heteroduplexing | [Free for all] Christmastiiiiime is heeeere

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[Free for all] Christmastiiiiime is heeeere

CHRISTMASTIME

comment with your character(s). leave blank or write starters or whatever floats your friggin' boat
respond to others
CHRISTMAS. CHEER. SNOW. MISTLETOE. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON etc
or winter solstice/whatever exists in your character's world but do technicalities really matter I thought not
CATCH (because there has to be one): no Scrooges!! no matter how grumpy you might normally be at this (or any other) time of year, you suddenly find yourself in the Christmas spirit and partaking in Christmas things. That doesn't mean you're necessarily going to enjoy it, but you can't quite stop, either...
BE LOVELY, FRIENDS

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Miho began to count her blessings just as the people outside began to count down towards midnight. The assignment only called for her to stay long enough for the ball drop. What she decided to do afterwards was up in the air. And for Miho's part, she had every intention of leaving her post and getting as far away from the festivities as possible.

Needless to say, parties were not her forte. And Twelve O'Clock could not come too soon. But as House Prefect, such responsibilities came with the title.

The Great Hall was packed to bursting at a time like this--the Wizarding World might be very different from the muggle one, but wizards were glad of any excuse to throw a party, and enough muggleborn students had become teachers that celebrating the New Year in semi-muggle style had become Hogwarts tradition in recent years.

"Ah, Miho!"

While she'd probably heard him coming, even over the noise of the crowds both inside the Hall and out, he was still careful to announce himself from a respectable distance, and at a respectable volume--not too loud, but not a whisper either. Unfortunately, some Gryffindors tended to be somewhat less respectable, and a group of sixth-years ran past in a shouting, rowdy clump, intent on getting outside to see the Headmaster drop the ball into the Lake (after which the Giant Squid would, infamously, rise to the surface to wrestle with it, until the magical sphere exploded in a flash of harmless light). So intent on their goal were they, they didn't even notice the little third-year boy in their path, much less register the fact that they'd forcefully shoved him well into the Slytherin prefect's personal space.

The result wasn't anything too overly dramatic. There was no accidental kiss, no awkward sprawl across her lap or faceplant into her cleavage, and definitely no pushing her over and landing on top of her after they fell. There wasn't even a moment, however fleeting, where their bodies were pressed close together; instead, Ion somehow managed to catch himself on the wall, locking his elbows and bracing his arms before anything truly uncomfortable could occur. As it was, they ended up nearly nose to nose for a few startled seconds, but that was the worst of it.

Ion gave a sheepish little laugh as he ducked his head a bit, turning his face to the side just slightly--sheepish, because his arms were already trembling, and the angle he was stuck leaning at was a precarious one. He'd have to push away from the wall to stand upright, or else simply...drop to the floor, though there was a risk of collision with Miho if he did that. So for the moment, he kept his arms locked and a smile on his face.

"...M...my apologies..."

...He wouldn't be able to stay like that long, though.

Edited 2015-02-08 02:49 (UTC)

Even from the beginning, he had been one of the few who respected her space. For the rest, it needed to be demonstrated. For the majority of the student body, Miho had been forced to make an example. Certainly, that had not earned her much favor with the teachers, nor gain her any friends outside . But that was to be expected. Following the Ambition and Drive that sat at the core of Slytherin House values was never an easy road to take.

Still, despite her prickly disposition and purposeful distance from the other students, Ion had been persistent in befriending her. And wonders beyond belief, with the same determination that Gryffindors were known for, he had managed to succeed.

So while most any other students would have simply been left to struggle - while most would not have thought twice to place her preferences and need for space - Miho only gave a moment of pause before she was reaching with her hand to haul him up from his precarious position. And held on until he could properly get his footing. It was as good of an assurance over the near collision.

"Ah-!"

Ion scrambled a bit as she hauled him upright, trying to help aid her efforts as much as he could (which wasn't much, really). Finding himself firmly on his feet again all of the sudden, with Miho still grasping at his shoulders to steady him, he could only give her a sheepish smile.

