New Year's Love ((Invited and their Guests Only))

[Meyghan Gallagher R7]

Meyghan had it all premeditated. The New Years Party should go without a glitch. It just had to turn out flawlessly. It was the first social gathering that Meyghan had been given permission to plan. Felton had accepted Meyghan’s ideas without any exceptions. He had, how ever made one small request. He had asked for Meyghan to leave the upper level balcony unattended so that he could use it for his own plans for that eve, during the Filibuster’s Fireworks show that Meyghan had planned for just as the eve turned into New Year’s Day. He assured Meyghan that his intended plans were only to admit his true feelings for Kelsey. Meyghan had promptly agreed since she had been able to plan the whole party. That was the least she could grant her father. He had agreed to cover the costs of this party even though it was Meyghan’s idea.

Meyghan had hand drawn the invitations and then had to deliver them all. She knew some had to back to the castle, so she decided she could take them into Hogsmeade for mailing. Meyghan hoped everyone would show up to her party, for it was going to be astounding. Meyghan also knew that she had some other things to take care of while in Hogsmeade, so she went to her father, and asked him for some money for the party goods, bid him farewell, and traveled to Hogsmeade via Floo Powder. She arrived there almost immediately. Meyghan made her way around Hogsmeade, purchasing everything she needed for the night that she had planned. This adventure took her into many of the shops in Hogsmeade. What she had not acquired in Hogsmeade, she knew she would be able to find in Diagon Alley. With a sprinkle of Floo powder and the use of a store fireplace, she made her way to Diagon Alley and home again.

Once home, Meyghan quickly sorted everything she had obtained in her shopping. There were sweets for the appetizers table, an assortment of drinks for the refreshment table, and even food arranged on a different table incase the guests didn’t have a sweet tooth. Meyghan was proud of her work, she had managed to gather everything that she would need for the party, and she still was able to take her time preparing everything. She took the fireworks outside, and strategically placed them so that they would make a beautiful shower of color, and light. She acquired her father’s help with the indoor decorations, since she was still underage, and was prohibited from using magic for any purpose. Meyghan and her father placed streamers, balloons and confetti all in the proper places, and continued with a few other touches. Meyghan then decided that she would decorate the upper balcony as a surprise to both Kelsey and her father. Meyghan really liked Kelsey. She liked the way that Kelsey allowed her motherly instincts to over come her even when Meyghan was the child that those instincts were used on. Meyghan liked the feeling, and notion of having a mom again. She could barely remember her own mother so it would be nice to have a female to talk to at times. Meyghan let her thoughts about Kelsey, and her dad lure her away from her work. She gathered the soft white, and blue roses that she had gotten, and the heart shaped streamers, and headed up to the balcony.

Meyghan got the balcony decorated, and let Felton know not to go out there. She explained that she had planned a surprise, but that he wasn’t allowed to see it until it was time for him and Kelsey to watch the fireworks from there. Meyghan also made sure that she had placed snacks and drinks on the balcony as well. The party was just a day away.

[crane]

“Everybody ready?” Kelsey asked with her eyes taking over the group of young people around her with a bit nervous smile as they stood before the big fireplace in the Ministry of Magic.
“Yeeeessss, we have been ready for a long time! Let’s GO! I wanna see Cleve!” Lindy called out loudly jumping slightly as she grasped Kelsey’s hand in hers. Hearing affirmatives from everyone else as well Kelsey smiled nervously but before she was given any more time for doubt Lindy had already grabbed a handful of floo powder and thrown it into the flames while still holding onto Kelsey’s hand while crying out “Gallagher Residence!” and a moment later they were whisked away only to step out of the fire-place into a gorgeous room.
Coughing lightly and pushing back her hair Kelsey stepped into the room while Lindy let out an ear-locking shout and tackled Cleve happily making both of them fall onto the floor. “Lindy!” Kelsey called out trying to stop the girl from causing any damage, but just sighed and smiled as both seemed to be laughing while trying to unscramble themselves and climb back onto their feet.

Laughing Kelsey turned and gave Meyghan a warm hug while Gary and Nokomis and a moment later Janey and Lindy hopped out of the fire-place. Letting go of Meyghan after wishing her Happy Holidays so Janey and Shirley and Gary could quickly do the same. Giving a hug and a kiss on his cheek for Cleve too brushing off the slight lipstick shadow that stayed on Cleve’s cheek Kelsey greeted her too while looking secretly around to see if Felton was in the room as well as Janey tackled Cleve again with Lindy who was already exitedly telling Cleve something. As if the owls she constantly sent them and received back as well weren’t enough for her to tell everything she wanted to Cleve.

