The Yule Ball

“Well, in that case, I believe that I didn't listen much what my parents told me. I don't like to take orders today, too.“ And since Mis never played with other kids who lived in the same village as she did, she didn't even know what the community is. That was until she got letter from Hogwarts, and actually attended the school. First her parents didn't like this plan. Miseria has been playing all alone for all those years, and toys were the only company that she had in her entire life. But she actually was able the communicate with the other children, making soon friends in school. Later, only three or four years after, she realized that she actually doesn't need them. It was much easier to work alone, not with someone, however, she couldn't say that she didn't need any help. She did. Mis, unlike many other girls who were her age, wasn't quite independed. She still needed an older person to watch over her. She didn't even learn from her mistakes, which is probably why she has this Bad Luck thing. She never Watches and takes care of herself.

“M, man who Likes to change diapers... Nice.“ Miseria couldn't hide her grin. It was something new and even interesting. All the time, she has been hearing whining about how selfish men can be. They don't do anything to take care of children nor do they change their clothing or anything like that. The only thing what she heard was that they work, and if they come back, they just... Are there and don't do anything. “But why another bodyguard, Khaat? We are strong, and we can protect ourself perfectly.“ or maybe not. No one was Perfect and no one was invincible. Even the Lupins needed a protection, though, who would attack their house?

She was just getting ready to ask about the real wedding, but stopped then. Yes, she remembered Rob. He helped them to save Khaat. So loyal, so helpful. He didn't look like his sister. Jen was quite short. Or that's how she seemed to Mis. And she seemed to be more cruel than Robert Dent. If she wouldn't know both of them, she would never ever say that they are even related somehow. Brother and sister looked too different to Miseria.
“That's so sweet, though, I don't think that this Love and Romance stuff is for me. Anymore.“ It was true. She hasn't been looking for Josh in a very long time – he was probably far far away now with his step-brother, Jason. After him, she didn't even look anymore. Her interest was lost by now and after Hogwarts, she can just go and find a job and deal with Dakota. Being alone would be much easier.

“Umm, no. No he didn't.“ Although Brian told her about the Portkeyst when she was in the hospital, he never gave her one. He only promised her to teach how to use one of those and he also promised her to teach her to drive a Muggle car. When she thought about this thing, her heart started pumping faster. “But I'm looking forward to see your new place.“

"Well, Brian is a bit protective. He doesn't want anything bad to happen. There are always people out in the world that don't like Lupins, and right at the top of the list right now has been Felix Barker. One of the things my father made Brian in charge of, but he really wouldn't have had to, was in keeping me safe. Daddy wouldn't have needed to ask, because if anyone so much as thinks about touching me now, Brian is on it. He isn't about to let anything happen. Brian would spend his last farthing if it kept me and the babies safe. So, Angus is part of that. Fortunately, the house has never been attacked, and we'd like to keep it that way.

"What do you mean that love and romance isn't for you? Oh, come on, Mis. You're beautiful, you're warm, you're funny, and you're one of the most living people I've ever met. You deserve to have love in your life. Its okay not to want that in your life right now, but you'll find someone who loves you--when you're ready for it.

She opened her evening back and passed her an ordinary looking British coin. "Here. Its a portkey to our place. You take it firmly in your hand and concentrate on our place. Hang onto it tight, and it'll take you right to our front door. It sort of feels like flying. And you have to be careful in how you land so you don't end up on your behind. Since tomorrow is Christmas, if you like, I'll have Brian or Angus come and get you tomorrow so you have someone with you the first time you portkey. Once you've done it once or twice, you'll be able to do it easily. And you know, you're welcome to stsy as long as you like. It's your home."

