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Post by Arri Faltskog on Aug 18, 2008 3:43:02 GMT -5
Last year's spectacle was full of lights, glitz, and glamour. This year was quite a different contrast from the previous years preceding. Sure there were decorations, gorgeous outfits, wonderful entertainment and the "perfect" venue to host the event, but, something was quite lacking from this year unlike previous years. What could it have been? How could anything be different about the glamorous annual event of the year? One person, or lack there of, was the one thing that surely put a slight damper on the festivities. There would be no special punch in the bowls or the craziness of that one person who knew how to get a party started and keep it going. And most certainly, to the dismay of many girls around but the relief of their dates, no kisses under the mistletoe by that special man who had the lips of a god. Instead, what took the place of this person was a large memorial portrait hung upon the wall where the thrones usually sat. This year there would be only one throne, placed next to the large portrait on the wall. That throne stayed empty save the King's crown that laid upon the seat, forever waiting for its rightful owner that night. And yet, he may never come. Abba Faltskog was still missing and there was much being said about what could have happened. His body was no where to be found. Was he dead? Or was he, by chance, still alive? No one knew the answer. Most presumed him dead. And in the hearts of many it was heartbreaking, a punch to the gut, and most of all, the worst thing that could possibly happen to the school. Especially at a time like this. Next to the portrait and the throne stood a lone table. It had a simple table cloth on it and the table itself was covered with pens, markers, other forms of art supplies. What was this for? Not to mention, what was that big board doing next to the table for? Upon closer inspection of the instructions that were placed upon a display board it stated: Remembering a Great Man The loss of Abba Faltskog was shocking and unsuspected. In our heart of hearts we pray for Abba's safe return, but until his return, let us remember Abba as the great man he is and celebrate his life and everything he has done for us all.
There is probably a lot that many may still wish to say to him. Grab a marker, pen, or whatever and write your note to Abba and his family upon the board. If you wish to make a private note for just Abba, please use a piece of parchment and place it in the box on this table.
Thank you for all your support, The Faltskog Family The world was in disarray and so was the school. One after the other administrators were falling like flies. Only two remained standing, or somewhat. One had been seriously attacked and was still fighting her amnesia. The other had recently given birth. To say the least, it was very difficult times at Our Hogwarts. Perhaps, though, this event, the annual Yule Ball, would help to cheer up the masses of Our Hogwarts. The school needed something to look forward to and perhaps this event would do just that. Last year someone had foolishly forgotten to reserve the Party and Events Hall and so they had the ball on a ship. This year, to fit the event, and slight theme of the annual gala, the grand Yule Ball was being held at the Rooftop Lounge. Now, you may be thinking, isn't the lounge much to small for such an event? Perhaps on any other day, and if you didn't have the wonderful magic of the school. With a few tricks of magic under the sleeves of the wonderful House Elves and other staff members the lounge was expanded, if at least for that night, to be the same size as the grand ballroom that was several floors down. Although, unlike the Fifth Floor ballroom, this one had glass ceilings and the night was perfect. The stars were glimmering in the sky like diamonds that had been scattered by the angels. There was not a single night cloud in the sky. The deep and dark black sky seemed to go on for miles upon miles with trails of sparking stars to light the way. Along with that was the gorgeous glow of the crescent moon. Despite not being at its full potential this particular moon on this particular evening glowed and glimmered in the night, making up quite a bit of the lighting for the ball. A stray ray of moon light seemed to hit in the direction of the throne and more specifically the portrait of Abba. Was this a sign? Perhaps to some, possibly a coincidence to others. Aside from the moon and stars there were lanterns floating around throughout the room. Although candles would have made the ambiance of the room much more grand and perfect, after the misfortune of the Headmaster's Memorial fiasco fire had mostly been outlawed at Hogwarts. There was no need to set off another traumatic event after the last one. Every precaution was taken for this event. Security elves and other hidden security personnel were scattered around the room and the grounds, some even going so far as using Polyjuice potions to hide their identities from the Dark Wizards. As the students and staff walked into the Rooftop Lounge turned ballroom they were met with the sound of music playing. The ballad filled the room as the sounds of a music group was playing, the lyrics seeming to fit perfectly with the memorial portion of the evening. Sorry I never told you All I wanted to say And now it's too late to hold you 'Cause you've flown away So far away
Never had I imagined Living without your smile Feeling and knowing you hear me It keeps me alive Alive
