The Spring Soirée Spring Ball 2025

"I'm going to explode," Haven confided in her roommates as she frantically adjusted the flower crown over her lightly curled hair. "Does it look okay?"

"Haven," Lea laughed, looking over at her. "You've spent the last ten minutes just moving around that crown, and it looks the same. I think you'll be fine." Ever the pragmatist, but always reassuring.

"He'll love it!" Alyssea said, shaking her shoulder a little to help loosen her nerves.

"Okay!" she said, accept their words with a sigh. She was just so nervous. She had an actual date, and she did not want to mess it up. And oh, she had the biggest crush on him.

Ever since that night at Beauxbatons, she hadn't been able to get his eyes out of her mind, repeating his name to herself over and over again (and there might have been some notebook doodles combining her first name with his last...). She probably sent him more owls than to her own mother, recently. If she could call him, she was sure they'd talk for hours.

They had spent many rolls of parchment eagerly anticipating the next school visit- and the ball. They had been discussing their plans for ages, even spending some time making matching shoes and flower crowns earlier in the week. The only thing she didn't plan was her outfit, but Cyrus reassured her that she didn't have to frantically write home, begging her Ma for another dress, but instead hand-delivered a package carefully wrapped in yellow ribbon and instructions to only open it when it was time to get ready for the ball. She was honestly shocked she was able to wait so long, but she was absolutely teeming with excitement as she tore it open to reveal a stunning outfit.

It was absolutely beautiful- a golden yellow skirt, blouse, and a corset made of a decadent fabric and covered in jewels. And to top it all off, he had made it. For her. It instantly became her favorite outfit.

Haven slipped the outfit on, squealing as she spun around. She paired it with some duck socks- she had sent Cyrus a matching pair- before digging around her stuff for her shoes, only to find Marcus sound asleep on them.

"Marcus! This is no time for naps!" she scolded him, gently moving him off her shoes and onto a pillow. "But thank you for keeping them safe for me." Haven pressed a kiss to his fuzzy head.

"Okay, I think I'm about ready!" she announced, double checking that her shoes were tied properly. "Wait-" she paused for a second, her heart fluttering chest as her mind raced. "I NEED TO BRUSH MY TEETH FIRST!" Dental hygiene was always important, but oh... what if he wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted to kiss him?

With her teeth properly brushed and her breath minty fresh, she swiped a fresh layer of strawberry gloss across her lips, giving herself one more look-over in the mirror. Everything looked perfect, nothing out of place.

"What if-" she started, but Lea quickly cut her off.

"Go, Haven! You look great... and you're already running behind."

"Right. Thank you." She gave her roommate a quick hug before running out the door, hiking her skirt up as she climbed the stairs, bustling towards the Great Hall, her heart pounding faster than ever.

Finally, an official date! No interruptions, no problems, just them, dancing the night away. Nothing could ruin their perfect night. Except for the fact that she had to find him before their perfect night could begin.

She wandered around the Great Hall, trying to find him. Surely it couldn't be that hard, considering her was taller than a beanstalk, but it proved to be more difficult than she initially thought.

Maybe he went outside..? she thought to herself, making her way towards the doors. She checked and she checked, searching high and low, but her Cyrus was nowhere to be found. As time ticked on, she started to get nervous. What if her Prince Charming wasn't so perfect after all, and had decided not to show up at all and make a fool out of her? No, he wouldn't do that.

Don't think such silly thoughts, Haven.

But where could he be? Haven wandered around the perimeter of the Great Hall for what must have been the fifth time that night, when finally, she spotted him. The yellow dandelions perched perfectly atop those golden curls... and when he turned, revealing those gorgeous blue eyes, her heart just melted.

"Cyrus!" she yelled, running towards him and collapsing into his arms. "I'm so happy to see you!"

@Cyrus Darsel@Koko Riddle

Stamina: 12 | Evasion: 11 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 11 | Arcane Power: 10 | Accuracy: 11
Calming Presence ✿ Components ✿ Muggle Condition ✿ Paragon of Health
Ally: Cyrus Darsel

MODERATION ROUND SEVEN

_{Image created using Bing AI.}

How to describe this atmosphere? It was comfortable. You could stand with a friend, laughing, without a care in the world. You could look deep into the eyes of your lover, and simply let the rest of the world gaol away. That is what the Spring Soirée had offered, and it had certainly delivered. Although the ballroom certainly wasn’t bursting at the seams, requiring more room, it still maintained the attendance one would expect of an event that had invited students from across the world. Those attending this event would get the chance to meet and interact with many from opposing ends of the world, allowing for some telling conversations and discussions to be exchanged.

