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 19: The Winter Ball Continues


Esme POV

As I was making my way through the dense crowd it occurred to me - if Blaire had been dancing, where were Fain and Gérard? They only had maybe two years of dance lessons, plus neither were the type to willingly take part in any sort of dancing. I could only hope that they were in the library with the other younger children, and not getting into any mischief by foolishly exploring the Manor.

I quickened my steps as I wove through the many people crowded around the standing tables against the walls, while also avoiding stepping too close to the waltzing dancers. I passed an opened pair of double doors. A quick glance through them revealed an outside patio with many small sitting tables surrounding a large fire pit where another yule log burned; this one was a blazing auburn. There were only a few older looking witches and wizards seated outside, so I continued on toward the library.

I finally reached the library and slipped through the propped open doors. I slowly scanned the room and blinked in surprise. Fain and Gérard were both playing some sort of game with Astoria and her two friends. All five must have been having fun as they appeared completely oblivious to anyone else in the room, each smiling happily to various degrees. I was worried for nothing, and perhaps the boys would find some friends tonight after all.

I turned away from their huddled forms and saw my friends had regathered on the lounge couches; thankfully Parkinson's group was absent. I made my over, catching the tail-end of their current discussion.

"-you all left me no choice but to dance with her. Davis would've been the better option, but her brother Axel twirled her away before I could escape from Millicent's grasp."

I settled beside Blaise on the couch while patting him on the shoulder in fake comfort. "We all thank you for your sacrifice, mon ami, but at least you didn't have Parkinson hanging off you like a bowtruckle to a tree."

Theo laughed as he replied, "She's got you there, mate. Poor Draco had a blue tint to him for most of it."

"If you're really so against dancing," Daphne teased, "Then just stay in here for the rest of the night. With you dressed so dashing, I'm sure you could charm a few birds to sing some new gossip into your ears."

Blaise stood, making his way over to Daphne. "While I may be dashing," he said as he knelt before her, "It is you who shines like a star, cara mia."

Daphne's cheeks bloomed a dark pink. I couldn't help but giggle at her reaction, and smiled as her eyes snapped to me. "You really do look lovely Daphne, blue and silver suit you." Her dress truly was pretty, with her skirt giving the impression of ice as it shimmered lightly in the firelight.

"Both of you are lovely this evening; though I got to say Esme, you really are showing your House pride with your emerald green dress," Theo added as Blaise returned to his spot on our couch.

"It was a gift from my parents for Yule," I explained. "Maman dressed Blaire in scarlet red, so I think it was on purpose that our dresses matched our House colors."

Daphne perked up. "Speaking of gifts, thank you all for the lovely Yule presents."

"Yes, thank you, all your gifts were very thoughtful," Theo said with a smile.

I took my own turn to express my thanks. "I'm glad you both liked them, and thank you for your own gifts."

"There were some interesting presents this year," Blaise chimed in. His gaze then slowly turned to me as he grimaced. "I'm still finding leftovers in my hair from your special surprise, Esme."

I hid my smile behind my hand as I tilted my eyes away from Blaise's gaze. Theo asked with a confused look on his face, "What did you get him, Esme?"

"It was a small demonstration of our learning so far in Charms."

"What she means to say is that she charmed glitter to explode out of a card, right into my face," Blaise snarked.

Daphne snorted and quickly covered the unladylike sound with a cough, though a few giggles were escaping despite her best efforts. Theo just shook his head at our antics.

"I did want to bring up something about a Yule gift I got," I mentioned, turning more serious. "Draco sent me-"

Blaise interrupted, "A pure silver snake pin with green sphene gem eyes."

We all looked to Blaise in surprised confusion.

Blaise shrugged his shoulders. "Draco asked my opinion a while ago on it. He was worried you wouldn't like a snake pin when you favor your butterfly hair pins."

"Why wouldn't he ask me? No offense Blaise, but Draco and I are better mates than the two of you," Theo said as he pouted slightly.

"None taken, I actually agree; but you also wouldn't have hesitated to ruin the surprise by telling our dear Esme about it, in a desire for her to have prepared a gift of equal value to Draco in order to protect Draco's confidence that Esme values their friendship just as much as he does."

I winced before asking, ignoring Theo's weak protests, "Am I that obvious?"

Blaise waved his hand in front of his face slowly. "Honestly, you're not, but it's what makes sense when you think about it. You two hardly interact or really know each other well, but he has his father breathing down his neck to make a connection with you in hopes of reconnecting the Malfoy family with another French rooted Noble House, even better a Royal House."

"What did you get him for Yule?" asked Daphne.

"It was a dueling book that I found and thought he would enjoy."

"It sounds like your gift was thoughtful, which Draco will value; so you have no reason to feel guilty," Daphne reassured me.