Slipping her cloak off her shoulders just like everyone else Kelsey felt her nervousness climb up again as she observed her children. Gary was wearing black pants and a proper and simply blue blouse, Janey had also chosen fitting black pants and a green blouse that daringly exposed her back with just a few straps criss-crossing over her back as the sleeves had small slits as well. Shirley had chosen a light colour red knee-length red dress with wide straps and knowing Lindy Kelsey had chose a pair of pants and a bright blouse to be worn by her as well. They all looked suitable and young like they were. Kelsey had much more doubts about her own clothing. She had chosen an ankle-length light-blue dress with a small slit on the right side that went up to about mid-thigh. The skirt was freely falling while the upper bodice was sewn to hug the body with sleeves just slightly going over the shoulders and a bit opened, but not really exposing back-part. A relatively thin line of sparkle started at the right shoulder of the dress, traveled down the front, cruved flatteringly around the left him before widening a little and falling to the end of the skirt at the back. Simple, elegant and a bit playful thanks to the gentle anklet Kelsey wore. Thankfully Kelsey had taken care of herself well enough to look a bit younger than she actually was and being in a quite a good shape. Yet she felt a bit nervous wondering what Felton might think. Would she fit in with the crowd anyway?

Kelsey looked around to find a place where to place her cloak before letting out a yelp and jumping backwards as she stared at the small creature with huge round eyes and big ears in shock.
“It’s a house-elf, mom!” Gary called while laughing out loudly and Kelsey glanced at Meyghan before crouching down and a bit hesitantly offering her hand for a shake to the house-elf. The creature stared at her with eyes that seemed to be getting even better at this kind of a behavior, so Gary laughed and stepped in. “No, mom, house-elves don’t like to socialize with people. Just give your coat to um. It.” Blushing a little Kelsey handed his coat to the house-elf who disappeared while Kelsey glanced at everyone for a moment before a chuckle made it’s way out of her throat and in no time Kelsey was sincerely laughing with her children joining happily as Kelsey commented. “Now who scared who most? He or she scared me or did I scare the houseelf?”

Kelsey smiled at Nokomis noticing the ease in Gary as he had his arm calmly around her waist as he walked further into the room after Cleve and Lindy while complimenting Nokomis’s once again. She was a nice girl and quite obviously quite taken of Nokomis. After all his first words to Nokomis had been that it was good to see her and then how gorgeous she looks. Sharing a smile and grin with Meyghan and her older daughters Kelsey stepped back next to Meyghan almost absent-mindedly placing her hand on her shoulder for a moment. “Are we the first to arrive, because considering the amount of noise we all did it must have been a miracle if someone could have missed out coming.”

[Meyghan Gallagher R7]

Meyghan smiled as her first guests arrived. It was exactly who she had hoped it was. Meyghan smiled at Gary and Nokomis, saying a quiet hello to both of them, and stepping aside as she pointed the way to the main room. "Kelsey," Meyghan said hugging her, as if she were Meyghan's mom, " That dress is wonderful. Dad won't know what to think of it. I do have a wrap that would go wonderfully with it if you would like to use it. It's in my room." Meyghan began to ramble. She had a habit of doing that, especially when she was excited.

Meyghan laughed along with the others as Lindy and Janey tackled her little brother. He deserved it, he had been pestering her all day about whether or not she had invited the girls. It seemed, according to what Cleve had told her, that Lindy had been writing him at least once daily, and he had been keeping well in touch with her as well. Meyghan was glad to see that they all got along so well.

Suddenly, Tawa, the Gallagher's house elf, appeared to take everyone's cloaks and jackets. Meyghan laughed as Kelsey screamed about the elf. "Sorry for her startling you. Her name is Tawa." Meyghan said to everyone. "Tawa, if these nice people ask you for anything, you are to assist them to the best of your abilities, and if you can not help them. Kindly let me know, and do not punish yourself for not being able to help." Meyghan said calmly. Meyghan didn't like making the poor elf do anything that she couldn't do for the elf wasn't young anymore. She had been in Meyghan's family for generations, and wasn't able to do everything that some might expect of her.

Meyghan showed the girls the way to the main room, and then showed Kelsey the way to her bedroom upstairs. "Dad said he's not coming out until he hears music and laughter, so don't worry. He won't see you until you are ready for him too." She said to Kelsey smiling. Meyghan knew that the night held big plans for her father, and knew that he was extremely nervous. He wouldn't come out until he was ready.

Meyghan opened the door to her closet, and pointed to a closet rack full of wraps of all colors. " There's a beautiful powder blue one in there, or if you see any other that you would like to use feel free." Meyghan liked having Kelsey around. It made her feel like there was someone that would understand anything Meyghan needed to talk about. That was something a fifteen year old girl really needed in her life.

Suddenly, Meyghan thought she heard more guests arriving. "I'm going to greet the guests, if you need anything just ring the bell on that table over there." Meyghan said pointing to her jewelry table, where a large silver bell sat shining beautifully.

