Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only the Archard family belongs to me. The French words/phrases will be italicized, as well as the spells. Please review!

Chapter 17: Get Up, Dress Up

Diaspora POV

The day of the Winter Ball had finally arrived, and I would be lying to say I was not looking forward to it. The mansion had been filled with the buzz of excitement and activity since breakfast. Isabelle was still pouting about not being allowed to attend, though Henrik's and Janette's own excitement at meeting Nymphadora did keep her from complaining verbally at the very least.

I was forever grateful that Andy's daughter was an auror-in-training, as it helped assuage some of Ashton's concerns about leaving the triplets at home without either of us. It had not even been a full year since Ashton lost the last of his relatives to those horrendous fire attacks.

That whole mess was only made more disheartening because the attacks were deemed to be Muggle attacks against us, from Muggles who had found out about magic and were attempting to burn us in a modern-day witch trial. There were no magical signatures found at Ashton's ancestral home, his sister's home, and our home at the time; however, no one but Ashton thought to check the Muggles for magical influences straight away. He found the Muggles had traces of magic on them, but by the time the Aurors finally got around to checking them for magical influence, the Muggles had all spontaneously died, taking the only magical evidence with them.

At least, that was what Ashton and I had first thought. To this day, I still do not know how he did it, but while we were hiding here in Britain, Dumbledore was able to find other evidence of magical interference. Ashton had been there at the trials, while I remained behind with the children, keeping them unaware of the situation at the time. Ashton only ever informed me of the culprits' identities, Claude and Marius Deveaux, Victor, Cora, and Regina Pineau, and Emillia Mondry. He never spoke of them again after that, not even about their sentences.

Though I can understand his unwillingness to discuss things further. It was horrendous to lose not only his parents, twin brother, and triplet sisters in such a way, but to lose his nieces and nephew…they were so young. Ashton had changed in his grief - not that I could entirely fault him, though his paranoia seemed to know no bounds. Circe bless me with patience, but without the children's knowledge, he placed monitoring charms on the things they always seemed to wear: Alaric's watch, Blaire's necklace, Carlisle's and Dustin's pins, and Esme's hair clips. If someone dared to cast harmful magic on them, then Ashton would be alerted almost instantaneously.

I trusted Dumbledore to ensure Hogwarts was protected and safe for all the students, but I could never bring myself to dissuade Ashton from his efforts; I loved him too much. I knew how much he needed to have some sort of peace of mind that our children were safe. I would not put it passed him to have placed a monitoring charm on myself, especially when I leave Heaven's Garden for one of the many tea socials I attend.

I had managed to reconnect with many old friends from Hogwarts, as well as a few I had not entirely missed (but to whom it was necessary I play polite with). This time around we would not hide away from those who might scheme against us; instead Ashton and I would play the game of the Elite and High Society and keep a strict watchful eye on who we could trust and who we could not. Neither of us would sit idly by, instead taking an active role in both securing the Archard place among the British Elite and forging a path for our children, while also ensuring our family remained guarded and safe.

Tonight would be an accumulation of Ashton's efforts at the Ministry and my own mechanisms at those tea socials. While our darling children would socialize with the other children and enjoy the actual Ball, Ashton and I will be circling the room and speaking to the many who will be vying for our favor. Ashton and I intended to keep our family as neutral as possible; it really was the only political position that was open to compromise.

The Old Guard were adamant to keep Muggleborns out of the Ministry in order to bar them from infecting our Community with Muggle traditions and beliefs. They refused to compromise or acknowledge there might be a better way than completely blocking out the Muggleborns from magical leadership. The more 'progressive' families were practically the same, as they were adamant that the Wizarding Community should be more open to Muggles and adopt their traditions to make Muggleborns more comfortable. They refused to compromise or acknowledge there might be a better way than giving up our traditions and culture to make a small part of the population more comfortable.

Though, the 'small' part was a dying argument in and of itself. More and more Muggleborns seemed to be popping up through the last few decades. Through them, the number of Half-Bloods continued to rise as well; though the majority of Half-Bloods remained in Wizarding households so our traditions and beliefs were still being safeguarded with them. On the other hand, households with Muggleborns or Muggles in them, more often than not, branched away from Wizarding traditions; though there were still Blood Traitors who willfully betrayed centuries of traditions and customs.

