Location: 12 St. Mary's Grove, Barnes, London Flickwick Residence
Wearing: clickeh

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Christmas break was ending too soon! It could not already be New Years Eve, it just couldn’t! Only it was and she, Fergie, Gabby, and Maddie had stayed the night before and had spent most of the day helping her get the house read. Duncan and John had went to work setting the wood for the Bonfire and Sophie had spent much of the day in the kitchen with her mother cooking up a storm. It wasn’t often that she broke out her grandmother Carmella’s cookbook but Sophie wanted to show the other side of her culture. Though she had been raised in the UK and her father was quite Irish, Ramona never let them forget they were also Puerto Rican. In no way did this show more than in her love of cooking - which she had passed down to Sophie. Their kitchen was full of spicy good smells, from the rice and beans, jamón con piña, then there was bread and sweet rice pudding, little cakes called Bienmesabe, and of course fried plantains. She had tried to keep to dishes she knew would be gentle on what she assumed were her friends’ sensitive digestive systems, and also she had refused to let her mother make Octopus Salad. That was just a gross out waiting to happen. The tarts were her favorite, everything from guava filling to pumpkin. There was a seemingly endless supply of butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and a bottomless punchbowl of Coquito [as far as Duncan or Ramona knew sans Rum…but probably not really].

By the time the lanterns were hung outside, the dogs brushed, the house rules gone over for the five millionth time, they had to figure out how to get everyone ready with only three bathrooms. John was easy because he didn’t really care. He viewed this as a babysitting gig that would earn him brownie points with his parents, since Fergie had to pick up Sasha and drag him over it was decided he’d get first shower and after that it was kind of a never ending cycle of chaos, girls running from bathroom to bathroom, trying to find makeup and jewelry, shoes and bras. It was all a bit much of the dogs which meant they took refuge in the one place that was totally vacant - Nana Flickwick’s room. She was visiting Uncle Jimmy in Dublin for the last part of the holiday so Sophie figured it would be a good place to let the animals hide if they needed to. She wasn’t actually sure how many people to expect. The invite was said to have circulated far and wide. She had full faith things could and would go off without a hitch. She was, perhaps too generous given the fact a lot of the people she loved best in the world didn’t get along. If she had any sense at all she would have known how close Maddie and Fergie had come to slapping it out hanging decorations. Of course she chose to believe they were just playing around. You could convince yourself of anything if you tried hard enough.

Finally, as the sun began to set Ramona and Duncan made their exit. Sophie was putting the finishing touches on her hair when her mother came in to kiss her goodbye. John would light the fire once the first guests had arrived and it would all roll out from there. Tugging on her low slung jeans she looked herself over in the mirror, scrutinizing her face - trying to decide if she wanted Devlin to show up or not. She hadn’t heard from him since the night of the Mixer. It actually rather pissed her off - the fact he kissed her like that to get back at Fauna. She was a touchy feely person, she regularly kissed her friends. What the hell was his excuse. He didn’t have one. Bastard. She sat on her bed for a moment, Thor nosing her door open came to rest his massive head on her leg, “Oh Lovey you’re really the only man I need,” she giggled a bit placing a kiss on top of his head before heading down the stairs, suddenly all four furry beasts in tow. “Alright troops! Line up and help me carry the food out to the tables,” her voice seemed loud in the eerily quiet house as she waited for Maddie or Gabby to come help her grab dishes, the doorbell sounding as they headed into the Conservatory, “JOHN, Will you get that please”? Here went nothing!

Though Chance didn't make a habit of being the first to a party, he was usually rather prompt.  Especially when it was an important event.  And here at the Flickwick residence, Chance felt more at home than back in Ireland with his folks.

"S'jus' me.  No need t'make a fuss Johnny boy!"

When the door was opened, none other than the Irish Gryffindor stood in the archway.

"A'right...where's m'mission fer th' evenin' should I choose t'accept it?"

Chance was coming early to try and help set up.  He wanted Sophie's bonfire to be a success and he wanted to support his friend.  Plus he loved hanging with she and her family.  Chance ambled around, gazing at the spacious home which absolutely dwarfed his tiny two story.  The place seemed almost magical, even to a wizard.  Chance was wearing a golden hued t-shirt that if closely examined bore a heart being punctured by a sword's insertion.  However it was by no means grim and was covered by a grey vest left unbuttoned, paired off with a crimson tie.  Chance was repping the Gryffindor House tonight!  His grey carpenter pants and black & grey sneakers were also worn, as it would be rather strange for him to attend a party with nothing on his lower body. 

