Dreams Come True ((Mack))

[Jack Rendel S5]

Today wasn't just any day for Jack Rendel. Today was the day of the Halloween Ball. Today was the day he had been looking forward to for a few weeks. He had been so excited and had spent so much time on his out-fit. Jack brushed his hair calmly, taking peace in the serene face that represented himself in the mirror. How could he look so calm when really he was bursting inside? Jack set down the comb slowly, bitting his lip. Today was the day he would go with Mackenzie. It was almost like a real date. No, it was. Jack knew it. He had asked her, so it counted as one. What was Mack going as? Jack tried to move his lips as a smirk but they cracked and bleed horribly. Jack grimaced instead. When would he get everything the way he wanted it?

He was scared. Nervous. He had never gone to a Ball before. He should have. Experience was a good thing in this case. Jack's fingers went to his hair again. One more hour. He had gone up early to prepare. Not many boys do so, but he was one of the few that hadn't gone to a Ball before. And, he wanted to look his best. Tonight, he really did care. He made a huge effort to make his hair look good and make it stay down. After about a hundred brushes, it had worked rather well. Jack was worried over it the whole time, running his fingers through the dark mess. Usually, he needed water to help too. In the end, it looked almost perfect. But he didn't want it to be perfect. he wanted it to look like a pirate's hair. In a way. Jack glared at his reflection.

He decided to let the hair go for now and get on the costume. He had made it himself and he was rather proud. Would Mack think the same? He had light gray pants, made of very light material and the ends were rather 'torn-up.' It had a leather belt around his hips, making him appear wider, broader. A light gray shirt that matched the pants was tucked into the belt. He had it so he looked somewhat ruffled but good looking too. He smirked at his appearance. All left now was the boots. The boots were a perfect fit and the golden embroidery that laced the top made it shine in the light. He walked in front of the mirror a few times until pleased. He wore an eye-patch over his left eye, which made everything seem out of focus, hazy. He didn't like it, but how else would people recognize him as a pirate besides that bitter attitude?

The last thing to add was the bandanna. Jack cursed himself for not remembering it sooner; all that time spent on his hair was lost. His hair would be hidden by the red bandanna, which was crested with pirate symbols all over. Father had raided it from a place before; he never mentioned where. Nor did Jack care. The amulet he put around his neck also came from the very same raid. It was made of pure gold and on it encrusted the famous pirate symbol of a skull crossed with two bones. It jingled around when he moved, but that was the point. Pirates had lots of gold. He moved around, watching the reflection in the mirror. It looked perfect, what with the eye-patch and the bandanna. Jack smiled at himself to see how it looked. Brittle was the only word to describe it. Jack knew he wouldn't be able to impress many people but hey, it was a costume in any way. He grimaced at his figure before heading out the door and into the Slytherin common room. He had told Mack to wait for him there and then they would walk together through the dungeons and to the Ball.

[Mackenzie Holden]

Growing up in a very pureblooded household - that thought everything had to be done perfectly - Mack had experienced many balls before. But never as an attendee, but the help. Tonight, however, was different. Jack had asked her, and she had said yes. Normally, she would wonder to herself what in the world would possess her to say yes to going to a noisy dance with bad food and horrible music, but not tonight. She knew what made her want to go, and it was simply him. Of course, out loud, she would never admit it. But inside she was glowing. On the outside, Mack hoped no one could see how ecstatic she was. She was trying to keep her cool - and by looking in the mirror at herself, she saw that she looked like she always did; despite the costume.

Her red hair was hard to work into the costume. Very hard. She didn't know many people or things with red hair. If she had kept her blonde hair - she could have been Cinderella, from that Muggle fairy tale she had read while she was supposed to clean the attic. If her hair was black she could find something creepy to be, but she didn't have blonde or black hair. She was stuck with red. Mack groaned as she fiddled with the dark lace that was her skirt. She had owled Cynthia in hopes she would know of something she could be, and what did good old half-blood Cyn say? "Ooh! Be Rose from Titanic! Your hair is perfect for it, Mack! All you have to do, is wear a...oh...well... here's a picture. Follow it!" And she did.

So now, all complete in her beauty, Mack wore an ivory dress that trailed the floor. She liked the feeling of the material on her legs, but the top part of the dress was crushing her. She wore white heels - didn't know what kind they were, she found them somewhere in Dixie's trunk which she had so kindly left for Mack before she went to the looney bin. Her red hair was done up, in a kind of pony tail, but it had ringlets falling down and her stray hairs were ringlets as well. Two pieces of hair framed her face, but as...ringlest, surprise surprise. She wore a white diamond necklace that rested gracefully on her neck, and there was a slight touch of make-up on her face. And to finish the costume, she carried an old fashioned purse/bag/thing. She didn't like it. But it accented the costume.

