Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only the Archard family and other OCs belong to me. The French words/phrases will be italicized, as well as the spells. Reviews are appreciated!
Chapter 19: Boy Meets Wizard
Esme POV
It'd been a few days since Yule, and the mansion was abuzz with excitement as my sisters and I gathered in Maman and Papa's room to once again get ready for the Winter Ball. Janette and especially Isabelle were still quite petulant over not being able to attend for another three years. If it wasn't for the triplets being completely enamoured with Tonks, Isabelle no doubt would've thrown Mother Magic knew how many tantrums over being left behind. As it was, they were excited to see Tonks for the first time since the summer. Henrik was looking forward to practicing his Magical sensing with the Auror-In-Training. While neither Janette or Isabelle had shown an innate talent for it, I knew both would still enjoy playing Hide-and-Seek.
Maman was having both younger girls assist her in picking out the accessories we would be wearing tonight while Blaire and I washed. I could visibly see the nervous energy wafting off Blaire as she applied lotion. As I continued to carefully brush my hair, unable to help myself, I teased, "Thinking about George? Or perhaps just in general about tonight? I don't know which is worse, George officially interacting with Papa as your boyfriend, or him braving the waters of polite society?" I giggled slightly at the thought.
When Blaire remained silent, I glanced over and my amusement fled as I saw her face lined with stress. Setting the hairbrush on the counter I gave her my full attention. "I was only joking, Blaire. Everything will be okay and I'm sure you and George will have fun tonight if only because you're there together. I know he'll be great."
"Thank you, petite soeur," Blaire replied after a long pause. And while the lines on her face smoothed out, her posture remained stiff and tense.
When I couldn't think of anything else to say, I left Blaire alone with her thoughts and continued getting ready. I truly did think everything would be alright at the ball. George and Fred had demonstrated far more social awareness than their younger brother, and George was completely smitten with Blaire. There wasn't doubt in my mind that George could handle anything thrown at him during the ball. And should someone actually send some sort of veiled barb his way, Blaire would easily be able to handle it. Papa, on the other hand, I was unsure how things would go with him. His protectiveness had been at an all-time high this year so far, yet surely Maman would provide a cooling balm, or at least be there to intervene should Papa become too intense.
Finishing in the washroom, Blaire and I returned to the room to see Maman had carefully laid out our accessories on the vanities, with our shoes placed near the stools. I recognized the same low silver heels I'd worn last year, which would be a good match with the soft pink colour of my gown. I didn't know if Blaire's shoes were new or old, but either way, the shimmering golden heels were gorgeous. I hadn't seen what Blaire's gown looked like yet, and as for colour I could only guess it would not be red like last year, because one beauty rule Maman always favoured was to dress with variety when not restrained from doing so.
After stepping into my heels, I removed the bath robe Maman had laid out for me in the washroom as Janette, eager to help, carefully carried over my gown from where it was hanging up. "Do I need to hold it?" asked Janette as she stared at the beaded top and fluffy skirt of feathers.
"I think I'll be fine," I replied as I carefully stepped into my gown. However, I quickly realized I actually would need some help - just not anything Janette would be able to help with. I definitely wouldn't be able to lace the dress up without assistance and despite my best efforts I couldn't get the clasp around my neck holding up the top to latch into place.
Looking over to Maman to ask for her help, I saw she was almost done with Blaire. I took a moment to appreciate Blaire's gown and found it really suited her. The gown had no sleeves and was a dark and rich navy blue colour. The bodice top was detailed with shimmering gold embroidery in an ivy-like paisley design. The full skirt was gathered at her right hip and showed off smaller golden embroidery around the bottom hem. George would be made speechless by my beautiful sister!
Once Maman finished tying up the back of Blaire's dress, I called out, "Maman?"
She looked over to me and smiled. "I will be right over to help you, petite papillon." She then glanced over to Janette who was gently petting some of the pink feathers on my skirt. "Darling, why don't you show Blaire the beautiful hair clasp you picked out for her? Then you and Isabelle can watch your sister put her makeup on."
Janette nodded and made her way to where her twin was already eagerly waiting by one of the vanities. Blaire soon joined them as Maman turned and put her own shoes on before making her way over to me.
First, she moved aside my hair in order to see the back of my neck. "Now dear one, please tell me if this is too tight or too loose."
"I will."
Once I felt her latch the clasp into place, I took a deep breath before carefully attempting to swallow, only to force it before gasping when I felt the constricting feeling of the material around my throat. "It's a little tight."
