Chapter 846 - Presentation Ball

The ballroom is filled with glittering chandeliers and enchanted gemstones that glitter on the ceiling of the ballroom that match the starry night sky. It was a breathtaking sight and one that revealed the wealth of the Verninac family. The guests are dressed in a wide range of attires from formal ball gowns to witches and wizards wearing turbans, saris, and even veils. The older the witch or wizard the more eccentric their garb as there were several guests present that were wearing robes that would have been popular several hundred years ago.

Philippe and his wife, Louise Verninac stand before the crowd in front of a sweeping staircase. There is a full-length carpet running down the sweeping staircase in the Prince family colors a dark sky blue with a silver embroidery of wyverns across the surface of the carpet. Philippe loudly says in English, "We humbly welcome guests and ministry officials to Verninac Chateau," there is a sound of clothes rustling as every guest in attendance bows their head to the host and hostess in courtesy. "We hope that Verninac Chateau will become a cherished memory for all."

Louise steps forward and sweeps her hand towards the sweeping staircase. In a French-accented voice, she says, "I am 'onored to prezent, the Lord of the Prince family, Reginald Prince, our in-laws via marriage to our dearly departed, Sirsa, couzin." The crowd's gazes become fixed to the top of the sweeping staircase to see the figure of an elegant, cold wizard emerge first that of Reginald Prince.

Reginald Prince's frigid gaze sweeps the crowd causing many to stiffen at feeling the suppressed power of the older wizard. Reginald Prince may have aged, but he was far from weak. The sense of danger emitted by him had dulled with age. It had grown if anything else. The crowd carefully watches Reginald Prince extend his hand as Louise says, "The Lord of the Prince family iz accompanied by his sizter, Georgine Prince."

The crowd blinks at seeing Georgine Prince. She was a formidable witch, tall, and thin. Much like her niece, Georgine was not a great beauty, but she possessed an elegance and grace that drew attention to her slim figure. Her short, mostly raven hair is swept in its usual fashion that of raven wings. Yet despite her age, her flesh remained taut with nary a wrinkle on her face.

There are more than a few envious stares from the witches present at seeing the entire silver goblin forged jewelry set that included a jewel-encrusted tiara on Georgine Prince's person. The entire ensemble of goblin forged jewelry was worth a large fortune that could permit any pureblood family to live comfortably for hundreds of years. It conveyed the wealth, power, and status that the Prince family possessed. It was a strong show of force and only further cemented the idea in the guest's mind that the Prince family was not to be underestimated.

Reginald Prince and Georgine Prince descend in silence to the ballroom floor. Reginald Prince briskly nods at Philippe Verninac, while Georgine does not even bother to hide a smug smile. Philippe refrains from frowning despite his annoyance at the obvious dismissal. Remembering his duties, Philippe instead steps back with Louise wrapping her arm around his and squeezing it in comfort. It was only for tonight and the Prince's would depart by noon tomorrow.

Each stands on opposite sides of the sweeping staircase covered in the rich carpet in the Prince family colors and crest. Georgine is the first to speak as she says, "Under the light of the moon and magic with great honor and delight, I introduce Dorea and Fleamont Potter, the godparents of Prince family heirs." From the top of the stars emerged the pale figure of Dorea Potter in a light-colored violet dress with her shawl hanging in her arms. At her side is the figure of Fleamont Potter, who looks a tad paler than normal from nerves. Still, the two descend among polite applause before each separated at the bottom of the stairs. Fleamont comes to stand next to Georgine and Dorea next to Reginald. Both godparents were dwarfed by their much taller Prince companion.

The ballroom goes still full of anticipation as the main event will begin. Several parents look at their beautiful daughters and handsome sons. If luck would have it, their children might attract the eyes of the Prince heirs if not another notable heir. It was to be a night of great gain and losses for many. And who would win in the end would surely surprise many for fortunes would be made and lost that night.

In a firm voice, Reginald says, "Under the light of the moon and magic, with great honor and pride, I present my grandchildren, Rowan and Severus Prince," the crowd goes silent as the two Prince heirs emerge by their primary escort. The Prince heir's much like the rest of their family were more elegant than beautiful, but just like their family, there was something that innately captured the eye.

More than a few hopeful glances died into frowns at seeing the handsome dark-haired youth being accompanied by an ever so lovely red-haired muggleborn witch. It would seem that the competition was fierce. Still, they were not about to concede the battle for the war had just begun! With determined expressions, various youths began to subtly pat their clothes and hair to prepare for battle.

The burst of applause erupts before dying down as the Prince heirs and escorts arrive on the ballroom floor. Stepping forward, Dorea and Fleamont Potter loudly say, "Under the light of the moon and magic with great honor and delight, we present Rowan and Severus Prince." The primary escorts are never formally introduced during the presentation only after the official presentation occurs.

The crowd bursts in applause, before the crowd, ceases to clap before famous replying, "Under the light of the moon and magic, we acknowledge Rowan and Severus Prince." Another burst of applause is heard as various clamors of congratulations can be heard.

With the clamor dying down, Philippe and Louise step forward again and say, "We welcome all to the ball including Primary Escorts, James Potter and Lily Evans. We invite all to enjoy the night's festivities on this glorious occasion." Without further ado, the two stepped forward and the crowd begins to disperse with greetings and social civilities.

Reginald and Georgine foray into the crowd as those in power approach them, while the other witches and wizards in the crowd approach Dorea and Fleamont Potter. The Prince heirs and primary escorts are left to greet the youths among the throng of guests. With a subtle nod, Severus and Rowan separate enough to permit them to cover more ground faster. Lily didn't look nervous and positively glowed as she and Severus went their separate ways.

James's gaze pointedly did not linger on Lily more than necessary and obediently followed Rowan's lead. Rowan politely nods and greets the various guests, before perking up at seeing a short young French wizard with dark-colored hair approach them. The short-haired wizard had a small, pointed goatee and wore high-heeled boots that peeked out from underneath his stylish robes.

"Jean," Rowan warmly greeted her friend with a small genuine smile on her face.

James blinks in surprise at the abrupt and rare transformation on Rowan's face. She looked lovely when she smiled without any reserve. It was a starting feeling before quickly turned his attention to the short French youth accompanied by an incredibly breathtaking young woman.

Now, James had seen many beautiful witches including Bethanie Fawley, but this witch just took the cake. Her silver, blonde hair glistened with blue eyes that sparkled as bright as the starry night. Her lips were pert, pink, perfectly kissable with a glistening white smile.

James bȧrėly hears Rowan say, "Apolline, or is it Apolline Delacour now?" Apolline impishly giggles, and the musical sound pulls at James's heartstrings before James pulls himself back shaking his head in confusion at finding himself enchanted by the young women. He cautiously eyes the young woman holding taking a step back as if that would aid him in avoiding the charms of the young woman.

Jean Delacour has the grace to look a tad bit ashamed. "Vell, my friend, we vished to marry this summer, but mama and papa vished to vait for at least a year," he paused to adoringly glance at his beloved wife. "So, ve eloped! Mama and papa were not too pleased, but they 'ave accepted the match."

"Mm, I thought as much," Rowan drily replied as Apolline raised her right hand to show a gleaming diamond wedding ring. "Well, you have my belated congratulations. I am sure that the two of you will be very happy."

"Merci, mon ami," Jean said with a smile. "Ve appreciated da gift that you sent us."

"Oui, it waz most beautiful," Apolline genuinely thanked Rowan. The wedding gift from Rowan had been an exquisite piece of artwork along with various jewelry for the two of them to use.. They were expensive gifts showing Rowan's sincerity and they were very much obliged.