Yet another couple had entered, and clearly were enamored with one another. Perhaps they hadn’t completely established that yet. Perhaps this wasn’t yet an open fact to the public. However, their reactions to each other told all. Curls tamed and attire donned, this American had gone all out, in attempt to impress his lady. It had seemingly worked, with her quick action to gallop towards him, earnestly trying to be as close to him as possible. The two were lovebirds, and hopefully the ball was the right place for their date. (@Cyrus Darsel & @Haven Bohannon)

Elisa and Nyx, on the other hand, weren’t quite as rambunctious when it came to displaying their affection. A simple act, a half smile, they were newer to this. Younger. It seemed as if they were tap dancing around the words, trying not to hit the wrong mark and ruin their entire relationship thus far— but were they simply overthinking, or was their relationship truly that fragile? (@Elisa Wagner & @Nyx Blackheart)

Rolls:
Owl or DM me about any mistakes you may find.

Reducio

Spring Soirée Ball Rolls, Round 6

50% chance of Elisa having a spiked drink, procs on 1
[d2 : 2] = 2 —> Elisa’s drink is not spiked

OOC Note:

This will be my second to last moderation post, meaning that next week will be my final moderation post. You may continue interacting after this point, however I will not be rolling for any of your moderated actions following next week. This is merely a warning in advance.

Reducio

_{Image generated by Bing AI.}

Upon entrance into The Spring Soirée, each player will receive a "dance card", a RP opportunity for players to engage with. Within the dance card, names of whom your character dances with must be recorded, beware of prying eyes should their names not be found within the dance card and they are dancing with your player, as this would be the most scandalous thing to do.

NOTE: The inclusion of dance cards is solely for a RP opportunity, you are not obliged to comply with this, but should you mention it, please ensure the character your character dances with, was included in the dance card.

OOC Information
Welcome to the Spring Soirée!

1. To participate, you must be indexed. If you are not indexed yet, please apply here.
2. Moderation will occur every week, or about 168 hours.
3. Your character is allowed one moderated action per round. Please specify your moderated action somewhere OOC in your post.

Reducio

Moderated actions are actions that require rolls, like casting a spell on someone, physically fighting (like punching) with someone, surprising someone, etc. Rolls are not needed for pre-decided or consented actions, like asking someone for a dance.

4. Please include your abilities and stats in each post you make.
5. There are two other threads that are part of the Spring Ball, The Garden of Eden and The Twisted Tavern. You can directly enter the other threads if you have signed up for The Twisted Tavern or wish to participate in the main event, The Spring Soirée, but if you have already posted here, please specify that you are leaving this thread for either one of the other two, as your character cannot be in two places at once.
6. Please follow all usual H.io rules.
7. Enjoy the ball!

I smiled, which threw her off a bit. I said, "I'm a 1st year. And yes, this is my first Hogwarts Ball, but, like I said before, my mother had hosted many back home, it felt like she hosted one every week, and I was forced to attend each and every one of them. I often found them to be tedious, and usually left within the first few minutes of getting treated by people I barely knew. What about you? Did you have any balls at home? Or were you lucky enough to escape what I thought to be cruel and unusual torture." She let out a soft snicker at that before resuming her scared, skittish stance. She did, however, look shocked when I told her that I was a first year.
”Are you really that surprised that I’m a first year?”I asked curiously. After all, I didn’t think that anyone would mistake me for otherwise. Perhaps it was the insane amount of earrings that I wore. But that was just my personal preference. Or maybe it was the gothic clothing. I usually did look older than my age but I didn’t think I looked that old. I smiled again at her, which made her blush harder. I laughed, a soft chuckle, and she jumped before staring at me again. I stared straight back at her, my eyes softening.
Her brown eyes looked like hazelnuts I thought idly.

