It had been a while since Roxy had had a night out. @lachlan did a wonderful job of planning dates for them, but before dating she had frequented night clubs and balls as if they were going out of fashion and, in some ways, she missed that lifestyle. While she loved being home with him, it wasn’t quite the same. So, while it had been a long day at work, the witch had come home with energy. Tonight she was going to ball for a mysterious man. It had been the talk of both the school and the Ministry. She doubted Lachlan would want to go, but one never knew. Perhaps after he saw what she was wearing his mind would change.

Taking her time getting ready the witch enjoyed the feel of the gown. Of course Roxy had had it for a while, but it wasn’t one she got to wear often. Normally there weren’t that many formal affairs she was invited to. Turning on the spot she apparated to the gates, a smile on her face.

The house was spectacular to look at, almost like something out of a movie. Yes, tonight was going to be fun. Smiling to her coworkers as she passed, Roxy began to the scan, looking for someone she might want to have a conversation with. She didn’t know most of the Hogwarts staff well, but that was because she wasn’t there as much. Hopefully she would be able to find someone to dance with.

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Persephone always took a bit longer than others to get ready for bigger events. When it wasn’t one of their own affairs her demeanor was always slightly different. She was always a bit more formal with people in general. She supposed it was from years of learning proper etiquette on how she was supposed to compose herself at important events. This was a formal party, that was bound to have important people present, and a place where she needed to be on her best behavior in a sense. As much as she felt her husband might not like the word ‘politician’ she certainly felt he held that sort of title. It was probably strange to others to see her allow Nikolai to take the lead in these sorts of situations, or any situation in general. It wasn’t all that odd or awkward to her. She often played the part of a more ‘proper’ wife when they went to such gatherings. It was expected, and not something she minded terribly. She could easily do it, though it was amusing that all those years ago when they were only pretending to be a couple she always had a more difficult time playing that part.

She had always been a confident witch in just about everything she came face to face with in her life, but things were getting complicated and her mind wandered. Killing Tasha the month before was bothering her slightly, though it was mainly due to her friend’s reaction to it. His ex wife was insane, and the only way to stop her from going after her cousin was to take her out. It wasn’t something she had wanted to do, but it was necessary. The relationship between them all still felt strained, but it also felt like things were slowly starting to go back to normal in a sense. Persephone tried to shake those from her mind, to better focus on the event they were attending. Of course, that meant that now she was busy worrying over if she looked okay as her growing abdomen made her extremely self conscious, even if she tried not to let that on to everyone else. She smoothed down her dress, and looked down at her abdomen with a loud sigh, feeling like something akin to a beached whale before taking her husbands arm as was customary to let him lead the way. ”Are you sure I don’t look ridiculous in this?” She whispered to Nikolai, feeling as if she was probably getting annoying about her appearance at this point in the pregnancy.

@nikolai
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Leigh was nervous, though not as much as she had been the past few months. The attck on her had left her with more issues than she’d had prior. She had been a bit fearful of the outside world, but now she was outright terrified of most things. She didn’t like being out on her own. She had been once to a little flower shop, and that trip had gone really well. She had met a lovely young man who had, strangely, put her at ease. That trip had eased her anxiety slightly. While she was still nervous about going out to such a large affair, she knew she would be safe. Her husband always put her mind at ease when he was around. The only other people that came to mind that she felt so comfortable around were her sister @elena, and @gracelyn. The two women meant a great deal to her, though she had been slightly afraid of Gracelyn upon first meeting her. Her sister had always been her rock, aside from Isaiah, she was the only one who she knew she could fully depend on.

Tonight would certainly be a challenge, but Leigh was determined to make it through without making a fool of herself. This would be the first time she had actually been seen at a large social gathering. She knew she could do this, she had to do this. She had denied her husband a proper wife for far too long, and she needed to give him what he deserved. He was the love of her life, a wonderful man who was so selfless that he spent most of his waking moments trying to make the world a better and safer place to live. Leigh had heard rumors that people didn’t like her husband and such, but to her it was rubbish. Leigh looked around nervously for a moment before clearing her throat and standing a bit straighter in hopes of making it appear as if she was okay before looking over at her husband with a slightly nervous smile.

