About an hour into the dance, Fauna stifled another sneeze as she sat at the flower bedecked SAWS booth, giving everyone the 'puppy-dog-eyed' look as they walked past. She was no good at hollering about pins, t-shirts, and flowergrams, but she could sit there and stare at people. Make them feel guilty. Entice them to come buy flowers! Yeah, she could do that.

So why wasn't it working? The students who had managed the booth before her had at least sold some things!

"Achooo!" The sound of a dying duck caused several heads to turn her way, and she covered her nose sheepishly. Amidst the red drapery and the roses and violets, Fauna stuck out in her bright blue dress, and would have looked nice if she'd stop self-consciously tugging the bodice up every few minutes. She wasn't used to wearing strapless anything, and worried that one false move would negate the sticking charms and cause a real fashion disaster.

A pair of first years snickered at her fidgeting, so she glanced up at them, frowned, and then plastered on a smile. "Flowergrams? You can buy them here..."

Too bad they could barely hear her over the music.


(OOC: This thread is open to anyone! Friends looking to help her out, photographers, gaggles of giggling students, people ignoring her, professors, etc! Also you can send flowergrams to your dates/enemies in this thread. She doesn't check the messages before sending it so this can be a fun opportunity for drama)

Chance Ryker knew how to pick his spots.  While the Irish Gryffindor was by no means manipulative, he wasn't especially good with crowds or big social events...and it was quite a stretch for him to even slink his way around the dance at the moment.  Nevertheless...he was trying to slowly make his way back into social life at Hogwart's.  Chance had felt far too awkward and exposed at the dance, choosing only to interact with a scant few...and when they were out of the thick of things.  He had seen Fauna from afar more than once that night, but she had always been occupied with others.  Chance wanted to reconnect with the lovely Hufflepuff, but he wasn't sure that he could handle it with a crowd involved.

Chance slid up from the side and held up a tiny muggle gift.  Fauna may not recognize the colorful foil packaged, cream filled chocolate Cadbury egg...but he hoped she would recall the reference.  He bumped her shoulder faintly and smiled down to her, before taking a seat at her side.

" 'ow's it goin', lass?"

Chance allowed his deep green eyes to wander his surroundings, examining the booth itself.  It was beautiful...though this did not surprise the Irishman one bit.  He knew full well the talent that Ms.Blake possessed.  Still...he couldn't help but wish he knew her even better and got to enjoy her company on a more regular basis.

" 'S'good t'see ya..."

He may not have been that talkative just yet...but he was warming up socially.  After all, Chance had been a recluse for months now.  It was tough to get back into the swing of things!  But...he was dressed up a good deal...wearing a dark red dress shirt, black pinstriped suit, and black dress shoes with squared toes.  He was looking pretty sharp for Valentine's Day!   There was also an average size box, wrapped with Hufflepuff Badger paper.

Though Fauna felt another sneeze coming on, she glanced up and smiled in surprise when Chance nudged her shoulder and sat next to her. He looked dashing! With Chance manning the SAWS booth, she expected that at the very least many of the Hogwarts girls would soon flock to it.

He asked her how she was, and Fauna resisted fussing with her dress. "Uh, good! I'm glad you're here..." she trailed off, glancing at the Cadbury egg in his hand. A grin lit up her face.

"Hey! Another egg project? This one seems much less... lively," she laughed a little, remembering how their last egg project had constantly evaded them. Fauna took the egg and put it on the table in front of her, thinking it was both hilarious and sweet, and touched that he'd thought of her.

And then, she saw the box in his hand, wrapped in Hufflepuff colors. Fauna bit her lip. "Ah, that's not for me, is it? Because..." He really didn't have to do that! She was both pleased and embarrassed.

"Sorry," Fauna crossed her arms and gave him a playful look. "My quota of presents for the day is up!" Fauna was just teasing. She wasn't sure why, or if it came across as funny to him as it did to her, but she plucked the egg from the table and crossed her arms again.

"Except for that. That, I'm keeping."

She raised her eyebrows at him and tried not to grin. Much.

Dion was feeling particularly sour tonight. It didn't help that Dax had gone off upset about something and wouldn't tell him what was going on.

The irony of him being the one out of the loop was entirely lost on Dion. He headed for the SAWs booth after failing to track down Dax - who had a job to do, he'd like to remind him. Fauna was looking a bit lost anyhow so at least he could do something useful instead of loaf around and look stupid like Dax most of the students.

Besides, he was attractive enough. He certainly was better looking than that Figaro Sophie-stealing dumb as rocks douche. Not that he harbored any ill will towards the other fifth year.

Anyway, his good looks could boost sales. At least he was using his good looks for the greater good, unlike...well, all the other good looking guys, in his option. And he knew how to dress well, too.