Jack had said he was going as a pirate. He hadn't an idea what she was going as. And unless he has seen this, Titanic movie, which Mack hadn't even seen - he probably wouldn't have a clue as to who she was. Hell, she didn't have a clue as to who she was. All she knew is - she looked like some Victorian lady and not at all like a fairy princess. Mack sighed, with one last look at herself. She then picked up her dress above her ankles lightly - so she wouldn't trip on it, and headed out toward the common room. It was noisy. Crowded. Actually, completely reversed to what it normally was. Mack let her eyes wander over the costumes, none she liked. She shrugged - and her eyes caught onto Jack's costume. She let a semblance of a grin slip onto her face, and walked over to him. She reached out, tapped him on the shoulder, and curtsied before breathing; "You laugh. You die. But you look great!" She threatened then complimented. Mack was twisted.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack hated it, standing here. Where was Mack? It seemed like everyone was watching him, wondering what he was doing, just waiting for someone who wasn't there. Jack glared at everyone in sight. He didn't like anyone else's costume. Not that he liked his. He hated his. Damn eye patch didn't allow him to see anything on his left side. The bandanna was itchy and the clothes were so thin he became cold. He growled under his breath at several students, not even looking their way as he did so. He wasn't sure what to do in the time he would wait, so he remained standing, shifting from one foot to another. I must look like an idiot, Jack thought with a snarl on his lips. Standing here, doing nothing but shifting from foot to foot. Waiting, waiting for anything to happen. Jack was relived when he heard footsteps coming down from the girls' dorm. He had, indeed, been standing so close to the door that he could hear every movement beyond that.

Jack stepped away from the door and pretended to be at ease with everything around him. He wanted to look like he hadn't been desperately awaiting Mack's arrival to get away from the full common room. When Mack appeared, Jack couldn't help but cover a snicker. Mack in a dress was a rare sight. Her hair was also looking very nice, especially how it framed her face so well. Jack covered his laughter just as Mack curtsied for him, adding on a threat. He smiled at her, but looked down as she complimented his costume. "Thanks, but I can't say I like it. Your's looks wonderful, though! The dress is very..er...unusual." Jack grinned at her. Tonight was a night to just relax and have fun.

"So, do you want to leave now for the dance and get away from this hole? Or we could just sit down and relax for a while. It's entirely up to you." Jack smirked and brushed off a stray string on his gray shirt. He was beginning to really dislike it more and more. He looked at Mack's dress and hair once again. She was obviously being something for the Ball, but what? Jack couldn't exactly place his finger on who she was for tonight. He bit his tongue, trying to consider if Mack would care if he asked her about it. A slight shrug lifted his shoulders. "Mind telling me what you are too? I'm sure I'll know it once you tell me."

[Mackenzie Holden]

Mack raised an eyebrow, "You're laughing at me." She accused with a trace of hatred in her voice. She sent him a quick glare before taking out her wand and muttering an encantation. She tapped her head - and suddenly her clothes changed. Her red hair fell down in soft locks and rested on her shoulders lightly. She wore a green top that looked like it had flowers growing up to the neckline. Her dress turned into a pair of jeans and she wore black boots. On her neck was a necklace that had a gem that shone brilliantly, and her make-up was done in Earthly colours. Mother Nature. She sighed and tilted her head, her earrings clinking lightly as she looked at Jack - "I was this Rose character from this Muggle movie...don't ask - long story. But I much perfer Mother Nature."

"As for the choices I was so kindly presented with - let's go to the ball. Get away from this...it's too unusual when it's crowded like this. Come on!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the common room, pushing past people and nearly throwing someone into a near by tapestry. She was in such a rush to get out of the common room - she didn't even realize the trail of golden dust she left behind. That is, until plants started to sprout from the dust. Mack looked over her shoulder - her eyes wide; "Wow. When they said real effects, they weren't joking." She let another fake grin break over her face - and she pulled Jack out the portrait hole. Her heeled boots clicked as she walked up the flight of stairs to the next level. She looked at him with an arched eyebrow and said; "Did I really look that bad in that dress?"

"Why else would you be laughing at me? I'm positive I didn't make any funny remarks - or tell a joke." She pretended to be offended. Her blue eyes locked with Jack's and she felt the tears well up. She wondered, if she did this well enough - could he see through? Could he actually tell she was only kidding and that he needn't to worry? If he didn't. Oh well.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack smiled as Mack accused him of laughing. He didn't feel like lying but heck, he didn't feel like adding any icing on top of the cake. He tilted his head to the side as Mack did a rather complicated form of spell and made her clothing change. He was slightly surprised at what she decided to become. Mother Nature was a very powerful figure, so it fit in a way. Plus, Mack liked Nature. Jack pulled on his pirate costume with even more dislike. He thought about how Mack had changed her appearance and, with a touch of curiosity, changed his too. His gray pants and shirt became red and orange, his pants became the same color and a golden circlet went around his head. Jack cocked his head at Mack.

