In the corner

[Willow Autumn]

Willow Autumn made her way down to the Great Hall, adjusting her cream pink dress as she walked down the stairs - she could already hear the exciting chattering of students, students comparing each others dresses, couples gazing lovingly into each others eyes and professors ushering students into the hall, putting away their strict face with one of fun and excitement - the Yule Ball was always an exciting event but for Willow Autumn it was one event of the school calendar that she wondered why she was even attending such an event in the first place - hell, she only just landed at Hogwarts, what was the point of even turning up. She didn't even organize to meet up with any of her friends, so it seemed like tonight was going to be a night of just watching other students enjoying themselves.

Putting on her fake smile she walked into the hall, her heels clicking on the polished floors as her gaze wandered over to the large Pohutakawa Tree that stood proudly with it's unique red flowers scattered amongst the green leaves, it truly was a kiwiana christmas tree. Willow couldn't help think that all the great all needed was a beach scene and a barbeque and then it truly be a New Zealand Christmas. Willow's gaze turned to the other decorations, many of the levitated candles were also christmas theme and she was sure there were mistletoe scattered around in the hall - something that the couples of HNZ would appreciate very much.

Making her way to the food table, she poured her self a glass of orange juice, she couldn't find any of her friends or anyone she knew. She didn't really mind if she couldn't spend the night with her friends anyway, she was too anxious about her return to Hogwarts, the butterflies have only gotten worse and she'd rather be away from people anyhow before the next semester. The only reason (the only reason she could think up of) she was at the Yule Ball was to get used to being around so many students from different houses from different year groups all over again. She found a quiet corner and walked slowly over to it, she didn't really want to draw much attention to herself. Taking a seat, she sipped her Juice quietly.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate put the finishing touches onto her dress and apperance.She was excited about tonight even though she hadn't bothered to arrange to meet with someone but she hoped she would meet one or two of her friends.The dress she was wearing tonight was by far her favorite.She loved the way it felt on her and in her hands.She had put some more effort into her hair as well and as she looked in the mirror she felt rather pleased. The reason she was going a bit extra tonight (Even though she wouldn't admit it) was that Stefan might be there.Even the thought set of the butterflies in her stomach.She would be a small bit dissapointed if he didn't show up but she wouldn't let it rune her night.Taking one more look at herself she exited her dorm and the Hufflepuff common room and started down the stairs to the Great Hall.

As she got nearer the sounds of her heels were muffled by the noise coming from the Great Hall.Kate smiled as she felt the usual buzzing atmosphere.The heat radiating out of the door was amazing.She smiled and entered the hall looking for friends as she did so.After a few minutes of searching she decided to get a drink while over at the table she did a little more looking and smiled when she saw a familiar face hiding in the corner.She walked over and smiled when she saw Willow's dress,she looked amazing in it.From this angle you wouldn't of though she was shy and anxious she looked simply gorgeous. "Hey Willow"She said when she reached her. "You look amazing"Kate said smiling really meaning it.

 

[Willow Autumn]

No matter where her gaze fell, she saw smiling, laughing faces. The Yule Ball really was a magical time and deep down, Willow was enjoying herself - in a 'sitting in the corner-just-watching-people' type of way. It made her realize that anyone could enjoy themselves at this time of year, even if you didn't exactly have a date or anyone to talk to but instead they could just take in the simplicity and the magical way of the Yule Ball. Her eyes diverted when she saw couples kissing underneath mistletoe and whenever professors were looking in her direction. She was too modest to cheer and laugh right now. She placed her goblet on a table beside her and re-tied the large pink bow on her dress. It seemed every year her dress or accessory would feature some sort of bow - it became the fashion icon for Willow. Her heels clicked along to the sound of the beat, the enchanted musical instruments continued to play it's elegant music and the food continues to replenish itself.

