Hey! How are you all? Are you excited for the weekend? I'm nearly at three hundred reviews and that's so amazing! I feel like I was just reaching two hundred! Okay, this is a very short note and I'm proud of myself. I didn't know it was possible for me to talk so little in one of these. This chapter had other POVs, but I had to cut off early before finishing becaaause.. It's seven in the morning, lol. This is why my story is becoming so many chapters when I'm not nearly finished with it.. Oh well! Thank you so much for your support!
I don't own anything from Harry Potter.
"Vy," Ophelia sighed, collapsing onto her friend's bed in her lack of enthusiasm. "I really don't want to waste a night of my winter break at some boring Ministry party with you."
"You think I want to go? You're my best friend. It's your job to do these things for me. You have to be my date. Besides," Violet said, turning from the mirror to smirk at Ophelia. "You make my family look nice and progressive, bringing a muggle-born along."
"Lovely," she replied dryly, rolling her eyes. "I love being your token muggle-born."
"I know!" She said brightly, touching up her makeup. "Your boyfriend will be there."
Ophelia's lips parted as she was taken off guard and her eyebrows came together as she began to protest. "No, Violet. I'm not going then. Why would he be there?"
"Aldrich Greengrass works in the Department of Mysteries, as do many of his type of pure-bloods, so naturally him and his family will be there. You'll get to see Daddy Greengrass. It will be so exciting," Violet purred, grabbing Ophelia's wrist to pull her from the bed.
"I don't want to see them!" She hissed, yanking her wrist away. "Besides, I completely forgot this would be an uppity pure-blood fest before I agreed. Did I even agree?"
"No," Violet said, shrugging as she pushed Ophelia in front of her vanity. "Now finish getting ready so we can go. I'll introduce you to some older pure-blood men who wish to appear 'progressive' like us. Perhaps they will ruffle your boyfriend's feathers."
"I doubt it," Ophelia muttered, fixing her hair up as her friend ordered. "I doubt he'd be jealous of blood traitors."
"Isn't he a blood traitor?" Violet giggled, leaning next to Ophelia's shoulder to look at her in the mirror, her eyes glittering. "At least according to the type of family he comes from. The term varies in meaning depending on which pure-blood you ask."
"Seeing as he brushes it off as if it didn't happen I'm going to say no, no he's not a blood traitor."
"You still haven't given me any details," Violet pouted, sitting next to her on the corner of the stool in front of her vanity. "Was he good? Did you actually orgasm? Men are bad at that sometimes you know, and they're usually always horrid at the first time, but a lot of those pure-blood boys have that power trip mentality when they're able to-"
"Please stop," Ophelia interrupted her, looking towards the crack of her bedroom door. "I don't want your parents to hear. You're horrible about keeping your voice low, and by the way! Edric heard what you said last year when you were encouraging me to sleep with him. Thanks for that one."
"Did he? So I'm partly responsible for your healthy dose of excitement?"
"Healthy," Ophelia scoffed. "Yeah, allowing myself to be used and degraded is really healthy."
"Oh, are we getting ready for a pity party instead of a Ministry party? Do I need to bring snacks?"
Ophelia shoved her irritably off the bench, shaking her head as she grumbled.
"Don't be so pitiful about this, Fee. You fucked. Life goes on. He's not a complete piece of shit and he isn't spreading it around the school. Not that he'd want that going around anyway, but.."
"Exactly," Ophelia sighed. "I know. I'm fine. I'm not upset. I knew what to expect, but I just wish he wasn't still so.. The same. I would rather him avoid me, but he's still being charming and kind. Well, mostly anyway. He was rude during our last class before break when he was using what you said about him against me. Again, thanks for that."
"You mean you wish he wasn't still making you fancy him," Violet teased, poking her in the side. "You want him to be a dick instead."
"It would make it easier, yes."
"Or maybe you'd still be attracted to him if he was an arsehole. You could be into that. Girls without fathers sometimes end up like that, or just girls who get bored of nice boys."
