Celebrating the New Year With a Bang ((Friends))

[Maryn Livley]

((This post is for all the people mentioned in the OWL I sent out, their dates, or anyone who wants to PM me to join.))

Maryn stood looking at herself in the mirror. Mercy sat across the room lying on her bed. Maryn turned to Mercy. She sighed. "Should I?" Maryn asked already holding the neat white box in her hands. Maryn was hesitant to do this even though she really wanted to. "Do it." Mercy said looking all serious. Then, Mercy released a grin. This was totally unlike Mercy to act like that, but Maryn looked aside from that. "Okay." Maryn said with a big fat smile on her face. She opened the white bow and looked at a container of cherry red liquid. Maryn sighed as she sat down on a chair by the mirror. The chemical smell filled the room. Maryn put on the rubber gloves that were in the box. Then, she began to pour the liquid all over her brownish red hair. After this treatment, Maryn would have full red hair. It would be just like it was when Maryn was a baby. As a child Maryn had brilliant red hair, but she grew to hate it and began to dye it brown. Now, Maryn had decided that she wanted to be a full red head again. Mercy held her nose as she smiled at Maryn. The room smelled of horrible chemicals, but Maryn didn't care. After Maryn's hair was fully doused with the red dye, she looked over at Mercy grinned. After thirty minutes of giggling with Mercy, it was time for Maryn to wash her hair. She smiled, paused and then walked to the bathroom.

Forty minutes later, Maryn was smiling happily with her newly red hair as she looked in the mirror. "I love it." Mercy said happily. "So will Nate." She added. Maryn looked Mercy in the eyes. Maryn had visited Nate a couple of times since she had come back from Hogwarts. The whole family had spent Christmas Day in the hospital with Nate until visiting hours were over. "You wanna come visit him with me before the party?" Maryn asked. Mercy grinned and then frowned. "Um, I'll ask mum and dad." She said. Then, Mercy disappeared out of the room and down the steps. Maryn stared at her red hair in the mirror. It was dry, she just had to fix it how she wanted it. Maryn pulled her wand out from her pajama pants pocket. She stared at her hair for a moment, then she started drying. Her hair was pretty much dry before she had started this so it didn't take too long for her hair to be completely dry. Maryn then brushed it out and took out her curling iron. After a few minutes, Maryn's hair was perfectly wavy and beautifully red. She liked it just like that. Just then Mercy walked in the room. She gasped. "Oh Maryn. Your hair looks wonderful." She said brightly. "Oh and mum and dad said yes." She announced. Mercy tapped her wallet. They gave me cap fare. She said again. Maryn nodded. "We'll go when I finish getting ready and dressed. Oh I don't know what to wear." Maryn said suddenly. Mercy jumped up. "Leave it to me."

Thirty minutes later, Mercy and Maryn were getting out of the cab in front of the hospital to see Nate before Maryn left for the bash. Maryn was dressed in a brilliant nearly lime green dress that was bright and it looked like something Maryn would wear. It had capped sleeves and a V neck top. The dress went down to about three inches above Maryn's knees. She really loved the dress. Maryn wore simple yet elegant goldish accessories and a light layer of make-up. Maryn really did love the way she looked. Maryn walked beside Mercy as they entered the building and went up the elevator. Just as they entered the Children's Ward, nearly all eyes seemed to be on Maryn. Maryn smiled and waved at all the nurses. She knew basically everyone on the ward. Maryn had spent an entire summer at the hospital with Nate. "You look great Maryn." Nurse Erin said. "Thanks Miss Erin." Mryn said softly. "Is Nate in his room or out about?" Maryn asked as she continued to walk towards Nate's room. "Oh he's in there." Erin said. Maryn nodded as Mercy walked beside her. The door was already opened when Maryn opened it. "Hey there sport." Maryn said smiling as she tooka seat next to Nate on his bed. He put the television remote down and smiled at his two sisters. "I didn't know that you two were coming here." Nate said brightly. "That's why it's called a surprise." Mercy said jokingly. Nate laughed and then his eyes fell on Maryn's hair. "Wow." He started. "The old Maryn's back. I missed her." Nate said seriously. Maryn knew that he wasn't only talking about the hair. "Me too." Maryn said calmly. Nate then looked at the clock on the wall. "Well, I'm glad that your here Maryn, but you will be late to the party." Maryn looked at the clock. "Oh, jeez. Well, that's okay I'll just be late." She said softly. "No, go." Nate said. "Yea, I'll stay here with Nate." Mercy said to her sister. Maryn looked at each of them. "Ok, but I'll spend the night here after the party." Maryn said to Nate. "Fine now go!" He said playfully. Maryn laughed and then ran out of the room.