“Tell me about it...“ In this case, she had to agree with Khaat. Brian was protective. Maybe way too protective. She couldn't imagine her life with someone who watched closely every step what she'd make. She hated bodyguards. It was like No freedom at all. That's why she actually preferred to be alone. She loved to do things on her own, and not telling anyone what's on her mind. That was her way. “Felix Baker? That's the guy who kidnapped you?“ She couldn't stop herself. Her mind already started thinking about a sweet revenge what she could put on this man. Though, she was still a student, she can take this man down. There were always Many things what could help her. And she was a witch. Magic was always on her side. And though, she wasn't the strongest, she was still so sure that she could take him down by herself. “I don't think that anyone would actually attack the house. I maen – it's Your property and You can always put some protection spells around it.“

“Well, actually, I've had a boyfriend. And I thought that this would last like uhm... forever. Like in fairytales, but there you Go, the Prince Charming disappeared, leaving no trace after him, and then I was just sitting, hoping and looking for him. Then he came back but only for a little while. Now he's gone. Again. I don't think that I want to get through this over and over again.“ Mis knew that she sounded like a Dramaqueen right now, but these were true words. Why would she even hold herself back? Khaat was her mother and she had a right to know. Of course, she remembered Garulia, but he... She didn't even know him that much to go on a date with him. Sure he remembered her after his Memory Loss, but she couldn't tell if that was right. And she didn't want to make anyone feel sad because of her. Seeing someone in pain, someone who she knew and loved and took as a friend made her weaker. “You know, sometimes I feel that I don't want to be ready anymore. I have Dakota, and she will need All from me. Attention, love, support. There just wouldn't be time for me to go around and be with some... Boy.“

Now that she was sixteen not fourteen, Love sounded so stupid. It was worthless emotion that made people weak and easy to manipulate with. Probably the Death eaters could use this against her if they'd want. She'd give anything to save her family.

She took the portkey and looked at it. If Khaat wouldn't tell her, she'd still think that it's just a coin and put it somewhere into her pocket. But when she was informed, girl nodded slowly. “Yeah... So the main thing – don't be a cat and don't land on all your fours.“ she grinned. “I think that it's a good idea. I will meet this Angus at once, and I will learn how to use this Port Key as well,“ she said, raising the coin on the same line as her eyes so that she could look at it properly.

Alice never thought, that she will go to that ball, but well, she did. She had bought herself a dark red dress with some black, and now she was wearing it. And she felt very stupid wearing this. Alice entered the great hall and took a deep breath. Now she can't turn back and go to common room, because she didn't arrived alone. Some other slytherin girls were with her, but Alice even didn't knew theyr names. Happens. Alice stopped near the wall and turned her gaze on the hall, hands in hidden pockets. Yeah, it was quite rude, but Alice never was that kind of girl, who will look nice when wearing dress. She looked at her dress for a second and then she looked at other people in the hall, seeking for familiar faces.

OOC: Sorry for the mistakes, it's quite bad computer. Small...
EDIT: Her dress (only dress, not the girl)

Like all mothers Jessica had taken her time choosing her dress finally deciding on a flattering red one she had not warn for about a year now. Washing she dressed quickly waiting for Jack to step out of the bathroom . She smiled when he did to her he looked very hansom she even went as far as to slip a kiss to his cheek but quickly wiped off her lipstick from his cheek.

"very hansom" she said smiling seeing the faintest of blushes on his cheeks as she caught him looking at her and smiled "I see my husband still admires his wife" she teased turning around in front of him. She jumped slightly as she felt his arms around her waist .


Jack stood amazed at how Jessica looked to him she looked like some super star and very sexy , he signed as she walked over and kiss him smelling her perfume it made him blush thinking naughty thoughts of what he would do to her after the ball but this time he knew he was safe as she was not likely to have any baby's this time.

Taking her around the waist he held her lightly so not to wrinkle her beautiful dress as he kissed her neck lightly.

"OK, time to go," he whispered "or we'll never go." he smiled at her as he slipped on his dark jacket to his suit ans straitened his tie as he took her buy the arm aperating away.

Walking into the hall both Jack and Jessica smiled as they saw Khaat and Mis together talking. Jessica slipped off her stole and lay it over a chair as she moved with jack over to Khaat smiling.
"wow, don't you look great Khaat and you too Mis. " she said giving Khaat a light hug before stepping back to look at her more she saw Steven stood by the punch bowl and smiled nodding to him , he raised his glass to her in acknowledgment and she turned to face Khaat.

