CHAPTER 14 – A Date?!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is set on the 21st century and I have involved some famous British monarchs here only as an accessory. Just to make the story more fun! Some given names too are real but some are not. Hope you like it!
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"Where is my shoe?!" screamed a Hufflepuff girl as she ran through the hallways of Hogwarts.
It was the day everyone had been waiting nervously for. The Ball has finally arrived. Everyone was getting all frantic about every possible thing that came their way. They just couldn't sit down and calm themselves even for a second. Unlike Hermione, most of the girls were all worked up about the night to come. They couldn't just sit down and breathe even for a second. I have to escape this place.
Hermione walked away from all the chaos and ran towards the nearest quiet place she could find - which was the library, as usual. At least they haven't dominated this place yet. I'm going to stay here for a while until I have to meet up with Ginny and Cho to go to Harriotte's room at 4.
Hermione suddenly looked towards her left and saw Harry walking. He seemed to be looking around for something. Hermione stood up from her seat and walked towards the exit to Harry. Harry looked up at the figure approaching him and smiled to see the face of Hermione.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked.
"Hiding from girls?" Harry tried to sound childish.
"Oh, I forgot about them for quite some time now. How are they?" Hermione jokingly asked.
"Very funny, Hermione; but just to answer your question, they're fine - more so than not. I'm betting that you are here because you're hiding from the giggling girls, are you not?"
"You're right. I still have time to kill until I meet up with Cho and Ginny."
Harry and Hermione started to walk together. They really didn't have any place to go; they just wanted to take a walk. Harry sniffed the fresh air that surrounded the garden as they passed by it. All the while, the people they passed by were busy discussing about what they were going to wear or who their dates were.
"You're getting along fine with Cho, as I can see," Harry said.
"Yeah, she's really nice and not like the girly image that I had imagined," Hermione answered.
"I'm glad you're getting along with her. Someday, you might even go shopping together."
"Very funny, Harry Potter. Your dry sense of humor is really making me laugh. Now, you tell me, how are you and Cho?"
"We're fine, oh, yeah! Everything about us is just peachy!"
"Again, your dry sense of humor is killing me, Harry. Didn't I tell you to talk to her?"
"Look, 'Mione, I just don't think that we need to do this soon. Cho is still cherishing her time with Cedric after having lost him for a year and I do not intend to interrupt with that."
"Harry, you will not interrupt anything. All you are going to do is talk to Cho and clear things out with her. I'm sure Cedric will be happy to give you two that time."
"You always know how to reason out, do you?"
"Why do you think I'm still your best friend?"
Harry smiled and caught a glimpse at the hint of silver around Hermione's neck. He pointed at it and smiled at her. Hermione smiled too and the two continued their walk in silence until Hermione spoke out.
"How's Harriotte?" she asked bluntly.
"Why are you asking me that question?" Harry asked back, looking at her.
"Well, I just thought maybe you had news about her."
"What gave you that idea?"
"You are constant mail buddies, right?"
"Mail buddies?"
"Oh, you know what I mean!"
"I know, I know. No need to get aggravated about it. Well, she's alright, I guess."
"Ooh, how elaborate. Fine, I won't ask anymore. Hey, did you hear? Her brother Hilton's finally showing his face tonight."
"I'm quite surprised myself when I got the news. I heard from some people from Lexington that Hilton Henson has always been the distant person. He refuses to be part of a big crowd and only busies himself alone. They say that he is taking his position as the next head of their family very seriously."
"It's no surprise. Having to take over such a big and powerful family is an immense task. I'm sure Hilton Henson is very much nervous about his future job."
"But don't you think it's strange that Harriotte has never fully mentioned about her brother? I mean, we found out about her having a brother from Draco really."
"Probably they don't get along or something."
"You really believe that's the reason?"
"No, but what do I know? Anyway, Harriotte is probably just protecting her brother from all the chatter boxes here. After all, he is a busy man and having to hear such obnoxious rumors about him might cause him to loose his concentration. It is a proven fact."
"Probably. Hey, are you prepared for the Ball tonight?"
"Speaking of tonight, Harry, have you already announced to your fan club about me being your date for tonight?"
"Very funny, really, Hermione."
"It's plain, dry sense of humor, Harry. I'm being sarcastic here."
"Yeah, well, you're really awful at it."
"Just what do I know about comedy? Ron is usually the one being comedic among us."
"Ron? Yeah, where is that guy anyway?"
