Chapter One
Ambitious Mamas are filled with hope as this once-in-a-million Season starts since this year they have the chance to marry off their Darling Children to Young Determined Bachelors and Bachelorettes. This year London is filled with freshly inherited titles, after last year’s unfortunate plague of dragon pox.
Most Ambitious Mamas eyes turned to the young Lord Evan Rosier, who inherited the title of Viscount of Rosepride and is said to be on the lookout for a spouse. Unlike most Determined Bachelors, he is determined to take someone’s hand in marriage, which makes him possibly the biggest catch of this unique season.
However, Dearest, Gentle Readers, this Author suggest that no Ambitious Mama set their Darling Child’s match in stone yet and stay on the lookout, since there is more bachelors to still arrive to London. One of them is the Duke of Gloucestershire, who just arrived last night with his siblings. Despite his rakish reputation, this Author truly thinks that the young Duke is probably the biggest catch of them all.
Lady Whisperwood’s Society Papers; 14 April 1813
„How did she know that I’m on the lookout!?” Evan crumpled the column in his hand before throwing it in the fire.
„How shall I know?” Pandora asked, sitting in their drawing room, pouring tea for the both of them. „I’m not exactly the face of gossip now, am I?”
„It had to be Mother! She went ahead and chirped it around so I cannot back out of our agreement!” he growled, before smoothing back his short, champagne blonde locs and letting them fall back into his eyes.
„Why? Did you wish to get out of the agreement?” his sister asked, raising the cup to her lips.
„No! Of course not! I would never take back my word, but you know… the option would have been nice!” he said grumbling annoyed, before he beckoned his cup to himself, which obediently levitated into his hand. „It is unfair that everyone knows about our business.”
„Our? No, no, no, my dearest brother, that is only your business! I will be off looking for my own suitors.” she smiled, before pushing a blonde braid over her shoulder.
„My apologies for assuming you care for me, Pandora,” he grumbled over his tea, rolling his eyes.
„Oh, do not be like that! You know I am always here to lend a listening ear. But I won’t be there at the balls when the Ambitious Mamas are hovering over you as if they want a taste themselves!” she rolled her eyes. „Mother would not let me. However, you’ll have Reggie and Barty with you for support,” she offered as solace.
„The Heavens protect me from Barty’s support…” Evan mumbled drinking another sip of his tea.
„I hear he also would like to marry this year,” she shrugged but flinched the next second as his brother spit the tea back coughing along with it.
„What!?” he asked hitting his chest while coughing.
„He wishes to marry. However, I do believe his intentions are less about holy matrimony and continuing the family name, and more about annoying his father by being courted and forcing him to pay his dowry,” Pandora repeated with an explanation.
„That does sound like him…” Evan sighed rubbing the bridge of his nose. He didn’t know what he expected from his friends this year, but both him and Barty trying to marry was not on his list. God, Regulus will have a blast, won’t he?
The three of them have been friends since Eton, but neither of them decided to attend Oxford this year. Evan couldn’t since he inherited the title and his mother was pushing him to marry, so she wouldn’t have to worry about their estates anymore. Barty also couldn’t because his father, a minister, refused to pay for it as his son is “a waste of good money” and “a disappointment”. Regulus simply didn’t since most of their peers ended up missing out on Oxford because of the sudden inheritance and the Blacks are not one to miss out. Therefore, Regulus could also not attend, instead was given a tutor and now lives in London, in his bachelor’s establishment, also participating in this Season.
Unlike Barty, Regulus was quite unhappy with this turn of events.
„My father is alive, I do not wish to marry, why do I have to miss out on Oxford and instead dance around at stupid balls?” he grumbled at White.
„Because I would be lonely without you, Reggie-Meggie!” Barty purred, resting his head on the Marquess heir’s shoulder before Regulus moved away, letting him fall to the ground.
„You disgust me,” he rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his whiskey.
Evan had to give it to Regulus. He had more patience than all of them combined. He could lend him some for this season, since he had to deal with his own and others’ Ambitious Mamas, and he cared for none of them. Would it be a lot to ask for someone who is mute?
„Evan?” Pandora asked for who knows how many times. „Are you listening?”
„Sorry, I got lost in thoughts. What were you saying?” he asked back with a sigh, before sitting down in a chair.
„I asked are you going to the McGonagall ball tonight?” she smiled playing with one of her braids.
„That ball has muggles in it and mudbloods,” he grimaced with disgust.
„Evan!” Pandora looked at him angrily. He always forgot she was next to the whole “befriending people from other blood status” thing.
„My apologies! Muggleborn,” he rolled his eyes again.
„Better,” she nodded. „But let me rephrase it: I need you to go.”
„What!? Why?” he crossed his eyebrows. He didn’t want to go there and deal politely with those people. Just because the royal couple was now a muggle and a wizard – or more specifically had been for fifty years now - did not mean they had to follow their footsteps. If he goes muggle mamas will throw their own daughters at him – they weren’t as used to violet unions as wizards, another aspect they were behind them – in hopes they would have half-blood grandchildren and, of course, the viscount title. He had enough to deal with already.
„Because I have two friends who are also out this year and since they are from… “less pure” bloodlines, they will be sure to attend the McGonagall ball! And if you go, Mother will surely allow me to go as well! Please!” she put her hands together, looking at him with her darn puppy eyes. Evan pressed his lips together looking everywhere but her. He cannot be this weak, to break from his sister’s kind eyes, can he?
„… I’ll send a note to Regulus and Barty, and we’ll see after that…” he mumbled, letting Pandora shriek with joy before jumping into his arms thanking him over and over for it.
Yes, he can be that weak…
❀ ❀ ❀
Lily would have liked to have a chance to get used to their London house before her sister screamed for her attendance at once. They just arrived for the Season to get her married off as her parents asked of her sister in their will, but what they forgot to consider is that her sister despises her. So does her husband. Though, Lily also heavily dislikes Vernon so at least those feelings are returned.