"Sophers runnin' 'round like a chicken with 'er 'ead cut off again?"

Josh had recieved an invite, and headed over to the Flitwick Residence at the nessecary time. It looked like there wwere a few people already there. He could see Chance, Sophie was, as was somewhat predictable, running around trying to get the usual things sorted out. " need my help with anything?" Josh asked, quickly adjusting his wand's holster so his wand wouldn't slip into his hand at the wrong moment. Sophie was one of those people that bridged the typical cliques and it meant that you had to be a touch careful when she threw a party. On the other  hand, it was a good way to meet new people and catch up with those you know.

Matty was rather prompt in arriving to the party. Even if he wasn't trying to help out with those last minute touches that never seemed to get done on time, he would have arrived exactly when he was supposed to. 'Fashionably late' was not in Matty's vocabulary. He gave a genial nod to John, whom he had known well enough when the older Flickwick had attended Hogwarts. He nodded to Chance and Josh as well before his dark chocolate eyes started to scan the massive house for any sign of Sophie.

He caught of blur of dark curls heading into the kitchen. With a hint of a smile on his sharp jaw Matty entered the kitchen. He paused for a moment to take Sophie in. He wasn't openly trying to court her, due to the fact that he believed she was too young for him but he had never really been secretive about how he felt about her either. Perhaps once she had graduated or was at least in her seventh year Matty could pursue her more actively. For now though he simply enjoyed being around her.

He swung an arm around her shoulders and placed a gentle kiss on her temple, careful not to mess up the hair that she had no doubt spent an hour perfecting, "Happy New Year, Querida." He turned to the kitchen at large. All the smells of kitchen made him think of the summers he had spent with his mother's family in Spain, "Anything I can help you with?" Without her issuing any instructions Matty had already started collecting up dishes to bring out back where the party was supposed to be taking place. It was the right thing to do to offer help whenever it was needed. Although his Grandmother would have him believe that a woman's rightful place was in the home, taking care of her family, Matty's parents had helped him gain more liberal manners and Matty felt it was right to keep the hostess from exhausting herself before the majority of her guests even arrived.

“I’ll have you know my head and all it’s pretty little curls are intact and attached to my body, thank you very much,” Sophie called from the kitchen, overhearing Chance’s voice. She was glad he decided to come, she liked having him here. It wasn’t as though he hadn’t been a million times before. During breaks the Flickwick home was just “that house” the one that everyone came to. Ramona - despite her daunting workload cooked up a storm without fail and stuffed everyone till their toes couldn’t curl for being so full. Sticking her head into the living room she offered Josh a wave, “You just sit tight. Everyone should be arriving any time. And you two-” she directed her gaze directly at her brother and Chance, two fingers pointed at them, “Eyes on me? You will do nothing, and I mean nothing but enjoy tonight. That means no lectures, no eye rolls, and no chasing me away from people at midnight because you think someone might try to kiss me,” her look was pointed as she waited for either one of them to grunt a response. Chance and Johnny were equally protective of her, though John understood more he desire to just feel life, be a part of it. Chance was so worried about keeping her safe, about keeping her from feeling undue pain. It was sweet but not needed.

Heading back into the kitchen she smiled vaguely as she felt Teo’s arm slip around her, slender arms wrapping around his waist as he kissed her temple she looked up at him sweetly, “I’m glad you’re here. I was worried you’d be off in Spain seducing some Senorita and wouldn’t have time for little old me,” she stood on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek before letting him go and grabbing another serving tray, “If you could just-” she didn’t even have to finish the sentence he was already loading down his arms with different dishes. She couldn’t help the smile she beamed at him before leading him to through the conservatory and onto the back patio. The sun was starting to set, the lanterns were all lit. It was going to be a beautiful clear night. There was still snow on the ground and it was cold but once the fire was going and the music was on she had a feeling no one would really notice. And if it became too unbearable…well the house was massive. The flow from the sitting room to the kitchen to the dining room and conservatries was considerable and that wasn’t even going near the upstairs.

