***Dignity***
::Chapter 2::
The next few days before the ball passed very swiftly. Selina gradually became more and more excited, while her mother indulged in all the anti aging and youth restoring potions she could get her hands on.
Before she knew it, the evening of the ball had arrived. After a brief walk outside for some fresh air, Selina hastily went upstairs to her room to get ready. There she found Milly had already laid out her gown on the neatly made bed, along with the matching shawl, and put out her silver heels at the end of the bed.
Selina excitedly slipped on the gown, and then realized that she needed help in doing up the back.
'Milly.' she called. She heard a pattering of light feet, then saw Milly peer timidly around the door. 'You called for Milly?' she asked quietly. 'Yes, come in. Can you please tie the back of my dress up?'
Milly looked as if she'd just been asked to shake hands with the Minister for Magic. 'Yes, of course! Anything to help good, kind Miss!' she said, eagerly rushed over and jumped up on the bed so she could reach. Selina sat on the bed, and Milly began tying up her back. 'Is Miss looking forward this evening?' Milly asked cheerfully. 'How many times do I have to tell you Milly, please. call me by my first name.' 'Oh dear, Milly is sorry, very sorry Miss... no! I is meaning S- Sel.Selina!' Milly said, grinning like a naughty schoolgirl. Selina laughed. 'Yes, I am looking forward to the ball, very much so.'
'I thinks it must be very exciting.' Milly said. 'Dancing and courting with all the handsome young wizards, and finally choosing one..'
'What?'
'.but Milly thinks Selina will have the best to choose from, so she should have no trouble.'
'Huh? Who ever said anything about choosing one?'
'Mistress of course, she was talking to Milly while I shined her jewellery. Said Selina was growing up, and would soon be marrying a fine young Wizard. She kept on mentioning the Malfoy's son, saying he would be perfect! 'Quite handsome,' she says, 'not to mention very wealthy and of similar age..'
'I can't believe it,' Selina said quietly. 'She's got it all organised, hasn't she?' She said, turning to Milly. 'I bet she's already chosen names for my children!! How can she think that she can control my life like this!!!???'
Milly began to tremble. Her eyes grew round and watery and all of a sudden she let out a wail. 'Oh no...oh no oh no!!!!' she cried pulling at her ears in frustration. 'Bad Milly, Bad!! Bad, stupid Milly should not have told Selina that, no!! Mistress would not have wanted Milly to tell!!!
Selina put her hands on Milly's small shoulders, and tried to calm her down. 'But Milly, don't you see? You've warned me! Now I know what my ghastly mother is up to.'
'But she'll know!' Milly sniffed, 'she'll know that Milly has told!' She sank to her knees, and crossed her knobbly legs to sit. 'You must give the Malfoy's son a chance!' She pleaded, 'So that Mistress doesn't find out Milly has been deceitful to her!' Selina sighed. She hardly even knew the boy. But poor Milly..
'Alright,' she said, 'I will give him a chance. But don't expect me to jump into his lap as soon as I see him.'
Milly looked up gleefully, then hugged Selina crushingly around the middle, squashing her long nose into Selina's neck.
***
The Montues Mansion was enormously elaborate, and the outside had been bewitched, giving it a blue illuminated glow. At the entrance bewitched hatstands took their hats and cloaks, and bowed after them. They walked through to a large marble staircase, which lead into the ballroom where many of the guests had already congregated. Several large orbs lit the ballroom, and the floor was covered in a mystical blue mist. There were a number of ice sculptures of ice maidens placed around the room, and from time to time they would change their poses. Sir Montue and his wife were waiting at the bottom of the staircase to greet each of the gests. 'Ah the Galladens! Welcome, welcome!' he said shaking each of their hands enthusiastically, and when he got to Selina, he said, ' Young Selina! Now haven't you blossomed into a lovely young lady! Enjoy your night!' Selina blushed and muttered her thanks, then followed her parents off about the hall.
They began to mingle with the other guests, and gradually more & more people arrived. The hall soon was quite full, and a space was cleared in the middle where couples began to dance to an invisible quartet.