"One moment, darling." I heard rustling behind me before I felt the gentle tap of Maman's wand against the side of my throat. Immediately I felt the cloth choker around my neck loosen. "How does it feel now?"
Once again I attempted to swallow and instantly relaxed; while I was aware the material was there the constricting feeling from before was gone. "Perfect."
Maman then quickly tied up the back of my gown before gently nudging me towards the open vanity. "Your sisters selected a pink sapphire set for you to wear, though I would forgo the necklace since your gown has a halter top. Anything you wear around your neck may catch on the beading."
"Oui, Maman," I agreed before joining my sisters at the vanities.
Blaire had already finished putting on her own jewelry set - gold and what was likely sapphires since they matched the rich blue of her gown so well. She was doing her eye makeup while Isabelle and Janette were both riffling through the different lipsticks and glosses lying out, likely trying to find the 'perfect' one for Blaire to wear. Sitting off to the side of her vanity was a large golden hair clasp of two lilies. Janette had done a fine job picking it out - it appeared to blend nicely with the embroidery on Blaire's gown and no doubt would look wonderful in her hair.
Blaire glanced over at me as she finished evening out her makeup. "I can do your makeup again if you'd like?"
"Could you please do my eyes? You're better at it."
"Of course, petite papillon."
As Blaire picked out what she'd need for me, I turned my attention to our younger sisters. "Would you also find some gloss for me to wear? I'm thinking something pink." Both acknowledged they heard me as they continued to riffle through everything.
Facing Blaire on the stool, I followed all her gentle directions as she carefully applied the makeup with the ease of experience.
"Tipper," Maman called out from behind us. I didn't dare move when the house-elf appeared shortly with a soft pop, not wanting to cause any makeup smudges.
"How can Tipper help, Mistress?" asked the cheerful elf.
"If you would please tighten my corset, then you can get started on the girls' hair."
"Right away, Mistress," Tipper exclaimed happily. She really was the perfect elf for a Lady of the House - she loved helping Maman, my sisters, and I get ready for things.
"And~ done," Blaire said several minutes later.
Opening my eyes, I looked into the mirror and smiled happily at what I saw. Blaire had applied a soft pink to my eyes and cheeks, as well as putting a dusting of silver glitter on my eyelids. "I love it!"
"You should wear this," interjected Isabelle as she shoved a small tube in my face. Taking it from her hands I saw she had picked a very bright sparkling silver.
As I stared at the tube of lip gloss in my hands, I tried to figure out a nice way to say no to Isabelle - it was far too eye-catching for me to wear and would honestly clash badly.
Thankfully, Blaire came to my rescue. "That is indeed a pretty one, ma petite Belle, but remember you're picking out something for Esme and not yourself."
While she did pout, Isabelle conceded to Blaire's gentle words and didn't try to push the matter as she took it back from me.
"What about this one?" asked Janette, breaking the silence, as she hesitantly held out a different tube of lip gloss.
Taking it from her hand, I smiled happily. "This would be lovely, thank you."
"Tipper ready to help with Little Mistresses' hair!" announced Tipper as she bounced over to stand behind Blaire.
I carefully applied the lip gloss as Blaire described the type of bun she wanted to wear with the hair piece Janette has picked out for her. With a snap of Tipper's fingers, she brought to life what Blaire wanted as the clasp easily levitated and was inserted delicately into the newly formed updo.
"Time for Little Mistress Esme!" declared Tipper once Blaire and the girls expressed their happiness over Blaire's completed look.
Things halted when there was another telltale pop of a house-elf Apparating in. Looking over my shoulder I saw Paddy standing at attention in front of Maman, who was pulling on a light grey elbow glove to match the colour of her gown. While the colours were of the same, the material certainly wasn't; not with Maman's gown appearing to me made of gauze-like material layered on top of each other.
"Mistress, Miss Tonks arrived from the Floo," intoned Paddy in his usual dry voice.
"Is Ashton unable to meet her?" asked Maman as she began to pull on her other glove.
"Master almost finished dressing the Little Masters."
Maman hummed lightly. "Unfortunately, I am not quite done yet either. Please escort Tonks to the sitting room. I doubt she will be offended if neither of us can meet with her right away."
"Miss Tonks gave Paddy a message to give to Master and Mistress." Without prompting, he continued, "Watcher Lord and Lady Archard. I'm a bit early so don't worry about me, I can wait for the ickle-Archards."