There were still some things that needed to be put onto platters in the kitchen, kept warm by the radiating heat of the stove. She headed back in with Gunner and Thor in tow. They were not sure how they felt about the male to female ratio in the building. Thor especially was not fond of the male gender. Sophie wasn’t completely sure what it was, but he’d made a very low bark in his throat when Matty hugged her. It was like having a third bothersome brother! She patted his head, washed her hands, and stood in front of the stove, sniffing the pot of Mofongo, her features mildly worried. Taking a clean spoon she scooped a little out, nibbled and then turned to her left, sucking on her bottom lip, “Try, is it too…garlicky? Mum and I never can agree on how much to put in. She wants more I want less. She likes strong flavors, blah blah blah,” Sophie rolled her eyes and waved her free hand, offering the spoon up again, “Here, eat eat, I need to know, because I’m not sure how I’ll cut the flavor if it’s too strong,” chewing her cheek she looked at her taste tester expectantly.

It wasn’t John’s decision to become chaperon for a group of fifteen year olds. The choice was made by his parents and the final ruling by them had been struck with little to no care to his opinion on the matter. His mom had even had the lack of sense to encourage him to invite some of his friends over and hang out. John preferred to keep his social life away from his parents’ house, and what was becoming more dire, the party of Hogwarts students. It had nothing to do with Sophie, or even her friends, many of which he already had met at least once before (not that he remembered who the hell they were) because they were all right. It had to do with the fact that it was given like a command, an order from an authority figure. John didn’t like the lack of freedom. He liked to be able to have an opinion on everything, especially when it concerned him and his New Year’s Eve. He had to owl the people he had planned to meet up with at the tavern and make up some bullshit excuse why he wouldn’t be showing up to party tonight. It wasn’t all bad, and it made his sister so happy when she heard he was going to be staying to keep an eye on things. It was hard to be mad at that face. So, like a good brother, John had dressed and gone outside and gathered fire wood with his dad and helped prepare for the evening. It wouldn’t be that bad, John could hang out with just about anyone and have a good time. Besides, it was better he was here watching over things with his own eyes instead of Sophie having free reign over the house and doing whatever she pleased with who ever she pleased. It didn’t settle right with John.

“JOHN, Will you get that please?”

And it begins.

John sighed heavily, letting his head fall back as he walked down the hall to the front door. There was a call from behind the door, an Irish voice that he recognized. "S'jus' me.  No need t'make a fuss Johnny boy!" John smirked and chuckled in the back of his throat, shaking his head.  John popped opened the door and looked casually outside at the bloke standing in his doorway. It was Chance – he knew Chance. John liked Chance, he was all right. “ ‘ey, bloke. What’s new, eh?” John stepped out of the doorway and allowing Chance to step inside. John’s voice was very even and casual, almost sounding like he was half-asleep or a bit of a tosspot. Chance stepped inside, "Sophers runnin' 'round like a chicken with 'er 'ead cut off again?" John’s hands went into his jean pockets and his shoulder rose as he took a deep breath. John just nodded his head to Chance’s question, looking at Sophie as he did so while she raced around the chicken. “Of course, but I don’t think she was ever born with it properly attached, you know,” John said as someone else slipped inside the house. John turned his head and looked past the Irish lad and at the newcomer, someone he also recognized but couldn’t place.

Matt something.

From something house.

"- you two."

Two? John looked up to find Sophie pointing at him and Chance. "Eyes on me? You will do nothing, and I mean nothing but enjoy tonight. That means no lectures, no eyes rolls, and no chasing me away from people at midnight because you think someone might try to kiss me." John looked sideways at Chance before turning his attention to Sophie.

He feigned a look of surprised hurt.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Sophie."

Matt, what he would assume was called Matt, gave John a quiet nod. John nodded once back. It was a bloke thing. It was the most casual and relaxed way to let one another know you saw them and understand that they were present. No doubt it was to let John know he just stepped into his house, but John didn’t expect to see him go right into the kitchen and start touching his sister. John watched them for a moment and realized Chance was talking again, barely catching the end of what he said as his attention was divided. John pulled his hands from his pockets and closed the door, looking back to Chance to Matt (or was it Mike?) to Chance again. The older bloke folded his arms in front of his chest, looking at Chance and tossing his head in the direction of Matt and Sophie.

“Who the bleedin’ hell is that?”

… or is it Mitch…?

((I'm trying to keep this a bit vague as I'm not sure how the mixer or the stuff with Devlin will pan out, but here goes!))


