shall we dance? | gilderoy

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showin’ up in ages.

WHEN SARI FAWLEY RECEIVED the invitation to Gilderoy’s ball via owl, she grumbled at the thought and sight of it. She read the message carefully, as well as the addition of the messages the Lockhart had provided, noticing hers to relate to a pun. Until Sari met Madeleine, a Hufflepuff like herself, she hadn’t thought of how close her name seemed to be to the simple apologetic word: Sorry, but she hated the reference now, more than ever. Luckily for the Hufflepuff, it wasn’t her first rodeo at Gilderoy’s planned events or parties, and she ensured her dress for this ball would be better than last years…As well as her hair. In the late evening of Valentines Day, where Sari stood in the completed look, she smiled as she looked herself up and down in the mirror, before picking up her wand, casting the spell to drop Crinus Muto from her own appearance.

Crinus Muto was the only Transfiguration spell the Fawley could perform perfectly, considering she had been doing so since November 2024. Every other spell, class, book (anything in relation) was brushed aside, no wonder why Maddie had insulted her on the Fawley’s poor class scores. Though, blue eyes wandered up, following how the spell rid her head of blonde locks, replacing it with the darkness she was used to seeing as a child. To be more like her mother back then, Sari remembered the day her mother first used magic to conceal the dark roots, welcoming her to the life of a blonde child, but the younger Fawley always believed it wasn’t enough, and even took upon the ways Muggles had done it. But now she was tired of bleaching, spells, etc. Maybe it was time for a change after all.

Walking into the Great Hall with her matching pale-pink mask covering her face, hands clutched at the skirt of her dress, lip chewing down on the bottom as she tried to find someone familiar. Though she realised…She wouldn’t be able to anyway, the mask was charmed to hide who you truly were. Breathing out in slight anger, she waltzed further inside, until she noticed everyone was dancing away. Yelping as she bumped into someone, the Fawley noticed around them, they were the only couple who weren’t dancing. ”Sorry about that…”


REFERENCE: DRESS & MASK

@lockhart & hopefully this works!

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Gilderoy was doing his own little tour of his party. Already having danced with a few people one being Kinsey before she probably ran off to find Riley. As much as Riley was seemingly engaged or whatever to someone else he could only imagine the two were still meeting up or something. Either way his walking was just a momentary break. He felt responsible for making sure everything was going as smoothly as possible. His Masquerade idea was a good one as far as he was concerned but it also meant that no one knew who he was. A little disappointing but as much as this party was put together by him it wasn’t exactly about him. He would be fine without all the attention today. Let people enjoy themselves more. It was also a little fun to not be known as himself for a moment. Get people’s ideas of the party without knowing it was the person hosting it after all.

Walking around the dance floor many people seemed to be enjoying themselves dancing and having fun. He was worried more people would just be sitting against the walls. Thankfully that hadn’t happened. During his momentary tour of the party he felt someone bump into him, nothing unexpected with so many people moving around. Looking over he found a brunette girl, obviously he couldn’t make out much more than that because of the mask. She apologized for bumping into him and he just smiled. “Nonsense, everyone is free to dance however they like, even if your dance involved bumping into people.” Gilderoy joked for a moment, figuring she wasn’t dancing but just didn’t see him while walking. “How are you enjoying the party so far?” He asked still debating on if this was a case he introduced himself or just let it be a secret to see how they actually liked the party. He'd have to see to let it play out, still the masks were doing a wonderful job.

@sari

[Deleted]

showin’ up in ages.

HIDING HER IDENTITY BEHIND A simple mask was an addition the Fawley girl wanted to personally thank Gilderoy for the thoughtful idea. Even if the teachers could still identify every single one of them. Sari wanted a bold introduction to her new look but felt uncertain by the approach / results she would find from it. The ball was a good move, a starting point for a narcissistic idea and to ultimately give her the one up on great reveals. Gilderoy wasn’t going to win this fight. The person she had collided with however seemed fairly…nice. His voice, soft but curious to who she exactly was, and rather familiar yet she couldn’t match a face to the voice. At his joke, Sari forced a smile upon her lips, trying to push past the male until he questioned her.

