Regency in Diagon Alley [Theodore Nott | Harry Potter AU]

Chapter Thirty-Nine

One drink for the journey.

Two for his promise.

Three for his sanity.

Lights, music, and people danced in Grimmauld Place as one of the months of the season's soiree took place. The large crest on the floor of the foyer was painted anew with shining silver, the chandelier lit with dozens of candles and magical light, and the hired music played at their respectful corner where the maestro and the musicians were elevated from the rest.

It has been a while since Theodore attended a ball, a month at most. The exact time that Carina spent in Nott Manor. And as much as he wanted to claim that she was also the reason for his attendance, it was only part of it. Entering the foyer with Roman at his side, Theodore eyed the people that gathered for the celebration. Roman have warned him that it was a possibility that the Blacks would announce the engagement between Carina and Cedric – thus the purpose of the ball – and all attention would be on the couple. Giving them time to slip the crowd and meet with Narcissa in the hidden parts of Grimmauld Place that even the Dowager had no idea of its existence.

He passed by many known families, mothers and daughters gawking in his presence, no doubt informed with the rumors of Carina's engagement and were now preying on him. Just as he entered the vicinity, Theodore was already bombarded by Baroness and her daughter, inviting him to dance with the girl. He politely declined and went on with circling the area.

They first came to greet the hosts: Regulus and Walburga, and at the side of the Dowager was Malia Black. Theodore shook Regulus' hand with slight squeeze, reminding him of the plan tonight. The one they discussed through encrypted letters through Carina days before the ball started.

"Your Grace," Walburga greeted him with a cold gaze.

"Dowager Duchess," Theodore mockingly smiled. "Lovely ball. And Miss Black, a pleasure to see you again."

"And you, Your Grace."

"The Marchioness and her intended will come down in a moment," the Dowager said before he could ask.

Theodore glared at her. "Of course. If you will excuse me, I would like to get my hands on the wine you've brought out for the festivities."

Leaving the Blacks' gaze, Roman and Theodore stood by the pillar. From where they were, Theodore caught eye of Adrian Pucey who was checking his pocket watch, wanting nothing more than to leave the soiree. Strange, Pucey has served as a good friend to Carina, one who would swoop into to save her in an awkward conversation. What's got him checking the time every five minutes. He wanted to tell the lordling that checking the watch won't speed up time, but then Adrian's figure was blocked by a passing Pansy Parkinson who was with a man he presumed was Chapman.

"Pansy looks delighted with him," Roman mused.

Smirking, Theodore leaned to his companion and whispered. "Five Knuts she goes straight for Malfoy when he comes."

Roman snorted, shook his head and agreed.

The next person Theodore saw was the Potters. Diana Potter dancing with Nigel, a Baron's son. If James and Lily Potter were decided to make the youngest Potter the heir than their eldest, it would be Nigel who joins the family and take the name. Roman once told Theodore that Harry had no interest in handling the estate affairs and much preferred to hunt dark witches and wizards. Maybe it was time that the eldest Potter make it known and have the title of heiress passed to his sister. Speaking of Harry Potter, the young man was dancing with Ginny Weasley, and look like they were conversing very intimately with how close they were.

The rest of the Weasleys were also in present, as the family was being vouched by the Goldsteins. Fred and George Weasley wore their vibrant colored robes and were helping themselves with the wine and finger food. Percy Weasley was the only one who knew the homework and was conversing with a witch with the family name Clearwater.