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[Professor Denman]

Upon entering the great hall, one couldn't miss the giant woven basket filled to the brim with decorated eggs. Harvey poked it warily with his cane upon shuffling past. Eggs were breakfast food, which incompetent fool hadn't yet learned the difference between a dance and the first meal of the day?

Talking about fools, which one had come up with a ball of all things to celebrate Easter?

With his face a mirror of his thoughts, Harvey made his way over to the staff table, which luckily was still in place, and sat down in his customary spot to oversee the festivities going on in the rest of the Hall.

A small stage in the far corner produced music far too modern for his taste, and the four house tables had disappeared, making place for smaller tables dotted around the area not in use as dance floor.

There were also decorations that displayed yet another poor attitude. Pink and yellow bows around every pilar, the floating candles had been dimmed to spread a much softer light. There were miniature rabbits hopping around in one of the corners of the hall, clear victims of a shrinking spell.

Harvey stretched his legs out in front of him and sighed. It would be a very long night.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Alexander had taken great care in dressing himself that day, he had his shirt and clothing pressed by a helpful house elf and his shoes polished. After taking a long bath, he put on a white silk shirt with frilly cuffs, a white silk cravat. His suit consisted of light gold silk culottes, a light gold waistcoat, and a golden coat with crimson sleeves and crimson accented embroidery on the front. He had forgone the stupid wig, which his parents often forced upon him. The wig was creepy, for it was made out of someone elses hair, unlike some that were made from horse hair. It itched too much and he doubted that anyone would make it a big deal.

After taking about a half an hour to get ready and comb his hair in the way he thought was best, he went up the steps into the Great Hall. It was odd how quiet the castle was now, he had heard the giggles of girls as he walked out of the common room, most of the upper years still getting ready. Alexander of course liked to be early for everything; it was prudent his parents had always instilled in him.

The Hall had been decorated beautifully, and Alexander felt awed by the splendour. Of course a boy with his parentage should not be taken with it. So he attempted to look passive as he took the sight in. Noticing that he was the first within the entrance of the Hallway. Not one student had yet taken a seat or had walked into the Great Hall. Stalling slightly in front of the door, Alexander looked out at the sky above and saw that it was perfectly clear. Professor Denman, the strict and stern Deputy Headmaster already sat, looking positively irritated at having found himself in this place of all places. Not wanting to be first, Alexander decided it was best to go for a walk outside but just as he made his way toward the Marble staircase, he heard a flutter of feet and being curious by nature he looked in the direction that he had heard them from.

[Allison Cassidy Rose]

Allison descended step by step--slightly slower than normal might I add-- down the last of the stair case before the Great Hall. Running a finger down one curl, Allison subconsciously inspected her appearance. Her hair, beautifully blonde, had reached just past her under arms by now and curled gracefully. Allison admired the smoothness of the curls now that she had found a charm to curl it for her. Her dress, a soft yellow thing, fit like a glove. The bodice hugged her chest before freely fluttering out as the skirt brushed the ground. Pearls lined the collar and bodice, a show of wealth that Allison didn't particularly care for. Despite the undoubtedly beauty of the dress, Allison could not feel comfortable in it. It had been emerald, the proud color of Slytherin house, before her mother charmed it. While the simply and well executed charm showed no trace of its former hue, Allison felt like a traitor in the apparel.

All too soon, Allison reached the Great Hall. She had hoped her detour to a painting she was fond of and a small chat would prevent her from arriving early, but no luck. The Hall was almost deserted aside from a grumpy Denman and festive decorations. Alexander was there as well, he certainly was no stranger to balls (his family had even attended a few of her own and vise versa over the years), but here he seemed out of place. Allison stumbled slightly, very uncharacteristically, as he turned to leave. Suddenly, the boy turned to face her and a blush crept to her cheeks.

[Alistair Bauldaugh]

From the time the ball was announced, Alistair had been anticipating the event. He and his older brother had owled one another a few times, as well as he and his father, about the proper thing to wear on such an occasion. His dress robes looked much like an image his sister had sent, along with her congratulations on his first school dance, an image of what muggle men wear. Beneath the robe, that was much like his school robe except that it buttoned from the middle of his chest down to his waist, was a white collared shirt, a solid yellow tie, and clean, black trousers. He had also convinced his dad to allow him a top hat. It took great effort to not run his fingers along the brim as he ascended from the Common Room to the Entrance Hall.

