|
Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on Mar 31, 2023 19:32:03 GMT -8
The Setting As you step into the Great Hall for the Homecoming Dance, you are greeted with a breathtaking sight. The room is adorned with stunning decorations that evoke the essence of autumn, with warm shades of orange, red, and yellow that create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
The walls are draped with rich tapestries depicting scenes of magical creatures roaming through the forest, while giant pumpkins and baskets of apples and pears adorn the corners of the room. The tables are dressed in elegant linens and topped with glowing candles that cast a warm and welcoming glow.
In the center of the room, a large dance floor has been set up, and a live wizarding band is playing a lively tune that fills the room with enchanting melodies. The musicians themselves are dressed in traditional wizarding robes, adding to the magical ambiance of the event.
As you look around, you notice that everyone is dressed in their finest robes and dresses, all looking stunning in the flickering candlelight. The air is filled with the sweet scent of pumpkin juice, butterbeer, and delicious treats from the table of food, which offers an array of delectable delights such as pumpkin pasties, treacle tarts, and cauldron cakes.
All in all, the Homecoming Dance in the Great Hall is a truly enchanting experience, bringing together the magic of the autumn season with the joy of music, dance, and good company.
The Ceiling The ceiling of the Great Hall is a stunning sight to behold, especially during the Homecoming Dance in October. The enchanted ceiling mimics the weather outside, creating a realistic and ever-changing depiction of the sky above.
As the night progresses, the ceiling transforms from a clear and starry sky to one filled with billowing clouds and the occasional shooting star. The warm hues of the autumn sunset filter through the windows, casting a soft and romantic glow throughout the room.
At times, the ceiling even mimics the movement of the constellations, providing an awe-inspiring and immersive experience for all those in attendance. The room is bathed in a warm and comforting light that evokes the magical and wondrous nature of the wizarding world.
As the night wears on and the dancing continues, the ceiling changes once again, this time to a deep and starry night sky, complete with a full moon that illuminates the room in a soft and eerie light. The enchanting ceiling creates a truly immersive and unforgettable experience, making the Homecoming Dance a truly magical event. The Band
"The Wandslingers" are a wizarding band from Essex. A band of skilled and powerful wizards who can wield their magical wands with precision and flair, putting on amazing shows that leave their audiences spellbound. Their singles "Sorceress Symphony" or "Magus Melody," have taken the world by storm. Their music is infused with enchantments and incantations, creating a truly magical experience for their fans. The Contest: Contest of Charms
In the corner of the room, near the band, there is a small stage set up, complete with a curtain featuring stars and moons that adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the evening. As the night progresses, the band announces that there will be a contest taking place on the stage later in the evening, adding an extra element of excitement to the festivities.
People begin to gather around the stage, curious about the upcoming competition, and the buzz of anticipation fills the air. The stage is adorned with beautiful flowers and twinkling lights, making it a beautiful focal point in the already gorgeous room.
As the time for the contest draws near, the band quiets down, and the room falls into a hush as everyone awaits the start of the competition. The anticipation is palpable as the curtains part, revealing a group of talented wizards and witches who are ready to showcase their skills.
The music starts up again, and the contestants begin to perform, showcasing their talents in a variety of different magical arts. The audience cheers and applauds as each performer takes the stage, adding to the festive energy of the evening.
As the contest draws to a close, the judges retire to deliberate, and the crowd waits in eager anticipation for the announcement of the winner. When the victor is finally declared, the room erupts into a joyous celebration, adding an unforgettable highlight to an already magical evening. OOC:
• The Headmistress will facilitate the Contest of Charms, which will take place during the second ‘week’ of the dance, April 9-15.
• The Homecoming Dance thread will open April 1 and close April 15.
• Thank you to Isla Reinhardt and Gwendolyn Shaw for the idea.
• You do not need to have a date to enter the date - come with friends, by yourself, or with a date to enjoy the dance!
|
|
|
Post by Fergus Reinhardt on Mar 31, 2023 22:20:38 GMT -8
Fergus waited just outside the dance, tall among the crowds of students that had begun to gather. His hair was styled perfectly. His dark blue eyes looked confidently amongst the students. He nodded to a group of passersby and casually answered a couple trivial questions from a group of confused-looking third years. He thought to Gwen, excited for her arrival. Fergus thought passively to his sister, wondering if Gwen had told Isla they would be attending together. He certainly hadn’t. In fact, most of his house thought he was ridiculous for asking a Gryffindor. Especially one that wasn’t on a Quidditch team or a Pureblood. His mind wandered to Anneli and Loce. A frown etched across his face. He shook the thoughts from his mind. Fergus wouldn’t let them hold him back from enjoying the night with her.
