There's a first time for everything

[Jemma Potter]

This Yule ball marked a first for Jemma Potter. She actually had a date with someone that she liked. She'd only met Patrick a few weeks ago, but she liked spending time with him, and that was enough for her to agree to be his date. Because they were in different houses, Jemma had suggested they meet in the entrance hall. Her dress was a tight, long, black and tan dress that hugged her slender frame in all the right places. She was even wearing heels, a rare occasion for her. Jemma carefully descended the stairs, looking around for her date.

 

[Patrick Vernier]

This was the second time Patrick would attend the Yule Ball with a date. Last year had been amazing with Winnie and it was sad that she had left. But now Patrick was attending it with another date and he was excited to spend the evening with her, even though it wasn't Winnie. The teen made his way to the entrance hall where they were meeting as early as he could, dressed in a similar tuxedo to the one he wore last year. He stood at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for his date to come around the corner. When she did, he stood up straighter and made his way towards her. "Hey Jemma, you look great!" he told her, giving her a friendly smile. He didn't seem to feel as nervous about taking a girl to the Yule Ball this time and felt very relieved about that. "Shall we go inside?" he gestured to the double doors of the Great Hall, in which many people were entering.

 

[Jemma Potter]

Jemma's face broke out into a grin as Patrick caught sight of her. "Thanks! You look great, too." she said brightly as she took in his appearance in a tux. "Absolutely. Let's go." she said confidently, slipping her arm through his. Christmas was Jemma's least favorite holiday, maybe even more so now than it was. Yet, it didn't seem so bad right now. The Great Hall was decorated to the nines, and it was gorgeous, a total winter wonderland. "Stunning." Jemma said, appreciatively. The redhead turned to smile up at Pat. "So, what would you like to do first?" she asked.

 

[Patrick Vernier]

Patrick walked by Jemma's side as they entered the Great Hall. It always felt like home when he looked at the Yule Ball decorations. Christmas time in New Zealand definitely didn't have snow, but it did in his hometown in France and seeing the winter decorations always made him feel a bit more comfortable, and definitely got him in the festive spirit. He nodded slightly as Jemma used the word 'stunning' to describe everything. She then asked what he would like to do first, and Patrick spoke before he could even think. "I'm going to get a drink at the drink's table. Would you like one?" he took her through the crowd and over to the table before grabbing two glasses for the both of them. "What do you usually drink at these sort of occasions? I've always liked pumpkin juice." He wanted to get to know her better and thought that this would be the perfect chance.