"I can't help but feel it a bit. I honestly do want to try and be friends with Draco, but his habit of bullying others and the annoyance of Parkinson being even more insufferable have made me keep my distance."

Theo was the one to snort this time. "I agree with the Pansy part; you two really rub each other the wrong way. And is it bullying when the Gryffindors need to be taken down a peg or two, and always give as good as they get? Except they're rarely ear-bashed for their actions, while we're always assumed to be the instigators."

"Though you have to admit, Theo, Draco does enjoy having a laugh at Potter, Weasley, and Longbottom's expense," Daphne brought up.

Theo had no argument against Daphne's point and could only shrug. His eyes suddenly flickered as he froze for a moment before relaxing back into the couch. "Incoming."

I was confused until Draco walked around the couch Blaise and I were sitting on. He sat himself between Blaise and me, letting out a deep sigh as he did so.

"Alright there, mate?" asked Theo, raising one brow yet still looking amused.

Draco straightened from his slouch, leaning against the back of the couch. "Yes, just finally managed to escape from Pansy. She is literally trying to have us dance to every, single, song."

Daphne giggled, but tried to smother it when Draco's face turned sour. "I'm sorry Draco, but you really should have seen this coming. It's the first year that we can actually participate in the dancing; of course she's excited. Honestly so am I."

"I'm sure she'll simmer down soon enough; you know how her mother gets about decorum," Blaise chimed in.

"It was only thanks to Lady Azalea that I was able to escape Pansy's grasp."

"I'm guessing Lady Azalea is Parkinson's mother?" I asked.

"Yes," replied Theo. "Pansy's grandparents still hold the Titles of Lord and Lady Parkinson with Pansy's brother, Preston, being their officially named Heir. It's a sensitive topic for Pansy's father, Lord Pierce, but he holds himself well."

Blaise chuckled. "If by well you mean grinding his teeth and turning a shade of red that makes a Red Cap's hat look pink, then yes he holds himself well."

I raised a brow at Blaise's comment. So it appeared Parkinson's attitude was a family trait then.

"Mind where you are Blaise," chided Daphne. "You never know who is around to hear when you speak of things that aren't meant to be carried far."

Blaise waved his hand lazily. "Lord Pierce won't care of my opinion, not when he has his mind set on weaseling out a betrothal contract for Pansy with Draco here," Blaise said as he lightly smacked Draco on his shoulder.

Draco shivered off Blaise's hand. "Thank you for that reminder Blaise." He turned toward me and offered his hand. "Would you like to dance, Esme?"

I was slightly startled at the abruptness of it, but realized it was a chance to start towards my thoughts to be better friends with Draco. I smiled at him and accepted his hand. "Yes, thank you."

Draco kept our hands connected as he led me out of the library. I kept my head forward, ignoring the quiet sounds of Daphne's giggles behind us. I had no idea what she was giggling about, unless she thought Draco was fleeing from the discussion on betrothal contracts. Not that I blamed him if he was, I didn't like discussing them either; quite frankly the thought of marriage was unappealing to me.

As we made our way toward the dance floor, I noticed there were fewer dancers than before. Most must be busy speaking with friends and such while they waited for Selestina Warbeck to perform the Blood of the Ancients. Whether dancing or watching, it was guaranteed to be a wonderful experience.

We broke through the crowd and saw the large open space for dancing. Instead of waiting for the current song to end, I turned to Draco and took his hand more firmly into my own and got into first position. It was a good thing I did, because Draco appeared to be nervous. He hesitated in putting his other hand in place on my back, then proceeded to avoid my eyes by looking where his left hand was resting.

Well, that wouldn't do if we were to join the flow of dancers, so I carefully watched and found the moment for us to join the flow of moving bodies. "And...now," I directed before stepping further into an open space (and thus forcing Draco to follow after me).

It was a simple waltz and Draco clearly had a dance tutor as well; as he soon found the rhythm and took over leading after only a few pivots around the circle. After a few more pivots, my own muscles relaxed and I decided to break the silence that had descended upon us since leaving the library.

"Despite not liking dancing, you are quite good at it."

Draco blinked a few times before smirking at me. "Mother has tutored me herself and I would never insult her by doing it poorly."

"Your mother taught you instead of a tutor?" I clarified in surprise.

"Yes, she did. I had a tutor for my pre-Hogwarts schooling, but Mother was the one to drill dancing into my feet and etiquette into my head," Draco explained, his smirk falling into a fond smile.

I knew without a doubt I was jealous of the idea that his mother was able to spend so much time with him. I loved my siblings, I really did, but I hardly saw Maman outside of family meals and the occasional etiquette lesson back in France. Now being off at Hogwarts, there was little chance of seeing the rest of my siblings, let alone Maman and Papa.