"I think he's with Draco discussing dancing matters for tonight?"
"He's really very protective of Ginny even though he doesn't admit it, is he?"
"He's a big brother - it comes naturally."
"Plus, he's getting along very well with Draco. It's something that I had never imagined in my entire life to happen."
"I'm just happy that things are turning out great this year. We've made plenty of new friends and we have great teachers who have toned down their temperamental attitudes. Plus, we don't have to worry about dying by just walking out of the doorway."
"You're very interesting, Hermione. I never noticed how much you have loosened up."
"Loosened up? What's that supposed to mean?"
"You know, you don't actually read all day long like you used to. You don't even nag me and Ron nowadays."
"Ah, that. Well, I get what you mean. I guess I have taken a liking to what is right and normal in this world. I won't contradict reality anymore."
Contradict reality? That's a good notion. I can actually relate to what she is saying.
"How do you think this night will turn out, Harry?" asked Hermione, shaking him from his thoughts.
"Well, I really don't have a clue in mind. I'm too busy wishing that something bad will not happen," he answered.
"Same here. I'm still hoping for a miracle. Can you imagine what kind of look would sprout in the faces of our professors and honored guests when they see our dance routine fall into shambles?"
"I can't even forget the look on Professor McGonagall's face yet!"
"I don't think anyone would be able to erase that from their memory!"
Harry and Hermione laughed and talked as they continued to walk. They reached the Great Hall and stopped just in front of it as they saw Harry's fan club inside. They quietly snuck away and laughed out loud as they walked farther away from them. They reached the path towards the Prefect's bathroom where Harry was able to divulge the secret of the egg, Hermione stopped.
"It's 3:30, I have to go and find Ginny and Cho now. Is it alright if I leave you here, Harry?" she asked the boy.
"Sure, I don't mind. You go on ahead. I'll go look for Ron and Draco, and possibly, Cedric too."
"Thanks. I'll see you tonight, then? Bye!"
"Hey, wait! What time am I suppose to pick you up?"
"You'll see! Bye, Harry!"
Hermione waved a goodbye towards Harry as she disappeared into the hallway. Harry sighed and wondered what would happen tonight. He started walking again and as he passed by the door to the Prefect's bathroom, he bumped into someone who came out of it.
"Ow! That's quite a hit," Harry mumbled.
"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't know someone was passing by," said the other person.
"It's no problem. It was my mistake anyway," Harry said and looked up at the one he bumped into and fell silent.
In front of him stood a very regal man. He was wearing what seemed to be Lexington Academy's uniform. He had a stern look in his face which was supported by piercing blue eyes. He held his stand very firm and unyielding. Harry gulped at his presence and felt his insides stopping for a moment.
"Are you alright?" asked the young man.
"Y-yeah. I'm fine, sir," Harry stuttered.
"Well, I have to go now. I apologize again."
The young lad nodded his head towards Harry and proceeded to leave. He didn't stop and stared back but he continued off like he was after his time. Harry stared at his retreating back and wondered to himself. Could he be Hilton Henson? But what was he doing inside the Prefect's bathroom? What could he have done there? Yes, he could have peed, but I don't think that's the reason. Am I having complex problems?
"Yo, Harry, what's the problem with you there?" Harry heard a voice speak at his right ear.
He turned to his right and saw Ron's mouth covered with cream. In his left hand he held a cream puff. He obviously stopped by the kitchens on his way to find me. Harry looked behind Ron and saw Draco and Cedric coming towards them.
"This baboon-pig ran and we had to catch up to him. He stole that cream puff from Dobby," Draco said.
"Dobby panicked when he got out of the door," Cedric stated.
"You look ridiculous, Ron. That's very childish, even for you," Harry told him.
"I was hungry!" Ron defended himself.
"Whatever. Anyway, the girls have already gone to Harriotte. What do you guys plan on doing?" Draco asked.
"I don't know. What do you have in mind?" Harry asked.
"I have no idea. Hey, baboon-pig, any bright ideas?"
"Why don't we just off to the Quidditch Pitch and sleep on the grass? We might even see Oliver there," Ron mumbled through chewing.
"It's better than nothing. Come on, let's go."
"Hey, baboon-pig, you got cream right there," Draco said and followed Harry and Cedric's retreating back.
"Hey! Wait for me you guys!" Ron shouted as their distances increased.