The boy had taken care to attend every dance lesson since his brief and casual attempt to dance over the summer. He wanted to be sure that he didn’t embarrass himself or his house by foolishly stepping on the toes of girls or leading one into another set of partners. Though he was far from being an expert, Alistair had a great amount of confidence that he would prove his worth on the dance floor.

Almost as soon as he stepped into the Great Hall, Alistair paused to look at the decorations. The enlarged eggs looked as though a great amount of time and care had gone into their creation. The ribbons added a colourful element that was refreshing in an area usually adorned in red, blue, green, and yellow. Speaking of yellow, a girl in a large yellow dressed had stopped just in front of him. Alistair attempted to step to the side, but her face caught his eye and he stopped suddenly.

“Hi, Allison,” he said quickly, noticing too late that she was facing someone else. Hopefully he hadn’t interrupted a conversation.

[Mary Lynn Wilkins]

Dressed in a navy blue dress, Mary made her way out of the Hufflepuff common room and headed towards the Great Hall for the Easter Ball. Mary hadn't attended many balls before now, and hadn't danced all that much either but she was happy to be taking part all the same. As a musician she had a srong sense of rhythm and that was important when it came to dancing. She was not at all nervous about making a fool of herself, today would be if not a triumph then at least a pleasant experience.

Her one regret was that she wouldn't be taking her violin with her, at least not at first. It wasn't as though she  played to crowds all that much but if there was dancing and music then she would miss not being a part of the medley. Maybe later, after she had eaten she could come back and pick it up but for now she would enter the Great Hall empty handed.

She did think about her brother though as she walked, she had seen him in the common room earlier, and whilst he had managed to weasel his way out of most events that required public displays of dancing, this one formed part of the evening meal in the great hall, surely there was no escape for both of Joe's left feet this time.

Walking through the entrance doors she did notice that she wasn't alone, a group of students had already arrived including Allison and Alexander. "Hello, Allison, Alex" she greeted them warmly, then glanced around at the decorations "I like the way they have set out the room, impressive don't you think?"

[Joseph Arthur Wilkins]

Joe was not looning forward to this evening, not looking forward to it at all. He wandered around his dormitory with a mental cloud hovering firmly over his head as he sullenly dressed in the smart clothes he had set aside for the day, but due to the nervous trepidation he felt at the prospect of attending what to all intents and purposes would be a dance he had not taken too much care of any of those final touches that make the difference between merely wearign smart clothes and being well presented.

He knew of his ineptitude when it came to dancing that department and that he had all the grace of a rampaging elephant. If the occasion had been optional, and and had not formed part of their evening meal he would have given the who thing a wide berth. For the first time, he actually regretted the fact that he had not attended the Dance Club.

His expression was miserable, his face downturned and his look was defeated as he slowly made his way towards the Great Hall. He had to admit as he arrived that the place was well decorated but he didn't feel in any mood to enjoy them. He did see a few people were here already though, including his young sister. "Hello" he remarked in a general greeting as let his feet carry him over to one of the small tables that was presently unoccupied. He moaned the words "This is going to be a disaster" and he hoped that perhaps if he could stay where he was he could enjoy the food and then make himself look as invisible as possible when the dancing started. With luck nobody would notice him and he could avoid the mistake that this evening was bound to become.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Alexander found himself facing Allison for the first time since the events in the Potion room a few days ago. Her face flushed, he wondered why she suddenly felt embarrassed. You never knew with girls of course. "You look very nice Allison" he said sincerely smiling at the girl as he admired her dress and hair style.

He felt a bit awkward about whether or not he should ask her to sit with him, he was spared wondering however with the arrival of Alistair and moments later Mary. The Hufflepuff third year greeted Allison, wondering whether he had ignored him on purpose. "Hello Alistair," Alexander said, having been introduced to the boy a few months back in the Courtyard while he read Moste Potente Potions.

"Hello, Allison, Alex" the small Hufflepuff said. "I like the way they have set out the room, impressive don't you think?"

"Hello Mary" Alexander grinned at the girl. "Yes, they have done a good job on the decorations" pausing before adding conversationally. "I like the colour of your dress" he said knowing it was best to not use the same compliment especially in the presence of a person that had a compliment just given.

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 23 February 2012 - 09:37 AM.

[Daniella Cruz]

Daniella doubted the ball would be any fun, they never were, but she was going anyway. It was important to make an appearance, to keep the place from being overrun by Mudbloods. Besides, Alejandro was probably going to be there, showing off for all the girls and Dani couldn't permit a moron like him to represent their family. Someone with sense had to be there and that someone was her.

