Ugly Duckling {Open}

Just put one foot in front of the other, Alicia thought, her hands gripping the edge of her skirt tightly as she watched her feet, trying not to fall as she learned how to walk in heels on the fly.

"Really should not have worn these," she grumbled, reaching for the banister as she descended the stairs, eyes narrowing in concentration as she moved.

She felt so young and naive in her high heels and red party dress, despite her assumption that a little makeup and some ridiculous shoes could make you just that much more mature, and therefore attractive. An ugly duckling, she thought, pursing her lips as she reached the bottom of the stairs and glanced around for someone to talk to. An ugly duckling in a lake of swans

Aquila was not entirely sulking by the food table, but certainly wasn't his usual peppy self. He wasn't entirely sure what he was doing here anyways. He wasn't really in a dancing mood.

He was debating what kind of mischief he could get into just to make himself feel better - Was spiking the punch bowl to predictable? - when he noticed an older Hufflepuff girl come in alone.

Shrugging, figuring he had nothing better to do, and thinking she might find the place more amusing with somone to talk to too, he pushed himself off the table and walked over to where she stood.

"Nice dress," he offered with a smile.

'Thanks," Alicia said, her hands relinquishing their death grip on her skirt as he approached her. She thought she recognized him, but she brushed it off.

As far as she was concerned, she was starting fresh tonight. Forgetting all of her mess ups and mishaps from last year and giving herself a second chance. "Nice suit," she added, smiling back.

"No problem," he smiled easily, getting back into what he did best - getting people to like him, "I only speak the truth."

He looked down at his own appearance, and gave a small half smile, "Why thank you madam. Though I must say you do look more formal than me. I didn't put in so much effort."

He laughed as he straightened his tie-less colar.

"Aquila Turrow," he said sticking out his hand.