Another update…I'm just too nice to you people. We're coming close to the end now, this is the Yule Ball and Lucas' tentative exploration of society. With Miss Carina by his side, of course. Lol.
Enjoy, Istalindar
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Carina Goyle had yet to make it big in society. Of course she was invited to all the best parties, wore the best clothes, had some of the best connections on the floor. Thing was, she was invited because of her name, wore the clothes because she had the money, and as for connections…well, Constantine DeVere was one of the best connections a girl could have.
But it meant nothing until she was involved. Behind every closed door and drawn curtain there was a secret, a plan, an intrigue involving power plays in their society. Carina knew this, but so far she wasn't part of it. And it wasn't until she was a part of it, that she would actually be an unmovable part of the social scene: if she disappeared now no one would notice. If she were a part of something…that would be different.
And in a room full of beautiful, rich, well connected women, being different for a good reason was more important than having a ring on your hand, no matter what Pansy Parkinson said.
Which is why, when Constantine pulled Carina aside and asked her to do a personal favour for her, Carina barely hesitated. When Constantine explained said favour, Carina crossed her fingers, hoped he was cute, and agreed. She was rewarded by one of Constantine's blinding smiles, and she hoped that she was in. Constantine never did anything by halves, so if she was bringing this socially inept politician into the fold, she had a damn good reason, especially if she was doing it at the Yule Ball, where everyone would see them, and know that Constantine was responsible. And now Carina was part of that.
She hadn't been this excited since her first debutante appearance.
She'd been invited to get ready at Constantine's flat, like they were actually friends, and Carina had agreed in a flash. Her admiration for the older woman was quickly growing to adoration, but she was covering it well. If she wanted Constantine to continue to sponsor her forays into the rather backhanded, vicious world of socialite intrigue, she had to prove that she could do this.
"Can I ask you a question?" Carina asked. Constantine glanced at her in the mirror from where she was picking through a jewelery box full of expensive items.
"Of course."
"Why Lucas?" Constantine turned slowly to look at her, and Carina was afraid she'd overstepped herself.
"How do you mean?" Constantine asked carefully.
"I'm honoured that you wanted me to be his escort…but why him in particular? Why not that slightly awkward man who works in Relations?" Constantine raised an eyebrow. "I did some research. I was curious, I hope you don't mind."
"I don't." Constantine said. "Actually, I'm rather pleased. You're very meek, sometimes, Carina. Makes it hard to work out sometimes whether you can stand up to the games we play."
"I can." Carina said confidently. Constantine nodded, her hands rising to her ear to attach an emerald earring.
"I believe that. And I'm glad you looked him up, it shows both initiative and a lack of trust."
"I trust you!" Carina flared instantly. Constantine didn't smile.
"You shouldn't. Everyone has secrets, Carina, even me. And in our world, in our society, if you trust too much, someone might tear you apart. Keep your secrets close, Carina, and your trust closer."
"That's a dim view."
"It's a safe one though." Constantine observed. Carina regarded her closely.
"What's wrong?" She asked. "You don't seem…"
"Excited? I'm not, really. I've done this before a thousand times." Constantine shook her head. "It's fun, when you start, but I've been doing this too long, I think. Might retire somewhere. Asia, perhaps."
"Your Projects there." Carina said, understanding. "You'll be missed."
"By sweet beautiful girls like you?" Constantine smiled. "No. When you get into this game, you'll understand more. Speaking of the game, was there something you wanted to ask about Lucas?"
"Why him? What is it about him that interests you?" Constantine smiled.
"You've seen our politicians. They are liars, and posturers. They care for their own purse. Lucas is different. And I think with the right base to work from, he could be very successful."
"Is he pureblood?" Carina asked. Constantine narrowed her eyes and looked at her thoughtfully.
"He is. Though it shouldn't matter." Carina shook her head, mentally slapping herself up the head. What a stupid thing to say!
"Of course. It's kind of drummed into me." She tried to edge her voice with apology, without overdoing it. Subtlety was everything.
"A pureblood husband for a pureblood bride. I've heard it myself. He has the potential to do great good for our world, Carina. But I need you to help him. And you never know, he might do great things for you too. But in the meantime, I'm asking you to do this as a favour to me."
"Of course, and I'm happy to." Carina smiled. Constantine returned the gesture and picked up her cloak.