[cdc]

“Wendi, Wendi!” Jamison called right outside of the place where the Hufflepuff common room was legend to be. However, Jamison didn’t really know if that was a myth or not. All the common room locations were pretty secret. Well, all except the Slytherin common room which had to be in the Dungeons. Jamison searched for any sign of light brown hair. But, he didn’t see a thing. “Wendi.” He called again. “Guess who!” A little voice called. Just then, a little body jumped out of no where. Jamison smiled at Wendi nicely. She was wearing a candy red dress with a small black cloak over it. Jamison couldn’t help but laugh at the Death Eater like appearance she had created. “What?” She asked with her hands on her hips. Jamison’s grandmother had expected such a look for Wendi so had sent her something else to wear. “Here, grandmother sent this.” He smiled tossing her a matching candy red cloak. “Awesome!” Wendi laughed snatching the cloak right from Jamison’s hands. She then tore off the black cloak and replaced it with the red one. Jamison laughed at her once again. “Well, are you going to put the black one up?” Jamison asked in a mimicking tone with his hands on his hips. “Oh yea.” She screeched as she darted off to somewhere Jamison couldn’t see.

Only moments passed before Wendi reappeared happily. “Yes, I’m ready let’s go.” She screeched. Jamison smiled at her giving in. “Ok, come on.” He led her out of the corridor and down the large stair cases into a large room with a fire place. Wendi soon ran ahead oh Jamison and he walked briskly to keep up. "Wendi, calm down." Jamison laughed as his little sister was persistent to act like a cheerful elf. She was running around the room as happy as can be. "I can't, we're finally leaving!" She cheered. Jamison and Wendi stayed at Hogwarts for the holidays, but got special permission to leave through the floo network for a night. It was the only way Wendi could leave as first years couldn't yet go into Hogsmeade. Wendi hadn't left the castle since the she came to Hogwarts and Jamison knew how much she wanted to leave. He laughed at her peachy little smile and looked at her sternly. "Yes, but behave. I'm in charge of you tonight." He announced. She put her hands on her hips. “Fine, fine I’ll be good. Now, whose party is this?” She asked. “It’s Meyghan’s party. She’s a Ravenclaw in my year.” Suddenly, Wendi’s crazy little grin appeared. “You like her don’t you?” She asked. Jamison’s face soon got hot. “Come on, we don’t want to be late.” He ignored her leading her to the fireplace. “Yes you do.” She smiled.

“Wendi, what are you doing?” He asked as she was already in the fire place. “I’m going.” She responded. “You have never traveled by Floo Powder before.” He told her sternly. “So, I can do it.” She gave her cute little puppy eyes. “I don’t think so.” Jamison said. He didn’t want anything to happen to her. He really didn’t want her to end up in another place. “I can do it.” She said. By this point, Wendi had grabbed the Floo Powder. “Wendi, you don’t know what you’re doing.” He called now a bit frightened. “Yes, I do. Believe it or not, I’ve done this before.” She paused flinging the powder to the ground of the fire place. “Gallagher Residence.” She called soundly. It a second Wendi was gone in a cloud of smoke. Jamison looked scared and shocked. “Wow, she’s actually done it.” He said. A few moments later, Jamison was also gone.

“Wendi!” He called as soon as he made it to the house. However, she seemed in fine shape talking to someone Jamison didn’t recognize. Just then, Jamison could make out Meyghan’s pretty form. He smiled walking towards her. “Hello, Meyghan.” What a lovely house.” He said in his handsome tone. He then looked over at his sister. “Thank you for inviting me. Oh, that’s Wendi.” He said pointing to the cheerful girl talking to a stranger. “I hope it’s fine I brought her.” Jamison smiled. “So, who else are you expecting?” He asked as it looked not everyone had arrived yet.

[Meyghan Gallagher R7]

Meyghan made it down stairs just in time to notice that her brother had already greeted one of the new guests. She noticed that the young girl's name sounded familiar and wondered who's guest she was. Then Meyghan recognized the second person to come out of the fireplace. "Hello, Jamison. Thank you. I'm so glad you could make it." Meyghan felt herself begin to blush, and turned to look at the other guests.

Everyone who was already there seemed to be having a swell time for Tawa the House Elf had already served the h'ordourves and started the record player. Music and lights could be heard from everywhere. Meyghan noticed that some one had already started dancing. That made her wonder how Cleveland managed to get away from Lindy, and off the dance floor. "That's my brother Cleveland. He prefers to be called Cleve." Meyghan said pointing to her brother whom seemed to be talking to the young girl still. " I'm not expecting too many more people. I didn't invite the whole school. Just a few friends and their guests. Umm.. Mostly just a few other Ravenclaws that I know slightly. I thought it would be best if there weren't too many people here. My father is trying to make this a special night for himself, and I knew that too many teenagers would ruin the mood. But the party will still be lots of fun." Meyghan sounded as if she were trying to assure herself of this as she spoke to Jamison.