”Given I just somewhat arrived, I would say my experience is going well so far.” She responded. hands that clutched tightly at the skirt of her dress releasing. ”Though I feel bad that we’re pretty much the only couple that aren’t dancing…So…” The brunette paused, smile shakily dropping. ”…Would you like to dance, Mr Unknown? Unless— You’re waiting for a hot date, that’s fine by me also.” And here came her own terrible jokes.

@lockhart

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Gilderoy smiled as the girl who bumped into him finally responded saying that she had just arrived but was enjoying it so far. Thankfully Gilderoy hadn’t run into anyone who seemed to outright hate coming the party. He was sure those people wouldn’t have come anyway. Yet the people who did all seemed to be having fun which is what he really wanted after all. “Hopefully it can only get better the longer you stay. If not be sure to have a word with the host about it.” He laughed deciding to just enjoy being hidden by the mask for a moment and not say it was him just yet. It was fun to get peoples honest opinions without having them worrying about hurting his feelings he about the party. "That or I can do my best to help improve it as well."

The brunette pointed out that they were the only ones not dancing and paused before asking if he would like to dance. That is if he wasn’t waiting for some hot date. Gilderoy smirked for a moment before speaking, “I’d love to dance, besides if I was waiting for my hot date I have the feeling she just ran into me.” He paused for a moment with a small laugh. "literally I might add."

@sari

[Deleted]

showin’ up in ages.

IN THE FIVE OR TEN so minutes that Sari Fawley had been in Gillderoy’s ball, she somewhat enjoyed the atmosphere. Everything was dark, considering the time of day as well, but the mysterious male was giving her a comfortable vibe. ”I doubt I’ll ever find Gilderoy in the wave of masked people here. Maybe he’s out somewhere enjoying his looks in the mirror.” She grinned, joking. ”I am surprised he planned all of this. I missed out on his last party. Friends said it was great.” She smiled at the male’s addition, nodding in agreement. ”I’m sure you can. You’re making it better now.” Where was the harm in flirting with someone you knew you’d never see again?

At his acceptance and smoothness to point out that she was hot, Sari let out a laugh, heading further into the crowd of students, trying to understand what dance they were doing. Was it slow? Waltz? The brunette was unsure. She was sure of one thing though, she was a terrible dancer. Aside from the multiple lessons her father made her attend, it was easy to say the Fawley had two left feet.

@lockhart

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Gilderoy laughed for a moment as the masked brunette made a comment about finding him, unknowing that she was actually talking to him already. Commenting that he was probably looking into a mirror, he took the comment in stride not to worried by the playful jab, he had certainly heard worse before. “You can keep looking but with these masks it’s hard to tell whose who, you could just pick a random stranger and guess that might be him.” He explained with a laugh, continuing to not reveal himself. Possibly deciding to hide that fact a bit longer to see what else she might say. “Yeah, it looks like it was a lot of work.” Commenting about how putting this party together might have been. “I don’t want to imagine how much convincing he had to do just for get the Great Hall, let alone the masks.” He spoke as if he didn’t know but knew all too well how much trouble it was to convince the staff to allow the party to happen. “Well I’m glad you could make it to this one.” He added as to the girls remark about missing the last party he had thrown.

The girl explained how she was sure he could make the party even better as he had already. Gilderoy smirked for a moment enjoying the momentary flirting from the brunette. This was a fun one already, still unable to place just who she might be but he wasn’t so worried about that right now. “I’ll be sure to not disappoint you than, last thing I want to do is make a pretty girl have a bad time at a Valentine’s Day party of all things.” Gilderoy replied as they both made their way further into the dance floor. Around that time the band started to play a slower song. He was just fine with the turn events not minding actually dancing with this partner as Gilderoy offered his hand for the girl to hold.