Fauna entered the Flickwick house without bothering to knock. She hadn't spent as much time at the Flickwick's this winter, but with Ruby as a close friend, they were like a second family to her. Fauna slipped off her coat and put it in the front hall closet, then adjusted her gray, ruffled sweater dress that made her eyes a darker blue, and shook out her hair to fall loosely around her shoulders.

It only took a few seconds to make her way to the kitchen area, pat Thor on the head, and catch the gruff question from John. Yeah, she remembered that voice. When Sophie's older brother was still at Hogwarts, she'd had a big crush on him. It had slowly faded since he'd graduated and since she'd actually started dating. Out of sight, out of mind? It was nice to see him again, though. Fauna hoped she wouldn't blush too much if he so much as looked at her.

John's question was directed at Chance, a man to man thing, but she decided to answer anyway.

"It's Matty," Fauna told John, squeezing in-between the boys to stand with them and raising her eyebrows at him in amusement. "Don't worry. He's nice. A Hufflepuff," she commented, meaning that as a compliment, of course.

"But really, with three bodyguards, I think she'll be okay," Fauna grinned, including herself in that category. Her style of looking out for friends was more watchful, much less stand around, glare, and look intimidating. The boys had their bases covered.

"Hi Chance," she nudged his arm playfully, tempted to give him a hug, but resisting the urge. Even though Devlin wasn't here (and she had no idea if he'd be able to attend or not), Fauna thought it best to try and avoid further drama like the sort that had happened at the mixer.

She just hoped that she wouldn't get too many questions tonight - what did Dev get caught doing at St. Mungo's, are you still dating him, blah blah. Questions Fauna couldn't answer without acting awkward. Well, more so than was usual for her.

Catching a glimpse of Sophie in the kitchen, Fauna waved hesitantly. She felt like she should go over there and offer help, give her a proper greeting, compliment her on putting this together. A part of her wanted to. But something kept her rooted to the spot.

Stupid mixer, Fauna thought. She liked to think she'd gotten over the peck on the cheek thing (especially the one Devlin had given Sophie), but she still felt a little weird about it.

Maddie was in a pretty good mood that evening. Sure there had been some bumps along the way, mostly regarding Sophie's other bosom buddy, Fergie. Maddie understood that he was a nice guy (despite being in Slytherin) and that Sophie regarded his fashion advice as sacred commandments, but did he HAVE to spend most of the evening pointing out the problems with her outfit? And what did clothing choices have to do with the ability to put up some streamers? Really, it was obnoxious. However, for the sake of the evening, and Sophie, Maddie put her irritation aside and worked together with him to decorate the place. And she had to hand it to him, he was certainly good at it. It looked awesome.

“Alright troops! Line up and help me carry the food out to the tables,”

"Yes ma'am" Maddie said obediently, happy to be doing something constructive. Hopping off the stool she was standing on, she followed Sophie to the kitchen where she grabbed up a couple plates of food and, with surprising balance and precision, carried them to the dining room. Returning to the kitchen, she repeated the task, this time with cold butter beer and glasses. On her third trip, however, Maddie walked in just in time to see Sophie spooning food into Matty's mouth. Despite it being a rather simple gesture, the entire scene was soaked with intimacy and Maddie doubled back without a word, lest she interrupt them.

Making her way over to the small group comprised of John, Fauna and Chance, Maddie sidled up the girl and slide her arm around Fauna's waist in a side hug. "Hey Miss Blake... Looking as fetching as ever..." Maddie grinned. She thought about asking if Fauna was with Devlin but thought better of it. She had seen the entire debacle at the dance and honestly, she didn't want the arsehole anywhere near this little get together. He was bad news and his recent little run-in with the law had proven it. Though Maddie was no where near someone who condoned cheating on your significant other (It did, after all, bring up the negative memory of her mother), she secretly hoped that Fauna would see what a great guy Chance was that evening.


((I hope the thing about Fergie is ok, Penny... if not, I can change it ))

A small drop of ink fell from the edge of the quill and landed on the parchment that rested on the desk, presently being studied by the young Gryffindor fifth year. She bit the edge of her quill, looking over the reply she’d received from where she planned to visit tomorrow morning. Gabby, however, had yet to tell Sophie that in the morning she’d be leaving because she just couldn’t stick around her best friend’s perfect happy family for much longer. Christmas was another of those times that just reminded Gabriella even more of what she was missing. At least she wasn’t spending it with Daddy Sulk and her grandparents. That would have been unbearable. But for the last few days she wanted to be somewhere else.

