Nostalgia ((Ian))

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora flipped open the fan expertly as if it were her wand and flapped the violet feathered object in her face, her cheeks glowing dark pink from exertion and the heated atmosphere. The fan, which hung loosely from her right wrist, was part of her Marie Antoinette costume, along with the elaborate hair Harmony had helped construct, piled high on her head and extended using magic. Aurora had even powdered her face white for the occasion, and crimson lipstick adorned her lips. Currently they pressed against a glass of coke as she took a small draught, relishing the sensation of the cool iced liquid slipping down her parched throat. She felt her head tilt from the weight of the hair, the curled bangs on either side of her forehead falling gracefully beside her cheeks. Aurora’s free hand smoothed her shining lavender gown as she looked up to peer round the Great Hall, packed full of students having fun, dancing to the music, chatting, or dining by the table. Spirits high because of the electric mood, Aurora drained her beverage in one gulp and placed it down, careful not to trip over her oversized costume. What she wore was more a gown than a dress, which was the point of the outfit as Marie Antoinette originated from long ago French history. Similar hair accessories that colour coordinated with her attire, along with a pair of low heels (hidden beneath the mass of lavender) finished off Aurora’s regal look. She thought she had done well this year to accommodate the theme of the Ball. She had to admit, these occasions weren’t for her really, but she enjoyed the getting together with her friends and classmates, as it was meant to be joyous time of the year. Indeed, Aurora loved Christmas – buying the gifts was the best part.

Aurora was about to move towards a group of mingling sixth year Hufflepuffs when a voice called to her from behind. Turning around, Aurora beamed in delight and attempted to lean forward to give Harmony a huge hug, though stopped at the last moment when she realised it was probably not a goo idea considering what they were wearing. “Congratulations!” Aurora resorted to instead, her words loud and enthusiastic, absolutely thrilled for her cousin’s ‘victory’. “Wow!” Aurora stopped herself from jumping up and down on the spot as she grasped Harmony’s hands, the younger Hufflepuff trying to conceal her humility. “You should be so pleased.” Aurora continued happily, grabbing a lemonade and handing it to Harmony without question. “I hope Ari stuck around long enough to see it.” Grinning in pride, Aurora patted her cousin on the shoulder, before she was swept away by fellow fourth years congratulating her for becoming the Princess of the Ball. Aurora was somewhat surprised about the outcome, but delighted nonetheless. She was happy for Bryce, the King, who was a seventh year Prefect; Aurora had talked to him a few times. She was even more overjoyed for Kia, who she thought was an excellent Queen (and a dedicated committee team player for BBBS). Aurora made a mental note to tackle her later, then her thoughts turned to Skyler Willis, the Prince, the Ravenclaw first year she had met in Diagon Alley before he had even entered Hogwarts! He was certainly doing well, and Aurora wished him all the best of luck. She had yet to speak to him since their first encounter, but she gathered he was doing all right.

Aurora peered across the crowds, and made her way over to the food, feeling her stomach niggle from hunger. A hand reaching to a plate of food, Aurora’s hand bumped into another’s simultaneously, fingers brushing fingers, causing her to look up and withdraw her hand quickly. Opposite was the familiar face of Ian McCain, a fellow Hufflepuff sixth year. “Sorry.” Aurora smiled courteously, before pushing the bowl towards him. Noting his attire with interest, Aurora proceeded to make small talk, having not spoken to Ian for a while. He was a quiet classmate, and although they shared the same house and year, Aurora had never had the chance to bear witness to him act any differently than he always did; calm, cool, collected. He was a good looking chap, decent really, so it was a mystery to Aurora why she hadn’t befriended him closely. “Ian, how are you doing?” Aurora started with a friendly smile, shifting her dress around into a more comfortable position. “Enjoying the ball?” She grinned, before glancing around at her crowded surroundings. “It’s really lively this year.” She continued to comment offhandedly, “Good for dancing, but I can’t dance for my life.” She laughed with a grimace.