@isaiah
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To say that Ben was in a good mood would be an understatement. As he made the walk home from the school he couldn’t help the smile on his face or the humming of a tune. Tonight he would get to spend with his wife dancing and enjoying seeing her in formal attire. It was one of the perks of her job and the man loved getting to spend the time with her.

Arriving at the house Ben took his time getting ready. He was surprised his wife wasn’t home, but he supposed she was finishing up at the office. Their plan was to meet at the event, but he still had hoped she would surprise him at home, allowing them to go together. Of course, it wouldn’t dampen his mood. Tonight was all about enjoying their time together. Besides, he knew one of his children would be in attendance. It would be fun to see him.

After readying himself, Ben apparated the address, impressed to see the venue. He knew his wife would be lurking around somewhere, but he wasn’t worried. He spotted several of his coworkers. “@carina, lovely to see you. How are you? And Henry James Blanchet, always a pleasure,” he said with a smile. After so many years at the castle he knew most of the staff and their significant others. He spotted @charlotte next and offered a warm smile. “You look lovely,” he said. @tiwaz was near by and he offered a nod, choosing to not make his way over to the man just yet. He was sure they would pass each other at some point during the evening.

Walking further in Ben offered a smile at a shared coworker, @oriel. “Oriel, always good to see you. I hope my wife didn’t drag you here,” he teased lightly. Already he was enjoying himself. He spotted @samuel and gave the man a warm smile and an incline of his head. They weren’t as close as he was with some of the other staff, but they were still friendly. He offered the same greeting to both @roxanne and @persephone. Tonight would be a fun night indeed.

Spotting his son Ben made his way over to the bar. “@theodore, I am surprised to see you working. How are you?”

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Val loved having a good time, it was her thing. Sure, being one of the toughest captains on the job and one of the best beaters in business were also her thing, but... well, she loved parties. And sure, most parties professional Quidditch players were invited to were clubs and really loud raves, but this was fun too. It wasn't often she got to wear a gown, although her dress didn't really have enough fabric to be technically considered one. But she looked great so they could all go to hell if they thought differently.

Val didn't take a date. She didn't do dates. Sure, she went out with someone once in a while, but it was mostly a one time thing. But she wasn't going to come to a ball with a stranger and repeat dates only served to get people questioning her on her 'new relationship'. Whatever, she was happy by herself, shagging whoever she fancied.

When she arrived at the ball, she wandered into the crowd with her head held hight, looking around the room for anyone that might look interested. If any of her colleagues showed up soon she might hang with them, particularly @ringabell, @ainsley, or @nathan, though @babe, Frances "Fanny" Eliza Maddock, @murphy or Jaxon Jameson Cole would be fun too.

She leant against one of the tables for a while, refusing to get near the bar. @theodore was there and so she'd rather wait for someone to offer to fetch her a drink than get anywhere near him.

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Conrad was invited to the Gala by this Count, who Conrad mostly knew nothing about. Conrad was ready in no time, the thing he didn't like about this was he had no date, Conrad hadn't bothered to ask anyone, because he thought no one would agree, he would have asked one lovely brunette but he decided that would probably end up in a No.

Conrad apperated to the venue and was greeted by the staff and escorted to the back of the Pllazo to a lavishly decorated garden, he spotted a few known faces, some he worked with or had worked with in the past and some other people. Some of them he would rather stay away from. He noticed the Minister @isaiah standing with his wife and a few others.

Conrad noticed the young Count, everything about this man was a mystery, the Count looked somewht Conrad's own age. Conrad walked up to the man, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you @cip" he said politely, shaking the Count's hand.

Adeline was excited about this Gala, more than just because she would be able to attend because of work SHe was happy because it meant that she was going to have a dance or three with her husband and if her children attended she would be able to dance with them as well. She had forgotten her earrings after leaving and had to return home to put them in before deciding to leave them there completely. It meant that she was late but that was something that she would have to get over. Smoothing her dress she smiled and made her way inside.

She stopped and greeted the handsome Count and bright smile on her face. Bonjour @cip , it is a pleasure to be here, and you can expect an amazing article about the spectacle of tonight. “ She said before leaving to go seek out her Colleague. That was when she saw her son and she approached him quietly, touching his arm with a smile. ”Save a dance for your Maman, yes?” She asked before walking past him to seek out Oriel. As she spotted him she waved to a few of her husband's work colleagues including; @carina , @charlotte , and @tiwaz .