I decided to change the topic of discussion before I forgot the main point of accepting Draco's offer of a dance. "I did wish to thank you for the Yule gift you sent me. It's a beautiful pin and I look forward to wearing it on my school robe." I smiled brightly as I added, "It really does match well and expresses House spirit."

Draco's cheeks reddened slightly as he smirked proudly. "I'm glad you think so as well. Father always says to be proud of our House. Malfoys have been Sorted into Slytherin House for generations now, so the snake has become the favored animal to display in my family."

"I did notice that of the little I saw of your home."

Draco continued to smile proudly. "Thank you for your Yule gift. I've already read the whole book and look forward to practicing the techniques with the dueling tutor Father has hired for me this summer."

I was very glad that he truly did like the book, though I still felt guilty of the differences between our gifts. "Blaire recommended the book to me. It was one of the ones she studied in Beauxbatons' Dueling Club."

Draco's smile turned sour as he twirled me in a circle. "Hogwarts doesn't even have a dueling club. Father says there used to be one, but it was dropped when Professor Flitwick took over as Ravenclaw Head of House and didn't have the time available anymore to run the club. Father has been trying to get the Board of Governors to force Dumbledore to hire someone else, but Dumbledore can only seem to barely find a new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor every year."

I blinked at the influx of information, until finally asking as we rounded the far side of the ballroom, "Wait, so Theo wasn't joking when he said the Defense Against the Dark Arts position was cursed?"

"No one knows for sure if there's an actual curse or not, but no one has ever been able to hold onto the position for more than a year for a long while."

I opened my mouth to ask further questions, but was stopped when the music for the current dance ended.

"Would you like some punch?"

"Yes, that sounds perfect."

Our hands fell away from the dancing positions, and I let Draco take the lead toward wherever the refreshments table was. It was more than likely the trays that various house elves were serving only contained ones intended for the adults. The table wasn't far and Draco grabbed two glasses of sparkling pink punch for us. I accepted the surprisingly light glass cup from Draco with a quiet thanks. We had hardly moved far from the table when a young man I didn't recognize stepped into our path.

"Draco, I see you've managed to escape my excitable sister's grasp," he intoned with a matching sharp look in his eyes and smirk.

Draco tensed slightly beside me, but no other sign of discomfort stood out to me as he easily nodded back. "I have your mother to thank for a slight reprieve, though I doubt it will last long if you have managed to sneak away to speak with me."

The young man's smirk grew wider as his eyes flashed with amusement. He then turned his eyes to me as he spoke. "I do not believe we have been properly introduced." He leaned down and took my hand in his much larger one and kissed my knuckles as he intoned, "Heir Preston Parkinson."

So, this was Parkinson's older brother...strange that he didn't have Parkinson's squashed looking nose like I was expecting. I dipped into a shallow curtsy as Heir Parkinson was still holding my hand. "Winter's greetings, I'm Esme Archard."

He finally dropped my hand and returned his hands behind his back. "Ah, yes I should've guessed. You carry the same air about you as your elder sister. She is a vision of beauty tonight and appears to be quite the graceful dancer. I look forward to perhaps experiencing that first hand, though I find myself at the disadvantage of not having been introduced to her either."

Ah~, so that was his purpose in stopping us. Heir Parkinson wanted to use me to press his presence onto Blaire, who wouldn't be able to refuse him if I, as family, introduced them. This may be my first Ball, but I was far from uneducated in this game the Nobles play.

I continued to politely smile, but let my eyes narrow slightly. "My elder sister is indeed a talented dancer. If you wish introduction," I gestured to a table off to the right of us in plain view, "There is my eldest brother Alaric who I'm sure would be happy to oblige you. If not, my sister is an intelligent young witch and would appreciate any who desire to introduce themselves to her."

Meaning; either risk Alaric's protectiveness or Blaire's denial because I won't be making things easier on you or allow you to press my sister into a position where she cannot refuse you.

Heir Parkinson's smirk fell into a slight frown, annoyance clouding his eyes. Draco spoke up, "If you excuse us Preston, our-"

"Draco, there you are!" interrupted Parkinson. She seemed to appear out of thin air and proceeded to latch herself onto Draco's left arm.

For once I found myself happy to see Parkinson, as her interruption cleanly halted her brother from continuing to pressure me into introducing him to my sister.

"The Blood of the Ancients dance should be happening any minute now, and we simply have to be dance partners with knowing each other for so long!" Parkinson said as she continued to ignore her brother and mine presences (though she may not even realize we were there).

Draco looked uncomfortable. "Uh, of course Pansy; but that will have to be the last one for tonight. As Heir Malfoy, Father expects me to properly socialize and host our guests."

I decided to take my leave sooner rather than later now that Draco has agreed to entertain Parkinson for the time being. "With such a performance approaching, I should go find my own dance partner. It was a pleasure to meet you Heir Parkinson." With a polite nod to Draco, I slipped away.