Lily barely had a chance to look around her temporary – at least one can hope – room in the baron’s home, before her sister screamed for her. No, she didn’t send a servant or maid to ask for her, no, she screamed. How elegant.
„Yes, Petunia?” she sighed, stepping into the drawing room. Vernon was sitting on a loveseat, reading the newspaper, his sausage fingers crumpling the paper as he tried to act like he wasn’t listening. His thick, dark hair was nicely combed, his purple face hidden behind the paper. Her sister was walking around the room. She looked stunning, but that didn’t surprise Lily. Petunia was always stunning, when it was her season, their drawing room was filled with suitors. Though, it became more and more empty as the men got to know her personality. Despite this though, she did end up in a love match with a titled gentleman. At least, officially a gentleman, in Lily’s opinion however, he was actually a pig.
„Finally!” her sister squawked as she turned to her. Her long, golden blonde hair was in a decorated bun, letting three curled strands fall on her chest on the left side. She wore a soft pink dress, with lacey neckline. Her eyes were foggy, pale green, like it forever had some silvery mist covering the actual iris, just the mirage of a colour. She had some features that was unattractive on most, like her lantern jaw but her long face and swan neck somehow made her all the more charming. Their mother always said that the key to their beauty was that while being alluring, they also looked human, therefore they weren’t intimidating. Petunia also had a talent in dressing in a way that emphasized her beauty more than her flaws. „Did you do this?”
„Did I do what?” Lily asked back. She wasn’t surprised by the accusation. She was accused every day. By now she was convinced that she would keep her cool in a courthouse as well.
„This!” she held up a paper, almost spitting the word in Lily’s face. She looked at the paper. It was a nice parchment, with swirly letters on it as far as she could see. But she had no idea what it was about.
„You’ll have to elaborate on this one…” she admitted looking at her sister who was starting to get red in the face.
„It was brought by an…” Petunia looked around as if to make sure that no one was listening. „… by an owl!” she whispered angrily, and Lily had to hold back her smile. Of course that was the problem. She almost forgot about her magic.
Lily was a muggleborn witch. A few decades ago, that would have been unforgivable. Wizards and witches didn’t accept non-pureblooded sorcerers, while muggles feared the power and burned them. So, most of them stayed hidden. But since the royal wedding fifty years ago, both parts of society were forced to be accept them. Along with different races and violet unions were forced to be accepted by muggles, and all blood statuses had to be accepted by wizards. It was a hard time of adjustment as Lily assumed.
She was lucky enough to be born to accepting and loving parents. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, her parents, were delighted when her magic started to show and hired a special tutor just for her to teach her magic. They have never been the wealthiest family, since her father was a merchant, but they were successful enough to be considered part of the ton. They also tried to give everything to their daughters. They had horses so they could learn to ride, Petunia was taught how to play the pianoforte and was a master of embroidery, while Lily learned many spells from her tutors.
Then, when Lily was just fourteen, they came to London again. They came once or twice before, but it was always a luxury for them to visit the city. But this time it was a necessity. Her father has been saving up money for Petunia’s dowry and to buy her beautiful clothes and accessories to be able to jab a gentleman. He and her mother were also very supportive of letting Petunia make her choice – they also hoped to be urgent because they weren’t sure they can come back for the next season. But Petunia scored Vernon Dursley, a baron, and they were a love match, to Lily’s absolute surprise.
Two years ago, however, their parents passed away. Her father from an unknown disease, and her mother from a broken heart. Lily always adored and wished for the romance her parents had. But after two years of being under her sister and her husband’s care, she had to admit, she would settle for the hint of a friendship, if it meant she got out. Though, Petunia always made sure she remembered, that her hope for anyone was meaningless.
They, Petunia and Vernon, also wished to marry her off the muggle way. To give a chance for her children at least to be “cured” from this oddness. And Lily hoped to irritate them with wizardry the whole season. It seemed like her birthday came early.
„An owl?” she asked back, acting surprised. Though, she was surprised. Who knew about her being a witch? Did word get out? Did more experienced wizards and witches sense fellow sorcerers? Or was she just lucky?
„Yes! An owl!” her sister stomped her foot. Oh, right, Petunia wasn’t happy about this. „Did you tell someone about your disease?” she asked angrily. Disease. Well, not everyone could be like their parents. Petunia was surely not like the dear and kind Mr. and Mrs. Evans.
„We just arrived…” Lily reminded her confused. Surely, not even she could have that much talent for annoying her sister.
„But you have your stick-”
„Wand.”
„Your stick with you,” Petunia narrowed her eyes and Lily practiced every self-restraint she had to not roll her eyes. „Or you could have caught an owl and sent around a letter with it!”
„A singular letter to tell… everyone?” she asked tilting her head.
„Don’t be disrespectful! We took you in after Father and Mother died!” her sister barked walking around again, flaunting her arms around.
„You were legally obligated…” Lily muttered watching the wall.
„What did you say!?”
„I said your generosity knows no bounds, Sister,” she said with a charming smile.
„We didn’t need this! I didn’t need this! How dare you!?” she waved the paper around like a flag.
„What is this?” Lily asked back with a sigh. She’s being accused and she had no clue about what. Petunia sent an irked look her way before throwing the parchment in her face. The witch caught it with an eyeroll and opened the delicate paper, running her green eyes through the lines before looking up sparkling with excitement. „A wizard ball?” she asked excitedly.