And I know you're shining down on me from heaven Like so many friends we've lost along the way And I know eventually we'll be together One sweet day
Darling I never showed you Assumed you'd always be there I took your presence for granted But I always cared And I miss the love we shared
And I know you're shining down on me from heaven Like so many friends we've lost along the way And I know eventually we'll be together One sweet day
Although the sun will never shine the same again I'll always look to a brighter day Lord I know when I lay me down to sleep You will always listen as I pray
And I know you're shining down on me from heaven Like so many friends we've lost along the way And I know eventually we'll be together One sweet day
Sorry I never told you All I wanted to say
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Post by Arri Faltskog on Aug 18, 2008 3:46:34 GMT -5
It had been a month since Arri really stepped onto school grounds. Sure she had been there, but it was always to go visit the cemetery every day. Each day she would go and visit the location that Abba had last been seen at. In Arri's heart she prayed that Abba was still alive, wished and hoped that he was around somewhere instead of missing and possibly dead. But, each time she went to the cemetery, the same thing happened: she never found Abba. His body was no where. It could have been burnt completely or he could be out there somewhere, or perhaps, dare she not think, that a wild creature took his body and ate him. As she thought about those horrid thoughts several tears streamed down her face. "No," she whispered to herself. She couldn't keep crying, even if she wanted to. Tonight was the Yule Ball and she had to attend. There was a small memorial for Abba there tonight and she knew she had to attend, be the first one there. If no one showed up at least she did to show that she cared and continued to love him. Turning to the vanity mirror in their bedroom, Arri stared down at a polaroid of the two of them, taken years ago. Several more tears slipped from her eyes as she wiped them dry. Looking at herself in the mirror, Arri reapplied her make up and started to get dressed, wearing one of Abba's favorite outfits that she owned. It was a black cocktail dress that fell to just above her knees. The straps were thin and accentuated her figure which was still somewhat frail but was slowly coming back. After three months of recovery Arri was slowly becoming her old self, save for a few other things. Her back still held the scars of her attack. The nights she had were marred by either dreams of what happened or thoughts of Abba and him still being missing, possibly dead. Needless to say she was often restless and with large bags underneath her eyes. Thank goodness for modern muggle make up and magical spells to cover those imperfections. The cast that was on her foot had been removed and she was slowly starting to be able to walk properly on her foot. Sadly though this meant she was unable to wear her strappy heels that usually were on her feet. Instead, Arri went for flat black sandals that were still fancy but lacked the traditional heel she always wore for the Yule Ball. Even the cast that was on her arm was removed. After the bones had time to heal more, and her own body to recover, Arri was able to have a few spells put on her arm and foot. The spells repaired her bones and they were not broken any longer but Arri still had to be very careful because she had a higher chance of re-breaking them if she did not watch out. Looking down at her hands and at her neck in the mirror she saw the necklace that she always wore, and continued to wear. The Faltskog family heirloom piece laid on her neck perfectly along with the ring and other pieces of jewelry that Abba had given her. She was just about ready as she picked up her purse and carefully placed the polaroid in it, sealing it shut before grabbing her wrap and going out the bedroom door, toward the front door. On her journey toward the front door she came across the twins as they had come to help her get to the Ball safely. The two children were wonderful to their mother, even if she still thought them to be someone else instead of her own children. Once they got there, the children went off to go do something while Arri went and entered the room. Seeing the way it was decorated brought a smile to her face. Arri carefully walked into the room and stood in the middle, sighing quietly before turning to see the large portrait of Abba on the wall. There it was, she thought to herself as she walked over, seeing the portrait up closer, her fingers going to her lips as she tried to hold in the tears. Arri promised herself that she would not cry but how could she not. The love of her life, Abba, was missing. She had not seen him in almost two months. He could very well be dead. You try to keep control of your emotions with that sort of pressure. Staring up into the picture, Arri looked directly into Abba's face, seeing his gorgeous blue eyes staring back at her and the entire room. That alone made tears start to fall from her eyes as she walked toward the table and read what it said. She smiled while quietly grabbing a few pens and markers and walking over toward the board, going for the middle as she scribbled a note on. Pulling out the picture from her purse, she pinned it next to her note before starting to draw. Arri drew a picture of a red rose along side everything she had already done. Staring at the picture, she thought about the red rose that sat on Abba's side of the bed. It was still there. The rose had not aged a day. An absolutely perfect blossom sitting in the glass vase as beautiful as the day it was picked. She couldn't help but sigh, knowing the rose was a sign from Abba. But which meaning did it have? With everything that happened, Arri could not help but think that it was a sign that he was gone. How else would a perfect red rose, in a single bush, surrounded by ashes and burnt trees still be there for Leroy, the twins, and her to find? After finishing the note on the board, Arri walked over toward the table and picked up a piece of parchment. Taking a black pen, she started to scribble down a song that reminded her of everything that was going on. Changing, moving, in a circle I can see your face in all of my dreams Smiling, laughing, from the shadows When I hear your voice I know what it means I know it doesn't matter just how hard I try You're all the reason for my life Disillusion, disillusion's all you left for me