It might be a far reaching goal, but Ashton hoped he could unite the neutral families in the Wizgamont, and perhaps even convince families from the other sides as well, in order to come to a true compromise that brings Muggleborns further into our society, yet at the same time would dissuade them from bringing Muggle traditions with them. They would not have to abandon their Muggle roots, but as the individual joining a new culture, they would be expected to respect our traditions.

I had lost count of how many times during my years at Hogwarts a Muggleborn would scoff at the thought of Mother Magic or refer to Magic as merely a tool. We would be expected to not react in anger at their rude ignorance and casual insults to centuries of traditions and customs (though admittedly, some would lower themselves to using the derogatory term Mudblood). Yet, should someone scoff at something Muggle, they would be called a bigot by the Muggleborns more often than not in their own reaction of anger. The whole thing was a mess of hypocrisy and miscommunication that has continued to grow the last few centuries.

Thankfully, tonight would be a party amongst the Elite and High Society of the British Wizarding Community, so there would be no such arguments occurring there. Despite the intended socialization amongst the politicians, it was still a ball. I did hope Ashton and I would find the time for a dance or two. He may appear more focused on politics and his job at times, but Ashton does still find the time for a little romancing every so often. Though, after the triplets we both agreed to have no more children; (five pregnancies were more than enough for me).

After a family lunch, it was time to begin preparations for the Winter Ball. I clapped my hands twice to get everyone's attention. "Girls, please join me in the Master Suite; we will be getting ready together. Janette. Isabelle. You both are welcomed to join us and help if you so wish."

Janette beamed, "Oh, yes please! I wanna see the pretty dresses!"

While Isabelle tried to look uninterested, but I could see the twinkle of curiosity in her eyes. "I wouldn't mind, I guess."

I smiled at all my girls. "Excellent. Then let us adjourn. Boys, you are on your own." I sent a sharp look to Ashton. "Though I am sure your father will provide assistance if you need it."

Ashton cleared his throat. "Yes, we can all dress in Alaric's room then. I will not have any of you improperly wearing your robes."

Leaving the boys to my husband, I gathered the girls and we made our way upstairs. I had already directed Tipper, Zimpsy, and Paddy to lay out everyone's dress robes in the correct rooms before lunch. When the five of us entered the Master Suite, our three ball gowns were hanging neatly in a row on the doors of my wardrobe.

Janette squealed at seeing the dresses. "You're all gonna look so pretty!"

I smiled and directed Blaire and Esme toward the washroom. "We best get started then. You two must go wash first and foremost." I would not need to wash again today with the aid of a few spells to ensure I would not smell ripe even if I were to be standing under direct sunlight for hours on end. Ah~, the beauty of magic.

"Oui, Maman," intoned Esme as she followed Blaire into the attached washroom.

While they were washing, I went about selecting accessories to match our gowns, with Janette's and Isabelle's approval. This way, the girls felt more involved in the affair that they were too young to attend. Even if we were to host a ball at the mansion, the triplets would be kept in their rooms unless they were old enough. Once they were at least eight years old, then they would be allowed to attend a ball. This was something Ashton and I agreed upon, because while balls and parties were enjoyable, they were no place for small children.

While this would not be my eldest four's first party or ball, it would be for Esme, Fain, and Gérard. I was hopeful this annual Winter Ball would be as my own first one was all those years ago. In my opinion, balls themselves had a magic to them. It was, after all, at the annual Ministry of Magic's Midsummer Ball that I met Ashton. We had such a wonderful evening together as we talked and danced. I felt a spark ignite between us on that night. Each of us desired to get to know one another further. Several outings later we were in love, the spark between us now a roaring inferno. Our love was only confirmed to us when Mother Magic blessed our union on our wedding day, when sparks of gold and silver encircled us as our bond was sealed.

I by no means expected any of my children to find their own sparks tonight. Esme and the youngest twins were much too young for such things, and Carlisle and Dustin did not seem to have any interest in that sort of thing yet, despite their more charming natures. A mother knows her children; I knew very well that while Alaric was at that age to start considering marriage possibilities, he had no desire to settle down any time soon if he could help it. Ashton was wise enough to see this as well, and would not force anything upon Alaric. Alliances were all well and good, but not at the expense of your children's wellbeing and happiness.

