I Don't Dance ((Aurora))

[Stephen Donahue S7]

Stephen Donahue was in no mood for any sort of dance or party…well maybe a party, but one without all the hoopla that he was about to find. He had not wanted to do this, putting his name in for some Valentine’s Day Ball…it had been a joke done by a second year Stephen had taken to tormenting…well now he’d gotten his comeuppance…to say the least. There was nothing that Stephen hated more than socializing, especially with witches who thought they deserved some fairy tale romance that didn’t exist. Love didn’t exist, fairy tales weren’t real, and most of all life was not a box of chocolates…well unless you counted the chocolates with the peanuts inside. Stephen, himself, was allergic to peanuts and one bite would surely kill him…so maybe life was a box of chocolates…full of land mines.

Stephen’s figure was slouching forward against the wall slightly, his hand shoved in his black pockets of his dress robes. Hazel orbs flashed across the other side of the room, his eyes locking on the girls in their frilly dresses and shiny jewelry. How annoying it was to seem them all dressed up like they were some princess in a fairy tale. Well…it wouldn’t be long until one of those princesses realized that he was not their prince and this wasn’t a fairy tale. Hopefully they’d at least let him leave in a relatively quickly manner. He didn’t dance…not at all and there was no way in hell he was going to be forced into it either.

Finally when it seemed the rest of the world began pairing off, Stephen decided it was time to annoy his date into letting him leave. Why he had shown up in the first place was beyond even his own understanding of himself. Truth be told Stephen was not one to go to these, even if forced…so why had he taken the time to dress up and show up…was there actually some sort of hope lying within him that he might not always be alone? And if there was some sort of hope was there an even deeper side to that, which hoped here at Hogwarts he would find someone to be with? The thought left him disgusted as he pulled from the wall, his form moving through the crowds, not bothering to watch where he was going as he deliberately found himself walking through the middle of a couple beginning to dance.

”Hey!”
”Watch it!”

Stephen didn’t acknowledge either with a response, not even a glance their way as he found his ‘date’. He already knew her…having met her quite some time ago outside. It was one of his first days back at Hogwarts if he remembered correctly and her name…well he wasn’t sure what her name had been, only knew it now because he’d been told who his date was. He didn’t bother bowing, or putting his hand out, or anything that would make him seem the gentleman. Instead his hazel eyes found hers. “I don’t dance and I’m not here because I want to be…so that being said why don’t we get some Firewhiskey and call it a night,” the words were hardly above his normal whispered speech as he glanced to the table with drinks. Of course Firewhiskey would not be offered, but Stephen still had some hidden away in his dormitory. In other words…the alcoholic was always prepared.

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora was mildly amused. Inwardly, she wondered what the teachers - or fate, if it did indeed exist - had in mind when they decided to pair her with a Slytherin; and a younger Slytherin at that. Aurora had rather expected to be met with a tall and handsome boy she already knew from her own year, but instead, she stood before a glowering Fifth Year (well, he was older than his peers, but he was still younger than Aurora). Well, at least she had met Stephen Donahue before, and truth be told, Aurora did not in the least mind being paired with him. She was not afraid of Stephen, unlike many of the other students, and after meeting him briefly at the beginning of the year during a spell of upset, Aurora, surprisingly, felt comfortable in his presence. He was no friend of hers, though; Aurora wouldn't have minded adding Stephen to her long list, but she doubted he wanted to be found on such a list, that he wanted a friend at all, especially a friend such as herself - the epitome of everything Stephen Donahue was, right? Even if he did want friends, he could not possibly want one of them to be a seventh-year Hufflepuff with a cheerful and hyperactive disposition. Aurora was not at all offended; she expected it, and wondered if Stephen would last the night with her. Actually, though, she was more surprised he was attending the Blind Date Ball in the first place. She highly doubted he had chosen to enter of his own accord... not that she could claim to know Stephen at all.