Meyghan looked around to see if Kelsey had yet come down. She wanted to see which wrap Kelsey had picked to go with an already beautiful dress.

"Would you like to go on into the main room, or I can give you a tour of the house. Cleveland will have help with the guests if he needs it. And the house isn't really as big as it looks." Meyghan giggled slightly at her last comment. She really wanted this night to go well. She wanted to get to know Jamison better, for she wasn't ready to admit it yet, but she liked him. Meyghan smiled as she looked around wondering what Jamison's answer would be.

[Nokomis Astarra H5]

She had panicked earlier that day on what she shoulder wear. The last time she had done anything with Gary she had everyone in her dorm dressing her. They did her hair and put make up on her, and now that she was on her own she was clueless. She didn't have any makeup. All she had for her hair were a few bands and two clips that were suppose to come in pairs but she had already lost one. She wasn't any good at this girlie stuff. She had to search her closet, rather franticly before she found something that she hoped would work. She managed to find a knee length cream colored dress with thin straps and blue flowers across the bottom which she wore with a grey-blue cardigan. She wasn't very good at her hair either, but she at least managed to smooth it down, and pull a small section back to keep it out of her face.

Everything seemed like a blur after that, and the next thing that she knew stepped out of the fireplace and found herself once again tucked close to Gary's side. After she stood there for a moment, and he told his mum about House Elves, she was happy when his arm slipped around her waist and they stepped forward together. She wasn't very good at meeting people and always felt out of place at parties, but with him things just felt better. After a moment, she found herself smiling, and she glanced over at him again. "Have I told you that you look really handsome yet?" She had to blush at the term. Handsome. It sounded so strange to hear herself say it, but it somehow seemed so fitting.

[Kelsey Crane]

Kelsey smiled as she watched her children move to the main room. “Lindy don’t destroy anything valuable, alright, and you neither, girls, Nokomis I trust you to make sure Gary behaves.” Kelsey called after her children who all just laughed back at her. “And I’m sure that my bunch is loud enough to awake the dead with their laughter and jokes.” Smiling at Meyghan Kelsey followed the girl to her room. Smiling a bit hesitantly at Meyghan’s words Kelsey wondered how had Meyghan known she was a bit anxious and very nervous at the same time about seeing Felton again. Before Kelsey could find some politely neutral reply Meyghan had already left to greet new guests and Kelsey looked at the wardrobe. Locating the blue scarf Meyghan had suggested only took a minute and the scarf was simply gorgeous. Not wanting to ruin Meyghan’s privacy and trusting the girls taste, Kelsey wrapped the scarf around herself welcoming the warmth the soft material gave her. Giving herself one more look-over in the mirror Kelsey sighed and raised her head proudly. She would go and meet the party proudly, even if she felt nervous and ujst a tiny bit scared inside.

Stepping out of the room, Kelsey close the door to the room securely behind herself Kelsey turned around and suddenly discovered that she didn’t know where to go to. When Meyghan had brought her up Kelsey had been thinking of Felton like a silly school-girl. And now here was the result. She was lost in a strangers house with no idea where to head to. Sending a hesitant glance outside even though it didn’t help her Kelsey started to move down the hallway slowly. When nothing seemed to appear familiar Kelsey just sighed and stopped in front of one door. She would just have to try her luck and hope she got somewhere. Kelsey reached her hand towards the door-handle her fingers touching the door hands mere seconds before the door gave a small click and slid open. Kelsey felt the door-handle slip away from her grasp and automatically took a small step forward before she felt her breath hitch. Her mouth feeling a bit dry suddenly Kelsey wet her lip with her tongue for a moment as she slowly raised her eyes from the broad shoulders to Felton’s face. Feeling her cheeks flush crimson as her eyes reached crimson Kelsey snatched her hand back from the door handle pulling Meyghan’s scarf a bit tighter around herself as she tried to find something to say.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt you. Meyghan just took me up here and offered me a scarf to wear with my dress but she left earlier and I just got a bit lost.” Kelsey rambled on while finding a floorboard suddenly very curious as her cheeks were still a bit red. Closing her eyes Kelsey took a deep breath, trying to get over the flood of emotions that had started upon her suddenly finding herself face to face with Felton. The very same man who had been haunting her thoughts all today. Pulling herself together Kelsey opened her eyes and smiled at Felton. “I honestly didn’t want to disturb you. I will just go and find the kids now.” Could you perhaps just point me in the right direction and then I won’t bother you anymore.”

