An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
This event is intended to be read by 4th years and above only.
Attendance is mandatory for 4th years. Optional for 5th years, who can come and go as they please.
It was the first time the 4th years had ever seen the ballroom door unlocked -- allowing them to enter and admire the grand, ornate room. Glowing chandeliers, hung high to low between huge windows or arches, were lit. Everything else was bare. The floor was so polished it reflected back at them, almost like glass or crystal, and movements over it were fluid -- to the point of causing a risk of slipping for those in too much of a hurry.
Apart from a magical, purple hue in various places, there were no decorations whatsoever; it wasn't that kind of an event tonight. Standing in front of arches, which led to a darkened room with a glimpse of round dining tables, were each Head of House. Filch was off in a corner, fussing with a large wooden box atop a small table.
There were no instructions given, so no one separated into their houses or even dared to engage in too much chatter. Professors McGonagall, Sprout, Rivera, and Snape were all rather professional and a bit stern -- that, combined with the sheer royalty and historic grandness of the room, was rather intimidating.
Several students were simply be in awe of where they were. Thankfully, the advice from older students had served the 4th years well; they arrived in their best uniform, without robes, and many had tied their hair back -- or at least tried to be more presentable than their day-to-day appearance. The Heads of House shared approving glances but were yet to say a word, as they waited for everyone to arrive.
Dinner was still ongoing, so there was no rush to get started -- though clearly, whatever this mysterious event entailed, it was an important night for 4th years.
Description of the main room was taken from the location's image, which you're welcome to reference and describe. Students who are more historically inclined, or are from a long line of magical ancestry, would likely know that this ballroom was perhaps the most famous at Hogwarts during the Founder's era.
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 12, 2023 15:51:06 GMT 10
Okay so at least they were seeing some cool new room.
Kody had clocked it almost right away -- this was a room that was always locked. He had seen the ornate doors before and wondered where they had led and no amount of magic could get him inside.
So, yeah, it was an old and cool looking room. Kody had tucked himself into the middle of a crowd of classmates as they walked around in a herd which made it easy for him to look around without showing too much interest.
He didn't want people to think he wanted to be there. Nope, there was something fishy about tonight...
And look! The Head of his house was here too! Had they been secretly trapped into coming to some year wide detention for something? Or was this about the dragon sighting?
At that thought, Kody perked up.
Then, for some reason, he tucked his shirt in just to be sure. Something told him he needed to look more presentable in a room like this.
Last Edit: Oct 12, 2023 15:51:37 GMT 10 by Kody Ashworth
Post by Cynthia Rushton on Oct 12, 2023 21:44:49 GMT 10
Cynthia found herself in the middle of a gaggle of yearmates who seemed just as unsettled as she was - some who showed it through being louder and sillier than usual, and some who showed it through being quiet and withdrawn.
Cynthia was of the latter type, face a little pale, though the regal, ornate calm of the ballroom was a little bit of a relief. The room didn't look like there was any sort of curse to break or monster to fight, though that odd purple shade here and there was a little alarming.
Even the sillier classmates fell quiet when they passed the threshold, and Cynthia gravitated towards the middle of their little pack, whispering low to Kody-
"Get the back of your shirt, too, it's sticking out a little bit..."
Once the 4th years assembled, joined by any 5th years who braved showing up for a second year in a row, Professor McGonagall took the lead to get the event started.
'Can you all hear me?' she checked, awaiting confirmation from those near the back. 'Very well. Welcome, 4th years, to your first Founder's Frivolity. This event is annually arranged to help each of you prepare for a very special event you are finally permitted to attend as of this year -- the historic and revered Founder's Ball.'
A murmur of excited whispers, mingled with dreading groans, briefly spread through the room until silenced by McGonagall's stern look.
'The Founder's Ball has taken place inside this very room since Hogwarts' inception, made famous by the founders themselves. It's a tradition we've upheld for nearly ten centuries,' McGonagall continued, shooting Filch an impatient look as he finally lifted a musical instrument from the box to place it on the small table.
'On the first night of the Christmas holidays, we will gather here for well-mannered frivolity,' she said. 'As representatives of your houses, I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward. And I mean this literally because the Founder's Ball is first and foremost... a dance.'
There was another wave of excited or dreading chatter, with growing panic considering how close December already was.
