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The Blood of Malfoy

Chapter 18: Chapter 16: A Night Out

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Zoe

June 18, 2009

 

I woke up with the sun this morning. I couldn’t possibly stay in bed a second longer, not when Dad and I were going to the Pucey ball tonight. It’s only one of the most important Wizarding Society events of the year. After my coming-out ball, the Pucey ball was the first event that Dad and I attended. It’s my favorite event of the whole year. Lady Pucey was amazing at decorating, the food was almost as good as Effie’s, and the dance floor in the garden was the absolute best. 

 

I debate waking Dad up, but he isn’t as excited about the ball as I am. He doesn’t like to go to these sorts of things as much as I do, so I let him sleep in. Plus, he was up way late last night talking with my Aunts and Uncles. I would have scolded him since he knew that we needed to be getting ready early today, but he was having so much fun. I haven’t seen Dad laugh that much in one sitting in a very long time. And I think that Aunt Pans might have finally made some headway on getting him to ask out Miss Granger, which he has been putting off for soooooo long.

 

With my mind made up, I slip on my niffler slippers (Dad charmed them to grow with my feet) and pad downstairs, trying to stay as quiet as possible so I don’t wake him up. I make my way down to the library and slip into my reading nook, pulling my latest text across my lap. It’s a book about the use of varying potions in healing and it is super hard to read, but Uncle Theo says that it is important for me to understand, since I can give Dad potions that are already made without needing a wand. It’s one branch of healing magic that I can practice now, so I have tried to read as much as I can on the subject. Yesterday, I left off on the section about using calming draughts. For the most part, they are helpful when a patient is panicking to the point of hurting themselves, and they can be really good for people who get sad and cry a lot, but you can’t give too many to the same person. They wear off when someone has used them a ton. 

 

I hear Dad before I see him, while I am reading about some ingredients that can be added to calming draughts to make them better suited for individual patients. Dad isn’t wearing any shoes, cause I can hear his bare feet padding across the library floor. Before he makes it to the nook, I slip my bookmark into place and look up from the pages, finding him still in his pajamas with a peaceful look spread across his face.

 

“Good morning, my light.” He leans down to kiss my forehead, using one hand to smooth my hair away from the spot that his lips land on. “What’s the topic for today?”

 

“Calming draughts. Can I watch you brew one this week?” Since I still don’t have a wand, and Dad says that potions are too delicate to make wandless, all I can do now is watch Dad brew. But Dad has yet to turn me down when I asked to watch the process, so I’m not overly worried that he’ll say no. 

 

“Sure. We will find a night when I can get out of work early, but you’ll need to get all the ingredients set up beforehand.” He ruffles my hair and I try to bat his hands away, knowing that he will end up getting a ton of knots in it if he keeps messing with my hair.

 

“DAAAD.” I groan.

 

He giggles and moves his hand away. “I’m surprised that you aren’t already eating breakfast. Isn’t Aunt Pansy supposed to be here in thirty minutes to start working on getting you ready?”

 

I roll my eyes. Of course, Dad wasn’t paying attention to the change in plans that Aunt Pans and I made last night. “That was the plan, but since Thea and Luc are going too, all the girls are getting ready at the Zabini Manor in a little bit. And Turm is making breakfast for all of us.”

 

“That still doesn’t explain why you aren’t dressed.” Dad cocks an eyebrow at my pajamas, a silk nightgown with Norwegian Ridgebacks circling the skirt.

 

“Because we are having a pajama party so that Thea doesn’t get bored.” I drawl.

 

Dad smirks at my tone. It’s nearly a perfect imitation of his slow way of talking when he thinks that the person he is talking to is an idiot. My lips stretch in a cruel grin while his eyes twinkle with admiration.

 

“Of course. That obviously makes the most sense.” Dad rolls his eyes, and the sarcasm was evident.

 

I slap my hand against his arm and place my book down before hopping out of my nook. “So when are you getting ready? Uncle Theo said last night that you were all going to go over to Nott Manor to get ready.”

 

Dad gently grasps my hand and we walk out of the library toward my room, so I can grab any supplies I might need to bring for tonight, our arms swinging as we walk. “I don’t know. Probably about 10 minutes before.”

I freeze, pulling us to a halt. “You can’t wait that long. That’s so irresponsible. What if it takes you longer than that to get ready? What if you don’t have time to do your hair? What if-”

 

“We are getting ready about an hour before the event starts, so we have plenty of time to come over and get all of you, sweetheart. Your Aunt would probably murder me if I decided to wait until the last second to prepare for such a prominent event.”

An image of Aunt Pans chasing Dad down with a hairbrush and a murderous expression plastered across her face runs through my head. “I’d probably help her,” I mutter and Dad and I both burst out into ceaseless giggles.

 

After putting all of my things into a small bag with one of Dad’s extension charms on it, we go back down to the floo lounge and just sit for a few minutes, talking about our plan for the press today. 

