The Ball
Daisy took one final look at herself in the standing mirror in the closet and smiled, lightly touching the necklace that Wills had gifted her for Christmas. Her hair was pulled over her shoulder in loose curls and the dress floated around her in a sea of gold sparkles.
The front was a muted gold rather than glittery and cut low to the waist with the back following suit, while three thin bands of rhinestones circled the fitted bodice starting just under the bust. The skirt flowed down from the waist, a glittering swirl of brighter gold. It definitely made a statement and would catch the eye of everyone, if it didn't blind them first.
"Come on, Pix! We're going to be late!" Wills shouted from downstairs. She gave herself one last once over and then turned and walked out of the closet and across the room. She stopped momentarily at the top of the stairs, drinking in Wills' stunned expression. "Wow… you always look good, but this… this is something else."
She grinned as she made her way down the stairs, lifting her skirt up so she wouldn't trip.
"Thought I'd go for something a bit more…"
"Amazing?" he said, quickly stepping over to help her clear the last few steps. She laughed softly.
"Heard from the aurors? Can we go now?" she asked.
"Yea, got the all clear. Just need to show up directly in the lobby," he said, still unable to take his eyes off her. She walked over to the coffee table and picked up her purse before grabbing her cloak and throwing it on. She then turned to face Wills, smiling.
"Let's get on, then," she said, holding her hand out.
Daisy took a deep breath as they made their way through the opulent front hall after dropping off their cloaks at the coat check. She glanced up at Wills, who was fidgeting slightly next to her as they neared the press line.
"Not our first ball together. Why are you so nervous?" she asked.
"I'm not nervous," he said.
"Certainly acting as though you are, bouncing around like that," she replied.
"Not nervous. Just anxious to get inside and take my beautiful girlfriend for a dance," he said, grinning down at her. Daisy just chuckled and shook her head as they reached the press line.
"Wills! Daisy! What's your opinion of the season so far?"
"Think we're doing rather well," Daisy said, smiling as they reached the edge of the red carpet and pausing momentarily, smiling as the cameras flashed. "Been working hard and catching the snitch."
"And doing a beautiful job of it," Wills added. "She's currently the No. 1 seeker in the League, in case you didn't know." Daisy blushed slightly.
"And dating the current No. 1 chaser in the League. This makes, what? Eight years in a row?" she replied as they slowly moved down. Wills puffed up his chest a bit.
"All in a day's work," he said.
"What can we expect for the second half?"
"More of the same. I'm focused and feel like I'm in a good groove to finish at the top. And hopefully face off against this one in the final," Daisy said, grinning up at Wills.
"How do you feel about possibly facing off against your girlfriend again?"
"I look forward to it. May the best team win!" Wills said exuberantly.
"Daisy, life has been rather hectic the past few months. What's your secret for playing so well under pressure?"
"Just… keep my head in the game. As soon as I step foot on the pitch, the only thing on my mind is the match and finding the snitch. Nothing else," she said.
"Have you discovered any new gifts with your magic?"
"Not yet, unfortunately," she replied with a small smile. Wills squeezed her hand.
"Has your dad finally come around to your relationship?"
"Still working on it," Wills replied with a smile. "Perhaps if I win the Cup for him this summer, he'll finally accept me."
"Any word on the investigation into the Network?"
"You'd have to talk to the Ministry about that," Daisy answered. "Sure they have a press agent for those sorts of things."
"That's about it for now. Enjoy your night," Wills called out, pulling Daisy towards the entrance to the ball. "Tonight is about fun. Not the Network. Not gifts."
Daisy glanced up at him as they neared two large double doors.
"Not like we've heard anything so far to say," she muttered.
"Pix," Wills said in warning. Daisy took a deep breath and smiled up at him.
"You're right. Tonight is about fun. No talk of the Network or gifts," she said.
"That's my girl," Wills said before kissing her cheek. The two stepped through a large red velvet curtain and stopped momentarily, taking in the splendor of the white marble and gold ballroom. Several crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, filling the large room with a soft, romantic glow as hundreds in dress robes and gowns moved around. In the middle was a large dancefloor with an orchestra on the far side playing soft music. Along both sides were long bars with large archways leading into other rooms that likely contained food and other bars.
"All these years and it never fails to look enchanting," Daisy said.
"Of course not," Wills said, leading her inside. They walked over to one side, seeing Lucy and Kelly standing with the other Arrows. Dominique was chatting with Blanks' date while a nervous looking Cunningham stood at her side.
"Think something's going on there?" Daisy asked Wills softly as they reached the group.
"You could always take a look," Wills murmured back. Daisy shook her head.