I giggled softly at Tonk's words coming being relayed in Paddy's voice - the two did not match up well.
"Thank you, Paddy."
"Paddy take Miss Tonks to sitting room," the male elf announced before vanishing with a pop.
Maman turned her attention toward us. "Isabelle, Janette. Would you please go see Tonks? I am sure she would love the company and it is after all rude to leave a guest waiting all by themself."
"Oui, Maman!" cheered Isabelle before she bolted out of the room.
"No running indoors!" yelled Maman after her, before sighing in exasperation when we all heard a thud - no doubt from Isabelle tripping on the carpet.
"At least it wasn't the stairs," replied Blaire, her shoulders shaking in her amusement.
Shaking her head, Maman glanced down at Janette who hadn't moved. "Darling?"
"Can't I stay to watch Tipper do Esme's hair?" pleaded Janette, her eyes wide as she clutched the skirt of her dress.
"Of course you can, sweetheart," agreed Maman, smiling gently. "Your sister will keep Tonks entertained in the meantime."
Turning myself around to face the vanity, I told the remaining elf in the room, "You can do what you think is best, Tipper." I honestly didn't have a preference or idea of what I wanted, so I was leaving myself in Tipper's capable hands.
Tipper moved behind me and had a deep, considering look shining in her large eyes before she perked up suddenly. "Tipper has idea!" With a snap of the house-elf's fingers, my hair came alive as the curls smoothed out into waves before the strands closest to my face were pulled back and braided along to the back of my head. Pink sapphire hair pins floated off the vanity and while I couldn't see what Tipper was doing with them, I felt the pins slide into place in a circle at the back of my head - leaving me to guess she formed a small bun with the braid ends.
"That's so pretty!" cheered Janette.
Turning so I could smile down at the house-elf, I agreed, "It really is. Thank you, Tipper."
Tipper bounced up and down in her happiness before settling down. "Tipper happy Little Mistresses approve!"
As Tipper moved away to help Maman, Janette gave both Blaire and I hugs before she left to join her sister and Tonks in the sitting room. I was glad that her sadness over still not being able to attend the ball wasn't ruining her overall mood for the evening.
Facing the vanity once again, I proceeded to put on all but the necklace laid out for me. Blaire had to help me get the bracelet on, and once she did I stood to look at myself fully in the mirror. I smiled brightly as I twirled slowly, loving how the feathers appeared to float despite my skirt not flaring out all that much.
"Thank you, Tipper. That will be all."
"Tipper be returning to her duties then." With a quick bow and pop Tipper disappeared.
Turning around I smiled to see Maman looking as beautiful as ever. While her gown flared out more than mine did, it wasn't quite as full as Blaire's, having a sleekness to it that may have something to do with the gauze-like material the gown was made of. It had delicate branches embroidered all over the bodice that shimmered down past her fitted waist before tapering off a foot or so from the bottom hem. Sparkling ice crystals were sewn across the branches which truly encompassed the beauty of a winter in the early morning. Her hair was gathered into a large bun at the top of her head and she wore long dangling earrings which matched the ice crystals on her dress. I couldn't see any other jewelry on Maman besides her Crest Bracelet resting over her satin gloves.
"You look beautiful," I breathed out.
"As do you both, my darlings." Maman suddenly tilted her head slightly. "It appears someone else has arrived on the grounds. Likely George Weasley, since Tonks has already arrived." Without a further word, Maman exited, likely to greet George at the door.
"Merde!" Blaire suddenly swore as she scrambled for her own jewelry, "I'm not ready yet!"
"It's alright, Blaire," I reassured her. "We're not running late or anything."
"That's not why I'm hurrying," she replied as she finished clasping on her necklace and quickly moved on to putting in her earrings.
"It's just Maman meeting him, he'll be fine."
"Father also felt when he arrived, Esme. I doubt he'd let one of the horse-elves be the one to open the door for George."
My eyes widened as I realized she was right. I quickly sent a prayer to Mother Magic that Maman made it there in time so George wasn't left alone with Papa for too long, or, better yet, not at all.
Blaire finished and glanced at herself in the mirror, turning her head from side to side. "Does everything look okay?"
"You look absolutely perfect, just remember to breathe," I reminded her as I noted the tension had returned to her shoulders.
"Right." Blaire took a deep breath and the visible tension vanished, though I doubted the stress and worry she felt was gone.
