to be done more subtly than leaning over the booth and teasing her about her habit of giving away kisses.)

There were only two people in the booth he wasn't overly familiar with, although he knew of them both. For Erin, this made Maddie and Chance the safe ones. He smiled slowly and sweetly at Maddie, already wondering whether he cared enough about SAWS to donate for a kiss.

"Raising lots of money?" he asked, apparently all concern, while beside him Hannah glanced up at his face and then down the people in the booth, curious.

"Bea?  Y'thirsty luv?  I'll get y'somethin' too.  Yer lookin' a wee bit...thirsty."

Seeing her glares clearly had failed, Beatrix nodded and said "Sure, why not?" and then turned back to Maddie. The Hufflepuff collapsed into a chair and Beatrix clapped her hands together when she seemingly agreed to work in the booth. But now that Maddie was there, Bea wasn't sure if she really cared for her to be there. She seemed not so happy anymore. Like Beatrix sucked the life out of her with the kissing booth. Ah, well, worst comes to worst, if Maddie doesn't let Bea cry on her shoulder, she could bump Eli away and cry to Razzy. Wait, no. Bad idea. Eli would probably strangle her.

Why was life so hard?

And to make matters worst, Vincent Pennyapple was approaching. Normally, this would excite Beatrix to no end, but she was working a goddamn kissing booth, selling her lips like one of those slimy Slytherin girls. Of course, Bea knew nothing about Slytherin girls selling their kisses, but Maeve and all them seemed like the type. Beatrix knew that, on occasion, she could be a little too... Friendly with Pennyapple. But... She wasn't considered "loose", was she? And if she was, all those rumors started when Beatrix hid in the library and wore nothing but her uniform all the time. Back when she swooned over Alexander Snark and she didn't have a beater's bat. Back when Beatrix was the total opposite of "loose" and when she learned that boys were total jerks. Those were boring days compared to Bea's fifth year...

But that was all in the past, was it not. Beatrix stopped for a moment to check herself in her small pocket mirror before scrambling up the counter and greeting her unofficial boyfriend with a smile. Vincent pulled Beatrix into a hug and she wrapped her small arms around him (and refrained from tackling him as she tended to do). "Good to see you, Vinnie," she told him and slid her arms back down to her sides. Her smile was genuine and sweet as usual, but inside she wanted to die. She wasn't torn between "He's visiting me! That's so cute!" and "He's visiting me! Holy moley, I must be the worst girlfriend ever!" But as her eyes flicked down to her bucket, she didn't feel so bad anymore. She only had two costumers, one of them ran away from Bea's yelling and the other was too young to count. She would have to merely wait for Vincent to trot off (in that hunky way he always did) and then she'd start being the worst girlfriend ever... But, at least, behind his back.

“Raising a lot of money? You do offer a very nice product...”

Beatrix blushed and smiled, her hair turning that purple she always got around Vincent. The boy cringed and Beatrix couldn't suppress her laughing. One of the many reasons she liked Vincent so much... He was so silly, but at the same time remained suave. And since he never really showed much emotion, he was also mysterious. Which Beatrix liked. Only with Vincent, though. Only.

 “I mean... I mean, no one could buy you. But you’re really encouraging people to be more, you know, charitable?”

The Ravenclaw glanced down into Vincent's hand and her face turned an even brighter red. He was giving her money for her charity. That was simply too much. And his flattery... She was used to whispering with him in class, flirting quietly, and attempting to keep everything private. But Beatrix also enjoyed the times they every so often stepped into public eye. Though... She still couldn't help but blush. Vincent was simply too adorable. Her eyes flicked over at her fellow booth workers and pulled Vincent around the counter, closer to her. Thankfully, with the music blasting and everyone so preoccupied with their charities, Beatrix was able to physically relax. She had no problem with public affection, not even when it was other people in the hallways (Though she was supposed to, being a prefect and all). It was simply that she didn't want any of the other people listenin' to her business. That was simply too creepy. Vincent should be far more used to Beatrix being wary of other people, she was, after all, one of the strange people who listened in on conversations. She knew how easy it was to spy.

“It’s brilliant. You’re brilliant.”

She bit her lip and turned her gaze to back to Vincent. "Merlin, Vinnie... You're too sweet," she said, pulling her hand up to view the coins he had placed in her hand. "You do know it's only two sickles, right?" She told him, her eyes widening at the galleons he had given her. Two galleons would pay for seventeen kisses. If any other boy had tried that with Beatrix, slapping would ensue. However, Vincent wasn't any other boy, and his silly smooth talking easily won the giddy girl over. Seventeen kisses was a lot... Not that Beatrix truly minded. She pulled her other arm around Vincent once more and shook her head, "I can't accept this, Vinnie... I can't make you pay to snog me, that's like telling someone they have to pay to breathe..." She paused, "Not that... We kiss... That... Frequently... Oh, you know what I mean," the girl giggled and eyed the crowd again. She leaned in to give Vincent a slow kiss, almost as if she was showing him that he had no need to give her so much money, and then smiled.