Half an hour later, Maryn was in Oldham. The floo network seemed to have taken her a street or two away from the the grand hall where the party was being held. Maryn did a few charms to get some of the soot off of her. Then, she began to walked. Maryn didn't really know where she was going, but she would be okay. Right? Maryn finally got to where she could see the building. She smiled and then walked towards it. Maryn knew that some of her friends were coming, she just didn't know which ones. Maryn made her way into the grand hall. She smiled looking around the beautiful building. she looked around at everyone. It was still early so Maryn knew that more people would be arriving. She took a place near a wall by the dance floor. Maryn listened to the music as she swayed back and fourth a little bit. She began to wander if any of her friends would show up at all. Have a little faith, Maryn. She told herself.

[natxthexrat]

The Hogwarts Express halted to a stop at King's Cross Station at around seven thirty at night. Aurora couldn't believe it!she was actually here! Aurora called a muggle taxi and was on her way to the nearest hotel. Aurora was hitting a New Year's party the next day. Maryn had invited her on the train just now. Aurora was so glad she finally had friends. After all the trouble she had been through in the past few years, especially within the last few months, Aurora was finally a happy person.

It seemed like all was well that vacation- Aurora was doing well in school, she had friends to talk to, and on top of it all, she was finally going to meet her dad. A father that she hadn't seen or heard of in the past thirteen years...and with that beautiful thought in her head...Aurora lay herself down to sleep.

The next morning seemed to fly by. Aurora spent the entire day looking for a dress for the New Year's eve party that night, and for the High School reunion the next day. After searching countless stores, Aurora found the perfect one. It was a strapless satin dress of midnight blue with a high waistline and a skirt that flowed gracefully down to her feet. To accompany the dress, Aurora purchased a pair of blue high heeled slippers.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, dear!" The sales lady said. "Now, will that be cash or credit?" Aurora thought it funny that had it not been for Aurora's huge pocket, the lady would not behave as sweet...Aurora saw how she treated that other poor girl who obviously could not afford a thing in that store.

After her dress was purchased, Aurora walked into a nearby hair salon that was located near a hospital. As she walked in, she noticed two young ladies walking into the hospital, and one of them looked exactly like her friend Maryn, only with red hair...so it couldn't be her. Aurora shrugged and walked into the hair salon.

"Hi, I wanted to know if you could curl my hair..I'm tired of keeping it straight..and a change would be nice."

"Absolutely!" The hair dresser said as she smiled.

It didn't take long for Aurora's hair to be curled. Aurora's hair was fairly easy to work with. Before long, Aurora looked beautiful. All she needed now was makeup. She didn't need much..just some eyeliner, lip gloss, and maybe a bit of blush...after that was all settled, it was party time!

