[G.Hall] The Yule Ball 2105

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

It had been a spur of the moment decision, a very spur of the moment decision and the poor House Elves had been rushed off their little feet for the past couple of day’s trying to get everything ready in time for the Yule Ball! The buzz around the school was reaching fever pitch and as Christmas Eve loomed talk about who was taking who or what people would be wearing seemed to be all anyone could every talk about.

The Great Hall had been turned into an ice palace with huge icicle’s hung down from the enchanted ceiling, in patches there were small flurries of snow falling from the sky and giant Christmas Tree’s where placed around the room, giving off a warm glow from the candles flickering from their branches. The normal long house tables had been removed leaving room for a dance floor and small, round tables dotted around the room, each boasting their own unique ice sculpture and plates of food that never seem to empty.

At the top of the Great Hall where the staff table normally stood proud the latest smash in the wizarding world music scene where tuning up their instruments ready to entertain the Hogwarts students as they slowly started to fill up the Great Hall. And there, standing amongst it all was Dan Hubbles. A wide smile filled his face as he looked out over the hall and he rubbed his hands together with glee. This was going to be a dam good evening!

[Sarie Thimble]

Sarie walked in. She wasn't sure why she had come. She never liked coming to these kind of things but she had a new found concvince. Where it had come from Sarie wasn't sure. She gulped then took a deep breath. The Hall looked beautiful. She felt her eyes widen. She couldn't help but do a full 360 to get a full view.

She was wearing short dark blue dress. It hugged at her waist then let go into flowing fabric. She had ribbons coming down from her ponytail. She didn't wear make up,she didn't know how to put it on. She wore flats not daring to try heals. She couldn't help it be she actually felt good being here. It had been the first time since she came to Hogwarts. She felt pretty. She knew she looked nice.

[Professor William Vaid]

It was nearly Christmas, and so much had happened in the past few years that it was almost impossible to fit that much information into your brain. Still, things were back on track now, Will felt much like his old bonny self again without wanting or feeling the thirst to want to rip everything in sight apart or ruin his entire life. Luckily it never got to killing anyone, at least not that he was aware of at least.

Here he was, Hannah behind him as he stared in the mirror and she adjusted his shirt collar for him. He smiled at her as he watched her through the mirror, her elegance flowed through her and she was absolutely glowing. He gave a small sigh and turned to her, pulling her in at her waist and kissing her neck.
"You my dear, look ravishing" he said in a low tone, planting small kisses over her neck and collarbone. He straightened up and looked her in the eye once more.
"Soon to be Mrs.Vaid" he remarked, a small cocked smile tugged at the corner of his mouth before he kissed her lips and slapped her bottom gently.

"I've got to go and make sure everything's set up down there. I'll see you later wifey!" he joked, smile still plastered on his face as he swooped out the door and headed straight for the Great Hall.
Only a few students had arrived yet, more were waiting outside nervously, awaiting their dates and friends to show their faces, and after saying a few hello's to some of the students paying attention, he waltzed into the Great Hall and strolled across to Dan, who was infact, beaming like an idiot.
"Alright, alright. You did very well Hubbles, don't get so cocky" he laughed before taking Dan by the hand and attempting to dance with him.

[Harrison Greg]

Harrison popped the last chocolate from his advent calendar in his mouth and looked down at the small picture of Father Christmas that was on the inside of the cardboard door. It was a small tradition that his mother had always sent him a muggle advent calendar on December the 1st and it always kept him going on the count down to Christmas. As he let the chocolate melt on his tongue the Gryffindor wondered over towards the full length mirror and studied himself in it, adjusting his dress robes to make sure he looked as smart as possible. He always felt like James Bond when he was in his penguin suit, the sharp contrast of the dark black and pure white always made him feel good and the little black bow tie, he believed, completed the outfit…bow ties were cool!

Jumping down the last few steps that lead to the entrance hall Harrison saw all the other students bustling around waiting, nervously looking at watches or playing with their hair. The Gryffindor could not help but smile as he made his way through the groups and towards the main doors that lead to the Great Hall. He was not sure if he had walked into the right place at first, it was unrecognisable. The house elves had truly done an amazing job of turning this into a magical evening already.

As he walked past a table that boasted an ice sculpture of a Hippogriff the band started to play the first song and he knew he did not have long to find the person he was looking for…if they where here yet. Then he saw her, standing there in a blue dress and ribbons in her hair. With a small grin he wondered over the Sarie Thimble and dropt into a low bow, Harrison was always one to stick to his word and he had promised to have the first dance with her and that is what he would do!

