Who: All students and staff, plus a few spirits and perhaps an uninvited guest. Please tag your character when you comment.
What: The annual Halloween party
Where: The Ballroom.
When: 7PM to 1 AM. While the party officially ends at 1 AM, celebrations don't have to.

The hallway leading to the ballroom was dark, only dimly lit by floating candles held by ghostly hands, a levitation charm wrapped in conjuration magic. Decorations lined the walls, everything lending a still, ghostly air to the already dark and quiet school. The doors at the end of the hall opened into the decorated ballroom, swathed in tones of red and blacks, again sparsely lit. Light concentrated by the food, so attendees would be able to see what exactly they were eating, though perhaps that wasn't for the best. The food had been carefully made and cleverly charmed to look positively questionable.

Charmed ghosts hung around corners of the room, pale shadows and translucent white images that were meant to unsettle, not terrify. Along one wall lay the carefully crafted image of rows broken dolls, mingled with what looked like skeletons and a few fleshier bodies. The staff had clearly gone all out this year to infuse the room with the creepy air of Halloween. Some things looked a little too real.

The doors opened precisely at seven PM, as smoky fog rolled along the floor and eerie laughter echoed from somewhere in the rooms. Sounds and screams punctuated the halls, setting the stage for what was going to be one hell of a party.

OOC: We will be putting up time stamps for students to arrive when they wish and interact. After a bit, we will post a new thread with plot bits. Anything posted beneath that post will take place chronologically afterward, and students can react accordingly. Everyone is encouraged to attend, mingle, and be prepared.

Who: Matthias Fettkenheuer and OPEN
What: Matthias is lost in thought. Potential for duel or friendship development?
When: Sunday evening, after dinner.
Where: Combative Magic Room.
Rating: PG-13


Matthias sat on a windowsill in the Combative Magic Room, well after dinner was finished. He gazed out the window across the grounds, golden rays streaking across the landscape, night well on its way. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a light layer of stubble reminding him that he needed to shave. What was attacking the students? Or perhaps it was who... He hadn't paid much attention until the most recent announcement; glowing, white handprints...

Was it a prank? It seemed like something a student might do, but he wasn't familiar with such magic. He'd gone through all of his darkest books in search of an answer only to surface with as much knowledge as he'd had before. If it was a student, it was someone very smart...

Who: Kirsten Nordlund and OPEN
What: Kirsten takes a quick break from running.
When: Friday, after classes
Where: Outdoors
Rating: Worksafe

Not being required to try out for the Quidditch team this year was no excuse for Kirsten not to stay in shape. There wasn't much time between tryouts and the start of the season, anyway. Most of her training involved flying, but she knew that she had to do more than that to be at her best. Dressed in a bright blue hoodie over matching leggings and a fitted black tank top, she ran across a "safe" area. While the danger of the forest was intriguing, she didn't need any distractions. The Grey Path team needed to be at their best this year, and that included her. She didn't take much seriously, but Quidditch was always an exception, especially now that she was team captain.

Stopping for a minute, she took a deep breath and unzipped her hoodie. The weather was cool, but she was used to the cold, and felt kind of hot after all that running. She took out her water bottle and sipped, leaning back against the castle.

Who: Antigone Kaligaris and OPEN
What: Antigone attempts to unwind after studying.
When: Friday evening
Where: The atrium
Rating: Worksafe

Okay, this was it. Antigone knew she was pushing herself too hard and needed a break. Putting her Necromancy notes away, she sat back in her seat and let out a sigh. It was nice to have a room to herself, but on the flip side, her dormmates were usually the ones who prevented her from studying too much. It was a lot easier to overwork yourself when there was no one to stop you, and Antigone was determined more than ever to do well on her exams this year. After all, she hadn't made it this far to screw things up.

Picking up her purse, she headed down to the atrium to relax and have a quick smoke. Or two. Antigone tended to only smoke when she was stressed, and she had a feeling she was going to be lighting up a lot this year. It wasn't the best of habits, but it worked for her. She could wait until after final exams to quit.

Just being in the atrium made her feel a little less wound up. There was no one else around, which was more than fine with her. It was nice to just sit there alone and doing nothing, she thought as she lit a cigarette. Doing nothing was a luxury for her these days.

Who: Petya Krum and open
When: Thursday afternoon
Where: Outside Durmstrang
What: Petya flew around the Durmstrang grounds and decided to lay in the grass like usual
Rating: G

Back to school, what a strange feeling of excitement. Petya chalked it all up to be the excitement of new adventures in learning, she could never admit that she was just happy to be around other wizards and witches her own age. She was not bored or tired of her lessons and was actually quite glad that her schedule had finally changed to accommodate her chosen path. Aside from all of that, being at school was also another chance to get back on her broom.