The boys laughed and talked about different things on the way to the Pitch. They almost ran into Harry's fan club but, fortunately, Cedric was able to spot them and they were able to duck behind a gargoyle statue. They reached the Pitch in no time and lay on the grassy field waiting until they were needed by their lovely ladies.
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"I will see you girls afterwards, okay? You go on ahead. Boys, you take care of these girls, alright?" Harriotte said to the couples in front of her.
It was finally time to face the crowd in the Great Hall. The Ball will finally begin any moment from now and the girls have already finished their preparations and are now ready to leave Harriotte's room with the boys. The girls all looked stunning, as what the boys had said.
Harry couldn't even imagine what he thought of when he saw Hermione walk out of Harriotte's closet room door five minutes ago. She was wearing a beautifully sewn rose gown that fluttered all the way down. It was simply an off-shoulder gown that hugged her body perfectly. She flattered it with the Lesotho Promise - one of the famous family jewels of the Hensons, a diamond bracelet that shimmered in the night light. But what Harry noticed most about Hermione was that she was still wearing the diamond necklace that he had given her many months ago. Harry smiled at her as she shyly looked at him. He held out his hand and bowed down at her. Hermione took his and followed him across the room.
Draco felt the same sensation when he saw Ginny step out of the room. She wore an aquatic blue Japanese-inspired sleeveless gown that had a silk shawl shaped into a ribbon attached to the back of her waistline and its ends cascaded until the end. She was also wearing one of the family jewels of the Hensons called the Heart of Eternity. She grinned at Draco and he smiled sheepishly. Hermione had to nudge him for him to be shaken out of his thoughts.
Cedric, however, just stared admiringly at Cho as he saw her. She wore an English inspired gown that had 3 petticoats and a corset. Her main dress was a short-sleeved lilac evening gown. Her sleeves was made out of satin and hanged on her shoulder like a strap-only wider. She accentuated her neck with the finest jewelry of the Henson family jewels, the Millennium Star.
"What about you, Harriote? Aren't you going down with us?" Ginny asked.
"You go on ahead. I will follow you shortly. I still have to prepare," Harriote said, smiling.
"Where's your escort? Oliver, I suppose?" Cedric asked.
"I…"
"We better go now. We wouldn't want to keep Harriotte from her preparations. Harriotte, we'll go on ahead. I'll just look for you later, alright?" Draco interrupted.
"Yes, please do that. You take care now. I will see you later at the Ball."
"Okay, then. If that's what you want. We'll see you there. Hurry up, okay? You might miss the opening act," Hermione said as she waved goodbye to Harriotte and they all disappeared through the door with Draco giving a knowing look towards his cousin before closing the door.
After Draco had closed the door, Hariotte went inside her bedroom and sat down on her bed. She looked out of her balcony window and sighed. I do not expect him to come. After all, we have no set appointment. I do not intend to wait here.
"Am I late?" Harriotte heard a manly voice say.
She looked at her doorway and smiled at the man standing there. She walked up to him and gave him a sweet smile. He smiled back and gave her a short hug. He sighed as Harriotte silently drew out her breath and hugged him tighter.
"Harriotte, you should get ready now. We are needed in twenty minutes," the manly voice said.
"Yes, yes, I will. Thank you for coming here, Brother," Harriotte told him.
"You know that I am always here for you, Harriotte. You are my baby sister and I love you very much. I am here to take care of you. Now, go and get dressed. Father and Mother have arrived."
"About that, Hilton, Father is planning something, is he?"
"Father always finds a way to conceal his actions. We have no control on what he is planning to do. I, myself, have no idea of what is about to take place tonight, but, yes, he is planning something."
"As I had figured when I received word that he arranged a conference with the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Sirius Black."
"You know our father, he always has something that will surprise us all."
"Have you had a talk with him?"
"I have done no such thing. I am fearful that he might engage me in a mêlée as well if I did so."
"It has been like that, Hilton. It had been like that ever since the very beginning."
"Yes, yes, it has. Now, you go get dressed. I will wait for you outside. I have the sentinels at alert. Hurry now."
Hilton walked out of the door and closed it. Harriotte glanced at her balcony window again and contemplated at the conversation Hilton had with their father three years ago. Father has always been stringent with me, but he is even stricter when it came to Hilton.
