Closed Fall Ball 2023 Candle-Lit Banquet

Date and Time: October 6th 2023 7pm

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

Outfit: Dress Shoes Hairstyle

Madison had heard of the Rose family before, she used to walk by the company shop with her dad sometimes, though she never went inside. "Well, if you ever need a hand with anything at Hogwarts, just let me know, I can be like an older sister to you, if you want that of course. Just someone you can come to if you need advice or help" Madison said, feeling quiet nurturing of the younger student. "It's alright Helena, if you stay close to me you'll be just fine ok?" Madison said with a gentle smile.

Madison also noticed that Helena was looking around a lot and seemed quite nervous, so she smiled at her gently and nodded towards where their group is. "Why don't we go somewhere and chat for a bit, I'm sure we will see them later on as the ball progresses" Madison said with a reassuring smile, walking over towards where Helena was.

Madison placed a gentle hand on Helena's shoulder and guided her out of the way of some older students, "It's getting a bit crowded over here, why don't we move somewhere else, maybe somewhere that's not as noisy or crowded, looks like the others left us" she said, trying to keep the young first year calm and collected. Madison knew what it was like to be nervous, so therefore she wanted to do her best to help Helena realise that Landon would be just fine, since he was most likely still with Rodney and Alyssea, last time she saw them before she'd left with Helena to get some punch.

Once Madison and Helena had found somewhere to sit with less people surrounding them, Madison relaxed and smiled at Helena, placing a plate of food for them to share on the table in front of where they were sitting. Madison saw the stars in the sky and smiled, eating one of the Apple and Red Currant tarts shaped like a lantern. "So Helena, do you like Quidditch? If so, do you prefer watching or playing?" Madison asked with a sweet smile, finishing the tart with no mess made

Interacting with

Reducio

RP Date October 6, 2023 Speech Reducio "English Speech" °Japanese° 'Thoughts'

Outfit/s Reducio Hair Reducio Dress Reducio Shoes Reducio Items: Wand, book, Post date October 10, 2023 (4:33 pm)

Ara got dressed and went to the Great Hall to get her hair done by Catherine, her sister. Ara was in awe of Catherine's beauty in her orange dress. Although Ara herself was in a gorgeous brown dress. Cath made Ara's paper straight hair wavy while her own hair was curly and in a half-updo.

Ara went to the Great Lake and waited for her cousin Kanae to come while Cath waited for her date on the stairs going down from the castle. Kanae was from Mahotoukoro, the Japanese wizarding school. She came to Hogwarts for the Fall Ball. Ara wouldn't have come if it weren't for Kanae coming. Catherine was going with her boyfriend and Edmund had a date (surprisingly). Kanae owled Ara in advance, telling her she was coming without a date. While waiting for Kanae, she observed the area. She saw a little area for people to make lanterns in and a farther area with tables and food.

The dual-haired girl made a plan on the spot. Go get some food first then go make lanterns and finally go back to the tables to just eat for the rest of the night.

She ran into Edmund while waiting. He was with his date. "Oi Ara! Where's cuz?" He asked. "Still waiting," she said back. 'How did he get a pretty date?' She thought. The 2 passed her and then she finally saw Kanae with her fall ball dress.

Reducio

RP Date October 6, 2023 Speech Reducio "English Speech" °Japanese° 'Thoughts'

Outfit/s Reducio Hair Reducio Dress Reducio Shoes Reducio Items: Wand Post date October 9, 2023 (4:33 pm)

Kanae went down Hogwarts' staircase to the outside. She got lost for a bit but she was sure to find the Great Lake. She wondered why many things were called 'Great' Was it to express it's size? Or something else? Well she can ask Ara when she finds her.

She followed all the other students to the Great Lake. Maybe asked a few people on the way. A few meaning about 5 people. Kanae was horrible at directions. She hasn't seen Ara since Christmas and she wrote that she got her hair done. She wasn't able to meet her at summer camp for they were in different activities and cabins. She saw many other students at this place with tables and food everywhere and another with what seems to be lanterns and boats. She finally saw Ara near the entrance to the Great Lake.

"°Araaa! Hii! Love the hair, who did it for ya?°" she said. "°At a muggle salon in London. Ok so let's get food first then the lantern and boat thingies and maybe just hang around near the tables for the rest of the night°" Ara explained the plan. "°Fine with me°" Kanae replied as they made their way to the tables and food part of the place. Kanae was about to get a piece of food until another hand grabbed it away...

