Chapter 6: The Dance
At about 30 minutes after everyone headed down, the nine students walked up to their dormitories. They had been previously watching Ron and Phoenix battle it out with another chess match, Ron wanted a rematch. After a spectacular victory by Ron, Ginny checked her watch and told them they needed to get ready. They were already 30 minutes late. Once they were in their respective dorms, they changed into their alter egos and picked up their S.G.s (They were going to be forced to change it back to S.P. soon: Peck and Phoenix were commencing work on project WAR). After meeting back up in the common room, Team Matrix walked down to the Great Hall. They were about to walk into the room, when Gin- er, Trinity stopped them.
"What up Trin?"
"Don't you guys think we should make our arrival dramatic?"
"Sure. What'd you have in mind?"
"A staged fight."
"Coolio."
"Alright. Neo and Smith should fight each other, duh. Morpheus and I should fight the Ghost Brothers. And Naobi and Link should fight Ghost. I KNOW Ghost is a good guy, but remember that scene you told me about when he fought Neo? I'm also well aware of the fact that Link is an Operator. So? We wouldn't want to leave Harry out of this."
"True, true. Though I think he should blast open the doors with a spell while we fight."
"Sounds good. Ready?"
"Yup."
"Alright, here I go. Reducto!"
The curse flew at the doors, blasting them open but not damaging them. The other Team Matrix members were already fighting, working their way into the hall, though Peck and Phoenix were more interesting to watch. They had secretly performed a gravity spell, which decreased gravity's effect on them, as if they were on the moon. In addition, they were the two most seasoned fighters. They were doing back flips and colliding in midair, only to repel away from each other with a kick to the stomach.
Meanwhile, Peck's training of Team Matrix was paying off. Dean and Seamus were doing a great job of fighting Ginny and Ron, what with spin kicks, knife hands (A/N: a special martial arts technique, they didn't literally turn their hands into knives), jumping back kicks... you name it, they did it. Harry, Hermione, and Neville were doing a great job, Neville in particular.
Back to Phoenix and Peck, they were running on the walls, leaping at each other, and making contact midair. They were kicking and punching harder because they were used to it, and they were more seasoned fighters. At one point, the two ducked down low, and jumped as high as they could into the air, sailing a good 30 feet. Once again, they met mid-flight and repelled away from each other with a punch to the shoulder.
What Team Matrix didn't notice (yet) was that the whole hall had gone silent, watching the nine students performing a "dance" with punches, kicks, and flips. Several of them even gasped at some of the stunts the Gryffindors were pulling off. One person actually fainted when Peck and Phoenix did several flips into the air and kicked each other, rocketing away from one another.
The rest of the group was starting to get used to their first public stage fight. It appeared that Ginny had taken gymnastics classes, but had hidden the fact in front of Phoenix and Peck, because at one point, Dean kicked her. She flipped backwards to go with the flow, did several handsprings, recovered, and charged at her attacker.
Neville, Harry, and Hermione were really caught up in their fight. At one point, Neville backed away, and landed on one of the house tables. The house tables were being used to hold food, so if anyone was tired from dancing and wanted something to eat or drink, they could go to the house tables. Naturally, Harry and Hermione followed and the three of them started a tricky balancing act while fighting.
Phoenix and Peck noticed this, nodded to each other, and started to work their way over to the tables, fighting all the while. Soon enough, they reached their destination and started circling the tables, glaring at each other. After a long staring contest, the two jumped at each other over the tables, made contact, and fell back, landing with ease and not stepping into any food trays. Soon enough, Ron, Ginny, Seamus, and Dean noticed their comrades fighting on the tables, so they too made their way over there. Before long, the whole group was on the tables, fighting.
Phoenix and Peck were having loads of fun fighting on the tables while balancing and not stepping into any food platters. After one nasty blow, Phoenix jumped back to give himself a breather, and to take a look around. He then noticed a plate of chocolate fudge a few feet behind him. Grinning, he did a backwards handspring, making sure his left hand landed in the plate of the gooey fudge. Once he righted himself, he took aim and chucked his weapon at Peck.
Of course, Peck had to stay in character, so he figured that Agent Smith would most likely just stare at Neo for a few seconds (A/N: can you imagine Agent Smith staring at Neo with fudge dripping down his face? I sure can!). He then shook his head and let out a sigh. He was about to continue the fight, when he noticed Phoenix making a "cut" motion with his hands. The two nodded, then yelled out.
"ENOUGH!"
The rest of their friends heard their cry, stopped fighting, and jumped off of the table. Soon enough, most of the Great Hall was clapping. Of course, the only reason why they were doing so was because they were unaware of the fact that they were clapping for Team Matrix. Only the Gryffindors knew, and they were shaking their heads in disgust.
Once the clapping died down a bit, Dumbledore stood up and spoke.
