Mentions: @everyone who signed up...
Italics: thoughts

Outfits:

Reducio

"Dress. Check. Make up. Check. Heels. Check. Hair. Check. OK everything is ready to go." my mother, Lisa Evergreen listed.
"And why do you even have to go to this ball anyways?" I questioned.
"This is a pure blood ball and being invited means you are part of this community. That is a good thing Reyna!" my mother exclaimed, "Now let's get on our brooms and let's get going." I sighed.
There was no getting out of it now. I hopped onto my broom, and the two of us took off into the night. I was not excited. A ball might seem fun to some people, but not me. I would've preferred sitting down on my bed and reading or listening to music from my miniature Wizarding radio.
But sadly, I had no choice. Why did I even have to get invited to this ball anyways? I was a half blood and not a pure blood.
The Broom ride was actually quite short and before long we were there. As my mother and I stepped off of the brooms, my mother scolded me.
"Be on your best behavior, Reyna! I don't want any trouble on this day should go smoothly while you might not want to be here, it isn't a choice. For either of us.” She said. I nodded my head. I was determined to be as good as possible.
As we stepped through the entrance of the manor, I was greeted by a familiar sense, people and decorations, which were actually quite pretty. We were greeted by another Hufflepuff, who I recognized from the common rooms, Isadora Everridge. My mother and I nodded our heads and gave our thanks to her.
Then, we headed off somewhere in the midst of the crowd. I followed my mother but secretly, I hoped to get lost so that I wouldn't have to do any social interaction at this ball. But maybe, just maybe I would find a friend who thought the same as me.

Word Count: 350

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Dora's Outfit:

@Hannah BlossomThe first guests arrive on brooms, which the house elves quickly take as the family makes their way to the door. Alasdair, Ailsa Blossom, and Hannah Blossom, the last of which is a familiar face from school. Dora knew to expect her, as she'd seen the guest list while preparing with her grandmother.

"The Blossoms are important people." Ramona had told her, "Though you must be aware of their Veela blood, they are nonetheless a good connection to have."

Dora mostly remembers Hannah from her Astronomy class. They were teamed up once for a project, and it went alright, but Dora's seldom talked to Hannah since then. The Blossoms also held the Summer Ball to great success a few years back, which puts even more pressure on Dora to do this right. She greets them quietly, Bradley's voice drowning out her own easily. The Blossoms exit to the ballroom immediately, and Dora's not sure if Hannah recognized her. With a self-conscious tug at her glove, Dora tries again with the next guests.

@Estelle NyxThe next group is led by a distinguished older woman, as intimidating as Dora's own grandmother. This must be the Nyx family, purebloods from Spain. Seeing their carriage touch down with winged horses is magnificent, but in a way that Dora thinks is meant to send a message about their status. As their carriage and pegasi are brought to the stables, Dora tries again to greet them properly. "Welcome to Everridge Manor." It comes out a little louder this time, but Dora's too nervous to look the matriarch in the eyes. Instead, she looks to the children. Two of them look alike, but one stands out with her blonde hair and blue eyes. They follow their grandmother inside.

@Danielle Emberwood & @Sophia FanTwo girls arrive after that, one in gold and one in blue. The one in blue leans in to her company and whispers something, looking a little nervous. The other didn't seem so, walking them both to the door. Dora and Bradley greet them, Bradley smiling. "You must be Danielle Emberwood, and this is your cousin, correct? Sophia Grace?" He has a mischievous look in his eyes that Dora doesn't like. Once they've entered, Bradley looks at her a says under his breath, "Apparently the cousin was a last minute addition. Odd, don't you think?"

Dora doesn't say anything, not wanting to get involved in whatever he's thinking about. She has enough on her plate as it is.

@Cicely WoodsA car pulls up soon enough. While Dora's grandmother prefers the traditional carriage, her Uncle Harris and Grandfather have used muggle cars in the past. If they do, it must be expensive like this one. The woman and daughter come up, and for once Dora's voice is louder than Bradley's own when she welcomes them. Soon enough, she finds out that these are the Woods, and a memory of her grandmother's scathing words make Dora understand Bradley's lesser efforts.

"Really, she married into the family so it's not as if she's really one of us. I would've liked if Oliver had RSVP'd yes, but I suppose the mother and daughter will have to do."

At once, Dora pities these two. For their blood status, and the way people will likely whisper behind their backs. Dora couldn't stand it if she was the one under everyone's scrutiny.

@Ara VillaNext comes another familiar face, Ara Villa and what looks like her older siblings. Dora enjoyed studying with her for exams, though she's still nervous since she's not sure what Ara thinks of her. A polite wave eases her worries a bit as the family moves inside. 'I should ask how her exams went.' Dora thinks, wondering if they'll talk at all today.

