The Yule Ball [ OOC ]

[Cain the Scorched]

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Enjoy!

---

Beth was excited. The Yule Ball, once a rare treat at Hogwarts, had morphed into a huge celebration that invited wizards and witches from outside its prestigious walls to attend along with students and staff. The cheery second year turned in front of the mirror, critically inspecting the almost flat front of her dress. Would she ever fill out a dress properly?

Her theme was lime green. She’d been on rather a green kick lately, finding this particular shade to be particularly fun. The dress was simple enough, a square bodice with spaghetti straps and an empire waist with a skirt that ended just below her knees. Really the sort of dress only young girls could carry off, in Beth’s opinion.

Slipping a few bangle bracelets on her wrists, Beth shuffled her feet into little green flats, more muted in color than her dress, and ran out the door. Dad and Father had promised to come, and she was excited to see both her parents and tell of all the adventures she was having. Talking was so much simpler than letters!

--

Most ghosts preferred to stay near their deathplace, but Cain was not most ghosts. He had not stayed because he was afraid of death, but rather because he felt he had an obligation to fulfill to the world yet. And he was thoroughly enjoying life as a ghost. It was fun. And Cain had always been a fan of fun.

So when a ghostly otter scampered through the walls and turned into a slightly sooty Cain the Scorched, Sir Nicholas, Nearly Headless Nick, was somewhat less than surprised. He merely greeted the ghost affably and the two floated down the hall towards the Great Hall, already decorated with Christmas cheer, although Christmas was weeks away and school was still in session.

The clock struck seven and guests started trickling in.

[Max Kameren]

It was Evie's first year allowed to accompany her family to the Hogwarts Yule Ball, and to say she was excited would be an understatement. She twirled in her dark green dress robes, enjoying the swirl of the petticoats as she weaved through the crowds of merry students. Evie's parents were off with the teachers somewhere, and Violet had threatened her if she dared embarrass her, so Evie was free to explore the Great Hall of Hogwarts.

It wasn't the first time Evie visited the school; she was there often with her father as Headmaster. Hogwarts was like a second home to her, one full of secrets and adventures. She had heard about her older brother's adventures at the school and couldn't wait to have a few of her own. Starting a few years early was alright, wasn't it?

"Uncle Cain!" Evie spotted the ghostly form of her uncle just outside the Great Hall, with Nearly-Headless Nick. A grin spread across the youngest Kameren's face, revealing a lost front tooth. She approached the two spirits, curtseying respectfully to Sir Nicholas before addressing Cain. "Merry Christmas Cain. Will you be dancing tonight?"

[Meghan Blyther]

"Colovaria!"
Audrey's hair turned a bright pink and she groaned. Her hair was being extremely stubborn once more and the ball was just about to start.
"Eh... Dri, you need a little bit of help there?" Tessa shouted out from her own waterfall of hair that she was picking through with a comb. Tessa was known for being the better one with changing hair color.
"Yeah, I'm trying to change it a more... amber shade? Need a hair potion?" She held it up, shaking it in the process. Tessa tapped the roots quickly and amber highlights flowed from her chestnut hair. She also grabbed the potion and swigged it. Her unruly curls finally started straightening themselves out, the mane extending to the floor. Audrey hid a smile and a giggle behind her hand.

Dri had chosen a sage green dress for the Yule Ball, which complimented her porcelain skin quite well. She had fixed her hair into a cascading fall of amber-tinted hair, sticking pearls sent by her mother in a curtain-like fashion. She'd just finish fixing up her own hair and turned to help Tessa put on a light fuchsia dress, which complimented her chocolate skin quite well. The bows and folds of the long clothing were all tucked in quite well, though Dri thought it was a little bit much when Tessa forced her to wear a flower in the pearled-hair.

The pair dashed quickly downstairs to join the party. The air was warm and full of joy despite the cold, harsh weather retained outside. The Great Hall itself was festive and decorated with adornments so pretty, even Dri's mother, an ornament maker, would gasp. They filed in at the sides, waiting for festivities to begin.

[Fate]

"You aren't going to dance again, are you?"

"With you? No. I'll dance with Beth."

