Annual New Years Ball

[dana]

((This thread is open to mostly purebloods who are old enough to attend this sort of a formal party at the Ministry of Magic in England or to everyone who actually have a reason to be invited to such a ball. Oh, and this post is IC taking place on the in 31st December.

And I know - got a little carried away, with the dress (though sadly I din't find a suiting formal Dana pic) but as you requested - the dress is red, Massa Ryd-ah))


Dana twirled gracefully under the hand of her grandfather as they floated through the dance-moves easily as both were good dancers and had danced together on numerous occasions previously as well. Letting her head fall backwards as Julien dipped her Dana stayed in the position for a moments before Julien helped her stand upright again as the dance ended and both clapped for the band. “You look absolutely gorgeous today, sweet-heart,” Julien said while brushing Dana’s cheek for a moment making Dana smile. “You are my grand-father. You’re expected to say that,” Dana replied easily as she reached up to kiss Julien’s cheek noticing a flash of a camera from the corner of her eye. Julien was the Minister of France… naturally pictures of him were demanded. But Dana that actually spent time dolling herself up today. The dress, jewels, make-up, hair – she had made sure everything was covered. Besides it was fun to dress up and shine some nights of the year. For today’s party she had chosen a strong wine-red colour dress with a relatively simple cut. The dress was tailored especially for Dana so the bodice accentuated her body nicely while the dress fell simply to the ground showing only the toes and heels of Dana’s red shoes. The dress had straps running over the shoulders and it exposed Dana’s mid-back while hiding enough to add the element of mystery. A strong and bold colour that caught eyes even in a ballroom filled with sparkle and fancy dresses. Yet there were few dresses with the colour of pure red like Dana had expected. The colour and simplicity of the cut of the dress made Dana stand out. Dana liked the slit on the left side that showed her thigh form time to time rather – it didn’t show anything more than just a hint of the shapely leg underneath, but it showed it at it’s best.

Shifting the whiteish-golden scarf on her arms Dana smiled ad glanced over Julien’s shoulder fixing a strand of her hair. Her hair-do was also kept relatively simple – most of the hair had simply been pulled back with golden hair-clips and then Dana’s hair simply cascaded down her back in waves. She had chosen gold jewels today because gold did match red better. There was a relatively wide gold chain surrounding her neck before dragon-claw like hooks held up a shockingly big ruby tantalizingly over the dresses decoltee that was actually rather modest. The necklace as well as the matching gold ring with a red ruby being held up by golden dragon claws had once been a present from Kris. Dana thought that they were form the time she turned 16. Add a golden bracelet around Dana’s left wrist as well as skillfully done make-up by a cosmetician with daringly red lips and golden-red shadowed eyes and the outlook was stunning. Dana had to admit to herself that she did clean up rather nicely with the help of professionals and some work even if such an statement would sound arrogant most of the time – on this occasion it was true.

Smiling at Julien and Meredith who was approaching them with her own dancing partner Dana stepped back letting her grand-parents dance among themselves before excusing herself while accepting the hand of Meredith’s previous dance-partner. Following the older man for a few twirls over the dance-floor Dana msiled politely and after casual polite phrases had been exchanged excused herself and left the dance-floor in order to greet Kris who had entered a few moments before with Cleo. Now that they actually conversed as well as cursed each other they really did make a rather impressive couple Dana had to admit as she caught up with them near a bar stepping next to them just as some man Dana didn’t really know finished greeting Kris, but promising to seek him out again later on in the evening.

“Kris! Glad to see you finally made it. Cleo you look simply better than words could ever say!” Dana exclaimed happily while kissing both of their cheeks while giving them quick hugs making sure the clear up the lipstick that got stuck on Kris’s cheek, “I still don’t understand why you were allowed to not come with us before. You have came at the same time before, Kris. Mineral water with lime please.” Dana added to the barman who nodded accepting the order.
“But this time I’m of age, so while you were invited to come along with Meredith and Julien, I received a private invitation. Our positions in the wizarding world are different, as I’m head of my part of the family-tree,” Kris replied calmly as the small group conversed for a few moments before Kris excused themselves only to move to the dance-floor with Cleo with Dana sending them with her eyes for a moments with a smile displayed on her face. Hearing the barman clear his throat Dana turned around accepting the margarita-glass from the man with a grateful smile and nod before raising the glass to her lips to take a sit.

[kris]

Kris waved his wand at his hair drying it momentarily with a gust of wind surrounding his head for a moment. Pulling on an emerald green blouse with silver chains holding the collar and cuffs closed while decorating them as well Kris stepped in front of the mirror finding a black velvet ribbon from there. He couldn’t see his mirror reflection but he had worn long hair ever since his hair had grown long enough so Kris merely pushed through his hair with spread fingers before tying his hair into a pony-tail at the nape of his neck. The silver family heir-loom ring was already on his fingers sending out flashes of emerald-green light when light hit the big squared-shaped emerald with Kris’s family-crest in it. Closing the thestral-head shaped silver clasps to make sure his formal cloak would stay safely attached to the shoulders of his blouse as the black material with modest silver lining streamed down his back reaching Kris’s knees as he pulled on a pair of soft black shoes as well.

