Standing on the pedestal, Gwen stared into the large contemporary oval shaped mirror, she kept her back straight as she watched Irene, her seamstress add the last touches to her gown that she'd be wearing tonight and make any last minute adjustments on her gown. Truth be told, Gwen always dressed properly but this was on another level as she couldn't believe what or rather- who she was looking back at in the mirror.
She was taller now, her hair longer and her face a bit more defined than before.
"What is the matter mademoisellé?"
"Does this dress make me look sophisticated and confident?"
The older woman snorted, "a dress will not give you that. No article of clothing will, if anything, can only enhance what is already there."
Running her hand down the fabric of the dress, she stared back at herself through the mirror. Her mind wondered if perhaps her mother would approve of her decisions, her friendships, if she would approve of the young woman that she was becoming.
"Thank you Irene," she smiled.
"Always young Madam,"
There was a knock at her bedroom door, taking a deep breath she murmured a quiet come in as she picked up the small blue silk ribbon choker that went along with her dress. Her hair had been curled into tiny curls and pulled up into a bun as a few pieces were left out of the bun and were swept across her shoulder.
At twelve years old, Gwen stood before her bedroom mirror, excitement dancing in her eyes as she slipped into a beautiful blue silk gown. The dress was a deep shade of blue that shimmered in the soft light of her room, and it seemed to have a touch of magic about it. The fabric flowed gracefully as she twirled, and the gown complemented her youthful features.
The gown had delicate lace details on the bodice, and the skirt flowed down to her ankles in elegant layers. It made her feel like a young princess, ready for a magical adventure. A dark and twisted one that involved learning just what the families were up to.
Dressed in her beautiful blue silk gown, Gwen was ready for whatever enchanting event lay ahead, with a heart full of anticipation and youthful wonder.
"Your mother would be proud of the young woman you are becoming," Gwen turned to see her Father dressed in a traditional black and white suit with a cobalt blue tie as his way of snubbing the other families for their use of the slytherin's colors.
"Thank you Father," she turned to him with a smile "I'm a bit nervous though"
Closing the door behind him, he crossed the room as he knelt down in front of his daughter who wore an anxious expression as she suddenly realized that every move she was going to make tonight would be analyzed by everyone.
"I can cancel this ball if you want, I'd be more than happy to if you don't wish to see the families anymore" Declan suggested as he didn't want to pressure Gwen into doing anything she didn't want to do
She shook her head as she took a deep breath "That's very kind Father, but this is something I need to do. You won't always be around to protect me as it's up to me to deal with them once I become of age."
Declan placed a kiss on his daughter's head as he was proud of how mature she had become since her Mother's passing. Standing again to his full height, he looked down at her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Your Mother would be so proud of how mature you've become through everything that's happened."
"That makes me feel immensely happy,"
Declan offered his arm to his daughter, who graciously took it as she knew that her decision was opening a new chapter in her life. A chapter that could either hurt or benefit her in one way or another, either way she was more than ready to take that step.
Taking a shaky breath, she had already gotten used to the corset that she wore underneath the gown. As her father led her to the ballroom all she could hear was the clicking of her small white heels on the wood flooring. She could hear lovely music from the orchestra, the lively chatter of the guests and the clinking of goblets that were most likely filled with wine from their esteemed and very expensive wine cellar that her Dad kept as a hobby. The double doors came closer in view as they came to a halt in front of them. Looking over to her left up to her Father, she gave him a subtle nod as she knew they had stopped for her sake.
With a wave of his hand, the doors magically opened for the both of them. Taking one last deep breath, she let her Father take the lead as the two stepped onto the ballroom balcony. They gained the attention of everyone as a deep silence swept over the room as people then bowed and curtsied in her honor.
Her Father handed her a goblet of sparkling cider to which she graciously accepted. Scanning the crown in the candlelit ballroom, she counted to ten in order to call her nerves as she could feel her stomach twisting in knots. Using her handkerchief, she covered her mouth in order to clear her throat.
Smiling brightly, she let her body relax slightly as she knew exactly what to say as she had rehearsed it for almost a week now.
Gwen stood before the assembled members of the sacred families in the grand hall of her ancestral home. Her family had always been deeply involved in the wizarding world's politics and tradition behind the curtain, that is, keeping their distance while supporting Hogwarts, St. Mungo's and many other institutions.
As she held her goblet high, a shimmering goblet filled with the finest elf-made wine, she began her speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests from our sacred families, I welcome you to our ancestral home. It is an honor to have you here, and I hope you find our gathering tonight to be a delightful respite from the demands of our world." Gwen's voice was clear and graceful, and her posture was poised and regal. She continued, "As we come together, let us remember the bonds that tie our families, the traditions that unite us, and the legacy we carry forward. May this evening be a celebration of our shared heritage and the strength of our alliances."
She raised her goblet high, her blue eyes glittering with poise and confidence. "To our sacred families, may we find joy in our shared history and a prosperous future!" Raising her goblet in the air she cocked her head to the side as she smiled, everyone followed her actions as silver jeweled goblets were raised in the air before everyone took a sip in celebration of welcoming the twenty ninth sacred family into their ranks.
As the guests toasted, Gwen couldn't help but observe their behavior due to listening to the lies that slipped off her tongue so easily. Her gaze shifted from one person to the next, noticing the subtle cues, whispers, and alliances forming in the room. She had learned from her family that appearances could be deceiving, and what happened behind closed doors often told a different story. As the guests celebrated, she made mental notes, fully aware of the underlying politics and intrigues that swirled in the world of the sacred families.
Despite the veneer of civility and camaraderie, Gwen remained vigilant, knowing that her role as the hostess held both responsibilities and potential consequences in a world filled with secrets and agendas. It was a delicate balance, and she was determined to navigate it with grace and shrewdness, just as generations of her family had before her.
Descending down the staircase, she immediately made her way towards her Father who stood with her Uncle Liam and Aunt Maeve. She was grateful that her speech had caused the families to pause and talk amongst themselves rather than rush her in order to start polite but rubbish conversations. Which gave her some time to talk with her own family.
"That was quite the speech you made," her Uncle clicked his tongue. "Quite the smart witch you've become." He winked at her.
"Thank you," she flashed him a quick smile.
"You did such an amazing job," Maeve complimented. "I'm rather proud of you."
Gwen shook her head, "no, thank you for helping oversee everything. I know that it must have been quite the hassle with it being last minute."
She shook her head, the silver diamond pins in her hair glistening in the candlelight. "It gave me something to do since I'm in this house with nothing to do."
After talking for a bit more, Gwen decided to walk around the dance floor. She took time in watching everyone interact, her eyes passing from one group to the next. Her attention briefly lingered on her cousin Liam, who was speaking with Evan Rosier, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Antonin Delehov. Most likely about quidditch.