I began making my way back to the library, but heard my name be called. I turned toward the sound and found Daphne with her own punch and a plate of snacks at one of the small tables in the outside patio. I changed direction and sat down beside her.

"Why are out here by yourself?" I asked her, though my eyes searched to see if perhaps Theo and Blaise were around.

"I left them both back in the library. They were ensnared into playing Wizard Skittles with some other upper-year boys. I wasn't particularly interested in watching, so I thought I'd get some fresh air."

"I see." I really did understand; Wizard Skittles wasn't the most fun game to watch and the patio was nicely spelled against the winter chill, leaving it pleasantly warm. A thought then occurred to me.

"Though speaking of other boys, I don't recall seeing Crabbe and Goyle anywhere," I stated after taking a sip of my punch. "It's strange not to see them hovering around Draco as they usually are."

Daphne made a noise of surprise. "Oh! Right, sorry Esme, I sometimes forget you haven't been around for very long." She moved slightly more forward in her chair as she leaned closer towards me. "So, despite both the Crabbe and Goyle families being Purebloods, they aren't Noble Houses or have a lot of political influence. Crabbe and Goyle have been instructed by their fathers to befriend Draco in hopes of strengthening what ties there are between their families."

"How do you know they were instructed?"

Daphne giggled. "Those two bluntly said so to Draco when we were younger; I don't think they were aware they weren't supposed to say that particular part to him. Draco took that as permission to basically treat Crabbe and Goyle as his vassals, and those two do anything Draco's says, but it's their choice to do so."

"Okay, that explains why they always seem to follow Draco around like they're his bodyguards, but not why they aren't here."

"It's back to what I said about their families' political standing. To put it bluntly, they aren't here because they weren't invited."

"Oh...it didn't even occur to me that they wouldn't be here since everyone else from our year in Slytherin is here."

Daphne was quick to reassure me. "It's alright, you didn't know, and it's not like the four of us talk about our and other's families; but that shouldn't stop you from asking if you wish to know. Honestly thanks to his father, Theo knows all about the Noble and notable families in Britain, so he would be the one to ask if you ever have questions."

"Thank you for the explanation, but one of the reasons I appreciate you three is the fact that you don't talk about it, among other things."

Our quiet moment was halted when a melodious tone repeated a few times, causing Daphne to perk up. "It's time for the Blood of the Ancients dance!" She grasped my hand and pulled me behind her as she hurried back inside the ballroom.

Our smaller size allowed us to squeeze through the crowd easily enough until we were able to get a clear viewing of the center of the room. Once again, Lord and Lady Malfoy were standing alone on the dancing floor, hand in hand; however, unlike earlier, there was now a circular platform in the center of the ballroom, and standing alone upon it was none other than Selestina Warbeck.

Lord Malfoy raised a hand and what little chattering there was came to a halt. "It has come to the time of this night for us to dance the Blood of the Ancients as we honor those of our families that have come before us. I now invite you to join my Lady Wife and I on the floor, as we dance to the enchanting music of Ms. Selestina Warbeck!"

Everyone clapped as Selestina curtsied, and soon everyone moved onto the dance floor and began forming the two circles, one slightly smaller being the inner circle, and one slightly larger being the outer circle. Daphne and I wasted no time and quickly took up some spots next to each other in the inner circle of dancers.

The music began and so did the dance, as Ms. Warbeck began to sing the words of the ancient chant with her beautiful voice.

It's the Blood of the Ancients

That runs through our veins

And the forms pass

But the Circle of Life remains

It's the Blood of the Ancients

That runs through our veins

And the forms pass

But the Circle of Life remains

The New Moon of Morgana

The Dark Moon of Circe

The Full Moon of Hecate

All lights our changing ways

At Beltane and at Litha

Samhain and Ostara

The Sabbats and Solstices

And Equinoxes past

It's the Blood of the Ancients

That runs through our veins

And the forms pass

But the Circle of Life remains

It's the Blood of the Ancients

That runs through our veins

And the forms pass

But the Circle of Life remains

On and on the music slowly increased as the verses continued to repeat. After a break between the chants, the music began to slow down, until the last verse was repeated twice before the music slowly died.

Everyone broke into thunderous applause as they faced the center of the circles to the bowed form of Selestina Warbeck. She slowly but gracefully rose from her deep curtsy with a radiant smile on her face. It truly was a magnificent performance, not only musically, but magically. Throughout the entire song I felt her weave her magic into the very air, with all the dancers' magic humming warmly in response.

I was unable to stop smiling from the joy and magic that was still singing through my entire being. Daphne stepped forward and linked our hands, her own bright smile wide on her face, and her brown eyes shining. "That was so much fun!"

"It was!" I agreed as I started leading her back to the small table where we left our snacks and drinks. "We changed partners so many times, yet you and those twins from our year were the only ones I recognized in our dancing circle."

