Tricks n’ Treats ((All Huffles!))

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora absently hummed to herself as she waved her wand casually at the pile of black and orange decorations lying on the table. Immediately they unravelled themselves neatly and flew towards the ceiling of the Hufflepuff Common Room, attaching to the walls as Aurora turned her attention away and performed another spell. ”Accio Halloween party food!” Moment’s later, plates of junk food sailed into the room from the dormitories, and Aurora directed them to the already set out tables, organising them into an orderly fashion. The chairs and couches had been previously moved back into the corners of the room so the party could take place, leaving a huge empty area where Aurora was standing in, plus the apple bobbing game all set by the fire. “What do you think, Harmony?” Aurora asked as she turned to her younger cousin, who was currently setting up the muggle CD player. Harmony gave Aurora a bright thumbs up after she had glanced around the brightly decorated room (which contained dangling skeletons and lit pumpkins). “How’s it going? Did you find the right CD?” Aurora approached Harmony and stared at the CD player in thought as Harmony twiddled at the buttons and attempted to explain to Aurora something awfully technical. She soon droned out, but only until Harmony had gotten the blasted thing to turn on and work with the right CD in it. Soon, loud music was pumping out of the speakers, and a very satisfied smile adorned Aurora’s face as she turned to Harmony with a grateful expression. “Thanks, Harmony. Well, things are all set then. How about you go get changed properly. The party’s gonna start soon.” Aurora couldn’t contain the grin itching to spread across her face. She couldn’t wait for the Halloween festivities to begin!

Harmony left the room to go to her dormitory and change, whilst Aurora paced around the Common Room somewhat anxiously, but also excitedly too. Halloween was not something her family normally celebrated. Muggles had a ceremony known as Trick or Treat, but Aurora hadn’t bothered with that in her childhood despite attending a muggle primary school. Therefore this particular party Aurora had suggested on holding for Halloween was particularly exciting, plus since she was organising it, it made the event even more thrilling. Aurora had deemed this a fancy dress party of sorts, but she hadn’t gone to great lengths to make any amazing costume. She had thrown on one of her special cloaks (a silk black one with a spangle of actual glowing stars on the back), along with a glittering silver tiara and a cute black dress underneath it. Heeled boots completed her simple, but attractive look, with her broomstick leaning against one of the tables to complete her obvious witch look (which was rather typical really, as Aurora was a witch). Aurora didn’t mind the simplicity of it; in fact, she couldn’t care less what she looked like, as long as she and everyone else at the party had fun tonight. That was the point of the Halloween bash, making sure everyone had a wonderful time and let loose. Aurora knew she needed a break from her own already harrowing NEWTs.

A little put out that this was a party Ari, and a lot of her other friends in the other houses, couldn’t attend due to it being a Hufflepuff only event, Aurora was somewhat regretful, but she knew there was nothing she could do about it. At the end of the day, the good thing was most of her good acquaintances were in Hufflepuff, and in all the age groups, plus Ari wouldn’t have agreed to come anyway. The Gryffindor had wished Aurora the best of luck with the organisation of it, but had deemed the party much too crude for her to sneak into the Hufflepuff Common Room. Much to Aurora’s relief, Professor Sprout had also approved to the party (though if she had been judging Aurora’s organisation skills on her old Herbology marks, Aurora doubted she would’ve gotten anywhere with it. She supposed it helped she had scraped an Acceptable in her OWL), and at this moment in time, the party would be in full swing in less than half an hour. Getting more excited by the second, Aurora hoped she looked presentable as she flopped onto a couch in the corner, wanting to rest her feet before she spent an entire evening standing. Aurora had no intent on dancing (especially not in these heels), because she couldn’t do so for her life, but she wanted the others to share in that fun (she had promised Ari she would attempt to force Harmony onto the dance floor in front of other people), and she was sure even without any dancing, her feet would be awfully sore by the end of the night.

Glancing at her watch, Aurora sighed again, using her wand to levitate a glass of coke towards her area. Grasping it tightly, she sipped it for a few minutes, relaxing under the bask of the warm glow from the lit fireplace. Coke had always been her favourite drink besides water. The things muggles made were extraordinary really, Aurora thought. She made a mental note to remember to keep an eye on the time tonight, so no one left the party later than midnight. Aurora aimed to get into bed by 12:30am latest after tidying up after the partiers, because she had never been a nocturnal person (unlike Ari, who could scarily not go to sleep at all sometimes). Harmony too, Aurora was sure, plus a few other people, would want a somewhat early night, as the day after was a normal school day. Aurora wondered if the other three houses planned on having a Halloween party too; she certainly hoped so, even if they had stolen the idea from her. Aurora hated to think anyone was being left out or not having any fun just because they were in different houses. If another person not from Hufflepuff did indeed sneak into their party tonight, Aurora didn’t think she’d mind terribly. She would want to welcome the newcomer with open arms, as long as they weren’t there to cause trouble (if so, Aurora would get her male friends to throw them out!), but she was a little worried about the other Huffle’s reactions. ”Never mind.” Aurora chided herself roughly and shook her head. ”This is no time to be worrying over these silly little things.” It certainly wasn’t, as the door leading to the dormitory opened, and Aurora sat up immediately, wondering who was first to come to her Halloween bash.