"And don't worry, I only got two customers, and neither of them count. One was a little boy and the other... I scared... Away..." Beatrix's brow furrowed and she made a silly smile, "I didn't want to kiss him, I don't know. He was creepy and off-putting," she shrugged innocently and then pulled both of her arms around him. She didn't want to say anything else, because she felt bad for even mentioning it. But since Vincent was being so nice (And Beatrix had no clue it was forced), she eased up a bit.

But then... Out of all the people... Erin Harper had to show up. Beatrix had never had to deal with Vincent and Erin at the same time. They were usually far apart, since Vincent hung around the more posh people... And Erin had no one besides that Trent guy. Which meant he had no one at all, in Bea's eyes. Erin seemed to be getting friendlier with with her cousin, though. Which made sense, since they were partners in Care of Magical Creatures. But Beatrix still couldn't say she liked it. Erin and Beatrix were on much better terms... But Beatrix would probably never stop tensing up when she was around him. Whether it be because she liked him or hated him. At this moment, she didn't want him anywheres near the booth. She pulled herself closer to her counterpart and glared at Erin as he eyed Maddie.

How dare he. It completely escaped Beatrix that she was with Vincent and possibly had the upper hand, since he was the whole reason Beatrix rejected Erin in the first place. But Beatrix was quite positive that the Harper boy no longer cared. Which was why Beatrix only liked mysteriousness when it was Vincent. With Erin, it annoyed the crap out of her.

"Raising lots of money?"

He spoke politely to them and Beatrix's brow shot up. Erin Harper was not a nice person in any way... The girl turned her gaze away and rolled her eyes, "Oh my gosh, he can't just come here, high on Alihotsy," Beatrix whispered towards Vincent, "That's so stupid. And he's with his little sister, ohmigosh, he's such a bad role model," she shook her head and attempted to ignore the other Slytherin. Beatrix, herself, had experiences with the plant. And she knew, especially, that speaking politely wasn't one of the side-affects. For a moment, Beatrix wished that Vincent would just snatch her away from the stupid booth, but then she remembered that she had to raise money for YAAA. Beatrix knew it was going to be hard, but... She hadn't expected the stupid Slytherin to show up. The girl could just ignore him, just as she had at her birthday party. Easy. No big deal. She had Vincent with her. "So... What're you doing today?" She finally asked him, attempting to be her usual, cute self. But it was hard when Erin Harper was around. The boy made Bea naturally pissed off.

"I can do this..." Maddie was still muttering under her breath, mentally preparing herself for the first customer. And, not moments later, she heard the tell tale sign of coins hitting the sides of the buckets. But there was no one in front of her...

"I'm down here..." A small voice said and Maddie turned her gaze downwards where a large eyed little boy, more then likely not even in Hogwarts yet, stood staring at her. He glanced around nervously and muttered "Are ya gonna do it or what?" and she realized he was probably embarrassed to be there. At that age, all girls had cooties. More then likely, his mother gave him the coins and urged him to donate because she thought that his embarrassment at getting kissed by an older girl was adorable. Maddie gave him a sympathetic smile "Of course..."

She couldn't deny the kid a kiss, though it was certainly disconcerting when he tried to pucker his lips. Perhaps his mother hadn't insisted on it. Perhaps he was just a Trent Travis in the making trying to mack on the girls. Or worse, perhaps he WAS Trent Travis. The guy more then likely got his hands on some polyjuice and was using it to his advantage. Whatever the situation was, Maddie was not about to kiss him on the lips. Instead, she ruffled his hair and gave him a soft kiss on the forehead. "What a rip off..." He muttered, kicking a nearby stone as he sulked away. "Come back and talk to me in 5 years!" Maddie called after him before turning to Chance with a broad smile. "That was easy! I can't believe I was worried!" She couldn't believe it, but she was actually kinda having fun! Bring on the next customer, she cheered inwardly.

"Raising lots of money?"

It didn't dawn on Maddie that there hadn't been the tinkle of coins being dropped into the bucket until afterwards, but the moment she saw that she had another customer (Without realizing who it was), her excitement carried her away. "Yep!" She said with a smile and, without warning, reached forward and grasped the blond guy by the front of his shirt. Pulling him forward, she pressed her lips full onto his in a kiss that, in hindsight, was probably a bit heavier and longer then it needed to be. It wasn't her intention, she was just new to this whole thing and was caught up in the moment! A moment that was quickly shattered when she pulled away and saw who she had just energetically locked lips with. Realizing that it was Erin Harper, one of Callum's friends, she fought the urge to both pale in horror and blush in embarrassment. The result was an even 'blank' stare of astonishment.

Xavier had been cruising through the festival. He was supposed to be spending his holidays back in London at his Uncle's bar but there wasn't many rules there and so when the drunken ex-azzies became boring enough Xavier had hopped in a fireplace and found himself in Hogsmeade enjoying the festivities. He had purchased a hot cocoa and caramel apple and was heading towards the kissing booth. Word had it that Beatrix was one of the vendors and while he had no interest in the pink haired Ravenclaw she was the likeliest person to know where Bellatrix was hiding out. As fun as the festival was it would be a million times better with his girlfriend on his arm.

