Virtanen Yule Ball 2022 PV Guest List

They were late. It took a bit of planning and some expected delays to travel across continents. First, a floo from the Zuheir Manor in Virginia to the international transport centre in New York, where they used a cabinet to port in Scandinavia, Norway. Before taking another floo to the Virtanen's place. The Virtanens were close family friends, and of course, the Zuheirs would accept their invitation. Even if the Zuheir matriarch had only come to escort and give her regards personally but could not afford to stay too long with far too many matters concerning the family's busy business at this period.

"Took long enough," Hadrian mumbled under his breath. He was second to go through the floo, right after Heinrich. His dark brown eyes scanned the area, taking in the exquisite set-up of the event. Shortly, his mother would appear in a dress as regal as always. "Come on, hurry up, let us greet the Virtanens and I should be headed off," Zehera said as she ushered the teens along with a wave of her hand. However, Heinrich seemed to have his own plans. Habits that were hard to rid him of, the lanky boy would take a sniff of the air, eyes now with unwavering determination, he separated. Likely in search of his dearest sister.

There at the furthest table up front, the two would approach. Zehera would speak, a cordial smile and voice pitched, "Hilja, Jarno. How wonderful it is to see you again..." Their voices all but faded into the background, Hadrian would not heed his attention to their bit of conversation for too long instead, turning towards where a familiar girl dressed in a pretty cream dress set. Right by another, none other than the Ilvermorny champion himself. Hadrian harboured some resentment towards the younger boy, and his reasons were fair, in his opinion.

In a nod, he'd give a short congratulations to the Virtanen Heir, two years his senior. He barely acknowledged Miles Thatcher as he greeted Opeila. "And to you too, Opeila. I must say you look lovely tonight." A hand extended for hers if she allowed and gave a brief kiss on the back of her hand. "Congratulations on your betrothal. An intercountry arrangement is quite an exciting prospect for your family, I'd reckon." Of course, such arrangements were always for the family's benefit, regardless if it weren't in the best interests of the main ones involved.

Then he'd ask, "Wanna take to the dancefloor for a spin, Miss @Opeila Winters?" The appropriateness of such a request in an event full of purebloods was questionable. He was betrothed, and so was Opeila. Yet the relationship of family friends that the Zuheirs and Virtanens had between them would make it less so, perhaps.

Opeila sat still for a while after the unexpected announcement, hectically thinking of a reaction. For at least a moment, surely a lot of eyes were looking to her and Miles and Opeila failed to keep her face under control, that was frozen in an expression of shock. There were people she knew here. Classmates, people from lower years and seniors too. What did this mean for her time at Hogwarts? Did it mean anything?

While she was still frozen in her seat, the party began. Guests turned back to their private conversations, some entered the dancefloor. Life moved on and Opeila sat still. She didn't even dare to look at Miles. "Opeila" Lysander nudged her. "Dance with him." Opeila stared at her adopted brother for a few seconds then shook her head. "No", she whispered back. "You are making this really awkward-" "I am making it awkward? Who just made an announcement about my future without so much as letting me know beforehand, let alone ask my permission?", she interrupted him, "So please stop telling me what to do now."

Her expression became more polite when a group of late arrivals approached the table to greet and congratulate them. While Hilja and Jarno engaged in a formally friendly exchange with the woman, the young man who Opeila recognized as Aurelia's betrothed, Hadrian. Was it her or had he changed since they last met? He had to be... 16 now?... and no longer looked like a young boy so much.
The Slytherin managed a short nod at his congratulations, trying not to feel awkward about the handkiss. By now she was used to a lot of seemingly old-fashioned ways in pureblood society, but this wasn't one of them yet. "Indeed. Thank you."

What she could understand however was, that his next question was rather inappropriate for him to ask. For a second, Opeila considered declining. After being pulled into the center of attention against her will, the thought of stepping onto the dancefloor made her quite uncomfortable, but a glance to Lysander, whose expression had unmistakably tensed, changed her mind. With a smile, Opeila would take the hand he offered. "I would love to."