[kael]

Halloween again. On one hand, it was a wonderful holiday with lots of inspiration-filled moments; so many that Kael generally spent the whole day scribbling down various scenes or sentences down on a sheaf of parchment rather than taking notes in classes. Irresponsible, but that was why he had Lynnette, wasn't it? It was probably the one day in the whole year his twin sister had to take notes in all of her classes rather than simply depending on him and his reliable note-taking skills. Not that it hadn't been fun when one time he had threatened to not hand over his notes and make her study for that Transfiguration test without them. Inspiration had struck him harder and earlier than usual this year, though at least his muse - one day he was going to name it; maybe Aristotle? - had had the decency to restrict itself to appearing in the evening rather than during classes or in the middle of the night. Of course, that also had the advantage of not having to suffer through deciphering his sisters awful handwriting to catch up on what he had tuned out in order to write. He'd always been lucky enough to never get caught though, which was an indication of how lucky Halloween was for him. Or maybe Aristotle - yes, he liked that name for his pesky little muse - was taking care of the inspiration he had deemed fit to give to Kael.

"It's not right! Just simply not fair." Kael lifted an eyebrow at his sisters whining tone, wondering what her problem was now. It couldn't be another complaint about not having met Adrina yet because Kael had made it completely clear that if his Gryffindor sister uttered her name one more time, she would never have the chance to meet Adrina or Gia. A crude threat, and one that he could hardly follow through since both Adrina and Lynne were in the same house and year, but his sister was naive sometimes. "What is it?" Kael finally gave in and asked, unable to bear the feeling of her eyes boring into him, practically begging him to ask. "Some of my friends are having a party and I can't go! Stupid, common room rules." His eyebrow arched higher, pondering whether or not to ask which house she was complaining about. Obviously not Gryffindor, certainly not Slytherin. Maybe Ravenclaw? Meh, where were the majority of Lynnes friends from anyway? "You have friends in your own house; go and play with them." Kael countered softly, blatantly ignoring the childishly sulky look on his sisters face.

"You're so oblivious," Lynne muttered resentfully before stalking away, her hand snatching Kael's parchment away as she walked past. "Go back to Hufflepuff and try to be sociable for a while, you old grump. If you were a flower, you would've wilted yourself and every flower around you with your anti-sociableness." Kael spluttered wordlessly, blinking rapidly as he tried to come to terms with his sisters analogy. Flowers; wilting flowers to be more precise. Had he just been called a flower? His hands rose to his temples automatically, as if trying to ward off the headache he could already feel forming at the back of his head. At times, his sister could be insightful and wise. Unfortunately for Kael and his sanity, those times were few and far in between. It was times like these, with a headache looming and confusion rampant because of his sisters odd statements, that Kael wondered exactly why he had been made a twin. And if he had to be a twin, couldn't he have at least had one that was less...Lynne-ish. Someone who didn't make his head spin in confusion or have him scrambling after her to keep her out of trouble because of whatever idea she had in mind at the time.

What had she meant about him being oblivious? It was something that bothered Kael as he gathered up his spare parchment, mourning the loss of the ones that had been stolen by his thief of a sister, and stuffed them into his bag carelessly before deciding to follow his sisters advice (in part at least) and head back to his common room. Maybe he'd finally be able to concentrate on some of his homework long enough to get it finished. But, as he stepped into the common room and his eyes took in the changes to the whole room, Kael sighed and released his plans for the rest of the evening. Of course. That was what Lynnette had been complaining about, his mind connected the links between his sisters sulkiness and annoyance toward him. It was almost ironic. Kael wanted nothing to do with the party - mingling wasn't his specialty nor was it something he truly enjoyed - and yet he had no choice but to sit through it, or hide in his dorm and listen to the loudness of the partying people. So naturally his sister, who would like nothing more than to party the night away, was restricted from entering because it was in Hufflepuff. "Aurora," Kael inclined his head slightly, his eyes slightly accusing. "I take it that you organised some, if not most, of this since you're the only one here?"

[Aurora Chan]

“Kael.” Aurora nodded sombrely with a hint of a smile at the corner of her lips. She couldn’t believe the first to stumble in was none other than Kael Collins. However, his expression upon entering the Common Room was absolutely hilarious, and Aurora failed at stifling her oncoming laughter, which followed his dry question. “Of course. Is it not that obvious?” Aurora chuckled, standing up with her half empty glass of coke and hopping over to Kael’s side. He looked… critical. Which Aurora found utterly amusing, knowing Kael’s usual demeanour. “Is it not to your taste, Mr Collins?” Aurora asked lightly, flicking her wand at the table so a couple of different beverages flew towards them. “A drink?” She offered before he could resist, careful the lemonade didn’t spill over the edges along its flight. “And you’re not even dressed up, Kael. How absolutely awful.” Aurora chided with amusement, taking another tentative sip of her own drink. “I’m surprised. You act as though you didn’t know about this. I was so sure I got people to spread the word…” She mused regretfully for a second, before beaming again at Kael. “Never mind. Are you going to join the party, now that you’re here? The more the merrier! I’m sure I can snap you into Halloween shape, but it’s a shame your sister couldn’t make it. That’s the problem with houses though, isn’t it?” Aurora was talking more to herself than anything as she left Kael’s side and paced around him slowly with a returning expression of remorse.