“Miss Thimble, might I be as bold as to ask for this dance?” He could not help but chuckle as he said this in such a formal manner and before she could even answer he took hold of her hand and lead her over to the dance floor. “You look beautiful this evening Sarie.” Harrison smiled as he pulled her into hold and started to dance around the floor with her.

[Sarie Thimble]

Sarie wasn't sure what happened. She had been just enjoying how the Great Hall looked. Next thing she knew Harrison Greg was bowing in front of her. She was glad he kept his promise. She knew he was just being nice. He had promised her this a few days earlier. "Thanks, you look great too." He did. He was wearing a nice simple suit but it fit him very well.

Not that she didn't like Harrison. She loved it. It gave her the same feeling flying it. There was just her and Harrison. She knew it wouldn't last long. She knew other girls would want the well known older Gryffindore. She still could say she got the first dance. That would make any of her year mates jealous. She was glad she would get to enjoy this one dance. She wished it wouldn't end.

[Prof. Hannah Edgecombe]

Hannah can't believe how things have changed in the last few days. It was like night and day with her now that she hand Will had made up. The dark cloud that seemed to hang over her disappeared just like that, it was like a pillow had been placed over her face suffocating her and it had now been removed and she could breathe in the fresh air once more. Hannah was happier than she had been in a very long time. It was funny since she thought the misery she had been wallowing in for so long would remain with her forever but no the one thing that could revive her did and that was the man she was staring at right now. Will looking as handsome as ever stood while she fixed his dress shirt.

It was nice to see things at the school back to normal too they were hosting the Yule Ball which hadn't happened for a while. This was a night where everyone got to dress up. Hannah had gone for a haute couture green ball gown long and flowing, strapless, with a beautiful necklace with a heart and black gems, a matching pair of green heels that strapped at the ankles, her long dark hair was half up and half down, and a green shawl finished the look.

Her smile was radiant especially after Will reminded her that she would be the future Mrs. Vaid something she wanted more than anything in the world. The only thing that Hannah found odd was her powers hadn't returned to her yet. As Will left her and headed to the Great Hall Hannah stayed back to make sure she looked presentable, but also because she didn't want Warren to see her freaked out, as she looked in the mirror she could see that look on her face the one that said something was very wrong. She had been sure the reason she had been unable to see clearly was because she was upset over Warren, but that had changed and still her powers were down. She hadn't mentioned it to him or to anyone else, but she was starting to worry. Maybe she would take a trip to the healer just to see if she wasn't sick or something.

She could worry about that the next day, for tonight she was going to worry about having a good time with her overly handsome fiance. So leaving her room she headed to the Great Hall when she arrived it was to find Warren with Dan Hannah rolled her eyes because her fiance's best friend was someone Hannah had no respect for, though she never told Warren what she knew. Dan Hubbles was a lying cheat. Hannah avoided him like the plague and this night was no different as she made her way to the staff table trying very hard not to watch the two grown men attempting to dance with one another funny as it might be.

[Ellie Rook]

Ellie hadn't spent long getting ready for the ball at all. The night before she had been up chasing around some little brats who were not even attempting to be quiet as they roamed that halls late at night. Somehow, they always seemed to be one step a head of Ellie, and the frustration had tired her out.

Tonight was probably going to be another late night, and Ellie had decided to take a nap halfway through the day, which in hind sight was not the brightest of ideas. She woke up later then expected and had a groggy haze before her eyes. Nevertheless the Hufflepuff looked forward to the ball, seeing as it was going to be here last as a student, not to mention she was head girl.

Ellie sat in front of the mirror and fixed a lock of her wave hair that had fallen out of place. Her makeup up was light, with a slight purple shadow and a light pink blush. She finished by curling up her dark lashes and smiled. Better then nothing. She then went into her room and pulled on the dress, which was a little tighter then she expected, and the shoes she would be wearing for the night. With one quick glance in the mirror, she slipped on her bracelet and earrings, grabbed her clutch and headed down to the Great Hall.

It would never cease to amaze the 7th year how beautiful the Great Hall became during Christmas, in particular during the Yule Ball. Ellie smiled as she walked in the Hall looked around at the winter wonderland that had been created. She saw a couple familiar faces and smiled. Ellie didn't really have a group of friends she constantly hung out with. Time had taken those away from her. Ellie wandered around the floor just happy to be around people. Her grogginess was beginning to wear away as she music woke her up.

She spotted Professor Hubbles, and stopped herself for a moment, before going over to approach him. He was currently being forced to dance with Professor Vaid. Ellie laughed as she approached and clapped. "You two make a wonderful couple." Ellie said with a smirk. "Don't get too crazy Professor, remember, you're the adult tonight." Ellie said, only half joking.