Aurelia had grown to be self-aware enough to know the effect she had on others around her. A factor she used to her advantage more often than not. It was unlikely anything to the extent of what she felt around those of veela heritage but merely of impressionable pliant adolescents to a rather enthralling visage. "My intended party is traversing all the way from America, they're expected to arrive anytime soon, until then, I do hope so. " The Notresvace Heir replied. The change in the boy's expression did not go unnoticed, he was jealous, for sure. It was quite amusing to witness how his eyes narrowed in scepticism towards her french friend, a perturbed scowl appearing before returning to the sparkle of a smile as soon as he met her gaze again. "Jealous much? I wouldn't mind taking on a few more friends." She teased.

At the mention of the Ravenclaw girl, however, her lips twisted in a brief frown before they pursed together, displeased. Phaedra Stavrou. During the last weeks of summer break, she embedded quite the impression. And it was not just with the fire she conjured her way - quite a force to reckon with in regards to her arcane prowess, indisputably so. It was no surprise that the editor-in-chief of the school paper and cousin of her boyfriend was the first to uncover the truth, much less make an attempt to demolish it in her liberty. They were more than content during the Spring and Summer, but then came Autumn when he returned to Hogwarts, he dared not even acknowledge her in public for the matter. Wary of scrutiny that may come. To Aurelia, Phaedra had ravaged her first relationship.

"Speaking of the devil," Aurelia mumbled under her breath as that very Ravenclaw girl whom they spoke of approached with plate full of food in hand as she returned to her seat. Compelled by the expected appropriateness in such a place, event and the company of other aristocratic purebloods around, she greeted with a smile no doubt feigned,"Evening, Phaedra." Aurelia's gaze wandered off. blue hues scanning the area in an eager search for just that person. One by one, the other Stavrou members reassembled at the table, including a sweet young girl who she knew to be dearest sister, Constance. Till there was just one left. The pretty blonde boy was, for a fact, in a seat that was not designated to him but to a very special someone. Lys.

The Durmstrang duellist spoke about his family on holiday in a now reluctant conversation. They were perhaps too far in for her to run off. Yet, Aurelia wasn't heartless, she empathised. Seeing the boy distraught at his own words. Both parents and siblings abandoned him to take a holiday while leaving him to do their errands. "Hey, for what's worth, at least you're here-" However, Milosh would never get to hear what she had to say as the young woman was interrupted. "Lia!" The voice rang, one all too familiar. Heinrich. Beaming, Aurelia stood up from her seat and turned around to the lanky taller boy, whom she immediately embraced in a tight hug. Milosh was cast aside momentarily and forgotten.

When they pulled away, Aurelia held him at arm's length. "Don't tell me you grew taller." The seventeen-year-old sulked. It was about the beginning of August when she last saw her brother. They've exchanged letters through the months, but it wasn't anything close to physical presence. But if Heinrich was present, it would only mean that her betrothed was here, where ever he was within these four walls, much to her chagrin and unease of the situation sharing a table with the Stavrous of all families. Speaking about betrothals, "You can sit next to me. The Millers should be arriving soon." To save her from the awkward dilemma that was the seating plan.

Soon was apparently just in a few seconds as the Millers appeared. The family were close to theirs with their most recent arrangements. Aurelia would greet them cordially as they found their seats, nudging Heinrich to do the same, albeit nervously avoiding eye contact. Regina was the last of the Millers at the table, greeting Aurelia. "R-Regina, you look quite beautiful tonight." The ex-Hufflepuff stuttered, complimenting the Gryffindor. Did he just compliment the wrong Miller daughter? Her eyebrow rose quizzically.