"Good. Shall we?" Carina nodded and the pair apparated to the Manor.
Ginny was already there, sipping wine as she waited for them. She was wearing gold, a skintight glittering sheath that fell to the floor and set her hair aflame. She smiled at them when they appeared.
"You're late." She commented. "The boys are waiting for you." Constantine and Carina shed their cloaks, the garments vanishing before they hit the ground. Ginny smiled. "Beautiful. Though I will assume the dresses are for them." She nodded and turned to lead the way, Constantine and Carina behind.
The men were discussing the lateness of women, with the exception of the positively radiant Miss Weasley, when the door opened and their missing escorts appeared. The room was silenced, and Carina and Constantine counted themselves on a job well done.
"Wow." Lucas managed eventually. Carina laughed, stepping forward. The blue silk of her empire-line gown whispered on the carpet as she moved.
"I'm Carina."
"Lucas." He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "I'm honoured." He sounded it too. Not to be outdone, Daniel stood and stepped forward to where Constantine stood, dressed in a forest green halterneck silk dress.
"You see, Daniel?" She commented, glancing at him. "That is how a man should greet a woman. With awe." Daniel smiled and kissed her cheek, taking her hands.
"I'm always in awe, pretty girl." He whispered. Constantine shivered despite himself and she felt the huff of laughter on her cheek and stepped back.
"You think you're so talented." She said with a smirk, crossing her arms. The movement raised her bust and Daniel's eyes were drawn automatically. "And by the way, my face is above my shoulders." His gaze rose instantly to meet her laughing eyes and he glared.
"When everyone is finished admiring themselves." Amadeo said cooly. The two pairs looked at him, with Ginny standing regally by his side, they made an inspiring pair. "We might leave. We're late as it is."
"Arriving early indicates eagerness." Constantine drawled. "And as we're deigning to grace this party, we shouldn't look too grateful for an invite." Carina smiled and took Lucas' arm.
"I'd like to apologise now for anything I accidentally say or do to embarrass myself and you." Lucas murmured in her ear. "This isn't my usual social scene."
"I'll watch over you." She replied, squeezing his arm gently. "Just follow my lead."
"Ready?" Daniel looked around, and saw everyone waiting. "Let's go."
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The three couples stood behind the doors, waiting to be announced. Carina was quietly explaining the formalities of the whole affair to Lucas, who thought it was ridiculous.
"Lord Malfoy and Ginny will introduced first, because he's got a title." She murmured. "Then Constantine and Daniel, then us. We're last because we're unknowns."
"But you've done this before." Lucas argued quietly.
"But I'm not married. I'm still a dependent so until I do something really fascinating, such as arrive on the arm of a complete stranger, no one even remembers my name."
"Shame." Lucas smiled. "It's a rather pretty name. So that's whats in this for you, recognition?"
"Mostly. Plus, it's a bit of a scandal, which is fun. And Constantine asked me too."
"So her word goes?" Lucas was already finding that all of Constantine's friends, and even people like himself who barely knew her, bowed to her wishes eventually. She was graceful about it, and never seemed to actively coerce people. Whatever game it was that socialites played, she played it extremely well.
"She's been very good to me."
"Surely you shouldn't need her though." Lucas was confused. "You have name, status, money…"
"A name isn't everything. To really make it, you have to be special. That room is going to be full of beautiful, rich, named women. To stand out you have to be something. You'll recognise instantly the girls that don't understand that."
"Will I?"
"They're vapid attention seekers. Believe me, you will. Hush."
"Carina Goyle and escort, Lucas Weatherley." The man at the doors said. They stepped regally through the doors and descended the stairs, and Lucas instantly spotted the ones she was talking about.
"Wow, you weren't kidding." He murmured. She smiled vacantly and giggled. "Don't turn into an airhead on me, Carina." He warned. She glanced at him, and while the bubble-brained expression on her face made him want to slap her, the look in her eyes spoke of something much cleverer.
"Shush, I'm working." She hissed. She continued to smile and nod, and greet, and Lucas realised he already wanted this to be over.
"Well, that was interesting." Constantine said with a wicked smile, sipping her champagne.
"He turned green." Amadeo said. "I always thought that was a figure of speech, but he actually did it."
