Unity For the Yuletide ((Everyone))

[Headmaster Dumbledore]

The Great Hall had never looked better. I know, Albus thinks that every time there is a ball, but this time – he really means it. He had never, in all of his years at Hogwarts, seen an event as extravagant as this one. It wasn't a Christmas ball, but there were evergreen trees, 9 of them, all about 15 feet tall. The tallest one stood at 20 feet and it was in the centre between the 8 others. Each tree was decorated gorgeously, with tinsel and baubles all coordinated to be lovely. There were no stars atop the trees, nor angels, but each tree held a single lit ball, each a different colour. The first tree on the right held a bright green ball, and then the one next to it was a bright red, then a bright blue, then bright yellow. The centre tree's ball was a bright, pure, white. It lit up the room, it was that bright. The following trees were the same colours, only in reverse order. Starting from the centre tree, the one to the left of it was yellow, and then blue, then red, and then green. Each colour of one of the houses. The white symbolised unity, which Albus dreamed of having one day while at Hogwarts. He knew that dream was not far off, but he wasn't quite sure how close it was. Albus shoved aside the desire for unity and looked around the remaining decorations of the Great Hall. The tables had been magically shrunken, and set into a small chest, which was locked up in his office so there was room to dance. One table remained, though, pushed against the far wall and contained refreshments for everyone. Red stem candles floated above the table, casting an ethereal glow along the table. There was artificial snow falling gently from the enchanted ceiling which tonight was bewitched to look like a clear and starry night. Glitter sprinkled across the floor elegantly and frost covered the windows.

In the front of the Great Hall where the teacher's table usually was, stood a smaller table with four high chairs that looked nearly like thrones. In front of each chair on the table sat a maroon velvet crown, a smaller purple crown, an elegant gold tiara, and a smaller silver tiara. Albus made his way up the three steps to the platform and examined each crown and each tiara. Each were spotless, fit for a real king and real queen. He was quite pleased with it, and knew that the Queen, King, Princess, and Prince would feel the same. Albus turned and walked over to the podium that stood in front of the table as the students began to file in, each wearing some form of costume or another. There were colours of all sorts and extravagances that Albus couldn't have ever imagined. He wasn't wearing a costume himself, but he did hold a single masquerade mask in his right hand for use of covering his face when someone asked him what he was supposed to be. Finally, it appeared that everyone who was going to arrive on time had arrived, and McGonagall hurried toward him to tell him the court was ready. Albus thanked her and then turned to the crowd as she stepped off to the side. He clapped his hands together and a thunderous boom reverberated off the walls, everyone silenced. He waited until the last shuffle was finished and then spoke in a clear and loud voice, "Welcome my friends to this year's Winter Ball!" There was a loud cheer, but Albus cut it off quickly so he could continue, "First, let me commend you on your costumes – each looks original and lovely! I am sure each of you have put a lot of creativity into them. Now, let us move onto the part we are all waiting for!"

There was a hushed chatter as Dumbledore took out his wand and waved it once, extinguishing all lights but the centre white ball that I had previously mentioned. It shined brighter and seemed to place all of its light on the grand double doors, waiting expectantly. "You have all nominated, and voted for them! I introduce to you, Hogwartians, your court for the Winter Ball!" With a flick of his wand, the doors opened slowly to reveal a single couple, "For Slytherin in Junior Court, Damien Vasska and Odette Boswell!" The two walked in, looking quite smug and once they had passed the trees, Albus continued, "For Hufflepuff in Junior Court, Aaron Byers and Harmony Chan! For Gryffindor in Junior Court, Rex Carter and Esmeralda Mendez! For Ravenclaw in Junior Court, Skyler Willis and Anastasia Castlerock!" Applause resounded around the Great Hall as the Junior court stood on the left side of Albus on the platform, each girl holding a bouquet of small roses, each the colour of their house. Albus waited for the applause to die down before going on, "For Slytherin in the Senior Court, Valmer Van Ruster and Mackenzie Holden! For Hufflepuff in the Senior Court, Bryce Alexander and Ashley Hill! For Gryffindor in the Senior Court, Jez Cuthbert and Kiana Brightstar! And for Ravenclaw in the Senior Court, Alexander Promise and Celia Richmond!" Again, he waited for the applause to subside and then he cleared his throat as the senior court filed to his right in a line, each girl holding a bouquet like the junior girls.