“You look great,” came the whispered voice from the enchanted mirror making Kris smirk lazily as he made sure his wand was tucked away securely in his sleeve before he apparated off reappearing a moment later at the hotel in Hogsmeade Cleo had chosen for herself so she could get ready. “Enchanting,” Kris said as Cleo touched his shoulder, swiftly taking her fingers and bowing low to Kris them as Kris turned shiftly with Morrigan meowing and moving lightly as to not fall from his shoulder. Placing a hand around Cleo’s waist Kris pulled her closer and kissed her temple a second before he apparated away once again as they reached the Ministry a few moments later.
“Enjoy the party, sir, miss,” came the wish from a Ministry official as Kris was certain they were both checked with spells – security was important – as they both sauntered in, Kris’s ebony cane swinging lazily in his hand as Kris touched the floor with it’s top from time to time to make sure that he stayed on top of things.

Answering some greetings he received Kris took hold of Cleo’s elbow as they steered towards a near-by bar with Cleo where Kris exchanged quick polite phrases with an old business spartner of his father. Catching the scent of Dana’s shampoo Kris turned and taking hold of her elbows kissed Dana’s forehead while bowing his head so Dana could kiss her cheek. “Lovely as ever,” Kris answered with a smile to Dana easily engaging in the friendly small-talk for a couple of moments. Hearing the beginning notes of a good song, Kris smiled and taking hold of Cleo’s elbow again pulled the girl to the dance-floor. Wrapping his arms around her Kris led her easily through the steps of the dance, while Cleo followed his lead without any hesitations about the steps.

[cleo]

Cleo sighed, added a touch of lipstick to her kips before taking a step back and looking herself over. She looked acceptable at the very least. Cleo had left her hair loose and wore only a gold-dragon Kris had gave her once, though unknowingly for Cleo at that time at the Halloween’s Ball. Yet she had grown fond of the charm and Kris didn’t have any desire to have it back. Glancing at the clock Cleo rushed out of the room and down into the lobby of the hotel that was decorated with black and white marble mostly with antique furniture. Smiling brightly upon seeing Kris already there Cleo rushed over and touched her should softly not wondering anymore why she had allowed Kris to convince her to come along.
Laughing at Kris’s comment about her being enchanting, Cleo took hold of his shoulders, knowing they were going to apparating: “How do you know what I look like? You don’t even see me.”
“I know you and I mknow you wouldn’t be caught dead in anything less than absolutely stunning,” came the immediate reply before they were already apparating away.

Stepping into the balloom after being checked by the security with Kris holding her elbow gently Cleo admitted that they were a stunning pair. Kris with his black and a flash of green blouse and Cleo in her own sparkling bronze outfit. The outfit was a simple cut – no decoltee in the front, but her back was bared up to the waist. With three strings crisscrossing over her back and her skirt hugging her hips before spreading out enough to let you move and dance ballroom easily. Her dresses colour was rather unexpectant and therefore stood out, but it fit Cleo’s complexion and created a perfect background for her vibrant red hair.

Smiling but staying mostly quiet as Kris greeted some people Cleo felt rather happy as they reached the bar and for once Dana approached them. “You look rather dashing yourself as well,” Cleo said returning Dana’s smile and hug giggling and joining in with the light banter that always seemed to follow Kris and Dana if they were around each other long enough. Smiling at the sound of one of er favourite songs Kris’s touch on her elbow again came as a bit of a surprise but Cleo gladly let herself be led to the dance-floor. Taking the positions Cleo rediscovered for her joy that Kris was an excellent dancer even while being blind and she followed through his moves easily, enjoying himself as the continued a quiet conversation while swaying between other dancing couples.

[ryder]

His first New Years ball had been when he was 15, and his father had let him and his brother come along. He always knew that it had to do with work, but he didn't care. The idea of a ball and stayed out until all hours of the morning sounded almost too good to be true. Now participating in his third one of these, he knew the routine far to well. For the first part of the evening, he went around and with his father, and met the who's-who of the Ministry, and played along as they all asked about school and his future. "Going into Quidditch I suppose?" seemed to be the catch phrase of the evening, as more than a dozen people had said it to him already. It was expected though--with is father doing what he did after all. He didn't necessarily mind playing nice with all the nosy adults, but there happened to be other things on his mind.

The party was well under way when he made his way to the bar to refill his drink. As he neared it, he saw a rather attention getting red dress draped over a rather attention getting, and familiar form. A rather pleased one sided smile cross his face as he closed the final distance between them. Her back was toward him, as she was facing the back, and he let this fingers land on the rick red fabric before trailing across the bare part of her back as he leaned in and whispered "So we meet again." The words had barely escaped him when his hand left her and he resting them both on the bar in front of him and searched for the bartender, calling "Rum and Coke" once he came into sight.

[dana]

“Fortune cookie?” came the offer from the barman and Dana smiled while choosing one form the big silver plate different fortune-cookies were displayed on. “Thank you,” Dana told the bartender who winked at her before moving away to serve some other clients as Dana turned the fortune cookie in her hands. Her own experience so far had told her that the slips of paper with ‘wisdom’ inside fortune cookies were always either completely weird or wrong. But that made them all the more amusing to read, especially since Dana didn’t exactly believe that fortune cookies could actually foretell the future. It was just a matter of luck really. Luck and chance as to see the difference you got from different fortune cookies.