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Despite Viktoriya's obvious disinterest, her lack of input in the ongoing conversation seemed to only fuel the boy's determination, as a familiar expression darkened his face, one the young heiress knew far too well. A mix of longing, desire for revenge and anticipated satisfaction. One day. How often had she repeated that thought over and over, almost like a prayer, each time she was robbed of what was rightfully hers, each time Dmitry was crowned for things he never did, each time Mstislav would look down on her with that disappointed expression, each time guests laughed when she walked in, covered in dirt and bruises from endless hours spent wielding her sword. One day. She thought the day had come when their family crumbled to the ground, yet her rise through the ashes was still contested - she could see it in the mocking smiles of small aristocrats, or in the pitiful gaze of the highest circles. Yet she would prove them wrong, no matter how long it took. One day, they would be fucking crawling in their own blood. But today, she had to smile. Or not, as she glared at the toothpick-sized boy with animosity. Despite recognising the same hunger for power, it didn't meant they had similarities or even the same chances to rise to the top. Comical, if you ask me, to think this Puffskein imagines himself covered in gold. It appeared the world was scattered with those parasites with an imagination bigger than their own abilities, who thought themselves more clever than the lot despite not raising a single finger to genuinely try anything. It appeared her presence made him nervous - something she relished upon -, if she were to believe the nervous tapping of his hand against his leg. Hands that quickly raised, as he started ranting about the apparent reasons of his approach. Slightly tilting her head, Viktoriya's eyes were now reduced to slits, as she took in his rushed words. The honey-dripping compliments did nothing to ease her, and in fact only left her more suspicious. The silver haired girl had always had a curious reaction to praises, similar to a cornered feline - one could almost see her hair stands on end, ears tilted backward and a low hiss coming out of her throat. Yet she was in the civilised world, sadly, and the only conventional reaction she could have was narrowing her eyes. Which she did. "I would have," she said with a slow, amused smile, a single fang slipping past her lip, "but gracing a half-sized goblin with my attention felt like a rare act of charity... and frankly, more entertaining than simply standing around." Yet again with the flattery, this conversation was starting to get on her nerves. She regarded him with a tilt of her head, the ghost of a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. "Ambitious. Desperate, but ambitious." A pause, as she glared at the ticking clock - she was finally free of this frivolity - then back at him, an amused glimmer in her ice-cold eyes. "I wish you luck in that," she said at last, voice smooth and indifferent, "You'll need more than inspiration to matter." With that, she turned, shoes clinking softly on the floor as she headed towards the exit.

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“¿Qué chucha?What the hell?” Ariam muttered as they looked down at their drink for what has to be at least the fifth time. They were sure the drink this glass was spiked, it was the only explanation that made sense. The slightly out of place scent, the texture that was just a little off. But the question is why? Why would someone do this, what's the point of spinking the drinks at the spring ball of what is really just a school. There may be the children of some wealthy or powerful families here but even if the ill intent was against them this is far from the best way to do it. The best conclusion Ariam could settle on was just that someone was just insane, this is one’s form of twisted entertainment, and they just truly have nothing better to do.

This was only Ariam’s second ball, and the last one didn't exactly leave a good impression on them. Thinking back to that escape room last year, what happened to Acacia. That escape room just swallowed her up, dropping her through that trap door into who knows where. They still don’t know what exactly happened, why was Acacia the one that received that treatment? Was it just bad luck? Did the ball planners think it’d be a fun idea? To pick a random person and separate them from the rest of the group? Whatever it was Ariam didn’t know, they were just glad they got their friend back in one piece, despite the odd, overwhelming urge of escape that took over them towards the end. This is why Ariam didn’t choose to take part in that “twisted tavern” or whatever it was called, just another escape room, one that Ariam wants nothing to do with. Hopefully that one would go better then the one from last year, otherwise they would seriously consider the option of suggesting having the next ball at Castelobruxo, make use of their beautiful scenery and wonderful architecture. Ariam was never art inclined or interested in any field of art that was not music, but even they can tell the buildings at their school are works of art.