Feeling a sulk coming on and trying desperately to avoid it, he nodded to Fauna and Chance. "Ryker," he said, by way of greeting. "Fauna - do you want me to help with something?" He shrugged and added, "I'm a little out of things to do," in his nicer, talking-to-ladies-I-respect tone.

It relieved and enthralled Chance that Fauna seemed pleased by his presence.  He had wanted to begin fulfilling his obligations as prefect and member of SAWS...and this was a step back in the right direction.  Chance hadn't considered himself as a draw from the female population of Hogwart's.  He had been rather preoccupied thinking about Ms.Fauna though... 

"Yer lookin' lovely...as per always."

Fauna was always beautiful to Chance, whether she was looking ready for a regal ball or cozied up in sweats and an animal hat of some sort.  The Irish Gryffindor was pleased to see that the Cadbury egg's humor had not been lost on Fauna.  He smiled and couldn't help but hope they could make more similar fond memories in the near future. 

"Ah think this one'll be a wee bit easier t'handle.  Grab, unwrap, an' eat.  Hopefully that's 'boot all y'll 'ave t'worry with that 'un!"

Chance scoffed and shook his head.

"Not 'ardly Ms.Blake!  Y'think yer rejectin' m'presents on Valentine's Day?  Hah!  Ah think not!"

When she made those faces...lifted those brows, made those big doe eyes, bit her lip...and however many numerous expressions and mannerisms she had...it just melted Chance's heart.  He just wanted to snatch her up in a warm embrace.  Maybe a few kisses of the non Hershey variety might be in order as well...Maybe.  But wow!  Chance's imagination was running away and he was getting sidetracked.  He nudged the box to Fauna again and wagged a finger reprimandingly.

"Don' make me tickle ya, Faunanator!"

And then Dion made his approach.  It seemed a storm cloud was hovering over his fellow 7th year prefect's head, but Chance was certainly not one to talk after his self imposed seclusion of the past few months.  Chance offered a smile and an acknowledging nod.

" 'eya Fayette.  'ow's it goin', lad?"

Ruby had been hiding. Her insecurties starting to show. Sophie was being loud and vivacious and calling attention from every corner of the room (or rather that's how it felt to Ruby) while the eldest Flickwick girl kept having to give apologetic looks for the dress she'd chosen because she wanted to feel pretty. She was sure if she stood still long enough that one of the Professors would corner her about it. She'd been in such a hurry to get away from prying eyes she hadn't even given Fauna her Valentine.

Of course just as luck would have it Chance and one of the twins were chatting up her best friend at the moment. She worried a bit about Chance. He was a good guy, too good a guy and after everything at the Mixer over Christmas Ruby, in her all knowing kind of way, had started to suspect that Sophie had more than just friendly adoration for the older boy. It wasn't his fault of course he was a likable guy... but if things ever went south with Devlin and then went North with Chance for Fauna... well it would make the Christmas meltdown look like a spring shower.

Slipping behind the table next to Fauna she nudged the girl with her hip; "Ive managed to hide from my father thus far. However, if you have a Burka I could borrow so Trishna will quit giving me the stink eye I would be forever in your debt...and also give you your very pretty present that I forgot I had with me when I ran away from everyone's glares earlier," her tone was half joking as she held the silver box out to her friend again, giving her a cheek bumping air kiss, throwing a look to the boys; "How is it neither of you have dates? It's not obvious either of you were beaten with an ugly stick at birth".

Luckily, Chance seemed to understand her joking manner, and even played along by not so subtly nudging the gift towards her and warning about impending tickles. Would he really! Fauna was tempted to test that out, when Dion arrived, looking a bit glum as he asked if there was anything he could do to help. Then Ruby nudged her and offered her a present too! At all the attention from the group, her face flushed bright red and she hesitated for a moment, unsure what to say.

"Uhh..." She seemed to get her bearings and smiled at Ruby. Why in the world anyone would be glaring at her friend, she had no idea, though she'd have to ask later.

"I know! With two cute boys here, plus you, people should be... you know, flocking! In three, two, one..." She glanced around the dance hall expectantly.

"Well... give them a few minutes."

She pulled an empty chair forward and looked at Dion. "You can sit with us? There's enough room," she told him in a friendly tone.

Fauna glanced at the presents in front of her and gave Chance and Ruby an embarrassed, but delighted look. "You two planned this, I can tell." Of course! Planning involved wrapping things.

She opened Chance's gift first to find... three gifts in one! Surprise flickered over her face as she looked at the shirt, the wolf hat, and the rabbit ring; all her taste and style. She glanced up and smiled shyly at him. "Wow, this is... ok, I'm wearing this now, because it's awesome." Fauna put the cozy wolf hat on her head and gave everyone a goofy grin. Somehow, she felt much more comfortable with a hat on her head.