Aurora called yet another cab so that she could meet her friends at the party. She made one more quick stop before the party, but after a whole day of running around London, the cab pulled up at the place where the party was to be held. Aurora entered to find only Maryn dancing in the middle of the dance floor. Aurora put down her bag and snuck up behind her. Aurora yelled from behind her.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Aurora waited for Maryn's sure-to-be surprised reaction.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn looked at everyone out there dancing. She didn't have a date so Maryn didn't really feel like going out in the middle of everyone. So, she just stayed in place as she moved a tad to the music. It had been a long day and Maryn was a bit tired. But, she wasn't about to let that make her not have a good time. Maryn would have a good time. She really did need to have a good time. Maryn needed some worry free fun and maybe this party would give her that. Maryn smiled looking around at everyone. Yes, there were a lot of people Maryn could just go up and talk to, but she wasn't exactly in the social mood. Maryn was a social person but she could do without that for one night, right? Maryn thought so. Maryn did like the music playing. It sounded like the perfect music to set the mood for the night. True, none of Maryn's friends had shone up yet and she didn't have a date, but she could still have fun. Maryn brushed aside her red hair. She liked it. She really did. It would just take everyone a little getting used to. A splash of the brown was still seen in her hair, but Maryn really did look like a true red head. Maryn used to be a true red head so this wasn't a very big change for her. Maryn didn't really think that many people had noticed, but she didn't really care. They did matter. Maryn's opinion of herself did.

Maryn heard someone scream behind her. "Ouch!" She called. The noise hadn't really hurt her ear, Maryn just said that as a reaction. Maryn turned around to see Aurora. Maryn's face immediately broke out into a smile. She started to giggly. "Happy New Year to you too. Well, almost." Maryn said looking at the clock. There was still minutes left before the big countdown. "So, any big New Year's Day plans? I think I'm just going to hang out with Nate at the hospital. I mean school will start back up again soon and I just really want to spend some more time with him before we go back." Maryn paused. "I miss him, you know?" Maryn said calmly. She sighed. Maryn laughed at all the people around her. Everyone looked so happy. C'mon Mare. She told herself. Be like them. Maryn decided that she was going to have fun no matter what. "So.." Maryn said to Aurora. "You wanna do something? This might be the most fun place I've been to in a long time and I'm going to take advantage of it." Maryn giggled. "Oh, I love the dress by the way." Maryn said laughing. She saw a few Gryffindors she knew and waved. Then, Maryn looked back at Aurora. "Tonight is going to be fun." Maryn said with a wide grin on her face. Maryn had to just let go and have fun. For Nate. Maryn would have fun for Nate.

[Kia Brightstar]

Kia leant back against Adam comfortably, her eyes half-closing as he brushed her hair. She could've done it herself of course, but what was the point when she had a cousin on hand to do it for her? "Oi," Adam poked her shoulder in mock protest. "If I'm going to make your hair all nice and pretty for you - not that it doesn't already look absolutely wonderful," he added quickly, knowing just how fast her temper could rise, "then you should at least have the decency to not fall asleep." Kia merely snickered, casting him a pointed glance. "You, dear cousin, are just annoyed because you've sent a few owls to Finnea and she hasn't bothered to reply. Frightened of competition?" Kia teased easily, her smile dimming slightly when Adam actually started to look uncomfortable. "She's just busy - she does have a job, you know! Now, don't you have to be at that party soon? A date with your perfect match, Cia?" Adam mocked mercilessly, delighting in the blush spreading over his cousins face. "At least I can get someone interested in me," Kia shot back, sticking out her tongue childishly.

Kia walked in hesitantly, her right hand picking at the side of her black dress. It was hard to be bouncy in heels and a dress, which meant that Kia couldn't even act like she was confident. "Maryn!" Kia grinned thankfully as she spotted her friend, moving through the crowds fluidly. Near the wall. Kia smiled wryly, recognising it as nervous-Maryn behaviour. It was odd to see her friend with red hair, but changes were good and Maryn looked pretty with red hair. "Maryn!" Kia tapped her on the shoulder lightly and grinned, hugging her friend before turning to the other girl. A third year, or thereabouts, though Kia couldn't remember her house, nor did she care. Jerks were found in every house, as were friends. "I'm Kia," she smiled gently, though she couldn't help her eyes flickering around the room. Just looking for other friends, of course. Nothing to do with Adam's teasing about Ciaran. Nothing at all.

