[Ministry Ball]Crash my party [Camm]

If there was one word that could describe Casey Regan at the moment, it was bored. She was dreadfully bored. Though, she wasn’t surprised by this fact mostly because she knew that was what usually happened when her mother managed to con her into attending an event like the Ministry Ball with her. Her mother was a writer for the Daily Prophet, and got sent out to cover fashionable events like these every so often. These instances were the bane of the young girls existence, not because they weren’t interesting, they were, but only to a point. As far as Casey was concerned, there was only so many times that someone could walk around a room full of mostly stuffy Ministry workers and their family members. Boredom was a dangerous thing for the Regan girl, because the worse her boredom got, the more likely she was to attempt to come up with her own form of entertainment, even if her mother had threatened her with a months worth of grounding should she act on her urges. Thankfully, though, so far she hadn’t been tempted past the point of redemption.

So far she’d managed to snag some fruit juice drink off of one of the many trays circulating through the room, and was enjoying looking at all the different faces that passed her by. She’d seen some she knew, like Alasdair and his date Cay. She wasn’t going to think about them though, that would ruin the bit of fun that she was having tonight. Especially because boys were annoying and stupid, and she was determined not to let the one boy she’d recognized so far remind her of that fact. She didn’t want to possibly have a crush on him. At all. He was usually a pompous airhead, but the fact that she’d met him early on in her Hogwarts career had allowed her to ignore that most of the time, but so far that was getting harder and harder to do. Casey couldn’t stand attitudes like his, not to mention the lack of ambition irritated her even more. She could do so much better than Aladair Lusk, even if he came from a wealthy family, she couldn’t have cared less about that. And she would do better, maybe she’d finally stumble upon someone worth having a crush on, maybe even tonight, or at least once the new term started up, she was going to be positive about it all.

Tugging at her dress irritably, Casey decided it might be worth taking another stroll around the massive Manor, and maybe stop and see if the circus preforming brothers had set up yet, that was something she wanted to see. Casey tended to like dangerous things, although she also knew that that was one thing her mother would never let he do knowingly, and so she’d have to settle for just watching. There was quite literally a sea of people, no matter which way Casey turned, it was crowded, and more people were still filtering in. It was too bad in her opinion that this wasn’t a fun Ball, although she was hard pressed to find any event fun when she had to wear a dress. Wardrobe preferences aside, Casey was having a hell of a time getting through the crowd, when she was rather unceremoniously half shoved into the back of a blonde waiter, who looked suspiciously familiar. Doing her best not to knock him over, she touched the boys arm, peeking at him cheekily “Camm? I didn’t know you were working this! Fancy running into you here tonight”She couldn’t help but laugh at her own joke, it was corny, but it was also kind of true. She was also hoping to lift her friends spirits a little, knowing that he's been down on his luck lately, and she hated to see that.  There was one other thing that was for sure, too, if she got shoved again, someone was going to get talk to.

Cameron adjusted the bowtie around his neck, which was already starting to feel uncomfortable even though the night had just started. He hated formal events like this; people had to get dressed in stuffy clothing they wouldn’t normally wear and eat fancy food that couldn’t satisfy anyone even if they ate the whole tray. Maybe that was the appeal, but Camm honestly didn’t understand why. He would rather be anywhere, literally anywhere, but at this Ministry ball right now. But he needed the work. The pay was pretty freaking fantastic just for a night’s work, and coupled with his day job at Sterling and Tomes, he was looking to save up a sizeable amount of money by the time school was back in session. He didn’t want to ask for any more money from his parents and having to suffer through Bruce’s sneering remarks every single time. Besides, the uncomfortable attire aside, the work itself wasn’t half bad. All he had to do was stand around with a plate of food on his hands with a disapproving expression on his face like he smelled something bad.