Ellie looked out into the crowd of people who were dancing. She spotted Ravenclaws and Gryffindors, her own Hufflepuffs, and those bratty Slytherins she had been chasing all night. Ellie shook her head, and continued to search the crowd for a face to go and talk to. Harrison came into view dancing with Sarie. The little fourth year looked ecstatic to be in the arms of the Head Boy. Ellie turned back to the Professors. "Excuse me won't you?" She smiled and wandered into the crowd.

She stood parallel to where Harrison was dancing and nervously waited for him to make eye contact with her. When he did, she smiled and raised her hand in a little wave. Even up close, Sarie looked adorable next to the tall and handsome Gryffindor. Ellie was even a little jealous, but admit that she was, never.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan could not help but smile as he looked around, watching the room fill up with excited students ready to have a good time and bring Christmas in on a high. He felt like a king looking out over his kingdom and all his subjects…not that he was that big headed. However it was then when someone entered the Great Hall that really did bring a smile to his face, his best mate William Vaid. It was common knowledge that Will had been through a lot these past year and being the true friend that he was Dan had stood by him just as he was sure Will would do the same for him! Little did Dan know that he would need that help sooner then he thought!

However right now he just saw his beast mate approaching and Dan could not help but grin and offer Will a small salute in greeting. “Evening William! Glad you could join our little shin dig.” Glancing over his friends should he look around to see if the new ‘fiancé’ was anywhere to be seen? It was no secret that Hannah did not like Dan and as a result, no matter how childish it was, Dan did not like her. But of course for Will’s sake he would be nice and civil to her keeping all his bitching to when he was back in his own room muttering about the seer to the headmaster portraits on his office wall.

However it was clear that Dan’s pompous and cocky look could be clear as it was the first thing Will said to him and the headmaster could not help but chuckle. “I have no idea what you are on about Will.” Dan laughed as Will pulled him into a dance as the band started to play. The two grown men danced around the floor with over exaggerated movements and laughter that could be heard most likely in Hogsmeade. As they danced around he could see other students getting in on it, but he also saw Ellie Rook standing at the edge of the dance floor watching, at first he thought maybe she was watching him but his bubble was burst when she saw her eyes upon Harrison Greg.

“Your Misses is here Will.” Dan muttered still feeling a little disheartened that Ellie was not smitten with him. “I think I am going to go and get a drink, Hannah most likely will want a dance with you. Can I get you anything?” Talk about a bitter taste filling his mouth! Dan let go of Will and made his way over to the drinks table before starting to sip on a butter beer while having a minor sulk. In fact he was so caught up in his own little 'drama' that he failed to notice that Ellie Rook had actually approached to talk to him.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash entered the Great Hall dressed in a brand new pair of black skinny jeans, and a dark gray button down shirt, with a black and white checkered skinny tie. They were the nicest things he had to wear seeing as he did not own any suits. Seeing everyone else all dressed up though he felt a little out of place. Not that he minded of course. Heck, with his style he was always a little out of place. He'd gotten used to the stares.

He was supposed to be meeting Tyler here, but saw no signs of his boyfriend as of yet. Deciding that he would have a few drinks while he waited, he wandered over to the bar; not at all surprised to see Dan Hubbles already there. Not that... he was saying that Dan was addicted to drinking mind you. It was just that, whenever Ash saw him, he was usually at a bar. Or had a drink in his hand. Or food. The man loved his food and drink.

"Well well well...if it isn't old Headmaster Bubbles." Ash greeted with a smirk as he took a seat next to his old professor. "So, how is life in Oldiesville?" he asked with a cheeky grin, ready to duck away as soon as Dan swung at him for calling him old. He wouldn't put it past the man...

[Sarie Thimble]

Sarie didn't want to the song to end. When it did she would be alone again. She love the way his arms where around her. She liked being this close to Harrison. She never felt like she had belong before. She felt like this where she was suppose to be. They spun and she noticed Ellie Rock.

She had felling that Ellie was waiting for him. He had promised her the first dance. He had given it to her. She would be able to enjoy that thought the rest of her life. She wasn't meant to Harrison she knew that. She wondered if he had told Ellie, or was this a shock to her. She hoped her feelings weren't hurt.

Harrison and her weren't there together. It was just a dance, it meant nothing, a dance. Just them spinning and gliding over the dance floor. Sarie didn't even know she could dance this well or Harrison was really good at dodging. She hadn't step on his foot once. She looked up at him.