@Anna BlackroseAnd another girl she knows arrives next with her family in an abraxan-pulled flying carriage. Anna Blackrose, whom Dora met in the owlery of Hogwarts some time ago. It seems Anna recognizes her too, greeting her with a smile. “It’s wonderful to see you again Isadora. It’s a pleasure to attend the Summer Ball held by your family” Dora hesitates a moment to think of the right response, and settles on a polite nod. "The pleasure is all ours."

It's nice to see her again, but the feeling sours when Bradley shoots her a look after they pass. "You made friends with a Blackrose?"

Dora flushes. "We're more acquaintances, really.."

"Huh." She can't really read his expression, but then it morphs into a smirk. "That figures. I can't see you making friends, Diz-"

@Tesla Stone"Isadora! I can't believe it!" The voice has Dora turning in shock, knowing who it belongs to but not believing it either. Seeing Tesla run up to her in a beautiful, albeit uncharacteristic, dress is so surprising Dora feels her eyes may pop out of her skull. Bradley's face turns to one of utter bewilderment, which would be funny if Dora wasn't so stunned. Forgoing the practiced welcome, she asks, "Tesla? What are you..?" Her eyes widen, thinking back to a name on the guest list.

Tesla Blackwood.

At the time, she'd thought it a complete coincidence. But if that Tesla is her Tesla, her grandmother must be..

Elaine Blackwood approaches, her sharp eyes surveying Dora as she addresses her directly. "Thank you for being our hosts this year, young lady. I trust you and my granddaughter will have time to visit later. After all, the Everridges and Blackwoods have had good relations for many years. A friendship between you two is quite beneficial." Dora is flabbergasted. Elaine Blackwood is one of Ramona Everridge's closer acquaintances, someone she even speaks fondly of. Dora's unsure Elaine has ever looked her way before. And Tesla is her granddaughter?? Still wrapping her head around that, Dora utters a response nervously. "Yes, of course! Um, thank you for coming."

She curses herself for stuttering, glancing at Martin Blackwood as well who waves kindly. "It's wonderful to have you here." Bradley swoops in with his charming smile, "Our grandmother will be most pleased to see you."

As he speaks, Dora looks back at Tesla, who's giving her a little smile. Confusion aside, it's really good to see her again. She wants to talk to her, to ask about her last name change and everything else, but she has to attend to the rest of the guests right now. Maybe she can find her in the ballroom later.

@Tristan TheraminNext, a very anticipated family arrives in their carriage. The Theramin's, in addition to their pureblood status, are also of noble blood. Dora curtsies as she greets them, like her grandmother told her to do, and Bradley bows. She's caught off guard when the youngest, Tristan Theramin, takes her hand and kisses it. “I offer my appreciation for the invitation to your Summer Ball, I am the Heir to the Noble House of Theramin, and here behind me are Lord and Lady Theramin.” Her pale face tinges red, and Bradley replies for her. "We are most pleased to have you with us today. Please come in."

She hears some French, and waits for her heartbeat to slow. That was straight out of the pages of a romantic faerietale. This must be how nobility acts. "Yes, please." She manages to regain her voice, ushering the Lord and his family inside. She hopes she made a good enough impression.

@Reyna EvergreenLisa and Reyna Evergreen come next. From what Grandmother told Dora, the Evergreen's are quite wealthy and Lisa is a Ministry official with some sway. A key partnership, she said. Dora wonders if they'll be staying for dinner, then. Reyna looks familiar, and Dora thinks they may share a house at Hogwarts as she could've sworn she'd seen her in the common room before. She welcomes her politely like everyone else.

@Linda RamirezAfter so many people arrive in succession, Dora nearly misses Linda Ramirez as she and her brother come in. The greeting is quick, as Linda looks excited to see someone inside. Dora does feel a little disappointed, though she isn't sure why she should be. It's not like her and Linda are close, but they did spend some nice times together at Hogwarts.

Nevermind that, she thinks. Just get through the rest of the greetings. After all, the Ball will officially be commencing soon. She doesn't think she's messed up egregiously yet, which is good. And maybe this ball won't be so bad since she knows a few people from Hogwarts. Maybe she won't stick out like a sore thumb.

Maybe it'll be nice.

The girl and her family were greeted by Dora, the girl she had met a few years ago, when her family had hosted the ball. She also had seen her in Astronomy class, where they had been placed as partners. The project had turned out good, but she wasn't sure what Isadora thought of her.

They had not talked since then. Hannah faked a smile and nodded, they exited to the ball room. She wasn't sure what her parents thought of Isadora.

"The Everridges are important people, you know? Important connection to have. They are very rich, though known for having pure-blood." her father had said before the ball. "Did you know they have a girl your age?" asked her mother. "Yes, I was briefly introduced to her when we hosted the ball, remember?" And I met her at Hogwarts.. she thought "Ah, yes." said her father. They were in fact, a well family.