[natxthexrat]

Aurora watched as the room quickly filled up with students from almost every house and every year. Friends were starting to come in, as well as enemies, but Aurora didn't care, she would just keep having as much fun as she pleased, whether it be having fun with old friends or making new ones, Aurora would let nothing darken her day. Suddenly, a voice had interrupted Aurora's thoughts.

"I'm Kia," the girl said with a smile. The girl seemed nice, although she thought she looked a bit distracted, as if she was looking for somebody.

"Nice to meet you, Kia." Aurora said with a polite smile. "My name's Aurora." Aurora waited for Kia's reply.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn turned and smile when she say Kia. "Kia!" She said hugging her friend back. Maryn really hadn't seen Kia in awhile and she had missed her friend. "Welcome to the fun craziness that is the Hogwart's New Year Bash." Maryn joked. Now that Kia had arrived, Maryn was sure that she would have a fun time. Kia always made everything fun no matter what it was. She had a talent for it. "I haven't seen you in awhile. How was your Christmas?" Maryn asked looking around. More people were arriving still. This night would be interesting. That was for certain. Maryn watched as some Slytherin girl walked by and purposely walked straight into Maryn. "Oh, I'm soo sorry." She said in the most annoying, sarcastic tone Maryn had ever heard. "I'm sure. No problem. Good thing I don't get upset very easily." Maryn said eying the girl. She gave Maryn a cruel look, and then stalked off. Maryn smiled and laughed a bit as she looked at Kia. "Wow, that was semi fun." Maryn said smiling. "Hey, I've been bored for quite awhile so anything remotely odd in my point of view is fun." Maryn said giggling. If anyone would remotely understand or get Maryn's sense of humor, she was pretty sure that would be Kia. "So, Kia. Do you have any crazy plan to spice up this bash or should we just see how the night goes?" She asked grinning brightly. Hey, Maryn had been bored. And what wasn't fun about a New Year's Bash? Nothing, that's what. Maryn smiled as she looked at everyone around her.

Just then, Maryn realized that Aurora was still there. Oops. She though. Maryn hadn't seen Kia in awhile so she had focused all of her attention of Kia and not Aurora. Suddenly, a cell phone rang. Maryn did have a cell phone since she was a muggle and all, but her phone was at home. Maryn noticed that it was Aurora's. Maryn didn't know why Aurora would have a cell phone, but she didn't think about it. Aurora talked to the person on the other end and then hung up. She explained to the girls that she had to leave. Maryn nodded. "Do what you have to do. Bye. Oh, and have a happy New Years!" Maryn called as Aurora left the building. She sighed. "Odd." Maryn said calmly. She looked back to Kia. "So, where is Mr. Kia your perfect Knight in Shining Armor? " Maryn asked looking around. She didn't see him yet. Maryn didn't know Ciaran too well except for that Kia liked him and Maryn had classes with him. Maryn stood calmly looking around and waiting for Kia to respond.

((All God-Moding of Aurora's leaving was done with her previous owner's approval.))

[ciaran]

"Aww Cia you look soo cute!" Finnea said as she walked in and gave her brother a huge bear hug. "Ahh, Finn. I'll never get ready if you keep coming in and saying that." Ciaran told his sister as he tugged on his dress robes. He didn't particularly like the idea of dress robes, but he knew that he had to wear them. They were rather dignified looking in black and creme so at least they weren't terribly awful. Finnea smiled at her younger brother. "Now all you need is a girlfriend. So, how is that Kia doing?" She asked trying to be sly as she eyed Ciaran. Ciaran shrugged calmly. "She's not my girlfriend and I haven't seen her lately, actually." He said trying to remain calm. Finnea gave Ciaran a look. "Well, you know there always is Lucy." Finnea said slyly as she talked about her friend Lucy Strong who was a Gryffindor Seventh Year. Ciaran shook his head. "I don't think so." He said sure of his statement. Lucy Strong was annoying twit who loved to spread untruthful gossip about everyone in the entire school. Ciaran really didn't want to hear another wrong story about a pregnant Slytherin girl again. Finnea walked over to Ciaran. "But, she's a good friend and she thinks your cute." Finn persisted in a girly voice. Ciaran sighed. Truth was, Ciaran had kept an eye out for Kia in the Common Room. She was pretty and she seemed really outgoing and confident, but Ciaran didn't feel like sharing this with Finn for the moment. "Forget about it Finn. If you like her so much, you date her." Ciaran joked. However, it seemed that Finnea that he was serious. "Well, maybe I will." She said in a strong tone as she went to leave the room. "Wait..uhh you know that's not what I meant." She said storming out. Ciaran laughed. Finnea could say the funniest things without meaning to or believing what she said. But, to Ciaran, it was just funny.

