may 26th, 1894 — debutante ball, great hall, hogwarts

Jessamine entered the Great Hall, dressed in a well tailored baby blue gown, with the most elegant, charming smile that she could possibly muster and walked down the grand stairs with ease; despite how graceful she presented herself, quite frankly she thought she was going to be sick and it was only the sight of her siblings and Francesca, who was with the Hufflepuffs, that kept her firmly grounded. This was it, there was no going back, there would be no more study sessions in the library, no more secret parties in the room of requirement, no more batting her eyelashes at Professor Foxwood when she was supposed to be taking notes. She was a woman now, a lady who's sole job was to fraternize with the other ladies of society and find herself a nice husband. She may have usually loathed ladies like Miss Valenduris who insisted on that feminism nonsense, but for a brief moment, she wished she could go back to school for one more day. Learn one more thing before she was thrust into the world.

Alas, that was not possible, and so she would do her best to embrace her role as one of the newest darling debutantes of the 1894 season. Part of growing up, she had found, was that she no longer could stand in the corner ripping girl's apart, whispering to Francesca about how she was sure Miss Adebayo was going to fall down the stairs after Mattie had enough and threw her down them, or that Miss Ravenswood was hopelessly pathetic as she dramatically sobbed all over a poor gentleman who was nice enough to ask the girl with what looked like her grandmother's dress to dance. No, Minnie had to play nice and sweet, not make any kind of scene, especially with her potential suitors. Still...

“I do hope she's okay,” Jessamine commented to the man she was dancing with, her tone with sickly sweet sincerity, her eyes flickering to the poor girl for a brief moment, “Miss Ravenswood has always been so fragile, I do hope tonight isn't too much for her. I'd hate for her to have to leave early.”

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   Basil Foxwood, Millie Potts

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It was a pleasant night out on the carriage ride up to the school and Harrison found himself quietly anticipating the first ball of the new season. It wasn't his first time attending this event, the last one being technically successful, but ultimately a failure as the interaction had gone nowhere after a month of bland conversation, he couldn't blame the girl for their incompatibility and he hoped to find someone more suited this time. It wasn't long after everyone had gathered that stirrings at the head of the stairs indicated that guests should gather to welcome the women, “out”.

The hopeful men, excited friends of the debutantes and other eager guests jostled for position to get a good look, it was quite interesting to see how people stacked up, you could almost tell a man’s class by the cut of his suit. Harry’s own was crisp, well tailored and his cravat was the perfect match to the tone of his outfit, he was a fashionable man and was grateful to have the money to follow such things. The women tonight however, namely the debutantes, looked beautiful without exception, dressed finely and walking like the elegant young women they were. There was nerves of course, and several of them keenly glanced around for reassuring faces in the crowd. He didn't blame them if he was honest, his own sister had been quite blunt with their father about her anxieties when it was her turn, it all sounded quite a lot to go through, but it was how futures were made.

Mr Knight continued to watch, the head girl and the prefects all first, followed by the girls in order by name, as was the way. It was not until fairly late in the precession that her found his eyes captured. A brunette woman, with pale skin and dark lips. He smiled, he had always liked brunettes and the appearance of this lady was very intriguing. He muttered her name to himself to commit to memory as she descended the stairs and was greeted by several well wishers. Did he dare approach such a striking beauty? Of course he did. He wouldn't wait too long, but nor would he pounce on her as soon as her feet touched the floor. Harrison briefly hoped that her eyes might catch him across the room and she would find him as lovely as he found her, but this was not some fantasy romance, the room was busy, there was too much movement for her to catch him, perhaps. What he did see however was another man preening himself and speaking to his friend while gesturing towards Miss Parkinson. ”Not for you sir, you are dressed like an undertaker's apprentice” he said to himself in his head with a grin.