"Mother Nature simply cannot go with a pirate," he grinned at her while walking over to the mirror in the common room. He was surprised at what he saw. He was no longer the normal Jack Rendel. The red and orange had a strange appearance on him and the circlet made him appear god-like. A prince. Jack spun around to face Mack again. "I'll be the God of Fire this time. It fits well, doesn't it?" Jack walked back to her with a fresh smile. He had smiled a lot this evening. What a difference it made on his muscles. He realized that Mack might not know who the God of Fire was exactly. "Father always taught me in a different type of religion then most," he relented. It was always hard for Jack to talk to others about his past, but it seemed unnaturally easy with Mackenzie. "He told me there was a God of everything, see. Mother Nature, God of Fire, God of Lightening, God of Wind, God of Water.... and much more. I just thought God of Fire would look more suiting on my appearance and personality."

Jack had never heard of Rose before, but he didn't ask about it. He let Mack drag him out of the heavily populated common room without protest. He did, however, widen his eyes and blink quickly as plants sprouted out of the golden dusk following Mack. "Wow? That's all?" He asked with a teasing glint in his eyes. He smirked as Mack continued on her way to the Great Hall, looking at him only to ask about the dress. "No. You looked absolutely stunning. You just surprised me, that's all. I mean, I've just never seen you in a dress before except at the tea party at the horse race, right?" Jack watched as tears sprang to Mack's eyes. Had he really been that mean about the dress? He crossed his arms over his chest, trying not to look distressed. "Is anything...wrong?" He asked hesitantly, almost afraid Mack might explode on him.

[Mackenzie Holden]

Mack shuddered; "Don't mention that horrid place ever again - horrid horrid memories." She whispered with her eyes closed. The familiar sting of her father's hand on her face arose unwelcomingly and she pushed the feeling away before opening her eyes and looking at Jack who was asking if she was alright. It had worked. She smiled a small smile and nodded; "No, I'm fine. Was just seeing what your reaction would be if the thought of you laughing at me actually hurt my feelings. I knew I looked ridiculous in that dress - I was just wondering what your opinion on it would be." Mack looked down the corridor toward the Great Hall, her eyes glittering with anxiety and excitement. As she turned her head to look at Jack again, her red curls bounced and sent gold glitter flying into the air.

"Shall we continue on in to the over populated Great Hall where there is bad food and even worse music?" Mack raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow and tilted her head questioningly at him. They could always skip the wretched dance - hang out in the courtyard or go down to the lake, but then they would have both gotten all dressed up for nothing and that would be a total waste of Mackenzie's time. She didn't like things that wasted her time - it made her antsy and out of her element. She had to be continuously busy, her hands had to be doing something, or she had to be concentrating on one particular thing. Maybe they could go in, dance for a bit, then head out? Maybe then it wouldn't be a total waste of time. Mack blinked as she shoved the plans out of her mind. Not tonight. She was just going to let the night take her where it may.

There was a small stretch of silence before Mack let a false conversation roll over in her mind. Lately Mack had been having these, with Dixie. In a way, Mack had always looked to Dixie for guidance in tough spots- especially when it came to boys. Dixie always seemed to know what to do, or say, or how to act around them - and Mack admired her for that more than she admired herself for her talents. Belittling herself came as a second nature when she was around Dixie, but the only time she didn't do it was when she was taking notes on what Dixie was saying or how she was acting, what her body language was like. While she was getting ready, Mack was wondering if Jack was the kind of guy who liked the kind of girl Dixie was. But Jack didn't seem to like Dixie - at all, in any way, shape, or form; so Mack had moved the way Dix was - aside. She would just have to trust herself with her thoughts tonight, instead of her sister's. Speaking of. "Mum sent me a letter the other day. Inside was an update on Dix. She's doing much better, apparently - they are thinking of releasing her in a month or two. But if I know Dixie, then she isn't really sane. She's faking it. Acting. Showing them what they want to see when she is supposed to, and being insane when they aren't looking. She was always good at lying." Mack sent him a sideways look before adding on, "I'm going to visit her in two weeks - you and Padme should come, I mean; if you want. I know..." She trailed off and licked her bottom lip lightly; "I know I would find it easier if you were there with me when I went."

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack smirked at Mack as he rolled her eyes. "Must you always do something sneaky? Couldn't you have come out and asked me whatever you wanted to know? It would have made things a lot easier on yourself." He shook his head with a small smile. Mack was always surprising him. This was just another addition to the huge list. Jack knew that Mack was just being herself, and that's what he liked. Mackenzie Holden being herself, not some other person. Not Mr. Holden, not Mrs. Holden, not anyone but herself. Jack tried to do the same, but he somehow managed to fail. Now, he had just managed to change himself into someone else entirely. Already, he was changing back though. All these smiles felt strange on his lips.

