Fanfic: Halloween Trope - The “Wicked" Witch(es)
Title: Halloween Trope - The “Wicked" Witch(es)
Author: SpunkyAR
Word count: >4,000
Timeline: Post-Harvest Festival and Pre-Camping. I used jncar Park and Recreations timeline, which says that the Harvest Festival was in mid-October.
Summary: The brightest and most powerful witches of Pawnee come out to play with friends on Halloween.
Author Notes: First, thank you to stillscape! She gave me wonderful and very helpful advise. I hope I was able catch at least most of the issues she pointed out. Second, I apologize this is being posted after Halloween. These past couple days have been crazy. I hope you enjoy and I can’t wait to read the other writer’s stories. I haven’t let myself read any of them until I finished this. :)
Leslie Knope has a lot to celebrate this Halloween. After the success of the amazing Harvest Festival, her blooming friendship with the surprisingly perfect Ben Wyatt and most importantly the absence of a particular evil teenager who happened to be spending a few weeks in juvie, she feels it’s necessary to throw her amazing team/friends a blow out Halloween party at the most important place in Pawnee. Well it was one of the most important places in Pawnee. After some lengthy pleading with Paul, she was given permission to throw the Harvest Festival staff the late night Halloween bash of the century in city hall.
However this year Halloween fell on a Monday, so after another exciting day of work Leslie sent her staff home early to change and told them to promptly return at 9pm for the festivities. Of course this caused rumbles from everyone, so to compensate they were promised a couple extra hours to sleep in the next morning. Her friends and the other wonderful Harvest Festival staff members would be arriving soon and she couldn’t wait to see their costumes.
Promptly at 8:59, Ben arrived first. He’s definitely a character out of Star Trek, but she isn't sure which one. Trying her best to not sound like she's teasing him, she tells him how cute he looks, of course meaning his face and not so much his costume, but he didn't need to know that yet.
"It’s been years since I’ve watched Star Wars though, which character are you," she asks with a sweet smile.
Adorable Ben becomes totally flustered and human disaster like, hopefully from her comment on his cuteness. He’s only about to mumble something about his favorite character Data before walking away from her to casually look at the decoration around the room. Leslie has admitted to herself that her feeling for her Harvest Festival Partner have definitely grown past the line of professionalism, but she couldn't help herself. He’s just so nerdy and adorable. When she gets home, she’s going to do some research on this Data character.
As she watches him walk away, she hears more people enter and turns around to see Detective Andy and Clown April walk through the Parks Department doors with scary Orin in tow.
"April, you know how I feel about Orin. Why would you bring him?"
"Leslie, when he heard there was a Halloween party, he got really excited and wanted to come. Plus, how can I say no to that sweet face," April pauses to look back at Orin unmoving and with absolutely no expression on his face. "Lastly, you are the one always wanting me to be nicer to people," She completes her argument with a sweet smile.
"Well that's true. If it makes him happy I guess it's okay, but I still don't think anything can make that boy happy or get excited about anything."
"Whatever, I can't make him leave now," She mumbles as she walks towards the elaborate food table.
Leslie turns to an enthusiastic Andy, admires his Cop uniform and tells him how great he would be as a real protector of Pawnee. She also makes a mental note to look into possible law enforcement courses she could help him sign up for in the future.
"You look great too, Leslie. Are you a sexy schoolgirl, because I don't think your skirt is short enough," he asks innocently though it annoys Leslie to no end.
"What! Andy, I am dressed as Hermione Granger. She is only the brightest witch of her age."
"Oh. That's cool, Leslie," Andy says disinterested as he also walks towards the food.
Shortly thereafter the crowd really starts to gather. Ron comes dressed as a pirate again, but at least he is participating in the celebrations. Tom is, in his words, a sexy and suave Dracula. Donna is of course a beautiful and powerful Cleopatra. And lastly Jerry arrives in a very tight white Elvis jumper, much to everyone dismay. Within 30 minutes, the room is filled with the smiling faces of everyone that partook in the Harvest Festival.
And hour into the party Leslie is successful enough to admit this is another success for her and her friends. Everyone, with the exception of Orin, seemed to be having a great time.
On her way to retrieve more ice from the kitchen, she runs into Ethel Beaver in a dramatic witch costume and carrying an ornate broomstick. Leslie hasn't seen her at the party, but is happy to see more people arriving and getting into the spirit of the Halloween.
"Ethel! It's so great to see you and I love your costume."
"Thanks Leslie. I see you are another powerful witch," Ethel says condescendingly and with a sarcastic smile.
