Beltane celebration

[Professor Minerva McGonagall]

Minerva looked at the mirror in her private quarters and patted her hair to make sure not a strand was out of the regular bun at the back of her head. She didn’t exactly approve Ablus’ decision to celebrate Beltane. But even Minerva had to admit that Albus had some very good points. Students and teachers both needed something to take their minds away from troubles boiling everywhere in the magical world. None the less the 1st of May had rolled up and Hogwarts was celebrating Beltane. Not only was it a celebration that would surely be enjoyed by the students as curfew didn’t matter tonight for any students, no matter their year. Beltane was also a pagan holiday so the students would hopefully also learn something about history during the celebration as well.

Minerva looked over her clothes that consisted of her formal green checkered skirt and a white blouse and took a cloak along just in case. The night might be chilly and Minerva wasn’t young enough to run around the grounds all night without a cloak. But then it was time to leave. The students had been allowed to roam freely over the grounds today and pick flowers. Minerva was rather certain that she would be hearing about all the picked flowers from professor Sprout for a number of days yet to come as the Head of Hufflepuff house was very fond of her plants. Even the ones that grew almost wildly on the grounds. But it was a tradition of Beltane that the students were allowed to pick flowers and then exchange them with their friends.

Minerva hurried through the hallways with a quick pace smiling at a cluster of young girls gathered into the corner of one hallway where they were whispering excitedly about who had received a flower from which boy. Ah, the joys of the young. Many of the students were still so young and innocent. Maybe Albus had been more right about celebrating Beltane than Minerva had given her credit for. Yet the teachers would be standing guard all during the celebration for security and also to make sure none of the students would be entering the Forbidden Forest.

The wide field where most of the celebration was held looked magnificent. Minerva stopped at the side of the field admiring the view and smiled. Hagrid had erected a high Maypole in the middle of the field with dozens of colourful ribbons hanging from the top for dancers to weave around the Pole. At one end of the field there were long tables covered with the best snacks the House Elves could prepare so that no one would grow hungry. And on the other side there were about ten tents. Somewhere people could have their future foretold to them, which in Minerva’s opinion wasn’t worth much. One where students could have traditional blue patterns drawn on their faces for good luck and protection, some that would test their skill, agility and brightness. There was something to do here for everyone.

And the three high piles of wood and old fallen branches piled together. Minerva hurried towards them and raised her wand. With the wood and with some help of magic the bonfires would be kept alight until sunrise when everyone could greet morning and new beginnings. Beltane did have some very nice traditions and symbols. Minerva waved her wand two times and smiled at professor Flitwick as the short Charm’s teacher lit the other bonfire. Music started the moment the bonfires were lit and Minerva knew that soon enough those students who weren’t already milling around would be drawn out here by it. Beltane celebrations in Hogwarts had officially began.

[dana]

Dana’s fingers weaver through the dark-brown pile of hair of the younger Ravenclaw quickly, braiding red ribbons into the mix. Finishing Dana secured the braid with one more ribbon and combed through the still loose strands for a moment before taking a step back and inspecting her hand-word. Dana was far from being a hair-dresser, but she had enough practice with hair so that the outcome looked rather presentable. “All done. Go and enjoy the night,” Dana told the girl as she stepped forward and handed the girl her hair-brush before tapping her shoulder. Grinning and waving her hand to show that it was nothing Dana watched the girl run out of the common room before Dana herself stretched. Beltane. It was a good thing Hogwarts decided to celebrate it. Not only was it a fun festival, but it also got people moving. Smart move. But as Dana was fully planning on joining the festives she should better start getting ready herself as well. While most of the school didn’t seem to plan this, Dana would dress up for this occasion. She had even picked out the dress.

Dana sauntered to her dormitory slipping out of her jeans and a simple grey T-shirt and wriggled into her dress. Maybe the dress was getting a bit too tight at her hips Dana thought as she tugged at the tan fabric and laced up the strings criss-crossing on the front of the dress starting at the waist and ending when the corset-like bodice itself ended too. The skirt-part only barely reached to start covering Dana’s thighs though. But the uneven hem of the skirt-part looked great. Fun, amusing and tempting. Besides wearing dark-green tights guaranteed that Dana didn’t reveal too much so everything was balanced out nicely. Dragging on a pair of matching half-shoe, half-sock like shoes Dana pulled a brush through her hair after pulling off the bobble that had been holding it back at the nape of her neck so far. Her black hair contrasted nicely with her arms and shoulders and the dress was a suitable background for her hair. Good enough for Beltane. Dana smiled and picked up the flowers she had gone to find earlier on from the Forest edge. She had yet to give flowers for good luck to some of her friends, so all the flowers were securely tucked between Dana’s belt for now. They could decorate her dress until Dana passed them on to her friends.

