There were far worse people to be paired up with than Paxton Fudge, she thought merrily, seeking her new partner out in the crowd. They'd worked together the past year on the Quidditch team and she knew him well enough that the only thing awkward about dance with him was their height difference. That idea alone was enough to make her chuckle as she took the third year's offered hand. "I think if I can manage a buldger hit" - disregarding that there weren't any beaters this year, a fact she was still struggling to adjust to - "I think I can manage you stepping on my feet." At this, her chuckle turned into full blown laughter, something she was sure Benwick wouldn't be pleased about, not that that bothered her. "Besides, who knows, I might step on yours first!"

Social Class: Middle
General Grasp of Etiquette: Generally Well-Mannered
Confidence in Social Situations: fairly confident
Dancing Skills: Acceptable

  

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look at the pretties mj made me!!!

'Well the teacher is family' he offered in jest, jerking his head in the direction of the professor to indicate Benwick, 'I'll let you guess.' The mother of his aunt -extended as it might be - for the upperclass pureblood set that definitely still counted (If the number of Lestrange weddings the family had attended this past summer was anything to go by).

Cad did not often try to be pleasant with his house mates, or with anyone. He could be - but trying implied there was something in it for him which most of the time he didn't see any benefit. But he could be almost charming - when he was inclined to it. 'You dance very well- am I to presume there is an overly officious aunt in your family too? Or do your quidditch skills translated to the ballroom as well?' he offered what might have been the first smile ever to grace his features, directed at one of his housemates in the entire 5 years he had been at the school.

  

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Behold the Awesome of Stefanie!

The last thing Sloane would have ever expected was for a compliment to leave Selwyn's lips. Aimed in her direction no less. Her mouth nearly fell open at the thought of it. The surprise registered first, quickly replaced by furrowed brows and a skeptical look. Sloane wasn't terrible at dancing, he was right, quick quidditch reflexes translated easily to dancing, but she had hardly expected him to comment on it. She let out a noncommittal noise of acknowledgement, but wasn't sure what he was playing at.

It was fishy.

Still, she kept up easily, the music wafting through the hall around pairs of students having mixed success. Sloane very nearly glanced over at Cam and Sisse again, but didn't want Selwyn to have anything else to comment on. "My mother," Fiona hadn't been strict on it, but her family was large, as was her father's and they often had lively family parties that included quite a bit of dancing. Sloane had expressed an interest in the reels and quadrilles but the waltz or anything like it had come along in the instruction and she'd begrudgingly cooperated just so she could learn the faster-paced fun ones. "We often have large extended family functions, they get quite into their dancing. I assume you started young?" She assumed most stuffy pureblood families started torturing their young early with things like manners, elocution and dancing lessons.

Blegh.

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Cadawalader Selwyn

  

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Ned glanced over his shoulder at Alice who had been paired with a rather unpleasant boy, and he frowned. She likely would have been the only girl he would have felt somewhat comfortable dancing with. At least, he knew he likely wouldn't get any judgement from her. Or perhaps, Sisse.

Instead, he had been paired off with someone he didn't know particularly well. He hoped they would forgive him for not being the strongest dancer. Ned didn't have much occasion to waltz in his spare time. His family wasn't exactly 'society.'

"At least the music is lovely," he commented off-handedly to his partner.




Social Class: Working
General Grasp of Etiquette: Generally Well-Mannered
Confidence in Social Situations: average
Dancing Skills: Acceptable

Feel free to say you paired with him, otherwise, he's going to hang with an NPC and be wicked awkward. <3

  

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Pretties by Bee <3 <3

So they weren’t going to talk, well fine then, if he didn’t want to even attempt to talk she’d stay silent. She turned her gaze to the couples around them, watching those who had been paired well and those struggling. If only she might have been paired with Ned. Or really anyone else would have been preferable at this point. Even Mr. Selwyn seemed to be making an attempt at it. The more she watched the other couples the more her simmering discomfort began to bubble and she could only be grateful that she was good at masking her emotions. She kept a placid smile on her face as he spun them around.

