AIANES (Theodore Nott) H.P AU

Chapter Four

Summer had gone by in the blink of an eye. Not only was the welcoming gala a couple of hours away, but the World Cup was just around the corner. Olympia feels her hands go clammy at the idea, she had thought attending Hogwarts would be a rather easy feat, but as the days went by, she could feel uncertainty possessing her body.

The weeks after her arrival had been unexceptional. Blaise, much like Draco and Olympia, was not a morning person, but to their luck, Narcissa turned a blind eye and allowed them to sleep in late. As for lunch, they usually shared whatever the elves had prepared by the garden. Dinner, on the contrary, was dull and much like a business transaction, where silence reigned over the table, until Lucius excused himself, claiming once more that his presence at the Ministry is essential.

Tonight, however, everyone that mattered within the Pureblood society was to be present. The ballroom had been arranged floor to ceiling with the most exquisite decor, meanwhile gentle music was being played. Being born and growing up in this world, Olympia was aware of just how much would be expected of her, even if no one said it. Thus, the reason she had been standing before her mirror for over half an hour, searching her reflection for any flaw that might need to be hidden.

Yet, she finds none.

The Malfoy elves did an impeccable job with her hair and makeup, and still, her body feels like borrowed skin.

Olympia tried changing her dress, in hopes of feeling a bit more like herself, but to no avail. She blames it on being away for so long, but deep inside her she knows there is more behind it, she just can't tell what.

Before she can dwell too much on it, a knock on her door can be heard, only for Draco to walk in after Olympia gives him the clear.

"Are you ready? Blaise is downstairs and the guests have arrived."

Olympia nods and holds onto the arm she is being offered, the walk down the set of stairs is silent and rather tense, until Draco speaks up. "Mother has invited half of Europe tonight, she even mentioned that your grandfather paid for private aurors to station around the grounds, apparently reporters found out about your stay with us and have been trying to get a glimpse of the long gone heiress."

A rather unfeminine and sardonic laugh makes its way out of Olympia's throat. "Will there ever come a day when reportes learn their place? Even if my return has been abrupt, I doubt there is nothing worth publishing." Walking the remaining set of steps, Blaise joins the set of cousins, and the trio is quick to enter the ballroom.

While Olympia would have prefered Sarantos Manor for an event of such caliber, she can't help but admit the decor looks to be pulled from a fairy tale book.

The floor to ceiling drapes that adorn the windows have been switched from their usual black hue to a soft warm gold. Outside the garden's bushes have been shaped to resemble different Greek Gods and Goddesses. Meanwhile, inside there are tables spread all throughout the room, leaving enough space in the middle for mingling and dancing. The chandeliers glow brightly and the flames from the candles illuminate the hundreds of glasses filled with expensive liquor. However, the centerpieces are what catches Olympia's attention the most. Her favorite flowers, white roses, have been arranged to stand proudly and magnificent in clear vases outlined in gold, and if she stares close enough, she can discern the many pearls littered inside of them.

For a second, it almost feels like she stands inside Sarantos Manor, with softer colors and warmer winds.

"On the contrary, Olympia." Blaise speaks up. "You are the most interesting subject going around ever since Peter Pettigrew escaped Azkaban last. Your name is all over the Daily Prophet, after tonight — that will only increase. I've even heard people tried to buy their way in tonight."