Then there was my dear second-born. Despite how well she tried to hide it, Blaire had already discovered a spark with someone. I was far from dim and recognized the signs in my eldest girl, though I supposed it helped that I heard Blaire sigh the name George a few times I came upon her napping in the library. I did some snooping and while there were three Georges at Hogwarts, only two were close enough in age to Blaire; additionally she had talked about a George Weasley at dinner the first night my Hogwarts children returned. My galleons were on her spark being George Weasley.

Ashton may dislike the Weasley's for betraying our customs and raising their children on Muggle beliefs, but from what I've gathered from the Tea Socials, this was done more out of Arthur Wealsey's fascination with Muggles rather than the willful betrayal of our ways. Still, I could not comprehend why Molly Wealsey nee Prewett would allow it; though perhaps the pre-emptive exclusion from High Society events cemented Molly Weasley's decision to concede to her husband's curiosity. I remember them both from Hogwarts, and Arthur Weasley had already established himself as a Blood Traitor before their marriage, so Molly Weasley's exclusion had been guaranteed. I would never have gone along with such a thing, but I was still underaged at the time, and therefore unable to hold any sway amongst the adult witches in Upper Society.

I was content to let Blaire do as she liked, and simply see what they may become. She would share with me about him when she was ready, or when things progressed along far enough. I had faith that Blaire would choose a fine person to spend her life with; she was such a well-adjusted, kind, and independent young lady already. Though if for some reason Blaire ends up with a horrible little boy, I could count on my beloved Ashton to ensure the boy would never see the light of day again.

I giggled at the thought as I pulled out the shoes I had set aside for each of us to wear. I had found a pair of darling silver low-heel shoes for Esme, that matched her dress perfectly and would not cause her feet to ache after long hours. For Blaire, I specially ordered a pair of black satin heels. They were three-inch heels and were spelled with cushioning charms to protect the wearer from getting sore feet. Beauty was important tonight, but comfort simply should not be denied purely for beauty's sake; besides magic could and would ensure both.

Turning back around I saw that Blaire and Esme had returned from washing, both wearing the bath robes I set out for them beforehand. "Now girls, with long dresses or ball gowns, it is important to put your shoes on before your dress. Most gowns will have corsets, or are so form fitting that bending over is nearly impossible," I explained as I handed Esme and Blaire their shoes.

As the girls went about putting on their shoes,I smoothed out their ball gowns while I continued to lecture. "Some witches choose to put makeup on before their dress as well in order to avoid staining their dresses with falling powder or splatter; however, we are witches, and a simple cleansing charm will fix any make up accident that may occur."

I swiftly removed my day dress before I put on my sparkling silver four-inch heels. Blaire wasted no time and removed her robe so she could step into her dress. I had picked out her dress specifically because it was Gryffindor scarlet red, though the original dress would've been too loose and short for Blaire. Thankfully, the tailor at Madam Russe's Boutique was able to alter the dress for Blaire's shape and height. It became a modest A-line quartered sleeved floor length ball gown with a built-in corset that fastened up the back. The woman was kind enough to add a wreath of holly around the cinched waist to add a splash of color. The holly ended up lining up quite well where the sheer red swaths that fell like water over the skirt and connected at the waist line.

Once Blaire was situated into her dress, I fastened the cloth strings to the appropriate clasps and tightened the dress until it was snug against Blaire and would stay firmly in place. "Are you able to breath, ma petite Blaire?" I asked.

Blaire took a deep breath. "Yes, I can breathe just fine. The corset is flexible enough."

"Good. You may go do your makeup how you like. I laid out a pearl set for you to wear."

"Thank you, Mother."

Blaire walked over to the vanity, followed by Isabelle who wished to watch Blaire put her makeup on. I turned around to see Janette gazing adoringly at Esme who stood there holding her dress against her chest to prevent it from falling off. I giggled. "Here, petite papillon, let me lace it up for you."

Just as Blaire's dress was Gryffindor red, Esme's dress was Slytherin emerald green. Since this was her first ball gown, I had the dress fitted so it was just shy of floor length to ensure Esme wouldn't be at risk of tripping on the hem. Her dress required little alterations from the original I found in the boutique. The one thing I did have the tailor do was add a sheer muslin material over the sweetheart neckline that gathered at the shoulders and fell to her waist, leaving her arms bare. The material was then cinched at her waist, leaving the sparkly falling snowflake design on the skirt visible.

Esme was still a bit too young for a corset, so her dress simply used ribbons to close up the back of the gown. I tied the ribbons together so they wouldn't loosen as the night wore on and then tucked the bow and remaining strings into the small hole in the back of the gown to hide them from view.