@sari

[Deleted]

showin’ up in ages.

LOOKING FOR GILDEROY WAS LIKE looking for a bowl of chaos, especially with the amount of times other students had compared the Hufflepuff to the elder Ravenclaw. At first, it was a compliment of sorts, one she felt honoured to uphold until she actually met the Lockhart himself. He was totally full of himself, without a doubt. And that was what Sari simply had about herself: doubts. She always doubted things, even when things didn’t need to be doubted. ”I could do that.” She nodded at the masked man, smirking slightly. ”But I think for now I’m enjoying the mystery of who everyone is. Including yourself Mr Mystery.” She added, adding on a small laugh at the end of it. Though the mystery man did have a point in the preparation it must have taken for the party, but still…Gilderoy had outdone himself. ”I’m sure Gilderoy wouldn’t go down without a fight. Especially since Professor Choi always looks like she wants to shut all of his ideas down.” Sari had heard many multiple funny things about Gilderoy’s encounters with Professor Choi in the classes. ”Thanks…I suppose?” She smiled. They didn’t even know one another.

Flirting was a part of Sari’s dictionary for whenever she needed it. To use on those younger kids to do her homework back when she was younger, even to her failed attempts with Nathaniel. Now it was just second nature, something she naturally resorted to. She felt her cheeks flush red under her mask, her free hand lifting to hover over her mouth in slight embarrassment. ”You’re too sweet.” She told the stranger. She followed his lead as the two moved further onto the dance floor, just at the same time the band played a slower song. Eyes glanced up at his offering hand and with a bite of her lip, she rested her hand in his.

@lockhart

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

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The brunette in front him explained that she could keep looking for someone but she was happy with the mystery of who was who, including him. “Well I’m honored to be your mystery man for the evening or till you run off.” Gilderoy replied with a smirk as he really did enjoy the masquerade part of this party. It was fun and he was glad he went through with it. He laughed as the girl made a comment about him and the charms professor and how he was able to talk her into helping him with the mask. “Yeah maybe a few of the ideas were silly or something but at least the professor knows when she hears a good one when Gilderoy has one.” No, he thought all the ideas he had pitched were good but some might have been a bit too farfetched. The girl thanked him she supposed as Gilderoy said he was glad she came to the party. “No suppose about it, if you hadn’t come this party would be one beautiful stranger less. Can’t deprive the world of that now can you?”

The girl covered her mouth for moment either to hide it or a laugh he wasn’t quite sure but he didn’t hear her laugh. Either way it wasn’t that important as she told him he was too sweet. “Nonsense, I’m just speaking the truth. I’m sure if Cupid was real I’d be cursed with something if I ruined a girls Valentine’s Day. I’ll be having none of that.” Gilderoy didn’t really believe in any superstitions like that but he also had no plans of disappointing anyone on Valentine’s Day, let alone at his own party. She followed him out to the dance floor and took his hand and he just smiled looking toward the girl, his other hand resting on her waist as they slowly started to dance.

@sari

[Deleted]

showin’ up in ages.

INSIDE NOT KNOWING WHO EVERYONE was killing the Fawley, but Gilderoy had created the suspense for a reason…Or at least Sari hoped so. The male before her was nice though, catering towards her to keep her happy, and he had no clue who she was. Vice versa. ”I doubt I’ll pull a Runaway Bride moment, Mystery Man.” She smiled, hoping he understood the Muggle reference. It was a good movie after all, one that the Fawley knew her father would hate. ”I was sure Gilderoy wouldn’t of pulled any kind of party until graduation since…He is a seventh year after all, they need to focus on exams.” Sari shrugged then, she was somewhat glad the Valentines ball was in action, even if she didn’t have the Valentines she wanted. His compliments were rather…familiar, as if a certain voice could only pull it off, but the Fawley shrugged, ridding it from her mind. ”I suppose not.” She grinned, she was enjoying being showered in compliments.