Dana broke the fortune cookie open but before she had time to unroll the piece of paper from inside it someone placed a hand on her back, making Dana stiffen lightly only to relax again at the sound of Ryder’s voice as his hand slipped over the bare part of Dana’s back. Smiling a little to herself Dana didn’t look at the boy stepping next to her but rather unrolling the slip of paper.
“You shall soon meet a dark stranger,” Dana read out loudly from the paper, before letting the paper roll up on it’s own again as she turned her head and offered Ryder a small amused smile, “Are you a dark stranger, Massa Ryd-ah? Or should I be wary of an axe-murderer waiting behind the door when it’s time to leave the ball?”

Dana smiled a bit wickedly as she took one more drink of the cold water she had ordered while eyeing the drink handed to Ryder curiously: “Rum and coke? Never tasted rum outside of cakes. And don’t really like coke. Rum and coke together – doesn’t it taste weird? And it’s hardly a surprise that we meet again. After all we discovered on our first meeting that we are invited to the same party at New Years, didn’t we? Enjoying the ball and the numerous people you don’t know but who still come up to talk to you like they are your best friends? Oddness that makes such events so incredibly enjoyable, don’t you agree?”

[ryder]

Normally when he was with Dana his gaze was so focused on her the rest of the world all but disappeared, but tonight, he looked instead at the bar, and waiting for the tender to hand him his drink before he turned his back to the counter and leaned against it, taking a long sip of it before he turned his attention to Dana, and answered her statement with his far to typical one-sided smile. "I think its a matter of opinion, so you tell me. But I will walk you out if it makes you feel better." He flashed her another smile before taking another deep drink of his rum and coke, but letting his attention return to her almost immediately as she commented on his taste for drinks. He shrugged slightly, swirling the dark liquid in his class. "Its an acquired taste I guess."

After another drink he let his gaze settle upon Dana as it had in every one of their previous encounters. He smiled in agreement to her statement about the people at these parties and nodded. "They all think they know whats best...and then ask after for your name again. Or in my case, I'm 'Dallan's boy' or 'Dallan's eldest.' And its always about Quidditch." He shrugged again, and took another sip of his drink. He only had rum and coke on rare occasions such as this, and he intended to enjoy a number of them over the course of the evening. As he sipped he glanced over at her, waiting for her own comments on her experiences this evening.

[dana]

Dana smirked as she imagined Ryder walking them out for a moment. Naturally Dana would be leaving at the same time as her grand-parents… perhaps Cleo and Kris would be leaving at the same time, but that wasn’t sure. But it was amusing to imagine how Ryder would try to walk him out in front of Meredith and Julien. They oth ahd sharp tongues and they had no problems what so ever of commenting out loud and saying what they thought of something. But where politicians as well – Meredith handled most of France’s diplomacy – so that just made their comments completely honed to be polite and therefore much more cutting. Dana snickered quietly as she imagined the situation: “I don’t think walking me out will be necessary. I shall be leaving with my grand-parents anyway. And there will be most surely a band of Aruros around us then – my grandparents were furious enough when Kris was hurt on the Express. Should they be under attack – or should either me or Kris be in any threat – it would quite literally be the end of Fudge’s career as a politician.” Shaking her head with amusement Dana brushed the thought away.

Turning around Dana eyed the room fro a moment searching for her grand-parents with her eyes for a moment. “Well, if you said that the quidditch pitch is like a 2nd home, being asked about quidditch is rather normal, don’t you think? And have you already done the required rounds around the room with your father already then? As for me… no, I don’t really get that. I’m either a complete stranger to half of the people so they won’t bother to approach me. Or I am known well enough for the other half as Meredith’s and Julien’s grand-daughter and thanks to their position people have taken the time to learn my first name at least. Though I must admit that most people do try to make my last name to be Graas as well,” Dana mused calmly while catching Meredith’s eyes from the other side of the room where they were talking in a group of people. Mereidth arched an eye-brow before nodding approvingly at Ryder before glancing towards the ceiling making Dana smirk. Raising the margarita glass with water in a greeting back at Meredith Dana smiled at the woman. She was 55 years old but still had more stamina than most other people Dana knew. She cared for herself and the mall amount of wrinkles showed the care as there weren’t any strands of grey in her hair and she was as fit as ever. Dana and Meredith smiled at each other over the room for a moment before someone stepped between the way and Dana averted her eyes back to Ryder grinning lightly as she turned around again so she was once again facing the bar. Looking at Rdyer Dana figured that he might have seen the short exchange of glances and looking at him Dana let out a low amused chuckle. “In case you need translation as to what just happened – my grand-mother approved your looks at the very least, as she can’t very well offer a grade for your personality. Stick around for a little longer and both Meredith and Julien are sure to drop by and enquire what do you want with their little girl. I figured I should give you a fair warning about that.”

Dana grinned just a bit wickedly at Ryder as she emptied her bowl of water before pulling the slice of lemon from the side of the glass. Breaking it into half Dana smiled and bit into it, enjoying the sour taste of the lemon before throwing the remaining lemon-skin away and dabbing her lips with a paper tissue as the empty glass and the tissue were whisked away immediately from the bar in front of her making Dana silently appreciate the quick service of the bar-tenders.

[ryder]

He let her answer that she didn't think him walking her out would be necessary and that she would be leaving with her grandparents. He remained silent, though he thought that even if she did leave with her family, he still had until then. He kept his weight leaning against the counter, casually swirling his drink in the glass, though his gaze still remained focused on her. When she mentioned quidditch, he shrugged again and took another sip of his drink. "I get asked about quidditch because of what my father does, not because of my own feelings for the game. Most of them still think I play the game, not coach it."