“Anyway!” Aurora snapped out of her reverie quickly, and turned back to Kael with a gleeful, somewhat mischievous grin. “I don’t know what it is about Halloween that made me randomly throw a Huffle party, because my family has never celebrated it, and I absolutely abhor parties myself, but I suppose the thought of lots of friends getting together and having fun really made me want to do it.” Aurora explained honestly, though she had no idea why she was justifying herself to Kael. Either way, he wasn’t going to be impressed with her handiwork, as he wasn’t the partying type either. “Halloween was just an excuse.” She shrugged lamely with a smile. “Forgive me if it’s not your kind of thing, but it’s not really mine either. I suppose I just need to let loose and have some fun sometimes.” Aurora twirled a piece of hair in her fingers nervously. “I wasn’t the only one here before, actually.” Aurora switched the topic of conversation when she realised she was probably going to ramble about insignificant, personal issues if she didn’t stop now, “Harmony, my cousin in fourth year, helped me out with the decorating. In fact, she got the CD player ready for me…” Attention turned, Aurora’s wand flicked in the direction of the said object, and immediately it began playing loud music out of the speakers. Wincing a little, Aurora toned it down with another flick of her wrist, so it wallowed softly in the background.

“So, what do you say, Kael?” Aurora finally spoke again after a short silence. She looked at Kael carefully, a genuine smile on her face. “Come join the party, even for a little while. The latest it’ll be is twelve, because I promised Professor Sprout we would all try and get the earliest night possible, since we have school tomorrow. You can leave any time before then. Unfortunately, I’m stuck here until after midnight, because I have to tidy up after everybody.” Aurora sighed and took another sip of her coke. “Fun, fun, fun, hm? That’s the problem with taking on unnecessary responsibility. Anyway, I can promise you that you won’t be entirely lonely if you stay here. I’m not sure how I’ll take to the partying part anyway. I’ll probably host... mingle and talk… to you.” Aurora laughed. “I can’t dance – yes, there will be dancing. And as you can see, apple bobbing…” She gestured at the entertainment beside the fireplace. “It’ll be sufficient to keep people busy. I hope they all turn up in fancy dress, not in casual clothing.” Aurora eyed Kael up and down in a teasing manner. “If you do want to join in, how about I lend you a crazy cloak? Make you look like an alien or something.” Aurora joked, adjusting the collar of her own. Suddenly, the door creaked open again, and Aurora turned around in anticipation. “Here come more people, Kael.” She murmured under her breath, a bright smile lighting her face again. "I hope they're correctly dressed." She added as a teasing afterthought.

[kael]

Of all the things to walk in to and be the first there, why a party? Kael complained mentally, ignoring the snickering voice in the back of his mind that cheerfully informed him of how much he sounded like his sister when she was whining about something. "Parties aren't my favourite activity, Aurora, as I'm sure you've noticed. I'm not quite so quiet that you haven't noticed anything about me in six years. But as parties go...this is one of my favourite ones so far." Kael smiled wryly, gesturing to the empty room as if to emphasise his point. He didn't like crowds and he never had, probably because he had never had to deal with them; not when Lynnette stole everyones attention. Maybe that was why he had her as a twin. So that she could deal with everything that he despised. It made sense. "Of course I'm dressed up. I'm coming as a penguin disguised as a Hufflepuff student. It's a great costume," Kael deadpanned seriously, momentarily wondering where his odd ideas came from. "Lynnette was complaining about missing the party," Kael answered distractedly. "She seemed to think that it was unfair that I could come and she couldn't when I was clueless about it and she really wanted to have some fun. But I'm sure the Gryffindors will have something planned," he shrugged non-committally, not really bothered one way or the other. What did it matter to him who was throwing a party? He was currently stuck in one in his own common room. At least it wasn't crowded yet.

"My family doesn't celebrate Halloween either, but that doesn't stop Lynne dressing up in an odd costume and scaring the neighbours," Kael rolled his eyes at his twins childishness. There had been one time that she had answered the door to some innocent children dressed up for Halloween and had sent them running away in tears. No, his sisters exuberance wasn't something that could be unleashed around those unprepared for the consequences or perhaps some traumatising events. She just got too over-excited about some things. "It's good that you had help. Didn't any of the prefects offer to help? I'm pretty sure they're not as - how did my sister phrase it? - anti-social as I am." Really, to listen to his sister, you'd think that Kael was a fire-breathing dragon ready to eat anyone who came too close. Or a wilting flower, straight from the inane recesses of his twins mind. His lips turned upward slightly in grateful approval when Aurora turned the music down. "Well, the CD player definitely works," Kael offered laughingly, almost visibly relaxing.

