Closed Fall Ball 2023 Candle-Lit Banquet

Note: Feel free to be auto-hit, to auto-dodge, or let the mod roll it to determine the success. There was no note that you were closed to interaction, if there should be, please just write such at the bottom of all your ball posts because I am using them to roll for interactions.

Dialogue: #03733b

@Landon Matthews

@Madison Bennett

@Alyssea Brown

@Helena Rose

Friday, October the 6th, 2023

It was Friday, and today was the day the Festival of Lights would be held. I came to my dorm after classes ended and took a quick shower to get ready for the upcoming ball and styled my hair for the ball. But this was right after classes, so it was still going to be a few hours before the ball started. I dressed up in some casual clothing and talked to some guys in the dorm to pass time, but once the clock hit six o’clock, I left the conversation and went away to get dressed. First, I went to one of my suitcases from which I took out the suit that my father and I had bought in August for any upcoming balls during this year. Next, I put on my white shirt, and then I put on my socks and a pair of black slacks. I then slid a belt through the belt loops of my slacks before putting on my black bow tie and then my dress shoes. After that, I put on my black watch that I always wore. Once I finished putting it on, I took a moment to look at it, to admire how good it looked. The way it looked was actually one of the reasons I bought this one and not the other ones. After a moment, I stopped looking at my watch and put on my jacket before leaving my dorm.

I waited in the Common Room for a long time before I saw Alyssea rushing in from outside. In fact, it was already 6:51 on my watch when I checked the time there. At least now I didn’t have to wait much longer for her to be ready. When Alyssea came back into the Common Room, she was wearing a dress so I assumed that that meant that she was ready to go, so I raised my hand up as I said “Alyssea!” The girl in question turned to face me and she started walking towards me. I looked over her as she did so, and once she had finished coming over, I said “Hey Alyssea, it’s good to be seeing you again.” As we began going to the ball, I continued. “You know, I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful you look, even with the seemingly minimal amount of makeup on. And thank you for helping prepare tonight’s ball, I’m sure everything looks fantastic.”

When we came to the Great Lake, which was the location of the ball, I took a look around. I had been in this area before many times, especially in the morning, but there weren’t many changes aside from some tables with food and… something I couldn’t identify from this distance on them. I turned to Alyssea to ask her about it, but at this very moment, she saw someone she knew, someone named Madi based on what Alyssea called them, and before I had a chance to say anything, Alyssea had already gone running to her friend. I strolled over to the two; after all, the two had immediately begun conversing, so there was no need to rush. As I got closer, I heard Madi saying “…maybe we should go say hi.” And then Alyssea proceeded to introduce the person they were talking about as Helena, and the guy beside her as Landon. And then she too, proposed that we should go over to say hi.

“Sure, why not?” I said. After all, these balls were meant for us to socialize and meet others, right? Madi also agreed to go, and so, we went together as a group towards Helena and Landon who happened to be sitting at a table together. At this distance, I was close enough to see that the unrecognizable stuff on one of the tables was arts and crafts supplies, maybe for making lanterns by the looks of some of it. What brought my attention back to the group was Madi introducing herself as Madison Bennett. Helena greeted her back right after and then Landon complimented Alyssea and Madison’s dresses, saying that they did a great job choosing them, and personally, I agreed. It was then that I decided to introduce myself so that everyone in the group would know who I was. “Hey guys.” I said. “My name is Rodney Hughes and I’m just Alyssea’s date to the ball, but I would like to say that I completely agree with Landon, you guys look very pretty.” Even though Landon only addressed Madison and Alyssea, I addressed everyone, including Helena, because looking at them, that was simply the truth.

F I N N E G A Nx⳧xC O N N E R

☙ Fall Ball, 1st of September 2023 ❧

He couldn't recall exactly why he had said yes to @Hannah Blossom's invitation. On the way to the ball, he'd told himself it was because she'd seemed quite keen and he hadn't want to hurt her feelings, but that was only half true. Perhaps it was because they shared some common ground, both 2nd years, both Gryffindors, both chasers on the Quidditch team. Or perhaps it was because he didn't quite know her well enough yet to call her a friend, but was eager to learn more about her.