She paused to watch him a bit longer.
Jack had always been easy going, charismatic, and the center of attention. His personality and demeanor were that of their Father's. It had always been easy for him to make friends yet still be quite the cunning and secretive wizard he was.
Turning away, she went back to weaving through the groups of witches and wizards, mingling.
Everyone looked so happy and untroubled.
Gwen knew better. Knew that something dark was lurking under their false smiles and the polite niceties.
After an hour of walking and listening to the ladies gossip, she had come up with nothing. All they had been focused on was rumors and marriage proposals they were trying to convince their husbands to agree to. All of it was boring and useless information.
Downing the rest of the sparkling cider in her goblet, she swallowed, her eyes perusing the room once more. She had been about to turn on her heel to grab more cider before noting a group of older wizards, dressed in black with emerald green dress robes disappear into the hall.
Quickly following, she watched as they were quiet, sucking into the nearest room that was dark and empty. A drawing room that she and Jack often played in when they were much younger. Luckily for her, she had been able to slip into the room undetected as they raided her Uncle's bar for firewhiskey.
"Our kind is nothing but mudbloods and half-breeds... can you believe the ministry allows our kind to reproduce with them as if they aren't sullying ourselves with their kind already."
"The Dark Lord has reassured us in submitting a new order to the ministry after the holidays to regula—"
She hid behind the tall, heavy and velvet green curtains. Only allowing one eye to peek and watch the three men finally all relax and take their seats on the chaises.
"—don't you see? His Lord should be more concerned about those filthy half-breed abominations!" The Head of the Yaxley family interrupted, rubbing his temple. "Don't quite understand why we can't just exterminate them now and be done with all this business."
The other gentleman, blonde and blue eyes rolled his eyes, "I find it hard to believe that you could still be an idiot at our age Yax." He chuckled, "you do realize that we would wipe out our entire kind if we were to do that? What then?"
The third gentleman finally spoke up, she recognized him as Antonin's father. Dark hair and even darker eyes. "Which is why I suggested to the Dark Lord that we use the pureblood woman, married or not, as breeders. Use them to make more purebloods and repopulate the Wizarding world that way."
Gwen forced herself to compartmentalize, to use Occlumency to stop herself from reacting to the filth that had just left his mouth.
"Your only issue with that ideology is that no one would agree to that," Avery rolled his eyes. "No one would agree to whore out their wives and daughters for that."
He just shrugged, "women are meant for pleasure and producing heirs. To grow attached to them, feeling for them makes you weak."
The door creaked open, Abraxas Malfoy walked in along with Dexter Fawley and Hanson Flint. They all had goblets in hand. Abraxas sneered at the three.
"Sounds as though you are still bitter that my wife chose me, the better option." He glared at the man, who just kept his mouth shut, only looking away. "What are you buffoons even doing talking about business where anyone can hear?"
Yaxley hiccuped, "wha—what's wrong with that?"
"You drunken fool," he sneered. "Clean him up and send him home before he says something he shouldn't."
Fawley and Flint both walked over to Yaxley, helping him up to his feet, before cleaning his robes from the fire whiskey. They were quick to leave with him, dragging him as he mumbled incoherently.
"You two know better than to talk about these things," he hissed, his tone filled with malice.
William Dolohov rolled his eyes, "you are not the boss of me, suggest you get off that high horse now Malfoy."
"I am in charge. The Dark Lord chose me to help lead as one of his generals, you'd do best to remember that or should I tell him that you are undermining his orders?"
"He made you General of the Death Eaters?"
Abraxas just smirked.
Gwen felt the dark tension in the room between the two men, the air filling with crackling energy. "Shove off Malfoy," was all he said before pushing off the couch and finding his firewhiskey. He purposely shoved his shoulder into him as he walked past him, before leaving the room as well.
"Avery," he called out. "Go seek out Bellatrix and tell her to push back the plans as complications have arisen."
"Yes sir,"
They both left the drawing room. Leaving Gwen alone in the silent dark room. Several minutes went by, as she waited to make sure they had cleared out of the hallway before leaving her hiding spot. Fixing any wrinkles out of her dress, she returned to the ballroom.
With a new goblet of sparkling cider, she stood on the edge of the dancefloor. Her blue eyes watched as a few of the younger witches and wizards took to the floor, the witches in gorgeous gowns fluttered and flowed across the dance floor as men in perfectly tailored dress robes led them in a fast paced waltz. Goblets clinked and laughter rose above the lively music.
Amidst the crowd at the gathering, Gwen's eyes were drawn to a particularly handsome and well-dressed man. He exuded an air of sophistication and charm that set him apart from the others. His silver eyes were dead and haunting as they watched her from across the dancefloor.
She blinked.
The spot he occupied was empty.
"I didn't think you'd be coming," she didn't even turn to the dark and tall presence next to her. "If I had, I'd have ensured to have the red carpet out for you."
"No need for such theatrics," he chuckled darkly. "At least so early into the night."
Facing him, she couldn't help but admire how devastatingly handsome he was. "I'll be sure to remember that for later."
"Good Evening," he greeted with a warm and friendly smile. "I had heard the rumors about you, didn't think them to be true."
She smirked, "perhaps you can enlighten me in what they are saying."
His mouth twitched, he shoved a hand into the pocket of his trousers. He had ditched the dress robes and opted for a silk black suit. He dressed more of a muggle than a wizard.
"Naughty girl," he clicked his tongue. "Know there was something I had liked about you."
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Miss Gwen." He took her hand, placed a chaste kiss to the back of her hand. His eyes burying themselves in her, her breath hitched, she bit back her flushed behavior. "It is a pleasure to finally meet the author behind the quill."
Gwen curtsied politely and replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you and to be your host for tonight," she smiled. "Mr. Black, can I interest you in Irish Whiskey?"
"That would be perfect." A strand of dark hair fell over his forehead, making him look all the more handsome. "Please call me Alphard."
Alphard Black, Sirius's uncle and a well-known bachelor in the wizarding world. He was considered quite the catch among the eligible young witches, and his reputation for both wealth and charm had not gone unnoticed. Gwen had only ever spoken to him in the past couple of weeks after she had personally invited him to the Ball as they corresponded with one another.
They were engaged in conversation for quite a while, she understood where Sirius received his charm and wit from. They talked about Quidditch, his job as an Auror and his genuine interest in visiting several parts of the world. Gwen realized under his gorgeous looks and social status, he was a rather well rounded figure and a good person.
Which explained why he was ostracized from the Black Family.