Kael hesitated for a few seconds before nodding slowly. "I'll stay for a while, but don't be surprised if I leave after less than an hour. If I'm awake and feeling slightly nicer than my usual self when the party ends, I'll even help you tidy up. Though you still deserve all the work since it was your idea." He smiled slightly when she assured him that he wouldn't be lonely, appreciating the sentiment even if he doubted the truth of it. She'd be too busy hosting and mingling to spend much time with him (the sister-proclaimed hermit of Hufflepuff) but it was a nice thought. "Oi, no teasing me just because I wasn't informed of your little party. Just because no one liked me enough to invite me," Kael smiled to show he was joking, not wanting Aurora to actually take him seriously. "The cloak sounds good. I wouldn't want to stand out as the only normal looking person in the whole room. Though I think I'm far too great to look like an alien. Maybe a mad scientist," Kael mused, almost starting to get into the Halloween spirit. "Oh yay, more people to laugh at my normal looking self. Just because you insane people like being aliens and vampires and other human-eating things." He paused, looking mockingly horrified. "Wait, are you planning to eat me? Because that's a bit harsh just for not getting dressed up."

[Elizabeth Peasegood H1]

Elizabeth tromped down the stairs that led to her Common Room (and the kitchens, if her father was to be believed, but Elizabeth had spent eleven years with him and knew he wasn't). Talking to Skyler and Williard had been fun, but it was getting late, and Elizabeth felt utterly drained from Potions and trying not to cry. It was stupid, like all of Elizabeth's problems, but she just wilted when someone spoke harshly to her. She didn't mind if she was hit (but this only happened when she hit Michael first, or that one incident with that snotty Spanish boy who had been picking on the poor six-year-olds), but if she was yelled at, she burst into tears. And then everyone treated her like she was stupid and weak even though she could carry Michael's backpack around for half a day and barely feel it, and that thing was heavy. His Muggle History textbook weighed more than the one she'd gotten for History of Magic.

She sighed and adjusted her grip on Gala, her cat, who was trying to wiggle sideways out of her arm. Stupid lump had had her chasing him around the castle today, and she wasn't going to give him another chance. But it was better to think about Gala than it was to think about her own failings, so she put her chin on his head. Gala protested loudly. "Oh, shut up, you stupid thing," she said in a cheerful voice. "You were bad today. Bad means you don't get to sleep in bed with me tonight." Gala's ears flattened, but he didn't struggle.

Elizabeth sometimes wondered if Gala was part kneazle. He wasn't terribly ugly, like all the kneazle she'd seen had been, but he was too smart to be a normal, nonmagical cat. The way he always seemed to understand what she was saying, even when her tone didn't match her words--the way he'd forced her to head straight for Skyler and Williard, as though he knew she hadn't made any friends at Hogwarts yet, as though he knew they'd be nicer people than the rest of the snotty first years...

She scratched the apple in the still life absentmindedly and climbed through the portrait hole. Then she stopped short.

The Common Room was...different. Elizabeth hadn't been here for a long time, but she was pretty certain that dangling skeletons and pumpkins weren't part of the usual Common Room decor. There was junk food all over the tables. And there were three other Hufflepuffs in the room, all of them years older than her.

Oh. So it was Halloween today. She'd lost track of time. Elizabeth bit her lip. On one hand, she really wanted to go up and sleep for a few hours. On the other hand, there was junk food. Candy. She liked candy, had the fondness for it and addiction to it that only a child could generate. She really, really wanted candy. She wouldn't be old enough to go to Hogsmeade for another two years, and, though her brain told her the perfectly logical solution would be to bribe an upperclassman to get some candy from Hogsmeade for her, she was just too shy. So this might be her only opportunity to get candy for a while.

Mind made up, Elizabeth crept towards one of the tables with junk food on it, shoulders hunched over defensively. Probably the upperclassmen would just ignore her. She'd just stuff her mouth and run. Or stuff her pockets and run. Either way.

Then Gala let out a terrible wail. A tortured frog in its death throes might have been the only other creature capable of making such a sound. "Gala!" Elizabeth hissed. "Shut up!" But he didn't. Finally Elizabeth dropped him. He landed on his feet and went bounding towards the first year girl's dorm. She scowled. "Honestly, I'm going to kill that cat soon," she muttered, and stuck a Blood Pop into her mouth.

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora smirked at Kael’s characteristic comment. She didn’t know her fellow Hufflepuff that well, but she had spoken to him on several occasions, and he was someone she got on with relatively well. He was sarcastic and amusing, and it buoyed Aurora’s own bubbly behaviour even if Kael didn’t necessarily want that to happen (hence why she knew she would never confess to Kael this fact, in the case he would cease talking to her at all). “It’s my first one, really.” Aurora admitted wistfully as she surveyed the room beside Kael. “First one that I’ve organised, first one that I’ve technically attended. I tried to go to a friend’s a couple of years ago, and left after ten minutes. It wasn’t for me.” She made a grimace and shook her head in distaste. “I never though I of all people would go and throw a Halloween party… in fancy dress for that matter.” Aurora chuckled softly at the irony. “But there’s a first time for everything. You never know, if this goes well, I may do one next year.” She shrugged. “Then again it depends on if I enjoy this one first, not if it goes well.” Aurora smiled wryly at Kael, before laughing at his statement. “Sure. And I’m dressed as Cinderella.” She attempted a straight face, though her smile twitched at her lips. “It’s a fabulous costume, Kael. You’ll fit right into the crowd.”