"You know, some would find you too insensitive to tolerate."
"It's a good thing you're not 'some', now isn't it?" Violet beamed, grabbing her cloak. "Come on!"
Ophelia stood to examine herself in Violet's dress in the mirror of the vanity, pursing her lips at her appearance. It was a simple gown, black and slightly form fitting in places with an open back. Her hair was done up intricately for once, which she knew how to do because her grandmother loved spending far too much time on updos, which was why she always had her hair down now after hours of torture in front of her grandmother as a child. Her appearance would have to do, as she knew it wasn't getting any better.
As soon as they arrived to the party, Ophelia was certain she should have never allowed herself to be dragged to the event. It was much bigger than she had expected along with being louder, and she knew the volume of parties only went up as the night progressed. Violet began naming people immediately, and she couldn't help but feel small in the fact that Violet knew nearly everyone important in the magical world while Ophelia knew next to no one. She was familiar with a couple of the friends of Violet's father from who he worked with in the Department of Magical Cooperation, but she could count those on her hand. Her eyes scanned the room slowly, noticing the divide in groups before Violet grabbed her arm, dragging her to the side of the room where it was a bit more quiet while she glanced around. "Let's find your boyfriend, Fee."
"No. Let's not," Ophelia sighed. "Please stop being so irritating. You know I'm already uncomfortable."
"Don't be uncomfortable," Violet said, rolling her eyes. "You're acting as if you have your blood status written on your forehead."
"It seems like I do!" She hissed back, noticing the judging eyes of a regal looking witch that passed them slowly.
"Don't be so dramatic or I'll go through with what I said about setting you up with an older pure-blood boy. I'll make you dance with him in front of everyone. Maybe you'll get to dance with Greengrass."
"Why on Earth would he publicly touch me, Violet?"
"Oh, most of them don't act like they hate muggle-borns outright in public. Especially a more political family who retain their ranks through connections and knowledge like the Greengrass family, especially not in front of the Ministry, and especially after he-who-must-not-be-named happened. It's too frowned upon at this point socially. Look. Lucius Malfoy for instance. That blonde man with the long hair. Sexy, no?"
"No," she replied, grimacing at the man she was referring to. "But yes, I see him. Go on."
Violet rolled her eyes. "Your taste in men continues to be lacking. Anyway, the Malfoy family is definitely a family that would not even allow their skin to touch a muggle-born. They're that dramatic, but you won't see Lucius sneering at someone like you in front of the Ministry at a party like this. Look at his son, isn't he adorable? That's Draco. The woman fussing over Draco is Narcissa. She's Bellatrix Black's sister, the crazy woman in Azkaban. Her other sister was disowned for marrying a muggle-born, but Narcissa made up for it a bit by marrying into arguably the highest ranked family in their little rich community. Well, at the moment. The families switch out quite often."
"Hmm," Ophelia hummed, examining the handsome little boy and his gorgeous mother who was dressed in a classic, scarlet red gown that made her hard to miss. "Seems pointless."
"It is, but they'll never accept that so we get to keep enjoying their drama!" Her friend said brightly before jabbing her in the ribs with her elbow, motioning to the side entrance of the large room. "Look. There's your boyfriend's family. I don't see him though."
Ophelia gasped in pain, glaring at her friend. "Maybe he's not coming," she mumbled hopefully, turning to look at the family her friend was motioning towards.
"Of course he's coming. Don't be ridiculous. As if Daddy Greengrass would allow his prestigious son to miss the biggest Ministry event of the year."
As she was speaking, Ophelia's eyes caught hold of "Daddy Greengrass", immediately knowing it was him. He so closely resembled his son that it was hard to mistake him for anyone else, the only difference being age and his overall demeanor. He held the same polite and calm expression that Ophelia was used to in his son, but his eyes held something much more cruel and intentional in their false kindness. Suddenly, Edric seemed much less intimidating in comparison. Her eyes fell to his wife next to him who was dressed in a white and gold gown, finding her slightly less recognizable from when she had encountered her in the summer before school as she seemed more compliant and soft next to her husband, though her expression still confident as it feigned warmth towards the other guests she greeted.