Ciaran coughed as he arrived at the location from the floo network. Before, he could look down at his ash covered clothing, it was all gone. Ciaran smiled calmly. He nodded at a house elf who pointed the way to the ball room. Ciaran thanked her and then walked into the room. There were tons of people all over the place. Ciaran looked around for anyone he knew. In particular, he was looking for one person. Ciaran noticed Kia talking to a girl in her year who he knew to be Maryn. He made his way over to the two. "Hey, Kia. I didn't know that you were coming to night." He said nicely. "You're Maryn, right? I'm Ciaran Douglass?" Ciaran indeed knew that her name was Maryn, but he hadn't talked to her personally in a good while. Ciaran looked around. No, doubt there were people watching over the festivities. Ciaran was sure that it was just for safety measures. No one wanted an attack and if there was, Ciaran was prepared to stand up for anyone who needed it. Ciaran looked back at Kia. "So, what have you been up to lately Kia? Swinging at the park?" He joked as he referred to the time they first met. Ciaran smiled waiting for one of the girls to respond.

[Kia Brightstar]

"Christmas was fun but being back at Hogwarts is somewhat better. Adam and Kae were deliberately trying to drive me crazy, I'm sure." Kia giggled, glancing at Maryn conspiratorially before adding, "Adam was driving himself crazy because Finnea, Ciarans sister, hadn't replied to his owls." Kia had told Maryn about Cia and Finn, confiding in her more and more as they grew closer. "Did you enjoy Christmas? And how's Nate doing? And Mercy and...Tommy, right?" Kia tilted her head curiously, slight concern showing in her eyes. She wouldn't press her friend for details on Nate unless Maryn wanted to talk about him. Kia rolled her eyes exasperatedly as some girl walked into Maryn but held her tongue and snickered as Maryn handled it far more calmly than Kia ever would've managed to do. "Me, not have a plan to spice up a party? Bite your tongue!" Kia gasped in mock-offense. "I always have a plan. However, I haver a feeling that Adam will have a better plan and he's coming an hour before the party ends, because he claims he hasn't had enough fun lately. Which of course means that he's hoping Finnea will be picking Ciaran up." Kia grinned impishly. She adored her cousin, really she did, but he was just too easy to tease when he liked a girl.

Kia merely nodded slightly as Aurora left. She had never met the girl, but the phone struck her as curious. She surely couldn't be a pureblood if she had a phone, but Kia was almost sure she had seen her in a green and silver uniform. Odd, but stranger things had happened. Kia blushed lightly at the teasing. She never had taken teasing about boys well, but Maryn was entitled to a bit of teasing after the amount of times Kia had told her about Ciaran. "I don't even know if he's coming, to be honest. I've kinda been avoiding the common room lately. Blushing whenever I see him is getting rather annoying." Kia sighed. It was darn near impossible to make her blush, but Cia only had to grin and she turned pink. What curse was this and where did she find the counter-curse?