She took another sip of juice - she thought someone called out her name but disregarded it, there were other girls in the school whose name was also Willow. It wasn't until she shifted her gaze she saw Kate. Who looked stunning as usual - the Moon twins always looked spectacular, no matter what they wore they were just what people would say; drop dead gorgeous. It wasn't any wonder why Stefan liked her so much, she was beautiful, talented and had a heart of an angel. It looked like she went the extra mile tonight and Willow was starting to wonder when the rest of the gang would turn up - it seemed like this was the informal, un-aware meeting point.

"You look amazing Kate" Willow smiled, she really did look amazing. Her simple flowing dress accentuated Kate's features and she had her hair up in a messy bun which still looked amazing for Kate. Everything was amazing. Willow was average, but she really didn't care at this point, she wanted to silently enjoy her night just watching the other people. She really didn't mind if people thought she was being anti-social, tonight was just a night of observation. "I thought you'd be out dancing with Stefan or someone else by now" Willow spoke lightly and gave a little laugh, she was sure that even if she mentioned Stefan's name it'll give Kate butterflies just hearing his name. She just hoped he would turn up and sweep her off her feet - she wished them all the best. She took another sip of her juice, small snowflakes were making it's way down from the enchanted ceiling and onto the students. She half wished she was out there with the other students enjoying her night.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate looked out at the Hall and couldn't help smiling at all the laughing and smiling faces.This was such a great time of the year and it made Kate so happy to be a part of it. In her part of the world it would now be nearly Christmas time and all the Christmas lights would be up in the towns.The nights would be shorter and there might even be some snow.She could just picture her and her family playing cards near they're big fire and there would be a big Christmas tree in the corner.Kate smiled remembering all the good Christmas's.The last three hadn't been as good as it wasn't her really home and the sitting room hadn't been quite as cosy.But she hoped in the furture it would get better.

Snapping out of her thought she blushed when Willow complemented her.Luckily he cheeks were already a bit flushed so it wasn't as noticeable.Kate didn't take complementing to well though she was getting better at it. "Willow you look amazing too"Kate said not just saying it.Willow did look lovely Kate saw the bow on the dress and couldn't surpress a smile.Every year Willow had had a bow on her dress,it was now her signature item for the Yule Ball.Kate didn't really have any she just picked a dress over the summer.She liked to vary though she was taking a paticular liking to long flowy dresses.For a second time that night Kate blushed even redder this time so it was more noticeable but she also felt a few butterflies in her stomach.She wasn't sure if he would even be arriving but she would still hope all the same though she doubted anything would happen. She knew he wasn't comfortable with that sort of thing and she understood so she decided to let him come to her when he was ready."Its complicated"was all that came out of Kate's mouth.Willow was right she had been asked by a few before the dance but she had refused even though she did feel a small bit guilty about it. "So what about you Willow"Kate asked eyebrows raised.Even though Willow was just back she would have to have a few admirers she was so pretty.

 

[Willow Autumn]

Willow blushed a subtle shade of pink - she never really was the person who could take compliments. She was modest and never really liked to be the person to shine or be the person who is the center of attention. She was the type of person who'd rather be acknowledged rather to be in the spotlight in front of everyone's eyes; and even though she loved performing her music in front of a crowd, this was different. She didn't like to be the person that everyone wants to look at, she'd rather be the person performing than someone just standing there looking pretty. "Thanks Kate" Willow smiled at her friend - it was a genuine smile, not a smile to signify that she was okay. Instead it was a smile to say she was enjoying her company, enjoying that they were here at Hogwarts and at the Yule Ball. She'd hate to admit to herself that she would be missing the place when semester ended.

The twisted butterflies in Willow's stomach eased a little, she was feeling less anxious about her surroundings but it didn't mean she was completely clear of them. She noticed Kate's discomfort when she brought up Stefan and felt a little guilty for mentioning his name in the first place. It seemed like she would be saying the wrong things to her friends which either put them in awkward moments or silence. It pained Willow that she could even create that sort of atmosphere for her friends, especially Kate. During the short time Willow has spent here at Hogwarts she felt like she was bonding more closely with Kate and Kate was someone she could lean on to. "Me?...no..no one..really." Willow shrugged. Although she was given a few looks by several guys from the Gryffindor common room to when she arrived to the great hall, she wasn't asked by any of her peers for a dance. Naturally, this didn't bother Willow at all.