Open for Interaction!

Ara's RP Word Count: 241/200
Kanae's RP Word Count: 226/200

Though Halloween had not yet reared its embellished head, its eve lay on the near horizon. Given the conducive timing, those arranging the Fall Ball often took their liberties in the traditional direction of the holiday, conceiving of costume parties, corn mazes and so forth. Such fancies were generally accepted with cheer by the more festive portions of the student body. But this year, it seemed, that theme had been traded instead for a celebration of the fall - its beauty, and its harvest. Where guts and gore might be expected, glitz and glamor sparkled in the eyes of partygoers, as shining irises reflected the adorning lights. Mingling with that luster was a natural excitement, induced by the bounteous spoils of food laid before them.
The scene manufactured by the ball planners was certainly set to kindle a sense of awe, playing at the wonder that still danced about the young minds for whom it had been designed.

Marshal was not immune to its will, face alight with a brighter countenance than any in his past year and change. Attendees swirled with the music in the dance area, their features intermittently illuminated as they twisted and turned, laughter drifting from upturned lips before lifting to meet the melody.
The feeling was infectious, warming the chill in the air and bidding the fourth year to come near. And that he did, gaze darting here and there as he went. He was searching for the reason he'd pulled himself from his sheets, done all he could to present a suitable image, then made his way to the grounds, leather soles padding softly on the grass to announce his rare appearance.

While the atmosphere of the event was undeniable, its promise had not been sufficient to make the boy leave his dorm. Rather, another influence had taken effect, offering a hopeful glint of possibility that his solitude may be coming to an end.
Several days prior, an owl had found him eating lunch alone in the Great Hall, dropping a letter atop his plate. Upon inspection of the written contents, his heart had begun to beat swiftly; funny how he'd almost forgotten it was there until then.

I know you aren't planning to attend the Fall Ball, but I personally hope you do. I would be very excited to see you there.

Dress nice and come to the candle-lit banquet. If you're there, I'll find you.

He had scarcely dared believe it. Who would care about his presence at the ball? He'd been naught but a ghost for quite some time, leaving no room for acquaintances, old or new.
And why, he wondered, would they decline to sign a name, or even a clue as to their identity? His own name hadn't been written, either, but he'd never known an owl to make a mistake.

Thus, here he stood, dressed in a muted orange suit and tie to match the colors of the season, dyed brown hair held erect with optimum amounts of gel, leather heels clicking in anticipation. Positioned near the edge of one table, he reached for a brownie to chew while he waited, mind wandering through the possibilities of who the letter's mystery author might be.
Did he know them? Certainly, he must have met them at least once, ere they have such an apparently shining opinion of him.
What year were they? Near his own, he presumed, though it wasn't inconceivable that there might be a disparity.
Were they, by chance, female? Through all his bitterness, he was powerless to deny his hope that the hand holding that quill had been delicate and soft, flowing across the page with a grace that belied its owner's elegance. The handwriting had been excellent, seeming to exude a certain female quality. But then, perhaps that was his imagination, projecting his own desires onto a stranger, whose face yet remained shrouded in mystery.

There was an added layer of excitement to it, sprinkled on by the unknown. But anticipation was consistently wed to anxiety, which resulted in constant fidgeting, and a demolition of the sweets in easy reach.

Where, oh where, could his faceless friend be?

As she and Hera attempted to do the same as some of the other students, she laughs loudly and proudly. She knows many international dances but the Irish jig is always going to be her favorite, she was raised in Dublin from ages 6 and up (being raised in Russia until then) so it was only customary that she learns about something about her new home.

She looked past Hera for a moment and seen lanterns and students on boats, We should do that next. She chooses to divert from the jig and spins around a couple of times, the breeze blows the loose curled strands of hair onto her neck, making it tickle her and bring her down from her adrenaline high.

As she came back to reality, her smile got wider and her hearing became more clear. It's like liquid euphoria directly injected into her bloodstream, it's like glorious enlightenment.

She looks at Hera and smiles, "I didn't expect this to be so fun. I hope there are more balls in the future, who knows maybe we'll dress even fancier." Despite meaning to imply that she wants to go to more balls and dances with Hera, she still feels understandably flustered and the blush goes from the tips of her ears to to he cheeks. Funnily enough she looks like a pblonde tomato.

The super fancy and sweet @Hera Green

Reducio

Despite her reservation about the entire situation, Renelle couldn’t help but smile once more, a real one, at Astra’s compliment. The Slytherin was just always so genuine in what she said, that even the darkest moods could be lifted, if only for a second.