We settled back into our chairs, and I quickly took a drink of my punch, happy it was still chilled. Daphne also had some of her own punch before she replied back, "Well other than the Patil twins, their parents Lord Sai and Lady Priya were also in our dancing circle. There was also Madame Bagnold, who's actually the former Minister of Magic, and her son Anderson as partners. The other older couples were Lord and Lady Fawley, who were the borderline gaudy dressed ones, and then Mr. and Mrs. Swann, who were the ones matching in black and silver."

Daphne took another sip of her punch while looking thoughtful. "I believe Cho Chang and Pauline Yarrow were partners, they were the slim asian and the freckled brunette girls, since the only others in our dancing circle were Heir Shacklebolt and Michelle Laughalot. It would be strange for Heir Shacklebolt to be partners with Cho or Pauline since neither are seventeen yet and if I recall he's at least to his mid-twenties."

"What Houses are Cho and Pauline? I doubt they're Slytherins or I would've at least recognized them vaguely."

"Yes, neither are in Slytherin. Cho is actually a second-year Ravenclaw and Pauline is a sixth-year Gryffindor."

Daphne looked like she wanted to say something else, but was hesitating to do so.

"Ma amie, what is it?"

Daphne looked extremely uncomfortable, but her eyes hardened as she leaned in close and lowered her voice to the point I could barely hear her. "I once overheard Father mention that Pauline's father isn't around anymore, not because he's dead, but because in Azkaban for...dark crimes."

My eyes widened as I realized what Daphne was thinly hinting at; Mr. Yarrow was a follower of that Dark wizard from ten years ago, (it couldn't be Grindelwald or else Pauline wouldn't exist). I knew I suspected Quirrell of being among the Dark followers, but it caught me off guard to be told of someone actually being a follower, let alone a member of the Elites.

Seeing my surprise, Daphne quickly continued, "Don't repeat that to anyone, no one likes talking about those times or those that were involved. You may not have felt it being in France, but here it was a Dark time of fear and terror." Daphne's eyes shined with pain and sadness, "Mother avoids even thinking about any time before I was born, or else she grows so...grief-stricken."

I didn't like seeing Daphne so muted; her body was even curling in on itself like Maude does when Henrik and Isabelle go running off without her. I decided to change the subject. "Well Cho Chang was certainly doing herself no favors wearing such a pale pink dress, it actually made her naturally tanner skin appear pale, like in the sickly sort of way."

Daphne unfurled from her hunch position, and it was like someone cast a Lumos charm with how her eyes lit back up again. "I completely agree! I don't know what her mother was thinking; honestly Cho would've been better off in a darker gem shade than that pastel monstrosity."

"Well hopefully she doesn't take all her fashion cues from her mother so she won't be so helpless when she finally begins picking out her own gowns for social events."

"Though really, it's just the colors that Mrs. Chang seems to struggle with, the gown itself is very cute but also unique with its oriental influence. Her own gown is just the same with how she couldn't seem to coordinate her accessories with her gown color at all."

"How so?"

"She's wearing large turquoise pieces with a mint green gown, and it's clashing horribly. Trust me, it's hard to miss when you see her."

I giggled at Daphne's exaggerated disgusted face, which in turn got Daphne to giggle as well. We both quieted down quickly though, when a boy I recognized from Slytherin approached our table.

"Winter's greetings, you two. Glad to see you're both enjoying yourselves tonight."

Daphne turned to greet him. "Winter's greetings, Heir Flint."

Marcus Flint smirked. "Come on Daphne, there's no need for formality between housemates."

Except I assumed Daphne called him that for my benefit, as my knowledge of the Nobles and Elites was limited; I wouldn't of known that the Flint family was a Noble House if it wasn't for Daphne, as I only knew Marcus Flint as the Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team and one of the Beaters.

"Within Hogwarts perhaps, but this is a formal event and Mother would be displeased if I wasted my etiquette lessons," Daphne explained while keeping a small but polite smile on her face.

"Ah, I can understand that. Very well," he then turned towards me and bowed his head slightly as he reached out his hand towards me. "Heir Marcus Flint, fourth-year student, pleasure to make your acquaintance at long last."

I inclined my head politely. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance," I said as I placed my hand in his. "I am Esme Archard, first-year student." He then smirked down at me as he lowered his head and kissed the back of my hand. The whole time, he kept his dark blue eyes fixed on my own and I felt the blush rise to my cheeks. His teeth may leave much to be desired, but he certainly had an intense gaze.

I had thought he would release my hand, but he surprised me by stepping closer and taking my hand more firmly. "Would you do me the honor of a dance, Esme?"

I couldn't look away and felt my cheeks burn hotter, but thankfully my voice didn't fail me as I replied, "Oui."

