Party Hard

Corrine just stared at Tristan with her big blue eyes, words on the tip of her tongue but unwilling to spill out. She narrowed them as he scoffed at her, his attitude suddenly changing. The hidden Tristan. I saw you, you know, she could blurt out as he walked away and explain that she had witnessed what he had done to Kauri. It was something about that attitude, the eye roll that released her tongue. Corrine folded her arms, holding them tightly against her body, the cup in her hand gripped in her hand. "Want me to act sad?" she said, her Gryffindor temper flaring, suddenly emboldened. Later, she would blame it on the dress or her newfound friendship with Xena. It was definitely one of those things.
 
One of the things that bothered Tristan the most was not understanding any situation. He was good at reading other people and anticipating their reactions, it was how he managed to charm most people. So far, it had always worked on Corrine perfectly, but she was acting weird. A part of him wanted to move on, to just forget about her. But because she didn't react the way he had expected her to, he found her actually interesting for the first time. Had her eyes always been that pretty? Why hadn't he taken her to any dances? But right now she didn't seem like she would say yes to anything he asked, and her next words puzzled him. At least, until he remembered what he had said to Kauri the day they broke up. Panic and anger fought for attention inside him. Panic at what else she might have heard, though he had been careful not to use Vivian's name. Anger at the situation. Of all the people to have overheard it, why was it someone he knew? His jaw tensed and he looked down at her dismissively. "I have no idea what you're trying to say." He said, pretending not to understand what she was referring to. Though his tense posture might give him away. He had to make an exit now, at least out of this conversation. "Have a good evening." He said, though his voice was anything but pleasant. He tipped his cup at her in a mock greeting, then turned away from her. He had hoped to enjoy himself tonight, but now worries about what Corrine did or did not know would plague him for the rest of the evening.
 
It was difficult to imagine an environment Ainsley could possibly have been less comfortable in. The party was loud and crowded and confusing, with people and noise everywhere. It was hard to know where to look or what to listen to, with so much going on all at once, so Ainsley kept all her focus on Amber, returning her girlfriend's kiss gently. She smiled warmly as they parted, relieved to be close to Amber again. "I missed you too." She said softly, instantly feeling her nerves calm as she was close to Amber. Whatever happened, staying with Amber she would be alright here.
 
Caro was pleased that Sophie approved of her new hair, readjusting it a little self-consciously. "Thanks." She said with a shy grin. Looking around, she shrugged. "Just people. We didn't really make an invitation list, whoever's heard about it will show up. So it could be anyone." She watched Sophie's expression with some interest when her friend mentioned her boyfriend. Caro had heard a bit about him from Sophie, but didn't really know anything about him. It was a little weird that Sophie was dating already. Part of Caro wondered if she should try dating someone too, but she couldn't think of anyone she knew who wasn't terribly frustrating.

Her gaze followed Sophie's gesture to the loud boy entering the party and Caro sighed, shaking her head. "Even if I could I think he's one of Lizzie's quidditch buddies." She sighed. Hopefully Lizzie's rowdy friends wouldn't make too much mess. Caro was distracted when a boy approached them, quickly assuming this must be Isaac. She gave him a small wave, and nodded when Sophie introduced them quickly. "Hey." She said, sizing this boy up quietly. It was a little strange to think he was Sophie's boyfriend, but he was kind of cute at least, she supposed, and he made Sophie happy, so he was fine in her books. Caro shook her head in response to his question, looking around the ever-swelling sea of people. "I don't know many of them. Lizzie just kind of invited whoever, so..." She shrugged. "It's just whoever came."
 
The exuberant greeting from Hayley was exactly what Harley needed right now. It was an infinite relief, to have her best friend on her side again. "Hey!" She said happily, returning the tight hug. And then Rose was joining them too, and Harley dived on her hug with Hayley, hugging them both close. She wished Rory was there, but the other girl didn't seem to have made it to the party yet. Even so, the three of them would tear things up, no trouble. Harley laughed when Hayley grabbed Rose's cupcake before she could go for it. "No fair!" Nothing warmed Harley's heart like being with her best friends. This was just what she needed.