Alphard wasn't after wealth or even recognition. From the research she had done on him, he kept to himself, other than work and attending the occasional gala. He was a recluse. From what she had heard from his cousin Cygnus and his wife Druella—née Rosier family. He had shamed their family for being placed in Gryffindor, during his Hogwarts years. His parents were disappointed, the only thing that had saved him from ing disowned was his agreeing to marry the late witch Noella Greengrass.
Gwen was highly aware of the complexities of the world her parents tried to shield her from, the intricate webs of politics and alliances, and the expectations placed on her due to blood status, wealth, and recognition. Meeting Alphard, however, reminded her that not everyone in the families was as dark and foreboding as the shadows that loomed.
"There you are," her Father with a goblet in hand entered their small bubble. "I was looking for you."
"Father, this is Alphard Black. I kinna you recognize him, yes?" She smiled ruefully.
Declan shook hands with him, "haven't seen you since we graduated."
"We both married and withdrew from society," he shrugged. "Only reintegrating into society after the death of our wives."
Declan agreed with a sad smile. "I'm sorry for your loss of Noelle, she was a good person. I wish I had gone to see her before her passing."
"She understood why you hadn't come to see her," Alphard and her father took long drinks from their goblets. "I offer my own condolences on the loss of Roselyn, she has always been a kind friend."
Gwen caught the sadness in their eyes, how their minds seemed to have reminisced on their younger years. From what she had dug up, they had been great friends back then but after her Father had rejected the proposal to marry Walburga, calling her vain and cold. It had caused tension in the families.
The moment ended abruptly, when the shrill voice of the woman in question pierced the air. Immediately the three of them frowned, before placing on polite smiles as she pushed passed others to get to them, her husband and children following. She didn't miss how Sirius and Regulus both looked miserable until their eyes saw Alphard and they practically lit up in joy.
"Declan," she greeted with the flakiest smile she had ever seen. "Lovely ball."
"I am not the host," he placed a hand on her back and pushed her slightly forward. "My daughter organized it on her own."
She saw the way her mouth twitched, "oh how rather quaint."
Gwen blinked at her before turning to Orion, who was currently practically trying to get away from his own wife. "Mr. Black, I do hope you enjoy the ball. I had heard that you enjoy a good red wine and I had one prepared for you that I believe you will find to your liking."
A house elf appeared with it along with a goblet, who handed it to him before disappearing with a crack.
The man chuckled, "your first ball you say? You are an example of what women should strive to be unlike some witches." He shot a look towards Walburga before quickly leaving.
If looks could kill, Orion Black would be dead on the spot.
She didn't miss the twitching of Alphard lip's in her peripheral vision. She continued smiling, "Walburga, was there some other reason as to why you are still here?"
The woman's jaw clenched before she smiled, no teeth. "Regulus informed me that you invited him to stay with your family for a couple of days and I wanted to make sure that you had received his response."
"Indeed I have," she pulled the letter out of the pocket of her dress before handing it over to her Father to take. "He is rather exceptional with a quill."
"That is great. I'm glad to see Regulus becoming friends with the right sort."
"What is the right sort are you referring to?"
The woman swallowed, "the kind that belongs."
Her Father intervened this time, a hand in his pocket as the other brought the govlet to his lips, swallowing rather slowly. "Just as shallow as when we were younger Walburga."
The woman hissed, "I'm not shallow! I am a respectable woman with high prospects and aspirations for Regulus!"
She clicked her tongue, "Walburga if you have any sense of decorum then I highly suggest that you lower your voice as you are at a ball and not cause a scene. If you do in fact cause a scene then I have reason to kick you out and imagine the scandal and the dishonor it would bring on the Noble House of Black."
The woman just hugged and stormed off, disappearing into the crowd, leaving Regulus and Sirius standing there. Amazed and smiling. Sirius, seemingly in a trance, stepped forward.
He extended his hand with a charming smile. "May I have this dance, Lady Gwen?"
Gwen curtsied playfully, mirroring the etiquette she had learned. "Of course, good sir," she replied in a melodramatic tone, placing her hand in his as they began to move to the music.
Declan, Alphard, and Regulus watched the two take the center of the fooor and begin to dance with one another.
"I offer you my condolences Declan," he took a large swig of the Irish whiskey.
"Why is that?"
"Being so young it seems that she is already running circles around you," he chuckled. "She is just like Roselyn down to her smile."
"You have no idea mate." He continued, "as she gets older I see her mother but when she talks about the families, I hear myself. I'm not sure what scares me more."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"She has her mothers heart and beauty but she has my logical and calculating brain."
Alphard took a long sip, his eyes watching her every move. "Soon you will have the families barking at your heels for marriage prospects."
He ran a hand through his hair, took a deep breath as a soft smile twitched. "I have already received letters of parents asking for exclusive chaperoned dates."
He started laughing, a deep hearty laugh. "I don't think I could survive being a father of a girl."
"It's not for the faint of heart," he sighed.
Alphard nodded towards the two kids, "I take it that you approve of my nephew being close with your daughter."
"He's a good kid," Declan and him shared a look. "He reminds me of you when we first met, a kid who had been sorted into Gryffindor and dishonored his family."
Alphard smiled, "you see it don't you? He looks at her as you did Roselyn back in our school days."
Declan gazed lovingly at his daughter. "It won't be long until she will reciprocate those feelings."
"What will you do then? He is to inherit everything as long as my sister can maintain her temper and not blast him off that damn tree."
The Irish man let out a long sigh, "I'm not ready for her to grow up and fall in love. I lost Roselyn, and I'm afraid I'll lose my only daughter."
"You'd be gaining a son and however many children they would have," Alphard's gaze switched to Sirius. "They need one another. Sirius is reckless and passionate and it'll get him into trouble if left unchecked."
"I've asked him to see to her protection while at Hogwarts," Declan watched as his daughter smiled at Sirius as he whispered to her around the dance floor.
"Why introduce her into this world then when you had made it clear that day?"
Declan clicked his tongue, "it is her decision. Roselyn and I agreed to wait until she was eleven to allow her to make her own decision on the families. If I had it my way, these people wouldn't even be gracing the very floor of my ancestors."
Alphard narrowed his eyes, curiosity rising as he watched the girl talk to Sirius as they danced. "She is planning something."
"Indeed she is," Declan clenched his jaw. "Whatever it is, I know that it has something to do with the Dark Lord."
"It's possible that she has heard some things or they may have approached her."
Declan saw movement, to which he just watched as Regulus continued to stare at his daughter. The same forlorn and adoration in his eyes. Nudging Alphard, he gestured to the young boy.
They shared a look.
"Regulus," Alphard called. His hand on his shoulder, shaking him slightly.