"And now… for the Royals." Albus's eyes twinkled as he flicked his wand and suspended the entire Great Hall in darkness. Cries of alarm rang out, but Albus didn't do anything. The Professor's stood by, waiting, and then slowly a quiet hum resounded from somewhere deep in the darkness. A small spark of light emitted in the centre of the room and then it started to bob and weave over to the junior court. The hum grew louder and the orb grew brighter until finally it landed on the top of Harmony Chan's head. The light sparked brightly enough to possibly blind someone and then went out again before the silver tiara appeared on her head, glowing, "Your Princess, Harmony Chan!" And the moment he said it, another orb appeared and bobbed and weaved over to the junior court again, humming all the while until it reached another member of the junior court and landed atop his head, brightening and then disappearing to reveal a glowing purple crown, "Your Prince, Skyler Willis!" Applause again and then silence, everyone seemed to be holding their breath as they waited for the final two to be crowned. Finally, a gold sliver of magic appeared from the tip of Albus's wand, and weaved around each girl in the senior court, pausing here and there, and then it wound itself around Kiana Brightstar loosely before reaching her top and winding itself into the gold tiara that sat previously on the table behind them, "Your Queen, Kiana Brightstar!" Another sliver of magic appeared, this time a deep maroon and wound itself around each boy in the senior court until it reached Bryce Alexander and wound itself up him and onto his head, forming the crown; "And your King, Bryce Alexander!" All together, all four crowns and tiaras lit up – each a different colour – and made the room glow bright before there was a mild pop and the room burst with the light it had before, the crowns and tiaras no longer glowing. There were cheers and applause and Albus let out a merry laugh before turning and waving his hands in a silencing movement, "Let us enjoy the ball!" He clapped his hands loudly again and music came to life. The ball had begun!

((You may create separate posts in this subboard and you may post here with your reaction, Court members!))

[Harmony Chan H6]

“Fabulous!” Aurora chimed with a more than satisfied smile, standing behind a seated Harmony opposite the floating mirror. The older Hufflepuff’s hands grasped Harmony’s shoulders gently, squeezing them with encouragement as she bent down cheek to cheek with her cousin. “You will look great out there tonight.” Aurora spoke with firm sureness, beaming into the mirror where Harmony returned the gesture, albeit nervously.
“Thanks for your help, Aurora.” Harmony’s hand moved up to touch her hair gingerly; it had taken Aurora over half an hour, and Harmony was in awe of the sleekness of it, especially since her cousin had never been the best hairdresser (then again, Aurora was darn adept at magic, so her wand made up for her skill-less hands). Harmony’s locks, usually falling beyond her shoulder, was even longer than before, reaching half way down her back, and it had been spell-dyed to be jet black rather than the tinge of brown that was usually obvious under the light. Her front bangs and fringe framed her face cutely in contrast to the stick-straightness of the rest, a lock of hair on either side taken to the back of her head and clipped with a small silver butterfly accessory. Harmony wore no make up – she wasn’t going to change her principles even for a Winter Ball where she would be under scrutiny by the entire school. No, Harmony was going plain and pure, with her usual smile to match. It shocked her really, having made the Junior Court; it shocked her even more that she had and Aurora hadn’t. Aurora had insisted that was because she faced stronger competition; plus, she was rooting for some of the people on the Senior Courts anyway, and was glad she didn’t have to be ‘put on display’. Still, the fact Harmony was in the Court had made her extra worried about her attire, her appearance, and her behaviour. Large congregations such as parties and bashes were hard enough for Harmony because she was so shy, and now she would have be up for Princess of the Ball?!