Harriotte just sighed and walked towards her gown displayed in a personal body mannequin just beside her bathroom door. She took it off from the mannequin and stared at it in her hands. It was a gown shipped all the way from Milan. It was designed by their family designer and was made by their family dressmaker. Harriotte loved how it was evenly sewn together. It was an ivory organza halter that flowed down on the ground. It also had a silk cape-like train that was attached on the back shoulders and went all the way down, 3 meters further from the end of the gown. The gown simply flowed out evenly with its end brushing on the ground. 'A gown fit for a princess.' Such a dreadfully catchy tagline. But I am no princess.
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It was seven in the evening and everyone was getting excited. Students have gathered inside the Great Hall and were awaiting the upcoming events that were to take place. Girls were all giggling all over their gowns, boys were all gathered by the beverage table chatting away, teachers were all around walking and checking to see if everything was alright, and the Hagrid went about asking the students to go back to their designated tables because the Grand Entrance was about to begin.
"Have you spotted her yet?" Ginny asked Harry.
"No, I haven't seen her anywhere, nor have I seen Oliver," he told her as he slowly examined every face in the crowd.
"Attention to all the sixteen dance instructors, please proceed in front of the Great Hall immediately," was heard from Professor McGonagall as she walked towards the exit of the Great Hall. Harry and the rest quickly followed after her. Outside, they saw a long line of palace guards and ladies-in-waiting.
"What is all these for?" Hermione asked out loudly.
"It must be for the welcoming of the honored guests," Cho said.
"No, I'm afraid not, Miss Chang. These palace guards and ladies-in-waiting are for welcoming the duke and the duchess only. The Grand Entrance is for the honored guests but the finale is for the duke and the duchess who shall be entering before their children. Now, all of you, gather around please. I will say this once and only once. At the sound of the trumpet, you shall all enter the Great Hall together with your respective partners. You shall be walking along this red carpet over here and you shall end at the middle of the Hall. Mind you, the Hall has been enlarged and stretched by the Headmaster so expect to have a long walk. Once you have arrived, you shall form a line facing the audience. When everyone has been completed, a trumpet will sound once again and you shall bow to them gracefully. After that, you wait for five seconds before you may take your designated seating arrangement, understand?" related Professor McGonagall to them.
"Professor, why do we have to participate in the entrance ceremony?" asked a perplexed Hannah Abott.
"The duke and the duchess wishes to honor your diligence and perseverance in helping the teachers with the dance lessons, Miss Abott. Now, places, everyone! We will begin in two minutes time."
"So, the Lord Hilton Henson is finally showing himself," Ron commented.
"I wonder who his date is," Ginny said.
"Hilton has no date," Draco declared.
"What?" Hermione asked, rather shocked.
"That's impossible," Ginny followed.
"You must be kidding us," Cho said.
"No, girls, I am very serious. Hilton has no date for tonight," Draco repeated himself in defense.
"Why would the only son of the Duke of Epingworth not have a date for tonight's Ball?" Cedric asked.
"Do you think we're supposed to believe something like that?" Ron asked sarcastically.
"Before you say anything else, just listen to me first. Hilton doesn't go on dates, nor does Harriotte. Hilton and Harriotte were already arranged to be married to their significant fiancés even before they were born. That is the reason why they are not allowed to go on dates. Hilton's fiancé is in Greece right now, studying. Hilton, like Harriotte, has devoted his life to his family that is why part of his devotion is being honest to his fiancé. He dearly loves his fiancé and I mean real love. They are getting married in three years time. So, don't go freaking out on me if you don't believe what I say, because I'm just telling the truth."
"Is that for real? How can someone go on to life with something so strangling?" Ron said.
"Hilton is happy with that setting. He loves Georgina, his fiancé, so much. Basically, he's happy about being attached to her. So, he doesn't really complain."
"But still, isn't that a little too much?" Hermione asked.
"It may be a little over-extreme for some, but Harriotte and Hilton have been used to that kind of upbringing. It has been a tradition from generation to generation. There really is nothing that we can do about it."
"What if they just suddenly snap out of it?" Cedric asked.
"That would cause chaos all over our family. Bridges will burn."
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"And now, please remain in silence as we welcome the entrance of out guests of honor, Duke Edward Henson and Duchess Clarisse Henson," announced the Headmaster as the double doors of the Great Hall opened once again to welcome the duke and the duchess.
Harry watched as two elegantly dressed middle-aged couple entered the Great Hall hand-in-hand. They smiled plainly towards the people they pass by on the way up front. Once they had reached the Headmaster and the other professors, the faculty bowed gracefully towards them and motioned for the students to do as well.