He looked toward the Great Hall as Mack mentioned it and asked if they should go on. He was nervous and excited at the same time, which wasn't a good mix for his nerves. With a few blinks, he nodded. "Yes. We might as well get going. We should go to the dance as planned." He did a side glance at her. Did she want to go do something else? They could always go out on the Grounds, look at the sky, whatever. Jack shrugged it off; if she wanted to go, she would tell him so. Without hesitation, he took Mack's hand and started toward the commotion which only meant the Ball was under way. "Bad food and bad music?" Jack asked while raising a quick eyebrow. "Or are you just in a bad mood?" He teased. "Anyway, I'm pretty hungry and I'm not a dancer at heart, as you already know. I'm about as good as that as I am cheerleading."

Jack quickly lost his smirk as Mack mentioned Dixie. He wasn't sure if he would be able to see Dixie without feeling guilty, completely and utterly guilty. When she had come around to Padme's house, he could have possibly down something to help her instead of get in a fight with Jamie. He could have done something to help her, stop her from coming insane. Jack looked up at Mack as she said Dixie was probably lying about it. "Lying about her sanity? I really doubt that, Mack. Even that's far fetched for your sister." Jack bit his lip. He didn't want to sound too close to Dixie; ineed, he had barely talked to her before the time they had met at Padme's house. Once or twice, but that was all. He looked down at the ground and shifted around uncomfortably. "Padme will be going to see Dixie. She thinks of her more as a sibling then I. And...I'll go." Jack looked back up and put on a quick smile that wasn't true.

"So, let's go see what this Ball is like." He paraded forward, holding on to Mack's hand all the way.

[Mackenzie Holden]

Mack smirked and looked at Jack with her head tilted to the left a bit, "Now - if I came right out and said what I wanted to know, that wouldn't be me in the least bit would it. Besides - it's more fun to do it my way." Mack tucked her hair behind her ear and thought about her attitude at the moment, was it something she could have all the time - or was it something that she needed to change? She wasn't sure. Not in the least bit. Jack didn't seem to have any complaints on how she was acting which was a good thing, because she didn't want Jack to suddenly "lose interest" in her. She didn't know how she could take, losing him.

They headed into the Ball, and Jack asked something that made Mack genuinly smile; "Answer me this, when am I not in a bad mood? I always have an air of hostility around me, or I am angry or frustrated at someone. That or I am deeply depressed and I want to die. Tell me a day where I didn't have something wrong, and I will love you forever. I have enough drama in my life for ten of me, and yet it doesn't seem to faze me when I put it aside for a special night; like this." Mack grinned and looked around her at all the costumes of everyone - at all the laughing people. Where do they all come from? How is it that someone could be so happy? Constantly? And if they can do it, why can't she? Is it the house of Slytherin that is cursed with not being able to be happy their lives or is it the people? Mack shook her head to rid herself of these thoughts and focused on Jack.

"Lying about her sanity? I really doubt that, Mack. Even that's far fetched for your sister," He was saying. Mack shook her head. Apparently he didn't know Dix. She would do anything in her power - to get what she wanted, and right now she wasn't where she wanted to be. Dixie wanted to be at school - sane -like everyone else, but that wasn't going to happen unless the doctors said she was perfectly fine. Dixie was good at lying, especially about things like this. Mack had once found cuts on her arms - and Dixie hadn't lied about what happened, rather she had twisted the story so it looked like she did it because of Mack, and that made Mack feel bad - resulting in Mack punishing herself. Dixie was twisted that way, and Mack would never forget it. She thought about telling Jack the story, but decided against it and let the statement dull away. She looked at him, her eyes pleading. When he agreed to go, she hugged him.

"Thanks, I don't know how to tell you how much this means to me." She whispered before letting go. They then walked into the Great Hall, where the actual ball was held. Mack looked around - hiding her awe behind a stationary face. She didn't feel like showing her surprise at how done up the Great Hall looked. She would much rather make fun of it and leave the party, but her feet stayed rooted to the ground and her jaw remained clenched shut. They really did know how to spice the place up, didn't they? Whoever they were. Mack looked at Jack and shrugged; "What do we do now? I've been to balls before - but not anything like this. MOst of the time it was with my parents, and I was forced to dance with little imbeciles."

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack smirked at her. "Are you just going to use that promise you made and throw it in my face?" He asked, but it was a teased smile that his lips formed. Not a mean one. Jack wasn't sure if he could ever smile at Mack in a cruel, mean way. It would destroy whatever heart he had left, and that wasn't much, mind you. Jack shook his head as Mack said it was more fun. He thought it was just a game of toy, and he didn't enjoy being the one to guess. If that's what Mack wanted to do though, then he wouldn't protest. Mackenzie was Mackenzie. He wasn't going to be the one to change her in the end. Jack smiled softly. "You can say that if you like confusing me." He replied, still shaking his head.

