Chapter 1 - Lady McAvoy
The Gryffindor family truly is a marvel in London Wizarding Society this year. They are nothing short of notoriety, and this author plans to give them no less.
As the season is soon to begin, many in the town sure wonder which of the Gyffindors will make their societal debut. They are nothing short of options, a major commends to their chaperone, Minerva, who prepares them each year. She selects only the best three to debut and all eyes are on her Majesty the Queen’s anointing today.
Who shall the queen choose to promote in this exquisite affair? This author does believe that the newest addition who came of age in the spring is a high contender. A recent discovery of her magic at nearly 17 puts her behind the curve. Miss Granger found her way into society very recently, but her brains may be the key to her success. Or will it be the youngest Weasley, almost 16, who wants nothing to do with society?
Never fear, my reader, I will have it to you the moment we know. I, for one, will be keeping an eye out for the Duke of Wiltshire rumoured to grace our presence this season.
Yours Truly,
Lady McAvoy
“Does this Lady McAvoy truly believe her knowledge of all the society in London? No Duke of Wiltshire is coming here! He hasn’t been seen in London since he left Oxford and stopped through,” Harry exclaimed, the pamphlet tossed onto the seat beside him.
“Never know,” Ron shrugged into his waist coat, “Now, I have some meetings to attend to while you and Minerva prepare the girls. I’m sure they’ll do wonderfully.”
“You’re lucky the Bill was given precedence over the home once the last head died. Shouldn’t you be learning from him about the estate?”
“I’ll have time, for now I have,” he paused to slide on a glove, “An opera to attend.”
“You keep treading with women out of society and you’ll have no chance when Viscount of the estate falls to you!”
“Harry,” Ron scoffed, “Bill and Charlie have it under control. That is why we were brought here. We have the Queen’s favour so there’s no need to worry.”
“I’ll see to the others, be back before the anointing if you please.”
“Wouldn’t miss our sisters’ debuts for the world, dear brother.”
“Every day I thank the lord and ladies that you truly are not my brother.”
“In the eyes of society, you are eternally screwed with enduring it, Lord.”
“Shove off.”
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“Dearest,” Minerva pinned a final curl, “Are you ready for today?”
“My mama and papa prepared me for muggle London society,” Hermione admired the periwinkle gown as she lightly touched her necklace, “I couldn’t be more ready. I don’t want just any husband though; I truly want a love match.”
Ginny uttered a snoring sound from her seat in the window.
“Now, Ginerva, that is no way to sound before your own debut.”
“I would rather wait another year,” she hopped up, headed to the mirror behind the other two, “This Lady McAvoy already knows it’s us two.”
“This Lady McAvoy is no more than a gossip monger, pay her no mind on this special of days.”
“I wish to wait for my debut, I’m not ready.”
“Do you truly feel this way, Ginerva?”
“I do.”
“Then you will simply observe and learn this year. You will attend functions and balls. I want you to treat this season as a practise round, if you must.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Now, fetch the elves for final touches.”
“I’d rather do it myself, miss,” Hermione did a small turn, her wand in her right hand as she embellished her gown with small charms.
“Alright, that’s enough. Let’s get into the carriage. I will escort you with Bill.”
“Who else will be in attendance today?”
“All the families of social wizarding London,” Minerva walked out the door before her, “Most notable is the Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff houses. Much like ours they are not exactly families. Others will be families, like the Malfoys, the Blacks, and the Changs. Most of these families only have one child to present to the Queen or King depending on their sex.”
“I see, muggle society only has women brought to the Queen. The men just merely watch.”
“Oh, they’ll be watching still,” Ginny laughed beside Bill on the stairs, “They’ll be in attendance to see who the Queen will name the desirable of the season, the Ruby.”
“I see, for muggles it’s the Diamond.”
“Similar,” she shrugged.
“Ginerva, stand up straight,” Minerva hissed.
“We’re here,” Bill turned to open the carriage door, “Everyone in.”
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The grand ballroom stood before Hermione, her footsteps echoing in her ears. The Queen is perched in her throne at the opposite end, her crown of rubies and opal glistening in the chandelier lights.
“Escorted by Minerva, Miss Hermione Granger.”
Slowly, she begins her walk down the thin carpeted lane to the Queen, her eyes trained on the large painting just behind the crowned head. Whispers erupted from the crowd gathered on each side, their eyes trailing her every move.
Stepping up to the Queen’s throne, she bowed eyes trained on the shoes before her.
“Rise, child.”
Hermione stood, lifting her eyes to give a soft smile to the queen.
“Impeccable,” she brought her wand to Hermione’s temple. A cold feeling cascaded across the top of her head as silver wisps filled her hair with tiny rubies dripping across her forehead and embellished her curls, “You, my dear, are the Ruby of the season.”
“Thank you, your Majesty,” she bowed once again.
The room behind her fell silent as she turned to meet the gaze of all the families.
“I preset to you, my Ruby!” The Queen’s wand shot off red sparks as the footmen followed suit.
Smiling around, Hermione was greeted by other young women adorned in similar gowns and all the men in black trousers and waistcoats. Harry, Ron, Ginny, Bill, and Charlie are all to her left. Charlie is escorting another of the Gryffindor house, Lavender. She was presented just before her along with all the other house’s daughters.
Turning to her right, she reached out with a gloved hand to take Minerva’s arm once again as she made her walk down the path.
“Let us go my dear,” Minerva whispered, “Leave them wanting more.”