FRENCH 374a5c
GERMAN 586336

After a brief interaction with Miles, Andy returned to her parents` side and stood quietly beside his parents as he noticed more guests began to arrive at the Yule Ball. The shy Thunderbird was too nervous to interact with the large number of new people here at the ball, so he just waited quietly by his parents` side for the ball to start and decided not to say anything unless someone else began to talk to him. And guess what? The brief period of silence was disturbed by a women Andy had never seen before trying to talk to his family, his mum specifically.

The unfamiliar women, introducing herself as Melanie De Fostoncy, probably from France, firstly praised Andy`s mum for being lovely tonight and saying she has a handsome son, then asked how old Andy was. "It`s just some nice and short interaction, probably not a threat. I just wonder why Ms. De Fostoncy picked my family to interact with among all those people and families attending the party. Maybe they are just standing nearest to our family? Who knows, let my mum do the talking then. Thankfully Ms. De Fostoncy is talking to my mum, not me." The shy Thunderbird thought.

"Thanks, Ms. De Fostoncy! You look gorgeous tonight too, and you son is also looking handsome. My son Andy is 13 this year, and I guess your son is also around the same age?" Andy`s mother Alice replied, before turning to Andy who was just standing beside him, "Go on, Andy, say hi to Ms. De Fostoncy."

Again, that kind of nervous interaction. Andy just hates interacting with adults, the Second Year Thunderbird would rather meet up with his friends or students around his age then saying hi to adults just for the sake of politeness. However, the Thunderbird did not want to let his mother down, so with a faked nervous smile, he waved slightly and spoke with a low voice, "Hi, Ms. De Fostoncy. I`m Andy, fancy seeing you."

Andy felt his face blushed, so after that awkward interaction, he whispered to his mum that he wanted to be seated and start to eat some dinner. His mum quickly understood his point, so she quickly apologized to Ms. De Fostoncy saying her son is quite shy and did not like that kind of interaction. After that, the rest of the Mentons quickly returned to their seats and began to devour the delicious food on the dinner table. After a day of travelling, the family was certainly tired and hungry, so they wanted to do nothing but eat, unless someone else began to talk to them.
Interacting with: @Lindsey Springhall

Reducio

Sorry for late reply, extended hiatus due to family issues.

There was a slight bit of hesitation in getting his answer. Opeila's glanced towards the Durmstrang graduate, whose look returned was far off from a sign of approval. Of course, the younger girl would have been assigned a chaperone, as was expected at such a pureblood function like this one. Perhaps he had stepped out of line, he could always brush it off. Surprisingly, despite the disapproval of her older brother, Opeila turned back to him, the corner of her lips tilting upwards into a pleasant smile. Taking his hand, she accepted his invitation to the dance floor.

The tall American led her to the centre of the ballroom, where they got into position with his right arm around her waist and his hand grasping hers. Feet moving in a temperate sway of a waltz, they danced. "Are you just another pretty girl who can't say no to a dance with a hot guy, or did you abide simply to piss someone off? Your brother didn't look too pleased." He'd ask snarkily as they moved in unison to atmospheric music. His right hand would bring the girl's hand above and around her head, cueing Opeila to a twirl. "Having fun tonight?"

At last, the sturdy young man would conclude their dance with a dip, his left leg extending in front of him, knee bending with his hand securely on the small of her back as he lowered Opeila in quite a dramatic fashion. "Would you like to get a drink, or is your dance card full for the evening?" He'd glanced at the girl's betrothed, cocking his chin at Thatcher. Leading her away from the centre of the dance floor, he grabbed two short-stemmed glasses of brandy. Holding one out, if Opeila reached for it, his arm would retract away. "Wait, and how old are you?"

Opeila would follow Hadrian to the dancefloor, feeling a little more uneasy than she let on. Spiting Lysander was one thing, a small triumph at times, as it wouldn't reach her guardians most of the time. Oh, she was sure to hear from them about this after tonight. Deliberately looking away from the head table, the young Slytherin turned to face her dancing partner and placed her left hand on his shoulder.