The party was important to Sophie and Gabby could make herself excited! She really could! She’d been looking forward to it as well since Sophie had mentioned it. But now? Gabs wasn’t so sure. She’d been hiding for the last half an hour upstairs in the spare room. Having Maddie and Fergie making snipes at one another had seriously started to do her head in so she’d decided to retreat to somewhere safe and quiet to take a few moments. But the bell downstairs rang and people started arriving and Gabby decided it was probably best to head down and give her best friend a hand. Otherwise she wouldn’t hear the end of it. Especially considering she was going tomorrow after all the great hospitality.

Pushing herself up from the desk in the small spare room, Gabriella tossed the quill on to the parchment and turned to face the mirror. Well didn’t she look different? She felt like she was being supported by a pair of stilts. Walking on chicken skewers was not a regular past time of Gabby’s but Sophie had practically demanded it!

After a final glance in the mirror Gabby left the room and took her time descending the stairs. Voices were coming from the kitchen and Gabby decided that was no doubt as good a place as any to find people. On her way, she bent down to pick up Loki, Sophie’s very excitable little pooch before entering the room. It seemed quite full and Gabby’s eyebrows rose as she fell on Sophie.

Maddie was talking...well that’s what it looked like to Fauna and Gabby’s lips curved up slightly into an oddly menacing smirk as she stepped over, scratching the ears of the dog in her arms. “Fauna! What a lovely surprise! Where’s Delvin? You are following him everywhere he goes, yes?”

 Fergie had spent the better part of the day helping get the Flickwick house ready for a teenaged invasion. And it hadn't exactly been an easy task, considering Johnny Flickwick had been running around with no shirt on half the time (it wasn't that he liked John, but there was no denying that his abdomen was extremely distracting), giant dogs were running around, and Fergie was stuck working with Madeline Pratt, hanging decorations. And Madeline's choice of attire was causing him actual, physical pain. Who needed that particular combination of bright colors? Not to mention the hat, which looked like something Maddie had plucked straight from Fauna Blake's head. It was appalling, and when he had pointed it out she just hadn't been at all receptive. And, okay, perhaps he could have phrased it a bit more gently than he had, but it had been for her own good! Sigh. His was a thankless job.

 Still, the decorating mission had eventually been accomplished and everything looked great. Including him, he thought he could say with a fair amount of accuracy, once he'd been showered and groomed to perfection. There was no fault to find with his outfit, at least. Not that there ever was. He made it a point never to set foot in public without feeling confident that he looked as good as he possibly could. It was a matter of personal pride. Not to mention the fact that it drove him absolutely crazy to have so much as a hair out of place.

 He had even been successful in his other mission. Fergie didn't know how he'd managed - if it was the bossing or the cupcakes or the eyelash fluttering, or some combination of the three (Probably, he thought, not the eyelash fluttering. Unfortunately.) - but he had somehow convinced Sasha to attend Sophie's party. This was quite a feat, considering what a hermit the other boy was sometimes. And, it'd be good for Sasha, Fergie thought. It would get the other boy out of the house for an evening, and if nothing else provide a distraction from everything that was going on. He figured Sasha needed that, just now.

 "You ready?" Fergie inquired of the tall blond as they stood on the Flickwick's doorstep, flashing an encouraging smile in the other boy's direction. "It'll be fun," he said, probably the fifteenth time he'd repeated those words since he'd shown up to try to persuade the Ravenclaw to go. Rather than knocking, since he'd only left the Flickwick's an hour or two ago and he knew Sophie would tell him not to be silly, he pushed the door open and took Sasha by the hand, tugging him inside and down the corridor to the kitchen (after pausing to take off his coat), since that seemed to be the direction several voices were coming from.

 Fergie loved the Flickwick kitchen. It was big and roomy and inviting, the sort of place people just instinctively gathered as was demonstrated by the crowd currently standing in it. Even one of the dogs was in there, causing Fergie to hang back a little bit for a moment. Sophie's dogs... they seemed nice, but they still made him nervous. Especially Thor, who had woken him up that morning by licking his face. It had been a terrifying experience, to be quite honest.