[Ian McCain H6]

Ian McCain made his way through the crowded Great Hall, that had been decorated lavishly for the Winter Ball that so many students had been waiting for all year. He had been excited for it as well, especially the dressing up part. He loved getting fancy, and tonight would be no different. He had one of his older suits on, for he was going to the party as Napoleon, of classic Muggle culture. Ian knew he looked good, but he didn’t flaunt it. He had checked himself over a few times in the mirror before coming to the ball, wanting to make sure he looked his best. Ian walked past the Royal Court, congratulating each one on their accomplishments. Of course he didn’t know any of them very well, he just knew their names, but that didn’t matter. He wouldn’t be around them for very long, so just words of admiration suited him.

Ian then got to one of the tables, sat, and eyed the crowd. He didn’t see many people he knew, and those he did know he had already addressed. It seemed that this year there had been a dwindling amount of students attending the ball, and he wondered why that was. Maybe it was because so many were busy studying that they couldn’t be bothered with a winter celebration such as this. He, however, loved this kind of thing. Great food, great music, and a wonderful time to converse with friends about whatever they wanted. He saw a few people sit down at the nearby tables, and winked at someone he recognized. It was a usual expression of trust and a way of saying hi for him, and everyone knew that. That was just one feature of Ian McCain that had resulted in him being shuffled into the Hufflepuff house, six years ago. Had it been that long already? Yes, he had started his sixth year a few months ago, and it was exhilarating.

As he was sitting at the table, contemplating whether to get up and dance a bit, or just sit for a while longer, he reached for a basket of food, and felt his hand, particularly his fingers, brush against someone else’s. She looked up, apologizing, and as he lifted his head, Ian knew exactly who it was. It was Aurora Chan, a fellow Hufflepuff sixth year, and a friend. Politely, he pushed the bowl back towards her saying, “No, go on. You were here first, Aurora.“ As they each took a small bit of food, the two house mates struck up a small conversation. “I’m well, Aurora. How has your school year been?” As he said this, Ian couldn’t help but take in the beauty of the woman in front of him. She had outdone him, that was for sure. She asked if he was enjoying the ball, and he nodded. “Oh I’m sure you could dance better than anyone in this room,” he said jokingly, to her comment about her own dancing technique. “In fact, would you care for a dance? It’s a short song, and it’s just one. What do you say?” Ian really didn’t mind if Aurora didn’t want to dance, he just was tired of sitting at the table for a while.

[Aurora Chan]

“I won’t argue with you.” Aurora grinned jokily at Ian, before taking some of the food. “Thank you.” She smiled, yet again pushing the bowl at him. Nibbling on the nourishment, Aurora smiled wryly in reply. “Busy, I’m sure you’ll understand that too, Ian. The NEWTs are even more work than the OWLs. That probably sounds unbelievable to the fifth years, but god, is it true.” Shaking her head in slight amusement, Aurora thought to the pile of homework still needed to be done hidden secretly away within her trunk. “What subjects are you taking again, Ian?” Aurora asked curiously, unclipping her fan and waving it in her face again in an effort to relieve herself of the building heat. The dress wasn’t exactly cooling to the skin. “Ignore me,” She added with a congenial smile. “It is just so stuffy in here, but that’s probably because of what I’m wearing, and having moved around so much.” Aurora laughed, knowing she had been a right busy bee again, flitting from one area to another with reckless abandon.

Aurora laughed at Ian’s misguided compliment. “You have no idea, Ian. There is certainly no need to flatter me. I frankly have no talent for dancing at all, and am well aware of it.” She smiled genuinely. “But how could I refuse your offer?” She spoke with a lingering grin. “Who could turn down such an offer!” With that joke, Aurora nodded. “I’d love to, but once again, I’m warning you. I am not good at dancing, and not even a miracle-worker can change that.” Grinning in a little embarrassment now, Aurora moved towards the dance floor. Ian was right; the song that had just started playing was indeed a short one. Hoping the dance would end soon, Aurora lifted her arms to let Ian approach her and settle his on her waist. “I hope you can dance, Ian. You’ll have to make up for my incompetence.” Aurora was half joking, half telling the truth, and hoped Ian would take it all in good jest. He seemed to, which was good.