Harley was distracted from their reunion when Hayley stepped aside, and pulled someone else into their circle. Harley had seen the older girl around, but didn't really know who she was. She was about to ask why Hayley was so insistent on her joining them when Hayley beat her to the punch, and Harley's eyes widened in shock. Since when did Hayley know this girl? Since when was Hayley dating her? Since when did Hayley date girls at all? Hayley had kept all of this from her somehow, and it stung a little. Harley had always been open with Hayley about everything, even including the situation with Odette, which had been too difficult to tell anyone else, and Hayley had returned her confidence by keeping secrets? It stung a little, but Harley didn't want her feelings to distract her from properly assessing this girl her best friend was dating. "Girlfriend?" She asked curiously, looking the older girl. She was pretty and looked nice, and was.... probably good enough for Hayley. Hopefully. Harley would have to keep a closer eye on her. The surprise couldn't stop Harley from teasing her friend though and she grinned at Hayley. "Ohh, girlfriend, hmm, mwah mwah mwah?" She teased, trying to keep a similar tone to how she had teased Rose and Rory about their boyfriends. It wouldn't do to let her friends know anything had changed in her attitude to dating. Rose's reaction surprised Harley too and she looked at her with wide eyes. How did all of Harley's friends seem to know this girl except for her?
 
The rush of people into the party was quickly getting too fast for Lizzie to keep up with greeting them all. She only knew half the people arriving, and... honestly, this was exactly what Lizzie had hoped for. She wanted to throw the party of the year, and hopefully with as many people here as there were, this would be just that. Lizzie's attention was focused on Hayley for now, putting an arm around her girlfriend cheerfully. She was about to suggest they go get something to drink when she felt something gripping her legs firmly. Looking down, Lizzie spotted a peculiar girl she recognised from class, but hadn't really spoken to outside. "Oh, hey Elt!" She said happily. The Ravenclaw was a little too low down for Lizzie to hug back, but she gave the girl a quick pat on the head before Hayley began pulling her aside.

It took Lizzie a moment to really register what Hayley wanted her over here for, but she was pleasantly surprised to see Rose. She listened as Hayley introduced them, giving a little wave, mostly for Hayley's other friend's benefit. "Hey guys." She said with a happy grin. "Thanks!" She said to Rose, pleased that the other girl was happy for them. "I didn't know you were friends with Hayley." Lizzie's smile slipped a little at Hayley's other friend's reaction. She didn't seem upset, but the kissy noises were a little immature. Was this really someone Hayley and Rose hung out with?
 
It was sort of nice to introduce Isaac to someone like this. Someone she trusted completely like Caro. While she could tell her boyfriend felt a little awkward, she was glad he was here. Glancing at him, she gave him a slight smile. She felt his fingers wrap around her hand and glanced down at their hands nervously. Then, she glanced at Isaac and gave his hand a small squeeze in return. "Gabriel aside, most of the people here seem okay." She said with a glance at a group of older girls. Vaguely, she was aware of some drama going on outside but she didn't really pay attention to it. It wasn't as if it had anything to do with her. "You know, Caro. I think this party needs a shout-out in the paper." She grinned slightly at her friend. "Caro Taylor's awesome teen party, big success! Does that sound alright?" She knew she couldn't ignore Lizzie's contribution completely if she were to write about it, but she knew the thought would make Caro smile. The party was really filling up, and as some boys passed their little group Sophie got an idea. She gave Caro a nudge, smirking a little. "See any boys you like yet? You don't have to keep talking to us... I bet they wanna get to know one of the cool girls that threw this party. Aren't guys supposed to like blondes?" Mostly, she said it to embarrass her friend. Though she was genuinely curious if Caro had a crush on anyone.
 