There was the trouble though, Cam wasn’t even trying to dance well. Sisse did her best to mask this, ignoring his feet stepping on her and his rough steering, attempting to cover the steps with her own graceful ones. But when he spun her almost into another couple Sisse honestly wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep this up. She might have accepted the apology if he hadn’t been looking at Sloane at the time.

She had to do something or she was apt to end up in tears, which would be utterly mortifying. So in a very quiet and gentle voice she murmured, “Just pretend you aren’t cross with me. It’ll make it easier.” And hopefully save their grade, although it wounded her pride to even have to admit that he was cross with her in the first place. Once they stepped away from each other for this class she’d never even mention the subject again, but they had to make it through this first.

  

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Thank you Bee <3 Your magic has made Sisse bloom

He wasn't sure if conversation was bound to make his dancing worse or better, and in honesty he wasn't paying much attention to his movement—not as she spoke. His gaze snapped back on hers, a sudden wave of emotion overwhelming him. "I'm not cross with you," he muttered in a low yet harsh voice. He wasn't cross with her... not exactly. He wasn't angry, or annoyed. Not really. Sure, Sisse had hurt Sloane's feelings, and sure he'd quickly realized that Sisse—sweet, prim, and sometimes uncomfortably proper Sisse—had been crushing on him, but that didn't mean he was cross with her. "I'm... disappointed. Sad," he mumbled instead, which wasn't not true.

He kept his voice low, but he didn't expect anyone to be listening anyways. There were plenty of awkward mumblings going on around them, and Professor Benwick circled them every few moments. He managed to keep them in place... for now.

"I wish you wouldn't hold it against her. She hasn't done anything wrong," he continued quietly, his eyes flashing to the rest of their friends as they passed them. Nothing had been the same since that day. He hated it.

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The shock on her face was evident before quickly being buried. He was however, used to his housemates being guarded around him. He had done little to endear himself to any of them. He and Gillenwater had barely concealed animosity, the girls - well he had ignored them all. Having his own little clique of upper-class pureblood children who had been more to his taste, and more to his mother's approval. So while he had never been 'cruel' to the half blood girls who were part of the Gryffindor Quidditch set, he had certainly never been friendly to them. Although he was sure that Gillenwater had no doubt expressed his opinion very clearly to them.

Cad flashed his most charming smile 'yes! much the same to be honest!' he laughed, 'And I was one of the few boys.' he lead Miss Bixby into a rather complex turn, actually trying rather hard with his manners and his dancing so they might receive some compliment or other from the professor as to how good a couple they made. 'Lots of aunts and cousins needing someone to stand up with.' he made a face, 'it doesn't make for particularly skilled partners, not like the present company' he gave a small decorous head bow to the girl in reference.

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Behold the Awesome of Stefanie!

Suspicious of his charming nature, Sloane wasn't quite sure how to react, but she supposed she could keep it pleasant. It was kind of weird being able to relate to Selwyn on any level, but she could actually understand where he was coming from on that front.

She followed his lead easily, the turn unexpected, but he'd given her the right signals to adapt and when she turned back in, had finally formulated a real response. "Similarly on my end," She chuckled quietly. "I am the only girl among many, many boys." In her household, pretty much on her father's entire side of the family, she had so few female cousins. It had never been for serious lessons certainly and she was on the younger end, but she was never short of dancing partners when the family got together.

Were she not already quite suspicious of him, she may have actually blushed at the second compliment. It was highly unlike him, or what she knew him to be. Mostly they hadn't interacted much, coming from wildly different social circles, but he and Cam did not get along, not at all, and it was obvious where her loyalties stood. Still, Sloane was not so petty as to sabotage either of their Etiquette grades with poor performance, so she kept up the charade. Honestly, dancing was her only saving grace in this class, and she needed it to pass as well.