"No, tonight is not about gifts. I'm not doing it," she said. Wills just chuckled as they joined the group.
"So, this is the big ball that everyone was talking about," Tori said, looking around. She was dressed in a simple, fitted black full-length dress, scanning the full ballroom. While Dominique had tried talking her into something a bit more elaborate, Tori had resisted, knowing it was more important that she blend in. She and Chris had been called in to do undercover surveillance alongside the many, many aurors that were already positioned around various parts of the castle. Not to mention the extensive security gate that everyone had to go through just to get in.
Even Teddy was there, Victoire on his arm. Though last they saw them, he too was scanning the crowd and barely paying attention to whatever George had been talking about.
"That it is," Chris said. "It's a bit grander than the summer ball."
"I can tell. Just how much money does the department of sports have for these things?" she asked.
"More than enough," Chris said with a sigh. "Quidditch brings in a lot. Not only through tickets but also through merchandising. Daisy actually got a bonus from the Arrows management after her jerseys kept selling out at the various shops."
"How does George get away with selling products in his store?" Tori asked, looking at him.
"Special licensing contract with the Ministry. Mostly because they knew he'd do it anyway - even before his wife became sports minister. Plus, he and Iris come up with better stuff than the official shops," Chris said with a chuckle. Tori shook her head and returned to looking around the ballroom.
"So… we're just supposed to look for anything suspicious?" she asked.
"For the most part," Chris replied.
"Do they think the Network would actually try something at the ball?" Tori asked, frowning slightly.
"Can't be too safe. They could attempt to take Daisy. Or just wreak havoc. It's happened in the past. They suspended all games and events back during the second war. Bill and Fleur Weasley's wedding was overtaken by Death Eaters. Wouldn't be too far-fetched that they could try something at a large, public event just to make a statement," Chris said. He looked around, his gaze settling on Hardwick. "Ah look, the player everyone loves to hate." Tori looked over, seeing Hardwick as well.
He was standing with a couple other Falcons, a busty blonde witch on his arm.
"I can't believe anyone would actually agree to come as his date," she replied, her disgust apparent.
"A professional quidditch player is a professional quidditch player. He's always one of the top five seekers in the League and the Falcons never rank lower than No. 10. He may be loathsome, but he's still popular with the ladies," Chris said grimly.
"Do you think he's actually involved in all this? We haven't seen anything so far that connects him other than the fact that his grandfather was buddies with Magnus' grandmother," Tori said. "Not to mention, he just seems like your average, dumb as nails jock to me."
"Dunno. He does seem thick most of the time, but it could always be a bluff," Chris said. "Teddy wants us to keep an eye specifically on him tonight." Tori wrinkled her nose.
"Sounds like fun," she said blandly.
"Don't worry. We don't have to get too close. At least not the whole time. And James has been told to come to us if he overhears anything interesting," Chris said. Tori nodded and looked around.
"Seems Daisy's arrived," she said. "Whoa. That is a dress." Chris looked over, seeing Daisy and Wills making their way through the crowd over to a group of Arrows players. They certainly grabbed attention.
"Tends to do that. Louis dresses her. Works with one of the top wizarding designers in Paris, who is more than happy to dress the It Girl of quidditch every year," Chris said as he leaned casually against a pillar.
"Wish I had that kind of money," Tori replied.
"Oh, she doesn't buy them. She's got to give the dress back after the ball from what I understand," Chris said.
"Shame," Tori said. Chris continued to watch the couple.
"Hard to believe they've been together a year now," Chris said. Tori looked over at him, confused.
"But I thought-"
"They only announced it at the final in June, but she connected with him the night before she left for the island last December," Chris said. Tori's eyebrows rose as she watched the couple.
"And here I thought Wills couldn't keep a secret to save his life," she said in slight awe.
"Normally he can't," Chris said. "But they had to wait to tell Coach Wood until Daisy got back and Wills was terrified she'd kill him if he let anything slip. Not to mention, he was terrified of what the coach would do if Daisy wasn't there to protect him." Tori laughed.
"I can understand that fear," she said. She sighed and looped her arm through Chris'. "Come on, partner. Let's mingle."
"Why on earth do you keep staring at Wood?" Riley Allens, chaser for Falcons, asked, following Hardwick's gaze. His dark eyes were once again following Daisy and Wills as they danced, Daisy's head tossed back in laughter.
"Shut it, Allens," he growled.
"Seriously. You've only seemed to have gotten more obsessed with her since the Halloween party. Taking this rivalry a bit far, aren't we?" Riley said. Hardwick glared at the younger player.