"Okay, so are you having fun at the party?"
"Sure, it's nice," Ethel lies, unbeknownst to Leslie.
Before this moment, Ethel Beavers was unaware of any Halloween Party and she has only stopped by City Hall to pick up something up from her fourth floor office. But Ethel has a secret she’s been keeping for the last 200 years and has become a pro at masking the truth. Ethel is a witch. A real witch with potions and spells and she doesn’t have the time to linger in her conversation with the lovely Leslie on this Halloween night. For the past week she’d been working on a new potion in her office. Ethel has been using the infamous Fourth Floor as her magical testing ground for years. She can't take credit for all of the crazy found there, but most of it.
"Great. I was just on my way to get more ice. Can I get you something? Did the party run out of anything else," Leslie asks kindly and with a genuine smile. "I want to make sure my guests are all having a good time."
"No, the party was well stocked with candy and sweets when I left the room," Ethel reassures her warmly. She may not being telling the whole truth, but she is sure any party Leslie Knope is going well.
"Perfect, well I will see you in a few minutes. I hope you have a great rest the night," Leslie cheerfully replies as she continues down the hallway.
Ethel stands in the hallway and watches the always-pleasant Leslie walk away. Ethel has to admit that she doesn't normally make many friends, but Leslie has always been kind to her and willing to help her in any situation. Just a couple months ago, Ethel had gotten herself into a potentially catastrophic magical pickle when her revenge potion against the evil witches at the library blew up part of a library. Leslie, who happened to be walking, by immediately assisting in making it look like a accident and covering her tracks without asking any questions. At the time, it struck her as odd that someone could be so openly willing to help a relative stranger and it had been a refreshing encounter for Ethel to meet someone like Leslie in this world.
Well if Leslie wants to give her guest a great party, there were enchantments, portions and spells Ethel could perform to really liven things up for a short while. Plus it was Halloween and the season just brought out such a giving side of Ethel.
So in the spirit of Halloween, Ethel decides to transform everyone into their costume alter egos until midnight and at least confine them to the area of City Hall. That would be a perfect gift for Leslie and all her friends after the great Harvest Festival they were able to pull off for the community.
Happy with her decision, Ethel heads to the Parks Department to get the next part of this party going. As she enters the room and begins to cast her spell on everyone, she comes across an odd looking kid who she can't quite figure out what he’s dressed up as. Not a 100% sure what to turn him into, she goes with a dementor. To be honest, it's what he looks like and she knows Leslie, soon-to-be Hermione, will love the challenge.
As she walks towards the exit, Leslie returns with ice and her ever-present smile. Ethel gives her just a moment to enjoy the scene around her before transforming her into her character for the night as well.
With her good deed complete for the day, Ethel heads out to cause trouble elsewhere on this beautiful Halloween night.
Hermione-Leslie looks around the room of her guest, not really remembering how she got there or why she wasn't in the library studying for her next test. She just knows in her gut that she is the one throwing this party for all these lovely people and knowing it’s her job to show them a fun time. Normally this would be the type of job she’d leave to her good friends Ron and Harry, but they aren't here at the moment so it’s be up to her. She immediately spots a group of interesting looking character that she can't wait to meet and walks up for a conversation.
While Hermione is not normally the most social butterfly, she quickly finds herself having a blast meeting all the wonderful people at the party. She totally can understand why she threw them a party. They are an odd bunch with a pirate, a vampire, a clown, a queen, a pop star, a cop and now a witch, but being around them is instantly comfortable.
Data-Ben stands back against the wall trying his best to blend in and not have to associate with anyone around him. He has interacted with many humans before, but this group of people truly seems like a group of weirdoes. He’s okay to stay right where he is and continue to just observe for research.
After watching the bouncy blond school girl, walk around and make conversation with just about everyone but him, Data-Ben decides to take a walk for some air. As he studies a series of violent and odd paintings in the hallways, he hears a strange noise behind him. When he turns, he suddenly finds the most startling creature he has ever come across. Overcome, he falls against the wall behind him as the creature begins to pull feeling and emotions out of him from a deep place in his soul he never knew exist until this moment.
Before he can even call for help, the blond from the party jumps in front of him and creates some kind of incantation, which forces the creature to back away slightly. The scary creature doesn't back down for long though before it jumps at her again, but this time she is ready and produces a magically silver otter from the end of her wand which pushes the creature into a nearby storage closet for good.
"Are you okay," they ask in unison.