"Thank you for that amazing display and entertainment. Now then, shall we continue with the dance?"
There was a general agreement in the hall, and everyone resumed what they were doing before Team Matrix had entered.
"There's a good looking one."
"Yeah, she looks good dressed up as a fire faerie..."
Seamus and Dean were talking to each other and looking at the different costumes various girls were wearing. The nine friends were hanging around the food tables, just chatting and watching the dancers. The reason for this was, that Seamus, Dean, Harry, and Neville were also turned down by girls. We already know about Peck. That made five of the friends dateless and only four of them with dates. Therefore, the four who had dates felt bad for their dateless companions, so they agreed to stay with them to chat and make plans for their next prank.
"Hey Phoenix, look at that guy! He actually dressed up as Mario!"
Phoenix laughed.
"He looks like an idiot with a mustache. He even got a buddy of his to be Luigi!"
The two laughed at that, and then went back to looking at the dancers' pathetic attempts at dressing up. One in particular annoyed them to no ends.
"I seriously don't understand WHY about 50 of the male dancers decided to dress up as Robin Hood. I mean, he isn't even that good looking!"
"No kiddin' Peck. I mean, Neo is FAR sexier than that idiot."
"No! Smith is sexier!"
"No, Neo is."
"Smith!"
"Neo!"
"Smith!"
"Neo!"
"Smith!"
"Smith!"
"Neo!"
"Ha! See? I TOLD you Neo was sexier! Even YOU agreed with me!"
"Cheap shot..."
Phoenix was bored. INSANELY bored. However, he was starting to formulate an idea, based on a hit movie series he saw about four years ago... he remembered one guy in particular who all the girls went crazy for. Even his own sister put him on her computer background!
"Hey Peck, remember those Lord of the Rings movies?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Remember LEGOLAS?"
"Yeah, why?"
"How 'bout we play dress up?"
Peck smirked. It was an evil smirk.
"Sounds like fun. One problem though: we'll need a picture of him."
"No problem Peck, no problem."
Phoenix took out his wand, muttered "accio poster", and waited as a life-size poster of Legolas came zooming at Phoenix, hovering in front of him so he could grab it. Peck just stared, then smirked.
"Gosh Phoenix, I never knew you were curved..."
"Oh shut up Peck. My sister got this poster for her birthday several years ago. She had me take it to White's every year for me to remember her by. So, are we ready to get crackin'?"
"You bet."
So the two boys hunched over the poster and started examining it, preparing to play dress up...
"Alright Peck, ya ready to change?"
"I'm ready for more than that Phoenix. I'm ready for girls to come flocking to me like moths to a light."
Phoenix just remained silent.
"Okay, that was a bad example, but you get my point."
Phoenix nodded, then waved his wand at himself. There, where Phoenix once stood, was a perfect replica of Legolas, looking pretty hot as well. Peck did the same thing. The looked at each other and grinned.
"Nice hair Peck."
"Same goes for you Phoenix. Now, all we need is a bow and a quiver..."
"Har har. Ya ready?"
"Yup."
"Alright, we should split up so we each get an even amount of girls."
"Gotcha."
The two nodded at each other and walked off in opposite directions. When Phoenix walked onto the dance floor, girls crowded around him "like moths drawn to a light".
"Why, hello ladies. Why exactly are you crowding around me?"
One girl, dressed up as an Egyptian goddess, spoke.
"We want to dance with you, silly!"
"Oh, but of course. I was merely wondering why you are all dateless."
"Who needs a date when we have you?"
Phoenix laughed. The irony, oh THE IRONY!
"Fair point. Well, as you know, I can only dance with one person..."
All of them proceeded to wave their hands like chickens, shouting things like "Pick me! Pick me!" or "I'm a better dancer than the rest!" Phoenix sighed. He finally picked a girl who was dressed up as Aphrodite. The others stomped off, looking pretty pissed. The girl dressed up as Aphrodite got a dreamy look in her eyes and just looked up at Phoenix.
"Thank you for picking me."
"Ah, 'tis no problem. What is your name?"
"Cindy Dalton."
"Cindy Dalton, eh? I have an aunt named Cindy..." he was lying of course.
"You do? That's totally cool! And may I have the pleasure of knowing who I am dancing with?"
"Legolas Greenleaf."
"Seriously."
"Okay fine. Orlando Bloom." (A/N: cackles insanely)
Cindy sighed and fell into his arms, dancing dreamily with the rhythm.
Meanwhile, Peck was having similar luck with girls. When he had to pick which girl to dance with, he decided to go with one dressed up as the Aztec God, Quetzalcoatl, the winged serpent. Worried somewhat that he picked a Slytherin, he asked, "What house are you in?"
"Ravenclaw." She answered simply.
"Oh, what is your name?"
"My name is Courtney, but my friends call me Hawk."
Peck grinned.
"Well then, Hawk it is."
"So, what's your name?"