His smirk faltered as confusion clouded his eyes. I then realized I had replied in French and he must have no inkling if I accepted or not. Daphne interjected for me. "She meant yes, Marcus; English is not her first language after all."

His smirk came back full force. "Thank you Daphne. I had honestly forgotten, but no matter." He gently stepped back and I stood from my chair as his arm wrapped my hand around his, pulling me close to his side. He then led me back inside to the ballroom.

I glanced over my shoulder at Daphne and narrowed my eyes at the obvious look of amusement on her face. I quickly faced forward again and pulled myself together. I refused to turn into Parkinson, mooning over a boy just because he showed a bit of manners and interest in my direction.

The soft music grew louder as he led me towards the dancing pairs. Unlike Draco, Marcus didn't hesitate and with surprising grace twirled me around and into a dancing position, before he easily guided us into the flow of the waltz.

Marcus proved to be a skilled dancer, showing that despite his tall height (seriously, he was much taller than me that my right hand couldn't reach his shoulder so I had to rest it on the upper part of his left arm) and wide width, he could move slightly on his feet as he easily pivoted through the dance steps. I supposed his Quidditch skills had something to do with it.

I was broken by my thoughts by Marcus speaking. "Have you enjoyed your time at Hogwarts so far?"

I blinked a few times as I gathered my thoughts. "I have. Daphne and others have ensured it, and while I never attended Beauxbaton like my older siblings, Hogwarts is proving to be a charming place with well-structured lessons."

"It's good to hear that, Gemma is a stiff bird on a good day and Terence is more hands-off with his duties as Prefect, so that always leaves Gemma to be the only guide to the first-years."

Well, he certainly wasn't wrong, though stiff wouldn't be the only word I would use. My opinion of Farley never rose from the small interaction with her at the Welcoming Feast, but I could recognize that she took her duties as Prefect seriously (maybe a bit too seriously).

"I hardly needed her assistance beyond being shown where the Common Room was," I said as I smirked. "I am not some brainless sheep in need of shepherding."

Marcus shared my smirk with his own. "No, you certainly aren't, you are a member of the Ancient and Royal House of Archard."

I forced my smirk to remain in place so as to not show my disappointment; I had hoped that perhaps since he expressed dislike at formalities, that he wouldn't be among those who saw my family name instead of me. I was Blessed by Mother Magic to find Daphne, Theo, and Blaise so easily at Hogwarts. Yet I wouldn't dismiss him just yet, but would remain guarded. If he was like Heir Parkinson in wanting an introduction to Blaire, or even Alaric as a fellow Heir, then he would be swiftly disappointed.

I decided to change the subject so Flint would lose his opening to ask about my siblings. "You're no sheep yourself, and you showed considerable flying talents during the first match of the year, even though Potter nearly swallowed Gryffindor's victory."

Flint's lip curled in his distaste. "Potter was lucky, is all. And I doubt he'll be so lucky again in the match against Hufflepuff, after we of course defeat Ravenclaw. The 'Puffs will actually be a challenge this year with the skill they demonstrated when they trounced Ravenclaw."

I immediately wanted to brag about Carlisle and Dustin being players on the Hufflepuff team, but stopped myself just in time. I shouldn't bring my siblings back into the conversation if I wished to avoid Heir Flint asking after them.

"Are the Ravenclaw players that bad?" I asked, curious because I honestly knew nothing about the Ravenclaw Quidditch team.

"Their Chasers aren't bad, but Kevin Bones is a terrible Seeker; ironic when his older sister Holly was the complete opposite when she was Seeker before she graduated last year. It would be ridiculous for them to keep Kevin on the team after this year, and Ravenclaws aren't known for being idiots."

Our conversation seemed to end, and I was unsure what else to talk about. Dancing wasn't exactly the place for lengthy conversations to begin with, and I couldn't exactly be my normal self when I had to carefully measure my words before speaking. Additionally, Flint's eyes had returned to gazing into my own with the same intensity as before, and I couldn't tell what he was thinking about. I learned more of his personality from our discussion, but his thoughts remained hidden as I could only guess what it was he wanted from me.

I avoided his intense gaze as I felt heat as a blush crept up my cheek once again. Dear Hecate, please let the current song end soon so I can escape back to Daphne. She obviously knew Flint somewhat, and I was willing to endure the teasing that would no doubt occur when I asked her about him.

Flint continued to glide us around the dance floor, but surprised me when he suddenly twirled me by my left hand as we turned, something that didn't occur in the standard waltz he had been leading me through so far. Thankfully I was able to pivot on my toes without falling, but my balance was thrown off in my surprise. Flint seemed to anticipate this as he pulled me close and easily guided me back into the rhythm of the steps.