"Students, please give your warmest welcome to our guests of honor, the Duke and the Duchess of Epingworth!" announced Professor Dumbledore.
The two guests sat down at the center of the Grand Table. The Headmaster remained standing in the center stage and was left with the other headmaster and headmistresses of the guest schools. Harry watched as the Wardsworth and Lexington students all stood up in a line towards the entrance walk, brandishing with them their wands.
"And now, for our last entrance for tonight, please give your grand welcome to the honored son and daughter of Epingworth, Lord Hilton Henson and Lady Harriotte Henson!"
The students watched as the Wardsworth and Lexington students raised their wands up in the air. After a few seconds, a bright sparks of light appeared from their wands and shot up, ending with a great shower of lights. The students were at awe at the display of beautiful magic.
Just beyond the white smoke a spark of light appeared and the students saw two figures coming out of the fog. Harry blinked two times before finally coming into a clear view of the figures walking through the smoke. He saw a handsome young man who wore a white French tux and had a bright, small smile planted on his face. He kept his gaze straight up front, only looking sideways at his partner every once in a while. Harry shifted his gaze towards the woman whose arm was linked to the man and saw Harriotte-her face all plain and simple. Her look wasn't much to be dazzled about but everyone would admit that she was at her best. Even with just a simple ivory gown, she was glowing like a fairy tale princess.
Girls from Beauxbatons, Salem and Wardsworth were all heard squeaking in delight at the sight of Hilton. It was obvious that his looks were very eye-catching. No wonder the girls turned their heads towards the young man in white. All the young men, however, from Lexington and Durmstrang, even some from Hogwarts, stared at the young Lady. They watched her every move and remained at awe in her simple yet striking appearance. Harry had to admit that she did look wonderful and eye-catching. Even he couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was very beautiful, yet something about her that night caught Harry's attention.
"That's it, isn't it?" Harry heard Ginny say.
"Yes, that is really it!" Hermione answered.
"What's it?" Harry asked, making Ron, Cedric and Draco look at him.
"That's the Henson crown jewel, the Cullinan Diamond," Hermione said.
"What diamond?" Ron asked.
"That diamond piece around Harriotte's neck."
"What's that supposed to be of significance?"
"It's the famous Henson family crown jewel. It has been passed down since the early seventeen hundreds. Only the official immediate members of the Henson family will be able to obtain the jewel. It is said to be one of the most prized jewels in the world. "
"It costs more than all our lives put together!" Ginny exclaimed.
"It's a very beautiful diamond. Only one in the world ever found," Cho added.
"That's got to be a joke," Ron countered.
"No, it's true," Draco silently said, his gaze towards Harriotte's face as she and Hilton neared their assigned seats.
All of them shifted their gaze towards the young Malfoy. Harry leaned on to the table and waited for his next response. Hermione observed as Draco looked at his cousin and how his face was marked with sadness and worry. I have never seen Draco like this.
"The Cullinan Diamond, owned by the Hensons since the seventeenth century, is the one that Harriotte is wearing right now. I have seen that one too many times to not recognize what it looks like. That necklace is indeed worth more than our lives put together. That is very important to the Henson family. Even I would be killed if I would even think of taking it without permission from the family head."
All of them remained silent and felt the uneasiness in the air surrounding them. They knew that Draco was not in the mood right then. There was something different about him and his demeanor. He showed no signs of interest that night. Only when he saw Ginny was he obviously very happy, but right now, if ever he was happy, he showed no signs of it.
"Is that guy with Lady Harriotte the young Lord Hilton Henson?" Harry heard from another table.
"I think so! Oh my! He is so cute! I hope he looks this way!" said a rather odd girl from Ravenclaw.
"Hilton Henson seems to be a big sell," Cedric commented.
"That's no surprise. Having seen the effect of Harriotte's beauty, I will be surprised if her very own brother wouldn't have his own fan base starting right about now," Ginny replied.
"Even the Beauxbaton and Salem girls seem to find his charm very powerful," Hermione added.
Harry glanced towards the Beauxbaton girls near his right. As he observed the room, he caught the eye of a certain blonde girl seated near the far end at the back. She stared at Harry with a seductive smile on her face that brought out the sign of her desire for the young wizard. Harry quickly looked away and returned his gaze towards his tablemates. He particularly gazed at Hermione who smiled at him sweetly and held his hand under the table. Harry squeezed it gently and smiled at her. Hermione looked at him once again before returning her gaze towards the front where Professor Dumbledore was saying something. I feel as if someone is looking at me.