As Xavier made it up to the booth he witnessed the rather enthusiastic kiss Maddie had given Erin Harper, what an awkward pair. Xavier couldn't help but laugh. A charming smile was curling his lips as he made it even closer to the pair, "Way to give it fer yer cause Maddie." Xavier chuckled again and swallowed an awkward lump in his throat. He had been meaning to say something to Pratt for a while now and decided that this was the perfect moment to seize the day. Taking advantage of Maddie's currently dazed state Xavier spoke up once more.

"Listen Pratt, I just wanted to um . . . I wanted ta say . . . I'm sorry. Fer hittin ye, on Halloween." Not sure he could stomach anymore of his impromptu apology Xavier turned heel and made a quick beeline to Beatrix. He was feeling hot around the collar and was glad he hadn't stuck around to see how the impetuous Hufflepuff had reacted.

"Oi, Bea! Where's yer sister at?"

“Hmpf, don’t try and butter me up, Mr. Chancelier, I am immune to you and your French talk!”

Razzy smiled down at the small Gryffindor. Though Razzy was observant, he wasn't always the best at spotting lies. But Eli immune to Razzy...? Seemed highly unlikely. Not that Razzy had a high opinion of himself (Heaven's no, he did not), he just knew Eli too well. Neither of the two boys were immune to each other. Which, in some ways, could be a bad thing. Razzy settled that he would start calling Eli "Chaton" more. It merely meant "kitty" in English, but it was a cute nickname people tended to give each other back in France. Which was where Razzy was going to be going after his day at the festival. To be with relatives. He didn't mind going away for a while, and he would never admit he'd miss anyone... But he hardly had a chance to spend time with people. Well, he had plenty of time. But still.

“Remember to always disinfect! Keep that... just in case.”

Eli shot up and Razzy simply gave him a satisfied grin. He won this battle. Whether Eli knew it or not, his intimate approach towards Razzy made him feel accomplished. How could Eli possibly stay mad at Razzy when he was trying (not really) the best he could (not even) to woo Eli back into his arms? Razzy leaned down as Eli wiped his lips with a look of pretend-boredom and then smiled again, "Yes. I'm sure a lady's forehead will give me a cold sore," but the Razzy paused and took a moment to remember the ditsy girl and then nodded, "Maybe... I should go scrub my face sterile," he joked, "Perhaps with some alcohol. Preferably alcohol, actually," he pulled the handkerchief out with one fluid motion and placed it down on the counter. He was about to swoop down and hug Eli for being so darn cute, when he noticed Erin Harper approach. He hesitated for a moment, but looked back to return Erin's friendly smile with one of those nods boys gave each other instead of a proper greeting.

Perhaps Razzy had gone mad, but he was starting to really like Erin. In more than just a friendly way. Perhaps it was nothing.

"No, we're not raising that much money, then again we haven't been open for--" A pause in his sentence as Maddie Pratt kissed Erin, "-- Long..." Razzy swallowed, hard, and stood up straight.

In short, Razzy was the jealous type. But usually... Only with Eli. Razzy was beginning to feel that this "nothing" he felt for Erin was "something" and that he really needed to calm down in front of Eli. But his muscles tightened and his fingers locked into a fist. He couldn't help but glare at Maddie. Razzy had never minded the girl before, she was polite enough to him even though she clearly thought he was strange. But apparently Razzy had staked a claim on Erin as the two worked together in Care of Magical Creatures. And Maddie was TOTES not following the girl code!

But Razzy had to relax. There was no way Maddie would have known. Eli is right there, possibly watching and getting pissed off at Razzy getting pissed off. It was a vicious cycle, it was. And Razzy wanted to rip Maddie apart. But, alas, that was frowned upon. And Razzy didn't want to end up like Tawse (who was now there, also, which was quite the coincidence). He relaxed himself. Took a deep breath. His fingers slowly pulled out of a fist and Razzy looked away. Who the hell invited Maddie anyways? Wasn't she one of those stuck-up, unfeminine girls? Or so Razzy wished and hoped. Madeline Pratt was no longer a friendly acquaintance of Razzy's. At least, she wouldn't be if she ever attempted to speak to him ever again.

Usually, when Razzy was jealous, he'd simply one-up the person and show them who was alpha-dog. However, he wasn't about to go make out with Erin. For one, Erin would have a panic attack. Then Eli would have a panic attack. Then Razzy would have four panic attacks (You go, Razz-Coco!)... And then none for Maddie Pratt. For two, it totally wasn't the right moment. If Razzy wanted to kiss Erin, he had to do it right. And for three, Eli was, like, right there. He finally turned back to the two of them, completely calm and collected as usual.

"Wow, Pratt. Look at you!" Razzy smiled bittersweetly at her, "Promiscuity must be really in this year for the fifth year girls," he taunted before turning away and sitting down again. He totally wasn't upset.