Dana glanced at the jacket on her bed and stopped hesitantly for a moment while almost absent-mindedly grabbing lip-gloss and expertly putting it on her lips. With her top she might surely get chills before the night was over, so should she take the cloak along and drag it around everywhere? After a moment Dana decided not to bother. She wanted to dance and besides if she got cold she could always fetch the cloak then or look miserable enough so that some guy would borrow his jacket. She wouldn’t even mind a mild flirt with some guy. Dana grinned and turning ran out of the dormitory before jogging down the stair-cases and hallway until reaching the castle doors and slipping out. No curfew today which was good. Dana was in a much too good mood to bother with touring the hallways today in search of snogging couples. Which in itself wasn’t a fun job at all. Dana shuddered and let the doors slam closed behind her back as she stopped right before the doors and looked around for a moment.

She could already see the bonfires lighted on the field where the party was taking place and the music was also reaching her ears. With a grin Dana tossed her hair back and jogged over. She had peeked around at the field earlier so she knew what was there. She would have plenty of time to test herself at the games set up, to dance, jump over the fire when it came close to morning, eat and generally just enjoy herself. There had been so few chances to be genuinely happy lately after her grand-parents death. Dana smiled and smiled at a third year Ravenclaw boy she sometimes tutored in Charms. “Happy Beltane,” Dana told the guy withdrawing one of the flowers from between her belt and offering it to the guy receiving a small bloom in return as well before the guy hurried on somewhere with his friends. Not that Dana minded much as she had still plenty to see here too.

The Maypole was curiously void of dancers though. Were the other students afraid of approaching the pole first? Well, that didn’t matter. Dana had never been afraid of showing herself, so she wasn’t planning on making an exception today either. She did however notice a familiar black head on her way that made Dana change directions a little. “Sapph! Come on! Let’s dance around the Maypole while we still get the chance!” Dana pulled out one more flower giving it to Sapph while twirling around the side of the younger girl the hem of her skirt swishing along to her movements. Without any hesitation that Sapph might not come Dana moved over while grinning and waving to an other friend she noticed. “Jazz! Come on! We can’t leave the Maypole unattended to! When’s the next time you get a chance like this?” Dana called over the distance separating her from a friend and a dorm-mate while throwing a flower to her as well. Moving over the last few feet to the Maypole Dana reached and caught one of the green ribbons hanging on the Maypole and grinned as she whirled around to see if anyone else was taking their position at the pole to join in with the dance.

[darien]

Parties were always good. Gave you opportunities to go out and have fun and mingle with people. Meet new beauties and enjoy yourself. Enjoy life. Dare was humming Foxy Lady under his breath as he changed into a pair stonewash jeans and pulled on a simple white button-up blouse. Simple really. Dare hadn’t dressed up for Beltane, because he wanted to feel himself comfortable. Casual clothes allowed that. Besides Dare didn’t have some suitable costume to wear. Slipping his fingers through his hair adding a flower from the small vase always on his bedside table to the buttonhole of his blouse and throwing his Gryffindor tie around his neck, but not tying it: and Dare was ready to go.

“Nasser, old chap!” Dare hollered loudly as he turned to leave only to grin upon seeing Nasser practically next to him, “Oh, there you are. I just wanted to remind you that it’s Beltane. A chance for you to go and mingle. Maybe find the one and only for yourself.” Dare grinned at his friend and dorm-mate grabbing one more flower from the vas and placing it quickly into the pocket of Nasser’s blouse. “Here you go. You can borrow it. Go and look dashing. And if I don’t see you out there during the party I will come here and try to drag you out. And I doubt either of us will like that.” Dare winked at Nasser, not underestimating his friend. With all the time he spent learning he was bound to know some jinxes Dare might not have even heard of. “And it would be extra-credit if I saw you in the company of some gorgeous gal out there too.”
Dare raised his hand and wiped away an imaginary tear from the corner of his eye while sniffling loudly, “I feel like a father, sending my first-born out to the world as he prepares for a first date. Go and make me proud, chap. But don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

With a wink Dare sauntered out of the room as he started to hum again as he left the Gryffindor common room and the Hogwarts castle to go to the celebration itself. Beltane. Dare didn’t know much about the background of the tradition, but he was willing to learn. There didn’t seem to be very many people around yet though. Dare grinned upon seeing two girl walking together before him and jogged up tot hem. “Happy Beltane!” Dare called to the both of them while dropping a kiss on the cheeks of both of the first year students before hurrying on leaving the girls blushing and giggling.

“Sweetheart! You look breath-taking!” Dare called cheerily gathering the Ravenclaw prefect he knew into a hug for a moment. Dare placed a loud kiss on both of her cheeks before whistling admiringly upon glancing at the outfit. “Then again you always do. But I had to take a double-take to be sure it’s you, sweetheart. When will you heal the wound you have stabbed into my heart and run away with me? And don’t I get an invitation to come and dance around the Maypole? Don’t I even get a second glance from those pretty, but cold eyes of yours? Will they glide over me like I’m nothing?” Dare tried to look sad as he gazed into Dana’s eyes but knew that his own eyes were laughing along as he spoke.


((Hope you don't mind, Dana. But it owuldn't be Dare otherwise! And Nasser, I sent you a PM.))