She had gotten her mother to send new robes for the occasion, deep emerald with decorations in gold thread. She had a new necklace too, a gold chain with an emerald, not so big as to be garish, but big enough to show off her family's wealth.

As the time grew near for the ball to begin, she made her way up from the dungeons towards the Great Hall and marched inside like she owned the place. Ladylike, perhaps not, but she wasn't about to linger at the doorway like a shy, little, wilting flower like some of the girls would. She knew who she was and she wasn't going to pretend to be any less.

Dani did stop once she was inside, glancing around. The only person she saw who she knew was Alexander, but he was talking to a bunch of Hufflepuffs, one was in their year, someone Dani hadn't bothered to get to know and had no desire to change her view on that.

She drifted further inside, unsure of who to talk to, but unwilling to let the loneliness show on her face. 'You don't need them. Find someone worth talking to.'

[Allison Cassidy Rose]

Allison relaxed a little as Alexander seemed to not notice her stumble and even complimented her. Her charming smile flashed across her face for just and instant before she opened her mouth to thank the boy but stopped cold as a beautiful song reached her ears. Frozen, she felt her heart beat around her rib cage in an attempt to escape the prison and fly off, taking her stomach with it. Allison was suddenly thawed by the deep maroon flush that had made itself at home in her cheeks. Whipping around, her eyes found the face they had been searching for. He wore a lightly colored tie, dark trousers, and a top hat that made Alistair seem slightly older than usual. Allison drunk in his appearance before smoothing her dress and fluttering her eyelashes. "Alistair, long time no see." The rest of the world faded as she held her breath for his response. Would tonight be flashback to the one lonely day in the hall? Allison could still remember the way he spun her around the hall as if it were a dance floor.

Others must have joined, for suddenly hellos were being said and a small crowd was gathered in groups around the great hall. All the better, Allison thought. She couldn't wait for the festivities to begin.

[Elisabet la Barre]

Elisabet was excited, this would be her first ball. Her mother had sent her a brand new dress, the only one of its kind actually. She was extremely grateful and at the same time sad, because she knew the only reason her parents were able to afford this dress was because they had saved money to buy two, cheaper dresses and since Zella was sick, that meant all the dress money came to her. Elisabet stole one last look in the mirror to check out her long, light blue taffeta, crinoline and lace dress with flowers embroidered on the sides and bows travelling up the front and raced to the Great Hall, worrying that she would be late.
Once Elisabet reached the top of the stairs  she slowed down and proceeded to gracefully walk towards the bottom where she saw a group of her friends and some students she somewhat recognized milling about outside of the great hall.

"Hello Alex and Mary. Excited about the ball? Its my first one to attend, my sister and I were always to busy helping our parents to participate in anything so splendid"


{{OOC: okay so I can't remember if  everyone was inside or outside the hall, but I'll switch it if I was wrong. Also just realized that since I never refreshed from when I started posting this hours ago new posts have been written, so if it sounds awkward I totally apologize}}

Edited by Elisabet la Barre, 23 February 2012 - 12:37 AM.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Alexander watched Allison and Alistair's exchange before turning his attention to Elisabet who had just walked down the stairs. It seemed that all the girls had taken great care into dressing themselves for this occasion. Betta was no exception to this. The boy smiled at his friend, he wasn't sure whether he should pay her a compliment or that would seem awkward, since he had said two nice things to two different people.

Betta seemed breathless as she said "Hello Alex and Mary. Excited about the ball? Its my first one to attend, my sister and I were always to busy helping our parents to participate in anything so splendid"

"Hey Betta," he said absent mindedly making sure his frilly cuff was perfect. "I'm sure it'll be good"

Alexander didn't hate these types of events, but excited, well maybe that was stretching it. He had enough bad experiences of the garden parties with his parents to feel on edge. His parents usually made it a point of contention to tell their guests how much he had fallen behind their standards.

"Would you like to grab a table?" He asked the group. He doubted that Alistair and Allison would join, they were slightly older and probably didn't want to hang around first years like themselves.

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 23 February 2012 - 09:55 AM.

[Mary Lynn Wilkins]

"Thanks Alex" Mary smiled, twirling on the spot for a moment. The dress was one of her favourites, but it wasn't as extravagant as the clothes some of the other girls were wearing, her family weren't so ridiculously wealthy that they could afford to buy fabulous dresses and she of course would never ask for one. Her clothing was smart and appropriate for the occasion, that was all that mattered to her.