'The rules are quite simple,' Professor Rivera added. 'Only 4th years and above may attend, unless a 4th year invites a 3rd year as their date. Though bringing a date is not required, we do encourage it. You date can, of course, be of any gender or relationship.'
'Dress robes are, however, absolutely required,' Professor Sprout added. 'If you don't already have some packed away in your trunk, I suggest writing home immediately.'
Professor Snape didn't say a word. He looked even less keen to be there than some of the 4th years dreading having to dance or find a date.
The new information did explain some things over the summer for those who'd been taken shopping for Dress Robes and not given any sort of explanation as to why or what they were for.
And upon learning this would be a dance-related event, Kody Ashworth and Verity Ashworth were reminded of a few dance "parties" they'd had at home when someone played music and all the kids just freestyled some random and often silly moves. Those were chaotic but playful early days of their childhoods, before anyone attended Hogwarts -- but to do anything resembling that now, in front of all their classmates, would be quite a different experience.
Meanwhile, Professor Rivera was startled by something in her pocket -- an alert of some kind. She checked a piece of parchment, then whispered apologies to her fellow Heads of Houses before quickly slipping from the room. Professor Snape enviously eyed her departure.
'Now then, the Founder's Frivolity has begun. It is essentially a dance lesson, if you will,' McGonagall said.
She headed further onto the space of dancefloor between the Heads of Houses and the students. She gave a glance round the room at her Gryffindor students, then chose at random.
'To dance is to let the body breathe,' McGonagall said. 'Ashworth, will you join me?'
She singled out the Gryffindor boy, awaiting his approach while others giggled or chatted among themselves. Several muggle born / raised students were rather confused by the existence of dress robes, though had friends fill them in. Others did a panicked count of how much time they had left to find a date.
Suddenly, the approach of Christmas felt closer than ever.
For context, it's the night of #6. Tomorrow (#7) is a Quidditch match and the end of November. #8 is December, as well as the start of the Christmas Holidays, and that night is when the Founder's Ball takes place. Therefore, the "get a date to the ball" panic is real lol.
Please note that Bloodlines characters are required to write home and have dress robes sent to them, unless this was already done over the summer. Everyone else, it's up to you if your character has some already (with a good excuse as to why) or how writing home for them goes.
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 14, 2023 17:22:12 GMT 10
Cynthia's voice made Kody snap to attention and he twisted around, comically trying to see his back while tucking in his shirt, "Thanks!"
Kody grinned at his classmate. She had plaited her hair neatly and her uniform looked a lot better than his own. Even though Kody had been warned to dress his best, no matter which piece of uniform he picked out of his trunk, they all had something wrong with them.
Was this a sign he was too rough and tumble or carefree when it came to his uniforms and his antics around Hogwarts?
Perhaps...
McGonagall addressed them room and Kody turned towards her to pay attention but that didn't last long. At the mention of dancing, Kody had a bit of a far-off look on his face for a moment.
He wondered if his siblings thought about it too when they had come to the Founder's Frivolity -- the dance 'parties they had when they were younger. Well, if what Kody did with his limbs could be called dancing.
There was time enough to worry about that since it seemed they had a lot to think about. Dress robes? Dance lessons? Dates? Kody didn't have a clue! He tried to keep himself hidden in the small group of Fourth years.
Someone nudged him, "Oi Ashworth, your date awaits~" A few classmates chortled and one pushed him forward.
Kody realised very quickly that Professor McGonagall had singled him out to help her. His face went red and redder with each step as he approached his Head of House. Normally he was a pretty big fan of McGonagall but why him! Why now!
He stood next to her and waited for her instructions (and tried his hardest to ignore how everyone was looking and giggling which just made him crimson at this point).
Post by William Doren on Oct 14, 2023 17:26:34 GMT 10
Dressed in his impeccable uniform with his hair neatly brushed and styled, was William Doren. He stood near the back of the crowd with a few other Fifth years but made sure not to be too close. He didn't want some grubby Fourth year scuffing his shoes or another Fifth year to think William was being friendly.
He had no obligation to be here but it felt proper to attend. William hadn't had an issue with attending the same event last year but had quickly realised a lot of his classmates didn't have the first idea about dancing.
So the lessons had been welcome.
His hands were clasped behind his back as he listened attentively to Professor McGonagall. It was largely the same information they had been given last year and he watched as Professor Rivera left. Odd.