Taking a deep breath, Ariam set down their glass hoping that no one would take it. Not that they really care about someone taking it, they just don’t want some poor stranger getting affected by whatever was in that drink. This was when one of said strangers appeared. A foreign boy with a thick accent, one who seemed oddly eager to find someone to converse with. Ariam was still deep in thought when the boy spoke, they most likely would’ve noticed his presence earlier if they did not get caught up in memories of that attack on their way to the last ball. Too much happened then, too much. "Oh, yes I am. I only arrived not long ago." They spoke with a hint of surprise to their face, quick to replace it with a polite smile. “Your accent, I take that you are russian? I’m Ariam Vargas, second year student at Castelobruxo, pleased to meet your acquaintance.” Ariam said with a nod of their head, they spoke more formally then they would usually. Perhaps the environment of the ball is too similar to those business events their father would take them to at times. They adjusted their clothes, suddenly feeling a tad self-conscious about their choice of attire. Maybe they should have put more efforts into choose their clothes after all.

FINAL MODERATION ROUND

_{Image created using Bing AI.}

Spring. This work often sparked remembrance of many memories, depending upon the person and circumstances. However, the majority of the time, Spring was joyful. It meant the blossoms blooming, and birds chirping. It meant children giggling as they frolicked throughout the meadows, the thick scent of pollen in the air, causing many to sneeze as it wafted into their noses. It meant new life, as small fawns and chicks made their way into the sunlight, illuminating their homes.

Although rather niche, it also meant the Hogwarts Spring Ball was in full swing. The Spring Soirée, it was the reason for the Great Hall having been decorated from head to toe, and the children of many backgrounds and cultures were dressed up. It was the reason that new friends, acquaintances, and lovers were being connected, all via the unique experience of an annual dance. Food, drinks, music, decor and people. What else was important for the ball? The ball planners had taken their time with schedules and decor, trying to bring a vision to life. However, it wasn’t they who decided whether or not they had succeeded. Rather, it was the patrons, that attended. Those that took time out of their days to pay the Great Hall a visit, to inquire upon the occasion, and to have a good time.

There were the spiked drinks, which were scattered throughout the ballroom, as well as atop the beverage table. Still very much in commission, someone seemed to frown and place their drink back down as they slowly pieced together the foul play that had taken place. This was a common enough theme, with some grabbing safe drinks, some grabbing spiked drinks, and many simply living with dry throats. (@Ariam Vargas)

There was of course drama. The young heiress could do nothing but sneer as she held conversation. Perhaps she was in the wrong, perhaps the Part-Goblin had wronged her. Either way, she moved to stride out of the ballroom, accompanying the many who had departed prior. This was for a variety of reasons, of course. Some to visit the Garden of Eden, others to escape the Twisted Taverns. Whatever the reason, she was not the only one to have abandoned the Great Hall for some place more suited to their tastes. (@Viktoriya Petrovskaya)

Rolls:
Owl or DM me about any mistakes you may find.

Reducio

Spring Soirée Ball Rolls, Round 8

None!

OOC Note:

This is the final moderation for the Spring Soirée Ball. If you wish, you may continue to post here, however I will not be making any rolls for you, nor should you expect me to. Should you have any questions regarding performing your own rolls for any moderated actions you wish to take, feel free to contact me via owl or dm.

I would like to thank you all for your lovely posts, as I have enjoyed reading every single one of them. The creativity and support of this community knows no bounds, and I am forever grateful and delighted to have the opportunity to read through so many wonderful stories.

I would also like to thank the remainder of the Ball Planners, @Meiyu Xiang, @Aston Beckett, and @Lyanna Oak. You all have been fantastic to work with and I am truly honored to have been able to take part in this journey alongside you guys. Thank you so much for the understanding you all have provided me, and for the smiles and laughter that have come at all of your expense. You guys have been the very best, and this is a bittersweet end to this project, one that I am incredibly happy to have taken part in.

Reducio

_{Image generated by Bing AI.}

Upon entrance into The Spring Soirée, each player will receive a "dance card", a RP opportunity for players to engage with. Within the dance card, names of whom your character dances with must be recorded, beware of prying eyes should their names not be found within the dance card and they are dancing with your player, as this would be the most scandalous thing to do.

NOTE: The inclusion of dance cards is solely for a RP opportunity, you are not obliged to comply with this, but should you mention it, please ensure the character your character dances with, was included in the dance card.

OOC Information
Welcome to the Spring Soirée!