"Betta!" she greeted another of her friends as she arrived "yes I am, this has all the hallmarks of being a really enjoyable evening, although I haven't danced all that much before either." Mary spent far more time playing music rather than moving to it but this seemed like a good a time as any to try it. If there was one aspect of the event that she felt less than happy about though, it was the sight of the boy sat alone at one of the nearby tables who looked to be wearing the raincloud he had pulled down around himself, almost like a blanket. She glanced over at where her brother was sitting and shook her head. "I do feel sorry for Joe though" she pointed out.

She turned her attention back to the group when Alex asked if they should grab a table. "Sounds like a good plan"" she nodded, smiling again, then glanced around the group to see who else would be joining them.

Edited by Mary Lynn Wilkins, 23 February 2012 - 12:25 PM.

[Luka Chancery]

Luka leaned against a wall, scowling. He scowled at the sweetly-pretty bows, at the eggs, at the tiny white bunny that hopped over his foot. No rabbit had a right to be so small.
Luka was perhaps the only person who was not dressed in fancy part clothes. This was because he had no part clothes; and most people knew why, too.
I don't care, he thought sourly. Who wants to look like a nancy boy anyway?
If anyone dared to glance his way, they recieved a looked that challanged them to make any comment about his faded shirt or the jade-green waist coat that had obviously been made for someone else. Luka wondered if the waistcoat had been a mistake. It was the only half-good thing he had, but it may have well have had I was stolen stitched arcoss the front. Still... he couldn't have turned up in just his shirt.
I shouldn't have turned up at all.

[Alistair Bauldaugh]

If Alistair had to pick one of his friends as being the happiest-looking, it would be Allison. No matter how off guard he caught her, she always seemed to be smiling or laughing. She was a rather infectious person to be around, and Alistair found himself smiling right along. “Yea, I suppose it has. Seems like just yesterday it was Christmas and now exams are right around the corner.” Perhaps exams weren’t the most pleasant party conversation.

Had the area been set and some order established as to when and what sort of dance they would be doing soon, Alistair would have offered Allison. By bowing, of course. His Head of House was very particular in that aspect of the sacred social ritual, as she considered it.

Noticing that those gathered around them were leaving, Alistair cleared his throat. He didn’t know if they should follow or attempt to find other students their own age. “Didn’t Mary just mention Joe is here?” He was aware that Joseph was less than fond of dancing, or anything that required much in the way of graceful movement, so it was a shock that his fellow dorm mate had decided to come. “Perhaps we should find him.” It was a further surprise that Joe wasn’t beside Mary; the two were usually very close to one another, physically speaking.

[Daniella Cruz]

Dani shot the group of her classmates gathered together a slightly baleful look, if they had half an ounce of politeness between them, they would have invited her over, and turned on her heel to stalk towards the table filled with drinks and snacks. On the way she passed several older students who had already started to dance and at the table, she paused to watch them, somewhat wistfully. She would have liked to dance, only she had no one to ask. Her usual partner at the club was no where to be seen.

Her eyes did fall on one Luka though. He was that poor boy in her year, although she had no idea about his family or blood. He looked rather mangy, but she supposed it came of being poor and more importantly he was giving dirty looks to the world. Something about it intrigued her and without really deciding, she started walking towards him.

"Not going to dance?" she asked when she got close. "Or join our," she glanced at the group of people and settled for, "Classmates? Surely you didn't... borrow... that finery for nothing." To be honest though she rather admired him for daring to steal it and it showed on her face.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Alexander decided it was best to leave the bit of the awkwardness between Allison and Alistair behind, it wasn't his business. Besides, if they didn't grab a table soon all the good ones would be gone.

"I'll get us a table than," he said to the group of first year students he had found himself amongst. He strode in smiling and nodding a greeting to a few of the older students he knew. Finding a table off to the side with a clear view of the dance floor, he pulled out a chair and saw Daniella walking over to Luka. Alexander cocked his eyebrow wondering what she was doing. Pursing his lips he decided to invite her to his table. Elisabet would scowl but he knew that if he didn't invite her, he'd likely hear about it some time sooner than later. At least he would appear to be thoughtful and considerate by ensuring that she was part of the group he was with.

"Hello Daniella," Alexander greeted the girl just as she had spoken to Luka, he had put on a very neutral expression as if bored by seeing this boy. "Would you care to join us at our table," he said to Daniella giving a glance over at Luka, to make sure that he was not given that 'honour'; "Nice vest Chancy," Alexander smirked. "I think my great grandmother might have worn one like that."

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 25 February 2012 - 04:36 PM.