"Of course you've met Freya," Violet commented. "From when you ruined poor Charlotte's life. She's much more amazing when she's not around her husband."
"Why am I not shocked you think someone like her is amazing?"
"Someone like what? A bitch?" Violet asked, smirking at Ophelia. "What are you saying, Fee?"
Ophelia looked down from Freya to the two young girls standing obediently next to each other, both smiling at the men speaking with their father. She didn't notice how beautiful the other sister was before since she had a horrible look on her face the last time she had seen her, but both girls were picture perfect children. They reminded her of the child models that were posed as flower girls in bridal design advertisements.
"Oh look. The Weasleys," her friend commented, throwing a distasteful look in the direction of the large redheaded family. "See. People like the Weasleys are here. You'll be fine."
"Isn't your family basically like them? Blood traitors? That's a rude tone."
"Oh, Fee," her friend whined. "Please don't say we are like the Weasleys. That's just cruel. They're a poor, silly mess."
"I'm poor," Ophelia sighed, shaking her head at her friend and her rudeness.
"Yes, but you're not tacky. They're a mess. Besides, don't get all sensitive on me now. You know I'm not rich, just well off. People like your boyfriend are rich, stupid rich actually. If only you knew the designers of the wizarding world," Violent groaned enviously, looking at the Malfoy wife and then to Edric's mother. "Those dresses probably cost a fourth of my house."
"They just look like nice dresses to me," she said, uninterested with her friend's comments on fashion, glancing back at Edric's family just as he arrived to join them, leaning down to peck both of his sisters on the mouths.
"Wonder what they'd think to know where his mouth has been," her friend said, nudging her.
"It's sweet. Their relationship," Ophelia murmured, watching them from across the room.
"Not sweet for you. The goal is to get him away from his family."
"How can you say that? I don't want want him to lose his family. Besides, we both know you're being unrealistic. I'm not anything to him."
"I disagree. Anyway, you think they're cute now, but they'll grow up to be nasty bitches who see you as scum just as girls like Blythe do."
"I can't believe you'd wish someone to be disowned, Vy. That's just.. Nasty."
"They are nasty, and if you want a piece of what they have you have to be nasty too. That's how they got where they are. They took it. Freya herself sold out her fiancé's family, and her fiancé was one of the followers of he-who-must-not-be-named. Your boyfriend's mother almost married someone who believed in murdering witches like you," Violet told her seriously. "You know I like drama. These people will get what's coming to them ultimately."
Ophelia chose not to argue with Violet as she tried to move her gaze from Edric and his family, not wanting him to spot her or make it obvious she was staring at them.
Somehow, later in the evening, Violet had managed to get her stuck in the arms of a few different men. Ophelia knew how to dance somewhat, as she had had an a bit of infatuation with dancing when she was younger.
Well, she thought as much until she saw some of the pure-blood children effortlessly gliding along the floor together, their technique and posture flawless and ridiculously perfect for being so young.
"Never thought a little girl would make me feel so inadequate at something I thought myself at least decent at," Ophelia laughed to her friend when she finished the song, which had been slow and simple, shaking her head at the children. The next song was quicker, and she noticed Astoria on the side of the room looking up at Edric reluctantly before he grinned down at her and pushed her forward by the head with his index finger. When his sister stepped away from him, Ophelia fully took in Edric's formal appearance in his well tailored dress robes and he seemed to stand even taller in this setting. She bit into her tongue, pulling her gaze away from his far too attractive form forcibly to watch his little sister meet the blonde little boy, Draco, in the middle of the floor where Daphne had gone as well to stand in front of a dark skinned boy.