[crane]

Gary gave Meyghan a smile as he looked around the room before following his sisters to the main room. Gary laughed quietly and gave Nokomis a hug with one arm. “I’m not handsome, but if you wish to deceive yourself and think that I am, then who am I to stop you? But I did have to look my best next to you, didn’t I? Though no one can compare with you.” Gary smiled at Nokomis tenderly as Shirley laughed behind them before hopping closer and patting Gary’s shoulder comfortingly.
”You heard mom. You better make sure pretty boy here, behaves Noko. You don’t mind me calling you Noko, do you? Because for tonight Gary here is your responcibility.” Gary grinned back at her sister who left to go and inspect the snacks table with Janey while shaking his head with an amused smile towards Noko. “My sisters can be a bit much sometimes. Hope you don’t mind them. But they all do like you. Evidently so does my mother, because she did tell you to make sure I behave.”

Sidestepping Cleve, Lindy and some young girl he didn’t know Gary pulled Nokomis along to the side so they wouldn’t be in the way of other people even if the room was still half-empty. They had been the first guests here but the room looked charming none the less. “Would you like to dance, eat something or go and see the garden while guests gather? Your wish is the law, my dear lady.” Gary winked and twirled Noko while bowing respectfully and raising her knuckles to his mouth for a moment before looking up and grinning. “I feel as if I’m missing a hat so my bow would be complete as I take it of. Or maybe I’m missing a harp and poetic talent or roses so I could sing an ode to you, like a medieval knight was supposed too.” Gary straightened and smiled at Noko feeling content and happy. This looked like this would become a nice evening. After all with Noko here with him how could it be anything less than simply perfect?

[Felton Gallagher]

Felton looked in the mirror more now than he had ever. Meyghan had told him that she had invited Kelsey to the party and it made his heart flutter. He had searched his closet to the extent that Meyghan had told him that he was acting worse than a teenage girl. He laughed at her statement but knew that it was intirelly true. He wanted the night to be special, he was hoping that if everything went the way he and Meyghan had planned then he could tell Kelsey his feelings for her.

He had spent the past four hours in his room, and still wasn't sure that he was ready to make an entrance to the party yet. He had on his best black and blue robes. A very stylish set, made intirelly of velvet and silk. He had them special made many years ago, and was suprised to find that they didn't need any alterations. His shoes were the shiniest of black, and he had a silver crest pinned on his robes, just for a slight touch of flair. His hair he had Meyghan to help him with. It was slicked back, without looking extremely wet. Meyghan had said that she could do no more to it to make it look anymore perfect. Felton knew he couldn't look perfect, for no one did, but he wanted to get as close as nature would allow him.

Felton had to admit that he hadn't felt like this since he was still in boyhood, and had just begun to court Meyghan's mother. Kelsey made him feel more alive than he did back then though. There was something special about her, something that stopped Felton from thinking of any one or object other than her. He had yet figured out what it was, but he didn't care. His feelings made him believe in love at first sight, for his heart hadn't stopped fluttering like a cornish pixie's wings since he had met Kelsey in the animal shelter that day.

Felton had decided that he had been closed up in his room long enough. He couldn't get any more ready than he already was. He walked across the huge room. Felton couldn't believe the wonders he had done with the house. He had bought it from an old muggle widow, and it looked like a normal dual level home from the outside, but on the inside it was huge. He made it to the door, wondering if Kelsey and the children had arrived yet. He couldn't wait to see her or the children again. He grasped the polished door knob with his left hand and gave it a slight turn. As he opened the door, he was suddenly surprised to find Kelsey standing outside his room. As she apologized, Felton could do nothing but smile. He figured Meyghan had purposely forgotten to tell Kelsey that the stairs were behind the fifth door on the right from her room, in the alcove. "It's perfectly alright. There's no need to apologize, after I magically extended the house on the inside, I got lost for weeks." Felton laughed a little. He wasn't laughing at Kelsey, but laughing at the fact that he admitted that he had once gotten lost in his own home. Felton took a good look at the dress Kelsey was wearing, and the radiance of her look, and could no longer laugh or talk. He was completely speechless from the sight of her beauty. "You..look....absolutely....wonderful." He said trying to catch his breath. "Would you allow me the honor of escorting you back down to the party?" He asked after a moment of catching his breath.

[Kelsey Crane]

Kelsey let her eyes take in whole of Felton as she was feeling slightly breathless. Felton was good-looking usually. But today the fancy robes brought out the broadness and strength of his shoulders, his height. It accentuated the overall masculinity of him. Kelsey eyed the crest on his chest curiously already raising her arm, but stopping the movement before it touched the pin that seemed like the family crest. She didn’t want to spoil it. Instead Kelsey observed it slowly appreciating it’s quiet beauty and strength. “It looks beautiful. Family crest? It fits you. It fits your whole family.” Kelsey said slowly before looking up again as she let her hand fall again from where it had been in the air near the crest.

Looking at Felton’s eyes Kelsey felt just a little breathless as he glanced at her dress, but his words seemed to come form his heart carrying sincere approval. Releasing a breath she hadn’t know she was holding Kelsey suddenly felt surprisingly peaceful. Offering Felton a generous smile Kelsey accepted his hand, her own feeling shockingly suitable in the nook of Felton’s elbow.
“I would love that. Lest I wander some more and who knows what disaster I might create.” Kelsey smiled at Felton having to turn her head to look at the taller man next to her as she felt her heart flutter a little. A feeling she hadn’t had for years, feeling she hadn’t experienced since she was just a little girl.