He confirmed what she already suspected: he did not want to be here. Aurora quirked her amused smile at Stephen, barely bruised by his lack of chilvalry or manners. "I wasn't expecting to dance tonight," she told him honestly, her own voice quiet to match his. Stephen didn't know it, but Aurora was usually a very loud individual. She was not at all an attention-seeker, but her eccentric, larger-than-life personality made her the way she was - around most people. What most of Aurora's peers did not realise was that there was much more to her bubbly character than laughter and smiles. She hid a serious side, an Aurora who could be quiet and serene, calm and wise. That was the real Aurora Chan at the end of the day, and she was secretly glad that Stephen was her partner tonight, despite everything. With him, she did not need to pretend; she did not need to smile achingly for her peers until she felt suffocated by their expectations. Aurora did not lean in closer to Stephen even though she was speaking so softly because she did not want to enter his personal space and unnerve him, and also because she was sure he could hear her anyway; no doubt he was attentive. Shifting in her elegant teal robes, Aurora glanced around briefly at their fellow pupils and then tried a smile. "I have no expectations of you," she said honestly.

"As long as you don't expect me to be a perfect doll of a date tonight, you don't have to do anything with me. Least of all, dance." Aurora smirked humorously. "I'm an awful dancer anyway... I've got two left feet." She gave an inward sigh at the fact that she hadn't managed to trick Kael into joining tonight's party; though the problem was there had been no guarantee they would have gotten each other as dates, which would have been the only thing, possibly, that would have made Kael cave to agreeing with Aurora's whims. "If that's what you want to do..." She nodded. "That's fine by me. But I don't like Firewhiskey, so... don't make me drink it." She flashed a bright smile at Stephen, awaiting his response. "I don't need liquor to lose my inhibitions... I don't need it to forget either." Sending her 'date' a pointed look, Aurora hitched up her skirts and proceeded to begin shifting through the various couples to leave the Great Hall. Aurora had never enjoyed parties much anyway, and she wasn't in a mood to socialise. She had already spent the first fifteen minutes of the evening laughing gaily at Jez's antics (dressing up as a woman? Really.), and there was no one else Aurora held any commitment to. She had helped Harmony dress before the ball and she had passed Lynne earlier in the day. Ariane, of course, wasn't even attending. No, Aurora wasn't staying for anyone.

She turned around to make sure Stephen was with her. "Coming?" As they fell into step, Aurora fingered the loosening tendrils of her curled black hair, wondering how the two of them would pass the evening... together. "So, where to?" she asked lightly, letting Stephen take command. She wasn't at all fussed. "Most of the castle is empty," she murmured to herself in thought. They were certainly not going to their common rooms. Most women with Stephen would likely have something completely different on their mind, but Aurora was not your typical woman. She was focused on anything but wondering what the dangers of being left alone with Stephen were. However, Aurora did ponder over why her 'date' didn't just leave her altogether. Suddenly, she stopped as they strolled through the corridor, her heels coming to an abrupt halt. "You could just leave me, you know," she said softly, searching for Stephen's eyes as he turned around. "You have no obligation to stay by my side tonight. It's just a Valentine's ball, and let's be honest... we're not exactly going to be comforting each other, are we, Stephen?" Aurora twisted uncomfortable in her gown, hands falling from their position along her neck. "It's okay. I won't take it as a rejection," she assured with a low laugh. "I'll just go to my dorm and read... It'll be another loveless, lonely Valentine's. I'm used to those." Nodding modestly, Aurora wondered if Stephen would abandon her. She didn't hold high expectations.

[Stephen Donahue S7]

It would be a lie if Stephen said he wasn’t thrown by Aurora’s quick comments. The truth was he was more confused now than he had been when he’d found his name on the list for the Blind Date Ball. Aurora seemed perfectly content to have him as a date…why was that? It wasn’t like Stephen was a gentleman, far from it to be exact. He was cold, careless, and cruel, yet this girl before him didn’t seem to notice that at all. A hand ran over his face as he tried to process this unfortunate news. For once maybe he wasn’t ready to so quickly walk away from someone, especially someone that seemed to be somewhat entertaining. He briefly remembered a bit of their previous conversation, letting it drift through his mind. Maybe he could enjoy this, but first alcohol was definitely going to be needed. There wasn’t enough in his veins yet to make anything worthwhile at this point. She was definitely not what he had expected that night. Not wanting to dance, or do anything that others seemed to want to do. It was as if he had actually drawn the long straw for a night instead of the short one, though he wasn’t going to take bets on that until the end.