"Ciaran!" Kia grinned happily and turned to hug him, silently insisting that this hug was no different to the hugs she gave to all of her friends. And look, she hadn't even blushed. It was a small improvement, but an improvement nonetheless. "Yep, Adam dropped me off and then I met up with Maryn. He's been driving me insane because apparently a certain sister of yours," Kia eyed Ciaran laughingly, "hasn't been answering the owls he's been sending out lately. Personally, I think it's hilarious to see him so frustrated because a girl hasn't fallen for his charms." Boys. Such a silly gender at times, but it wouldn't be possible to live without them. Besides the obvious reason, they provided entertainment with their silly temper tantrums. "Swinging in the park is fun," Kia answered defensively. "Kae loves it and so do I. Especially in the snow." Kia's eyes turned slightly dreamy. "It's so much fun to swing and feel your feet skimming over the snow, while watching snow fall around you. And then tackling Adam and stuffing snow down his shirt," Kia grinned evilly, her eyes twinkling with laughter.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn laughed when Kia said that Adam and Kae were trying to drive her crazy. "Family always does. I mean the amount of times that Tommy tries to steal my wand is rather annoying, actually." Maryn laughed remembering. Maryn laughed again as Kia talked about Adam. "But, the names Adam and Finnea don't match like Kia and Cia do." Maryn laughed. "No fun." She joked. Maryn thought it was funny that Cia and Kia rhymed. She didn't joked about Cia often to Kia, but it was sort of funny when she did. Maryn had her eye out for a Gryffindor in Ciaran's year, but she hadn't seen him lately. Actually, there wasn't much to talk about because the only conversation they had, had was cut short. Maryn looked around for Baz, but she didn't see him. Big surprise. She thought to herself. Maryn did kind of like him, but they hadn't really talked enough to tell how much Maryn really did. Maryn sighed. She had never had much luck with boys. Maryn had liked Leon, but of course sad events occurred to keep them apart forever. But, before Leon's tragic death, Maryn had liked a boy named Stryder, but he had left Hogwarts without any warning. Maryn sighed. Maybe she just needed a boy break. After all, she had a lot going on in her lief. Yes, maybe a break was much needed.

Maryn smiled as Kia talked about Nate. Maryn didn't have a problem with talking about her sick brother anymore. She was scared of the situation anymore. "I had a good Christmas actually. Mom convinced the rest of the family that it would be best if it was just us this year so at least it wasn't chaos at our house. Maryn smiled. "Nate is fine. Good actually. He is still at a hospital, but soon they are taking him to a center specializing in Leukemia to finish up his chemo. He should be home withing the year maybe if everything goes as planned. Not all of the cancer is gone, but they have done a great job at getting him better." Maryn said calmly. "I'm really proud of the way he has acted through all of this. If it was me, I'm pretty sure that I would have complained like a baby." Maryn said laughing at herself for a second. "Yes, Tommy Mercy are good. They are crazy as usual, but good." Maryn laughed. "Yay! Kia has a plan. This will be a interesting night then, won't it?" Maryn commented already knowing the answer to that question. It would be an interesting night. That was for sure.

Maryn listened to Kia talk about Ciaran, but just then, he walked up. Right a way, Maryn felt like the third wheel, but it didn't bother her too much. She laughed. Maryn was pretty sure that Cia liked Kia back. And by the way he was smiling at her, she was more than pretty sure. Maryn laughed a little to herself. Maryn nodded. "Yea, Maryn is me." She said jokingly. "Nice to meet you, but I'm pretty sure I've seen you around the Common Room." Maryn said lazily. Maryn noticed that Kia and Cia seemed to be hitting it off, of course. So, maybe a quick exit would be a good idea. "Um, I'm just going over there to get some punch." Maryn said pointing and smiling. "I'll be back." She said eying Kia and then making her way over to the punch area. Maryn smiled at Kia and Cia from her spot and then looked at everyone on the dance floor. How she wished that she had someone to dance with, but she just didn't. Maryn sighed calmly.