She took another sip of juice, their conversation was simple. It wasn't too hard on the words, she was going to apologize for mentioning Stefan and to apologize that things were so awkward between them but she was too afraid to wreck any sort of good moments that were happening at the moment. She wasn't even sure where to turn their conversation next. "So you're here just for the sake of being here or just here because...well. everyone is here?" Willow commented flatly, it was pretty obvious to other people Willow was at the Yule Ball for the sake of being there. Unlike everyone else, Willow wasn't there on the dance floor dancing with friends or with a partner, she wasn't like the few students who crowded around the food table, gossiping and nibbling at the assortment of food on offer. Unlike everyone else, Willow was sitting at the back of the hall with her good friend Kate and to be honest, she felt rather relieved to be away from everyone else and having a quiet moment to themselves.

 

[Stefan Archer]

</SIZE>

The Slytherin boy had never understood the attraction of the Yuleball or Christmas. Sure, he'd never celebrated it. He'd not even known about the holiday until Hogwarts, but the entire thing seemed fake. People deciding that on one day they would get together, throw out all ill feelings from an entire year and play happy family. Stefan Archer had not known about it, and part of him wondered if his father even remembered the existence of such a day. He would never ask, because he didn't think his father would be happy. And since Stefan had never celebrated the day before in his entire thirteen years of existences the holiday meant as much to him as it meant to a worm. But, since this was Hogwarts and they seemed to make some form of deal about every holiday he had to put up with it. It didn't mean he enjoyed it, but it meant he pretended to. A fake smile went a long way when thinking about the holidays. He wouldn't pretend that he was going to get anything for the holiday, a simple reply of, there's just not enough money would be sufficient. But, Since it was that time of year, it meant he had to put with a ball. The Yuleball. Stefan did have money for more clothes for himself, he didn't have the money for a fancy suit, and a tie. He was growing it would cost too much money to replace once he'd out grown it. It was why the entire thing posed such a problem to him. He would give anything to see Kate, in a beautiful dress, but when he went, he was severely undressed compared to everyone else. He didn't know how else to go about it. But, this year, it felt different. Like a part of him, knew he had to go to such an occasion. For Willow, for Kate. To show that things weren't what they believed. To help persuade them, that his home life wasn't as bad as they probably believed it was. A lack of money, and a lack of colour were the only things he wanted them to think was wrong with his life. It was fairly hard, both girls were smart. They knew better, they were right in their thoughts, he could just never say. It was why on the morning of the Yuleball, the Slytherin teenager made the quick decision that this year he would attend the ball. He would smile and compliment the girls. And for once act like he was just a normal kid. A normal teenager, with a normal background, and normal things to worry about. It was difficult but there was a part of the boy who truly believed that he could do such a thing. He was after all, just those things at school. A normal teenager with magical powers. Stefan wanted this night to be more perfect than anything. For his friends. So that they would not assume the worse about him.

