The day had finally come. Christmas Eve had finally arrived and the Malfoy Manor was like a madhouse. Cissy and Bella had come over the previous day to help decorate and plan the evening. Mostly Cissy and Lucius, Bella and Arielle had run off at the first opportunity and hid from the two all day. House elves were buzzing about the Manor preparing the ballroom and completing every request Cissy made. The kitchen was alive and filled with the best catering company in the wizarding world. Arielle was pleased to find her mother helping out the cook. Her mother had not cooked since their father died and Arielle was pleased to see the light in her eyes.
Bella and Arielle escaped to Arielle's bedroom upstairs. Bella lay on the bed talking about Andromeda and how annoying she was of late. The room was large, a beautiful chandelier hung in the middle of the room over a red velvet love seat and a black oak coffee table. The bed was enormous and was surrounded by a beautiful black headboard, the mattress was covered in cream satin sheets, feather pillows, and a rather regal looking duvet. Famous paintings clung to the walls, the wardrobes where overly grand. It was a room fit for a queen.
"Bella." Arielle spoke, walking over and laying beside Bellatrix on the bed.
"Yes dear." Bella asked looking over at the raven haired girl.
"I don't know if Cissy told you because I haven't gotten the chance, but Evan Rosier asked me to be his date to the ball tonight."
Bella sat straight up on the bed with a huge smile on her face. "Please tell."
Arielle told Bella about Evan and about the bridge, and how he leaned against the railing, and the book she was reading for potions, the shade of pink his cheeks turned when he asked, and how he asked if she fancied Sirius.
"Did you say yes?" Bella asked enthraled by her friend's story.
"Of course I did. Was I suppose to say no?" Arielle sighed.
"Well do you fancy him?" Arielle's cheeks flushed red at Bella's question.
"ARIELLE, you do! You fancy Evan Rosier!" She sang, leaping off the bed and dancing around the room.
"I do not!" Arielle protested, her cheeks still ablaze.
Bella stopped looked at Arielle for a moment and then went back to singing.
"You fancy Evan Rosier."
"Oh hush, Bella someone might hear you!" Arielle pleaded causing Bella to laugh and collapse on the bed once more.
"Well then, we must make sure you look absolutely ravishing tonight." The curly haired witch cooed. "But not too ravishing, we wouldn't want little Rosier to try anything now would we? Especially since my sweet little Arielle is finally growing breasts."
If it was possible Arielle's face was more red than a rose.
"Bellatrix that is a very crude thing to say."
"Well it's true Arielle." The witch smiled. "What would Lucius do if he found you snogging the life out Rosier, or worse? I'm sure he would have a nice friendly chat with the bloke don't you?"
"Or worse?" Arielle inquired not sure what Bella was implying.
The older witch eyed Arielle for a few moments before answering. "You know, sex. Hasn't anyone ever had the talk with you before?"
Instead of red, Arielle's face turned paler than it already was. "I'm not going to sleep with him Bella for merlin's sake!"
"Well if you do, you are good a charms, don't forget to use one for you know..." Bella winked.
Arielle shook her head as Bella let out a wicked laugh.
Suddenly the door flew open and in barged Narcissa.
"Where have you two been all day?" She demanded looking rather flushed.
Bella and Arielle exchanged wayward glances.
"Never mind that. We need to get ready the guests will be here in an hour. And none of us look presentable." Cissy said.
The girls spent the entire hour getting ready. Cissy did Arielle's makeup and hair. Bella managed to tame her wild curls and make them look absolutely stunning. And Cissy, in her beautiful emerald green dress looked ravishing.
"Here put this on." Cissy said throwing a bag and corset at Arielle and shoving her behind the dressing screen. Arielle hung the bag up and slipped into the corset. After many attempts on her own Narcissa tied the corset for her and helped her into the dress before allowing her to look in the mirror.
"Are you ready?" Cissy said holding her hands over Arielle's eyes.
"Yes." Arielle answered excitedly. She had dressed up nicely before, but never for anything as grand as a ball.
Narcissa hands uncovered her dark blue eyes and she stared at herself in the mirror in awe. The dress was stunning. The dark blue fabric was identical to her eyes and hung all the way to the floor. The dress ruffled past the waist and the neck line revealed just enough to show Andera's newfound breasts. Her hair was neatly tucked up with a few black curls trickling down her back. Her makeup was simple yet enhanced her plump lips and round cheeks.
"You look beautiful." Narcissa said placing a hand on Arielle's shoulder.
"We won't be able to keep Rosier off of you." Bella added snaking her hands around Arielle's waist and resting her chin on the young witch's shoulder.
There was a knock on the door, and in came Lucius. "It's time Narcissa."
Narcissa turned around and walked towards Lucius. Arielle looked over her shoulder to examine her brother. His face was absolutely captivated by the witch's beauty. She hoped someday someone would look at her the way her brother did Cissy.
"You are more beautiful than a nymph, my love." Lucius said kissing Narcissa on the hand. "Bella, Rodolphus is waiting down the stairs for you."
"That's my cue." Bella said walking after Lucius and Cissy.
"Don't be long Arielle." Lucius said as he shut his sister's bedroom door. Arielle looked back at herself in the mirror and sighed pulling up the white gloved Narcissa had given her. She hoped everything went perfectly tonight.
Rosier scanned the ballroom once more and saw no sight of Andera. He sighed and looked over at Regulus and his new girlfriend. Rebecca Moore. She was pretty, tall blonde, and a Gryffindor but she was a pure blood, and that's all he needed to satisfy anyone at this party.