Or maybe it was because they'd been on a rather dangerous adventure together and lived to tell the tale.

Well, figuratively at least. The truth was that they couldn't tell anyone about the dangers they'd endured that day in the storm. If that got out and reached a Professor's ear, they would at the very least get a talking to for their recklessness, and probably extra assignments or even a detention to boot. Pity, it had been quite a good adventure, one he occasionally liked to remind Hannah about when they happened to be seated next to each other in class.

Come to think of it, that had been happening rather often lately. She kind of seemed to hang more around him, or perhaps he just hadn't paid her as much mind before. That wasn't a mistake he'd make again, she had made sure of that. While he had just thrown on his least wrinkled clothes and had spent a total of five seconds trying to get his hair to stay down, she had clearly put some thought and effort into her dress. It had taken him aback a little and made him feel a bit bad in comparison, but those feelings had all but melted away by the time they'd made it to the ball together. People dressed in all kinds of clothes and honestly, some of the more extravagant ones just made him feel like he had at least dressed somewhat sanely.

"Is that..." he'd held Hannah's hand on their way in, just a friendly gesture, but let go of it now. "Is that White by the table over by there?"

He didn't really wait for Hannah to answer him. Surely she would recognize the name. The seventh year Quidditch captain was one that was often mentioned among the younger players with appropriate levels of fear, awe, and admiration. Second years and seventh years didn't often mingle and there was rarely an opportunity to talk to one, busy as they were with graduating. Shame, because there was probably a lot that could be learned from them. "You know," he started, sounding more than a little mischievous. "I'm thinking we should get him drunk, make him spill Hufflepuff's tactics, look, he's already getting started on some punch."

He took Hannah's hand again, half dragging her after him as he made his way through the crowd to approach @Howard White. Talking to Howard had the added benefit of lowering his odds of finding himself on the dance floor which he so loathed, so he didn't really bother to consult Hannah on what she thought of his impromptu plan.

"Hey Howard," he tried to sound casually as he stepped up to the seventh year. "Nice robes, very shiny. Last year on the team, huh?" He feigned interest in the bowl of punch for a second before resuming his idle chatter, "I was wondering, since you're going to leave soon... maybe you got some advice you can share? I'd really like to not lose every game this year, and everyone knows Hufflepuff is the best team, so..." A little genuine flattery probably didn't hurt his chances of getting some information out of the seventh year student.

Stamina 10 ✶ Evasion 10 ✶ Strength 2 ✶ Wisdom 3 ✶ Arcane Power 5 ✶ Accuracy 10

Interacting with: Howard White, Hannah Blossom

Date and Time: October 6th 2023 7pm

Interacting with: @Alyssea Brown,@Helena Rose,@Landon Matthews and@Rodney Hughes

Outfit: Dress Shoes Hairstyle

Madison smiled back at Helena's compliment about her dress and giggled "thank you Helena and I hope we can enjoy the ball together too" she said, as she noticed more students arrive at the banquet. She spotted the captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch Team, something Madison joined at the beginning of the year as a second string Chaser, along with a lot of other people she didn't know, but had heard of around the school.

Madi smiled at both Landon and Rodney's compliments as well, "Thanks guys, I've been to a few balls before so I had a few dresses up my sleeve, but I think everyone looks great, let's just hope the music's good so that we all get to dance" Madi said.

Madi soon made her way to the punch table as she felt herself getting thirsty, but she tapped Helena on the shoulder before walking over there and smiled "I'm just going to get some punch Helena, would you like to join me?" Madi asked and they soon made their way over to the punch table together. After pouring some punch for herself and Helena, Madi handed Helena her cup and smiled at her, taking a sip from her own cup. After moving away slightly from the table so that others could get some too, Madi started talking with Helena to get to know her better."So Helena, how are you liking Hogwarts so far and what are your favourite subjects?" Madi asked as she took another sip of her punch.