"Orlando Bloom."
The girl nodded and the two started dancing, rotating slowly with the song. After the first song was over, Phoenix was getting tired of Cindy giving him looks and fluttering her eyelashes.
"Meh, I'm gonna get a drink. Would you mind?"
"I'll go with you."
"Thanks, but I'd rather you not."
"But I love you Orlando!"
"Uh, no you don't."
"But-"
"No."
The girl stalked off, looking extremely hurt. Phoenix didn't care though, because now he wanted to dance with his actual date. Walking over to the table where his friends were (minus Peck: he was still dancing with Hawk). He noticed Ginny with her arms crossed, tapping her foot, and glaring at him. He could've sworn he saw steam rising from her ears.
"Why did you do that? You KNEW I'd get jealous and hurt!"
"Yeah, I sorta figured that out. That's why I dumped her. Care to dance?"
Whatever glare was on Ginny's face immediately evaporated.
"Much better. And yes, I would like to dance."
So Phoenix led Ginny onto the dance floor, held her hand and her waist, and the two started dancing to yet another slow rhythm. Meanwhile, Peck was still dancing with Hawk. He decided to prod what was most likely a dangerous subject.
Trying to sound as casual as he could, he asked, "So, what do you think of that Team Matrix group?"
That caused the girl to furrow her eyebrows and bite her lip. Peck waited nervously.
"Why do you ask?"
Whatever he was expecting, it wasn't that. Thinking quick, he responded, "I dunno, I was just curious."
'Smooth Peck. REAL smooth.' He thought, mentally slapping himself. Hawk, however, seemed to buy it.
'They're okay. I mean, I don't hate them at all, but the peer pressure is forcing me to ignore them. I would lose a BIG part of my reputation in Ravenclaw if I said that Team Matrix was cool. In truth, I find them funny, pulling off all of those pranks, especially on the Slytherins." She grinned.
'Wow, this is good news then. VERY good news.' Peck thoughts. He nodded and continued dancing with Hawk, liking her more and more every minute.
Phoenix was having a grand time with Ginny, who was still dressed as Trinity. After the waltz was over, a much faster paced song started up. The two, grinning followed along and started dancing like there was no tomorrow, doing twirls, flips, and spins. At one point, Phoenix actually spun Ginny into the air, then caught her when she came back down. Soon, most of the other dancers stopped and turned to watch the two. Peck noticed the circle that was forming and looked to see what was going on. He then noticed Phoenix and Ginny having the time of their lives. Grinning inwardly, he decided to let them have the limelight and not ruin the moment. Once the song was over, the circle clapped and broke to allow the two to pass. Peck met up with Phoenix and Ginny.
"Hey, that was pretty good, dude."
Phoenix grinned.
"Thanks, although Ginny has to get half of the credit."
"True, true. So, what're you two planning on doing next?"
"We're gonna go over to the tables and get a drink. You know, cool are heels and stuff."
Peck nodded.
"Sounds good to me. Listen, I have someone I want you to meet. This is Courtney, although she prefers to be called Hawk."
Phoenix resisted the temptation to narrow his eyes at her. He developed a dislike for any students who weren't his friends. However, he trusted Peck, so he smiled and held out his hand.
"Hey, how are you?"
The girl shrugged.
"I'm fine, I guess. What's your name?"
Phoenix froze, and then looked at Peck. His friend nodded, and Phoenix turned back to the girl.
"Phoenix."
The girl's crystal eyes widened.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
She then looked at Peck.
"Then that means..."
Peck nodded.
"Yup, I'm Peck."
The girls eyes got even wider and her mouth formed into the shape of an o.
"Wow. I had no idea..."
"No kiddin'. Listen, would you mind not telling anyone? I'd rather lay low."
She nodded.
"Okay. If you wish."
Phoenix sighed in relief.
"So, you think Team Matrix is pretty cool?"
"Definitely. As much as it is cool meeting you guys, I still have to pretend to dislike you."
"That's okay. At least we know that there is SOMEONE who doesn't hate Americans..."
"Actually, I was born in America, but my parents moved to London when I was two, so I call myself British, but I'm technically American."
At that point, Dumbledore stood up. The hall became quiet.
"Students! It is now eleven o' clock. Time for bed! Thank you for joining us and have a good night!"
He sat down and everyone started leaving the hall, including Team Matrix. Hawk met up with her friends and made her way towards the Ravenclaw common room. Peck started walking with Phoenix and Ginny to catch up with their friends. Ginny was chatting happily with Peck while Phoenix was lost in thought. He was having an internal struggle at the moment: should he kiss Ginny?
He weighed the possible outcomes. Would she smack me? Would she think it was a joke? Would she cry? Would she stare, and then run away? Worst of all, would she tell Ron, who might rip my arms off? Then again, she might like it.
He finally decided not to. Maybe some other time, but not today...