"Mrs Gloom!" Her mother bellowed, arms outstretched "It is an honour to finally make your acquaintance."
"I'm sure it is." She replied in a bored tone.
"Well, I hope you aren't vegetarians. I have prepared many meat dishes."
"No, we do not believe vegetarianism."
"Admirable. Shall we?" Saffron pointed her towards the living area.
"Behave." She said to her two children as soon as she was sure the guests were out of earshot "I don't want anything to go wrong. Come, Mrs Gloom will be getting impatient." Saffron had taken great care in arranging the seating. She made sure that Magenta was visible to everyone. She had also instructed her with the type of conversation and gesture she should use. "But it's not me!" She had protested. It made no difference. Her mother had chosen Godric Gloom as her daughters' husband and Godric Gloom it would be. She provided her daughter with a rushed coming out feast and visit to the dress shop.
Mrs Gloom had come with her daughter. Chloris was tall like her brother and had enchanting green eyes. She wasn't exactly 'pretty' but not bad to look at.
"'Chloris', it is such a different name. Do you know the meaning?" Saffron asked while pouring more tea into her cup.
"Ah" Albus had just walked in "I believe it is Greek?" Chloris nodded. "The name of the goddess of vegetation. You have been named this because of your eyes?" She nodded again.
"Would you like a little more tea?" Chloris shook her head. "There is no need to be shy, dear."
"She isn't." Her mother gave her daughter a sad smile "Our little Chloris cannot speak but she can hear. She is an exceptional witch. I must admit, I thought she would never succeed at anything, but she has proven me wrong." Saffron shared a glance with Albus who was quickly relieved when the door bell rang.
"Ah, that must be the Blacks. Magenta, we must greet our guests." Magenta rose, excused herself and trailed behind her mother. The strong smell of perfume abused their nostrils as the door swung open.
"Saffron, I just love your new gardener, he has worked wonders. Why Magenta, perfection itself should be ashamed. You look wonderful." Walburga and Saffron walked swiftly away, discussing things under their breath. Reffernik appeared soon after to drag Regulus away. Sirius stepped inside. She couldn't help but notice he looked extremely handsome. She realised she was smiling and quickly turned away.
"Don't worry. I like your smile. It's refreshing after seventeen years of living in the Black household."
"You shouldn't say such things about your family."
"Believe me, I would trade mine for yours any day." He walked past her, into the living room. She stood where she was for a second, and then followed Sirius.
"I was so disappointed when you informed me that Godric would not be attending." Her mother scowled at her slightly for taking so long.
"I'm afraid he simply could not. He had business to attend to. Ever since his fathers' death, Godric has done more than what I had expected of him. He has been a model son. Now all he needs is a good pureblood wife." She glanced at Magenta "I just wish to see my son happy. No matter what he does to hide it, his eyes give away his sadness. He had to become a man after a few years of being a child." Magenta felt so sorry for the boy. She had always thought of him as the snobby Slytherin quidditch captain. Perhaps if she had to, marrying him wouldn't be too bad. Besides, he had money. When she felt lonely she could buy new jewellery or throw a dinner party. Life would be bad for a few years but she did have to be positive. She had always given in to what her mother had said. One more time wouldn't hurt.
"You couldn't have prevented that. Besides, it is his duties."
"Perhaps we should start dinner?"
"A wonderful idea." Walburga rose and awaited others to follow suit.