„You won’t go!” Petunia said immediately, Lily’s excitement died down. She had never been to a wizard ball. She hadn’t been to any ball yet, but she barely met wizards ever. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. She had a friend she met here in London long, long ago, and they met a few times since when his family visited theirs in the country, plus they sent each other letters. But that is one fellow wizard she knew, who wasn’t her tutor. Most of her tutors were squibs anyway, since they knew about magic and asked for cheaper prices. „I have enough problems on my plate, bringing you to those odd balls with their… shrieking food and all that sick behaviour!” she gagged even thinking about it. Lily once made the mistake of buying some cheese for Petunia from a wizard merchant, because she knew her sister likes cheese, it’s one of her favourite snacks. She didn’t know the cheese would scream when one bites into it.
„But-”
„No buts!” her sister grumbled. „You have no idea of the trouble you put me through!” she pointed in her face. „Look at yourself! I must get this married off!” she pointed along her whole body with a wave. „Maybe if you didn’t eat dinner for the whole season, maybe then I could get an old widower to look at you!” Petunia continued walking around. She sure likes to do that when she’s angry. Lily looked down at herself. She knew she wasn’t as delicate as her sister nor what men would throw themselves in front of for a glance, but she liked to think at least one or two would be interested. Of course, Petunia liked to shatter this view every time she had a chance to. „Not even mentioning Vernon’s cousin! When she gets here, I will have to take care of her as well! Pray for her to be ugly, maybe she could make you look better! A tiny bit, maybe,” she continued but this got Lily’s attention. Vernon’s cousin? Vernon’s relative? Oh, God help her now… „But I really wouldn’t get my hopes up, Lily, she could look like she climbed out of a well and people would still call on her and not you!”
„… So, you could say that you’ll have another girl, Vernon’s cousin, under your arm who would be a competition for me,” Lily started slowly, her thoughts slowly building up her plan in her head.
„I wouldn’t say competition, that would mean you had a chance,” Petunia rolled her eyes.
„Yes, sure,” she waved the comment away. „But you want me out, right? The quicker the better…”
„Naturally.”
„But if she’s here, wouldn’t that make it harder?” she asked looking up at her sister.
„Not that I could change it now, she’s coming, you can’t change this now, don’t even try!” Petunia narrowed her eyes angrily.
„Yes, yes, but her being here with us, would make it harder to get me out quickly, right?” she asked again, and her sister crossed her arms.
„Where are you going with this, Lily?” she tilted her head.
„All I’m saying that it might be beneficial for you to introduce me to society before she arrives. The earlier, the better. Maybe I can be out of your hair before she’s here!” she smiled trying to appear charming.
Petunia crossed her eyebrows, before glancing at Vernon. „And I assume, tonight’s wizard ball would be perfect for that, wouldn’t it?” she looked back, tilting her head in the other direction.
„… Maybe?” Lily asked with a hopeful but awkward smile. Petunia glared at her before sighing out a deep breath she held.
„Fine. We’ll go. But try to avoid those odd people and find a muggle there! According to the invitation, there will be a few, so at least try to not end up with another sick person!” she allowed, putting her hands on her hips.
„Yes!” Lily smiled with sparkling eyes. „I’m going to tell the maid so she can get me ready in time! Thank you, Sister!... Thank you, Vernon!” she looked at the man who just grumbled something about the ‘morbid idea’.
„Go!” Petunia waved her off tiredly, massaging the temple of her nose.
„Yes, Sister!” she nodded, before leaving the room, with nervous butterflies in her stomach.
A wizard ball!
❀ ❀ ❀
„The McGonagall ball?” the minister asked looking at his son with confusion.
„Yes,” Barty nodded with an angelic smile that always angered his father.
„You want to go to the McGonagall ball… where muggles are?” he asked again, crossing his eyebrows, reading the invitation again. Mr. Crouch was never against the muggle-wizard friendship movement, he was always an agreeable gentleman, which is why Barty was always so against it. Well, until now.
„My friends, the viscount and the marquess are both going, therefore I must attend as well,” he answered with a smile.
„Your friend is not a marquess,” Bartemius Sr. said, glancing up at his son, whose right eyebrow twitched.
„He’s closer to the title than you are, Father,” he said in the end, staring each other down with his father. They never had a good relationship but since Barty announced that he, the son who could not attend Oxford since he was a waste of money, wished to be courted, their relationship plummeted.
„I think this is a wonderful idea,” his mother chimed in to both of their surprise. Barty loved his mother, but she was always a more silent observer than one to join in the conversation. He always thought that is why his father married her. For her silence.
„Marina-” Bartemius Sr. started surprised, but he stayed quiet the second his wife raised her hand. On the other hand, Barty talked, it could be that simply her mother was so divine that even his stone of a father couldn’t resist her.
„I think, Barty dear should socialize more with muggles and wizards from different blood status. Since he wishes to marry this season, he will have to put himself out there! And the McGonagall balls are the most magnificent ones of all!” she smiled, while her husband had to take a deep breath to keep himself calm. Barty looked at his mother with wonder. She was quiet most of the time, but everyone was damned if she chose to spoke. He wished to be like her. „He would of course need a beautiful suit for the evening! We must go and buy him a new one!”
„… Fine,” the minister grumbled taking a deep breath. „You go ahead and take him to the modiste! I do not wish to know anything about it!” he waved them away and Barty turned to his mother, beaming with joy, who looked back at him with a smile as she got up.
„You are too kind, Husband!” she walked over and kissed him on the cheek, before linking arms with her son and walking out and asking for a carriage.
„You must teach me how to do this, before I get married!” he grinned, looking at his mother who just laughed.
„It is just practice, my dear!” she patted his arm, before getting in the carriage, telling the servant where they are going. „You will learn it quickly enough if you choose the right husband!” she smiled at him.
„Husband? I could also take a wife!” he said tilting his head.