"Your dress really makes your eyes shine," complimented Janette.

"Thank you, Maude."

I never really understood why Esme called Janette by her middle name. At first, I thought it would confuse Janette, but she continued to respond to her name, so I let it go, though made it clear to Esme that in front of guests and strangers she had to call Janette by her real name.

"Janette, why don't you show Esme the jewelry set you picked out for her," I suggested.

"Okay! Come one, Esme, you'll love them. They're diamond snowflakes to match the ones on your dress," Janette explained as she led Esme over to the second vanity, that I had Tipper set up earlier.

I then took my midnight blue and black lace gown off the hanger. Since my gown was a sleeveless cocktail dress, it did not have any sort of opening in the back, only the ribbons to tighten the dress on both sides. Therefore, I had to carefully pull the dress on over my head since my hips were a tad too wide to pull the dress up as I normally would. Five pregnancies had left me with more...padded assets than I had in my youth (not that Ashton seemed to really notice; his affections, as mine for him, have never wavered through the years). I gathered the bottom of the skirt, being mindful of the medium length slit on the right side of the dress, and pulled it over my head and shimmied until it fell into its proper place.

"Tipper," I called out.

Tipper then appeared with a soft pop. "Yes, Mistress. How can Tipper help?"

I smiled at the little house elf. "Please tighten my corset. Then I need you to help us with our hair."

"Yes, Mistress!" Tipper exclaimed happily. She really did enjoy helping us girls get ready for parties.

While I felt Tipper go about tightening my corset, I pulled on a pair of long black satin gloves. I know Ashton would prefer my arms bare, but I felt the need to cover the scar I had on my left forearm. I was by no means embarrassed by it, as it was just a simple scar leftover from my adventurous phase in my youth, when I took a tumble from a tree I decided to climb. The scar was just eye catching since it was so long and wide. I had no desire for complete strangers to rudely stare at it, not when Ashton and I had clear objectives we had to achieve tonight. There was little time, and patience, for me to explain away the scar when people would inevitably ask me what happened, and then why I did not just glamour it.

"All done, Mistress. Tipper ready to help with Mistress's and Little Mistresses' hair!"

"Thank you, Tipper," I said as I joined Blaire and Esme at the vanities. Blaire had done a wonderful job on her makeup, highlighting her features while making most of the makeup subtle. Her red lipstick popped on her face, but blended nicely with her scarlet red dress. She had the same theme almost with Esme, but instead of red lipstick, Blaire was applying a pink gloss coating to add some color to Esme's lips.

Isabelle and Janette were both obviously enchanted as they watched their already pretty older sisters become polished beauties of High Society. I easily glided my wand across my face and applied a small layer of makeup before I applied a mauve lipstick myself without magic. Once I was satisfied with my makeup, I fastened the diamond and sapphire pendant around my neck and put on the dangle silver earrings the girls had picked out for me. Now it was time for the finishing touch; our hair.

"Any suggestions, Tipper?" I asked the excitable little house elf.

Her features scrunched up adorably as she thought hard, her hands playing with her long ears. Tipper then jumped, exclaiming, "Tipper has idea!"

The elf scurried behind Blaire and snapped her fingers. Blaire's hair came to life as her natural wavy hair became more pronounced, a sleek shine being added to it as it wove itself over her right shoulder, and was pinned into place by some holly that match those that decorated Blaire's waist.

Blaire smiled at her reflection in the vanity mirror as she turned her head to admire the pin. The style really suited Blaire, and went well with the simple design of her dress.

Isabelle, however, appeared disappointed. "But that's sssooo boring looking."

Poor Tipper seemed to wilt slightly. I was about to admonish Isabelle for her careless remark, when Blaire spoke up. "Sometimes the simplest things are the right choice, petite Belle. Besides, it suits me well, no?"

Janette was quick to agree. "Yeah! Blaire is so pretty and it matches her dress. Great job Tipper!"

Tipper's hunched shoulders slowly unfurled as her excitement from before returned.

I then gently admonished Isabelle to make it clear to her what she said was unacceptable. "Ma petite Isabelle, you must be careful with your words. While I am sure you did not intend to, you had implied that Blaire looked bad with her hair done this way and thus hurt Tipper's feelings."

Now it was Isabelle who wilted and she was quick to hug Tipper. "I'm sorry, Tipper I didn't mean to. It is nice, I just thought it would look like the witches in the pictures."