Harmony stood up from her seat as Aurora left her position from behind her and deposited the mirror on the bed. “Could you hold that up again for one last look, actually?” Harmony asked her cousin, gesturing at the mirror. Nodding, Aurora levitated it in front of the younger Hufflepuff so her entire body was in view. Harmony stared intently at her reflection, studying every aspect of herself in deep detail. Her eyes ran down the simple silver necklace round her neck, which complimented the flowing oriental Chinese robes she had wrapped round her; they were a shining rose pink, with a silver pattern of cherry blossoms embroidered throughout. A sash of dark silvery grey finished off the Mulan costume Harmony had chosen to wear for the Winter Ball, along with a pair of black and silver dancing heeled shoes, hopefully not too high for an entire evening of excitement. Harmony was somewhat worried that she would appear more Japanese than Chinese – there was a subtle difference she wanted to emphasise. Her dress was a cross between the Chinese and the Japanese kimono – inheriting the slim outline of the former, but the flowing material of the latter. It was beautiful creation, something Aurora and Ariane had both helped Harmony make in the last few weeks. Although Hua Mulan was a non-fictional character rather than a real person, she was an inspirational woman in the history of Chinese poems and stories, and not just a children’s tale to be told in the west nowadays. It was also the only thing Harmony could find suitable to go as, and she was sure no one else would coincide with her idea. Plus, she felt that if Mulan were indeed a real live person, she would idolise her greatly.
“Happy?” Aurora questioned after a long silent pause where Harmony studied her reflection long and hard, much the same as Mulan had done in the Disney movie Harmony had watched several years ago. Harmony nodded and Aurora grinned, placing the mirror on her bed once again and twirling around in her large dress, which Harmony could hardly believe she could move in. “Look at me! I will never pass as a perfect bride, or a perfect daughter.” Aurora sang softly, stopping before Harmony and grasping her hands. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Harmony nodded and let Aurora lead her out of the dormitory, careful not to step on her older cousin’s trailing dress. Aurora had decided to go as Marie Antoinette, a muggle Queen of France, once an Archduchess of Austria. She was married to the King of that time, Louis XVI, and was most famous for being guillotined to death (one which Aurora of course hoped not to be bestowed upon her one day). Harmony had helped Aurora first with her costume, because it took an eternity to get onto the body properly. It was difficult to move in, but it gave a stunning effect, the shiny sheen of the pale lavender material shimmied in the light as it fanned from the waist outwards. ”Can it be, I’m not meant to play this part? Now I see that if I were truly to be myself I would break my family’s heart.” Aurora continued to hum the main theme tune from the Disney movie, making Harmony smile as they passed the Common Room swiftly. Aurora was a pureblood, but she could act so muggle sometimes despite her love for magic. ”Who is that girl I see? Staring straight, back at me. Why is my reflection someone I don’t know? You know, Harmony, I love that song.” Aurora added as she paused to exit the Common Room, only for the pair to run into a casually dressed Ariane. “Ari!” Aurora exclaimed in surprise, almost crashing into her best friend. “There you are.” Both Harmony and Aurora took in the Gryffindor’s lack of costume without question; they both knew she didn’t plan on attending, though Ariane had promised Harmony to watch the first part of the Ball from afar in an invisible corner to see who became Queen, King, Princess and Prince.

“Have fun out there tonight.” Ari stated solemnly, looking Harmony in the eye. Harmony shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny, nodding. Tensions had been high between them since what happened between them with Rex and Billy over two weeks ago in the Great Hall, and their relationship had not recovered fully since. “Stay safe.” Ari added after a long silence. Harmony knew she was insinuating the fact that Rex would be there; in fact, he was also on the Junior Court representing the Gryffindor males. Then again, Anastasia Castlerock was representing the Ravenclaw girls, and Harmony hoped to stay as far away from her as possible. She wanted no confrontation during the Winter Ball. After a few more awkward word exchanges, Aurora and Harmony left Ariane to head to the Great Hall, where a few people already roamed around waiting for the start. Harmony was immediately whisked away by an ever-observant Professor McGonagall, and soon the other Courtiers joined Harmony in the waiting room, nervously anticipating their entrances. Harmony noted her fellow Hufflepuff, Aaron Byers, and smiled a hello, before quickly moving away from Rex and Anastasia on the other side of the room. She recognised Skyler Willis, the Ravenclaw first year and the youngest of the lot, along with Damien Vasska and Odette Boswell, Slytherins in Harmony’s year whom she duly avoided. Odette had a twin brother, Orion, in Hufflepuff, whom hadn’t made the Court. The only person Harmony seemed to be able to talk to was Ezzie Mendez, representing the Gryffindor females, and she quickly attempted nervous conversation with her. However, knowing Ezzie, she probably didn’t have as many nerves as Harmony did. With a hesitant eye, Harmony observed the older students milling around too, whom made up the Senior Court; there was the Bryce Alexander, a Hufflepuff seventh year and Prefect; other Prefects included Alexander… something from Ravenclaw, with another Prefect, Celia, but Alexander was with Mackenzie Holden, also a Prefect, and whom was representing Slytherins with Valmer, a fifth year boy. Ashley Hill, who Harmony played alongside in the Quidditch team, was with Bryce, both seventh year Beaters looking prim and proper. Finally, there were the Gryffindor representatives, Jez Cuthbert and Kiana Brightstar. Harmony knew the latter girl, and that Aurora was rooting for her (they were also on the BBBS committee together). Jez Cuthbert scared her.