Fashionably late was the only acceptable way to turn up to a party, in October's books. As she entered the room with April, October could see that things were clearly well underway. Being around people from school again felt surreal, after the lifechanging holiday October had had. After hours and hours of talking out every frustration she had with her father, October felt like a new person. A weight she didn't realise she had borne her whole life had been lifted, and she was ready to finally, really relax. To do things that were fun, for the sake of having fun. To have real teen experiences, and just... enjoy herself, instead of always pushing herself to breaking point.

And a party was just the place to do that. October had dressed cute for the occasion, and though she couldn't personally say anything quite so nice for her stepsister's outfit, she was not thinking like that anymore. October was a better person now. And April was happy in her outfit, so October was happy for her. Looking around the party October saw a few people she knew... Amber seemed quite busy with her girlfriend, and Tristan was... making a hasty exit from a conversation with another girl. October considered approaching him but she didn't want to give him any ideas, heading over to the food table for the moment with April for the moment. If Tristan wanted to talk he would have to come find her himself.
 
Parties were exciting and fun, so April really couldn't understand why her stepsister insisted they had to be late for it. In April's mind, that only meant they were missing out on a lot of fun! But at least they were here now, and April knew her outfit was perfect to dance in. October looked really nice too, and April was glad to be here with the older girl. It was like they were real sisters. "Oh wow, this place is awesome!" She said, looking around with wide eyes. She wondered if Kauri would be here, but somehow didn't think so.

"See anyone you know?" She asked as she trailed in after her. They headed to the snack table and April immediately popped some chips into her mouth. She was amazed by everyone that had turned up, but also saw a few people seemed to be leaving already. She pouted at October. "Did we really have to come this late?" She asked. But then she smiled as she got an idea. "Oh! We should dance!" Immediately, she twirled around. "Show them our moves!"
 
Amber took Ainsley's hand, knowing that the girl would need the support in an environment like this. "We can go outside at any point, okay? Just say the word." She said reassuringly. Feeling protective of her girlfriend, she led her away a bit from the group of people they had been standing with. Evelyn was occupied with Lucas and went outside with the boy, which meant she wouldn't be able to meet Ainsley right now. It annoyed Amber a little, but she knew Evelyn liked the boy. It couldn't be helped, and maybe things would go alright for them. As she looked around, she spotted two people that looked nearly as lost as Ainsley had. Amber waved at them. "Flavio, November! Hi!" She said, leading Ainsley over to them. She felt like talking to some familiar people was good for Ainsley, and November and Flavio both looked like they needed the help as well. "It's so nice to see you two!" She said brightly.
 
As Tristan slipped away from Corrine, he saw a much more welcome sight. October had either just arrived, or had hidden herself well before. He really wanted the girl to like him, and to know he could charm her over. So far, she had been standoffish, but he knew he could get past that if he played it well. Running his hand through his hair, he made his way over with a smile. "October, looking beautiful as usual." He said, nodding at her outfit."Did you just get here? I don't think I would have failed to notice you." But as he glanced at the girl with her, the smile froze on his face. He knew that girl. She was Kauri's annoying friend, the one that had disliked him immediately. Why was she always there when he was trying to flirt? And now she was glaring daggers at him in a way that made him suspect Kauri had told her more than he should have. Tensing slightly, he resolutely turned to October. "Let's dance." He told her, holding out his hand for her to take. The sooner her could get her away from this other girl, the better.
 
Hayley glimpsed somebody short falling over as Lizzie came to join her. Oh no, she hadn't realised anyone had been leaning on her. Was that Elt? Hayley opened her mouth to apologise, but before she could do so Elt had vanished. Oh, well. She smirked as she took a bite of her stolen cupcake, then grinned at Rose's exuberant reaction. Trust her to be excited about everything. And to apparently know everyone. "Oh, I didn't know you two knew each other, either. Rose, are there any Gryffindors you don't know?" Hayley was a little surprised Rose didn't tease her at all about this, particularly considering how the whole gang had teased her about Charlie. Harley's words were more what she'd expected, but the look on her face . . . that didn't look like teasing. She looked almost . . . upset. There was a part of Hayley that felt absurdly hopeful about that reaction - if Harley didn't want her to date someone else, could that mean . . . - but she quashed it violently. Harley was with Odette. Hayley was with Lizzie. She liked dating Lizzie. And regardless of any of her other feelings, she wanted her best friend back. That was the most important thing. "Yes, exactly, mwah," she said, blowing a kiss to Lizzie, trying her best to keep the tone light.
 