Moving her hand away, Sari shook her head lightly. ”You’re definitely not ruining mine.” Merlin, she needed to befriend this mystery man, she wouldn’t of minded being complimented from him daily. He seemed nice. With his hand on her waist, Sari held his other hand rather high, following the dances of the other couples. The music was simple, classical, and the brunette was happy she knew those old like dances her father and step-mothers seemed to be obsessed with. ”I’m not really…the best of dancers.” She told her Mystery Man, especially as they moved on the floor.

@lockhart

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

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The brunette claimed that she wouldn’t pull a runaway bride on him, a reference Gilderoy didn’t really get but from the context he would guess she was implying she wouldn’t run off on him. “That’s reassuring,Thank you” Gilderoy mused for a moment as she went on to claim she was surprised Gilderoy, himself, had even bothered to plan such a party with graduation and exams coming up. There was another thought to reveal himself but he was content and actually happy to just be her mystery man. “Well even us Seventh Years need to have a little fun. He’ll just have to study twice as much to check up with the rest. Which I’m sure isn’t going to be much fun.” He joked, talking about himself like it wasn’t him was awkward and yet fun at the same time. That and he wasn’t necessarily lying, he would have to double up on his studying for the N.E.W.T.s to make up for all the time spent planning.

“I’ll try to make that a habit for as long as you decide to accompany me.” Gilderoy spoke with a small smirk as she confirmed he hadn’t been ruining her Valentine’s. He took some guesses of who this girl might be but he just couldn’t place her. It wasn’t so bad to be left with a mystery after all and it all was part of the masquerade party in the end. Once they started dancing she held his hand higher and they moved with the music and with the other couples around them. The girl explained she wasn’t the best of dancers and Gilderoy just shook his head slightly and smiled. “Nonsense, I was led to believe angels were very graceful and you’re not proving that wrong.” He smirked for a moment after that, ”Besides I’ve had my feet stepped on by far worse people when dancing before if it does happen but you’re doing wonderfully.”

@sari

[Deleted]

showin’ up in ages.

SARI FROWNED THEN, SINCE THE mystery man didn’t understand the reference. It would have been funny if he did, but maybe he simply didn’t enjoy Muggle movies like she did! That was okay she guessed, not everyone had similar interests. ”You’re welcome.” She smiled, happy to dance with him. As he mentioned ‘us’ Seventh Years needed to have fun, Sari’s brow rose. Slowly she was getting closer and closer to figuring out who her Mystery Man was. ”You’re a Seventh Year also?” She questioned. Now she was ten times more curious. He was tall, like most of the men in Seventh Years, and she couldn’t really tell his hair colour under the dim lights but the Fawley assumed blonde. That rid a few notable people off the list. And as he spoke, he didn’t sound American…Who did that leave her with?

”I’ll accompany you for the rest of the dance.” She declared, grinning up at him. ”That is, if you’ll have me for that long.” They danced and continued to speak, and the mystery man’s words left the Fawley blushing red. ”You’re too sweet…” It was a cheesy compliment but Sari ate it up. She loved complimenting and being complimented. ”I guess that’s a good thing for myself but an awful thing for you.” She laughed. ”I’m sorry that happened.” Now she was gaining confidence to dance correctly. Sari still couldn’t help but flicker her eyes down at her feet, hoping to avoid stepping on him.

@lockhart

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

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Gilderoy smirked slightly as the mystery brunette questioned him about being a Seventh year. He had let that slip but he wasn’t exactly trying to hide just who he was, he just wasn’t saying it outright. Not a lie in his mind but a fun game. At least to him it was. “That I am, still I had to find the time for this party during all my busy studying. If I hadn’t I wouldn’t have ran into you. That’s a saddening thought.” Gilderoy smiled back toward the girl. He could have and possibly have told it it was him but where was the fun in that. Maybe she could piece it together just from them talking over time. “So I take it you must be a Sixth year than?” He asked as the girl assuming so based on her previous questions.

