Fortune Favours the Bold

[Jerara Tapsell]

For Jerara this yuleball was going to be so much more different than the other, yes, he didn’t have a date, but he didn’t think he could ever get a date, instead he was just trying a little harder, he had put on a suit, one that had cost him a fair chunk of his wages, and though it was old and second hand, he was so proud of himself for it. He stood tall, examining himself against the others. The black suit suited him finely, it was a little big for his still young and forming frame but he was happy with how he looked, he felt confident in himself for the first time in forever. The magic he had was amazing, and he spent all of his time in the books, but he still didn’t entirely feel like he fitted in with the world. However, tonight as he was dressed just like everyone else, he felt it. No longer the outsider. Though he was in many ways still an outsider. Jerara walked into the room with purpose, with his head held high, and an excited barely contained in his expression. He wasn’t sure what this night would bring, and though he had no date to this ball, he was keen to at least dance with someone, he couldn’t spot Beaubelle around, but he spotted an older girl who was stood to the side, she was pretty to his eyes yes, but he wasn’t quite at the point of crushing over the girls he saw, but, he walked over to her, with all of his confidence, and though she was clearly older than him he smiled at her, "Can I interest you in a dance?" he gave a bow and held out his hand to her, just being as forward as he could and hoping that his confidence wouldn’t be his downfall, or that she wasn’t alone and whatever guy (or girl) was going to come over and give him hell for asking her to dance.
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[Eleanor Hope]

Despite never having a date, Eleanor Hope loved going to the Yule Ball. It was an excuse to dress up and take her mind off exams once the year was over and she couldn't wait to see how everyone was going to dress this year. The fourth year wore a black dress, the top half of which sparkled, and spent a while on her hair, making it reflect a flower crown that went right around her head. The hufflepuff walked to the Great Hall by herself and straight away headed towards the food table, taking as many chocolates and biscuits that she could fit in her hand as she watched the couples dance on the dance floor. Unfortunately, she couldn't find anyone she knew just yet but kept a look out as she ate, wondering if any of her friends had found themselves a date. Just as Eleanor shoved the last bit of chocolate in her mouth she noticed a younger boy walking towards her. He looked very dressed up in his suit and his offer for Ellie to dance with him made her blush. "I'd love to." she said, giggling slightly as she took his hand. The pair of them joined the other dancers and Ellie blushed even more as she put a hand on his shoulder. "Do you dance often?" she asked, hoping the stranger had more experience than her.

 

[Jerara Tapsell]

Jerara couldn't help the slight surprise that crossed his face as the girl actually said yes to dancing with him, she'd actually said yes. He lightly held her hand as he walked to the dance floor, his confidence and joy through the roof as he realised what he had managed, a girl, dressed beautifully was dancing with him at the Yuleball, next year he would have to ask someone to spend the night with him, since he couldn't help but think it so much fun. The young ravenclaw shrugged a little, "I have some, but not really in this way, do you?" Jerara told her, he knew that this might be his slight downfall, not actually being able to dance, but he couldn't help but think that it would probably be just fine. If others could manage it, then so could they. He put his hands where he was supposed to and smiled at the girl, "What's your name?" he asked, realising that he didn't know it, and he needed to know how to address her if he had any questions, and just because well, it was polite to do so. He knew at the very least that this girl was older than him, and not in his house. But he was finding dancing with her was enjoyable, and he was rather thankful she had even said yes, surely she would've gotten plenty of other options from other guys or girls, she was pretty after all, "I'm still surprised you said yes, you're you know really pretty?"
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