[Solitaire Keighley H7]

Solitaire felt uneasy about this party, her last one hadn't went too well, but she decided to make an appearance anyway. Relax, girl. There might be someone that you know there, who won't be too busy to talk to you. She shook her head as thoughts of her just staying in crossed her mind. Then she remembered that she had promised Dare that she would make more appearances outside of the Hufflepuff Common Room. Dare had really became her good friend, and in the back of her mind, she kind of liked him. But she would never admit it. She had to keep those feelings to herself so that no one could use them against her. Dare was a flirt, this she knew, but that was part of what made her like him more. Looking through her closet, she found her black mesh top, and matching tank top. Grabbing that and a bold yellow skirt, with small white flowers on it, she decided that it would be a good outfit for the party. She grabbed a pair of yellow and white flip-flops that would accent the skirt perfectly. It took her no time to change, and fix her hair into a half ponytail. Taire was ready to go quicker than she expected.

She say that there were lots of people heading out to the party, and she began having second thoughts again. She wanted to make an appearance, but she didn't want to be the wallflower anymore. She wanted to actually have some fun this time. She pushed the thoughts out of her mind, as she continued to walk outside, hearing the sounds of the music getting louder and louder as she walked.

As she reached the Grounds, she could see the great bonfires that the professors had lit for the huge celebration. She could still feel the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, but she wanted to go join the celebrations. She needed to make her self known. She had finally realized for someone with such self-esteem, she acted like she didn't have any at all. She walked out toward everyone that was already there, with her head held high. She needed to make herself feel good about doing this, about coming to this party. She wasn't sure, even though she was already outside. She hadn't been spotted yet, so she could still turn around and go back inside. Once again she pushed thoughts like that out of her head.

Seeing that her friend Dare had already made it to the party, made Taire smile. That meant that she at least wouldn't spend the whole night alone. She would have someone to talk to occasionally, in between the other girls. Picking up her speed a bit, she decided to sneak up on Dare, since she saw that he was paying attention to what was in front of him, and not who was behind him.

She slowed down, making sure that nothing would make a sound in case she stepped on anything. Easing up behind him, she decided that instead of just sneaking up on him, that she would cover his eyes and make him guess. To her it seemed a bit more flirtatious than scaring him. She crept up quietly, and without touching anything but his face, covered his eyes. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, "Guess who." She wouldn't say anymore for fear of giving herself away. Taire stood there and waited to see if Dare could guess who she was.

[dana]

Dana was a social butterfly. She would be the first one to admit it, but she didn’t think it was something bad. No, Dana rather enjoyed the socializing, moving around, meeting new people and thereby widening her own horizons too. And being the vain social butterfly she was she had plenty of practice of how to deal with unexpected situations like someone kissing you. And that was base onto which Dana leaned now that someone’s arms enveloped her. She received two loud kisses on either of her cheeks and Dana almost automatically raised her arms placing them lightly on the boy’s shoulders and taking a step back as soon as it was polite.
“Dare, why aren’t you in a costume fitting Beltane?” Dana asked when the Gryffindor finally stopped speaking for long enough to let her interject a word. Dana measured Dare with her eyes for a moment before nodding approvingly. “True, I couldn’t really imagine you in different kind of clothes either I must admit. This looks you-ish. And thank you for the compliment. It’s always good to hear you look good from a handsome gentleman.”

Dana laughed back as Dare continued to flirt proving once again how correct Dana’s words to Jazz had once been. Dare would flirt with anything that showed signs of being female. But it was a rather refreshing change really. Most guys seemed to be too shy or too tongue-tied and insecure to throw caution at the wind and cheer someone up by acting this freely and even goofily. Dana couldn’t speak for the whole female-species, but in her opinion every girl should have a flirty male friend who would actually know when and how to compliment. “You know I would say yes immediately, if I wasn’t so afraid you would promise all eternity to the next pretty girl passing by, Dare. But the glance from my cold eyes is very warm when I see you around, I can assure you of that.”

As if to prove her point a girl snuck up and placed her hands on Dare’s eyes. Dana laughed glancing at the girl and tilted her head in a polite greeting. A quick glance showed a spring-ish outfit. Not completely a Beltane outfit, but very suitable for the occasion. Dana smiled at the girl and grinned while nodding towards Dare: “Glad to see someone can beat him at his own game. Though I must admit that he has turned the game of flirting into a true masterpiece. I’m Dana. Coran. I’d offer my hand to shake, but yours are currently occupied for a moment so we can stall that.”

Dana raised to her tiptoes almost on instinct as she glanced around seeing if she could locate any more friends before turning her attention back to the couple before her. “I was just inviting friends to dance around the Maypole when this guy here ambushed me and sidetracked me momentarily. Are you two going to come and join us? It would be a shame to not dance around the Maypole during Beltane. How often do you get the chance to do it otherwise?” Dana asked with a smile and a half-arch of her left arm towards the Maypole before waiting for a response to the invitation.