“Aw… Perhaps next year Lynne should organise one for Gryffindor?” Aurora suggested with a sly grin. “She seems the type to be up for it, don’t you think?” Aurora was sure Kael would outright despise such a horrific idea. “I’m sure she’ll need lots of help and support from you, Kael.” She added humbly, before reverting back to all seriousness. “Actually, I’m sure the Gryffindors don’t have anything planned tonight. Ari never mentioned anything whilst she listened to be going on about this party, and she hears everything. She wouldn’t have been invited, or attended, but she just knows about everyone and everything. Rather scary, her perceptive skills.” Aurora nodded admirably, not sure if Kael knew who she was talking about, but it was hard not to. Ariane Chan’s name was just as well known as Aurora’s in their year. Aurora laughed as Kael continued to speak, knowing his twin sister on a friendly level. “I’m not surprised. Sounds like Lynne.”

“I didn’t bother to ask the prefects.” Aurora shook her head. “No, I’m sure they’re not antisocial… Who are they again? I think it’s… em, Carey Brighton for fifth year, who is really nice, seems very organised and clever… She’s not antisocial at all. Ivy and Charles for our year, well, I suppose they’re quieter than most… and… Bryce Alexander in the year above. I don’t know much about him, but he seems quite friendly. I’ve never talked much with them though, and I didn’t want to disturb them either. I’m sure they’re pretty busy and wouldn’t want to waste their time organising such an event.” Aurora laughed cheerfully. “I thought I could just about handle it with Harmony, and Ari helped out with plans too. It’s not a huge party, and it wasn’t too hard to arrange… But if people think I was trying to shoulder everything and take credit, well, they sorely mistaken.” Aurora sighed as she brushed back her hair. “I hope the prefects come to the party though. I hope lots of people do, but I think everyone would be wishful thinking. I consider it a victory you’re standing next to me at all.” Aurora teased happily, “And you’re not ‘antisocial’. Not at all.” She tried to say as seriously as possible.

Aurora found a large grin spreading on her face at Kael’s answer, and she fought the urge to hug him in delight. “Wonderful.” She beamed instead. “And it’s fine, leave if you want to. I’m just glad if people turn up, I’m not really bothered for how long.” She chuckled at Kael’s further offer, and hit him lightly on the shoulder. “Hey! I put a lot of hard work into this! But honestly, it’s fine. If you really want to, you can help, but it won’t take long. Thank goodness for magic.” Aurora twirled her wand in satisfaction. “Teasing you is too big a desire not to do, Kael.” She gave a joking roll of her eyes. “You’ll be first on my list next time, I’ll make sure of it. And then you have to come.” A wicked grin spread on Aurora’s face. “I like the idea of a mad scientist. One sec. Accio Halloween Costume Box.” She flicked her wand and moments later a large box flew into the room and into Aurora’s arms, which she set on the floor. Opening it, she used her wand to drag things out of the bottom and handed them to Kael. “Dry these. Or rummage through that some more. A friend lent them to me.” Aurora grinned playfully. “See how creative you can be. I still think an alien would be perfect for you.” Turning at the newcomer’s entrance, Aurora’s eyes noted a first year that had entered, not recognising her particularly. “You never know, Kael.” Aurora commented with a careless shrug of her shoulders. “You never know. People do say I have an endless appetite… But you may not taste to my liking.” Chuckling, she used her wand to dispel the empty glass in her hands and began approaching the first year girl. “Now be a good boy and check out that box.” Aurora ordered half-seriously.

Aurora jumped as the cat in the girl’s arms yowled and jumped away. Thinking of Harmony’s Dori, she smiled and continued heading towards the younger student anyway, who looked rather annoyed. “Hello… Elizabeth, isn’t it?” Aurora approached the first year tentatively with a welcoming smile. She was sure someone had told her the name a while ago, or perhaps she remembered the girl being sorted on the first day. “I’m Aurora Chan. That over there is Kael Collins… Don’t worry about him, he is dressed up. In fact, he is a penguin in a Hufflepuff student costume. Ingenious, huh?” Aurora gave Elizabeth a wry, amused smile. “I assume you went for the same look too?” She looked at Elizabeth’s attire with a smile. First Kael, and now this girl too? “Anyway, welcome to the Halloween party. Glad to have you here, I was worried first years would be scared away, but we have no alcohol, honest.” Aurora grinned. “Not when I despise the stuff. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a few more minutes before people start turning up, by the way… It’s still a bit early, so help yourself to food and drink.” Aurora’s smile was warm as she retreated back to Kael, raising a critical eyebrow. “Well?” Behind her, the door creaked open again. “Ooh, please tell me I get someone who has actually bothered to dress up like me, otherwise I’ll look like a right freak!” Aurora complained. “Ya know, it’s funny, Kael, it’s like all the people I that don’t know about this party have turned up first. You’re an eager bunch, you usually antisocial lot.”