1. To participate, you must be indexed. If you are not indexed yet, please apply here.
2. Moderation will occur every week, or about 168 hours.
3. Your character is allowed one moderated action per round. Please specify your moderated action somewhere OOC in your post.

Reducio

Moderated actions are actions that require rolls, like casting a spell on someone, physically fighting (like punching) with someone, surprising someone, etc. Rolls are not needed for pre-decided or consented actions, like asking someone for a dance.

4. Please include your abilities and stats in each post you make.
5. There are two other threads that are part of the Spring Ball, The Garden of Eden and The Twisted Tavern. You can directly enter the other threads if you have signed up for The Twisted Tavern or wish to participate in the main event, The Spring Soirée, but if you have already posted here, please specify that you are leaving this thread for either one of the other two, as your character cannot be in two places at once.
6. Please follow all usual H.io rules.
7. Enjoy the ball!

The smile on her face could've lit the whole room, it was so bright. Her heart fluttered in her chest as he wrapped his arms around her, her face comfortably squished into his chest. She turned her head up to look at him, her smile growing even bigger when she saw his cheeks were the same flushed red as hers. She couldn't believe it, they were finally on an actual date, they were at a dance, and they were together.

"I missed you too," she whispered back, although they had seen each other the other day. Haven wasn't looking forward to when he'd have to go back, and they'd be an ocean apart once again. "I like your eyeliner." She had to soak up all the time she could, gazing into those perfect blue eyes, enjoying his tender embrace.

They could've spent the entire ball just like that and Haven would have been perfectly content, but after a moment, he pulled back a little, her eyes meeting his, Cyrus' hand extended outward. It was like her heart stopped for a moment, her eyes quickly glancing between his hand and staring back in his eyes. Was he really asking her??

Her suspicions were confirmed after only a minute more, the girl bouncing on her toes, unable to stop the giddiness from seeping out her limbs. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes!" She was practically jumping at this point as she wrapped her arms around his neck in excitement, stepping back after a moment to allow him to write his name on the dance card around her wrist, her blush only growing once he finished, gently taking her hand in his.

Haven gave his hand a little squeeze, her feet doing excited little taps as he pulled her in closer to dance, hand resting respectably at her waist. Now Haven, who tripped over her own feet on the regular, was trying her best to keep up- Cyrus at least had some semblance of knowing what they were doing, leading them in a simple waltz. She was torn between looking at her feet, ensuring she knew where she was going and where her feet were, and looking at his eyes and the smile that spread across his face as they danced. He was steady, ensuring she didn't fall even when her foot caught his ankle as she forgot the pattern, too lost in those ocean-blue eyes.

All too soon, the song came to an end. The hall was noticeably emptier now, students starting to clear out as the night dragged on, but Haven was far from ready for it to end, especially when they had just found each other. She stood on her tiptoes so she could whisper into his ear: "go outside with me?"

@Cyrus Darsel

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banner by Prat Pass

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__◇ IC Date: 11 April, 2025

Speech: #1d5758 ◇ __

__◇ Thoughts: Italic	Mentions: @Nyx Blackheart ◇__
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At least the orange juice was just orange juice and nothing else. Elisa brought the cup to her lips again and savoured the fresh, prickly sensation on her tongue. She swallowed, then put the cup down again.

So Nyx was surely pureblood, if her family held balls. Elisa had attended only one, and it hadn't left her with a very good impression of them. She had been too young to remember much, but she what she remembered was that the ball had involved a lot of fancy small talk, curtsies and heavy dresses.

She was surprised at how old-fashioned the wizarding world looked like when being compared with the Muggle one. Being a child of both worlds, Elisa marvelled at the things Muggles invented to make their magic-less life easier - and was even more surprised when a lot of the Muggle things seemed to be more practical. Say, one didn't have to cast a spell for light - Muggles had a switch on the wall.

If pureblood wizards liked hosting balls even nowadays, Muggles had long left those fancy-dressed dances in history books.

"I've been to one when I was little," Elisa replied pensively, "though I have to admit I didn't particularly enjoy myself..."

So this was Nyx's first Hogwarts ball. And she was a first year. With quite some sense of fashion, Elisa thought, grinning innerly. What a queer friend she'd just met.