A/N: This is written for Hogwarts Open Day – Duelling Club team Black

"Tell me again why I need to go."

Lysandra gave her daughter a scolding look. "Because the debutante ball is the most important social event of the year. Not going is out of the question."

"I know that. But it's also a charade. We all parade around in fancy dresses, aiming to impress a future spouse. But you've already decided for me, so really, what's the point?"

Callidora sighed irritated. Anger was bubbling up.

"Have you ever considered asking me what I thought about it? Why don't I get a say in this? This is my life you're deciding about!"

"That's enough, Callidora," her mother said firmly. "We're your parents, and we'll decide what's good for you." She pressed her lips tightly together.

Callidora had long since learnt that that meant trouble, but she was on a collision course, unable to stop the words from spilling from her mouth.

"When was the last time I saw Harfang? When I was what, nine, ten? Just don't you think I'm going to be good little housewife, like you. Ooch!"

She put her hand on her burning cheek. "You hit me!" she said in disbelief.

"Maybe that'll teach you what you can and can't say to your parents. Now get dressed. If you're not downstairs, dressed and ready to go, in fifteen minutes, there will be trouble."

Lysandra turned on her heels and walked out of her daughter's room with rustling skirts.

Callidora clenched her fists. It wasn't even that she didn't want to go to the debutante ball. As a matter of fact, up until fairly recently she had been looking forward to the event and had heartily discussed dresses with her friends. But that was before her parents had dropped the bomb of her engagement.

She turned and stared at the dress that had been laid out for her on her bed. It was a beautiful silk dress in emerald green. It suited her well and she had loved the feel of the fabric on her skin every time she had secretly tried it on. It brought out her eyes and it made her look older, more sophisticated. She was certain that none of her friends had a dress like this, because it had been tailored to her size in France. She had been so sure she would make all of them envious. But now it just lay there. She sighed. What a shame that such a beautiful dress would never be worn in public.

Her hand slid over the dress as a thought came to her. She had really considered not going, even though it would mean her parents wouldn't speak to her for ages. But there was also another option. What if she put on the dress, carried it with pride, and showed the world what she was like? Other men than Harfang would admire her, and maybe her parents would reconsider their alliance with the Longbottoms. She nodded to herself. Yes, that was what she was going to do.

"Cedrella? Could you come and help me?" she yelled.

Her sister appeared in the doorway a few moments later.

"Will you help tie me in?"

"Sure."

Cedrella helped her older sister in her dress and as soon as Callidora had put it on, Cedrella started on the laces.

"Oh Calli, you look beautiful," Cedrella sighed. "You're like a princess. I wish I could come too."

"Don't worry sis, in a couple of years it'll be your turn to bedazzle everyone."

"I wish it was then already. Hey, will you tell me everything when you get back?"

"Of course," Callidora assured her sister.

And as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she thought: I can do this.