 

That was one thing that Dad was super strict about. Whenever we left the Manor and went on a public outing, we always had to have a strategy for how we would answer questions and what mask we would wear. It didn’t matter whether we were going to a huge event or just going to Diagon Alley to shop, we were always ready for the cameras and journalists that followed us around. Most of the time, the masks stayed the same: Dad the unbothered Lord Malfoy, above everyone else, and me, his loyal daughter who was demure and polite and never spoke out of turn. Sometimes, Dad would be more relaxed and I would be more talkative, but it was entirely dependent on the activity that we were going to be engaged in. Regardless, every quote and image of the Malfoy family in public was carefully crafted, and today was no exception.

 

We ultimately decided that it would be best to maintain the same mask as usual. I couldn’t be overly excited about the ball, because I can’t seem to favor one event over another. Dad would be aloof, not truly looking forward to the event, but not frustrated by the need for his presence. He would have to play the role of unattached bachelor, seeking a wife, but he would spend the majority of his time with me, only dancing with potential Ladies if he was interested, which he definitely wouldn’t be. I would only get to dance with other boys if they approached Dad or one of my Aunts and Uncles first, as all young Ladies should. I don’t particularly like the idea of hiding behind Dad, but it does follow proper etiquette. It is important, as the future Heir to the Malfoy title, that I look the part, so I don’t complain. At least not to Dad.

 

Dad casts a quick Tempus charm and I read the numbers in the air. Crap. I’m supposed to be over at Aunt Pans’ already. I give Dad a quick peck on the cheek, stretching on my tiptoes, before running to the floo and calling out “Zabini Manor.”

 

Aunt Pans is waiting for me when the flames die down with a frown on her face. I should be a little more worried, but her eyes are lit up with mischief. “And why, my darling niece, are you late?”

 

I scoff, trying to make myself look like a haughty princess, a look that Aunt Pans can do with ease. “Everyone knows that you should not show up to an event on time. Terribly unfashionable if you ask me.”

 

My chin tilts up and our eyes meet, daring the other to break first. We both lose it at the same time, giggling incessantly. Aunt Pans take my hand and we start moving toward her suite upstairs where we will be getting ready.

 

It isn’t really Aunt Pans’ suite. She shares a bedroom and suite with Uncle Z, but she has a collection of rooms that used to be hers when she visited before they got married. The rooms are bright and airy, a stark contrast to the mask that she normally wears. The antechamber is covered in a light, yellow wallpaper with a fleur de Lis pattern. There are two light brown armchairs with golden buttons up the arms that are arranged in an inviting manner, just beyond the door. 

 

The room has two different doors on opposite sides of the armchairs, one leading into a spacious bathroom, a stark white room accented with soft teals and blues. The shower is surrounded by clear glass, like a tank, all the way around, and a large clawfoot tub rests just next to the shower. There is a double sink next to the large mirror, and the counter is made of white marble. 

 

The final door from the sitting room leads into a bedroom that is mint green in color. The queen-size bed that fills most of one wall, is adorned with a fluffy white comforter while navy blue curtains fall around all sides of the golden bed frame. The dressers that cover much of another wall are a chestnut color with gold handles and detailing. On the far side of the room, the windows open to a magnificent view of the pool, glittering in the sunlight. The closet is nestled in the back of the room, but it is no less impressive. In fact, the closet is nearly as big as the antechamber, with enough room for five adults to fit comfortably, or lots of kids. The entire group of us Baby Snakes have fit in the closet without anyone getting stepped on, which is a feat in and of itself. There is a white ottoman in the center of the closet and every item in the space is organized in a system that only Aunt Pans knows.

 

Usually, this suite is closed off and quiet. No one goes in unless Aunt Pans want or let them in, so the rooms are undisturbed. Now, there is loud music blaring from a radio in the bedroom, and the bathroom counter has makeup and hair tools spread across it as if someone dumped the entire contents of their vanity onto it. 

 

My lips raised in a smile at the sight. Part of the reason that I love going to these events so much is that I get the chance to be a princess. Uncle Theo jokes that I am always a princess, but I only let people see it at these events. Aunt Pans take that feeling to heart and make sure that I am perfect when I go to these things. Everything from my hair, to my face, to my shoes are done to perfection, matching Dad and presenting whatever image Dad and Pans talked about beforehand. I love the chaos of having several people working on me at once, and Aunt Pans always make doing my hair and makeup fun, no matter what. 

 

Thea and Aunt Luna are sitting on two conjured stools in the bathroom, arguing about what makeup shade Thea should wear. As I follow Aunt Pans into the bathroom, I catch the end of their conversation.

 

“Yellow is a beautiful color, but I am afraid that it might make you look ill with your white dress. Why don’t we ask your Aunt?” Aunt Lu tells Thea in her floaty voice, dragging her gaze toward us.

 

Aunt Pans, unfazed by the suggestion that has me wrinkling my nose in disgust, glides over to Thea, taking a small brush in hand. “Why don’t we try a blue, so it makes your eyes sparkle? Does that sound alright, honey?”

 

Thea sniffs once, obviously just getting over tears at the thought of not getting to use her favorite color, and nods at Aunt Pans. Pans don’t miss a beat, immediately reaching for a color pallet to show Thea, so she can choose her favorite shade. 