"Thank you for your assistance, though I am sorry that it was necessary in the first place. It shouldn't have been. Even so, it's very much appreciated."

That said, he waited for her reaction--she'd be well within her rights to dismiss him after something like this, though he doubted she'd do that. She'd been patient, even receptive to his overtures of friendship lately, so she might very well hear him out, despite this exchange starting off on a slightly awkward foot.

It was a small price of comfort to pay, really, even though there was still a tiny part of her that wanted to flinch away from the contact. Because he had always been so attentive and considerate to her, mysteriously and curiously so. Even now, Miho could not understand what it was that Ion saw in her to direct such attention. Such kindness. It was the sort of thing that had mostly been absent from her life before entering Hogwarts. Something that continued even after she had been enrolled.

Slytherin House was not known for friendships and camaraderie outside of their Common Room. Still, Miho had her own streak of rebellion, as always.

Letting her fingers slide from his shoulders, the young girl gave a gentle nod in acknowledgement to his gratitude. And with nothing else to occupy her time, she allowed herself to linger in Ion's company a little while longer, taking a moment to make sure that the young Gryffindor was, indeed, alright and not out of sorts from his near tumble. Or that he would not get lost once more in the bustle of the festivities.

The fact that Miho didn't instantly jerk away, that she was unhurried in letting go of him, didn't escape Ion's notice. If his smile was even warmer than usual, and touched his eyes more as well, perhaps that slight lowering of her guard was the reason behind it.

Well, now that he'd found her, and she'd demonstrated her willingness to remain in his presence, he might as well broach the subject he'd wanted to cover in the first place.

"Actually, I was looking for you. The clock hasn't struck midnight yet, so I was wondering if you wanted to watch them drop the ball into the lake together."

He smiled a bit shyly, but there was a spark of playfulness there, too.

"If you'd rather not deal with the crowds...I know a way we can get around that, and still have the best seat of anyone in any House."

At the first mention of the ball drop and the countdown to it, the young Prefect resisted the urge to lower her eyes into a look of disdain, though there was no helping the soft little huff of breath that she gave at the thought. It was a silly concept, welcoming something so intangible as time - which was nothing more than a human fabrication. A muggle fabrication that the Wizarding World decided to capitalize on with the Time Turner.

Yes, indeed. Miho was well familiar with the Time Turner, her eyes shifting to the window at the thought. It had been one of the first missions the Pure Blood Society decided to send them on when they became Prefects for the House of Slytherin. Fortunately for them, it was a small trinket that normally went unnoticed until necessary. And no one had the need for one for a great many years.

What the Society needed it for was still a mystery, and the idea of it could hardly help her now. The entirety of the school was to be expected, mass and mass of bodies scrambling to find a place inside and out to see the New Year display. So the offer that Ion presented was of some curious interest to her, made apparent by the slight tilt of the young girl's head as she turned her eyes back to him.

Having the best seat was of no importance, but avoiding the crowds of students was definitely something she would not deny.

Go on, Ion. Go on...

The head-tilt was a good sign. He'd learned to recognize that early on, alongside at least a dozen and half other subtle little tells. Miho showing any sort of interest--showing any sort of emotion at all--was seen as quite a victory in Ion's book.

Even so, he couldn't help looking a little self-conscious at having so much of her attention.

"Well, you know how everyone goes down to stand by the lake itself? The Astronomy Tower is right there beside the lake, too, with a clear line of sight to the headmaster's platform. And even if the Giant Squid happens to be farther down the shore than usual when he finishes wrestling with the ball, with a simple magnification spell, it would seem like it was happening right in front of us."

The little third-year looked at Miho for her reaction, obviously hopeful, though he also added, "But if you don't like the Astronomy Tower, or you'd rather not climb all those stairs...there's something else we could try also."

Edited 2016-06-05 01:33 (UTC)

Shifting her gaze to the window she could already see a number of people gathering around the edge of the lake, teachers and students alike, still with enough time to spare for the rest to follow later if they pleased. And already, Miho could imagine the nightmare it would be to stand among them. But to be able to avoid such a thing like Ion was suggesting, the young Prefect could only see it as a tantalizing prospect. The Tower was equipped with viewing scopes, after all, which would allow her to keep a close watch on the crowd as her duties entailed. At the same time, the distance and quiet would do well to stave her irritation when it came to interacting with others.