"Come now, you're not all that bad." Jack said with a smile as Mack talked about her flickering emotions. He was always on the run with her, but he didn't mind. Sadly, Mack's problems helped take his mind off his own. It was slightly selfish, but he still tried to help Mack! It wasn't like he was...was deserting her or something! Jack smirked at Mack as he thought over any days she had not been angry or depressed. Jack's mind rolled over the many times he had met Mack, and his thoughts landed on the first times he had met her. "Well, the time we danced at that....one place. Can't remember the name... And when you met me for the first time with that Vika girl. You seemed in a fairly good mood." Jack smirked slightly. At the place they had danced, Mack had become drunk before hand. The time she met Jack and that Vika-freak was when swear words poured from her mouth. Jack rolled his eyes onto Mack. She was right in a way. She did have trouble remaining happy, and Jack felt sorry for her. And for himself.

Jack's eyes widened with surprise when Mack hugged him. He was pleased at the same time, but who would show that? Jack wanted to jump for joy but contained himself as he nodded sheepishly. Damn, he had just lost what confidence he had built on this whole night just by a hug!? Jack bit his lip, feeling foolish and kiddy-like. He should go up. After all, he had been on more then one date before. But that hadn't been exactly the same.... He looked around at the Great Hall with surprise yet again showing on his face. He hadn't paid attention to what was happening around him, nor where his feet were taking him. The Great Hall was truly decked out for the occasion. He was pleasantly surprised by that as well, but this surprise he didn't show. It wasn't so much as a shock anyway. With a shrug that matched Mack's he finally spoke up.

"Whatever you want to do." He said with another shrug. It must have sounded like he had no free-will. Could he possibly do anything right tonight? He looked at Mack and tried to find what she was thinking. The way she had spoken, asking what they wanted to do with a shrug like that, made Jack feel as if she didn't feel welcome or comfortable at the Ball. He himself felt very out of place, especially in the stuffy costume. He picked up Mack's hand without a word and led her to the food right away. He was starving, so he figured that was the first place to go. He sat down at a nearly empty table and pulled Mack down with him. "Now, what do you think of the Ball?" He asked, trying not to sound to interfering. He just wanted to see what she thought, and if she wasn't enjoying this, he would take her elsewhere. When Mack was happy, he was happier then usual. Let's leave it at that.

[Mackenzie Holden]

Mack followed him toward the table of food,and then sat down next to him. He asked her what she thought of the ball. In all honesty she thought the great hall looked amazing; but Mack, being a Slytherin would never admit that. She shrugged and smirked; "They could do a bit better with the music. But other than that it appears to be fine. Then again, you can't exactly judge something by just what it appears to be - can you?" Mack looked at him with a questioning eyebrow. Sometimes a person had to judge something on appearances though, because if they didn't they could be caught off guard too many times. Being caught off guard could sometimes be good, it kept the person on their toes - but too much of being caught of guard made one weak and gullible. Mack knew this from experience.

The music continued to play as she sat there, looking at everyone. Wondering if she should be enjoying the ball or criticsizing it. Both of the ideas sounded like fun, but she couldn't make up her mind whether or not to do one or the other. Actually, at the moment she was too nervous to even think straight - let alone make a clear headed decision. Her palms were sweating her vision was doubled. She kept biting her bottom lip in fright and she had no idea what to talk about. Why was it so difficult for her tonight? It was never like this before. She could always just talk about random things with Jack. Is it because this night is formalities? No that couldn't possibly be it. Could it? Was he as nervous as she was or could he handle this and she the only one who couldn't? Mack chewed her bottom lip, but caught herself before the music turned to another song. She looked around and then sighed.

"Alright," She said mostly to herself but to him as well, "I can't just sit here. C'mon." Mack stood up and grabbed his hand - leading him onto the dance floor. Not really caring if he was annoyed or if he was angry at her for taking charge. But Mack couldn't sit there. She would drive herself insane. If there was one thing Mack noticed and learned when she was younger, was there is a difference a big one - between a ball and a club. For instance, dancing at a ball always involved touching - no matter what beat of music. This was one thing Mack despised. Dancing at a club was free, careless. You just moved. Not at a ball. This music was moderate speed, but still. There was touching. She took Jack's hand, and smiled - wondering again if he were as nervous as she; "You don't have two left feet do you?"

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack smirked at Mack. "I enjoyed the club's music better then this, but you're right, this is fine." He returned his gaze to the dance floor. Lots of people were over there dancing, and here he and Mack sat, watching it all. It made his stomach swim slightly, but he wasn't afraid. If anything, he was just as aloof as he usually was. He picked up a bottle of butterbeer and took a sip, relishing the feeling of the warm substance going down his throat. It made him feel even better, but he could feel Mack's uneasiness. He wasn't sure how to handle that. Now, what should he say to her if she was nervous? Why was she nervous? Jack looked around, half expecting someone to be watching them. That would be a good reason, but he didn't see anything. Jack swiveled back on the bench. So what was it? He nibbled at a piece of corn bread on the table, but found no hunger.

