Alessandra Vitale's life has always been filled with unicorns, cupcakes, and roses. Quite literally.
Playboys, Death Eaters, and Imperius curses were certain additions she did not expect in her sixth year of Hogwarts.
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The Aristrides ...
Alesandra had a very sour impression of her grandparents. The impression was not her own though. Like alot of her opinions, the image of her evil blood relatives was inherited from her mother. The extravagant Christmas dinner parties hosted by the Aristrides every year were always attended by the Vitale family. However, for her mother, these dinners were akin of a trial in the Wizengamot. Both Alesandra and her father knew the drill. The dinner started at 8 (it was detailed in the itinerary apart of the invitation sent by the Aristrides. ). Which meant Aurelia Vitale had urgent newspaper business that would conveniently pop up at about 8:05, leaving Alesandra and her father to play about three games of wizard chess while Aurelia "sorted it out".
And then at about 9:45, Aurelia would be back from her office with a bouquet of apologies and they would apparate at the Aristides as soon as the dance floor would start getting occupied. The Aristides would be so occupied at this time that they barely noticed the late arrivals, allowing the Vitales to slip in without enduring the customary pleasantries that Aurelia so detested. It was genius really, the Aristrides were too preoccupied with the guests and Amelia Aristride had too much grace and properness to create a scene in front of the high ministry folk.
Alessandra had long given up on trying to get to know her grandparents or ask too much about them. She had learnt early, Aurelia Vitale was your best friend to talk about anything, planned murder, jewel heist, heck even boys except about her own parents.
"I need to go meet with Mcgonagall and the other prefects, ill see you at dinner ?" Lily said while shoving the books she had borrowed into her bag as she got up to leave.
Alessandra nodded and opened the letter as Lily left the library.
The letter was short on a thick piece of parchment that had a pearly finish. The ink was emerald in color and the handwriting was impeccably neat and pointed, a strong resemblance to her own.
Dear Alessandra,
We were absolutely thrilled to hear the delightful news of your attendance at Hogwarts, even though it is rather late in your sixth year. Although your mother, Aurelia, couldn't bother to inform us earlier, we are nonetheless overjoyed at this development. How are you settling in? We trust you are in good health and adapting well to your new surroundings. It is crucial for us to know that you are receiving the finest education and opportunities available. Hogwarts is essential for a young witch to not only hone her magical abilities but also to connect with the influential circles that shape our world. It is gratifying to finally see you in the environment that befits your heritage and potential.
We were particularly excited to learn that you have been invited to Professor Slughorn's party. This invitation is a testament to your talent and potential, and it signifies the beginning of what we believe will be a brilliant and promising journey for you. Slughorn's gatherings are renowned for bringing together the brightest and most promising young witches and wizards, and it is an honor that you have been included. Such opportunities are not to be taken lightly, and we trust you will make the most of this prestigious occasion.
The Aristride estate has always valued the importance of tradition, prestige, and proper upbringing, and we are confident that you will make a splendid impression. To ensure you are suitably attired for such a significant event, we have taken the liberty of sending a little something special from our collection. It is a piece that has been worn by the Aristride women for generations during significant occasions, and we hope it will help you feel confident and look your best.
Enjoy the event, dear Alessandra. Remember, you are representing the Aristride legacy, and we have every faith in your ability to shine. Perhaps the opportunity for a more personal celebration will present itself in the near future.
Warmest regards,
Amelie Aristride
Alessandra read over the letter multiple times. She herself had never had to think much about her grandparents, she hardly met them. And they never did much to reach out either. But now it seems that they have a renewed interest in her. A personal celebration ? She could already hear her mother finding her a way out of it.
Also "A little something from our collection" ?.
Alessandra immediately shot up from her seat and made her way down the hall back to her dorm. She really couldnt remember where it was though. Again.
"Why am i so bad with directions ?!" she exasperated to herself.
She recognized the painting of the wandering widow.
"Yes!!!" Alessandra exclaimed as she took a right and was in front of the Slytherin dorm room.
She blurted the password out and showed the dungeon gate and was in front of her bed in less than a minute later. On top of the bed was a gold box with the Aristride seal.
And inside the box, a dress.
Hmm dress would be the wrong word for such a elaborate thing. It was a gown. Emerald green, with a gold accent trim. Mesh sleeves and a plunging but decent neckline. Long silk gloves lay nearby.
There was another box inside to which Allesandra nearly chocked on opening.
A diamond crusted necklace with an emerald pendant in the centre.
Oh dear, this was way too much. Excessively so. This might be something someone wore to a grand wizard hall about fifty years ago. Not to a school party thrown by a professor. Allesandra panicked.
If her grandparents expect her to wear this and she doesn't it's basically slapping the extended hand they were offering.
She couldn't tell her mom about this, she would just get infuriated at her grandparents for even meddling.
As Allesandra pondered this over, she realised the time.
Quidditch try ours started in ten minutes. Diamonds and dresses had to wait for another time.