"Your aunt seems to have done a sufficient job as well." Though it was a little stiff, Sloane really didn't have a problem following his lead, which was what a good dance partner was supposed to do.

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Cadawalader Selwyn

  

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After a few moments of observing, Deanna began her prowl.

Cadawalader Selwyn and Sloane Bixby

What an unfortunate pairing.  While young, Mr. Selwyn was generally a star pupil, Miss Bixby certainly was not.  Deanna had thought it would be an interesting challenge to match the young Selwyn up with someone whom she was sure he wouldn't choose himself.  After all, one didn't always have the luxury to select their own dance partners.  He seemed to be dealing with such an unpleasant partner rather amicably. 

"Five points to Gryffindor."  Cadwalder was granted a smile while Sloane received a brief, sidelong glance that spoke of how surprised she was that the girl seemed to be doing well at this task.  Deanna even appeared pleased.  Perhaps, she could somewhat tame the wild ones, after all.  "And Miss Bixby."  She paused then, and rather kindly added, "Just be cognizant of how open your mouth hangs.  You're a lady, not a fish." 

Sisse Thompsett and Cameron Gillenwater

Poor Miss Thompsett.  She spied the toe trampling with a wince and leveled the back of Mr. Gillenwater's head with a withering look.  It seemed Miss Thompsett had taken the whole incident in stride, didn't yell out, nor made it seem as if he had made a grievous error.  That brought a smile to her face.  She started to move toward them in order to make a comment, but she had to dodge out of the way as Mr. Gillenwater nearly collided them with other dancers.

"Mr. Gillenwater!"  She snapped.  "Miss Thompsett is not a rag doll.  Do not whirl her about as such.  Five points from Gryffindor.  Con-cen-trate."  Her expression was more understanding when it fell on Sisse.  "Five points for handling Mr. Gillenwater's missteps with grace."

Elon Wildsmith and NPC

Although he had yet to fling his partner into a wall, Mr. Wildsmith receive a scrunched look. Him and his partner seemed out of step with the music. "Really listen to the music, Mr. Wildsmith. It will help you keep pace."

Meta Lestrange and Archer Belby

Of the Lestranges, Miss Meta Lestrange always seemed a bit more wild than her relatives. It was a pity, really. She came from such respectable pureblood stock. Her tendency not to take etiquette seriously was the reason behind her awkward pairing. While Mr. Belby wasn't her worst pupil, he was certainly one of the most terrified.

"That's...acceptable, Miss Lestrange." She didn't comment on the girl's obvious need to lead. Her dance partner needed the assistance. "Mr. Belby, flat feet."

Camille Scrimgeour and Elijah Urquart

Miss Scringeour and Mr. Urquart both received an encouraging smile.

Maxima Goshawk and Dunstan Ruskin

An interesting pairing, given Mr. Ruskin's half-breed status. While there was a cool air about them, Deanna seemed pleased with their progress. One did not need to be friendly with one's dance partner in order to be successful and polite. It's a hard truth they would all need to learn in a few short years. "Five points to Slytherin and five points to Ravenclaw."

Paxton Fudge and Calla Potts

It seemed the two Hufflepuffs hadn't been met with certain disaster. As she passed by, she adjusted their arms slightly, but otherwise smiled. They would improve with practice, no doubt.

Joella Wood and NPC

Deanna wasn't sure whether it was Miss Wood's doing or her partner's, but their version of the waltz left much to be desired. "Do mind where you trod. You both have been dangerous close to breaking each other's toes."

Edison Moony and NPC

Mr. Moony wasn't someone she put high expectation on. He was working class, after all. Him and his partner simply received a nod of approval.


The music faded, and there was a long pause before Deanna bustled to the front of the hall and declared, "Now, switch!  We shall be waltzing a second time.  I do hope I shall see some improvement."



(Now, it's your character's turn to choose a partner!  (Or be lost in the shuffle and stuck with someone random)  Choose wisely.  >D  I will be leaving this thread open until the end of December!  I will post a second round of commentary and points giving/taking before dismissing everyone.  Enjoy!

