Chapter 25: Of balls and brutes
"Mistress…" I heard Tolly whisper, but I was so tired.
"Mistress… mistress must rise" I heard her say again and I opened my eyes and turned my head to see her observing me, her big eyes once more happy. "mistress has an hour until dinner, and mistress has letters waiting for her, many owls came by, many wait for a reply….. "
I raised my head lightly, only to see that there indeed were letters waiting for me.
I sighed, and slowly uncovered myself, to find that I had fallen asleep in the same clothes I had worn on the train. How foolish.
The train….
Anger once more flared inside me, hate rising like a tidal wave, threatening to smite me at any moment.
I slowly rose from my bed, only to find Serpen coiled in a circle at the foot of my bed, and he raised his head as he saw me.
I could sense that he was worried, and I slowly kneeled beside him, petting his head.
"Worry not my friend" I whispered "I can control myself well."
I then stood up, walking barefoot to my closet and picking out clothes to wear for dinner. I chose a dark purple blouse with a bow around the collar and button cuffs on its sleeves, a simple black pencil skirt, high heels that matched the colour of my blouse and had an ankle buckle strap along with a snake ring with a sapphire on its head and black diamonds on its tail.
I combed my hair, displeased with how much I had to turn in my sleep to create such a mess.
The letters, as Tolly had said, were accompanied by owls waiting for their replies. I had her send them to the manor owlery, to avoid the mess they would surely create on my desk.
There was a letter from Astoria, and I opened that one first, feeling guilty for upsetting her.
"Dearest Linda!
Are you well? I hope that you managed to calm down somewhat. Please don't be angry, it's hurting you, I can see that. If you have the time, would you like to come shopping for dresses with Daph, mom and me? Oh, and our mother says hello. Answer me quickly, I will be waiting.
Lots of love, Tori."
I sighed, deciding to answer her immediately, and I scribbled a reply, agreeing to go shopping for a dress with them. I smiled as I imagined the smile that would surely be present on Tori's face as she read my reply.
The next letter was from Daphne, which was hardly surprising, and I could already guess as to what her letter would say.
"Dear Linda
Astoria is very worried about you, please write to her. On another note, I believe I need your advice on a matter, although you may not feel particularly inclined to discuss this topic. But despite that, I trust that you will find it in your heart to aid me, for I have the greatest trust in your judgement.
All my love, Daphne."
She did not ask how I was, knowing that I would not tell her the truth. Instead, she chose to inquire about my condition subtly, by proposing a topic and reading my reply. If I were to agree, she would know I had calmed down enough to control myself. I did so immediately, sending her owl back to her with a letter that proposed we discuss this after Christmas. She was very intelligent, and I appreciated this trait more than ever.
And then, there was the third letter.
I knew from the handwriting on the address who it was from and I briefly debated burning it, without even opening it.
But he had helped me, and it was not in my nature to forget my debts.
"Rose
I write to you, knowing that you are likely to throw away this letter when you read the first words. But please do not. I worry about you Rose, I know that this angers you, but I cannot help it. I do not know what happened, or if I can help you, but if I can, do not hesitate to ask. I would ask that you reply, but I know that you will not, so I bid you to consider your reply as a return of the favour I had shown you today. One sentence will be enough.
I hope that you are well, Blaise."
I stared at the letter for a moment or two, unsure of how to proceed. Normally, I would tear the letter apart, but now, I hesitated. He had helped me, if he hadn't stopped me…
I shuddered at the thought, and it prompted me to take a parchment, writing a short note.
"Zabini
I am feeling better. Do not write to me again,
Rosalind Valeria Kersey."
If I sent this, he'd know that I gave in, I thought, biting down on my lip in my contemplation.
But I owed him.
I tied the letter quickly to the owl's leg, sending her on her way before I could change my mind, and deciding to forget that I had ever replied to him at all, walking out of my room and making my way to the dining room.
I walked down the staircase, then took a right turn to the eastern wing of the manor. I walked past countless doors before coming to a stop in front of large, double mahogany doors.
Serpen glanced up at me shortly and I offered him a small smile before opening the doors for him to slither through. He did so immediately, and I followed, only to find that we were the very first to attend dinner.
I listened to the soft clicking sound of my heels as I walked to the first seat on the left side, a seat I had always been appointed.
Serpen coiled himself up in a small circle, patiently waiting for the three other people that would be attending dinner with us.