Ryan Harkness-Black rolled his eyes at his husband. Matt was terrible at these things. Ryan didn't know why he took Matt to any of these social occasions, it was pointless. It was some sort of Law Enforcement thing, he knew. Matt was a hitwizard, which was apparently a much too masculine profession. Hitwizards wouldn't be caught dead dancing with their husband at the Yule Ball. "If you don't dance with me tonight, I'll ask a Kameren." The Kamerens were practically a dynasty in the Department of Law Enforcement; Headmaster Kameren had been a legendary auror in his past life, his son was the head healing consultant, and Alecsander Kameren headed the entire department. If Matt wouldn't dance with Ryan willingly, he would humiliate Matt into it.

Matt shot Ryan a skeptical look, crossing his arms from where he leaned on a column. "You wouldn't. The Kamerens hate Harknesses. You hate rejection."

"Are you kidding?" Ryan scoffed at Matt. "I work in publishing. My life is rejection. You'd just be jealous if they said yes."

"Headmaster Kameren is here with his wife and children. Besides, you're about ten years behind if you're looking for a handsome Curse Kameren to make me jealous with." That got a chuckle out of the both of them. Was it wrong to make fun of a sick, disabled man? He tried to hide it, but everyone knew Headmaster Kameren wouldn't be around much longer. Alecsander Kameren didn't have children old enough to go to Hogwarts, and the Headmaster's son was a recluse. Max Kameren wouldn't come to a large gathering, everyone knew that.

"Where's Beth?"

"I'm sure she'll be around shortly, stay patient." Matt took Ryan's hand in his, passing a glance at the doors of the Great Hall as they opened for the ball to begin. Many of the parents were already there, but he was sure others were apparating into Hogsmeade as they spoke. Matt wasn't just here to visit his daughter; Headmaster Kameren had gotten a full group of aurors and hitwizards to watch over the ball, just in case. A student had gone missing, they could never be too careful.

As students started meandering into the Great Hall, Ryan was practically on his toes looking for their daughter. It was only Beth's second year at Hogwarts and her parents weren't used to her being gone so long yet. Ryan and Matt missed Beth like mad when she was away. Matt was far too quiet, the apartment drove Ryan mad without Beth's presence.

"Is that her?" Ryan smiled when he saw a brunette head in the crowd.

"No. What are you doing? Let her come to us. She won't forgive us if we embarrass her." Ryan saw Matt's point, and quieted down as the party began.

[Kaylee]

Kaylee twirled around in front of the mirror, and stopped facing the bed.

“Well?” she asked planting her hands on her hips. The black cat sitting on her bed gave her a disinterested look before picking up a paw to wash. Kaylee frowned. “You are absolutely no help,” she sulked. Loki looked up at her before beginning to wash his face.

“Hmph!” she exclaimed, her dress swirling around as she turned to the mirror. It was a deep red color and black trimming around the collar and flared sleeves and a full length skirt. It’s much fancier then my normal wear, she thought turning again. But it wouldn’t matter that much. Her family wouldn’t be in attendance since only one was a wizard and work had him occupied at the moment. He did say that he would try to finish up as soon as he could and get over there but there had been no guarantees. She braided her hair and inspected herself once more.

“Alright Loki,” Kaylee grinned picking up a ribbon, “time for your costume!” She held up the ribbon for him to see. He meowed his protests. “Oh, come on! Get in the spirit!” he gave her an annoyed look as she moved closer. “Alright, fine! Take it and rip it to shreds if you want. I am going to the party.” Loki began to purr as she tossed the ribbon on the bed and swept out the door.

She made her way as fast as she could to the Great Hall. The Yule Ball was always fun no matter what happened. There was a lot of food and lots of people. She liked the crowds of people for some reason and there was always time to listen in on strange conversations and meet other people. Kaylee entered the Hall along with most of the other guests. It amazed her that so many witches and wizards would attend this ball. She was squeezed through the doorway like all the other on time guests. I think I’ll try to get here early next year. That shouldn’t be too hard. Kaylee looked around for her father even though she knew he wasn’t there. She did spy a few other students already caught up in conversation and others greeting parents and other family members. Struck by a sudden sense of loneliness she sent a mental letter to her brothers cursing them both being Muggles. She hadn’t even got a letter from them. But, pouting wouldn’t help much so she smiled at the Yule and began to maneuver through the people towards one of the walls as the crowd slowly grew and the ball slowly kicked off.