“Yours is really nice too,” was the reply. The girl hadn’t been kidding- in her opinion, it was truly impossible to go wrong with a dark astrology themed outfit, and the gradient of colours only added to its overall result. Starry dresses were the best.

At least, that was her opinion before today. For now that she looked closer, it was evident that the girl next to Astra, the tall one, had opted for clothes in a similar theme. Renelle felt her heart plummet once more, the brief felicity gone as quickly as it came.

It was a shame, really- if it had been under any other circumstances, she would have thought the girl’s outfit was quite simply, hands down, splendid. As it was, the similarity of her companion’s attire with this stranger’s only increased her edginess; had they planned this beforehand? To exclude Renelle by design, or was it unintentional? And who was the girl, anyway?

Luckily, one of her questions was almost immediately answered, though it was admittedly the one she cared least about. Introducing herself as 'Mahlioz', the girl expressed her admiration for Renelle’s dress, which she wasn’t sure what to make of. Did this mean they really were going as a group?

The one question burning sharpest in her mind was one she could not ask: the matter of whether Astra had indeed informed her of this interesting arrangement prior, or if it had been intended as a surprise. The latter seemed unlikely, as they were both acting as if this was not any kind of revelation. Renelle wanted nothing more than to know for sure, if only for the peace of mind, yet doing so would only portray herself as inattentive and heedless, the last thing she wanted, especially with this 'Mahlioz' so close.

Suddenly, she realized that she had zoned out for several seconds, and quickly snapped back into reality. What did they say again? “Uh, yes.” Her voice was crisp, her tone detached. “I’m Renelle.” No other words were offered, of acclimation or otherwise. Only once Astra had lead them away to a spot closer to ‘the action’, as one might say- did the Ravenclaw become aware of her demeanour suggesting possibly hostility.

Oh great. Mentally, she smacked herself in the face. You just had to go and act like a jerk, did you? Regardless, what was done, was done, and Renelle did not possess the ability to change the past. There was nothing left to be changed, and silence felt like the best option.

As she leaned against a table laden with food and drinks, Renelle thought gloomily that if she had known that the Fall Ball meant standing around awkwardly and feeling like a nervous wreck, there was no way she would have chosen to come. Ah, well, she reached for a whole pumpkin pie, bringing it to herself and started to eat sadly. At least there’s food.

It was that Mahlioz. If only she weren’t here, she would have been having such a good time with Astra, just the two of them, the way it was supposed to be.

Interacting with @Astra Norrick | @Mahlioz Evethisawe

Galahad was very pleased to see that there was no silly maze to enter the ball this fall. He was sure someone else had enjoyed the prospect of muddling through in the dark but it was certainly not for him. He just wanted to get into the ball and do his Head of House-ily duty of making sure none of the children did anything too silly during the festivities. He also hoped he would have a chance to see his beloved Orion. It had been far too long since they'd had any fun together. He thought it would have been easier to maintain a stable relationship now that they were both retired but alas, the work of a Professor turned out to be just as busy. If only these children knew how to behave a bit more properly.

He looked around at the makeshift banquet area. It all looked quite nice, very well planned out and put together, and of course that house elves had, as always, surpassed themselves with the spread. It all looked very delicious and he made a mental note to try some of the Shepherd's Pie later. He surveyed the ball once more looking for any professors of to see if there were any of the less obnoxious students around he might talk to. Seeing no one tolerable at the moment he reached into his scarlet dress robes and pulled out his sterling silver flask and took a quick snort of firewhiskey (though no one would know from looking). Anything to pass the monotony of the ball.

Interacting: @N/A Mentioning: @Orion Lécuyer

EmmaLee twirled around her room in her dress, the star gazing events of last night still playing in her mind and turning her pale cheeks a rosy pink as her cat, Minx, looked on. The dress she wore was mostly midnight blue with a white collar and underskirt that flared out as she twirled in front of her mirror. The sky of the dress was sprinkled with glittery, black and white lace stars. Some of which dangled from her skirt, following her like sparkly meteors as she spun.

As the stars flowed around the bottom of EmmaLee's dress, Minx hopped down to chase and bat at them, causing EmmaLee to giggle at her creature's antics. She flipped her white locks over her shoulders with both hands as she slowed to a stop and scooped up her large, furry friend in a hug. She had done up her hair in a half up style and had pinned the top half into a heart shape at the top of her head with a braided tail down her back. The bottom half hung freely in loose, white curls.