Kelsey almost absent-mindedly picked up a piece of string from the black velvet of Felton’s sleeve, placing it on a little table they were passing as she opted looking around rather than staring at Felton with starry eyes and looking like some stalker. After all what more could Felton see in her but a mere acquaintance. And he just too much of a gentleman to say something to her about keeping the distance. “The house looks absolutely lovely. The decorations are awesome.” Kelsey said with a small smile as she looked at the blue and white decorations that had obviously been put up with care.

[cdc]

Jamison looked at Meyghan as she asked if he wanted to go into the main room or for a tour of the house. However, his attention was caught by Wendi laughing childishly with the other children. Jamison smiled softly at her as she seemed to have not one problem with meeting new people. Wendi had always been quite at ease with that. Jamison could easily talk to people but not quite as well as Wendi. Sometimes it seemed like her favorite thing to do when Jamison would rather be in the corner alone most of the time. Jamison turned to his sister. "Wendi, introduce yourself properly." He said in a fun mocking strict tone. She imminently giggled saluted and ran towards the two. "Wendi Eden Parson." She said through a giggle. She soon followed that with a curtsy. Jamison laughed nicely at her humor. Wendi then gave a quick new salute and then ran off towards the other children that Jamison didn't know.

He looked back at Meyghan trying to answer her question. "Sure, a tour sounds nice if you can find the time." He said handsomely. He of course wanted to spend time talking to Meyghan, but she was hosting a party. Jamison knew himself that it was no easy task and took attention to see all the guests were in fine shape. He also wouldn't mind seeing the house. It was rather a nice size for a house and it looked rather interesting. Jamison lived in a medium size two story in London with his grandparents. It was large enough for him, but Meyghan's house did seem larger. Wendi seemed to get lost in their own house so Jamison had no idea that she would be able to navigate herself through this house. He gave up the thought knowing she was old enough to take care of herself. Jamison looked at Meyghan awaiting an answer.

[Sapphire Phoenix R7]

Sapphire glanced briefly at the note which she'd left on her bedside table in the room she and Zara shared in her mum's house. 'Semi-formal' dress. Well, she could manage that. It was quite pleasant to be spending New Year's Eve at a friend's house, even though she hoped the party wouldn't be too lavish. She wasn't in the mood for something really special. Just something nice. Sapphire scrutinised the handwritten invitation. Hardly scribed much as though it came from a schoolfriend, which perhaps didn't bode very well for it not being too big a party. But Sapphire was going - Meyghan was a friend - and Zara was coming too, so she would just have to make sure she enjoyed it. Sapphire smiled as she heard Mikhail being entertained by her twin sister downstairs and, having secured the unicorn pendant Cleo had given her for Christmas round her neck, she made her way down to join her.

"C'mon Zara, time to go. I'd rather not be late," she called into the lounge, before going to give Mikhail a hug. Not a peck on the cheek. That would be treating him like a girl, he always said, and as he would indignantly point out, he was not a girl. "Bye now." Having put her coat on, she opened the front door to the house, assuming that Zara would follow. "Bye Mom," she added to her mother, who was standing there with a mixture of reluctance and approval on her face. The approval was probably something to do with the appearance of either her or Zara - she had no idea which - and the reluctance a slight feeling of loathing at having to let them go back into the magical world, if only for a night at this moment in time, only to a party and with them using a taxi as transport at that.

Sapphire was dressed in quite a long black skirt with an attractive flare at the bottom, a striking red three-quarter length sleeved top with some beadwork around a V-neck that wasn't particularly revealing and long, high-heeled black suede boots. Sapphire wasn't the tallest of girls so she did like to make up for that a little with high heels on occasion. Her hair she had left loose, though Zara had styled it for her. She hadn't worried unduly much with her appearance tonight - it was only a New Year's Party - but nevertheless it had managed to be satisfactory. Sapphire smiled at her twin sister as they arrived at Meyghan's house (it was annoying not being able to use even magic-assisted taxis - it had taken up rather more time than she would have liked; but being able to go to the party was a good thing, she supposed), paying their taxi driver his dues with a smile before stepping up to the correct house (judging by the lovely decorations that signified a good deal of thought and planning had gone into this party) to ring on the door of Meyghan's house.

