Pureblood and Prejudice: a Dramione Romance

Chapter 10: Gentlemen React to the Ball

As we well know Mr. Harry James Potter was famous in the wizarding world both for those events in his infancy and the responsibilities thrust upon him in the second wizarding war. Given the chance to go to America and use his auror skills in a less well-known environment was something he relished to establish his name for his skill and not just by popularity, it just so happened that while he was there some wise investments in the stock market and wizarding business ventures had him very well off when he returned and he was anxious to settle down with a house of his own. Ron Weasley who was his oldest friend, had married a woman of fashion and less so fortune, and for shall we say more for lust than for love, was of an easy temper and found himself well disposed to consider Harry's house his own for as long as it suited him. Miss Pansy Parkinson upon finding herself "self-invited" to his home was more than pleased to take charge and consider herself the lady of the house for as long as it suited her, at least until she could secure the position she was after as Lady Malfoy at Malfoy Manner.

Between Harry and Draco there was a steady friendship in spite of great difference of character; and the many disagreements they had in their younger years at school; Harry had become endeared to Draco by his easiness and openness and trusting character, which they learned to do on the job as aurors being partners they had to trust each other explicitly. Nothing could be in greater contrast to his own character than Draco's. On the strength of Draco's regard Harry had the firmest reliance, and his judgement the highest opinion. In understanding Draco was the superior. Harry was by no means deficient, but Draco was clever and came second in the class to Hermione the brightest witch of the age making him the brightest wizard, or second brightest person of the age? Draco was at the same time haughty, reserved, fastidious, and his manners though well-bred were not inviting. In that respect his friend had the advantage, Harry was sure of being liked and respected wherever he went, Malfoy was continually giving offence, and most people could not bear to see beyond his family name and past mistakes.

~~~~~

The manner in which they discussed the anniversary ball over the breakfast table the morning following the event was characteristic of their dispositions.

Harry while buttering his toast said, "Well that was a grand ball last night, eh?"

Ron simply replied with a mumble and a mouth full of food which no one could understand, and his wife turned her head away in disgust.

"It was something alright," Pansy said looking up from her half grapefruit with a sour expression.

"Well, I have never had an evening with lovelier, pleasanter people, or prettier girls in all my life." He stated confidently aiming the last part of the sentence with a raised eyebrow at Draco, who in return rolled his eyes as he took a sip of his tea. "It's true," he continued retorting back to Draco, "Everyone was kind and attentive, and there were so many people who wanted to congratulate me that I could hardly break away for a chance to dance. And Ginny Weasley," Harry sighed, "my memory has not done her justice for she has the face of an angel."

"Kind and attentive to you perhaps," Draco drawled, "you are after all the 'Chosen One,' the prodigal son returned home, the savior of all wizarding kind. I found it to be a rather loud and obnoxious collection of all riff-raff of the wizarding world, the people were of little beauty, no fashion, and it would be better if I left out my feelings on their manners and upbringing." Draco's experience the night before had been quite different from Harry's reception at the ball, from no one did he receive kind attention or pleasure. Miss Weasley, he did acknowledge was very pretty but she smiled too much.

At this declaration Mrs. Lauren Weasley allowed her to be a dear sweet girl, who was kind and attentive as a new sister-in-law was quite welcoming. Pansy immediately spoke up agreeing with Lauren so as to have something to say and by saying the opposite of him she thought was her best bet to get Draco to pay attention to her hat the moment. She declared that, at this juncture she would like to know more of Miss Weasley and she and Lauren started planning to take her under their fashion tutelage wing so to speak. Ron of course had no objections to his wife getting to know his sisters, and Ginny was therefore established as a sweet girl, and Harry was free to think about her as he chose.