The music changed and Jack looked up. It was a slightly slower beat. He hated slow music. Especially dancing to it. All you did was move five feet to the left or whatever the hell spaces and then forward, backward, and right. At least, that might have been the order. How cared anyway? He had no intention of dancing to this song, but when he was suddenly swept up by Mack, he found that he would be dancing to this song. Surprised and frustrated, Jack bit his tongue on his protest. Who knows? If he didn't dance to this song, Mack might just say enough and not dance at all. Jack didn't want to dance a lot, but he had come to this ball and at balls you dance. Jack swallowed back any words but blinked in confusion as Mack asked if he had two left feet.

"What?" Jack raised an eyebrow and looked down at his feet to prove his point. One foot was on the left side and the other on his right. Not two on the left. What was Mack talking about. "No...." He burrowed his brows at her. She was always different, but sometimes that could be as refreshing as a breeze going through a desert. It brought some light to a boring day. He remembered they were on the dance floor and quickly took Mack's hand and put his other hand on her waist. "I hope this is right," he said quickly, "I don't dance like this a lot but it's what I think you do...." He shrugged and started the dance. Back, forward, left, right, repeat. Somehow, he got through the slow dance and he let go of Mack, almost embarrassed. "What now?" he asked, not meeting her eyes. "Another dance or food? I think I want a drink real quick..." He dragged Mack over to the food table and took a sip of the butterbeer he had early. "I don't like slow dances much, you?" He asked, just to make conversation instead of silence.

[Mackenzie Holden]

It took all the power inside of Mack not to laugh at Jack's confusion about the two left feet thing, and it took all the power in her to not spring apart from him when the song was over. It wasn't she didn't like him, God was that the complete opposite, but it was she hated the song. She hated the slowness. Before she could say that, she was dragged back to the food table and Jack was talking about how he hated slow songs. A smirk appeared on Mack's face; "I don't as well, which is why..." She said before she picked up a goblet with pumpkin juice in it. She downed it and turned to him again; "The next song we will dance to is faster. Livlier. Then we can do anything you want." She hoped she didn't appear to be taking charge. Well, hell, she actually kind of was.

Mack grabbed a pumpkin pasty and pulled it apart as she ate it, slowly. The way she always did things. Ok, so maybe not always. Normally Mack dived into something. Head first. Waiting for what will come. That was what made her Mackenzie, but lately it's been slow walking - watch your step - don't tread on the cracks you'll break your back - type of thing. Normally she's out there - wild and crazy fun. Mack sighed, trying to remember that old girl. The one who could get any guy to fall for her. But now she didn't just want any guy to fall for her. Any guy wouldn't do. One guy. And this guy made her completely nervous, naseauted, but all at the same time lightheaded. Maybe though, that old girl was who he was attracted to - if he was attracted to her at all. But Mack had changed. Since third year. She had changed. And not just by appearnace - by personality as well.

The music changed to a very fast beat, and Mack let her eyes wander over the dancers. They were all still touching - but they were waltzing at a very extravagant speed. And then there were those who didn't know how to waltz and they were sitting with their dates at the table looking at all the costumes. Some were slipping away into the courtyard. Mack sighed, for the tenth time, and turned to Jack with a smile; "Do you want to dance? Or go somewhere where I can let my hair out and be myself? As you can possibly tell, I'm not me in this...this place. Tonight."

[Jack Rendel S5]

"Right," Jack said with a small smile. He didn't mind Mack taking over what they were doing; he had no idea what to do himself. He just wanted to get this Ball over with. He didn't like to dance, unless it was the club dancing he had done with Mack that one time. That had been fun. Just being loose and free, dancing however you wanted. Instead of holding hands and all that ghastly stuff... It just wasn't Jack's style. Frankly, he didn't even feel good at being here. He had wanted to ask Mack out to the Ball, but not something like this. Not something like this. He couldn't dance and Mack wanted him to have two left feet or something....

Jack sighed. He was confused and nervous, not sure where to look next. He watched Mack eat but his eyes were more on the door. He wasn't this desperate! Honestly, he must look lost in a crowd of strangers. Like a little kid. But Jack wasn't a little kid. Not anymore. He picked up a butterbeer and sipped it slowly. He wasn't really thirsty, nor was he hungry. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do, and as he became more befuddled, his nerves became frazzled. He chewed on a pumpkin pastry but didn't taste it and bit into a licorice wand that tasted like rubber. Yuck. What could make this night worse? Maybe Mack would just abandon him. That would be bad. Then he'd be really lost. He watched the dancers as the danced really fast. Wonderful. Was this what Mack expected him to do? His eyes widened. Bloody hell!