„Sure. But would you?” his mother asked back with a smile and Barty stared back for a few seconds before looking out the window. He couldn’t argue with that. A husband. That was his plan for the Season, wasn’t it? Why was it so scary all of the sudden? Well, he knew why. ‘If you choose the right husband.’ Could he choose someone right if his purpose only is to annoy his father? Seemed ridiculous. The idea itself, but he was committed to it. He will get married, and he will make his father pay a humongous dowry. Bartemius Sr. was too proud to pay less. He glanced at his mother who was watching him silently with a smile, and his thoughts twisted around in his head.
„… Mother, may I ask you something?” he asked quietly, turning to her.
„Of course, dearest.”
„Why did you marry father?” Barty asked, playing with his hands. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer, but he knew he needed to know before going into the marital season. He might be doing this out of malice, but it will affect the rest of his life. He didn’t want to end up with someone like his father. But his mother was so kind. Why did she…?
„Well, you know…” she started but her words faded away as she thought about it. „You know, I had quite a few suitors. Many, in fact,” she smiled a little thinking back. „It was so scary! Everyone was jealous but I just found it terrifying! People constantly filled our drawing room; I couldn’t move an inch in our house without sneezing from the flowers!” she laughed. Barty loved her laugh. It was quiet but so warm. Much like his mother herself. „I met your father on a ball around mid-season. He was just as stoic as now and was not really the flattering type either. But he also didn’t seem interested. We had a short conversation and then he left me alone,” she said, before looking out the window. „From then on, he always found me at balls, we ran into each other on walks and in the park… he was always so stoic and because of that I just… eased up, I assume. I was the one making jests at him. Could you imagine? A woman making jests of a man!” she laughed again. „He always seemed so annoyed by me, but then found me again. Then, around a week before his proposal, he started to call on me. He didn’t bring me flowers, but personal gifts, things he learned about me during our walks. He danced with me on balls but only when it was the dances, I told him I liked. Despite being a traditional man, your father actually listened to me, even if the crowd around was loud, he still heard my quiet voice. So, when he proposed…” she sighed looking back at her son with a smile. „What else could have I said if not yes?”
Barty didn’t want to say but he had a few ideas, starting with n, ending with o. A two-letter word.
„Did you love him?” he asked quietly, and his mother smiled.
„Not in the sense the poets would sing about,” she said, and Barty breathe in deeply. „Looking for romance is quite a beautiful but foolish adventure among us. I’m not saying it impossible, but it is a rare jewel of a feeling, Barty dear. Finding someone who you can treasure as a dear friend is something much easier and still brings one joy.”
The carriage stopped and Barty swallowed, as if the words were stuck in his throat. What was he supposed to look for?
He never meant to look for love. He didn’t believe in that; it was a sham nothing more. But friendship did seem possible. Maybe…
But priority was still to irk his father. That was his main object for the season.
„Mrs. Crouch, how good to see you!” the modiste said with a smile as she saw her. „And… your son?” she asked confused.
„Yes- Oh!” Marina put her hand to her mouth as if she realized something. „My apologies, Mademoiselle Bell, I forgot that I should bring him to a tailor! I’m so used to coming to you!” she said embarrassed while Barty looked around the shop.
It was a small shop, with beautiful fabrics and dresses on display. The walls were teal coloured with some beige decorations, with big windows and small trinkets as decorations. The broom was working on its own in a corner, while another dress was adjusting its own skirt in the mirror. The dress was quite simple. It was coral pink with barely noticeable flower motives all over the skirt. It had short, puffy sleeves and matching lace gloves with it.
Barty tilted his head watching it before a smile appearing on his face as a new idea popped into his head to annoy his father. He put his hand on his mother’s shoulder who stopped talking to look at him, along with Mademoiselle Bell.
„Mother, we might be at just the right place.”
❀ ❀ ❀
„I cannot believe you got me to come here…” Regulus grumbled, with crossed arms at the wall. He and Evan were at McGonagall ball where wizards and muggles were already mixing with each, some already took off for a dance.
„Technically, I just sent a note that Pandora would like us to come,” Evan answered sipping his white wine. „You came by yourself from then on,” he added with a grin, which he immediately fixed the second he noticed Regulus’s murderous looks. If the Blacks are known for one thing, that is this look.
„So where is she?” Regulus asked, looking around the ballroom again, blowing a black strand of hair out of his face. The rebel he was with his messy hair, Evan thought sarcastically with an eyeroll. „You didn’t arrive together,”
„We didn’t. She lives in Mother’s dower house so she’s arriving with her. But I promised to fetch her from Mother the second the arrive,” Evan sighed looking around the party. He already noticed quite a few people sending him glances, but no one came up to him yet. Probably because of Regulus’s angry glances and glares. „But do not worry! Your little muse will arrive soon enough! But do not forget to act like polite company, Regulus! I do not wish to force you to marry her!” he grinned mockingly, and Regulus answered with an eyeroll.
„I always act like polite- bloody hell!” the curse slipped from his tongue on accident, while his eyes widened as big as a plate.
„What?” Evan asked crossing his eyebrows then following Regulus’s line of vision only for his lips to part in shock as well.
Barty was walking around, seemingly trying to find them as he was continuously looking around. Except he stood out in the crowd like a sore thumb. He wore a silky, blush pink gown with soft short sleeves and silver flower patterns on the top part. He also wore matching gloves with flower motives all over the lace. And a silver tiara. Barty wore a tiara. The cleavage shown the top of his chest muscles and it felt like he was showing too much skin but Evan had to realize it was because of Barty’s wide shoulders. It would have seemed less on a lady, but on Barty it felt like the amount of skin showing was scandalous.
Wait, what?
Of course, it felt scandalous! The whole dress was scandalous!
Evan needed to shake his head to get it in order. Barty must have lost his mind to come here in a gown. He looked at him again, and the Crouch boy finally noticed them and with a wide smile started to rush towards them.