William made a face as a gaggle of Fourth years jostled one of their own forward and William quickly deduced this had to be the 'Ashworth' that Professor McGonagall had called out.
One of Reena's siblings, perhaps? William couldn't really admit to paying much attention to what his classmate did outside of class so he couldn't recall seeing them together but he certainly knew Reena's surname.
Post by Cynthia Rushton on Oct 16, 2023 10:09:38 GMT 10
Cynthia giggled at Kody's spinning antics - and then instantly sobered the moment the professors started speaking. Her grandmother hadn't ever spoken about the Founder's Frivolity, whatever that was, so it must be something dangerous or top secret or--
A dance? They'd had all the secrecy and sneakiness for a dance??
Cynthia almost sagged in relief. She could handle a fancy party - though. There was the issue of finding a date. Who did she know that she would willingly go to a dance with, who wouldn't put her through the humiliation of saying no? Her eyes drifted to Kody at about the same time Professor McGonagall descended upon him, and she hurriedly sidled out of the way.
Poor Kody. He didn't look too happy to be dancing with the professor.
....granted, she wouldn't be happy in his position either.
Post by Amber Lloyd on Oct 16, 2023 18:33:35 GMT 10
Amber had entered the Founder's Ballroom in her best uniform together with a gaggle of 5th year Ravenclaw girls but soon separated from them because she couldn't stand their conversation any longer.
When Amber had just settled down on her bed, giving her new rat Cosmo some pets, enjoying the quietness, some of her classmates had burst into the room and had begun preparing themselves for the Founder's Frivolity. They were quite eager for the dance lesson, seeing it as a welcome opportunity to practise before the actual ball to avoid embarrassing themselves.
Before Amber could even react, they had spotted her - and immediately roped her in, leaving her with no chance to escape.
Amber only minded this halfway because she had struggled to motivate herself to go alone in the first place, so having no choice helped in this regard. And they had even arranged her hair into a proper tucked French braid. However, their conversation was exhausting, more so than her entire day had been, as the Ravenclaw girls only talked about dresses, make-up, dancing and dates.
As Amber was not one to usually engage in such topics, she now was glad to escape them, hiding among other 5th years. By accident, she spotted William and gave him a smile before turning her attention towards the front as McGonagall began with the explanation.
The information was nothing new to Amber, and she couldn't help but grin at the reactions of the 4th years when they learned about the dance lesson. However, at the mention of a 'date' she got lost in thought.
She wondered what her friends would do regarding that. Caine would surely go with his boyfriend, which left Joshua. She was curious if he had already someone in mind, or forgotten that like she did.
At that thought, her stomach suddenly tightened - and the feeling intensified as she heard one of her dormmates giggle, because it reminded her of last year. It had been horrible.
The preparations for the Frivolity today had already been wearisome, but those for the ball were way worse - because they went on for days in advance. And it didn't make it better while they had Taesang in their house...
Yeah, she knew why she had avoided last year's ball, but this year she was somehow actually eager to go. New experiences and all that, she guessed. She should write her Mom soon regarding the dress robes...
Amber's thoughts were soon distracted by McGonagall summoning Kody to the front. She bit her lip to refrain from laughing but also felt bad for the Gryffindor at the same. He didn't seem to have any luck today...
While the students awaited instructions, Professor McGonagall focused on Kody as he approached. He looked rather red in the face, but she pretended not to notice and merely nodded. She kept a respectable distance for the demonstration, placing her left hand on his shoulder while reaching to hold his hand with the other
'Place your right hand on my waist,' McGonagall said. She ignored any wolf whistling that were quickly silenced by Professor Snape. 'Now, bend your arm. Mr Flich...'
Filch hastily started the instrument, which they now had a better view of -- it resembled a rather impressive gramophone, which equally shone with prestige yet seemed ancient. Music flowed through the room with perfect clarity, without drowning out voices.
'One two three, one two three, one two three...' McGonagall led the dance with Kody, which was a type of waltz easy enough to learn but not nearly as simple to replicate. Kody had an experienced partner, so didn't have to endure any trodden toes or awkward stumbling.
It seemed oddly familiar. Kody could imagine standing on a man's shoes, while his hands raised in a secure grip to keep him upright and moving. It was hazy at best, but it had felt safe. Dad? Uncle? Grandpa? It was too unclear to hazard a guess. In fact, it was so blurry that Kody couldn't even be sure it was an actual memory -- rather than a dream, something he once imagined, or just pure wishful thinking.