Both laugh shyly before she softly lays her hand on his shoulder and asking again. "You were the one that was just attacked by one of the world's most vile creatures. Are you okay?"
He registers her questions and knows he needs to respond, but it takes a moment to shake himself from the remarkable spark he just felt when she touched him. He never reacts to a person's touch like this and wonders what it means. After being quiet for a couple seconds he worries she will think he's crazy and walk away, so he quickly replies with something that will bring the conversation into his comfort zone. "I am fine physically," he begins with calmer nerves. "I just have no recollection of such a creature in all my years of research. What was it?"
"Oh you do research on mythical creatures," she says with an excitement Data-Ben has never heard for something involving studying.
"Well my name is Data," he jokes unsure of how to communicate with a pretty girl, but always wanting to use that line on someone.
That seems to be the perfect answer because she starts to giggle and flashes him the brightest smile he has ever seen. It's beautiful and his reaction takes him by surprise, just as it did when she touched him. Data-Ben is not sure where these feeling are coming from, whether it’s an effect from the evil creature’s attack or the presents of this woman. He has spent many years studying human emotions and suddenly he’s beginning to feel these for himself.
Suddenly a burly cop jumps out of nowhere and steps in front of her in a protective manner.
"Ma'am, I heard a commotion. Are you okay? Please let me know if you would like me to remove this gentleman from the premise."
"No-no, it's okay Detective Macklin. This is my friend. He was actually attacked, but we were able to confine the creature to this closet," she says to the man who slightly begins to relax at the reassurance of his innocence.
"Well done! I will take care of the situation from here."
Before the Detective is able to open the door and unleash the creature again they are able to stop him.
He looks apprehensive, but luckily backs down. "I guess if you think the creature should be left alone for awhile, I will scout the perimeter for any other suspicious individuals. Ma'am, since this is your social gathering please let me know if you need my assistance with anything else. I should be back shortly."
"Thank you very much Detective Macklin. And as I told you earlier, please call me Hermione," she says kindly to the cop and with another smile that takes Data-Ben's breadth away.
"Yes, ma'am," the man mumbles as he heads farther down the hallway.
When they are left alone again, Data-Ben is suddenly anxious. He doesn't understand this nervous feeling either and likes it a lot less then the excitement of earlier. He may come across as robotic and odd, but people did not make him nervous before this woman. Quickly Hermione, what a beautiful name even, is able to start casual conversation again. They continue walking down the hallway discussing interesting mythical creatures, facts they have come across recently and even adventures they’ve both been lucky to partake in. Quickly Data-Ben is completely under the spell of this beautiful intelligent woman. She just saved his life, shares many of his interests and is excited by what he has to say.
Unfortunately after not enough time alone, she tells him that she needs to get back to her party to entertain the other guest soon. To his delight she asks if he’d be her partner in an educational yet fun game of Cranium. Of course Data-Ben has never played a game before, but the name seems to indicate it’s right up his alley and he won’t give up a chance to continue socializing with Hermione-Leslie.
"I would be absolutely delighted," he replies, understanding the meaning of those words for the first time in his existence. *Data-Ben has never felt this way before; of course Data-Ben has never felt anything before tonight.
Hermione-Leslie can't help but notice the lifelike smile that crept over his mechanical face as they walk down the hall and into the Parks and Recreation department. She’s excited to make a new friend that she was sure was just a sweet as he seemed under his unemotional exterior.
Together they quickly get numerous exciting games going around the room. People are playing card games, charades and board games. Her new partner and her join a game of Cranium, where they go head to head with the odd pairing of Detective Andy Macklin and Clown-April. Data-Ben and her have the brains, but the other two are mysteriously in sync on the performance and drawing questions.
As the other couple catches up to Data-Ben and Hermione-Leslie on the Cranium board, a gorgeous new arrival walks into the party in hospital scrubs. Excited too see a new guest to the party, Hermione-Leslie jumps up to greet the beautiful exotic angel.
"I'm so sorry I'm late Leslie! There were more teenage sluts that needed their stomachs pumped this year than I expected. Plus I wanted to go home and change, but I didn't have time so you’re just going to get Nurse Ann unfortunately," the lovely lady named Ann says apologetically and with a pretty smile.
Hermione-Leslie will have none of that negativity from such a striking savior of people’s lives. "What are you talking about? You look beautiful and being a nurse is nothing to scoff at! I'm sure you are just as talented as a nurse as you are beautiful," she replies to a blushing Ann.
"Awww...Leslie you are so sweet."
