It was a beautiful night for a dance, a ball, a whiling away of one's troubles, lost in the swirl of music ...

At least, that is what Albus told himself, as he surveyed the newly decorated Great Hall - but then again, he was a romantic old fool. Everyone said so.

What seemed like millions of twinkling stars decorated a velvety black sky ceiling, and the four walls were adorned with richly woven tapestries of each of the four Houses - their histories and triumphs. Their follies were prudently NOT shown, as this was a night of celebration and brotherhood.

For this one night, Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw existed in harmony, their colors flowing and rippling around each other, and the smooth, gleaming wooden dance floor invited all students, past and present, to forget their rivalries and just be ...

Well - just BE.

The students were beginning to gather in the front hall, and with an inward smile, Dumbledore waved the doors open to begin the festivities.