((Nope, you managed to godmode me so charmingly, that I don't mind, Dare. And our girls get to meet now too, Taire, as we have already talked about this thread via MSN.))

[darien]

Dare grinned and winked at Dana as she called him handsome. Dare knew that he didn’t look too shabby but he wasn’t handsome either. He just was but it was always amusing to be called handsome and a gentleman though Dare tried his best to fill the last criteria. “You flatter me, sweetheart,” Dare remarked pleasantly trying to behave heart-breaking as Dana rejected the idea of running away with him. Not that Dare expected anything else. If he ever would fell in love then he most likely wouldn’t be able to laugh this easily over love-matters with the girl. But until then he was young, hot-blooded and ready to enjoy himself.

Dare stood still as someone covered his eyes with their hands. Guess who was whispered into his ear even before Dare could completely comprehend what was going on. Dare raised his hands to the wrists of the girl taking hold of them gently but not trying to remove the hands from his eyes. That would be cheating and Dare wasn’t known from backing away from any stunt or game without either winning or at the very least loosing honestly. It took a few moments for Dare to connect the light scent of soap and shampoo and the whispering voice to the right person before he smiled. “How could you ever think I wouldn’t recognize you, vixen?” Dare moved one of Taire’s hands to his lips kissing it respectfully. Not letting go of Taire’s hand Dare stepped to the side so that Taire could see without having to stand on her tiptoes and peek over her shoulder.
“You look simply gorgeous, vixen. Are you girls trying to give me a heart-attack or break me down in tears at the sight of such beauty? I’m just over-whelmed!” Dare said with a beaming smile as he winked at Taire.”

Dare chuckled and shook his head towards Dana: “Really now, sweetheart? Beat me in my own game? Showing proper respect to such grace before me isn’t a mere game! As for dancing around the Maypole – what do you think, vixen?”

[Myn Katrenya R2]

Myn looked at her reflection doubtfully. Sure, the skirt didn't look too bad but it was the mere concept of wearing one that unnerved her. The girl hadn't worn one in over three years and even then it was under protest. Girlish clothes just never seemed to suit Myn. A skirt was always the wrong shape or colour or some other such nonsense and a dress...well, if a skirt was bad then a dress was one hundred percent worse. Myn cast one last longing glance at the jeans lying on her bed and shook her head in determination. Beltane was traditional and tradition dictated that she wore a skirt or a dress. "You look lovely, dearie." The mirror reassured her, receiving an irate glare in response.

Skirts, dresses and girlish tops. How truly irritating. The only reason Myn was going to the party was for the maypole...and because she didn't want to be stuck on her own. Go, it will be fun. There will be a maypole...maypoles are fun. And a bonfire. You like bonfires. Oh, just stop stalling and go! Be gone! And for Merlin's sake, remember to have fun. Myn pulled a face at her reflection, cheering herself up slightly before preparing herself to face the masses of people that would undoubtedly be there. Crowds were no problem, it was more being surrounded by people and having no one to talk with that worried her. Feeling something rub against her ankles, Myn looked down and smiled warmly. "Sleet," Myn picked her kitten up and hugged her tightly, "you want to come too, kitten? I only wish you could..." Myn trailed off as a brown suede bag caught her attention. It was big enough to carry the small kitten and no one would think it unusual to be wearing a bag. Some students used them to carry their flowers in, Myn had been planning the same thing.

"Oh alright." Myn caved at the pleading look from her kitten and held the bag open long enough for Sleet to scamper in. "Not a sound when we get outside, you hear me?" Myn hissed at her kitten warningly, adjusting the bag so Sleet could breathe, the last thing she wanted was for her beloved kitten to die. Oh, you're pathetic Myn Katrenya. Taking your kitten with you just to boost your confidence. Though its an original idea, I'll admit that. Original but pathetic. Myn rolled her eyes at the voice in her head, it sounded annoyingly similar to the voice of one of her cousins. After one last look in the mirror, Myn stepped toward the door, still nervous but slightly more confident with the comforting weight of her kitten resting at her hip. Sleet had been with her for six months and had seen her through tears, laughter and sugar-induced hyperness. If anything could calm her then it was Sleet.

Myn instantly recoiled at the swarming crowd of people. There were too many people, how would she find anyone she knew in that crowd? A meow from her bag slowed her breathing back to a normal rate and earned her some questioning glances. After all, how often did people hear a bag meow? Not many would stop to consider the likelihood of a kitten being in the bag. Myn pressed her back against the wall, shrinking away from the crowd. Her attempts to disappear into the shadows were in vain as the crowd swept her toward the maypole rather than leaving her to watch the celebrations from the sidelines as she had hoped. Nothing ever seemed to go to plan lately.