“Perfect doll of a date…you might actually already be that,” Stephen muttered to himself as she started heading through the crowd. He didn’t want to admit it, but she had hit things on the nose when she mentioned forgetting. The only thing she didn’t understand was that three feet behind her his father had stood watching him, not yelling this time…not yet anyhow. It was just a silent, unforgiving stare…it unsettled him far more than the yelling did. Hazel orbs passed over his father’s figure before he turned on his hell and falling Auror out of the crowd of dancing couples. This was too much for him stand that was for sure, too many people, too many candles flickering, and definitely too much noise. All he wanted was a quiet room and some alcohol to help forget the figure that had begun to slowly follow him. If insanity could get any worse than he was for sure going to find a way to either get rid of his father’s ghostly apparition or destroy himself in the process.

Stephen fell into step with Aurora finally and as they walked he thought of the next place to go, wondering where they could get to and still be able to drink something…or him he should say. His hands slipped into his robe jacket, finding the hidden flask within. He’d completely forgotten he’d filled it earlier in the evening and stuck it in his jacket, knowing he’d probably need a drink before everything was said and done. Sure enough he was in the need for that burning, intoxicating liquor. Aurora’s voice broke through his thoughts and as she stopped, he stopped as well, his eyes turning on her. It wasn’t pity…at least Stephen didn’t think it was pity that he felt slam through him as he looked at Aurora, her words making the corner of his lips quirk up into a smirk. There was really no way in telling with Stephen if the emotions he was feeling were really his true emotions. Right now it could be sure that he was definitely not thinking with his heart…or his kindness. No, blood was definitely pumping to the downstairs brain at that point.

“I might not have an obligation, but I wouldn’t say that I want to just leave you…though I’m certain we’d probably both enjoy that to some degree. However…if you want to comfort each other tonight I have no problem with that,” Stephen smirked as his hand slowly slid across Aurora’s cheek, helping to brush back a piece of black hair behind her ear. It was a sensual touch…and a kind one at that. Something that was definitely out of Stephen’s normal character, but he was enjoying the little game, knowing that it would have to come to an end soon, but feeling that it was just find to play right then. “Now…if you don’t want to run out on me this evening then I can suggest a few…more ‘private’ parts of the castle that would be more than willing to help us in our ‘comforting’ tonight.” Stephen knew this was probably going to be the straw that broke the camel’s back, but he couldn’t help himself. He found it far too amusing and he really was enjoying trying to read Aurora’s emotions as he played with her little by little that night.

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora's eyebrow slowly raised at Stephen's cockier tone of voice and the implication behind his words. This wasn't the same Stephen Donahue she'd met on the Hogwarts front steps so many months ago. This was a different boy; in some ways lighter, yet in so many other ways crueller, harsher. Aurora felt her first pang of fear, but she held her ground in the face of his unwavering stare upon her. She could feel it observing her, analysing her, and although it made her feel uncomfortable, she would not let Stephen get the better of her. However, when a hand moved towards her face, invading her personal space which so many people did on a regular basis and Aurora couldn't care less, she felt a strong urge to stand back. It wasn't just the invasive touch of his fingers, but also the heat behind Stephen's lazy look, those dark eyes. Blinking rapidly, more confused and alarmed than afraid at the moment, Aurora found her voice at reply to Stephen's suggestive words. She did not move a step.

