Up and Down

Albion and Iberia

Last year's dance was beautiful, but this...

This is magnificent.

The Hall is sparkling with lights and decorations, magical snow gently falling from the ceiling, and the stained glass windows and pillars are covered over with enchanted hoarfrost.

There are beautiful ice sculptures of magical beasts and legendary creatures and the tables are groaning with foods most elaborate.

It appears Black has hired a whole orchestra for the occasion this time around, and the music is flowing up and through the giant Hall to the starry ceiling.

"... and now the Champions and their lovely partners will open the ball!"

But even Black's pompous voice cannot drown out the unbelieving murmuring as they pass by the other students.

"... Visconti and Sallow were courting, weren't they..."

"... looks like she ditched him..."

"... who knew she was so mercenary..."

"... well you have to admit, he doesn't have much money..."

"... Sallow should have known better than chase after a half-blood is all I'm saying..."

Anna grits her teeth. Sebastian must be hearing it all too, and even though she can't see his face, the tense set of his broad shoulders is all she needs to know he is affected by their cruel words.

They come to the middle of the Hall, all eyes on them. She feels their attention, scorching her almost to the bone, their judgement palpable. Her breathing quickens, the rush of blood nearly drowning out the music.

Last time, Anna and Sebastian were but one couple among many. This time, all focus is on just three of them, and everyone and their mother seems to have already heard of the latest Hogwarts drama: the questionable love and friendship of their precious Champion. First Ominis, now her, too.

Anna rests her palm on Alexandre's shoulder and he takes her right hand in his left. His gloved hand brushes up against her shoulder blade. She twitches, a remembrance washing over her in a rush.

Sebastian keeps an excellent posture and his left hand doesn't stray from the level of her shoulder blade... but the back of her dress lowers pretty much to the level of her corset, so his bare fingers caress her skin with every step.

Dancing here is too intertwined for her with her love. With everything that happened after.

She is uncomfortably stiff as Alexandre leads her across the floor, graceful and fluid and all too skilful. Anna tries to settle her breathing, to find the rhythm, to enjoy the simple act of dancing that she loves so very much.

It is of no use. She knows she isn't at her best and merely focuses on not tripping or stepping on Alexandre's foot.

Despite his smile, she knows that he knows she is off-balance. This isn't how she can dance. If only there was a way to make her stop thinking of the same night the year before with every step. She doesn't really know of a way to do such a thing.

Not with Sebastian right there, so close and so far. Poppy looks incredibly sweet and beautiful, though she is clearly not the best dancer, more at home in the woods with grass stuck in her hair. But even she is enthusiastically giving it her all, and despite his dour mood, it does seem like Sebastian is enjoying himself.

She can spot Ominis, too, and Anne resting her hand on his elbow, watching them all with a smile, waiting for the opening dance to end so she can get Poppy back.