[3] downfall ~ harry potter × marvel

2.02

traditions and jealousy

2.02

The ballroom had filled itself up with people. All of them dressed in the theme colours that were noted on the invitation. Silver, gold, blue, black and white. Some lords were all dressed in black, others had outdone themselves with a mix of all colours.

Raymond couldn't help but feel as if everyone had tried to be able to catch the attention of the new Queen. The new and unmarried Queen who had not yet chosen a consort. Oh, Raymond had heard a lot of his childhood friends joke about how they'd ask for her hand first. Hilarious. Not.

He'd joined Silas at the drinks table. His brother had been talking to Narfi, Fred and one of the other Midgardians boys. Draco, Skyler's... something.

"Where in Merlin's name are they?" muttered Fred, a slight whining of impatience in his voice. Raymond held back a chuckle. Norns, these Midgardians must've never had balls like this.

"It's customary for the ladies to arrive when all the men are already there. When everyone is gathered, the royal family will come down and the Queen will begin with the first dance," he explained to the redhead. Silas jumped at his brother's sudden appearance and Narfi tried not to either.

Fred looked around the crowd. "If it's just the ladies coming late... why isn't Vali here already? I've heard he's dangerously handsome in a suit." The grin on his face told Raymond enough... oh, he did not want to start this conversation.

"Speaking of which," Narfi interfered, eyeing Raymond's choice of a completely white outfit, minus the light blue collar and cuffs and the silver accents around his chest. "You have gone out of your way to look handsome as ever, my Lord."

He rolled his eyes. "Don't, Narfi."

His childhood friend grinned and mischief glimmered in his eyes. "Did someone dress up for a special person?"

Draco scoffed and gave Raymond nothing short of an arrogant glare. "Well, Vali and you did say he could get anyone on his knees and begging if he'd like to." The sarcasm and venom dripped from his tone, but Raymond looked him right back in the eyes. If the boy would be childish, he wouldn't even start a conversation.

"Well, he was quite the Casanova, or so I have heard," Fred said, trying to lighten the mood. Next to him, Silas put an arm around his shoulder and laughed.

"Yes, brother, you have stolen all the eyes from the ladies present tonight. How could you do that to me? Olivia will never give me a chance to dance with her now..." The pout that came to his face wasn't real, but Raymond could see the heartbreak flash through his brother's eyes.