„Oh, for the love of God…” Regulus murmured trying to look everywhere but him. As if he could avoid Barty coming to them. Evan wished he could avoid it too.
„Gentlemen!” Barty reached them with a grin. „What do you think?” he asked spinning in front of them.
„That you’re an idiot,” they answered in synch.
„Aw, I’m going to blush!” Barty answered with a wave just before, and Evan couldn’t believe his eyes, taking his blush pink and feathery fan out and starting to fan himself in a seductive way.
„What are you doing?” Regulus asked raising one eyebrow.
„Showing that I’m single?” Barty asked back looking around.
„No, you’re signalling to meet you outside. To whom? Evan?” Regulus asked looking at him like he was an idiot. Well, he probably did think that Barty was an idiot.
„What?” he asked back immediately stopping, looking at his fan confused, before half closing it and pressing it to his lips in thought. Evan didn’t even realize he swallowed before looking away. His brain got confused by his friend’s stupidity, that was for sure. He felt embarrassed for appearing with him to the point that his face was flushed.
„Barty, now you’re signalling someone to kiss you!” Regulus said like a frustrated teacher. Evan blinked twice before drinking the rest of his wine in one.
„Mother is here, so I’m going to fetch Pandora!” he said quickly, before leaving them. He didn’t actually see them, just needed a breather, so he got himself lost in the crowd quickly, before stepping outside the balcony.
It was a beautiful but a bit chilly night. The moon, that was just full two nights ago, was slowly becoming less and less. The wind ruffled the leaves of the trees but not enough to blow any of it off. Evan closed his eyes taking a deep breath. This was going to be a long night.
Suddenly heard a well-known voice to him from the crowd behind so he had to push himself away from the railing and go inside. It wasn’t a long time before spotting his sister and quickly joining her and their mother.
„Mother! Sister!” he smiled honeyed, before kissing his mother’s knuckles. Pandora wore a light blue dress with ruffled sleeves and a bow in the middle of her waistline. Her front braids were in a bun while the rest fell on her back. Their mother had her dark traditional locs in a low a bun, her dress was pastel purple with matching gloves.
„Evan! How delightful to see you!” his mother said with a smile. „Have you talked to the eligible people here already?” she asked.
„I–” he started before thinking about it for a second. „… did, actually,” he nodded thinking about Barty in that bloody dress. „Only one though,” he admitted.
„Oh and were they to your liking?” she asked raising one of her eyebrows.
„Yes, charming, anyways!” he looked at Pandora. „May I get the first dance with you, Sister? I’m sure many eligible bachelors would notice you and your dance skills!” he smiled so casually and charmingly, while offering his arm, like they practiced this. And they did.
„That would be lovely, Brother!” she smiled linking arms with him before he escorted her to the dance floor. „Well done!” she grinned at him as they got away from their mother.
„Those lessons were worth it, weren’t they?” he asked smirking as they stood in for the quadrille.
„Absolutely! I might believe that you are not hopeless, after all!” she smiled. „Who was debutante you talked to?” she asked curious, and he sighed.
„Barty. The idiot came in a gown!” he told, and Pandora gasped, her hand at her mouth.
„How scandalous!” she smiled behind her hands.
„Yes, I assume that was what he wanted,” he nodded as the dance started but he couldn’t help himself. He had to glance there. As if now, Barty would be in a normal suit finally.
He wasn’t. But Regulus seemingly taught him how to use a fan, because now he was signalling that he was single and eligible. Barty was looking around with a smile, beaming with joy. Of course, he was enjoying the scandal, he was the talk of the ball, and since he wanted to be courted, they couldn’t throw him out for crossdressing, since suitor ladies were also allowed to wear a suit. Except until now, no one wore a gown as a man. Typical Barty.
„Oh, I’m sorry!” he said quickly to the lady whose foot he stepped on. He forgot to pay attention. He closed his eyes for a second before turning back to the dance, now focusing on it. His attention couldn’t wander off! He was trying to get Pandora a spouse after all! What kind of brother would he be if he made her look bad on her first ball?
He asked her to dance, therefore they shall dance perfectly.
❀ ❀ ❀
„Finally, you all have arrived!” Remus said with a smile as James, Sirius and Marlene walked in together. He was standing next to Peter, who was holding two glasses of wine, immediately handing one to Sirius when they stepped to them.
„We would have arrived earlier, if someone didn’t take a year to get ready,” Marlene grumbled glaring at Sirius.
„Perfection needs time, dearest,” he answered with a wink.
„That’s true, but why do you take so long?” James asked back with a grin, only for Sirius to narrow his eyes glaring back.
„At least you’re here now. You all didn’t miss much!” Peter shrugged taking sip from his wine.
„Is the ball not to your liking, Lord Pettigrew?” came the raspy, elderly voice from behind the blonde young man, who immediately choked from the sound.
„Lady McGonagall!” they all said in unison – except Peter who was still coughing but he tried – while they bowed and did a courtesy.
„That’s not what he meant, Lady McGonagall!” Remus smiled at the dowager baroness who strolled up behind them, while Sirius hit Peter on the back to help him. „The ball is lovely.”
„Is it now, Lord Moonfall? I believe you tried to get out of coming tonight!” Lady McGonagall said, tilting her head with a smile.
„I simply said I am busy…” the young earl answered with an awkward smile, while Marlene hid her giggling behind her gloved hands.
„Well, in any case, I am glad to see you all here! I hope to see you all on the dance floor as well, if not swaying the young courteds, on the side line,” she smiled. „For those, who wish to court, of course…” she glanced at Marlene’s and Sirius’s dance cards.
„I would just wish to annoy the Marquess Grimmauld and his wife,” Sirius said with a grin, to which James rolled his eyes.
„With my money,” he added.
„He can get my dowry, and then maybe I could, you know, leave?” Marlene smiled at his brother who just took a deep breath.