[Elizabeth Peasegood H1]

Elizabeth choked on her Blood Pop and started coughing as it nearly fell down her throat, catching it by the white stick at the last moment. An upperclassman was talking to her. That was...scary. Well, anyone older than Elizabeth scared her, unless they were like Michael or her mom, who were old but completely harmless. Anyone more than a few inches taller than her scared her, too. This girl was definitely more than a few inches taller than her. She looked like a seventh year.

"Er...yes. It is Elizabeth," Elizabeth replied, wondering how Aurora had learned her name. Maybe the prefects made a habit of learning everyone's names. Was she a prefect? Elizabeth couldn't tell. She didn't have a Prefect badge on, though she might have just taken it off so it didn't interfere with her costume.

Elizabeth shrugged at the penguin comment. "Maybe a chicken instead," she muttered, feeling embarrassed but at the same time feeling obligated to continue the joke. "I've always been partial to chicken. Especially in my soup." Oh, that had sounded so much better in her head. Out loud, it just sort of fell flat. Elizabeth half-wished she hadn't let Gala run off; if he was still around, she could have used him as an excuse to go away. But now there was a Halloween party and Elizabeth felt obligated to stay. Besides, candy...while she liked Muggle candy to a certain extent (they had a larger variety of chocolate), they couldn't compare to Blood Pops or Sugar Quills. Muggles would have considered it creepy to have blood-flavored candy.

"I'd actually sort of forgotten it was Halloween," Elizabeth put forth bravely. "I don't celebrate it at home, so I guess I forgot everyone else makes a big deal over it." She decided to ignore the "antisocial" comment, mostly because she had no idea how to react to that, or if it was even meant for her.

[kael]

“For a first party, it’s going rather well.” Kael responded blandly, raising the lemonade to his mouth and taking a sip. “Who else can say that they conned the anti-social Kael Collins into staying at their party for longer than five minutes? If I stay for longer than an hour, you’ve even beaten my sisters’ record and that’s something to be proud of since she quite literally tied me to a chair for the last half hour of the party.” Maybe his family was a little bit odd, Kael considered in silent thoughtfulness. Especially his sister. Not only her condition but also her mannerisms. Surely it wasn’t normal to tape your brother - or anyone really - to a chair? And pulling the tape off his hands had really stung. “You must be a rather creepy princess then, if you don’t mind me saying so, your highness. Because to me you look more like a witch than someone who will rule over us all with her Prince Charming. Of course, you wouldn’t think that I was a Count of the penguins just trying to have a normal day away from my duties, but I am. My marvellous disguise makes me fit right in.”

“Oh, don’t give her any ideas, Aurora,” Kael pleaded desperately. “Because we both know that she’d make me get involved and then I’d probably end up organising everything because – well, Lynne wouldn’t know how to organise her sock drawer, let alone a party. Even if I stayed far away from her while she was organising the party, I’d get conned into going one way or another.” Then again, Kael thought to himself impishly, Adrina would be there and he wouldn’t mind a few hours of talking to her, even if he would be surrounded by loud and moronic people. “Ah good. I’ll enjoy teasing Lynne about her lack of plans on one of the best days of the year for parties.” Ariane, Kael frowned thoughtfully, trying to link the name to a face. Oh. “She’s in our year, right? She sounds almost as anti-social as me, so I’m not surprised that it took me a while to connect the dots.”

Kael eyed Aurora with a small amount of wariness. He recognized that look on her face because it was one often seen on his twins face. That look often ended with him being hugged happily until he could wriggle away and head in the opposite direction. “I’ll probably end up helping you to tidy up,” Kael shrugged nonchalantly. “Years of dealing with the aftermath of my sisters’ parties have made it instinctual, I think. If you do something enough times, it ends up a habit even if you don’t want it to.” Kael clapped mockingly. “Oh yay, I feel so popular. Being first on your list is such an honour. Excuse me while I faint.” He eyed the box of costumes curiously, peering in as Aurora opened it but finding his arms full of clothes instead. “I’ll look fabulous,” Kael grinned laughingly, his smile fading into a grimace of horror as he poked at the sparkling pink lab coat in his arms, looking like he expected it to jump up and try to strangle him. “Um...Aurora?” Kael called after her pleadingly. “Please tell me that you don’t actually expect me to wear this? Or that you’re going to eat me if I don’t?”