When Dana's own gaze drifted out across the crowd and for a brief moment his own gaze drifted in that direction, and he gave an easygoing, one-sided smile to whoever the woman was she seemed to be addressing before he glanced back over at Dana. When Dana clarified, his smile grew a bit wider and he sipped at his drink again. "I know exactly what I'll say to them." His smile grew even wider, and after a brief moment, he drained his glass and set it back down on the counter before reaching a hand out and clasping it around one of hers. He wanted to dance. "Come on."

[Luke Dallan H7]

Luke stood next to his father along with a large group of men, nodding his head at everything they said. He held a glass of coke in his hand that was starting to have water drip down the clear glass. Every now and than, Luke would switch the cup back and forth in each hand, while wiping the water off on his nice pair of black dress pants. The large gathering of Luke’s father colleagues were talking about new Quid ditch players on certain teams. "Did you see the Tutshill Tornados new chaser?" one of the men with brown hair said before taking a sip of his wine. "I dare say I have. Young boy, but promising," Julien Dallan said with a smile before wrapping his arm around Luke's shoulder. "But my Luke right here could put his skills to the test. Did I tell you all that my other son Ryder got a job offer coaching the Appleby Arrows?" Julien added with a proud smile. Luke hated it when his father gloated about him and Ryder in front of his colleagues. But Julien's sons were the only thing he had left after Claire died. "This would be...the millionth time you told us Julilen, isn't that right boys?" the same man with brown hair said while the others just nodded their head in agreement. "Now Luke, are you thinking of persuading a future in Qudditch?" he heard another one say. Luke just took a sip the last sip of his coke before speaking. "I don't know sir. I'm still in my sixth year at Hogwarts, so I'm not thinking that far ahead. I think I will go get a refill, excuse me." Just as he was about to walk away Julien stopped him. "Luke pull the collar to your shirt down." Luke just sighed while tucking the collar back down while walking away from the group.

Making his way through crowds of dancing couples toward the bar, Luke kept a watching eye out for Ryder. Why had his brother left him to rot with a group of his fathers colleagues like that? Tucking the collar up, Luke sighed with relief while itching his neckline. This whole outfit was just not him. But, Luke only had to go through this ordeal once every year, unless he was invited to another fancy party, where he had to dress up in a suit and everything. When Luke finally reached the bar he saw Ryder touching hands with a girl. Raising his eyebrow Luke eyed his brother thoughtfully. "Am I interrupting anything here? If so I could just simply leave you two be." he said with a slight smile before sniffing the familiar scent of rum and coke, "Now Ryder, lets not have too much to drink. I don't have the strength or patience tonight to carry you out of here and back at home."

[dana]

Dana arched a cool eyebrow being in her own element today. The heavy jewels and fancy dress were often a much bigger armour for a woman than a pair of jeans might be. Yet most people never seemed to understand. Turning one of her hanging earrings absent-mindedly as it got stuck in her hair for a moment as Dana shrugged her shoulders having to pull the scarf a bit higher on her shoulders after the movement.
“So answer. Tell them you don’t play you coach. Makes you appear friendlier and keeping up a conversation doesn’t let the fact you are bored come to attention that much. After all I did explain the meaning of a conversation to you one day, didn’t I?” Dana asked with a slight smirk hovering over her lips looking at Ryder’s fingers clasped around her wrist. “Come on?” Dana asked with sarcasm dripping from her voice, “No thank you, I won’t come at such a… polite… request.”

Dana raised her eyes calmly to an other boy who had just approached them. Eying the upturned collar with a small smile and a twinkle in her eye, Dana decided that it looked rather refreshingly original in the party. Glancing at the new boy and then Ryder Dana noted the family resemblance that always seemed to exist between family-members, even though she faintly recognized Luke from some of her own classes anyway. “What is this, corner Dana day?” Dana asked with slight amusement as she glanced between the two boys nodding and smiling to a passing relative, “Cousin Frédéric.” “Ah, Dana darling, you look enchanting as always. Tell me, have your grandparents thought about my proposition?” the man asked stopping and smiling at Dana a bit slyly barely offering a nod to the two boys next to her.
“Doing such decisions on their own would be tyranny, cousin Frédéric, and if you recall Julien was FAIRLY elected to be Minister,” Dana replied her tone much more forceful than it had been before as she smiled coldly while doing a half-arch towards where there was a rather large sum of people gathered around her grandparents with most of them diplomats and often influential people. The cousin didn’t respond only moving away as Dana stared after him thoughtfully fro a moment before glancing at the young blond woman in his arm, “Glass jewels,” Dana murmured almost thoughtfully before turning back to the two Dallan’s flanking her on either side and offering them a much warmer smile, “Pardon, I have a big family tree and not always the most charming relatives.”

Holding her hand out for Luke to shake Dana smiled at him calmly: “Luke Dallan I presume? Pleasure to actually meet you properly. And you most certainly aren’t interrupting something. But do you make a habit of carrying Massa Ryd-ah here home then?” Dana glanced at Ryder for a moment. Was that brotherly teasing or did Ryder prefer wilder parties? Arching an eye-brow at Ryder Dana raised the hand Ryder was still hanging onto a little while look pointedly into Ryder’s eyes: “Speaking of which, would you perhaps let go of my wrist, Ryder? You do hold onto my bracelet as well and it is starting to hurt my wrist, as the matrial cuts itno my wrist, not yours.” Dana kept the eye-contact for a moment later before turning around and ordering one more glass of mineral water from the barman who was going by with a cocktail for some other guest, before eyeing the two boys next to her with just a bit curious smile curving her mouth corners upwards.