However, this commitment came with one huge problem. What he was going to wear. The boy did not own a suit. The only tie he owned was his school tie, and the only shirt he owned was his school shirt. He did not even own smart trousers, the ones he used for school and such were just old black jeans. He had a few t-shirts, but all of them were casual. It was pretty certain in his mind that he would have to dress casually and hope that no one got annoyed at him for doing so. He hoped they could understand that for some affording a suit, or dress robes was an impossible thing to do. So instead he had just spent extra time, making sure his jeans were as clean as they could be, and so was his dark grey t-shirt. The only one he had that had short sleeves. The rest (all of four) were black wife beaters, with the exception of one being white. It had a fairly short sleeves, but they still covered his shoulders. And overall, he truly believed that he looked a little smart. Even if he wasn't fully, a little was good enough for him. He didn't really care about others. After putting on his old converses and giving them a small clean, Stefan headed for the great hall. One thing he like about the Yuleball, was the way the great hall looked. It was always so beautiful. It emitted grace and elegance. And while he couldn't entirely know what the hall looked like, what he did see was actually enough. He still the gist of what the place looked like. And how amazing it was. He stepped into the Great hall, his arms crossed. He'd chosen to not wear a jumper. And so now felt a little self-conscious. Not to mention all the people around him who looked amazing, made him feel like he was dressed in nothing but a bag. Stefan looked round the busy room. He was hungry, but considering he was leaving in the morning, Stefan opted to not eat anything just yet. He had gained weight over the school year, but only those closeness to him would even notice. He was still too thin for his age. It was as he glanced round the hall a second time that he noticed his friends. His two closest friends. And it was suffice to say, that they both look stunning. He felt the air leave his lungs. How he managed to be friends with two stunning girls he didn't know. Taking a deep breath, Stefan walked over to them. He could feel his heart flutter as he noticed Kate. God, to him, she was so insanely gorgeous. Stefan stopped as he approached them, giving a small wave before walking closer. "Hey" He smiled at them both. No longer faking the smile, seeing them look just so amazing was enough for him to realise that maybe the yuleball was not such a bad idea after all. "You look amazing" He started his eyes on Kate. Before moving to Willow. "You both do. You literally both look my breath away. Seriously. You both look stunning. No dates?" Stefan asked. Half hoping that Kate did not have one, but that Willow did. He couldn't understand how any person could not want to spend the ball with them, dressed as they were. Stefan would've asked Kate, he liked her enough, but he didn't have the courage. He wasn't brave. Plus he believed she was way out of his league. "I feel a little undressed."​

<SIZE size="50">

 

[Willow Autumn]

Willow was grateful for the small quiet moment that silenced between herself and Kate because otherwise she wouldn't have known what to say or what to do. She felt the nervousness rise in her stomach, it wasn't that Willow didn't like to be in Kate's presence, it was being in the Great Hall itself, amongst so many other students. Every now and then other boys would glance in their direction and instead of acknowledging them, Willow would lower her head down, she couldn't bear to look at anyone. Not yet, not right now. Everything was still overwhelming for Willow, the fact the candles were levitating didn't feel right to Willow - the candles at home didn't levitate so why were the candles here were levitating? Because it's magic. magic. get used to it again...and stop acting so weird Willow.. She raised her head to take another glance around the Great Hall; the small snowflakes kept falling gently in the center of the hall where students were dancing to the sound of a sweet and mellow tune, the type of tune that only couples would dance to. Willow let her mind wander to Kate and Stefan, it was obvious to Willow that they had feelings for each other still, she wasn't sure why they weren't already together but love takes time, heartache comes fast. It wasn't Willow's place to question their personal lives in the first place.

Her ears listened to the tune and tapped her feet along to it's simple melody. Ever since Willow left Hogwarts she took up the craft of songwriting, it was her release from missing Hogwarts and a way to pass the time during her stays at the public hospital - it was her way of expressing her sadness and her depression in her situation, back at home, in the study and locked in her desk was the three books of composed songs she written during her months away, she loved songwriting but that could be through her love of music itself. Even in such a busy place and amongst so much noise, Willow started to compose a song within her head, it's melody and the lyrics were written out without a quill, without parchment. She had the ability to craft something in her mind. She took inspiration from the two people she loved at this place and the surroundings around her. She hummed the chorus and her eyes picked up a figure amongst the crowd - Stefan. He wore a simple outfit and that could be because of his financial situation - that never really bothered Willow, in fact, she was rather jealous he could turn up on something so casual. As much as Willow loved living in Dresses, jeans and a t-shirt sounds so much more appealing than the beautiful pink dress and high heeled shoes she was regretting to wear. She saw him wave, and she waved back - it was the appropriate thing to do. She was still to shy to even look them in the eyes, she was still enclosed in her little bubble. It was a bubble that'll have to be popped at some point, even in Willow's mind - her behavior really must be annoying by now.