Hannah waited for a while, until the ball room was full, and then, Tesla, a someone who she had met at Hogwarts, and shared carrot cake. She had recognized her.

"Mother, I'm going to go talk to Tesla, alright?" "Tesla Blackwood? You know her?" asked her father. Hannah nodded. "Alright. Go ahead."

She went over to talk to her. Walking over to her, she thought Maybe I should pretend I don't know who she is... And Blackwood? Isn't her last name Stone? Maybe she changed it or something... Then, she decided to talk. "Tesla!" "I didn't know you were coming to the ball! Yeah, it's been quite a while, how have you been?" she asked.

It had been a long time since they had seen each other, in fact, so maybe they could catch up? Maybe. Perhaps she could talk to Tesla, or maybe Isadora, if she even did recognize her.

Her parents would probably make her meet some other people, then she noticed someone else she knew. Estelle Nyx, they had done a prank together. She didn't know she would be coming too. Maybe she could talk to her too? After she finished talking to Tesla.

Hannah looked around, her parents were talking, maybe some other adults would come to talk to them.

She could hear her father in her head saying "I just hope she makes good first impressions..." The girl knew very well that it was important for her family to have good connections, so she had to make good first impressions, and she also knew that she'd inherit all the family fortune, and have to keep the family title, since they had in fact, a very good reputation, besides having Veela blood.

Hannah turned to Tesla again."Sorry, I was distracted." she said once she turned. She didn't want to seem rude. The girl also knew the Blackwoods had a very good reputation, and they were Wizardborn. Except she had no idea Tesla was a Blackwood, something seemed off.

Reducio

Dora's Outfit:

As all the guests have mostly arrived and niceties have been exchanged, it's time for the ball to properly begin. The old grandfather clock chimes loudly and wisps of glittering magic lead everyone still in the entrance hall toward the ballroom. Dora and Bradley follow, stepping into dance hall.

✹✧~✧✹

✹✧~✧✹

The room is built of dark mahogany, with intricate carvings across the walls and ceilings. Like the entrance hall, there are gilded decorations here and there in colors of gold, silver, and a pop of white. Gleaming chandeliers cast light on the naturally dark room, and the long drapes are drawn back from the windows to let the light in. Although it's far from cheery, it's the least gloomy the manor's ever been. The band her Grandfather was looking forward to is at the north end, elevated a step up. They play classical music as the guests enter and mill about. The center of the room is free for anyone to dance, and there likely will be a few waltzes by the end of the day. Three long tables stretch along the side wall, one with champagne and sparkling drinks, two with finger sandwiches and other dainty morsels. House elves are also making rounds with drink and food trays, offering silently to guests.

At the south end, the doors open to the back garden for anyone wishing for some fresh air. There, the stone walkway is lined with decorative hedges and flowers. There are roses, lilies, carnations and chrysanthemums, all especially vibrant today. If one were to stroll out here, they may come across a few things. An onyx statue of a proud thestral dedicated to her Grandfather's late parents. It stands at the center of a shallow basin of water. There's also the stables, a little farther away, where some guests' steeds are being looked after. It's closed off, but one might see the animals poke their heads out the windows. Even rarer, the odd person might see one of her Grandfather's thestrals the same way, though Dora never has. Finally, at the end of the garden is the stone wall and iron gate leading into the cemetery, locked for the present.

Maybe Dora can escape out there later, but for now she's being beckoned to her family's side as they all stand on the platform by the band. Her Grandmother uses her wand to project her voice across the room. "Welcome everyone to the annual Summer Ball. I am glad to see so many familiar faces, as well as the new, to share in our celebration. As some of you know, the Summer Ball was created years ago as a way to forge relationships between families, forming strong and lasting connections. Our family is honored to host this year, so please, enjoy yourselves!"

The band resumes as Ramona finishes, and Dora is glad she no longer has to awkwardly stand there. Bradley disappears, probably off to find his friends. She definitely doesn't want to run into them. Instead, she scans around to try to find Tesla, whom she still has so many questions for. With her grandmother distracted talking to people, Dora slips away as the first dance begins.

Have fun everyone, and don't hesitate to owl me with any questions. Feel free to lightly godmod the house elves who serve you, and explore the ballroom and garden!

Outfits

Estelle Reducio	Estelle's Abuela Reducio
Isadora Nyx Reducio	Juan Nyx Reducio

Languages: English, Spanish

Estelle was very nervous for the dancing part of the ball. Isadora and Juan had been learning the steps for the dances since they could walk and Estelle had only begun to learn them this week. Her Abuela had told her to steer clear of anything that wasn't a waltz, as she felt that Estelle wasn't prepared enough for anything else. Secretly, Estelle agreed, although she pretended to feel sad about it in front of her cousins, who had been excited for Estelle to teach them some dances.