EmmaLee twirled around once more with Minx in her arms in a rush of elated, excited energy and placed the cat back upon her bed. She was in such a good mood that she was even curious to see what fresh catastrophe would come during tonight's ball. The Spring Ball had definitely convinced her that it wasn't a Hogwarts event without some kind of chaos. At least she made sure to bring her wand this time, sticking it into an intricate holder attached to her thigh.

"See you Minx." She said, patting the cat between the ears, pulling on a pair of black Mary Janes, and heading out of her room and then out of the Hufflepuff common room at a jog. She continued on up the stairs, through the Entrance Hall, and out onto the grounds, following the mass of other students heading down to the Great Lake. She smiled as some of the students found their partners and others moved on to the ball alone to find theirs.

As she approached the glowing tables, EmmaLee marveled at the beautiful display. The lights from the tables sparkled like stars across the lake and the abundance of light on the shore rivaled the already set sun, bathing the area like twilight in the middle of the dark. EmmaLee smiled widely at the scene, thankful that she wouldn't have to make her way through a maze this time and breathing a sigh of relief that she didn't have any misunderstandings to worry about. In fact, over the past few months, she had grown even closer with Stephen and even more sure of his character and that her previous behavior had been beyond silly.

With those thoughts in mind, EmmaLee made her way through the tables and over to the food. The weather was perfect for an event like this, warm enough that she wouldn't need a jacket if she kept moving but cool enough that dancing would not become uncomfortable and that the stew that she saw wafting a beautiful, homey smell on the tables was a welcome sight to her chilled shoulders.

Not wanting to look like a pig who would stuff herself before her date arrived, EmmaLee took note of the stew and instead posted herself to wait in a visible spot near the entrance. This also gave her a good view to say hello to any friends that might show up before her attention was, how did Stephen put it?, monopolized.

As she waited for Stephen to arrive, she saw one Bailey Glade gathering some food and sitting down at a table alone. She looked towards the entrance once more for her astroknight friend before deciding that there were few enough people here that he should be able to spot her if she went over to talk to Bailey instead of standing at the entrance. She had been meaning to reconnect with the girl since their last encounter at Bailey's c at party.

"'Ello, miss Bailey." EmmaLee said with a wave as she walked over to the other girl. "The party planning team 'as done another wonderful job 'ave they not?"

Landon's blue eyes got a little nervous when two more people joined them, but he offered them a kind smile. He wanted to be more comfortable with other people and, if they were friends with Alyssea, they were probably good people to know. Landon didn't doubt that Alyssea would have good friends. He got along with her really well, but she knew how shy he could be, so he knew that she would try not to overwhelm him. Or at least, that was the impression he got from her. Landon's hand trembled slightly as he held it out toward Rodney, wanting to shake his hand... if that wasn't too formal. Landon was a bit socially awkward and he didn't know how to really interact with people his own age that well. Landon smiled shyly as Rodney shook his hand.

Landon smiled softly as he listened to the girls talk about their dresses. He didn't know much about fashion or things like it, but he knew that they all looked pretty. Landon relaxed a little when his suit was complimented again. He figured he must look kind of nice, but he didn't really care about all that himself. He looked at the other boy with wide eyes as he went on about his outfit and his watch and things like that. Landon wasn't used to people bragging about themselves that often. Even his twin, Harper, a Slytherin, knew when to brag and when to just accept a compliment. Landon definitely felt like Rodney was a little... full of himself maybe? Or at least not socially adept enough to know when to speak and when to be quiet. Landon didn't want to judge him with just first meeting him.

Landon sighed as Helena was led away by Madison and he no longer had his other quiet friend to sit with and not feel awkward. He gave her a small smile, encouraging her to enjoy her time with a new friend, and kept sitting at the table quietly. He looked at Rodney, his expression a little bit annoyed, as Rodney basically said that Landon wasn't there, or at least not important enough to keep the conversation going with him. Maybe Rodney meant it in a nicer way than it came across, but it definitely felt a little harsh. "Um... I mean..." he said, frowning slightly. "I'd be interested in looking, but if you would rather I stay here, I can do that too," he said. "I don't want to get in the way..." he added. He didn't get the impression that Rodney really wanted him around.