Opeila was quite a fine dancer, always had been. Her father and in particular Lady Margary had made sure that she knew some basic dances and Opeila had practiced them enough to never forget what she learned. Effortless she would mirror Hadrian's steps while trying to keep her nervousness out of her face. Hadrian's question came unexpected but appreciated, a welcome distraction.

A smirk crossed her features and she tilted her head to look at him, amused. "Maybe I'm both? Would that be wrong?" Immediately picking up the cue, Opeila twirled. Only when he asked if she was having fun, she didn't answer immediately. She didn't know Hadrian. Not that well anyway. Her guardians would expect her to answer that questions with 'yes' immediately, a polite question that required a polite answer. "It is a nice party." Vague enough without lying, she supposed.

Only when Hadrian ended their dance with a dip, Opeila tensed just a little- for some reason she had never quite liked the loss of balance and control. "A drink sounds nice." She would not follow his glance, having an idea who he was looking at. "I have time."
His extended arm was retracted just as she was about to take the glass, followed by a question regarding her age.

"What a question to ask a woman." Opeila glared at him with playful annoyance. "I am 15." ... Almost. Three months away was close enough, wasn't it?
... What even was going on? Those who knew her better would likely be able to identify her behavior as a means to cover up how nervous she actually was. Opeila did have her silly moments at times, but this... no, this was something else. Her eyes were darting through the room, quickly looking away if they met Hadrian's gaze.

Code by - HHC

𝔬𝔬𝔠 𝔫𝔬𝔱𝔢𝔰 ---- Permission from Kim to godmod him catching Cynthia. The couples are NPCs. Also apologies for the delay and not-the-best quality writing

:Mentioned @Kim Sato

Whatever the laws were in Finland, the American wouldn’t offer a drink to a fifteen year old, at least not in the presence of older purebloods around. While Opeila could have lied about her age, the virtuous young woman didn’t. Quite an impression would he have offset had she not told the truth - offering a drink to a minor was certainly looked down upon. “More for me then.” With a smirk on his lips and a nonchalant shrug he poured the content of one glass of brandy into another, setting down the now empty second glass in his hand.

Opeila’s azure gaze never met his, instead wandering in a frenzy across the room. Either she was bored or flustered, Hadrian wasn’t great at reading the complex behaviours of girls. He’d glanced towards his assigned table. All the families have arrived, Zayera taken her leave. But Hadrian wasn’t quite ready to deal with that problem just yet, especially with that stalker Ravenclaw Stavrou already at the table. Instead, he’d turn back to Opeila.

“I’m going to take a walk around the outside of the castle. Care to show me around, love? You’d know the place better than I do.”

Credits to @Kim Sato for the lovely Banner.

Date: 24 Dec 2022

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Dylan had thought it would be great to see what things there were to do when he was not at home. Otherwise he would have missed this party. Well he was glad that he had decided to come to this party. He smiled as he walked in. He had dressed for the occasion properly, following the dress code that he was told. Dylan hardly ever didn't follow what was told. He was a good boy.

Dylan was happy that he had decided to come here to this ball. Despite being in different schools, Damion and Dylan had gotten to spend some time together. He loved learning about magic. He smiled as he let the thoughts of school and his adventures there pass him by. He didn't want to think of that at all.

He was sitting on a table near by as he glanced around the room. Hustle bustle was going on. Dylan was trying to avoid getting into someone's way. He was not trying to be rude and bump into people. That kind of thing could possibly happen. So well to avoid that he had taken a seat. And moreover people here were somewhat unknown to him. He had not made many friends yet. And he assumed most of the people there were from Hogwarts. He was just lost in his own thoughts when he heard a voice. He turned towards the voice and smiled. "Good evening!" He said softly and with a smile. "Oh I would love to dance with you. My name's Dylan." Dylan said introducing himself to her. He stretched his hand for her to hold. "May I?" He said with his hand still stretched.

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Tag: @Eun-ji Lee Hunt
Words: 279
Outfit: HERE
Notes: So sorry for the delay.