"Tipper forgives Little Mistress. Tipper now has betterer idea for Little Mistress Esme!"

Isabelle pulled back and eagerly watched as Tipper moved behind Esme and once again snapped her fingers. Like Blaire's, Esme's hair came alive. It gathered itself and wove into a braided bun with delicate little snowflakes popping into existence through the braiding.

Janette asked, "Tipper, can you make the snowflakes sparkle like the others?"

"Tipper can do that!" A snap of the house elf's fingers and the snowflakes began to gently twinkle like stars, instead of like the diamonds in Esme's necklace and bracelet. Honestly, the small charm had a lovely effect, which both of my youngest girls approved of, judging by their bright smiles.

Tipper was looking especially proud of herself this time as she confidently strutted behind me. I watched in the mirror from my place behind Esme as Tipper's snap made my own hair come alive. The sides of my hair slid up and back, gathering behind the rest of my hair and being secured in place by long silver and sapphire clips, as my natural curls straightened out.

I smiled, feeling pleased with the results. "Thank you, Tipper. You did an excellent job."

Tipper bounced up and down in her happiness, but then seemed to catch herself and returned to her usual politeness. "Tipper happy to help Mistress and Little Mistresses. Can Tipper do anything else for Mistress?"

"No that will be all, Tipper. I am sure all the boys are done by now, and Nymphadora should be arriving soon."

Tipper then bowed to me. "Tipper be returning to her duties then." Then with a soft pop the little house elf disappeared.

I turned to Esme and Blaire. "Now girls, as underage witches you are not permissioned by the British Ministry of Magic to perform magic outside of Hogwarts. As such it is discouraged for underaged wizards and witches to carry wands at High Society events; however, most do anyways, so please keep your wands out of sight." I gestured to where small hidden pockets were on their gowns. "Right there, are specially sewn pockets that are glamored from outside eyes. They are intended for your wands."

Both girls checked and fumbled around for a second before they located the pockets.

"You may go retrieve your wands from your rooms if you so wish, but remember, only remove your wand as a last resort."

"Oui, Maman."

"Yes, Mother."

Both girls agreed before leaving for their rooms. Janette skipped alongside Esme, while Isabelle remained at my side.

"Petite Belle, would you please go check if the boys are finished dressing yet?"

Isabelle nodded her head. "Right!" and then scurried out of the room.

I giggled to myself; Nymphadora will certainly have her hands full with Isabelle tonight. I glided over to my wardrobe and retrieved my wand from where I had set it down before changing. I easily located my own glamored pocket along my right side and secured my wand inside.

A Wizard's and Witch's wand was an extension of themselves, our magic entwined with the internal magic of our wand cores. To many who are deeply connected to their magic, parting with their wand felt uncomfortable and wrong. Most children were not yet attuned to their magic until after they became of age, though there were always exceptions to this generalization. This is why, despite underaged witches and wizards not being permissioned to carrying their wands at most High Society events, most did anyways and kept them hidden.

I had just finished putting on my Crest bracelet over my gloves when I felt a ripple flow through my magic. It was the alert from the wards that someone had arrived at the designated apparition point. This had to be Nymphadora as we were expecting no one else; besides, the wards would have blocked anyone with malintent intentions, forcing them to bounce off the first layer of protection wards set around Heaven's Garden's boundary.

The children may be aware there are wards around the boundary, but not to the number of them or which types of wards exactly. It was information they did not necessarily need, and Ashton was paranoid that the children would try to sneak out if they knew how to get through the wards. Both Ashton and I are tuned into the wards and are alerted noiselessly to anyone who enters and leaves the grounds; however, Ashton was more attuned since he was the one who set up the wards in the first place.

There were seven layers of wards that were collectively powerful and woven tightly as to not allow any intruder to slip through. One layer was a standard protective ward that absorbed magical attacks, another was the layer that specifically bounces back magicals with ill intentions, and another was an anti-Muggle ward that kept Muggles from both entering the grounds and from the location Heaven's Garden to begin with. The fourth layer was made using Archard Familial Magic and would bounce back both magical and physical attacks, and the last three layers acted as reinforcements to the other wards, and were the ones that magical wove the four other wards together seamlessly.