 

I move to the sink, splashing my face a few times with some warm water and then patting it dry with a towel, just like Aunt Pans taught me. Aunt Lu wanders over to the stool that I am now sitting on, in front of the large mirror, as I gather supplies necessary for my look. 

 

“Are you ready for tonight, little star?”

 

“So ready.” I quip back, my hand grasping a neutral pallet, perfect for the smoky look that Aunt Pans and I had talked about yesterday.

 

“You know, there will be lots of young men there today.”

 

“There’s going to be a lot of people there, Aunt Lu. Not just young men.” I glance at her. Hopefully, she realizes my attempt to change the conversation and drops it.

 

“Do you have your eye on anyone in particular?” Guess I’m not that lucky.

 

I grab a brush and start covering my face in the powder that matches my pale skin. Aunt Pans call is setting powder. “Not really, Aunt Lu. I just want to go and dance with Dad tonight.”

 

Her blue eyes twinkle and I can almost see her next sentence on her lips, but just before she can start talking, Aunt Pans come over, armed with brushes and more colors for my eyes. 

 

“I think I averted that crisis, Luna, but she wants you to finish her makeup. Then we can get started on hair before we get some lunch.”

 

Aunt Lu looks back at me and nods her head, slightly, before going back toward Thea, who looks every bit as ethereal as her mom with that sparkly blue shadow dusting her eyelids.

 

Aunt Pans follows my gaze, understanding flashing across her face. She grips my chin lightly, tilting my head up toward hers so she can use the light while she pokes and brushes my face with varying bits of makeup. My eyes are closed, to make sure that she doesn’t accidentally get any powder in my eyes. 

 

“What did your dear Aunt say to make you focus on her that much?” Aunt Pans ask, the brush dotting over my eyelids.



“Nothing,” I answer, way too quickly to actually be innocent.

 

I can almost feel Aunt Pans’ stare, weeding out the lie for what it is. “Oh really?” She probably has her eyebrow raised right now, daring me to continue lying.

 

I sigh, trying not to move too much as I do. “I think that she thinks I need to start dating, but I’m way too young for that. Plus most of the boys my age are gross. I mean, have you seen James Potter? He is always sticky and he only ever wears those ridiculous Quidditch shirts that are way too big for him. He doesn’t speak as a Lord should. And he is super rude. He never waits for me to finish my thoughts when we talk. Plus, he doesn’t even read for fun. Can you believe that Aunt Pans?”

 

She taps my chin with a long finger, the signal that tells me to open my eyes so she can add some brown liquid stuff to my eyelashes. Before she lets me look up to the ceiling, the way I will when she adds that makeup, she meets my eyes. “She wasn’t suggesting that you date. You are far too young for that. All Aunt Lu wants is for you to have some more friends.”

 

My eyes move to the ceiling, grateful for the opportunity to avoid Aunt Pans’ piercing stare. “I have friends. The Baby Snakes are my friends.”

 

“They are your family. There is a difference. And none of them are your own age.” 

 

“Then why wouldn’t Aunt Lu and Effie suggest that I make friends with girls my age too?” Her hand leaves my face, so I bring my eyes back to her own. 

 

“I’m not sure, my darling. But Zoe, we all just want what’s best for you.” Her eyes glitter like she is about to cry, but she snuffs once and then looks over to Thea and Aunt Lu. “Athena, you look magnificent darling. Why don’t you go and play in the other room with Zoe while your Mum and I finish our own makeup?”

 

Both of my Aunts watch me take Thea’s hand and lead her out of the room. I can hear them talking as I leave the room, but I don’t look back. Dad doesn’t keep secrets from me anymore, but my Aunts and Uncles are a bit different. I’ll let them have their secrets for now.

 

The rest of the day passes in a blur of brushes, pins, and glitter. In the span of what felt like minutes, but was actually hours, Aunt Lu, Aunt Pans, Thea, and I are dressed and ready for the ball.

 

Aunt Lu matches her airiness with a flowy white gown with bell sleeves. The fabric is covered in a sheer layer that sparkles in rainbow colors when the light hits it. Her shoes are white flats with straps that wrap around the bottom of her legs. Her hair is mostly down, falling in bouncy curls, while her makeup is light and understated. 

 

Thea is every inch Aunt Lu’s daughter. She is also in a white dress that falls to her knees. It is cinched at the waist but poofs out in a large skirt. There are silver details added to the skirt in the shape of the moon, an homage to her mom. Her wavy black hair is twisted into an elaborate ponytail that falls over her left shoulder, mostly so she doesn’t fiddle with it. Her makeup is equally as light and barely there as Aunt Lu’s. She looks like the slightly darker version of her Mom.

 

Aunt Pans is terrifying, as usual. Her dress is blood red, a color that still makes my stomach roil slightly. It is studded with diamonds all over, in a pattern that makes it look like she was in a rainstorm, but instead of water, diamonds fell from the sky. The dress is tight fitting and has what Aunt Pans calls a “keyhole neckline.” Basically, she has a hole in the high neck of her dress. She has on strappy black heels that are super high, so high that she never even lets me try them on because she is scared that I will fall and break my ankle. Her hair is perfectly straight, her bob hairstyle falling against the giant silver hoops in her ears. Her makeup is the best part. She has dark eyeshadow and deep, red lip color that kinda makes her look like a vampire.