The brunette explained that she would stay with him for the rest of the dance or for as long as he would allow her to. It did put a stop to his plan to dance with as many people as possible but Gilderoy was just fine with that at the moment. “I’m already wishing this ball lasted longer than if that is the case.” He replied with a small smirk as they continued to dance. Gilderoy could tell girl was blushing slightly from the part of her face that wasn’t covered by her mask. She explains it was good for her that he didn’t mind getting his feet on but still apologized that it had happened before. “I can’t get mad about it, this ball is about having fun and I can’t expect everyone to dance as gracefully as you are now.”

@sari

[Deleted]

showin’ up in ages.

SHE FELT THE NEED TO giggle and roll her eyes. He was cheesy, that was one thing she could tell about him, but Sari somewhat…enjoyed it. It was a good cheesy. Filled with odd compliments that she wouldn’t usually hear. ”Aren’t you sweet Mystery Man?” She added, in the midst of her giggles. When he questioned if she were a Sixth Year, Sari felt the need to lie, but she felt like she couldn’t put herself up to it. He was being…slightly honest with her, she had to do the same with him! ”Unfortunately.” She mumbled, making a clicking sound with her tongue. Another year or so and she’d be free! Possibly constricted to life in the Ministry the same way her father was. Not that she wouldn’t mind it.

She laughed again, feeling a heavier flush of red come up to her cheeks and she mentally cursed the fact her mask didn’t hide that area of her face. Though, she felt bad, taking up his time when she was sure everyone was meant to dance with someone else (as long as they didn’t cling to their partner that was). ”I wish I could dance better, the same way you do!” She said cheerfully. ”Maybe you could teach me one day.” If she ever got to know him that was.

@lockhart

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

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The masked brunette gave a very cute giggle before claiming he was being very sweet. Gilderoy just smiled, “I’m just speaking the truth but if I am being sweet I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be sweet about something.” He replied finally with a small smirk as he was enjoying being a mystery man for the moment. He’d never trade being who he was yet it was nice to be a mystery to someone for a moment. Even if it was all just the masks doing. “Would you prefer to be in a different year? Sixth year isn’t all bad. You get to push off dealing with the N.E.W.Ts till next year. Possibly give yourself more time to study if you want. I sure didn’t take that opportunity like I should have.” He laughed being honest in his lack of studying till the start of his seventh year.

He noticed the small blush creeping on the the brunettes face just below her mask. Gilderoy didn’t feel the need to point it out but did enjoy the rather cute sight. “Nonsense, you’re dancing fabulously. Even if you say you’re not good at it you’re still doing better than half the people on this dance floor.” He replied trying to reassure the girl she was doing fine. Which she in fact was. “Still, if you want me to teach you sometime I’d be honored for the opportunity.”

@sari

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showin’ up in ages.

OH, HE WAS GOOD. SARI had no idea on what to say or do except for allow her cheeks to flush a light red colour. ”You’re welcome…I suppose?” She smiled. Merlin, this mystery man was already tugging at her heart. At his question, Sari had to think about it. Sometimes she missed being younger, having less work to focus on, but then again she wanted to be done and over with schooling at Hogwarts. It would’ve given her the opportunity to avoid seeing Nate so often as well. ”I would’ve preferred to have graduated already…I’m tired of schooling.” Even if he had a fair point, she had more time to study — to actually pay attention for the following year — she still wanted the NEWTs to be done. ”I’m sure you’ll do perfectly fine with yours…”

His reassurance was enough to bring a wider smile onto Sari’s lips. She had a brief glance around, looking at the other couples dancing rather slower or a few people were stumbling over one another. It was kind of hilarious. ”I would still like the teaching…I’m surprised I haven’t treaded on your feet yet.”

@lockhart

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