"Yes uncle?" He blinked a couple of times
"Tell me about your time at Hogwarts. They have your favorite head, chocolate croissants." This seemed to make him light up again.
"After the party, join Liam and I in the parlor to properly catch up."
He nodded before allowing Regulus to drag him away towards the table of pastries and confections. Declan took one more long look at his daughter, as she was twirled and lifted into the air.
You'd be gaining a son.
As they danced, Gwen forgot about everything. Her mind slipping into a haze as she was lost in the rhythm of the music, her dress swirling around her, and the feeling of Sirius's hand in hers. They laughed, twirled, and shared secret smiles as they moved to the enchanting melodies. For that brief moment, they were just two young souls, enjoying a magical night, untouched by the shadows that would later cast a long and dark shadow over their lives.
Gwen and Sirius, eleven and twelve years old, danced gracefully together to the soft melodies of a waltz. Their young hearts were light, and their feet moved with the natural grace of youth. Gwen's blue silk gown swirled around her as she twirled, and Sirius, in his formal robes, looked dashing and chivalrous as they moved across the dance floor.
"You're beautiful," Sirius finally said. "The prettiest witch here."
He caught how her cheeks grew pink, "and you are handsome tonight."
"I don't think I've ever seen anyone or anything make my Mother go speechless as you have."
"The more I hear about that woman, the uglier she becomes."
Which is true. Although Walburga was a tall, slender woman with beautiful pale skin, stark black hair and full lashes and lips. Her curled lip, shrill voice and beady brown eyes made it hard to not think of her as a harpy and the things she would spout out made her truly ugly. Her unruly, controlling, and manipulative personality as her actions and beliefs were the ugliest thing about her.
"I might have to marry you if you continue to leave her speechless," he said without thinking.
Before she could respond, their dance was abruptly interrupted by a handsome and charismatic man who stepped onto the dance floor. He had an air of sophistication and magnetism that drew the attention of everyone in the room. Gwen and Sirius paused their dance, a bit startled by the intrusion.
The man extended his hand towards Gwen with a charming smile. "My dear, would you do me the honor of a dance?"
Gwen looked up at the man, her young heart fluttering with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. "Um, I suppose... yes."
She took his hand, and they started to dance, the room's attention now firmly fixed on them. Sirius watched with a growing sense of unease as the man guided Gwen through the steps with a practiced elegance. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about the stranger felt off.
"I don't recall having made your acquaintance," she started off, internally figuring out who this man was.
"My apologies," he hummed. "My name is Tom Riddle."
Tom Riddle.
Where had she heard that name before? Had she read it somewhere?
"I don't recall having invited you," she murmured, not wanting anyone to overhear.
"You'll have to excuse Abraxas," he smiled. "I had begged for him to allow me to tag along as I have been wanting to meet the witch that everyone is talking about and to see if you live up to the rumors that are circulating."
"Have they?"
He smiled at her, it was too polite and empty. She felt him attempting to invade her mind, she reinforced her walls, all the while she continued dancing with him as Gwen pretended as though she didn't know.
"You are everything and more," he finally said. The slight pain she felt before disappearing as he left her mind.
"I take it you've met my parents already."
"What makes you say that?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, "you made a point to come and meet me and not my Father. Which most likely means that you have met him before but considering he has made no mention of you and you seem to be avoiding him, that you don't know him or are afraid of him. Which means that you knew my Mother and you are here to see me because I'm the closest thing to her."
Tom just smiled again, this time it was soft and genuine. "Brightest witch of your age."
"How did you know my Mother?"
"We went to Hogwarts together, I was a couple years older and I had the extreme pleasure of meeting with her a few times."
Gwen searched his face for any signs of him lying but didn't find any, instead she saw genuine honesty.
"Scorned ex lover then?"
Tom liked her. She was amusing.
"No," he chuckled. "Even if I had pursued her, she'd have never chosen me."
"Then what is your real reason for meeting me?"
He was silent for several tense moments, before he finally answered. "You intrigue me just as your Mother had."
The way he said her name made her want to shiver. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand. Gwen pushed the feeling aside, the feeling of a shiver run down her spine as they continued to waltz.
Unbeknownst to Gwen and Sirius, the man she was dancing with was Tom Riddle, the Dark Lord. His presence at the gathering was no coincidence, and his intentions were far from innocent. As they danced, Riddle's eyes gleamed with an eerie intensity, and he seemed to be studying Gwen in a way that made her uncomfortable. With ease, she hid it and continued as if it was just another dance.
When the dance had ended, he brought her back to Sirius. Who glared at the older man, the entire time practically snarling at the man. Who was unbothered and just ignored him, his gaze remaining on the girl who immediately took to Sirius' side.
Tom took her hand, kissing the back of her hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Gwen."
She smiled politely.
Sirius yanked her hand out of Tom's, yanking her close to him as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "You may go now."
Tom just chuckled and then disappeared into the crowd of dancing guests.
Sirius was immediately fretting over her, his eyes checking every inch of her as he grabbed her arm to check the places where Tom held her while they danced.
"Are you alright darling?"
Gwen was stunned by his protective behavior, "I—uh yes I'm alright. He hadn't hurt me."
Sirius dropped her arm, allowing himself to breathe a sigh of relief. His shoulders were no longer tense, "If everyone hadn't been watching I would have told him to piss off."
She was moved by his behavior, suppressing her giggles, she instead placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "I wouldn't want to dance with anyone else."
He took her hand, the same one Tom had kissed, gently took her glove off and placed a long kiss on the back of it. "I will have every dance Donoghue."
She watched as he placed her silk lace gloves back on, "I wouldn't want it any other way."
He had heard stories about the place and her family from overhearing Sirius talking to his friends. He wouldn't admit it but he had been overjoyed at packing his trunk at the prospect of having some joy this christmas break.
As he arrived at the manor, he was immediately struck by its grandeur and history. The large, centuries-old house exuded a sense of timeless elegance. Gwen welcomed him warmly at the front door, and they shared a smile that held the promise of an enjoyable visit.
Over the course of the next couple of nights, Gwen made sure to introduce Regulus to her family, a close-knit and welcoming group. Her Father, cousin Liam, who he already knew due to being placed in the same house, and extended relatives all exuded a sense of unity and love that was palpable.
During the day, she and him would play outside in the snow and then come in, drink hot coco in front of the telly while watching muggle movies. He was surprised that muggles were actually decent at something other than stealing wizards' birthright to magic. They spent time sharing stories, playing games, and enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals that were flavorful, colored, and hot. Regulus couldn't help but notice the laughter and genuine affection that flowed among the family members as they dined at the large table.