After a few minutes of being pushed along Myn managed to extract herself from the crowd and leaned against a wall gratefully. Note to self, never come between a crowd and a bonfire. It can and will end in bruises. Myn glanced at the maypole curiously, a group of people were standing around it. Myn squinted slightly to make out the figures in the darkness. An older girl who she vaguely recognised from the common room, another girl, younger than the first but still older than Myn, and Dare. Myn smiled at the realization that she knew at least one person of the group and walked forward timidly. To approach a group of strangers and try to initiate a conversation was something that Myn had never dared to attempt before and her nervousness was almost overwhelming. "Happy Beltane." The words were said with a confidence that she didn't feel and carried none of her fear of being told to go away. To anyone who didn't know Myn, she would appear perfectly at ease with talking to strangers.

[Solitaire Keighley H7]

Taire almost burst out laughing while she waited on Dare to guess. She almost knew that there would be no way that he would miss it, but she still hoped that she had made him wonder. She smiled as Dana introduced herself, and hoped that Dana understood that at the moment she wasn't available to properly introduce herself without giving herself away. Taire waited to hear the name slip from Dare's lips when suddenly he spoke, guessing correctly whom it was that had hidden behind him. "I wasn't expecting you to not recognize me. I hope that I have made enough of a good impression to be unforgettable." She said as she lingered in the sound of him calling her "Vixen" once again.

"And my apologies for not being able to introduce myself right away. I'm Solitaire Kieghley, but everyone calls me Taire, expect for him." She said nodding toward Dare with the last of her sentence. Taire was pleased that Dare liked her dress. For some reason that meant more to her, then even what she thought about it. The thought of dancing around the Maypole was mentioned to her. "Why not, it's a tradition we can't escape from? I will but only if my handsome knight joins me." She said winking at Dare.

[dana]

Dana was really amused as she observed the interaction between Dare and the girl she didn’t know calmly. They looked cute together in their own way. Dare was fun to flirt with, even though he was a bit too young for Dana, but it would take quite good nerves to handle someone as flirty as Dare as you r boyfriend or companion in life. Dana wasn’t sure if she personally would have wanted to put herself through it. But the girl who introduced herself as Taire didn’t seem to have much problems with it. Or maybe Dana shouldn’t assume things as she didn’t really know the girl in everyday life. Celebrations always brought out a little bit different character in a person. “It’s my pleasure,” Dana stated with a nod as the girl introduced herself after being recognized by Dare, “And vixen is at least a compliment. I’m not completely sure what to make of ‘sweetheart’ yet. I think I’ll be boring and stick with the regular Taire though. Everyone calls me Dana though - once again with the exception of Dare here – but as I’m not overly fond of such pet-names actually I think I will ask you to stick to simply Dana too.”

Dana glanced at the younger girl that approached them. A Ravenclaw Dana knew as she knew most of the students in her house by at least their face. First year Dana guessed as she smiled friendlily at the girl. It must had taken guts to approach three conversing students who were so obviously older than her. That deserved respect already. Dana smirked little noticing a glance towards Dare. Did the girl know Dare as well? The Gryffindor boy did seem to be the tying factor today. “Happy Beltane to you too. Or whatever is actually expected to be said at such an occasion. You’re a Ravenclaw, I know that much. I’m Dana. Coran if you want to know, but I calling me Dana will suffice completely.” Dana snickered with some amusement at Dare being called a handsome knight as she turned and took hold long colourful ribbons hanging down the Maypole. Choosing a light-blue one for herself – dark-blue would be too gloomy, but blue was Ravenclaw’s colour – Dana offered the other ribbon that she had caught to the younger Ravenclaw, “Dance around Maypole? Supposed to bring good fortune. We will most likely have finished the dance by the time these two turtledoves finish arguing which of them is more royal and adorable.”

Hearing a different tone of an accord from the band Dana glanced over her shoulder towards them with a wide grin. Throwing both of her arms over her head Dana gave a little spin the skirt-part of dress flaring out. The flare didn’t raise higher than her hips however as her dress was tightly enough around those to not allow such freedom for the cloth to move. Dana had grown quite a lot since last wearing this dress after all but with the tan tights underneath the skirt part it was still suitable for Beltane. A chill ran down of Dana’s bare back and arms however. She would have to move herself a little and most likely find someone from who she could steal a jacket by the looks of it. Ah well, that was a problem to be solved later on. Dana grinned and briefly glancing at the others began moving, swaying easily on her tip-toes as she turned while starting the pattern of weaving around the Maypole with the ribbon held in one of her hands.

[lacey]

Lacey sang along with the quick rock song coming from the WWN as she painted. She had began mainly with pencils and colours and just black-and-white shading pictures which was most likely rather natural. Most people learned the basics of drawing with these utensils but Lacey wasn’t a kindergarten student anymore. She experimented and sued the drawing utensils and style she felt like and lately she had mainly been feeling like painting. There was just something so utterly satisfying in the process of covering a canvas with paint. Even if some drop of colour sometimes landed in the wrong place the outcome could be all the more interesting in the end. This picture she had been working upon for a long-long time though. Nature was always hard to draw and for Lacey drawing the sea seemed to be the hardest. Even if the concept of the painting was almost ridiculously simple. Bu it was simplicity that had it’s own charm.