He walked across and took the woman’s hand, gently bowing as he led her to the others who were already dancing, he gave her his name, he already knew hers of course from the introductions. ”It is quite a challenge for some ladies, the change from being a student to seeking their future. I admire your concern for your peer.” he said as they danced close. ”But I believe that tonight should now be about you.” he gently spun her and watched as her dress reacted to the dance. ”You really are quite exquisite Miss Parkinson, I hope that you do not share your friend’s fragility.” he gave a fun grin to her. He was already enjoying the woman’s company and hoped for the chance to get to know her much more.

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Jessamine Parkinson

  

When Jessamine first stepped out onto the floor alongside her fellow debutantes, it took every ounce of poise in her not to have an anxiety attack. So many people were watching her; she could see her brothers, her sister, though unfortunately due to being in mourning, her parents couldn't make it. And the quiet reminder in the back of her head that she was expected to dance with actual real life men? That was alarming. Not that she'd never danced with a male before - she did dancing in etiquette class, she danced with Killian at Sirius's party, and of course there was Elijah, but this was completely different and she knew that. Before her brain could work herself into a tizzy, she was introduce to Mr. Knight and joined him on the dance floor. She was a little bit tenser than a more seasoned debutante as she danced, but at least she wasn't the one sobbing all over her dance partner.

Minnie's cheeks flushed a light pink when he seemed more compassionate toward Miss Ravenswood, even voicing her own feelings she tried to ignore about making this transition, and praised her for being the same, though her words did not have that intent behind them; should she ought to be ashamed? Probably. But, Jessamine would let him believe she was nicer than she was, especially if he continued to flatter her like this. “Thank you, sir, that's sweet of you to say,” Minnie replied, doing her best to seem interested, but not overly so to make herself seem improper, recalling an article or two she read in Witch Weekly. However, she felt her face get even pinker; she was not used to this kind of attention, but she adored it. When he spoke of her potential fragility, she shook her head, trying not to giggle like a schoolgirl when he spun her, “Not at all. I'm rather enjoying myself.”

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   Harrison Knight

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The light blush on the young woman's face was sweet and only enhanced her delightful femininity. She seemed well able to navigate her feelings on tonight's event, which was a good sign and despite her youth she carried herself well. Harrison lifted Minnie's hand in the air as they crossed positions with another couple in a spanish waltz, his gaze did not leave his dance partner. "And so you should be, you have studied so long, and have more expectations in front of you, but tonight you should be allowed to celebrate. It is not a night for tears" he considered that comment, did it sound a little dismissive of her friend? Perhaps, but best not dwell on it. Harrison hoped that he was positively contributing to Miss Parkinson's enjoyment, although social decorum made it frustratingly difficult to tell a person's honest opinions.

The dance partners all crossed again, giving Harry another chance to spin his partner until she came to rest with her chest to his. He cupped one hand and placed the other in the small of her back as they carried on their steps. There was a fun smile on the well dressed man's face as he looked at the lovely eyes of the woman. "Blue" he said quietly to himself as he caught a proper look at their colour. "I am having a quite pleasant time too." he gently squeezed his hand on her lower back before they separated again to continue the dance moves. As they walked between other couples he asked her. "Please tell me, if one were to visit the home of the Parkinsons, which part of the country might they find themselves?". He hoped she might have questions for him too, but as the man, it was only proper that he go first.

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Jessamine Parkinson

  

There would be a time to cry and deal with the implications of leaving girlhood behind once the ball ended and she was back home in her bed, but Jessamine had been hyping herself up for tonight since the start of the year and she would not let anything ruin it. And a bright smile crossed her face at Mr. Knight's kind words, reminding her that she did indeed work hard for this moment and she should focus on celebrating; she nodded in complete agreement as she continued to waltz with him. She noted that he was a particularly good dancer, which helped her out because even if she was shoving the nerves down and trying to ignore them, they were still there and would mess up her form if she didn't have a partner who could make up for it. “Wise words, Mr. Knight,” she answered; perhaps it was a bit dismissive of Miss Ravenswood, but it's not like they were friends, and Minnie didn't care.