My sister was the one to walk in first, still wearing the same jeans and sweater she had chosen to wear on our trip home.
She smiled at me as her eyes met mine, but I could see that the smile was fake, forced out of courtesy rather than any real joy upon seeing me.
She was trying to hide it, but I knew she was worried, scared even.
"Was Merlin not inclined to join us for dinner?" I asked after a moment or two of silence.
"He's taken a nap, the ride tired him out." Spoke she, turning in her chair, as she sat to my immediate right.
"Linds I wanted to " started she but fell silent as the doors opened once more, our grandmother gliding through them with a dignified smile on her face.
"Good evening girls." Greeted she, offering each a smile.
Serpen gave a hiss at the courtesy, and I silently agreed with my snake. She shouldn't have bothered.
"Hello granny!" spoke my sister, but the tone of happiness she had acquired when addressing our grandmother at the station was now absent from her voice.
"Good evening." I replied, looking her in the eye shortly before returning my attention to my snake who now slithered between me and my sister, turning his back to me and observing my sister carefully.
"Melody, my dear, you look a little pale, are you alright?" asked our grandmother, worry in her voice.
"I'm fine granny" answered my sister, taking a peak at me from the corner of her eyes.
"Splendid" responded my grandmother, a wide smile appearing on her face. "Then we can arrange a shopping spree. We really must buy you a dress or two. When are you free?"
"I'm free in three days" spoke my sister, turning to me hopefully "but I'm not sure if Linds is."
I caught the uncomfortable look on the face of my grandmother as my sister suggested this, but I pretended not to see it.
"Of course, Rosalind dear" spoke she, looking at me warily, "are you free?"
"I have plans with the Greengrass family" I spoke, and turned to my sister "and you are welcome to join us."
All was silent for a moment, and my sister was saved from answering as our grandfather walked in.
He was a tall man with broad shoulders, grey hair cut short and baby blue eyes. He sat down and the dinner commenced.
The main conversation was led between my grandmother and Melody, who kept trying to involve me for some blasted reason. Neither I nor our grandmother welcomed the option, for we both knew we had scarcely anything to talk about.
"Rosalind" came our grandfather's voice and I looked up from my meal "you are to come to my office after the meal."
I knew he would say this, and I was prepared for the conversation to follow.
"Yes grandfather." I replied.
"Have a seat" spoke my grandfather as I walked in, and I did as I was told, sitting down on an antique brown leather chair. Another one, identical to the one I was seated on was located to my right, both facing my grandfather's desk. He was a very organised man, and I had never known his desk to be littered with papers or documents, merely a silver candlestick to provide light.
The desk itself was dark brown in colour, matching the colour of the two book cases to my right, and the liquor cabinet to my left. The office was a rather long room, and behind my grandfather's desk was a fireplace, providing the warmth necessary in these chilly days. The desk was situated away from the fire, so as to prevent my grandfather from feeling too hot.
He sat with his back straight, his blue eyes observing me calmly, his fingers intertwined in his lap.
There was silence in the room and his eyes moved from me to Serpen who had curled himself up in my lap, his head raised in observance. He was rather protective, reacting to my mental state and trying to shield me.
"I trust this is your familiar?" spoke my grandfather, his deep voice a rumble in the room.
"Yes grandfather." I responded, raising one hand and stroking Serpen lightly, soothing his nervousness. "A snake of the Pseudechis kind."
His eyes were focused on Serpen for a while, and then he looked up, a note of pride to his words as he spoke :" Very well."
"Thank you grandfather." I replied, still feeling that this was not the topic of the conversation at hand, despite being unable to read anything from my grandfather's expression.
"Tell me child… " spoke my grandfather, "is he your family?"
"Yes." I replied, not a second of hesitation to my words. I cared deeply for my familiar, and I would do anything and everything in my power to protect him. And I knew he would do the same for me.
"Who else?" asked he, his eyes leaving the impression that he was reading into my very soul.
"Melody, you, Daphne and Astoria, grandmother, the Slytherin House. Sirius Black." I counted, the words coming easily to me.
"How far would you go to protect your family child?" asked my grandfather.
"Until the end grandfather." I responded once more, watching as his lips pulled in a slight smile.
"Very well child." Responded he, and I smiled slightly in thanks.
"But there is one more thing…" spoke he, his eyes narrowing slightly, the smile disappearing, "Desmond Kersey."