"Hello, Mrs. Greengrass," Violet said loudly as the woman walked by, causing Ophelia to shrink back slightly as she fought the urge to strangle her friend.
Freya stopped to glance at Violet halfheartedly before her eyes slid over to Ophelia, her eyes flashing with intrigue before she waltzed her way over to the two of them. "Miss Enderson. Miss..?"
"Hale, Mrs. Greengrass," she responded uncomfortably, shifting where she stood.
"Wonderful! Lovely to see you here. You look much better now that you've made a bit of effort," Freya said, motioning to Ophelia's hair and face.
"Thank you.." She said slowly, looking beyond the woman to her children, her eyes widening slightly in surprise at their skill level as they had begun to dance. "Your children are very talented."
The woman blinked, making little effort in throwing a look over her shoulder at her daughters before looking back to the two of them. "I suppose. You do mean my girls, right?" She asked, a mocking smirk crossing her lips. "I've been told that you're my son's Astronomy partner."
Before Ophelia could respond, a younger woman joined the conversation from the side of them, glancing distastefully between her and Violet. "Don't you believe you're better suited over at that end?" The woman asked, wrinkling her nose and motioning towards the end with the less important of the Ministry members along with people like the Weasleys, her eyes dragging down Ophelia's figure. "I don't believe 'Hale' is a name suited for this section of the event.."
"Darling, and I say darling as I have no idea your name, I'm ever so confused as to why you're interrupting my question with your implications that someone here does not belong. Please, take my advice and only speak to others as if they're beneath you only if you are well above everyone around you. Seeing as I have no idea who you are.." Freya laughed, giving the woman an unimpressed once over. "Well, this is quite embarrassing for you, isn't it?"
Ophelia stared at Mrs. Greengrass, shocked at her behavior. She wasn't sure if she could take her words as coming to her defense, but either way she took pleasure in seeing the offending woman's face flush as she stuttered out an awkward response before excusing herself from their presence.
"Ophelia, that's your name, no? Right. Ophelia, I strongly advise you to stop caring about the opinions of those who care nothing for you, as I have to say your insecurities that you wear so openly on your face are pathetic," Freya told her, a smile still on her face. She reached forward and tapped her finger underneath Ophelia's chin, causing Ophelia to lift her chin in response as she stared at the woman in bewilderment. "Fix it," she announced enthusiastically, glancing over at Narcissa who was eyeing both Violet and Ophelia in disgust. "Narcissa, love, you must get that look off of your face. We mustn't appear so terribly close minded." Freya left the two of them alone, walking over to Narcissa who turned her face away in response, joining her group of women.
"I think she likes you," Violet said, grinning after Freya.
"It's not even cute anymore. It's just impressive," Ophelia commented, shaking her head in her awe at the children dancing so well in sync, changing the subject from Edric's mother. "They aren't even focusing on their feet at all."
"Of all the things you could be impressed by and you're impressed by dancing," Violet said flatly, shaking her head. "Honestly."
"Well, look at them! I'm not even sure what kind of dancing this is. It reminds me of quickstep, actually."
"You're so boring," Violet groaned. "At least talk about how good your boyfriend looks all dressed up or something."
"Please keep your voice down."
"Stop being so paranoid. No one suspects you to be fucking him. I would bet everything on it," Violet replied, though she lowered her voice considerably.
Ophelia allowed her eyes to fall back on Edric, following his slightly uncomfortable look to the black boy Daphne was dancing with and Ophelia's brows came together in concern.
"Don't tell me they're racist too," she said as Edric's gaze quickly returned back to it's regular expression and he moved his attention elsewhere.
"What?" Violet asked, squinting at her in confusion. "Oh. That. No, I told you. That's a muggle thing."
"Then why was he looking at that little boy that way?"
"Blaise Zabini? I don't know. Maybe because his mummy murders all of his daddies. I guess Evelyn must be with someone in the Ministry at the moment," Violet said, glancing around the room. "Surely he must know his fate."