Harry watched Hermione's look change from calm to wonder. He thought about what she was thinking but decided to just drop it. He shifted his gaze towards Draco and saw him looking right at Harriotte's face. Harry followed his gaze. He looked at Harriotte and saw what Draco was probably seeing.
"Before we begin with any performance for tonight, the feast will be served first. Tonight's feast was made by a chef from Italy, which means it is Italian cuisine - a favorite of our duchess and her daughter, Lady Harriotte. Please, have a hearty meal and the show will soon begin," Dumbledore finished and sat down just beside the duke.
Harry and the others suddenly saw individual plates appeared in front of them. It was the appetizer, as what the renowned chef from Italy had announced after he appeared from the entrance. Harry looked at the food in front of him and saw how the rather minute piece of food was placed on an overly-huge plate. Is this how they eat Italian cuisine? What a humongous plate!
"It's really its plate, Harry," Hermione told him, as if reading his thoughts.
"But why is it this big?" Harry asked.
"It's to accentuate the food," Hermione answered back.
"Food doesn't need accentuating. It's all gonna mix up inside your stomach anyway," Ron mumbled out rather loudly.
"Oh, Ron, you really don't have taste, do you?" Hermione shot back.
"Besides that, Ron, where is Lavander?"
"She's with Parvati, I think. I don't know really, but I'll see her soon."
"What kind of date are you?" Ginny asked him.
"The one who doesn't tag along all the time, Ginny."
"Whatever."
The students and guests all busied themselves with their food. After the last course was served, the students waited for the dessert, but, to no avail, failed to see anything appear before them. Professor Dumbledore stood up and walked towards the center stage. He asked for silence from the crowd and in barely a split second, the noisy crowd went dead silent.
"Before the climax of the meal is to be served, we shall begin with tonight's prepared performance. But before that, a few introductions about our guests of honor," the Headmaster articulated. "As you may not know, the Duke of Epingworth was a graduate of Hogwarts years ago. His family was known to have a lineage of wizards and witches; only, they decided to remain as normal muggles in the muggle world-having the passion to serve the people of the mortal world. As is the Duchess of Epingworth; she is also a graduate of this school and a known honor student-much like her son and daughter."
There was a sudden pause before Professor Dumbledore continued, smiling at the eager faces of the crowd before him.
" Young Lord Hilton Erickson Lewis has graduated from Lexington Magical Academy as its highest ever marked student. He is still currently studying there, taking up mastery in magic. Given the title of 'Lord' at the age of seven after serving the Queen and passing a very rigorous exam, Hilton has been famous for years in the muggle world. He is currently involved in different charity works that his family had established throughout the years. He is to be the heir to the family throne of the Hensons - soon to be the head of the family. He is a very fine young man and a popular one too. One of the most eligible bachelors in England, Hilton stands out very much. Unfortunately, ladies, our young lord-of-the-house here is already engaged to be married to Countess Georgina von Einsiedel of Nassau. She is currently in Greece, studying the history of her family. I'm sure all of you ladies are saddened by this news. Off with that, there are plenty of fishes out there."
Harry glanced around when he heard sudden disappointed groans from the crowd. Boy, he sure is one fish they did want to catch.
"Now, we have here Lady Harriotte Elizabeth Lilian Henson-the ever so beautiful princess-to-be. Are you not? No, of course not. Even having been proposed to by none other than Prince William Windsor of Wales, Lady Harriotte still refused. She is, as you all know, studying in Wardsworth. She is now in her sixth year. A very smart young girl like her brother, an honor student at her right. She was given the title of 'Lady' the same time as her brother having been an 'experiment' consort of the Prince William. She was loved by the Queen and Prince Charles, much more of Prince William and Prince Henry (popularly known as Prince Harry). Very impressive indeed! Unfortunately, again, to all of you young gentlemen out there, Lady Harriotte is already engaged to be married to none other than our very own Quidditch History professor, Oliver Wood."
The crowd remained silent as the upset voices of the young men died down at the sound of Oliver's name. They all looked around as if looking for something in the crowd. Harry kept his gaze towards Harriotte's face and saw her expression blank.
"Thank you for that introduction, Headmaster," was heard from the very back of the Hall.