 He somewhat reluctantly dropped Sasha's hand, not wanting to make the Ravenclaw uncomfortable or make anyone remember the rumors that had begun circling around the school before the holidays had begun, and made a face at the way Sophie was spoon-feeding his cousin Mateo. Ew. He did not need to see that. Ever. "Hello again, all," he greeted the assembled crowd breezily, smiling broadly at everyone - even Fauna, although after everything that had happened the last time they'd met it was...awkward...to be around her, but at least she wasn't wearing one of her hats (probably because she'd loaned it to Maddie). "Are we taste testing now? Everything certainly smells good."

wearing

Peyton stood at the front door of the Flickwick house almost unsure of himself. The invitation to the party had circulated through most of the older students of Hogwarts and at first Peyton had ignored it. He was hoping the holidays would be a good time to spend with his family, he didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with Helena while they were at school despite the fact that she was in Ravenclaw as well but so much had happened since then. Although he was worried that Xavier would be at the party, after his talk with Sophie the other day he figured it would be worth checking it out.

Decked out in Ravenclaw winter wear - sweater, scarf and hat - he knocked on the door before entering. As he was coming up the walk he had seen two other students, though he was too far away to make out who they were, enter without an escort and figured he could do the same. As he entered the house he followed the voices to the kitchen area to find that there was already a lot of people there including Sasha. His cool grey blue eyes went wide at the sight of his roommate. He hadn't seen Sasha since he was suspended.

"Sasha!" He quickened his pace and soon came to stand next to his fellow Ravenclaw clapping him on the back, "Bloody hell mate, where have you been? How have you been? I can't believe you're here this is going to be awesome." Peyton apparently hadn't realized how much he had missed his best friend until that moment.

Matty moved over as many of the dishes to the back yard as possible before Sophie stopped him to do some taste testing. With his chocolate brown eyes glued on her soft features he allowed her to place the spoon in his mouth. He licked it around his mouth before offering her a smile, "It's tastes wonderful Querida, no need to worry so much." He touched the bottom of her chin in a gentle sort of buck up motion.

As others started to file into the kitchen Matty realized how sensual the scene him and Sophie presented had been. He took a few steps back placing his hands in his pockets and ignored the flush of heat that indicated he may have been blushing. He normally didn't give into Sophie. He had admitted having a thing for her since he first met her but given the circumstances never did anything to pursue her. He felt embarrassed that others had seen him lose control like that.

He looked to his younger cousin as Fergie spoke up and tried even harder to push the blush from his cheeks, "Hey Fergie, how's the family?" He tried to sound casual but there was a slight strain to his voice and he made a mental note to try and spend a little less time with Sophie for the night, perhaps focus on a girl closer to his own age and speaking of which . . .

Matty quickly slipped away from the bubbly hostess and sidled up to Fauna, "You look fantastic."

Eli's outfit

It had been quite an eventful end-of-the-year for Mr. Eli Park.  He had kissed Erin Harper and Kelyn Adda, worked the kissing booth at the Winter Festival in Hogsmeade with Razzy (that had been dramatic), dyed his hair back to black, and, just very recently, became an older brother to new baby sister, Maysie.  While the first few events had their ups and downs, dying his hair and having a baby sister just completely made him a very happy person.  And now he was getting to go to a party... at Sophie’s house... and there were sure to be a lot of interesting people there!  So much glee and excitement in a rather petite person was overwhelming.  Eli was so giddy he was starting to picture himself skipping on clouds of cotton candy while he approached the Flickwick’s front door.

Not bothering to ring or knock, Eli swung the door open and stepped into the house.  “HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE!” He shouted to the entire household, flashing his signature peace sign and smile.  Unbuttoning his coat, Eli quickly glanced around the place to see who all was there as he took his coat off.  His eyes were thoroughly pleased at the sight of so many fairly attractive guys.... he could hardly wait to start talking to everyone.  But he had something to do first.

“Sophie! Sophie, Sophie, Sophie! So-So!” Eli called out as he popped his head in and out of different places looking for his beloved friend.  He found her in the kitchen along with a number of other people, none of which were of any real significance to him (that didn’t mean he didn’t eye up Matty, Sasha, and Fergie) so he didn’t feel so bad butting in.

“Sophie, love, I have good good good news!”

Standing at Sophie's front doorstep, Megan was a first hesitant to knock and enter. Unlike most of the other students, she had to travel from the muggle world and around to get to Sophie's home. Thankfully, she was able to find it. However, she hoped that the New Years Eve party hadn't started yet without her. After all, she didn't like attending anything late as it was. So, she tried to arrive as soon as possible, hoping not to be late.