[ryder]

She made a comment on her explaining to him how one held a conversation the last time they had bet and his eyes narrowed slightly, though he gave her one of his ever famous one-sided smiles to balance it. His gaze stayed on her when he took her wisted and said come on, though he was not surprised when she seemed to have been less than impressed with the request, though he did not release her wrist right again.

He saw her gaze change after a moment, and he looked over to see Luke approaching them, and he let his focus switch to his brother. He also noticed that briefly that Dana turned her attention to some cousin he didn't catch the name of, he was instead he was looking back at Luke.

When whoever Dana had been talked to left, she looked back at Luke and he let them handle introductions before he corrected his brothers statement. "Its not secret that I like a good party, but I have always been able to walk out on my own." He glanced back at Luke for a moment, trying to silently tell his brother that he had the situation under control. When Dana commented on he fact he was still holding her wrist he let his grasp loosen and slip down so that he held her hand instead. "Dana," He stopped for a moment, and took a breath, his gaze almost uncomfortable focused on her. "Please, will you dance with me."

[cleo]

Cleo smiled feeling shockingly at ease in the company of Meredith. Sure, she was an important woman, but with her sharp tongue and the never-ending teasing going on between Kris and Meredith… who could be nervous while they made Cleo laugh until tears. Cleo was still grinning as Meredith practically jumped and rushed to the dance-floor to get away of someone obviously wanting to talk about business plans. Snickering a turning down an offer to dance Cleo turned towards the bar instead. She might as well catch Dana again and amuse herself with a conversation with her. Maybe she could eve convince the 6th year to help her with Transfiguration. Cleo was alright in Charms, but Transfiguration was a bit more trickier. Weaving her way through the crowd Cleo raised a curious eye-brow finally catching site of Dana’s red dress. The two guys next to her did a pretty good job hiding her from view. Smirking lazily Cleo sidestepped a group of chattering people and grinned lazily at the small group.

“Wild parties, eh?” Cleo asked her eyes falling at the older-looking boys hand that was clasping Dana’s, ”Nothing wrong with those if you know where your limit is.” Cleo took in both of the boys slowly and carefully, faintly recognizing both from Hogwarts. As both were older than she Cleo couldn’t really place anything else. Though the two boys did appear to be relatives. Arching a curious eye-brow towards Dana Cleo turned her head slightly taking a step forward and taking the martini-glass with water Dana had most likely ordered. Taking a sip of it calmly, while ignoring Dana’s indignant snort over loosing her drink, Cleo tilted her head and nodded to both guys, “Cleo Hardwick. Ravenclaw 5th year and quite interested in who you two are and why you are flanking Dana. She doesn’t really fear people in the room you know.
Your grandmother was in such a hurry to escape some ministry official that she practically dragged Kris to the dance-floor. Speaking of whom, Kris did say he wanted you to save him a waltz later on.” Cleo stated lazily actually feeling rather genuinely curious. Dana holding some guys hand? Now this was news. Especially since the guy wasn’t looking like Santa Clause. Stepping forward, Cleo seated herself on one of the high bar-stools next to Dana’s other side while glancing curiously at the boy Dana had introduced as Ryder when he asked Dana to dance.

“You know, that request might sound a bit less like you are going to club Dana over her head with a bat and drag her away if she doesn’t come to dance with you, if you didn’t actually look as if you had just bitten into a snot-tasting Every Flavour Bean,” Cleo commented sarcastically while snatching the end of Dana’s scarf and pulling it off from her shoulders, before pacing it on the bar next to her, shrugging towards Dana, “The scarf will only bother you while you dance, so I’ll safe keep it for you here. Besides you can give the chap some lessons about actually appearing interested in a conversation during the dance.” Watching the two leave, Cleo took one more sip of water before turning her eyes to the younger Dallan brother and arching both eye-brows: “And while those two dance, I wouldn’t mind you sharing since when is your brother so interested in Dana?”

[dana]

Ryder moved his hand away from her wrist for Dana’s relief instead opting to hold onto Dana’s hand. Wrinkling her nose slightly in response to Ryder’s slightly narrowed eyes Dana looked up at the sound of a familiar voice. Smiling at Cleo Dana glanced around searching for Kris, feeling just a little surprised upon not seeing him. She hadn’t really expect Kris to let Cleo leave him during the party. At least not for long. Letting out a snort as Cleo carelessly stole the drink the barman placed on the counter before Dana, she didn’t bother to comment anyway. Cleo had taken over enough Kris-like qualities to not care about it anyway. Not that she didn’t have equally arrogant qualities of her own even before she had met Kris. Raising her eye-brows back at Cleo’s curious glance Dana nodded slightly in a promise to tell Cleo about the two guys later.
“Considering how protective Kris is f you, you shouldn’t stay a Hardwick for overly long. Why, he watches out for you the exact same amount he does for me,” Dana teased with a wink. (i]”Not bloody likely,”[/i] came the quick response with a sneer from Cleo, which just made Dana grin even more as she tapped the ruby being held by the gold dragon playfully. “No likely? Well, why are you wearing jewels that have been owned by his family for at least a century then? Especially one that has protective spells on it?”