„No. We had an agreement,” James said, and the blonde woman just rolled her eyes.
„Well, I better continue my stroll around the room, meeting our guests. Would you, Lord Moonfall, be so dear and accompany me?” she looked at Remus, who in answer drank all his wine in one.
„Of course, Lady McGonagall!” he smiled, before offering his arm and they walked off.
„Oh, how romantic!” Sirius fanned himself with a mocking smile, which became wider from Remus’s angry look. „Now, I better go around and sway my future suitors! Petey boy!” he turned to the viscount.
„Ah- Marlene, may I have your first dance?” Peter asked quickly, offering his arm.
„You honour me, my Lord,” she said trying not to laugh, before sticking her tongue at Sirius as they walked away.
„James, this is egregious!” he looked at the duke, who was just grinning at him.
„I don’t know what to tell you, Pads, I would have run as well,” he patted his shoulder. Sirius’s jaw dropped in disbelief, before hitting him with his shoulder.
„How dare you?” he asked smiling, before linking arms.
„Easily, Pads, easily,” he grinned before leading him to the lemonade table, where they both grabbed a glass, clicking them together before drinking, looking at the many people there.
Marlene and Peter were on the dancefloor’s side, dancing. James couldn’t help but slightly smile. He had to beg his sister to wear a lavender dress and not something bold or dark. It was her first ball, after all.
Lord and Lady Longbottom were also on the dancefloor. Lord Frank Longbottom was James’s senior during his time at Eton and he did hear he married a year ago, but he never actually met the wife. She had a round face with a big smile, and dark hair. Frank was clearly smitten by her, and James couldn’t help but smile at their sight. They were such a rare sight, so happy and so in love. James imagined his parents must have looked the same when they were newlyweds, so long ago. Suddenly the taste in his mouth went bittersweet.
He sighed and raised his lemonade to his mouth again, but as he caught the glimpse of fiery red locks of hair, he started coughing, choking on his drink.
„Prongs? Are you okay?” Sirius asked crossing his eyebrows, hitting his brother’s back.
„She’s here,” James coughed, hitting his own chest.
„Who?” Sirius asked looking around confused.
„The girl,” he said, immediately turning around to find her again in the crowd, still feeling like his drink was in his mouth.
„… Marlene?” he asked again, so confused.
„No, no, the girl with the red hair! From when I was a boy!” he said, patting his shoulder excitedly, looking everywhere.
„… Do you need to sit down?” Sirius asked worried.
„No, Pads, she’s here! I saw her!” James said rolling his eyes.
„Who? A child? Last time you saw her, you were ten!” he reminded him in disbelief.
„No, you sapskull, I saw her! She’s the only one with that red hair!” he patted his shoulder again, before spotting her far on the other side of the crowd, and immediately putting his drink in his brother’s hand, leaving him there.
„I do not think that true!” Sirius said after him, but James didn’t care.
He had to introduce himself before she disappears again.
❀ ❀ ❀
Lily was ecstatic as she walked around the ballroom.
There were candles floating around above them, with warm, orange-coloured flames, giving the ballroom a much more comforting feeling. Instead of maids, the salvers were flying around with their drinks and snacks to offer, all with little labels telling the curious what exactly is that. Lily imagined it was mainly for the muggles to make sure they know what wizard drink they might eat.
She imagined her sister either read all of them or not eat anything tonight out of rebellion. Lily looked down on herself and sighed. Petunia might even deserve that after dressing her in the same colour she wore.
Petunia wore a bright yellow gown, with butterfly motives, and she did look quite charming in it. She had the impression of a sunny and bubbly woman, while Lily felt like a goldfinch will fly on her shoulder and ask why she stole her style. She sighed, smoothing the folds on her dress out. It had some orange flower motives… It didn’t help her case by any means. She also felt alone. Petunia and Vernon decided to stay on the edge of the ballroom, all night, ready to leave, meaning that Lily was left all alone and she didn’t know anyone here. She knew it wasn’t proper to introduce herself to suitors nor was it proper for the suitors to come to her if they weren’t introduced by a mutual acquaintance. She glanced at the door, but Petunia and Vernon were still talking to each other, giving nasty looks to everyone. She was alone, at the wall, with no one to talk to. Like Petunia always told her she would be. Great.
„Excuse me, Miss…?” she heard a voice from the side, and she turned around so quickly, she almost fell. The man in front of her was tall and dark, like he stepped out of a romance novel. He had dark skin with curly black hair, like it had its own life. He had warm hazel eyes behind his spectacles, and a charming smile that drew dimples in his cheeks. He had broad shoulders and seemingly had a good physique and Lily had no idea why he was talking to her. „… Miss?” he tried again.
„Evans!” she found her voice. „My name is Lily Evans. Miss Lily Evans.” she added tripping over her words.
„Miss Evans,” he nodded, obviously amused by her, and she felt her cheeks burning. „Well, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Evans!” he bowed and she did a courtesy out of reflex, still scanning a man, when she finally noticed the small scar on the side of his neck. „I am—”
„James Potter,” she finished realizing who he is. And also remembering what she was told.
His lips parted in surprise. „How did you know who I am?” he asked tilting his head with a smile. He found her amusing again but not the same way he did before.
„Your scar, Mr. Potter,” she said, glancing at his neck again. His smile changed. „Everyone heard of you and your friends’ terror at Eton and how you all have scars from your pranks.”
„Terror? Wow, we must have been very lost then, we thought it was all in good fun!” he said with a forced chuckle. „May I ask how you know, Miss Evans, what went on at Eton?” he asked scanning her face.
„I heard enough,” she answered immediately, and her first embarrassment and shyness disappeared in a brim. „I would ask if you knew how improper it is to talk to a young woman without formal introduction first, but I highly doubt that you would care, Mr. Potter,” she said, and he scoffed in disbelief rolling his eyes with a smile.