Soon, the Headmaster’s speech could be heard after a build up of rabble, and before Harmony knew it, he was announcing the Courts. Nervously Harmony lined herself up beside Aaron, smiled at him somewhat, before hearing her name called and walking out before the crowd. Swallowing, Harmony gripped the flowers in her hand tight and waited for the other boys and girls to file beside them. Finally, Professor Dumbledore extinguished the lights, plunging the entire Great Hall in darkness. Rather confused, Harmony watched as a small beam of silver light lit up and floated towards her area; she watched as it circled above for a while, before it landed on her head, revealing a silver tiara. Blinking, it took Harmony several seconds after Professor Dumbledore had called her name to realise she had been crowned Princess of the Ball. The shock and realisation settled as she heard Skyler being crowned Prince, and Harmony attempted without much success to calm the nerves she was feeling. Several words filled her head, and Harmony managed to remain silent as her hands automatically clapped for the naming of Kia as Queen and Bryce as King. The announcements were over, and shock still evident on her face, Harmony’s eyes swept the packed room. Where were her friends and family in all of this? Oh my goodness!

[phantomlynx]

Skyler could not decide what to wear. He wanted to dress up as Henry V or someone great like Shakespeare. Only one problem. He was eleven. They were not. Every time he thought of dressing up like them he would think how ridiculous dressed up like a King or a well known playwright. Skyler had to dress up like a famous muggle. He didn't know enough about the wizarding world to know who was famous or not. Of course, there was Harry Potter and He-Who-Must-Be-Named (Skyler still hadn't figured out what his real name was and why it could not be said). But Skyler figured they were a little too close to the school. After all Harry Potter had recently died. Skyler didn't want to make it seem like he was mocking the memory of the hero so he decided against dressing like him.

But now, time was growing short. The Winter Ball was tonight and Skyler still had not decided what he was going to wear. He wished now that he had a close girl as a friend. She would know what to wear. Every time that Skyler had tried to bring the topic up to Will he had just laughed. Will seemed to think it hilarious that Skyler was even nominated for the Royal Court not to mention that he would have to dress up to attend. It wasn't his fault! Skyler was flabbergasted the day they announced the nominees. He never thought that he would make it past the first voting so he had not bothered to ask to be removed. But now, here he was. In the top four for Junior Court. How did this happen? Was he even that popular? Who knew him? Will, Alex, Mack, Aurora. Maybe one of them had nominated him.

This is where we join our hero. In the middle of his dorm room ripping apart his trunk and the trunks of his roommates looking for something that he could wear. He heard the door open and looked to see who it was. Nobody came through but a second later Jeremy, Will's cat, jumped on Will's bed and left a dead bird for Will to find later. "Yuck! Gross Jeremy!" Skyler made a face and stuck his tongue out at the cat. Skyler knew that Jeremy had left this 'present' for Will because he wanted to show his appreciation but he could not get over the fact that it was a dead bird and that it would rotting in Will's bed. There was no way that Skyler would clean it up. Skyler really liked Will and would do a lot for him but not clean dead birds from his bed. A relationship had limits. But the dead bird did give him an idea. He ran to his bed, picked up his pillow, tore off the case and then tore open his pillow. Feathers flew everywhere. If this was to work he would have to ruin his bedding but he hoped that he could repair it later.

About an hour later, Skyler was making his way to the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall stopped him before entering the Hall. She made him line up with the other nominees. Skyler admitted to himself that he was nervous. He was by far the youngest one there. He didn't even know the female Ravenclaw. Anastasia Castlerock. She was a fourth year. Maybe. Skyler didn't know for sure but she was older. And yet he was supposed to stand next to her as if they were buddy buddy? Skyler just wanted this to be over with. He waited in anticipation as his name was called and Anastasia and he walked into the Great Hall all eyes on them. They stood as the other Court nominees walked in. Dumbldore than continued by extinguishing the lights. A silver light floated and landed on Harmony Chan naming her princess. Chan... I've heard that name before... Skyler thought to himself as a purple orb swirled about him. It landed on his head and turned into a purple crown. Skyler was shocked! How could he have won? Who would have voted for him? Skyler missed the names of the other two winners as all he could think of was: Why me? ...Why purple?

[Bryce Alexander]

((Since I planned to have Bryce do an entire post with Ashley at the ball, you can go here to see his response to being crowned king. Thanks to everyone who voted for him. )