[Prof. Jasmine Whiskeyjack]

If memory served her, the Yule Ball had always been a welcomed occasion ever since Jasmine was a student here. Rather than dread the finding of someone to bring or something to wear she planned ahead and carried herself with grace every single year, always managing to have a wonderful time and make many new friends. "I imagine it will be just as breathtaking as I remember it to be.." She murmured softly to herself, briefly hoping to see Leon there as they always did have fun together and she had promised to beat away his admirers for him. Lord knew there would be many, and he was so kind he'd end up suffocating rather than ask them for some space. Jasmine smiled warmly at the thought--not of his suffocating of course--and slid into her dress, shivering a little as she zipped up the glittered bodice and stepped back to admire herself in the mirror. Time to go.

It was beautiful; a crystalline brilliance that reflected grace from every icicle, every twinkling ornament. Every watchful eye that longingly admired the dance floor with an almost wistful hunger as hands met hearts and lips met laughter. The atmosphere ebbed and flowed with startling clarity and the moment she entered despite the occasional disappointed party guest she breathed calmly, feeling as light as the hovering ice spectacles themselves. Briefly touching her eyes upon the poor girls with various purses and clutches the professor felt a note of relief, pleased with herself that she hadn't bothered with bags and the like. Her hands were free for the evening, and as she walked to join the assembled guests at the beverage table Jasmine poured herself a drink and nodded hello to Professor Hubbles--who seemed a little out of sorts, or perhaps she was imagining it?--and Ashton. "Its lovely." She commented while raising her glass in a slight toast to his decorating skills, smiling genuinely and hoping the spirits would improve Dan's spirits. Hah, get it? ..Yeah, bad joke.

Briefly looking to the dance floor she noticed Harrison dancing with Sarie. Smiling warmly Jasmine found it very touching that he shared his first dance with the fourth year, who herself seemed very happy and content to twirl there the entire evening. She was quite the lovely girl.

[Julianna Farraday]

"Ooh you look amazing I love that color on you" came a voice from behind her and as Julianna turned around she already had a smile on her face. "Thanks you look amazing as well Grace I love that dress it's really pretty" Grace beamed at Julia and told her that she'd meet her in the Great Hall since she was ready and Julia still had to put her hair up in an elaborate up do. Then she added a bit of lip gloss and eyeliner. Her hazel eyes were bright now when she looked in the mirror satisfied with what she saw. For weeks she had been looking forward to this dance it was a beautiful night and she knew the Great Hall would be decked out magnificently. At this moment she couldn't wait to get there, but she had to put on her shoes first, walking around barefoot to a ball was certainly unladylike.

With one more quick look Julia saw the long sequenced gown her mother purchased for her in London. It was a bit adult looking but she loved it immediately, one thing about her mother was she had impeccable taste in clothes. Julia felt adult and glamorous as she stepped out of her room and into the hallway where a bunch of scared looking fourth year girls were milling about. They were whispering in low tones but Julia could hear what they were saying all of them were worried that they wouldn't get asked to dance by any of the boys. Julia did not want them to know she overheard their conversation so she kept her face impassive and as she passed she saw them all jump shocked at her sudden appearance but still Julia's face gave nothing away until she was walking down the stairs.

Unfortunately the stairs were replaced by a giant slide and Julia realized a little too late so as she stepped down her foot hit nothing and she sort of toppled onto her butt and slid down landing awkwardly on the floor amidst several giggles from some first year girls playing exploding snaps at one of the tables by the fireplace. This time Julia's face showed every sign of the anger she felt, her eyes narrowed, her lips were pursed into a thin line, and the girls immediately stopped laughing. Feeling better about that she gave them all a scathing look before walking on toward the portrait hole. Julia wondered what foolish boy tried to get up to the girls dorm it was a wonder none of them realized they were not allowed up there.

Simply glad that she hadn't hurt herself Julia dusted herself off and made her way to the ball the whole time glad that those first years weren't attending.