She didn't quite hear what he had said quietly to himself, mostly because she was partially focused on the fact her heartbeat had increased when they found themselves closer together in the dance, but she smiled, then blushed even pinker when he said not only was he enjoying himself, but even suggested he was interested in paying a call to her. Was she going to be the most successful new debutante in 1894? Ha! And they said Miss Thompsett was going to have the pick of the litter. Of course, she must not get ahead of herself, for she barely knew this Mr. Knight and her family may not approve at all. “We have a villa in Yorkshire,” Jessamine answered, then, she then asked him, surprisingly, genuinely curious to find out, “And what about you, Mr. Knight? What part of the country are you from?”

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   Harrison Knight

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This was going well, at least, that is what the expressions on his young dance partner's face told him. She had a lovely expressive face that was pleasing to look at and he certainly found himself doing so quite unashamedly, he was pleased that he had not packed out his dance card plans because he hoped that this woman might accept a second request to dance, it would be an obvious declaration of interest, but why not.

"Yorkshire is a lovely county." he replied to her, remembering his trips their, particularly as a youth. "Well, I hail originally from Hertfordshire, but now reside in London." How uninteresting of him, ask a hundred wealthy bathelors their address and get ninety nine London addresses. "We also have properties in several other cities. I think you would enjoy the Calcutta home, it is something of a favourite of mine." They came towards the end of the Spanish waltz, Harrison took one more oppurtunity to hold her close to him, just a little more boldly this time as his confidence in the chance of reciprocal interest grew.

The band started playing and the couples moved into the laendler. Harrison squeezed the hand of his partner as they briefly separated. Tradition dictated they have two dances before either of them moved on to other partners for the evening. It was a tricky dance but one that Harrison really enjoyed, and one that would allow him to spin this pretty girl in a manner that she might find quite exhilarating. "I shall be quite disappointed to hand you to your next suitor Miss Parkinson." he said before he bowed to begin the dance.

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Jessamine Parkinson

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   Jessamine Parkinson

Jessamine hadn't noticed that one dance had nearly came and went, because she had been enjoying herself with Mr. Knight so much; that much was obvious to her partner as she was never very good at hiding her facial expressions the way other young ladies were. She only hoped that he didn't mind that about her, as it was something she couldn't seem to change about herself, despite the fact she had made the effort to try in her etiquette classes. She listened with interest as he answered her question, and he was right, telling her he lived in London didn't really tell her much at all, except for he probably enjoyed the city more than the country, but his comment about having multiple properties? That interested her, not only because it told her that he was wealthy (not that his clothes didn't hint at that), but that he was likely also well traveled. “I've never been so far from home before, but Calcutta sounds lovely,” She quietly hoped she'd get to see India one day, as it would be interesting to learn about, “Do you travel a lot? I'm just assuming you must, if you have more property in other cities.”

As the second dance started, her heart skipped a beat; this dance was a bit more complicated than the last, but as they continued to talk, she became more comfortable and less nervous. Minnie, of course, did her best to seem prim, proper, and like a proper young lady as she blushed and smiled when Mr. Knight expressed disappointment that he would have to hand her over to her next potential suitor after their second dance, but inside her head she was doing the equivalent of screaming into a pillow.

“Perhaps...,” Jessamine did her best not to sound too eager or terribly uncouth in her response to him, but more flirtatiously coy, in a sweet, endearing way, “You may see me at another ball this Season.”

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   Harrison Knight

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She was asking about his properties, a wonderfully genteel way of feeling out his means, as was a essential for a woman in her position, if she had consideration that a dance may become a courtship. This was an encouraging sign. He smiled before answering, "Indeed I do, my family has also has estates in Melbourne and New York, I am currently in the process of taking transitional control." it was true, but it was something that pained him, the weaker his father became, the greater Harrison's own portfolio and wealth became, there were days he hated every galleon for it, but it was his life and he had to be grateful for what his father had built for him.