When she opened Ruby's gift and read the kind note, Fauna felt a sniffle instead of a sneeze coming on, and blamed it on the roses surrounding them. "Oooo! This is- hey, it matches your bracelet!" Fauna beamed at her, then put it around her wrist.

"Thank you," she said, standing so she could hug Ruby. Then she turned to Chance, "Thanks," she hesitated for just a second before hugging him too.

Fauna glanced at Dion. "A hug for you too!" She hugged him, then sat at the booth again, feeling all mushy and sentimental towards everyone.

Dion looked a little overwhelmed himself, taking the offered chair. "You look nice, Flickwick," he said, and honestly meant it. "It, uh, suits you." He was glad he could control his words for the most part; the vast majority of his mind was going 'nice rack!'

It almost made him forget the girl was a major busybody. And Sophie's older sister. And kind of hot.

Fauna hugging him got him to focus and he attempted a vague smile. "Nice presents, Fauna," he hazarded as she happily pulled the hat onto her head. It suits you, too, he added to himself, and the silly hat did suit her. Just not in a 'nice rack' kind of way. Thankfully.

He shrugged his black coat off, leaving him in his white sweater. "Any luck with the booth so far?" he asked in a much more business like manner. "If anything you guys could go and kind of...advertise."

Well if it wasn't a Flickwick!  Chance couldn't help but smile at Ruby's appearance.  The Flickwicks were the closest thing that Chance had to family now.  The Irish Gryffindor waved her over gladly and slid a side hug to her with a squeeze.

"S'good t'see ya Roobs....an' thank ya kindly.  Yer not lookin' too shabby yerself, lass.  Out t'break a few 'earts t'night eh?"

Chance felt he was warming up a bit with the socialization...and people were mostly reacting as if he'd never been away, so he felt a bit more comfortable than he'd imagined.  There was still a touch of hesitation and uncertainty, as well as the general unease that rested upon him...but still this was progress.  The compliments weren't hurting either.  As Fauna stated that Ruby and he had conspired together with gifts, Chance looked to Ruby and drummed his fingertips against each other while giving a mischievous, evil laugh.  He hoped Ruby would follow along with his body language to really make it work.

Chance grinned, quite pleased by Fauna's reaction...as well as a bit embarrassed.  He was never great with emotional interaction, but he was still happy.  The hug of course only improved everything.  Chance returned it of course...and even appreciated how Fauna was considerate enough not to leave Dion out.  This made Chance smile to himself. 

"Yer welcome, lass...Glad y'like."

Ruby blushed a little as both boys complimented her without using the words "glitter tits". Her dark head bowed she mumbled a soft thank you before watching as Fauna opened her present. When the hug came Ruby squeezed her tightly and whispered just loudly enough for the other girl to hear; "Thank you, for always remembering my song". She felt herself get a little misty eyed - because it was true; no matter what happened between either of them and the outside world their friendship had been something that Ruby could fall back on. Even when everything was so awful with Sophie and Fauna, even if her loyalties should have been to her little sister Ruby just took the whole thing as a crap situation and comforted both of them as best she could. She would never take a side - but she would never give up on Fauna either. Six years of living, growing, and loving someone made that pretty damn impossible.

Watching the interaction between Chance and Fauna she felt that dread feeling come back up. In an ideal world they were perfect for one another. They really, truly were - but this was not an ideal world and there were so many other people's emotions involved. Ruby didn't know if she could bear to see Sophie fall apart like that again. It wasn't even the sadness that had been so hard to deal with - but the self loathing and anger. She tried to push it away from her thoughts though because really who knew what would happen and who Sophie would be in love with next week... and Chance was family now. It was an accepted fact; Ramona had decided that even though he was technically an adult he was no one of her babies and she had a thing or two to say to his previous mother about raising children and how motherhood didn't just stop at any point in their lives.

With that in mind she reached into her little clutch and pulled out a smaller box than even Fauna's bracelet had been in. Ruby was big on symbols and the powers they had over people - she was also big on exploring the power of the Flickwick Celtic culture. This particular piece of magic was something that had been in the family a long time and it seemed an apt introduction to the clan for Chance; "This...is something I've hard for a very long time but I thought maybe, just maybe you might be more needing of it than even I am," she paused opening the white box and removing a silver amulet on a sturdy black cord, then leaning over to place it around his neck repeating what Nan had said the first time she'd put it on Ruby herself. "May these knots - without beginning and without end, bring you luck in life, love, and happiness". She placed a kiss on either of his cheeks then before giving him a fiercely tight hug and stepping back to look at him; "Thought you might like it better'n a half melted Choco Frog".

She glanced over her shoulder at Dion with a grin; "Your Valentine is me not telling you once all night to remove the broom stick from your behind and learn how to have fun. Or bickering with you over how to deal with Toko - though one of us should probably be on Creevey duty. I do love my little drama queen but I fear he may for go for the hair and actually try this foolish Polyjuice notion," she shook her head hand placed against her forehead with an amused laughed; "Honestly if people were so worried about teens having babies they should just make them prefects for one day when everyone in Hufflepuff decides they need to be emotional Divas. The grandest form of birth control on the planet. I fully intend to have my tubes tied as soon as I graduate".