"So hows things been for you Khaat , all quiet?" she asked she felt Jack shift nervously beside her.

What is taking them so long? Amelia complained mentally, watching the champions standing around awkwardly instead of moving to the dance floor to begin the ball. She was growing evermore impatient as more and more people arrived, clustering around the edges of the dance floor because permission had not yet been given – by means of the champions going to dance – for them to move onto the dance floor. Another couple squeezed their way through the throngs, moving to so close to Amelia that she was jostled into Peter and nearly overwhelmed by the girl’s perfume, of which she had obviously used too much. It was shocking that her date wasn’t smothered into anaphylactic shock when the girl wrapped her arms around his neck and planted her lips directly over his, slobbering all over him.

Yuck… Amelia thought with a look that suggested she had just stepped in feces rather than witnessed what most teenagers would have considered to be acceptable behavior for a dance with such a high student-to-chaperone ratio. Amelia, however, was repulsed by the idea of having anyone slobber all over her, much less do it in public, and she was quick to look away from the obnoxious couple, even going so far as to move closer to Peter in an attempt to further herself from them.

Although they were now standing only a few millimeters apart, Amelia tried not to look directly at Peter, hoping to avoid making this situation seem more intimate than it was. She was standing so close to him out of necessity, not choice; there was simply nowhere else to stand given the present conditions and the number of people around them. From where she was standing, though, she could smell a nature-y scent wafting off of Peter, smelling almost like fresh-cut grass. It didn’t have the acidic undertones of cologne, so Amelia found herself wondering if the scent was a byproduct of Peter actually spending time outside, rather than the store-bought version.

Amelia was interrupted in her mental wanderings, however, when while scanning the crowd she noticed a familiar head of dark hair moving among the other ball-goers. He was far across the hall, but he was looking about as well, and his eyes eventually found Amelia’s, giving her an amiable wave from where he was standing, along with a smile that paled in comparison to Peter’s usual grin – but wouldn’t everyone’s – but was enough to let Amelia know that their decision to be friends must have stuck. There had never really been any doubt that Arthur would hold up his end of the friendship; Amelia, on the other hand, still wasn’t thoroughly convinced she could ever become close with the one person who had annoyed her more than anyone else while they had been in school. She still didn’t completely understand what had made her consent to friendship in the first place, but as long as they were making a go of it, she may as well play the part until it all came crashing down, which to Amelia, seemed the inevitable conclusion.

Raising a hand to wave at Arthur, Amelia offered a small smile of invitation, letting him know that it would be okay for him to join her and Peter where they were standing, but not openly suggesting he do so. She was still unsure of the protocols accompanied by friendship, and thus did not know if this was a friend-appropriate type of interaction to be having. The redhead hoped that Arthur would be more well-versed on the subject and might know best what to do in this situation. What Peter would think of Arthur joining them had not even crossed her mind.

She really was completely socially hopeless.

"Hi, Jack. Hi, Jess," Khaat smiled. "You both look great. Everything's fine. Except Blaire got lost at the punchbowl I think. Brian's in Paris tonight. You know how those things go, I think, Jack. Anyway, it couldn't be helped. He wants to deliver some very special 'Christmas presents' to some deserving families, if you know what I mean.

"I was just giving Mis a portkey so she can get to our house for Christtmas tomorrow. I"m going to have Angus come and get her tomorrow. I don't think its ever a good idea for anybody to portkey the first time by themselves. But Mis is amazing. She's brilliant. I saw her fight for the first time when we went to Romania. She isn't going to have one bit of problem portkeying. Angus will teach her just once, and she'll have it down pat.

"You're welcome to come to Christmas dinner tomorrow afternoon if you like, and bring the kids. I know Mom and Daddy and Michael are coming. And Chase will be there, of course, and if she's there, I am sure Eli will be. I've invited Jen and Rob, and well, half the wizarding world I think. Brian and I haven't done any entertaining, but this should be fun. Oh, and don't dress up. Come comfortable, and come whenever you like. We're all just wearing jeans.