After a good five minutes or so of demonstration, Kody was freed. His Head of House gave an appreciative nod, then peered around the room. How embarrassing it had been was a matter of his own perspective -- and if he'd done well or been the one who stumbled.
'Everyone let's come together,' Professor Sprout encouraged the entire group to pick a partner and get started. There was a ton of room for them to spread out and not have to worry about bumping into anyone or feel too crowded.
Many were reluctant -- but with three Heads of Houses watching, it was certainly not open for debate. Some were lucky to team with a friend or at least someone they knew well enough to make it a bit less awkward. Yet it was inevitable that the majority would have to get very familiar with someone they might not have even exchanged more than a few words with until now.
Even those who knew how to dance were awkward, as no matter how social or practiced one may be it was still a room of fourteen years olds learning how to dance. Professor McGonagall glared as a Ravenclaw boy didn't even want to hold a girl's hand, as if somehow that was gross or too weird for him to handle.
You can either dance with a fellow member's character (if they agree) or invent an unnamed NPC for the purpose of your free-RP. Gender is irrelevant when choosing your partner for this lesson. If available, you may also request to dance with Professor McGonagall, Sprout, Rivera, or Snape.
Congratulations to Kody Ashworth for winning the random name drawing for the Founder's Frivolity demonstration. You can free-RP how it went, if it was terribly embarrassing, and so forth. You also receive the winner's reward of 7 house points, a Silver Key, and 50 exp to all skills.
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 20, 2023 4:07:24 GMT 10
While his face remained red throughout the entire demonstration, it wasn't as bad as Kody had thought it might be.
Sure, dancing with his Head of House was going to make him the target of some teases from his classmates but something about it was comforting too. He didn't know what exactly as the image in his head was hazy.
For some reason, it felt like he had danced like this before -- not exactly but the movements were strangely familiar. He could picture himself stood on much larger shoes in his bare feet... A man's hands holding his own too...
Grandpa? Uncle? Dad...
But it felt unreal, like something he might have dreamed up from the longing he felt when he'd stop to think how little he knew about his Dad or Uncle, or even his Grandpa.
Kody blinked out of his thoughts and was glad when McGonagall freed him to join the rest of the students. As predicted, he had stepped on her toes a few times but she didn't scold him for it. If anything, he just had to be more careful.
And maybe, focus on the dance instead of whatever memories or dreams he had been distracted by.
A few classmates jostled him when he re-joined them and Kody rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish look on his face that was competing against tomatoes for how red it remained.
They were free now to dance with someone else?
Kody looked around and then made a bee-line for Cynthia. He might have done an over-the-top, exaggerated bow and held out his hand, "Would you care to dance? Just watch out for my feet! I'm a bit of a duck~"
He did a quick-step and then grinned at Cynthia.
Hopefully she wouldn't reject him. Despite being House and Quidditch rivals, Kody thought they were okay friends too. At the very least, she didn't seem too put off by his shenanigans in classes.
Post by William Doren on Oct 20, 2023 4:13:26 GMT 10
William watched as Ashworth danced with the Gryffindor Head of House. It wasn't terrible per se but William could tell that the younger boy wasn't paying attention to what he was doing.
He winced internally the few times he saw Kody step onto Professor McGonagall's toes and was glad he wouldn't have to dance with him.
But he had to dance with someone.
Casting his gaze around the room slowly, William spotted Amber. He kept his expression neutral while her watched her for a moment. She seemed like a logical choice but he didn't know her very well either.
Perhaps she had someone else in mind?
To save himself the possibility of being rejected by her, William looked around elsewhere.
A Hufflepuff girl with slightly pink cheeks approached William and addressed the ground while asking shyly, "W-Would you m-mind dancing with m-me?"
William looked the girl up and down and nodded, "Of course."
He offered his hand and got into position. She seemed to struggle a bit with where to put her hands so William guided her gently. There was really no need for her to be so nervous! This was just a practice after all.
With a soft sigh, William began to lead her in a waltz. She was a good head shorter than him so his gaze was fixed over her mousy hair as they moved around the room.