"My name is actually Hermione. It's nice to meet you," she answers kindly and with an enthusiastic handshake.
"You sure are," Ann says with a smile as she looks around the room to take in the rest of the party and everyone costumes. "Everyone and everything look great."
"Thanks! Let me introduce you to everyone."
Ann Perkins is quickly leads around the room by her best friend, who proceeds to introduce her to everyone she has known for years. Ann, being a good sport, shakes hands but does not understanding quiet what is going on around her. She just figures that her quirky friends have really gotten into the spirit of Halloween and are playing along with a new game. It’s just too bad she wasn't able to arrive earlier and in costume, Ann bets it would be really fun to be someone else completely for the night.
Even dull Ron is really into his character as Captain Jack. He even goes so far as to hit on her, which she has to admit is very charming. She knows he's in-character, but she feels a chill down her spine in a good way when he tells her he'd rather be beheaded than be denied a date with her. It's creepy sure, but it's smooth for a pirate. Ann will have to process this information later because she's at this party to have fun with her best friend Leslie, well Hermione at the moment, and that is what she plans to do.
Before Ann joins Leslie and Ben's team in Cranium, she excuses herself for a quick run to the ladies room. As she walks towards the door, she spots Tom and Donna, Dracula and Cleopatra, dancing in a very sensual and disturbing way in the back corner of the office. She is pretty sure both their hands are having a little bit too much fun with each other. Yuck she can’t help herself from thinking!
Just a few feet away from them is Jerry, in that hideous Elvis costume and magically surrounded by people who seem very interested in what he has to say. He seems calm, comfortable and at ease being the center of attention. Ann can only hope these new mannerisms last for him…even if his normal blubbering self does provide a lot of entertainment for the group.
As she’s about to walk into the hallway, Ron or Captain Jack corners her and asks where she’s headed. Before she can answer he continues with another cheesy yet somehow effective pickup line, “You should come up to my chamber and I'll show you the largest treasure in the land.” Ann has no response, so she just rolls her eyes and laughs as she walks past him.
On her walk back to the party Ann comes up with a couple character ideas for the rest of the night. She may not be dressed up, but she knows her friends will play along.
Ann walks through the door and immediately hears Leslie's squeal of delight as she runs up to her and pulls her into a warm hug. There is no question Leslie loves her, but getting a second greeting and a hug for just coming back from the bathroom is new.
"Ann, you made it,” Leslie exclaims with genuine excitement. "I know the people of Pawnee need you to be their amazing and beautiful nurse, but I'm so glad you could break away to join us."
Ann doesn’t know how to respond, so she just smiles slightly and stays quiet.
Her best friend does not catch her obvious confusion and leads Ann towards the others…again. "Well obviously I'm Hermione. Of course you know that because you have seen all the movies. But just look at everyone else's amazing costumes."
Everyone waves at her again as if they had not gone through this same scenario ten minutes ago. Their dramatic transformation in that time is not lost on Ann as she looks around the room. Andy's smile is less strained and professional like the cop he was playing before. He is back to his goofy carefree self. Ron makes a grunting noise when he waves at her and all traces of the charm she’d seen earlier have dissipated. Ben is still attached to Leslie's side, but his smile is less mechanical.
Thankfully Tom and Donna are not groping each other anymore, but are staring intently at their phones. Though Tom does look up for a moment to comment on how unsexy her costume is and how no one understands the meaning of Halloween. And not surprisingly April refuses to acknowledge her, while Jerry cleans punch off his white suit.
Well I guess the 'be your character' game is over, she thinks sadly.
--------
Later that night, Ben ventures to the supply cabinet for another white board for Pictionary and is absolutely petrified to find Orin just standing in the dark room. Embarrassingly Leslie and Andy hear his scream and quickly arrive to save him.
Through the whole situation Ben feels an odd sense of déjà vu, but can't seem to place it.
--------
Across town Ethel Beavers flies around Pawnee on her trusted broomstick, admiring her hometown of the last 200 years. She could easily be rich and famous in Hollywood or New York with her unearthly talents in witchcraft, but her heart’s in Pawnee. Her home is the reason she created her current identity those many year ago and hasn't been able to give it up yet. She loves being able to live and work amongst these people without bringing much attention to herself.
The little stunt she pulled with the Parks and Recreation department was just a little fun for the night and hopefully didn't hurt anyone. Ethel always prides herself on being a good witch, but it is nice being able to do something a little wicked every so often...after all she is an all powerful witch!