((I'm sorry but I'm not proof-reading this now. Let's just say it's rather late. So please excuse if it's a bad post. I just wanted to get something posted. )

[Nokomis Astarra H5]

Hearing someone behind them she looked over her shoulder, and smiled at the girl with her best and friendliest smile, and tried her hardest not to cling even tighter to Gary. She couldn't get over the fact that she still found people terrifying, even if she didn't have a reason for it. When the girl refereed to Gary as 'pretty boy' though, her concerns faded, and she couldn't help but giggle. Gary was very cute, even if she thought she could die of embarrassment if she ever tried to tell him. She smiled at the girl again and nodded when she asked if she could call her Noko. It seemed most people called her that now, and it sort of felt nice to have people feel close enough to her to use a nickname.

She watched Gary's sister go for a moment before turning back to him, after he had made a comment on how she must like her. "I'm glad...but now you really have to behave so that she still likes me at the end of the night." She smiled again, and blushed when Gary proceeded to lead her further, before doing something completely charming, just like he always did, that ended in kissing her hand. For a moment her mind seemed far to foggy to think, no matter how hard she tired. Finally, she tired to pull herself together at least a bit. "Um..how about the garden...we can...um..talk or something." She smiled and tired to keep herself from blushing. It just seemed like so long since the ball and since school got out, and since she last got to spend time with him. She never thought she would miss someone as must as she didn't even though it was really no time at all. There was no reason to miss him as much as she did, but despite that, the weeks she had to wait between leaving Hogwarts and seeing him were some of the hardest weeks she had ever remembered, and even if it was just for a moment, she wanted him all to herself.

[crane]

Gary laughed quietly puling playfully on Noko’s hair. “She will like you in the end of the evening one way or an other. The fact I’m glad to be your friend if I may say that about myself is enough for all my family to love you.” Gary said with quiet certainty in his voice that didn’t let you doubt the small fact. “And they have all the confidence in you. After all you are going to have to figure out a way to ensure that I will actually behave.” Gary listened to Noko’s decision Gary smiled at her while slipping around the table stealing a small bite of cheese from it as he passed it. Pulling Noko out of the room Gary grinned at him feeling alive and surprisingly playful now that he could see Noko again after the break. “Garden sounds perfect. We just have to found our cloaks first. I would hate for you to catch a cold.” Gary said looking around thoughtfully only to smile with surprise upon seeing the house elf who was holding their jackets once again. “Oh. Thank you.” Gary told the house elf while accepting their jackets after the house elf had explained how to get outside to the garden.

Holding Noko’s jacket for her Gary helped her dress into it, pulling her hair out from under the collar of it afterwards. “You know I like the way you look. You were absolutely breathtaking at the ball. There you were a real fairy and I wasn’t entirely sure what to say or how to act. Today you are just Noko. Just the Noko I know and like even though you are still just as breathtaking.” Gary admitted to Noko while biting the inside of his cheek nervously as he stepped away from Nokomis to pull his own jacket on too before reaching out his hand to clasp Noko’s into it once again. Hopefully Noko wouldn’t mind the comment he had made. He had liked Noko at the Ball and liked her very much. Yet he liked her even more the way she was now. He felt more worthy of her this way. “Come. Let’s go see if we can find the garden. I’m relatively sure Meyghan’s father has made the house larger with the help of magic, so you have to make sure we don’t get lost. You ahve to watch out for me today at least.” Gary smiled once more at Noko feeling almost incapabale of doing something other than smiling today.

[Cougar Farmer R7]

Cougar started getting ready. He put on a red oxford and some green pants. He knew it was really bad, but it was Christmas colors. He looked at himself in the mirror, and hoped no-one would notice. Yeah right, as if. Cougar thought to him-self. He decided not to worry about it anymore. He then put on his Fossil watch, and put on a sea-shell necklace, which his mother had given him. He, however; tucked it under his shirt. He knew that went a little too far, but he never took it off unless he took a shower or went swimming etc. He then went downstairs and told his dad what he was doing. "O.k. Have fun" is all his dad replied. He knew he truly wanted him to have fun. He then went to the fireplace and grabbed some floo powder, which was a Christmas present, and yelled "Gallagher Residence"

Cougar found him-self in a large room with quite a crowd. He hoped to find Meyghan and Elisabeth first, then socialize. He walked over to her after noticing a few other conversations. He had a bad habit of "accidentally" eavesdropping. He finally found Meyghan entertaining a few guests. "Hey" Cougar greeted her, not realizing that he might be interrupting. He glanced once more around for Elisabeth before trying to figure out what all had happened before he had gotten there.

[darkmoon287]

Elisabeth splashed some cold water on her face to calm herself. All day her mind had been wandering; thinking about the party she was going to with Cougar. She had had her dress in mind since he asked her, and as of yesterday it was finally ready. She was all alone in the house; her aunt out with some 'friends' tonight. Probably drinking the town dry she thought with regret.

With a small black towel she dried her face and went back to finish getting ready. Elisabeth couldn't help smiling at the sight of her dress. She quickly threw it on and checked herself in the mirror. The dress came to just above her knees, and had a half inch of black lace showing below the bottom. The dress was black, and the top resembled the corsets women wore in her favorite books. The trim and strings of the corset were blood red, the color of a rose. Elisabeth tied a black ribbon tight across her throat and hung a silver heart charm from it. With her long dark hair sweeping across her bare shoulders she looked like a dark angel; the part she was born to play.