Everyone turned around to find Oliver standing by the door grinning foolishly. He slowly made his way up to the front. As he passed by the students they found him to be holding his wand behind his back and they all wondered what he was planning to do. He kept his pace and the crowd remained as silent as ever, waiting for any change of movement from him. As he neared the table where the honored guests were seated, he stopped and he came face-to-face with his fiancé.
"I have no explanation of sorts, my love. I am only to ask for your forgiveness. Please accept these as a token of my sincere apology," Oliver said, looking straight into Harriotte's eyes.
In a swift motion, he immediately changed the ambience of the room into a sundown purple and soon, flower petals of different varieties all fell from the Enchanted Ceiling. Students all help their hands up as if to be able to catch the petals. All of them were at awe-including the faculty members, maybe even Dumbledore. There were bright smiles from the students, but as Harry returned his gaze towards Harriotte, he saw that her facial expression didn't change.
"Excuse me for a moment, please," Harry heard Draco say.
He looked at him and saw him standing up from his seat. Ginny wondered where he was going, so did everyone else in their table. Harry followed Draco with his eyes and saw him approaching the table where Harriotte was seated. He stopped just beside Oliver and whispered something in his ear. Oliver nodded and swished his wand and suddenly, the petals disappeared. Draco approached Hilton and told him something, causing him to look at his sister. Hilton's expression was of worry and sadness. Harriotte just stared blankly into Oliver's face.
"Now, please, all of you, settle down now. Tonight's prepared performances shall be instigated as follows. Please welcome at the center stage, the Beauxbatons Academy's beautiful ladies to perform the ballet interpretation of the famous muggle fairy tale, The Little Match Girl!" Professor Dumbledore announced to the crowd and all began to scream shouts of delight.
And so the performances were all held according to the arrangement of each school. Hogwarts, fortunately, gained a standing ovation from the honored guests with their performance of the waltz. Much to Hermione's surprise, the first years to third years did their Hesitation Waltz number with much passion anyone could ever imagine. Harry, the whole time, tried to keep his gaze towards Harriotte's apathetic expression.
There is definitely something up tonight. She looks very different. She acts very different. Draco seems a little at the edge. Hilton Henson seems to be at full alert. But Oliver, he seems to be clueless of everything. Is there something we will witness tonight?
"Here, here! Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, Wardsworth, Lexington, and Salem! Welcome to Hogwarts' Yule Ball 2007!" the crowd heard from what seemed like speakers at the ceiling.
They suddenly saw two spotlights centering to two red-headed men, namely, Fred and George Weasley. Harry almost fell off his chair at the sight of the Weasley twins in the middle of the center stage. Hermione and Cho gasped, while Ginny just groaned and slouched down. Ron stared nonchalantly at his brothers. Cedric looked shock at them but remained silent.
"Thank you for that wonderful performance, all dear students!" Fred began.
"That was really quite a show!" George said.
"But tonight, the main event is just about to begin."
"Yes, tonight, you will all be witnesses to this very special announcement!"
"Hogwarts."
"Beauxbatons."
"Durmstrang."
"Salem."
"Lexington."
"And Wardsworth."
"Please listen carefully for this very special announcement that I…"
"…and I…"
"…am about to give you."
"Tonight, we have chosen six rightful people…"
"…who will be part of a special event…"
"Now, as we call on your names, please stand up here with us."
"Okay, first name to be called…"
"Harry Potter! Come on up!"
Harry's eyes grew wide at the sound of his name. He unwillingly stood up and approached Fred and George, giving them piercing glares. He gave Draco a questioning look as he neared the center, wondering to himself if anyone knew anything about what was going on.
"Thank you, Harry."
"And our next person will be…"
"Hermione Granger!"
"Cho Chang!"
"Cedric Diggory!"
"Oli – wait – yes, that's not right. Professor Oliver Wood!"
Every single one of them stood up from their seat and approached the twins unwillingly. Hermione gave them piercing glares with a mix of annoyance. Cho just timidly came towards them. Cedric just looked at his friends with confusion and more confusion. Everyone was shocked to hear Oliver's name being called. He stood up from his seat and went directly beside George. His face was blank but it was obvious that he didn't know what was going on.
"For our last person…"
"…we have chosen…"
"…the most important one of them all."
"Please give our warmest applause…"
"…to tonight's VIP…"
"Lady Harriotte Henson!"
Everyone became silent. The faculty all shot up from their seats. Professor McGonagall tried to stop Fred and George from what they were doing, but, surprisingly, Professor Dumbledore stopped her. He told the whole faculty to restrain themselves and just wait for what was to happen.