[Elisabet la Barre]

Elisabet was enjoying her conversation with Alex and Mary when Alex suggested sitting at a table.
"Thats a great idea"she responded and started to follow him just as Alex offered Daniella a spot to join them, frowning slightly Elisabet mananged to paste a half attempt of a smile. For whatever reason, Alex didn't seem to mind her, so Elisabet decided to be on her best behaviour if Daniella decided to join them. Only to be surprised at his scathing remark to Luka, that certainly wasn't like him at all. Attempting to  start a new topic of conversation she asked Mary
"What was it like growing up on a farm. Did you ever have any time for yourself?"
Kind of awkward, Elisabet thought, but at least better than paying attention to a fight that seemed to be brewing.

[Mary Lynn Wilkins]

Mary wasn't quite sure how to respond to the suggestion that Daniella should join them, nor how the other girl would take it. She seemed to have gone out of her way to avoid her up until now, which was her own choice of course but it didn't make for a good first impression. If she did elect to join them then Mary for her own part would try to be friendly and welcoming, that would be the polite thing to do after all. Privately though she wasn't looking forward to the prospect of the Slytherin girl's company.

Alex's remark to Luka shocked her a little, it was unkindly said in her view, and utterly uncalled for. She had met Luka and whilst he was a thief and through that fact not entirely trustworthy, he hadn't come across as such a bad sort. He had at least been helpful during their little adventure by the lake earlier in the year. She didn't want their remarks to spark any kind of incident, but she also didn't want to fan the flames herself  so whilst they walked towards one of the tables she chose nstead to concentrate on Betta's question.

"It was certainly busy" she pointed out "you can't avoid work when you live on a farm but my workload wasn't the same as Joe's. He spent a lot of time out in the fields with the farmers but I tended to care for the animals or work with mother in the kitchen. I did get time to myself though, and that is how I learned to play the violin." That pretty much summed up her childhood, a mixture of farm work and music but it was certainly interesting, and productive on so many levels. "How was your life growing up in a migical household?" she offered in response.

Edited by Mary Lynn Wilkins, 26 February 2012 - 03:30 AM.

[Allison Cassidy Rose]

Alexander left with a few others in search of a table but Allison hardly noticed. To Allison's releif, Alistair smiled at her as they spoke. Alistair has the best smile, hes so amazing-- Allison thought as Alistair recapped the last few months. Allison nodded along at appropriate times. Alistair then mentioned Joe and now that Allison thought about it, they probably should search out their friend. Allison knew this wasnt his desired setting and any good friends would join him. Allison searched until she saw a lonely boy looking sullen and alone. Allison turned to Alistair, "Right over here," she said as she placed her hand lightly on his arm to steer him in the right direction. The dancing hadn't really started yet, they might as well have a chat.

[Luka Chancery]

Another one of those rabbits hopped over to him with sweet little bounds... really, what right had they to be so sickeningly cute?
Luka wondered if he should say a spell at it. That one to grow teeth to abnormal length...
Some street instinct made him look up. A Slytherin girl was coming towards him, purposefully, like she had something to say.
Luka fanned out the cards in his mind that were connected to Daniella Cruz.
Rich and pureblooded as they come, and thinks this makes her better than anyone else.
Older brother, 4th year.
Clever, pretty and uses both to get what she wants. Gets the fidgets if she has to sit still.
Kitten named Flame.  
Wand is about ten inches, possibly dagwood.

And that, Luka realized with a small frown, was it. Not very much, but enough to tell him that he would not gain from being with her. She'd hate him the same as all the purebloods did.
Luka gave her his best glare to send her away. But she seemed immune to glares, and spoke anyway. Luka blinked.
"I don't dance," he said rudely. "And our classmates can go boil their heads."
There. That should make her toss her pretty head, maybe give a mean reply and skip back to better people.

Yet before his rudeness sent the girl away, Alexander Sowerby came strolling over.
Pretending to be bored by the very sight of me. What's he going to do, rescue Miss Cruz before she catches anything?
Luka's eyes glinted, cold and hard as emeralds. He let them linger on Sowerby's absurd callouts, the prissy golden trimming.
He ran a hand through his fire-hair, whistled through his teeth.
"Never would've guessed your grandmother for a thief, Sowerby. Did she take her green vest from a merchant or a magistrate? Mine was a butler's glad-rags." he gave a foolish, lopsided grin. "Guess your family are better than I thought. Maybe we'll wind up friends after all."

Edited by Luka Chancery, 26 February 2012 - 05:30 PM.