Chapter 4: Parents' Day Ball

The Parents' Day Ball was the last ball where all students could attend. The only other for the rest of the school year would be Graduation and that was only for seventh years and their parents.

The Great Hall was decorated in all of the house colors and fairy lights were twinkling away.

Esme was off chatting with some six and seventh years and their mothers. It was obviously new mother talk. She had Magnolia with her. The little girl was wearing a set of gold and black robes that matched Sebastian and Esmeralda.

"To be honest I thought about killing you when I heard she was pregnant and you two wanted to adopt Voldemort's granddaughter. I was going to kill you and have Esme committed," Albus Jr. stated as he stood by Sebastian by the stage.

"Well I'm glad you decided to change your mind," Seb laughed in a nervous way.

"As am I. It appears Esme is more than capable of running her own family. I mean she did take over …after Ariel died," Albus Jr. stated a little sadly.

"Daddy are you all right?" Sophie asked softly.

"I'm fine sweetie. Why not go see if Sebastian here will dance with you," Albus Jr. suggested.

Sophie smiled brightly and turned to her 'boyfriend.' Sebastian chuckled and took the girl's hand kissing it gentlemanly.

"Miss Sophie Dumbledore will you do me the honor of this dance?" he asked. Sophie nodded happily as the handsome Slytherin led her onto the dance floor.

The minister sighed as he saw his eldest son twirl Deidra Thomas onto the dance floor and his father gently lead his eldest daughter onto the dance floor. It appeared his youngest son was dancing with his grandmother.

"M-minister Dumbledore c-can I t-talk to you?" Magnolia stuttered slightly tucking a loose curl behind her ear.

The minister looked into the blood red eyes and gave a sad smile nodding.

"Well I…I …well I uh…" Magnolia fidgeted pulling at her robe sleeves nervously.

"Miss Riddle please just ask the question. What ever you've heard about me I assure you…I don't bit," Albus Jr. stated gently but firmly.

"Well sir…I-I was hoping that um…well when you o-okay my adoption wi-with the child services…um wo-would I be over stepping my bounds to call your daughter mum?" Magnolia stuttered.

Albus Jr. sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"I-I…uh I'll go. Sorry sir," Magnolia said softly with tears in her eyes as she turned to go.

A large hand caught hers though and did not let her leave. The small first year looked up at the imposing man with fear in her eyes as he gave her the customary Dumbledore stare.

"Miss Riddle when your name is no longer Riddle but is Snape I will be more than tickled for you to call her that. But until the papers are final and in Sebastian's hand I would like you to continue to call them both by their names understand?" he asked in a firm tone that ended with a kind old smile.

She nodded and sniffed as he let go of her hand.

"Very good then," he nodded.

"Papa what are you doing with my baby snake?" Esmeralda asked as she walked over with her arm latched onto Albus Sr.'s arm.

"Not a thing in the world I assure you just a conversation about the adoption process… which I may add is nearly done," he smiled at his eldest daughter and child.

"Son might I be able to get you to pry your daughter off of me so I can save my grandson from his grandmother?" Albus Sr. smiled cheekily.

"Certainly," Albus Jr. nodded eyeing his daughter. Esmeralda sighed and reluctantly let go of her most cherished grandfather as he walked back onto the dance floor.

She sighed and looked down just as Magnolia tried to cover up a large yawn.

"Oh it looks like someone should be in bed," Esmeralda stated.

"Make that two," Sebastian stated walking up with a sleepy looking Sophie holding onto him.

"Hmm… as it is Saturday…how about we allow the two girls to stay with us tonight? I'm a little tired myself," Esme stated.

"That is fine," Morgan stated coming up to them holding a goblet of wine, "You two have done your job grandly and I thank you. Sleep well."

The head boy and girl nodded gently leading the two first years out.

"Now you brother need to loosen up and take me onto the dance floor," Morgan smirked and pulled her big brother away from the stage for a dance.

The minister chuckled deeply as he danced happily with the headmistress.