He would put that out of his mind as he saw the wonderful expression on Minnie's face as she spun alongside him. "To think I almost missed tonight's event abroad, that would have been a shame, I think shall remain in the country for a while.: he answered as she coyly mentioned him seeing her at another ball. He would make sure of it. He glanced at another man as paths crossed and they gave each other a polite nod, the momentary lapse in focus on Minnie made him miss a half step and her spin ended a little more abruptly into his chest than was usual. He gave a little grin at his moment of clumsiness before his eyes registered the position he found himself in.

Harrison's heart thumped as the woman's dark hair and pale skin came almost achingly close to him. It would not be long before the music pattern would resume and she would be spinning back away to arms length, but time seemed to stand still as his breath paused. She was beautiful, and her features drew him in. Perhaps if they had known each other a little longer, perhaps if they were not surrounded by a thousand leering eyes and gossiping tongues he would throw caution to the wind and take a step across the last few inches that separated them. Harrison hoped that the dilemma on his mind was not to apparent to his partner, he absolutely couldn't kiss her, could he?

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Jessamine Parkinson

  

Jessamine hadn't intended to be so obvious about her motivation to ask him this particular question, but perhaps with more experience as her first Season carried on, she would learn how to be a bit more subtle. Nevertheless, Mr. Knight didn't seem bothered by it at all, as no doubt, in Minnie's mind, he probably was used to talking to new debutantes, and he told her of two more places where his family had properties. Both equally as exciting, she thought - she wondered if, since he'd been to the States, if he'd gone to the World Fair that they learned about in Muggle Studies. “Oh? You must be very busy,” it did pique her interest that he was gaining control of the properties; that told her he was likely a first son, someone set to inherit.“But, it's lovely of you to make time to come to our debut,” Minnie praised, indicating to not only herself, but the rest of her young peers; after all, she didn't want to seem entirely selfish, “I suppose I shall see you again, then.” She really did hope that he came to another ball, as she already liked Mr. Knight quite a bit and he seemed worth a yet another chance.

Despite their natural chemistry, and the way that Jessamine seemed comfortable enough chatting with him that she didn't even have to think of her next dance step before her body was already doing it on its own, there was such thing as propriety and Minnie would not have scandal written over her name. Especially not during her first Season! And so, she took a step back, breaking their closeness; she did it as subtly and as gracefully as she could, as to not offend the gentleman by suggesting he would dishonor her in such a way, but she could not risk anything. She gave him a polite smile, the dance getting closer ending, and spoke, “Thank you for dancing with me, Mr. Knight. I enjoyed myself.”

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   Harrison Knight

---

Miss Parkinson behaved exactly as a lady should, stepping out of the embrace that if Harrison was honest with himself, was inappropriate and just a symptom of his excitement to finally meet someone that piqued his interest. A little part of him was of course disappointed for the space to return, but only a socially clueless woman would put such a thing on her reputation, and socially clueless was not the sort of woman that appealed to Harrison. He smiled, whether her wit and personality would her elegance remained to be seen, there was only so much you could learn in a dance after all. But he had learned enough that he knew he wanted to know more.

"I am grateful that I was able to make this ball, it has been very pleasant dancing and speaking with you and I thank you for your attention. If you have space on your card for another dance later in the evening, then I would be honoured, but if you are not available, then I shall simply have more time to look forward to our next meeting." Harrison gave a gentlemanly bow to Minnie and took one last look at her before allowing her to excuse herself. He would seek to dance with other women, meeting two more perfectly lovely and pretty young things in the course of his evening. But they weren't the same as his first dance, and he couldn't help but feel the slightest sense of jealousy when her passed Jessamine and her latest suitor on the dance floor. He had a letter to write in the morning.

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Jessamine Parkinson

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   Jessamine Parkinson