Willow gave Stefan a small smile as he commented on his under dressed attire, her intentions was to be good. She didn't mean to be so gloomy on a beautiful event such as the Yule Ball - in fact they were supposed to be out on the dance floor dancing or talking around the food table eating all the delicious things on offer. Or, was it just to be Kate and Stefan? Willow didn't take another thought about it, she learned mingling into her friend's personal feelings was something that was too messy to be dealt with. "No...no dates for me. I don't mind anyway." Willow shrugged and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She knew from others that she was a beautiful person but if it was down to a competition like it was at her intermediate school social, Kate would take the prize for being the belle of the ball and she felt it was probably for the best that she didn't have a date, she was too insecure to be around anyone anyway, Kate on the other hand..."And you look fine Stefan, I think the whole point of the Yule Ball is to be around people you care about anyway. Not necessarily what you dress like." Willow gave him another smile, she knew as soon as she said that, he'd be thinking about Kate and Kate would be thinking about Stefan. Her friends happiness meant so much to Willow, it was the thing that made Willow last through her horrible, butterfly twisted self.

She smiled to herself and took another look out to the students, the professors were doing their dance to a lively tune while the students stood around in a circle, clapping and laughing along. Willow let her head go back to her song, she was feeling happy just being in the presence of her two best friends, and even if she was too shy to even look them in the eye - deep down. She was having a good time, and she couldn't wish for a night any better.</SIZE></FONT>

"...Even if I'm blind from glaring lights
Even if it takes all night, I'm lost in love with you.
Do you know the way that I should turn?
Do you know that I have learned?
I'm lost in this dance with you..."​

<FONT font="Georgia"><SIZE size="50">
[sorry for the cheese ._. ||Lyrics from Lost in this dance ~ Lena Katina]

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate started humming the melody of the song.Ever since she had talked to Willow about song writing,her songs had improved.She didn't write a lot as things had been difficult.But a lot of her past experiences had been turned into songs.She had wrote a few about second year over the summer and she had always felt better after putting them into song.Songs just didn't come to her,she liked singing ones already written especially the old classics. When she was younger she used to watch all the DVD's of musicals. Her favorite back then had been the sound of music but over the years her favorites had changed.She was the opposite of the piano.She loved playing new songs especially those from Glee.With violin she liked both.For her exams it was always classical but by her self she liked to go into music shops and get lots of different musical scores and learn all the songs.Now in the Yule Ball her fingers started tapping against her dress out of the corner of her eye she could see Willow's foot tapping as well.

When Kate heard a familiar voice she turned around and felt the butterflies.They were a regular occuriance now and Kate wondered would they ever go away.When he waved she gave a little wave back.He had come in casual clothes and she guessed that was because of the financial situation at home but she didn't care.He looked perfect in whatever he was wearing to Kate and she had to admire him for doing so it would take some guts to do that.Kate smiled at his compliment and she felt her cheeks get warm.She was glad he couldn't see because that would just make her cheeks even warmer. She had got asked by a few people to the dance but she had refused them all.She only had one person in mind and her he was right in front of her but she was to afraid to ask him.She was fighting with herself.One part of her brain was telling her to ask while the other was saying not to.Kate felt very confused so she just ignored both the voices and came back to the present. "Nope..just came for the fun"Kate said smiling. Kate listened and agreed to what Willow said. "She's right Stefan"Kate said her eyes straying over to Stefan's a lot more than they should be. When a slow song came on Kate started swaying with out realizing it.She was having a great time even though she was in a corner but she was spending time with her two best friends with out arguing and with nothing bad to talk about.