'Ah! There are the Malfoy's!' said Mrs Galladen excitedly as she grabbed Selina's arm and her husband's, and yanked them through the crowd. Narcissa Malfoy was standing there looking smug in a black dress (stylishly jagged at the hem) and a snowy white animal skin draped around her shoulders. She was holding onto her husband very possessively. 'Lucius, Narcissa, good to see you!' said Selina's father, firmly shaking Lucius's hand, and delicately receiving Narcissa's gloved one. They all exchanged greetings. Then Lucius came to Selina. She felt very intimidated by his presence, knew all about his family's status, and was aware of his penetrating blue gaze. 'My, you've.. matured since we last met,' he said cordially, taking her hand and lightly touching it to his lips. Selina felt the heat rise in her face and looked down, not daring to meet his eyes. 'And where is young Draco?' Selina's mother said, looking slightly worried. Narcissa turned to the young man behind her, who was engaged in conversation with his back to her. She noisily cleared her throat and the young man turned around. Selina was amazed. Draco Malfoy was the spitting image of his father, with white/blonde hair, cool blue eyes and a presence that demanded attention. This was not the little boy she remembered, who had rudely stuck out his tongue at her when they had first met. Selina thought he had grown to be quite handsome, except for the slight smirk that still seemed to be plastered permanently on his pale face.
He also seemed think she had also developed equally well, as he clearly examined her over unhesitatingly. Narcissa hissed something in his ear, and he stepped forward and took Selina's hand, gently kissing it as his father had done, although letting his lips linger there slightly longer. 'Why don't you and Selina go and.catch up?' Narcissa said, throwing a knowing look to Mrs Galladen & receiving one in return. She then steered Draco and Selina off into the crowd together.
Even if she hadn't heard it from Milly, Selina would've known what her mother & Narcissa were up to. She wasn't that stupid. But for the time being, she decided to play along with their little game, and have a little fun doing so.
'Come on,' she said grabbing Draco's hand. They weaved their way in & out of the crowd, until they finally found a less cramped space near the edge of the ballroom. Selina turned and faced him. 'Do you remember when we first met?' she asked politely. Draco raised a blonde eyebrow. 'You stuck your tongue out at me,' she continued, 'then ran and hid behind your mother's dress.' Draco laughed lightly. 'Yes, I remember now,' he said, 'you were wearing a pink frilly dress.' He seemed rather amused. Selina was also, amazed he actually remembered what she was wearing (and how laughable she would have looked). However she pretended not to be amused, and raised her own eyebrow in turn. Draco smiled. 'Well I'm sorry for my actions back as a child, how can I ever make it up to you?' he said jestingly. 'Well you can start by getting me a drink,' Selina replied, a devious smile creeping onto her lips. Draco returned an equally sly look, and disappeared into the crowd, only to return seconds later with two flutes of champagne. He handed her one glass and said, 'Here to us starting over. Past forgotten?' 'Past forgotten. Cheers.' Selina said, as they raised their glasses to meet. Selina took a quick sip, then took Draco's glass off him and set it down with hers on a nearby table. 'Come on,' she said, taking his hand again, 'lets dance.' And she led him out onto the floor.
He had obviously been coming to these balls as long as she had, for he defiantly knew how to dance. Selina found she was enjoying herself immensely as they whirled around the floor, and they danced till their feet were sore. Draco then took her hand and escorted her outside to the unoccupied courtyard.
They sat together on a stone bench, overlooking the crescent moon, whose reflection mirrored off the tranquil surface of a small lake beyond. Blue and silver illuminated lanterns bobbed pleasantly in the water. They sat in silence, Selina observing the beauty of the setting, but could see Draco looking at her out of the corner of her eye. She pretended not to notice. 'I didn't think it possible, but you look even more beautiful in the moon's light,' he said, smiling playfully. Selina giggled and looked away. She felt Draco slip his hand around her waist and slide over to her. He began slowly pulling her closer and closer, she could feel his warm breath on her throat. She turned to face him, and met his cool blue eyes, filled with intent, inches away. She was suddenly unsure that she wanted things to go this way, when- 'Draco.' A stern voice said. 'Your mother wants you.' They both turned to see Lucius's unmistakable silhouette. Draco huffed and shot his father an irked glance, then got up and walked noisily back into the ballroom. Selina turned back around. 'That man has impeccable timing,' she thought to herself as she turned and gazed back up at the moon. He'd just helped her avoid a position which she didn't feel right in, and didn't even think would happen. As she looked back up at the moon, she thought she saw a winged shadow drift past it.
'Beautiful, isn't it?' Selina jumped, gasped, and whirled around all at the same time. Lucius was standing there behind her, looking slightly entertained by her startled reaction.