[ciaran]

Ciaran smiled when Kia hugged him. C'mon Cia. You have friends that are girls. Kia is no different. He tried to tell himself, but it wasn't really working. It never did, really. At least he looked normal. That was a good thing. Ciaran smiled as Kia talked about Adam and Finnea. Really, they were too completely funny people to see together. Ciaran laughed. "I really didn't know she wasn't writing him back." Cia said still smiling. "Color me surprised." He said sarcastically still laughing. "Well, that's Finn for you. But, I'm pretty sure she still likes Adam. She will do something about it too. Just wait and see." Cia told Kia. Finn was pretty darn predictable. Ciaran predicted many of the outcomes of Finn and her boys before the outcome occurred several times. It wasn't that hard to predict at all. Finn's thought were known because Finn told everyone her thoughts. There for, it was easy for Ciaran to guess what she was going to do. It was a fun guessing game, actually. It might come off as mean, but it kept Cia entertained. Ciaran laughed again. Ahh. Adam and Finn were just too funny for words.

"Umm maybe Finn's playing hard to get?" He said not really sure of his answer. "She does that a lot and it seldom works." He said smiling a bit. "The boy usually just gets tired of waiting and just finds some girl to make Finn jealous and then Finn just moves on to the next best thing. She does it a lot, but not lately really." He said thinking about it. If she had lately, Ciaran hadn't seen it. Finn hadn't talked about any boys besides Adam in over a month, but he still didn't know that she wasn't writing him. Ciaran sighed. With Finn, anything was possible. Ciaran laughed as Kia talked about swinging. "Hey I never said it wasn't." He said in a fake defensive tone with a wide smile to plastered to his face. "I haven't been on a swing set lately though." He said calmly. Ciaran laughed. "That does fond like fun. Hmm, now that you mention it, I've always wanted to hit Finn in the head with a snow ball." Cia said smiling at the though. Ciaran nodded as Maryn said that she was going to get some punch. Ciaran looked around and smiled at a few people he knew. "So, Kia.." Ciaran said building up some courage. "Is it too early for me to ask for a friendly dance?" He asked a bit nervous of the response, but Ciaran didn't let it show. The music wasn't slow nor too fast. It was more medium tempo music. Ciaran waited for Kia to respond.

[Sophia Hallington H7]

Wow, it had been a busy day. Sophia had had a lot to do, as it was the day of the BIG New Years bash, at Lyme Hall. She had had to organise what she was going to wear first, and having realised that the gown she would normally wear, a long, yellow number, was too small for her now, she had to buy a new one. Well, she had had the other dress for years-she had it new for when she started Hogwarts, which was over 3 years ago! it sure had gathered dust in the time, as she hardly used it now...so the best thing that she could do was to hit the shops and buy a new one for herself...it would be fun, and she'd get a new outfit out of it!!

Having arrived at Piccadilly station in Manchester City Centre, she got off the train, and looked around. There were plenty of places where she would be able to get a new dress, loads of shops to go to. She wasn't picky about the style, colour or length, as long as it suited her, and wasn't too pricey. But that wouldn't be a problem, as there was all sorts! Ones in blue, purple, pink, yellow, green, short ones, long ones, sleeveless ones, ones with strappy sleeves, ones with long sleeves, plain ones, heavily decorated ones, poofy ones, flay ones...all sorts! It took her ages to decide on a suitable one, and ended up choosing a knee-length dark purple one, like satin, with straps. She also bought a purple jacket to go with it-it was great!

Now it was for the shoes. She had decided that she wanted either silver or purple ones, to go with the dress, as, as with the dress, her present shoes were too small. Plus white flats with butterflies on were a bit childish for her liking now, even if they were cute! She wanted high shoes now, to compesate for her lack of height-she had barely reached 5 foot! She eventually found some perfect ones-silver, with a chunky heel, and straps at the back and toes of them-they were great! Plus they weren't too uncomfortable, as she thought they would be to start with.