How can I forget you when my world is breaking down You're all I had, you're all I want Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have
Wishing, hoping, chasing shadows Did I see your face somewhere in the crowd Thinking, wondering, what you're doing I can stop myself from crying out loud They say my wound will heal and only leave a scar But then, they'd never shared our love Disillusion, disillusion's all you left for me
How can I forget you when my world is breaking down You're all I had, you're all I want Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have Disillusion, disillusions now, that's all I have
After finishing the note, Arri scribbled a few more words before putting it up toward her lips and kissing it, leaving a red imprint from her lips upon the white parchment. Once done, she folded it up and placed it into the box. Taking another look up at the picture, Arri kissed her lips before going to press them up against the large portrait. With another quiet sigh, she walked over toward the punch bowl and got herself a glass of the untainted punch. This was most certainly not the same as years past. Hopefully things would lighten up. Abba would have wanted it that way. A party was what he was known best for, he would want nothing less of the school now, would he?
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Post by Professor Torza Ansari on Aug 18, 2008 4:45:23 GMT -5
Torza hadn't wanted to come to the yule ball but for the sake of it being a memorial for the presumed dead ABBA, she had decided to arrive anyway. It felt strange to be coming to a dance when one of the most beloved characters in the castle was missing but still it would have been what he wanted. Abba was the sort of person to find fun everywhere. She had considered coming in her birthday suit as a tribute to him but was too shy and besides she had a nice dress that would do the job justice. She'd remembered how childish she had felt at the last memorial for no reason more than having baby golden curls. So now she learnt there was another one she had gone and dyed her hair brunette just for the one night. Deciding not to wear a colourful dress she had came in a smart pretty black dress that if it hadn't been for the memorial would have suited the yule ball just fine anyway.
Seeing Arri made her close to tears, just thinking of the children left without a father. They were a strong family the Faltskog, and she hoped they were all coping fine. If it was her husband or father she would had broken down and had to leave the castle for a while, then again Torza was a very weak person. As she neared the table next to the empty seat a chill ran up and down her back. "Arri, I'm so sorry" she said as she saw her nearby, "I know you must have heard it a million times or more but I truely am," she didn't say anything else after that because she didn't want to upset Arri.
Torza sniffed when she saw the instructions on the table. "Oh Abba" she sighed and looked around feeling her eyes go blurry. She couldn't cry, it was a party you didn't cry at them. Shaking her head lightly she picked up a pen and wrote shakily,
Abba you will never be forgotten For as long as I live I will remember you And the castle will never forget The greatest man that ever lived, It was a privileged to have you in our lives And we hope and pray that one day you will return Long live Abba.
It was so short that she didn't think it did justice at all so she pulled out one of the flowers in her hair and placed it there. It was only a Lily but she hoped it would do. Sniffing lightly she took a few minutes in silence before turning around to face Arri with a small smile. Still not mentioning anything that might upset her anymore. Now all she had to do was wait for more people to turn up.
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Post by Malcolm Longhat on Aug 18, 2008 5:17:26 GMT -5
Malcolm walked into the Yule ball. He was gonna give it a miss but he wanted to pay his respects to ABBA as well. He got dressed in his black tuxedo and walked the slow saunter to the rooftop lounge. When he got there he saw Arri and Torza were already there. he walked over to them and said "Hi" and turned to Arri and said "Sorry for your loss." He read the comments left about abba and added his own
ABBA we never talked much but i will always remember your antics I am going to try and keep your traditions alive, especially your yule ball one
He then walked over to the punch bowland got his own concoction out. He didnt know if it will do ABBA justice as he tried to make it from memory from the tastes when he had it last. he tipped the bottle in quickly and went back to Torza and Arri. he used his wand to turn the music on if it wasnt already going. he said to Arri and Torza "would one of you lovely Ladies like to dance?"
