𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍; george weasley

039

THIRTY NINE

It all started with a letter—thick parchment, gold embossed edges, and the royal seal. The invitations arrived on a crisp Friday morning, owls swooping into the Great Hall as the Hogwarts students were finishing breakfast. A ripple of excitement spread as everyone noticed a particular group of Gryffindors receiving their envelopes. Fred and George exchanged a gleeful look, Harry and Ron read theirs in awe, and Alicia, Angelina, and Lee practically buzzed with excitement. 

"Tori's birthday," George murmured, reading over the elegant script. 

"At Kensington Palace," Fred added, his eyes wide with excitement. 

Alicia squealed. "This is the event of the year! We have to look perfect." She glanced at George and, with a mischievous smile, added, "Maybe we can even match, George." 

George gave a polite, awkward smile and quickly changed the subject. "Right, well... I guess we need to figure out what we're wearing." 

Saturday afternoon found the group strolling through Hogsmeade, their mission clear: find formal wear suitable for a royal ball. The shops were bustling with students, but nothing compared to the level of urgency the Gryffindors felt. 

In Madam Malkin's branch boutique, Alicia fluttered between racks of elegant gowns, holding up fabrics to her complexion. "What do you think, Angelina? Red? Or maybe emerald green?" 

Angelina, ever the calm one, shrugged. "You'll look great in anything, Alicia." 

Fred pulled out a violently orange suit as a joke. "How about this one, George? I think it says 'refined.'" 

George snorted. "Refined? It says, 'Avoid me at all costs.'" He eventually settled on a deep navy suit, simple but smart. 

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron shuffled awkwardly through the store, clearly out of their depth. Hermione, ever the voice of reason, found a sleek, black dress that was modest yet elegant. "This will do," she said confidently. 

As they left the boutique, Alicia linked arms with George, leaning close. "You'll let me have the first dance, won't you?" 

George offered a non-committal smile. "We'll see." 

⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:⠀
⠀ '· . ୨୧⠀

Now, standing outside Kensington Palace, the group was in awe. The grandeur of the building was undeniable. Ornate gates loomed before them, lined with flashing cameras. Paparazzi shouted and strained to capture shots of the esteemed guests as they exited their cars. The boys adjusted their ties, and the girls smoothed their dresses, each of them feeling slightly overwhelmed. 

"Bloody hell," Ron muttered, his eyes wide. "This is... massive." 

Lee nodded in agreement. "I thought the Great Hall was impressive, but this?" 

Fred grinned. "Well, lads and ladies, welcome to the event of the year." 

Harry adjusted his tie nervously. "Do you think we'll actually see famous people here?" 

"I think we are the famous people," Hermione whispered, nodding toward the flashing cameras. 

Suddenly, a familiar figure emerged from the grand entrance—Princess Diana. Elegant as ever, she wore a soft blue gown, her warm smile immediately putting the group at ease. "Welcome," she greeted, her voice kind and soothing. "Victoria will be so pleased to see you. Come with me." 

Diana led them through the palace, and as they stepped into the grand ballroom, the group collectively gasped. The room was enormous, its high ceilings adorned with intricate gold leaf patterns. Crystal chandeliers hung like floating stars, casting a warm, inviting glow over the polished marble floor. Tables were set with the finest china, and a massive staircase curved elegantly up to a second-floor balcony. 

"Merlin's beard," Fred whispered. "This is... wow." 

George scanned the room, taking in the sea of finely dressed guests—diplomats, celebrities, and royalty mingling effortlessly. His eyes landed on the staircase. "It's like something out of a fairy tale," he murmured. 

Ron nudged Harry. "Is that... is that Elton John?" 

Harry squinted. "I think it is." 

The group huddled together, whispering in awe as they recognized various high-profile guests. Angelina pointed out a famous singer, and Lee spotted a well-known author, blending seamlessly among the Muggle elite. 

"Do you think Tori's nervous?" Hermione asked softly. 

"She'll be fine," George said with quiet confidence. "She always is." 

A hush suddenly fell over the room as a herald stepped onto the balcony above. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice carrying through the ballroom, "Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II." 

All eyes turned to the top of the grand staircase. The Queen appeared, regal and poised, wearing an elegant silver gown. She descended slowly, every movement exuding grace and authority. 

Once she reached the center of the staircase, she paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. The room fell silent in anticipation. 

"Tonight," the Queen began, her voice calm but commanding, "we gather not only to celebrate the sixteenth birthday of my granddaughter, Victoria, but also to mark her official introduction to the world. Victoria has shown strength, grace, and resilience beyond her years, even in the face of great challenges." 

The crowd erupted in polite applause, but the Queen wasn't finished. She raised her hand, and the room fell silent once more. 

"She is more than just a princess," the Queen continued. "She is a young woman with a kind heart, a brilliant mind, and a future as bright as the stars that shine above Buckingham Palace. Tonight, we celebrate not only who she is but who she will become—a leader, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of unity for our nation." 

The Queen turned slightly, gesturing to the top of the staircase. "It is my great pleasure to introduce... Princess Victoria Windsor." 

The massive double doors at the top of the staircase slowly opened. 

And there she stood.