Estelle's Abuela had a sort of plan for who would dance with who in order to further the family's connections. She had given Estelle a list of who was a priority to meet and introduce and who to steer clear of during the dances. Estelle disagreed with how some of the names had been placed but felt that this was not the time nor place to argue.

She checked the list discreetly and locked eyes with one of the faces across the room. Her Abuela had told her about the Blackwoods and it was of the 'Utmost priority' (her Abuela's words) that she befriend one of them if given the chance.

She slowly made her way across the outside of the room, avoiding the people dancing and walked up to the girl. Her name was Tesla Blackwood.

"Hi, I'm Estelle Nyx."

Estelle internally cringed. She hadn't meant to introduce herself so informally. She hoped the girl wouldn't mind.

Interacting with: @Tesla Stone

Open to interactions!

Mentions:

Reducio

@Anna Blackrose, @Ara Villa, @Cassian Clarke, @Cicely Woods, @Conan Clarck, @Danielle Emberwood, @Estelle Nyx, @Hannah Blossom, @Hera Green, @Linda Ramirez, @Maverick Castle, @Nerissa Astor, @Nora De Carie, @Reyna Evergreen, @Scarlett Noel, @Sophia Fan, @Tesla Stone, @Tristan Theramin, @Isadora Everridge

Interacting with

Reducio

RP Date August 1, 2023 Speech Reducio "Speaking" °Japanese° •Korean• 'thoughts'

Outfit/s Reducio Ara Reducio Catherine Reducio Edmund's Suit Reducio Post date July 26, 2023 (1:10pm}

It has been a while since the ball started and as Ara predicted, her siblings have abandoned her. The first dance was about to begin. The girl knew how to dance but she couldn't find anyone she knew and was lonely. She saw elves walking around offering to guests. One of the elves offered some sparkling water to her and she got a glass of it. Ara was in the corner drinking her water. She was just watching the people dance for now since she doesn't know what to do. She was required by her parents to make at least 2 friends through this ball and as of this moment, she's failing miserably.

She finished her water and gave it to a house elf. Her family didn't have any since they thought it was quite cruel to get one and not pay them or something so they got a few maids, chefs, gardeners, pet caretakers, horse caretakers, and cleaning people all are either squibs or wizards of any kind. No muggles except the horse caretaker.

Ara walked around, trying to find people she can 'be friends' with. In her own thoughts, she thinks that everyone near her age was encouraged or forced by their family to make friends here which was inevitable of course. 'I. Want. Pants.' she thought as she was straightening out her dress. At least it wasn't a whole entire ball gown like some people. Ara looked around for a few minutes, trying to find someone. She saw house elves offering some macaroons and she couldn't resist (the ones she bought in France were top-teir delicious). She speed-walked towards the house elf and got two. When she was about to go back to her corner, she bumped into someone...

Open to interactions
_{The person who Ara bumped into can be anyone! Even you!}

RP Word Count:292/200

Dancing. The most boring thing ever, in other words. Hannah despised the activity, and she knew her parents would set her up with someone to dance.

She noticed her parents getting ready for the dance. They headed to the ballroom, quickly. They seemed as if they were in a rush, but, they were still walking. Hannah carefully walked to the ballroom, she walked slowly, trying to not fall and ruin everything.

When they all got there, Hannah observed the ballroom. It was very different from her own Ballroom, it seemed.. older. It looked well cared, of course.

The girl decided to head out to the garden, since the ballroom was very crowded, and Hannah didn't like the atmosphere of the stuffed room.

Before she did, however, she went over to her parents who were almost ready to dance. "Can I head to the garden?" asked the girl "Of course." spoke her mother. "But, be back soon." said her father. Hannah nodded.

The girl headed to the south end, and headed to the back garden. She enjoyed the fresh air, and walked around a bit. She observed the many flowers, chrysanthemums, roses, lilies and carnations. Hannah walked around. She noticed an onyx thestral statue, a proud thestral. Hannah studied it cautiously. The statue was standing at the center of a shallow basin of water.

Then, she walked farther, and saw the stables, which were closed. She saw a few animals poke their heads a few times, but nothing too much. Hannah walked to the end of the garden where there was a stone wall and iron gate leading to a cemetery. The girl then turned around and headed back, since there was nothing else to see.

When she got back, her parents were waiting for her, she went over to talk to them, but didn't say a word. Then her mother spoke, "Now stand here, and wait for a boy to ask you to dance."

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Aiden:	Madeline:
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Open for interaction!

Mention: @Reyna Evergreen
Interacting: @Ara Villa