Once Aurora had her arm on Ian’s shoulder, she grasped his other one gingerly, sending him a nervous, but warm smile. Repeating the dance steps in her head repeatedly, Aurora let Ian lead the dance, starting off at a somewhat awkward, but cooperative pace. Aurora eventually felt herself relax opposite Ian. She naturally disliked too much physical contact with people she wasn’t close to, and especially people she wasn’t attracted to, but she trusted what she knew of Ian, and thought he was quite fanciable anyway. Concealing a small smile, Aurora looked up at him with a twinkle in her eye. “This is going better than I thought.” She commented, grinning. “Let’s hope I didn’t speak too soon. If only my cousins could see me now… They’d find this quite amusing. As do I, really, but I can’t really laugh at myself openly.” Aurora almost bumped into someone behind her, and alarmed, she turned around to apologise quickly. Looking back at Ian, she grinned wryly. “Yep. I spoke too soon. Anyway, Ian… tell me a bit more about yourself.” She smiled kindly, with an obvious interest to learn about him evident in her eyes. “I rarely get to speak to you, despite being in the same house and year as you.”

[Ian McCain H6]

Ian laughed as he nodded his head in agreement with Aurora. "Yes, busyness is the name of the game anymore, isn't it? I've heard horror stories about the NEWTs, and I've come to realize they were nothing short of the truth." Yes, the NEWTs were worse than the OWLs, and he couldn't stand them. He had always been one to have at least a bit of a hard time on exams such as these, and the NEWTs and OWLs hadn't proved to be any different. As the beautiful girl in front of him shook her head in what appeared to be disbelief, she asked him about his classes. "Oh, don't remind me, please. Transfiguration is harder than I expected this year, Astronomy still confuses me here and there, yet I'm still able to get a decent enough grade, and DADA has been...well...interesting, to say the least. Whatever else, I really don't care to remember. As it is, I have a pile waiting for me in the common room, likely growing on it's own. After all, it's all magic here, isn't it?" He chuckled at his own joke, hoping Aurora would catch his humor.

As she opened her fan to cool herself down, she explained how she was feeling and her reasoning for the fan. "Yes, it's a bit stuffy in here, I would have to say," he said, loosening his shirt collar a bit, making sure it wasn't flailing out anywhere. "Oh Aurora, don't worry. You look gorgeous tonight. They should have given you the crown just for your dress!" He laughed again, knowing the comment would likely make her blush. She accepted his offer then, for one quick dance. "Don't worry," Ian assured Aurora. "I'm at least a bit good on my feet. Just hold on to me, and I'll lead you along." She took his shoulder, and he put his hand on her waist, grasping her other hand with his free one. As they began to move, and danced to the song, Ian was watching Aurora's face movements. He could tell she was going over the steps in her mind. "Aurora. Just hold onto me. Do what I do. Don't worry about the steps. I never go by them anyway. I make things up as I go, usually." Ian smiled at her, hoping she was having a good time with him. As they continued the dance, she seemed to let him take control, and they danced together smoothly. Aurora began making fun of herself, it seemed, saying that she could see something bad happening, and then she nearly bumped into someone behind her. As she turned around to apologize, Ian couldn't help but smile. For as long as he had known Aurora, even though they didn't know each other too well, that was how she always was. Quick to make things right. He liked that about her.