"I never said I wanted to comfort you, Stephen," she said in a steeled voice - not cold but neither did it lack any invitational warmth. It was merely emotionless, a skill she had perhaps taken from Ariane. "I'm quite happy to be alone... for as long as it takes." A flash of indignation crossed Aurora's eyes. "I don't do quick fixes." Somehow, though, despite the underlying tone of Stephen's words, which Aurora greatly disliked, she felt a gentleness behind his behaviour, which confused her. How genuine was this boy? Aurora doubted she could trust him, and yet she was the trusting one, was she not? Frowning, she said, "Do you think I will 'run out' on you, Stephen?" she questioned. "Do you think I'm the sort of girl who would follow you to 'private' places and have you 'comfort' me and vice versa? Because I'm lonely? Because you're lonely?" Aurora let herself laugh softly as she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Stephen. I'm not the girl you think I am or want me to be. I appreciate I don't have to smile and act nice around you, but that certainly doesn't mean you know me any better than anyone else in this School."

For a moment Aurora's eyes turned cold, before they melted again and she continued watching Stephen a little curiously, half warily. "I'm disappointed," she added, her eyes fluttering shut as she smiled. "I had been hoping for... Hm. I don't know what I was hoping for. What did I expect would happen tonight? That I would meet someone called Daniel who would sweep me off my feet, the perfect gentleman? I definitely didn't think I'd be paired with you and I think tonight's matchmaker got it just a bit wrong." Aurora grinned in her usual good-natured way. "But it's been interesting," she mused more to herself than for Stephen's benefit. "I'm more amused that you mistook me for your average female." More in the spirit of laughter, Aurora grinned at her 'date' for the night and slowly began to walk away from him. "Well, Stephen Donahue. It's certainly been a pleasure, for the five minutes that we lasted. I do hope you enjoy your firewhiskey." Smiling, Aurora turned around and gave Stephen a wave over her shoulder without looking back. She looked forward to that novel on her bedside table.

((I don't mind continuing it if you wanted to. But if you want to end it this is a good place.))

[Stephen Donahue S7]

((lol I can’t RP Stephen anymore in that timid state of his. Now he’s just cold and demented. It’s actually quite fun now, but I’ll just end it here.))

The corner of Stephen’s lip curved upward in a smirk. He was really trying not to be so callous toward this girl he’d shared a “moment” with in the beginning, back when he was still somewhat innocent. Now…well now there was absolutely no innocence left to him and that was what made the whole thing entertaining. Aurora was quick to deflect his charm and invitation. She was more concerned with keeping things light and happy…which was not where Stephen wanted to keep things. The voice shouting inside his head was one of cold and deadly force. It almost didn’t even belong to his father and a distant part of him wondered if it really wasn’t his father and some other voice that had taken up residence in his shattered mind.

“No Chan…I never thought you would. You’re too good for that,” Stephen said with a shrug and a smirk as he leaned back against the wall behind him. There was nothing he wanted more than to take off and down a bottle of whiskey. He was too sober and when he was sober he was dangerous… He couldn’t control the images, the figures when he was sober…they seemed to control him, knowing that he would do anything to stop them. He took a long draft from the flask he pulled out of his pocket, trying to forget the screams once again as he nodded toward his blind date. “I’m not lonely…never have been, never will be. I’ve spent more than the last two years by myself and I can’t enjoy it more. So no…your company is merely to pass the time and if you’re not willing to pass said time in a manner I find intriguing then by all means you can just head back to your room to spend another Valentine’s Day on your own.”

Stephen smirked coldly, eyes dark as he watched her try to end the night in a sweet, yet cold way. “See ya around Chan…and let me know if you ever want to reconsider that private room,” he smirked as he nodded his head at her. There was no point in trying to fight. No point in making himself look the fool, she was the one walking away and as far as Stephen was concerned it was nothing to worry about. He was numb deep down anyhow, this was just another apathetic way to try to hide from the emotions that attempted to rise, if he really did have emotions. Watching her form disappear Stephen moved from the wall and began a slow trek back down the steps of the dungeon and to the Common Room. If nothing else he could see if Bowman was making any progress with her emotions.