The younger Erskine had to admit that the event had an impressive turnout though. At first he had only been expecting a couple of old, stuffy ministry workers, and he’d have to spend the entire evening hear them preach about the newest Minister of Magic and, for better or for worse, the reforms he was doing. But he actually saw, well, young people. Couples in their twenties, kids around his age and some professors were in attendance, there were even reporters who were actually covering the event. He was pretty sure he spotted a few familiar faces, but the crowd and the constant need to go back to replenish the food on his tray prevented him from going over to say hi. And he wasn’t sure that was a bad thing. It wasn’t like he was ashamed about working here, and having to serve the people he went to school with. No, the sixteen-year-old had pride, but he saw nothing shameful about earning money through his own means, even if it meant he could only be a waiter. Younger Camm would have been embarrassed about the teasing that might ensue in school when term starts, but he was surprisingly alright with it at this point.

Besides, he liked the anonymity that came with it. He was one of the many waiters in the same uniform; he was just a shadow in the background, free to observe everything that went on without putting himself out there to be judged by others. It was like being backstage before a show, where he had that tiny amount of time left before the curtains were raised just for himself, and he would watch the rest of the crew rush around calling for last minute wardrobe and lighting checks. It was a foreign, yet strangely familiar sensation that he welcomed, the feeling of being involved yet detached at the same time. Revelling in these feelings, he was jerked back into the present when he felt someone push up against him. He had to steady himself to make sure he didn’t spill the contents of the tray. Thank Merlin he wasn’t carrying drinks because he could only imagine the outcome of that, and none of them were good. Turning around and slipping his disapproving face back on, he was surprised to find Casey Regan grinning up at him. He smiled back at her, before thrusting the silver tray in front of her.

“Good evening madam, would you like to try our selection of lemon custard pavlovas?” Camm asked in his best waiter voice, waiting for her to pluck one of the dainty desserts of the tray. “Just play along,” He whispered to the older blonde, an excited flush starting to form on his face, “I don’t think I’m allowed to get too friendly with the guests here.” He shrugged and surveyed the area for any supervising authority lurking around. Getting fired and kicked out was not his idea of a good way to end the night, even for one as horrible as this one.

I'm a little rusty with Camm, so I apologise if this is not much to work with ><

As Camm slipped seamlessly from schoolmate to waiter and back again, Casey couldn’t help but humor his request, not to mention, if it kept him from getting in trouble, then that was all the better. The witch might have liked to stir up trouble, but that was only as long as nobody else got in trouble or harmed in some way. Playing along she nodded her head slightly and gave him her best snooty guest impression, doing her best to keep  it subtle “Why, I would love to, thank you” With that the girl delicately snatched one of the little desserts and popped it into her mouth. Humming appreciatively at the small treat she swallowed before whispering at the wizard “I am....I don’t think anyone would frown on you being pleasant. I’m not going to get you into trouble, I promise” That much was true, she’d take the fall before letting Camm get in trouble, he was here working, and she wasn’t. As far as almost everyone here was concerned, she was just another patron, and if need be, she would play that part.

Stealing another one of the lemon doodads from his tray Casey snuck a peek around, looking for the people that Camm was obviously anxious about, everyone who could have been put into that category was running around, looking busier than Camm was at the moment. In Casey’s mind that meant that the coast was virtually clear. It was her mission to still cheer her friend up, whether he was working or not, she really disliked to see anyone she considered a friend sad. It just wouldn’t do. Not to mention, it was a good way to help cure her perpetual boredom with these kinds of events. It was also a good way for the girl to catch up with her friend, she hadn’t seen him since school had let out at the end of the term, and she was anxious to catch up while she had the chance. Now, the trick would be figuring out just how to get Camm to relax and enjoy himself for a little while. There was no way that he could be enjoying standing around in a waiters outfit and a bowtie, she knew she wouldn’t have been if she was in his shoes.

Mischievous glint in her eye, Casey looked her friend in the eye, a small smile playing on her lips. She figured she’d be able to convince him if she worked at it a little, Camm Erskine was a sweet kid. It was one of the many reasons Casey liked his company so much, he was easy to be around, but she also knew he had a tendency to worry a little too much, and could forget to have a little fun every now and then. That was going to change tonight, even if it was only for a few minuets, Camm was going to remember at least something somewhat fun about the night other than getting paid at the end of the night. Gently tugging at his sleeve, giving him her best ‘oh come on you know you want to look‘ she made sure to look as though she was asking him a boring yet important question “I’ve got an idea, and I think it’ll be fun. You won’t get in trouble, I can promise that much. I won’t let it happen. Now come on. Just for a little while” She didn’t expect him to give in right away, but Casey saw no harm in trying anyway.