Once outside the Great Hall Julia caught the eye of a cute Ravenclaw boy, he smiled at her and she smiled back without looking at him again (wanting to appear to play hard to get) she entered her mouth hanging open as she took in the room in front of her. "Wow" she whispered audibly walking further in trying to find some people she knew and immediately spotted Grace. Julia made a beeline for her, both girls giggled at each other happy to be out and about. "The place looks great" Julia told her and the other nodded. Looking around the room Julia noticed several different things including the teachers some of them dancing others seated at the staff table also eying everyone else as well. "This is going to be a great night" Julia thought out loud and she got a very excited nod from Grace.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan was still seething as he sucked on his butter beer, acting more like a baby drinking from its bottle then a grown man, but then it was well recorded that the Hubbles family where not the most mature. His blue eyes were fixed upon the young Hufflepuff as she stared onto to the dance floor waving at her friends and generally looking like she was having a good time. With a keep sigh Dan slammed the now empty bottle of butter beer on the near by table and was about to walk off to find out where his wife had gone when a certain ex-Ravenclaw approached. A small smile pulled at the corner of the man’s mouth as the tall dark haired boy…well man approached. As always the first thing that Ashton has fired at the Professor was a teasing statement that others may have taken to heart, but not Daniel Hubbles.

“Everything is alright; there was a slight scare that we might run out of anti aging cream.” Dan gave the muggle studies apprentice a sideways glance as a smirk filled his face. “Thankfully we found another box hidden away behind a bookcase.” Dan walked back over to the bar, picked up another bottle of butter beer and then sat down on the chair opposite Ashton. “How is life in Emo Town? Anyone else come out as being gay?”

Dan smirked into his drink as his gaze wondered back onto the dance floor as he watched the other students dance around. However as he desperately sought for a certain Hufflepuff in among the masses the new Herbology professor Jasmine Whiskyjack came over and sat down at the table with them. “Evening.” Dan muttered as he tore himself away from the dance floor and tried to be sociable. “Yeah cheers.” He agreed at Jasmine’s toast. “You look lovely this evening, however what do you think of Ashton’s tight jeans, I am worried they will rip and expose us all to his underwear.”

A small chuckle escaped the man’s lips. He would not let himself be bought down tonight by his little infatuation with a student. Not only was it wrong it could but his career, not to mention his marriage in jeopardy because of a little crush. So instead he turned his attention to the adults at his table, there would be nothing wrong with teasing and flirting with these professors…surly.

[Harrison Greg]

Harrison knew what people where thinking, he knew that as they entered the hall and looked onto the dance floor they would see him there dancing with Sarie and they would all think ‘awh how cute.’ It would have been likely that the old Harrison Greg might have cared about that and shook off the fourth year to go and dance with some girl who would not look out of place dancing in a window in Amsterdam. But this new incarnation of Harrison, although he was still capable of these thoughts and actions he was more concerned about making other people happy and by the wide grin on Sarie’s face he knew that he was achieving this!

He was holding Sarie close in his arms and they spun around the dance floor laughing and joking and it was only when he moved his gaze briefly that he spied Ellie Rook watching them from the side lines. She gave him a slight wave and since his hands where a little full he shot Ellie the widest grin he could manage. She looked beautiful and he could not wait to get over there, pull her into his arms and dance the night away with her. However right now he had promised to dance with Sarie and he could not let his attention slip from that for a second.

Looking down at his dance partner once more he saw that Sarie was looking up at him and Harrison shot her a cheeky grin. “And you said you weren’t a good dancer.” He teased as he picked Sarie up off the ground and spun her around as if she were as light as a feather. He knew the song was coming to an end and he would have to ruin her little dream world. As the final note of the dance rang out through the hall Harrison came to a stop and removed his arms from around Sarie’s waist. He then dropped into a low bow, reached for her left hand and placed a gentle kiss upon it. As he straightened up his pure blue eyes remained fixed upon the fourth year Gryffindor and he smiled broadly at her. “We shall have to do this again Miss Thimble. You must promise me another dance this evening.”

And he meant it, even as he took his leave and walked over towards Ellie Harrison knew that he wanted to go back and dance with Sarie. It made her happy which in turn made him happy, he liked that, it was a nice feeling and he sure as hell was going to do more of it!

“Miss Rook.” Harrison grinned over at the Hufflepuff as he jogged over to stand in front of her and just as he did with Sarie he bowed and kissed her hand. “Might you be able to do me the honour of having the next dance?”

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash laughed at the "Emo Town" remark. His...emo-ness was the source of a long-running joke between him and Dan. "Well, Tyler's supposed to meet me here, but I haven't seen him yet. Probably got distracted." he shrugged slightly, knowing that Tyler would be down as soon as he could. And that if he wasn't, Ash would kill him.

He nodded to Professor Whiskeyjack as she walked up and then narrowed his eyes at Dan when he mentioned Ash's skinny jeans.

"Careful Hubbles. Wouldn't wanna wake up with a few more gray hairs tomorrow, now would you?" he said with a little smirk.

"Besides," he continued as he took a sip of the drink that was in front of him, "My jeans never get that tight. God can you imagine how uncomfortable that would be?"