Important Author Note:
- *This is the intellectual property of the sexy elf-king hummingbird Ben Wyatt. (aka the Parks and Recreation writers) ;)
Author: SpunkyAR
Word count: >4,000
Timeline: Post-Harvest Festival and Pre-Camping. I used jncar Park and Recreations timeline, which says that the Harvest Festival was in mid-October.
Summary: The brightest and most powerful witches of Pawnee come out to play with friends on Halloween.
Author Notes: First, thank you to stillscape! She gave me wonderful and very helpful advise. I hope I was able catch at least most of the issues she pointed out. Second, I apologize this is being posted after Halloween. These past couple days have been crazy. I hope you enjoy and I can’t wait to read the other writer’s stories. I haven’t let myself read any of them until I finished this. :)
Leslie Knope has a lot to celebrate this Halloween. After the success of the amazing Harvest Festival, her blooming friendship with the surprisingly perfect Ben Wyatt and most importantly the absence of a particular evil teenager who happened to be spending a few weeks in juvie, she feels it’s necessary to throw her amazing team/friends a blow out Halloween party at the most important place in Pawnee. Well it was one of the most important places in Pawnee. After some lengthy pleading with Paul, she was given permission to throw the Harvest Festival staff the late night Halloween bash of the century in city hall.
However this year Halloween fell on a Monday, so after another exciting day of work Leslie sent her staff home early to change and told them to promptly return at 9pm for the festivities. Of course this caused rumbles from everyone, so to compensate they were promised a couple extra hours to sleep in the next morning. Her friends and the other wonderful Harvest Festival staff members would be arriving soon and she couldn’t wait to see their costumes.
Promptly at 8:59, Ben arrived first. He’s definitely a character out of Star Trek, but she isn't sure which one. Trying her best to not sound like she's teasing him, she tells him how cute he looks, of course meaning his face and not so much his costume, but he didn't need to know that yet.
"It’s been years since I’ve watched Star Wars though, which character are you," she asks with a sweet smile.
Adorable Ben becomes totally flustered and human disaster like, hopefully from her comment on his cuteness. He’s only about to mumble something about his favorite character Data before walking away from her to casually look at the decoration around the room. Leslie has admitted to herself that her feeling for her Harvest Festival Partner have definitely grown past the line of professionalism, but she couldn't help herself. He’s just so nerdy and adorable. When she gets home, she’s going to do some research on this Data character.
As she watches him walk away, she hears more people enter and turns around to see Detective Andy and Clown April walk through the Parks Department doors with scary Orin in tow.
"April, you know how I feel about Orin. Why would you bring him?"
"Leslie, when he heard there was a Halloween party, he got really excited and wanted to come. Plus, how can I say no to that sweet face," April pauses to look back at Orin unmoving and with absolutely no expression on his face. "Lastly, you are the one always wanting me to be nicer to people," She completes her argument with a sweet smile.
"Well that's true. If it makes him happy I guess it's okay, but I still don't think anything can make that boy happy or get excited about anything."
"Whatever, I can't make him leave now," She mumbles as she walks towards the elaborate food table.
Leslie turns to an enthusiastic Andy, admires his Cop uniform and tells him how great he would be as a real protector of Pawnee. She also makes a mental note to look into possible law enforcement courses she could help him sign up for in the future.
"You look great too, Leslie. Are you a sexy schoolgirl, because I don't think your skirt is short enough," he asks innocently though it annoys Leslie to no end.
"What! Andy, I am dressed as Hermione Granger. She is only the brightest witch of her age."
"Oh. That's cool, Leslie," Andy says disinterested as he also walks towards the food.
Shortly thereafter the crowd really starts to gather. Ron comes dressed as a pirate again, but at least he is participating in the celebrations. Tom is, in his words, a sexy and suave Dracula. Donna is of course a beautiful and powerful Cleopatra. And lastly Jerry arrives in a very tight white Elvis jumper, much to everyone dismay. Within 30 minutes, the room is filled with the smiling faces of everyone that partook in the Harvest Festival.
And hour into the party Leslie is successful enough to admit this is another success for her and her friends. Everyone, with the exception of Orin, seemed to be having a great time.
On her way to retrieve more ice from the kitchen, she runs into Ethel Beaver in a dramatic witch costume and carrying an ornate broomstick. Leslie hasn't seen her at the party, but is happy to see more people arriving and getting into the spirit of the Halloween.
"Ethel! It's so great to see you and I love your costume."
"Thanks Leslie. I see you are another powerful witch," Ethel says condescendingly and with a sarcastic smile.
"Okay, so are you having fun at the party?"