As she turned back, she smiled back at him, and asked about him to tell her more about himself. It was true, they hadn't talked too much in the time they'd known each other, and it was especially odd because they were the same year and house. "Well, there's not much to tell. I came from a family of Muggles...Oh, you don't want me to go back that far, do you?" He winked at her, and, assuming she wanted him to go on, he did. "Speed up to now, I'm just another muggle turned wizard, thanks to this place we call Hogwarts. I love my friends and hanging out with them, and I love a good book, any time. As he was speaking, he gazed into her eyes, loving the way she looked at him. It was evident from her eyes that she genuinely wanted to know more about him. It gave him a sense of contentment. As he got done talking, the song had nearly come to a close. Ian remembered Aurora had said just one song, but he didn't want to stop now. "Another dance, for me?" He listened closer, and realized it was a slow song this time. Other people at the ball paired off quickly, and he looked at Aurora. "I know, it's a slow song. We can sit down for a while if you'd like." He smiled at her, waiting for her answer, wondering what it would be.

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora laughed and nodded in agreement. “They’re designed to make our lives difficult.” She shook her head slowly with a wry smile. “Transfiguration is much harder this year, but I’m coping. I’m quite enjoying it really, seeing it’s one of my favourite subjects. Like Charms, it can come easily. But my other ones are quite hard, and I don’t put enough work in. Arithmancy for example, and Muggle Studies. Maybe I should’ve taken less subjects. But yeah, Defence has been interesting. I also have a load of homework waiting to be done back in my dorm. Not nice to look forward to. At least, I should be grateful I was allowed to drop Potions and Herbology. I’m sure Professor Sprout and Snape were happy to see me go. I was absolutely awful.” Aurora grimaced, then laughed when Ian mentioned magic. “If only magic could do the work for us.” She concluded wistfully. “It’s wasted.”

Aurora was never a blusher; neither was Ari, but that was because Ari controlled it. Aurora was often teased by her best friend (in Ari’s own way, of course) for having no red pigments beneath her cheeks. Aurora only flushed at something serious, whether it was a compliment or something embarrassing. Right now, Ian’s comment made her blush momentarily, and she fanned herself faster with an embarrassed grin. “Thanks.” She laughed softly, tugging at the dress; no one had ever really called her ‘gorgeous’ before. “It took a while to construct… I’ve never been one for needlework, but magic does come in handy, even if it doesn’t do your homework for you.” Aurora smiled brightly. “And your costume is wonderful too.” She said honestly, patting his shoulder with a friendly smile. “Everyone has done really well tonight.” At this, Aurora glanced around; she was impressed at how convincing everyone was. “I’m glad I made an effort. I’ve never been good at dressing up, but I thought I had to do something this time. Only over a year to go and we’ll be leaving Hogwarts.” Aurora’s smile was nostalgic. She remembered her first day in this Great Hall all too clearly; very worriedly climbing the stage to pop the Sorting Hat onto her head. It had not taken very long in deciding to put her in Hufflepuff. Aurora knew it had been the right choice. After all, she was no ambitious, unpleasant-acting Slytherin, no brave, loyal Gryffindor, or a hardworking Raven. Aurora was naturally talented at a lot of things, but often just didn’t work hard enough.

Once on the dance floor, Aurora was concentrating hard on her footsteps, keen on getting it right and not stepping on Ian’s feet to make a fool of herself. Her awkward dress only made it more difficult, and Aurora knew she’d be glad to get it off after tonight. She may have made the effort and looked suitably good, but this was exactly why Aurora didn’t dress up; it was much too uncomfortable. Ian started telling her something and distracted her though, so Aurora looked up. “Oh, okay.” Aurora quirked an embarrassed smile, before trying to relax and look up at Ian instead of her feet. It went quite well as they glided across the dance floor with other couples. Eventually as she and Ian talked, Aurora forgot that there were other people around, possibly watching; she forgot that she wasn’t the best dancer, and just went along with the flow in Ian’s secure arms. Aurora was eager to learn more about him, that was the honest truth. She listened as he related his history, and smiled when he finished. “Sounds quite normal. That’s a good thing,” She added hastily, “I know people with… darker backgrounds.” She shrugged, somewhat uneasy, before she moved on as quickly as possible, “Anyway, I’m a pureblood, but I’m really into muggle stuff. I really should’ve been born a muggle. Still, what I love about being a witch is being able to do magic. I love magic. I love reading too.” She nodded enthusiastically. The dance finished and Aurora paused when Ian said another one. “Fine.” She relented. “Okay then.”