'I-I'm sorry,' she stammered, 'I thought you'd gone back inside with Draco.' She looked down, still too gutless to even look at his face.
Lucius took a swig of champagne, then set his glass down muttering something like 'Awful cheap stuff' to himself.
'Oh well, the whole scene in there gets a little too overbearing for me after a while,' He said to her. 'Besides, why not stay out here and enjoy the majestic scene right before us?' he said, sitting down on the bench and looking out over the lake. They sat in silence for a while, but then Lucius suddenly shot a look at her. She suddenly realised that she had been absent- mindedly fiddling with the small unicorn on her silver charm bracelet, making a jingling noise. She had received the bracelet on her first birthday, and each year received a new charm for it. Many of the charms held the power of small amulets, but the unicorn charm was her most favourite.
Lucius looked back out to the lake, then spoke. 'You seem like a fairly smart girl, and from the little scene with my wife and your mother earlier on, you've probably gathered something of the scheme they are hatching.'
Selina finally gathered the confidence to look straight at him, but found he was still looking straight ahead. He sighed slightly, then continued. 'I personally don't think much of arranged marriages. But then some people do. I had no say in my own marriage.'
Now there was something Selina certainly didn't think was coming. He had said that last part without the slightest hint of emotion. She began to fiddle uncomfortably with her bracelet again.
'Although Draco doesn't seem to mind the prospect,' he said turning to look at her, 'don't fell obliged to fall madly in love with him.'
A woman's footsteps could be heard, getting louder as they drew nearer. 'Selina! There you are! Come, we must be off.' Mrs Galladen called.
Selina stood up. 'Goodnight, Mr Malfoy,' She said, doing a small curtsy in his direction. 'Goodnight Miss Selina. I expect we'll be seeing one another soon.' Lucius said, bowing to her. Selina turned and walked swiftly away, amazed that he remembered her name.
***********************************************************************
Whew! Now that was a pretty long chapter, for me anywayz! How'd you like it??? Thanx for the reviews, Wind Runner and Marauder! They are very much appreciated :) And to answer you question Marauder, for this fic I have basically used JKR's creation of the wizarding world, plucked out some characters and created some of my own.
And now for the rest of you...REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!!!! Please??
~*Fernie*~
::Chapter 2::
The next few days before the ball passed very swiftly. Selina gradually became more and more excited, while her mother indulged in all the anti aging and youth restoring potions she could get her hands on.
Before she knew it, the evening of the ball had arrived. After a brief walk outside for some fresh air, Selina hastily went upstairs to her room to get ready. There she found Milly had already laid out her gown on the neatly made bed, along with the matching shawl, and put out her silver heels at the end of the bed.
Selina excitedly slipped on the gown, and then realized that she needed help in doing up the back.
'Milly.' she called. She heard a pattering of light feet, then saw Milly peer timidly around the door. 'You called for Milly?' she asked quietly. 'Yes, come in. Can you please tie the back of my dress up?'
Milly looked as if she'd just been asked to shake hands with the Minister for Magic. 'Yes, of course! Anything to help good, kind Miss!' she said, eagerly rushed over and jumped up on the bed so she could reach. Selina sat on the bed, and Milly began tying up her back. 'Is Miss looking forward this evening?' Milly asked cheerfully. 'How many times do I have to tell you Milly, please. call me by my first name.' 'Oh dear, Milly is sorry, very sorry Miss... no! I is meaning S- Sel.Selina!' Milly said, grinning like a naughty schoolgirl. Selina laughed. 'Yes, I am looking forward to the ball, very much so.'
'I thinks it must be very exciting.' Milly said. 'Dancing and courting with all the handsome young wizards, and finally choosing one..'
'What?'
'.but Milly thinks Selina will have the best to choose from, so she should have no trouble.'
'Huh? Who ever said anything about choosing one?'
'Mistress of course, she was talking to Milly while I shined her jewellery. Said Selina was growing up, and would soon be marrying a fine young Wizard. She kept on mentioning the Malfoy's son, saying he would be perfect! 'Quite handsome,' she says, 'not to mention very wealthy and of similar age..'
'I can't believe it,' Selina said quietly. 'She's got it all organised, hasn't she?' She said, turning to Milly. 'I bet she's already chosen names for my children!! How can she think that she can control my life like this!!!???'