Elisabeth quickly put on some subtle makeup and went downstairs into the family room. She stepped into the fireplace and grabbed some Floo Powder from the pot in the wall. She cleared her throat and said with confidence , "Gallagher Residence". When she opened her eyes she found she was at Meyghan's house. Elisabeth did not expect to know anyone there, so she quickly looked for Cougar. After searching for a few minutes she gave up. Standing with one black-shoed foot propped up against the wall and her hands crossed she waited...hoping the he could find her.

[Cougar Farmer R7]

Cougar had been looking around for a while for Elisabeth. He saw a few people look in the direction of the fireplace. He looked and saw Elisabeth looking impatient leaning against a wall. "Sorry, hold on just a minute. I think Elisabeth just arrived." Cougar excused his-self. He weaved through a crowd and, for the first time, noticed Meyghan's parents. He walked by them not paying much more attention to them than noticing them there. He walked up to Elisabeth an greeted her," Hey, where ya been? Glad you could come."

"Meyghan is over there, I think. I may have lost her too." Cougar said half as an invitation to join them. He took her hand and guided her toward the knot in th room. "It appears we've gotten here late." Cougar said trying to start a conversation. he arrived with Meyghan and the rest and introduce Elisabeth, explaining that he had invited her.

[darkmoon287]

Elisabeth pressed the gem on her ring, and check the time. She thought about how funny it would be if Cougar had come later than she. A smile crossed Elisabeth's face as she saw Cougar walking towards her. She couldn't help a small chuckle at the red and green of his outfit, though the red shirt did look fabulous. "Hi Cougar. Yeah sorry about that. It took me longer than I had anticipated to get ready."

She felt her face flush slightly as he took her hand and slowly lead her over to a throng of people, that she did not know. "Don't think I didn't notice your choice of colors tonight Cougar....very original. Although I have to say, I'm partial to that red...it looks absolutly wonderful on you. Yes well, hopefully we didn't miss much." Elisabeth was interested to meet some new people and they looked friendly. When they arrived to the group she just stood by Cougar with a smile on her face.

[Meyghan Gallagher R7]

Meyghan turned toward the fireplace just in time to great her guests. "Excuse me for a moment, Jamison. I'll give you the tour just as soon as escort everyone into the party room." She spoke these words with a smile. She really liked Jamison, and hoped that the interruption hadn't spoiled anything.

She answered the door to find Sapphire, and her sister from the look of the two. They looked identical. "Hi Sapphire, glad you could make it to the party. Everyone is just about here, and the party room is that way." Meyghan said leading the way back to the room. "Tawa the house elf will gladly take your coats, and put them away. There are snacks and drinks in the party room, and from the sound of it, my brother has already started the music." Meyghan hoped that she would make a good hostess but she wasn't sure. She turned to go back toward the fireplace, where she had left Jamison standing. As she got closer to the right spot, she noticed that her father was escorting Kelsey down stairs. Meyghan smiled, Kelsey looked wonderful, and had picked out the perfect wrap to go with her dress. "Hello, father. Did you find your guest for the evening?" Meyghan said jokingly. "Kelsey, I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to show you the way back down stairs. It's just that everyone started arriving at once."
She watched as Felton lead Kelsey into the party room.

Just as Meyghan turned to speak to Jamison again. She noticed that the last of her guests had arrived. "Cougar, Elisabeth. Glad you could both make it. The party's that way. I'll be in there shortly. Go mingle, maybe you will meet someone that you don't know yet. Or maybe you'll find someone you already know." Meyghan was starting to get into the proper mood for the party, and was hoping that the night would be fun.

Meyghan finally turned back to Jamison, able to talk. " Well, shall we start this tour?" Meyghan asked as she headed off toward the kitchens.

[Nokomis Astarra H5]

She smiled and turned to let Gary help her with her cloak, and she couldn't help but think how it made her feel like a princess. In movies, princesses always turned around and their princes helped them with their coats. When she turned back toward him she smiled, and blushed a bit at his comment.
"I think I like me as me more than I liked me as a fairy. It felt so strange to be in that skirt...even if I am in one now too." She giggled for a moment glancing down at her skirt before looking back up and smiling at him. "You looked great at the ball and now though." After she said it, his hand reached for hers, and she happily let their fingers entwine before they started forward to find the garden. He warned her about the size of the house, and she clasped his hand a little tighter. She didn't want to get separated from him for even a moment.

As they worked their way through he crowds, she stayed behind him, letting him try to figure out where there were going, and finally, after it seemed like they had been threw a maze of people and rooms, she felt a rush of cool air and they stepped out into the garden.