He stood in a black three-piece dress robe. Fine tailored from a wizard known for fashion in Germany. Fergus had thought it a tad lavish, but couldn’t argue with the package from his parents.
He held a small black and silver box, glancing over the crowds heads to Gwendolyn’s arrival…
|
|
|
Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 1, 2023 6:46:53 GMT -8
Loce stopped at the base of the stairway just outside the Great Hall. He had to attend to some final business before the dance and was going to meet Anneli here. He took in his appearance. Straightening his kilt, double checking the Welsh Dragon kilt pin was still secured in place. Having that come open during the evening would not be in his best interest. He tugged down the jacket and straightened his tie, before adjusting the fly-plaid, laid over his left shoulder. He adjusted the sporan, making sure it was centered appropriately. There was more than one executive function of the sporan. He had rejected the idea of formal robes, especially after Anneli had given her approval of his ancestral attire. He shifted from foot to foot, oddly very nervous about the evening. Nervous, he would not live up to Anneli’s expectations. Did she even have any? Well, other than the one dance he had to promise in order to have her accept his invitation in the first place. But that was nothing, he had intended to fill her dance card for the evening. He smiled thinking towards the end of the night. That was something to look forward to. And he had to remember to keep an eye on Drake for the evening. He glanced around, watching others enter the hall. He noted Fergus standing by the doorway waiting on Gwen. He wondered idly if Gwen knew she was just a time filler to him? He pushed the thought out of his mind. It wasn’t his place, and now wasn’t the time anyway. He was going to enjoy the night with Anneli. And they would make a grand entrance together, arm in arm, when she arrived. Nerves gripped him again as he waited, and the foolish thought that she might change her mind and not show crossed his mind for the briefest of seconds and the hundredth time that evening.
|
|
|
Post by Gwendolyn Shaw on Apr 1, 2023 13:06:16 GMT -8
Gwen frets over her hair. She’d pilied it nearly atop her head, kept up with pins here and there. The dress she wears cascades down, off her shoulders making her feel a bit uncomfortably bare… even more so with her hair in an updo. She stared at herself in the mirror and simply hated it.
As soon as the last pin is pulled out and her hair falls in mousy waves just past her shoulders. A smile brighten her features. Despite her naturally tousled hair style choice, she felt it looked good. Look right. She felt she looked pretty.
Another smile turns up her pink lips as she turns side to side, admiring the floor length white lace dress. It has long sleeves that flare out by her hands and black lace floral patterns run up and down the length of her body. They shimmed ever so slightly when the light hits them just the right way. She looks down at her hand, the only piece of jewelry she wears, a white gem ring that had belonged to her mother. An owl had brought it to her just that morning with a note from her that read, 'Have the best night'.
She slips into her black heeled shoes, takes a deep breath, and makes her way down to the great hall where she hopes Fergus is waiting for her so she doesn’t have to stand alone feeling lost.
The crowd of students mingling and filing both in and out of the area is slightly overwhelming. It has to be the most crowded and chaotic Gwen has ever seen it. Excitement bubbles inside her, not particularly wondering what to expect of the night, after all the work her and Isla had put into it, but just seeing how it all played out now that it was finally happening.
She was excited to see Isla too, all dressed up and ready to have a good time. To enjoy the fruits of their labor, so to speak. As long as she finds one of the Reinhardts upon arrival she will be happy. It doesn’t take long at all before she spots Fergus standing by the doors, his height an advantage in crowds such as these. He looks more handsome than she even expected in his all black dress robes. It almost took Gwen by surprise, the feelings that coursed through her at the sight of him. Mostly she was simply happy.
She smiles hugely as she ducks between movies bodies until she appears before him. “Fergus.” She greets, “Waiting for someone?” She jokes, a little nervously and pretends to look around with him.
|
|
|
Post by Fergus Reinhardt on Apr 1, 2023 13:53:43 GMT -8
Fergus stood straight in his spot as his eye caught sight of Gwendolyn. She looked ravishing. Her brown hair played delicately on her shoulders. A white gown with black ornate flowers. His mind raced and a heat came to his neck. Fergus beamed. A sense of pride swirled in him. Gwendolyn was gorgeous, the best dressed upon the sea of students around her.
“Yes, my gorgeous date.” He said, lowering himself to kiss her cheek. Fergus looked at her and smiled. All thoughts of the cellar, the map, and Anneli taking a back seat for now. He shifted in his spot. “I brought something for you, if you’d like to wear it tonight...I'd be delighted.” Fergus smiled, revealing the small black box. He offered it to her, looking deeply at her then.