The following 1 user Likes Deanna Benwick's post:1 user Likes Deanna Benwick's post
   Elsie Kirke

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Pleased she hadn't lost points for managing to put up with Selwyn for the duration of the first dance, it took all of her willpower not to stick out her tongue at the teacher as she made her snide comments. Just barely. It was a close call.

Thoroughly relieved to be rid of Selwyn, Sloane practically dove for the nearest friend she could find, which happened to be Ned. "Save me." She whispered dramatically as she squared up to begin the next dance. Certainly this would be far more pleasant and less awkward. Hopefully. It had to be. Ned was always easy to work with, the height difference wasn't even that bad!

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Edison Moony

  

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Cameron's cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment as Mrs. Benwick scolded him on his dancing, although he couldn't be too mad about the points she took once she gave them right back to Sisse for putting up with him. He released his hold on her waist as soon as possible and made a beeline for a familiar face that was unlikely to scold him for nearly knocking Sisse to the ground.

"Miss Goshawk?" he asked tentatively, wearing a cautious smile as he held out a hand to her. She was a good dancer, he'd noticed, and less awkward of a partner than Sisse. At least he could rely on her for gentle guidance if needed (and not to mention that dancing would be inherently less difficult without a partner who he could barely look in the eye). "I'll be careful," he promised, an afterthought.

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Maxima Goshawk

  

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Dunstan gave Miss Goshawk a polite but curt nod, maintaining no illusion that they would continue dancing together now that the floor had been opened. His cool eyes now searched for someone who would actually want to dance with him, and his eyes landed upon Joella Wood.

He approached — "Miss Wood, may I have this dance", he asked quietly. Truth be told, she did not seem altogether comfortable with her surroundings, and Dun knew his family would have preferred if he picked a dance partner with poise and breeding. But at present he wished simply for a friend. And if she was no swan, so what? He would steer.

Joella Wood

  

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'Thank you Miss Bixby' he said as she made her quick get away.

Having already danced with one of the Gryffindor girls, and with no one else looking like a likely candidate for his attention he extended his hand to Miss Thompsett. 'Would you care for the next dance Miss Thompsett?' he asked, 'We might make a good show of some more points for Gryffindor?' he asked in his most charming manner. He made a rather indignant sniff at the manner in which Gillenwater had dropped her for a new partner.

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Sisse Thompsett

  

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Behold the Awesome of Stefanie!

Joella left her previous dance partner with a parting glare. It had been his fault that they got reprimanded, as far as she was concerned. She was mildly surprised when the boy she had gotten some Charms help from approached her though that surprise didn't quite register in her features. "Certainly, Mister Ruskin," she said, partly to spite her previous dance partner and make him feel a deeper sense of 'it was your fault'. "By the way, I finally mastered that spell I had you helping me with," she said half-conversationally.

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Dunstan Ruskin

  

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mj is a graphics goddess

Glad that they had gotten through the lesson without reprimand beyond adjustment of their limbs, Paxton bid farewell to Miss Potts when they were instructed to change partners. Approaching a girl that had yet to find herself a new partner, he bowed to her as etiquette dictated. "May I have this dance?"

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open to any girl needing a partner!

  

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set by Bee!

They proceeded to dance as instructed, and Miss Wood sparked light conversation. "I had no doubt that you would", Dunstan replied chivalrously when she spoke of mastering the counter-spell he'd helped her practice.

Alright so she... wasn't exactly a swan on the dancefloor; and their considerable height difference didn't help either. Nor did the consistent awareness among the young teenagers that dance practice was the only time that they were ever allowed to touch — and Miss Wood would not doubt find the half-vampire's slender hands quite cold. But Dun took the lead, attempting to give them some grace as a couple with a vague sense of command that was both gentle and subtle; for he didn't want her to realise he did not think her swan-like. Dancing was all about etiquette, after all. Diplomacy and connection. Dun was old enough to know that now.

Joella Wood

  

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