I stared at my grandfather as he continued, the scene Arielle had shown me earlier that day playing in my mind in a loop, "is he your family?"
"Yes." I replied, my heart heavy in my chest. How could my own father not be my family?
"When Sirius Orion Black got disowned by his family, most of our cousins gave up on him. He was a Gryffindor, a blood traitor, took no pride in his name, hated it even. Your father was the very opposite, a proud man, a pureblood, a Slytherin and a powerful wizard. He had respect. And he never gave up on Sirius. Naturally, I inquired whether he understood the repercussions of his actions, and I will tell you now what your father told me on that stormy night all those years ago. "Sirius Orion Black will always be welcome here, because he is my family. No matter what he does, no matter if he disowns me or his last name, I shall not disown him, I shall support him and protect him. One can never give up on their family, and as my friend, Sirius is my family by heart, as well as he is by blood."
I looked away from my grandfather, imagining a younger version of my father sitting where I sat now, telling his own father off.
"He was a kind and generous man, an outstanding dueller, and loyal to his family until the very end. Lynette Hayes was his family, by heart and blood, and he died to protect her. He loved his family to the point of giving his life for them, will you not respect his legacy?"
"Now child, tell me who your family is." Spoke the man, and I clenched my palms into fists.
"Melody. You. Daphne and Astoria. Grandmother. The Slytherin House. Sirius Black.…. Arielle Hayes. Zellena Hayes. Claudia Beck." I counted, closing my eyes as I pronounced the three names.
"Very good child." Spoke my grandfather. "You will do your father proud."
I nodded, opening my eyes and looking down. I was still angry, but my grandfather was right. I would not take my anger out on my family, even if my family would do that to me. A Kersey dies for their family and for nothing else.
"Your grandmother informed me of today's events." Spoke my grandfather, and I was not sure if he was angry with me, for his face turned blank once more.
"Have you nothing to say?" asked he.
I remained silent for a while, and then replied "I am sorry if my actions caused you disgrace, it will not happen again."
"The event was contained, I do not believe we will hear of it again." Replied my grandfather, and I had to fight to keep a straight face. If he meant not to reprimand me, what did he mean to do?
"I understand that you have been stopped by a young man… Blaise Zabini." spoke he, and I felt uncomfortable, unsure of the direction this conversation was assuming "It is only natural for me to ask what his motivation for aiding you would be."
"I do not know grandfather." I responded, feeling like cold sweat washed over me at the expression of disapproval on my grandfather's face.
"What is the nature of your relationship with this young man Rosalind?" asked my grandfather, a demanding note to his words.
"There is no relationship grandfather." I spoke, slightly offended that he would think there was one.
He gave me a look that spoke volumes, and I corrected myself. "He… fancies me."
"Is the feeling returned?" demanded my grandfather.
"No." I replied, not a second of hesitation to my words.
"Very well." Responded my grandfather, his face easing back into his usual emotionless expression. "I trust your judgement and so believe that I need not warn you of his mother's reputation."
She had buried seven husbands, and we all knew none had died of natural causes.
The black widow.
But something in me claimed otherwise.
"It is not his reputation." I spoke before I could think this through.
My grandfather's eyes narrowed, and I rushed to correct myself "I am not as naïve as to be taken in by words intended only to claim my gold. "
There was a moment of silence and I waited to hear his response.
"You are my heir, trained from young age, you have my trust." Spoke my grandfather finally and I let out a breath I did not know I was holding.
"Thank you grandfather." I replied, somewhat naïve.
"Young Miss Hayes told you something today, and I deem it most necessary to disprove her words. You resemble your father remarkably child, and no matter what anyone says, I know well how kind your heart is. He is proud of you."
I stared at my grandfather for a while, before realizing that the conversation was over.
"Thank you grandfather, have a good night." I responded, having Serpen slither down my legs and to the floor, following me out the doors.
I was somewhat relieved, comforted even by his words. Perhaps my parents were not ashamed of me.
Much like any other family, we too had a tradition on Christmas eve. Perhaps it would be wiser to say that our society had a tradition, one treated with utmost reverence.
Each year, one of the old, influential and wealthy pureblood families would hold a Christmas ball, which served as a chance for a display of power, wealth and connections. Anyone who had even one ounce of respect in the nobility of the wizarding world would be there, using this chance to upgrade their position.
