Yepp, I'm back again! Personally I really like this chapter, just a personal preference... so, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own any of JK Rowling's wonderful world or characters.
The Moonlight Glares
Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Coming Out
Before Hermione knew it, the small relaxing period of quieter events was done and the social season was into its huge August hype. Girl after girl was coming out, meaning grand balls followed one after another. In addition, nearly hundreds of couples were announcing engagements, so every Friday and Saturday if not Thursday was completely booked. Hermione found herself in a blur of color and sound.
On the night of Chels' coming out Hermione got a pleasant surprise. Hermione arrived at Copalia Mansion earlier than most, as it was her cousin coming out, and she was expected to serve as a lady in waiting for the evening. Hermione was escorted up to Chels' room along with two other girls.
The room itself was decorated in dark blue and faint yellow tapestries, and the bed in the middle of the chamber was circular, completely the same all the way around and shimmering in the light despite its dark color.
A girl that reminded Hermione strikingly of Mena entered, and clapped her hands.
"Come, come girls, we have four hours to make this place perfect and aid Miss Copalia in her getting ready ceremonies before you must go off and dress yourselves. I am Créesal, Miss Copalia's governess." she gave a short curtsy, "I expect all of you to do exactly as I say, as we must prepare her clothing, her walk and her rest area for the evening. None of you will have the honor of dressing her this evening, as that is reserved for her sisters, and you are lesser relations. Now, the first order is for Miss Granger. As you are of highest rank, it is your duty to take out her robe and place it on its stand. You other two shall follow me."
As the three exited the room Hermione saw a box lying on the floor, heavy with spells. Hermione opened it to reveal the most beautiful fabric she had seen. It was so dark it was almost black, and yet it wasn't. It was a blue, a blue you could see when you looked up at the sky, at any time. It was that light blue of a sunny day, and that stormy blue of a cloudy day, and the velvet of a night all at the same time. The cut was low, but it was not sleeveless. As Hermione lifted the dress up she felt the magic radiating off of it. It was covered with spells of protection, of love, of luck. Hermione held it up at arm's length and found herself longing for a dress like this.
Though her coming out was in not a month away, Hermione didn't feel she would ever wear something of this beauty. It was so light and soft to the touch, yet held its shape firm. Hermione gently set it down and accio'd the undderrobes that would first go on the stand. After they were in place, she used her wand, and not her hands, to place the dress on the stand.
It was truly a magnificent sight. She found, at the very bottom of the box, a set of delicate slippers in the same velvet color. The slipper were flat, and would not add any height, but they were so delicately woven you could see the light shining through them. Hermione placed them below the dress and stepped back to admire her work.
Then she realized it was missing something. Closing her eyes and concentrating her thoughts, Hermione took a ribbon out of her own hair and touched her wand to it. Instantly, it was the same color as the dress in front of her. Hermioe rested it on the rack, tied in a bow, and then turned and fled to where the others were preparing the ballroom.
Several hours later, after aiding in much decoration, and indeed decorating herself, Hermione appeared in the ballroom along with the other guests. She was in a brilliant red silk dress, floor length with a wide skirt and tight bodice. It was there that she met up with Draco.
"Good evening," he drawled as he came up.
"Hello," she said politely, "Have you seen Harry, Ginny or Ron?" she asked, looking anxiously around the grand room.
Draco took her hand and pointed it to a far corner, "Potter and his girl are over there with Longbottom. I haven't seen Weasley."
"Hmm," Hermione pouted, "He was supposed to be here."
"Awh, am I not good enough for you?" Draco pretended to pout back, "You need Ronnikins?"
Hermione burst out laughing, "No, he just said he'd be here, I haven't seen him in a few days. Usually he's hanging off of Harry and Ginny like a third wheel."
"Sadly true," said Draco, "Though maybe he's found someone else to hang off of now."
"Unlikely," said Hermioe, scanning the room again, "All the people he knows are over in that corner."
Draco bowed to her, "Then I humbly have no more suggestions. Except, would you like to dance?"
Hermione gave a faint smile and nodded, and they whisked off to the dance floor.
Harry, meanwhile, was having the same concern as Hermione. Amidst the gold and navy decorations, he could not find his best friend. His best friend's sister, however, seemed a little less concerned.
"Honesty Harry, he left after us, I am sure he'll be here soon," she said, red hair flailing.
"But I don't understand what would take him so long..." Harry was shut up as Ginny dragged him off to the dance floor.
About half an hour later the music ceased and a trumpet sounded. M. Copalia and his wife appeared at the top of the grand staircase. The hall ceased of noise as they began to speak.