"Looks like your princess is running late, Ev? Or perhaps she got cold feet." Regulus said downing another glass of champagne.
"I'm right here actually." Said the charming voice of Arielle Malfoy. Evan turned around. His heartbeat quickened, his lips parted and he stared in amazement at Arielle. He always thought she was beautiful, but he had never seen her like this before.
Arielle smiled at the expression on Evan's face. She had never felt so beautiful before. And she couldn't help but feel a bit satisfied at the shock on Regulus' face either which he quickly masked with a snide remark.
"You've really outdone yourself this time Malfoy. You actually look like a princess." Black said lazily.
"You look stunning." Evan sighed, kissing Arielle's white gloved hand causing her to blush.
"Thank you Evan, you look quite handsome yourself." Arielle smiled.
"A true gentleman." She said smoothing out Rosier's collar, while eyeing Black.
Regulus snorted. "I believe you know Rebecca." He introduced. Arielle looked at the girl and mentally laughed, typical Black.
"Some red wine, Master Arielle." A house elf asked holding a tray of drinks.
"Yes, thank you Dobby." She said before patting the elf sweetly on the head. Regulus watched the gesture and couldn't help but feel a pang of warmth in his stomach.
Arielle took a sip of her wine. "No actually I don't believe we have met before." She said haughtily causing Rosier to smirk. .
"Rebecca Moore. We are in the same house." The blonde said looking at Arielle unamused.
"Rebecca Moore, actually yes, I think Sirius has mentioned you a few times now that I think about it."
Regulus choked on his drink and Evan couldn't help but snicker when Rebecca flushed red.
"Why don't we go dance for a bit Arielle?" Rosier asked trying to spare any more tension between the group.
"I'd love too!" Arielle smiled taking Rosier's hand.
He guided her to the ballroom floor. The dancing consisted of a lot of laughing and teasing. Evan was not so fancy on his feet and stepped on Arielle's toes multiple times.
"You are absolutely a horrendous dancer you know that Ev." Arielle laughed as twirled her around.
"But my good looks and charms make up for it?" He smiled as he pulled her back into his arms.
"Of course." Arielle smiled back before snuggling her head on his shoulder.
The rest of the night flew by, Arielle made her rounds to all the guests and chatted them up and so on. Rosier by her side the whole time. He wasn't particularly good at conversation but he amused Arielle and made the night the most fun she had ever had. She now stood with Evan by the doorway with Lucius and Cissy bidding to goodbyes to everyone.
"It was a lovely party Lucius, your father would be proud." Orion Black said patting the blonde haired wizard on the back.
"Thank you sir."
"Lovely job with Arielle, Cissy. She has turned out to be quite a success. You two must be so proud." Walburga Black said to Lucius and Narcissa .
"Thank you Aunt Walburga, we very proud." Cissy smiled.
"Indeed." Lucius said.
"It was a pleasure meeting you child, your future is indeed very bright. Rosier is a lucky boy to have you on his arm." Walburga said as she approached Arielle.
Arielle blushed. "Thank you Mrs. Black you are most kind."
"See ya at school Ev." Regulus said patting his friend on the back.
"See ya Reg." Rosier replied
"Lovely to be in your presence as always princess." Regulus taunted.
"Always a sheer pleasure." Arielle snapped back.
Suddenly Regulus grabbed one of Arielle's gloved hands and slowly brought it to his lips while staring deeply into her dark blue eyes. She dared not look away as his grey blue eyes penetrated her own intensely. She felt her heart rate increase the moment his lips touched her hand gracefully. Arielle could feel Evan stiffen behind her. Regulus dropped her hand and headed out the door. Rebecca followed quickly, her face a purply red shade. Arielle stood in confusion.
"Well it looks like that's everybody." Lucius said looking at Evan and Arielle
"Thank Merlin." Arielle sighed reaching down to take off her shoes. The four stood awkwardly for a minute before Narcissa spoke.
"Lucius would you accompany me to the kitchen for a moment please."
"I'd love to." He replied sending a warning glance Rosier's way.
When the two were out of sight. Rosier gently grabbed A;srielle gloved hands and drew her close, very close.
"I had a wonderful time with you tonight Arielle." Evan said. She could feel his breath on her face. She couldn't even register what he was saying, she just stared into his hazel eyes and looked down at his pale pink lips. She had never kissed a boy before.
"Arielle?" He whispered.
"Hm?" She mumbled dreamily .
"May I kiss you?"
"Yes." Arielle felt his warm lips graze her own After a few seconds she began to move her lips against his and he snaked an arm around her waist pulling her closer to him than she thought was possible. The two stood their snogging before they heard a male clear his throat.
"I think you should be on your way Rosier." Lucius said standing next to Narcissa.
Arielle's cheeks flushed red and Rosier back away quickly.
"Yes sir." He said quickly. Evan stopped for a moment looked back at Arielle and winked before opening the door and leaving. When the door shut she let out a sigh, not believing what just happened. She looked back at Lucius who eyed her suspiciously and then at Cissy who was smiling in triumph.
"I'm going to go to bed now." Arielle said before racing up the stairs into the safety of her room. That night she laid in bed thinking of the whole evening, but mostly of the kiss. The way Evan's lips felt against hers, the way his hand was wrapped around her waist. Her eyes began to close and she began to drift off to sleep the last thing she saw was the look in Regulus' eyes when he kissed her hand, and the way her stomach dropped to the floor.