Madison loved Herbology and Flying as her favourite subjects, though she liked most of her classes. Helena seemed very sweet, though a little shy but that was to expected by Madison from a first year at a big party like this. As Madi listened to her responses, she smiled "that's cool, I love potions too, though I have to say Herbology and Flying are two I enjoy a lot. I'm glad you're enjoying Hogwarts so far, though. So where do you and your family live?" Madison asked, wanting to get to know her more.

Madison almost felt sisterly to the first year, she seemed to carry herself well though. Madison kept her back straight and posture right, she knew from the kind of upbringing she had and the kind of mother she had, that at social events and especially one where she is wearing such a nice dress, keeping good posture was important.

Madison noticed the way in which Helena carried herself too, even when they were walking to the punch table, though Madison didn't say anything, she wanted to let Helena come out of her shell to Madison in her own time, so she stood with her, smiled and occasionally drank the punch in her cup, her long blonde hair gently flowing with the breeze.

Note for admin

Reducio

Discussed actions in this post with Helena Rose's writer prior to writing this post

The odds very much were against @Vladimir Athanatos this evening as nothing short of a freight train crashing through the woods would pull Howard's attention away from @Bloom Silverton. He of course had caught her scent before she came up behind him, but he remained turned towards the table as she approached. Howard followed her lead as she grabbed his arm and turned him to present herself. His crimson orbs popped with a bit of a surprise as he looked her over. Not only did her yellow dress match his robe perfectly, but it was a color he had never seen her wear in this way before. Really a potato sack would have looked good on her with how enamored he was by Bloom, but tonight she really did looked a dream.

It took Howard a moment to answer as one of the straps on Bloom's dress slipped when she spun. Forget the memories of their last Fall Ball! Every fiber of his being burned to run off with her right then and there, but with a breath he would calm himself. Bloom would most likely recognize the look, but there would be time for that later. "You look amazing, love. Knew you were a true Hufflepuff this whole time!" He couldn't help but to tease her. A playful jab was just their way of showing affection. "But seriously, Bloom, you look stunning. Do you like my new robe?" Howard held his hand out to draw her back towards him. If she accepted he would bring her close before presenting a glass of punch.

"Doesn't seem spiked...yet!" He continued the play with a wink and a big smile. A free hand would slip into his robe a present a silver flask. "Spot of fire whiskey?" Howard offered. He took a swig himself and Bloom could follow suit or mix it the punch if she wanted to. Just as he was about to see what Bloom wanted to do next another voice would call for his attention.

Howard's keen eyes would focus in on @Finnegan Conner and @Hannah Blossom as the pair approached. He knew them from Quidditch, but had never really interacted with them outside of that. "Hey Finnegan, Hannah." He offered a smile in greeting. "Why thank you." Howard did a silly curtsy as the younger lad complimented his new robe. "This is my girl, Bloom. You may know her from Ravenclaw broom racing." Who knew what else they had in common, but it seemed natural that Quidditch and brooms would be the first topic brought up.

"Just takes a lot of work really. Seems like Pax and Ethan have put together a good squad. I mean, we lost every game year before last, but we stuck it out and got people in the right spot and then it just clicked. As far as being a Chaser, just work on your accuracy. Practice your passes until you can connect with your eyes closed. Should help keep you on the broom a bit longer." Howard couldn't help but to spout off on his most favorite subject, but a fresh whiff of Bloom's scent would bring him back to the present. "It's also important to put it out of your mind from time to time. Especially when we are all dressed up so nicely." His crimson eyes would flash over to Hannah for a moment as he wondered if a romance was brewing. If so, perhaps a bit of dancing would help spark the fire.

"What do you say, Bloom?" Howard turned his attention back to his girlfriend. "More refreshments or should we cut a rug? You two should join us!"