Milly began to tremble. Her eyes grew round and watery and all of a sudden she let out a wail. 'Oh no...oh no oh no!!!!' she cried pulling at her ears in frustration. 'Bad Milly, Bad!! Bad, stupid Milly should not have told Selina that, no!! Mistress would not have wanted Milly to tell!!!
Selina put her hands on Milly's small shoulders, and tried to calm her down. 'But Milly, don't you see? You've warned me! Now I know what my ghastly mother is up to.'
'But she'll know!' Milly sniffed, 'she'll know that Milly has told!' She sank to her knees, and crossed her knobbly legs to sit. 'You must give the Malfoy's son a chance!' She pleaded, 'So that Mistress doesn't find out Milly has been deceitful to her!' Selina sighed. She hardly even knew the boy. But poor Milly..
'Alright,' she said, 'I will give him a chance. But don't expect me to jump into his lap as soon as I see him.'
Milly looked up gleefully, then hugged Selina crushingly around the middle, squashing her long nose into Selina's neck.
***
The Montues Mansion was enormously elaborate, and the outside had been bewitched, giving it a blue illuminated glow. At the entrance bewitched hatstands took their hats and cloaks, and bowed after them. They walked through to a large marble staircase, which lead into the ballroom where many of the guests had already congregated. Several large orbs lit the ballroom, and the floor was covered in a mystical blue mist. There were a number of ice sculptures of ice maidens placed around the room, and from time to time they would change their poses. Sir Montue and his wife were waiting at the bottom of the staircase to greet each of the gests. 'Ah the Galladens! Welcome, welcome!' he said shaking each of their hands enthusiastically, and when he got to Selina, he said, ' Young Selina! Now haven't you blossomed into a lovely young lady! Enjoy your night!' Selina blushed and muttered her thanks, then followed her parents off about the hall.
They began to mingle with the other guests, and gradually more & more people arrived. The hall soon was quite full, and a space was cleared in the middle where couples began to dance to an invisible quartet.
'Ah! There are the Malfoy's!' said Mrs Galladen excitedly as she grabbed Selina's arm and her husband's, and yanked them through the crowd. Narcissa Malfoy was standing there looking smug in a black dress (stylishly jagged at the hem) and a snowy white animal skin draped around her shoulders. She was holding onto her husband very possessively. 'Lucius, Narcissa, good to see you!' said Selina's father, firmly shaking Lucius's hand, and delicately receiving Narcissa's gloved one. They all exchanged greetings. Then Lucius came to Selina. She felt very intimidated by his presence, knew all about his family's status, and was aware of his penetrating blue gaze. 'My, you've.. matured since we last met,' he said cordially, taking her hand and lightly touching it to his lips. Selina felt the heat rise in her face and looked down, not daring to meet his eyes. 'And where is young Draco?' Selina's mother said, looking slightly worried. Narcissa turned to the young man behind her, who was engaged in conversation with his back to her. She noisily cleared her throat and the young man turned around. Selina was amazed. Draco Malfoy was the spitting image of his father, with white/blonde hair, cool blue eyes and a presence that demanded attention. This was not the little boy she remembered, who had rudely stuck out his tongue at her when they had first met. Selina thought he had grown to be quite handsome, except for the slight smirk that still seemed to be plastered permanently on his pale face.
He also seemed think she had also developed equally well, as he clearly examined her over unhesitatingly. Narcissa hissed something in his ear, and he stepped forward and took Selina's hand, gently kissing it as his father had done, although letting his lips linger there slightly longer. 'Why don't you and Selina go and.catch up?' Narcissa said, throwing a knowing look to Mrs Galladen & receiving one in return. She then steered Draco and Selina off into the crowd together.
Even if she hadn't heard it from Milly, Selina would've known what her mother & Narcissa were up to. She wasn't that stupid. But for the time being, she decided to play along with their little game, and have a little fun doing so.
'Come on,' she said grabbing Draco's hand. They weaved their way in & out of the crowd, until they finally found a less cramped space near the edge of the ballroom. Selina turned and faced him. 'Do you remember when we first met?' she asked politely. Draco raised a blonde eyebrow. 'You stuck your tongue out at me,' she continued, 'then ran and hid behind your mother's dress.' Draco laughed lightly. 'Yes, I remember now,' he said, 'you were wearing a pink frilly dress.' He seemed rather amused. Selina was also, amazed he actually remembered what she was wearing (and how laughable she would have looked). However she pretended not to be amused, and raised her own eyebrow in turn. Draco smiled. 'Well I'm sorry for my actions back as a child, how can I ever make it up to you?' he said jestingly. 'Well you can start by getting me a drink,' Selina replied, a devious smile creeping onto her lips. Draco returned an equally sly look, and disappeared into the crowd, only to return seconds later with two flutes of champagne. He handed her one glass and said, 'Here to us starting over. Past forgotten?' 'Past forgotten. Cheers.' Selina said, as they raised their glasses to meet. Selina took a quick sip, then took Draco's glass off him and set it down with hers on a nearby table. 'Come on,' she said, taking his hand again, 'lets dance.' And she led him out onto the floor.
