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my reputation precedes me
♛
Celeste's coming of age celebration was a much bigger deal then she had anticipated. Her dress had to be made to perfection. Jewelry had to gleam. Malfoy Chateau had to look faultless. The house elves were working so much that she started to feel guilty. For days, things were coming in and out of the house.
Including invitation acceptions.
Celeste had written Lily, Marlene and Alice each a very lengthy explanation about the ball and the requirements. She was beginning to worry, now that her adrenaline had died out. It would be her grandest scheme yet.
"You'll go to Diagon Alley this afternoon for a dress fitting for Hogwarts' ball," her mother announced, flouncing into Celeste's bedroom with a velvet box in her hands. "But I have something for you first."
Celeste stopped herself from frowning. She waited quietly while her mother placed the box on her bed.
"It was mine when I was your age."
Celeste moved closer to it. Her fingers grazed the soft surface. She reached to unclasp the fasten, hesitating.
"Go on," her mother encouraged. The excitement bubbled in her voice.
It took her breath away. It wasn't like the usual diadems and jeweled headbands Celeste would wear on occasion. It was purely a crown, standing shining and tall, made of irradiant platinum, and thick with emeralds. A matching set of earrings was placed alongside it.
"It's for you to keep," explained Mrs. Malfoy, smiling proudly, "and to wear all you want. For now, I'd like you to wear it on your birthday."
"Isn't it too... showy?" Celeste's voice wavered. It would be embarrassing to wear in front of her friends.
"My dear," laughed Mrs. Malfoy, "it is meant to be showy. And it's only your first one. You'll need to start wearing one everyday after you are married! I wear them. It's customary for us on the higher end. You need to start getting into practice. When we go to Diagon Alley today, we'll have to stop by the jeweler. We can't have you wearing the same one everyday."
It was unnerving. "I have to wear a crown everyday?"
"Well," her mother conceded, "there are certain exceptions and rules, but you have time to learn."
The future was hitting her a bit too quickly. A headache started to gather at her temples.
The ballroom was the grandest part of the Malfoy Chateau. From the diamond chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings to the gilded walls, impressive was an understatement. The towering crystal paned windows were left open, placed at a perfect angle. The air smelled of sweet grapes and wisteria from the gardens, with the distant scent of ocean breeze. Silk covered tables were placed against the walls, laden with overflowing food and sparkling champagne.