With a soft sigh, Megan knocked on the door first, and opened up the door. Hearing voices, she looked around, and noticed that they were coming from the kitchen. She walked down the hallway, and into the kitchen where all the other students were mingling. Smiling, she noticed that the party hadn't actually started yet. Actually, it appeared as if Sophie was letting one of the guys taste some of the food.

Immediately after walking in, Megan's eyes spotted Fauna near Sophie. She liked Fauna dearly, but the imaginary Fauna in her head was still disappointed in her. Now, if the imaginary Fauna somehow emits that negative feeling to the real Fauna, that definitely wouldn't be too good. Plus, it would stall the obvious questions about the ice sculpture contest until she could think of a better way to give it a positive spin. Sure, she didn't think the ice sculpture contest was a failure. But, her imaginary Fauna disagreed with her, and if the real Fauna thought the same way, the real Fauna would be disappointed as well. So, she would have to try to avoid Fauna during the party. After all, one disappointed Fauna was bad enough, even if she was imaginary!

Looking around a little, Megan spotted Sasha and Peyton talking. Wait, Sasha was there? She hadn't seen Sasha in such a long time. Walking over to the two boys, she smiled to Sasha. "Sasha, it's been a long time since I've seen you! How have you been?" she asked. She looked over at Peyton and smiled to him too, "Hi Peyton."

outfit

"You ready?"

Sasha shook his head, slightly.  It wasn't a refusal nor even, really, a lack of desire to go but more out of an uncertainty as to whether or not he was ready.  Or what, even, that meant.  To be honest, a part of him was terrified though of what, he wasn't quite sure.  Had it been entirely up to him, Sasha would still be sitting with a book in the am chair back in Dreogan's spare bedroom, Baldur lying snaked around him, his head in Sasha's lap.  The dog would, eventually, be going to stay with his sister but, for the time being, Sasha had been keeping him close. 

Which was probably why it was a good thing it hadn't been entirely up to him.  By now, Fergie was probably well aware the shake of his head was simply an inability for his mind to come to any conclusions.  Which, more often than not, uncertainty translated to hesitation on the Ravenclaw's part.  He would have stood on that doorstep until fireworks exploded in the New Year, had someone not taken the responsibility of decision making from him.

Since Sasha had been released from Ministry custody into Dreogan's care Saturday morning, Ferguson Amherst had become a predictable and consistent fixture.  The first few days, the other boy's presence had barely registered - at least on a conscious level. But, then, not much had registered.  But, the last day or so, Sasha had become increasing more aware of Ferguson and had come to appreciate the visits.  Dreogan had advised Sasha strongly against attending the party though Sasha had decided against telling Fergie of that.  But Sasha had come to the same conclusion Ferguson had: attending would do him good.  Though, Sasha's reasonings had been slightly different. 

Yes, Sasha had had a lot of trepidation about the party but, Sasha had realized, he had the same trepidation about returning to school.  For many of the same reasons.  His manner of leaving school: the accusations, the suspension, running foolishly from the school, the ... (Sasha still was struggling to see it as an abduction, despite what those around him had been saying), the articles during his absence, the near change of schools, not to mention Christmas - it all felt akin to a bad fall off a horse.  He felt bruised, humiliated and figured all anyone else had seen was the fall.  He had to get back on and, the longer he stayed lying on the ground, the harder it would be.  So, despite the head shake, Sasha gave no resistance when Fergie's hand closed around his and led him into the house. 

He wasn't sure whether to be relieved or disappointed when the other boy dropped his hand.  The last thing he wanted was to perpetuate any already healthy rumors but the contact had been grounding - orienting, even.  He offered a slight, uncertain grin to the room at large as Fergie greeted it rather verbosely.  At least, verbosely when compared to the taller blond next to him. 

Now what?

Sasha's eyes scanned the room, his mind drawing a sudden blank.  But, before the uncertainty and anxiety could really start to build, the sound of his name drew his attention towards his roommate and best friend.  He took a deep breath, trying to clear his thoughts before nodding. 

"Allo," he said, quietly, flinching ever so slightly when the other Ravenclaw clapped him on the back then glanced at Megan as she approached.  Even for him, his tone was clearly reserved and slightly withdrawn.  Where had he been?  How had he been?  How was he supposed to answer those questions in a party-appropriate manner?  He was managing - that was as optimistic of a version of the truth as he could manage.  "I don't know."  It was better than nothing, at least.  "It's ... kind of a long story.  I ... How have you been?" 

Outfit