 

I look out of place against them, but I will look like the missing twin to my Dad when we catch up to him. My dress is a strapless emerald green gown that darkens as it closer to the ground, ending it a rich black. The dress has an underskirt that keeps the skirt from sticking to my legs, without it looking too poofy. The top is tight to my chest, until my ribs end and the skirt begins. My feet are snug in my own pair of strappy, black heels that twine around my legs. They aren’t nearly as high as Aunt Pans’ shoes. My hair is mostly down and curled in gentle curls that fall all around my shoulders, all the way to my waist. However, there are three braids on either side of my head that join in the back to fall into a curled ponytail, keeping most of my hair out of my face. For my makeup, I have done a thing called the smokey eye, where I have on a dark eyeshadow that makes my eyes pop, but the inside of my eyelid is light so it makes my eyes look bigger. My lips are colored with a purplish red that stands out starkly against my pale skin. To top it all off, I have a silver necklace with one large emerald pendant on the end, falling just to the top of the dress. It’s my portkey, in case I need it tonight, should something go wrong. I look like the Princess of Slytherin House, and a proper Lady for the House of Malfoy. I can’t wait until Dad sees me. His jaw is going to drop.

 

With all of us girls dressed and ready, we go to the main floo parlor, waiting for the boys to come and pick us up. They were supposed to have been getting ready while we were, but I doubt they spent nearly as long as we did. It is highly likely that we will have to wait because Uncle Theo forgot to put something on, or Luc was putting up a fight since he absolutely hated wearing suits.

 

Luckily, the boys must have been on top of things today because they were only 10 minutes late, though Aunt Pans still gave them a stern talking to. I probably should have looked at everyone else, but my attention was drawn to Dad, trying to see what Aunt Pans picked out for him to match me.

 

Dad is the prince of darkness in a night black suit. The only color that he has on him is the emerald green tie that matches the top of my dress. His hair is slicked back and his shoes are so shiny that I can see my reflection in them. There is a small pocket on the back of his left arm that his wand sits comfortably in, blending into the rest of the outfit. 

 

Dad strides for me, taking my hand in his, and twirls me around, letting my skirts billow around me. His hand is smooth, and his normal callouses vanished for the night, in case he does want to dance with other people. He probably won’t though. He never does.

 

“You look breathtaking, Zoe.” He whispers to me when I finish twirling, my skirts continuing to wrap around my legs on a phantom breeze.

 

Uncle Theo breaks us apart, pushing Dad out of the way and grasping both my hands, stretching our arms out between us. “Well, don’t you look like the best-dressed snake in town.”

 

“I don’t know. Aunt Pans look better than me.” I shoot back, with a wink, raising my voice just enough for her to hear us from across the room. 

 

She looks up from straightening Luc’s tie and smoothing his hair. “I don’t know about that, but I do know that we are going to be late if we don’t get moving.”

 

With that, the chaos ebbs, just slightly as families group together and we get into the order that we will appear at the event. Dad and I bring up the rear, with the Zabini’s leading the group. Dad and I always come in last. We are the most senior family, which means that we are the most important, so we have to show up last to make the biggest impression. In front of us, Luc bounces with anticipation, and Aunt Pans have to pull on his sleeve to get him to stop. It will be Luc and Thea’s first big society event after their coming-out balls and they are both so nervous. I will probably have to check on them after we get through the reporters.

 

Dad holds my hand in his and we wait for the other families to pass through the floo. I think of the youngest Baby Snakes, likely asleep under the watchful eyes of Mopsy and Turm in Nott Manor. We count to sixty, giving the other groups plenty of time to get ahead of us before we make our appearance.

 

“Mask up, darling.” Dad looks down and I and I can practically see the wall that he builds in his mind as his face morphs into the mask for tonight. I close my eyes for just a second, focusing on my role for tonight. I can feel my face falling into a calm, but shy smile. One that makes me approachable, yet still like a proper lady. My eyes soften, just a bit, but I let some of my fire peek out.

 

Once Dad believes that my mask is firmly in place, he tugs me toward the fireplace and yells, “Pucey Estate.” We don’t even take a step out of the flames before I see the first flash of a camera. Dad steps forward and I match his pace, just the slightest bit behind him, as is my place for the night.

 

The flashes are blinding and there are too many shouts to focus my attention in any one direction. Instead, I rotate my body, raising my unoccupied hand to wave at the countless people vying for my attention. Dad and I keep walking and some of the questions get more clear. I listen to each, choosing which I will respond to based on Dad and I’s plan from earlier.

 

“Who made your dress, Miss Malfoy?”

 

“Are you meeting any witches here tonight, Lord Malfoy?”



“What do you have to say about the Ministry announcing audits of ancestral Wizarding homes?”

