Chapter IV: The Royal Ball
Hermione was in a pleasant mood the next morning; that is until her father sent an entourage of servants to help her prepare for the ball. She waved most of the off, stating that Luna was more than qualified to help her. She didn't want to ruin her day being surrounded by needless servants eager to be in her graces. Luna smiled at the request for her to remain, and once her father arrived, allowed for most but just a few to help his daughter prepare for the evening event. He then left, mentioning he had guests to greet while making sure everything was being tended to since his wife was not present.
Of course, the mood was not too far from despair with her father's leaving words. "Oh, and I shall expect you to save at least some of the dances for Lord Malfoy."
She sighed. She did not want to dance with him. He was far too arrogant. Besides, there was another young lad who had already captured her heart. At least, she believed it was in the process of being so.
She sat upon her bed as she waited for the servants to draw her a bath. When it was ready, she went into the other room and took off her dressing gown. She slipped into the water and closed her eyes, wishing for just a few minutes to relax and dream about the night before. It was lovely. His family was lovely. She adored Ginnerva, even though she had hardly spent any time with the young maiden.
Harrold. He seemed smitten with the girl. They would make a lovely couple. Would his father allow the courtship?
Just then Luna entered the room, Hermione was pleased as her thoughts were already turning more troublesome. At least she would have Harrold to spend time with tonight. Perhaps she would ask a few subtle questions about his affections.
Later, Hermione nervously stepped into the deep, golden dress decorated with small jewels, mostly diamonds, rubies, onyx, and those of a deep golden color she did not know the proper name. She wore a tiara on her head, one that matched the color of the dress. She was glad it did not have more jewels on it, the dress was decorated far too much for her taste. And it was heavy. She had danced freely in the dress she wore at the village festival. Tonight would not be as pleasant.
At the Ball…
The ball started officially when the King and his daughter were announced, and all of the guests stood and bowed slightly. Everyone was dressed in their finest, but none outshone the Princess. The music started as the two walked down the stairs into the grand ballroom, everyone waiting for them to open the first dance. Most already had drinks ready, and people toasted one another after saluting their royal family, minus the Queen.
"Oh, father, this is nice," Hermione commented as they danced together. Her father was in a good mood, but his reason was not to her liking.
"Yes, and soon you shall be dancing with all of the eligible young men tonight. Perhaps one will capture your heart."
Not likely, for it has already been caught, she thought..
"Now, young Lord Malfoy is looking exceptionally well tonight, he has eyes for you."
"Yes, father." She sighed.
"You do not fancy his attentions?"
"I…I hardly know him, father."
"Well, get to know him tonight. Dance with him. He will be seated at our table once again.
As always, and no doubt his mother? Is his father here? She looked around, and spotted the Lord himself. She breathed a sigh of relief.
When the number ended, Rose could see a handful of men all looking at her hopeful, standing as near to her as they dared. Draco was the only one who had the courage to come forth. In fact, he didn't think about it for a second. He went to claim what he wanted.
"May I have this dance, Princess?"
Hermione nodded.
Near the back of the room, where many of the Lords and Ladies' servants stood waiting to answer any needs of the families they belonged to, Luna stood in her plain dress. At least it was new; Hermione had given her a handful of new frocks, some for her duties and others for her days off. The dress she wore now was crimson, showing off her unusual colored hair.
Since Luna hadn't really been to any of the formal events with Hermione, she hadn't seen those except who bustled about in the same corridors as she did during her daily routine. A few nobles here and there; some would sneak into the chambers of other female servants. But never had she laid eyes upon the young man with the purest, most angelic hair she had ever seen.
Her breath drew in as she spotted him as he made his way toward her Lady. There was no doubt, based on Hermione's description, that this was Lord Malfoy. Lord Draconis Malfoy.
Her saddened eyes watched as he took her lady's hand and led her to the middle of the dance floor. The music started again, and she watched them dance.
She knew Hermione had no interest in him, so she held no jealousy. But what she wouldn't give for a moment of his time. She doubted his own servant – or servants – would allow her serving their Lord.
The dance ended, and Draco bowed to Hermione. "Your highness, perhaps we shall dance again this evening," He stated, for it was not intended to be a question.
A few dances later Hermione finally found herself dancing with her favorite guest. Harrold. They spent the minutes of the dance laughing and joking about, and when the song ended Harrold led her towards the far side of the room. He looked around and realized they were just far enough from others to not be overheard.
"Hermione, I have a message for you from Ronald.
Hermione's face brightened and she blushed. "What is it?"
"He wants to know if you would like to visit him and his family at the Burrow come Tuesday."
She smiled. "That would be lovely. Please tell him I shall be there."
To not seem suspicious, the two wandered over to a table where goblets of wine were being poured, and each took one as the King announced that the feast was ready for all to enjoy.
"That is my cue," Harrold said as he lifted her hand to kiss it. "I shall dance with you later?"
"Of course," Hermione answered smiling. At least he asked, she thought, unlike Lord Malfoy.
Neither of them noticed the young Lord himself watching them carefully, until a servant bumped into him.
"A thousand pardons, Lord," The young girl stammered.
Draco looked her over. She was different from the other servants, especially those that graced the halls of his father's estate. He noticed her blush, and felt something stir inside of him. "You are excused," He said politely before something rude escaped his lips. He wondered why he didn't scold her, but then thought it he must be too overjoyed to go and sit next to the Princess.
Throughout the meal Draco noticed the same girl serving Hermione, and realized that she must be the princess' personal servant. Realizing it was a good thing he was polite to her, he smirked and thought of ways to find out more about the Princess.
As he picked up his goblet, he casually let his hand move over on top of Hermione's. She scowled, but he did not notice.
Hermione looked to her other side where Luna was now picking up her finished plate and saw the sad look on her dear friend's face. I shall ask her what is troubling her later.
A few more hours of mingling and dancing led into the early hours of the next day, and by the time Hermione reached her chambers she was exhausted. But Luna was there, having refreshed herself and ready to attend to her lady's needs.
"No, no, sit down, Luna," Hermione started as the young girl was about to go prepare her bed. "I can do that well enough. Please, relax. I know tonight has been…" She paused, not sure how to ask what she wanted to learn.
"Tis alright, Princess. I know my duties."
"No, I want you to enjoy yourself. Are you tired? You can sleep here if you like. I have enough room." Indeed she did, with a full length sofa and spare bedroom that had never been used.
"That can't be the way, Hermione." Luna replied with a sigh.
"But are you not my friend? Surely I won't tell, unless you might?"
Luna shook her head. "Oh, no, of course not. Are…are you certain?"
Hermione laughed as she kicked off her shoes and draped herself on the sofa. "Please, sit beside me." There was still plenty of room.
Luna complied. She let out a long sigh and relaxes against the cushions.
"What troubles you, if I may so ask?" Hermione whispered.
"It is nothing," Luna replied.
Hermione sat up a little. "I saw how you looked at the feast. Please, you are my friend. You may confide in me, unless you do not wish to." She was a little saddened at her friend's hesitance.
"I…I saw him."
Hermione frowned. "Who?"
"Lord Malfoy." She said in a low voice.
Hermione chuckled. "He is nothing special. You know I do not like…forgive me, do you like him?"
"I am sorry, he is just so…so beautiful!"
"Luna, I…I do not know how to respond. I think he is arrogant and only seeks my attention for my status."
"I know, but I cannot help how I felt when I saw him."
Hermione sat full up and leaned over to hug her friend. It was the first time she had ever done so. She held the girl as she cried, the two soon falling asleep on the sofa together.