Gwen's ancestral manor was filled with relics and keepsakes that told the story of generations that had lived there. Regulus found himself immersed in the history and traditions of the family, each one contributing to the warm and positive atmosphere he was experiencing. It was a lot for him to take in, to experience and it put him in a confusing and uncomfortable position.
One evening, Gwen's family gathered around a crackling fireplace, sharing tales and memories. They even sang songs together, showing Regulus the joy of simple pleasures and togetherness.
One night he had snuck out of the guest room he was staying in, went to the library, and found one of the muggle books that she had recommended to him earlier. It was about a short serious man who went on a journey with dwarfs and a wizard to battle a dragon.
"Can't sleep?"
He had looked up from his book, to see Declan, Gwen's father, smile at him. He was still dressed in his suit from earlier and took a seat on the plush chair across from him.
"No sir," he swallowed. "I'm sorry, I can go back to bed."
Declan shook his head, "you can continue reading your book Regulus."He had never been alone with Declan before, it was a bit unnerving to say the least. Nodding, he went back to reading before Declan spoke again. "You remind me of your uncle."
"You knew my uncle?"
"We were good friends back when we went to school, our fathers worked together as Aurors. It only made sense for us to be close and often spent a great deal of time at one another's house."
"I think you're mistaken."
"Mistaken?" He paused in thought, "how so?"
I'm nothing like my Uncle."
"What makes you say that?"
"Sirius is more like Uncle Alphard," his gaze went towards the fire. "They're both Gryffindors, both love quidditch, they're reckless and love to make Mother angry."
Declan smiled, "you're a slytherin I take it."
Reggie nodded, "yes sir."
"Did you want to be in Slytherin?"
He fidgeted, "I don't know."
"There is nothing wrong with being in Slytherin, I was in Slytherin, my brother was and so is my nephew, Jack." He watched the young boy fidget again. "Slytherin is not an evil house."
"It isn't?"
Declaim laughed, "Not all Gryffindors are brave, nor are Hufflepuffs loyal and Ravenclaws smart, which means that not all Slytherins are cunning."
"What are you trying to say?"
"There will come a day that you will realize that your house doesn't define you. You can exhibit all those traits regardless of what house you were placed in—or requested to be placed in."
His eyes shot towards Declan, who just winked at him.
"My parents wanted me to be in Slytherin…" Regulus mumbled, feeling exposed all of a sudden.
He just hummed.
"My whole family has been in Slytherin," he offered. "I was put in Slytherin, I made great friends from other houses."
"Your parents weren't mad that you were friends with other people from other houses?"
Declan shook his head, "my parents believed that making friends and connections in all places were the most beneficial for people in high places if they wanted to do great things."
"Gwen is friends with people in other houses," he started, "is that why she does it? To do great things?"
The older gentleman just chuckled, shaking his head, "Gwen makes friends with those that she genuinely enjoys spending time with. She is like her Mother like that."
Regulus nodded, "I see."
"I recommend you read Beyond Good and Evil," Declan suggested, walking over to the shelf and finding it rather quickly. He handed it to Regulus. He held the book in his hands, it was worn and thoroughly read.
"Thank you sir," Regulus smiled. "I will return it to you as soon as possible."
"Keep it," he smiled, taking his spot back in the plush chair. "I believe that you need it more than I do for what is to come."
"Whatever do you mean sir?"
Declan just smiled, "you will and when you do. I'll be here to help."
Regulus had left to go spend some time with his Uncle Alphard after Gwen had persuaded Orion to take a nice vacation with his wife. They had given them tickets to see the French ballet and opera after he had confessed that he loved French culture after drinking the wine she had given him at the ball.
Gwen thought that him being with his Uncle would do him some good, give him time to sort through his thoughts and own decisions before the new term would start.
Her father and her traveled back to their London home, in order to finish preparations for the girl's arrival. Due to celebrating Christmas at their manor again. They would all be staying for the entirety of the next two weeks until they had to leave for Hogwarts for the new term. Her Aunt Maeve had come with them as well, she was excited to be taking the girls to go shopping. Insisting that she was surrounded by men and needed feminine energy.
The first to arrive had been Jackie, she was bundled up in shades of pink and white winter wear. Her trunk beside her as she immediately hugged Gwen when she opened the door and greeted her.
"I'm so excited for this sleepover!" Jackie stepped through the door just as the house elf had come and took her trunk. "I was so excited that I couldn't sleep last night!"
Gwen frowned, "aren't you tired?"
"Not in the slightest!"
Maeve came into the living room, dressed in a fitted red turtleneck and black trousers and heels. "Jacqueline, yes?"
Jackie turned to her Aunt and gaped, "you didn't tell me that your Aunt was gorgeous! I really love your sweater."
As she began to talk a mile a minute to her Aunt, the doorbell rang again. Gwen went to open the door to find that it was Toni who was next, her face was flushed pink from the cold. Stepping aside, she immediately allowed her to step in. Another elf came and took her trunk.
"I forgot my scarf," Toni huffed. "I was in such a rush that I must have left it on my bed when we were leaving."
"I have others you can borrow later when we go back out."
"That would be lovely."
Gwen led her to their sitting room. Maeve and Jackie were seated on the chaise drinking out of mugs filled with hot chocolate, the table had two other mugs as well. Toni and her joined them on the other couch.
"This is my Aunt Maeve," Gwen introduced.
"It is nice to meet you," Toni took one of the mugs of hot chocolate. "Gwen has told us a lot about you."
Maeve smiled, her dimples showing. "Glad to hear it Antoinette. It is lovely to meet you too, Jackie was just telling me about her experience at Hogwarts so far."
"So basically boys," Toni snickered, causing Jackie to huff. The girls bickered causing Maeve to begin laughing.
The girls then chatted about some of the shops they wanted to visit later. Gwen couldn't help the smile on her face, watching as her Aunt smiled and laughed with her friends. She knew her Aunt always wanted more children, wanted a girl after she had her cousin to have a girl to spoil. When she had come around, Gwen had been spoiled by her mother, and her Aunts Maeve and Euphemia, they always had girl trips and gossiped over tea and sandwiches.
She was happy to see that her friends helped fill that space a bit for her.
The doorbell rang again.
Opening the door, she immediately hugged Pandora. "It is lovely to see you Dora."
"Did you know that nargals had stolen my coat this morning? It was the strangest thing I'll say."
She had missed her the most.
"I'll have to have a word with them when I see them."
Pandora giggled, "please do."
Arm in arm, she led her into the sitting room where the other girls were as the elf had taken her trunk upstairs. She smiled upon seeing that her Aunt Euphemia had just flooded in as she dusted herself off.
"Pandora this is my Aunt's Maeve and Euphemia," she introduced each woman. "Aunties, this is Pandora."