She laid in the grass after a long ride on her broom with Besnik loyally perched on the broom which Pet had carelessly tossed to the ground. She held a little golden snitch in her right hand which she let go and grabbed as soon as it started to fly away, she did this continuously and absent mindedly. She started singing a song to herself, a familiar tune that she had heard some of the gypsy mothers singing to their children as they laid down to sleep at night. The Romani language rolled from her lips fluidly as she lost herself in the gentle lyrics and notes of the song. Her singing voice was an almost foreign, sweet thing that she herself barely recognized.

Who: Heinrich Kronenberg & Lidia Gorski
What: Pretty much have a huge fight
When: After classes on Monday.
Where: Lidia's room
Rating: PG-13. May Will get violent.

Heinrich was pissed off. Lidia had been outright avoiding him now, there was no question of it. Heinrich was incensed and immediately following his last class on Monday, taught by none other than new professor Vincenc Reznik, Heinrich stalked out toward the sixth year Dark Pat tower. He would have been pleased Vincenc was teaching, especially teaching his class, if not for the ire at Lidia crowding his mind. He knew he had to take care of this now, before it got further out of hand.

He brushed past classmates as he strode past his own room and headed for Lidia's. He didn't knock, just pushed the door open and growled two words at Lidia's roommate. "Get out." He turned dark, unfathomable eyes on Lidia, and spoke with a low cold fury, only after the roommate scuttled out. "Tell me why you've been avoiding me, and it had better be good."

Who: Misha Vladimirovich & Open
What: Misha discovers something unusual on the grounds.
When: After dinner on Wednesday.
Where: Out on school grounds.
Rating: Worksafe

Misha was already bored. Classes had only just begun, and while he was grateful that he had made it into eighth year, and even more so to be in classes with Sasha again, he was restless. He needed something to do, something fun and he wasn't getting that sitting in classes. It wasn't dark yet as he strolled out onto the grounds. He idly wondered if the beast from before break was still roaming about, and whether the woods had become any safer.

He looked off into the woods, trying to resist the lure of exploring. He nearly did when he noticed something strange on one of the trees, something glowing white, and somewhat small. Curious, he started to approach, heedless off possible danger. He did, however, draw his wand, just in case.

Who: Kazimeras Seraichyk & Ion Laieshi
What: Kaz wants to know what major Ion chose
When: After classes on Wednesday.
Where: Sixth year grey path common room
Rating: Worksafe

Kaz rarely went looking for people, unless it was to satisfy some measure of his own curiosity. That was the case today as he set out to the 6th year Grey Path tower, looking for one Ion Laieshi. He knew the younger student was choosing Grey Path, but when they last spoke, he hadn't chosen a major yet. He would have had to by now, and so Kaz found himself curious as to what choice the younger boy made.

He smiled at a sixth year who stared up at his as she passed, and he asked her to send for Ion Laieshi, if she could. The girl seemed shocked that an eighth year was speaking to her and immediately ran to go get Ion. Kaz sat comfortably in a chair, remembering just two years ago, when this had been his own common room.

Who: Taavi Suullinen & Vincenc Reznik
What: Taavi thinks he's seeing things, but no, Vincenc really is still there.
When: Between classes on Monday.
Where: In the hallways
Rating: Worksafe, maybe.

Taavi thought he was going a bit mad. Twice this morning alone he'd sworn he'd seen a raven. Not just any raven. He swore he saw Stínohra. Where she was, Vincenc was never far behind. But that made no sense. Vincenc had graduated, the was no reason for him to still be at school. At least that's what Taavi had to keep telling himself. Stínohra wasn't there. Simple as that.

Or not, because there she was again, cawing softly, almost as though teasing him. Taavi stopped in his tracks and just stared, feeling a familiar prickling sensation along the back of his neck. He had the sudden distinct feeling, that if he turned around, Vincenc Reznik would be standing right behind him.

Who: Taavi and Helio
What: It's Helio's birthday and Taavi has a present for him.
When: July 5th, afternoon
Where: Their room
Rating: Probably just PG

Taavi had managed to pick up a few gifts for his roommate over the course of the past week. He'd had a solid idea of what to get him. Taavi always tried to give useful gifts, And this case was no different. He wrapped the gifts himself, a little clumsily, and set them on Helio's desk, before settling back on his own side of the room to work on his school work. Exams were fast approaching and he needed to focus as much as possibly on Potions so he passed the course.

He was a bit distracted though, so he waited for his friend to return. He couldn't concentrate because he just wanted to see the look on Helio's face when he saw his presents. Sighing quietly, he tried to wait patiently for Helio to return from wherever he'd run off to.

Who: Matthias Fettkenheuer and OPEN
What: Matthias is getting some fresh air.
When: Thursday, July 9, after classes.
Where: Durmstrang grounds.
Rating: PG-13 for the time being.