[Ian McCain H6]

“Muggle Studies comes easy for me, I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I can always go to my parents for any help I need. Growing up a muggle, it would make sense, you know?” He chuckled at his own words. He laughed again when Aurora talked about how magic should do the work for them. “One day, Aurora. One day we’ll be able to get magic to do nearly anything for us. I’m liking Transfiguration more and more. The other day I turned a marble into a pipe for a girl, to complete her snowman. It was quite enjoyable.” He let the subject lie, knowing he was probably boring Aurora with his talk about classes and such. When he complimented her again, she seemed to blush slightly, but covered it up quickly with her fan, cooling herself down. Aurora also complimented his costume, and he thanked her. Then she reminded him of the fact that they both had a year left.

“Yes, I can’t believe it’s going to be a year more and then we’re both done. I’ve fallen in love with this place, and I feel like I don’t want to leave. How about you? Do you wish you had longer to go?” As they continued to dance, Ian was glad that Aurora seemed to trust him enough to try and relax as they danced. She seemed to get used to being in his arms. He immensely enjoyed being at the ball, and spending time with Aurora. They had been friends for a while, yet lately they hadn’t spent much time together, which was why it was so great to see her there. “Magic is something that I just never get tired of,” Ian said to Aurora. “I just love it. I can read about it, I can use it, anything about magic, I just love it.” It was true, he loved magic. It never got old to him. But he wanted to know more about her. He just wanted to know more about the girl. They were having a wonderful time, or so it seemed to him.

Aurora seemed to not really want to dance again. He had agreed to just one dance, of course. “If you don’t really want to dance again, that’s fine. After all, we’re not a couple. It’s not like we’re supposed to dance all the time. After all,” he said. “You did only agree to one dance.” He felt bad for pushing. He didn’t want to upset her, of course. He definitely wasn’t that kind of guy. He just wanted her to be happy, and he wanted to be happy. And right now, the happiest he could be, would be to stay with Aurora. “Do you want to sit down for a while?”

[Aurora Chan]

“Yeah.” Aurora nodded with a smile. It was always typical that Muggleborn students at Hogwarts, or at least, the ones who had been raised in muggle societies and backgrounds, found Muggle Studies easy, or even boring. Aurora envied them in a way, to know so much about that world she found so fascinating. Still, she knew many muggle or half blood students envied her pureblood, magic childhood, and wished they had better spell casting abilities. Although Aurora loved anything muggle related, she was also extremely fond of magic. Her personal ethos was that she had come to Hogwarts to learn magic, and therefore those subjects were her favourite studies. Even Muggle Studies couldn’t beat a Charms or Transfiguration lesson. Defence of the Dark Arts was only off-putting for Aurora because of the offensive spells involved; she much preferred passive but challenging activities, such as transforming a cup into a rat, and the usefulness of spells such as being able to summon a book to you from across the room. At the end of the day, give Aurora a wand and she really could perform magic for you.

“I love Muggle Studies as a subject, even though I’m finding it harder this year.” Aurora admitted with a wry smile. “It’s a good thing I’m so interested, otherwise I would struggle.” She laughed at Ian’s mention of Transfiguration. The subject was probably the most amusing, and Charms was the most fun. Intriguing it had to be Muggle Studies, and the most difficult Arithmancy. Aurora didn’t enjoy it that much, she had chosen it as her last subject. Thankfully she didn’t have to choose six, which Ari had decided on doing; Aurora wouldn’t have known what else to take! Most likely it would have been Astronomy or Ancient Runes, they were subjects she could tolerate; but Aurora had never been very good at them. She had always preferred things with a wand, and the reason for Arithmancy had largely been because Ari was taking it, and it was a subject which her family had an affinity for. However, it didn’t make Aurora enjoy it anymore.