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Post by Professor Torza Ansari on Aug 18, 2008 5:22:51 GMT -5
Watching Malcolm spike the punch she was about to go on to complain about how first years drank the stuff but then again ABBA had done that before so she just watched him with a smile. Hearing him offer either Arri or herself a dance partner Torza just smiled but stood where she was. Even with her high heels on both Arri and Malcolm towered over her. Shaking her freshly brunette curls at Malcolm she smiled and said "I have too left feet so I wouldn't make much of a dance partner" she shrugged lightly. She'd never been a fan of dancing really.
It still didn't seem right to her dancing when Abba was gone, still his memory had to live on and Abba would want them to party all night long. Walking on soft feet around the roof lounge she wondered when the students would arrive. Maybe they would be fresh and happy.
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Post by rh2008 on Aug 18, 2008 7:26:32 GMT -5
Evan smoothed out her black dress, and checked herself out in the reflection of a window. She wanted to look her best. She smiled excitedly and pushed open the doors. but her excitement faded pretty soon after she did that...when she saw there was no one there yet, but for a couple of teachers. damn, I'm early.
She smiled disheartened at the Professors and sidled over to the refreshments table. She opened a bottle of butterbeer and gulped quite a large amount of it, making herself cough. I'll just keep myself busy and soon people will start showing up...just hope none of the Professors starts talking to me... she hated when they did that - asking her questions and trying to be friendly, who knew what they were really thinking of when they did that and what their true agenda was...
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Post by Arri Faltskog on Aug 18, 2008 7:28:14 GMT -5
"Hi," Arri said as she looked at the young woman who came next to her. "I am sorry, what's your name again?" she asked her as she smiled softly at the young woman, nodding a thanks as she looked back at Abba's picture while taking a sip of her punch. "I'm sorry, I just... can't seem to remember everyone from here. People keep saying I have amnesia, and I guess they were right..." she told her with a sigh. "It is quite frustrating." As she watched the young woman writing a note, another young man came up to them and she nodded and smiled slightly. "Thank you, ummm, your name?" she asked with a sigh. "I apologize, there's just so many people and I have not been around the school lately. Junior and Agnetha thought it best to stay home the past few months. They are wonderful children. I wish I would have been able to have had children with Abba before he... disappeared." Everyone kept saying they were sorry for the loss, as if he were truly dead. Was he? Perhaps so, but maybe not. It as just so frustrating at times with people apologizing to her as she walked up to the Rooftop Lounge. That was more than likely the reason the twins kept their mother safe at their country house. Away from all the prying eyes and the apologies for their loss. She heard the young man asking her to dance as she smiled and nodded, feeling quite odd not wearing heels but knowing she could not yet. "Thank you," she replied to him as she walked out towards the empty dance floor with him. Looking back at the young woman she called out to her. "You really should dance you know. I think that's how Abba would have wanted it," Arri said with a smile as she started to dance to the music. Arri saw another girl come in, who looked to be a first year. She smiled at her but did not say anything else, having been in the middle of the dance hall plus she seemed to prefer being left alone. Oh first years, how much they have changed since she started school (hehe no offense being meant, just having fun before I pass out for the night). ((Sorry for the lame-ness, blah, its super late, I should be in bed but hell I am still up, kicks break care for preschool lol))
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Mynde Pye-Thomas
Adult Wizard
the year changes but the face remains the same
Posts: 6,270
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Post by Mynde Pye-Thomas on Aug 18, 2008 8:14:28 GMT -5
Mynde entered the rooftop lounge, it had transformed itself into a wonderful ball room. Full of magic, moonbeams and startlight. She walked to bid the king and queen the traditional 'hello' a curtsy. When she got there the ever so larger than life photo sat there, the moonrays shining on it making ABBA's presence known. Mynde smiled at the photo, it brought her such a warm fuzzy feeling. In her hearts of hearts he had to be alive, her friend was missing at the moment. She just felt it, he was ok. She made the curtsy for her it did not look foolish, no it was an honor. HE is a great man, one who guided them. Sure things were slightly different afterall a man, a father would do nothing to flip each stone, to find the culprits who had hurt Arri, his family. While he was off and doing whatever she promised him that she would stay, she would be one of the many who would make Hogwarts solid. She read the notes and like those before her she added her own flare.. ABBA It's nice to visit places and play with friends that you know. But I can't wait for you to hurry home. 'Cause we love you so. Myn then turned around she spotted Arri on the dance floor with Malcolm, and she spotted Torza. Myn smiled and waved. She knew Arri didn't know who she was for the time being so she went to sit with Torza. "Hello, its been to long since I've seen you." Myn's eyes roamed the rooftop, they rested on Torz once more. "How have you been, feeling better?"Myn tipped back the cup and smiled the puch this year had a slightly different taste, perhaps its maker added an extra kick to it. This Yule ball would be one to remember....