"Welcome, friends, guests. I thank you for coming this evening in honor of my youngest daughter, Miss Chels Arina. And also, I do thank you for your most generous gifts to her in her first year among us. As this is our last child to come of age, Serena and I would like to take a moment to say a few words.
It has been our great honor to be part of the most proud and upright society wizardkind has ever known. We, each in our own time, entered this society at the will of our parents, and in their guidance thus began our own lives.
The opportunities our society gives to young wizards are unmatched by an other social exchange, and the foundations of this society have built up the greatest relationships and alliances of our time. It is very happily that at this time we introduce the youngest member of our family to you, our daughter.
Announcing the Coming Out of Miss Chels Arina namsevv Copalia, of the Copalia and Danforth first-rank lines."
The curtains at the top of the stair drew back and Chels was at the top. She had on a very serious expression, as she was supposed to, but you could see the excitement in her eyes. She slowly descended and all eyes were turned on her. Her dress shimmered and her face glowed.
Draco leaned in towards Hermione and whispered, "That's you next week."
Hermione shivered at the prospect and latched onto Draco's hand, looking attentively at her cousin. When Chels arrived on the bottom step, Hermione's eyes widened. Ronald Weasley took Chels' hand and led her off to the dance floor.
Hermione found herself dumbfounded, and she had a feeling Draco was the same, for though they were supposed to open the dance with Chels and her partner, it took a pointed look from Chels to jerk the two of them awake.
Draco gently led Hermione out to the dance floor and as the dance began, he quietly asked her, "Did Weasley tell you..."
Hermione shook her head, "I was as surprised as you."
And with the surprise resonating in their veins, they entirety of pureblood society danced the night away.
Several hours later Hermione found herself standing in a small circle of upper-rank pureblood witches, talking quite delicately.
"Isn't it just gorgeous?" a petty blond held out her hand to reveal a silver ring with two small sapphires in it.
"Oh Shara! When did he give it to you?"
"Just Last Friday, we're announcing the engagement next week!"
The girls all around sighed. "You're so lucky to be settled so quickly," one girl said.
"Yes, I'll be able to move into his manor right after graduation," Shara said.
Hermione frowned, "Aren't you going to look for a job after you take your NEWTS?"
Shara gave a bubbly laugh, "Well that'll be his job now, won't it?"
Hermione felt a tug on her elbow at that moment and turned around to see Chels standing there, beaming. Hermione eyed her. "You have some explaining to do."
Chels just smiled and pulled Hermione out of the circle, leading her on a walk outside. After a good five minutes in the fresh air, Chels turned to her cousin.
"It was while you were away. Your friends had no one to help them around society, and as Draco was also down and out for a bit, I stepped in. Harry and Ginny caught on quickly, but..."
"Ron needed some extra help?" Hermione grinned.
"Exactly," said Chels, "We ended up spending a lot of time together, and, well, he looked up pureblood dating (which I was impressed with), and asked my parents. So, that's the story."
"Wow," said Hermione, "He's grown up a lot in the last few months."
"We all have," said Chels, smiling and running back around to find Ron.
As Chels ran away, Draco came up behind Hermione and grabbed her around the waist. Hermione shrieked, as she was exceedingly ticklish, but Draco quickly grabbed her hand.
"Draco! What are you doing?"
"Leading you away from here," Draco said, leading her out through the party to the now dark yard. They walked quietly hand-in-hand for awhile until they came into a garden near the road.
Hermione let go of Draco's hand and twirled around, looking up at the star filled sky. "It's really beautiful," she said breathily. Hermione's heel caught just then and she tripped over.
Draco caught her before she ht the ground, looking worried. "You okay?" he asked.
Hermione laughed, giddy from the fall. "I'm just being my normal clumsy self," she stood up and brushed herself off, "Thanks, though."
"No problem," Draco said, then paused, quietly sliding his arms around Hermione.
"You know Granger," he started, "When I first saw you, before our slight. . . rivalry" Hermione coughed gently, "I thought you were intriguing."
Hermione turned around to face Draco, and looked up at him, putting her arms around his neck, "Oh really? Was that supposed to be a compliment?"
Draco raised an eyebrow, and was about to open his mouth to protest when Hermione brought her lips up to his and silenced him. Just as her lips parted, however, a slight cough came from his right. The two jumped apart to see Professor Snape passing by, with a smirk on his face.
Hermione blushed as Draco yelled out "Have a good evening, Professor," and took her hand, leading her back into the ballroom.
So, thank you soo much to everyone who's been reviewing! it's great to hear from so many people again, it encourages me to finish this story!!!
Secondly, thank you Flo! Again!
Lastly, random questions. What should the last word of this story be? Starless, Moonlight, Forever or Choice? Vote for whichever you want, and it has to be before May 20th!!!