[Beth Harkness-Black]

Evie spotted the ghostly form of her uncle just outside the Great Hall, with Nearly-Headless Nick. A grin spread across the youngest Kameren's face, revealing a lost front tooth. She approached the two spirits, curtseying respectfully to Sir Nicholas before addressing Cain. "Merry Christmas Cain. Will you be dancing tonight?"

The ghosts had come to a halt in the entrance way, floating slightly above the floor as they chatted. The trickle of guests became a steady stream as more people started to arrive. The living made no move to bother the dead, and indeed tracked around them. It was rude (and cold and wet) to walk through a ghost. On their parts, Cain and Nearly-headless Nick were quite enjoying the bright atmosphere.

"Uncle Cain!"

An answering grin lit Cain’s face and he bent to come face to face with his ‘niece’. They were technically no blood relation, but labels had little meaning for the ex-Cursebreaker.

“Of course I’ll dance Evie!” He took her hands almost as if his were flesh once more, moving as if to guide her in a waltz. After a few steps he twirled gracefully and his chilly, not-quite solid hands left hers. “I’ll show all you living how to dance properly, yes?”

---

“FATHER FATHER FATHER YOU CAME YOU CAME YOU CAME!!”

Far from being concerned about embarrassment, a brightly attired Beth, her hair trailing loose behind her, threw herself on her father. He needed to loosen up, in her opinion. After a tight hug, she released him and threw herself on her dad. “Are you gonna dance, Dad? Father’s so good at dancing, you’re gonna dance, right?” Matt was indeed a good dancer, though he rarely danced in public. Beth thought her parents cut quite the dashing figure when they danced together.

“Hey its Audrey and Tessa! C’mon, you gotta meet them!” She took Father’s hand, tugging him along. If she didn’t have a hold of him she knew he’d fade away. Not Dad. He never faded into the background.

[Fate]

“Of course I’ll dance Evie!”

Evie grinned, raising her hands along with her ghostly uncle's cold movements. A shiver went down her spine at his touch, but it only put a thrill through her as she waltzed with him. She took care to move her feet in the steps Violet taught her, to waltz like a proper witch could. She giggled when Cain twirled, curtsying as their dance ended.

“I’ll show all you living how to dance properly, yes?”

"Most definitely!" Evie almost jumped with excitement, doing a waltzing twirl of her own in and attempt to mirror Cain's and making sure her dark green dress robes twirled gracefully with her. "You should dance with mum. Dad tries, but he can't dance at all." She laughed at her taunting of her own father; she had been told he could at least attempt to dance years ago, before he had his cane. He'd needed his cane all Evie's life, though, so she found it hard to believe.

"Shall we enter the Ball? I think it's starting soon!" Evie opened the side door to the Great Hall, curtsying with respect to the two ghosts as she let them in before her.

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

“FATHER FATHER FATHER YOU CAME YOU CAME YOU CAME!!”

A rare grin grew across Matt's face as he caught their daughter in his arms. Ryan embraced the both of them, a bright smile on his face with his reunited family. "Oh, we've missed you so much! You look beautiful!"

Matt kissed Beth on the cheek before letting her back down to the ground. "Did you have a good semester then, Lovie? You're looking lovely in your dress. Very.... green. Where on earth did you get that?"

Ryan nudged Matt in the ribs with his elbow, cocking a brow at him. Now who was the embarrassment? "We got it for her at Madam Malkin's before the school year." Matt shrugged at Ryan subtly, not wanting to make a scene over Beth's lime green attire. "Don't mind him, anything more daring than blue terrifies him." Ryan winked down at his daughter as he took her hand, twirling her in a circle.

“Are you gonna dance, Dad? Father’s so good at dancing, you’re gonna dance, right?”

"We'll see." Matt looked out at the crowds of ball-goers. Whether he was looking out as a hitwizard, or as a man hoping to dance with his husband was unknown.

Ryan rolled his eyes. "He likes to save his talents just for me. I however, would love to dance with my favorite Hufflepuff." He grinned down at Beth, straightening as she took Matt by the hand and pulled.

“Hey its Audrey and Tessa! C’mon, you gotta meet them!”

"Alright! We're coming!" Ryan followed briskly behind his daughter and husband, searching the crowd for the young ladies in question.