I definitely was not expecting the amazing feedback I got from 3:00 A.M. It feels great to be writing again, and of course now I have so many thoughts for new stories. So here's the first chapter of my newest brain child; I'm working on chapters 2 and 3 which will hopefully be completed in the next week or so. So, without further delay and rambling, here's chapter 1!
Disclaimer: I'm not JK Rowling, and these characters (minus Marie) don't belong to me.
The Top 30 Under 30 Gala was, as always, a beautiful affair. The banquet hall was decorated in ivory and gold, dimly lit with candles on every table. Bouquets of roses were placed perfectly around the room, giving the atmosphere a classic romantic feeling. A live jazz band played in the corner of the hall, and some of the men and women in attendance were dancing in the middle of the room while others sat at round dinner tables enjoying conversation with other attendees. Every so often, the shutter of a camera would go off as the photographer of the event roamed the room taking photos of different aspects of the event. His platinum blond hair was loosely combed back, and his slim cut black suit and crisp white shirt framing his 6'1 frame perfectly. His piercing steel grey eyes scanned the series of photos he had just taken on his camera. He was so wrapped up in his work, he didn't notice the black woman approaching him until she stood in front of him, handing him a glass of red wine. Her black, backless gown accentuated her 5'6 dancer's body, earning her more than few looks from some of the other gala attendees. Her dark brown kinky-coily hair had hints of honey-gold and copper that were exposed when hit by the lights, and was pulled back into a low bun-like style. Her dark stained lips formed a smile towards the blond as he smiled back, taking the glass from her. They clinked their glasses together lightly, and took a sip as the head of this year's selection committee stepped up to the microphone.
"I hope everyone is enjoying the evening!" he said, receiving applause from the audience, "Tonight we celebrate London's Top 30 under 30 and their achievements in their fields. But tonight, we also want to highlight the achievements of two individuals, who've been able to pair their individual successes and create something amazing. The relationship between this designer and this photographer has taken the industry by storm, and over the past two years, the pair has made their mark not only in England, but in America as well. If you look carefully, you may see this photographer taking photos of our event tonight. Please join me in honoring Mr. Draco Malfoy and Ms. Marie DuPonte! Would you like to say a few words?"
The room roared with the applause and cheers as the black woman and the blond man placed their glasses on the closest table and made their way to the podium. At the base of the steps, Draco held out his hand and Marie gathered the bottom of her gown taking his hand as she walked up the stairs. After snapping a candid shot of his friend, earning him a playful swat of his camera, Draco followed Marie up the stairs and the pair walked towards the podium. Marie and Draco shook the man's hand, and Marie stepped to the microphone.
"Well, we weren't really prepared to say anything," she started, her New Orleans accent evident, "but I think it's just great to be able to work with a good friend doing what you love. I think I speak for both of us when I say we're both very honored by the committee's recognition. Draco, any words?" She turned to her friend and stepped back as he stepped up to the mic to say a brief "Thank you all; continue having a lovely evening" before the applause started again and Draco escorted Marie down the stairs. The pair smiled politely and shook the hands of many of their associates and other committee members before making their way towards the back of the room.
"I don't know why you continue to ask if I have anything to add," Draco said, taking his camera from around his neck and placing it in its carrying case, "You know I prefer staying behind the camera."
Marie made a small "meh" sound, shrugging on her lightweight jacket. "One day you might surprise me. Are you ready to head out? We still gotta make an appearance at the Ministry of Magic thing."
Draco groaned, completely forgetting about the event and had every intention of going home and going to bed. "Or could just….not go."
Marie looked pointedly at her friend, raising her eyebrow slightly. "We promised Shacklebolt we would make a brief appearance. And now that we've decided to crossover into both the Magical and Muggle worlds, we gotta show face and make nice so stop sulking and let's get a move on."
The pair walked out of the ballroom onto the streets of London, making a right turn into a secluded alley. Marie rolled her eyes at Draco's continued sulking and looked at the large clock across the street from them. She linked her arm in his. "It's barely 7:30; we stay at the Ministry for 30 minutes and then we'll leave and I'll make some beignets. Deal?"
At the sound of "beignets", Draco's head instantly snapped up and without any warning, he Apparated the two to the Ministry. After steadying herself from their landing, Marie shot a glare to her friend. "Got dammit, are you serious?"
"Dammit, woman, do beignets mean nothing to you?" Draco asked as he made his way into the Ministry's ballroom. Marie shook her head, and laughed before following Draco into the ballroom. Beignets would really make that boy do almost anything.
Well, what'd you think? Should I keep going? Should I dump it and try again? Leave me a review and give me some feedback! xx