"What a pretty girl you are," Euphemia complemented. "A pretty smile, reminds me of your Mother."
"You knew my Mother?"
"Yes quite so," she nodded. "She believed in things that nobody else did."
This must have made Pandora happy, as she gravitated towards her with a smile and began to chat with her
They all chatted for another half hour, before they dressed in their coats, hats, scarves and gloves. Gwen had a scarf brought down for Toni.
Maeve clapped her hands, "Who is ready to go shopping?"
The girls were in Irene's boutique. Declan had booked a private reservation on the entire shop to be closed for a couple hours while the girls were being fitted for dresses and a new outfit.
Pandora was being fitted, she was telling Irene about nargals and buzzleweeds. Wuphemia suggest some fabrics and patterns for her to look at. Which left the other girls to sit and drink tea in the next room.
"Daniel asked me to be his girlfriend!" Jackie blurred out
"When?" Toni asked
"The day we left to come home."
"Why haven't you said anything sooner?" Gwen asked politely, as she set down her cup of tea.
"I wanted to wait and say it in person," she smiled, a blush evident.
Maeve smiled, "who is Daniel?"
This caused Toni to groan audibly, "please don't get her started."
"What is wrong?"
Gwen laughed, "we could tell you everything about him due to how obsessed she has been with him since the first day of first year."
She pouted, "I'm not obsessed."
Toni and Gwen snorted.
Maeve waved them off, "nothing wrong with going after a boy you like."
"See?!" Jackie huffed before grinning wickedly, "plus it's not as if I have a crush on a slytherin named Jack."
Toni spit out her tea all over the floor, causing Jackie to smirk and Gwen to stare wide eyed. Maeve blinked. "Are you referring to my son? My Jack?"
"Yup." She put emphasis on the 'p' as it made a popping noise. "For a couple of weeks now that is."
"You have a crush on my cousin?" Gwen turns to Toni, who refused to meet her eye or her Aunt's. "Why did you not say anything?"
"It felt awkward at first liking him because we're best friends and he's your cousin, your family."
She did admit that it was a bit awkward to know that Toni liked her cousin but she also understood that it couldn't be helped. Other than feeling a bit awkward, she wasn't uncomfortable by the thought of them dating if Jack reciprocated Toni's feelings. Her only concern was if they broke up, would they still be friends if they had a falling out?
"Does Jack know about your crush on him?" Gwen took a long sip of tea.
"I don't think he even likes me," she stirred her tea with her spoon. "We talk and occasionally hang out at Hogwarts, we owled a few times over the summer but I think he just sees me as a friend."
"I don't think that is true," Gwen poured more tea into her empty cup. "Remember that list we drew up last year?"
"He doesn't know about it does he?"
"When I made mention of the list, he was surprised that you would stoop to Jackie's list about ranking the Quidditch boys."
Maeve began to laugh, "I must see this list that you keep mentioning."
Gwen pulled her wand out, casting a nonverbal spell. The parchment paper appeared. Taking the list, she handed it over to her Aunt while Toni tried to intercept it.
"Oh my, it even has notes."
"Ignore Daniel McCoy's ranking." Gwen smiled, "she is biased as all those notes are from her."
"Not that they are dating, he has to be taken off the list." Toni stated causing Jackie to roll her eyes.
"Fine, but I still have a say in the rankins of this list."
"Won't Daniel get jealous about you ranking other guys based on attractiveness, personality, and their attributes?"
Jackie grinned all of a sudden, "he knows about the list too actually, I told him that I put him down as number one."
Maeve set her cup of tea down, her eyes reading the list of names along with the little notes that had been made alongside them.
Gwen was handed the list back, to which she took graciously.
IT QUIDDITCH BOYS
Daniel McCoy
Sirius Black
James Potter
Ryder McAdams
Fabian Prewett
Gideon Prewett
Billius Weasley
Mark Lexington
Leighton McCree
Harold Wimby
Zander Tarton
The list continued on but she didn;t bother as the list would have to be updated as some of them had girlfriend's now or would be graduating, and for the upcoming Quidditch players. They could start the new draft tonight and then finalize it over the summer.
Shoving the list into her purse, she noticed that the subject had changed to the fabrics and styles of the clothing they would be having tailored.
After having shopped in muggle London, the girls had dinner at this swanky new italian restaurant. She had shared dessert with Pandora, a coffee cake that was bittersweet and moist. They returned to Gwen's home and had their bags taken to her bedroom while they had shed away their outer wear and took up the living room where they were served hot chocolate and pastries.
Right as a commercial had come on, they heard laughter and multiple pounding footsteps coming down the stairs. They all whipped their heads to the entrance to see both her cousins, Sirius, Remus and Peter all dressed in denim jeans and converse.
"Why are they here?" Peter scrunched up his nose, "this was supposed to be just boy's night, eh?"
Jack rolled his eyes, "Gwen lives here and that is my Mum Peter. James and I already said that the girls were also having a sleepover tonight."
Sirius just chuckled, "you can remind him until you're blue in the face Jack but he will still forget."
"Where are you going?"
James grinned, "we're heading off to the cinema to go see The GodFather."
Fleamont, Declan, and Liam all came out of the parlor room dressed in similar attire. They began to dress in their coats, hats, and scarves. Maeve and Euphemia went to kiss their husbands goodbye while Declan had to help peter into his coat by using an enlargement charm on his coat as it struggled to button.
Gwen walked over to Sirius, who just grinned at her. He wore a Queen shirt that she had gifted him for his birthday back in September. She had gifted him a few band shirts, band memorabilia and some new tapes for his walkman. Anything to make him happy and piss off Walburga at the same time.
"Excited to go to the cinema?"
"James explained it to me with Remus and Peter, merlin, does it sound rather bloody cool!"
"Have fun," she smiled. "Oh and you should get popcorn with m&m's mixed in. They're my favorite movie snack."
"What are m&m's?"
"Tiny pieces of chocolate heaven."
He had a thoughtful look on his face. "I'll be sure to remember that."
"Good," she reached out to fix his scarf. "Have a great time."
"Better if you were there," he pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear.
Euphemia and Maeve went to go wrap some gifts they had bought when they were shopping. The girls moved to Gwen's room, where they quickly made themselves comfortable in their pajamas. The room had a timeless charm with its antique furniture and vintage decorations, adding to the unique atmosphere of the sleepover. They settled in, sharing cozy blankets and sipping on mugs of hot cocoa that Minky, had prepared.
The room was filled with the energetic sounds of rock music playing from a vintage record player, providing the perfect backdrop for their evening of conversation. They chatted about various topics, their laughter and voices filling the room.