November turned in her spot holding onto Flavio with one arm and sipping her drink with the other. So many people were around and her short stature did not help her locate anyone she might know. Suddenly she heard Amber's voice in the crowd calling out her and Flavio's names. She turned with a smile on her face to see Amber and Ainsley both making their way over. She elbowed Flavio lightly to get his attention. "Hello!" She said probably louder than she needed too but she wasn't used to having to talk in crowded situations like this. She looked up to Flavio a little relieved that at least two people she knew herself were there, considering she didn't really know the girl who was throwing the party to begin with. She couldn't believe how many new things she was going to be doing that holiday session. Going to a house party, going to South America, bringing a boy home to meet her parents. It was pretty crazy she was finally feeling like a real teenager.
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October smiled a little at April's question. She was finding more and more that she quite liked being a big sister after all. It reminded her of their days in ballet together, helping April with her technique when she needed it. (Though the younger girl rarely listened.) "I know a few people." She commented, pouring them each a drink, and handing one of the cups to April. "It's better to be a little late for parties. Now we don't have to stand around waiting for people we know to arrive." October wouldn't be surprised if April zipped away before long to spend time with her friends, and then October would be contented to peel off and do her own thing too, but for now she was enjoying the time with her sister. "We should definitely dance." October smiled, taking a sip of her drink.

October was focused on her conversation with April, but not so focused that she didn't notice Tristan approaching. His attitude now reminded her of the way he had looked at her at the Yule Ball, different to their usual competitive banter, and his first remark made it clear to October what Tristan wanted. He was flirting with her. October hadn't entirely recognised it before, and now that she did she wasn't sure exactly what to do. Nobody had ever flirted with her before. But today was about spending time with April, for the moment. And thinking of April... there was something strange about the way Tristan looked at her too, something distinctly unfriendly. Making up her mind for the moment, October set her drink down and linked her arm with April's instead. "Thank you, Tristan. It's nice to see you too. I'm here to spend time with my sister right now. I'll maybe see you for that dance later." She said politely, hoping she hadn't been too brisk before pulling April towards the dancefloor. Whatever Tristan was trying to do she would deal with it later. October wanted to spend time with her family right now.
 
Feeling an elbow in his side, Flavio's attention turned from attempting to spot someone he knew in the crowd, to November. When he realized why she wanted his attention it became obvious he was looking in the wrong direction because Amber and Ainsley were headed towards them. He sighed and smiled as Amber greeted them both, happy and relieved to see familiar faces in the crowd he knew well enough to speak to, that weren't caught up in some kind of drama. "Hey!" He greeted, looking between his friends as he moved his free arm around November's shoulders. Amber and Ainsley appeared to be their normal selves and it was a sight for sore eyes. "It is great to see you, too. We just arrived and saw the party is a bit dramatic." Calling the party 'a bit dramatic' sounded like an understatement but he did not know how else to describe the scene he and November walked into. "How are your holidays?" He quickly asked the pair, wanting to change the subject to something more comfortable.​
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After knowing each other for so many years, Ainsley should have known that Amber would predict her anxieties about this particular situation. Smiling gratefully at her girlfriend's offer, Ainsley nodded quickly. "Thanks." She said softly. She hoped she wouldn't need to make use of the offer to step outside, but it was a relief that it was there if she needed a moment away from the chaos.

Ainsley had been so absorbed in finding Amber that she hadn't looked around the party enough to realise Flavio and November had arrived. She was relieved to hear Amber greet them though, and followed Amber over to the pair quickly. "Hi guys!" Ainsley said cheerfully, giving her friends a bright smile. "My holidays have been really good, but I missed you guys! How about you?" She asked, keeping a tight hold on Amber's hand. It was difficult to carry out a conversation with the room so loud, and Ainsley felt like she was speaking a little too loudly.
 
