We've made it! Here is the much anticipated Malfoy ball chapter. I hope it lives up to the expectations. For those who might say that there isn't a lot of Narcissa, remember that she is hosting the ball, and therefore has to get around to each guest. There will be more Narcissa in the coming chapters.
Hermione's dress can be found linked in my profile.
December 24, 1991
The first days of winter break had passed quickly, and while Hermione enjoyed seeing her parents, she couldn't wait to visit Greengrass Manor and return to the magical world. Her first day there had gone well, and Hermione had met Jade and Daphne's younger sister Astoria, as well as the girls' parents, Charlotte and Damien, and they all seemed really nice.
Her second day was a little more hectic. Daphne had dragged her into the bedroom as soon as lunch was over, and ordered her to shower. After her shower, using a special shampoo Jade gave her for the occasion, Hermione wrapped herself in a robe and hurried to the older Greengrass sister's room.
"Hermione, your hair looks great!" Daphne squealed. Hermione turned to a mirror and gasped at her reflection. Her hair had turned a dark shade to match Astoria's dark brown waves.
"What-how?" Hermione stammered.
"It was the potion," Jade explained. "It'll last twenty four hours before turning back, so no one will look too closely at you tonight."
"Okay," Hermione said nervously. "Should I get dressed now?"
Her hair was styled and makeup applied before Hermione was allowed to put on her dress. Jade had helped her pick out a dark blue dress with lacy patterns. Sheer sleeves went down to her elbows, and the dress itself fell to just above her knees. Jade then charmed a pair of flats to match the dress and Hermione slipped them on, along with a silver necklace. Only then did Hermione turn around to see what the others were wearing.
Daphne was wearing a lacy lavender dress that fell to her knees, while Jade's deep green dress was cut in a more mature style. Astoria bounced into the room after a few minutes, wearing a pink and white flowered dress with a big sash.
"Children, time to go!" Charlotte Greengrass called.
Hermione followed her friends out of the room, where Mrs. Greengrass cast a quick spell to turn her eyes blue and give her freckles. Hermione Granger may have arrived at the manor, but it was Azalea Greengrass who was leaving.
~ Slytherin ~
Malfoy Manor was as big as Draco had claimed, in fact, it was much more grand. Gorgeous chandeliers spiraled over the enormous ballroom, where finely dressed guests talked and sipped drinks. Tables groaning with food lined the walls, and delicate glasses were filled with ever color liquid you could ever images. Daphne snagged two flutes of a light pink drink and Hermione sipped the champagne, surprised that Daphne's parents were letting them have the wine.
"Azalea, you have champagne often at home, right?" Daphne said as they passed by a snooty looking couple.
"All the time," Hermione agreed, tilting her nose up a little.
"Ah, Draco, have you met my cousin Azalea yet?" Daphne inquired as the blonde passed by.
Draco stopped and turned to the two girls, taking Hermione's hand and lightly kissing the back of it. "Enchanted to meet you, I'm Draco Malfoy," he said politely. "Daphne, lovely to see you as well."
"It's a pleasure," Hermione murmured, curtsying like Daphne had showed her. "Your home is lovely."
"Thank you," Draco said graciously. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Very much," Hermione reassured him. "Are your parents around? I'd love to convey my admiration."
"I believe they're talking to the Minister," Draco said, inclining his head. "I should go now, but will you save me a dance?"
Hermione blushed as Daphne grabbed her hand tightly. "Sure," she said. "I'll find you later."
Daphne squealed quietly as Draco moved away, not even carrying that Hermione had mixed up the last couple of words. "I told you it would work!"
Hermione laughed. "I can't believe that just happened."
"Might I ask what you two lovely ladies are talking about?" the voice Hermione knew to belong to Blaise Zabini inquired.
"Hello Blaise," Daphne greeted. "Blaise, this is my cousin Azalea. Azalea, this is Blaise Zabini, one of my classmates."
"Enchanted to meet you," Blaise said, kissing her hand like Draco did. "Azalea, that's a lovely name."
"Thank you."
"You know, you remind me of a girl I know," Blaise continued. "She rather loves reading."
"Does she?" Hermione said politely. "How nice."
"Have you read A Winter's Tale?" Blaise asked, his eyes locking onto hers. "It's one of my favorites."
"I'm rather partial to Keep Your Mouth Shut," Hermione said through gritted teeth. "I think you should read that one."
"Don't worry, I will," Blaise said lightly. "I'm off to go mingle, I'll see you two when the dancing starts."
Hermione let out a sigh and turned to Daphne. "Well, if anyone would figure it out it was going to be Blaise."
Daphne chuckled. "Come on, I should introduce you to the Malfoys."
~ Slytherin ~
When Daphne finally got a chance to introduce her to Narcissa Malfoy, Hermione was stunned. Narcissa Malfoy might possibly be the most gorgeous, manipulative, cunning person Hermione had ever met, and she realized exactly why the other girls idolized her. While Lucius Malfoy was speaking to the Minister, it was Narcissa who floated around the ballroom, charming people with witty words and sly comments. It was Narcissa who knew how to make Department Heads pale, who would compliment and criticize in the same sentence, and who knew exactly how to capture the attention of every person in the room.
"Lady Malfoy," Daphne greeted, dropping into a small curtsy. Hermione copied her. "Thank you for inviting us tonight, it's been spectacular."
"Of course, Miss Greengrass," Narcissa said graciously. "And this is your cousin, Azalea, right?"
Hermione nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for inviting me."
"Such manners," Narcissa smiled. "Are you enjoying your visit?"
"Very much," Hermione responded. "France is lovely this time of year, but I do enjoy the snow. We don't get much snow back home."
Narcissa nodded, and Hermione got the impression that she had passed some sort of test. "I hope you don't think me rude, but would you excuse me? I must go and ensure that the musicians are prepared."
"Of course," Hermione said. "It was lovely to meet you, Lady Malfoy."
"The pleasure was all mine," Narcissa responded, before sweeping away in a flurry of emerald velvet. The two girls watched her go before Daphne turned to Hermione.
"That went well, I think," she said, biting her lip. "It's impossible to tell, though."
"Wow," Hermione breathed. "So that was Narcissa Malfoy. I totally get why," she broke off and shook her head. "Just wow."
"I told you," Daphne nodded knowingly. "And to think, you only talked to her for thirty seconds."
Hermione let out a sigh. "She's like the perfect Slytherin."
"Hopefully that'll be us in ten years," Daphne said wistfully. "Us and Tracey."
"Hopefully," Hermione agreed.