"I was quite surprised, actually." Ginny glared at Daniel, who smiled at her. "Not that he was jealous of Amadeo, Ginny. We have already established that I believe you are the most radiant woman in this room, and I would be deeply disturbed if Potter was not jealous, thought it would confirm my old theory that he is, in fact, gay, but I was surprised that he showed it. He's meant to be a politician."
"Here comes Carina and Lucas." Ginny said, noting the pair moving over and changing the subject. "He's doing rather well, don't you think?"
Daniel finally caved to the death glares coming from the elegant woman on his arm, and he smiled, tilting his head towards her.
"Jealous, pet?"
"Of you? Never." She snapped, her teeth perilously close to his throat. It looked like a lovers murmur, but Daniel was well aware she wasn't in the romantic mood: her nails digging into his arm confirmed that.
"Relax, pretty girl." He said softly. "You'll forgive me, she'll eviscerate me in my sleep."
"And I won't?" Constantine demanded, Daniel shook his head.
"Oh, you will. But we'll have sex first and I'd rather go out with a smile." Constantine glared and he smiled, kissing her temple. "Smile, pretty girl."
"Sometimes, I despise you." She bit out. Daniel nodded.
"Heads up." He replied. She frowned. "Weasley's come to see his sister." Constantine pulled away immediately, but saw that Ginny had already seen. The girl's hand tightened slightly on Amadeo's arm and he pulled her that little bit closer. Constantine relaxed, she knew Amadeo could and would take care of her.
"Ginny!" Ron grinned as he approached. He saw her company and frowned, but it made him pause, not stop. "Where have you been?"
"Around." She shrugged. "Ron, this is Carina and Lucas." He smiled at them but his eyes were on his young sister.
"Nice to meet you. Where have you been?" He hissed, taking her arm. She pulled away immediately. "Gin, you're marrying him in three weeks. We've been going frantic looking for you."
"I'm not marrying him." Ginny said quietly. "No matter what he has said. I wasn't on a goodwill trip, Ron. I left because he destroyed my home and threatened me. I've only been back a short while."
"What?" Ron asked, unable to believe his friend would do such a thing. "Gin, you must have misunderstood."
"There wasn't much to misunderstand." Constantine said softly.
"This isn't your business." Ron snapped.
"She came to me." Constantine said. "After. She came out to Africa to me, because England wasn't safe."
"I can't live like that." Ginny said. "And I certainly won't marry it."
"Gin, come on."
"No Ron." Gin stepped back slightly, into Amadeo. Ron got the message.
"You're with him now? A Malfoy?"
"Enough." Constantine stepped forward, one hand on Ron's chest. "She is your sister, Ron." She said quietly. "You must support her in her actions, she is staying true to herself."
"I suppose this was your idea? You never liked Harry."
"What gave you that impression?" Constantine asked softly. "I've never had opportunity to either like nor dislike him. However, any man who sends a woman fleeing from the country must answer certain questions."
"He didn't."
"He did." Constantine replied. "But this is neither the time nor the place to discuss this." Ron looked around and saw everyone watching, plus quite a few people were looking across the party at them.
"No." He agreed, and Constantine thanked the tact he'd recently gained. "I want an explanation, Ginny, later."
"Ask Harry." Ginny replied, "And then you can tell me what he has to say for himself." Ron stood, dumbstruck at her tone, until he collected himself and walked off. Ginny exhaled loudly.
"That was awkward."
"It was always going to be." Constantine commented. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah." Ginny said. "He won't try anything when I'm with you, and I'm with you pretty much constantly." Constantine nodded.
"Good. In that case, Daniel, I wish to dance." Daniel rolled his eyes but obligingly led her out onto the dance floor, leaving the others behind.
"You think she's okay?" Daniel asked as he led her around the dancefloor.
"Amadeo will look after her." Constantine said confidently. "What do you think of Lucas?"
"Carina has him under her well-manicured thumb, he'll be fine." Daniel nodded and Constantine smiled, relaxing into the dance. Daniel was an excellent partner, all she had to do was let him lead and her part of the dance was over. "How are you doing?"
His question surprised her and she looked at him with a frown. Those familiar eyes, the wrong colour but yet so full of the same expressions that had filled Draco's eyes, were looking down at her, studying her face. She smiled.
"How do you mean?" She asked. "I'm fine."
"You've been very busy recently." He murmured. "And we're coming to the crux of things."
"We're not there yet. We've got quite a lot of work to do yet." She said with a smile. "Don't be in such a hurry."