Whatever minor concerns he had lurking at the back of his head about Casey maybe finding him weird were allayed when she plucked one of the lemon pastries off the tray. Camm was tempted to sneak one for himself but decided against it because apparently doing so would mean that he would commit one of the top ten most heinous crimes of waiting staff. The sad part was that he was indeed briefed about it before the actual waiting began. But Casey seemed to like it so that was as good as anything. He nodded appreciatively at what she whispered to him and offered a quick, friendly smile in return. “I know you won’t. I’m getting paid a ridiculous amount of money to just stand here and not drop the food. I don’t think they’re expecting anyone to screw that up.”

Still, Camm felt that they might have practiced at least a little discretion on picking the staff. Not that he thought of himself as part of the staff -the staff here probably had staff, and he probably couldn’t even fit into that if it weren’t a one time thing- but merlin’s pants was he much better than some of the meatheads they let in. He had a vague idea about what the ball was for, which was probably some charity thing to make someone else look good. Nonetheless, they might have been taking it too far with the charity. He wasn’t about to complain because he needed the money, but were they seriously not expecting trouble when they hired a bunch of teenagers and put them in an enclosed space with booze and pretty girls? Maybe money messed with the ability to think much more than he thought.

Lost in his own thoughts for a couple of moments, he was brought back to his senses with a tug on his sleeve. He smiled at his companion vaguely again, hoping he wasn’t being rude in any way, when he noticed the look in the older girl’s eyes. While he wasn’t the chummiest with the Regans, he had hung out with her cousin for a period of time, and this look seemed to be a common streak in their family. He could never tell if it was good or bad, because he never saw them getting into any real trouble, but it was almost always diabolical in some form. “I won’t get in trouble?” Camm parroted, a wry smile on his face, “I think you and I have some very different opinions on what trouble is, Casey.” He was only teasing, with, of course, some real underlying concern. Something told him he should keep his wits about him when he’s with a Regan.

He was supposed to be working. But at the same time he couldn’t help but want to follow Casey. The guests should consider themselves lucky because it was boring and tedious waiting on other people. As an inspiring actor he couldn’t even act like he was having fun, that’s how boring it was. He was torn between two choices as usual, only this time one was money and one was his friend. The answer should be fairly simple but it became a lot more complicated when he needed the money. Camm sighed, and shifted the plate of pastries to another hand, “Promise me we won’t get caught?” He smiled at Casey, letting her know that she had already won this battle.


I am a horrible person and I should bury myself in the blankets of shame except I don't deserve them ><

She couldn’t help but agree with what Camm had said, being that he was a waiter was probably to his advantage tonight. People wouldn’t be expecting him to mess up, and therefore wouldn’t be watching him too closely, which in Casey’s mind was an even better reason for him to take a break and have a little fun, particularly when the odds of getting caught were so slim. But, not being one to force anyone into anything they didn’t want to do, Casey patiently waited while Camm seemed to be mulling things over on his own time, which was perfectly fine, being that they had plenty of time.

Even so, the witch was more than a little pleased when she saw her friends reaction. Giving him a small grin the seventh year shook her head “No trouble” Casey paused let him know that she was serious, and to let him speak “Mm. We might, that’s true, but I’m pretty tame when it comes to being a Regan.....and you know it’ll be fun.” She couldn’t stop herself from grinning a little wider, getting up to just a bit of no good was always on her agenda, but she really didn’t want to scare Camm away either. Casey knew she would really have to keep good on her promise of keeping him away from working for just a few minuets.

When Casey saw his smile, she knew she’d won. Nodding happily she spoke “I promise. I’m good at keeping out of trouble, and we won’t be long.” If by some terrible coincidence they did end up getting caught, Casey would feel terrible, but she would also do her best to engineer the situation so that she took the brunt of the heat rather than Camm. He was here working after all, and she wasn’t about to let his money get taken away from on her account. With her mind made up Casey gave him a little jerk of her head and a look that would hopefully get the message across that he was supposed to follow her. Everyone here was getting to relax and blend in, and there wasn’t any reason they couldn’t either. With one last glance over her shoulder Casey wanted to make sure Camm was ready “Ready? It is a party after all” If she could liven things up just a little bit, and make it fun, then she‘d have done her job for the night. And with that she lead her friend in the direction of the dance floor.