 

“Are there any betrothal contract negotiations on the horizon for you, Miss Malfoy?”

 

“What school will you be attending next year?”

 

The questions come at a fast pace and it gives me a bit of a headache trying to keep up with them. Dad answers a few of his own questions and gives me a slight nod, telling me I can answer my own pre-determined questions.

 

I raise my chin, channeling Aunt Pans, and try to focus on where I think I heard certain questions. “My dress, and my father’s suit, are both items in a new collection by Pansy Zabini.”

 

Another swivel and I am facing a new reporter. “My father believes in allowing me to choose whom I marry. I am far too young to start thinking about that now.” I throw in a small laugh, nowhere near my real laugh, just to illustrate my point. The reporter seems to accept the answer and goes back to flashing pictures of Dad and me.

 

I stand close to his side for a few more minutes, basking in the attention of the countless people lined up next to us, just clamoring for the smallest glance of me. Dad squeezes my hand tight, a question in the gesture. I look up at him and open my mind.

 

Is something wrong, Dad?

 

No, my light. It is just time for us to go and enjoy the party.

 

I nod and look back toward the flashes, giving my small smile again. We start moving toward the wards, designed to keep all the reporters away from the actual event. The voices follow us all the way through the row of people until we pass through the wall of wards. I can almost feel the magic clinging to me while I pass through, following just behind Dad.

 

The silence of the grounds without the questions and camera noises is deafening. I don’t mind posing for all the pictures, but I know that Dad hates it. He lets out a deep breath, closing his eyes and dropping his mask for a small moment. His shoulders slump and he curls into himself, but, just like that, his mask is back and he stands as tall as ever.

 

“Malfoy! Wasn’t sure if you would be gracing us with your presence this evening.” Lord Pucey’s voice is loud and low. It fills up the space, as does the man to that it is attached. He is tall and broad-shouldered, but he has a kindness to his eyes that allows me to relax just a little around him, though I stay close to Dad’s side. 

 

He comes over and claps Dad on the back in a friendly gesture. Dad stiffens a little, but allows the movement before grasping his hand and shaking it firmly. “We couldn’t possibly turn down your invitation. You remember my daughter, Zowena?”

 

On cue, I step forward, extending my hand gently. He holds it, like something that is going to break if he grabs it with any strength, and I drop into a perfect curtsy, while he kisses my knuckles. “Lord Pucey,” I say, with a dip of my head. “It is a pleasure to attend your ball this year.”

 

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Zowena.” He smiles at me, the kind of smile an adult gives a child when they think the child has done something that is on the cusp of maturity. I hate that kind of smile, but I stay true to my mask and keep my smile firmly in place.

 

Dad comes up behind me and strokes his hand down my back. He must have noticed my jaw clenching at the tone or maybe the fact that my smile doesn’t reach my eyes anymore. Regardless, Dad knows I am uncomfortable. 

 

“We shouldn’t linger. Your wife would think us exceptionally rude. We must go and meet some of your other guests. I’m sure we will catch up later.” A dismissal if I ever heard one.

 

Lord Pucey seems to recognize it as well and he inclines his head toward us. “Of course. Enjoy the festivities.”

 

Dad pushes my lower back, just enough to tell me that we need to move again, and we finally make our way toward my favorite area of any ball: the dance floor. 

 

The Pucey ball is my favorite for a lot of reasons, but the main one is the beautiful dance floor in the center of their garden. The whole ball takes place outside and the dance floor is an intricate marble pattern, laid into the ground in a circle surrounded by a magical fountain of a unicorn. The tiles sparkle underneath your feet if you dance the right way. When it gets dark outside, there are fairy lights that twinkle above the dance floor. There is so much magic around the floor that you can almost taste it in the air. Even Dad likes the dance floor here, which is saying something since he generally doesn’t like these sorts of things.

 

If it were up to me, we would go straight to the dance floor now and never leave, but we need to do some mingling first. Ughhh. I look around the space, taking note of where the refreshment table is and where the rest of the Snakes are. Once I spot Aunt Pans, the rest of them are easy to find and pick out from the crowd. Dad and I might join them, but not until we have pretended to care about a bunch of other important people here.

 

While Dad talks to the group of businessmen before us, I go through my next habit, instilled in me by Dad. Always know where the exits are, he would say. You need to have escape routes planned if something goes wrong. Take in all your surroundings. It’s kinda weird since there are so many wards around the ball tonight, but I do it anyway, knowing that Dad might quiz me later. I don’t want to disappoint him, so I mark the entrance to the hedge maze, the pool on the opposite side of the dance floor, and the manor just beyond the party’s edge. 

 

We spend almost a whole hour just walking around the edge of the dance floor, inches away from where I really want to be while Dad has meaningless conversations with people that he doesn’t care about. I must be letting my mask slip cause I can feel the brush of Dad’s mind against mine.

 

Focus, my darling. Not much longer.

 

I breathe in and try to focus more on the conversation that is happening in front of me, but thankfully I catch Dad making some excuse to leave. A weight is lifted off my chest as we move toward the dance floor, just as the band strikes up a waltz, one of my favorites from practice.