"I want to go back to before." Daniel said. Constantine knew instantly what he meant, and she met his gaze.
"We can't, Daniel." She replied gently. "Neither of us are that person anymore." He smiled wistfully, and bowed slightly as the dance ended. Constantine smiled and turned to scan the room for their friends. She spotted Carina and Lucas by the buffet, talking to Carina's brother Gregory and a few of the Slytherin crowd from when Hermione had attended Hogwarts, and after a moment decided that Lucas was in good hands. It seemed that pairing those two together was a success, both looked quite fond of the other already. Constantine's gaze moved on, searching for Ginny's red hair, emphasized by the gold of her dress, and finally spotted her by the drinks table. She was alone, with Amadeo nowhere is sight.
"Where's Amadeo?" Constantine asked softly, taking Daniel's hand and leading him towards the drinks table.
"Probably off somewhere discussing our new friend." Daniel replied, his gaze landing on Ginny. "Though perhaps he shouldn't have left her alone."
"That's what I'm worried about." Constantine picked up her pace slightly, but not so much that she would be seen as hurrying. Either way, she was still waylaid by several people wanting to say hello and compliment her dress.
"Potter's heading her way." Daniel murmured in Constantine's ear as she smiled and made small talk with one of the Ministry wives.
"Excuse me." Constantine smiled and moved away, Daniel on her tail, but they didn't quite make it on time.
"Ginny, can I speak with you?" Harry asked. "Privately?" Ginny was pale, and the champagne in her glass was rippling ever so slightly.
"Ginny, I love your dress." Constantine smiled as she approached, Daniel on her heels. Harry turned to look at her, deeply annoyed. Ginny smiled, relief edging it.
"Thank you." Ginny smiled, and the champagne in her glass calmed a little.
"Harry." Daniel smiled. "Enjoying the party?"
"Mm." Harry didn't really answer, his gaze raking over Constantine. Daniel restrained the urge to smack him. "Constantine, you look well."
"Thank you, I am." Constantine smiled cooly, an edge to her voice. "And you?"
"Just speaking to Ginny." Harry shrugged. "Could you give us a few moments?"
"Sorry, but I've just seen an old friend that Ginny simply must meet." Constantine smiled, taking Ginny's hand and pulling her gently. "Another time." Constantine swept off, Ginny in her wake.
"I hate it when she does that." Harry commented. Daniel smiled.
"What, steal your conversation out from under your nose or treat you like dirt?" Harry narrowed his eyes at him and Daniel shook his head. "You're not the only one. Constantine…can be very difficult."
"You're with her again, I see." Harry said pointedly. Daniel rolled his eyes.
"She may as well as ordered me to escort her." Daniel shrugged. "And you know Constantine, she always gets what she wants in the end."
"You don't look like you're taking it badly." Harry said flatly. Daniel raised his eyebrows.
"She's Constantine DeVere, Harry. Having her on my arm says a lot for me. And while you're Minister, some of us actually have to work for our living." Harry nodded.
"How is the architecture, anyway?"
"I'm taking a sabbatical." Daniel said with a grin. Harry laughed.
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Daniel looked down at Constantine, who was slumped, fast asleep, against him in the carriage. Amadeo and Ginny sat across from him, Ginny resting her head on Amadeo's shoulder. Daniel looked up to see the pair watching him.
"The party went well." He commented. Amadeo nodded.
"Lucas was quite successful. And Carina was an ideal escort." Amadeo agreed.
"Harry tried to talk to me though." Ginny complained quietly.
"You don't need to worry about him." Amadeo said softly. She nodded and Draco hid a small smile by burying his face in Constantine's hair. A few minutes later, the carriage came to a stop outside the Manor. Ginny and Amadeo alighted first, and Daniel carefully gathered Constantine up in his arms before stepping out of the vehicle and following them into the house. With a quiet goodnight he left them downstairs and began climbing the flights of stairs to her room. She muttered in her sleep and turned her face into his chest, one hand resting against it beside her face. He smiled down at her, nudging the door open with his hip. He laid her gently on the bed, staring down at her for a second. Constantine was a striking woman, it was true. But when she was asleep you could see more of Hermione in her, and that was who Draco prefered. Daniel smiled, using magic to change both their clothes into nightware, before climbing into bed behind her, just for a moment.
But he fell asleep.
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