Harley felt entirely out of place in this situation. It was strange, feeling excluded from such a huge part of Hayley's life. They always shared everything, or so she had thought. But apparently everyone new Hayley's new girlfriend, except for Harley. That... well, it sort of sucked, and this wasn't really the right place to get to know someone. Pulling a face at Hayley's response to her joke, Harley looked around for a moment, and, failing to find an excuse to leave this situation, pretended to see someone she knew. "Hey, I'm gonna mingle. Nice to meet you, Lizzie. Catch you guys later." She fingergunned her way backwards out of the conversation and made her way over to the snack table quickly, relieved to be out of that situation. From the snack table Harley looked around, feeling lonely in such a crowded place. After a moment her eyes fell on Odette and relief ran through her. She met the other girl's eyes and grinned, wiggling her eyebrows quickly, then gestured to the dancefloor. She didn't know if Odette would be willing to dance with her in such a public place, but it was worth at least asking.
 
At first Autumn wasn't sure how to respond to Odette's question. There wasn't a particular reason she was being nice to the Slytherin other than she wanted to, she didn't think she required a reason. "The yelling was just a reaction," She shrugged. There were any number of people Autumn would have stopped yelling at on seeing them. "Nothing is wrong I just don't see why we have to be at each others throats, we got off on the wrong foot in first year, doesn't meant we can't be friends now," Autumn shrugged, half expecting Odette to just walk away from her.
 
Odette was impatient about this interaction. She had bumped into Autumn, and now it was turning into a whole thing. If she turned her head, she’d probably still see Hayden slobbering all over Xena’s hand. Well, if she fell for that, she deserved all the cheesy moves he gave her. Autumn’s explanation made sense, but she really couldn’t shake the feeling there was more underneath. Like maybe she was trying to befriend her for some ulterior motive. But she had no idea what it could be. For a second, she wondered if Harley had told her to be nice to Odette in an attempt to help her some friends, but immediately dismissed it. Harley wasn’t friends with Autumn, even though they were in the same house. And Harley wouldn’t do something like that, which was good because Odette didn’t need pity friends. “Right.” She said, shrugging. “We’ll see.” Nothing she had seen about Autumn really made her want to be BFFS with the girl suddenly, but there was no point in brushing her off too harshly. She caught Harley’s gaze suddenly, which made her realize how much she had been thinking about the other girl in that moment. It was like her thoughts had summoned her. Seeing where she was pointing, Odette immediately balked. “Excuse me.” She told Autumn as she moved past her. “I have to talk to someone.” She headed over to Harley. “Tell me you’re not actually asking me to dance.” She hissed, though a small smile crept onto her face despite her words.
 
It was still a little strange to be on more friendly terms with November now. The girl greeted her in a friendly manner and honestly seemed relieved to see someone familiar. The same went for Flavio, who commented on the party being a bit dramatic. “I missed most of that.” Amber said with a small shrug. “But Evelyn and Lucas are chatting outside, so I guess it is a little dramatic.” She wasn’t sure how much the others knew about Evelyn’s romantic life, but she had a feeling none of them really cared so she didn’t elaborate. “It’s fun, though! I’ve seen so many people I know already.” While she could understand why her friends and girlfriend were a little more uneasy, Amber enjoyed the general atmosphere of the party. She loved being part of a social group, and was really having a fun time. She just had to hope Lizzie would never know how fun she found her party. “My holidays have been good too, but I’ve been working a lot.” Amber said with a small sigh, then smiled again. “Are you guys ready for sixth year?” It still felt completely foreign to her, the idea that they would be in the second-to-last year of Hogwarts soon.
 