Lacey bowed closer and using some white paint added a touch of this to the corner of the dress of the little girl. A little girl standing on a sandy beach in the water up to her ankles – cause Lacey didn’t like how the girl’s feet had turned out, so she had covered them with a wave – and waving. You only saw the girl from the behind but you saw a bit messy black hair, a but stumpy arms and legs and a shirt dress. The girl was maybe 3 or 4 years old Lacey decided. Maybe somewhere in between there as the girl didn’t look any older than . The question to who or what she was waving was rather intriguing. Was she waving to some mythological creature that only she could see? Or to some mermaid that had played with her? Or maybe to a ship that had just gone behind the line of horizon that was carrying her father who was a sailor? Lacey had drawn the picture and even she didn’t know the thoughts going on in the girl’s head. But it didn’t matter. Everyone could just come to the conclusion they wanted to but for today Lacey had finished the beach and the girl. The sea and sky would have to wait for an other day because now it was time to try and clean up before heading to the Beltane celebration. Lacey wasn’t much of a party-girl but she just might get some inspiration from the party. There were bound to be some interesting sights or people there. There always were things at Hogwarts that surprised and amazed Lacey even though she had been studying in the school for four years already.

Lacey took care to pack her paints and brushes away before taking the canvas down from it’s holder and positioning everything under her bed. Quickly taking a shower Lacey managed to wash must of the paint that had gotten on her off but her fingers and palms still carried traces of different colours. Lacey looked at them a bit embarrassedly and rubbed them against her skirt even if such a motion had no effect. At least she knew she was suitably dressed for Beltane. An older Hufflepuff – Hannah Abbot – and a younger Gryffindor – Sarah Yin – had helped her pick up he rather modest beige skirt. She had bought a white jumped with a yellow rose sewn over her heart to go with the skirt too. it had been a bit expensive but she had needed new clothes anyway. Lacey quickly brushed her hair before pulling on a pair of shoes and running out of the dormitory and headed towards the exit of Hogwarts castle.

There were rather many people milling around already so Lacey had no trouble following the crowds to the field where the party was evidently held. She looked around at the field feeling a bit awkward for a few moments. There didn’t seem to be many people she knew around. The only one Lacey did notice was Taire who was standing near the Maypole. The sight of this brought a small smile on Lacey’s face as she rubbed her hands together once again to try and reassure her as she made her way over. “Hello, Taire,” Lacey greeted with a small smile before stepping forward and looking questioningly at the Ravenclaw prefect, “Do you mind if I join in?” “The more the merrier,” came the rather cheerful answer from Dana and Lacey smiled while taking up a ribbon herself too and joining in with the dance. She would have to dance around the Maypole herself too if she ever wanted to draw people dancing around one. How else would she knew how a person’s body would move at such a case.

[Myn Katrenya R2]

"Ravenclaw first year. I'm Myn Katrenya." Myn nodded shyly, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear carefully. Her brave facade slipped for an instant, showing a slight hint of unbridled fear in her eyes but then Myn blinked and her calmness reappeared. She was still unsure of the older students and how they would react to an obviously much younger girl. Myn relaxed slightly as the older girl introduced herself, Dana seemed to be a rather nice person and that reassured the younger girl a small amount. But not everything is as it seems, Myn knew that more than anyone. After all, her family had seemed happy together but now the family was broken and her mother gone. Myn raised an eyebrow slightly at her lack of sadness before smiling brightly. The wizarding world was a wonderful place to be, despite the war, and if her mother couldn't handle that then it wasn't Myn's fault. She finally understood that and had started to accept that her father was the only parent in her life. Her mother may be gone but it wasn't too late for Myn and her father to become closer. It might be easier for them without her mother hovering over their shoulders, watching for even a tiny mistake.

Myn took hold of the purple ribbon and grinned at Dana easily, her shyness fading at the warm welcome. This was her first Beltane as she had lived in the muggle world until receiving her Hogwarts letter. Her father had taught her about the wizarding world through stories that Myn had thought purely fictional, and to experience the things that her father had told her about was as exciting as seeing a favourite character from a book. Which, in a way, Myn was. She was seeing and experiencing events from her fathers stories, watching them unfold before her eyes and come to life. It had been every child's dream at one point and Myn knew that she was lucky to live one of her dreams. "We probably will have finished the dance. Twice over by the look of it. But if they find flirting with each other more entertaining than Beltane then thats their right." Myn laughed, flicking a glance toward the two carelessly. It was their business and if they wanted to miss out on all the fun of Beltane then that was their attitude. Myn, for one, wanted to experience all she could.

Myn followed Dana's gaze to the band and smiled. Everything just seemed so...magical, for lack of a better word, to the young Ravenclaw and the night glittered with the promise of fun and excitement. Myn's smile only grew wider at Dana's twirl and she forced herself to stop picking at her skirt. It was a purely nervous gesture and one that she couldn't get rid of, despite the fact that she had already started to relax around the older group of students. Myn took a step back and a deep breath before following Dana and adding the dark purple of her ribbon to the light blue of the older girls. Myn stumbled slightly as another girl joined the group, her arrival startling the younger girl, but quickly regained her balance and continued dancing around the Maypole. Myn flashed a quick smile at Lacey, a bit too out of breath to begin a conversation - not that she would have anyway, it was hard enough for her to approach the first three students when she only knew one person. To do so again would probably shatter the small amount of confidence she had gained, especially if the girl was mean.