"I said… shut it, Allens," he said, his voice low. He then skulked off, leaving a confused Allens in his wake, along with his date who seemed put out. She huffed and walked away, looking around for her friends.
"What was that about?" James asked as he stepped up to the other chaser.
"Dunno. Just asked why he kept staring at your cousin," Riley said. James looked over, seeing Harwick standing at the bar, his eyes still trained on Daisy.
"I'm starting to get annoyed by all this," James said with a sigh. "It's getting ridiculous, even for Hardwick."
"Not sure what he thinks he's gonna do. Should be saving it for the pitch," Riley said with a chuckle. James stiffened as he looked around the ballroom, searching for Tori and Chris. "Even if he was gonna try and jinx her, the aurors wouldn't let him anywhere near her."
"Even without them, doubt her brothers or Wills would," James said lightly before smiling at Riley.
"Isn't that the truth? Besides, I saw what she did to him her first season. Your cousin definitely doesn't need a guard duty," Riley replied.
"That she doesn't," he said. "If you'll excuse me." James wandered off, taking care to pass by Hardwick as he glanced around looking for the two aurors.
"What are you looking at, Potter?" the seeker growled.
"Oh, nothing. Just perusing the choice of beverages, is all," he said, grinning as he kept walking.
"Watch your back, Potter," Hardwick said before turning to face the bar. James stopped and spun around.
"Or what? Planning on hexing your own teammate?" he asked. Hardwick glanced over at him, but then grabbed his glass and walked off in the other direction, muttering to himself. James frowned and then turned, walking away much faster. He kept looking around until he found Chris and Tori standing in a corner.
"Please tell me you weren't antagonizing Hardwick," Chris said boredly. "It's not like we don't have enough to look out for tonight."
"Not intentionally," James said, smiling briefly. "Though he did just tell me to watch my back simply for walking by him."
"What did you say?" Chris asked, rolling his eyes.
"Shouldn't we be taking this seriously?" Tori asked, looking up at Chris.
"You don't fully understand just how annoying James can be," Chris said.
"I toned it down this time," James said. "But he's been watching Pix all night."
"I know. We've been watching him," Chris said.
"So… shouldn't you be closer? What if he's planning something?" James asked, seeming unusually serious.
"We're watching him," Chris said. "Now go off and let us do our job." James frowned at him before walking off.
"Maybe we should be taking this more seriously," Tori said, scanning the crowd for Hardwick, but found she couldn't see him. "I can't see Hardwick."
"James is likely letting his imagination get the better of him. Hardwick wouldn't think of trying something here. Not with all the aurors," Chris said. "Certainly not that daft."
"Then why can't I find him," Tori said. Chris immediately began looking around.
"Relax. He's there," Chris said, nodding towards the far end of the ballroom where the seeker was leaning against a pillar.
"I'd feel better if we were closer," she said.
"Let's go."
"You're being too obvious," Martins hissed from the other side of the pillar.
"Let me be the judge of that," Hardwick said, not taking his eyes off Daisy.
"You've had your eyes on her all night. Potter and your other teammate aren't the only ones who've picked up on it. Your shadows are already moving closer," Martins said. "You sure you can do your part?"
"I came up with the bloody plan, didn't I?" Hardwick said.
"Yea, but they're going to be watching her closely every time she goes out in public. Don't be so obvious and give everything away," Martins said before pushing off the pillar.
"I know what I'm doing," Hardwick said, glancing over at the man just in time to see him disappear into the crowd. He then turned back to the main ballroom, watching as Daisy danced with her father, taking another sip of his drink. "Just wait, Pixie…"
"Mind if I cut in, Uncle Oliver?" James asked brightly as he popped up next to Oliver and Daisy.
"Only if Pix is okay with it," Oliver said, frowning slightly.
"It's fine, Dad. You can watch me from over there," she said, nodding over to where her mother was standing with Angelina and George.
Oliver sighed and stepped back, allowing James to take Daisy and sweep her off across the floor.
"Don't tell me you're on guard duty as well," she said.
"Can't I have a dance with my own cousin without raising suspicion?" James asked.
"Normally, yes. But tonight, I feel like everyone's watching me," she said, glancing around.
"Did you see the dress you're wearing?" he quipped. Daisy rolled her eyes.
"That's not what I meant," she said.
"Relax, Pixie. Not all of us are trying to keep an eye on you," James said smoothly.
"And you forget I know when you're lying," Daisy replied. James sighed.
"Fine. Hardwick keeps watching you," he admitted.
"And? How is this any different from Hardwick's usually actions?" Daisy asked.
"Just… I get a funny feeling about him. After everything you lot have been saying," he said. "It's all your fault, really."