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Post by Isabell Davidson on Aug 18, 2008 9:49:36 GMT -5
Isabell had heard that the ball would be held in the rooftop lounge, so a drastic running from the fifth floor to the roof in a dress and small heels left a girl panting. "Phew" she heaved a heavy sigh, stepping inside to notice the slight off-ness the yule-ball held. Yes, it was a party but it was also a memorial. She didn't know this Abba person very well, but from all the wonderful speeches she heard, she felt almost bad that she hadn't had the chance to meet him. The small girl fixed her dress slightly. It wasn't very grand because lets face it, she was twelve and had an allowance but it was still fine. She kind of liked it ^__^. It was a dark blue with a white lacy part for the top portion. And on top of it was a lighter blue fancy type of thinly stripped sweater, held together with a navy blue bow. It was December after all. Her shoes however didn't match as nicely as her outfitt. They were sparkly red, just like Dorthys! She couldn't resist, and if she ever wanted to go home, she could just tap her heels together three times and voila! Her blonde hair was out in loose curls. The hufflepuff slowly began to circulate around the ball, trying to find her date.
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Post by Jaegar Ansari on Aug 18, 2008 10:16:10 GMT -5
Jay made it to the Yule Ball. He was wearing what it shows in the sig. He was also wearing cologne and deodorant. He was actually dressed nice in the nicest clothes he had. As he walked in, he saw the memorial for Abba. He felt bad because he had casued so much trouble for the great man. He was the icon of the school. He walked over to the throne and took a knee and kneeled in front of it. He thought this would be the best way to show his respect. He didn't know how the party would be because Abba was the ultimate party animal.
He got up moments later. He saw Isabell. She was his date and Evan was there too. He walked over to Evan first. "Hi there how are you?" He asked nicely. He waved at Isabell over to him trying to get her to come over to meet Evan. Two of his new friends. He wanted them to meet. He thought it would benefit the both of them. He looked back at Evan. "I know the party is sad but we have to get it started the right way."
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Post by rh2008 on Aug 18, 2008 10:23:40 GMT -5
Evan was having her second drink by the time students started to arrive, and one of them she knew: Jay. She watched him as he walked over to the throne that was in the room and knelt before it. She stifled a giggle. He looked a bit silly doing it. Then he spotted her and walked over. "Hi" she smiled at him, setting down her butterbeer bottle "I'm really great thanks. And you?" he looked very sharp today, dressed formally, and his hair was combed..."It's sad?" she looked confused "Why is it sad?"
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Post by Jaegar Ansari on Aug 18, 2008 10:37:10 GMT -5
Jay looked Evan over. She really looked good in the dress. "I am great and ready to party. I love to party." He nodded. "Well Abba isn't here to see the Yule Ball." Then a smile came onto his face. She really did look good. He even blushed a little and gave her a flirting smile. He liked Evan but he was single and his flirting was endless. He figured before the night was over he would kiss a girl.
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Post by rh2008 on Aug 18, 2008 10:44:44 GMT -5
"Oh, right" She felt like she was missing something...she had no clue who this Abba person was. But she did notice him checking her out which made her blush. She smiled, "Well, You wanna dance then?" she offered him a hand and pointed to the dance floor.
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Post by Isabell Davidson on Aug 18, 2008 11:08:50 GMT -5
While circulating she found her way at the refreshment stand and started stuffing her face with marshymallows and chocolate dipped pretzels ^__^ yummy! She munched on them happily before spotting jay waving her over. She waved back, grabbing a few more chocolate covered pretzels before walking over. "Hiii!" she giggled at jay. He was all tuxed out. "I didn't even see you come in" she smiled, munching on one of them yummy pretzels.
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Post by rh2008 on Aug 18, 2008 11:31:29 GMT -5
Evan looked at the girl who just walked up to Jay "Hey! I know you". She didn't recognize her when she walked into the ball cause she looked a lot different in a dress "You're the girl with the mold.." she smiled at her, remembering their encounter. "I hope you're not still upset about that...did you find any more?"
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