[coolasice]

Katie-May glanced at her reflection in the mirror as she slowly stepped away from it. She looked cute, even she admitted it. But she always seemed to look cute! Why couldn’t she, someday, look ‘beautiful’? She’d tried, she’d tried really hard. Her short but sweet figure she had dressed in a light white skirt which ended near her ankles, and made her look a little taller which she approved highly of. Around her waist hung a dark green sash, made into a belt stylishly and knotted at the side. Around her torso May had hung a forest-green off-shoulder top made of cashmere, and adorned around the Ravenclaw’s slender neck hung a white little necklace which glittered prettily in the light. For make-up May had kept it simple, not liking to over-do the stuff. Her eyes were lined with silvery-white eyeliner, her lashes extended with dark green mascara, and her cheeks given the tiniest little blush. On her feet she wore a pair of silver pumps which were just about seen beneath the flowing skirt.

The outfit was beautiful. May’s amazingly blonde hair which she had curled elegantly was beautiful. But altogether with May, it just looked cute. She thought of who would be at the Beltane celebration that she knew of. Myn had just left in a gorgeous skirt which looked lovely on her, her brother she thought was going though wasn’t sure. Flo would most likely be going- the fun loving Hufflepuff would be perfectly at home in the fun event. A few other people May knew were going and May knew they would all look brilliant. Ignoring her thoughts of looks for a moment May gave her kitten, Flapjack, a kiss on the nose ans slipped out of the door without looking back at the ‘cute’ reflection.

It didn’t take too long to arrive at the Beltane party and when she did May gasped. Everything looked great- roaring bonfires cast a glow in her eyes and everything, absolutely everything. Looked completely alive with life and laughter. People were everywhere and it took May a little while to spot someone she knew.

“Myn!” She called to her Ravenclaw friend, and ran over to where Myn was dancing. "You look amazing, great skirt! It really suits you." She complimented, admiring the skirt as Myn skipped and twirled. The tall, towering maypole stood magnificently and May took in the dancing people, looking so fun and happy as they danced. She stood on the edge, not completely sure what to do. Should she get a ribbon? She definitely wanted to! Although she knew she wasn’t beautiful like the older girls she watched dancing were, that certainly did not mean Katie-May couldn’t have fun. She stood however on the edge, grinning widely at Myn as she danced around the Maypole, but still amazed at her first view of Beltane to ask someone for a ribbon.

[Myn Katrenya R2]

Myn tilted her head curiously as she heard someone call her name, momentarily stopping her dance before being forced to carry on by the dancers behind her. "May!" Myn grinned at her friend cheerfully, abandoning her dance for a second and making everyone dance around her, ignoring the annoyed glares from the dancing students. Myn flicked her brown hair away from her red tinted face breathlessly, dancing around a Maypole was more tiring than it looked. "May, you look amazing. Positively wonderful. And I know that Sleet agrees." Myn tilted her head toward her slightly open brown bag pointedly, just as the small white kitten poked her nose through the gap and meowed quietly. "I couldn't not bring her. Its her first Beltane too and I would have felt wrong celebrating without her." Myn smiled sheepishly at her dependence upon the kitten. Myn couldn't survive without her kitten and most, if not all, of the first year Ravenclaws knew it.

"Eh, I didn't really want to wear a skirt - you know me, May, I hate skirts - but thats what tradition demands and traditions are meant to be obeyed. I'm glad you think it looks alright though, I was rather worried about it." Myn smiled and twirled, secretly liking the way that the skirt twirled around her legs. Myn would never admit to anyone about liking a skirt, not in a million years, but that didn't mean that she couldn't admit it to herself. Myn smiled to herself, vowing to stop complaining about wearing skirts. Especially if they were as nice as this skirt. "You, on the other hand, you look absolutely lovely. I can easily see you being called beautiful by boys." Myn winked at her friend mischievously and grinned, truly meaning the words but not wanting to embarrass Katie-May.

"Come and dance!" Myn ducked through the twirling dancers and grabbed a ribbon, admiring the colourful pattern that the dancers had made on the Maypole before handing the brightly coloured ribbon to May and twisting her own purple ribbon around her hand firmly. "It's really fun. And there's bonfires and fortune telling tents and face painting tents too!" Myn bounced on the balls of her feet lightly as she told her friend about all the options that Beltane gave. The excitement of Beltane was over-whelming to the young girl and making her act unusually hyper-active. The distantly polite look that had inhabited her features for the last few weeks had finally left, leaving the pure enjoyment for life and everything about it in its place. Sometimes all it took to break through sadness was a sharp blast of reality and happiness. Beltane had certainly blasted apart Myn's sadness with a sharp dose of realization and left excitement in place of the sadness.

