Chapter 4.1: Perfection

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Lyanna was frustrated, though she knew she had brought it upon herself. It was only a few weeks into the summer break, in the middle of July, and the Serpentine Soiree was nearing, set to take place on her birthday, August 21st. This year's ball wasn't just any ball—it was her debut into the elite Wizarding Society. Lyanna wanted everything to be perfect. She had been making sketches of different dresses, countless designs that never quite satisfied her. Her mother, Narcissa, had offered to help, but Lyanna politely declined. This was something she wanted to do on her own.

After days of relentless sketching, she finally designed the perfect dress. Even her mother, Narcissa, was shocked at the result. The gown Lyanna envisioned was a harmonious blend of elegance and grandeur, befitting her secret royal heritage—a heritage known only to Draco and, of course, Melisandre, the one who had brought her into the Wizarding World.

The dress featured a fitted bodice that gradually flared out from the waist, creating an A-line shape that complemented her figure. The high-low hemline added a modern touch, with the front hem falling just above her knees and the back extending to the floor in a dramatic sweep. The main fabric was a rich fiery red silk, offset by dark gray velvet accents for the waist sash and cape, adding depth and contrast to the ensemble. Gold embroidery and accents highlighted the regal aspect of the dress, giving it a luminous quality.

The bodice had a delicate sweetheart neckline, subtly suggesting elegance and youthfulness. Intricate gold thread embroidery in swirling patterns adorned the bodice, reminiscent of dragon scales but abstract enough to remain subtle. The dark gray velvet cape was rich and heavy, flowing gracefully behind her. It attached at the shoulders with small, intricate gold clasps shaped like dragon claws, each holding a small ruby gemstone. The cape extended to the floor, creating a regal and majestic silhouette.

A wide, dark gray velvet sash cinched her waist, tying into a large bow at the back. The tails of the sash blended seamlessly into the flowing cape, and subtle gold embroidery along the edges of the sash echoed the patterns on the bodice. The skirt of the gown was made of layers of fiery red silk chiffon, giving it a flowing and ethereal effect. The high-low design of the skirt allowed her elegant shoes to be visible at the front while the longer back created a train-like effect.

Subtle dragon details were woven into the design. Hidden within the gold embroidery on the bodice and sash were faint outlines of dragon wings and tails, only noticeable upon close inspection. Tiny dark red and gold beads interspersed within the embroidery caught the light, adding a shimmering effect. She planned to wear dark gray velvet heels with small gold dragon claw embellishments at the toes and the delicate silver necklace that came with her the night she was dropped off at Malfoy Manor's doorsteps to complete her regal ensemble.

As Lyanna finished the final touches on her sketch, she felt a surge of satisfaction and relief. She had created a dress that not only represented her heritage but also her unique style and determination. Narcissa, upon seeing the design, couldn't help but smile with pride.

"You've outdone yourself, Lyanna," she said, her eyes shining. "This dress is truly magnificent."

Lyanna nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, Mother. I just want everything to be perfect."

Narcissa placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It will be, my dear. It will be."

But of course, just like everything else, the dress had to be shown to and approved by her father, Lucius. Lyanna and Narcissa headed to his study. Narcissa stayed outside, giving her daughter an encouraging nod as Lyanna knocked and entered the study.

Lucius was busy at his desk, surrounded by stacks of parchment and various artifacts. He glanced up briefly as Lyanna entered.

"Yes, Lyanna, what is it?" he asked, his tone neutral but his attention still on his work.

Lyanna took a deep breath and approached him, holding out her sketch. "Father, I wanted to show you the design for my dress for the Serpentine Soiree. I need your approval."

Lucius looked up fully, taking the sketch from her hands. He examined it closely, his expression unreadable. After a few moments, he looked back at her, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"This is... quite bold, Lyanna. Red and gold? Our family colors are silver and green, occasionally black. This design does not reflect our heritage or our traditions," he said, his voice stern and unyielding.

Lyanna felt a pang of disappointment but didn't back down. She stepped closer, her eyes meeting his with determination.

"Father, I understand our family traditions and the significance of our colors. But this is my debut. I want to make a statement, to show that I am not just another Malfoy, but someone who can bring something unique to our name. This dress represents who I am and the potential I have to leave a mark, not just in our society, but beyond it."

Lucius raised an eyebrow, his gaze cold and assessing. He studied her for a moment, then looked back at the sketch.

"You wish to stand out, to be remembered," he said slowly.

Lyanna nodded, her voice steady. "Yes, Father. I want to honor our family, but I also want to be true to myself. This dress is a reflection of that. It's a blend of our heritage and my individuality."

Lucius was silent for a long moment, then he nodded once, curtly. "Very well, Lyanna. You have my approval. Ensure everything else is perfect. The eyes of the Wizarding World will be on you."

Lyanna felt a surge of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Father. I promise it will be perfect."

Lucius handed the sketch back to her, his expression still stoic. "I expect nothing less from a Malfoy. Do not disappoint me."

Lyanna nodded, her heart lighter as she left the study. Outside, Narcissa was waiting, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Well?" she asked.

Lyanna nodded, her smile growing. "He approved."

Narcissa gave a small, satisfied smile. "I knew he would. You have a way of making even the most stubborn of men see reason."

As they walked back toward Lyanna's room, she felt a newfound confidence. This debut would be the beginning of something great, she was sure of it.

~~~

The grand Malfoy ballroom buzzed with activity as organizers and decorators scurried about, preparing for the upcoming Serpentine Soiree. Lyanna stood at the center, overseeing the arrangements with a keen eye. Beside her, Draco watched her intently, holding the sketch of her dress.

Draco leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Why would you incorporate dragon-like details in your dress? It could spark curiosity and raise questions about your true origins. People might start to wonder again if you're really a Malfoy."

Lyanna turned to him, her expression calm but determined. "Draco, you need not worry. I am visually everything that represents a Malfoy. Our name, our legacy, is carried in how we present ourselves and uphold our family's honor. This dress is just an artistic expression. Besides," she added, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, "the details are subtle. Only those who look closely will notice, and even then, they'll see it as a testament to our family's strength and power."

Draco frowned slightly, still uneasy. "I just don't want anything to go wrong. Father has entrusted us with this task. We can't afford to let him down."

Lyanna placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Relax, Draco. We've planned everything meticulously. All we need to do now is execute it perfectly. Focus on making sure that every detail of the event goes smoothly. The success of this soiree will reinforce our standing and show Father that he made the right choice in trusting us."

Draco sighed, nodding reluctantly. "You're right. We need to ensure everything is flawless. This is our chance to prove ourselves."

Lyanna smiled, squeezing his arm lightly. "Exactly. And we will. Now, let's go over the final details with the decorators."

Together, they moved through the ballroom, addressing the organizers and decorators, making sure every element of the event was coming together perfectly. As they worked side by side, their determination to uphold the Malfoy name and prove their worth to their father only grew stronger.

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