Inside the box was an antique silver circular necklace. He had sent for it immediately following her confirmation as his date. Fergus felt a small strain of nervousness then, watching her reaction to the gift…Had it been too much?
|
|
Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
|
Post by Anneli Oden on Apr 1, 2023 18:28:48 GMT -8
Anneli stood in front of the gold mirror in her dormitory. Cordelia had helped to finish her make-up and hair with a quick charm. She had been grateful for the help. Her heart fluttered with anticipation. Anneli thought to Loce. A sly smile formed on her face, thinking of him in his kilt. Her crystal clear eyes contrasted next to the dark, smoky shimmering shadows around them. A pair of mysterious lakes that graced her otherwise porcelain, clean face. Her champagne hair cascaded effortlessly down her chest, pinned up at one side with her mother’s dragon hair clip. Her earlobes adorned with a pair of dangling, geometric silver earrings.At her neck a tight, golden necklace that spiked out like the Sun. This being a gift from her long-lost aunt Vilhelmina. She gazed down to her lacy black dress then. A timeless piece of her mothers. Or at least she thought so. The dress hugged her curves, but not too provocatively. She turned in a small turn, the hemline flowing gracefully around her ankles. A thin beige slip fell from underneath the black lacy gown. At the inside of her elbows was an emerald shawl to keep her warm for the night. Adorning her chest was the circular Welsh dragon brooch, the beautiful gift from Loce, which completed her outfit.
Anneli glided from the dormitory, a swirl of excitement and anxiety in her stomach. She felt confident about her look, but hoped endlessly that Loce might feel the same. Anneli had tended to stray toward the darker end of her wardrobe when searching for the final choice. She thought to Fergus and Oliver mindlessly, hoping they would be too preoccupied with their dates to cause any trouble.
She walked until she reached the top of the stairs. Anneli stood frozen for a moment there. She spotted him. It was Loce, looking particularly handsome in his kilt attire. He looked so formal, like a man dressed for an important party. Her eyes lit up. Their blue twinkle only looked at him, ignoring the rest of the bustling room.
Anneli stepped down the staircase, a sly smile adorning her face. Her hair effortlessly danced at her sides. Her black dress swayed until she stood in front of Loce. In the corner of her eye, she thought she could see Fergus’ frame with Gwendolyn Shaw but ignored it. Only Loce mattered in this moment.
She smiled brilliantly at him, “You look amazing.” Anneli said honestly, her gaze drifting up and down him. “Fy nghalon,” She breathed. The dragon brooch burned happily at her chest. Placing it there had calmed her nerves for the evening. Anneli reached for his hand. She gazed up to his eyes, despite the help of heels.
|
|
Isla Reinhardt
Gryffindor
5th Year - Gryffindor Seeker - Prefect
Posts: 116
|
Post by Isla Reinhardt on Apr 1, 2023 19:21:06 GMT -8
Isla paced in her dormitory, her gown swaying at her hips. She thought of the owl she had sent to Theo. He responded that she had beaten him to the punch. Were they going as friends? As teammates? That was something only the night would reveal. She looked at her dress, a gift from her mother Ingeborg. A lavender, sparky attire that fluttered out at the bottom. She was testing her bravery with the cut-outs at the sides. She nodded to herself, inhaling in some confidence. Her red hair fell around her in waves. She entered the foyer of the Great Hall. Isla was fairly short, even in heels. She stood looking around, noticing her brother and Gwen first. Isla wasn’t surprised by the pairing, she had learnt about the date through her parents. Apparently he had ordered her a special necklace. Her parents weren’t pleased. She waved toward Gwen, casting a friendly smile in her direction.
Isla swayed in place, waiting for Theo’s arrival.
|
|
|
Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 1, 2023 19:47:56 GMT -8
Loce watched the throngs of students wander past, waiting as patiently as he could manage for his heart to appear. A murmur from the few boys around him caught his attention and he turned to follow their gaze up the stairs. His heart skipped a beat and his breath caught in his chest. His eyes locked with Anneli’s and he followed every move as she descended the stairs.
As she joined him at the base of the stairs he took her hands in his. “And you are absolutely breathtaking, Cariad.” He offered in response to her compliment. He pulled her to him and kissed her lips softly. “Shall we?” He asked stepping back and offering her his arm to lead her into to room.
|
|
|
Post by Theo Cole on Apr 1, 2023 22:57:28 GMT -8
Theo had gotten ready earlier than he intended to which left him sitting in his dorm room, dress robes and all. Was he actually feeling a little nervous? He’d wanted to ask Isla to the dance, and she’d ended up asking him first… the thing now was that he wasn’t sure what she intended this night to be.
