The Duke of Wiltshire
It is truly a marvel to see the newest Ruby of the Season announced. This author is interested to see who shows themselves at the first ball of the season! Rumours of Ravenclaw’s top jewel herself have not stopped! Will a wedding be in store for Lady Chang, a lady does hear such news coming!
Lady Chang’s previous Ruby of the Season status has fallen now that a new jewel has been mined!
Another rumour seeping its way into the whispers is a newcomer in the Hufflepuff family. A new lady will be joining the home from the country, whispers of great beauty follow her around the square.
Rest assured dear reader; once I know, as will you!
“Mother,” The young Duke drawled from his seat, “I beg to ask why we are here. You know I do not wish to take a wife.”
“It was your father’s dying-”
“My pathetic excuse for a father nearly ran this family into a ditch in the eyes of society. I wish to just maintain the small world in which we have created in Wiltshire.”
“Say what you wish, love,” Narcissa kissed the top of his head as she made toward the exit, “She is very pretty.”
“She is not of noble birth. She is from a non-magical household, I can only imagine the heinous life she lived prior to the House of Gryffindor.”
“Always quick to judge, young master, you are,” Mippy bowed as she took the empty plates from the table, “You were once good friends with a Lord in the house, you were.”
Click, click, click.
The large eagle owl pecked its beak against the window opposite the table. In it’s claw beared a pale blue envelope.
Duke of Wiltshire,
We formally invite you to the first ball of the season. Cordially held at the House of Ravenclaw to honor the newly engaged Viscount Diggory and Lady Chang. We hope to see you present.
Below is a list of the attendings from other houses and families. Please seek below for additional information such as time and attire expectations.
House of Gryffindor:
Lady Hermione Granger, Ruby of the Season accompanied by Viscount B. Weasley, and family.
Lady Lavender Brown, accompanied by Sir R. Weasley.
House of Ravenclaw:
Lady Luna Lovegood, accompanied by Viscount X. Lovegood.
House of Hufflepuff:
Lady Hannah Abbott, accompanied by Viscount J. Finch-Fletchley.
House of Slytherin:
Lady Pansy Parkinson, accompanied by Viscount B. Zabini.
Lady Millicent Bulstrode, accompanied by Sir G. Goyle.
Lady Astoria Greengrass, accompanied by Lady D. Greengrass.
The ball will begin promptly at seven past noon.
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“Lady McGonagall,” Hermione smiled, “I do hope we can go. They truly do deserve a celebration!”
“They do,” the older woman gave a rare grin, “Which is precisely why I already reserved position for us in attendance. You think I would miss the opportunity to see how our Ruby will appear in society?”
Hermione began to hop around the room, book in hand as she shot off golden sparks from her wand. Charlie leaned against the door way with a small gift wrapped in his hands.
“I do hope that this will be enough for such a grand event,” he held out the small box, a light glittering in his eyes.
“Oh Charlie! You mustn’t get me things!”
“Open it.”
Inside the small wrapped box was a leather pouch. The contents felt heavy in her hands. Opening the drawstrings, she poured the object into her palm with a shriek.
“It is truly beautiful.” the golden chain hung from her delicate fingers, a ruby shaped like a teardrop hung from the bottom.
“We may change your name to Ruby before too long my dear.” McGonagall’s square glasses slid to the edge of her nose as she appraised the red gem.
“I must begin getting ready!” Hermione laid the necklace back into the pouch and began rummaging through her armoire.
“Ginerva,” Charlie called down the stairs, “Call for the tailor elves please.”
Pop.
“We is here miss.”
“Will you sit with me? I wish to help if I may.”
“Absolutely, miss,” the elf beamed, “You help would be much appreciated and loved.”
“You are so kind to them,” Charlie picked at his fingernails, “Very different.”
“They are kind to me, I only wish to show the same in return.”
“Very well,” he motioned, “I simply cannot wait to see what you will design together. The ball is set to begin in 9 hours time.”
They worked away for four hours to create the concept. Hermione’s hair grew wilder as she twisted her magic into the fabrics to create the gown. At first glace it appears simple. A while gown with soft gold embellishments. Hidden in the gold were glints of rubies magically set to glitter in the light. The elbow length gloves had gold lace at the top.
“Oh darlings,” Hermione gleamed in the mirror, “It is perfect. I certainly think so, do you?”
“Mione?”
“Come in Harry! We’ve just finished it.”
“You are most definitely the Ruby.”
“It feels wrong, being the Ruby.” Hermione handed the pouch to Harry, “Months ago I was back home with my family preparing for non-magical society.”
“You’ll be stunning,” Harry wrapped the necklace around her neck, careful not to disturb her curls, “I know of many who are anxious to meet you, should you give them the chance. Our house is very different, as a woman you have strength here.”
“There is no doubt in my mind that I am strong everywhere, Harry.”
“You are magnificent, Lady Granger.” He smiled boldly, “Shall I escort you to the carriage this evening.”
“Will you not be attending?”
“I will but I am not your accompaniment. That would be Bill and Charlie. I’ll be present though, probably keeping Ginerva out of trouble. Her and Lady Patil of Ravenclaw house tend to find trouble.”
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The grandiose of the House of Ravenclaw is truly specified to itself. The large manor is only down the street from the House of Gryffindor but looks nothing similar. While the House of Gryffindor is adorn with soft golden hues and maroon, Ravenclaw wreaks of nobility in royal blue and silver.
“Welcome, Lady Granger,” the house elf spoke as he led them to the main doors to announce their arrival.
“Lady Hermione Granger, Ruby of the Season. Accompanied by Viscount Bill Weasley, Sir Charles Weasley, Sir Ronald Weasley, and Lady M. McGonagall!”
The ballroom halted and the music faltered slightly as Bill lead Hermione through the massive double doors. The music quickly began again as the doors closed behind them and the whispering soon began.
“Who is that?” Hermione whispered to Bill.
“That,” Bill drew a breath, “The Duke of Wiltshire, Draco Malfoy. To be addressed as ‘your grace’ should you speak with him.”