{ ball / with Freya }
‧˚₊┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈‧₊˚⊹The arrival of Hayes might not have been something most students expected. As Hayes was a student who was supposed to graduate and leave Ninth House last year. However, things did not turn out as planned and he found himself back in the same place. What no one knows is that this was his decision, no one made him do it; he had some work left unfinished and this place was all he needed. Usually one would let his family in on what is going on in their life, or at least if we look at Hayes, he’d let Lenore in but the girl was as clueless as the rest of them.
The tall figure, seemingly indifferent to the setting, moved through the corridors with an air of quiet contemplation. His eyes, sharp and observant, scanned the surroundings as if he were looking for something. For any hint that he was not imagining things and others knew what he knew. But deep down he knew they were all just excited to be back.
With the smoke of his cigarette following him, skipping the usual greetings and festivities, Hayes went straight to the bedroom he abruptly left last academic year. Everything was still where he left it - bed unmade, a bunch of books open on the floor and that same bed. Parchments just spread around, some thankfully dried from the spilled ink. In the quiet of his room, Hayes turned his attention to the collection of plants that adorned his windowsill. The once vibrant greenery had withered, their leaves drooped, a testament to the neglect they endured. Unfortunately, some of his plants have died but he was sure he stored everything they had to offer somewhere in many of his drawers. With a subtle gesture, he beckoned the ambient light into his grasp, gathering the power of his photokinetic resonance. Now Hayes was good at many things, but this… This has always been a weakness of his. Soft rays of golden light emanated from his fingertips, strong enough to bring some life back into the plants.
As the ballroom doors beckoned, Hayes hesitated for a moment, caught between the familiarity of the past and the anticipation of a new beginning. A good new beginning that will hopefully end everything. With a steady breath, dressed in a simple tailored suit, Hayes crossed the threshold into the transformed ballroom. Despite the buzz, he felt a sense of comfort shrouded in anonymity, a sentiment amplified by the mask that was hiding his features. His goal for the night was simple - stay hidden in the shadows and just observe. Do not draw any attention to yourself. So that’s what Hayes did for the moment, he lingered in the shadows, an observer of the lively event. He allowed his gaze to wander, taking note of the diverse characters that graced the ballroom. From elegant masks to rich costumes, Ninth House’s student body enjoyed the ball. Oh how naive they were…
As he strolled along the edges of the ballroom, he noticed a lonely figure seated at a secluded corner, seemingly detached from the festivites. For a moment it reminded him of himself. Because of that girl, sat with a quiet demeanor and her gaze fixed on some distant point, a curiosity sparked within Hayes as he watched her, detecting a certain disinterest that set her apart. Hayes was never the one to approach anyone but tonight was different, his goal this year was different, and hiding under that mask she might not even know who he was. His steps were measured and with a subtle grace he reached her side. The rhythmic music and laughter created a backdrop as he spoke, his voice calm.
[color=“#a19989”]”You seem a bit out of place,“[/color] he noted, his hands casually resting in his pockets. Was this maybe a good opportunity to start his plans? To gather students who would trust him and follow him?* [color=”#a19989”]”Is this not your scene?“[/color] He continued, finding the courage to speak knowing under the mask he could be anyone. ”Quite… Unnecessary if you ask me.“
‧˚₊┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈‧₊˚⊹
* Dumbledore’s army but make it anti Dumbledore’s army. Dumbledore in this scenario being Adrian
@/novella - Freya