He saved me from embarrassing myself by falling in the middle of the dance floor, but it ended with there being but a hands-width between our bodies as my face was almost pressed against his chest. I had no doubt my face was bright red from the blush that now adorned my cheeks from pure embarrassment. Was this what Neville felt like when his whole face flushed scarlet?

I practically felt Flint's chuckle with how close we were standing. "I apologize for the improvisation, but I felt the urge to show you off as my dancing partner and decided to indulge it. I hope you don't mind."

I slowly counted down from ten in my head until I felt the heat finally leave my face. I then shifted slightly, bringing my right hand from his chest back to his left arm. "There was no harm done, though if the urge comes back again, please give me some warning before you decide to indulge it."

Unsaid was that I did not enjoy being caught off guard and I would happily step on his foot if he does it again. I hadn't thought someone who was from a Noble House and a named Heir would be so impulsive; but then again Parkinson was like that all the time, even if it was her brother who was the named Heir.

"Very well, I will warn you next time," Heir Flint intoned, all while he had a pleased smirk on his face.

My lips tightened in the polite smile I kept on my face, no doubt adding a slight edge to it. This seemed to amuse Heir Flint more. Well, there would be no next time because I most definitely would step on his foot now. Only my friends were allowed to tease me like this, and my curiosity about Heir Flint did not bring us anywhere close to being friends.

However, before I could do so, we were interrupted and halted from dancing by a hand landing on Heir Flint's shoulder.

"May I cut in?"

Extra POV

Oliver POV

Henry, Richard, and Darrell had long ago left the table to dance to their hearts content with various witches. I could see them occasionally between the pairs as they passed by the table we had managed to hang onto through the whole night. All three were definitely enjoying themselves free of the stress of academics; Richard especially since he seemed to have a new girl in his arms for every dance.

Axel had wandered off to check on his sister not long ago, and Rod had vanished sometime after the first dance. While I had hoped he would make friends with Alaric's younger brothers, I also knew it was wishful thinking on my part. Merlin himself couldn't get Rod to socialize against his will, and my brother seemed determined to be as antisocial as Mom would let him get away with.

It was just 'Laric, Brian, Kevin, and I left around the table right now, though by the way Brian and Kevin were eyeing Tyra and Venna Moon at a table not far from us, they would be scooting off soon. 'Laric and I were the only ones (minus Rod, whose too young anyways) who hadn't danced with anyone yet, not even for the Blood of the Ancients dance. I was tempted to ask 'Laric to be my partner for it, but after seeing him politely decline the few bolder witches that approached him for a dance, I assumed he was one of those that didn't like dancing.

I didn't mind dancing myself, and Mom ensured I would never embarrass myself; plus Dad's dueling lessons ensured that I was light on my feet, so even a clumsy witch wouldn't get the chance to step on my toes. I was certain Alaric was a great dancer; he truly moved like a dueler with the way he stalked through the corridors, easily weaving his way through the crowds of students without bumping into anyone.

I honestly sometimes forget that I hadn't known 'Laric for more than a single school term with how naturally he seemed to fit into my life. We get along easily, he has never made me feel self-conscious or bad about myself, and he never teases or disparages me for talking about Quidditch most of the time. In fact, he would talk back to me about Quidditch, and even helped me strategize for the Gryffindor team before he was assigned to replace Angelina.

I couldn't imagine my life without him in it, though admittedly I sometimes wondered why he was my friend. I knew I could be intense about Quidditch, and while my family was counted among the social Elites, we were nowhere near as high standing as the Archards. Yet, Alaric continued to be my best mate, and even called me his (though he used a French term that I couldn't even begin to attempt to pronounce). I felt the bond that existed between us, and I knew I had found a true friend in him.

He'd even showed me that I could be an even better brother to Rodger, simply through how he was with his own siblings. I realized that just because Rod and I were different, it didn't mean we couldn't be close, and I just had to make sure that Rod knew that I would always be there for him, just like how Alaric was with his own siblings. I knew that Alaric would be just as good a father as he was a brother someday; I felt it in my Magic.

I was broken from my thoughts by the subject of them suddenly tensing up, and if he were a dragon would have been spitting fire from the sheer anger that seemed to radiate off him.

"What's got your wand in a knot, 'Laric?" asked Brian, raising an eyebrow.

"That walking piece of hippogriff dung," Alaric practically snarled, "is pawing at my little sister like some horny animal!"

Based on the 'little' additive, I knew Alaric was speaking about Esme and not Blaire. Sure enough, practically right in front of our table Marcus Flint just finished dancing by with Esme secured as his dancing partner. Alaric looked ready to march through the dancing pairs and carry Esme away to safety.

Not that I blamed him. If I had a sister, I wouldn't want her anywhere near Flint. That dirty cheater was a real piece of work, and one of the Slytherins that perpetuated all the nasty rumours about their House. His perpetual arrogance and aggression had always rubbed me the wrong way and made losing to Slytherin all the worse. This year though, Gryffindor would crush Slytherin and win the Quidditch Cup, all thanks to Potter and his natural affinity for being a Seeker.