"Sure, it's nice," Ethel lies, unbeknownst to Leslie.
Before this moment, Ethel Beavers was unaware of any Halloween Party and she has only stopped by City Hall to pick up something up from her fourth floor office. But Ethel has a secret she’s been keeping for the last 200 years and has become a pro at masking the truth. Ethel is a witch. A real witch with potions and spells and she doesn’t have the time to linger in her conversation with the lovely Leslie on this Halloween night. For the past week she’d been working on a new potion in her office. Ethel has been using the infamous Fourth Floor as her magical testing ground for years. She can't take credit for all of the crazy found there, but most of it.
"Great. I was just on my way to get more ice. Can I get you something? Did the party run out of anything else," Leslie asks kindly and with a genuine smile. "I want to make sure my guests are all having a good time."
"No, the party was well stocked with candy and sweets when I left the room," Ethel reassures her warmly. She may not being telling the whole truth, but she is sure any party Leslie Knope is going well.
"Perfect, well I will see you in a few minutes. I hope you have a great rest the night," Leslie cheerfully replies as she continues down the hallway.
Ethel stands in the hallway and watches the always-pleasant Leslie walk away. Ethel has to admit that she doesn't normally make many friends, but Leslie has always been kind to her and willing to help her in any situation. Just a couple months ago, Ethel had gotten herself into a potentially catastrophic magical pickle when her revenge potion against the evil witches at the library blew up part of a library. Leslie, who happened to be walking, by immediately assisting in making it look like a accident and covering her tracks without asking any questions. At the time, it struck her as odd that someone could be so openly willing to help a relative stranger and it had been a refreshing encounter for Ethel to meet someone like Leslie in this world.
Well if Leslie wants to give her guest a great party, there were enchantments, portions and spells Ethel could perform to really liven things up for a short while. Plus it was Halloween and the season just brought out such a giving side of Ethel.
So in the spirit of Halloween, Ethel decides to transform everyone into their costume alter egos until midnight and at least confine them to the area of City Hall. That would be a perfect gift for Leslie and all her friends after the great Harvest Festival they were able to pull off for the community.
Happy with her decision, Ethel heads to the Parks Department to get the next part of this party going. As she enters the room and begins to cast her spell on everyone, she comes across an odd looking kid who she can't quite figure out what he’s dressed up as. Not a 100% sure what to turn him into, she goes with a dementor. To be honest, it's what he looks like and she knows Leslie, soon-to-be Hermione, will love the challenge.
As she walks towards the exit, Leslie returns with ice and her ever-present smile. Ethel gives her just a moment to enjoy the scene around her before transforming her into her character for the night as well.
With her good deed complete for the day, Ethel heads out to cause trouble elsewhere on this beautiful Halloween night.
Hermione-Leslie looks around the room of her guest, not really remembering how she got there or why she wasn't in the library studying for her next test. She just knows in her gut that she is the one throwing this party for all these lovely people and knowing it’s her job to show them a fun time. Normally this would be the type of job she’d leave to her good friends Ron and Harry, but they aren't here at the moment so it’s be up to her. She immediately spots a group of interesting looking character that she can't wait to meet and walks up for a conversation.
While Hermione is not normally the most social butterfly, she quickly finds herself having a blast meeting all the wonderful people at the party. She totally can understand why she threw them a party. They are an odd bunch with a pirate, a vampire, a clown, a queen, a pop star, a cop and now a witch, but being around them is instantly comfortable.
Data-Ben stands back against the wall trying his best to blend in and not have to associate with anyone around him. He has interacted with many humans before, but this group of people truly seems like a group of weirdoes. He’s okay to stay right where he is and continue to just observe for research.
After watching the bouncy blond school girl, walk around and make conversation with just about everyone but him, Data-Ben decides to take a walk for some air. As he studies a series of violent and odd paintings in the hallways, he hears a strange noise behind him. When he turns, he suddenly finds the most startling creature he has ever come across. Overcome, he falls against the wall behind him as the creature begins to pull feeling and emotions out of him from a deep place in his soul he never knew exist until this moment.
Before he can even call for help, the blond from the party jumps in front of him and creates some kind of incantation, which forces the creature to back away slightly. The scary creature doesn't back down for long though before it jumps at her again, but this time she is ready and produces a magically silver otter from the end of her wand which pushes the creature into a nearby storage closet for good.
"Are you okay," they ask in unison.
Both laugh shyly before she softly lays her hand on his shoulder and asking again. "You were the one that was just attacked by one of the world's most vile creatures. Are you okay?"