 

I’m not entirely sure why I like dancing. Maybe because it’s one of the things that Dad and I can always do after a long day, pretty much anywhere. Maybe I just like teaching it to all of my cousins. Or maybe it’s because I love the feeling of performing a perfect routine. It feels like flying when Dad twirls me around and lifts me in time to beautiful music. Whatever it may be, dancing is one of the few activities I can do during these events that don’t require a mask, and it is where I feel most like the princess that Uncle Theo believes I am.

 

Dad takes my hand in his and our arms meet in a proper hold, strong and steady as the song begins. Our steps are poised, each perfectly placed while we start to move around the floor. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see a few of the other dancers moving out of our way. I don’t bother to spare them more than that glance. Instead, I focus on Dad, letting him lead me into a routine that feels as easy as breathing.

 

He twirls me, the skirt of my dress smacking against his legs and my hair flying around my face. When we come back together, we take a few more steps before he releases me and prepares for my favorite lift. His hands on my waist are confident while he hoists me above his head and spins, giving me a full view of everyone watching us as we move. My smile is far bigger than the constrained one I gave to everyone before this moment, but I don’t care. 

 

When Dad finally lets me down, my head feels like it is floating. The rest of the dance is simple, just a pattern of footwork around the now shimmering floor, so Dad and I take our opportunity to talk without listening ears.

 

“How are you doing? I know that there was a lot more talking than normal today.” Concern laces Dad’s words. I’m too happy from the dancing to care about the boredom from earlier.

 

“I’m fine. I know that is important. I’m sorry for forgetting to keep my mask up.”

 

Dad grips my hand in his a little firmer. “Don’t apologize. You just need to be more aware of your surroundings. How many exits?”

 

I sigh. Why did Dad have to ruin such a good moment? “There are three, though one is probably not a good option. I could run into the hedge maze and hope to lose someone while I follow the left wall to find my way out. Or I could go back the way we came in. If neither of those work, I could try my luck navigating through the manor and going out the front door, but that’s probably not smart, since I don’t know what their wards are like.”

 

Dad smiles. I must have gotten all of the options that he was thinking of. At least I could make him happy, even if he brought my own mood down. My eyes leave him and search around the ball and that’s when I see her.

 

She is wearing gold. It’s probably because of that nickname that the paper sometimes uses for her. The dress is high-necked, with straps that cover her shoulders but come in before flaring out around her chest. The skirt is huge and it sparkles in the fairy light. Her hair, the crazy curls, is coiled into a weird bun on top of her head. Whoever did her hair wasn’t the best, cause there are a ton of pieces falling out of the hairstyle, making her look a little haphazard. I can’t even see her makeup from here, so it’s obviously not done well. 

 

Dad spins us around and I can see his eyes land on her. His entire face changes. His eyes darken at the same time that his mouth falls open in a very undignified manner. I step on his foot, just lightly enough to get his attention and when his eyes snap back to me, I try to mimic a look that I have seen on Uncle Z’s face a million times. It is his look when he knows something that he shouldn’t and he wants you to know it. My mouth tilts up into a smirk and Dad rolls his eyes at my antics. I definitely don’t have the same effect on him as Uncle Z does, but I steal my opening while I can.

 

“You should ask her to dance.”

 

Dad almost misses a step, which has never happened before. Ever. “Wh- . . . Bu- . . . What . . . I have”

 

“Are you really going to tell me that you weren’t just staring at her a second ago?”

 

He looks at me, his lower lip jutting out in a pout. “Are you in on this too? Merlin, I thought it was just your Aunts and Uncles.”

 

“I haven’t talked to anyone about it. Well except Aunt Pans, but she mentioned it first, I swear.”

“Do you honestly want me to go over there?”

We spin again and my eyes fall onto the group of our family, huddled by the refreshment table. Aunt Pans is looking between Dad and Miss Granger, something hopeful in her expression. “I don’t know, Dad. But it’s not my decision to make. Do you want to go over there?”

 

He thinks for a moment and then mutters, quietly, “I do.”

 

“Then go.”

“It’s not that easy, Zoe.” His voice is still quiet, but there is something more to it. I don’t know what, but it makes me uncomfortable.

 

“Why? You like her. She likes you. You aren’t dating anyone and neither is she.”



“I can’t just”



I almost pull my hands out of his grip. “You can and you will. I will go over and hang out with the Baby Snakes for a little bit. I bet Aunt Pans would love the help with Luc. If Miss Granger says no, you can come back over and we can leave.”

 

We stare at each other and I practically dare him to look away first. Neither of us breaks, but we step apart when the musicians end the song and we start to walk toward the Snakes. 

 

Dad squeezes my hand twice. “I love you, Zoe.”

 

I stop and turn toward him. “I love you too, Dad. Now go and get her.”

 

I make a shooing motion with my hands and Dad turns from me, his lips tilted in a small smile. The same expression stretches across my face and I make my way through the crowd of people to my cousins. 

 

Aunt Lu speaks first. “You looked like you were enjoying yourself out there, Zoe.”