Still a little dubious about the older girl’s promise, Camm couldn’t help but smile when Casey grinned at him a little wolfishly. “I wouldn’t trust you on that.” He teased good naturedly, “I mean look at your family’s track record. A tame Regan is still pretty intense by normal standards. But I believe you on the fun part.” At this point he came to the decision that he liked teasing Casey. He didn’t know how or why, but she always managed to bring out a more light-hearted side of him, the Camm that joked around and didn’t stutter, turn as red as a tomato or make a complete fool of himself. A better Camm, so to speak. Too bad he couldn’t conjure up the same confidence when he was with other people too, namely people he wanted to impress really badly.

He took a general surveillance of the hall, and saw that he wasn’t the only bored waiter out here. It offered little comfort tonight, but he was secretly glad that at least he had a friend to keep him company. “Oh, screw it. We’ve already upset the delicate balance of things, we might as well just take it all the way and go crazy. So you’ll have me for the next…” He pretended to check his invisible watch in an exaggerated motion, “Thirty seconds or so, but it’s all good.” Besides, he really doubted anyone would miss the little lemon pastries. The ball had come to a standstill where the crowd mingled lazily, where the patrons were sipping champagne instead of really eating anything. There were people dancing as well, but it was hard to distinguish how many, especially since most of them danced like they walked.

The younger boy followed Casey dutifully, right up until the point when he gathered that she was expecting him to dance with her, which was when the panic started to set in. As an actor he was expected to be good at many things in order to give a convincing performance. But no matter how hard he tried, and admittedly he did not try very hard, he looked awkward when he danced. And he knew he did, which made him all the more embarrassed and self-conscious. “Dance? You want me to dance? Casey, I have three left feet!” Nevertheless he allowed himself to be dragged to the dance floor, because it wouldn’t look very good for either of them if he resisted. Poor or not Camm knew his manners, and embarrassing a girl publicly was not one of them.

A smooth symphony piece began to play, and he offered Casey his hand. Which, he assumed, was the right thing to do. “On a scale of one to ten, how much will I regret this?”

Grinning widely Casey gave Camm a secretive wink before answering his teasing “Mmh. You better..” She paused for effect before continuing “Regan is synonymous with fun.” Casey waited patiently for Camm to look around and make up his mind. He was a good friend, the seventh year was sure of that, and she’d wait as long as it would take for him to make up his mind, even if he ended up changing his mind. Pushing people wasn’t in Casey’s repertoire. No matter how much she might have wanted one answer over the other, the girl respected her friends.

Laughing when the boy in front of her finally agreed, Casey feigned surprise “A whole thirty seconds?! I’m honored...really.” Really she was just glad she’d gotten him to take her word, and have a little fun. Being a waiter at a party like this, the other Puff deserved to have a little fun. She was fairly sure  Camm would worry when he figured out they were going to dance, but unfortunately at a party like the one they were both currently attending, it was the only way they could have a little fun without drawing attention to themselves, and namely getting Camm in trouble. Casey was far from being a great dancer herself, with the exception of traditional Irish dance, the girl wasn’t terribly interested in dancing as a whole.

When Camm did finally object the witch gave him a reassuring look “Me too, besides we’ll just stay right at the edge of the crowd. I’m not expecting us to take the floor by storm or anything, you know.” Taking his hand as it was offered, Casey gently put Camm’s other hand on her waist, while adding “Not many of these people here know how to dance either...if you look at how nobody’s really moving and just sort of staying in place...Nothing to worry about.  Just kind of go with it, think of it as an improv exercise.” When she finished, Casey hoped she was getting some of the terms she’d heard him talk about before right. That would be embarrassing, for sure, if she was wrong. But she couldn’t dwell on that for long, she had to dance, afterall. Wrinkling her nose Casey shook her head softly “ About negative five, if you ask me. It’s just for fun, no pressure or expectations.” The girl meant it, too. It was all just about fun, plain and simple.