"Time to strike your escort dumb with your beauty," I teased as I took Blaire's hand in mine.
She squeezed my hand before leading the two of us towards the entrance way. I squeezed her hand back - everything would be just fine, I just knew it.
Petite soeur = little sister
Petite papillon = little butterfly (female)
Oui = yes
Ma petite = my little (female)
Merde = shit
Extra POV
George POV
When Blaire invited me to the hoity toity Winter Ball, my first thought was 'Merlin's saggy balls, no'. But when I saw the hopefulness shining in her gorgeous blue eyes, those weren't the words to come out of my mouth. Instead, I agreed, and the deep pit in my stomach vanished when I saw the blinding smile stretch across her face. Then I thought, yes, I could do this for her - if only for that smile to stay on her face.
However, that conviction from then started to waver as I stood in front of Mum's full-length mirror as she fussed over me. I didn't actually own any dress robes; in fact, the only one of us that owned any nice dress robes was Dad for the rare Ministry function he attended. Despite being nearly as tall as Dad, I wasn't quite as broad in the shoulders as him - not to mention lanky around the middle where he was wide. So, Mum had to spell Dad's robes to fit me.
Currently she fretted over every little seam as she muttered under breath about looking sharp, clean, and presentable as if the three words were spells in of themselves. The robes were far nicer than any of the hand-me-downs Fred or I got from our older brothers. Merlin, they were better than anything even Percy got second-hand as a reward for being the prissy-swot he was. The robe and pants matched, being the same rich black as each other with no visible signs that I saw of any wear or fading. There was a green fleur-de-lis design on the robe so dark it practically blended into the blackness of everything else. I didn't even know there was a pattern before Mum started manhandling me about and I saw the light catch on it. I was wearing a dark green shirt to match, and a black tie - sorry, no, Mum called it cravat, with this fancy looking gold pin Mum had dug out of the attic which apparently belonged to one of her brothers. A matching pair of gold cufflinks once belonging to her other brother were also forced on me. I didn't see the need for them, and her lecturing to definitely not lose them wasn't helping my nerves at all.
Every second that passed closer to the time I was supposed to arrive at Heaven's Garden, my nerves kept increasing. I regretted agreeing to this entire thing - being shoved in this monkey suit which felt like it was shrinking with every harsh tug Mum was giving, meeting Blaire's parents for the first time as her boyfriend, and attending a fancy ball amongst Britain's High Society. Percy could take his envy and jealousy and shove it up his arse, yet, I couldn't help but agree with him angry muttering over my age and 'uncouthness' as Mum continued to nitpick my appearance as she went over all the things I wasn't allowed to do tonight and other behavior don'ts.
"-really, I do wonder how such a smart girl like Blaire would choose you to escort her to the Winter Ball. Relationship or not, you're hardly suited for such a setting. Really, George, you should try to be just like Percy tonight and hopefully you won't embarrass the Archards too much. You can't behave as you normally do in front of so many important witches and wizards. I can hardly imagine what people will think when they see Blaire Archard on the arm of my son."
Ignoring the stabbing sensation that deepened the pit in my stomach, I muttered, "People know we're dating at Hogwarts, Mum. It's not all that much of a shock I'd go with her."
Fred poked his head in from the hallway. "The two of them were the talk of the school when they finally started holding hands in the corridors. And there was that one time they were found snogging-"
"-George!" exclaimed Mum in a scandalized voice.
I quickly cleared the air. "He's lying, Mum! We've never been caught snogging!"
"Caught?!" she shrieked, "You better be treating Blaire like the lady she is! There's enough talk about our family as is, I don't need you adding to it with improper behavior in the Hogwarts' corridors or broom closets!"
"So it's fine everywhere else then?" asked Fred impishly. Never before had I wanted to smack my own twin so strongly.
"No! Don't put ideas in your brother's head, Fred!" Mum gave Fred the smack I so wanted to give him.
Fred ducked from her second swing as he retreated back into the hallway. "Honestly woman, I was only joking!" He yelled back as he vanished down the stairs.
The wind vanished behind Mum's broom when Ginny poked her head into the room. "Oh you look so handsome! I bet Blaire's gonna be so pretty too! Will you two be matching? You'll be sure to dance, right? Oh, you have to, so you can tell me about it!"
My head spun as it tried to take in all her excitable words - she was talking nearly as fast as Granger did when she got obsessed about a particular school topic.