In the end, it was a plan that benefited all.

Nevermind that Ion had given any indication that Miho would be unwilling or unable to climb the endless spiral of stairs to reach such a location. She knew the statement came as a courtesy and an ingrained politeness that was more a comment on Ion's naturally giving personality than any thought he had about her abilities.

Still, he had mentioned a third option as well. And while the Tower would serve her purposes fine enough, there was a rare curiosity in the slide of her eyes as they settled their attention back on her companion.

She's listening, young Gryffindor.

Ion noted that curious gleam, though he didn't call her on it; instead, it just made his smile a little warmer, if that was even possible. Still, he did take it as permission to share his third idea.

"Well, as I'm certain you know, the dungeons are below lake-level...and since I've heard that the Slytherin common room has a view of the lake, I wondered if there might be another room or two down there with windows facing the right way. I checked into it earlier today, and found just the place."

He gave her one of his self-deprecating little smiles, looking somewhat embarrassed at all that.

"It might not be the best view...but I thought it might be interesting to see the action from beneath the water for once, instead of above it. But I'll go with whichever option you choose, Miho--they all sound quite enjoyable to me."

Edited 2017-06-09 06:33 (UTC)

Truth be told, her initial thought had been to pick the spot nearest the dungeons. Not for aesthetic purposes or some wondrous sight completely unseen before within the castle walls. But because it would place her closest to the Slytherin Dormitories and the comfort of her own bed once it was all over. The sooner, the better, as far as Miho was concerned.

There was only one problem with that. Or rather, one person.

Being close to Slytherin territory meant that Ion would be within sight of his brother, Sync. And the latter was never one to miss an opportunity to take advantage of that fact. As much as she was loathed, sometimes, to admit it, the brothers' torturous and tumultuous relationship had an effect on her. One the young Prefect was not yet ready to confront.

Weighing her options carefully, eyes trailing behind the line of students still filing out of the Great Hall to watch the ball drop and count down to another year, it was not much longer of a wait before she was able to make her choice.

Wand in hand, the young student eased her arms into a casual fold, very subtly tapping the object against her bicep. Through past experience, she trusted that Ion would be observant enough to see that the more narrow end was pointed upward, indicating Miho's final choice and making her decision clear to him.

"A-ah! The Tower, then! All right!"

Beaming at her, Ion started to turn to make his way towards the nearest staircase--then turned back around twice as fast, the light of a sudden realization flooding his face.

"...Oh...! Actually, I suppose there's one more option--we could always borrow one of the boats they use for the first-years' travel across the lake! That way, we could really have a front-row seat...and it wouldn't be hard to summon some blankets and cushions, so it would be warm and comfortable as well, not to mention uncrowded."

Decision made and agreed upon, the young witch turned to start their long trek towards the top of the tower when his words and action stopped her short. And if she were any other person, Miho's face would have morphed into a deep grimace of disdain at the mere consideration of taking to the boats for an option. As it stood, all that could be seen of was the smallest of pinches between the dark lines of her brows. And that should have been telling enough of what she thought of that option.

It was not a matter of having the best seat to watch the ball drop or to welcome in the new year. Miho hardly put any stock in the concept of new beginnings or fresh starts marked by a simple day on the calendar, even if it was the first of a new cycle of sorts. She never held herself to such restraints. And she certainly would not risk drowning or the wrath of selkies for it.

That settled, the young witch finally turned and resumed her course towards the Tower with little fanfare, trusting that Ion would not be far behind. Besides, if she was to be forced in joining the festivities as the Head Girl of Slytherin House, Miho could at least find some use in having the bird's eye view the tower would provide her.

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[Free for all] Christmastiiiiime is heeeere

Trufax... It's one of his superpowers

CUE THE CUTENESS

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YOU GET A TAG, YOU GET A TAG...

IT LIIIIIIIIVES...

this level of necromancy is amazing