And as one of the most highly ranked families, the Kersey family would be there, ascertaining our place in our society once more. And as the heiress of the family, I would certainly be forced to talk to people I would rather cast a Killing curse upon. A woman did not have much power in our society, but I was determined to break that barrier, no one would dare look down upon me.
This year, the ball was to be held by the Malfoy family, and I was certain that this year I would be approached by many males, undoubtedly my seniors of ten or more years, trying to seduce me into a marriage of convenience and opportunity. But I was not interested in the least in a marriage, determined not to become a wife that sat quietly while her husband led the household.
What worried me more was the approach they would have towards my sister. She was a beauty, there was no doubt about that, but she was not the heiress, and as such had very limited power and influence that came with the Kersey name, the greatest majority of which rested in my hands. But they would still attempt to seduce her, merely to bed her and humiliate her. I had only one opinion of that, over my bloody dead body.
I had risen early that morning, once more awoken by a smiling Tolly, who urged me out of my bed, assuring me that there were many witches waiting for me. As I knew there would be, a whole legion of them.
One had dedicated herself to my nails and toes, giving me a pedicure and spending an hour on my manicure, and another one painting my nails to a silver colour. Another three witches spent no less than four hour weaving my hair so that I had four strands woven across the front of the top of my head and the rest pulled and woven in a low bun on my neck, a purpose for which my hair once more faced prolongation.
Another two witches spent two and a half hours applying my make-up, from the foundation, to brown eye shadow that created a smoky effect, to black eyeliner around my eyes along with plenty of mascara, to a light dirty pink lipstick. I felt like I would rather face the Dark Lord as the torture went on and on and on.
Thankfully, I had accepted Astoria's invitation and had gone shopping with her, her mother and Daphne, all three witches helping me to choosing a dress.
I needed no help in putting it on and I dismissed the witches, thanking them through my teeth for their efforts and assuring them that their payment already waited in their Gringotts vaults.
I sighed in relief as the last witch left my room, Serpen hissing his agreement. Finally.
I then proceeded to get dressed, putting on my dress, mermaid styled black dress with fabric from my chest to my knees decorated with metal beads and pearls arranged in floral patterns. The part around my chest was styled into a corset, with the skin of my upper chest to my neck being covered in see through black fabric.
I had also chosen black high heels with a feather like embellishment on my toes, a simple black clutch bag, a diamond thin bracelet and a white gold ring with one single diamond in the middle.
I looked at myself in the mirror, satisfied with my appearance, deciding that it would do well to show just what position I held.
A soft knock on the doors of my room brought me out of my thoughts, and I turned around, facing the doors and called "Enter."
The doors slowly opened and a small, proud smile appeared on my lips.
My sister walked through the doors, her face set in a worried mask, which did nothing to lessen her beauty, reminding me greatly of the photographs of our mother. She could have been her exact copy.
Her naturally long curly blond hair was styled into neat waves, falling past her shoulders and stopping a few inches down her back. Minimum amounts of make-up had been applied, a bit of a blush, some lines with the eyeliner and a rosy pink lipstick.
She had chosen a light pink strapless dress that billowed around her feet as she walked. It was a fairly simple design, only a small part under her chest embellished. She also chose light grey high heels, a thin, diamond bracelet with floral designs and a necklace in shape of the number eight, with two lines separating the two circles of the number, a single diamond lying suspended from them.
She walked towards me and I noticed that she too had chosen a clutch purse, light grey in colour.
"Hey Linds" spoke she, and I noted that she didn't seem to notice what I was wearing at all, by far too worried to notice anything.
"Melody" I replied, "you look beautiful."
"Thank you " spoke she mechanically, not really hearing me. "but I came to ask, must I"
"Yes." I replied, knowing what she was going to ask. She did not want to go to this ball, frightened of the people that would gather there. I supposed it was reasonable, most of them being known Death Eaters, and we both knew well that she would not be welcomed.
But not coming would mean that we do not acknowledge her as an equal, which would be the same as disowning her. It was imperative that we presented a united front.
She looked desperate for a moment, and I took pity on her, walking up to her.
"You will be alright." I reasoned, taking her hand lightly and offering my consolation. She pressed my hand tightly as she listened. "Speak only when spoken to, stay by my side and show no fear. You are my sister, a Kersey, and a powerful witch, you have nothing to fear."
"Promise?" spoke she, reminding me of Astoria with the innocence of her voice.
"I promise." I spoke, letting go of her hand and moving to give instructions to my snake, sure that my sister would be safe.