"I doubt they'll be matching," answered Mum. "Blaire will be wearing a gown in the latest fashion and your father's robes are already nearly twenty-three years old." She began to fuss over my hair despite her having already styled it to her liking before. "Oh~ are you sure you washed your hair, it's looking a bit flat, dear."
That was because you keep touching it! I thought to myself.
Ginny opened her mouth, I didn't know if it was to help me or fire off more questions, when Dad stepped into the room. "Now girls, I believe George and I should get going if we want to get to Heaven's Garden on time. We shouldn't keep the Archards waiting now."
Praise Merlin for Dad as Mum finally stopped fussing and fretting as she ushered the two of us out the door with one final reminder to behave properly like Percy. Walking down the driveway, I felt like my limbs were made of wood with the sheer amount of tension flowing through my body. I couldn't do this…I shouldn't do this-
"I can see steam coming out of your ears from your worrying," Dad spoke up from where he was walking beside me. His oddly calm voice broke through my spiraling thoughts like a beater's bat.
"What's there to be worried about? All I have to do is be like Percy and everything will be fine." That came out a tad more bitter than I intended.
"Don't take what your mum said before to heart. You know how she gets when she worries."
I shrugged my shoulders, not sure how to reply, so I stayed silent.
Dad let out a long sigh. "Now I know this may sound hard to hear, but she was wrong. You don't need to act like Percy, or any of your brothers tonight. If Blaire Archard wanted to attend with any of them, she would've asked them. But she chose you, because it is you who she likes. And I'd bet my wand, Blaire wouldn't want you to be anyone else but yourself tonight. You're a bright, capable young wizard, who, despite the grey hairs you and Fred give me, I am very proud of. The two of you have the rare gift of true creativity, one that never fails to provide me with an endless supply of stories to tell my coworkers. The two of you have never lacked the strength to be yourselves. So take a few breaths if you need to, and remember, while it is important to be respectful, don't take any dragon shit from anyone. I'm confident you'll be able to handle yourself tonight amongst the swarm of grindylows that are the Magicals of High Society."
Listening to Dad, I took those breaths as the deep pit of anxiety was filled with a warm glow. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I got to spend any real alone time with Dad. With him working so much, any time he had to spare for us was just that, spent with all of us at once. It felt nice, for however short of time it lasted.
"Well, this is where I leave you," said Dad as we completed the walk between The Burrow and Heaven's Garden, having reached the edge of Archard's paved driveway. Dad placed both his hands on my shoulders, providing a comforting sort of squeeze. "Remember what I taught you about a handshake - keep it firm but don't squeeze too tight. Don't worry about anyone's names, anyone with a lick of manners will introduce themselves foremost. And have fun tonight with your girlfriend, but not too much fun - I'm far too young to be a grandfather.
Any calm I managed to find vanished with the last of his words as I felt my face flush as scarlet as my hair. I wouldn't be surprised if I was glowing through the dimness of the setting sun. "Dad~!"
Dad burst out in a hearty laugh as he released my shoulders. "We'll leave a light on for you. Now go get 'em." With his final words, he spun me around and gave me a light shove.
I quickly put some distance between Dad and I (entirely fuelled by my embarrassment). I heard his continued laughter fade away the further I walked up the driveway. As I finally reached the front doors, I felt my nerves start to return so I took a few more breaths before knocking on the door. I barely finished my third rapt when the door swung open. I froze wide-eyed when I realized Blaire's dad was the one to answer the door accompanied by one of their many house-elves.
'Say something, you blithering idiot!' my mind screamed at me as Lord Archard continued to stare me down, face deadpan, but his eyes were hard and judging.
"G-good evening, Lord Archard," I finally managed to say as I forced my hand to uncurl before shoving it in front of me. "It's truly a pleasure to be able to escort Blaire tonight."
However, Lord Archard just continued to stand there unmoving, not taking my hand, not even glancing at it as his eyes continued to pierce into my very soul. Do I keep my hand out, should I drop it - Merlin's saggy balls, what do I do here?!
"If you hurt my little girl…what remains after she is done with you…"
Sweet Merlin…
Suddenly Lord Archard's entire demeanor changed as he angled to the side. "Ma amour."
And there, coming to my rescue was Lady Archard, as she practically floated across the floor to join arms with her husband. After giving Lord Archard a quick peck on the cheek with a soft, 'dearest' in greeting, she then turned her warm and bright smile towards me. "Winter's greetings, George Weasley. Welcome once again to our home, please come in out of the cold." She took my still-outstretched hand for a gentle shake.
