Why is This Time Different?

[Danielle Gates]

What was supposed to be a solo attendance in Yule Ball turned into something otherwise. Danielle was surprised when a familiar voice spoke up behind her while she was choosing some drinks from the snack bar. Silus Hollister was behind her, wearing his usual ensemble but this time more polished than the before with a crisp, white button down and his ink colored leather jacket. His hair was still in its tousled style yet she could detect a fresh mint smell in him. Just like their unique friendship, the Yule Ball date invitation was not done in a conventional way. Asking her on the night of the ball rather than the days prior was just the icing on the cake.

The night was fun and she enjoyed herself more than before. She was actually happy that the Ravenclaw was there despite the different schedules they had. Both of them had been busy to hang out and exchange banter and jokes. Most of the students already cleared out from the hall and some went out to enjoy the cool night. They were among those students taking advantage of the occasion to step out of the castle. Now, they were back where they first met. Danielle made her way to the spot that Silus favored and took a seat on the soft grass. She took off her shoes and gave her feet a massage. The shoes were adorable but as the night went on, they were taking a toll on her feet. "Finally!", she let out a laugh.

 

[Silus Hollister]

Silus was glad he'd asked her to be with him at the Yule Ball -- even if he didn't necessarily know what compelled him to do so. It was all very spur of the moment, but when he saw her standing there, the reasoning behind it all seem to clarify itself a little. He couldn't help but admire the way she looked. Her hair trailing past her shoulders in an elegant braid, how her dress caught in the light, and how happy her face looked. Danielle Corelli was a very pretty girl Silus admitted then and there. He was unsure of what his feelings really were towards the Hufflepuff, but he knew he enjoyed her company. She made things more interesting than they would be were she not there.

They had taken the opportunity to leave the hall with its many occupants and opted for Silus' favored spot out by the lakefront. He was relieved she seemed to wish for an escape from the business as well. The lakefront was beautiful out, the moon casting it's cool light over them and shining over the darkened waters. The Ravenclaw grinned and let out a small chuckle when his friend opted to remove her shoes. With his index he gingerly scooped one up by the strap and inspected as if it were a weapon. "You could seriously injure someone with these, Corelli." He stated, slightly amused, but also marveling at how she could walk in them.

 

[Danielle Gates]

Danielle enjoyed Silus' company despite the difference of their personalities. Funny how they still found some common ground whenever they talked. He made her see things at a new angle while making the usual conversations much more alive and interesting.

Danielle laughed at Silus' remark about her shoes. How he scooped her shoes by the strap like it was some dangerous thing. She gently retrieved it from him by one hand, at the same time pulling him down to sit beside her. "Very funny,Hollister.", she replied. The evening was cool with the breeze from the lake blowing past them. Silly of her not to bring her scarf or jacket. She rubbed one arm on her shoulder to ease the feeling. "How unique of you to invite someone to the dance on the day of the dance,Hollister.",she commented as she looked at the Ravenclaw sideways.

 

[Silus Hollister]

Now seated, Silus smirked playfully at Corelli as she made her reply to his quip. He was suffiently warm in his heavy leather jacket and didn't notice how the air had turned chillier since they'd first arrived. That was until he looked over to see Danielle rubbing her bare arm. She was dressed for the warmth of the castle, not the crisp air by the lake and Silus felt slightly bad for suggesting they leave the Great Hall. Inwardly groaning at himself, he shrugged his jacket off and offered it to Hufflepuff. He chided himself for acting like a chivalrous fool, but he didn't want her to be cold. Silus also didn't want to leave this place. It was too quiet and beautiful out. That and it felt right to be here where they'd first met than inside with the other students who he didn't relate to.

"It'll fit you perfectly." He teased, knowing fully well it would probably drown her frame and look like a blanket over her.
He bit his lip when she commented on how he'd invited her to the dance on such short notice. "I don't tend to conform to orthodox methods." Silus responded, slightly embarrassed. Now he reflected on it, he'd had to work himself up to the task. Even though they went more on the terms of friends it still made him anxious to do such a thing.

 

[Danielle Gates]

Danielle was supposed to be used to the cold air since she was a part of the Quidditch Team and they often practiced even in cold conditions. However, her dress today was far different than the quidditch uniform. She was surprised when Silus,now beside her, shrugged off his favorite jacket and offered it to her. Her face might have displayed an expression to refuse him because he still made a playful offer with it. Danielle just laughed at this as she accepted the jacket."It indeed fit me.",she played along,as she slipped it on. It was too big for her, yet its size enveloped him in its warmth and Silus' mint scent added to its comfort. "This is so gentleman of you,Hollister.",teasing him playfully.

Hearing his reply about his method of inviting her to the ball,Danielle nodded despite the laugh that tended to escape her mouth. Other girls might not like it but Danielle actually loved it. "Hmm.. This just made the invite even more special,then.",she began, "Or you just did not want me to say no to your invite.",teasing him,nudging him gently on the shoulder. Turning her head to look at him in the eye,she softly added, "But thank you,Hollister. For coming to Yule Ball. And for coming with me." She really appreciated it, knowing that this was his first time to actually attend.