”Bonjour @oriel ! I am so sorry I was late. I left my earrings then decided on not wearing them!” She said with a small laugh before looking around. This is so beautiful is it not?”[/b] She noticed the handsome form of her husband and she felt her lips pull into a broad grin. ”I will be right back.” She told Oriel before lifting the front of her gown a little to be able to walk quicker and then stopped, putting her hand on her husband’s back. ”Hello, mon amour.”

@benjamin
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Going to balls and such wasn't exactly common place for Ophelia but only because circumstances had dictated she wasn't to grow up in that lifestyle and she didn't mind it. That way she would never have any impression she would have continually uphold at events such as these. This was some tub she had come to prefer. Ophelia preferred to focus more on her work anyway, she thought it was more important though she wasn't one to boast about being a wand maker. She wasn't one to even freely give out what she did for a living, seeing no point in really doing so.

Today had been a long day since she tried to get in a lot in preparation for Lyric Truman’s visit to the shop next week. She didn't want to overwhelm the girl nor did she want to give her the least amount of information when she came by to discuss her internship. Finding that balance of what information to give the girl had been somewhat of a challenge as apprentice wandmakers were really a rarity and Ollivander’s had never hosted one before. Still, Ophelia was excited about it all, and only hoped she did a good enough in instructing Lyric.

Ophelia really hadn't been sure in what to wear this evening purely because while she knew formal was dress code not a lot was known about the count or the types of events he hosted. She had chosen a dress that she hoped would be suitable but it was more to impress @nicholas who she was hoping would be there tonight. Arriving at the villa, Ophelia looked around taking in the stunning setting as she spotted the exact wizard she wanted to see and made her way over to him. ”Good evening Nick, I was hoping to see you here, how are you?” she asked of the handsome wizard before offering a small smile to those around him.

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Murphy didn't do big fancy parties, or Galas. No, he never understood why people can't just show up at a bar, have way too many drinks and maybe, if they are lucky, get to bring someone friendly home. He had to go out and buy suit too. When he went to put on his old one he found the sleeves to be to short. He couldn't remember the last time he wore a suit. But he was wearing one now and he thought he looked pretty damn good. Maybe this Gala thing won't be so bad.

He quickly found his way to the bar,"Vodka," he requested. His blue eyes examined over the room for some one he might know. Fingers tapping on the bar he found a fellow quidditch player. @val seemed to be off by herself and lacked a drink in her hand. A smirk came upon Murphy's face as he turned to the bartender, requesting for two vodkas instead of one.

Now, with two drinks in his hands, Murphy made his way to beater for Holyhead Harpies. As always, she looked amazing and was definitely catching the attention of the man. He was also ignoring the part of him that felt weird, as seeing the same girl twice in your life does not make her the one or whatever. He pushed the thought out of his head and handed the girl the was know in front of him and handed her a drink, "Your hands looked empty so I thought I'd help you out. " he took a place next to her, "You look good."

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Leo knew that the Gala would have quite a few people attending that he should probably get in good with for various reasons. He did like to socialize and did so often, but it never hurt to have a purpose behind it. Obviously, he would enjoy himself, and he was looking forward to getting out for a bit. He knew a few of his friends and family members would be there as well. He did wonder how they were all doing since it felt like he rarely got to see them as much as he would like to. He had hoped his sister Bianca would be going, but he doubted it. It felt like the only time he ever really got to see her was at work. Something just didn’t feel right with that situation, and he was sure Goyle was the one to blame. His sister would never disappear that frequently when it came to family affairs.

He was still getting used to the idea of being a father, especially to a ten year old he didn’t even know. He tried to spend as much time as possible with her, and he was relieved that her mother was letting his family be part of raising her but it was still difficult to process. He did hope at some point that he could fully forgive Cassidy, but that wasn’t so easy to do. He knew she felt bad about it, and he tried not to continuously bring that up. Leo was trying to be on good terms with her, but did find it to be exhausting at times as he often had to actively hold his tongue. Part of him felt that he would eventually not have to worry about that so often. He just hoped that happened sooner rather than later. When he arrived he looked around, noting that everything looked spectacular, really. After a moment he gave a nod of greeting to the count and began to make his way through the crowd in search of someone familiar.

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