A/N: Astronomy Assignment: Write about someone falling from favor. Special thanks to Thel Rome for the wonderful cover art!
Hogsmead 1813
When I meet Lady Fleur Delacour, her gloved hand took mine with reproach. This immoderately cold action spoke for itself -she found my state to be most unappealing: brown eyes too bright from drinking and dancing, accompanied by an outfit not of the latest fashion.
"Will you not dance, Lady Delacour?" I asked, suspecting this celebratory Yule Ball was too provincial for such a lady as she.
"I have yet to meet a suitable dance partner, Ms. Granger." Her eyes once again moved from my shoes too my face. "It seems that you have had plenty of dancing, enough for us all surely."
"What else is a ball for?" I challenged.
Luna touched my shoulder and smiled gently before turning to address our evening's new attendee. "Lady Delacour, my cousin Hermione is a wonderful dance partner."
"I'm sure and I have no doubt that Ms. Granger can find another." She looked pointedly at me. "For I am in no mood at present."
"Well, let us give you time to get more acquainted with our dance hall -that may serve to brighten your spirits for dancing," Luna replied as she took my arm in hers, leading me away.
Lady Delacour nodded, staring at me. "Possibly so."
"I have never meet such a horrid person!" I hissed under my breath as we fled.
Luna tugged at my arm. "Oh Hermione, don't take it personally. I think she must be feeling out of sorts. This place is new to her."
"Dear cousin, you are truly too nice for this cruel world."
"The world is not so cruel! I just met a finely mannered gentleman before seeing you and Lady Delacour."
I can't help but smile in excitement. "Who, pray tell is the lucky fellow?"
"His name is Mr. Potter and he happens to be quite close with Lady Delacour," Luna answered. I sighed in frustration. "She and Mr. Potter have rented an estate not two kilometers from here. Isn't it exciting, Hermione!"
"Quite," I said, not hiding my perturbed sentiment. "Oh cousin, let's not speak of rich estate renters! Dance with me so we can forget all about them!"
"I don't need to forget, but I'll dance all the same." Luna grabbed my arm. We all but ran to enter the dance.
...
...
Late that night as Luna and I laid in bed, she spoke of the generously natured Mr. Potter. When she changed the topic to how beautiful Lady Delacour was, I rolled my eyes and nearly cursed.
I stared at my sweet cousin Luna in the candlelight, wondering how she loved with so little judgement. If only I could do so, then I wouldn't have to brood over the rudeness of the world; and maybe then less individuals would fall from my favor as Lady Fleur Delacour did that very night.