Then it was for her hair. She decided that she wanted it to be trimmed, and then curled, so she found the nearest salon and had this done. She also had a manicure while she was there-she wanted to look her best, whatever was going to happen. Tonight wouldn't just be any night-oh no, she had now turned 15, just a week ago, and she was going to show everyone that she meant business! She was no longer the shy, lonely Sophia, who was a general nobody...tonight she was going to turn more extroverted than ever before...and she wasn't gonna let anyone forget it!

having done all of her shopping, Sophia boarded the train back home, laden with bags. Once she arrived home, she immediately went up to her attic room, and put on her new outfit to show her famiy. The first person she saw was her brother, who just laughed-well, what else could be expected?-so Sophia just took off a shoe and threw it at him, to show him a lesson. However, he just threw it right back in her face-literally-and wandered off. She put the shoe back on, and walked downstairs, rubbing her nose as she went. Her mother just said "Wow, you look amazing, dear...I hope you have fun tonight!", and her dad was only interested in how much it had all cost. Once she had told him, he wasn't too happy at all-infact, he shouted at her a lot-yet he still payed her for it. She could always rely on him for that!

So, once the time came, her mother drover her round to the hall, and with a cheery wave and a smile, she walked into the hall, to see if her friends were there. She had been invited earlier on by Maryn-a Gryffindor in her year whom she'd got to know earlier in the year-so she searched for her. SHe eventually did find her, among some other people she didn't know too well. She knew Kiana a bit, being in some of the same classes, but not the others. There was a younger girl, who looked like a Slytherin...and an older boy, who looked kinda cute in Sophia's eyes. So she went up to them, and greeted them

"Heya guys! Wow, you all look simply fantabulous! And Maryn, I LOVE your hair! Have you died it, or something? And I love your dresses, girls! By the way, I'm Sophia...I'm in your year, but I'm a Huffle. You're Gryffindors, right? And what're your names?" SHe paused for a moment..."so...what's going on? what've you been talking about then?"

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn walked back over to Ciaran and Kia with a glass of punch in her hands. She smiled at the two of them. "Hey guys. Has anyone else come over yet?" She asked casually. Just then, Sophia walked over. Maryn smiled brightly. She looked really pretty in her dress. Maryn laughed lightly. "you look great!" She told Sophia in her squeaky type voice. Maryn smiled as she glanced around the hall. She nodded. "Well, yea. My hair is naturally red, but I've died it brown sine before first year. So, I decided to dye it back to my natural red." She said flipping her hair around joyfully. She liked her red hair alot. It made her look more grown up. Or at least that's what Maryn thought. Maryn just liked that she looked kinda like she did at a younger age. She just missed that look for some reason Maryn herself didn't even understand. Maryn felt the need to get back to old times for some reason. Maybe it was because of all the constant drama in her life over the years. Maryn just had so much stuff going on that it was good to get back to old times. She just wished she could forget the train attack, Nate's illness, Leon's death. But, she couldn't. So, this change back to the old was good. It was kind of like a new start back tot he past even though that made no sense at all.

"I like your dress too." Maryn said in a friendly voice. She looked around and sighed. "Not much really. In my opinion the fun is just getting started." Maryn said smiling. It was nearing midnight. Just then, Maryn heard screams. Spells were being cast every which way and people were being pushed around. Some people were running. Maryn just ducked to the ground. Maryn saw them. She started at one there crouched down. She stared at him or her directly. She had seen them before. On the train the year before. They were Death Eaters. Maryn could barely make out the next few moments. All she could see was that face plastered in her mind. All she could think about was the Death Eaters on the train the year before. Maryn suddenly looked up at her friends. She was scared for them. She was scared for her. Suddenly, without thinking, Maryn reached up and grabbed Kia's hand. It was the closest one she could find. She tried to pull her down to what Maryn thought was safety, but someone knocked her over. Maryn fell to the ground. She clutched her ankle. Maryn tried to get back up and she finally succeeded with her angle bursting with shocks of pain. They were back.