As she was the only one to know all members of the small group that had started to gather at the bar, Dana took the task of introducing to herself. “Cleo, this is Luke Dallan and Ryder Dallan is the one seriously attached to my hand. I’m yet thinking how I can politely let him know that I can’t remove the hand from me, so he could continue his worshipping,” Dana said adding the last sentence in a theatrical whisper that could still be heard by everyone in the group as Cleo seated herself, “And naturally I’ll save a couple of dances for your beau. He should know that without asking.” Turning her head Dana smirked arrogantly at Ryder raising a finger: “And before you try to quote my own words back to me – my grand-father and Kris are the only guys who can curve their fingers and actually make me jump to do as they told.”

Dana’s eyed continued gazing at Ryder showing just a hint of surprise at the surprising polite request. Especially in the light of the previous ‘come on’ that Ryder had though was sufficient for asking her to dance. Before Dana could form a suitable response Cleo inserted a comment once again making Dana snicker quietly before she felt the scarf being pulled from her shoulders. Seeing Cleo only shrug in response to her look Dana sighed and nodded: “You know, you are rather right about the clubbing part. I suppose I should just be lucky he doesn’t play quidditch, none the less play as a beater. But compared with his regular behavior, this is a step further. I’m touched really.” Dana replied with a wink before taking a step forward and curtsying in front of Ryder, “Why of course, dear sir! I would be delighted to dance.” Dana’s eyes laughed at Ryder as she had been teasing rather than feeling completely untouched for the really surprising smoothness of his statement. Well, it really was a step forward besides Dana wouldn’t mind a dance either. So she made no objections as Ryder lead her to the dance-floor with Dana smirking at Ryder while being almost painfully knowledagble of Cleo's eyes on her back: "See, it's just not my opinion. Do I have to give you one more lesson about socializing politely during the dance?"

[ryder]

He sent a quick look at Cleo when she joined them. She looked mildly familiar, which only meant to him that she attended Hogwarts. He never was much of the socializing type, and while he recognized a few faces, he knew very few names. When she introduced herself, and Dana took the opportunity he nodded, but didn't add anything. Instead he just let his gaze return to Dana. He didn't glance back at Cleo until she commented on his request, which he was less than pleased with. If she thought that sounded as if he was going to club Dana and drag her off, what would she have thought of his previous version of the request. At least she seemed to agree that Dana should go, and soon he was on his way to the dance floor, Dana's hand still in his.

Once they reached their destination, he turned to face Dana, and took a step closer. Music at these events had a very classical feel to it, which was fitting to the occasion, but required careful slow steps and for one to stand close to their partner--not that he was complaining. He immediately adjusted how he held her hand, and let his other res ton the small of her back, and picked up the step. His gaze was still focused on her, and for a moment he didn't answer, finally after a moment he gave her a one sided smile. "I never was one for social settings. Maybe I'm a lost cause."

[dana]

Dana was still smirking lightly as she let Ryder lead her to the dance-floor where she turned resting one of her hands calmly on his shoulder. She liked dancing and as Ryder moved wordlessly through the first steps of the relatively slow song Dana was pleased to note that the boy could dance. Keeping her eyes steady on his face, Dana tilted her head a little offering a collected and polite smile. “I never did tell you from where and why I like a one-sided smile – or smirk – for that matter, did I? My brother smiles the same way often. Barely a twitch of a lip-corner but it says so much more to see that, because such a smile isn’t offered pointlessly. And because such a smile can’t be forced upon you by the need to be polite. Still doesn’t mean I’m not jealous about it though,” Dana mused lazily as she eyed the grin Ryder was displaying on his face. Taking a moment Dana eyed the boy from his head to the toes silently pondering him. HE wasn’t bad-looking really. Somewhat dreamy and not classically handsome, but he did have his own charm displayed by calm eyes, high forehead and a strong jaw-line. He obviously didn’t like such formal gatherings, but yet he had dressed and came. He could dance and was rather intelligent, then again he lacked a lot of social grace and charm and didn’t think much of socializing.

“You can dance, so perhaps not a lost cause. But not very far from it either,” Dana answered after having thought about the boy for a few more before looking around the room. It was… shiny. Jewels, chandeliers, silver, gold, colourful dresses and robes made of the best materials, smiles – sincere and forced – frowns, kisses on cheeks and hands, bows, twirling couples, political chit-chat, anecdotes, business deals being agreed on and maybe a young couple or two stealing a few moments for themselves. “I like it. The whole game – the battles of wits, dancing, smiles, shine, floating from one person to an other. I like it. It has been part of my life ever since I was born and I have grown rather fond of such occasions from time to time. It’s fun to doll yourself up and I don’t really mind flattery either, whether it is truthful or not.”
Dana grinned lazily her mind slipping through the numerous parties she had ever gone t and all the memories she had of them. “I think the first such type of a party I attended, when I was 5. Grandmother figured that it was as good time as any to introduce me to the public and so because according to Meredith I was just the right age to start learning how to behave myself in a strange crowd. Grandparents have always been important – rich and a long family-line – enough to always associate with the best, even though naturally they do have to host more parties themselves now, but that was only to be expected after all.