 

[Silus Hollister]

Silus smirked as she played along with her statement about it fitting her. While it maybe didn't fit size wise, the Ravenclaw thought oddly enough that it did look nice on her. He was pleased to see that Danielle looked perfectly warm now, and he sent a small smile her way.
Silus rolled his eyes at the Hufflepuff as she teased him about being a gentleman, but he was only semi-annoyed. "When have I not been the true example of a gentleman, Corelli?" He replied, his icy-blue eyes shining with humor.

The youth repressed a chuckle at Corelli's conclusión of why he'd invited her so late. It was closer to the truth and he was pleasantly amused that she'd figured him out so quickly. She had nudged him on the shoulder and he playfully returned it. Silus wasn't going to admit it verbally, but the look on his face wasn't guarded. He wasn't hiding the fact that she'd guessed pretty accurately.

The dark haired youth smiled back in reply to Danielle thanking him for attending the Yule Ball with her. "This is definitely the most pleasant Yule Ball I've attended." He stated sincerely, and he knew it was because she had been with him. And it was. While Silus had gone a few times before, the night usually ended chaos and hurt feelings.

 

[Danielle Gates]

Danielle burst out laughing upon seeing Silus roll his eyes at the gentleman remark that she made. When asked to give an instance of him not being one, Danielle pretended to ponder the question. Deep inside, she was amazed at how different Silus acted whenever they were together to the Silus that she often heard from other students. A whole minute passed and she sighed exaggeratedly, "You're right. You are the perfect example of a gentleman.", she admitted with humor. "Dominic would love to meet you for that.", she added, her eyes twinkling in amusement. Her older brother/guardian, despite being in his late 30s, was a gentleman and a prankster rolled into one.

Danielle's laughter echoed through the cool evening when Silus nudged her back. She knew that she almost guessed correctly. He would never admit it but looking at his face that she had learned to read some of its emotions proved that she guessed it right.

The sincerity in his voice made the Hufflepuff even happier. However, she could not resist teasing him once more. "Of course, it's the most pleasant Yule Ball for you. You know why? Because you attended with me.", her one hand gestured to herself, laughing as she did so.

 

[Silus Hollister]

Silus' mouth stretched into a cocky grin, and his eyes teasingly said "I told you so." as Danielle admitted jokingly that he was the perfect example of a gentleman. He wasn't fully aware of who Dominic was, but he figured he was an sibling of her's, so he took it as a compliment. The Ravenclaw hoped this Dominic was ruggedly handsome as well since she was comparing them.

Silus matched Danielle's laugh with a relaxed chuckle and he ran a hand through his hair, pushing some of the rogue inky-black strands out of his face. He quirked one of his brows at her as she teased him, and he smirked. "Now, now. I thought I was the proud one here." He replied with mock offense in his voice. "You are, though." He said more seriously after a pause. "You're a very good friend, Corelli." And Silus meant every word. He didn't like being this sweet and sincerely honest, so it was starting to gnaw at him, but the Ravenclaw wanted her to know that he appreciated her.

 

[Danielle Gates]

Danielle burst out laughing at Silus' comeback. The pretend tone of being offended in his voice added more to her amusement. Laughter and exchange of jokes was the perfect way to end this evening. She noticed him running a hand through his hair.The movement may seem arrogant to others but to rhe Hufflepuff, she saw it as his stance of being relaxed around a person and she was pleased that she made him feel that.

Danielle was busy with her thoughts when she heard Silus say that she was a very good friend. The sweetness and sincerity in his voice might be unlikely of him but Danielle recognized the courage to say this out loud. She also felt the same for the Ravenclaw,maybe a bit more which was why she tried to ignore the tiny pang of disappointment at his mention of the word friend. Looking at him in the eyes,she replied,this time on a serious voice as she placed a hand over his. "Thank you. You are a very good.. friend as well,Hollister." Her voice serious yet soft as she did not need to say it loudly.

 

[Silus Hollister]

Silus took a quick glance around at their now dark surroundings and he propped himself up on one knee and then stood up, stretching a hand out to Corelli. "No doubt someone will be out looking for us soon." He stated, brushing some of the earth off his pants. The Ravenclaw looked back at the Hufflepuff, trying to gauge the look on her face. Did he see disappointment there? "Sorry about the dirt." Silus said with a small smile, thinking she was slightly upset that some of it had gotten onto her dress. Once again he was pleased with his decision to be here. Danielle would be graduating soon, and he knew his time at Hogwarts would be lacking in the good times she brought with her.

 

[Danielle Gates]

Danielle burst out laughing when Silus mentioned about someone looking for them. With her friend known to break rules,she teased him as she took the hand being offered, "Are you afraid of getting a detention,Hollister?" She waited for him to finish brushing the dirt off his pants, not bothering with her own dress except for some light patting. It was already dark and there were going back to their dormitories, so no need to make a fuss about it. Silus apologized for the dirt,making her chuckle once more. "The dirt doesn't bother me,Hollister." He might have noticed the look on her face so she had to come up with an excuse."It would be sad to leave this place.",she looked around the grounds."I will miss it here.",glancing back at her friend,"I will miss you,you know. And your sense of humor." ,she added jokingly.