Fashion was a hot topic, and they exchanged ideas about their favorite clothing trends, fashion designers, and the latest must-have accessories. They even took the opportunity to raid Gwen's antique closet, trying on some of the vintage dresses and accessories passed down through her family. They weren't surprised seeing her floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with romance novels and classics.
The conversation naturally shifted to boys, as it often does at sleepovers. The girls shared their crushes, talked about their dream dates, and giggled as they recounted embarrassing moments with the boys they liked.
Especially teasing Toni for having a crush on Jack, Gwen's cousin.
"The only girl boyless are Pandora and Gwen," Jackie grinned. "We know that Gwen and Sirius are practically dating. Which leaves Pandora."
"Sirius and I are not dating."
"HE." Jackie hit her with a pillow.
"LOVES" whack.
"YOU!" whack.
"HOW" whack.
"DENSE" whack.
"CAN" whack.
"YOU" whack.
"BE?" whack.
Gwen grabbed the pillow and whacked her with it. "We don't love one another romantically."
Jackie snorted, "you are ridiculous."
"It's true," she rolled her eyes.
Pandora came to her rescue, "I just learned to do makeup from my Mum. Can I try on you Jackie?"
This started a new conversation. They swapped tips on skincare routines, makeup brands, and their favorite beauty products. They even had a mini makeup session, trying out different looks on each other and sharing makeup secrets they got from the muggle and witch magazines.
Jackie insisted that eyeliner was best used for making her blue eyes pop more. Whatever that meant.
As the night went on, the combination of heartfelt conversations, laughter, and the warmth of the hot cocoa made the sleepover an unforgettable experience for Gwen. She felt warm and safe as she etched these moments into her memory.
One by one the girls settled into the room, all climbing into her bed, the Telly playing some muggle cartoons. They were almost all asleep had it not been for the sound of snickering and hushed conversation coming from the hall. The girls shared looks, creeping towards the door, they creaked it open only to find the group of boys dressed in their pajamas and coats and gloves as they headed towards the stairs.
"We should see what they're up to," Jackie was already pulling on her coat.
"Why?" Toni shot her a look, "it's a girl's sleepover."
"It could be fun."
"Fine,"
James and his friends roughhoused and played games throughout the night, their laughter and friendly banter echoing through the halls. They engaged in a friendly game of Wizard Chess, had a mock Quidditch match with toy broomsticks, and even tried out some amusing magical pranks they had been taught by Declan, Liam and Fleamont.
Desserts were a highlight of their sleepover. The house elves prepared an array of delicious treats, from treacle tarts to chocolate frogs, and the boys indulged in these sweets, often having dessert contests to see who could eat the most.
As the night wore on, they gathered around a cozy fireplace and talked about the upcoming term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They discussed their favorite classes, their plans for the school year, and of course girls.
"Blimey," James swore in a loud hiss.
The other three boys turned to him, where they saw him having spilt hot chocolate on his clothes.
"You alright mate?"
"Tripped over Remus' book," he rolled his eyes. "What kind of wizard brings a book to a sleepover?"
"A swot," Peter shrugged.
He earned a glare from Remus.
Jack tossed a small beanbag between his hands before tossing it to Sirius, who then tossed it back to him. "We should prank the girls."
Remus rolled his eyes, "you just want to use that as an excuse to see Toni."
James cackled, "you like Toni?"
"Perhaps,"
Sirius added another small bean bag to their little game, "what happens to that one witch? Layla yes?"
"She snagged another bloke."
"Sorry to hear that mate."
They all mumbled apologies. However, Jack just shrugged them off, "don't apologize the witch was just a nice skirt to chase for a bit."
"Is that what Toni is? I can imagine that Gwen would be pissed at you for that thinking." Peter said through chewing, "she might kill you."
Jack just sighed, "I don't know. She is rather fit and loves Quidditch and she is smart too I guess." He paused, looking over to Remus, "How are you and Evans getting on?"
Peter was quick to answer, "they snog a lot."
While the four boys all turned and smirked at Remus, he caught James' frown flip into a tight smile.
Odd.
"Do you really lack a life that you skulk around like a rat and spy on others?" Remus snapped after he realized what Peter had said, "honestly, can I not have any private moments to myself?"
Peter just blinked at him, shrugged and went back to eating. Completely unbothered by his reaction.
"Pete, perhaps you should leave Mooney here alone for a while." Sirius suggested
"Rather me watch you and Gwen make eyes at one another?"
James and Jack narrowed their eyes at this.
"It is not like that."
"You are not allowed to date my cousin," James glared at him. "We made the pact that she isn't to date anyone unless he is approved."
He groaned, "Gwen and I don't share romantic feelings mate."
"Not what everyone is saying." Peter pointed out, "just look at how McKinnon reacted when you refused to date her."
Jack clenched his jaw, "let's make this clear Black. My cousin will never be in a romantic relationship with you."
Remus, the logical one, stepped in the conversation. "I'd like to remind you two that she has free will and is capable of making her own choices."
"Do you support this?" James narrowed his eyes at him, causing Remus to throw his hands up in the air in surrender
"I'm pointing out the sheer fact that Gwen would be pissed if she knew you two were dictating her personal life."
"Incur the wrath of that one," Peter mumbled.
"Let's go out and play in the snow," Remus changed the topic as he watched his words sink into both cousins. "Never played in the snow at night before."
"I'm with you Mooney," Sirius jumped up and was quick to stuff his socked feet in his combat boots. "Build a fort and have a snowball fight eh?"
This seemed to snap James out of his thoughts, his wide smile reappearing as he clapped his hands together. Peter followed them, stuffing a few pumpkin pasties in his coat pocket, while Jack was the last one to stand up to full height and quietly walk to the door where they all put their boots on.
Both sleepovers, happening simultaneously on opposite sides of the house, created a lively and magical atmosphere, filling the ince karge, empty manor with the sounds of laughter, friendship, and the promise of many adventures to come.
The groups of girls also put their coats, gloves and hats on before they also crept out of the room. Wandering down the stairs and halls, they followed the boys into the backyard. They quietly slipped outside undetected into the cold, crisp air, which was illuminated by the soft glow of the moon and stars. Her yard was a beautiful white wonderland as the boys all began to pack the snow into small forts
"Care if we join?" Toni was already making her way towards Jack, who dumbly nodded.
Peter whined, "this is supposed to be boys only!"
"Shut up Peter!" All the boys simultaneously shouted at him
"What's the plan then?"
James snapped his fingers, an idea coming to him. "We could pair up and build forts and have a snowball fight!"
"I'm game," Jackie smiled.