[darien]

Dare chuckled and glanced up at the sound of a familiar voice speaking to them. Dare noticed Myn standing by and looking rather nervous. “Happy Beltane, doll!” Dare replied with a wide grin spreading over his face as he reached out and messed up Myn’s hair. The young girl was rather nice and Dare would have been admitted that he was almost fond of her. Like one is fond of a younger cousin. Turning his head a little Dare turned his attention back to Taire jus tin time to see her wink at him. The gesture surprised Dare a little. Usually girls blushed and giggled when he flirted with them. His surprise didn’t last long though as Dare just smiled back and gave a small bow. “I will never be able to forget you, vixen, no matter how much time would pass. I can honestly promise that.”

Dare lead Taire to the Maypole one of his hands resting almost protectingly on Taire’s lower back. Dare took hold of one of the ribbons himself as well not caring the least bit that he would be the only boy dancing around the Maypole. “So let’s enjoy ourselves,” Dare winked at Taire before taking a moment to observe the dance and joining it without interrupting anyone else. “Sweetheart is meant as a compliment, sweetheart. Though with your constant refusals to me you are forcing your natural inborn sweetness down!” Dare called out to Dana as he whirled past her. Eyeing Myn carefully Dare carried on with the pattern for a while beore finally seeing an opportunity. Letting go of his ribbon Dare tackled Myn taking hold of the young girl’s waist and turning them out of the way of the other dancers. “And you, doll, don’t laugh at me. I do not flirt for hours on no end,” Dare told Myn as his fingers found their way to Myn’s ribs here Dare tickled her merciless for a few moments before having to place her feet back on ground. Myn wasn’t that light and it was always hard to hold someone moving and squirming in your arms. Dare grinned and let the first year Ravenclaw return to the dance as he stood a little ways off himself.

“You guys are making me feel dizzy. Everyone is so pretty I don’t know which way to look. Vixen, may I interest you in a dance between the bonfires?” Dare waved over to a place where there some other couples dancing too, “Take mercy on my poor soul and let my eyes be at ease while I admire your beauty as fully as it deserves to be admired?”

[dana]

Dana nodded in acknowledgement as the first year introduced herself. The name didn’t ring any bells so Dana was certain that she wasn’t a pureblood. None the less Dana stored the name away in the back of her brain for future. She wasn’t sure at all when or how or why she might need the name, but who knew? Dozens of things might pop up. “My pleasure,” Dana said with a smile as the girl accepted the ribbon. It was a tradition after all to wrap a ribbon around the Maypole while dancing between others so as to create colourful and even rather complex patterns with all the ribbons. Dana smiled at some slightly older, but still younger that her girl who asked her permission to join. Dana hollered back a happy hello while giving the girl a light smirk that she couldn’t suppress. “Why ask me though? Beside the point that it makes me feel old, I don’t have any more authority here tonight,” Dana commented on the girl as they passed each-other during the dance.

Dana noticed one more younger student approach the Maypole. This one seemed to know Myn and most likely was a Ravenclaw too. It wasn’t the friendly greeting between the two girls that caught Dana’s eyes though but rather the appearance of the newcomer. While her clothes were nice and very fitting Dana took a double-take over her shoulder at the girl clicking her tongue while immersed in her own thoughts. Maybe she was getting old. She was old-fashioned anyway. But Dana most certainly hadn’t worn make-up when she was 11. She still didn’t wear any regularly now either – she didn’t have any make-up on today either -, even though she had started wearing make-up more often when she turned 15. She personally had been too much of a child to even think about it before Meredith had taught her about the bonuses of such tricks and effects you could pull off with the help of make-up. Face-paintings and patterns like those offered here today were a completely other thing than make-up after all. Though the first-year girl luckily didn’t have Panda-eyes as her make-up was done surprisingly skillfully. At one point when girls became 12-14 each of them seemed to have panda-eyes. Tons of eye-shadow put on them which completely ruined the effect and was much too noticeable. Dana always felt tempted to touch such make-up style from almost sporty interest to see if it would crack and fall off or not. Sometimes it did look like as if girls would need some bill from the architecture bureau before putting up such layers of make-up. Though Dana understood why such a complex arose: how many such kids had someone teach them how to properly use make-up to enchant their natural beauty rather than to hide it? Then again this wasn’t her problem really as the girl wasn’t her daughter nor relative nor did Dana even know her!

Brushing the rather random thoughts to the back of her mind Dana stuck her tongue out towards Dare. “Who knows, maybe I’m just playing hard-to-catch to keep your interest up? How else would I know if your offer to whisk me away to some warm island is true unless I test it thoroughly first?” Dana questioned with a teasing wink. She was far from ever seeing herself agreeing to run away with such a heart-throb as Dare, but what stopped her from flirting back? It didn’t hurt anyone and was amusing to herself. Laughing out Dana tilted her head back as she let the music flow through her and her body lead her the way that felt right.