 

My eyes twinkle, matching the fairy lights. “I love this dance floor. It is the best.”

 

“Well now, that’s going a bit far, wouldn’t you say? I mean, you have seen our dance floor, haven’t you?” Uncle Theo chimes in, humor coating every word. The Nott Manor had a dance floor, but it is so damaged from curses that you couldn’t use it even if you spent years repairing it. You’d probably walk away missing an arm, and that’s if you were lucky.

 

I giggle, softly, maintaining my composure in case someone walks by. “Hmmm. I had forgotten about that floor. I might have to re-evaluate.”



“Oh. And how long is that going to take, because I’m pretty sure the award is given out tonight.”

 

Uncle Theo’s eyes glitter at our banter. “How unfortunate.” I drawl. “The earliest I can get back to you is in three to five business days. Well, better luck next year.”

 

He darts around me and picks me up around my waist, spinning me in a manner wholly different from the way that Dad spun me only a few minutes ago. 

 

“Teddy Bear put Zoe down or you’ll wreck her hair.” Uncle Theo does Aunt Lu’s bidding and she comes over, grabbing my hand. “Have you thought any more about what we talked about earlier?”

 

“Aunt Lu!” I can’t believe she is still worried about that. It’s not like anyone has approached me to ask to dance. Actually, there aren’t really that many people here tonight that are my age. I haven’t noticed any other kids who I could talk to, even if I wanted to.

 

“If it truly makes you uncomfortable, I won’t ask again. Will you take a walk with me?” Her eyes hold mischief and one part of me wants to stay back, but another part of me screams to move to a different part of the garden. I don’t know why and I don’t know if Aunt Lu knows either. I just take her hand and allow her to lead me around the space.

 

I notice the distinct absence of Miss Granger in the place where she was standing a few minutes ago and I turn my attention toward the dance floor, trusting Aunt Lu to keep me from running into people as we move through the crowds. 

 

Dad and Miss Granger are in the middle of the floor, and Dad trying to keep her in a hold, but failing because she keeps collapsing her arms and moving into his personal space. They look like polar opposites. Dad is the picture of elegance and darkness. The prince of Slytherin is dark and imposing. She looks like a ray of pure sunlight, blazing through the ballroom. Everything about her screams freedom and she looks kind of wild. Despite the fact that they couldn’t be more different, they fit together. The smile on Dad’s face is easy and she has a similar expression on her face. My heart clenches and somersaults at the sight and something in my chest starts to hurt at the sight.

 

There is a tug on my arm, one that I wasn’t expecting. Before I can stop myself, I am tripping over my own feet in an effort to twist toward the tug. I’m going to hit the ground, in front of all of these people. I try to move so that I don’t land on my wrist, not wanting to break it, but a pair of hands grip my wrists before I can even feel the floor beneath me. 

 

In that split second, I am standing upright again and staring into a set of sparkling sapphire blue eyes. There are flecks of gold littered throughout the eyes, making them shine in the fairy lights around the floor and they are wide with concern. I feel stuck to the spot, not wanting to move my gaze away from the stranger, but I yank my eyes away and they fall off the hair first, then the cocky grin, and finally the 

 

Oh, Morgana.

 

The hands. I know those hands.

 

They are luckily free of the slime that usually coats them, but I’d know those hands anywhere. The ones that are always unexplainably covered in sticky substances. The ones attached to sodding James Potter.

 

“Woah! I thought that princesses knew how to walk. Are you having troubles with that, Zo-wen-ah?” James sneers at me. I bristle at him as he intentionally uses my full name, knowing that I hate it. 

 

“I tripped over your ego, which is far too big for your tiny body.” I spit right back.

 

My glare is icy. I can’t believe that Aunt Lu brought me over here. The traitor. I want to glare at her, but there are too many people around. Someone will ask questions and I can’t afford to lose that part of my mask. 

 

I turn, simultaneously raising my chin, so I can see Auror Potter and his wife standing with Aunt Lu. Al isn’t here. Dammit. I was hoping that I could get away with dancing with him and avoid the utter chaos next to me. Now I know why Aunt Lu wanted to bring me over here. Please no. Not with him. Not tonight. 

 

“Zoe, you look beautiful.” Mrs. Potter says. She turns her own eyes to her son. “Doesn’t she look beautiful, James?”

He huffs and crosses his arms across his chest. “She’s wearing green.” He grumbles.

 

I actually look at him now. Really look at him. Thankfully that weird feeling in my chest is gone, so I try to take in as many details as I can. Dad says that details are important when dealing with the people you are trying to arrest. The suit that James is wearing doesn’t fit him all that well. It’s too big and the color is all wrong for him. It is a dark grey that makes him look pale, and the vest is a deep maroon. It blends into the jacket too much, making it look like he was trying to be dark when he dressed. It’s the opposite of his personality. He looks older, not all like the carefree look he normally wears.

 

Someone clears their throat and both James and I jump, turning toward the noise. Was I staring at him? No, I definitely wasn’t staring. But why did he jump too? Was he staring at me? Why would he be staring at me?