"Violet. Your dramatics again."
"It's true! It's not gossip. She really does murder her husbands to be left their money."
"Mhm." Ophelia didn't necessarily want to be convinced further, or think about such a woman any further.
Violet looked over at Astoria when the song finished, motioning to the little girl. "Yes, please. Just put me on a platter in front of the whole family," Ophelia snapped angrily as she saw what she was doing.
She loved her friend, but she really was horrible at times.
Astoria eyed Violet suspiciously before a mischievous look came into her eyes before she slowly made her way over to her, tilting her head back and forth. "Hi, Violet," she said, smiling at her, not seeming to notice Ophelia. "What is it?"
"Well I just wanted to tell you what a good dancer you are."
"I know," Astoria announced confidently, looking over to the little blonde boy with pursed lips. "I'm even better than Daphne, and she's older than me. It's why I danced with Draco and she danced with Blaise, even though she wishes she got to dance with Draco. I don't know why. He's not fun at all. I like dancing with my friend better."
"Who's your friend?" Violet asked, fighting a grin at Astoria's looks at the Malfoy boy.
"Theo," Astoria sighed. "He's way more fun. Draco is mean. And dumb."
"Theodore Nott?" Violet asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise, the grin she'd been fighting spreading across her face.
"Yes. Edric says he's not my friend, but he's not the boss."
Ophelia fought her own grin at that as she watched the adorable little girl fold her hands in front of her. "I'm so tired," she complained. "Hot too. Maybe I have a fever."
"Well, you were just dancing a lot," Violet pointed out.
"Mother says if I get sweaty after only a bit of dancing it means I'm fat and need to take better care of my shape," Astoria said, shaking her head. "And I'm not fat."
Ophelia grimaced, looking at Violet uncomfortably at the thought. What a horrible thing to say to a young girl.
"They always make us show off for them," Astoria went on, scowling. "It's so annoying."
"Are you supposed to be complaining so much?" Violet asked, a scolding tone in her amused voice.
"No, but you're just a blood traitor. So it doesn't really matter," Astoria said, stepping close to them so no one else would hear her words. "Sorry! I'm just telling the truth. My brother doesn't like you very much. He smiles, but actually he doesn't like most of the people he smiles at. It's aaaall a lie." The girl giggled, pressing a finger to her lips as she looked up at Violet.
"That's alright, Astoria. I wasn't counting on him liking me very much. I won't tell though," Violet replied, giving Ophelia a look.
"Do you want to know another secret?" Astoria asked, squinting up at Violet.
"I would love nothing more than to hear another secret."
"Do you know that girl?" She asked, not very discreetly pointing out a pretty witch in the other corner of the room.
"Yes. What about her?"
Astoria giggled, twisting back and forth slightly. "I'll tell you! Be patient."
Violet blinked, crossing her arms as Astoria made her wait.
Astoria looked all around, seeming very amused at herself as she forced Violet to "be patient", and Ophelia could see why Edric loved her so much. Violet gave Ophelia a side eyed look in irritation and Ophelia smirked back at her, pleased her friend was the one being aggravated for once.
"Well! I was eavesdropping on Edric and his friends talking, I'm good at that, and they said that she had sex with Gabriel," Astoria told her in a hushed voice before beaming. "She's not supposed to do that before marriage."
"Sex?" Ophelia blurted out, shocked at the little girl speaking of such things. "How do you know anything about that?"
"I'm eight," Astoria replied scowling, as if that explained everything. "Anyway, can you believe she did that? How will she get married now? Now she's.. Well. You're just not supposed to have sex before marriage. That's for your husband only."
"Otherwise you're a slut." Ophelia looked to Daphne who had walked over to them, her face stern as she looked up at Violet. "Who are you talking about, Tori?"
"No one," Astoria chirped. "And you're not supposed to say things like that in public. You'll get a scolding."