„I let you know, Miss Evans, I would very much like a formal introduction first usually, but I do not see your chaperone, nor do I know who it is, but I couldn’t let my chance disappear to talk to the woman who came dressed as a marigold now, could I?” he asked with a smile and Lily’s face became a deep red. She couldn’t believe this man! „Now, may I have the honour of having your next dance, Miss Evans, or do you wish to stay at the wall all evening?” he offered his arm and she huffed. „I’ll help you out and tell you that it is also improper to deny a dance to someone if you did not promise it to someone else already. Did you promise your first dance to someone else already, Miss Evans?” he whispered, leaning a bit closer and she felt her annoyance for him grow as she accepted his arm. „Smart girl,” he nodded as he led them both to the dance floor.
„Surprised a woman can be smart?” she asked back as they stood in the starter position.
„Of course not, my mother raised me better than that. So did my sister,” he answered with a smile as their dance started. And Lily cursed inside her head, because damn it, he was a good dancer as well. „Are you a witch?” he asked suddenly, and she needed a second to understand what is he asking.
„Yes. Why?” she asked back tilting her head. He was looking at her wand that was tucked into her high chignon.
„Nothing. Just… never heard about the Evans wizarding family,” he admitted, spinning her before gently placing his hand back on the small of her back.
„Probably, because we are not a wizarding family, but muggles,” she answered, and he whispered a soft “ah”. „Is that a problem, Mr. Potter?” she asked, and he smiled. It was a soft and sweet smile, and she couldn’t understand why she got that.
„Of course not, Miss Evans,” he said, leading her around the dancefloor as the music commanded. „I am merely interested in yourself, but I would never underestimate a muggleborn witch,” he said with a smile.
„Why? Because your mother raised you better than that?” she asked mockingly, and he laughed. Why did she amuse him so much when she did not mean to once?
„Yes, that too. But my first thought was that the best duellist I knew in school, had a muggle mother, who is also one of the sweetest women I ever had the honour of meeting,” he nodded.
„Praising muggles won’t make me like you more, Mr. Potter,” she said, and he laughed as he spun her. That bloody laugh.
„Didn’t think it would, Miss Evans,” he said before pulling her back close. A bit too close. „But that would mean you already don’t like me, which I doubt,” he whispered and her lips fell open. The audacity! And her cheeks are burning again but it was from anger. It had to be.
„You are very wrong, Mr. Potter,” she said as he gently tipped her at the end of their dance.
„Am I now, Miss Evans?” he grinned before walking her off the dancefloor.
„Yes, you are—” she said when someone rushed to them.
„Li- I mean, Miss Evans! I was looking for you everywhere,” the man said and Lily’s eyes sparkled. He had a bit longer, dark hair and he wore it in an elegant, low ponytail. He had pale skin and dark eyes, a hook nose and thin lips. He had freckles, but they were barely noticeable, but Lily knew they were there and were much more noticeable in the summer.
„Sev- I mean, Mister Snape! How good to see you!” she smiled cheerfully while Mr. Potter was absolutely stunned watching them.
„Your grace,” Severus nodded to her dance partner and Lily crossed her eyebrows. Your grace?
„Mister Snape,” he nodded, and he didn’t sound amused or cheerful anymore.
And then she realized.
Oh no.
„I am ever so sorry,” she looked at the duke worried who looked at her surprised, forgetting about Severus ever joining them. „If I had known, I wouldn’t have called- Please, forgive me, your grace!” she did a curtesy pressing her lips together.
„Ah,” he smiled. It was a small one, more bitter than sweet. „It is absolutely fine, Miss Evans, if I can be quite honest with you, it was actually a pleasure, to be Mr. Potter to someone a bit longer,” he nodded, and she felt so badly. She was such an idiot. „Please enjoy the rest of the evening!” he bowed. „Both of you,” he added, glancing at Severus with a dark glance. „I better go now.”
„You better,” Severus nodded reciprocating the dark look, and the duke scoffed before leaving them. „Are you okay?” Severus asked Lily, who just sighed looking after the man.
„Yes, Sev. I am, thank you,” she smiled at him, and he smiled back. „I didn’t know you planned to come to this ball!”
„I didn’t but I realized you must get your sister to bring you, so I thought I would join you. May I have your next dance before we catch up? Or are you already too parched to dance with me as well?” he offered his arm and Lily laughed as she accepted it.
„For a dance with you, Sev? Never!” she shook her head as they went back on the dancefloor, taking the starter position on
.
❀ ❀ ❀
The ball was slowly coming to an end and Barty was still standing next to the wall with his friends. Pandora barely had time to say hi – and compliment his dress, she seemed to really like how he looked – because she, when she was not trying to greet her other friends, was constantly taken to the floor or around the room by her mother and Evan, who was also going around being introduced and asking for dances, so it was actually mainly him and Regulus who really hated being here.
„No one came up to us…” Barty mentioned still fanning, looking around but no one really cared to glance their way anymore. The shock of the dress was gone and now he just felt ridiculous. His father was not even here, so what was the point of wearing the gown again?
„Obviously,” Regulus muttered rolling his eyes, while drinking into his lemonade. „Why? Do you care?” he glanced at Barty, who just shrugged.
„I mean… I do want to get married, right?” he asked back looking around.
„To annoy your father,” his friend added raising an eyebrow.
„Marriage is marriage, and I cannot get married if no one courts me, can I?” he rolled his eyes, with seemingly careless smile, before looking around again, fidgeting with his fan.
„Well, most people do not want to be associated with a scandal,” Regulus grumbled, looking at his gown, before drinking again. Barty pressed his lips together. He had to agree on that one.
