#8 Founder's Ball

The double doors to the Founder's Ballroom were a wide welcome to staff and students -- into the grand, ornate room that was stunning and almost unreal in every detail. There were glowing chandeliers, hung high to low between huge windows or arches. 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.

The room was similar in size to the Great Hall, though perhaps bigger. There were magical, purple hues or drapes in various places -- and sea shell, silken decorations everywhere. It was like an enchanted palace, inspiring awe from even the most refined of visitors.

The ceiling matched with its theme, showing flowing and glittering distant surface of the ocean as if far away because they were deep underwater. The ripples of water and moonlight reflected back from the polished floor, as if they were floating in the ocean. The room was darkened, though not so dark it was a hazard or uncomfortable. Everything shone and glittered. Music came from a band with varied and ever-changing wizarding songs or tunes.

Through some arches was another large room, much brighter though just as wonderfully-decorated in purple hues and exquisite taste. There were many round dining tables, with black tablecloths yet purple-cushioned chairs. Dinner was provided, as well as an extended menu on various buffet tables -- including a scrumptious dessert assortment, favouring chocolates and cakes.

Anyone sat where they pleased -- or didn't care much for food yet and remained in the ballroom to dance or mingle. Headmaster Rickard was dressed impeccably, alongside many Professors. It was strange to see them so different, and with their hair down so to speak -- though each Head of House were dressed to reflect their representative house colours. Filch was there too, holding Mrs Norris in his arms as if dancing, and so was Hagrid.

The only possible damper on the whole fantasy and delight of the evening was a group of Daily Prophet reporters, clearly marked by logo and a more professional attire. Each were accompanied by photographer, who wasn't the least bit shy about documenting the historically annual event dating back to Hogwarts' inception.

If eligible to attend the ball, anyone may come and go as they please. It's a night-long event, which ends at midnight.

Some students hadn't entered yet though -- either too nervous, or simply waiting for their date in the corridor outside. Among them was Isadora Hyves, who wore a shimmery, pearly pink gown -- complete with real pearl earrings and necklace. Her hair was tied back, and she had a pink purse with her. She awaited her date, William Doren  while fixing her seashell hair clip into place; a sentimental item that fit perfectly with the theme.

Nearby were Jody Primrose and Natalie Shorrs, having agreed to be each other's dates. Jody's curly hair was down, in wild spirals to reach her shoulders. She wore vivid blue dress robes, which she kept twirling in -- utterly in awe of the many adjustments Natalie had made to what was otherwise a very conservative and stiff attire her mother had sent.

Natalie easily drew the most attention, in her entirely self-made gown. It was a warm yellow, with multi-coloured details and sleeves. There were seashells perfectly added, and earrings that looked like tentacles reaching from bottom to top. Her hair was in a complicated braid, and she was the very picture of beautifully confident.

In her arm, however, was a red cape with black detailing -- which was why she and Jody were outside the ballroom, awaiting Jaxen Ashworth .