Severus was wearing a dressing gown of Lucius that was fitted to his size. It must have cost more than his entire wardrobe. He was feeling nervous as Lucius had talked him through the plan for the night. Soon the guest had arrived. He looked at the giant room he was standing in. Now it was loaded with people it no longer seemed so grand. Many flowers decorated it. Tables were filled with snacks and drinks. Soft piano music filled the air.
When every guest had arrived the music stopped. The lights were on Lucius and Narcissa. "Dear friends," Lucius said warmly. "I am honored to host the yule ball this year along with Narcissa. I am happy to see all of you well. As you all know, unfortune has befallen to my family. My dear father Abraxas has befallen ill. Dragon pox. Highly contagious. And dangerous for older wizards. He is being treated at home, but it has reminded me once again of the importance of health. That is why we have decided to add something new to this yule ball. Yule is a time for family, for love, for being together. Yule is a time for looking after others who have been less fortunate in life. Yule should be an excellent time for raising money for good causes. Let's call it a new tradition. I am sure many of us can miss some of our money to support St. Mungo's Hospital." Lucius let a planned silence fall. Severus started applauding and soon the whole crowd was applauding. Lucius raised his hands as a gesture to silence the crowd. "In addition Narcissa and I have decided to startup a research foundation focused on finding cures for some maladies. I am honored to introduce the research team to you all today." Again the crowd started applauding. "Two renowned potioneers have agreed to join the research team. May I introduce you to Arsenius Jigger and Larissa Greengrass." As Arsenius and Larissa joined Lucius and Narcissa in the middle, the crowd again applauded. "It is also an honor to introduce a young still unknown potions prodigy that will join as soon as he graduates Hogwarts." Severus flushed, flattered by the kind words as the crowd started whispering. "Severus Snape will also join the efforts." Severus felt himself flush red as he quickly strode to join Lucius, Narcissa, Arsenius and Larissa. "As healing is a multidisciplinary field it is important to not just have potioneering experts in our team. Mary Orpington is a leading expert on muggle healing and maladies. Jenny Tallbot and Mariam Strout are two of the best healers working at St Mungos that to our fortune will join us. Transfiguration expert Josh Perks. Charms master Maxime Fawley. Dark arts expert Merel Strife. And lastly, Gilbert Gibbon, who obtained both mastery in charms and transfiguration." The crowd applauded loudly. "There will be five maladies that we will focus on in our research: purple scrofungulus, blood curses, lycantrophy, blotching syndrome and of course Dragon pox. Research cases also will be presented by Mary, Jenny and Mariam by patients they feel they cannot treat sufficiently with current knowledge on healing. Of course, all of us, would love to talk about our future research efforts." The crowd applauds again. "I would like to end on a completely other note however. Narcissa and I are proud to announce our wedding this coming summer." Severus almost stumbled as he nervously grabbed the box and held it open to Lucius, who calmly grabbed the silver necklace. He showed the crowd the simple necklace to which the Malfoy family ring hung. He gently hung it around Narcissa's neck as she kept her long blonde hair on the front. Then Lucius kissed Narcissa as the crowd applauded for the last time. "Merry yule, everyone," Lucius then ended his speech.