We apparated in front of the gates to the Malfoy manor, and found them open. I walked forward with my sister, huddling closer to my coat and cursing the snow for Merlin knows which time.
We walked in silence, and as I heard the chatter of first voices I adjusted my step so that I walked closer to my sister, taking her hand lightly, our fingers intertwined. She looked over to me, slightly surprised, and gave me a small, grateful smile, thinking that I was comforting her.
I was not. I was claiming her as my sister, and letting everyone know that she was a Kersey as well. No one got to walk over a Kersey.
I nodded, aware that our grandfather was observing us, walking behind me, leading my grandmother under his arm, with her walking behind Melody.
All eyes were on us as we walked into the manor, a couple of waiters taking our coats.
Some wizards smiled at us, trying to get in our good graces, some blatantly stared, some avoided our eyes.
We were shown to the ball room, as if we had not been there before, and were greeted by a crowd of people, the chatter of their voices loud to my ears.
As I watched, Lucius Malfoy appeared from the crowd, leading Narcissa towards us, Draco to his side.
"Kenneth, welcome, welcome, it is a privilege to have you in my humble manor!" exclaimed he, a wide smile on his face as they came to a stop in front of us. Narcissa offered us a welcoming smile, waiting for her turn to speak and Draco moved in our line of vision, offering my sister a polite, albeit stiff smile, and a welcoming one to me.
"I thank you Lucius." Spoke my grandfather behind me.
"I welcome you as well" spoke Narcissa, her smile never wavering, "it is always lovely to see you."
"The pleasure is ours" responded my grandmother, standing behind Melody. I noticed my sister was frightened, and I held her hand tighter to calm her down. "the ball looks astounding, you have my compliments."
"I trust you remember my son, Draco" spoke Lucius, starting a parallel conversation with my grandfather.
"I do." Spoke my grandfather, and he put his hand on my shoulder. "And I trust that you remember my granddaughters? Rosalind and Melody."
Lucius looked down at me and I looked back, raising my chin lightly.
"Of course, I hear a lot about you from Draco Rosalind." Spoke he, giving me a polite smile.
"All the best I trust?" I spoke, my tone haughty, showing him that I was not impressed in the least. And that I knew he had not addressed my sister.
"Naturally." Responded he.
"Naturally." I repeated, narrowing my eyes up at him lightly.
"Your heiress has quite the sharp tongue Kenneth." Smiled Lucius. "Most impressive. She will live up to your name, I am certain."
"She already has." Spoke my grandfather, interrupting me as I was about to retort. "She has power worthy of a familiar."
"Ah but you must admit the standards seem to have been lowered by those noble creatures." Smiled Lucius and I noticed that Draco seemed to tense up by his side, glancing at me shortly.
"How so?" asked my grandfather, and I read a note of threat to his words.
Lucius must have read into his words well too, for he was quick to correct himself, drawing the attention of my grandmother and Narcissa.
"Oh I meant no disrespect towards your granddaughters Kenneth, it is merely that I have learnt a mudblood and a half-breed had acquired familiars as well. " he reasoned, "You must admit that is inappropriate."
Silence ruled between us, and I had a distinct urge to respond, and I would have done so, putting the wizard in his place, were it not for my grandfather's hand on my shoulder which had tightened in warning.
"Come now Kenneth, take no offence, we're all snakes here" spoke he, and then turned towards my sister, a look of involuntary disgust appearing on his face "…. And a badger."
"A Kersey" growled my grandfather, turning Lucius' face ashen. "Melody is a Kersey, first and foremost, I do wish you'd keep that in mind."
"Yes, yes, of course" spoke Lucius and my grandfather led us away from a humiliated looking Malfoy senior. Very lovely indeed.
I had a smile on my face as we walked forward, and I tugged on my sister's hang lightly, leading her to Daphne and Astoria who had been waiting at the other end of the ballroom.
I do not remember the point in which Daphne and Astoria had to re-join their parents, but I recall being left alone with my sister, who was cradling a glass of water in her hands.
I was slightly bored, having greeted some distant cousin who kept eyeing my cleavage in a rather disgustedly slimy way, and took a sip of champagne.
"Calm down Melody" I spoke, offering her a smile "you have yet to be insulted. I promise you, there will be no scandals involving us tonight."
She didn't look all that convinced, her azure eyes scanning the room.
"It's just this foreboding feeling I have" she said, "I feel like He will suddenly appear in the room."