"James, I'm fine. He'd be daft to try something here," she said.
"And we both know that Hardwick isn't the brightest," James said.
"Seriously, James," Daisy said.
"Can you blame me for trying to look out for you? Any of us?" he said. Daisy stared at him a moment before her scowl softened.
"Trust me, I'm fine, James. But I appreciate the concern," she said. James shrugged.
"Someone's got to look out for you, seeing as you don't put much regard into your own safety," he said glibly. Daisy just rolled her eyes.
"Care to tell me why you're without a date tonight? What happened with that chaser you were talking to at the Halloween party?" she asked.
"Didn't you read Witch Weekly? We ended in spectacular fashion," James said dramatically.
"Tend to avoid the drivel. Surely it wasn't that spectacular," she replied.
"Not nearly as spectacular as you and Kingfisher, but she did toss a drink in my face. In public," James said.
"What did you do?" Daisy asked immediately. James shrugged.
"I'll be damned if I know. Just told her I wasn't interested in anything serious. She apparently didn't like that," he said. Daisy just shook her head.
"I'm sure you didn't say it quite like that if she tossed a drink in your face," she said.
"I don't always deserve it," he said. Daisy just looked at him. "Fine… maybe I could have been a bit more sensitive in my wording."
"Christ, even Wills could turn a girl down with tact," she said.
"And I'm not trying to be the next Wills," James said, frowning.
"But aren't you?" Daisy said, smiling.
"There can only be one Wills, Pix. Just like there's only one Daisy Wood. You two were made for each other," James said. Daisy chuckled.
"Suppose there's only one James Potter as well," she replied.
"Isn't that the truth?" he said.
A couple hours later, Tori was dancing a waltz with Chris that swept them near Hardwick who had reunited with his date and was joking in a corner with a few other players. His cold eyes flicked over to them before going back to the group as he turned his back on them.
"Well, this has been a bust," Chris said softly as he led Tori over to the other side of the ballroom, though keeping Hardwick in their sight.
"You said yourself you didn't think he'd do anything tonight," Tori said with a smile. "Besides, surely it hasn't been all a waste." Chris stared down at her a moment before smiling slightly.
"Well, maybe not. I have had a decent dance partner all night," he said lightly. Tori chuckled.
"I'm a bit better than decent," she said, scoffing slightly.
"Okay… I'll give you that," he said. He was a silent a few moments, seeming to contemplate something.
"Out with it, Abbott," Tori said, still smiling.
"Well… just wondering if you thought about what you'd do after all this," he said finally, glancing away from her under the guise of looking at Hardwick.
"Go back to New York, I guess," she said, seeming a bit surprised by the question. "I mean, what else would I do? This is only a temporary assignment anyway."
"Right… though, suppose you could always put in for a more permanent transfer," Chris said, attempting to appear casual. Tori stared at him before starting to grin slowly.
"Christopher Abbott, are you trying to get me to stay in London?" she asked. Chris sputtered a bit.
"I mean… just if you wanted, I'm sure Teddy and Harry could pull some strings," he said. Tori laughed loudly.
"If you want me to stay, just come out and ask me, Chris," she said. The couple stopped moving as Chris' eyes widened.
"Would you? Stay, that is," he said. Tori thought at moment before answering.
"Let's get through this case first and then we'll see," she said, smiling. "I mean, we don't know how long it'll last… I could be here for a while working on it." Chris nodded.
"Fair enough," he said. The two started dancing again, Tori smiling up at Chris as the tall auror glanced around the room. He suddenly stopped, narrowing his eyes, slightly.
"What's going on?" Tori asked, following his gaze as the music stopped.
"Ladies and gentlemen! We are about to begin our countdown to 2025!"
"What is Hardwick up to?" Chris said, starting to move across the room.
Daisy grinned as she rushed around the group handing out champagne glasses. It was nearly midnight and soon the music would stop as the countdown started up.
"She certainly seems excited," Blanks said, watching her flint around, a streak of red and gold.
"It always was her favorite part of the ball," Jamie said. "Even when she was still in school. Though I don't recall seeing her that first year she came when she was 15…"
"She was off snogging Chris, remember?" Remus said. He pointed at Wills. "And that one set it all up." Jamie nodded slowly.
"Now I remember," he said.
"Daisy certainly has had an interesting love life," Lila commented as she watched the small woman settle next to Wills, smiling up at him.
"Thank Merlin she settled before it got more interesting," Alan said. He looked over, noticing Cunningham was looking slightly green as he kept glancing down at Dominique. He nudged Jamie. "What's going on over there?" Jamie glanced over as the music stopped and an emcee stepped up, announcing the countdown was about to begin. He suddenly froze, his face going rigid.
