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Chapter 21: The Ball Part 2
You could feel the happiness that permeated the room for this holiday season. It was rare to see so many people grouped in the same place without there being any context of combat or preparation of war strategies in progress. Even though Regina had reconciled with Snow and sympathized with Emma, it was still odd to see them all having fun in the same room without an ounce of hypocrisy. Hermione took advantage of this setting that reminded her of the magic of Hogwarts and that of the winter ball she had attended shortly before.
The music slowly began to make itself heard and to take precedence over the clinking glasses or the discussions that animated the room. There were some glimpses here and there of those who came unaccompanied, looking for a cavalryman for a dance. It was then David and Snow who opened the ball together, it was traditional that it was the King and the Queen who did it after all. It was only after a small nod from Regina, meaning she was not taking this initiative that they began to dance.
"Would I have the pleasure of having this dance?" Robin asked his companion with a big smile.
"Do you really think I'll be able to say no to you?" She laughs, holding out her hand.
"You would have the right."
"And if you stop saying stupidities to really invite me to dance?"
They then walked quietly on the dance floor to join Snow and David, and began to dance softly against each other. The pace was quite slow and was a perfect introduction to the evening. Hook extended his arm to Emma to invite her to do the same. The blonde did not pray, she could enjoy this dance without having to think of anything negative or stressful behind, as at her last ball. The three couples were quickly joined by others coming from all over the city.
Near the window were Hermione and Henry talking without paying attention to the dance. True, he planned to dance with her. However, he did not know how to propose his invitation, or whether he could really dance without stepping on her feet.
"Robin calls Regina "My Queen", I admit that I am totally lost by force. She is still queen or it's just a nickname from him?" Questioned the young woman.
"More the second choice. She remains a queen, in a way, for many who see her only by this title especially with her side, "Mayor of Storybrooke". But on the purely technical level, it is Snow and David who are the true members of the ruling kingship."
"That makes Emma a princess and you ... A prince?"
"Avoid telling her that she is a princess, it is not necessarily a title she likes perfectly. And then, if you want my opinion, I think that if one day the kingdom needs an heir, it will be Neal. Emma is not the type to want to reign and then Hook as king ..."
"The kingdom would have some reductions on Rum at least!"
They laughed together as they imagined the pirate in royal attire, deprived almost definitively of his beloved sea. It was obvious that he would be willing to give up all this for Emma, he had done it in a certain way. After all, he had exchanged the Jolly Rogers for a way to find the blonde. Yet he would not be able to govern a kingdom while he himself was not one to follow the rules he imposed.
Henry finally took his courage in both hands to invite Hermione to dance. What the Gryffindor did not know was that he had taken some advice from David in order to look less ridiculous during those few steps. They stepped onto the dance floor and mingled with the crowd so that they would not be watched by everyone all the time. Instinctively, Henry put his hand on Hermione's hip and took her other hand in his. They waltzed for several minutes without any crooked steps.
Robin took the time to take Regina aside and offer her a drink while Roland was having fun with Little Jean. He explained to his companion that he clearly saw that the two young people were already close, which immediately made Regina smile. She never imagined that such a link could be created so quickly between Henry and Hermione who had, according to her, much in common. Yet the archer did not see this eye and said with a small smile that they would make a nice little couple.
"What are you talking about? They are brother and sister, they have the relationship that goes with it!"
"Technically, no, they are not. And then, look at them and dare to tell me that you do not already feel a certain alchemy between them despite their young age."
Regina then glanced at the two teenagers who were still dancing. It had to be confessed that she had never seen Henry smile so much. Hermione also seemed happy to share this dance with him and kept smiling at him.
"I ... Maybe you're right."
"It's even certain, if you want my opinion."
"You know that this little arrogant side of your person, I find it particularly attractive."
"Hum yes? Attention, I could abuse it!" He said, stealing a tender kiss.
The ball then continued for several hours, even once the New Year was officially past. Everyone seemed satisfied with this moment together and Hermione kept thinking that she would never have had such a good time if she had been to her adoptive parents. Once at home, she slept soundly with a huge smile on her face. It was a magical evening on many points and partly thanks to Henry.
When she awoke the next day, she was still smiling and was not ready to leave her good mood. But one thing brought her back to reality: she had to pack up and go back to Hogwarts. After all, she was supposed to be back on the train the next day. This simple idea made her sigh.