"I doubt that very much" I spoke, boredom seeping into my voice "if that happens, we apparate and regroup."
"And leave granny and grandfather?" spoke she, looking horrified at the prospect.
"We would endanger them more by staying." I concluded, twirling the glass in my hand, watching disinterestedly as the liquid moved.
I was about to say more but my sister's eyes widened in fright and I felt blood cool in my veins as a voice spoke behind me.
"Are you enjoying the ball lovely ladies?" spoke a man, his voice low, husky, coming from by far too close behind me. How disgusting.
I fixed a polite smile on my face, turning around and taking a step back in the same movement, standing so that my sister was partially hidden from view.
"Very much so." I responded, just barely hiding my disgust. The man was tall, around my grandfather's height, with black wavy hair that fell to his shoulders, bushy eyebrows, and sporting the most atrocious crime against all stubbles in the world on his cheekbones. He had light green eyes, and they simply glowed with his self-satisfaction.
I found it very likely that his ego would pierce a hole in the high ceiling above us, were it only to be visible.
He followed my step with one step forward, getting by far too close for my liking.
"Maurice Burke, it is a pleasure indeed to make your acquaintance." spoke he, pronouncing his name with such pomp, as if he were higher than me, irritating me beyond any sane measure, and taking my hand, bringing it to his lips.
I had to allow it, as it was only polite, but I was quick to retract my arm, waiting for a chance to burn off my skin, if possible.
"Rosalind Kersey" I spoke, inclining my head, and his eyes gleamed as I pronounced my last name.
And so it begins.
"And you are?" spoke he, looking at my sister behind me, who had taken a hold of my hand and now tightened it as he addressed her.
But she was not the one to reply, I was.
"Very shy." I spoke, a warning smile appearing on my lips.
He smirked down at me, most likely not taking my unspoken threat seriously. Chauvinistic arse.
"Then shall I offer you a drink, to banish that shyness?" spoke he, and I was on the verge of snapping at him.
"No, thank you, we already have drinks. Enjoy the ball." I turned around at that, satisfied to have ended the conversation, but the man had other ideas.
He snatched my elbow, pulling me away from my sister and forcing me to turn around, what he supposed to be a menacing smile appearing on his lips.
"Now, now beautiful, I was not done talking." Smirked he, and I looked down at his grip on my hand.
Were this to have been a less public place, I would have pulled out my wand without a moment of hesitation, but now I found myself in a predicament. This was my senior of more than fifteen years, duelling him, especially as a woman, would do great damage to my reputation.
That was not to say that, if he pushed me, I would not bite his face off.
"Oh, my apologies." I spoke, tugging with my hand experimentally to see how strong his grip was and only having him tighten it to the point of pain. By Merlin, I was going to use my leg for a very painful stretching exercise. "I find no topic of conversation I would like to pursue with the likes of you. Now, please, do be as kind and let me go."
As I was speaking, I found a moment of sheer gratitude that the brute had caught my left hand, where my drink was, and not my right one, holding my purse and therefore my wand as well. My fingers opened the purse slowly, carefully, trying to get my wand without the man noticing.
But he was cross now, his already awful face morphing with his furry.
"You're a snarky little bitch aren't you?" spoke he, and I almost flinched with pain, my sister, I was sure, on the point of panic "How about I teach you some manners?"
I had just managed to retrieve my wand as I noticed a familiar figure behind the man, raising his hand in a gesture I recognised as pressing a wand against the brute's back.
"I believe you are the one that is in need of a lesson in manners" spoke Zabini and I pressed my wand against Burke's chest, "this truly is no way to treat a lady."
"Stay out of this boy!" hissed the man, letting go of my arm promptly, but made no other move, realizing just how difficult his position was all of a sudden. Ah, how the tables have turned.
Zabini was about to retort, his dark eyes shining with furry, but I was quicker.
"Maurice Burke" I spoke, pressing my wand sharply against the fabric of his shirt "you have two wands aimed at your heart, do the wise thing, walk away."
His eyes narrowed down at me and I greeted the expression with a smirk.
"You little…" started he but fell silent abruptly.
"One more word Burke" hissed Zabini from his back "and I will rearrange your insides!"
"As I was saying" I spoke, giving him a smug smile, observing my wand as if I was bored "the boy behind you is rather unpredictable, and I would simply hate it if Narcissa's ball got ruined by your insides. Do the clever thing here, walk away."