“Yes.” Aurora nodded a little wistfully and smiled at Ian. “Hogwarts is like my second home now. I will hate leaving here. I have made some great friends, built up my confidence as a person… You could say I feel as though I blossomed here. Leaving it behind will not only be hard, but painful. I wish I didn’t have to go either.” Aurora gave a tiny, inaudible sigh, barely noticing as Ian lead her across the floor. “But, the future awaits, right? Time won’t stop for us. We just have to keep going and make the best of now, make the best of what we’ve got. I’m dreading the future a little, but I’m also excited at what it may bring. I’ve always been indecisive.” Aurora shook her head at her personality trait and laughed shortly. Her grin widened as Ian enthused about magic, glad to see there was someone else who loved it just as much as she did. Just like how avid flyers and Quidditch players were motivated by the soaring sensations their brooms gave them, that was how Aurora felt when she flicked her wand. “It’s fine, I’d love another dance. I’m not tired, and you seem to have performed a miracle on my toes.” Aurora joked, glancing down in amazement at how her shoes had yet to step on Ian’s innocent, unguarded feet. “You’re good at dancing, Ian,” Aurora complimented with a warm smile as the music began again, “Oh, this is a good song. A good choice for dancing to.” She grinned with a bright twinkle in her eye.

[Ian McCain H6]

Ian danced with Aurora, nodding with each thing she mentioned, particularly about the Muggle studies comments. He enjoyed the subject, mainly because he was originally Muggle-born as it was. He also loved how Aurora talked about loving Hogwarts as a second home, because it was so much of how he felt. He understood completely how she was feeling. “I understand your stance on it completely. I feel like I’ve been able to find myself here too. Hogwarts is a wonderful place. I hope that one day I can send my own children here some day.” Ian knew that he might have been thinking a bit too far into the future, but it was just a wonderful feeling, to go to Hogwarts and love what he was learning. “I know I may sound crazy, but I just love this place, and can’t imagine being away from here. I may even…” he began, wondering if he should mention it. “I’d like,” he said, possibly wearingly, “to possibly come back and teach Muggle studies one day. I doubt they would let me, being such a young student graduating next year. But I’d like to see if it could happen.” He looked at Aurora, wondering if she thought he was crazy.

“I’m worried about the future too, Aurora. I have no idea what I think I could do. Like I said, I’d like to one day teach here, but I don’t think that’s going to happen right away, even if I could try. What are you planning on doing when you’re done here at this magical place of Hogwarts?” He knew he sounded like a bad record, or some stupid cliché, but he also knew that he wanted to know what Aurora would be doing after Hogwarts. Ian smiled bigger than he ever had when Aurora said she’d love another dance with him. It made him feel good to be able to dance with such a good friend, and he liked Aurora. She was funny, and a wonderful friend to him, as he had always tried to be to all of his own friends. “Well I’m sure it’s no miracle of my doing. You’re just a wonderful dancer as well.” He blushed a bit, but only briefly, as Aurora took his hand again. Ian took her hand, and began to dance once again, not even needing to look down at his feet. The song was indeed perfect for dancing to, as Aurora had said.

“So what are you planning on doing after the ball? It’s getting towards the end of the night, and we’ll have to part ways soon. Of course, I don’t want to leave. I love dancing, and you’re a wonderful person, including a wonderful dancer!” Ian caught Aurora’s eyes, and latched onto them, wondering what was going through her mind at the moment.
((I apologize for the delay, I have been busy. I also apologize for the short length, lack of inspiration.))