It was nice to see Chance smile like that again. Fauna watched with interest as Ruby presented her other gifts to the boys, thinking that the new amulet would look nice on Chance, and sending a sympathetic and amused look at Dion when Ruby told him she wouldn't harp on him tonight.

"We had some success at the beginning of the dance," Fauna told Dion, who had asked earlier how the booth was going. "But... now things have sorta tapered off. I guess we could go out there and... advertise," her expression turned anxious at the very idea.

"We being the important word," she nodded. "'Cause I'm not doing it alone." Fauna reached behind her, took a garland of flowers, and draped it over Dion's neck. Then she turned to grin at Chance and Ruby so Dion wouldn't see her stifling her laughter.

"See! Walking advertisement."

Chance hadn't the foggiest as to the myriad thoughts rushing through Ruby's mind before she presented him with the amulet.  His expression was a bit taken back by the gift as Ruby explained it.  He shook his black head of hair as he lifted the amulet in one hand.

"Ruby, ah can't take 'is?  'Is's part o' th' Flickwick clan 'istory...s'meant fer you, not me?"

But the luck of the Irish was certainly something that Chance's life had been missing as of late...and there was little use in arguing with any of the Flickwick women.  When they loved, they did so fiercely and when they gave, they did so fully.  Chance bowed his head with smile that was truly touched.  He then snatched Ruby into a firm hug.

"Thank y'Ruby...even if y'are spoilin' me."

Chance took a moment to finger over the amulet, letting a smile linger to Ruby before looking to follow the conversation between the trio before him.

"Well, if advertisin's what we need...then why're we sittin' 'round yappin' 'boot it, eh?"

Chance snatched Fauna's arm in his own, before reaching back to pat Dion's shoulder and pull Ruby's hand to usher them along.  Chance didn't want anyone to feel left out.  That had always been a big motivation for him...but now that he was on the receiving end of such inclusive strategies, he couldn't help but appreciate them all the more.

Dion's expression was best described as 'affronted'. He looked positively sulky - and his expression let Ruby know what he thought of her 'gift', too - though to be honest with himself, he was glad she wasn't going to nag him tonight like she normally did.

Still, if a rain cloud could have formed over his head, they'd have all gotten wet.

"Well," he said, sighing, "When I said 'we' I kind of meant...you guys." He looked down at the flowers around his neck. "People will mistake me for Dax in this thing." And that would be... unthinkably awful. He took it  off, looped it, and placed it on Fauna's head - on top of her hat -  like a crown. "Much better."

He settled into his chair, arms crossed and frowned. "Besides, it just makes more sense. Nothing says 'buy some flowers for your friends!' like an angry guy covered in the things. Much better for it to be pretty girls. And Ryker." It was important to point out that Chance wasn't a pretty girl, just in case.

Ruby looked between the three of them and panicked a little. She was not ready to go back out there. She couldn't deal with the dirty looks. Of course Chance distracted her for a moment and she gave him a genuine smile - she could see the reasons why Sophie would be in love with him and not even know it. He was the white knight every girl deserved; he was the strong shoulder who'd hold while the world fell apart. Knowing Chance almost made of for her having to be related to her skirt chasing brother.

Nudging him with her shoulder she  tucked a wayward curl behind her ear; "It's a Flickwick Clan amulet. Like it or lump it you're a Flickwick. The initation process is almost painless. Ask Faunzy". Of course when Dion scowled and insisted that they all go out she plopped herself down in the chair next to him and shook her head; "N-O;  no. My hair is liable to catch on fire the way Professor T is looking at me; and Maeve giving me the stink eye because my breasts look bigger than hers tonight". Without pause she reached behind Dion and tugged on his coat, "Come on, you're supposed to be the chivalrous brother. Help a girl in need Dee. Prove you really are the bigger brother".

With the wolf hat on her head, and the garland of flowers on top of that, Fauna looked more like herself than ever. She might have really worried about Dion's sulky behavior and Ruby's reluctance to join the dance if she hadn't been so distracted by Chance, however. It was a simple thing, her arm linked with his, and something that friends did all the time.

But she kept a careful distance, trying not to think about it.

"You don't look angry," Fauna reassured Dion, biting her tongue so she wouldn't tell him 'grumpy' was a more accurate word.

"And Ruby, you look beautiful. Don't pay attention to the professors or Maeve." Her nose wrinkled. "Their jobs are to make us miserable and doubt ourselves and... give us dirty looks."

Fauna looked up at Chance, hoping he'd chime in to convince them. Abruptly, she let his arm go and glanced back at Ruby and Dion.