He checked the time again and finally felt like he could start down to the hall. He slipped on the outermost layer of his dress robe beneath which he wears a crisp, black and white style outfit with a black tie to complete the formal aspect. Down the stairs and into the hall, he scans the crowd for that red hair he’d come to really admire. When he catches sight of her he has to stop to pick his jaw off the floor. Her slender frame is adorned by a pale-colored dress that only makes her hair look all the more beguiling.
He has to remember to shut his mouth to greet her. “Isla…” He clears his throat a little, “Wow.” He hopes that one word conveys enough. He tries, and fails, to not let his eyes linger on the areas of her midsection that the dress leaves exposed. This was definitely not just the girl on the pitch he’d known.
Here tonight? Isla looked truly glamorous.
Theo runs a hand through his wavy brown hair, at a loss for words.
“You look beautiful.” He says, finally finding his voice and reaching out to take her hand, unable to stop himself.
|
|
Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
|
Post by Anneli Oden on Apr 2, 2023 1:16:17 GMT -8
Anneli squeezed his hand lightly, looking deeply into his eyes. Loce had a maturity about him that she was hopelessly attracted to. Especially in this light. He was confident in this attire for the evening, and she was as well. Anneli’s blue eyes danced around his features, savoring each moment next to him.
She closed her eyes, delighted by his kiss. Anneli felt like magic itself in that moment. Her fingertips pulsed and her heart fluttered. She wondered passively about the gazes that had fallen upon them both. Anneli wasn’t known to be a person who openly showed affection, even during her brief time with Fergus. Usually preferring to be more open behind closed doors.
Anneli took his arm softly, “Let’s go, you.” She winked at him, her eyes shimmering under the dimly lit torches around them.
|
|
|
Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 2, 2023 7:46:45 GMT -8
Dragomir stood just inside the doorway of the Great Hall, eyes scanning the room but listening to the movements in the hallway beyond. He had no preconceived notions of mischief to occur, but with this many students, there was always one or two who would try something. Usually, it was one of the students wanting to spike the drinks with love potions or the like. That always seemed to make for an interesting evening if it occurred. Hence the propensity for house elves to be stationed nearby the food to not only ensure there was always enough, but to monitor the students with respect to what ended up in the food. He chuckled to himself, one of his friends had managed to accomplish just that in their fifth year. He could not remember how many were affected before that bowl of punch was finished, but the fallout from that lasted months. It had worked to break up his friend’s interest and her current fling, but… when she found out he had been behind it, she wanted nothing to do with him after. He stood dressed in as formal an outfit as he owned. Black dress pants, white dress shirt with ascot, black embroidered vest, and green jacket with silver embroidery on the breast. He kept to the shadows, giving the students the perception of freedom from prying eyes, even though there were chaperone eyes all over the room, and in the hallways. Portraits had been given orders to report students who were out of bounds for the night as emotions would run high on nights like tonight. The Wandslingers were in rare form, or they had just gotten that much better since the last time he had heard them. Probably a bit of both. It still was not his style of music, but the students seemed to disagree with his assessment. The volume made it harder to hear full conversations, but he trusted he would be able to manage enough to intervene where necessary.
|
|
|
Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 2, 2023 8:29:32 GMT -8
Juniper saunters down the stairs and into the Great Hall where the festivities were to take place. She checks the area, casually strolling along as she supervises the area around her. She grows more alert every minute that more and more students begin to enter the dance. Her heavily sequined black dress falling around her body, hugging it perfectly. Her blonde hair is coiffed in perfect loose curls that surround her face. She had been inspired by styles made popular in the 30s or 40s.
It was sure to be a good night, but chaos can lurk behind every corner. There are still a lot of students Juniper hasn't met yet, which she hopes to rectify with her upcoming Charms lesson. Despite the excitement and energy around her, Professor Barnes felt a twinge of nervousness. She had only just joined the faculty at Hogwarts, and she knew few people. As she scanned the room, she saw groups of students and faculty chatting and laughing together, and she felt a pang of loneliness.
But then, she recalled that there was to be a 'Charms Contest' held later in the night and she felt a spark of excitement. Juniper, being a Charms expert, had been looking forward to the contest since it was announced.