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora’s smile split into a happy grin when Ian said he’d send his children to Hogwarts. “There’s no better place.” She nodded fondly. “I would send mine nowhere else either. They’ve got to experience… this. This amazing place.” She gestured one of her hands around the Great Hall, at the people dancing beside them, the jovial atmosphere. She glanced back at Ian’s face as he continued speaking, and her eyes lit up at his suggestion and prospect of becoming the Muggle Studies professor. “Oh wow, that would be so wonderful!” She enthused with a wide grin. “Not that I don’t enjoy Professor Hardy’s teaching, but to imagine you in her place one day… it’s surreal, but not an impossible dream, right?” She nodded her encouragement. “I think my kids would be safe in your hands.” She added teasingly, but her words were genuine. She really could imagine Ian as a teacher, and furthermore, him teaching her children. “You would make a great professor, Ian.” She concluded strongly. “If you want it enough, it will happen one day. I believe that.” Her eyes grew soft as they looked up at him. “You have to believe that too.” She pointed out after a short pause, and then laughed.

Ian went on to admit he was worried about the future too. Aurora tilted her head sideways and frowned a little. She gave a rather tight smile. “It is worrying. So much to choose from, and yet somehow it feels like there isn’t choice enough.” She shook her head dismally. “But I’ve always been picky about everything, from the food I eat to the subjects I like.” She gave Ian a wry grin. “To be honest, I don’t know either, hence why I am so worried. The future seems far away, and yet so close it’s within grasping distance. I feel a little pressured to make decisions now, but I’m no closer to an answer.” She sighed softly, thoughts running through the clouds. “I would like to do something with magic, music and writing though. They are my main passions; I would hate not to integrate them into my life in the future. However, music isn’t exactly the most lucrative industry within the wizarding world, and it means little for me to do with magic too. Maybe I’ll set up my won wizard music label record company or something.” She joked with a chuckle.

Aurora laughed when Ian said it was no miracle, letting go of his shoulder and masking her amusement with a hand. When they finally died down, she flipped open her fan and began to send a light breeze across her reddened face. “I really am not, Ian.” Aurora protested, still giggling a little. “No, I am truly an awful dancer. You have no idea. I hate dancing, to be honest with you, but I barely realise I’m doing it right now.” It was true that Aurora wasn’t self-conscious about Ian’s arm wrapped around her waist, his other hand in hers. She wasn’t always comfortable with people touching her so closely and intimately, because although Aurora was a friendly, loud girl, she was wary of physical contact. She didn’t dislike embraces, but having to give them to people she didn’t know very well made her feel very uncomfortable. Boys who tried to get too near always made something crawl up Aurora’s spine and therefore try to get away. So far, Ian hadn’t had that effect on her, and she was pleased but also surprised. The last boy she had been this close to had been Daniel… which seemed like so long ago…

”Sleep.” Aurora answered Ian straightforwardly when he asked her about her night’s plans. “I’m going to return to my dorm and sleep like a log. I’m already half worn out, and I can never stay up past midnight. The day is my power hour.” She smiled. “For once, I don’t think I particularly want the night to end though.” Her voice was light and happy. “And stop saying I’m a good dancer!” She protested, laughing; any blushing was lost to the heat radiating from her face from the temperature. Ian’s compliments didn’t annoy or cause any unease, but Aurora wasn’t used to them, and she never believed in praise anyway. She always thought people were just lying to her, but there was a genuineness in Ian’s voice which made her want to believe him. Finally the song ended, and Aurora’s feet suddenly felt like collapsing.

She motioned towards the refreshments table they had been by before with a smile. “Do you mind? I’m so tired already!” Chuckling, she led them to the table and downed a coke, her throat parched. “Thank goodness for that.” She was saying, until a hand tugging on her wrist caused her to turn around. “Harmony?” Aurora blinked. Her cousin asked her to go somewhere with her, and so Aurora turned back to Ian with an apologetic expression. “Sorry, I’ve got to go somewhere with Harmony, my cousin. I had a good time, Ian, thanks.” She smiled sincerely, but felt the insistent tug of Harmony’s hand. “Got to go, really sorry. I’ll see you soon!” Aurora called as she escaped after the younger Hufflepuff.

((Ended it since we’ve pretty much done what we needed to do. You can post Ian again if you wish. If not, we need to figure out our next move with AJ.))