What I DO hate are photos taken of from bad angles so that I look bad. Paparazzis haunting me was something that didn’t really happen previously. Well that and marriage proposals by people I’ve never seen before. Grandfather got a letter a copule of weeks ago from some guy saying that he might agree of giving me a place in his harem, if he was paid well enough,” Dana shrugged with a small smile as he gave Ryder the short over-view of the owl that had had his grand-father furious and her grandmother as well as Dana laughing out loudly. Arranged marriages were still rather popular among purebloods. Luckily her own grand-parents had promised Dana she would never be forced into a marriage. But Dana knew that this promise didn’t mean her grand-parents would offer suggestions – approvals and shaking their hands simply to some chap Dana might pick. Most likely she would listen to her family up to one point as well. She had been taught obedience to her parents after all. Well, grand-parents if you were a nitpicker, but the point stayed the same.
“But I’m getting off the topic, aren’t I? I like such gathering. The glamorous icing at such parties and I do like being a part of it. It’s as simple as that,” Dana stated calmly.

[ryder]

He brushed off her comment about his one sided smile, and instead used the arm he had around her waist to pull her slightly closed as they moved easily to the movement. He learned early how he was suppose to behave in public, after all his father was a national figure when it came to quidditch, and since his mum died, it was always Luke and himself who were at his father's side to represent the family. He might not like social settings, but at least he learned now not to embarrass his father, even if people did think he seemed perhaps a bit standoffish. Most people seemed to make excuses for it, and said that he was doing something that involved quidditch and it was apparently very very serious.

They continued to move and Dana seemed to drift off into her own little world. She seemed to speak with out thinking, whatever came to her as she came one explanation after another about balls, her family and whats expected of someone of her class. For a fleeing moment he though perhaps she put too much value in social standing and a families money. As they danced he knew there was no way she would tolerate to be anything less than she was. He had a feeling she enjoyed the money and the power, even if she didn;t show it. He focused on his steps for a moment so not to falter with the new thoughts rushing threw his head, but he soon regained himself.

"I don't like settings like this because too pretend to be someone other than themselves. There nice to people they hate, then flaunt jewels they can't afford, and talk about things they don't understand." If he had a choice he would remain far from settings like this, with the wealthy simply trying to show off how much more than had than anyone else. "As for arranged marriages, its the same thing. Its the wealthy trying to get more, other than listening to themselves. Why marry someone your not sure you ever want to live with out from the first moment you meet, when you can marry someone you never met but can double your fortune and gain you half a country."

He paused in his own ranting for a moment, and just danced, even though his steps had become almost steadier as he had been speaking, an watched Dana. At least she was never one with out an opinion. "Its easy to see that you enjoy situations such as this" he finally added. "But then it does give you an excuse to dress up."

[dana]

Dana’s hand shifted from it’s position on Ryder’s shoulder instead pushing him back lightly after Ryder had pulled her closer. Pushing the boy back about half the way he had pulled him closer Dana smiled at him but her eyes held a clear warning not to play with his luck more right now. They were dancing close enough and for right now it suited Dana. Gave her enough control and that was something Dana wasn’t planning on giving away. Ryder would just have to learn to deal with it. Hoping that Ryder got her point that trying to pull Dana closer would only resort with her doing the exact opposite and moving away Dana let her hand glide upwards again to rest on Ryder’s shoulder.

Her eye-brows raising slightly in surprise at Ryder’s small rant Dana let a smirk creep over her lips: “Wow, a rant from you? All for me. I’m touched. And I feel almost obliged to point out that I can afford all the jewels I’m wearing. Especially since they were presents in reality. From Kris I think. And I don’t pretend. I may be polite and nod and offer an hello to someone I’m not overly fond of out of politeness, but that doesn’t mean I will stay and socialize with them for the rest of the evening. Besides at what point can you truly judge a person’s character?” Dana offered Ryder an almost playful smile as she leaned a bit closer and lowered her voice in mock-whispering: “After all I’m dancing with you, and I haven’t completely decided whether I even like you or not yet. So as not to ah…. ‘be nice to people I don’t know and talk about things I don’t understand’ should I leave the dance-floor before I completely humiliate myself?” Winking at Ryder with some amusement glinting in her eyes, Dana pulled her head back again following the next dance move easily in silence before shrugging slightly before returning to the previous topic.

“As for arranged marriages I can see some bonuses for it as well. Respect and trust and even love can grow out from even an arranged marriage. My grandparents have promised me to never force me into any such kind of an alliance. But if they warmly suggested me thinking about marrying someone I would meet the following evening for example… I would most certainly consider it after actually meeting the guy. I am proud of my family and while I’m not putting others down, I was over-joyed when I heard about being a pureblood after all, because that meant I would carry on the family-line. After centuries it does hold value and meaning to me. And I can’t deny that I do appreciate the lifestyle it allows me to upkeep.”
Twirling gracefully out from Ryder’s arm at the suiting accords Dana let the skirt of her dress fare daringly as the slit on the side showed a hint of her leg for a moment, before twirling back from under Ryder’s arm. “And I also have enough vanity and arrogance inside me to like dressing up, because in my own opinion I don’t look half-bad while dolled up. And with grandfather the Minister of Magic for France now and me coming of age in spring – I do get occasions to dress up for.”

Dana eyed Ryder thoughtfully while being sure to shield her thoughts and emotions carefully inside her head while nodding slightly as the dance ended: “Must admit that I do like the band as well. And as all my friends know I do adore dancing.” Came the light comment with a small smile as Dana stepped back to let some elderly couple pass.

