Ever After
Chapter 2- Marriage and the Ball
Prince James, now seventeen years old, stepped out of the grand carriage that had picked him up from Kings Cross taxi station. He was tall and extremely handsome, like his father, with messy black hair, aquamarine-coloured eyes and glasses. James had just returned from his last year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was now a fully qualified wizard just like his father King Godric and his witch mother, Queen Rowena.
Godric, an older version of James except with hazel eyes, and Rowena, a witch that had long, black hair and James' eyes, waited on the steps of the Royal Palace for their son. They smiled warmly but it covered a serious matter, heavy on their hearts.
James was to turn eighteen next year. By law, the Heir to the throne must be wed by his eighteenth birthday, but James was still a bachelor.
"Mother. Father," James smiled warmly as he embraced his parents, immediately knowing that something was wrong.
The three walked into the huge ballroom, which also served as a throne room. James told them tales of his pranks at Hogwarts and the fun he had with his three friends. They were the sons of Dukes that were good friends with Godric. There was Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. All, except Peter, were frequent pranksters.
Godric and Rowena sat on their thrones, while James sat on the floor in front of them recounting a prank he played as he was at the Halloween Dance. Godric and Rowena tried to smile during the tale but a frown always crept onto their faces.
"Mother, father. What's wrong?" James asked.
Godric and Rowena were so busy hiding their frowns; they missed James' concerned question.
"Mum, dad. I have decided to marry and divorce a 60-year-old prostitute and then become a monk," James announced, trying to attract his parents' attention.
"Fascinating, son," Godric complimented, glancing out one of the windows.
"Yes, fascinating," continued Rowena, staring at her wedding ring.
James rose and shook his parents. They shook their heads and looked up at James.
"Did you hear what I just said?" James asked patiently.
"Uh…no. Sorry James," Godric confessed timidly.
"I just said that I wanted to marry and divorce a 60-year-old prostitute, then become a monk. You replied by saying fascinating. I know something is bothering you. What is it?"
"James," Godric replied, "you know the law about the heir to the English throne, don't you?"
James immediately understood their concern. If he didn't marry in four months, he could not be king. James sighed and lifted his gaze to his parents.
"What will we do?" James asked sadly.
"We won't force you to marry, but want to give you a chance to meet many of the witches of England. We want to hold a grand ball. You will be introduced to all the ladies there. If you don't like anyone, then you may meet ladies any way you want. What do you think?" Rowena asked hopefully.
"Alright," agreed James, sighing.
*~*~*~*~*~*
A few days before the ball, the invitations were sent to all witches in England. All the owls carried crisp parchment, which was addressed in gold ink and had the Royal Emblem in red on the top right hand corner. The owls were sent at night so they wouldn't be seen. When the preparations started, the palace was covered with temporary Muggle-repelling charms, which would be removed afterwards.
Lily, now seventeen years of age, knew none of this. She had spent her time as she had for the past eight years. For the letter incident, she now hated her cruel stepmother; she still somehow made objects blow up. Lily was a better friend with the servants than Petunia and Salazarlina. She continued to do chores but dine with her father, when he was home, and her stepmother and Petunia.
One morning, Lily gathered the post as usual, lying them that morning next to Salazarlina's knife. During breakfast, Salazarlina opened a very important looking scroll. Before Lily could look at the addressee, Salazarlina hastily swept out of the room with Petunia, startling Lily. Remembering the letter incident, Lily crept after them. Lily quietly padded along Salazarlina's balcony, towards an open window. Lily lay under the sill and listened.
" '…are invited to a grand masquerade ball that is to be held at the Royal Palace. Their majesties King Godric and Queen Rowena wish to find a bride for their son Prince James. The ball will start at Eight O'Clock.' Petunia darling, we will both go. Your inherited beauty and grace will attract that silly little prince and you will become Queen! Hahaha!" Salazarlina cackled.
Lily ran back to her room and danced around the room. She was so happy. She did not realise that Salazarlina didn't intend to take her as well.
*~*~*~*~*~*