„You are probably right… no one would want a scandal,” he nodded with a forced smile before taking a deep breath. „Good thing, I only wish to irk my father!” he laughed, strangling his fan.
„Yeah…” Regulus nodded watching him and for the next minutes they were silent like this, before he drank all his lemonade and put the glass down with a sigh. „Come! I’ll get you off the walls,” he offered his arm and Barty looked at him surprised. „What? Everyone is more interested in debutantes who have others interested in them. You cannot have people interested in you, if you are at the wall,” he raised an eyebrow and Barty hesitantly linked his arm into his. „It’s the end already anyways, we can have one dance,” he grumbled and the taller one smiled.
„You are so correct, Reggie,” he grinned, and Regulus rolled his eyes.
„Don’t call me that, we are in public,” he scolded him as they stepped on the dancefloor, pulling his chin up a bit. The dance started, and Barty realized that dancing in gowns is actually a bit hard. Not a bit, actually. He wasn’t delicate at all, he tripped over the trim of his skirt, he stepped on Regulus’s foot a few times, but Regulus didn’t say a word, he didn’t act fazed at all. He led him a bit more sternly, at least it felt like that for Barty, but otherwise tried to keep the illusion of Barty being an amazing dancer, and he was so grateful for that. He didn’t even realize how much he actually cared about how this ball goes until now. He didn’t think beforehand that he would care about how much attention he receives and how successful he would be, but now the ball was slowly reaching its end and he felt awful. Until now. Thank God for Regulus!
With a last spin, the dance was over, and Regulus led him off the floor, with the intention of a stroll but Evan stepped in front of them with a grin.
„Wow!” he clapped. „What an amazing couple you two are, I didn’t think you would court anyone, Regulus!” he smirked, and Regulus rolled his eyes.
„Piss off, Evan, I was merely helping him out!” he said, and Barty smiled nodding.
„And he’s such a good dancer, our Reggie-Meggie!” he purred, and Evan burst into laughter while Regulus sent him an annoyed look.
„And he also regrets helping!” he grumbled which only made Barty and Evan laugh more.
„What is going on here?” Pandora asked walking up to them with a smile. She was accompanied by the two friends she always mentioned. One was tall with a blonde, frizzy Grecian braids with a pearly headpiece, she wore a baby blue dress and big spectacles making her eyes appear giant on her face. The other one was short and pudgy, with seemingly Asian features and her dark brown hair was in an Apollo knot with a few curls framing her face, she wore a red dress, which was almost the same colour as her face. She was very clearly uncomfortable, and Barty didn’t blame him. Her dress was so bright, it hurt his eyes.
„I just complimented them on how beautifully danced, Sister,” Evan answered, clearing his throat while sharing a look with Barty.
„They are as annoying as ever,” Regulus grumbled. „Who are these?” he looked at the girls, sending a not so nice look there way.
„They are my friends! They are about to leave but I wanted to introduce them to you, Brother, since we are all on the marriage mart!” she smiled and Regulus grinned at Evan who was trying his hardest to stay polite.
„How delightful…” he turned to the girls and Barty was trying his hardest not to laugh. This was beautiful!
„This is Miss Sybill Trelawney,” started Pandora and the blonde did a courtesy. „She is the daughter of Baron Abergavenny.”
„It is an honour, Miss Trelawney,” Evan bowed, and so did Regulus and Barty out of politeness.
„And this is Miss Daisy Hookum,” Pandora continued turning to her other friend, who did a shy courtesy. „Who is the daughter of Sir Montgomery Hookum,” she smiled and they bowed again.
„It is a pleasure,” Evan nodded again, and the girl quietly nodded.
And they were quiet. For at least a minute. Barty wanted to sneak off from the awkwardness or say something witty, but nothing came to mind. So, they just all stared.
„We better go now; our parents are waiting. You all have a splendid rest of your evening!” Sybill smiled and they did a courtesy again before leaving, whispering to each other.
„Muggleborns? Really, Pandora?” Evan asked in disbelief and his sister looked at him with her hands on her waist.
„I’ll let you know that Sybill is a half-blood, and they are both very kind and noble girls!” she narrowed her eyes.
„And the reasons that I had to be here tonight,” Regulus added annoyed.
„You could do with a little socializing,” she answered grumbling as she crossed her arms.
„Well, I won’t call on them, if that is what you wanted. I’m not interested,” Evan rolled his eyes and his sister sighed shaking her head. „Did anyone hear of Meadowes?” he asked next.
„She said she’ll be back for the Black ball, but she won’t attend anything else this year. She’ll be off again somewhere!” Barty said with a smile.
„She’s constantly on the road!” Pandora rolled her eyes and Regulus smiled a little. Pandora was the only person who could ever make him smile. Genuinely smile and not out of pleasure of someone’s misfortune.
„You wish you could travel as much as she does,” he tilted his head and the girl sighed.
„I wish I could travel, end of sentence,” she admitted.
„Evan and his spouse could take you somewhere,” Barty offered and Pandora’s head jerked up with sparkling eyes.
„Why me? Why not her spouse? She’s supposed to marry this year!” Evan asked in disbelief.
„You think?” Pandora asked excitedly while her brother spread his arms like he was asking ‘can you not hear me?’.
„Yeah! I promise you, that Evan and his spouse will take you somewhere after the season is done,” Barty nodded with a grin.
„Why are you making promises in MY name?” Evan asked looking at him with crossed eyebrows.
„Why? Is it not allowed?” Barty asked with an angelic smile, while his friend narrowed his eyes, annoyed.
„Barty dearest, we should go now!” his mother stepped to them with a smile, and his friends all bowed or did a courtesy.
„Of course, Mother, I’m coming!” he smiled, before saying goodbyes with his friends and then joined his mother, leaving for the carriages.
This night might not have been that big of a disaster after all.