"Winter's greetings, Lady Archard," I echoed her greeting as I remember Blaire had told me beforehand to use this specific greeting tonight.
She gave a tinkling little giggle. "Please, you can call me Diaspora, dear."
I didn't know if this was a test or not, but was saved from answering either way when I heard the blessed sounds of someone approaching us. Glancing over to the giant staircase, I was struck speechless by the absolute vision that was descending the stairs.
Sweet…Mother…Magic…blue was definitely my favourite colour now. Words failed me, as I couldn't even think of how to describe how beautiful Blaire looked. She really was perfect - she had heart, brains, beauty, and was attractively scary when she wanted to be. Merlin, I really was the luckiest sod in the Magical world.
I blinked when I felt Blaire take hold of my hand and realized I'd missed something. Guessing that Blaire probably greeted me, I just went for it. "Winter's greetings, Blaire," I intoned while I pivoted our hands so I was now holding hers. I raised her hand as I ducked down to kiss her knuckles, doing my best to copy what I'd seen the few sticklers for etiquette do around Hogwarts. As I lowered her hand, I couldn't help the impish smirk that crossed my face when I spotted the red dusting across her cheeks that weren't there a second ago.
Ahem.
Hearing the soft noise, I glanced past Blaire to see her sister Esme being the only thing standing between me and their brothers. All but the ickle-twins were doing their best to imitate their father, though Alaric did nothing to smother the glare he was giving me and one of the blonde Hufflepuff twins was clearly finding more amusement than annoyance for some reason. The realization then struck me, and I stiffly turned to find Lord Archard's already chilly demeanor had turned arctic.
Blaire's mum giggled once again as she held onto her husband's arm. "My, such a gentleman." Her amusement was clearly not shared by Lord Archard but thank Merlin she was here because with a simple two claps of her hands the tension filled air vanished. "Since we are all here and ready, it is best we leave now if we are to arrive there on time."
"Paddy," Lord Archard commanded.
With a pop a wrinkled (clearly old) house-elf appeared before bowing to Blaire's parents. "What can Paddy do for Master and Mistress?"
"Please Apparate Blaire's escort and Alaric to Black Castle. You will not need to remain afterwards and may return to the grounds until I call for you later this night."
"As Master commands," the elf intoned with another bow to Lord Archard.
"Why does Paddy need to take them?" asked the youngest boy with the short hair. Having only met them once, I couldn't remember which had the longer hair between them.
"Because while your father and I can handle Apparting with you all, adding George in addition would be dangerous," explained Diaspora in a gentle voice. "Bad things may happen when any Magical tries to Apparate more than they can handle. So Paddy is taking Alaric and George to avoid anything bad from happening, while I take Esme, you, and your twin, and your father will take Blaire, Carlisle and Dustin."
Which was a nice way of saying they were avoiding splinching any of us, which I was eternally grateful for. Fred and I had overheard Mum's warnings to Charlie and Bill when they first started learning. She was far less gentle about the subject, but then again, Charlie and Bill were both seventeen while those two were only ten.
"Oh~" the two twins said together. I smiled in fondness to see that habit of Fred and I on a younger set of twins. I hoped like their elder siblings the two boys were eventually sorted into the same House. Fred and I had stumbled upon the ickle-Patil late at night in the Gryffindor common room missing her twin enough times to know it was hard on twins to be separated from someone you were used to always having by your side - especially after a rough night.
Paddy the house-elf then walked over to me and took hold of my left wrist, forcing me to bend down to accommodate our height difference. I stumbled as the house-elf continued walking. While I easily could've broken out of the elf's grip, I probably would hurt him in the process. I'd heard Blaire's lecture on how to properly treat house-elves, so I knew if I hurt him, Blaire would be upset, so I let the little old thing lead me over to where Alaric was standing.
"When Heir Master ready, Paddy will go."
Unlike with me, Paddy raised his hand above his head for Alaric, so Alaric wouldn't have to bend over to hold the elf's hand. Alaric didn't waste any time and took hold of the house-elf's hand. I was given no warning before the feeling of being shoved through the tiniest hole possible overcame me.
Merlin, please don't let me throw up.
Ma amour = my love (female)
Big thank you to my Beta-Readers: Anonymous and TheSparkler!