"You're not supposed to talk about sex either," Daphne sniffed, glancing at Violet again. "Why are you over here?"
"Why are you in my business? Go away."
"You should be around parents and important adults," Daphne told her firmly, taking her arm. "We are meant to be impressing people right now."
"I'm letting you get a head start since I always beat you at everything anyway. You're welcome!" Astoria quipped dismissively, pulling her arm away. "Goodbye."
Daphne narrowed her eyes in response, examining her sister coolly before walking away, crossing over the room.
"Who is she tattling to? My mother?"
"Your brother it looks like," Violet replied in her laughter at Astoria's rudeness towards her sister, both her and Ophelia watching Daphne go to Edric.
Astoria made a small scoffing noise, pushing her shoulders back. "Why?" She giggled. "He won't do anything to me."
Edric looked up from Daphne to look over at his sister, his eyes moving up to lock with Ophelia's for a moment before he moved his eyes from hers, his expression neutral before he narrowed his eyes back at Astoria.
Astoria glanced behind her to see her brother, turning back around quickly to act as if she didn't see him, looking up and around at the ceiling.
"He's indicating to me that he wants you," Violet told her, nodding towards Edric.
"Don't look at him," Astoria responded, crossing her arms.
"He's counting on his fingers now," her friend told the little girl warningly.
Astoria's stubborn face faltered and she hesitated for a moment before huffing and moving to make her way over to her brother, colliding with the girl in her path, the girl's drink tipping over.
Charlotte Blythe narrowed her eyes at the small girl, her face furious. "You horrid brat. I swear you are one of the most worthless children I've ever met. To think I was nearly stuck with you for the rest of my life."
Astoria opened her mouth to respond before glancing back at her father who appeared behind her, her face falling into a sad, apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, Charlotte. I promise that I didn't mean to," she insisted sadly, shrinking back towards her father.
Ophelia tried to duck her face, hoping to not be recognized by the bitch, though when she noticed the fearful expression on Charlotte's face as Aldrich Greengrass regarded her she was sure she didn't have to worry about her closely analyzing anyone in that moment.
Mr. Greengrass placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder, inclining his head thoughtfully towards Charlotte. "Miss Blythe. You look well," he said smoothly, his smile falling into a concerned frown as he looked down at Astoria who peered up at him with big eyes. "I'm terribly sorry about Astoria. I was not aware you had such a distaste for her. Has she done something?"
"No, sir," Charlotte said quickly. "I'm just not feeling very well. She's only a child. I shouldn't take my frustrations out on her."
Aldrich clicked his tongue, shaking his head gently. "You're not feeling well? Why is that, darling? Troubles at home?" He asked, his voice heavy with a sweet concern as he watched Charlotte intently, his eyes boring into hers in a way that Ophelia almost felt bad for the girl as there was just something about the man that made her feel uneasy.
An odd, pained expression came over Charlotte's face and her eyes became unfocused. Ophelia watched in alarm as Charlotte's body trembled, the drink in her hand nearly spilling over again.
Aldrich stepped towards her, placing a hand on her arm. "I agree, you do seem unwell," he sighed and the girl dropped her glass, her hands coming to hold her head. "There isn't much in this world that can make us feel worse than our own demons, I'm afraid."
Ophelia looked around wildly, trying to figure out if anyone was noticing the bizarre exchange between the young girl and older wizard, though no one seemed bothered. Ophelia grabbed Violet's wrist when tears began to stream from Charlotte's eyes as she stared straight ahead before she stumbled back, pulling herself away from him as she stuttered out apologies before rushing away.
"Astoria, sweetheart, you must be careful. The girl is obviously quite fragile," Aldrich scolded his daughter, smoothing her hair before nudging her forward. "Go join your sister please."
Astoria complied respectfully and Aldrich turned his sight onto Violet, nodding his head in greeting. "Good evening, Miss Enderson. I hope my daughter was not disturbing you as well."