“Ooh, a first year,” Kael murmured interestedly, not recognizing the girl at all. Not that it was unusual because Kael did try to keep to himself, even if people (mostly Lynne and now apparently Aurora) tried to make him talk. He turned and waved in a distracted welcome when he heard his name, sorting through the costume box in a search for anything but that horrendous lab coat. His head lifted in interest again, hearing his costume mentioned. “Don’t be silly. Have you no common sense, Aurora? This girl – Elizabeth isn’t it? – is obviously a tap-dancing fairy all the way from Ireland who was forced to wear a Hufflepuff student costume so that her fans don’t mob her.” Kael tutted in joking disgust. “No alcohol? No wonder no one is showing up, you silly girl. They’ve all gone to raid the parties who do have alcohol. See, you have all the people who don’t like alcohol here.” In an attempt to make the mostly silent common room feel more like a party and less like it was completely empty, Kael aimed his wand at the CD player and turned the music up before returning to his search for a costume. “Ah hah!” Kael crowed triumphantly, pulling a dark, hooded cloak from the box and transfiguring a baseball bat into a scythe. “I’ll be the Grim Reaper. It suits me perfectly, don't you think?” He nodded in agreement, smiling lightly at the thought. “It must be Halloween. The one day we feel like being sociable. Or maybe it’s the food. Do we have any mini-pizza?”

[Aurora Chan]

“Really now?” Aurora raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Yes. I can imagine Lynne doing that. Good on her.” She giggled at the thought of Kael strapped to a chair, fighting (and failing to escape) whilst Lynne looked on cheerfully, rambling about random things as she pretended not to hear his screams of forgiveness. “I am a witch princess, Kael.” Aurora stated matter-of-factly, “The princess of all witches. Therefore, I should indeed be a ‘rather creep princess’, so thank you for your compliment. Glad to know my costume works even though I threw it on really quickly.” Aurora laughed at Elizabeth’s comment, before helping herself to a chocolate frog on the table. “I hope I’ve got enough food for everybody…” She pondered aloud wistfully, before sending Elizabeth another grin. “Well, it’s good you stumbled upon the party then, eh? I don’t celebrate it at home either… I hate parties… and yet I organised this one.” Aurora shrugged indifferently. “I suppose I like the organisational part. And I meant Kael, by the way, Elizabeth, not you.” Aurora quickly added after her antisocial comment as she sidled back to him.

“Sure, Kael. Sure. You keep telling yourself that.” Aurora commented sarcastically. She proceeded to laugh. “You have the best excuse – you’re not in Ravenclaw.” Aurora nodded sagely with a grin. “Yeah, she is. We’re cousins. Harmony’s sister. And yep, antisocial is the epitome of Ari’s attitude to life and people in general.” Aurora laughed in amusement. “But honestly, she’s not really that bad. Not once you get to know her. Same as you, really.” Aurora added lightly with a teasing smile, then it formed into a grateful one. “Thanks. That’d be great. I suppose it’s instinctual for me too. Can’t stand mess but I’m sometimes the one that creates them. Like, um… now.” She laughed sheepishly. Aurora had never been dirty – she was messy, but she always cleared up after herself because she was such a perfectionist at times. “And go ahead.” Aurora deadpanned in reply to Kael’s joke of fainting. “I don’t mind. You’ll become the carpet for the party. Or rather, the dance floor…” She mused over the interesting thought for a moment, before glancing back at Kael. “Yes. You will.” She ordered sternly, then laughed at the pink… thing. “Sure. Whatever floats your boat, Kael. I think it’s so you. Pink is definitely your colour.”

”Right. Right.” Aurora nodded slowly as she grinned at Kael. “Sure she is. Ignore him, Elizabeth.” She directed at the younger girl. “He’s always like this. No offence meant, it’s all in good jest.” Flashing a bright grin, Aurora turned back to Kael with a mock sad expression. “But alcohol is bad for you.” She stated matter-of-factly. “I don’t like it. Awful stuff. But I’m sure people will bring their own if they want it that badly. They’ll just have to get themselves into bed at the end of the night.” Aurora grinned wistfully. “I don’t care if no one turns up.” She announced swiftly. “I am not gonna bring alcohol even if it meant more people. It just means less people to deal with.” Sticking her tongue out in retort to Kael, Aurora extracted her wand again and magicked a new glass of coke towards her. “Thanks.” She nodded when Kael turned up the music. “That’s the spirit!” She laughed loudly when Kael pulled on a long cloak. “That does suit you perfectly. The Grim Reaper is the epitome of your inner personality.” Aurora commented with a straight face. “Sociable?” She then snorted in hilarity. “It’s the one day we all dress up as freaks and frighten our neighbours into giving us sweets and chocolate. Yep. Sociable indeed.” Aurora joked with a laugh. “I think that yep, it’s totally the appeal of food. And yes, the mini pizzas are over there. But I don’t like pizza. Ew.” Aurora wrinkled her nose in disdain as she pointed to one corner.

Now, who was next to enter the fray?