I made my way downstairs to the entryway at a sedate pace, as it would take a few minutes for the guest to arrive at the front door from the apparition point, even if they were to sprint. Ashton had designated with Rune Stones all those trying to apparate to Heaven's Garden would land just in front of the fountain. This way those who arrive via apparition must go around the fountain to reach the front door.

I was just about to reach the bottom of the grand staircase when Ashton walked through the left archway. Even after all these years, I still felt like blushing as a schoolwitch when I saw him all spruced up in formalwear. My love was looking especially sharp in his black dress robes with a midnight blue necktie meant to match my gown. His Crest ring shined in the light as he lifted his hand. I smiled brightly at my beloved husband as I placed my hand in his and descended the last few steps.

Ashton lifted my hand to kiss the back of it as he practically purred, "You look ravishing as always, ma amour."

This time I did blush, but then smiled lavishly as I stepped closer and straightened his necktie. "Best not start something unless you intend to follow through with, mon cœur."

I could see the flames of desire ignite in his eyes and my heart sped up as he leaned down to kiss me. Sadly, we were interrupted by a clumsy knock upon the door. I leaned up and nuzzled our noses together. "There's always later." Later tended to happen a lot with ten children, though it never stopped either of us from being disappointed at being interrupted. Ashton quickly pecked my forehead before he turned to attend the door.

He opened the door just as the knocking resumed, causing the poor young witch to fall forward. Ashton's arm shot out on reflex and Nymphadora latched onto it as a brace, halting herself from falling.

Nymphadora quickly righted herself as her hair turned from light pink to a dusty rose color. Perhaps that meant she was embarrassed? (Though she must have pushed through it as her hair returned to its original pink color). "Wotcher! Nice to meet friends of my mom's."

Ashton flinched away from Nymphadora, her lack of proper speaking most likely bothering him a great deal. I found it endearing on the bright and obviously energetic young witch. Andy had warned me her daughter, despite all her efforts, never could grasp all the restrictive properties of being 'proper' and was unashamedly herself.

I smiled at the pink haired young witch. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Nymphadora. Your mother-"

She interrupted what I was going to say next. "It's Tonks actually, I don't like using my first name, it's annoyingly long, dontcha think."

Ashton's smile pinched slightly from her rude interruption, while I just internally sighed. I do not foresee Ashton willingly desiring to socialize with the Tonks family, but he will endure it. Andy may had been a few years ahead of me in Hogwarts, but she was and is a dear friend. Besides, her and Narcissa are the only sane remaining members of the Black family, with both Sirius and Bellatrix convicted murderers in Azkaban.

"Very well, Tonks. Thank you dearly for agreeing to look after the triplets. Your presence shall give my mother's mind a bit of peace of mind tonight."

"I don't mind at all, I love little ickle-kids, sides it's nice to change things up and get a break from all the studying I haveta do for auror training."

Ashton replied in a flat voice, "Indeed." With a wave of his wand, Ashton summoned a piece of parchment from further inside the mansion that floated gently into his hand. "This is a detailed list of guidelines that you must follow to the letter. We were sure to include everything necessary to the care of each child as well as some anecdotes to ensure none of them attempt to run wild without Diaspora or I here."

Honestly, Henrik and Janette were the sweetest little things. Our main concern for tonight was Isabelle being able to ascend into her rampant adventurous streak. I loved my second youngest girl, but she required a certain amount of structure and supervision to avoid needless injuries.

"Dontcha worry, I've got this all handled. Anything they'll think of trying, I've tried myself at some point, so I know what to look for."

I could not fault her for her thought path, and as an auror-in-training she would be a last line of defense if someone were to actually break through the wards.

Any further discussion was halted when the sounds of feet coming down the staircase could be heard. I quickly counted and all the children were accounted for - Alaric and Blaire must have wrangled them all together before descending the stairs.

"Children, excellent timing! This is Miss Nymphadora Tonks, though please refer to her as Tonks."

"Wotcher! You all are looking spiffy for tonight." I internally giggled at some of their faces at being presented with Tonks. I could guess none of them were expecting such an...enthusiastic and pink haired individual.

Ashton then spoke up. "Miss Tonks, these are our children." He gestured toward Alaric. "This is my Heir, Alaric." Alaric stepped forward and gave a small bow with a bright smile on his face. He was growing into a miniature version of Ashton and was looking quite handsome in his black dress robes with his scarlet red necktie. With him not escorting anyone to this ball, it was only fitting that he matched with Blaire.