He registers her questions and knows he needs to respond, but it takes a moment to shake himself from the remarkable spark he just felt when she touched him. He never reacts to a person's touch like this and wonders what it means. After being quiet for a couple seconds he worries she will think he's crazy and walk away, so he quickly replies with something that will bring the conversation into his comfort zone. "I am fine physically," he begins with calmer nerves. "I just have no recollection of such a creature in all my years of research. What was it?"
"Oh you do research on mythical creatures," she says with an excitement Data-Ben has never heard for something involving studying.
"Well my name is Data," he jokes unsure of how to communicate with a pretty girl, but always wanting to use that line on someone.
That seems to be the perfect answer because she starts to giggle and flashes him the brightest smile he has ever seen. It's beautiful and his reaction takes him by surprise, just as it did when she touched him. Data-Ben is not sure where these feeling are coming from, whether it’s an effect from the evil creature’s attack or the presents of this woman. He has spent many years studying human emotions and suddenly he’s beginning to feel these for himself.
Suddenly a burly cop jumps out of nowhere and steps in front of her in a protective manner.
"Ma'am, I heard a commotion. Are you okay? Please let me know if you would like me to remove this gentleman from the premise."
"No-no, it's okay Detective Macklin. This is my friend. He was actually attacked, but we were able to confine the creature to this closet," she says to the man who slightly begins to relax at the reassurance of his innocence.
"Well done! I will take care of the situation from here."
Before the Detective is able to open the door and unleash the creature again they are able to stop him.
He looks apprehensive, but luckily backs down. "I guess if you think the creature should be left alone for awhile, I will scout the perimeter for any other suspicious individuals. Ma'am, since this is your social gathering please let me know if you need my assistance with anything else. I should be back shortly."
"Thank you very much Detective Macklin. And as I told you earlier, please call me Hermione," she says kindly to the cop and with another smile that takes Data-Ben's breadth away.
"Yes, ma'am," the man mumbles as he heads farther down the hallway.
When they are left alone again, Data-Ben is suddenly anxious. He doesn't understand this nervous feeling either and likes it a lot less then the excitement of earlier. He may come across as robotic and odd, but people did not make him nervous before this woman. Quickly Hermione, what a beautiful name even, is able to start casual conversation again. They continue walking down the hallway discussing interesting mythical creatures, facts they have come across recently and even adventures they’ve both been lucky to partake in. Quickly Data-Ben is completely under the spell of this beautiful intelligent woman. She just saved his life, shares many of his interests and is excited by what he has to say.
Unfortunately after not enough time alone, she tells him that she needs to get back to her party to entertain the other guest soon. To his delight she asks if he’d be her partner in an educational yet fun game of Cranium. Of course Data-Ben has never played a game before, but the name seems to indicate it’s right up his alley and he won’t give up a chance to continue socializing with Hermione-Leslie.
"I would be absolutely delighted," he replies, understanding the meaning of those words for the first time in his existence. *Data-Ben has never felt this way before; of course Data-Ben has never felt anything before tonight.
Hermione-Leslie can't help but notice the lifelike smile that crept over his mechanical face as they walk down the hall and into the Parks and Recreation department. She’s excited to make a new friend that she was sure was just a sweet as he seemed under his unemotional exterior.
Together they quickly get numerous exciting games going around the room. People are playing card games, charades and board games. Her new partner and her join a game of Cranium, where they go head to head with the odd pairing of Detective Andy Macklin and Clown-April. Data-Ben and her have the brains, but the other two are mysteriously in sync on the performance and drawing questions.
As the other couple catches up to Data-Ben and Hermione-Leslie on the Cranium board, a gorgeous new arrival walks into the party in hospital scrubs. Excited too see a new guest to the party, Hermione-Leslie jumps up to greet the beautiful exotic angel.
"I'm so sorry I'm late Leslie! There were more teenage sluts that needed their stomachs pumped this year than I expected. Plus I wanted to go home and change, but I didn't have time so you’re just going to get Nurse Ann unfortunately," the lovely lady named Ann says apologetically and with a pretty smile.
Hermione-Leslie will have none of that negativity from such a striking savior of people’s lives. "What are you talking about? You look beautiful and being a nurse is nothing to scoff at! I'm sure you are just as talented as a nurse as you are beautiful," she replies to a blushing Ann.
"Awww...Leslie you are so sweet."
"My name is actually Hermione. It's nice to meet you," she answers kindly and with an enthusiastic handshake.