[Carson McGreggor H6]

Carson shoved his hands in his pockets angrily. Halloween, what a lovely holiday. It was nothing more than just an excuse to have fun, in Carson's opinion. Carson could have plenty of fun without a holiday, that was for sure. He just wasn’t in the mood for anything happy right now, not with all this stuff going on with Angel and Hanson. How could Angel keep such a secret from him? How could she go and see him without consulting Carson first? Hadn’t he been the one who had to save her from him before? Hadn’t he been the one to offer her protection when all Hanson had to offer was his fists? How could she be so naïve, so willing to trust? Why didn’t she tell him? Carson tried to brush the thought away, but was unable to. Hanson was the most horrible person in the world. He attempted to murder Carson. How on earth could Angel trust him? Even if she had brought AJ along for the ride, it still didn’t matter. AJ acted tough, but he would be no match if Hanson got upset. Carson was the only one who had a right to face Hanson Fitson. Although, he did see Angel’s sense. She couldn’t possibly bring Carson along. Carson was the reason Hanson had gone to jail in the first place. If Hanson had seen Carson again, there would be a complete repeat of the fight that happened many years ago. It was best to take AJ, who had no involvement in the matter whatsoever. Carson tried hard to stay mad at Angel. Carson laughed. He knew it was a stupid idea. Carson could never stay mad at Angel. He imagined Angel right now, crying in her dormitory because Carson had upset her. Feeling a stab of remorse, he walked into the Hufflepuff common room.

Carson tried hard not to groan. He had completely forgotten. There was to be a huge party in the Hufflepuff common room tonight for Halloween. Carson wasn’t in the mood for parties today. Normally, Carson loved to party. He had picked up the habit quickly from Ethan. During the summer, Carson would spend days at a time away from home to go out until five in the morning to some muggle friend’s party. This was why he loved his lifestyle. His sister (his legal guardian) lived all the way in Whales as an artist and children’s art teacher. Since she wasn’t exactly the most responsible teenager in the world when she was young, she trusted Carson completely and let him roam free around London and Whales, just as long as he called every so often to let her know what was going on. Sometimes, if he really needed to, he could tell his sister he was going to his aunt and uncle’s house (she despised Carson’s aunt and uncle, so she’d never call to check-up) and he’s tell his aunt and uncle he was spending the night at his sister’s. This way, he could roam about wherever he wanted without ever getting caught. But, he didn’t need to. Julia was really a great person. She had complete trust that Carson would stay out of trouble. In fact, she encouraged him to get into trouble sometimes. Carson waved at his fellow house mates as he started to walk up the stairs to the boy’s dormitories. “I’ve had a long day. G’night guys.” He said. It was getting late, and he really was tired. Suddenly, someone stopped him on his way upstairs.

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony left Aurora in the Common Room and rushed up the stairs to get changed. A few girls mingled on the other side of the dormitory together as Harmony quickly threw her costume on, which attracted their attention. “Oh yeah, your cousin is organising a Halloween bash for us tonight.” One girl remembered, before ushering her friends out to go to another dormitory for some clothes and make up. Shaking her head wryly, Harmony continued to dress, and in no time she was wearing a head band with black and pink cat ears (properly furry too), a plain black spaghetti top, a large fraying ebony skirt which shuffled in the air if Harmony jumped, a pair of dark tights, and un-heeled boots that were tied with black ribbon up to her knees. To finish off the look, Harmony had a bell collar round her neck which jangled at the turn of her head, a charmed long tail emerging from the back of her top, and light make up on her face (a small dab of black on her nose, whiskers along her cheeks). Yep. Harmony was going to the Halloween party dressed as a cat.

Checking her attire in the mirror, Harmony shrugged to herself and jumped on the spot, causing her skirt to fluff and her bell to chime loudly. Smiling with amusement, Harmony exited the dormitory, almost running into one of her dorm mates, who praised her for her cute costume. Harmony thanked her, told her to come to the party as soon as possible, and made her way down the stairs. She was just about to enter the Common Room, when she almost ran into Carson McGreggor, a boy in the year above. He appeared to be retiring to his dormitory, judging from the words Harmony caught and his lack of costume. Harmony hadn’t really spoken to Carson much, but she knew his name. “Sorry.” Harmony apologised quickly, before sidestepping him and sweeping her eyes round the room. There was a first year girl in the corner by the tables of food, and Aurora stood in the centre with Kael Collins, one of Aurora’s acquaintances. Harmony waved at Aurora with a smile, looking at Kael in amusement. He seemed to be rummaging through a familiar box Aurora had lent her a couple of days ago to help make her costume. Harmony wondered where her cousin had found such a trunk of treasures, but had refrained from asking. She had a feeling she shouldn’t ask.

“Carson, you are not leaving yet!” Aurora exclaimed just as Harmony reached her. The older Hufflepuff swept past her in a flurry of black, her long cloak billowing out and sending ripples of cold air over Harmony. Clasping her pawed gloved hands together, Harmony watched in amusement as Aurora demanded Carson stay. “You can’t disappoint me now.” Aurora was nagging loudly, tugging at Carson’s robes, “I have spent so long doing this party, and you know, if Angel had been able to make it, she would’ve. Ethan too.” Harmony wondered if Aurora meant Ethan Jacobs, a fifth year Gryffindor and Carson’s friend, and if it was him, how Aurora even knew him; then again, she knew a lot of people. “I’ve persuaded Kael Collins – yes, Kael! Of all people to come for a while. Please will you stay? Just for a few minutes?”