He growled at us, but nodded, and I stepped back, watching as he walked away.
"Oh and Burke" I called, smiling at him as he turned to give me a death glare "attempt such a thing again with me, or Merlin forbid my sister, and I promise you the Cruicatus curse."
He glared once more, before disappearing in the crowd.
I smiled at my sister, whose face was ashen, saying: "See Melody, no scandal."
I noticed that someone else had stepped forward, towards me, and I found myself a step away from Zabini. I put away my wand, avoiding to look at him.
"May I?" asked he, and I looked up, seeing that he was observing my arm, or maybe his attention was more focused on the blossoming red print in the shape of the brute's hand.
"No." I responded, and earned myself an exasperated look.
"I only want to help you." Spoke he, sounding as if I was some stubborn child. I'd curse him, wand or no wand.
"And you have my thanks for your assistance" I spoke, slightly peeved at him, "but I was in no need of your help."
"Episkey!" I heard my sister say to the side, and as I looked back at my hand, the handprint was gone. "Much better, albeit I'm sure Claudia would have done better."
She seemed somewhat more calm , as if averting that crisis set her mind at ease.
"And really, what my sister is trying to say, is thank you so much Blaise." Spoke she, standing to my side and smiling up at him.
"It was nothing" smiled he back "and Rosey, I know well that you are in no need of help, but I could not see that brute hurting you. You do understand don't you?"
"I had the situation under control!" I hissed, and he smiled down at me, running his hand through his hair.
"Yes Rosey" spoke he, and was about to say something more, utterly stupid I was sure, but a woman approached us, linking her hand with his and saying:" Blaise, love, where did you disappear off to?"
She was, in on single word, beautiful.
Her hair was honey blonde, falling in waves down her back, a couple of strands falling around her shoulders. She had an oval face, perfectly symmetrical, with a small, thin nose, full lips and almond shaped forest green eyes. She was a tall woman, the top of her head just barely reaching her son's chin.
She had chosen a gown of a rich green colour, making her already startling eyes shine. It was closed in at the front, but completely open in the back, tight, revealing her impeccable figure.
But despite her beauty, there was a predatory shine to her eyes, and I instantly put my guard up to the highest possible degree.
Zabini seemed to tense for the tiniest of moments, his eyes meeting mine, displaying desperation.
But he was quick to compose himself, and he smiled down at the woman, replying.
"My apologies mother, it will not happen again."
She gave him a brilliant smile, turning towards us, observing us, recognizing us.
"Blaise, dear, will you not introduce me to these lovely girls?"
But she knew well who we were, and more likely than not, she knew well how much gold our vault in Gringotts had.
"Of course mother." Spoke he, turning her towards Melody first. "This is Melody Kersey, a school friend of mine, Hufflepuff."
"It is lovely to meet you." Replied the woman, smiling, but before my sister could answer, she turned to me, a hungry look to her eyes.
Zabini seemed reluctant to introduce me, but it seemed his mother would not wait long.
"And this is Rosalind Kersey, Slytherin." Spoke he, his tone final, as if he were ending this conversation.
His mother would not play along as it seemed, for she smiled brilliantly at me.
"It is a pleasure" spoke she and I responded with an equal smile.
"The pleasure is all mine." I said.
"This is my mother, Leanna" spoke Zabini, seemingly very uncomfortable.
"Tell me , Rosalind" spoke the woman, using all her charm "is my son doing well in the House?"
"I would not know, I am very sorry." I smiled, just as charming .
"Is that so?" smiled she right back, "I assure you he is very charming when he wants to be, maybe you should give him a chance."
"I suppose some girls might find him charming." I responded, and I saw that her eyes narrowed for the tiniest bit of a second. I would not be taken in by her words.
She opened her mouth to respond, but her son beat her to it, saying: "Mother, I believe Narcissa is calling you, come, it would be rude to leave the host waiting."
She seemed to consider this for a moment, but then apparently decided that her time was better spent hunting for a new husband.
"It really was lovely meeting you girls, Merry Christmas." Spoke she, allowing her son to lead her away before we could even respond.
He met my eyes as they turned, but looked away promptly, as if he had not wanted this encounter to happen.
It was an eventful evening, that much was for sure, but what haunted me most was the fear and defeat that appeared in his eyes as his mother approached us. I could not understand that, no matter how much I thought about it for days to come.
And I could not stop thinking about him.