"And, Mis, I am pretty sure I saw some Christmas presents under my tree with your name on them. And I know there are gifts under there for everybody. "

Suddenly Miseria looked up when she heard familiar voice coming not too far away from her. She smiled whens she recognized Jack and Jess. Smiling at both of them, she nodded quickly, and looked at Jess' stomach. It was missing so it meant that the babies were already born. It was really strange to see them after all this time they were Missing to her. "Hello Jack and Jess," she greeted them soon after Khaat, and grinned when she heard her mother's words. She didn't actually notice Blaire before and she looked around, trying to see him. But as she had no ideas how he'd even look like, she gave up, and turned her eyes back at friends.

As Khaat mentioned her the Port Key, Miseria looked down at it and nodded to herself. She had to be careful with it. She still didn't know how those things work, and she didn't want to disappear from the Great Hall, and leave the beautiful Yule Ball behind her, and stay at home all alone. “I am?“ she suddenly asked, raising her eyebrows. Khaat was praising her like she did something good. Maybe even a Miracle. But what she was talking about was a fight in Transilvanya. Girl sighed quietly, and looked away. She knew that actually, she had to feel grateful. She won the fight and came out Alive. That was something... New. Now, thoguh, she had to struggle to survive every single fight. It seemed that her enemies were getting stronger and stronger every day.

“Just once?!“ Mis didn't actually hear her voice, but she looked with widened eyes at Khaat. Just once? She'll get lost while trying to use this port key. It sounded so difficult, and strange. Just once. “I don't think that I'll learn it that fast,“ she added quickly. The last thing what she wanted is to show fear. Yes, she was afraid. Of course. Everything could go Wrong while she's trying to travel with this thing. She looked back at her coin. How could this little thing possibly be the thing that helps to travel all over the world?

When she mentioned the Christmas dinner, Miseria had to grin once more. She could actually imagine Whole wizarding world in their house, celebrating and giving away gifts. Khaat was popular, everyone knew her so it wouldn't actually impress her if even more than five or six students from Hogwarts would be there. “Oh thank God,“ she finally said. “I'm sure that I won't be wearing any dresses until next Yule Ball.“ Those things weren't comfortable. Mis was used to jeans, chains, and her pretty and beautiful black belt with some skulls. Those were the things what she Loved to wear.

“Really?“ she paused:“Hm, you shouldn't worry, Santa broght something to all of you, too.“

Jess smiled at Khaat and Miseria nodding she agreed "ow don't worry Mis, Angus is very capable, he'll make sure nothing happens or goes wrong when you port and if you need him more than once I'm sure he'll be happy to help" she said and looked at Jack as he had slid his arms around her.

She caught her looking at her tummy and smiled " they came early a boy and a girl, Khaat and Robert delivered them " she said smiling "you'll see them when we come for Christmas " she said smiling " Andrew's coming with us hes grown up into a hansom boy now " she said smiling "jack dear get me some punch then maybe if we start dancing others might join in and we'd have something of a ball going" she smiled as she watched jack walk to the refreshment stand and talk to Steven who stood looking like a wallflower.

Miseria raised her eyebrows. Everyone seemed to feel really comfortable while talking about this Angus. Listening to their words, he actually seemed to be Perfection himself. Protector of the house, cook, a good teacher and whatever else. They were lucky to have him, but then again, she didn't know him, and she didn't even imagine what he was capable of. But everyone seemed to trust him and Lupins did it even with their lives.

"Oh," she said, looking back at Jess' stomach. "Wow... Twins. I've always wondered what does it feel to have a twin. Hopefully I'll soon get to know." Not literally. She doupted that the twins would actually explain her the Real feeling. "Right, Andrew, so how is he? I remember him when he was well... Little." She saw him only once, and as they say, other babies grow faster than yours. When Jack left, Mis looked after him, and noticed a man. She saw him once, when they were camping in the forest. "Why is he all alone in there?" she suddenly asked, looking back at the two females. It was somehow strange. All three of them were mothers, and all of them had birth too early.

"Khaat, do you want something to drink? I think that Blaire got lost in the Hall," she couldn't hide her grin, and she stood up, holding her coin carefully. Then she put it carefully into gowns innerpocket, and looked at her mother.