"Wha..." Jack said. He had been so engulfed in his own thoughts he had heard Mack's voice, but hadn't registered what she was saying. "Oh," he straightened up and blinked. "Let's get out of here, if you don't mind. I really can't dance like...like...that." Jack nodded toward the dance floor. "And I need to get some fresh air." He stood up quickly and stepped away from the snack table. Thank god they were leaving. He was glad Mack had suggested it and not him. He was being a baby. Jack bit his lip and looked up at the ceiling. Where would they go? The courtyard? Or the Grounds? He wanted to be alone with Mack, but not completely alone. Damn, why was he so nervous? Jack's blue eyes found Macks'. "Ready? Let's go outside, at least. Maybe to the lake?" Jack suggested, putting a smirk on his face. It didn't look normal, nor did it feel normal, but slowly he felt himself slipping into the normal Jack Rendel. He took Mack's hand and lead her to the doors.

((I've been gone too long. That was a sad immitation of Jack, but I wanted to reply, so...yep. Just bear with me please. I think it'll get better after a little. I think. ))

[Mackenzie Holden]

Mack grinned lopsidedly and nodded. Yes. To the lake was fine and dandy. She was hoping she would relax there for a bit. Being here, stuck in this uptight ball wasn't going to help her nerves any. Why was it that she was so nervous? She was always with Jack. But, maybe it was because she was never on a date with Jack? Would this be considered a date? Mack's mind was a whirl of thoughts, and it was going at a million times a minute. At this rate - Jack could say something and Mack would completely miss what he said, then she would answer with something completely irrelevant. She allowed herself to be lead outside, and then she could breathe. Literally. The cool night air filled her lungs, reassuring her, and her pulse slowed down to the regular beat.

"Wonderful," She breathed as she looked up at the night sky. She looked at Jack sideways and smiled; "C'mon. Let's go to the lake. Probably quieter there." She grabbed his hand this time, and pulled him quickly through the courtyard and out onto the grounds. Her heeled boots sinking into the damp grass. Mack didn't mind. She owned many more pairs. She was just glad they weren't suede. Suede would be utterly ruined and she would be devestated. They continued walking on, in what seemed to be a heavy silence - but Mack wasn't silence. Not in her mind. Her heart quickened again and she could feel heat rise to her cheeks. Finally the lake came into view. Beautiful in the nights darkness. Glassy and elegant. Around winter, the lake froze - and Mack went ice skating on it. But this was how she liked it. Magnificent in it's darkness.

Mack went a little closer to the edge of the lake and sat down, undoing her boots and rolling up the ends of her jeans. She grinned back at Jack as she stood, and stepped into the freezing water. Mack gasped a bit before she sighed and continued in further. She waded into the water until it almost touched where she had rolled her jeans to. She looked back at Jack and smiled again; "C'mon! Chicken! It's nice!" She splashed the water out toward him but it hardly reached him. She sent him a daring raise of her eyebrow and waited for his response.

((Sorry for the EXTREMELY late reply. But I hadn't been in much of a Mack mood until yesterday and now. I understand if you just want to leave it be. ))

[Jack Rendel S5]

((Aww, Mack, how could I let this post die? I know I haven't replied for quite a while either, but meh, I'm replying now! ))

Jack sighed and breathed in the cold, yet strangely refreshing air that only offered comfort. He felt better. So much more free. He knew that the Grounds would be better then the Ball, but this was so much easier on him. He didn't have to worry about the dance, food, music, blah. All of the stuff Jack wasn't used to and didn't want to become an expert on. It was nice to be out where he belonged. Outside. Every year of his schooling at Hogwarts, the Grounds had been one of his favorite places to just come and relax. It was different from being stuck in a dusty mansion, which was most of the reason Jack felt drawn to it. He nodded at Mack, a smile crossing through his lips.

"It is nice, isn't it? Better then the Ball, anyway." said Jack with a small laugh. He was so relieved it had to come out somehow, and laughing seemed appealing. Jack let Mack pull him around the grounds after deciding the lake would be nice. Lake? Oh, yeah. He had proposed that they go there before, hadn't he? Jack felt completely winded of his last actions. It was like this was a whole new beginning/world place and he forgot or didn't want to remember what he had done in the Ball. He felt free here and that, thank god, was more then enough reason to forget about the other part of the night. Jack was beginning to get annoyed with his costume, however. It was.... annoying! It wasn't like jeans; what he was used to. He tried to ignore it, but it wouldn't let him, and as he walked down to the lake, he began to get more and more agitated. He was shaken out of this mood as he watched Mack take off her boots and roll up her pants. What was she doing? It soon became clear what was on her mind; she waded into the lake until the water got almost as high as her jeans.