"You sure are," Ann says with a smile as she looks around the room to take in the rest of the party and everyone costumes. "Everyone and everything look great."
"Thanks! Let me introduce you to everyone."
Ann Perkins is quickly leads around the room by her best friend, who proceeds to introduce her to everyone she has known for years. Ann, being a good sport, shakes hands but does not understanding quiet what is going on around her. She just figures that her quirky friends have really gotten into the spirit of Halloween and are playing along with a new game. It’s just too bad she wasn't able to arrive earlier and in costume, Ann bets it would be really fun to be someone else completely for the night.
Even dull Ron is really into his character as Captain Jack. He even goes so far as to hit on her, which she has to admit is very charming. She knows he's in-character, but she feels a chill down her spine in a good way when he tells her he'd rather be beheaded than be denied a date with her. It's creepy sure, but it's smooth for a pirate. Ann will have to process this information later because she's at this party to have fun with her best friend Leslie, well Hermione at the moment, and that is what she plans to do.
Before Ann joins Leslie and Ben's team in Cranium, she excuses herself for a quick run to the ladies room. As she walks towards the door, she spots Tom and Donna, Dracula and Cleopatra, dancing in a very sensual and disturbing way in the back corner of the office. She is pretty sure both their hands are having a little bit too much fun with each other. Yuck she can’t help herself from thinking!
Just a few feet away from them is Jerry, in that hideous Elvis costume and magically surrounded by people who seem very interested in what he has to say. He seems calm, comfortable and at ease being the center of attention. Ann can only hope these new mannerisms last for him…even if his normal blubbering self does provide a lot of entertainment for the group.
As she’s about to walk into the hallway, Ron or Captain Jack corners her and asks where she’s headed. Before she can answer he continues with another cheesy yet somehow effective pickup line, “You should come up to my chamber and I'll show you the largest treasure in the land.” Ann has no response, so she just rolls her eyes and laughs as she walks past him.
On her walk back to the party Ann comes up with a couple character ideas for the rest of the night. She may not be dressed up, but she knows her friends will play along.
Ann walks through the door and immediately hears Leslie's squeal of delight as she runs up to her and pulls her into a warm hug. There is no question Leslie loves her, but getting a second greeting and a hug for just coming back from the bathroom is new.
"Ann, you made it,” Leslie exclaims with genuine excitement. "I know the people of Pawnee need you to be their amazing and beautiful nurse, but I'm so glad you could break away to join us."
Ann doesn’t know how to respond, so she just smiles slightly and stays quiet.
Her best friend does not catch her obvious confusion and leads Ann towards the others…again. "Well obviously I'm Hermione. Of course you know that because you have seen all the movies. But just look at everyone else's amazing costumes."
Everyone waves at her again as if they had not gone through this same scenario ten minutes ago. Their dramatic transformation in that time is not lost on Ann as she looks around the room. Andy's smile is less strained and professional like the cop he was playing before. He is back to his goofy carefree self. Ron makes a grunting noise when he waves at her and all traces of the charm she’d seen earlier have dissipated. Ben is still attached to Leslie's side, but his smile is less mechanical.
Thankfully Tom and Donna are not groping each other anymore, but are staring intently at their phones. Though Tom does look up for a moment to comment on how unsexy her costume is and how no one understands the meaning of Halloween. And not surprisingly April refuses to acknowledge her, while Jerry cleans punch off his white suit.
Well I guess the 'be your character' game is over, she thinks sadly.
--------
Later that night, Ben ventures to the supply cabinet for another white board for Pictionary and is absolutely petrified to find Orin just standing in the dark room. Embarrassingly Leslie and Andy hear his scream and quickly arrive to save him.
Through the whole situation Ben feels an odd sense of déjà vu, but can't seem to place it.
--------
Across town Ethel Beavers flies around Pawnee on her trusted broomstick, admiring her hometown of the last 200 years. She could easily be rich and famous in Hollywood or New York with her unearthly talents in witchcraft, but her heart’s in Pawnee. Her home is the reason she created her current identity those many year ago and hasn't been able to give it up yet. She loves being able to live and work amongst these people without bringing much attention to herself.
The little stunt she pulled with the Parks and Recreation department was just a little fun for the night and hopefully didn't hurt anyone. Ethel always prides herself on being a good witch, but it is nice being able to do something a little wicked every so often...after all she is an all powerful witch!
Important Author Note:
- *This is the intellectual property of the sexy elf-king hummingbird Ben Wyatt. (aka the Parks and Recreation writers) ;)