Harriotte looked at the twins with the same set of blank look that she had brandished all throughout the night. She gazed at her brother and just looked at his face. Harry saw how Hilton smiled at her and stood up from his seat, extending his hand towards her in a gesture to escort her to the center. Harriotte took his hand and they both walked towards the center. When they reached Fred and George, Hilton remained by Harriotte's side, Draco now with the both of them.
"What is the meaning of this, Mister Weasley?" Professor McGonagall suddenly asked.
"I'm very glad you asked, Professor."
"To answer your question, we shall announce it now."
"These six here have been carefully chosen by us…"
"…to participate in a very important event…"
"ONE FULL DAY OF A DATE TOGETHER!!!"
"Only, there's a twist."
"The twist is this: Oliver will not date Harriotte nor Cho, not even Hermione. He shall be on a day's date with BOTH Hermione and Cho!"
"Same goes to Lady Harriotte as she will go on a date with both Harry and Cedric here."
The crowd went silent after Fred and George's announcement. Suddenly,whispers were heard all over the Hall. Some were outraged at the idea, yet some were interested at what was to happen. No matter what they though, nobody can ever compare to what the thoughts of the six were.
Hilton became silent and waited a few moments before composing himself. He let the thought sink in his head. He breathed in and out repeatedly, until he just suddenly stopped. This is an outrage!
Hilton suddenly drew out his sword - one he kept by his waist-and pointed it straight at the twins. Both of them became frightened by the lord's sudden outburst. They backed away slightly, trying as much as they can to avoid getting near the sharp edge of the blade.
"What kind of gibberish are you plotting?! Getting the Lady involved in such a ridiculous task is a disrepute to our family! I have tolerated this until at this moment. I cannot just let my sister prolong about with this preposterous arrangement of yours! This is an indignation!" Hilton declared at the scared twins.
The duke suddenly stood up and came towards his son. Hilton looked at his father and, then on, understood what he wanted him to do. He quickly put down his sword and walked back beside his sister who was now awake about the happenings surrounding her. She looked at Hilton with concern but he just shrugged it off.
"You two are Weasleys, are you not? Do you not know that your parents are here tonight? In fact, all of your parents are here tonight. They are at the other side of this room-the mirror image. They are witnessing what you are witnessing as of this moment," the duke told them.
"Yes, sir, we know about that, sir. We know that our parents are here and we are still willing to continue with this even if they are witnessing our plan right now," the twins said together.
The duke smiled at this and turned to the faces staring at him. He laughed. He approached the twins and gave them both pats in the back before calming down. He looked at the faces of the young ones and drew his breath before speaking.
"Alright, I shall approve of this fascinating plan of yours. I do not know what your intentions are but I shall tag along whatever it is that you have got in store for these six," he finally said.
"Father!" Hilton shouted.
"Hilton, Harriotte is already mature enough to face something such as this. Let her participate in this. It might do well for her too. We never know. In a way, she might learn something from it. But, of course, there are conditions that I must implement. First: there shall be no disgusting routine whatsoever to be done at the duration of the date. Two: you shall be in control of what is o happen on that date and make sure that I and/or Hilton shall be informed about the undertakings of the date. Lastly, I necessitate you to commit to memory this very clearly: If something regrettable happens to my daughter, I shall have you both put to bereavement by hanging. Now that that's settled, shall we continue with the feast?"
The youngsters all fell silent at what the duke had said. Harriotte sighed and went towards Cedric and Harry. She gave them both a sweet smile that indicated that she was alright with the situation. They both nodded and smiled at her too.
Oliver gave his fiancé a look and sighed. I might as well get on with this. He approached the two ladies and gave them both a pat on the back. They looked up at him with confused eyes before finally giving in and smiled. Fred, George, I will have a serious talk with the both of you.
Hilton sighed and returned to his seat. He knew that he could not do anything to change the decision of his father. Draco, however, still couldn't believe the stupidity of the situation. Ginny finally came by his side and they could only guess what the other one was thinking. They looked at the twins and saw a mischievous look in their eyes. Draco and Ginny both looked at each pother, obvious to what the other has seen. Something is definitely up.
Unbeknownst to the young couples, the Headmaster and the Duke of Epingworth were internally smiling at the situation that has raveled upon them. They both knew that something was at hand and they were too excited to see what it was. It was still early in the winter yet the spring fever had already begun to spread inside the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.