He had obviously been coming to these balls as long as she had, for he defiantly knew how to dance. Selina found she was enjoying herself immensely as they whirled around the floor, and they danced till their feet were sore. Draco then took her hand and escorted her outside to the unoccupied courtyard.
They sat together on a stone bench, overlooking the crescent moon, whose reflection mirrored off the tranquil surface of a small lake beyond. Blue and silver illuminated lanterns bobbed pleasantly in the water. They sat in silence, Selina observing the beauty of the setting, but could see Draco looking at her out of the corner of her eye. She pretended not to notice. 'I didn't think it possible, but you look even more beautiful in the moon's light,' he said, smiling playfully. Selina giggled and looked away. She felt Draco slip his hand around her waist and slide over to her. He began slowly pulling her closer and closer, she could feel his warm breath on her throat. She turned to face him, and met his cool blue eyes, filled with intent, inches away. She was suddenly unsure that she wanted things to go this way, when- 'Draco.' A stern voice said. 'Your mother wants you.' They both turned to see Lucius's unmistakable silhouette. Draco huffed and shot his father an irked glance, then got up and walked noisily back into the ballroom. Selina turned back around. 'That man has impeccable timing,' she thought to herself as she turned and gazed back up at the moon. He'd just helped her avoid a position which she didn't feel right in, and didn't even think would happen. As she looked back up at the moon, she thought she saw a winged shadow drift past it.
'Beautiful, isn't it?' Selina jumped, gasped, and whirled around all at the same time. Lucius was standing there behind her, looking slightly entertained by her startled reaction.
'I-I'm sorry,' she stammered, 'I thought you'd gone back inside with Draco.' She looked down, still too gutless to even look at his face.
Lucius took a swig of champagne, then set his glass down muttering something like 'Awful cheap stuff' to himself.
'Oh well, the whole scene in there gets a little too overbearing for me after a while,' He said to her. 'Besides, why not stay out here and enjoy the majestic scene right before us?' he said, sitting down on the bench and looking out over the lake. They sat in silence for a while, but then Lucius suddenly shot a look at her. She suddenly realised that she had been absent- mindedly fiddling with the small unicorn on her silver charm bracelet, making a jingling noise. She had received the bracelet on her first birthday, and each year received a new charm for it. Many of the charms held the power of small amulets, but the unicorn charm was her most favourite.
Lucius looked back out to the lake, then spoke. 'You seem like a fairly smart girl, and from the little scene with my wife and your mother earlier on, you've probably gathered something of the scheme they are hatching.'
Selina finally gathered the confidence to look straight at him, but found he was still looking straight ahead. He sighed slightly, then continued. 'I personally don't think much of arranged marriages. But then some people do. I had no say in my own marriage.'
Now there was something Selina certainly didn't think was coming. He had said that last part without the slightest hint of emotion. She began to fiddle uncomfortably with her bracelet again.
'Although Draco doesn't seem to mind the prospect,' he said turning to look at her, 'don't fell obliged to fall madly in love with him.'
A woman's footsteps could be heard, getting louder as they drew nearer. 'Selina! There you are! Come, we must be off.' Mrs Galladen called.
Selina stood up. 'Goodnight, Mr Malfoy,' She said, doing a small curtsy in his direction. 'Goodnight Miss Selina. I expect we'll be seeing one another soon.' Lucius said, bowing to her. Selina turned and walked swiftly away, amazed that he remembered her name.
***********************************************************************
Whew! Now that was a pretty long chapter, for me anywayz! How'd you like it??? Thanx for the reviews, Wind Runner and Marauder! They are very much appreciated :) And to answer you question Marauder, for this fic I have basically used JKR's creation of the wizarding world, plucked out some characters and created some of my own.
And now for the rest of you...REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!!!! Please??
~*Fernie*~