Post by Cynthia Rushton on Oct 20, 2023 10:24:38 GMT 10
Cynthia's dark eyes glanced over the other students shyly and awkwardly asking each other to dance, and she felt her palms sweating. She hadn't danced before - oh, sure, there had been the silly dances at family parties, where she always stayed close to Ash in case anyone was mean to them, but those were different.
This was with peers. People she would be spending the next three years of school with, in close quarters.
I don't know if I would be more embarrassed to not be picked at all, or to be asked!
Fortunately, she was rescued from the humiliation of being ignored by none other than Kody. Cynthia didn't mind him at all. Four years of classes with him had made it clear that while he was often very exuberant and silly and impulsive, he wasn't mean, and that was the important thing in Cynthia's book.
She bit back a giggle at his flamboyant bow and dramatically outstretched hand, taking that hand in her own and offering a truly atrocious curtsey in return.
"I would be delighted, sir duck, so long as my own bad dancing doesn't ruffle your feathers too much!"
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 21, 2023 17:01:12 GMT 10
"I think between the two of us we'll be okay!" Kody said with unfounded confidence. He hadn't seen Cynthia dance before and she had a glimpse at his own (lack of) skill.
Kody went through all the steps in his head and moved stiffly into position. He remembered where Professor McGonagall told him to put his hands and did the same pose, a bit like a teapot but with one hand on Cynthia's waist.
Or to be more accurate, the air next to her waist.
"Um, is this okay?" He asked for permission to touch her and could hear someone giggling behind him.
Ah...
Yes...
Kody forgot that people would be watching them and for some weird reason his classmates had made a big deal about asking each other to the Ball or to dance tonight. He had only caught snatches of their whispers about it but one girl said something about having a 'crush' on some boy in Fifth year and Kody was confused.
He had asked Cynthia because it made sense at the time but now he wondered if he had done something wrong without realising it.
That was something he happened to do more often than not.
But a part of him didn't care either. If someone had a problem with him asking Cynthia, then it was only Cynthia who was allowed to! And she had said yes!
"Ready?" He asked once they were in position and Kody tuned out the whispers and giggles.
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Oct 22, 2023 18:09:09 GMT 10
Joshua hadn't really wanted to come. Last year had been dreadful and he had been more ttan happy to gloat at the fourth year Hufflepuffs he knew on their way out.
He had settled into the Common Room for the night to go over some Quidditch notes for the evening.
All had been well and good until some of his classmates had come in later, having briefly checked out the Frivolity and told him in a teasing tone that his friend Amber was at the Frivolity.
Amber was allowed to do her own stuff, he had told them. And what was with the teasing tone? He had wanted to ignore it but he suddenly feared his friend might be in trouble, that someone was being mean to her.
So, naturally Joshua had to check out what was going on after all. He had put his uniform back on, even did his tie properly this time, and gone to the Ball Room, the sound of music guiding his way.
Now, that he was here, he had trouble finding his friend and he wondered if his classmates had played a trick on him. He could not see her pigtails in the crowd of awkwardly partnering up teenagers and Joshua was about ready to turn around and leave, when he finally saw her familiar face.
Her hair was different tonight, that's why he hadn't seen her immediately.
That was the second surprise, the first one was her being here at all. The third surprise was that she didn't seem to have a partner yet.
He suddenly felt as awkward as he had last year, yet he still approached her. The only thing worse than having to dance with someone here, was having no one to dance with.
"Hi," he raised his vouce above the music and put on a grin. "Wanna dance? I must warn you, though. I'll one hundred percent am gonna step on your toes."
Post by William Doren on Oct 22, 2023 18:58:57 GMT 10
Somehow William and the Hufflepuff girl had made it through a few waltz dances together without any major mishaps.
Finally, they parted and William bowed politely, "Thank you for the dance."
She managed to stutter out something akin to a thank you, her face scarlet red as she hurried back to her friends. William didn't react and merely turned to watch the other 'couples' that had partnered up to dance together.
There were some expected pairings and some odd combinations too.
It was especially odd to see a Gryffindor and Slytherin dancing together but William merely walked around the edge of the dance floor and found a spot he could safely stand and watch from.
He didn't expect to be approached for another dance and that suited him just fine. He had already refreshed his memory about how to waltz from his dance with the Hufflepuff girl.
It was a shame he couldn't recall her name but William stood now, rather stoic (like always) with his hands clasped behind his back. He was content to stay here like this until the event was done.
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