"And his twin, Blaire." As Alaric stepped back, Blaire stepped forward and gave a little curtsy with a twinkling smile of her own. I would think Tonks and Blaire would be good friends if given the chance.

"Then there's Carlisle," and Carlisle then stepped forward, a charming smile on his face as he gave his own little bow; looking quite sharp despite his still young age in his dark gray dress robes and white necktie. The gray did well to make his dirty blonde hair appear lighter.

Dustin did not even wait for Ashton to introduce him as he stepped forward next to his identical twin and gave his own little bow while managing to grab Tonks' hand and kissing the back of it. Tonks' hair became that dusty rose color again as she stared down with wide eyes at Dustin's now impish smile.

Ashton cleared his throat before saying, "and this is his twin Dustin." Dustin did not look chastened at all by the stern look Ashton was sending him, as he continued to smile charmingly at Tonks, his navy-blue dress robes and gold necktie highlighting both his blonde hair and blue eyes. Those two are their own sort of trouble that often gets overshadowed by Fain's and Gérard's eye-catching shenanigans.

Tonks' hair returned to its light pink color as Dustin finally stepped away and Ashton moved on to introduce Esme. "Now, this is Esme." Esme copied Blaire and did a small curtsy, though she had a perfectly polite smile on her face. It was difficult at times to tell what she was thinking, as she took after Ashton in that regard; though I could read Ashton quite well now after sixteen years of marriage.

"Next is Fain, and his twin Gérard." The poor boys looked nervous as they fidgeted through their polite bows. Despite their nerves, both boys were looking adorable in their small dress robes; Fain in a light gray dress robe with a baby blue vest, while I had picked out charcoal gray dress robes with an emerald vest for Gérard. Neither boy wore a necktie (as I had thought they would find them too restrictive) and it was obvious I was correct. They looked uncomfortable enough as is, though Tonks smiled no less brightly at them and her happy demeanor seemed to help soothe some of both boys' nerves.

"Finally, these will be your charges for this evening. The triplets: Henrik, Isabelle, and Janette."

All three waved at Tonks, though in three different ways. Henrik was looking perfectly polite and adorable with his shy smile. Isabelle looked like a huffy kneazle kitten with the way her eyes seemed to be drilling holes into Tonks' appearance. Finally, Janette was as she always was; a tiny ball of bright smiles and sweetness.

I clapped my hands twice. "Alright ma cheris, time to depart." This acted as a signal to Paddy and Tipper who had been waiting in the background, and both walked forward with all our winter cloaks floating behind them. With waves of their hands, each cloak floated to its proper owner and magically fastened themselves.

My own black velvet cloak settled easily around my frame, the Archard Crest clasp fastening itself with a quiet click.

"Allez!" Ashton commanded, "Archards are never even tardy for social engagements."

The children, minus the triplets, all quickly filed out of the doors into the chilly winter air as the setting sun brightened up the entryway. I turned to Tonks before following. "Thank you again, Tonks. We should not be staying out too late this evening, but you are welcome to help yourself to one of the guestrooms, Tipper will show you which one."

"Again, it's no trouble at all Lady Archard. I'm happy to help a friend of Mom's," Tonks replied, with sincerity shining from her face. "Now, go enjoy yourselves," the auror-in-training ordered.

"We shall endeavor to. Good evening." I curtsied myself before finally exiting the doors, which closed gently behind me. I quickly, but carefully crossed the driveway to the center courtyard and around the fountain to the apparition point where everyone was waiting.

I gently grasped Esme and Fain's hands, while Fain held tightly to his twin. Ashton had wrapped his arm around Blaire, who was holding hands tightly with Alaric, and with his other arm was firmly gripping Dustin's upper arm, who was then holding Carlisle close to him.

"Should any of you vomit on either myself or your mother, any and all will then weed the gardens the Muggle way."

I giggled at their terrified faces. "Best to take a deep breath and suck in your gut!"

That was all the warning they got before Ashton and I each turned on our heels, a sharp cracking noise echoing around the courtyard. We heard it only briefly before it felt as though our bodies were being forced through a small and long space at high speeds, and the courtyard lay empty and quite once again.

Oui = Yes

Petite papillon = Little Butterfly

(Ma) Petite = (my) Little

Ma Cheris = my darlings

Oui = yes

Ma amour = my love

Mon cœur = my heart

Allez = come along

Thank you to my Beta Reader: TheSparkler!