Toni paired off with Jack, Pandora paired off with Peter, Remus and Jackie teamed up, leaving Gwen to decide between choosing to be on Sirius or James' team. Upon seeing this Jackie made a beeline for James, wearing a rather wicked plotting smile as she shot her a wink.
"I think I ate too many desserts," Peter groaned, dropping his last pumpkin pastie onto the snow covered ground.
"Why not sit out for this one Pete? You can be the referee and declare the winner?"
He just held his stomach while taking Remus' advice, which left Pandora to join Remus.
"Let's get to the building then," Jackie clapped her hands. "Prepare to lose to us!"
The four groups were quick to build their forts, the cold seeping into their bones but it was easy to ignore as they chatted about what they had been doing all day. Soon they grew acclimated to the freezing temperatures.
"This is not how I expected my night to end," Toni packed the ice as Jack had grabbed it from the ground.
"I did," he laughed. "James, Gwen and I would often come out at night to play in the snow and do the same thing we are doing right now."
She frowned, noting the sadness in his tone. "Do you not do it anymore?"
"Ever since Rosie died, our family hasn't been the same. Especially for my Uncle and Gwen, he threw himself into working all the time and she just lost motivation to do anything."
"Rosie?"
"My Aunt's name is Roselyn but most people called her Rose or Rosie for short."
Toni glanced over to Gwen who was smiling and laughing, as she smashed a ball of snow in Sirius' face. "I never would have known based on her now."
Jack followed her line of sight, his smile turning into a frown. "Does she tend to smile like that with you and your friends?"
"Sometimes," she furrowed her eyebrows. "I mostly see her like that with Sirius."
"I don't like them together," was all he said.
"You don't like Sirius?"
He shook his head, "he is a great person, don't get me wrong. I just don't like the thought of his king with my sister."
Toni frowned, facing him. "You sound just like them, y'know? You are being prejudiced because of his blood."
"I am not."
"You are. Judge him based on his character and not the family he comes from."
Jack's mouth drew into a line. "He is not right for my cousin."
"How can you say that?"
"How can I not say it?"
She rolled her eyes at him, "for someone who loves and cares for Gwen, you are clearly allowing your own feelings to cloud your judgment and possibly ruining your own friendship with Sirius and your relationship with your cousin."
This caused him to pause, stare at her in stunned silence while she continued to pack down the fort wall with more snow. "Close your mouth and help me build this fort," she didn't bother to look at him.
"U–uh yes ma'am."
The two groups faced off in an epic snowball fight. Laughter and shouts filled the night as they pelted each other with snowballs, ducking behind their fort walls and using their magical abilities to create playful snowball projectiles. The snow-covered grounds of the home were soon littered with snowball ammunition, and the friendly competition continued until they were all thoroughly snow-covered.
After the snowball fight, they decided to collaborate on building a massive snowman. Working together, they rolled three large snowballs and stacked them on top of each other to create a towering snowman. They used twigs for arms, coal for its eyes and mouth, and Gwen even added a vintage top hat from her family's collection, giving the snowman a touch of old-world charm.
By the time they finished their snowman, it was a work of art. They stood back to admire their creation, proud of their teamwork and creativity. The snowman stood tall and majestic, overlooking the winter landscape.
As they made their way back into the house, they left the snowman to stand guard over the grounds, a symbol of the joy and connection they had shared on that magical winter night. The sleepovers had brought Gwen, James, and their friends closer together, creating unforgettable memories that she suspected they would cherish.
Not tired yet, Gwen slipped out of bed and from under the pile of sleeping girls. She slipped her feet into her slippers, her silk nightgown catching on the bedpost as she tried to navigate in the dark. Once stepping out of her bedroom, she made her way downstairs and into her parents sitting room.
She started a fire in the fireplace, casting the room into a dim setting. She glanced up to the portrait above the fireplace, her mother not in her usual place. Gwen knew that she would be watching over her Father in his study as he often worked late at night. Walking towards the mantle, she reached up to pick up the music box, the slim figure of a ballerina in a pink sparkly gown stood tall and perfect.
"It's quite late for you to be up,"
"I thought you'd be asleep by now from the excitement we had."
"I had a feeling that I needed to be here in this room at this very moment." Sirius came to stand beside her, his eyes focused on her before flickering towards the musical device in her hands. "That is beautiful."
"My Father gifted it to my Mother when he brought her home to meet his parents during their sixth year. He promised to love and cherish her for the rest of their days when he gifted it to her." Her eyes prickled with tears, "he had taken her to see the nutcracker a year before, determined to impress her as he knew she loved muggle things. He had fallen in love with the ballet and had this special made for her, to recreate their first date."
"Tell me about this ballet," he took a hold of her hand.
"It's just something silly," she tried to wave off.
Sirius took her face in his hand, forcing her to look him in the eye. The shadows of the flames danced across his face, making his silvery eyes practically glow. "Anything you love and find happiness in isn't something silly."
She swallowed, before nodding, unable to find her voice. She found herself, sitting with him in front of the fire, explaining to him about the story of The Nutcracker and the Rat King in a hushed but excited whisper. Sirius just watched her, smiling, and filled with adoration as she practically glowed in excitement from just talking about it.
Once she finished speaking he took the music box from her, set it back onto the mantle after cranking it a few times. The soft melody began to play, filling the room.
"Care to dance?"
She took his offered hand, "I'd never say no."
As the "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy and Cavalier Pas de Deux" played, they danced, their eyes never straying from one another. She gladly accepted, and they swayed to the gentle rhythm of the music, their bodies moving in perfect harmony.
As they danced, their connection deepened, and they couldn't help but smile at one another. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in the magic of the holiday season and their budding romance. The firelight flickered and danced along with them, casting enchanting shadows on the walls.
As the music began to quietly fade, Sirius caught sight of a sprig of mistletoe, she followed his line of sight, their hearts racing as their minds began to share the same idea. The room was adorned with twinkling lights and a warm fire crackled in the fireplace, casting a soft, flickering light that bathed them in a cozy, romantic atmosphere.
As they gazed into each other's eyes, a mischievous smile played on Gwen's lips. Her heart yearned to lean forward and kiss him, but her mind was screaming to turn away.
"We don't have to," Sirius fumbled out.
She couldn't resist the age-old tradition, and she gently tilted her head upward, beckoning Sirius to join her under the mistletoe. With a charming grin, he obliged, and they leaned in, their lips meeting in a sweet, lingering kiss.
After the kiss, Gwen and Sirius stepped back, their faces flushed with something new.
"It's my gift to you." She smiled, "cherish my first kiss."
"Always," he took a deep breath. Cupping her face in his hand, he brought her flush against him and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "There is nothing in this world that would ever take its place."
"Merry Christmas Sirius,"
"Merry Christmas Gwen,"