[ryder]

His gaze stayed focused almost too directly on her as she pushed him away from her, but he went along with the action instead of trying to keep himself closer again. He knew better than to try his luck more than once. He remained quiet still when she commented on his little rant about events such as these and the people who attended them. It was not something he did often, but then he did not hide away his ideas in events such as these either. “I did not say all were like that, just far to many of them are. As for judging a person’s character, your not the only one who has grown up around these people.” He let her whisper in his head, and use a fair bit of his self control to remain unchanged. His steps still steady as Dana returned to her previous position and she changed the topic to arranged marriages. “Yes, there is the bonus of not having to deal with passion.” That was the thing about playing with fire. It was brilliant, fascinating, uncontrollable, but you always took the risk of getting burned. “Blood is just something running through your veins. It isn’t history or wealth or lifestyle, it just represents it.”
The words had hardly escaped him when Dana twirled out, and having dance with enough young women before he knew how to stand and let her go, and then help her twirl back in. Once she was back near him, his hands took their original position, but his gaze did not change. It remained focused on her as if she were the only one in the room; just as it had been before, and during her twirl.

He smiled at her comment about vanity, that same one sided smile he always gave her. “The beautiful always enjoy playing dress up.” As he spoke he moved his hand from her waist and brought it to her cheek, running the back of his fingers down her cheek. She did look beautiful tonight, but then he thought she was beautiful when they first spoke, when she was soaked with mud and icy rain, her dripping hair matted into locks, and her cloths awkward with the weight of the water they had absorbed. Thinking back she looked at least a beautiful then as she did this very moment.

[dana]

Dana eyed Ryder evenly. One way or an other it always came up to this. They argued. Sometimes with little variations, but the main point of the topic was the same. “Tear yourself out of your unsocial shell for a moment and tell me something,” Dana almost demanded before pausing for a moment to reword her question, “How do we always manage to end up arguing which can make a bigger impact – words or actions?” It was true. It was the very same topic they had yet again been politely arguing about. This place, the people and glamour Ryder didn’t really like symbolized the power of words and speaking. It was all a big game that was played with smiles.
An other relative greeted her making Dana’s head snap around as she sneered at the intruder, giving off a sneer that would have made any Slytherin proud. Watching the relative back off again with his hands raised Dana couldn’t help but feel amused as her lip-corners twitched into a small smile. She wasn’t really irritated, she just hadn’t felt like being bothered by a relative before Ryder had answered her.
“After all if you are going to tell a person to get lost, then why not have the decency to do it politely and actually make the person look forward to actually getting away from you?” Dana asked with a small smirk gracing her features as the song ended.

Swatting Ryder’s hand away form her cheek Dana snickered making a mental decision to figure out this guy later on when she had time to concentrate. “Playing dress up? And here I though I actually was dressed up. My mistake. I’ll be sure to dug out all my dolls and have tea-parties and play dressing up with them the moment I get home. Even if there might have been some sort of a hidden compliment somewhere within those words.”
Dana's eyes met some strangers over Ryder's shoulder who was gazing at her rahter thoughtfully. Not someone Dana knew, but his face did hold familiar features as he started dancing with someone who Dana supposed was a local ministry official. "Assuming by the similar features - I would say that your father is curious of who I am?" Dana commented easily with a small smile and a brief nod over Ryder's shoudler before the man got further away with his dance-partner the eye-contact broken as Dana reutrned her own eyes to Ryder as well.

Taking a step back Dana tilted her head as she eyed Ryder thoughtfully as the music started again. AS neither had really moved Dana stepped closer again accepting Ryder’s hand as the moved through the slightly quicker pace of the music that had started up again. “Passion can be overrated. I’d much rather skip the whirlpool of emotions that in the end will leave me breathless, annoyed and tired and hurting for someone I could be friends with and respect and trust. Stability is needed in at least some part of life.”
Dana silenced following through a bit trickier dance-move as she smirked lazily at Ryder: “And my blood makes me ‘me’ just as much as my upbringing. Ever heard of genes and hereditary traits?”

[ryder]

He smiled at her first comment, that same one sided smile, he knew in some way was related to what she was saying. They argued, he wasn't about to disagree with that, and while Dana gave long explanations, he said what he had to say and smiled. He preferred it that way, but then he also preferred to say the least he could while still getting his message across. The smile he always gave at the end was nothing more than habit at this point, but it caused a certain amount of irritation in post and there was some satisfaction in that. "Were different, we have different opinions, and we both feel very strongly about them." It was a simply explanation, but as he saw it, it was an accurate one.

Dana turned her attention for a moment to someone he didn't know, and sent them an expression worthy of a Slytherin before she looked back at him, and he smiled at her comment. "Now thats something I will not argue about." It was only a few moments after that he made the comment about playing dress up an his hand lifted to her cheek, something she immediately pushed away, and he let it return to its spot on her waist. "Dressing up is always just playing."

He noticed a short time after that her gaze had focused on something else, and his own gaze drifted away from her to his father, who sent him a rather interested look. Immediately he let his gaze return to Dana. "I'm sure he is." His father wanted him to be happy, and when not at his work, he was trying to do whatever he could to promote the future of his boys. He could help with a job in quidditch, he could influence the ministry when it came to when, but when it came to girls the boys were on their own and all he could do was watch from the sidelines.

The music stopped for a moment, and together they stopped moving, but after a brief pause the music started up once more and Dana stepped forward again. "Stability and Passion can be found together, you just have to look hard enough. And I have heard of genes and hereditary traits. We may live in the magical world, but I'm aware of muggle science and medicine. I just think that anyone can be better or worse than their ancestors. The heart can do amazing things and make up what someone lacks in family line."