"Jamie?" Remus said.
"Get to Daisy."
As the countdown started, the triplets, Chris and Tori started moving quickly.
Just behind Daisy and Wills, they could clearly see Hardwick moving towards her, an odd look on his face. It was as if time slowed and they just couldn't get there fast enough. Daisy and Wills, on the other hand, seemed blissfully unaware of the threat looming just behind them. Hardwick reached into his dress robes.
"Daisy! Get out of the way!" Chris shouted, grabbing her attention. The couple looked over, confusion on their faces. Just as they were about to reach them, several things happened at once.
The emcee announced it was midnight and fireworks exploded overhead, distracting most everyone as Jamie shouted for Daisy again. Wills grabbed Daisy and pulled her towards him as the two disappeared.
Cunningham dropped to the ground.
Chris leapt passed the man and tackled Hardwick to the ground as a circle opened up around them, many guests gasping in shock.
"Get your bloody hands off me!" Hardwick shouted as he squirmed under the auror.
"Are you alright?" Tori shouted as she reached Cunningham. He looked up at her, shocked.
"I'm fine," he said. Tori looked him over to make sure he was okay as Chris dragged Hardwick up from the ground. It was then that she noticed the small velvet box in his hand and the fact he was on one knee.
"Oh god," she said, stepping back, her eyes wide. Dominique's hands flew to her mouth as her eyes filled with tears.
"Paul?" she said.
"The moment's ruined a bit… but, might as well soldier on," Paul said, smiling. "Will you marry me, Dominique Weasley?"
The triplets looked at each other in confusion, as Chris looked at Hardwick and then back at the couple. It seemed that everyone was waiting silently for her answer now that the apparent threat had passed.
"Yes!" Dominique exclaimed as she threw herself into Paul's arms. Cheers erupted as Chris started pulling Hardwick away, Tori quickly following.
"What's going on?" Chris asked roughly. "You were heading towards Daisy."
"Get your hands off me," Hardwick said, shrugging out of Chris' grip. "I was going to Potter, if you must know. Dropped his damn Falcons pin earlier and I just managed to find the bugger again." He held out his hand, revealing a small pin in the shape of a falcon head.
"Are you serious?" Tori asked. "I saw you going for your wand."
"Accuse me all you want, but I swear that was it. I was reaching for this and he was bloody standing next to Wills," he said, glaring at the two as Chris took the pin. "You can give him the damn thing. Now, if you'll excuse me… I've got an after party to get to." Tori and Chris glanced at each other. Chris sighed and nodded.
"Fine," he said. Hardwick gave the two another glare before trudging off.
"You believe him?" Tori asked, watching the seeker as he walked away.
"Don't really have much to prove otherwise," he said.
"What was all that?" Jamie exclaimed as he, Remus and Alan walked up to the two aurors.
"You let him go. He was about to attack Pix," Remus added angrily.
"Said he was just going to give James his Falcons pin back. Dropped it," Chris said, holding it out.
"Bollocks," Remus said, glaring after Hardwick.
"Either way, Daisy is safe," Chris said, looking at the brothers.
"And Dad is furious," Jamie said, watching as their father and mother were quickly making their way over to them. Chris sighed heavily.
"Best get back to your flat and let Pix know it was a false alarm. I'll take care of Oliver and Iris," he said. He glanced over at Tori as Jamie, Remus and Alan quickly walked away, no doubt to get their dates and head to the flat.
"Well, that turned out anything but uneventful," Tori said, rolling her shoulders slightly as she prepared for the onslaught that was about to hit them. Oliver Wood certainly did not look happy, though Iris did appear to be attempting to placate him.
"Get ready. Not over yet," Chris said with a sigh.
Getting ever so closer to the end. Finally settled on 36 chapters and an epilogue - and I've only got five more chapters to finish, all of which are at least half written. Currently in the middle of writing the final battle chapter, which is proving easier than I expected, but still a lot of work. I'm actually surprised at how easy the two chapters before that - which involved a lot of planning and detail - went. Once I get passed this chapter, it'll be the home stretch and then I can focus completely on "Father of the Bride."
AleenaBean - Aw, thanks! Coming up with gifts is always really hard for me - I have a hard time figuring out what to give friends and family in real life as well. It took me forever to come up with Daisy and Wills' gifts, to be honest. And I've got an entire Pinterest board full of gowns, dresses, etc. that I use as reference for these chapters, which definitely helps. Hope you like Daisy's dress in this one.
As always, thanks for reading, following and reviewing!
