A Cruel Fate of Endless Devotion

Chapter fifteen: The Ball

Outside the Great Hall, Sebastian and Ominis awaited their dates. He was nervous for the girls to come down in their ball gowns, but his date wasn't the one he was most eager to see. His mind was thinking of Melody, wondering what type of dress she had on, if she had done her makeup or wore a mask like many of the other girls who walked by. She captured his attention at all times. There was something about her that drew him in, something he couldn't quite explain.

"Are you sure I look alright, Sebastian?" Ominis nervously asked.

Sebastian smiled warmly and replied, "Absolutely, Ominis. Don't worry, you'll make a great impression tonight."

"Ahh, Sallow, Gaunt, are you fellas waiting for your dates as well?"

While Sebastian and Ominis didn't like many Gryffindors, Garreth Weasley was one of the rare few they genuinely liked. He had a witty sense of humor and held a genuine kindness towards others. Despite being a Gryffindor, Garreth had a way of breaking down the barriers between houses and forming connections based on mutual respect and understanding.

"Don't you clean up nice, Weasley," Sebastian playfully said.

"Gotta look good for the ladies" Garreth laughed as he tugged on his lapels in a joking manner.

"Who did you ask to the ball, Weasley?" Ominis wondered.

"I asked Poppy of course. Although I'm nervous, does this suit look good on me?" Garreth asked. 

The young man wore a traditional black robe with a yellow vest, matching tie, and a small bouquet of wildflowers in the front pocket.

"Well, I'm sure you look-" Ominis was saying when Sebastian cut him off, gasping in awe as they floated down the staircase.

Each girl was dressed in elegant, flowing gowns that shimmered in the dim light. Their hair cascaded in perfect waves, adorned with delicate flowers that matched the colors of their dresses. Their radiant smiles and graceful movements captivated their dates.

"Ominis may I present our dates for the night, fellow Slytherins, Carmela and Amelia Mattenson" Sebastian said as he walked them over to his best friend.

"Hello Ominis, we actually have History of magic together" Amelia said as she shook his hand, immediatley linking her arm with his.

"Excuse me for a moment," Sebastian muttered to his date.

As the freckled faced Slytherin approached Poppy and Garreth, his heart raced with anticipation, his palms growing sweaty. Every step felt like an eternity, his eyes searching the crowd hoping to find the girl he was most anxious to see.

"Sebastian!" the kind Hufflepuff greeted.

"Hello Poppy. You look lovely," he complimented her.

Poppy blushed and twirled in her yellow gown, adorned with delicate white feathers and shimmering sequins. The gown seemed to radiate with a soft glow, perfectly complementing her joyful and vibrant personality.

"Have you seen Melody? I thought she would have walked down with you. Is she not coming?" he asked.

"Turn around, Sallow" Garreth told him.

Gasps of awe filled the room as Melody descended the staircase. Sebastian's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her. Poppy's jaw dropped, as she whispered to Garreth, "She looks like a princess."

As Melody floated down the staircase, Sebastian's heart skipped a beat. He couldn't take his eyes off her, mesmerized by her ethereal beauty. The soft pink gown accentuated her delicate features, and the sparkling swirls on the dress seemed to mirror the sparkle in her eyes. In that moment, Sebastian couldn't help but feel a rush of admiration and affection for his friend.