It was five minutes after 4 o'clock and Matthias had finished classes for the day. As such, he now found himself on the Durmstrang grounds, sitting beneath a large Oak tree and relaxing against its trunk. His brain felt waterlogged from his previous hour of required study, not to mention three hours of Poisons that morning. It seemed the entire school was in crackdown mode with exams fast approaching and no matter how hard Ti tried throughout the year, the last month was always unbearably brutal. If it wasn't his studies, it was the people around him; everyone was on edge and even the most courteous words could be misconstrued.

The weather at Durmstrang today was not particularly nice; just barely 14 degrees with a cold wind blowing. Matthias repressed a shiver and looked down at the book of Magical Languages that Dahlia had given him. It had been an excellent escape for him (and a much appreciated gift), but he did not feel like opening it today. Instead, he picked up Secrets of the Darkest Art and began reading where he'd left off. It was an old book, but the magic was hardly outdated - it contained some of the darkest forms of magic known to the wizarding world. As none of the information was required for any of his courses, he didn't have to focus too hard on what he was reading, but he found his brain absorbing the words like a dry sponge; he never could quell his interest in the Dark Arts.

Who: Petya and Helio
What: Petya is "studying"
When: Sunday the 28th
Where: Outside on the Durmstrang grounds
Rating: PG

A book laid open in the grass as Petya leaned back on her palms and soaked in the sun. She dressed as she normally did, no shoes, the necklace which her father gave her when she was a child, and she had flowers in her hair. She supposed she should be studying but it was too nice outside. Besnik who was perched nearby gave a low, soft hoot when he saw someone approaching not too far away.

Who: All Grey Path students and any invited guests.
What: Grey Path party, yo.
Where: The Ballroom.
When: 11PM to 4 AM, Friday June 19th/Saturday June 20th.

The Durmstrang ballroom had once again been magically transformed into a stunningly decorated hall. Headmistress Eberhardt cast a spell on its doors and on every entrance. No student or staff member who was not invited could enter the room. It didn't matter what spell a clever student tried to cast, by what method they tried to circumvent the spell, there would be no way in without an invitation.

The dance floor was open and clear, and there was food set up for students who would undoubtedly grow hungry before the party's end. Any dish student wanted would appear, just like in the dining hall. The doors opened precisely at eleven PM, but would only admitted those who belonged there. As the party began to get under way, music filled the room as the night's guests showed up.

[OOC: Okay, so again the people who can attend are: Headmistress Eberhardt, Nastasiya Kostenko, Dorottya Kováts, Kirsten Nordlund, Kazimeras Seraichyk, Sasha Vladimirovich, Theonia Lekkas, Taavi Suullinen, Misha Vladimirovich, and Ion Laieshi. If you play a Grey Path, you may invite whoever you choose. If anyone else wants to attend, feel free to come up with a way they got invited (NPC, sibling, friend, etc) and join in. Also, please tag your characters as they enter!]

EDIT: And the punch may or may not will be spiked with alcohol. Drinker beware.

Who: Dark Path Students who want to celebrate!
What: Post Quidditch Party!
When: after the last game
Where: Dark Path Common Room
Rating: best say R to be safe? who knows!

It was rare to catch Markos with a genuine smile, but he was in high spirits at the moment. Dark Path had won, he'd had a decent amount of vodka and he was actually being social, celebrating with his teammates and whoever else happened to be in attendance.

It had been a great game. Markos picked up another shot and threw it back, grinning from ear to ear. It might be rare for him to act so happy, but he had had a really great day!

Who:Misha Vladimirovich & Antigone Kaligaris
What: Misha chills with Antigone, possibly jamming
When: Backdated to Sunday the 24th
Where: Light path Common room first and then who knows!
Rating: PGish?

Misha was actually rather eager to spend time with Antigone again. He'd liked the girl, and the fact she played guitar like him was major bonus. He left Sasha to talk to his roommate and headed back to the Light Path Common room to meet Antigone. While he waited, he settled down and starting picking out an old Ukrainian folk tune on his guitar. He began humming along, not quite singing the words as he waited for his music partner to arrive.

Who: Heinrich Kronenberg and the other fifth years!
What: Discussions about Thestrals
When: June 2nd, during Care of Magical Creatures.
Where: Outside on school grounds.
Rating: PG, maybe PG-13 depending.

Heinrich knew he'd be able to see Thestrals. The amount of times he'd watched - or assisted - Liesl in the torture and subsequent murders of half-bloods, mudbloods, or Muggle filth made it plain he'd seen death. He'd caused it. But he wasn't prepared to see how many other students in the class could see them. It stood to reason, honestly. Durmstrang was a dangerous school. People died in duels, in accidents, all manner of things. There was now an entire class of Combative Magic students who had seen Professor Radomira die, for instance.