 

“Pardon me, Auror Potter and Mrs. Potter. It’s a pleasure to see you both here.”

 

No one mentions the fact that I left James out. 

 

Aunt Lu smiles down at both of us. “James, aren’t you going to ask her?”

 

“Ask me what?” I accuse.

 

He mumbles the first time before Auror Potter chastises him and insists that he speak up. “Do you want to dance with me?”

 

“Dance? With you?” I know that my mouth is hanging open. My mask is totally gone.

 

James doesn’t respond. Instead, Mrs. Potter responds for him, pushing the two of us toward the dance floor. “He would love to.”

 

Aunt Lu has a sparkle in her eyes that matches the one in Mrs. Potter’s gaze. I stumble for just a step, but it’s enough for James to notice.

 

“Don’t think you can say that was my ego this time, princess.”

 

“Nope. It was your leash. Does your Mommy always make decisions for you?”

James splutters, unable to come up with a response. Yes! Point for me.

 

He hesitates just before the dance floor and I roll my eyes, grabbing his smooth hand. “Come one. Let’s get this over with since they will probably drag us over here if we don’t do it by ourselves. I certainly don’t want to spend the rest of my night with you.”

“Whatever you say, princess.” He quips back, but he doesn’t fight me while I lead him onto the floor and step into the frame.

 

I try to get him into hold, but he makes the same mistake as Miss Granger. There is no strength in his arms and he ends up folding himself way too close to me. So close I can almost count his eyelashes and I can feel his breath on my cheek. He realizes how close he is a second before I can point it out and he steps backwards.

 

I try to start the dance, but he clearly doesn’t know the steps and he isn’t leading. After a few steps in, he has stepped on my toes at least five times, causing me to cringe each time. “Will you stop doing that?” I hiss under my breath.

 

“Am I not up to your normal standards, princess? My deepest and most humble apologies, Your Majesty.” He dips his head in a mocking bow.

 

“Will you stop calling me that?” I seethe.

 

He shakes his head. “What? Princess? Not until I come up with a better nickname for you.” 

 

“Here’s an idea. Why don’t you just call me Zoe, like everyone else?”

Another shake. “Nah. Too basic. Not a good nickname if everyone uses it. Plus, I like how much Princess bothers you.” Then he sticks his tongue out at me.

 

I have to fight to not roll my eyes. “Fine. Just keep your comments to a minimum. The song is almost over and then we can be done.”

 

We don’t say anything else for the rest of the dance, but his arms do get a little stronger. They are still horrendous and any dance teacher worth anything would be pulling their hair out, but he only steps on my feet four more times. 

 

When the song ends, we can’t jump apart fast enough. I see Dad leaving the dance floor, a dazed look on his face, and I make a beeline straight to him. That weird feeling in my chest is back, but I don’t care. The further I can get away from James, the better. I only look back once, but it turns out that James had the same idea. Our eyes meet across the floor and something about his gaze makes me hold his stare for a second. Just a second. Then it is gone and we are turning from each other again.

 

Dad doesn’t notice me at first, but when he does, his mouth knits into a frown. “What’s wrong?” He looks behind me. He must see James walking away and he looks at me with understanding.

Crap. My mask is down. I try to hurry and haul a tired smile onto my face, aware of people watching. “Nothing. I’m just tired. Are you ready to go?”

 

Dad looks over my shoulder again at someone, nods, and then takes my hand, rubbing small circles into the back. “Of course. Let’s get out of here and see if Effie has any gelato?”

 

I don’t fight the smile that takes over my face at the thought of some creamy, chocolate gelato after being outside for so long. We walk back toward the way we came and there is a prickling sensation on my neck like someone is watching me. I look to Dad first to see if he feels the same thing. He must not. At least, he isn’t moving like feels it.

 

I chance a final look over my shoulder to find James’ gaze glued on me. I couldn’t say what made me watch him for a few seconds. Instead, I just match the intensity in those emerald green eyes.

 

As Dad and I leave the ball, I think of only two things. One: I am going to have a chat with Aunt Lu about blindsiding me like that. And two: I absolutely hate James Potter.

 

Notes:

Holy cow you guys. It has been almost 3 months since I first posted this story. The response from y’all is overwhelming. I never, in my wildest daydreams, imagined that anyone would like this story, much less far in love with it in the way that I have. The fact that so many of you have stuck around on this crazy journey so far is crazy to me.

I know that there has been a lot of fluff so far, and I hope that I’m not boring you yet. We will definitely get into the harder shit, but, for now, I just want Zoe to be a kid, even if she isn’t normal. I love her too much to throw her to the wolves quite yet.

That all being said, I freaking loved writing this chapter. It satisfied all of my inner child’s desire to attend something like this and be the center of attention. Also, you can thank my wonderful husband for the dialogue between Zoe and James. This won’t be the last we see of them.

One last note before I let you go until next week, Dramione is incoming! I know, I know, get excited. I can’t wait to watch their relationship, along with a few others ;) blossom. Thanks for hanging in for this wild ride folks.

As always, Happy Reading!