Date: 6 October 2023 Time: ~19:00

Interacting with: @Astra Norrick, @Renelle Dalton Mentions: X

English | French Thoughts

When Astra complimented her, Renelle smiled warmly at her, but when Mahlioz introduced herself and complimented her too, the Ravenclaw just said that yes, she was Renelle. Not a smile, and a rather crisp, sharp tone, too. Mahlioz had thought something weird before, but now she was absolutely sure. It took all she had not to frown, confused. Okay, so they hadn't met before now, and maybe she was being a little too friendly for the girl. But still, what was this? Had Mahlioz done something wrong? She glanced at Astra, wondering if she'd noticed.

Mahlioz was okay with the fact that she might have messed something up, but she wished Renelle would tell her. She wanted to know what she'd done, and what she could do to fix it. But it seemed Astra's friend was content with just being gloomy and pouty, which, Mahlioz thought, was completely her fault.
Still, though, she couldn't help but feel bad. Her last ball, the Spring Ball, had gone pretty well. She was happy to have gone, and she hoped everyone else who had felt that way too. She didn't want to be the reason for someone else's disappointment. Even if the 'someone else' wasn't doing much to help either.

After having taken a few snacks and stocked up on more, Astra suggested they grab a place near the music. "Sounds great!" Mahlioz agreed, and the three of them made their way over to a different spot, lead by Astra. The other Slytherin seemed to be trying to lighten the mood, and Mahlioz was grateful.
"Definitely!" she responded when Astra asked if they were ready for a great night. "Although I should warn you - if dancing is part of the plan, don't count on me to lead, I've never danced before." She laughed slightly, wanting to ask Renelle if she could dance as a way to continue the conversation, but the girl made her a little nervous and she decided against it. Well, she'd try to put the uneasiness away, for Asa's sake.

Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 9 | Arcane power: 7 | Accuracy: 8
Wandmaker | Perfectionist

Interacting: @Mathias Pride

Outfit: ✿ | ✿ | ✿

Mentioning: @Marshal Mozor

English | Irish

Winnie felt like she had fallen into a limbo of sorts since she returned home early this passed summer. She had received news that her maternal Grandfather had fallen ill and that Saoirse had returned to England to take care of him. Winnie had pulled out of summer camp early to go help her mother.

Muggle diseases were much more severe without the use of magic to keep them at bay, and towards the end of August Emmett had passed surrounded by his family. Winnie had missed the first few weeks of school while she continued to help her family and attend her Grandfather’s funeral. It wasn’t until two weeks or so ago she had finally returned to Hogwarts.

She has heard about Matt’s return, but she had honestly not heard much from him since he had moved to Japan. Now he seemed to be ignoring her within the walls of Hogwarts. She assumed the pureblood was likely to break up with her, but you can’t break up with someone you can’t manage to corner in a hallway.

Playing a hiding game wasn’t working, and she had longed for his company for quite some time. So she decided she would attend the ball, despite not being invited by him. The outfit she wore was inspired by her favourite movie and fairytale since the promise of floating lanterns reminded her so much of Rapunzel and dammit— she was going to make Matt her Flynn Rider if she had to drag him kicking and screaming.

Her long hair had been braided in a plait that hung down her back. She had attached little flowers all long it and over the crown of her head. On her feet she wore the shoes Matt had gifted her over a year ago. She had no idea the lavender puff sleeve gown would match her darling Mattie’s own outfit.

At first she spotted Marshal, and was very tempted to approach him and ask the Gryffindor how he had been, but it had been so long since the two of them had last spoken, she was worried it would add to the awkwardness. Plus knowing the hopeless romantic that he was, he likely already had a date.

Matt was particularly easy to find in the sea of students, despite there being a number of redheads at Hogwarts. Obviously he was the cutest and also practically a freaking giant thanks to his growth spurt. Merlin, how tall was he now? At least a foot taller than she was. Despite having recently celebrated her 15th birthday alone in her dorm room with a singular cupcake, Winnie only stood at a whopping 5 feet.

Well, she had located her target. Now she just had to figure out how to approach him. She wasn’t going to make a scene. A younger Winnie might have stormed over and screamed. He would likely be expecting her pterodactyl-like grace and tact. Not anymore. Well, until she got so angry that her mask broke, that was. Instead she would show him just how angry she was… by being overly nice.

For now, she slid up behind the body and wrapped her arms (unless he dodged) around his right arm. “Hi Mattie~,” She practically purred, pressing her cheek against him. She would have kissed him first thing but unless she climbed the tree that was the Slytherin she would never be able to reach. “Have you been avoiding little old me?” She half-sang, a false smile curving onto her lips.