So instead of paying attention, Heinrich spent to first few minutes of class, as the Thestrals were brought out, to scan the faces of his classmates and see who could see them, and who could not. So far his discoveries where unsurprising. He was curious to know whether Lidia could or even Dahlia, but for now, his attention was nearly everywhere at once.

WHO: Davit Beridze and OPEN
WHERE: Outside on the grounds, under a tree.
WHEN: Wednesday, Lunchtime
WHAT: Davit is having some downtime between classes and runs into someone. IT COULD BE YOU!
RATING: G
STATUS: Incomplete.

The most favorite thing Davit Beridze loved about Germany was the pastries. He couldn't get enough of them and it was the only time he liked having a high metabolism when he munched on its goodness. Having finished his meal of substance, he found he still had some time before his next class. Grabbing a couple Berliners, he headed outside where the weather seemed to be getting consistently warmer. Finding a good spot under a tree, he placed his precious pastries in his lap before digging out a book. It was one of the mystery novels his father wrote and it was so very nice to be reading a language he was familiar with; Georgian.

He took out his watch and glanced at it. Okay, it seems he has a good 1/2 hour before he would have to go to his next class. His homework was done so he had nothing really to worry about. Now, this would be a good time to relax at least for a little bit. No, he didn't have anything particular on his mind. Lela, his muggle girlfriend, briefly flitted into his mind as he thought the dark beauty of the forest would be like the forest the two imagined about when they were little playing pretend games. Of course, he wouldn't dream of bringing her here... not now, especially with the rumors of attacks on students. He opened his book to the last spot he was at as he munched on one of his pastries. Nothing like a nice snack and a good book.

Who: Liesl Kronenberg and Markos Mogensen
What: Have a discussion and we'll see what else!
When: After classes Monday the 31st.
Where: The Potions classroom
Rating: PG, PG-13 maybe?

Liesl was looking forward to the Potions room being empty. She hadn't taken Dark Libations, but had been quite close to deciding that route instead of Dark Charms. She had elected to take Poisons as her elective, and still found herself sometimes working on them in her spare time. Like now. She had some notes from Professor Basova on the latest concoction to try, and was ready to work on it. It was supposed to be quite tasteless, dissolve in the system with little trace, and oh the benefits of it! It was not merely a deadly poison, but had merits while the poison was first becoming active.

She entered the classroom, still dressed in her uniform, and chose a cauldron a ways back from the door. Her ingredients were in small bottles that were labeled in ways she could recognized, but didn't exactly advertise their contents to others. She didn't need anyone standing nearby being too curious about what she was brewing. She set down a small bottle given to her by Lidia Gorski for Christmas, preparing to pour the finished contents of her poison into it. That is, one it was finished. She looked up from her work as the door to the classroom opened.

Who: Adele and Markos
What: Tutoring and rare non-bitchery
Where: Their commons and beyond
When: Friday after classes
Rating: PG, possible foul language

Adele was in a particularly foul mood, which was evident in her eyes as she cast disapproving glances at anyone that passed by her. Even the students she was okay with got the stink face! The day had been annoying and long, the commons were chillier than she would have liked, that one girl from Greece that always talked loudly and went on and on about nothing important (loudly) was standing five feet away, and...just everything. She was dissatisfied with everything in general. On top of that, she knew that her tutor wouldn't be the one to put up with any of it. The fact that she would have to simmer down just pissed her off more. She knew well enough to know that he wouldn't put up with it. Her want to keep him around was just strong enough to make her not want to mess it up. He was sort of brilliant at what he did. Adele demanded the best and when it came to tutors, he was it. Didn't hurt that she didn't mind him much either.

She glanced down her nose at her books, then to the door. Damn books. Damn classes! He wasn't running behind, she was just impatient.

Who: Kazimeras Seraichyk & Natasiya Kostenko
What: Kaz attempts to be social with a fellow Grey path
When: Wednesday after classes.
Where: On the front steps of the school
Rating: PG probably

Kaz was no fool. He had no intention of going off into the woods. Or even stepping off the school steps themselves. He did however, sit in contemplation. He didn't know as much about magical creatures as the light paths who took the course. His focus was more on people and languages than the animals in various areas. But he could help wonder what it was that had attacked those two students, and why. Whatever it was seemed to not mind leaving the woods, which left him unsettled.

It was still light out, which was why he had little problems with staying out. Quidditch practices were being observed by professors now, because they were at night. There was a general air of nervousness flitting about the student body, as though everyone was expecting something else to happen. Kaz fervently hoped nothing did. Sitting where he was, he wasn't expecting any sort of company, and looked up in surprise when someone joined him.