Glozelle was waiting for them, a serious look on his face.
What's going on? Edmund asked. Is there something wrong?
I have just learnt about a new event in this tournament. They are organizing a ball for Christmas. I expect every one of you to honour us, and to honour Narnia.
Edmund was about to laugh, but then understood how serious the general was. He was taking both his role and Narnia's honour to heart.
"Of course, sir." He said. "We will."
Peter hence immediately approached Hermione.
"Would you come with me to the ball?" He asked.
The young woman blushed and giggled.
"It would be my honour, Peter."
Edmund, as for him, went to Glozelle for a private conversation.
"Lord Glozelle, I need your help."
"What is it, king Edmund?"
"I need you to obtain me an authorization to work in the potion room, and have access to the ingredients."
"Consider it done. Was that all?"
"There's also something else... it's... it's a private matter, and I need advise."
"I will do my best."
"Well... there's a girl, and I fell in love with her. But, I'm scared she doesn't feel the same, and I don't know how to tell her..."
"Is that the advice you need?"
"Yes..."
"Do you truly love her?"
"Yes. I do."
"Then be honest with her. Tell her. Don't open the way to regrets. And if she doesn't love you back, then you'll know.
"Thank you, sir."
"It is quite funny, though. Your younger self also asked me this question."
"And what did you say?"
"I told him to invite the young lady to the ball. You should find a partner too. I shall see to your request."
And that's how, on the next morning, the young man found himself in professor Snape's classroom, while the potion master was giving his classes. If at first the teacher only observed him from a distance, to Edmund greatest surprise, he started to give the young king punctual advices during the day. Once the lessons were over, the potion master came to see the young man, while he was lowering the fire under his cauldron.
"You listened to my advices." he said. "Why?"
"Why shouldn't I? You are one of the greatest potion master ever."
"I could be sabotaging your preparation..."
"I don't think you would."
Snape smirked.
"Why is that?"
"Because you're a man of honour." the young king thought. "Even though you made bad decisions." but he decided to say something else.
"I had a dream, last night." He partly lied. "There was a meadow, and there was a couple. I don't know who they were, but she was wearing a white lily in her hair. She told me that you were a man of honnor, and she wanted me to give you a message."
Snape blinked.
"What message?" He asked.
"She thanks you for looking after her son, in your own way. As for her husband, he said he apologized about the way he treated you when you were young."
"Does he, now?" Snape said, rising a doubtful eyebrow.
"To be very honest, he said something like "tell silly Severus I'm sorry I mistreated him and call him silly Severus." the woman also said she would be there to welcome you when your time has come."
The Potion Master silently assessed the young king.
"You have to let your potion rest for ten days, now." he finally said. "Then, I recommand you add some powdered gillyweed. Now, leave."
Edmund silently thanked him, and as decided on the day before, went to the requirement room to work on his waltz. After this "refresher course", he asked Lucy to be her partner, which she gladly agreed to.