After Rose had made a very conscious decision not to mock Hayley for having a girlfriend, it was a little startling to see Harley do exactly that. Rose frowned at her a bit. “I think it’s nice!” She said, then looked at Lizzie. “I am! She’s one of my best friends.” Rose said proudly. Hayley’s question made her grin. “Well... I don’t know next year’s firsties?” She joked with a shrug. “But no, obviously I don’t know everyone but Lizzie is cool. Who doesn’t know her?” Being on the Quididtch team made you pretty well known, as far as she knew. She was surprised when Harley left, looking puzzled. “Oh, okay.” She said, then hesitantly looked at Hayley again. “Am I supposed to leave you two alone? Is that why Harley left?” She asked, just deciding to ask if there had been any social cues she had missed. It wouldn’t be the first time.
 
Tristan had hope that maybe finally he would get somewhere with October. If he could just talk to her for a few moments while they were alone, he was sure he would be able to figure out how to charm her. Unfortunately, her linking arms with the girl besides him told him enough, before she even opened her mouth. His eyebrow raised slightly when the girl mentioned this was her sister, and his heart plummeted. If she really had told October about what had happened with Kauri, then he was as good as done. After learning Corrine had overheard that breakup too, this was very unwelcome news. Was Kauri just going to haunt him now? Was one mistake going to ruin everything? Of course, maybe she didn’t know. He had to believe that was the case. “I see. Very well.” He said, stepping back. “Enjoy your evening.” Then he turned on his heel. Maybe it was time to leave this party.
 
It took every effort for Isaac not to roll his eyes as the girls started to talk about boys. It seemed such a typical subject to be discussing at the party, although he didn't really feel like leaving Sophie and Caro to go and find someone else to talk to, he found that he was just going to have to put up with the topic of conversation going on beside him. There was however only so much he could take, and releasing Sophie's hand he quickly moved across the room towards the refreshment table. Keeping his head low so that no one would talk to him, he was simply looking for something to do. He grabbed a couple of drinks from the table, turning to wander the long way round to help pass the time. There seemed to be so much drama going on in here, no doubt Sophie could have and endless stream of things to write about if she wanted to. The Ravenclaw tried to pick up on a few topics as he past the group of students talking amongst themselves, more for his girlfriends benefit that anyone elses, although everyone seemed to be involved in trivial topics that he thought were just as pointless as the one about boys. Once he'd reached Sophie he handed her a glass of soda, and found himself a seat so he could observe the party, happy in his own world.
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April smiled when October said she knew a few people, looking around for anyone familiar herself. She saw a few kids from her year, but no one she was particularly close with. After what happened at the start of the holidays, she wanted to stay with October anyway. "But we're together, so we don't have to wait for anyone anyway." She reasoned, looking over at her sister with a slight frown. That frown immediately turned into a grin when the girl agreed that they should dance, but then changed back into a frown at record speed when she noticed who was approaching them. It was Kauri's horrible ex boyfriend Tristan. And to her horror, October seemed to know him. As she thought about it, she was pretty sure they were in the same year. But that didn't mean he had to FLIRT with her. April was fuming and the only thing that stopped her from kicking this guy where it hurt was that Kauri had told her not to. She felt relieved when October dismissed him and readily followed her to the dance floor. "You should stay away from him." She hissed immediately. "He's really really really mean and totally smarmy, okay? He dated Kauri and made him cry a lot." Only after saying it did she realize maybe Kauri wouldn't like her saying that. "He hurt him a lot, okay? Trust me." April nodded firmly.
 
Corrine knew that Tristan was lying, but she didn't say anything to combat him. It wasn't until he'd walked away that she realized she'd been white knuckling her cup of juice, and she relaxed slightly, her shoulders dropping. She had the feeling that he wouldn't be speaking to her any time soon, and Corrine realized that she was alright with that. After what she'd overheard him say to Kauri and the way he'd just behaved, she realized that she was fine if that happened. Not wanting to stand around and risk Tristan coming back to say something to her, Corrine headed in the direction he hadn't been headed, tugging down her dress on occasion. She had no idea how Xena wore this thing.
 
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