"Oh no, Mr. Greengrass," Violet replied, smiling uneasily as she pried her wrist from Ophelia's grasp slowly. "She was perfectly polite."
"I'm glad to hear it. I'm sure she never meant to upset Miss Blythe." Aldrich's gaze settled on Ophelia and she felt the urge to run away, now terrified of the father of the boy she was so drawn to. "And who are you, love?"
"You wouldn't know me, sir," Ophelia replied, her voice somehow much more confident than she felt before she shrugged. "Just the token muggle-born."
Aldrich's lips twitched slightly and he inclined his head respectfully. "I see. Well, there is respect to be earned in being frank. Perhaps one day the tables will turn in your favor."
"You mean perhaps one day it will be your lot that will be looked down upon?" She asked him, scolding herself inwardly for being so bold.
His eyes only held amusement as he regarded her thoughtfully. "We will see. Son," he said, sliding his eyes over to Edric who was now across the room from where he had been and within earshot of them somehow. "Make yourself useful." With that, Aldrich left the two of them as Edric took his place, offering his hand to Ophelia.
"Don't make a scene. I beg you," he said quietly between his smiling teeth. Ophelia frowned, looking down at his hand before taking it somewhat reluctantly.
Ophelia allowed him to pull her onto the floor of dancing couples, settling herself into the proper position as she tried to regain the composure of her face as her stomach flipped over on itself all while her thoughts were pounding against her skull.
"Relax. You're perfectly fine, though I'm not sure if you're purposely trying to taunt me by presenting yourself to my family like you have been all night," he said, staring ahead as he spoke to her, acting only engaged just enough to still be considered polite.
"No. I'm not taunting you. It's not me. I don't want to cause any problems, and," she rushed out before biting her lip, forcing herself to calm down and comply with his request to not make a scene of herself. "I certainly don't want to cross your father after whatever just happened between him and Charlotte."
"You're really upset over that, I can see."
"Why wouldn't I be?! What happened?"
"Nothing you should be so upset about. Just calm down. What did she say to him?" He asked calmly, leading her easily as he avoided dancing too close to any of the other couples to maintain being out of listening distance.
"She didn't say anything to him. She called your sister a brat and said she couldn't believe she was almost stuck with her for the rest of her life."
"To be fair, I'm quite sure I've said nearly the same," he replied, his tone amused.
Ophelia looked up at him in bewilderment. "This isn't a joke. She was crying!"
"She will be fine. She shouldn't be insulting my family whether Astoria really is a brat or not."
Ophelia sighed, forcing herself to drop it against her better judgment as she fought to calm her head, her thoughts slowly being replaced with the realization of what she was doing and who she was in the arms of so publicly.
"This is making yourself useful? What, using me to make me seem like your family doesn't hate muggle-borns to the point where you can't touch us?" She asked, her tone bitter as she suddenly had the desire to rest her head on his chest and comfort herself with his embrace.
"Yes," he replied simply, his eyes still not on hers.
"Well. I'm so glad the truth is finally coming out."
"I don't recall every being untruthful with you, Ophelia."
"Well you certainly fake kindness towards me."
"Let's not argue about this here, love. It's not a good idea. I don't want my father to notice you as someone I actually know more than just another schoolmate," he murmured, watching his father closely who was paying no attention to them whatsoever.
"So when can we argue then? I want to talk to you," she insisted quietly, his uneasiness making her uneasy as well.
"Are you unable to go just a small break without me? How endearing."
"Edric," she pressed between her teeth, ignoring his comment.
"Fine. I'll contact you after this about meeting somewhere."
"Contact me how?"
"No need for so many questions. I'll contact you. We will meet. Do you not trust me?"
"I have no reason to trust you," she mumbled, feeling weirdly emotional at her words.
"I've given you absolutely no reason not to trust me. Now go home, Ophelia. Since you've already been pushing yourself at other pure-blood men tonight, at the very least allow me to be the last."