"Hell no!" Jack shouted out to her. Get in that water? No way! Jack knew just by looking at it that it was cold. It was nearing winter and he most certainly didn't want to get a cold or flu or whatever nasty sicknesses you can get from cold water. Jack eyed it with disdain, but felt a tug to go join Mack in the water. There was no fun on land anyway... Jack sighed with resigned gusto as he sat down on the bank and pulled off his own shoes and rolled up his pants to about where Mack had hers. When he stood up, he saw that Mack had splashed water at him. He shivered even though none of the drops had actually hit him. He could tell that it would have been freezing had it done just that! Now that he was ready, going back would make him a 0chicken. Jack made the same heavy sigh noise again and waded into the water after Mack. The cold water splashed at his ankles and he shivered uncontrollably. "It's freezing," he shouted at Mack while rolling her eyes, envisioning her laughing at him as he continued to shake. Jack smirked and drew closer and closer to her until he was just a few inches away. It went a little farther then where he had pulled up his clothes, but did it matter? Nah. He had magic on his side. With that smirk still on his face, Jack quickly (without even hesitating) tackled Mack into the water, making not only her soaked, but him as well.

"I hope those clothes weren't too expensive," Jack said when he resurfaced, blinking the water off his lashes with a satisfied 'I got you before you got me' look.

[Mackenzie Holden]

((Another late reply, but hey, at least I'm replying, eh?))

Mack rolled her eyes as Jack complained about the coldness of the water - yes, it was cold, but did he have to complain about it. Before Mack could say anything smart about the subject, Jack had tackled her into the water and she had a sharp intake of freezing lake water. They resurfaced and Jack commented on her clothes, saying he hoped they weren't expensive. Mack's jaw dropped as she pushed her hair back and away from her face; "Expensive? Not really. Besides, I can always get money from Mum to replace them." Mack said with a shrug. She ducked underneath the water, and ran her fingers through her hair before resurfacing with seemingly neat hair.

"You...just...you tackled me!" She tilted her head at him as if in disbelief, though she knew that he was sure she was just joking - and that it was quite possible she would have done the exact same thing if she had gotten the chance; hence the look on his face. She swam toward him and then stopped a foot or so away from him, kicking her legs to keep her afloat; "May I ask you why? I wasn't doing anything! Just swimming, an innocent bystander! And here you come, tackling me into the water!" Mack pretended to be appalled. She then burst into a small laugh, "Weren't you the one complaining that it was freezing only moments before?" She asked after she regained her composure.

She splashed him as she said this and then dived back under the chilling water, making sure to splash him with her feet as she kicked further down to the bottom of the lake. Her eyes open, so she could see as much as she could. Mack took out her wand and muttered, "Lumos." But this caused her to breathe in water, so she had to swim back up - spit it out (on Jack) and smile; "C'mon!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him under with her; her wand still lit.

[Jack Rendel S5]

((Yep, replies are good. Late or not. ;D ))

Jack splashed water at her. "Good, because I don't really feel like replacing them with my own money." He smirked and leaned back in the water, kicking his feet above water to keep him afloat, and also to splash Mack at the same time. Talk about multi-talented. Jack closed his eyes and leaned back, just relaxing. The cool water felt good after being stuck in that costume for an hour or so. And dancing in the Ball, bah. Heck to the Ball. It hadn't been any fun anyway, and him and Mack had more fun outside it then inside it. Maybe they weren't meant to do something like that. They both just weren't... up to something like that? Being alone in the lake was better then being anywhere else, and Jack was happy for it.

"Innocent bystander?" Jack gave a small laugh, his eyes still closed. "I'm sure you were thinking up something to make me soaking wet. I just decided to do something before you, thus sacrificing my own clothes in the process." Jack snorted and opened one eye to glance at Mack. It was hard to stay afloat anymore, with the clothes beginning to soak up the water. Jack kicked harder to stay afloat, letting the water splash everywhere. He smiled at Mack innocently. "It was cold! Really. But - like I said before - it was worth it. And now we're both cold, not just me." Jack did a little shiver as if to prove this, and eyed Mack, looking like he was waiting for her to do the same. He laughed and put his feet down, letting him go into a normal position just as water hit him. Water that came out of Mack's mouth.

"Did you... just... spit on me?" Jack asked, mortified and flabbergasted. "You did, didn't you?" He pouted, crossing his arms over his chest. Whether the motion was seen or not, he didn't care. He ducked under the water, bent back his head, and came back up, just so his hair wasn't in his face. Honestly, it was getting long. By now it was just a little farther then his ears and was getting somewhat annoying, but long hair suited Jack. He pushed it back a little farther from his eyes, still with a pouting face. He then realized that Mack had done Lumos with her wand. He raised an eyebrow; "What are you do - ?" He began, but was pulled under, thus sucking up lots of water. He gasped, but clamped his mouth shut as more water rushed in. He needed air. Trying to pull upward, he was stopped because Mack had his hand. Oh, wonderful! He tugged harder, and gained his air - and brought Mack up with him. After breathing in deeply, Jack glared at her, but for some reason couldn't keep it on his face. He just couldn't be angry with her. "I got water in my mouth." He explained, feeling foolish now that they were above water. "Had to breathe, you know. So - mind explaining what you want to do before dragging me under water again?"