Kat speaking English - x
Kat speaking Russian - x

@Hera Green

october 6th 2023; interacting with @Rodney Hughes,@Madison Bennett, @Helena Rose, and @Landon Matthews

Outfit Reducio

Alyssea blushed at the compliments both from Rodney and Landon. While Rodney was her date and Landon was her 'history buddy', as they called it, she had no romantic feelings towards either of them. Compliments were still a nice treat. Dramatically, Alyssea picked up her skirt and bowed to the group. "Thank you. I'll give credit to Madi for this, since she helped me pick my dress. Nobody told me picking an outfit was hard."

Upon hearing the comment about Madison's heels, Alyssea looked down at hers and smiled. "We're really twinning."

Introductions were easy since Madison and Rodney were outgoing (or, at least, seemed like they were) people. Helena and Landon were the shy ones and Alyssea was the middle ground. Well-balanced.

Alyssea's eyes scanned around the place. It was still slow and people were mingling in their own groups. Good. At least the ball wasn't on fire, yet. However, she did catch a guy trying to spill a drink on some girl's dress. Alyssea bit her tongue. It wasn't her conflict to resolve.

By the time Alyssea turned back to the group, Helena and Madison had gone off to do their own thing. Alyssea turned to Rodney. "The suit looks good on you." She struggled to compliment guys mostly because it could be taken the wrong way, but she didn't want to stop herself from saying a fact.

Of course, she couldn't forget her history buddy. Alyssea turned to Landon and said, "Your choice of a suit is also nice."

Flynn was only admiring the delicious spread of cauldron cakes when he was startled by a voice emitting from behind him.

"Where did you- Why did you leave? Without me? I was waiting for you"

As Flynn slowly turned around, eyes fixed open as the sting of guilt quivered down his spine as he faced the music that presented itself in the form of a unimpressed Hermione standing in front of him, as she let out a light sigh she finished her sentence "Anyway, were you going to try some of this?"

The words had barely filtered into his ears as he was absolutely floored by the girl in front of him. His mouth hung agape as he took a few seconds to admire everything that lay before him, she now stood nearer to eye level with him as he gave her a look up and down, a beautifully flow-y almost fairy like dress who's baby blue veil cast a welcome contrast on the surrounding warm colours, a matching cloak adorned her shoulders as her outfit seemed to sway and dance the more Flynn looked, Flynn had wondered if he had met a Veela as the small lights emitting from her dress ascended the look into something heavenly. This girl really knew how to be the main attraction. Flynn had suddenly felt very underdressed in even his best robes, as the allure of his first look at her lifted slightly the cogs started to turn to formulate a response.

"HERMIONE! oh no I am so sorry, I hadn't seen you all day, you weren't in the commons- right?" he was stumbling more then a baby giraffe "I hadn't seen you- I am so so so so sorry" Flynn's mind had begun to misfire as the cocktail of astonishment and guilt was a new combination for him, As the girl stood there majestically waiting for a proper response to her question Flynn reset himself with a deep breath out and a quick adjustment of his posture, after regaining his scattered composure he finally decided to articulate a proper response.

"you look absolutely stunning, I- wow, that is just wow" Flynn was finally able to take a look at her hair that seemed to fall effortlessly over her shoulders "and your hair as well, I don't think I can find the right string of words to fully describe it, I'm really surprised I'm the guy lucky enough to go with you, just wow" he found himself scratching the back of his neck in amazement, wait, what was he saying, no Hermione didn't need him to tell her how amazing she looked surely she's already heard it plenty of times by now. No she asked another question, what was it.

"I- sorry, about the food, I wasn't planning on it grabbing something right now but if you wanted to we can" as he casted a glance at the sky still painted with the vibrant colours of the day "it looks a little to early for lanterns but we can always do something else if you wanted" even through the remnants of what little composure he had gathered Flynn could tell he couldn't physically hold back his astonishment for the girl before him and he was fixated on her as all the colours behind her seemed to melt into one warm background to highlight the elegance of her dress.

Interacting with @Harmony Hollins