Toujours Pur

Imposing Independence

The next morning was frantic, I woke up early and took a shower. I carefully french braided my hair and put the pins in just like Mother wanted. Looking in the mirror, my hair was perfect. My face was clear, as if yesterday never happened. Nothing to prove it except my memories. I

 knew that Mother and Father would pretend like nothing was wrong. How it could anything be right again? How could things go back to normal after my Father hit me?

Pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind, I went down to the dining hall for one of the most silent breakfasts I have ever had. I ate quickly and after being excused went back to my room. I could very faintly hear Mother order Dobby around and getting our home ready for the Christmas Ball tonight. I sat out on the terrace and read my Narnia books. I was in no mood for school work and just wanted to get lost in a whole new world. Dobby brought me lunch and then came around three to tell me to get dressed and meet Mother in the Entrance Hall.

I slipped on my purple gown and made sure that my appearance was acceptable. The Ballroom was decorated in twinkling lights, a great big tree in the corner. Christmas decorations were delicately placed around the room. Soft music played in the background and at the end of the room was a table filled with finger foods, desserts, and drinks.

I did my best to keep a smile on my face and make it look as real as possible. All of Father's associates came and most of the Higher up Ministry officials also showed up. I was forced to greet most of them and had to dance with any male children present. Draco had to dance with all of the females.

I was granted a break and sat at a table that was in the way back of the room. Sipping my pumpkin juice I scanned the room. Father was dancing with Emmarentia Zabini and Mother was conversing with Betty Braithwaite, a reporter of the Daily Prophet. She is always trying (and succeeding) to get her Christmas Balls' featured in the newspaper. 

I gingerly sipped my pumpkin juice and notice a boy coming my way. I did not recognize him. He was wearing standard blue wizarding robes, his brown hair was slicked back. "May I have this dance?", he smiled and held out his hand - bowing slightly.

"Would you do me the courtesy of telling me your name? I do not typically dance with strangers." I responded with a sniff.

"Where is the adventure in that?" He cheekily quipped. He gave me a brilliant smile, which made me smile. Despite my best judgments, I put my hand in his and let him guide me to the edge of the dance floor. He was definitely older than me, my head came to his shoulders; I had to crane my neck slightly to be able to see into his grey eyes. He started leading me into a waltz.

"Will you ever tell me your name?" I questioned halfway through our dance.

"I think I prefer to be known as 'that handsome mysterious stranger'." He chuckled.

"Mysterious, or creepy?" I shot back at him.

"So you do not refute my handsomeness."

"Your modesty becomes you." I joked with a laugh. He joined in and the rest of the dance was filled with our laughter.

After one dance together, Marcus Belby a second year Ravenclaw intervened, unfortunately. He had a bit of food left on his face and his breathe reeked of something rotten. The only reason that I did not refuse was because his Uncle had invented Wolfsbane. 

Had I had humiliated the nephew of the rich potioneer Mother and Father would have lost it. That slap would have been nothing in comparison. With that thought, I politely excused myself and silently slipped from the Hall. I would only be gone a few minutes, I just needed out of there.