She nears another Professor, one she hadn't yet met but knew he was here for Defence Against the Dark Arts. "Hello," She Greets, an air of coolness. Juniper often came across as a cold person but that was just her default demeanor. "Professor Ghica? Am I correct?"
|
|
|
Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 2, 2023 9:05:38 GMT -8
Loce’s mind swam with everything, and he gave up trying to focus on anything outside of Anneli. He fought to keep his composure. The air of being in control, when all he could think about was not making a complete fool of himself in front of her. His gaze settled on the brooch and that settled his heart. The dragon on her brooch matched the dragon that adorned both his kilt pin and the pin that fastened the fly-plaid to his shoulder. They completed each other’s outfits, tied them to one another for anyone who may not already know of the connection. Sure, the implication could be misconstrued if anyone understood the nature of such things, but he was certain there was only a handful of students here that would know, and less that might be bold enough to comment. His gaze flitted to Fergus for a second, wondering if he would happen to know the significance, secretly hoping he did. She was enchanting as always. The most beautiful woman here by far. And she was his, his girl, his heart. His reason for everything right at that moment in time. Any doubts that may have been creeping into his mind were erased by her acceptance of his kiss, here in front of everyone. It hadn’t been planned, but the impulse wasn’t able to be mastered either. Her presence both emboldened and flustered him, luckily the latter was becoming less and less frequent. He covered the hand she placed on his arm with his and beamed at her. Her eyes danced in the torchlight, matching the rhythm of his own heartbeat. “Tonight is your night, mitt hjärta. Whatever you want will be yours.” He stepped forward, leading her into the Great Hall. The most beautiful girl in the world, and she was with him. The Great Hall was beginning to fill, the room transformed from the average dining hall to a festive, inviting atmosphere. He stopped in the doorway for a second to take it all in, glancing at Anneli to see her reaction. He glanced from the tapestries to the food tables to the dance floor. “What is your pleasure?” He asked, moving further into the room to avoid creating a bottleneck at the door. He glanced around, taking in everything and realizing that for the first time in his life, he felt like he truly belonged somewhere. His place was here, at Hogwarts, yes, but feeling most at home with Anneli by his side.
|
|
|
Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 2, 2023 9:42:44 GMT -8
Dragomir’s attention was drawn away from the students briefly as a new adult face appeared at his side. He smiled, half taken by surprise, he wasn’t truly anticipating interactions with the other professors. He found that in general, while he was accepted as a colleague, that was where the familiarity ended. It took him a second to regain his own composure, but he nodded and smiled. “Good evening. Yes, however Dragomir or Drake will suffice.” He offered his hand as part of the introduction. “And I expect that would mean you are Ms. Barans, our new Charms Professor? It is a pleasure to meet you.” He stated his gaze flicking from her to the students entering the room. “Excuse me a moment?”He slipped from her side and approached a group of third year students entering the hall. Reaching into the middle of the group, he retrieved a small bag. “You may seek their return anytime next week in my office.” Eventually he expected students would learn they needed to be more careful with what they said when he was in the general proximity, but for now he would accept the added advantage his heightened senses provided. He returned to Ms. Barnes’ side. “I apologize for the interruption, but I did not think a group of doxies would add anything of value to the dance.” He offered with a shrug. He handed the bag to a house elf that appeared at his side. “Place them in one of the cages in my classroom would you please?” He asked, before turning back to her, giving her as much of his attention as was warranted given their role as chaperones for the evening. “How do you find Hogwarts so far?” He asked, not sure how interested she was in conversation. She seemed rather aloof, but she had approached him. Perhaps a simple defense mechanism. Either way, he resolved to let her lead the direction of their interaction moving forward.
|
|
|
Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 2, 2023 13:06:34 GMT -8
Juniper feels a sense of intrigue and curiosity about Professor Ghica, about Drake, wondering what stories he might have to share and what knowledge he might possess. She feels that she might have taken him by surprise. Possibly not accustomed to casual social interactions by many. Juniper isn’t one for prejudices and is always interested in coming to her own conclusions about people after engaging with them herself. “Yes, that would be me.” She smiles ever so slightly. A professor. It still made her feel a little silly.
“The pleasure is mine.” She regards him, accepting his extended hand. She watches him as he excuses himself and the small smile she has expands into a full, admiring smirk. She tries not to laugh openly at the third year students he had so easily called out. At his return she nods in admiration, “It seems like the rest of us are unnecessary here.” She laughs a little, “I don’t suppose any of the students could get anything past you tonight.”
She considers his question. “I’m finding the whole experience rather interesting.” She admits, “I attended Ilvermorny myself… but my older brother had been a student here.” Had been. It’s odd to know that she walked the same halls he once had. That she could occupy the same spaces he did.
She regards him with a smile that attempts to be friendlier. “How about you? I’d love to hear your perspective on the magical world.” She knows he must have a wealth of knowledge and insights to share.
|
|