I continued to keep an eye on both Alaric as he simmered in anger next to me, and Flint as he danced with Esme around the ballroom. Esme appeared to be alright, and I could even make out their lips moving as they talked to each other. Hopefully the song would end soon and Flint would force his company on some other poor witch.

"Oh bugger," Brian muttered.

Honestly, those words didn't even come close to the expletive that shot through my head. Flint just twirled Esme in such a way that guaranteed he could hold her closer than was strictly necessary. The self-satisfied smirk on his face proved he did it entirely on purpose too. I knew Flint was a tosser, but apparently, he was also a complete knobhead to pull such a move where the witch's brother could plainly see.

Speaking of said brother...Alaric tensed when the twirl happened, but when Flint didn't immediately move back to the proper distance, he froze and I felt my Magic bristle under my skin. Brian must have felt the same because he immediately latched onto Alaric; just in time to stop him from lunging onto the ballroom floor, likely to physically tear Flint's meaty hands off his little sister.

"Alaric, mate, you've got to calm down, you can't cause a disturbance by attacking him," Brian whispered hard but quietly. However, Alaric either didn't care about the many witnesses or he was so lost in anger he didn't even hear Brian.

"Kevin, help Brian, I got this."

I didn't waste another second and walked through the dancing couples towards Flint and Esme. I planned my path so they would pass me as they rounded the next corner. Cutting in was the only thing I could think of to keep Alaric from making a scene, and no doubt angering his father (assuming Lord Archard hadn't already seen Flint's little move and thus was as angry as his Heir).

They rounded the corner just as I predicted, so I reached out and firmly dropped my hand on Flint's right shoulder while placing my body in his path to ensure he had no choice but to stop. Flint may be tall and wide for his age, but he had nothing on me physically.

"May I cut in?" I asked, not even bothering to hide my anger and annoyance from Flint.

Flint's lip curled into a sneer, but before he could respond with whatever foulness that was brewing, Esme interjected.

With the grace of a witch twice her age, Esme removed herself from Flint's still too close hold and placed her small hands into my own, all the while smiling brightly. "Of course you may, Wood. It would be a pleasure to dance with my brother's closest friend."

I could practically see the moment in his eyes when Flint realized he had no choice but to back off, lest he draw attention this way and risk Lord Archard getting involved. Flint gritted his teeth and managed to swallow his anger as he stiffly bowed to Esme, intoning, "Thank you for the dance, Esme, I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening."

Esme dipped into a small curtsy, but before she could give Flint any lip service, I swung her into my arms and guided her back into the flow of dancing couples. Flint took the not-so-subtle hint and made his way off the ballroom floor. Only when I was sure he had disappeared into the throng of guests did I finally acknowledge Alaric's sister.

"Sorry for the abruptness, but Alaric saw you dancing with Flint and was practically foaming at the mouth like a rapid werewolf. It was this or setting him loose in all his protective big brother glory and I doubt you or your parents would've appreciated the second one."

Little Esme blinked her bright green eyes a few times, her eyes clearly portraying her surprise. Merlin, I had never realized how cute she was, no wonder Alaric was so protective. Between Blaire and Esme, he must be constantly on guard to protect them from unsuitable suitors.

"I see, I hadn't realized Alaric would be so against me dancing with an older boy, but you have my thanks for your assistance. Papa would've been displeased if Alaric caused any sort of incidents."

It was my turn to blink in surprise. She didn't realize that Flint had made an advance on her with that move of his, and that was what got Alaric so worked up. I guess I thought since she seemed so mature and articulate for her age, plus in Slytherin herself, that she'd known what Flint did. I supposed she was still a little too young for such things yet and hadn't noticed; still, better safe than sorry.

"I would be careful around Flint. He may be the Heir to his family, but he's not a good sort of bloke and honestly there's little harm I can't imagine him doing to get what he wants."

Esme's expression muted as her face grew solemn. Her eyes seemed to swirl before the light from before returned to them. Sweet Circe this witch's eyes were expressive.

"Thank you for your warning," she said as her hands lightly squeezed mine. "I will be more careful in the future." She then giggled and I grew nervous when the most devious little smirk grew on her face. "My brother is truly Blessed to have such a cavalier looking out for his well being. I approve."

Merlin's saggy balls! What in Godric's name was that supposed to mean?!


Mon ami = my friend (male)

Ma amie = my friend (female)

Oui = yes

Cavalier = a supporter/knight of a royal

Blood of the Ancients song lyrics credited to Timothy Dobson of Denver Dance of Universal Peace and madzub's video on Youtube. Please note that I did change a few of the words for my purposes.


Special thanks to my Beta Reader: The Sparkler!